Mike Miller
EditorMike Miller is an editor for USA TODAY Homefront, covering topics that range from moving to gutters and gutter guards. He lives in North Carolina, but as a Minnesota transplant he has firsthand knowledge of long-distance movers’ pain points. Mike has written about home and life insurance providers for Marketwatch, This Old House and Architectural Digest. He also edited three national consumer magazines about natural health and wellness — Alternative Medicine, Eating Naturally and Natural Solutions. He has a BS in creative advertising with a certificate for technology, arts and media. In his spare time, Mike rides his motorcycle, plays with his two cats and spends time with his wife and twins.
Recent Stories
Heat pumps can develop issues such as short cycling, leaks and unusual noises — affecting their performance and your comfort. Not all problems require professional intervention, but ignoring warning signs can lead to expensive heat pump repairs. “Proactive maintenance and detecting issues early can dramatically reduce the need for repairs and extend the life of…
Epoxy putty, wrap tape and pipe repair clamps are just a few DIY solutions for repairing a leaking pipe. However, these remedies should only be used as a temporary fix until a licensed plumber can make proper repairs, advised Mark Bowers, owner and operator of Bowers Home Inspection in Billings, Montana. Hiring a professional allows…
Proper hot water heater maintenance can extend the life span of your unit, preserving its efficiency for bathing, dishwashing and laundry. Yet, “people often don’t think about their water heater until it stops working,” said Brian Hubbard, operator of Hubb Plumbing in Snellville, Georgia. Most preventative maintenance can be completed on an annual or seasonal…
The cost to move a four-bedroom home depends mainly on whether you hire a professional moving company or attempt to take on this large job yourself. If you hire movers without adding packing services, expect to spend anywhere from $9,200 to $19,300 or more. That price range increases to $11,000–$21,000 if you add professional packing…
The cost to move a three-bedroom house varies based on your approach to the moving process. Hiring long-distance professional movers could cost $6,100 to $12,000, with factors such as distance, inventory weight and add-ons affecting price. You’ll save money if you take a DIY route, though the extra planning and labor inherent to a three-bedroom…
The cost to move a one-bedroom house largely depends on whether you plan to handle all the components of the move yourself or you hire movers. DIY moves befit moving truck or container rentals. A 10- or 15-foot truck is spacious enough for most one-bedroom moves and costs around $20 to $30 per day plus…
Gutters are necessary for protecting most homes from water damage — but they’re only part of the equation. Gutter drainage solutions are your next line of defense, directing water safely away from your foundation. With countless options available, choosing the right one can be tricky. Each method has a unique approach to managing roof runoff,…
The cost to move a two-bedroom house primarily depends on whether you hire professional movers or handle the move independently. If you hire movers for a local relocation, expect to pay an hourly rate of $172 to $296. If your two-bedroom move is long-distance, professional movers start at around $3,350 if you handle the packing…
When shopping for the best gutters for your home, it’s about more than gutter types and materials — consider the size you need. Residential gutters commonly come in 4-, 5- and 6-inch sizes, and your selection is determined by the amount of water they need to move away from your home at any given time.…
Our picks for the best moving companies in New Mexico are North American Van Lines (NAVL) and Lobo Moving. NAVL’s national presence and location in Albuquerque and its binding quotes make it the best option for long-distance moves. Lobo Moving’s numerous customer reviews and full-time professional moving crews make it our top choice for local…
Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines (NAVL) are our top picks for the best long-distance moving companies in Kansas. Each operates multiple office locations in the state, with Allied providing all services as a carrier. This means you’ll never have to worry about a third-party provider handling your household goods. NAVL is a…
Installing a window in your shower can create an open and elegant feel by letting in natural light. Awning, casement, picture and transom windows are among the most common window types used in showers. But they don’t all perform well in every bathroom environment. Windows in showers improve bathroom ventilation, allowing moisture to escape and…
U-Haul is our top choice for moving truck rentals due to its truck size options and widespread availability. Many top truck rental companies also sell moving and packing supplies and partner with local moving companies for moving labor. Booking a moving truck rental for your upcoming DIY move is the best way to save money.…
Whole-house water softener system costs typically range from $600 to $800 if you’re shopping at a major home improvement retailer such as Lowe’s. High-end models can cost as much as $3,500, depending on features such as size, type, maximum grain capacity and extras such as carbon filtration, remote monitoring and WiFi capability. Some water softeners,…
Gutter splash guards are aluminum or stainless steel panels designed to prevent water from overflowing in your gutters. This add-on protects your home’s foundation from issues such as decay and algae growth. Inexpensive and easy to install, splash guards are secured with screws to the gutters. A valley is where two roof faces intersect, collecting…
Basement, crawl space and slab-on-grade are the most common house foundation types. However, not all foundation types will perform under all circumstances. You must choose a foundation that complements environmental conditions to stabilize and secure your home. Factors such as your local climate, soil characteristics and the slope of your property affect which foundation type…
If you’re gearing up for a long-distance move, you’ll want to know about shipping furniture across the country. “I always recommend full-service movers for a long-distance move,” said Winchester, Massachusetts-based Pamela Downs, real estate advisor at Compass New England. “But if you’re only shipping a few things or have a limited budget, you’ll want to…
Relocating can be significantly challenging if you face financial constraints or unexpected circumstances. Fortunately, relocation assistance programs (RAPs) provide support and resources to those in need. These programs aim to alleviate the burdens associated with moving by offering financial aid and housing assistance. Federal RAPs, nonprofits and local charities assist a diverse range of individuals.…
Water heaters are essential to the functionality and comfortability of the modern home. The appliance provides hot water for everyday activities such as cooking, washing dishes, laundry and bathing. When a water heater isn’t functioning properly, it may need replacement. The average installation cost ranges from $1,600 to $5,400, according to estimates from Home Depot.…
You have several options to fix a broken window seal, including defogging or replacing the gas in a double-pane window. If your window is past its prime, though, it may be destined for full replacement. “The most common and effective method of window seal repair is to replace the insulated glass unit (IGU) while keeping…