Category: Home Improvement

Many of the most common household problems you encounter have quick and simple fixes. In fact, you can even take care of them yourself! Check out this list (and remedies) to solve common household problems!

Flickering lights

This problem is rarely complex. Although it’s possible this may be a sign of bad electric wiring – a problem best addressed by professionals – it probably isn’t all that complicated. First, just try tightening the bulb. That could do the trick! However, if you find yourself always needing to buy new light bulbs, you should start by checking the specified wattage that the socket calls for. We often make the mistake of thoughtlessly buying light bulbs, leading us to destroy too many.

Low water pressure

Why isn’t there a heavier stream of flow? This may seem like a serious issue, but before you panic, lean over and look at the faucet mouth. A buildup of calcium can accumulate inside the aerator reducing the water’s pressure as it exits the sink. Simply remove the aerator and scrub! Calcium can be pretty tough sometimes. A simple trick to save yourself the muscle work: soak the aerator in vinegar for a few minutes. Vinegar? Yes, it stinks, but it works like magic.

Sink/tub isn’t draining

Water is getting backed-up? This one’s easy! (Just a bit grimy…) As you can probably imagine, food, debris, and hair can often clog the pop-up at the drain…YUCK! To save yourself the hassle, it’s suggested you regularly un-clog your pop-ups. That way it doesn’t have to get so bad. All you’ve got to do is remove the pop-up. Many pop-ups are latched to the bottom of the sink. Every design is slightly different but you can usually figure out how to unlatch and wiggle it out in a few tries. Once detached use needle-nose pliers or a zip-it to breakup and remove debris.

Leaky toilet base

This problem can seem daunting and drive homeowners away. Your first reaction might be to call the plumber. But, be assured that toilets are surprisingly simple mechanisms. You don’t have to be a trained home repair person to deal with this issue. If you’re lucky this can be fixed with a simple tightening of the tee bolts (the capped bolts on and along the base of the toilet). If they seem loose, use a crescent wrench and fasten them more securely. Hint: The bolts should be “snug.” Tightening them too much could cause hairline fractures.

Contact The Bosworth Company

Hopefully, this helps you solve common household problems! At The Bosworth Company, we believe in giving homeowners control of what’s theirs. By sharing what we know, we hope to form a lasting relationship with you. This way we can be a part of making your house a HOME. Contact us for your next (unmanageable) repair or installation!

The condition of your attic determines your home’s ability to keep warm or cool. It’s important that this area is properly maintained to help your home stay healthy and comfortable. Use these tips as a guide to understand the basics of attic maintenance.

Look for leaks

Unfortunately, attic leaks are not always noticed until an exterior issue shows up. For example, an ice dam that builds up on the exterior of a gutter can cause water to back up and drip into the attic area. This will eventually cause mold and mildew to become present on interior walls but this takes time. To keep problems like this from happening, make the effort to go up to your attic at least once a month to look for leaks.

Insulation

Looking to make their home more energy efficient? Start with the attic! Properly insulating the attic, sealing leaks, and ensuring that the attic isn’t damp is a great way to increase energy savings in your home. The condition of your attic can also affect your roof. In fact, one of the best ways to prolong the life of your roof is by having a well-insulated attic area. Why? Attic insulation reduces the amount of moisture build-up in the attic space, which could negatively affect the roof with excess mold or mildew.

Insulation Types

There are a variety of attic insulation types (blanket rolls, loose-fill insulation, and sprayed foam polyurethane). Do your research on which one is best for your attic space. Sprayed foam polyurethane is best for attics being converted into a living space. Loose-fill (or blown-in) insulation requires a professional to install, but is great for filling in small holes. Fiberglass  insulation is also good for insulating your attic, but can get into your skin and cause irritation. When handling insulation or other chemicals, make sure to always protect yourself by wearing a face mask and gloves.

Mold Prevention

Roof leaks can lead to trapped moisture in your roof. This can cause mold to develop and trigger harsh allergens. Keep these irritants from seeping into the air in your home by inspecting your roof for missing or damaged shingles. If necessary, hire a roofing professional to replace damaged pieces as soon as possible.

Pests

If pests such as rats, mice or bats find their way into your attic, it is important to know how to get rid of them. While spring traps work best for getting rid of most small pests, some may require the help of a professional.

The tips above will not only help you to maintain your attic, but also to keep your home healthy and comfortable! However, crawling into the attic space can be somewhat tricky; usually without flooring and obstacles such as wires and loose insulation. If you need help with an attic inspection or insulating your attic, we would be happy to help! Schedule service online or call 432-570-5233 today!

