Uncategorized Archives - Castle Remodel

How To Reset A Circuit Breaker

Kevin — Mon, 27 May 2024 06:49:01 +0000

Knowing how to reset a circuit breaker is a valuable skill to have. It is not difficult, and can be done quickly. It can be dangerous if not done correctly. Follow the steps below to reset your circuit breaker the right way.

Causes Of A Tripped Breaker

Before dealing with the breaker box, it is important to understand what caused the problem in the first place. The breaker box is the location that the main electricity supply has come into the house. This supply is then divided up to various circuits around the house. This is to reduce the total electric flow going through the outlets and light fixtures, making it safer for us when using them.

We say a circuit is “tripped” when it has been overloaded and no longer has power going to it. The breaker is designed to switch off, or “trip” before the electricity in the wires gets to a dangerous level.

One way a circuit trips is when a GFCI outlet overloads and switches to the off position. If this happens, every other light and outlet on the same circuit after the GFCI will be turned off as well. You want to switch the outlet back on to regain power to these locations.

GFCI Outlet

Ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlets are electrical outlets that are designed to be placed in proximity to water. It is recommended to have one of these outlets within 18 inches of a water source like a sink faucet.

These outlets will trip, or switch to the “off” position when they are shorted or overloaded. You can push the reset button on the outlet to switch it back to the “on position. If it is not turning back on you may need to switch the breaker back on at the breaker box.

How To Reset A Tripped Circuit Breaker

Resetting a tripped circuit breaker is a simple process. If it tripped after you turned on a light or appliance, you want to unplug it or turn it off before switching the breaker back on. This is because you may run into the same problem of the circuit being overloaded after you switch it on.

Go to the circuit panel. This is usually in the garage, but may be in another location. It should be somewhere that is easily accessed.

There is also a chance of there being a subpanel which is separate from the main circuit panel. The subpanel looks similar to the main circuit panel, but generally smaller. The circuits in this panel are the same type as the main, and are checked the same way.

Open the circuit panel, and look for a circuit that is “tripped”. This is indicated by the switch on the circuit that is in a different position than the rest. When they are in the “on” position they are facing the center of the panel. When they are tripped they are facing straight out. The “off” position is facing to the side of the panel.

If it’s hard to tell which breaker is tripped, it’s okay to lightly push on them in the “on” direction. The ones that are not tripped will not move. The one that has been tripped will have a bit of movement, but will spring back into the center.

Once you find the one that is tripped you want to flip it to the off position (towards the side of the panel). This will reset it. Now flip it to the on position. Congratulations, you reset a circuit breaker.

Tripped Circuit Breaker Won’t Reset

There is a chance the tripped circuit breaker won’t reset. If after you switch it to the on position it trips again you have a bigger issue. This can be caused by one of several problems that is happening.

If you are a novice when it comes to electrical work I recommend seeking professional help. Electrical is not something you want to mess around with if you don’t know what you are doing.

I put together a guide that will help you find a reliable contractor. This guide tells you what interview questions to ask once you found a potential candidate. It lets you know what their answers mean, and who you should avoid. And once you find the person you want to use it helps you draft up a contract to help protect yourself.

It’s called The Contractor Search Guide. Check it out by clicking the image.

The Contractor Search Guide

The Contractor Search Guide walks you through the steps of finding a reliable contractor. Some projects require a professional to complete it. This guide:

Shows you where to look for a reliable contractor for your project.
Gives you a complete list of interview questions and what you should think about their answers.
Explains the parts of a contract, and how to draft up the best one for your job.

If your home remodel project needs a contractor this guide will help you find the best one. You may need help with part, or all of your project. Either way The Contractor Search Guide will walk you through all the steps of finding and hiring a reliable contractor. Click the button below to get your copy today!

How To Reset A Breaker In An Apartment

Resetting a circuit breaker in an apartment is similar to the steps listed above. Hopefully you know where the circuit breaker is. It may be in a closet, or somewhere else hidden. This is a good thing to know where it is once you find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if a breaker needs to be reset?

The first sign that you will need to reset a circuit breaker is there is no power going to something you have plugged in. This could be a light, your cellphone, or a major appliance.

Once you get to the breaker box, the first way to tell which circuit breaker is tripped is when the switch on one of them is facing the center position, when the others are all aimed at either the left or right position. You can push on this one in the direction the others are facing, and you will feel a spring like resistance. This means it is time to go through the process described above to reset it.

What happens if a circuit breaker won’t reset?

There are several reasons why a circuit won’t reset. The first one you want to consider is if there are any GFCI outlets on the circuit. If so, this outlet may be the culprit for why the power is not turning back on after resetting the breaker.

There also may be the situation that the breaker itself has gone bad. If this is the case you are going to want to get a professional electrician to take a look at the breaker. He or she can make the determination on whether you want to replace the breaker.

Another scenario to consider is if the circuit is still overloaded. There is the chance that you are drawing too much power with the appliances, lights, etc being in the “on” position. This can be remedied by turning them off, or unplugging them before flipping the breaker back on.

Is it safe to reset a tripped circuit breaker?

It is safe for you to reset a circuit breaker. You want to be careful when you do so, because you are dealing with a high amount of electricity. Make sure your hands are not wet, and you are not standing in a puddle. If so, you want to dry off and clean up the water before dealing with the circuit breakers.

Is flipping breakers dangerous?

Flipping circuit breakers is not dangerous in most situations. The panel has a protective cover on it that keeps the breakers in place, and keeps your hands away from the electricity. DO NOT flip the breakers if this cover is removed. This can be very dangerous. You want to secure the cover on the panel before you flip the breakers.

Do you have to reset the breaker after a power outage?

Power outages do not trip the breakers. For this reason you will not need to reset the breaker after a power outage.

The steps in this article cover the entire process of resetting a circuit breaker. If the breaker will not reset itself after you follow the steps you want to find a professional electrician to help you. Electricity can be very dangerous if not used properly.

I hope this article was what you are looking for. If you liked the information here, please check out my other articles. Here at Castle Remodel I am dedicated to help you create your castle.

Happy Renovating,

Kevin

The post How To Reset A Circuit Breaker appeared first on Castle Remodel.

How To Install A Toilet By Your Self

Kevin — Fri, 03 May 2024 04:24:46 +0000

Learning how to install a toilet is not difficult. You don’t need any special tools beyond what you probably already own. This is a single person job that takes under an hour to finish. Take a look below for a list of tools, and the complete steps to successfully install a new toilet.

Some toilet installs do not require all the tools below. This is dependent on what toilet installation kit you are using. Some kits require a hacksaw to cut the bolts that secure the bowl to the flange. Jump to the Secure the Toilet section below to see if you need a hacksaw.

You may also need to replace the supply line (the water line that connects the toilet to the water valve on the wall. If your supply line is deteriorating a great deal you may want to buy a new one for this installation. You want it to be the same length as the one you have now. Measure the size of the connection attached to the valve on the wall, and talk to the people at the hardware store for help finding the exact one. Most times the existing one is fine to use again.

We both know the best accessory for a toilet is a bathroom exhaust fan. If you are in the market for a bathroom fan i recommend visiting the article on The Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan will walk you through the steps on picking the right fan for your bathroom.

Required Tools List (Click For More Info)

Toilet

Wax Ring

Crescent Wrench

Chanellock Pliers

Flat Screwdriver

Hacksaw

Paint Scraper

Teflon Tape

Nitrile Gloves

Shop Towel/Rags

Contractor Garbage Bags

How To Install A Toilet Step-By-Step

The steps listed below will guide you through the process of removing the old toilet and installing the new one. I have a video for you to check out if that’s an easier way for you to learn how to do this type of project. The video has the same steps outlined in this article. Click on the video above for that tutorial.

The most important thing to remember during this process is to not overtighten any of the bolts during this project. You will be working with porcelain which is susceptible to cracking if too much pressure is put on it. The amount of tightening should be up to where the bowl, tank, or seat does not wobble. Once you get to this point you can stop tightening.

Shut Off The Water Supply To The Toilet

I like to start this job by putting on rubber gloves. It makes me feel more comfortable when working with a used toilet to start by wearing gloves. Make sure you have extras handy and they are the right size because they may break during the process of this job.

The water supply line is a water valve that sticks out of the wall near the ground. It’s usually somewhere behind the toilet to the left of it. Turn the valve to the right until you can’t turn it any more. You will need to get on your knees to find it.

Remove Old Toilet

Removal of the old toilet happens in a series of steps. With the water shut off you can flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank. There will still be some water in the bowl that can spill out when carrying it. This is why we use the garbage bag.

Loosen the bolts at the base of the toilet. There is one bolt sticking up on either side of the bowl near the floor. Oftentimes there is a smooth cap covering the bolt. You can use the putty knife or the flat screwdriver to pry the caps off.

Once the caps are off use the crescent wrench or the channellock pliers to loosen and remove the nuts. Take the nuts and washers off.

Once the nuts are off, the toilet is free and loose from the floor. Open up the garbage bag and place it on the floor next to the toilet. When you lift the toilet straight up and off the bolts, place it on the garbage bag so any spills go in there and not all over the house. We use the contractor garbage bag for this because usually the kitchen garbage bags are too small to fit the toilet.

If the toilet is too heavy to lift alone, you may want to get someone else to help you lift it. If you don’t have someone to help you, remove the tank from the bowl. This can only happen if you have a two piece toilet. You may need to lay on the floor to loosen the tank from the bowl.

To remove the tank there are some plastic bolts that connect the tank to the bowl. Loosen the nuts with the channellock pliers. This can be brought directly outside when it is removed.

Remove the Old Wax Ring

The wax ring is used to prevent any sewer gasses from filling up the bathroom and causing a nasty smell in the house. It’s important to remove as much of the old wax ring before we can place the new one.

Use the putty knife to scrape the wax off the flange. Any pieces of wax that are removed can be put in a disposable bag. A shopping bag is the perfect size for this stage of the job.

Some wax rings have a funnel shaped gasket that faces downward into the toilet flange. This gasket needs to be removed from the flange along with the majority of old wax. Not all wax rings have this part.

You won’t be able to get every last bit of wax off the flange, but do your best to scrape as much off the flange as possible. The toilet flange is the circular hole that is in the floor of the bathroom. It’s the hole that the water goes down when the toilet gets flushed.

Disclaimer: Do your best to not drop anything down the flange hole, including chunks of wax. You may want to stuff a large rag in the opening of the flange while you do this work. Make sure you remove the rag before you place the new toilet.

Install the New Wax Ring

After the old wax ring is fully removed you can place the new wax ring on the flange. Start by removing all packaging from the wax ring. This includes the donut shaped plastic trough it was poured into.

You should be left with only wax, and possibly the funnel shaped gasket (if this wax ring comes with one).

Assemble the Toilet

This can be done as you install the toilet in the next step, or the toilet can be built and then installed where it’s supposed to go. I have found it is easier to put the tank and bowl together before putting it in place. The tank and toilet are a bit more heavy when in one piece, so if this is a problem it’s possibly better for you to install the toilet in pieces or to ask a friend to help you move it.

The first step of assembling the toilet is to install the valve kit in the tank. The bottom piece of the valve should stick through the hole in the bottom of the tank. Use the large accompanying nut to secure it in place. The channel locks will tighten this nut enough. You don’t need to crank it down too hard. This nut is what will need to be removed if you ever have to change the valve in the future.

secure the rubber gasket at the base of the tank. There is a plastic piece on the hole at the base of the tank. The rubber gasket slides on the outside of the plastic piece, making a protective cushion when the tank fits onto the bowl.

After this rubber gasket is in place you can connect the tank to the bowl. There are rubber washers that fit onto the metal bolts. The rubber washer will make a watertight seal on the inside of the tank.

Place the tank on the bowl. With the washers slid up to the head of the bolts, slide them through the two holes that line up between the tank and the bowl. This should happen from inside the tank going downward to the underside of the bowl.

There are plastic nuts and plastic washers that are slid up and secured from the underside of the bowl. Tighten these equally and securely so the tank doesn’t wobble. DON’T OVER TIGHTEN THESE SCREWS!

Install the Toilet

At this point you have the wax ring in place. You are ready to install the toilet over the flange. The flange has two slots, one on each side. There are two bolts that came with the wax ring that have a “T” shaped head.

Hold the bolts with the head facing down, and slide them into the two slots on either side of the flange. It’s good to have the heads facing in a parallel fashion. This will ensure they don’t slip as easily.

Some wax ring kits come with a clear washer that is designed to secure the bolts so they don’t move while you place the toilet. If your kit has this washer you can slide it down the bolts all the way. If you don’t have them that’s okay too.

With the bolts facing up in the flange you can put the toilet in place. As you lift the toilet you want to lift straight up and lower it straight down. It’s important to keep the holes lined up with the bolts, minimizing the risk that they move out of place.

It’s important to lower the toilet in the right placement, and not slide it around when it’s contacting the wax ring. The wax ring needs to encircle the hole at the base of the bowl completely. If it slips out of place this can cause sewer gasses to enter your bathroom.

Secure the Toilet

After you lower the toilet onto the wax ring, one bolt should be sticking up from each hole. Put your weight down on the bowl evenly to help the toilet seat closer to the floor. This is helping the underside of the bowl to press the wax ring, and disperse it evenly around the base of the toilet. After the toilet is seated well you can begin tightening the bolts.

