Best models wed looks and efficiency: If you are adding or remodeling a bathroom, the toilet you select will affect more than the room’s appearance. Since toilets can account for more than 30% of a family’s water use, replacing an old, inefficient toilet with a new water-saving model can mean a savings of more than $100 a year. A 2012 Consumer Reports […]
Your sewer system has a big job – to carry wastewater away from your house. In most houses here in northeastern Ohio, there are actually two different sewer lines, both connected to larger pipes in the street (see illustration below.) The sanitary sewer carries wastewater generated inside your house – by activities like bathing, dishwashing, […]
If you’re struggling with a damp basement, you may be tempted to “solve” the problem by painting your basement walls with a waterproof coating that promises to keep your walls dry. Don’t do it! Not only do these waterproof coatings fail to deal with the underlying causes of basement moisture, they often cause problems of […]
It seems as though every season brings us a new toxin to be aware of in our homes. We’ve been warned about asbestos, radon, PCB’s, and radiation from televisions. But, the poison most frequently found in our homes is lead. Lead has been a popular and common additive to paint since long before Van Gogh’s […]
Susie Kaeser is currently serving her sixth year on the board of Home Repair Resource Center. She recalls, “I was drawn to HRRC for a couple of reasons – its history and reputation as an organization that delivers services in a very personal and individually responsive way, and because the mission of maintaining strong communities […]
Wesley Walker, Coordinator of HRRC’s Senior Repair Program, talks to seniors all the time who are concerned about their personal safety. “Being safe in your home involves a lot of factors,” Wesley explains. “You need to consider your physical environment, your personal habits, and your support system.” Wesley says that there are a lot of […]
Homeowners often have questions about permits for repairs. Since requirements can vary from community to community, we always suggest calling your city’s Building Department if you are unsure about permit requirements. The information below is based on permit requirements in Cleveland Heights: 1. When is a permit needed? According to the Cleveland Heights Building Department, […]
In most homes built before 1945, the interior walls were finished with plaster and lath. After WWII, drywall replaced plaster and lath, allowing for quicker and more uniform construction. Although the two products are different, repairs to plaster and drywall can be made in much the same manner. One important caution – you should never […]
With all the “hype” about new windows, homeowners sometimes wonder if there is any benefit to keeping their old windows, but replacing the glass. Are new glass options better than the original glass? The short answer is that it depends on what you mean by “better.” If we are just talking equivalent quality of a […]
Making those New Year’s resolutions? Consider “adopting” a nearby street grate and fire hydrant. In many communities, budget cuts mean that street drains and hydrants are no longer cleared regularly by city employees. When grates over street basins become covered with leaves, twigs, and debris, nearby roadways and yards can experience severe flooding during heavy […]