# Hot **URL:** https://home.renovation.reviews/hot.md?page=27 [Latest](https://home.renovation.reviews/latest.md) · [Categories](https://home.renovation.reviews/categories.md) · [Tags](https://home.renovation.reviews/tags.md) **Page:** 28 --- ## [How To Connect A New Home Addition So It Doesn't Look Like An Afterthought?](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-to-connect-a-new-home-addition-so-it-doesnt-look-like-an-afterthought/47974)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 6:36am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-to-connect-a-new-home-addition-so-it-doesnt-look-like-an-afterthought/47974 "2026-05-17T06:36:00Z")
we are currently in the early brainstorming phases of building a sunroom addition on the side of our traditional ranch-style home. My main concern right now isn’t really the budget or the construction process itself, … --- ## [Adding under-bed LED light strips is a total backbreaker](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/adding-under-bed-led-light-strips-is-a-total-backbreaker/47916)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 4:05pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/adding-under-bed-led-light-strips-is-a-total-backbreaker/47916 "2026-05-16T16:05:27Z")
I wanted to add some of those modern motion activated LED light strips underneath the main bed frame so you can actually see the floor when stepping out of bed at night without waking up the whole room. The online pho… --- ## [Quartz vs granite countertops](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/quartz-vs-granite-countertops/47904)
**Author:** [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/quartz-vs-granite-countertops/47904 "2026-05-16T14:30:45Z")
Recently, I saw two kitchens and that completely changed how I look at countertops. One countertop was granite, and the first thing I noticed was how natural it was. The patterns were uneven but beautiful, and no two p… --- ## [Why My Latest Reno Put Up Walls](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-my-latest-reno-put-up-walls/47899)
**Author:** [@Richard](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Richard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 2:29pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-my-latest-reno-put-up-walls/47899 "2026-05-16T14:29:38Z")
When I bought my fixer-upper, the first thing I did was draft plans to tear down the wall between the kitchen and the living room. Like everyone else, I bought into the open concept dream of seamless entertaining and uno… --- ## [What I Learned from My Resort Style Bath Remodel](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/what-i-learned-from-my-resort-style-bath-remodel/47891)
**Author:** [@Richard](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Richard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 1:46pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/what-i-learned-from-my-resort-style-bath-remodel/47891 "2026-05-16T13:46:17Z")
When I finally took a sledgehammer to my cramped, closed-off master bathroom, I had one goal absolute luxury. Like everyone else scrolling through design blogs, I wanted a massive, resort-style wet room with a freestandi… --- ## [Building a custom indoor cat tree scratcher is an absolute test of patience](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/building-a-custom-indoor-cat-tree-scratcher-is-an-absolute-test-of-patience/47915)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 6:45pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/building-a-custom-indoor-cat-tree-scratcher-is-an-absolute-test-of-patience/47915 "2026-05-16T18:45:15Z")
My indoor cat has been absolutely tearing up the side of our living room sofa with his claws, so I finally decided to build a massive custom cat house and multi level climbing playground tower to save my furniture. I … --- ## [Wood cabinets vs MDF cabinets in wet kitchens](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/wood-cabinets-vs-mdf-cabinets-in-wet-kitchens/47896)
**Author:** [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 2:44pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/wood-cabinets-vs-mdf-cabinets-in-wet-kitchens/47896 "2026-05-16T14:44:43Z")
Kitchen cabinets deal with heat, moisture, and daily use, so the material choice matters more than many people expect. Wood cabinets usually feel stronger and more natural. They give kitchens a warm and solid look that … --- ## [Replacing a smashed concrete walkway slab is pure manual laborOne of the](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/replacing-a-smashed-concrete-walkway-slab-is-pure-manual-laborone-of-the/47895)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 2:47pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/replacing-a-smashed-concrete-walkway-slab-is-pure-manual-laborone-of-the/47895 "2026-05-16T14:47:31Z")
One of the main square concrete paving stones leading up to the front porch steps completely cracked into three pieces after a heavy delivery truck clipped the edge of the lawn. Leaving those loose, broken chunks righ… --- ## [Warm lighting vs cool lighting inside living spaces](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/warm-lighting-vs-cool-lighting-inside-living-spaces/47894)
**Author:** [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 2:49pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/warm-lighting-vs-cool-lighting-inside-living-spaces/47894 "2026-05-16T14:49:47Z")
Lighting changes the feeling of a room more than many people realize. Even with the same furniture and wall colours, different lighting can completely change the mood of a space. Warm lighting has a softer yellow tone. … --- ## [Changing out old smoke detectors for a hardwired alarm system](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/changing-out-old-smoke-detectors-for-a-hardwired-alarm-system/47912)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/changing-out-old-smoke-detectors-for-a-hardwired-alarm-system/47912 "2026-05-16T18:55:27Z")
The factory expiry dates on all our hallway smoke alarms ran out last month, and the kitchen unit started chirping that annoying low battery beep every single hour. I bought a three pack of those interconnected hardwi… --- ## [Installing a prefab kitchen island is a total measurement nightmare](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/installing-a-prefab-kitchen-island-is-a-total-measurement-nightmare/47906)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 7:18pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/installing-a-prefab-kitchen-island-is-a-total-measurement-nightmare/47906 "2026-05-16T19:18:47Z")
