Home Ideas

Not only can a full-home renovation boost your property value, it also allows you to design a space to best fit your lifestyle and taste. But if you’re thinking about renovating, there’s a lot you need to consider. First, of course, is money. According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost of remodeling a house is $20,000 to $100,000, depending on factors like the size of your home, the quality of materials and if any structural changes are needed. And if you run into any snafus, that price will quickly skyrocket. So what are the most costly home renovation mistakes — and how can you avoid them? We spoke with interior designer and HGTV star Emily Henderson to get her best advice.According to Henderson, there are two main types of expensive renovation errors: design mistakes and splurges that aren’t necessarily worth the cost. The former bucket includes errors like not hiring professional help when you should have or failing to communicate with a general contractor, while the latter involves investing in certain materials, custom features or smart home technology that won’t necessarily add much value to your home.Kaitlin GreenOne home renovation that’s almost always worth the investment? More windows. “Natural light is your best friend when it comes to decorating,” says Henderson. But if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and questioning all of your decisions, don’t worry: Henderson say that’s normal. “Renovating is financially, mentally, emotionally and physically draining. I don’t want to sound negative, but I want people to know going into a renovation, that they’re not alone. And, a few mistakes are inevitable — give yourself a little bit of grace and self love.”Here, the most common renovation mistakes and how to avoid them, according to Henderson. What are the most common reno mistakes?1. Failing to communicate with your contractor.Henderson says the biggest mistakes can come from a lack of proper communication with a general contractor. “If you fail to properly communicate, that’s on you,” says Henderson. “For contractors, it’s their job to do things fast and affordably — they’re not going to ask you about every detail and they’ll likely make a lot of assumptions to keep the project moving forward. If you want something done a certain way, you have to get ahead of those conversations.”HOW TO AVOID: Take the time to explain exactly how you want things done, like where a wall-mount faucet should be installed over the sink or where tile backsplash should end. When possible, share drawings and measurements that outline exact specifications.Kaitlin GreenKaitlin Green2. Not hiring a professional for certain projects.”If you don’t have a job and you love YouTube, you can do a decent amount on your own,” Henderson jokes. But, there are projects that necessitate hiring a contractor — especially when it comes to plumbing. “If your plumbing isn’t done right, you close the walls and tile, then there’s a leak later, you’re stuck renovating again,” Henderson warns.HOW TO AVOID: If you’re moving walls, electrical, plumbing or an HVAC system, hire help. Many designers we’ve spoken to agree that the one subcontractor you definitely shouldn’t skimp on is a plumber. As for finding the right contractor, Henderson says word of mouth is the best way to go. 3. Over-designing your space.”I always want people to feel free with color and encourage taking risks and adding creativity in your home, but pretend it’s 20 years from now,” says Henderson. “Ask yourself, ‘do you still love this space?'” Not only are there environmental reasons at play, but you don’t want to renovate your home every 10 years simply because you’re no longer happy with a trendy style. HOW TO AVOID: “Not every surface — think floors, walls, cabinets or countertops — has to be a design risk,” says Henderson. “Hone in on maybe one or two risks, per room. I’m talking about hard finishes — you can go crazy with art, pillows, accessories and even furniture, since those things can be sold or moved around.” Kaitlin GreenIn her sunny dining room, Henderson plays it safe with crisp white walls and simple moldings, then takes a risk with checkerboard tile flooring.4. Investing in the wrong rooms.Don’t invest in a room you’ll never spend much time in (maybe it’s your formal dining room or a rarely used guest room). “It’s really important to design your rooms based on how you want to experience them,” says Henderson.HOW TO AVOID: Invest the most time, energy and money in rooms where you and your family will be spending the most time. For example, Henderson wanted to ensure her media room would be a space her whole family would love, so she invested in a massive sectional sofa and Samsung’s The Frame TV. Not sure where to allocate most of your budget? Start with the kitchen. “Even if you don’t care about resale, you’re going to spend so much time in the kitchen,” says Henderson. “I also think the primary bedroom gets highly neglected and it really shouldn’t. If you’re happy with where you sleep, you will be a better person.” Finally, she says, organized storage spaces, like mudrooms or pantries, are worth the money to help avoid daily chaos.Kaitlin GreenSamsung The Frame TV, which displays artwork in Henderson’s media room when not in use, is a great way to check multiple boxes with one purchase. 