Home Improvement News

The latest home improvement stories, summarized by AI

Why Your Smoke Alarm Sounds at Night and How to Fix It
home-improvement
4.45 min3 months ago

Why Your Smoke Alarm Sounds at Night and How to Fix It

Nighttime smoke alarm chirping is mainly caused by temperature fluctuations affecting battery performance, especially in older detectors or those exposed to sunlight. To fix this, replacing the batteries is the most effective solution. Modern alarms with voice alerts or app integration can help identify issues early and prevent unnecessary disturbances.

More Home Improvement Stories

Optimizing Ceiling Fan Placement in Complex Room Layouts

Originally Published 6 months ago — by Defector

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Source: Defector

The article offers personalized home design advice, including selecting unobtrusive ceiling fans that match vintage aesthetics, optimizing a large multi-use room for work and relaxation with strategic furniture placement and color choices, and creatively arranging a challenging bedroom layout to maximize space and comfort for a couple, emphasizing low-profile beds, custom storage, and warm color palettes.

Family invests $69,000 to convert garage into apartment for son's startup

Originally Published 6 months ago — by Business Insider

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Source: Business Insider

The Starmer family in Florida converted their garage into a rent-free studio apartment for their son to support his startup ambitions, which also became a potential income source when rented out on Airbnb, showcasing a creative and supportive approach to family and business.

Brighten Your Solar Lights: 3 Simple Cleaning Steps

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Tom's Guide

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Source: Tom's Guide

To maintain the brightness and efficiency of solar lights, it's essential to clean them regularly. Start by wiping off loose debris with a damp cloth, then use dish soap and water to remove grime. Rinse with a clean cloth to eliminate soap residue. For cloudy marks, use painter's tape to protect the area, clean with distilled water, and finish with a lacquer spray to prevent fading. Regular cleaning every 2-3 months can optimize performance, depending on environmental conditions.

"Common Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by BuzzFeed

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Source: BuzzFeed

A list of 19 poorly designed kitchens showcases various design flaws, including obstructive layouts, impractical features, and aesthetic mishaps, such as hidden views, inaccessible appliances, and mismatched elements. From awkwardly placed obstacles to dysfunctional lighting and misaligned fixtures, these examples serve as cautionary tales in kitchen design and renovation.

"Master Your Tasks with These 5 Ryobi Tools"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by SlashGear

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Source: SlashGear

Ryobi offers a range of affordable and high-quality tools to help with various home improvement tasks. The 18V ONE+ HP EZ Clean Power Cleaner Kit provides a portable alternative to traditional pressure washers, while the 18V ONE+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit offers a compact solution for hard-to-reach areas. The Heavy Duty 4-in-1 Stapler and Whole Stud Detector cater to different needs, and the 18V ONE+ 13 String Trimmer/Edger simplifies outdoor maintenance. The selection process considered cost, functionality, and user recommendations to identify these versatile and efficient tools.

"Discover 5 Hidden Gems at Home Depot: Underrated Tools You Need"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by SlashGear

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Source: SlashGear

Home Depot offers a range of underrated tools that are versatile, affordable, and durable, catering to both professionals and hobbyists. These tools include wire stripper pliers, magnetic wristbands, magnetic impact bit extensions, compact laser levels, and multi-bit ratcheting screwdrivers, all of which provide excellent value for money and are space-efficient. These tools are available both in-person at various Home Depot locations and online, making them easily accessible for all.

"Stunning Solar Tubes Transform Home with Surprising Light"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Cool Down

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Source: The Cool Down

A homeowner shared photos of their newly installed solar tubes, which are miniature skylights designed to maximize sunlight into living spaces without using electricity. The Reddit thread revealed that the installation cost $1,944 for three tubes and took about 6 hours. The homeowner expressed satisfaction with the amount of light provided and noted positive feedback from a house sitter and a plant dealer, indicating the effectiveness of solar tubes in brightening up living spaces.

"Duct Tape Hack: Removing Stripped Screws Made Easy"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by USA TODAY

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Source: USA TODAY

Stripped screws can be a major frustration during home improvement projects, but using the proper bit size, keeping the screwdriver perpendicular to the screw head, and avoiding rushing or applying excessive force can help prevent this issue. Additionally, a simple solution for removing a stripped screw involves using duct tape. It's important to understand how stripped screws occur and take preventive measures to avoid them, as they can significantly delay or hinder a project.

"Managing Water Damage and Allergies After a Storm"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times

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Source: Los Angeles Times

Thousands across the Southland are dealing with water damage from recent storms, prompting the need for drying out spaces and preventing mold and mildew. It's crucial to avoid exacerbating the problem and seek professional help promptly. Water mitigation may be necessary to prevent mold growth, and mold remediation involves removing affected materials and reconstruction. Prevention measures, such as proper drainage and structural reinforcement, are essential to avoid future water damage.