We finally ordered a standalone prefab kitchen island block to add some extra counter space, and the box made it look like a quick afternoon setup where you just bolt the cabinets together and screw it to the floor an… --- ## [Paint Color Looked Perfect… Until It Was on the Wall](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/paint-color-looked-perfect-until-it-was-on-the-wall/47822)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:35am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/paint-color-looked-perfect-until-it-was-on-the-wall/47822 "2026-05-16T10:35:21Z")
I don’t know if this has happened to anyone else, but the paint color I chose looked completely different after application. In the store, it looked like a calm, soft tone. Even the sample looked fine. But once it … --- ## [Why kettle and microwave usage can still raise your electricity bill](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-kettle-and-microwave-usage-can-still-raise-your-electricity-bill/47948)
**Author:** [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 6:12am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/why-kettle-and-microwave-usage-can-still-raise-your-electricity-bill/47948 "2026-05-17T06:12:54Z")
Kettles and microwaves affects electricity bills even if they are used for only a short time. This is because even though they run for minutes, they use a lot of power very quickly. An electric kettle heats water fast b… --- ## [Knocking down a decaying brick barbecue pit took way too much sledgehammer work](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/knocking-down-a-decaying-brick-barbecue-pit-took-way-too-much-sledgehammer-work/47946)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 6:23am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/knocking-down-a-decaying-brick-barbecue-pit-took-way-too-much-sledgehammer-work/47946 "2026-05-17T06:23:34Z")
A massive, crumbling brick barbecue pit in the corner of the yard has been leaning dangerously toward the neighbor’s fence line for years, so I finally decided to tear the whole thing down to the ground today. The origin… --- ## [Painting old oak cabinets whites, is the the prep work worth it?](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/painting-old-oak-cabinets-whites-is-the-the-prep-work-worth-it/47955)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 8:07am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/painting-old-oak-cabinets-whites-is-the-the-prep-work-worth-it/47955 "2026-05-17T08:07:20Z")
Our kitchen has those old 90s honey oak cabinets. The wood is still in really good shape, but the color makes the whole kitchen look so dark and old. I want to paint them a nice off-white to match our walls, but every… --- ## [Steel railings vs wooden railings for staircases](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/steel-railings-vs-wooden-railings-for-staircases/47853)
**Author:** [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 1:48pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/steel-railings-vs-wooden-railings-for-staircases/47853 "2026-05-16T13:48:49Z")
Stair railings are NOT only for safety, they also change how a staircase feels in a house. Steel railings usually feel strong and modern. They are very durable and can handle heavy use without much damage. They also nee… --- ## [Changing out a cracked front porch doorbell button was a total pain](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/changing-out-a-cracked-front-porch-doorbell-button-was-a-total-pain/47873)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 3:27pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/changing-out-a-cracked-front-porch-doorbell-button-was-a-total-pain/47873 "2026-05-16T15:27:49Z")
The plastic button next to my front door completely cracked from the sun last summer, and lately, it only worked about half the time when people actually pressed it. Delivery drivers were just knocking on the glass be… --- ## [I Think Open Shelves in Kitchens Are Overrated For Most Homes](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-think-open-shelves-in-kitchens-are-overrated-for-most-homes/47835)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:42pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/i-think-open-shelves-in-kitchens-are-overrated-for-most-homes/47835 "2026-05-16T12:42:58Z")
I know open shelves look nice in pictures, but I’m starting to feel like they don’t really work for most people in real life. A friend of mine installed them recently, and at first, it looked really good. Everythin… --- ## [Small bathroom layout - is it worth moving the plumbing?](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/small-bathroom-layout-is-it-worth-moving-the-plumbing/47931)
**Author:** [@Joker](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Joker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 4:39am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/small-bathroom-layout-is-it-worth-moving-the-plumbing/47931 "2026-05-17T04:39:59Z")
we are looking at redesigning our main bathroom because the current layout is terrible. Right now, when you open the door, it almost hits the toilet, and the sink vanity is crammed into a tight corner making it hard t… --- ## [How Temporary Fixes Turn Into Permanent Problems in Home Maintenance](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-temporary-fixes-turn-into-permanent-problems-in-home-maintenance/47806)
**Author:** [@Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Blossom1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:40am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-temporary-fixes-turn-into-permanent-problems-in-home-maintenance/47806 "2026-05-16T10:40:50Z")
This starts from procrastination, that quick patch, or move a chair there “for now,” use tape temporarily, leave a box in a corner for a few days, or delay finishing one small renovation detail until later. Then somehow… --- ## [Replacing the disgusting burnt drip pans on my kitchen stove](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/replacing-the-disgusting-burnt-drip-pans-on-my-kitchen-stove/47869)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/replacing-the-disgusting-burnt-drip-pans-on-my-kitchen-stove/47869 "2026-05-16T16:10:03Z")