5. Splurging on unnecessary custom features.Custom cabinetry, built-ins and millwork (think molding and trim) look beautiful, but can be a big investment. “Certain spaces, like the living room, can be elevated through decorating with furniture, art and accessories, so you can invest less in the harder finishes,” says Henderson. “If you’ve sourced vintage furniture and cool artwork that creates conversations and adds a lot of personality, then I don’t know how much your eye is going to clock the custom beading on the baseboard. Whereas in a kitchen, where you have less decorating possibilities, I would dial up the details.”HOW TO AVOID: Carefully consider your space and how you’ll use it, asking yourself questions like, “How much time will I spend in this space?” Then, take a look at your budget to determine if splurging on custom features is worth the cost to you. Unless you truly have a large budget, Henderson suggests exploring customizable options available at budget-friendly retailers like The Home Depot or IKEA. Kaitlin GreenIn the kitchen, you may want to dial up the details.What’s the difference between an upgrade and a renovation?Smaller home improvements, like adding tile backsplash, replacing kitchen faucets or installing light fixtures, qualify as upgrades. Home renovations, on the other hand, are more costly and involve opening up, moving or relocating walls. Once you break down walls, you can open up a lot of potential problems — especially if you’re dealing with an older home. “Once you find those surprises, you can’t unsee them and you’ll have to fix them,” warns Henderson. “If you have the budget and want to invest in your home, you absolutely should renovate,” advises Henderson. “If you can’t, try to do the upgrades.” Kaitlin GreenKaitlin GreenRelated StoryAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

If you’re into bold looks, then you’re going to love the latest interior design trend that everyone’s buzzing about on TikTok.Coined the “unexpected red” theory, the trend was introduced by Brooklyn-based interior designer Taylor Migliazzo Simon. In a viral TikTok video that has garnered almost one million views to date, Simon defines the concept as “adding anything that’s red, big or small, to a room where it doesn’t match at all and it automatically looks better.”While decorating with a pop of color or an accent wall isn’t a new concept, the inspirational photos seen behind Simon in the short clip illustrate just how effective this look can be. From a vibrant red lamp to a punchy red bathroom sink, the eye is immediately drawn to the crimson red shades.Heather TalbertWhy is the “unexpected red” theory going viral? Red lipstick, flashy red sports cars, sky-high red-bottom stilettos — red is certainly an attention-grabbing favorite. But in a world dominated by neutral interiors, homeowners often gravitate towards safer options (unless it’s a festive holiday occasion or their space is curated by a maximalist who embraces bold colors without hesitation).But the past few years have shown us that more and more design enthusiasts are willing to welcome energetic color choices, like red, to normalize designing with your personality in mind. Yes, a red room can be jarring if not done correctly, but a splash of red doesn’t hurt anyone!Rayon RichardsLiving room designed by Naïka Andre.Naïka Andre, interior designer and founder of NJA Interiors, agrees. “People are getting comfortable breaking design ‘rules.’ Red has always been considered a harsh color. People are seeing how designers successfully use this color in their spaces,” she explains. How to add some unexpected red to your homeIs pulling off the red color theory as easy as it looks? Not quite. The references Simon selected in the video featured complementary or analogous colors like blue-green and purple, so reddish undertones look right at home. It’s important to zero in on the red that works best for your room and ask yourself questions like, Should it be cool-toned or warm? How much of the color is going into use? and Where will it fit in best? This stimulating color is an instant wake-up call, but it can veer into a nightmare if there’s no strategy.Jamie Davis, co-founder of Portola Paints, advises that not all reds are created equal. “It is absolutely possible to create a shade of red that feels warm and inviting, but it can be tricky. Dialing back the saturation is a good place to start,” says Davis.Heather TalbertBefore you begin buying jars of paint, notice that the examples Simon used focus on a pop of color, not a monochromatic look. The theory is making a major statement because it’s a low-lift commitment that doesn’t require hiring professionals. Red can be a playful, sexy and the extra zest of life your home is waiting for. Maybe it’s time to break up a dull living room by adding contrast — go for a red accent chair! Or add a bouquet of red flowers to your coffee table.Andre suggests starting small if you’re intimidated by red. “Introduce a pop of red with flowers, an accent chair, artwork or a red picture