Housetto guides
Practical care for every part of your home.
Reliable maintenance guidance, appliance know-how, and homeowner checklists built for real decisions.
143 guides · page 4 of 12
safetyDo You Need Radon Testing? (And How to Do It Yourself)
EPA guidance on who should test for radon, how DIY test kits work, and the step-by-step process for a reliable result in your home.
safetyFire Escape Plan for a Two-Story House: What to Actually Practice
USFA and Ready.gov guidance for building a two-story fire escape plan: two ways out per room, upstairs windows, and a twice-a-year drill.
safetyHow to Childproof Outlets, Cabinets, and Stairs by Age
A room-by-room childproofing plan for outlets, cabinets, and stairs, staged by age from crawling through preschool, with CPSC-sourced safety devices.
safetyHow to Secure Sliding Glass Doors From Break-Ins
How to secure sliding glass doors with a track bar, anti-lift blocks, and a pin lock, plus which fixes stop prying versus lifting the door off track.
safetySmart Locks vs. Traditional Deadbolts: Worth the Switch?
Smart locks vs. traditional deadbolts compared on security grade, 2026 pricing, and failure points, so you can decide which one belongs on your door.
safetyWhat Radon Level Is Dangerous? (And What to Do About It)
EPA's 4 pCi/L action level explained, what levels between 2 and 4 mean, and the mitigation steps that follow a high radon test result.
warrantiesAC Compressor Replacement Cost: Repair vs. Replace
2026 AC compressor replacement costs run $800-$2,500 depending on warranty status—how to tell a bad compressor from a cheaper fix, and when to replace the unit.
warrantiesHow to Track Appliance Warranties (and Never Miss a Claim)
Track appliance warranties with four fields per item—purchase date, warranty length, receipt, model/serial—plus a reminder cadence that catches expirations.
warrantiesRed Flags That a Contractor Is Unreliable or Unlicensed
The warning signs of a scam or unlicensed contractor: cash-only demands, storm-chaser tactics, no written contract, and how to verify a license.
warrantiesDIY vs. Hiring a Pro: A Decision Framework by Project Type
A decision framework for DIY vs. hiring a pro: a safety-tier table by project, the real cost math, and when insurance liability rules DIY out.
warrantiesDo You Need a Permit for This Renovation? (How to Find Out)
Most structural, electrical, plumbing, and gas work needs a permit; cosmetic work usually doesn't. Rules vary by city—here's how to check yours.
warrantiesAre Extended Warranties on Appliances Worth It?
Consumer Reports puts the average large-appliance extended warranty at $126, against just $26 more to repair without one. Here's when the math flips.