What Happens If You Don’t Mulch?
Mulching might seem like a small detail in your landscaping plan, but skipping it can lead to a range of problems that affect your plants, soil, and overall curb appeal. While mulch adds a clean, finished look to flower beds, it also serves critical functions...
Drywall Tools Every Homeowner Should Own (And When to Call a Pro)
Whether you're fixing a hole, patching a seam, or blending a repair, having the right tools for drywall makes a huge difference. The job doesn’t have to be fancy—but trying to work without the right basics? That’s where most DIY drywall projects go sideways. Here’s a...
The Best Time of Year to Mulch in Northeast Ohio
Mulching at the right time can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your landscape. In Northeast Ohio, where seasons shift quickly and weather can be unpredictable, timing your mulch installation helps maximize its effectiveness and longevity. So when is the best...
Boxwood Care Guide
Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are one of the most popular shrubs in Northeast Ohio — and for good reason. They offer year-round structure, tolerate regular pruning, and fit beautifully into both modern and traditional landscape designs. This guide walks you through choosing, planting, and caring for...
Sump Pump 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You Need One
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or someone finally tired of mopping up a wet basement, understanding sump pumps is a must. They’re one of the most underrated home protection systems, quietly keeping your foundation dry and your basement usable—even during the nastiest Northeast Ohio downpour. This...
How to Size a Sump Pump: GPH, Basin Size, and Discharge Needs
Choosing the right size sump pump isn’t just about picking the biggest or most powerful unit. If it’s oversized, your pump might short cycle and burn out early. If it’s too small, it won’t keep up during a storm—and you’ll end up with a flooded...
Sump Pump Water Reuse: Is It Safe for Lawns, Gardens, or Cleaning?
As a handyman who’s spent years crawling through basements, solving drainage issues, and helping homeowners protect their properties, I’ve had this question come up more times than I can count: "Can I reuse the water from my sump pump?" The short answer? Yes—but not for everything....
What to Do When Your Wall Gets Water Damaged
Water damage is one of those problems you can’t ignore—and shouldn’t try to cover up. Whether it’s from a leaky roof, busted pipe, or a flooded basement, wet drywall needs more than just paint. If you’ve noticed bubbling, staining, soft spots, or a musty smell...
How to Paint Your Front Door in Cleveland Weather
Painting your front door is a quick and effective way to refresh your home’s exterior and boost curb appeal. However, Cleveland's unpredictable weather presents unique challenges, from humidity in the summer to freezing temperatures in the winter. This guide will walk you through how to...
Drywall Seam Cracks: Why They Happen and How to Fix Them
Drywall seam cracks are one of the most frustrating wall problems a homeowner can face. You patch them, paint over them, and a few months later—there they are again, like the world’s most annoying magic trick. The good news? With the right tools, prep, and process,...
Wallpaper Removal 101: What to Expect and How to Avoid Damage
Removing old wallpaper can feel like peeling back decades of someone else’s bad design decisions—and if you’re not careful, you might peel off your drywall while you’re at it. Whether you’re tackling a single accent wall or an entire room of floral vinyl from 1982, it...
Top 5 Most Common Wall Issues in Older Homes (And How We Fix Them)
Older homes have a lot of charm—but with that character often comes cracked seams, sagging patches, and decades of patch jobs done just well enough to get by. Whether you’ve just moved into a vintage home or are getting one ready to sell, knowing what...