There should be a washer, nut and a white cap. Usually the washer snaps into the cap when it’s installed, keeping the cap in place. Place the washer on with the correct orientation to where it can snap into the cap. This means have it flat side up, with the edges tapering inwards.

After the washers are on, you can screw the nuts down. Tighten them with the crescent wrench. Make them tight enough to keep the bowl from wobbling when you are sitting, but not much more than that. If the bolts are tightened too much it can crack the porcelain and the entire toilet will be ruined.

After the nuts are tightened, you can pop the caps on. Some bolts need to be cut before you can put the caps on. These are bolts that have collar marks at several locations on the threads. Cut at the first mark above the nuts. You can use the hacksaw for this. If you don’t have these types of bolts in your kit you will not need a hacksaw in this installation.

Attach the Water Supply Line

The water supply line can now be screwed on to the new toilet tank. Before you install it make sure there is a rubber washer inside the connection on the supply line. If it’s not there, and you are using the existing supply line it may still be stuck on the old toilet. Also wrap a layer of teflon tape around the threads coming out of the bottom of the tank where the supply line will be screwed on.

Hand tighten the supply line, and then tighten a little more with the channellock pliers. When it is well tightened you can turn the water back on. Turn the valve all the way so the water is flowing completely. Give the toilet a flush to make sure everything in the tank is working correctly.

Test for Leaks

Once the water is on you can check for leaks. Look at all the connection points on the toilet. You may need to dry them off with a rag because there is probably some water. Feel these spots with your bare hand to see if there are any water leaks.

If there are leaks, you may simply need to make it a bit tighter at that location. If it isn’t leaking, the toilet is almost done.

How To Install the Toilet Seat

There are two clear plastic pieces that fit around each bolt hole in the seat. Stick them on the bottom of the connection points where the seat contacts the bowl. Open the cap to put the plastic screws through.

The plastic screws slide down through the top of the connection spots on the seat. When they are both going through the seat and the bowl you can put the washer and the nut on the bolt.

It’s probably easier to stack the washer and the nut together in the orientation they are going to attach to the bolt. Tighten them down by hand until they are both completely seated on the underside of the toilet bowl.

Use the channellock pliers to hold the nut under the bowl. The flat screwdriver can tighten the bolt from the top. Tighten each bolt evenly. You also want to make sure the seat is lined up correctly as you tighten each side. If it gets out of alignment you can loosen one or both bolts enough to straighten it out.

The seat should be tight enough that it doesn’t slip when you sit on it. Check this by trying to slide it left or right lightly. If it doesn’t move it should be tight enough.

Place the Toilet Tank Lid

The toilet tank lid can be placed on the tank. If your toilet is one that has a flush mechanism that’s on the lid, you can install that now.

To do this put the lid on the tank, and line up the mechanism in the orientation it should be in. lift the two of them together and flip it upside down. Place the washer-like piece on first, and then the nut. Tighten this nut by hand. You probably don’t need to use any tool to tighten it more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a toilet myself?

Installing a toilet does not require any specialty tools. The tools that are required are ones the average homeowner has already. Removing the old toilet and installing a new one can be done by one person.

There are a couple of places in the process that may benefit by having another set of hands to help. There are alternative solutions that can aid in someone who is installing the toilet alone. These steps are outlined in the process listed above.

Is it difficult to install a toilet?

It is not difficult to install a toilet. There are no parts of the process that are extremely difficult to understand. However it is a detailed process that may seem confusing with what the proper order of the project is. See the above article for this process. There is also a video above that shows the process as well.

What is the labor cost to install a toilet?

The labor cost of a toilet installation by a professional is typically between $100 and $300. This does not include the price of the toilet.

If you are interested in finding a contractor that can help you with this project, get your copy of The Contractor Search Guide. It will walk you through the steps of how to find, interview and hire a contractor.

Conclusion

Installing a toilet is something the average homeowner can do themselves. It is a project that doesn’t take long, and doesn’t require any specialty tools. The process may seem overwhelming, but shouldn’t be. Just follow the above process and you will be fine. It is such a sense of accomplishment after you check this project off your list. Plus you can keep the money you would have spent on a contractor to help.

Happy Renovating,

Kevin

The post How To Install A Toilet By Your Self appeared first on Castle Remodel.

The 8 Best Leaf Blowers in 2024

Kevin — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:24:21 +0000

When you’re using the best cordless leaf blower in your yard, you’re using a tool that’s making your life much easier. Every yard has a different set of demands that need to be met in order to maintain something beautiful. With the right tool you can enjoy the work you are doing much more because it’s not as hard to complete. The right assortment of features can help cut back on the amount of time it takes to finish the job. The list below has the best cordless leaf blower for you in it, so keep reading to find out which one you want.

Technology makes our lives easier in many ways. Yard care tools help us work quicker and with less stress. The leaf blower is one of several tools that help make the yard look beautiful. I’d like you to take a look at the article that talks about the 10 Best Electric Lawn Mowers if that’s another tool you are considering. There is also an article on the 7 Best Weed Wackers on the market today. These three articles are designed to help show you what tools will be best for your yard.

Let’s now take a look at cordless leaf blowers. The amount available today can seem overwhelming. This list covers the main categories of leaf blowers homeowners will come across. I’m confident your yard will fit into one of these categories. Take a look at the table of contents below and click ahead to that section if you would like more information on that one. Or keep scrolling to see which one is the best cordless leaf blower for your home.

Top Pick Best Cordless Leaf Blower: EGO Power+LB5804

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Section 8

Top Pick Best Cordless Leaf Blower

EGO Power+ LB5804

Brand: EGO

Runtime:

Airflow: 225-580 CFM

Weight: 4.8 Pounds

Airflow:

Sound Level:

Power Source: 56 Volt Battery

Price: $329

The EGO Power+ LB5804 Cordless Leaf Blower is the top pic for several reasons. It is powered by an impressive 56 volt lithium-ion battery, which supplies a tremendous amount of power. This one can push a whopping 580 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow. That means it’s moving whatever is in its path at 168 miles per hour MPH. It’s great at keeping driveways, sidewalks and yards of any size clean. The battery is compatible with other EGO cordless tools like the lawn mower and weed wacker. It comes with a battery and charger.

Key Features

Powerful Performance: It moves air at a rate of 580 CFM. This means it produces winds of up to 168 MPH, helping you efficiently and effortlessly clear any leaves and debris on your property.

Cordless Convenience: Its 56 volt lithium-ion battery gives you all the mobility you need. No more searching for a power cord to plug into, or fiddling with smelly gasoline anymore. The battery charges in under 100 minutes.

Turbine Fan Engineering: The turbine fan engine is an efficient way of producing maximum amounts of power. The design allows for larger volumes of air movement to move across the turbine, giving off more flow.

Variable Speed Settings: The variable speed lets you adjust to the best airflow for the task you are doing. There are times when being able to lower the airflow will give you better results.

Ergonomic Design: At slightly over 7 pounds with the battery in, this lightweight leaf blower reduces body fatigue from its use. The handle is ergonomically designed to give you a more comfortable grip as well.

Low-Noise Operation: This leaf blower produces low levels of noise when in use. It’s four times quieter than a gas blower making it less of a nuisance to your family and neighbors.

Compatibility: The EGO Power+ lithium battery is compatible with other battery powered EGO products. This gives you extra batteries to have on hand, keeping your tools running longer without any interruptions.

The EGO Power+ LB5804 Cordless Leaf Blower is better than premium gas powered leaf blowers in several ways. It is a perfect combination of power and performance. This blower is a great option for homeowners and professionals. Spend less time working on the yard so you can do more important things.

Car Drying Nozzle

The Stubby Car Drying Nozzle will help cut down on your car washing time as well. Now you can repurpose your leaf blower to use it for carwashing as well. Don’t deal with towels that leave lint and streaks on your freshly cleaned car anymore!

AP1500 Shoulder Strap

The EGO Power+ 15” Strap is a perfect accessory for this string trimmer. It helps reduce fatigue by distributing the weight of the tool over your shoulders in a sling style fashion. It’s also compatible with the Ego Power+ multi-head system kit like the blowers, and pole saws.

Best Environmentally Friendly Cordless Leaf Blower

Greenworks BL80L2510

Brand: Greenworks

Runtime:

Weight:

Airflow: 145 MPH/580 CFM

Sound Level:

Power Source: Battery

Price: $410

The Greenworks BL80L2510 80V Cordless Leaf Blower is a powerful leaf blower that gives the other choices a run for their money. It harnesses the strength of a jet turbine technology, which improves the blower’s efficiency. There is no need to search for a power outlet or handle smelly gas because this leaf blower uses an 80 volt lithium-ion battery. With an assortment of other tools, Greenworks makes great alternatives to gas powered yard tools. Tool comes with a charger and one battery.

Key Features

Extreme Power: The 80 volt lithium-ion battery offers unmatched power. This gives it a performance that can be compared to that of a gas powered leaf blower, without all the negatives.

Jet Turbine Technology: The jet turbine engine takes the blower to a new level. It moves 580 cubic feet per minute which translates to 145 miles per hour. But don’t worry about blowing your favorite plants right out of the ground because it also offers a variable speed trigger to help you dial in the flow perfectly.

Variable Speed Trigger: The variable speed trigger gives you precise control over the airflow. You can adjust the intensity level to fine tune the leaf blower to work its best on the task at hand. You can clean light debris off your driveway and walkway, or move heavy leaves off your lawn with ease.

Quiet Operation: The brushless motor gives the leaf blower quiet sound levels when in operation. You won’t be waking up the neighbors when you are doing yard work in the cool of the mornings.

Durable Construction: It’s made with highly durable materials that will last for many years. It’s able to withstand the rigors of using it outdoors, no matter what that includes. You will have a tool that has long lasting performance and reliability.

Long Battery Life: The 80-volt lithium-ion battery offers longer runtime. Finish the job you started without being interrupted by a dead battery in the middle of your job. The battery is compatible with batteries from other Greenworks 80 volt lithium-ion battery tools.

Easy Maintenance: The only maintenance is to make sure the battery is charged. There is no need to handle smelly gasoline and oil. No more changing spark plugs either. Once the battery is charged you’re ready to go.

Warranty: You get a 4 year limited warranty, ensuring your tool will work the way it’s meant to. And if it doesn’t, Greenworks will make things right.

The Greenworks PRO GBL80300 80V Cordless Leaf Blower juxtaposes power, long battery life, and low noise levels. It’s a great option for homeowners who want to protect the environment as well. You will get a tool that can handle any job thrown at it, anywhere on your property with no restrictions.

Best Heavy Duty Cordless Leaf Blower

DEWALT DCBL770X1

Brand: DEWALT

Runtime:

Weight: 9.8 Pounds

Airflow: 423 CFM/129 MPH

Sound Level: 67 dB

Power Source: 60 Volt Battery

Price: $319

The DEWALT DCBL770X1 60V MAX Cordless Leaf Blower is a high performance tool that carries the trusted DEWALT name. This is a heavy-duty tool that pushes the capabilities of a leaf blower. It combines power with durability, giving you the assurance that you need to handle the most difficult clean up job.

Key Features

Brushless Motor: It’s brushless motor increases the tool’s efficiency and run time. It’s capable of moving up to 423 cubic feet per minute which means you can clean a larger area in a shorter span of time than any of the other leaf blowers on this list.

60V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: It uses DEWALT’s 60 volt MAX lithium-ion battery, giving it the power it needs to run such a powerful motor. This battery increases the tools runtime allowing you to finish the job you started. This battery is compatible with other DEWALT 60 volt MAX tools.

Variable Speed Trigger and Speed Lock: The variable speed trigger gives you the ability to adjust the flow rate while you are using the blower. You can fine tune the speed, letting you dial in the performance to whatever task you have at hand. The speed lock holds down the trigger for you, helping reduce your fatigue while in use.

Low-Noise Operation: It produces up to 67 decibels of noise when in use. This level of sound is safe for your ears, and will produce little to no damage. It’s close to the level of noise produced during a normal conversation.

Ergonomic Design: The ergonomic design helps reduce fatigue on your body from use. Since it’s designed with the capability of using it daily if needed, the ergonomic design paired with lower levels of vibration are not going to wear on your body.

Durability and Reliability: This DEWALT leaf blower is built with high quality materials that helps it last longer. You won’t worry about damaging it from the rigors of outdoor use over long periods of time and in demanding positions.

Easy Maintenance: This cordless leaf blower doesn’t run on gas. You don’t need to worry about checking the spark plug either. The maintenance is simple. Just charge the battery and you are ready to go.

Warranty: It includes DEWALT’s 3 year limited warranty. This gives you the confidence that if something happens you don’t have anything to worry about.

The DEWALT DCBL770X1 60V MAX Handheld Blower is a heavy duty tool that will get the job done quickly. This is a great option for both homeowners and professionals that use the blower every day. Make your yard care and cleanup routine easier with this DEWALT leaf blower.

Best Cordless Leaf Blower For The Money

Makita XBU03SM1

Brand: Makita

Runtime:

Weight: 6.5 Pounds

Airflow: 459 CFM/116 MPH

Sound Level:

Power Source: 18 Volt Battery

Price: $388

The Makita XBU03SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower is a powerful leaf blower that is a great option for homeowners. It’s built by a trusted brand that is known for making high quality tools for many years. This model includes features that will make your yard work cleanup simple. Battery and charger sold separately.

