
Home Improvement News
The latest home improvement stories, summarized by AI
Featured Home Improvement Stories


Under-$50, High Value: 15 Harbor Freight Tools You’ll Actually Use
This budget-friendly roundup highlights 15 Harbor Freight tools (power tools, hand tools, and sets) priced under $50 that garner strong customer reviews (mostly 4.6+/5 from hundreds or thousands). Brands like Bauer, Warrior, Quinn, and Pittsburgh are featured, with standout picks including the Bauer 20V drill/driver ($39.99), Bauer angle grinder ($34.97), Warrior 18V drill kit ($27.99 with battery/charger), affordable Bauer sanders, a Portland 22" hand saw ($11.99), a Quinn 15-piece screwdriver set (life-time warranty, $27.99), Pittsburgh 60-piece set ($27.99), and a Warrior heat gun ($14.99). The article notes caveats (some tools require extra batteries/accessories; Bauer’s 90-day warranty) but presents these as solid, budget-friendly additions backed by real user feedback.Article notes prices reflect retail pricing at writing time and the emphasis on value over name-brand prestige.

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Infernal Waffle Maker
The article details the author's extensive and labor-intensive process of restoring a 75-year-old Sears Kenmore waffle maker, including disassembly, cleaning, repairing, and reassembly, ultimately bringing the vintage appliance back to working condition, while reflecting on manufacturing quality from the 1950s.

Expert Reveals Hidden Method to Unclog Toilets Without a Plunger
A TikTok creator shares a budget-friendly method to unclog toilets using Epsom salts and warm water, avoiding the need for a plunger or costly plumber visits, while also being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Optimizing Ceiling Fan Placement in Complex Room Layouts
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
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.

Top Tips to Keep Your Home Cool During a Heatwave
Experts recommend the 'caveman method' for staying cool during heatwaves by keeping windows and doors closed to mimic a cave, reducing sunlight and outside air entry, and using long-term solutions like window tinting and blinds to maintain cooler indoor temperatures.

Brighten Your Solar Lights: 3 Simple Cleaning Steps
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"
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"
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"
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"
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.