You nailed it—my “budget” for the backyard cottage was basically a moving target once I realized how much the little stuff adds up. On utilities, I we...

That’s the line right there. I get wanting to save money and not panic over every little crack, but ignoring stuff just because “old houses do that” c...

High-reflective whites are a game changer, especially if you’re dealing with small rooms or not a ton of natural light. I used Sherwin-Williams “Extra...

I hear you on the old ovens—mine came with the house and it’s not pretty, but it gets the job done. I’ve looked at convection models, but honestly, th...

That’s the truth—old places are full of surprises, and not always the good kind. Tracking down a draft is like playing hide and seek with your own hou...

Yeah, I tried the “door open” trick for a while. Ended up with condensation on the hallway walls and the bedroom started smelling like a YMCA locker r...

I've found inspectors usually appreciate straightforward honesty more than subtle hints or DIY talk. If your kitchen's still a mess, just clearly outl...