Nest was one of the first smart thermostats to hit the market, and the brand continues to be one of the most reliable when it comes to WiFi-connected temperature control. The 3rd Generation Google Nest thermostat learns your habits and schedule (like turning the temperature down before you go to bed) and begins to automatically change its settings to best fit your family’s needs.
You can use either Google Assistant or Alexa for voice control. It also sends an alert if something doesn’t seem right (like a sudden drop in temperature), along with helpful reminders to make maintenance easier.
Pros
Learns your schedule and programs itself
Compatible with 95% of heating and cooling systems
Easy installation
Cons
Small screen might be difficult for some to operate
This is probably the most popular design for best ice scraper out there with over 15,000 five-star Amazon reviews. The question is, why? We figured it was mostly due to its perfect 26-inch length. It’s long enough to use two hands for leverage on tougher ice. It reaches most parts of your car easily enough and it’s a reasonable size for stowing away in the back seat or trunk.
The scraper end is four inches wide with ice scoring teeth on the back side. The brush is stiff enough to move heavier snow and the padded grip makes it easy to grab. If there was a government-issued scraper here in Minnesota, this might be it, and I doubt anyone would complain. I wish I knew these snow removal hacks sooner.
Pros
Brush and scraper combination for ice and snow removal
If you have excessive moisture entering your basement through the walls or floor, it’s likely a groundwater issue.
The first step in remedying this situation should be examining your gutters, downspouts and soil grading. They’re an easy, affordable fix. But if those elements are in good shape, you should look into a drain tile system. This lesser-known feature is a powerful defensive barrier that directs water away from your home and keeps your basement dry.
What Is Drain Tile?
When most people hear the term “drain tile,” they picture the round or square grate found in many basement slabs. It’s a reasonable assumption, but those are actually called floor drains.
A “drain tile” refers to a system of perforated pipes laid along the foundation, inside or outside. Also known as French drains or perimeter drains, these system channels water away from the home. French drains are generally outside.
How Does Drain Tile Work?
The concept is simple: The system captures groundwater before it enters the basement. It passes through a series of filters, then enters the pipe and travels along its length to a sump pit or other discharge point.
Today the pipes are typically made of PVC, but they were originally clay. These segments were called “tiles,” and the name still survives even for modern techniques.
Drain Tile System Elements
These depend on whether it’s an interior or exterior drain and the specific installation, but the core concepts are universal.
Trench
The route the drain system takes along the perimeter of the home, either outside or inside the foundation. The trench should gently slope toward the runoff destination.
Pipe
The pipe sits in the trench. It needs to be robust enough to withstand weight from above, while maintaining enough flex to handle shifting pressure from soil and water. The pipe is perforated and surrounded by layers of gravel or fabric filtering.
Covering
A layer of soil (exterior systems) or concrete (interior systems) covers the pipe and trench.
Pump
Of course, it’s not enough to simply collect groundwater. The system must direct it somewhere.
Exterior drains often “drain to daylight,” meaning they channel water to an appropriate location away from the home, like a street discharge or dry well. Interior systems almost always drain to a sump pit, where a pump draws excess water out of the home.
4 Signs You Need Drain Tile
If you can answer “Yes” to any of these four questions, you should consider a drain tile system repair or installation:
Does your basement have water issues even though your gutters are working?
Do you have wet basement walls?
Is water seeping up from your basement floor?
Do you have plans for a finished basement, or want to store valuable items in your basement?
How Much Does a Drain Tile System Cost?
It depends. Drain tile installation costs are mostly labor-based, with most going toward digging the trench and/or breaking up and removing concrete. Prices will vary greatly depending on the local market.
In general, prices for exterior drain tile retrofits run from $20 to $60 per linear foot, while interiors range from $60 to $100 per linear foot. That includes the price of pipe, gravel and any pit or pump required.
Note that exterior systems will typically measure the full house’s footprint plus the length to the street discharge location. An interior system will only be based on the size of the basement.
Plan your project carefully. Exterior systems often run into problems with landscaping; bushes and patios may need to be removed or altered.
Interior drain tile systems are typically more straightforward. The hardest part is often hauling the concrete and mud out of your home without making a mess. Homes on crawlspaces can pose accessibility issues. Imagine digging a drain trench while laying on your side!
Whether you DIY drain tile or hire a pro, installing a new system provides a dry basement and a sense of security.
The basic premise: As you add the lights to your tree from the bottom up, lay them in a zig zag pattern on top of the branches rather than wrapping them around the tree. Not only will this make for a more spectacular light display, it’s easier to remove the lights when you’re taking down the tree.
Cyber Week is over for most retailers…but not for Wayfair! From December 7-18, Wayfair is offering Twelve Days of Markdowns, featuring a new deal every 24 hours. There are savings available for the taking across categories, including furniture, decor and appliances. As Sales and Deals Editor, this definitely piqued my interest—extended sales are so rare, and trust me when I say I’ll be taking full advantage of the continued markdowns.
