#regrouting

#regrouting

Over decades, concrete, block, stone, and brick foundations naturally weaken as mortar joints decay, tie-rod holes rust out, and block cavities collect moisture, creating new leak paths that didn't exist when the home was built. When looking at a concrete foundation, it isn't a matter of IF it will leak, but WHEN it will leak.

When you hire the cheapest operator in town, you usually aren't getting a clean floor. You are getting a soaking wet carpet, hidden upcharges, and a sticky chemical residue that acts like a dirt magnet the second it dries.

Kitchens are damp - water runs from sinks, steam flies out of pots on the stove, items spill - the moisture content in the air is higher in your kitchen than almost any other room of the house, perhaps with the exception of the bathroom.

The grout on my bathroom floor tile haunts me. It's one of those projects I never really have the time or the initiative to tackle, but I hate how dirty it's become. It's beyond the maintenance stage and in need of a really good cleaning. Luckily, I discovered a DIY grout cleaner using common household products that worked wonders in my bathroom.

Because it's so important to the function of my home, it's become an afterthought when it comes to making it beautiful. All I need is a functional, clean space - it doesn't need to feel as relaxing as my bedroom or living room. Plus, it's not like I have the time (or money!) to invest in transforming the bathroom space by hiring a stager or designer. But I'm interested in making each space feel a little more beautiful these days.

When Sean Spellman opened Dawnlands in Westerly, Rhode Island, last year, it was more than just a new address on the map. Conceived as an art gallery and gathering place, Dawnlands was built entirely by Sean and his family-no contractors, no designers, no outside help. Each board and bench was made with intention, using local pine and sensibility shaped by Japanese, Scandinavian, and coastal Californian influences.

Apartment Therapy's January Cure is a free 20-day program that'll help you refresh your home for the year ahead. Sign up here and get all assignments delivered to your inbox. A major step for any home project is getting started - and that includes identifying all the steps and tools needed to get the job done. Today, we're going to do just that, so I'll keep the details brief!

As we dig out from snowstorms, turn the heat up against the unrelenting cold, and throw another log onto the fire, I thought perhaps an article about summertime pursuits might be encouraging. As hard as it may be to believe right now, winter will in fact end, and our thoughts will turn to warm-weather fun -parties on the deck, porch, or patio. Don't have an outdoor gathering space? Now is the time to start planning.