Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
When a Retaining Wall Needs Weep Holes and Drainage
Retaining walls over 3 feet tall need weep holes every 6-8 feet, and skipping them lets hydrostatic pressure crack or topple the wall within a few years.
When a Foundation Crack Needs a Pro vs a Caulk Gun (2024)
A crack wider than 1/4 inch, running diagonally, or offset at the edges usually means a structural engineer, not a tube of caulk.
What You Should Never Put Down a Garbage Disposal (12 Items)
Grease, fibrous vegetables, and bones cause most of the $250-$500 emergency disposal repairs landlords pay for every year.
What You Can and Cannot Ask a Previous Landlord (2024)
Federal fair housing law lets you ask a previous landlord about rent history and lease compliance, but never about protected classes or medical needs.
What Water Hammer Arrestors Do and Where to Install Them
A water hammer arrestor is a small air-cushioned device that stops the loud bang in pipes when a valve slams shut fast.
What Underlayment Goes Under Laminate, Vinyl, and Tile?
Laminate needs foam or felt underlayment, most vinyl plank has it built in, and tile needs cement board or an uncoupling membrane, not foam.
What to Put in a Utilities Responsibility Clause (2024)
A utilities responsibility clause should name every utility by type, state who pays each one, and spell out what happens if a bill goes unpaid.
What to Look For in a Home Backup Battery (2024 Buyer's Guide)
A 10 kWh battery typically powers fridge, lights, and Wi-Fi for a day, but sizing wrong can leave you without heat when it matters most.
What to Inspect Your First Week in a New Home (7 Critical Checks)
Most homeowners miss critical issues during move-in chaos—these seven inspections in your first week can save thousands in repairs down the line.
What to Include in a Parking Assignment Clause (2024)
A parking assignment clause needs the exact space number, vehicle limits, guest rules, and towing terms in writing to stop disputes before they start.
What to Do When Rent Is Five Days Late (Step-by-Step)
Five days late usually means it's time for a written notice, not a lockout — here's the exact sequence landlords should follow state by state.
What to Do When a Smart Device Company Shuts Down (2024)
In April 2022, Insteon shut down overnight and left thousands of smart hubs, switches, and locks dead with zero warning to owners.
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