How to Fix Splintering Deck Boards (And Restore the Color)
Restore your gray, splintering deck to a barefoot-friendly surface without a costly replacement. Learn how to properly clean, sand, and oil your wood deck in a single weekend.
Homeowner Knowledge Hub
Home maintenance blog
Real-world advice to keep your home safe, efficient, and easier to manage — checklists, seasonal guides, and straight answers from the I am Home team.
Sagging Crawl Space Insulation? Why It Falls and How to Fix It
Finding sagging crawl space insulation during your spring inspection? Learn why shoving it back up traps moisture and causes wood rot, and how to fix the root cause.
The Best Time to Pump a Septic Tank (And Why Spring is Ideal)
Scheduling your septic tank pumping in mid-spring prevents summer backups, avoids winter frozen-ground fees, and protects your drain field during heavy rains.
Sump Pump Stopped Working? How to Fix It During a Storm
Your sump pump stopped working during a massive downpour, and the water is rising. Follow this emergency triage guide to troubleshoot the pump and prevent a flooded basement.
See Daylight Under Your Front Door? How to Seal the Gap
Seeing daylight under your front door means drafts, bugs, and wasted energy are getting through. Learn how to replace a worn door sweep for a permanent, weather-tight seal.
Thermostat Screen Blank? The 5-Minute Troubleshooting Fix
Don't panic if your thermostat screen goes completely dark. Before calling an HVAC pro, try this 5-minute troubleshooting guide to restore power and save yourself a $150 service fee.
Dishwasher Not Draining at End of Cycle? Check the High Loop
Finding murky water at the bottom of your dishwasher after a wash? The problem usually isn't a broken pump—it's likely dirty sink water siphoning back through the drain hose.
How to Install a Baby Gate Without Drilling Any Holes
Protect your crawling baby and your woodwork. Learn how to securely install baby gates on stairs and doorways without drilling holes in banisters or drywall.
How to Clean Your Outside AC Unit Before Summer Heat
Prepare your central AC for the summer heat by safely cleaning the exterior condenser unit. Learn how to remove debris, wash delicate fins, and improve efficiency.
White Powder on Basement Walls? What It Is and How to Fix It
Discovered a chalky white substance on your basement walls? Learn how to identify harmless efflorescence, clean it safely, and stop the moisture causing it.
Chimney Flashing Leaking? How to Temporarily Seal It Fast
Discovering a chimney leak during a heavy spring rainstorm is stressful. Learn how to safely apply a temporary chimney flashing repair to stop water damage until a pro arrives.
Why Your AC Is Freezing Up (And How to Thaw It Fast)
Don't panic if your air conditioner turns into a block of ice. Learn why your AC is freezing up, how to thaw it safely, and the exact steps to fix the root cause.
Oven Temperature Off? How to Calibrate It Yourself
Tired of burnt cookies and undercooked casseroles? Learn how to accurately test and calibrate your oven's temperature settings in just 10 minutes with this complete DIY guide.
Water Pooling in Crawl Space? How to Find and Fix the Cause
Discovering standing water under your house after heavy spring rains is stressful, but it is usually a fixable surface-drainage issue. Learn how to safely remove the water and stop it from coming back.
Toilet Runs Until You Jiggle Handle? Here is the Real Fix
Tired of the handle-jiggle routine? Learn exactly why your toilet keeps running and how to fix the flapper chain or handle nut in under 5 minutes.
How to Anchor Furniture Without Drilling in a Rental
Protect your toddler and your security deposit. Learn how to secure heavy dressers and bookshelves in a rental without damaging the drywall.
High Electric Bill? Why Your Water Heater Could Be to Blame
A sudden $50 to $100 spike in your electric bill is frustrating, especially when your daily habits haven't changed. Discover why a struggling electric water heater is often the silent culprit and how to troubleshoot it.
How to Fix a Dripping Bathtub Faucet (And Stop the Leak)
A dripping bathtub faucet isn't just annoying—it wastes hundreds of gallons of water and ruins your tub's finish. Learn how to fix the leak yourself by replacing the cartridge or stem.
Furnace Short Cycling? How to Find and Fix the Real Cause
Furnace turning off before the house warms up? This frustrating problem is known as short cycling. Learn how to diagnose and fix it safely with these simple DIY steps.
Plug Gets Hot in Outlet? The Hidden Cause and Quick Fix
When an appliance plug gets hot in the outlet, it is usually a sign of worn-out internal contacts causing electrical arcing. Learn how to diagnose the issue and replace the receptacle safely.