Key Features

18V LXT Lithium-Ion Battery: An 18 volt LXT lithium-ion battery runs this powerful tool. The batteries are interchangeable with other 18 volt Makita tools, making it a great option if you already have some. This tool does not come with the battery, and it would need to be purchased separately.

Variable Speed Trigger with Cruise Control: The variable speed trigger and cruise control lever allow you to fine tune the blower’s speed. Adjust the airflow, and set it with the cruise control feature once you have it where you want it. Let your finger off the trigger as your leaf blower keeps the speed at a consistent level.

Powerful Airflow and Airspeed: 459 CFM and 116 MPH. This leaf blower can max out at 459 cubic feet per minute of airflow. The air speed can reach 120 miles per hour, making this tool a great option for you to efficiently remove debris like leaves and grass clippings from your yard.

Quiet Operation: It has a reduced level of noise pollution when in use. This makes it a great option in residential neighborhoods where you don’t want to disturb your neighbors when working in your yard.

Ergonomic Design: It has an ergonomic design combined with a lightweight feel giving you increased comfort when in use. It has a rubberised soft grip handle that reduces fatigue during use.

Instant Start-Up: Instantly start the leaf blower whenever you’re ready. The tool will turn on with the push of a button. There is no need for a pull-start anymore.

Durability and Reliability: The durable build quality of this blower shows Makita’s quality. It’s designed with materials that give it the ability to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Easy Maintenance: There is no need for gas, oil or spark plugs when using this leaf blower. Maintenance is reduced to simply charging the battery before use.

The Makita XBU03SM1 Cordless Leaf Blower blends versatility with durability, making it a great option for homeowners. It gives you an efficient tool that is designed to withstand outdoor conditions for many years.

Best Cordless Leaf Blower For Small Yards

Worx WG584

Brand: Worx

Runtime:

Weight: 7.3 Pounds

Airflow: 430 CFM

Sound Level: 65 dB

Power Source: 40 Volt Battery

Price: $220

The Worx WG584 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower is a great option for homeowners to make their yard work a breeze. Worx is a brand that has made a name in the yard equipment niche. This leaf blower offers an assortment of features that make the removal of leaves and debris from unwanted surfaces much more efficient and easy. This model comes with two batteries and a charger.

Key Features

Turbine Fan Technology: The turbine fan technology gives this leaf blower more than enough power for your yard care needs. You will be moving air at up to 115 miles per hour, and an airflow of 430 cubic feet per minute. Your driveways and sidewalks will be cleaned up quickly and with ease.

Dual 20V Power Share Batteries: There are two 20 volt batteries included with the purchase of this leaf blower. The charger is able to charge both batteries at the same time, making sure the blower is ready to go when you are ready. You won’t need to worry about running out of batteries when using it because there will always be a fully charged backup. You will have the mobility you need to get to the far reaches of your yard without needing an extension cord.

Variable Speed Control: Control the speed of your leaf blower to be sure it works at its best. Use the precision control to make sure you remove all the debris without harming delicate plants growing nearby. This feature lets you dial in the speed to be sure the blower works the best for your needs.

Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: It has been designed with your comfort in mind. The lightweight build combined with a comfortable handle is a great combination to reduce your fatigue over longer lengths of usage.

Low-Noise Operation: The powerful turbine motor is actually very quiet. There are minimal noise levels, making this a great option for doing your yard work without disturbing the neighbors.

Instant Start-Up: No need to deal with a pull start motor. The push button start gives you an instant start up when you want it.

Easy Maintenance: Don’t deal with any smelly gasoline or messy oil. The extent of the maintenance with this leaf blower is to put the battery on the charger before use.

The Worx WG584 40V Power Share Turbine Cordless Leaf Blower offers a powerful turbine motor without much sound. It is an efficient blower that combines comfort with power. This is a tool designed for homeowners to handle their yard work with ease.

Best Cordless Leaf Blower For Under $100

Black+Decker LSW221AM

Brand: Black+Decker

Runtime:

Weight: 3.7 Pounds

Airflow: 130 MPH

Sound Level: 61 dB

Power Source: 20 Volt Battery

Price: $99

The Black+Decker LSW221 20V MAX Cordless Sweeper is a versatile and efficient tool. The designers took into consideration all that goes on with the removal of yard debris and leaves. Black+Decker is a well known and trusted brand in tools that has been making quality products for many years.

Key Features

20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery: It’s powered by a 20 volt MAX lithium-ion battery. This gives the needed power and mobility for your yard cleanup jobs. There is no need to worry about interruptions from a dead battery because this blower is compatible with other Black+Decker 20 volt MAX tool’s batteries.

Efficient Sweeping: It moves a whopping 130 miles per hour of air, giving you plenty of power when cleaning your yard.

Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: It weighs only 3.7 pounds, making it easy to carry around the yard. You won’t get fatigued as quickly, allowing you to handle it until the job is done. There is a balanced body design to make the maneuverability easy when being operated.

Low-Noise Operation: It produces 61 decibels of noise, which isn’t loud and annoying to family and neighbors. You won’t be disturbing those around you when you are working on your yard anymore.

Instant Start-Up: You won’t be pulling a rope to start this motor. It uses a push start button to get it running. This makes it hassle free when operating it.

Easy Maintenance: You won’t be dealing with smelly gasoline or messy oil. This leaf blower only needs the battery charged before use. It doesn’t have any spark plugs that need to be changed either.

The Black+Decker LSW221AM 20V MAX Cordless Sweeper is a versatile tool. It offers homeowners a leaf blower that is backed by the trusted Black+Decker name. It’s a lightweight model that is affordable for virtually any budget. On top of that, it’s powerful enough for any home.

Most Powerful Cordless Leaf Blower

Husqvarna 230iB

Brand: Husqvarna

Runtime:

Weight: 8.4 Pounds

Airflow: 650 CFM/136 MPH

Sound Level:

Power Source: 40 Volt Battery

Price: $320

The Husqvarna 230iB 40-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower is one of the most powerful handheld battery powered leaf blower available. Husqvarna is a brand known for making powerful and reliable tools for both homeowners and professionals. This leaf blower is no exception. It is a battery powered leaf blower that gives gas powered ones a run for their money.

Key Features

40-Volt Lithium-Ion Battery: This leaf blower is powered by a 40 volt lithium-ion battery. It has a long runtime that lets you get the job done quickly without the interruption of a dead battery. You can use this battery interchangeably with other 40 volt husqvarna tools.

Brushless Motor Technology: The brushless motor allows it to deliver extremely powerful airflow. It moves 650 cubic feet per minute of airflow, reaching an airspeed of 136 miles per hour. It gives you the ability to quickly clear leaves and debris from sidewalks and driveways. It’s also ideal for using it on lawns.

Variable Speed Control: The variable speed control feature lets you fine tune the airflow for the specific area of your yard you are using it in. Sometimes blowing debris off a walkway takes a different flow rate than blowing leaves on your lawn. This feature lets you get it right every time.

Cruise Control: The cruise control feature lets you set the speed and leave it there. Set a consistent airflow without holding down the trigger the whole time. This makes it that much easier to use and finish your job well.

Quiet Operation: This battery operated leaf blower has lower noise levels than the gas powered counterpart. Don’t worry about disturbing the neighbors on the weekend anymore. You also won’t sacrifice power for quietness either.

Ergonomic Design: This ergonomically designed blower is perfectly balanced when you hold it. It weighs only 8.4 pounds, making it easier to handle for as long as you need to.

Instant Start-Up: Don’t deal with pull strings to start up your leaf blower. This one has a push button instant start-up for a hassle free operation.

Easy Maintenance: Don’t deal with gasoline or messy oil in your leaf blower. You also don’t want to worry about changing the spark plugs either. The only maintenance you will be doing is charging the battery before using it.

The Husqvarna 230iB 40-Volt Cordless Leaf Blower juxtaposes power with quietness. You don’t need to sacrifice one for the other with this one. It has all the features that make it an easy to use option, without any of the negatives. You get the quality of the Husqvarna name that they have provided for many years now.

Best Cordless Leaf Blower For Large Yards

DEWALT DCBL722P1

Brand: DEWALT

Runtime:

Weight: 5.4 Pounds

Airflow: 450 CFM/125 MPH

Sound Level: 66 Decibels

Power Source: 20 Volt Battery

Price: $217

The DEWALT DCBL722P1 20V MAX XR Leaf Blower is a great choice for homeowners who have a decent size yard. It offers a combination of features that make it easy to use with plenty of power. DEWALT is a company that has been making high quality power tools for a very long time. This leaf blower is no different. Its battery is compatible with your other DEWALT 20 volt power tools. This is the tool only, and the battery and charger would need to be purchased separately.

Key Features

20V MAX XR Battery System: This leaf blower runs off one 20 volt lithium-ion battery. If you have other DEWALT 20 volt power tools you have an advantage. You already have some batteries that are compatible, making it easier for you to use the blower for longer periods of time. The runtime on the lowest speed is 87 minutes. If you have it at the highest setting it is 12 minutes.

Brushless Motor Technology: The brushless motor offers a longer run time when using this blower. It also lends itself to not breaking down or requiring maintenance as often.

Speed Control: The variable speed control feature lets you fine tune the blower’s speed. You can pick how fast you need it depending on the specific task you are using it for in the yard.

Lightweight Design: It weighs 5.4 pounds, making it easy for you to use it for as long as you need to. Don’t worry about getting fatigued over time while you use this blower.

Quiet Operation: Don’t worry about waking your neighbors on the weekend. This leaf blower is quieter than gas powered leaf blowers, making it a nice choice to show respect to your neighbors.

High Air Volume and Speed: It moves air at 450 cubic feet per minute. This also can be looked at as it moves air at 125 miles per hour. This is plenty of power for any task you would have while working in your yard.

Nozzle Design: The nozzle is designed with a removable attachment that adds several features. One use for the attachment is it concentrates the air. The other main use is it has a built-in scraper. Both of these features are perfect for removing debris like old wet leaves that are stuck to the pavement. Scrape them off without much effort.

The DEWALT DCBL722P1 20V MAX XR Leaf Blower is a great option for homeowners that already have DEWALT power tools. But it’s also a great choice for those of us that this would be their first DEWALT tool, too. It combines durability and the right group of features that make it a great tool to use.

Conclusion

Once you have the best cordless leaf blower for your situation, your yard work cleanup is going to be much easier. This tool is an easy to use addition to your yard care needs. When you figure out which one is the right pick for you it instantly takes your work to the next level. It helps you make your yard look great in a shorter amount of time, giving you more free time to enjoy your outdoor space.

I have a free home maintenance checklist that I created to help you keep your home in the best order possible. We all know how critical it is to make sure everything is maintained to the best standards they can be in. It’s also important to make sure you don’t overlook something that you might have forgotten about. That’s why you want to take a look at the article titled Free Home Maintenance Checklist For All Seasons.

I hope this article helped you find the best cordless leaf blower for you. If you like this article and you know someone who can benefit from this, please share it. And check out the other articles on this site. I am dedicated to help you turn your home into your sanctuary.

Happy Remodeling,

Kevin

The post The 8 Best Leaf Blowers in 2024 appeared first on Castle Remodel.

Free Home Maintenance Checklist For All Seasons

Kevin — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:07:15 +0000

An ideal home maintenance checklist will bring your home to its best condition possible. The work should be broken into groups, making it easy to know when specific tasks should be done. This article includes a checklist that will guide you through everything that needs to be done. Get your free home maintenance checklist below to bring your home to where it needs to be.

What Is Regular Maintenance On A Home?

Home maintenance is an important part of keeping your home in good condition. Anyone who lives in a house has regular maintenance tasks that need to be done throughout the year. Each house is different, and the routine can be altered accordingly.

Regular home maintenance regards the tasks that need to be done on a regular basis. The most common category of this are things that should be done on a monthly basis. These can be items like checking for dead batteries, or replacing filters.

Regular home maintenance is meant to keep certain aspects of your home operating in peak working condition. We are going to cover the complete list of maintenance activities in this article. If you are looking for a printable PDF version of this list, you can download My Home Maintenance Checklist by clicking the link below.

Why Do I Need A Home Maintenance Routine?

Over time things around the house begin to fall apart, or lose some of their strength. If they are maintained well, they will last longer in the end. This can save you money by not needing to run the heater or air conditioner as much, or replace outdoor pipes that burst from freezing weather. You may also run into possibly damaging your health and reducing your family’s safety.

Once your house is at good performance levels, it doesn’t take much to keep it maintained. Keep reading to find out how to set up a home maintenance routine.

Can I Do The Home Maintenance Work Myself?

Some people hire a handyman to do the work for them. It’s easy to pay someone, especially if you don’t know where to begin. It’s also possible to do some of the tasks yourself, and outsource the ones you don’t know very well.

It’s best if you learn what needs to be done on your home, so you know when things are working best. This way there is no confusion with needing to ask someone new to figure out what needs to be done. Keeping your home in good condition is a skill every homeowner should have.

You don’t need to overwhelm yourself by doing all the tasks at once. They are broken down over the course of the year, with only a handful that need to be done at particular times. You will be able to divide them up into smaller lists that aren’t as overwhelming.

There are also certain jobs that should only be done at a particular time period. For example, your outdoor faucets should only be protected from freezing weather during that type of weather. You don’t need to insulate them during the summer time.

My Home Maintenance Checklist

My Home Maintenance Checklist is a free PDF I made to help you see when each maintenance task should be done. It includes all the main tasks that keep your home in ideal condition so there will be no guessing what needs to be done.

The FREE checklist lets you...