frame. Observe how the color makes you feel. If you love it, go ahead and add more.”Justin ColeBedroom designed by Naïka Andre.Do we think red is on its way to becoming a go-to neutral? Not quite. But is this invitation to take risks with colors more than welcome? Absolutely! “One misconception about the use of color in your home is that there are different rules associated with how you use color,” Andre shares. “The beauty of designing your home is that you make up the rules. Incorporate colors that bring you joy.”To help you champion this classic color in style, we’ve curated a shopping list of decor and accessories that will help you rethink the power of red in your home.Test the Red Color Theory TrendMedgina Saint-Elien is a lifestyle and design editor, whose journey has been marked by her interest in popular culture and technology. Saint-Elien uses her editorial eye to find the “on the pulse” moments in media through trend forecasting, exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and covering the “lightbulb” moments in every maker’s story. She is a creative strategist who conceptualizes digital franchises and partnerships that draw readers to take a second look. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, Snapchat, and more.  More

For most of us, showering is something we have to do — but the experience can also help us relax and rejuvenate. Whether you’ve just crawled out of bed or you’re unwinding from a long day, a soothing shower can serve as a momentary escape from the stress of everyday life. However, bright, overhead lighting (or as TikTok users would call it, the “big light”) completely kills the vibe. The problem is, not all bathrooms have multiple light sources — and that’s where the viral shower lamp comes in. The trend started when McKenna Barry — a home decor content creator — shared a video of her aesthetic shower design, which includes a cordless table lamp and waterproof speaker on an acrylic shower shelf. Ever since, we’ve been eyeing this waterproof cordless table lamp on Amazon, which is battery-operated and has three light settings, allowing for a customized shower experience.”I used to feel like showering was such a drag and I honestly loathed it — it felt like a chore,” says Barry. “I’ve been on a bit of a self-healing journey, learning to be intentional about caring for and being kind to my body and my soul. Sometimes that means finding little ways to romanticize the mundane. By adding a silly waterproof lamp and waterproof speaker to the shower, I’ve come to truly look forward to shower time.”Between Instagram and TikTok, Barry’s video has earned thousands of views and hundreds of comments — most noting frustration that they hadn’t considered the idea sooner. “The amount of times I’ve showered in the dark or with a ton of candles bc the overhead light is overstimulating 💀,” writes one viewer. Acrylic Corner Shower ShelvesCordless Table LampWaterproof Bluetooth SpeakerAfter many showers in the dark, Barry was determined to find a waterproof lamp that fit the feel of her home. “The lamp shown in my video was sitting in my Amazon cart for eight months before I decided to finally purchase it,” Barry jokes. “Now I wish I had shared it sooner, especially in light of how receptive viewers have been to the concept. It makes my heart wildly happy seeing it benefit so many people, especially those who are neurodivergent or those who suffer from migraines.” What to consider before buying a shower lamp:Make sure it’s battery-operated and waterproof. “I would never do this with a lamp that plugs in — that can lead to electrocution,” warns Alec Scherma, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test engineer.Check the product’s IP rating. Every product is given an IP rating, which notes if it’s water and/or dust resistant. “If a product is rated IP68, that means it has a level 6 dust rating and a level 8 water-resistance rating,” explains Scherma. “These are the highest ratings available, and it basically means no dust and water can get in and affect this product.” If you’re unsure what a product’s IP rating means, you can Google descriptions for each number — but as a general rule, a higher number is best. You may have to clean more often. While placing the shower lamp further from water, soap and shampoo will keep it cleaner, it will be another item that requires regular cleaning. According to Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the GH Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, your shower lamp will likely “have to be wiped dry regularly. Otherwise, soap scum and mold could build up on or under it.”Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

