Find top-rated pros in Chicago

Local Chicago, IL Home Improvement Tips, Trends, and Hiring How-tos

• 
  Electrical

  What Is a GFCI Outlet and Where Should They Go?

  GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. But what is a GFCI outlet, exactly? See how they lower the risk of shock or fire and where to use them.

• 
  Electrical

  Follow This Home Inspection Electrical Checklist Before Buying Your Next Home

  It’s a good idea to know what an electrical inspection covers and how the process works before the electrician arrives. This inspection checklist will help you know the property inside and out before signing on the dotted line.

• 
  Electrical

  Don’t Know Where to Put Electrical Outlets? Check Out These 8 Ideas

  Putting electrical outlets in the right places all across your home can make your life a lot easier. Check out this guide on where to put electrical outlets.

• 
  Electrical

  What Causes a Breaker to Trip (and What to Do When It Happens)

  Your circuit breaker disrupts the flow of electricity to a circuit when it gets overloaded. It could be from your appliances, or it could point to an electrical issue. We’ve outlined the most common reasons for a circuit breaker tripping here.

• 
  Contractors

  DIY Home Tips to Try Before Calling a Handyman

  Have a home repair problem? A highly rated handyman service shares 4 easy DIY tricks you can try yourself before spending money on a handyman service.

• 
  Contractors

  Making Sense of Chicago Contractor License Laws

  Chicago homeowners need to do homework before hiring remodeling contractors or homebuilders for home improvement projects.

• 
  Electrical

  Electricians Shed Light on Home Lighting

  Don’t feel left in the dark with your home lighting project. Enlighten yourself with advice from these highly rated electricians on what is right for you.

• 
  Cleaning

  Winter Woes: How to Clean and Prevent Road Salt on Carpet

  Road salt stains can cause damage to the carpet in your home and car. These cleaning tips will help you tackle tough stains, and teach you how to prevent them too.

• 
  Plumbing

  Causes of Low Water Pressure In Your Kitchen Faucet

  A few different problems can cause low water pressure in your kitchen, but once you identify the source, it may be an easy fix. You can determine what is causing low water pressure in the kitchen by inspecting different parts of the sink.

• 
  Remodeling

  8 Simple Tips for Childproofing Your TV and Entertainment Center

  A small investment of just $20 can give you peace of mind and protect your children. Here are some tips to help childproof your TV.

• 
  Remodeling

  10 Home Improvement Projects Perfect for Winter

  This article presents home improvement projects perfect to complete in the wintertime, including ways to insulate your home. Read on to learn about cold-weather projects you can easily do.

• 
  Home Exteriors

  How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?

  Clean your house from the outside in: What it costs to hire a pressure washing company to clean your home's exterior and get your deck looking like new.

• 
  Basements And Foundations

  Keep Sewage Out of Your Chicago Basement

  Chicago homeowners can choose from several options to prevent basement flooding, including overhead sewers and exterior flood control systems.

• 
  Contractors

  Hire a Handyman for Your To-do List

  If you have decided to move forward on those stalled home improvement projects, consider hiring a handyman to tackle the work.

• 
  Remodeling

  7 On-Trend Colors for Kitchen Islands and Bars

  To create an accent island or bar in your home, make it stand out with a fresh coat of paint. Learn how to choose the right hues to add contrast to your kitchen with this round-up of kitchen designers’ top seven color picks.

• 
  Remodeling

  8 Beautiful Types of Ceilings That Will Amp Up Any Room

  Ceilings have a big impact on a home’s overall look. Whether you’re designing a new build or updating your space, use this list to choose a ceiling type and perfect your space.

• 
  Real Estate

  Should You Get Mortgage Preapproval Before You Start Looking for a Home?

  Do you need a mortgage preapproval before starting the house-hunting process? Check out this guide to help make your decision on preapprovals.

• 
  Garages And Driveways

  7 Ways to Organize Your Home and Life by Color

  If your home could use an upgrade in the aesthetic and organization departments, look no further. We’ve rounded up some tips for how to organize your home by color to accomplish both.

• 
  Contractors

  What to Know About Revitalizing Brick and Masonry in a Historic Home

  If you own a historic brick home, you’ll want to pay attention to cracks, moisture, and settling—and greenlight a historic masonry restoration if they arise.

• 
  Home Construction Design

  6 Window Treatments to Help Block out Light

  Not all shades block out light equally. Some act as solar screens, blocking UV rays, while others completely block out the sun. From shades and curtains to blinds and shutters, here are some of the best window treatments to block out light.