Some of the categories include

Seasonal tasks
Monthly tasks
Annual tasks
Home safety items
Tasks specific to your home

The free My Home Maintenance Checklist covers all parts of your home inside and out, giving you better peace of mind. Know your home is in safe and healthy condition for yourself and your family!

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

The seasons are a time of change. This includes changes your home goes through. Stay one step ahead by doing the things listed below.

Spring Home Maintenance

Spring is a time of change in the seasons that brings warmer and sunnier weather. The cold, dark winter can tend to cause some damage on the exterior of the house. Spring is a time we can take advantage of the nice weather as it becomes available.

Yard Maintenance

The yard is generally neglected throughout the winter. Spring is when we can make it tidy by cleaning any debris or leaves that may have blown in.

You can also give the lawn its initial mow and edging to get it ready for the summer season. I recommend doing this by setting the lawn mower blades to the lowest setting you can. This will give you more time before the next mow as the grass begins to grow in the warmer weather.

This is also a good time to fertilize your lawn. The lawn is going to begin growing at a faster pace, which means it will want to be fed to look its healthiest.

Inspect Roof and Gutters

Start your roof inspection in the attic (if applicable). Take a look at the underside of the roof for any water damage, or leaking. This should be noticeable by an off-colored water stain on the plywood. Any water damage you spot here can be linked to a problem with the shingles directly outside of this damage.

Look for damaged shingles by walking around your house and looking at the shingles from below. You are looking for curling of the tips, or their sliding out of alignment. If you can’t see the shingles from the ground very well you may need to go on the roof to look closer.

DISCLAIMER: Do not climb on the ladder or roof if you are uncomfortable with heights. This is a job that can be outsourced to a handyman, keeping you on the safe ground.

Some terms we should define are gutter and downspout. The gutter is a “U” shaped channel along the edge of the roof of your house that collects rainwater. It moves the water to a downspout which is a vertical pipe that is usually at one or both ends of the gutter.

If you live in a wet location your gutters and downspouts will get plenty of use in the winter. Do a walk around your property and look for any damage to the gutter and downspouts from below. If you don’t see any, get on a ladder that lets you look in the gutters for excess debris that needs to be cleaned out.

The gutter is an area that tends to get clogged by leaves and other debris that finds its way to your roof. It’s important to remove these leaves before they can get clogged in the downspout. This can cause damage to the gutter, which may require being replaced sooner than it should have been.

Nowadays there are several options to keep the gutter clear of leaves. These options are best installed after the gutter has been cleaned. Below are a few of my top choices you can look at to keep your gutters clear of leaves and debris for years to come.

Top Choices For Gutter Protection:

Spring Cleaning

We all know spring is a time for cleaning. There are some key places around your property you will want to focus on in particular.

Cleaning the windows will help bring more natural light in, boosting your mood. You want to do this when there is less chance of rain happening in the future.

Summer Home Maintenance

The majority of the focus for summertime is going to be outside. The weather is nice, so let’s take advantage of this. It can include a combination of yard work and maintenance on the home’s exterior.

Any damage to the siding and the trim of the house should be addressed. That is because this type of work will be finished with a fresh coat of paint. We need nice weather to make sure the paint dries well. This can also be the time to put a fresh coat of paint on the house if needed.

Yard Work can be fully addressed at this time. The plants are growing well, which means they can get a little unruly. Make sure you keep up with trimming the hedges, and mowing the lawn. The hedges may not need as much attention, but the lawn should be mowed on average once every week.

Yard work is another thing that can be outsourced. There are lawn care services that will come to your house on a regular basis, and do the work. They will get it done even when you are not there, making the yard nice and clean for when you come home.

Fall Home Maintenance

The fall is a time to get your home ready for the winter. The weather is beginning to change, making it important to tie up any loose ends in the yard. Get things ready for the cold wet winter that is right around the corner.

After you finish with the yard work, your attention should be on the inside of the house. There are a few areas that need to be addressed to make sure your home is comfortable for the winter. Here you are going to focus on areas that heat the house, and places that keep the heat in the house.

A wood burning fireplace takes some preparation to get it in safe working condition. You want to make sure there aren’t excessive amounts of soot that accumulated in the chimney. This is also a good time to inspect for cracks that need repair.

For a complete overview on proper fireplace maintenance, take a look at my article called Fireplace Maintenance And Repair.

One thing that will help cut down on heating costs is to check the weatherstripping in the windows and doorways. It doesn’t take long to replace pieces that are worn out, and will save you a lot of money in heating costs.

Winter Home Maintenance

This time of the year is focused on efficiently keeping the warmth in your house. It’s also a time to prevent areas of your home from getting damaged by the cold weather.

It’s important to make sure you have enough insulation in the attic space of your house. This can be done by going up there and measuring the depth. At first glance you want to be able to see the top of the joists. Next, dig down and hold a tape measure to the drywall below. The depth should be 14 inches at a minimum to the top of the insulation. This can vary in depth depending on the climate your house is in.

It’s important to make sure your outdoor faucets don’t freeze. Do this by unscrewing the hose, and putting these Hose Bib Insulators on. You will want to have one for each outdoor hose bib. If there are exposed pipes you will want to make sure those are insulated with pipe wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important item for home maintenance?

Home maintenance is the method of maximizing your home’s performance for the longest amount of time. The categories these tasks fall into are things like safety, energy efficiency, and aesthetics to name a few. The tasks you will be doing are things like cleaning filters, adding insulation, and changing batteries in safety equipment.

What is a maintenance plan for a house?

A good home maintenance plan shows you what the necessary tasks are, and in the right time period. There are services that can be used where you will be paying somebody else to do these items. The truth is these tasks can be done by anybody who has even a slight amount of DIY abilities.

The tools are pretty basic when it comes to what’s needed for any of the home maintenance projects. It’s good to have these, and I recommend grabbing them if you don’t already have them.

Conclusion

Home maintenance is an important part of making sure your home is in the best condition it can be in. The jobs we do will work at keeping you and your family healthy, and safe. You are going to save money as well.

Get a free copy of My Home Maintenance Checklist today to make sure you stay on top of everything that goes into home maintenance.

I hope this article helped you out. Here at Castle Remodel I am devoted to helping you turn your home into your sanctuary. Check out the articles on any topics you have questions on.

Happy Remodeling,

Kevin

The post Free Home Maintenance Checklist For All Seasons appeared first on Castle Remodel.

Best Air Purifier With Washable Filter

Kevin — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:07:32 +0000

An air purifier with a washable filter will improve your health while also saving you money. There’s no more need to toss the old filters in the landfill and replace them every few months. You won’t spend as much money ordering new filters for it either. Read below to find the best air purifier for your situation.

Best Air Purifier With Washable Filter

Below are air purifiers that are ideal for different circumstances. Click the links on the one you like to get more information on it. If you want to know more information about what to avoid when shopping for an air purifier, then keep reading below. You will also learn about the filtration and how it benefits you.

Best Overall

Honeywell
QuietClean

Washable filters

Rooms up to 170 Sq Ft

Odor reducing filter available

Energy Star rating

 4.6/5

Best Smart Purifier

LEVOIT

Smart WiFi air filter

Large rooms up to 1900 Sq Ft

3 Stages of filtration

Schedule your start and end times

 4.6/5

Best Medium Room

Hamilton Beach TrueAir

Reusable HEPA grade filter

Compact size

Quite sound great for nightime in bedroom

 4.6/5

Best Small Room

Honeywell HFD280

Tower air filter

Rooms up to 150 sq ft

Energy efficient

60 dB noise level

 4.6/5

There are a few air purifiers with washable filters that never need to be replaced. But the reality is most of the air filters will only have one or two filters that can be cleaned and reused. The other types of filters will need to be replaced. This is because there are different stages, each with a unique ability to clean the air even more. Let’s look at what each stage does.

Air Purifier Stages of Filtration

The average air filter has three main stages of filtration. These options are a prefilter, a HEPA filter, and a carbon filter. Some air purifiers have an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer, but this stage isn’t as common as the other three.

The prefilter is the first filter to make contact with air passing through the device. This is a type of mesh that’s designed to capture the bulk of the large particles in the air. It helps keep the next two filters clean for a longer period of time. These filters can be washed by simply rinsing them under running water and letting them air dry. You can also use a soapy sponge on it.

The HEPA filter which is short for “high efficiency particulate air filter” is designed to remove smaller particles out of the air. It’s capable of collecting pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne pathogens down to about 0.3 microns in size. A HEPA filter is not typically washable. New filters will need to be purchased on a regular basis.This one is commonly used at places like hospitals.

The carbon filter is designed to remove smells and other impurities from the air. A good carbon filter will clean foul odors as well as smoke from the air, giving the air exiting the device another level of cleanliness.

The ultraviolet sterilizer shines an ultraviolet light on the air moving past it. This is an effective method of killing airborne pathogens like viruses and smaller bacteria. It is effective at literally steralizing the air, but with a bit of a catch. The negative aspect to UV sterilization is it produces the byproduct of ozone (O3). When left to build up to high levels for too long, ozone can be detrimental to your health. But a simple solution to this is to open the windows and air out the rooms on a regular basis.

When picking the right air purifier for you it’s good to understand some of the negative aspects about them. Here we will talk about some of the most important negatives to know about air purifiers.

What to Avoid When Buying an Air Purifier

Inadequate Filtration

An air purifier without adequate filtration isn’t worth much. You will want the model you chose to have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or the equivalent. This will make sure you are filtering the air to the level that is truly beneficial.

Undefined Performance Claims

It’s good to have a strong understanding on how your air purifier performs. To do this you can look for the clean air delivery rate (CADR) on your model. A good CADR rate for an air purifier is two-thirds the area of the room. For example, if you are putting the purifier in a room that is 10 ft by 12 ft, the area is 120 sq ft. Therefore the CADR of the filter should be two-thirds that which is 80.

Lack of Noise Information

The air purifier is going to be in the same room you are in, making it a possible distraction or even an annoyance. Some noise is normal, but you don’t want it to be so loud it becomes a nuisance. If the air purifier you are looking for doesn’t have a rated sound volume, you may want to look at other options.

Inadequate Maintenance Information

Any air purifier will have some maintenance needs, especially one with a washable filter. You will want to know the procedure for washing the filter, as well as any other basic maintenance.

Limited Fan Speed

There are moments in life that ask for different fan speeds. That’s why you would appreciate the option to switch between several different speeds. It’s good to know if your air purifier has different speed options.

Ozone Emissions

Ozone emissions are a byproduct of UV sterilization. This added level of filtration comes with some potential hazards. Ozone can be harmful, but a way to prevent its buildup is to open the windows from time to time.

No Air Quality Sensor

An air quality sensor is a huge perk. It can tell you what level of cleanliness your air is at. But a lack of one is not necessarily a deal breaker. It comes at a cost as it will increase the price of the unit that has one.

Limited Warranty

The air purifier is an investment for you and your family. The warranty is a level of insurance for your investment. You want the warranty to be clear and effective. If on the off chance that something happens to it, you will want to know exactly what the company will do to fix the situation.

Large Room Air Purifier with Washable Filter

The LEVOIT Vital 200S is a smart air filter designed for large rooms. It is capable of cleaning 1900 sq ft in one hour. This model has a three stage filter with a washable pre filter. By keeping the prefilter clean you will be improving the lifespan of the disposable carbon and hepa filters. To use the voice control option you will connect the air purifier to your Amazon Alexa device.

Purify a 1900 sq ft room every hour.
Wifi enabled; works with your smart phone.
Automatic fan adjustments, even when you sleep.
Fitlers pet hair, smoke, allergens, and more.
Can be put on a schedule.

Medium Room Air Purifier With Washable Filter

It’s good for a medium size room air purifier to be compact, allowing it to not be in the way. It is also good to have it be relatively quiet, allowing you to sleep with it on. It is ideal to have multiple speed options for to use it in different times of the day.

Hamilton Beach makes the TrueAir purifier that has all these features. This tabletop model has a washable HEPA grade filter that is perfect for filtering pollen, dander, and dust out of the air. To clean this filter you will use your vacuum, ideally with a brush attachment on it. It is rated to filter a room that is up to 160 sq ft.

Washable HEPA grade filter captures up to 3 microns particles.
Filters up to a 160 sq ft room per hour.
Position vertically or horizontally for the best use of your space.
Includes multiple speeds, including a whisper speed.
Three filtration stages.

Small Room Air Purifier With Washable Filter

The Honeywell Compact Air Genius 4 is ideal for rooms up to 150 sq ft. It has a washable permanent filter, and a washable pre filter that can be upgraded to an odor reducing pre filter which should be replaced every three months. There is a built-in timer that is programmed to shut off in four predetermined time options.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can air purifier filters be washed?

Air purifiers come with several different filter options. There are some filters that are washable, and others that are not. The filters that are washable can capture larger dust particles, allowing the finer size particles to pass through the filter. Those filters that are able to capture the finer particles like bacteria and pollen are not washable and will need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Are washable filters good for air purifiers?

Washable filters are both good and bad in their own ways. The good side for a washable filter in an air purifier is, well, they can be washed. They are not going to be tossed out and need a new one purchased the way a disposable filter would. The downside to a washable filter is they are not capable of removing the really fine air particles. They will get the larger pieces of dust and fuzz out of the air, but the finer pollen and bacteria particles will pass right through.

What types of particles do washable filters typically capture?