The metal bowls underneath our stove burners have been looking absolutely vile for months because no amount of scrubbing will remove years of burnt grease and boiled over pasta water. They had this permanent black crust … --- ## [Changing a simple cabinet knob turned into a massive drilling headache](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/changing-a-simple-cabinet-knob-turned-into-a-massive-drilling-headache/47786)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 8:11am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/changing-a-simple-cabinet-knob-turned-into-a-massive-drilling-headache/47786 "2026-05-16T08:11:51Z")
The metal knob on my main bathroom vanity drawer completely snapped off its base this morning, leaving the screw stuck dead inside the wood and making it impossible to open the drawer to get my toothbrush. I bought a … --- ## [Paint vs wallpaper, which is better for long-term wall maintenance](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/paint-vs-wallpaper-which-is-better-for-long-term-wall-maintenance/47889)
**Author:** [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/paint-vs-wallpaper-which-is-better-for-long-term-wall-maintenance/47889 "2026-05-16T19:15:21Z")
Paint is the most common wall finish in many homes. It is simple, easy to apply, and easy to refresh. After some years, if the wall starts looking dull or dirty, you can just repaint it. This makes maintenance flexible a… --- ## [How Paint Color Completely Transforms the Feel of a Home](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-paint-color-completely-transforms-the-feel-of-a-home/47801)
**Author:** [@Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Blossom1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:54am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-paint-color-completely-transforms-the-feel-of-a-home/47801 "2026-05-16T10:54:07Z")
I think paint color is one of the most underrated parts of home renovation. The right color combination can completely change how large, bright, or comfortable a room feels. Lighter shades usually make spaces feel more … --- ## [How Renovation Projects Reveal Personality Differences in Families](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-renovation-projects-reveal-personality-differences-in-families/47800)
**Author:** [@Blossom1](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Blossom1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 10:48am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/how-renovation-projects-reveal-personality-differences-in-families/47800 "2026-05-16T10:48:55Z")
Renovation projects quietly tell a lot about people’s personalities, especially within families or couples. Renovating seems straightforward at first: enhance the area, select designs, establish a budget, and complete t… --- ## [Putting an above-ground pool in the backyard is an absolute test of sanity](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/putting-an-above-ground-pool-in-the-backyard-is-an-absolute-test-of-sanity/47882)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/putting-an-above-ground-pool-in-the-backyard-is-an-absolute-test-of-sanity/47882 "2026-05-16T19:02:44Z")
I bought one of those giant steel frame pool kits for the kids to use this summer, thinking it would be a fun weekend setup where you just connect a few metal poles, roll out the liner, and turn on the hose. What a ma… --- ## [Swapping a torn dryer lint filter was an annoying fix](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/swapping-a-torn-dryer-lint-filter-was-an-annoying-fix/47795)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 12:22pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/swapping-a-torn-dryer-lint-filter-was-an-annoying-fix/47795 "2026-05-16T12:22:40Z")
The plastic border on my main dryer lint trap completely cracked down the middle last week, and the mesh screen was starting to fray along the edges. Leaving it like that means a ton of loose clothing fuzz gets sucked… --- ## [Natural wood finishes vs painted wood finishes](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/natural-wood-finishes-vs-painted-wood-finishes/47799)
**Author:** [@Abdul\_Rahman](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Abdul_Rahman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 1:25pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/natural-wood-finishes-vs-painted-wood-finishes/47799 "2026-05-16T13:25:30Z")
I used to think wood finish choices were only about colour, but after seeing different homes, I realized they completely change how a space feels. Natural wood finishes usually make a home feel warmer and more relaxed. … --- ## [Mounting a built-in espresso machine into the kitchen wall cabinets was a giant puzzle](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/mounting-a-built-in-espresso-machine-into-the-kitchen-wall-cabinets-was-a-giant-puzzle/47921)
**Author:** [@Defizyn](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/Defizyn)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2026, 7:53am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/mounting-a-built-in-espresso-machine-into-the-kitchen-wall-cabinets-was-a-giant-puzzle/47921 "2026-05-17T07:53:20Z")
I finally bought one of those high end built in espresso machine modules that sits flush inside the wall cabinetry to clear up the main counter space. The retail booklet made it look like a simple fifteen minute slide… --- ## [GTA aluminum soffits and fascia in 2026: the wood rot reveal, ventilation specs, and why gauge matters](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/gta-aluminum-soffits-and-fascia-in-2026-the-wood-rot-reveal-ventilation-specs-and-why-gauge-matters/47764)
**Author:** [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2026, 7:14am UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/gta-aluminum-soffits-and-fascia-in-2026-the-wood-rot-reveal-ventilation-specs-and-why-gauge-matters/47764 "2026-05-16T07:14:56Z")
What’s usually hiding behind the old soffit and fascia Most GTA homes built between the 1950s and 1990s have wood fascia boards underneath whatever aluminum or vinyl cladding was added later. When we pull the old claddin… [Previous page](https://home.renovation.reviews/hot.md?page=26) [Next page](https://home.renovation.reviews/hot.md?page=28)