You’ve decorated and curated, arranged and rearranged, and your home is a pleasure to live in and to look at. But what about the factors you can’t see? Fresh, clean air is as important to making your home a haven as good design — and one doesn’t have to come at the expense of the other. These five air-quality-improving moves will enhance your environment without compromising on style.1. Convert Your FireplaceA fireplace is a statement-maker in any room, but if yours is wood-burning, those cozy flames are also emitting dangerous soot particles and increasing the concentration of carbon monoxide and other harmful contaminants in your home. Installing a natural-gas insert will significantly lower the amount of toxins you’re taking in — without compromising on the visual appeal and warmth of real flames. Another option: Reduce those emissions to near-zero by going electric. No, the fire in an electric fireplace isn’t real, but the technology has improved dramatically, resulting in realistic-looking colors and movement patterns for the faux flames.If you’re not ready to relinquish the ambience of a real wood fire, you can curb indoor air pollution somewhat by burning only thoroughly seasoned wood and making sure the fireplace is well ventilated and regularly cleaned, advises the American Lung Association.COURTESY OF DYSONNo matter what kind of fuel your fireplace burns, you can do your lungs a favor by placing a Dyson air purifier nearby.2. Add an Air Purifier (or Two)Here’s a shocking statistic: Indoor air quality is at least five times worse than the air outside — and it can be as much as 100 times worse, notes Good Housekeeping home improvement and outdoor director Dan DiClerico, citing EPA studies. The reason? Today’s homes are generally very tightly constructed and not very well ventilated, so when you breathe the air inside them, you may also be taking in contaminants from building materials, paint, carpets, household cleaners, even cooking fumes.If the thought of that leaves you gasping, don’t worry, there is a solution: an air purifier. Dyson’s purifying heaters include three models that contain integrated sensors and work on a sophisticated algorithm to automatically sense, capture and trap pollutants. Plus, they circulate purified air, allowing you to heat or cool it. The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 even detects and destroys formaldehyde, a harmful gas commonly found in homes that can come from paint and varnish, electronics, even air fresheners and dryer sheets. The HP09 contains Dyson’s most sophisticated filtration system and generates enough circulation power to suck even distant pollutants out of your air.And not only do Dyson purifiers perform pollution-removal magic — they look good doing it. There are plenty of big, bulky air purifiers on the market, but Dyson’s models have a sleek, modern design. They’re also compact and lightweight, making them both unobtrusive and easy to reposition at will.3. Use Your Fans … ExhaustivelyDo you run your bathroom fan only until the mirror is defogged? You may be missing an easy way to boost your indoor air quality. Not only should you switch on the exhaust system before you get in the shower, you should leave it running for at least 15 to 20 minutes afterward to rid the air of the moisture that encourages mold and mildew, two common airborne allergens. But if your exhaust fans have ugly grillwork and sound like a 747 lifting off, you’re due for an upgrade. More current models blend seamlessly into your decor — some are even near-invisibly incorporated into a light fixture — and have ultra-quiet motors.Moyo Studio4. Be Careful With CandlesThe scented-candle craze shows no signs of flickering out. They’re everywhere, from mall kiosks to chichi boutiques, and are the ubiquitous all-purpose gift (or regift). While some research has shown that paraffin candles, which are derived from petroleum, emit a bunch of bad-for-you chemicals when lit, the candle industry strongly disputes this, and most experts believe the amount emitted isn’t enough to harm you — especially if you always take care to burn your beloved scent-bombs in a well-ventilated place. But if you do prefer to avoid petroleum products, beeswax or soy-based candles are a cleaner alternative — and you no longer have to tolerate that this-looks-homemade-and-not-in-a-good-way appearance. Sophisticated shapes and colors, subtle natural scents and luxe packaging mean they’re still an ideal way to thank your dinner-party hostess or butter up your kids’ teachers.5. Curb “Pet Pollution”If you’re a pet parent, your furry friends’ presence is likely as much a part of your living space as a prized Oushak rug or your great-grandmother’s mahogany breakfront. But along with the cuteness, cuddling and slobbery kisses come a positively hairy amount of pollutants swirling through the air.Since your fur babies are pretty much a permanent fixture, do what you can to reduce their potential to spread pollutants: Vacuum often, groom them outdoors, bathe them and wash their bedding frequently —as well as your own, if you’re letting them sleep with you. And invest in a top-notch air filter. The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehye HP09, Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 and Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 all are equipped with activated carbon filters to remove gases and odors and HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns — we’re looking at you, pet dander. More