Washable filters in air purifiers are generally designed to capture a variety of airborne particles. Some of them are dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold, bacteria/viruses to name a few. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of washable filters in capturing specific particles may vary depending on the design and specifications of the filter. Regular cleaning of washable filters is essential to maintain their effectiveness over time.

Are washable filters as effective as replaceable ones?

The effectiveness of washable filters compared to replaceable filters depends on various factors, including the specific design of the filters, the type of particles they are designed to capture, and the maintenance habits of the user.

Some of the top benefits to washable filters are they are more cost effective in the long run, they reduce environmental impact, and they are more convenient than needing to remember to buy replacement filters.

There are also a few drawbacks to consider. Their efficiency may not be as effective as replaceable filters. There is also more maintenance required when washing the filters. And the initial cost of an air purifier with washable filters may be a bit more expensive.

Do washable filters remove viruses and bacteria from the air?

Washable filters in air purifiers are generally effective at capturing larger particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and some airborne bacteria. However, their effectiveness in removing viruses can vary, and they may not be as efficient at capturing very small particles, including some viruses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when shopping for an air purifier with washable filters you want to consider all options. While some units have only washable filters, others have maybe one or two that are washable. The other filters in these units still need replacement.

Any air purifier with at least one washable filter will save you money in the long run. You don’t need to spend as much on purchasing replacement filters for it. Some of the washable filters are capable of filtering particles that are as small as conventional air purifier filters.

I hope this information helped you in making a decision on what air purifier you want to get.

Happy remodeling,

Kevin

The post Best Air Purifier With Washable Filter appeared first on Castle Remodel.

Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Work

Kevin — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 21:17:09 +0000

There are countless small bathroom remodel ideas to choose from. A successful remodel will give you a comfortable bathroom, while increasing the home’s resale value. Only a few decisions are necessary for a bathroom remodel of your dreams. This article will guide you through the steps for the best small bathroom remodel, with the least amount of stress.

How do I decide on small bathroom remodel ideas I can use? Consider these first: Plan before beginning; Pick the best color palette; Source the materials at a good price; and Know when to rely on the pros. This article walks you through these steps, helping you achieve the bathroom remodel of your dreams.

We must first define some terms. The words “renovate” and “remodel” are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. The word “remodel” is when you will be removing old items from the room, and replacing them with brand new ones. This method of updating the space can be more expensive, but can also be a greater transformation.

Renovating a bathroom is when you update the existing pieces in the bathroom. This would include things like “refacing” the vanity. Putting a fresh coat of paint on some areas can give a brand new feel to the bathroom. You’re not purchasing new items, but rather updating existing ones. This can be cheaper than remodeling the room, but may take more time and often is considered more of a DIY approach.

Remodeling a bathroom is when you will be removing items and replacing them with new materials. This can include gutting and rearranging the layout of the bathroom. This is not an easy task, and should be done by professionals. There is plumbing, electrical, and walls that require extensive planning. For the scope of this article I will not be talking about gutting and rearranging the bathroom.

Plan your Bathroom Remodel

In order to have the bathroom of your dreams, you must first know what that means to you. This is possibly the most important stage because it dictates what the new bathroom will look like in the end. If you have a well established plan before you begin the work, you will know what direction to take the project in, making the process easier overall.

With a small bathroom it may be better to consider having a shower rather than a bathtub. This will make the space feel bigger, and is easier to install if there is no existing tub. But a bathtub may be the right choice for your home, especially if you have younger children.

Determine Your Bathroom Budget

There are a few factors to consider for a budget. The first is how much you will be spending on labor. A good estimate is between 20-60% of your overall budget will go towards hiring professionals. There are ways to reduce this total. You can cut this expense if you are willing to get your hands dirty. When doing some or all the work yourself you should realize this can eat into your timeline instead.

The second thing to consider for your budget is choosing the building materials to use. This category can range anywhere from 30-70% of your overall budget. If you have more money budgeted you are less limited to what your choices are. But being frugal these days doesn’t mean you need to skimp on quality either. There are a lot of affordable options for bathroom materials that are still decent quality.

And finally you want to have some padding for any hidden issues you are going to run into. You should set aside about 10% of your budget for these hidden expenses. Although this is more likely going to be needed in homes that are generally 50 years or older, it can be required for a home of any age. Hopefully you don’t need to dip into this fund, but if you do it’s good to have.

What is the Most Expensive part of a Bathroom Remodel?

The most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is the labor. If you are paying an expert to help you with this project, this is where the majority of the money will go.

The most expensive materials that go into a bathroom remodel is the bathtub or shower. If money is an issue there are some great options that are affordable. Some of the shower kits can be a DIY option if you feel up to it.

How to Design a Small Bathroom on a Budget

There are many amazing small bathrooms that have been remodeled on a budget. The keyword to keep in mind is “creativity”. You may need to think outside the box for where you source your materials, or even do some of the work yourself.

Try finding repurposed materials, or go for more of a renovated approach in the room. If you have a vanity that is in good condition, adding a fresh coat of paint may make it look like new again. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls can lighten up the room, making it feel brand new.

Take a look at some of the more affordable brands for faucets and light fixtures. Changing out the fixtures is a good way to add to the feel of the bathroom while not spending too much money. You want the items to be affordable, but not cheap.

Consider your skills, and think about what you can and cannot do in this remodel. It’s okay to go a couple of steps beyond your skill level. But if you need work done on either plumbing or electrical, and you don’t know much about it, contact a professional.

A Little Color Goes A Long Way

If you are looking for a quick and (relatively) easy option to spruce up your bathroom, consider putting on a fresh coat of paint. This doesn’t always mean just painting the walls. Also consider other parts of the room like the vanity, baseboards/trim, and even the inside of the door. If done right, you can give a brand new feel to an otherwise boring room with some fresh paint.

Picking the perfect colors for your bathroom shouldn’t be difficult. Let’s take a look at what goes into picking the right colors for your bathroom.

If your bathroom has a shower or bathtub that gets used often you will want to go with a semi-gloss paint. This will repel the water better. If your bathroom doesn’t get a lot of humidity you can get away with an eggshell or satin sheen.

How to Pick a Good Color Scheme

Consider picking either two or three main colors to use in your bathroom. If you go with two, you will want to use a neutral color on the walls as well. This will make a nice “canvas” for you to showcase the main colors you use. If you go with three color options, consider using a tint of one of the colors you chose on the wall.

A tint is when you take a color and add white to it, making it lighter. An example of this would be starting with blue and adding white, giving you baby blue. On the other hand a shade of a color is when you add black to it. Adding black to blue can result in getting a darker shade like navy blue.

Do you remember the color wheel you used as a kid? It’s going to come in handy right about now. There are a total of 12 colors on the wheel. The three primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. Three secondary colors are orange, green, and violet. And there are six tertiary colors that are a cross between the secondary colors and primary colors they are between.

There are several approaches you can take to picking the right colors for a bathroom. If you go with an analogous color scheme you will be picking colors that are adjacent one another on the color wheel. An example of this would be choosing blue, blue-green, and green.

A complementary color scheme is when choosing two colors that are opposite one another on the color wheel. An example of this is to use both blue and orange in the bathroom. This works because the two colors balance themselves out visually, making them a nice compliment to one another.

A monochromatic color scheme is more difficult to pull off, but can be a stunning choice when done right. This is picking one color and using different tints and shades of it in the space. It’s easy to make the space feel overwhelming and uninviting, but it can be very enjoyable if you have the right balance.

Once you pick the colors option you want to use, you can play around with different tints and shades of them. A great way to do this is by picking up paint swatches from a paint or hardware store. Grab several tints and shades of the colors you are interested in. Tape them to the walls in the bathroom so you can get a feel for them in that room.

You will want to take a look at them several times throughout the day. This will let you see what they look like with different light levels on them. I recommend keeping these swatches up for several days to fully experience how you feel with them over time.

If you are planning on selling your home you want to go with color options that a majority of people will appreciate. Go for soft whites, beige, or even light blue-grays.

But if you are going to stay in the home you are free to be a bit more creative. Think about what options you like the most. This is the room you are going to spend a lot of time in. Pick colors that make you and your family happy.

What Colors Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger?

Small bathrooms can easily take on a claustrophobic feel. This is especially true if the walls are dark and dated. When picking a wall color that makes a small bathroom look bigger, consider lighter colors like white, beige, or creme.

A light beige color wall is a nice option for any room in the house. This is a neutral color that makes a good backdrop to any decorations you use in the room. It isn’t as bright as white walls, making it more comfortable to look at for longer periods of time.

Painting the ceiling white will be another way to help make this space seem larger than it is. This will lighten up the space, making it more enjoyable to spend time there. You may also want to consider light color floors if you will be updating them as well.

Building Materials for Small Bathroom Remodel

It’s time to purchase the materials you will be using for your small bathroom. But where should you begin?

It’s good to get the materials in the order you will be installing them. This is so they are not sitting around for too long, potentially getting damaged or in the way.

What Order To Source and Install The Materials

Below is the order you want to source your materials. This is also the order you want to install them in. You will do this after all demolition has been completed.

The list you go by will depend on the scope of work for your bathroom. You can skip over any of the steps that are unnecessary for your remodel.

1)	Paint
2)	Bathtub/Shower
3)	Vanity
4)	Flooring
5)	Toilet
6)	Sink
7)	Faucet
8)	Lighting
9)	Accessories

Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas

The good news and bad news is there are a lot of brands for you to choose from in your bathroom remodel. This can easily lead to paralysis by analysis. I will save you some of the trouble and narrow down to a handful of brands to consider for some of the options. This is meant to get you started with looking. If you don’t like any of these options then be creative with your search.

Shower Head

The shower head is an Item you don’t want to overlook. This can easily make or break one of the most important areas in the bathroom. You want to get a showerhead that you enjoy because having an awesome shower experience is ideal. Below are a few top picks in the shower head category for you to choose from.

Best Overall

Delta Faucet ProClean

Great for cleaning the the shower

6 spray options

Wide spray coverage

Limited lifetime warranty

 4.5/5

(Read Review)

Best Rain Shower Head

High pressure rain feeling

90 Easy to clean nozzels

No-tool installationWater saver

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Best Filter Shower Head

Best With Filter

Replaceable filter removes heavy metals

5 spray settings

No-tool installation

Purifies water

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Best With Wand

AquaDance 7" Premium

6 shower settings

No-tool installation

Premium Quality Tested

Each head is angle adjustable

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Bathroom Faucet

The sink and faucet are probably the most used areas in the bathroom. The faucet is a major focal point in this room. For that reason you will want to make sure the faucet you chose goes well with the sink and countertop.

If you are going with a new countertop it’s good to chose a faucet first. This will allow you to get the right number of holes drilled in the countertop. The choices are either one or three holes. Below are a few small bathroom remodel ideas for faucets that you can consider. I am including options for every hole type.

Best Overall

Delta Bradmoor

Pull out hose for easy sink cleaning

Three hole layout

Easy installation

Limited warranty

 4.7/5

(Read Review)

Best Clean Design

Delta Arvo Widespread

Sleek design

Three hole layout

Four color options

Easy installation

Limited warranty

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Best Single Hole

Pfister Jaida

Waterfall faucet

Single hole layout

Limited warranty

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Best Classic Design

Moen Brecklyn

Classic design

Spot resistant

Limited warranty

 4.9/5

(Read Review)

These choices are some of the top design options available. They are only to get you started on your quest to find the best small bathroom design ideas.

Remember that you are going for the design style that suits you. It’s best to look at different ideas from different places before making a final pruchase decision.

How You Make a Small Bathroom Luxurious

If your goal is to make the small bathroom feel luxurious, your aim should be to give it a spa feel. This can come from the paint scheme, choices of building materials, and the experience you get from your shower.

The color scheme should have a calming effect. This can come from light blues, greens, or beiges. Consider accenting the bathroom with live plants to add to the spa-like experience. These plants will need adequate natural light to survive, but if that isn’t available there are lightbulbs that will grow plants as well.

DIY or Find a Professional?

There is a give and take that comes with this question. The benefit to taking more of the DIY route is you will save money by adding sweat equity in your home. But the payment will come with your time. You may not be able to dedicate as many hours in a day as a professional, and need to fit in the work when you can.

The typical bathroom remodel will usually include both options. There are areas that you are capable of doing, and want to make your mark in the project. But for some reason you may not be able to do some of the work yourself. You may not be experienced enough to work on plumbing or electrical. You may not like the idea of getting dirty with demolition. Or you might not have the time in this season of your life. All of this is okay.

First take a look at the amount of work that’s going to be done in the bathroom. Are there areas you know you would enjoy doing? Or do you not have any time or interest in the labor part of this project? Maybe you want to source and purchase the materials so you know you are getting all the materials and fixtures that you love.

What tools do you have? Do you know anyone who has tools you can use? There are tool rentals that can be a big help during this time as well. You are going to need access to a variety of tools for this job.

Talk to several contractors before deciding on one. It’s good to ask for some references, and ask for pictures of some of their work. You want to find out if they have done this type of job in the past, and how many times.

When you pick the one you like, make sure you listen to their advice when you are describing what you want. It’s okay for them to have opinions on the project. It’s not okay for them to tell you they don’t want to include your ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renovate my bathroom for under $5000?

A bathroom renovation for under $5000 is quite possible. You may be limited to the amount of work you can do, as well as your choices in building materials. Consider ways to save money by both refacing existing items like the vanity, and taking a more DIY approach to the project. You want to be creative with the work you do by getting ideas from different sources before you start the work. Then try to make your version of what you like in your small bathroom.

