https://thehouseandhomekeeper.comPlain-English guides to hiring contractors, handymen, plumbers, electricians and landscapers, plus repairs, lawn care, maintenance and building.en-us https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/building-permits-explained/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/building-permits-explained/Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTBuilding permits protect your safety and your home's value. Learn when they are usually required, how the process works and the risks of skipping them. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/kitchen-remodel-budget-guide/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/kitchen-remodel-budget-guide/Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTPlan a kitchen remodel budget that holds up, from setting priorities and getting bids to building in a contingency for the unexpected. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/steps-to-building-a-house/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/steps-to-building-a-house/Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTA plain-English walk through the stages of building a new home, who you need on your team and where the money and time usually go. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/signs-your-water-heater-is-failing/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/signs-your-water-heater-is-failing/Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTRusty water, strange noises and leaks can mean your water heater is near the end. Learn the warning signs and when to repair or replace. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/annual-home-maintenance-schedule/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/annual-home-maintenance-schedule/Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTA season-by-season schedule of home maintenance tasks that prevents costly repairs, with notes on which jobs to hand to a professional. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/fix-yard-drainage-problems/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/fix-yard-drainage-problems/Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTStanding water, soggy lawns and wet basements often start with yard drainage. Learn how to find the cause and the common fixes. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-landscaper/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-landscaper/Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTFrom a one-time cleanup to a full redesign, here is how to find a reliable landscaper, compare bids and avoid common surprises. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/fall-lawn-care-checklist/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/fall-lawn-care-checklist/Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTFall is the best time to repair and feed your lawn. Follow this checklist for mowing, aeration, overseeding, fertilizing and cleanup. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/patch-drywall-holes/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/patch-drywall-holes/Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTFix nail holes, dents and fist-sized holes in drywall with simple tools, and know when a larger patch needs a pro. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/fix-a-leaky-faucet-or-call-a-plumber/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/fix-a-leaky-faucet-or-call-a-plumber/Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTA dripping faucet wastes water and money. Learn the common causes, the basic DIY fix and the signs it is time to call a plumber. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/diy-or-hire-a-pro-how-to-decide/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/diy-or-hire-a-pro-how-to-decide/Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTA simple framework for deciding which home repairs to tackle yourself and which to hand to a licensed professional. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-read-a-contractor-quote-and-contract/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-read-a-contractor-quote-and-contract/Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTLearn what belongs in a contractor's quote and contract, how to compare bids line by line and which clauses protect you. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-handyman/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-handyman/Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTA good handyman is worth their weight in gold. These ten questions help you find a reliable one and avoid jobs that need a licensed trade. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-an-electrician/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-an-electrician/Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTElectrical work is not a place to cut corners. Learn how to verify an electrician, what to ask and when a permit is likely required. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-plumber/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-plumber/Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTWhat to check, what to ask and how to avoid overpaying when you need a plumber, whether it is a slow drip or a burst pipe. https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-general-contractor/https://thehouseandhomekeeper.com/articles/how-to-hire-a-general-contractor/Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTFind, vet and hire a general contractor with confidence, from building a shortlist to checking licenses, insurance and references.