Christmas is here. We can’t believe it! If your appliances are due for an upgrade, they make for a pretty great Christmas present! Who doesn’t want to start the new year off with a new appliance? Let us tell you a little more about the lifetime of your systems and appliances to help you decide if it’s time for an appliance replacement.

Furnace

The last thing you want is for your furnace to go out right at the start of winter. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, with an average cost of $3,900. Don’t let your furnace last any longer than 20 years or your home may end up cold this winter!

Air Conditioner

While you may not have an air conditioner on your mind right now, it’s good to know that the average system lasts anywhere between 10-15 years with an average replacement cost of $5,200. If your system is older than 15 years, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Toilet

The average toilet will not last longer than 10 years with an average replacement cost of $350.

Pipes

Your home’s pipes are the system that will typically last the longest, with an average lifespan of 75-100 years! While this typically costs anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 to replace, it’s worth the replacement to keep from incurring the cost of damage old pipes can cause.

Oven 

An oven’s lifetime is anywhere from 13-15 years, with a replacement cost of about $1,000.

Refrigerator

How old is your refrigerator? Most people keep theirs way longer than the recommended lifetime of 13 years!

Shower

Most showers are good for 20 years and take about $900 to replace. If you are starting to notices signs of wear and tear and your shower is at least 20 years old, it could be time for a replacement.

Dishwasher

The average dishwasher lasts about 10 years and costs $600 to replace.

Whenever you do decide it’s time for an appliance replacement, keep in mind to choose an energy efficient option. Look for terms such as “Energy Star” or “energy efficient.” These options can help you to save money by operating more efficiently. For other tips & tricks, follow our boards on Pinterest!

Not everyone wants to take on a “fixer upper,” but you certainly want to make sure you get as much money as possible when you go to sell. But what are some affordable upgrades you can make yourself without having to take on any major construction projects? Have a look at these ways to increase your home’s value

Light Fixtures

Updated lighting fixtures can give any home a lift! A good fixture will not only brighten a room, but it can also make it more modern. Similar to light fixtures, you can also consider replacing dated ceiling fans. However, find a licensed electrician to do the work, as electricity is dangerous by nature.

Switch Plates

Replacing your switch plates is also a simple, affordable thing you can do to increase your home’s value.

Appliances

If your appliances are old or not working, you should consider replacing them before selling. However, keep in mind that when one appliance doesn’t match the others, it stands out. While brand is not necessarily important, color is. So if your oven is black, you may consider a black cooktop as well. Or, if you’re considering replacing them all, stainless is always a good, neutral option.

Knobs

Although something like door or cabinet knobs seems simple, details matter when you’re selling your home! Simply changing out the knobs on your doors or cabinets can make all the difference.

Paint

You may not want to hear it, but painting a room can really make it look like new…especially if your walls are painted in bright shades! Neutral colors will appeal to more buyers, so keep beiges, off whites, and grays in mind.

Just these upgrades alone can help you increase your home’s value when you go to sell. For any of your home improvement projects, contact the professionals at The Bosworth Company! We can help!

Summer is coming to an end, vacations are winding down, and the kids are off to school. You know what that means? It could be the perfect time for remodeling your bathroom! Of course, a bathroom remodel is not a small task, and it’s helpful to have a plan before you begin. We’re giving you some helpful tips for remodeling your bathroom!

Research

First of all, what is your goal is with this bathroom remodel? What features would you like it to have? What would you like the layout to be? Look online or check out our Pinterest boards for some ideas of what you’d like your bathroom to ultimately look like!

Demolition

Will your bathroom remodel involve knocking down walls or tearing out fixtures? You may want to involve a designer who can help guide you through the process and make sure you’re making the right decisions.

Accessories

One thing that will that will save you a lot of time and headache later on is deciding where you want to place your bathroom accessories. For example: towel racks, the sink, toilet paper holder, and the mirror placement and height should be planned out ahead of time. Not sure where you want everything? Use painter’s tape on the wall and adjust accordingly.

Water Heater

If you are putting in a soaking tup or multi-head shower, you may need a bigger water heater. Check into tankless options to give you never-ending hot water and cost savings!

Tile

Decide what look best suits you, but don’t get caught up in look alone. Each tile option comes with pros and cons. Some are easy maintenance, while others are not. Think about things such as practicality and cleaning when choose the tile for your bathroom remodel.

Vanity

Choose a vanity that fits the needs of you and your family. A pedestal sink may be sleek in design, but would not be the best fit for someone looking to store a lot of items into a bathroom.

Other Tips:

Locate all water shutoff valves to avoid floods when removing fixtures.

Measure to ensure all fixtures will fit.

Choose Bosworth for all of your plumbing and remodel needs. That’s right, we can do it all…from plumbing to electrical! Contact us today!