How long should it take to remodel a small bathroom?

The answer to this question will vary depending on the project. A lot of it depends on the scope of the work being done in the bathroom. For a quick refreshing of the paint that can take less than a week. But if you are doing a full remodel of a small bathroom, this can take close to three months.

Is a tub or walk-in shower better for resale?

Upgrading to a walk-in shower can be better for resale. This may depend on who is purchasing the house. If it’s a young family they are going to see a bathtub as more valuable. If your home has one tub, it’s okay to convert the second tub into a walk-in shower.

What color bathroom for resale?

The best color option for resale is a lighter color that doesn’t stand out too much. Many people enjoy a light blue in their bathrooms, but a beige is also a good option.

What adds the most value to a bathroom?

The part of a bathroom that adds the most value is the shower. Having a tile shower will add the most value to the room. The second most important part is the sink/vanity area.

Conclusion

This article was designed to help you make decisions for your bathroom remodel. It is a starting point, leading you to a completed small bathroom remodel. My hope is that when you begin your journey in remodeling you will be able to get to your final result much easier.

Happy Remodeling,

Kevin

The post Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Work appeared first on Castle Remodel.

How to install a dimmer switch in 5 simple steps

Kevin — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 01:13:24 +0000

Adding a dimmer switch can improve the ambience in virtually any room in your home. Learning how to install a dimmer switch is simple and quite safe when done correctly. Knowing how easy it is to install a dimmer switch will build your diy skills, and help you personalize your home. Now let’s get started in learning what it takes to install a dimmer switch in your home.

When shopping for the right dimmer switch, you will need to know if the light you are connecting it to uses a single switch, or multiple switches. Lights that have multiple switches to turn them on and off are also called “three-way” switches. This is how you determine which option to purchase for your dimmer switch.

This article below covers how to install a single-pole switch. Installing a three way switch can be a little more complicated, but is somewhat straightforward. Follow the instructions that come with the switch you purchase.

Warning: Some switches also connect to the wiring in slightly different ways. That’s why it is best to read over the instructions before installing the one you have. It may hook up differently than the one I installed in this article, so make sure you have all the right information you need before going into this project.

Required Tools:

Required Materials:

Steps on How To Wire A Dimmer Switch

Step 1: Turn off the power to the light switch.

The most important step in this process is the first step. Make sure you turn off the power to the switch you are working on. To do this you will want to first turn the light on. Then locate the breaker that controls that light. After switching it off you can begin unscrewing the switch from the box it’s in.

Any time you are working with electricity it’s best to practice extra caution. Even after I turn off the power to the switch I am working on, I will use my electrical tester to make sure there are not any live wires in the box I am working in.

To do this, remove the screws holding the switch in the box. Gently pull it out of the box enough to see all the way around it. Turn on your electrical tester, and hold it to each of the wires in the box. If it indicates there is a live wire in the box, switch off the correct breaker for that wire as well.

Step 2: Remove the old switch.

There are two ways to do this. After you pull the switch out of the box, take a look at how much wire you have to work with. If the lengths are around 5-8 inches, you can get away with clipping them about half an inch from the screws they are attached to. Then strip the first ¾ inch of plastic cover, exposing the bare wire. Then curl the ends with the pliers in a clockwise direction.

But if they are shorter like 1-3 inches you may want to go with the second option. First take pictures of how the wires are connected to the switch to use for later reference. Then unscrew the screws on the side of the switch that are holding the wires it is connected to. You will also want to straighten out the ends of the wires to get them ready for the next step.

The benefits of the first option is you will be able to check your work by seeing how the old switch was connected compared to how you connect the new one. You also will have straight ends to work with.

Step 3: Connect the new switch.

If you are installing a single pole switch, connecting the wires is pretty straight forward. Connect like colors to like colors.

Hold the ends of the two wires you want to connect, pointed in the same direction. Twist the ends clockwise three or four times. Then put the wire nut on the wires and twist in the same direction until it feels tight.

I like taking the extra step of applying a piece of electric tape on the two wires for a bit of extra security. By wrapping the tape on both wires as well as around the wire nut, you are keeping them locked in place so they don’t come loose when you are pushing the wires back in the box.

Step 4: Install the switch in the electrical box.

Use the machine screws that come with the switch to attach it to the electrical box. Take care in putting all the wires back in the box while you are screwing it in. You don’t want any of the wires poking out, and it can be a tight fit.

Make sure the screws are not going in at an angle. You want them to be lined up correctly so nothing gets stripped. This can be a much bigger problem that can be avoided.

Step 5: Turn the power back on.

Now is the moment of truth. Flip the same switch you turned off earlier. This will send power back to the light you were working on.

After you turn on the power you will be able to check your work. The first sign of something being wrong is the breaker will turn off automatically after you flip it on. If this is the case you need to keep it off and evaluate your connections to the switch.

If you followed the steps that were listed above, and connected the wires to the same locations on the new switch as the previous one, everything should be fine. The light switch will be working as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to install a dimmer switch yourself? The answer to this question depends on your comfort level. If you have little to no experience working with electrical in the home, it is better you leave it to a professional.

If you take the right precautions, and have the correct tools, it’s safe installing a dimmer switch yourself. Just make sure you don’t cut any corners, and consult a professional if you have any questions.

Can you add a dimmer to any light fixture?A dimmer switch can be added to any light fixture that has an existing light switch attached to it. Think of it as a dimmer switch being the same as a light switch, but with the added option of dimming the light once it’s on.

Can a dimmer switch be used on a ceiling fan? It is not recommended to add a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan. If you are looking to control the speed of the ceiling fan it is best to get a fan with speed control built into it. There are many options for fans with this feature. My favorites are the ones that come with a remote control.

Installing a single pole dimmer switch is easy when you have all the right tools and knowledge to work with. I hope this article helped you out with this project.

If you have any questions or comments please drop them below. Thank you for visiting the Castle Remodel blog. This is where you want to go to help turn your home into your personal sanctuary.

Happy Remodeling,

Kevin

The post How to install a dimmer switch in 5 simple steps appeared first on Castle Remodel.

How to remodel a bathroom

Kevin — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 23:02:33 +0000

Knowing how to remodel a bathroom correctly will improve your home’s appeal, saving you a lot of money in the process. You will be able to transform one of the most used rooms in your home into your own private sanctuary. Knowing what order to do the work in is the first step to a successful bathroom remodel. Keep reading for the complete process on how to remodel a bathroom, and answers to the most important questions.

Each bathroom remodel has challenges you will need to consider. The scope of the work can vary in several different ways. The size of the budget will dictate much about the project. One example is to encourage homeowners to put some “sweat equity” into the project.

This article will highlight the key stages to a complete bathroom remodel. Several stages in a bathroom remodel doesn’t require you to be an expert to do it yourself. There are other steps you will want to remove from the project schedule altogether, saving time and money.

If you plan on doing any of the work yourself, take into consideration what level of skill you have working with tools. When working with power tools it’s important to not do anything that makes you uncomfortable. That being said, the only way for you to build experience is to try. We all start at the same level of expertise.

If there is a stage in this project that is required, but you don’t feel comfortable tackling it yourself, look into hiring a professional. Just keep in mind this will deduct from the overall budget, and should be allocated accordingly.

Read this entire article before getting started. It is designed to answer questions you may not know you have yet, but should consider. I will be discussing what goes into each stage in a bathroom remodel. After that there is a list of frequently asked questions to look at.

Get your free copy of The Bathroom Remodel Cheat Packet to keep your project on track!

Stages Of A Bathroom Remodel

The thought of a bathroom remodel can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. That’s why it’s best to break it up into sections. The order these sections are in is how they should be tackled. But your project might not require some of them, and others might have a bit of overlap.

Planning The Project (1-2 Days)

This is the most important stage because it helps determine how to tackle the other stages of the project. Starting with a proper “game-plan” is the best way to make sure you stay on budget and the schedule is met, all while accomplishing everything you want to.

Determine what size your budget is for the project. Also decide how you will allocate those funds, making them accessible when they are needed. Be specific with where these funds are going. This means you will be doing research on how much things cost in each stage. You may need to be creative with some of your purchases.

You will want to set a schedule to work with. To do this, first have an idea of the amount of work to be done. Be as thorough as possible, and know this stage may need to be altered as the remodel progresses because of unknown circumstances.

Demolition (1-2 Days)

For some people this is their favorite part of the project. It’s a chance to take out some of that penned up aggression you may be harboring, lol.

You may need to do what’s called a “soft demo” based on the scope of the work being done. Limit the amount of demolition work to the specific areas being remodeled. Think about what you want to focus on, and target that.

For example, if you are changing your vanity then the whole thing can be removed. But if you want to reface it to save some money, keep it installed and remove only the specific parts that are necessary.

Some bathrooms need the electrical and/or some plumbing moved. This will require you to take off some drywall. This type of demo work is a good way for you to save on your budget by doing it yourself. Wear only clothes that you don’t mind getting ruined. And use the proper personal protective equipment for the job. Safety goggles and gloves are a good start.

Walls (2-4 Days)

There might be a chance you will be working with the walls in the bathroom. This can mean a variety of things, anywhere from opening them up for access like mentioned above, to physically changing the layout of the room.

For the latter option you will need a great deal of knowledge in building code, and power tool use. Do not attempt this if you don’t have the necessary experience.

If walls are being moved, be sure to determine ahead of time if they are load bearing. If you don’t know how to do this consult a contractor and a residential building inspector.

Redoing the layout in a bathroom by moving walls and/or plumbing are the two most expensive aspects of a bathroom remodel.

Move the Plumbing (2-5 Days)

There can be several reasons why you would want to move the plumbing. It might be because you want to change the placement of the sink, toilet, or bathtub/shower. There is a specialized level of skill required to work with plumbing.

There is a chance you will need to get an inspector to check the work, depending on your local code requirements and the level of work you will be doing. If you don’t know much about these requirements then I recommend talking to a professional plumber.

This type of work should not be attempted by a novice without proper supervision. It may also add to your budget and schedule if you will be including a professional in your project.

Rework the Electrical (2-5 Days)

Electrical work is included in two phases of a bathroom remodel. In this phase you will be moving wiring for lighting or electrical outlets. The walls need to be opened for the wiring to be accessible.

If new breakers and outlets are being added an electrician should be consulted. There may need to be an inspection done in this case as well.

Working with electricity can be very dangerous if done wrong. There are numerous ways to cause a problem that can become catastrophic. Do not attempt unless you have the proper amount of experience with electrical work.

If you are a beginner or don’t feel comfortable working with electricity, don’t be afraid to hire an electrician. If you hire someone to move the wiring and install electrical boxes, you probably want them to install the outlets at this time as well.

More Wall Work (1-2 Days)

This is the point where you have all the electrical wiring and plumbing moved to where you want it to be. Now it’s time to cover the walls with sheetrock. There are a few things to consider.

One is do you want to insulate the wall? This would be if there is a bedroom on the other side of the wall and the residents don’t want to hear anyone when they are in the bathroom. There are several sound proofing options to research.

Another important thing to know about is if you are sealing a wall that is where a tub or shower will be, you want to use a special type of sheetrock called “cement board drywall”. This is going to prevent any moisture from getting past it and rotting the studs in the wall.

Install the Vanity (1-2 Days)

Installing a vanity is not hard. The main piece of advice I can give is to secure it well to at least two studs. This will ensure it won’t wobble when bumped. The next bit of advice is to make sure it’s level in each direction. This will keep things from rolling off the top after your bathroom is finished.

The scope of this article does not cover all that goes into installing a vanity. This task can be tackled by a novice, as long as you have all the right tools. Make sure you learn how to install it before you begin.

Bathtub/Shower/Tile (3-7 Days)

Now is the time to install the bathtub or shower. If you are moving a heavy bathtub into place, make sure to have help so you don’t hurt yourself. Take your time with this phase, because you only get one attempt at it.

This is a phase that can be attempted by a novice if you feel comfortable working with tools and equipment. If you are new to doing this, take some time beforehand to learn the proper method of installing the tub or shower.

If you are planning on tiling the walls, there’s a higher skill level requirement. Specialty tools should only be used if you feel confident. There are locations that rent equipment like tile saws for you to use.

More Electrical (1-2 Days)

This phase of electrical work is where you are installing the outlets. If you had an electrician that moved the wiring, you could use him or her to install the outlets at that point as well. The other thing that’s done at this phase is installing light fixtures.

Fixtures (1-2 Days)

Installing the fixtures means both light fixtures and plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixtures are things like the faucet and shower head you will be using. The faucet is done after the sink and countertop is installed. Shower head is after the shower walls are in.

Decor (1-2 Days)

This may be the most fun part of the project. You get to choose how you want to decorate the bathroom. This project was supposed to give you a more comfortable space to enjoy. That means you can choose what you want to decorate it with along the way. But it may be the final touches that are the most important.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?

The scope of work done in a bathroom remodel will dictate how expensive the project will be. On average you will be looking in the $10,000 range. Remodels that have less work, or more sweat equity put in can be closer to $3,000. Some remodels can push the $25,000 limit.

On average you want to consider spending a total of 5 to 10 percent of the value of your home on bathroom remodels. More than this will not balance out the amount of value you will be getting in the end.

Can I redo the bathroom myself?

