Seattle renters, like many across the nation, often face extra monthly fees on top of their advertised rent. City leaders are now moving to ban several of those charges, colloquially nicknamed “junk fees,” including monthly pet rent and package fees. On Aug. 11, the Seattle City Council voted 8-0 to approve legislation aimed at reducing …
Home Living
Imagine your home getting caught in a tornado. Between the terror and the damage caused by the storm system, you’d think you’d already been put through the wringer and spit back out the other side. But for one St. Louis, Missouri, homeowner, what came after the tornado may have been more stressful. Linda Smotherman told …
Those perfectly round holes in your deck aren’t a minor nuisance. They are an open invitation to next spring’s carpenter bee infestation, to moisture and rot, and to a woodpecker problem you didn’t know was coming. Carpenter bees bore into unpainted, exposed wood every spring to create nesting tunnels where they lay their eggs. The …
A household went an entire month without hot water, then replaced its water heater in the hopes of fixing the problem. There was just one very big issue: the brand-new heater did not seem to heat the water either. The story originates from Reddit user u/ashu1605, who said that they live with a parent who …
Not every household problem is immediately visible. Some types of damage develop slowly behind walls, beneath flooring, or inside ceilings, making them difficult to detect until repairs become more extensive. Learning to recognize early warning signs helps homeowners address issues before they affect the safety, comfort, or value of the property. Watch for Moisture Warning …
Most people picture a wildfire as a wall of flame rolling down a hillside. That image is wrong, and it may be the reason your home is at risk right now. The truth is, the majority of homes lost to wildfire never make direct contact with the blaze at all. They ignite from embers; tiny, …
A comfortable home means different things as families grow and their needs change. A house that works well for young children may require updates as teenagers become more independent or as older adults prioritize accessibility and energy efficiency. Thoughtful improvements that support comfort, safety, and functionality help a home remain practical for years to come. …
Owning rental property involves much more than collecting monthly rent. Successful landlords build efficient systems that keep properties in good condition, support positive tenant relationships, and reduce avoidable expenses. A consistent operational approach also helps protect the long-term value of the investment while making day-to-day responsibilities more manageable. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance Routine maintenance is one …
If your bathroom is starting to resemble a “before” photo, it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a deep clean. For most people, though, the thought of scrubbing every corner often feels like signing up to endure harsh chemicals. You may even be considering a hazmat suit for this spring’s bathroom deep cleaning. It’s …
Climate change has left many parts of the world dealing with extreme weather. As a result, some areas are getting hit harder by severe storms and natural disasters, which are destroying property and taking lives. Now insurance companies are feeling the pain after having to pay big claims, which can add up to several billion …