All articles – First House Fixes

Kitchen Light Swap and the Junction Box That Wasn't There

Posted on April 4, 2026In Weekend Projects

Two dated fixtures, one Saturday. Behind the first one, wires came straight through the plaster with no box at all. What I did about it.

Posted on March 28, 2026In Homeowner Money

On a Saturday night in March, Moose swallowed half a rope toy. The emergency vet visit, the bill and how our emergency fund held up.

Posted on March 22, 2026In Energy & Utilities

A $750 rebate check in January and a $690 federal credit at tax time. The receipts, forms and statements we needed, and the one we almost lost.

Posted on March 17, 2026In Repairs & Fixes

Our 2009 sump pump still ran, which is exactly when to replace it. A Zoeller pump, a battery backup and a water alarm for about $750.

Posted on March 10, 2026In Homeowner Money

Our assessment notice put the house at $279,200. We pulled comparable sales before the March Board of Review and decided not to appeal.

Posted on March 3, 2026In Tools & Workshop

Seven feet to the joists, one outlet and the sump pit nearby. How I set up a small basement workshop corner for winter projects for about $260.

Posted on February 25, 2026In Tools & Workshop

Electronic stud finders get confused by old plaster. What worked for mounting a TV and shelves on our 1952 walls, and what didn't.

Posted on February 19, 2026In Yard & Exterior

A $59 telescoping roof rake, the first few feet of roof and a firm rule about when to stop. How we keep snow off the eaves without climbing up.

Posted on February 14, 2026In Weekend Projects

After the ceiling repair the whole upstairs bedroom needed paint. Sloped ceilings, two dormers and very little flat wall. What made it bearable.

Posted on February 8, 2026In Repairs & Fixes

A brown stain showed up on the upstairs ceiling. Why we didn't file a claim with a $2,500 deductible, and how we fixed it for $186.