A diy bathroom remodel can be an accomplishment that gives a great sense of appreciation for your home. The amount of work you can do depends on both your skill level, and the scope of work being done. Don’t attempt anything that can be potentially destructive to your home, like plumbing and electrical work, if you don’t feel confident in your abilities.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation?

The most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is if you are wanting to reconfigure the layout. Moving plumbing requires opening up walls and possibly removing the subfloor. If you are looking to add electrical to the bathroom you will probably be adding new breakers, and running wire through your house to get to the bathroom. Moving walls can be a larger project than you anticipate. All of these are areas that most likely will require a home inspector to be involved.

What is the best type of flooring for a bathroom?

With the amount of water that spills on bathroom floors, the flooring needs to be waterproof. Some of the top options are:

Ceramic tiles
Porcelain tiles
Vinyl planks
Linoleum
Sheet vinyl

What do I need to think about when remodeling a bathroom?

The most important thing to think about when remodeling a bathroom is the budget. This will dictate the scope of work that can be done in the project. It can also determine the schedule as a higher budget allows for professional help to be involved.

Can you renovate a bathroom in stages?

There is a list of stages to follow when renovating a bathroom in the above article. These stages will have overlap, and not have definitive boundaries.

What order should I remodel a bathroom in?

The best order to remodel a bathroom in is:

Planning
Walls
Plumbing
Electrical
Vanity
Bathtub/shower/tile
Fixtures

I have a detailed overview of each of these sections in the article above. Refer to these sections for a better understanding or if you have any questions.

When remodeling a bathroom what should you do first?

The first thing to do in a bathroom remodel is to plan out the entire project. This will give you a better idea of everything that needs to be done. This will help you break it into smaller portions that are easier to accomplish. You will also have a better idea of what parts of your budget should be allocated for.

Conclusion

A bathroom remodel can turn a commonly used part of your home into a mini sanctuary. It also is able to boost the resale value of your home, adding value to it’s investment. When done right a bathroom renovation can be very rewarding, and should be enjoyed every step of the way.

Thank you for reading this article. If you have any questions on what was said, please leave a comment below.

Happy Remodeling,

Kevin

The post How to remodel a bathroom appeared first on Castle Remodel.

Best Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Kevin — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 04:20:50 +0000

Shopping for the best smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector can be overwhelming at first. Once you narrow them down it’s much easier to pick the right one for your situation. In this article I will talk to you about picking the best model to protect your loved ones. Let’s dive deeper into what’s important when finding the best smoke detector for your household.

A smoke detector is something we install in rooms of our house to warn us when there is a fire. It gives us plenty of time to escape or extinguish the flames. To learn more about what rooms should have smoke detectors, visit my article on proper Placement Of Smoke Detectors.

Beyond the most basic function of alerting us when there’s a fire, there are several other key features to consider. Let’s start by talking about the types of detectors, and what features may be offered.

I will start off by showing you four of my top pick smoke detectors. Hopefully one of these is what you are looking for. It’s okay if they are not what you need. This article will guide you through every consideration when looking for the best smoke detector for your situation.

Best Overall

Kidde Smoke & CO Detector

A smoke and carbon monoxide combination alarm just makes more sense. This battery powered model keeps you safe, even when the power is out.

 4.5/5

(Read Review)

Best Smart Alarm

Google Nest Protect

The best “smart” smoke detector available. The Google Nest Protect will protect your home, and then some!

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Best Combo Unit

Kidde Smoke & CO Detector

A smoke and carbon monoxide combination alarm just makes more sense. This battery powered model keeps you safe, even when the power is out.

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Best Hard Wired Unit

First Alert Smoke Alarm

This option is the best for homes with a hard wired connectivity. Includes a voice alarm along with sound, alerting you to what room the danger is in

 4.6/5

(Read Review)

Types of Smoke Detectors

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
Ionization Smoke Detectors
Dual Sensor Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors Buying Guide

Smoke Detector Function
Smoke Detector Battery Life
Safety
Popular Brands
Interconnectivity
Hard Wired vs Battery Operated
Smart Features
Monitoring
Carbon Monoxide

Best Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Best Smoke Detector For The Money
Best Battery Powered Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo
Best Hard Wired Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Combo
Best Smart Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Best Smoke Detector For Kitchen
Best Smoke Detector For Mobile Homes
Best Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors
Best Ionization Smoke Detector
Best Photoelectric Smoke Detector
Best Dual Sensor Smoke Detector
Best Smoke Alarm For Hearing Impaired
Best Carbon Monoxide Detector
Google Nest Smoke Detector
X Sense Smoke Detector

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Types of Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are available with two sensor types. These are each efficient at alerting you of a particular type of smoke more quickly. This does not mean that one sensor type will not work on the other type of smoke. There are different types of smoke that each sensor is quicker at finding.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors

The photoelectric sensor is efficient at alerting you to smoke with larger particles. This is present in smoldering fires that do not have much of a visible flame. These fires are capable of burning for days before becoming a bigger issue. Think of a campfire at the end of the night when all that’s left are smoldering coals.

This sensor works by a led light that shoots across a chamber. There is a sensor that is perpendicular to the beam, and won’t trigger the alarm unless the light hits it. This happens when the light reflects off a smoke particle and bounces towards the sensor.

The sensor may be susceptible to dust accumulating on it over time. A monthly maintenance of blowing compressed air on the alarm will help make sure the alarm is in optimal working order. Another option is to go with a smoke alarm with an ionization sensor if your location allows them.

Ionization Smoke Detectors

The ionization sensor is good at detecting smoke with fine particles. This type of smoke is common in fires with fast burning flames.

The ionization sensor works by utilizing a chamber that houses ions being held in place with an electric charge. The sensor knows exactly how many ions there are, and therefore knows when they are disturbed. When smoke enters the chamber, the ions bond with the smoke, pulling them away and causing the alarm to trip.

Dual Sensor Smoke Detectors

The dual sensor smoke alarm has the best of both sensor worlds. You no longer need to buy two smoke detectors to have both sensor options in your home. You get all the benefits of each sensor type, and are covered for fire burning in more types of materials.

Smoke Detectors Buying Guide

Smoke Detector Function: What is The Function of a Smoke Detector?

The most basic function of a fire alarm is to warn you when a fire is in your home. There are some other features available to consider as well. The next most important feature is including a built in carbon monoxide alarm. This alerts you when there is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, without requiring a separate device.

The interconnected feature will alert you of a fire in a separate room of your home, even when you are not in that room. There are wireless models that will connect to each other, making it possible to have this feature without requiring a hardwired line in your home. This is especially nice for larger homes.

I like the options that have built in app control. This means your alarm can connect to an app on your smartphone, sending you an alert when it is triggered. It also allows you to turn off the alarm from your phone.

Smoke Detector Battery Life: How Long Should A Smoke Detector’s Battery Last?

A battery powered smoke detector may offer a time range for their battery life. Some of the options listed above have built-in lithium batteries that don’t get changed for the entirety of its use. Ones with 9 volt batteries should be changed every 6 months.

There are some models that make it easy to change the batteries. They have a built-in hatch in the front, allowing easy access to the battery without taking the entire unit down.

Safety: What is The Safest Smoke Detector?

When looking for the safest smoke detector, you want to find one that offers both a photoelectric, and ionization sensor. This will alert you for either fire type more quickly. Some smoke detectors offer a monitoring service which will alert the fire department when there is a fire. This drastically speeds up the response time, giving a better chance to save your home.

Popular Brands: Including Kiddie, First Alert, Google Nest Protect

There are several reliable brands of smoke detectors worth mentioning. The ones I am about to talk about have all been listed in this article already. Two that have been around for a very long time are Kidde and First Alert. Both of these have different options with numerous built-in features.

Other brands worth mentioning are Google Nest Protect, and X Sense. These have some really cool features that make them worth looking at if you want a more modern smoke detector.

Interconnectivity

Some smoke detectors are capable of being interconnected. This means they can be linked together, allowing them to communicate with one another. These smoke detectors can be programmed in different zones of the home. This makes it easy for you to find the fire if you are not in the same area as the smoke.

There are two main ways to use this feature. One option is to use an interconnected smoke detector. You can do this if you live in a home that is prewired for them. Depending on what state you live in any home built after around 1992 will have the wiring for this option built in.

This is the “hard wired” option when looking at purchasing smoke detectors. Not every home has this feature, but that’s okay because there is another option to get your smoke detectors to talk to one another.

The other way is for you to purchase several of the same smoke detectors with wireless interconnectivity built in. This means they will be talking to each other wirelessly, alerting you of a fire in one area of the home when you are in another, and not near the smoke.

I will be discussing the best options for smoke detectors with these features down below. Keep reading to learn more about the interconnectivity feature as well as other features for smoke detectors.

Hard Wired vs Battery Operated

Hard wired smoke detectors are physically connected with a wire. This is the interconnected feature discussed above. There are pros and cons to this feature. The most important pro is they will alert you when you are in a different room nowhere near the smoke. With some models you can set different zones, allowing the alarm to alert you to which zone the smoke is in. This is nice for larger homes.

These are also powered directly by an ac power source. This means you don’t need to change the batteries as frequently. The hard wired alarm models available today also include a battery backup, ensuring they will continue running even in the event of a power outage.

Battery operated smoke detectors run off a battery inside the unit. The main downside to a battery operated smoke detector may be changing the batteries. There are models that you won’t be able to change the batteries. These are lithium ion batteries that last 10 years which is the lifespan of the smoke alarm.

Smart Features

There is an array of smart features available in modern smoke detectors. This can range from shining a night light onto the floor when you are walking down the hall in the dark, to being able to point out what part of the room the smoke is coming from. Some smoke detectors will alert your phone that there is smoke at your home, even if you’re not there.

One of the most important smart features is Monitoring. This will notify the fire department if there is smoke at your house. I particularly like it when the alarm turns off the airflow in your home, reducing the amount of fresh oxygen feeding the fire.

Monitoring

The monitoring feature with some smoke detectors is potentially life saving. This is when a smoke detector is tripped, it sends a signal to an emergency response team like the fire department, speeding up the time for them to arrive on the scene. In a crisis like this every second is precious. This gives the ability to potentially save more lives and have less destruction of property. Additional fees may apply for this feature.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is extremely dangerous when allowed to build up in an enclosed space. This is why there are many smoke detectors on the market that also include a sensor for carbon monoxide. This is not always necessary, but it is nice to have something that houses both sensors in one place.

There can be a host of reasons CO can build up in a home. A couple options would be poorly ventilated gas appliances, or wood burning devices like fireplaces.

Thankfully there are several types of carbon monoxide alarms on the market, making it easy and affordable for you to protect your family in an event like this.

For a more in-depth discussion on where to put these devices in your home, visit my article on Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Placement.

Best Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There are a lot of different options to choose from these days. That’s why I put together this list of the best smoke detectors for you to look through. Hopefully you will find the right ones to suit your needs.

There are some basic criteria for me to consider adding a model to the list. For instance, I am looking at the lifespan of the unit, what fire detection niche it might fit, and what other features it might have. Below is a list of categories when looking for a new smoke detector.

Best Smoke Detector For The Money

The photoelectric option gives you extra time to clear the smoke out of the kitchen before the alarm goes off. That’s why I like this First Alert low profile alarm. Its slim design keeps it discrete in one of the most trafficked rooms of your house.

Best Smoke Detector For Mobile Homes

x-sense mini smoke detector

Pros

Cons

Mobile homes can be a tight space to design in, making it ideal to have smaller items that will maximize your space. Thankfully the X-Sense Mini Smoke Detector allows just that. It has all the needed features for a smoke detector, all wrapped up in a small package. Good things come in small packages!

This photoelectric smoke alarm includes a test button and a silence button. It boasts an 85 decibel alarm which is more than enough to alert even the hardest sleepers.

Best Wireless Interconnected Smoke Detectors

It includes a “split-spectrum sensor” that is able to sense both a smoldering fire and an active flame. Once there is a fire in the area it will tell you the direction it is in.

It has a built-in carbon monoxide sensor as well. My favorite feature is when you walk under it in the dark it shines a white glow on the ground, helping you see your path. This light will change to different colors based on different warnings it is displaying.

When it’s triggered it will send you a notification to your smartphone, even if you are not at home. It will also give you a calm notification before sounding the alarm in case it’s a false alarm like burnt toast. You can also turn the alarm off from the app on your phone.

X Sense Smoke Detector

x-sense wireless interconnected

Pros

Cons

X Sense is a brand that makes several very nice smoke detectors. They have more modern features that are worth a mention. They offer models with built in LCD screens to show you the carbon monoxide particulate levels in the air in real time. You can also see the battery level on the screen. There is a wirelessly connected version that will link to other units up to 850 feet away.

The company makes a series of different types of alarms that can all interconnect to one another. They will alert you when one alarm is triggered. You can press the silence/test button on one of the units to silence all the alarms except for the triggered one, or use the remote control to turn them off. The second time you push the button will turn all the alarms off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my smoke detector going off when there is no smoke?

One possible reason why your smoke detector is going off when there is no smoke in the air is because its batteries are low. The sensitivity of the sensor increases when the battery power gets low. This will likely cause false alarms.

Another reason that causes false alarms is too much pollution in the air. Unfortunately air quality can be pretty bad in some areas. The best solution for this is to close the windows and turn on your air purifier.

Are there different types of smoke detectors?

There are two different types of sensors used in a smoke detector. The first one is called ionization which is better at noticing fine particle smoke from active flames. The second is a photoelectric sensor which will alert you to larger particle smoke produced from a smoldering flame more quickly. There are also dual sensor units that have both types of sensors built in.