If you’re thinking about adding a rooftop solar system to your home, you’ve probably come across the name Sunrun. Started in 2007, the San Francisco-based company has grown into the largest solar company in the U.S., with roughly 16% of the residential market.The solar industry is no stranger to fly-by-night operations, which is why our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute say it’s important to go with an established brand with a proven track record. With nearly 1 million solar installations to date, Sunrun has claim to both. Still, adding solar to your home is a major investment, so you want to make sure you team up with the right partner for your needs. With that, our experts worked alongside home energy professionals to put together this explainer, answering the essential questions to determine if Sunrun is the right solar provider for you.Sunrun pros & cons at a glanceProsMakes it possible go solar with little upfront costMaintenance and repairs are coveredOptional accessories, including battery storage and EV chargersConsLower return on investment over the long termLess control over choice of panels and other equipmentLease contracts can make selling your home a bit trickier How does Sunrun differ from other solar companies?It used to be that homeowners who wanted to go solar had to purchase rooftop panels and all the necessary accessories (mounting rack, inverter, electrical cables, etc.) through a solar company, which also handled the installation. Sunrun recognized that the steep initial cost of this approach was keeping tens of millions of U.S. homeowners on the sidelines. So the company pioneered a new “solar as service” model, whereby homeowners lease the solar system through Sunrun and pay a fixed monthly fee, just like leasing a car. Under the terms of the contract, which is usually for 20 or 25 years, Sunrun owns all the equipment and is responsible for any maintenance or repairs.How does Sunrun’s process work? After requesting a free quote through the website, an in-house Sunrun advisor will schedule a virtual consultation to iron out the details of your solar panel system design. This will include a review of recent utility bills to determine how much energy your home currently consumes, along with any projected changes in the future (for example, the plan to purchase an electric vehicle or a heat pump, which would drive up your electricity needs). The advisor will also go over your savings goals as well as any preferences you might have related to aesthetics. Based on these inputs, your Sunrun advisor will draw up the lease contract, also known as a power purchase agreement (PPA). Sunrun will then secure any permits or approvals required by your city for the project. Then they’ll schedule the installation, which will probably be completed in a single day, though it might be a few weeks before you receive permission to operate (PTO) from your utility company, allowing you to flip the switch on the system and start harnessing the sun’s power for your home.SunrunOne thing to note: Sunrun chooses all the equipment for your system. Many customers like it this way, since it saves them from having to research the vast array of solar panels and inverters on the market. Plus, as Chance Allred, chief experience officer at Sunrun, points out, “since we own everything, it’s in our best interest to put the best, most reliable equipment on our customers’ homes.” Still, if you’re the kind of person who likes to geek out on this stuff, or you want to make sure you’re getting the absolute best of the best for your home, solar leasing is probably not for you. Where does Sunrun operate?Sunrun serves the 19 states below, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.Northeast: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and VermontSoutheast: Florida and South CarolinaMidwest: Illinois and WisconsinSouthwest: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and TexasWest: California and HawaiiWhat are the benefits of Sunrun’s solar leasing model?Sunrun is great for homeowners who want to go solar but can’t afford the upfront cost, which even with federal tax credits, averages about $22,000 nationwide. That’s according to the latest data from EnergySage, a solar marketplace (and 2023 GH Home Reno Award winner) that helps consumers shop for home energy solutions. The leasing model allows more people to take advantage of the many benefits of solar. Maybe you want to reduce your carbon footprint by switching from fossil fuels to clean energy (the savings in greenhouse gas emissions by Sunrun solar installations since its inception is equivalent to taking 36.6 million cars off the road). Others reasons include if you want to take advantage of the high-tech benefits of electrification (more on that below, where we get into battery storage) or if you’re on a fixed income and like the idea of paying the same amount each month for energy, especially in the face of rising electricity costs.SunrunPeace of mind is another major advantage of Sunrun’s solar-as-service model. Since the company owns all the equipment, they’re on the hook if anything goes wrong with it. Sunrun also handles any maintenance requirements. We also like the company’s performance guarantee, which says in writing that if the solar panels don’t produce as much power as expected, they’ll issue a refund each month to make up the difference. What are the