Author: Thomas Avery

Choosing which way to lay your wood floors may seem like a minor detail, but it can make a significant difference in how your home looks and feels. If you’re standing at your front door wondering which direction works best, you’re not alone. Many people get stuck on this exact step after selecting their flooring. I’ve seen how the right direction can make a space feel more open, more put together, and just more “right.” This guide breaks it down into simple steps to help you figure it out with less stress. You’ll learn how light, room shape, and your…

Bamboo looks beautiful when it’s new, but after a few weeks in the sun and rain, it can start to fade. I know how frustrating it is to see your once-rich bamboo screening turn pale and worn out. The good news is that you don’t have to replace it; you can bring it back to life with a simple stain. Yes, bamboo can be stained just like wood, and it’s not as hard as you might think. I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it, from cleaning the surface to choosing the right stain and applying it step by…

Choosing the proper subfloor might not be the flashiest part of your flooring project, but it’s one of the most important. I’ve done a few installs myself, and I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re staring at options like plywood, OSB, or concrete. Each material has its perks, and some work better in certain rooms than others. You don’t want to guess when your entire floor depends on this hidden layer for strength, support, and moisture control. That’s why I put together this guide to help you understand the different types of subfloors, how they compare, and when…

When I stumbled across Blue Hydrangea in my friend’s newly painted nursery, I couldn’t stop staring. This soft, dreamy blue from Benjamin Moore has quickly become a favorite in homes looking for that perfect balance of calm and charm. Unlike bolder blues that can overwhelm, Blue Hydrangea (2062-60) works in nearly any room. I’ve seen it transform bedrooms, bathrooms, and even kitchens with its gentle presence. In this review, I’ll walk you through: Where does this color work best The lighting conditions that make it shine Color combinations that complement it perfectly Struggling to find a blue that doesn’t feel…

I’ve dealt with broken concrete more times than I can count. Cracks in the driveway, chipped edges on the sidewalk, even sunken spots on the patio, it’s not just ugly, it’s also unsafe. At first, I didn’t know if I needed to replace it all or if I could fix it myself. But over time, I learned that many concrete problems have simple solutions. In this post, I’ll walk you through what causes concrete to break, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do about it. You’ll also find out when it’s time to call a pro…

Utah homeowners can expect to pay around $409 on average for roof repair, with actual costs varying depending on the type and severity of the damage. Common issues like leaks, missing shingles, or damaged flashing all influence the final price. Severe weather and wear from heavy snowfall are frequent contributors to roof problems throughout the state. These weather-related issues aren’t always easy to spot early, especially when damage builds up gradually over time. That’s why many residential roof repair experts in the Utah area focus not just on fixing visible problems, but also on identifying the less obvious signs of…

When I built my first deck, I thought the hard part was over, until I realized I needed stairs. That’s when I learned about box steps. They’re simple, sturdy, and don’t need tricky stringer cuts, which makes them perfect for DIYers like you and me. If you’re adding stairs to a low- or mid-height deck, box steps are one of the easiest ways to create safe, visually appealing access. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: what box steps are, how to plan and measure them, the tools and materials you’ll need, and a full step-by-step tutorial. If you…

Whatever the reason may be, whether it be a new home, a new system on an older building, or a commercial property makeover, selecting heating systems has to be considered carefully in assessing your area, your lifestyle, and the objectives of the future. This guide will take you through the factors to take into consideration so as to make a well-informed decision that will balance out performance, efficiency, and cost. Assess Your Property’s Heating Needs It is good to check your property before choosing the right heating and cooling services. Square footage, climate quality, insulation, the number of people to…

Deep house cleaning isn’t just about straightening up or wiping down visible surfaces; it’s a much more detailed and thorough process. I like to think of it as the kind of cleaning that reaches the areas most people tend to skip during a weekly routine. It goes beyond vacuuming and dusting to include scrubbing grout, cleaning inside appliances, and wiping down baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans. Over time, dirt, grease, and allergens build up in places that aren’t always obvious. A deep clean helps remove that buildup and leaves every part of the home feeling refreshed. In this blog, I’ll…

Want to make your plain walls stand out? Box trims are the perfect solution. They’re affordable, stylish, and instantly add architectural beauty to any room. Its an easy DIY project, where someone like me can also install it. With the proper guidance, you can achieve excellent results. In this guide, you’ll learn precisely what box trims are and how they can improve your space. I’ll walk you through all the necessary tools and materials, as well as the step-by-step installation process. You’ll also get design tips to make your walls look professional. I’ll share common mistakes to avoid so you…