How many smoke detectors should I have in my house?

The number of smoke detectors in your house is determined by the size of the house. A good guideline is there should be one in each sleeping room, one in the main living area, and one on each level of the house including the basement. Some states also require additional carbon monoxide detectors. To learn more about this question check out my article on Placement Of Smoke Detectors.

What smoke detector do firemen recommend?

Each of the two sensor types have different strengths. That’s why the USFA recommends using a fire alarm with both ionization and photoelectric sensors. This will ensure you have both sensor options working for you to help warn of fire dangers.

What is the most reliable type of smoke detector?

The dual sensor alarm is the most reliable type of smoke detector. Both sensor types are quicker than the other at alerting specific types of smoke. You will have an ionization alarm that picks up fast burning flame fires, as well as a photoelectric sensor for any slow burning smoldering fires.

What is better, Kidde or First Alert?

First Alert is oftentimes considered a better option because it offers both an audio alarm as well as a talking voice. It’s nice having a verbal warning of smoke in a smoke alarm. The model listed here allows you to connect to a ring alarm base station, as well as other smart home systems.

What is the best 10 year smoke detector?

First Alert makes an excellent 10 year smoke detector. What a 10 year smoke detector is, is one with a lithium ion battery sealed in it. The battery does not need to be changed until the lifespan of the smoke detector has been met, which is 10 years.

Conclusion

With all the smoke detector options on the market today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the task of picking one. This article was designed to walk you through some of the most important features, and reasons for owning a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

Make sure you check your regulations because each state, and possibly county can have separate laws regarding what type of smoke detector you should use. I go more in depth on this in my article on smoke detector placement.

I hope this article helped you find the perfect smoke detector for your situation. If you have any questions about this topic, or others like it, please leave a comment down below. And thank you for checking out the Castle Remodel blog.

Happy Home Owning,

Kevin

The post Best Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector appeared first on Castle Remodel.

best tool kits for homeowners

Kevin — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:01:06 +0000

It’s important to have the best tool kit for a homeowner to repair things when needed. It isn’t a matter of if something goes wrong with the house, but when. Thankfully there are a lot of great tool kits to pick from. So read on, where I am going to show you what I think is the best tool kits for a homeowner to have.

You are going to notice there are a lot of options when it comes to picking out a tool kit that meets your needs. Many of the kits on this list are put together in their own case. This feature is nice because it keeps everything in one place. But I personally like to put my own kit together, and keep it in a small tool box so I have exactly what I need.

Read to the end of this article if you want to know exactly what tools are important to have in a tool kit, and how you can mix and match to get the perfect tool kit for your home.

#1 Best Tool Kit For Homeowners

The best tool kit is a 65 piece set from Stanley. This brand has been around a very long time, and is trusted by tradesmen and homeowners alike. This set includes a hammer, a level, and a tape measure. You will also get an assortment of allan keys and drill bits.

This set is great for basic home repairs, as well as other tasks around the house. The level is useful in many situations. I use levels this size to make sure my pictures are straight on the wall.

The allen key set is probably one of the most useful tools a homeowner can have. The number of tasks you can do with them is huge.

Best Home Tool Kit With Drill

The best home tool kit with a drill has 232 pieces and is made by FASTPRO. It comes with a 20 volt cordless drill, and a bag to store everything in one place when not in use. It has a nice assortment of hand tools, including a hammer, various screwdrivers, and a wrench for every need.

An electric drill is an important tool for homeowners to have. There are so many uses they have. It’s really nice that this tool kit comes with a drill.

Best Tool Kit 2023

Amazon Basics has come out with a 173 piece tool kit that’s worth mentioning. It includes, but is not limited to: 8 combination wrenches, 3/8-inch ratchet wrench, 22 hex keys, 6-inch slip-joint pliers, and 6-inch long nose pliers.

This is a great assortment of tools that can take care of a large variety of repairs around the house. I have one of these mini hacksaws that come with this kit. This is a great tool if you need to install a new p-trap under your sink. Typically they make the extension tubes too long, so the hacksaw is perfect to cut it to length.

Household Tool Kits

There are going to be a wide range of projects, and upgrades you will be making as a homeowner. That’s exactly is why the DEKO 196 Piece Tool Set is a great set to have on hand.

Some of the things you can do with this set is hang pictures in the perfect spot on your walls. The included tape measure and mollies are perfect for this. You might also be putting together furniture you purchased from a box store that requires some tools. The allen wrenches and assorted socket set are what you have in this tool set.

Best Tool Set Brand

If you are looking for hand tools that are going to last a long time, Stanley makes a great set for you to have. It can be found by clicking This Link. This set has a nice variety to tackle pretty much any task you need.

If you are considering getting a power tool set, DeWalt makes an awesome 10 piece cordless tool set. Click Here to view this set. You are going to find out that this variety is perfect for so many household tasks that will come up. It even includes a handheld vacuum to make cleanup simple.

Dewalt Home Tool Set

Even though DeWalt makes hand tools, they are best known for their power tools. The DeWalt Power Tool Combo Kit is perfect for any homeowner who is in the market for power tools. You will get 10 cordless power tools including: a circular saw, oscillating multi tool, a drill and impact driver, and a vacuum.

The best part about this set is since they are all DeWalt 20V cordless tools, the batteries are interchangeable. This is a very nice feature because you don’t need to think about which brand battery goes with what tool you are using.

Plus the DeWalt brand makes a very strong tool that is going to last a long time. You don’t need to worry about these tools breaking after a couple years of use.

Best Mechanic Tool Set

The DEWALT Mechanic Tools Kit is a great set to have. DeWalt is an extremely well known name for tools. This set includes a socket set, including a spark plug socket. An assortment of box wrenches, and plenty of allen keys. You also get an assortment of drill bits. It all fits in the included carrying case.

This set is a great deal if you are looking for a socket set. Not only do you get a wide variety of sockets, but you also get a lot of other tools too.

What tools should I keep at home?

Best Hand Tools For Homeowners:

Tool Box – It’s important to be able to store the tools where you know where they are when you need them. You have many options when it comes to picking out the right tool box, but you want to keep a few things in mind.

it’s important that it is durable enough to hold the weight of all the tools you have in it. Also you don’t want to use something that won’t hold tools of various shapes and sizes. Some containers have small storage slots (like fishing tackle boxes) that won’t hold a good variety of tools in the shelves.

Tape Measure – A good size to have is a 16 ft tape measure. This will be large enough to do basic things like measuring most walls for furniture or art placement. If 16 ft isn’t long enough you can place an item like a pencil at a mark like the 10 ft point, and start at the pencil. Then add the two numbers together to get a length that’s longer than 16 ft.

I use this Stanley 16 ft tape measure myself, and absolutely love it. It’s a great size for anything I am working on, and it has a locking lever that will hold the tape at the position hands free, until you squeeze the lever to reel the tape back in.

Screwdrivers – It’s important to have a set of screwdrivers to cover each purpose. This means you want to have at minimum a large and small phillips head, and a large and small flat head. The nice thing is nowadays there are excellent options out there that come with an assortment of bits, like This One. It also has a ratcheting feature that makes it easy to use, especially in tight places.

Hammer – The average homeowner doesn’t need a really heavy carpenter hammer. I recommend getting a 16 oz hammer with a fiberglass handle. This will be plenty of weight for virtually any project you have. And the fiberglass handle is designed to be shock resistant to reduce injury to your forearm through repetitive use.

Utility Knife – This is one of the most useful, but underrated tools in your tool box. A utility knife has a huge variety of uses. These can be anything from opening boxes to cutting drywall. DeWalt makes this Utility Knife that will last a long time, and makes changing the blades easy.

Wire Cutters – The Wire Cutter is an important tool to have around. I use mine most often when I am doing electrical work like changing outlets or light fixtures. But this is not all they are capable of.

Stud Finder – Zircon is the brand of my favorite Stud Finder. This is an ideal addition for your toolbox. The stud finder is a quick and easy way to find studs that doesn’t damage the wall, unlike other methods. They are perfect for projects like mounting a television to the wall, or hanging art.

Combnation Square – The combination square is a handy tool for homeowners to have. It’s perfect when you need to mark 45 or 90 degree angles quickly and accurately.

Swanson Tool Company offers this set of a combination square, carpenter’s speed square, and a blue book with the angles.

Typical uses are with marking lumber to cut to length, but can also be used when you need a straight mark on the wall or other surface in the house.

Channel Lock Pliers – Channel locks are good because they are adjustable, allowing you to use them in many different applications. They are especially useful if you have a nut that needs to be removed, but is tight.

Needle Nose Pliers – Needle nose pliers are very useful tools to have around the house. If you need to get something out that fell in a tight spot, this is the tool of choice. Or if there is a small nut that needs to be removed from its bolt, use the needle nose pliers.

This set comes with two pieces. One is a straight nose, and the other has a curve on it. This can be handy for many purposes.

Allen Keys – A set of allen keys comes in handy more often than you may realize. There can be a lot of uses around the house for them. A set like This One is nice because it keeps them all together, preventing any of them from getting lost.

Best Power Tools For Homeowners:

There are a certain few power tools that are commonly used by homeowners. And although this article is mostly geared towards the best hand tools for homeowners to have, I am going to briefly touch on what I think are the ideal choices in power tools.

Power tools will be more pricey than a hand tool option, which is definitely a deciding factor to have in mind. They also will typically have a hand tool option you can use instead. But some of the benefits you get when using power tools are speeding up the task, as well as making the job easier on yourself, to name a couple.

Electric Drill – The electric drill is by far the most commonly used power tool in the home. There are a variety of uses for them, making them the perfect option for many purposes. I recommend a battery powered drill as opposed to a corded one because of the versatility it offers.

Oscillating Multi Tool – An oscillating multi tool has a tremendous number of uses, which is why it’s a great option to consider. These tools have an oscillating head that has a lot of attachment options for it. Some of the uses can range from making straight cuts in tight locations, to using it to remove grout in a tile shower. Truthfully with an oscillating multi tool you are only limited by your imagination on the uses it has.

Orbital Sander – The orbital sander is a great tool to have in your quiver. The velcro pad makes it quick and easy to change out the sand paper you are using. They also make quick work of a job like sanding which would normally take seemingly forever when done by hand. I like to use mine to refinish furniture like my dining room table.

Sawzall – This power tool is lower on the list because it may not be a good option for every homeowner. This is used mostly for home remodel-like jobs. I use mine for things like taking down studs in walls, and removing doors that are being replaced.

Work Light – It’s good to have a worklight on hand because you don’t always know when you might need one. They are especially handy for working on the plumbing under the sink, or changing out the light fixture in a room. Nowadays they make really nice small LED work lights, which are perfect for using in tight spaces. But you don’t always need to invest in a worklight. Instead you can use a free-standing lamp in some applications.

Extension Cord – It’s always good to have an extension cord on hand. You are typically going to have a use for one at some point in time. Not all the power tools above use an extension cord, but I still recommend getting one for when you need it. A 25 ft cord is a good length to have.

What is the most useful tool for a homeowner to have?

Although the most commonly used hand tool is a tape measure, the most useful tool is a hammer. It has a variety of uses, including hanging pictures and assembling furniture. A claw hammer is great for more aggressive things like hammering nails and prying things apart. A mallet is the right tool for things like building furniture that you don’t want to damage.

The most useful power tool is an electric drill with an assortment of bits. You will have a wide variety of uses ranging from mounting a TV to a wall, or even drilling a circular hole in glass. There is a wide variety of drill bits on the market that make it the most useful power tool to have at home.

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What happens if a circuit breaker won’t reset?

Is it safe to reset a tripped circuit breaker?

Is flipping breakers dangerous?

Do you have to reset the breaker after a power outage?

How To Install A Toilet By Your Self

Required Tools List (Click For More Info)

How To Install A Toilet Step-By-Step

Shut Off The Water Supply To The Toilet

Remove Old Toilet

Remove the Old Wax Ring

Install the New Wax Ring

Assemble the Toilet

Install the Toilet

Secure the Toilet

Attach the Water Supply Line

Test for Leaks

How To Install the Toilet Seat

Place the Toilet Tank Lid

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a toilet myself?

Is it difficult to install a toilet?

What is the labor cost to install a toilet?

Conclusion

The 8 Best Leaf Blowers in 2024

Contents

Top Pick Best Cordless Leaf Blower

Key Features

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AP1500 Shoulder Strap

Best Environmentally Friendly Cordless Leaf Blower

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Best Cordless Leaf Blower For The Money

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Conclusion

Free Home Maintenance Checklist For All Seasons

What Is Regular Maintenance On A Home?

Why Do I Need A Home Maintenance Routine?

Can I Do The Home Maintenance Work Myself?

My Home Maintenance Checklist

The FREE checklist lets you...

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring Home Maintenance

Yard Maintenance

Inspect Roof and Gutters

Top Choices For Gutter Protection:

Spring Cleaning

Summer Home Maintenance

Fall Home Maintenance

Winter Home Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important item for home maintenance?

What is a maintenance plan for a house?

Conclusion

Best Air Purifier With Washable Filter

Best Air Purifier With Washable Filter

Air Purifier Stages of Filtration

What to Avoid When Buying an Air Purifier

Inadequate Filtration

Undefined Performance Claims

Lack of Noise Information

Inadequate Maintenance Information

Limited Fan Speed