downsides of Sunrun to consider?If your goal of switching to solar is to save as much money as possible, solar leasing is not the best option. Though Sunrun says that for most customers, their lease payment is less than what they spent previously on energy, the potential long-term savings are much higher with a solar purchase. “That’s especially true if you’re able to pay cash for the system, as opposed to financing it,” says Spencer Fields, director of insights at EnergySage. In that scenario, the savings over 25 years could be as high as $90,000; a solar lease won’t deliver anywhere near that kind of return. (We should note that Sunrun does also sells solar systems to homeowners, including through a partnership with Costco that gives members a 10% discount on the equipment costs, but it’s a much smaller part of their business.)The other issue with solar as service is that if you end up selling your home, some buyers might balk at the idea of taking over the lease. Sunrun stands behind the 98% transfer success rate of its Service Transfer team, which is dedicated to facilitating the process. It’s also worth noting that solar panels will almost certainly add to the value of your home, according to several industry reports, including one from the real estate company Zillow, which found that “homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power.” Still, it’s important to know going into a solar lease agreement that any prospective home buyers down the road will need to agree to take over the contract. How much does a Sunrun solar system cost?Many factors impact price, including the size of the system and the complexity of your roof. But the average cost of a Sunrun project, according to a 2023 report by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is just over $4 per watt. A typical Sunrun installation generates 7,500 watts, putting the average cost at $30,000. However, this doesn’t take into account federal tax credits, which cover 30% of the cost. And don’t forget that most Sunrun customers choose to lease their system, for as little as $0 down.What other solar products & services does Sunrun offer?Since 2016, Sunrun has also offered solar battery storage. This is another big part of the company’s value proposition to consumers, since battery storage had been a kind of missing link in the whole rooftop solar equation. By adding a battery into the mix (Sunrun partners with both Brightbox and Tesla Powerwall), you can store power generated by your rooftop panels and use it during a power outage caused by extreme weather, wildfire or some other event. Also, if you still get some power from the utility company and it offers time-of-use pricing, you can program the battery to deliver power to parts of the home during off-peak hours. Sunrun also has a partnership with Span, a smart electrical panel that our experts awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Award on the strength of its ability to give homeowners more control of their home’s energy usage. “Energy used to be a black box for homeowners.” says Allred. “Our array of solar products, including smart features through the mySunrun app, creates a transparency that lets homeowners know everything that’s going on with their house and make smarter decisions based on the information.” SunrunSunrun has also started offering EV chargers, though only for purchase. The $1,749 cost includes all the necessary hardware, up to 20 feet of conduit and installation. To help offset the cost, you might be eligible for a tax credit under section 30C of the IRA. Does Sunrun offer warranty coverage?If you lease your solar system through Sunrun, maintenance and repairs are covered for the life of the contract. If you purchase through Sunrun, the company offers various packages with different warranties. The panels themselves are usually covered for 10 years, though coverage can be as high as 25 years. There’s also a bumber-to-bumper warranty that covers all equipment replacement and system repairs, including parts and labor, plus the guarantee that roof penetrations will remain watertight, for a full decade.What’s the bottom line on Sunrun?Sunrun has been a boon to the solar industry by making rooftop panels accessible for close to 1 million U.S. homeowners. If you want to join the clean energy revolution but can’t afford to purchase a rooftop system, you should consider a solar lease from Sunrun. You won’t save as much money over the long haul as you would by buying the system outright. But there are other benefits that our experts say make it a smart upgrade, like the ability to add backup power to your home to protect against power outages. Plus, as the home electrification trend continues, you’ll be set up to take advantage of the many clean, cost-effective technologies that are coming down the pike. Why trust Good Housekeeping?Dan DiClerico has covered the renewable energy market for nearly 25 years, working closely with agencies like the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as leading brands in the alternative energy space. He also keeps up with the latest innovations by attending trade shows and industry events. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, Dan oversees the testing and evaluation of any alternative energy equipment that passes through the Lab. He also oversees GH’s annual Home Renovation Awards, which surfaces many of the latest innovations in energy efficiency.Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