I looked through hundreds of items to find the best deals available. The criteria: Low prices, top savings and high-quality picks sure to delight the DIYer, home decorator or anyone else who enjoys a steep bargain. Shop soon—the best deals are already selling out!
Best Home Improvement Deals
Pull Down Kitchen Faucet
A faucet with an extendable reach makes post-cooking cleanup simple. This pull down faucet set comes in nine different colors and finishes of varying markdowns (most around 50% off!). Hardware and simple instructions come along with it, so installation is a breeze.
The Wayfair sale is packed full of home improvement discounts, and one of our favorites is this metal penny mosaic tile—63% off and available in an array of different colors. Each 3/4-inch square sheet is easy to install and suits a range of uses including kitchen backsplashes, shower tiles and fireplace surroundings. Jazz up any room with this shiny accent before it’s gone.
Upgrade bath time with a spacious, freestanding soaking tub that’s easy to install and retains heat for maximum relaxation. The glossy acrylic is reinforced with fiberglass, making it non-porous for easy cleaning. Soak away the work day without breaking the bank—this luxurious tub in classic white is marked down by $520!
Finger-pull doors and a dark walnut finish elevate this multipurpose sideboard, and adjustable shelving allows customization to abound. Use it to organize dinnerware, as an entertainment center or wherever a little extra storage is needed. Score the dark walnut option for 65% off (that’s a markdown of $535!) before the sale ends to enjoy an elegant—and inexpensive—home addition.
Add a touch of whimsy this season with this Santa Believes canvas print, featuring the big guy himself enjoying the magic of a nativity scene within a shimmering snow globe. Susan Comish’s nostalgic print is easy to hang with the included hardware, and the print is made of UV-resistant inks, so it will look just as vibrant for years to come.
Add it to your cart before the sale ends—this pretty holiday scene is 71% off.
Mimicking the style of popular farmhouse sliding doors, this exposed hardware wall mirror effectively adds dimension and vintage flair to any decor. The full-length size makes this mirror—on sale for an incredible $725 off—ideal for bedrooms, living rooms or hallways.
One of the best finds available during the Wayfair sale is this Cricut EasyPress machine, available for $50 off. This DIYer’s tool makes heat transfer for t-shirts or other materials foolproof—the perfect gift for crafty folks! Load in the transfer, set the time and temperature and let the Cricut EasyPress do the rest.
Get rid of winter chill with this Coleman inflatable hot tub, now a hot $810 off! Inflatable hot tubs are perfect for space saving, and Coleman tubs boast hundreds of positive ratings online, so we expect this one to sell out quickly. Simply fill the tub and turn on the heating system. Within minutes, enjoy comforted muscles and deep relaxation.
The soothing power of steam is possible at home with this indoor infrared sauna. Sweat out stress, pop on a playlist using the sauna’s auxiliary connection with speakers and enjoy built-in color therapy lighting. Score this luxury for 39% off during the limited time Wayfair sale.
The best part? Everything on Wayfair ships free, so this sauna arrives on your doorstep without the hassle of hauling it home.
Viper is a leader in dartboards, and this cabinet set doesn’t disappoint. The set includes a bristle dartboard, two dry-erase scoreboards, a score line and six starter darts. Whether a newbie or darts champion, this set is sure to scratch your gaming itch at a discount of $38.
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There’s no place like home, which is probably why you volunteered to host everyone for the big game, your four-year-old’s birthday party or Christmas dinner. But somewhere between finalizing the menu, decorating and keeping said four-year-old occupied, your ran out of time to clean your home. What’s worse, your guests are due in any minute.
Never fear. Here are eight shockingly simple ways to fake a clean home.
Have Five Minutes?
You need a clean house, and you need one fast. Fortunately, you can have a tidy space in minutes.
Straighten up
Readjusting crooked towels and bathmats is probably not the first chore that comes to mind, but it does make a difference. Your counters could be covered in lotions and potions, but simply straightening your linens and accessories will portray you as an organized, detail-oriented host.
Pile Away
You’ve got mail — a lot of it. Bills, mailers, maybe a note from Aunt Bea — you name it, it’s probably sitting on your counter.
You have no time to sift through dozens of envelopes, but what you can do is put all your unopened mail into a neat stack. The mail is still there, but looks more orderly piled up. Have a bunch of magazines, books or journals around the house? Try stacking ’em up, too.
Have 10 Minutes?
For when you have some extra time, but not a ton.
Flip the cushions
Forgot to clean that red wine stain from last month’s party? Unfortunately, you don’t have enough time to get your upholstery professionally cleaned, let alone try your luck with seltzer or baking soda.
The good news is, your furniture can still look like new. Most cushions are completely covered in fabric, so you can quickly flip them and no one will be any the wiser.
Keep in mind this is just a temporary fix. Once your guests leave, flip your cushions back to normal and get them cleaned.
Wipe down the counters
Countertops smothered in the day’s menu items won’t make anyone feel welcome. Your cooking may still be underway, but wiping down your counters before your guests arrive will trick everyone into thinking you didn’t wait until the last minute to clean.
