Author: Thomas Avery

Replacing old or broken deck boards can make your outdoor space look and feel like new. But before I start pulling up boards and buying wood, I want to know how much it will cost. That’s what this blog is about. I’ll walk you through the main factors that affect the price, including the type of boards, labor, and any additional tools or hardware you may need. I’ll also share some tips to help you save money and avoid surprise costs. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to plan and stay on budget. If your deck feels soft in…

When I started looking for new flooring, I kept hearing about laminate and LVP. At first, I had no idea what the difference was or which one would work better in my home. I wanted something that looked nice, didn’t cost a fortune, and could handle daily wear and tear. After doing a lot of digging, I realized that laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are two of the most popular choices out there – and for good reason. They both have great features, but they’re not the same. If you’re also trying to pick between the two, you’re in…

Inheriting a home can bring unexpected responsibility, especially when that home hasn’t been touched in years. Instead of just unpacking emotions, you might also be dealing with structural issues, aging systems, and outdated features. Whether you’re planning to move in, rent it, or sell it, knowing where to begin is half the battle. Let’s walk through the practical steps that make renovating an inherited home feel more manageable and less like a money pit. First Things First: Safety, Structure, and Systems Before thinking about cosmetic changes, you need to know if the house is even safe. The foundation, roof, plumbing,…

Ever walked into your kitchen only to be greeted by a funky smell? You check the trash. You wipe the counters. Still, the stink lingers, and it’s coming from the sink. Don’t worry because you’re not alone. This is a common issue in many clean, well-kept homes. It doesn’t mean your kitchen is dirty or that you’ve done something wrong. In this guide, I’ll break it all down in plain language. You’ll learn: What causes kitchen sink smells Easy ways to fix the problem yourself How to keep the odor from coming back If you’ve searched “kitchen sink smells,” you’re…

When my car started to shake and drift slightly to one side, I knew something was off. It wasn’t just uncomfortable, it made me wonder if I was damaging my tires or suspension. That’s when I learned the importance of knowing the difference between wheel alignment and tire balancing. These two services sound similar, but handle completely different issues. One deals with how the tires sit and angle on your car, while the other focuses on weight distribution across each wheel. Both play a huge role in how smoothly and safely your vehicle drives. In this blog, I’ll break down…

If you’re tackling a home project—such as repainting a room or touching up trim—you’ve probably encountered a common question: Do you caulk before or after painting? It might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. The right order gives your work a clean, polished look and helps it last longer. The wrong order can lead to messy paint lines, cracking, or even peeling later on. You’ll learn why caulk matters, how it works with paint, and what happens when you don’t follow the correct order. I will also explain the few times it’s okay to switch…

Your house may feel too tight, and you need more room to live comfortably. However, packing up and moving to a new place requires a significant amount of money and time. That’s why many people choose home additions instead. Adding space to your current home has become increasingly popular. Families often prefer this over buying a bigger house. You get more space without leaving your neighborhood or relocating to a new place. There are many reasons to add on. You might need another bedroom, a quiet office, or even a fun game room. You’ll learn what each type includes, its…

Ever looked at those tiny bottles of alcohol ink at the craft store and winced at the price tag? Me too. After spending way too much money on commercial inks, I decided there had to be a better way. Turns out, creating your own vibrant alcohol ink is surprisingly simple. No special skills needed, just a few basic supplies and a bit of creativity. If you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this guide will walk you through making custom inks right in your kitchen. What you’ll learn: How to mix colors from scratch Cheap alternatives to store-bought inks…

When I moved into my first apartment, I didn’t have much wall art, but I did have a gorgeous Moroccan rug that felt too beautiful to walk on. That’s when I realized rugs can do more than cover floors; they can become beautiful wall features. Whether it’s a bold kilim, vintage Navajo piece, or a cozy wool rug, hanging it adds instant texture and personality. You don’t need fancy tools or professional help, just the right method for your rug’s weight and value. From no-sew hacks to secure, preservation-friendly styles, I’ll walk you through what works. Want to give your…

Have you ever looked at a piece of old veneer furniture and thought, “I wish I could make this look new again”? I have, and the good news is, you can! Painting veneer furniture is a simple and fun way to give your space a fresh look without spending a lot of money. Whether it’s a dresser, table, or cabinet, a little paint can make a big difference. In this blog, I’ll show you how to paint veneer furniture the right way. We’ll talk about what veneer is, how to prep it, what paint to use, and the best steps…