Houseplants create a calming aesthetic, and inject personality into living spaces. The only downside is that even the easiest plants need the right conditions to thrive, but that can be hard when you live in an apartment or a particularly dark space. That’s why we were so excited when we saw a new TikTok from Samantha Herman, also known as @houseplusplant on TikTok.Samantha created a DIY grow tower for her plants from three inexpensive supplies: a corner shower caddy, grow lights and zip ties. After building the shower caddy according to its directions, she uses zip ties to secure a grow light onto the bottom of all four shelves. She places the final result, a stylish black shelf tower, in the corner of a room and displays a potted plant on each level. There’s even space below for larger plants to rest. Plant tip: When decorating with houseplants, making the most of vertical space is crucial!”I believe all people should be able to have healthy, thriving plants — finding a way to bring light to areas that may be lacking at a reasonable cost is beneficial to every plant parent,” says Hermann, who advises anyone attempting this DIY project to take their time. “It’s simple, but to keep it neat looking, you’ll need to do some cord management.”TikTok users seem to love that this grow tower is renter-friendly. The non-slip rubber mats on the upper and lower ends of the shower caddy are intended to protect floors and ceilings from damage. Plus, the entire structure is easy to adjust or move, so there’s no need to give the tower a dedicated home. “The benefit of a grow tower is being able to grow plants anywhere, and in limited space,” says Hermann.Try the Plant Hack at HomeCorner Shower Caddy Tension PolePuck Grow LightsCable Zip TiesNow 64% Off”The nice thing about this tower is you don’t have to look for low-light tolerant plants,” says Hermann. “The lights are full spectrum grow lights, so any plant will benefit and grow well in this tower. If you’re a new plant parent, try a few of our favorite hard-to-kill houseplants, like jade plants, money trees or pothos. Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

Taking a long shower with all your favorite products (or as TikTok would call it, the everything shower) is an essential part of a self-care routine — but, all those body washes, exfoliants, shower steamers and buildup from shampoos and of course hair can cause buildup in your shower drain. If water is pooling up at your feet as you take a shower, chances are your drain is clogged. The reasons you should regularly be cleaning a shower drain go beyond the annoyance of standing in a puddle of water as you shower or waiting for the water to drain down after a shower: Clearing the blockages in your drains and pipes can help keep the water flowing and prevent odors, mold, pests, leaks and pipes from freezing in the wintertime. “Especially during colder months, it’s critical to nip clogs in the bud, since backed-up pipes are prone to freezing and bursting, which can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs,” says Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.So, what can you do to fix it? Luckily for you, we’ve made learning how to unclog a shower drain easy with this step-by-step guide, including how to use a snake to unclog a shower drain and the best methods and tips for blasting through debris and buildup in drains. We’ve also rounded up the best drain cleaners approved by our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab and products like drain strainers to prevent future buildup. First, clear any visible debris and hairBefore using any tools, chemical cleaners or homemade cleaning solutions, you must let all the standing water drain down as much as possible. If it’s draining slowly or not at all, try using a plunger to push the water through the pipes. Once the tub or shower floor is empty, remove any stoppers and drain covers. Either twist or screw off the drain cover and then clean up the hair and any product buildup on the surrounding surface area. Look into the drain and try to clean out loose hairs, debris, soap and any objects that may have fallen into the drain. Run the water again to check if the drain is still clogged. If it is, continue onto the below steps to defeat a bigger problem and deep clean your drain. How to unclog a shower drain with a vinegar and baking soda mixtureOne at-home solution to unclogging a shower is by making a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. (You can use this to clean the kitchen sink as well!) Follow the instructions below to create and use it as follows:Mix ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup table salt.Pour the mixture down the drain along with 1 cup heated vinegar. After it foams and bubbles, let it stand for 15 minutes (waiting longer will not produce better results).Follow by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds.Never use bleach