Practical home-repair, maintenance, and improvement advice from The Smart Fix Handyman team.
Wondering if you can caulk over caulk to save time and effort? We’ve all been there – staring at peeling, cracked caulk and hoping for a quick fix. Unfortunately, as one expert puts it, “Recaulking over old caulk is like putting a Band-Aid® on a broken leg.” Although new caulk might stick to old cau
Read More
Did you know that 25-30% of home heat loss happens through leaky windows? This fact from the Department of Energy shows why many homeowners rush to caulk their windows. But applying caulk in the wrong places can cause big problems. We want to help you avoid these mistakes that could cost you money a
Read More
Rough and finish carpentry are two steps in the building process. They have different goals. The first gives a building its “bones,” using structural parts like floor joists and bearing walls. The second adds the visual details you see every day. I’ve worked with both types throughout my career and
Read More
People often mix up door frames and door jambs during their home projects. These terms might sound similar, but they refer to different parts that complement each other. The door jamb consists of the flat surface that runs vertically along both sides of the door frame. This surface holds the hinges
Read More
“Can you tile over drywall?” Many homeowners ask this question during renovation projects. People planning a new backsplash or wall update want to know if this approach works. Drywall remains popular in North American homes due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. However, not every wall suits
Read More
The strength of your walls depends significantly on drywall thickness. Most homes use 1/2-inch panels for standard walls. A 5/8-inch panel weighs 57 pounds per 4×8-foot sheet and provides enhanced soundproofing with superior strength. The right thickness choice depends on the wall’s location and pur
Read More
People often mix up Sheetrock and drywall. The truth is simple – all Sheetrock is drywall, but not all drywall is Sheetrock. Many conversations about home building and repairs use these terms interchangeably. It’s like how people say “Kleenex” for any facial tissue. Drywall serves as the basic const
Read More
Mold on drywall is a moisture problem first. Follow seven EPA-aligned decision steps to protect occupants, determine when professional remediation is needed, and repair safely.
Read More
Choosing what grit to sand drywall can make or break your finish work. Most drywall projects need sandpaper in the 150-220 grit range for that smooth, paint-ready surface. We found that starting with the wrong grit often leads to time-wasting mistakes and poor results. This becomes more clear when y
Read More
If you’re asking ‘how much does drywall repair cost,’ the answer can vary widely. Homeowners typically spend about $350 on drywall repairs. But, costs can range from $10 to over $1,500. The final price depends on factors like damage size, location, and materials. It also depends on whether you choos
Read MoreStop reading and start fixing. Our Dallas-Fort Worth handymen are ready to help.
