Family Handyman

Working on your own home is empowering, and it saves you money. Even before I became an electrician, I tackled DIY projects from plumbing to painting to carpentry. Electrical projects require a special level of precaution, though, because just a few milliamps of current can be deadly. You can do this, though. To help, I talked to two experienced electricians to walk through these top 15 electrical mistakes to avoid.

15 Electrical Mistakes Homeowners Make

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Ductless air conditioning systems, or mini splits, can heat and cool your home in a single, easy-to-install, compact system. They range in size and can have single- or multiple-room air conditioning and heating capacities. Their energy efficiency and convenience features are often unmatched by conventional HVAC systems.

These Are the 5 Best Mini Split Brands, According to HVAC Experts

Efflorescence is a white material that appears on brick as a powdery mass of mineral. Efflorescence occurs when moisture moves through concrete or other masonry. The moisture picks up minerals, carries them to the surface of the masonry and leaves them behind in the form of tiny crystals on the surface as the moisture evaporates. The minerals themselves do no harm. You can simply brush them away.

How To Handle Efflorescence on Brick Chimneys

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Adding a gazebo to your backyard creates a shady lounge area, instantly spruces up a deck or patio and boosts your curb appeal. Gazebos come in many sizes and materials and typically cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Knowing which is best for your yard can be difficult with many options and styles from different retailers.

The 6 Best Outdoor Gazebos, Tested by Our Experts

Keep your finished basement floor dry, even if the concrete gets wet. Prevent damp basement floors from ruining carpet and other finished flooring. Install dimpled polyethylene to create an air space between the concrete and the finished floor, sealing off dampness and giving moisture a chance to dissipate. Vapor Barriers...

Don’t Even Think of Laying Carpet in Your Basement Before You Do This

Metal roofing systems you can install yourself are readily available, but you need to feel comfortable working with metal and with investing more upfront for materials. You’ll see some savings in the long run, so the cost will eventually balance itself out. The only specialty tool you’ll need for installation is a locking sheet metal tool, which is available at roofing suppliers or online.

What To Know About Long-Lasting Metal Roof Panels

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Alameda Post

Refined by New York chemist Robert Chesebrough almost 150 years ago, petroleum jelly is still widely used today in topical applications. Even with the myths that abound online about it being carcinogenic, it has withstood the test of time.

Wonder Jelly

Seattle, WA

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Maria Shimizu Christensen

School may be back in session, but that doesn't mean that summer fun is completely over. After all, the season isn’t technically done until the last day of summer on September 22nd. In the meantime, we’re expecting great weather this weekend, making it perfect for taking the kids out to beat the back to school blues. There’s also plenty going on to keep adults happy.

Big List of Festivals and Family Friendly Events This Weekend

Scituate, MA

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Camilo Díaz

(MA) Get ready to meet a fluffy little Shih Tzu who is ready to move into your place as soon as possible. Clover recently came into the Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts' care for unspecified reasons. He is a happy little pup who is happiest when with his humans. He would be even happier if YOU were his number one human. I think you would be happier too!

This Little Shih Tzu Is Searching For Love

For about 6,000 years, builders have been using ceramic tile outdoors—on buildings, walkways, and even streets. Not only does tile offer a range of colors and designs unmatched by any other material, it’s also amazingly tough. In places like Italy and Mexico, you can find exterior tile in good condition despite centuries of wear and tear.

A Guide to Building a Patio with Ceramic Tile

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Attention all Jeep lovers: Delsey Paris launched a new collection of Jeep luggage. From rolling duffle bags to backpacks, the luggage line is water-resistant, sustainable and designed for the outdoors. The famous luggage...

Delsey Paris x Jeep Launched a New Outdoor Luggage Line, and We Tried It

Weston, FL

Akeena

If Mangia & Bevi Pizzeria Napoletana in Weston has been on your radar, you might want to know about some recent hiccups they’ve encountered. The pizzeria was ordered to close on July 29, and here’s what the health inspectors found:

Florida Pizzeria closed for 14 Violations- Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands

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Declutterbuzz

A cluttered kitchen sink area can make the whole room look messy and this likely impedes your productivity. Why not take a couple of minutes to do a proper decluttering to get the kitchen sink area decluttered & organized?

Keep The Kitchen Sink Area Decluttered & Organized

Woodinville, WA

Seafair is over but it’s still festival and fair season. With good weather forecast for the weekend, it’s perfect for getting out of the house. There are several festivals happening around the region, covering a range of interests, from food and crafts to a logging show.

Wide Range of Festivals This Weekend

Detroit, MI

With high interest rates and rising home prices, it can seem like there’s no relief in sight for homebuyers. However, affordable homes can still be found in undervalued housing markets. Typically, smaller cities with stable economies and reasonably priced homes, undervalued markets become more appealing during inhospitable market conditions, like the ones that exist today.

The Most Undervalued Housing Markets in the U.S. in 2024

Los Angeles, CA

Herbie J Pilato

It's been ten years since the tragic loss of beloved actor Meshach Taylor. He was only 67 years old when he died of cancer in Los Angeles on June 28, 2014. Best known as beloved ex-con Anthony Bouvier on TV's classic sitcom Designing Women (CBS, 1986-1993), Taylor was Emmy nominated for his standout performance. But the actor also appeared in other TV shows and movies. This is his story.

In Memory of TV Star Meshach Taylor ('Designing Women'): 10 Years After His Tragic Death From Cancer

Washington, DC

NewsNinja

A woman says she overheard Texas Roadhouse corporate managers plotting to terminate an employee who is in the intensive care unit (ICU) by baiting her husband with a fake benefits package. The story has sparked outrage in a now-viral TikTok.

Woman catches Texas Roadhouse managers allegedly scheming to terminate an injured worker

Salem, OH

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Every day, 8-year-old Emma sits in a small garden outside her grandmother’s home in Salem, Ohio, writing letters to her mom and sometimes singing songs her mother used to sing to her.

Thousands of parents die of overdoses; advocates say their kids need more help

Port Royal, SC

Explore Beaufort SC

You know the saying. "All good things must come to an end." And, after a dozen years in business in Port Royal, Fat Patties restaurant has made the announcement that it will be closing up shop with a last day of service on August 24th.

After 12 years, popular local burger joint closing its doors in August

Denver, CO

Aurora, CO

David Heitz

Aurora, Colo. -- Angry Aurorans on social media poked fun at the local news media Friday as more information came out about Venezuelan gangs on the Front Range. Mike Coffman, Aurora mayor, posted on Facebook that the city will use court orders to shut down additional apartment complexes that have been infiltrated by the gangs. It contradicted comments made by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who told the New York Post the gang problem was a figment of Aurora council member Danielle Jurinsky’s imagination.

Migrant gang crisis underrated? Denver media criticized

NewsBreak

10 Tips for Framing a Garage

It’s been awhile since our team of editors here at Family Handyman have tackled a full garage build, but over the years, we’ve accumulated quite a...

10 Tips for Framing a Garage

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