cleaners at the same time as this homemade vinegar mixture. The chemical reaction between bleach and white vinegar can produce hazardous gasses that are harmful to inhale. Stick to the vinegar and baking soda solution or separately use a chemical cleaning product another day to clean your drains.How to unclog a shower drain with a plungerYou can use a regular plunger to unclog your shower and sink drains. After removing the drain cover, run a bit of water to cover the bottom of the plunger cup. Then, move the plunger up and down (like you are unclogging a toilet) to unclog the drain. How to unclog a shower drain with a plumber’s snakeVastar Drain SnakeVastar Drain SnakeNow 60% OffA plastic drain snake like the Vastar Drain Snake can reach down into the pipes and dislodge items blocking water flow. Slowly insert the snake down the drain until you are stopped by the clog, and twist it around so that the barbs along the tool can grab onto hair and debris. The snake will either push the blockage down and out or you will be able to pull the source of the clog up and out. “It’s a good idea to keep a few of these on hand since the tool can be enough to clear a clog in seconds,” says DiClerico. How to unclog a shower drain with a drain cleanerIf these easy at-home methods don’t work, you can always purchase a drain cleaner to flush it out. These tough solvents clear out grease, soaps and debris and can be used regularly to keep your pipes clean. Our home improvement and cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute found the best drain cleaners in our Labs to clear out hair, grease and buildup in drains. Chemical cleaners like the Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Liquid-Plumr Hair Clog Eliminator have fast-acting results on shower drains and can clear clogs in standing water. Enzyme cleaners like the Bio-Clean Bacteria Septic Cleaner must be left sitting in the drains overnight, but they are chemical-free solutions for dissolving lodged food or tougher items than a clogged drain’s typical culprits (hair and soaps). Be sure to follow the brand’s instructions because each chemical drain cleaner is different. Plus, take safety precautions by wearing gloves and opening a window for ventilation.When to hire a plumberIf your drain is still blocked after exhausting all these at-home options, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, says it’s time to turn to the pros. “After that, call a professional plumber and tell them what you used.” Letting the plumber know what chemical cleaners and homemade solutions you’ve already tried can avoid any damage to your pipes. “That way, there won’t be any surprises,” says Forté.How to prevent a clogged drainAfter unclogging a shower drain once, you’re not going to want to do it again anytime soon. There are some precautions you can take to prevent a future clog that are simple and effective:Add a drain strainer or cover for your shower drain to prevent fallen hair, body scrubs or pieces of soap from clumping up inside the pipes.Use drain cleaners monthly and follow the directions from the brand. Once a month, you can pour the homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda mentioned above into the drain to regularly clean out buildup of shampoo, conditioner, body scrubs and soaps you use in the bathroom. Isabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.  More

Upgrading your home’s HVAC system can be a big commitment. But especially these days, there are multiple payoffs: You can improve your energy efficiency — which, in turn, saves you money. And you can make maintaining a comfortable living space for yourself and your family easier than ever.One way to achieve all of that is with the Trane Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link, winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award. This industry-leading heat pump ensures you’re always using the minimum amount of energy by taking environmental factors like temperature and humidity into account, continously speeding up or slowing down as the weather fluctuates to cool or heat the home to within half a degree of the chosen temperature. Plus, with the Trane Home app, you can use your smartphone to monitor the system, adjust your energy usage and even give technicians access to run diagnostics.Beyond the money you save from the efficiency improvements, there are cost savings up front as well. For one thing, the Trane heat pump can be installed using your existing ductwork, so you can benefit from its technology without installing new vents. Even better, there are new federal tax incentives coming this year, as well as already operational federal and state ones, that can net you a serious break on updating your system.Products and services selected for the Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Awards undergo months of rigorous testing to help homeowners make the best decisions for their home improvement or renovation projects. Check out the video above to hear more from Dan DiClerico, Good Housekeeping’s home improvement & outdoor director, about the efficiency, savings and comfort afforded by the Trane Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link. More