Make it smell like home
The mere whiff of a lemon multipurpose cleaner is a dead giveaway you waited until the last minute to tidy your house.
Want your place to smell more like home and less like a sterile doctor’s office? Add some welcoming scents — and no, we don’t mean spritzing some room spray. Instead, light a few candles or boil cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and orange peels.
Have 15 Minutes?
Sure, 15 minutes isn’t enough time to clean your house top to bottom, but you’ll make a considerable dent.
Consolidate the clutter
Cooking for a crowd requires a lot of time, energy and, yes, dishes. What’s a host to do when you have a stack of dirty dishes that won’t fit in your already-full washer and T-minus 10 minutes until party time?
Stow your used utensils, cups and small bowls in a large stockpot, which will create the illusion of a clean — well, cleaner — kitchen. To get a head start on your dishes, fill the stockpot with warm, soapy water.
FYI, this tip works for anything — and we mean anything. Whether you’re dealing with clothes, knickknacks or books, throwing all your clutter into a shopping bag or storage container and stashing it out of sight will make a huge difference.
Wipe away pet hair
Your dog might be man’s best friend, but Fido’s excessive shedding is doing your home no favors.
To make sure your home is in pristine condition, grab some rubber gloves. When you wet the fingers and brush them over the furniture, all that pesky hair will stick to the rubber. Yes, it’s that simple. And if all else fails, grab that lint roller and go to town.
If you find yourself with an extra minute or two, it never hurts to run the vacuum to reduce pet dander for friends and family who may be sensitive.
Have 30 Minutes?
You have some extra time on your hands, so spend it cleaning the most important room in the house.
Clean your bathroom
Isn’t it ironic that you go to the bathroom to wash your hands, body and hair, yet it’s one of the dirtiest rooms in your home? Loose hair strands attach themselves to the tiled floor, flecks of toothpaste dot the faucet, and your once pearly white toilet is now a questionable, dingy yellow.
A dirty bathroom can be uninviting to your guests. Since they’re almost guaranteed to see it during a visit, make it a priority when you have 30 minutes to spare.
Working top to bottom, dust your shelves, wipe down the faucet and sink, scrub the toilet bowl and mop the floors. Finish it all off with fresh hand towels and a clean bath rug. Sure, it’s not the most glamorous chore, but someone’s gotta do it.
Grout adds more of a visual element to your tile floor or wall than you might think. You can create a more intentional, cohesive look by choosing one that accents the color or pattern of your tile.
James Upton, a bathroom remodeling specialist and founder of DIYTileGuy.com. explains homeowners may be motivated to change their grout color for several reasons.
“It could be that they want to go from a blending grout color to a contrasting color or vice versa,” says Upton. “Another reason could be that the existing grout color is more difficult to maintain and keep looking fresh.”
Can You Change the Color of Grout?
Yes. Since tiling isn’t structurally dependent on the grout, you can change the color without tearing up the tile and starting over.
Is Changing Your Grout Color a DIY Project?
Yes, it’s definitely a task a DIYer can handle. “It may even be difficult to find a professional in the area willing to take the project on,” Upton says.
Changing grout color involves minimal tools. As long as you have some patience, it shouldn’t be too challenging to complete. There’s also more than one way to change grout color, so you can choose the method best suited for you and the tools you have on hand.
The first and easiest method? Using a colorant painted onto the existing grout. The other method is removing the old grout and re-grouting with a new color.
How To Change Grout Color: Re-Paint Existing Grout
Painting your existing grout with a special colorant is the least labor-intensive method. You’ll need a bottle of grout colorant of your preferred color; Upton recommends Mapei. You’ll also need a small brush and a microfiber cloth. In Upton’s experience, it’s generally easier to go from a light color to dark color.
“If you have white subway tile, it’s easier to paint your white grout joints charcoal gray than it is to turn charcoal gray to white,” says Upton. “Doing the latter may require multiple applications.”
Here’s how to do it:
Thoroughly clean your grout and tile, then allow it to completely dry.
Shake your colorant bottle and apply it to your grout lines with a brush. Cover the lines completely.
Allow the colorant to dry. The time may vary depending on the product.
Wipe excess colorant off your tiles. If you have textured tiles, mist them with water and rub with a microfiber towel. For smooth or polished tiles, simply wipe the entire area with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.
Keep people off the tile for at least two hours.
How To Change Grout Color: Remove and Replace
Removing the grout and re-grouting with your color choice may be a better option for some, Upton says, “especially if you want to change to a lighter color or the original grout is too loose or powdery. ” He recommends using an electric oscillating tool along with a circular carbide grout removal blade.
If your tiles have very narrow grout joints, like marble or subway tile, Upton says a simple utility knife could work well enough. You’ll need to buy new grout as well as the tools and materials necessary for grout application. Then proceed:
Remove existing grout with an oscillating tool or utility knife, taking care to avoid damaging the tiles.
Clean and vacuum grout joints to remove dust and debris. According to Upton, the grout joint needs to be at least 1/8-inch deep to allow the new grout to be applied effectively.
