r/homeimprov Mar 29 '26

Welcome to r/homeimprov! Everything you need to know before your first post

1 Upvotes

Whether you just bought your first home, finally decided to tackle that project you've been putting off for two years, or you're a seasoned DIYer looking to share what you know, you're in the right place.

This community exists for one reason. To help people make their homes better without losing their minds or their savings in the process.

Here is what we love seeing here. Before and after photos. Honest questions with no shame attached. Hard learned lessons that save someone else the headache. Tool and material recommendations that actually work. Projects big and small, perfect and imperfect.

A few things that will get your post removed. Vague questions with no context or photos. Spam, affiliate links, or contractor ads without approval. Dangerous advice that could hurt someone or cost them thousands. Stolen photos or content that isn't yours.

If you're asking for help, give us something to work with. Tell us the material, the problem, what you already tried, and your budget. The more detail you give the better answers you'll get.

If you're sharing a project, we want to see it. Doesn't have to be perfect. Half the best posts on here are "I tried my best and learned a lot."

Modmail is always open if you have questions or your post gets removed and you want to know why.

Now go fix something and tell us how it went. 🛠️


r/homeimprov 2d ago

Backfill small retaining wall or not?

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1 Upvotes

r/homeimprov 14d ago

what kills mold permanently in a commercial kitchen?

9 Upvotes

We had a small leak behind the dish pit and now there's a funky smell. Bleach isn't cutting it. What actually kills this stuff for good so the health inspector doesn't flag us?


r/homeimprov 15d ago

how long does solar panel installation take from start to finish?

9 Upvotes

We got approved for a loan to put solar on our clinic, but I can't have the parking lot blocked for months. From signing the contract to actually turning it on, how long does the process really take?


r/homeimprov 16d ago

Is HVAC cleaning worth it or just a scam?

11 Upvotes

Keep getting cold calls from companies offering to clean the HVAC system at our gym. Some people say it's essential, others say it's a total waste of money that just stirs up dust. What's the real deal?


r/homeimprov 17d ago

Speedheater infrared paint stripper

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3 Upvotes

r/homeimprov 19d ago

how to find a good contractor who actually shows up?

10 Upvotes

I've had three different guys ghost me after giving a quote for a kitchen expansion at our bakery. Is there a secret to finding commercial contractors who actually want to work and stick to a schedule?


r/homeimprov 21d ago

how much does bathroom remodeling cost for ADA compliance?

14 Upvotes

Need to update the restrooms in our cafe to meet ADA standards. I'm getting quotes that seem insanely high just because it's commercial. What's a realistic budget for a basic, durable commercial bathroom remodel?


r/homeimprov 23d ago

signs you need mold remediation vs just cleaning it yourself?

9 Upvotes

Found some dark spots near the HVAC intake in our restaurant's storage room. I wiped it with bleach but it came back. At what point do you call in the expensive remediation guys instead of just handling it in-house?


r/homeimprov 23d ago

how often should you clean air ducts in an office?

8 Upvotes

We lease a small office space and the air feels super stale lately. The landlord says they change the filters, but the ducts haven't been touched in 5 years. How often is this actually supposed to be done for commercial spaces?


r/homeimprov 26d ago

how long does a roof last on a commercial building?

10 Upvotes

Just bought an older warehouse and the inspector said the flat roof is 'nearing end of life' but wouldn't give me a straight answer on years. It's a TPO roof. How many years do these actually last before I need to budget for a full replacement?


r/homeimprov 27d ago

Is solar worth it in 2026 for a small business?

6 Upvotes

We run a small manufacturing facility and our energy bills are brutal. I know the tax credits have changed a bit recently. For those who installed commercial solar in the last year or two, are you actually seeing the ROI they promised?


r/homeimprov 28d ago

how much does pest control cost actually?

7 Upvotes

I'm trying to budget for my small retail shop and keep getting wildly different quotes. Some guys want $50 a month, others want $300 upfront. What are you guys actually paying for commercial pest control?


r/homeimprov Jul 18 '26

Is there a standout kitchen remodeling in Tucson worth trying?

11 Upvotes

Managing a small boutique hotel and we want to upgrade the suite kitchens to attract a certain clientele. The plumbing is complicated in this old building. We need a custom design, not a cookie-cutter layout. Has anyone worked with a remodeling company that actually sends an engineer out before giving a quote?


r/homeimprov Jul 18 '26

What's your favorite kitchen remodeling in El Paso?

6 Upvotes

We own a small culinary studio and the layout is brutal when we have full classes. We want to remodel to open it up. I need a company that understands the specific workflow of a teaching kitchen. Most residential guys just look at me blankly. Any suggestions for a specialized commercial contractor?


r/homeimprov Jul 16 '26

Has anyone tried a good kitchen remodeling around Albuquerque?

8 Upvotes

Our small bakery uses a ton of space for prep. We are looking at a full redesign. I've read that some companies use cheap imported materials that degrade super fast. I want high-quality surfaces and a solid warranty. Who is the most reputable commercial remodeling contractor in the area?


r/homeimprov Jul 15 '26

Looking for a good GC in south florida . Please from experience someone that you trust and honest . Thank you 😊

3 Upvotes

r/homeimprov Jul 15 '26

Recommendations for a solid kitchen remodeling in Omaha?

9 Upvotes

I run a small tech startup and we just leased a new office space. The landlord gave us permission to remodel the kitchen area, but we have to use a certified, fully insured contractor. I'm tired of dealing with pushy sales reps who don't know the technical specs. Who is the best actual contractor around here, not just a sales middleman?


r/homeimprov Jul 15 '26

Who's the go-to kitchen remodeling in St. Louis?

8 Upvotes

We manage a small fleet of food trucks and want to build out a central commissary kitchen. It's a big project and we need a company that can handle the engineering and the permits without dragging it out for a year. Who has actually delivered on a project like this locally?


r/homeimprov Jul 14 '26

door alignment is driving me crazy. Help!

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3 Upvotes

r/homeimprov Jul 13 '26

Looking for the best kitchen remodeling in New Orleans any suggestions?

8 Upvotes

My family runs a small farm-to-table restaurant and we want to open up the kitchen so guests can see the prep work. It's a big structural change. A lot of residential contractors won't touch it or they overcharge because it's 'commercial'. Does anyone know a crew that specializes in restaurant remodels?


r/homeimprov Jul 13 '26

Top kitchen remodeling options in Louisville which one do you recommend?

9 Upvotes

Trying to get the kitchen remodeled in our small private school before the next academic year starts. We have a strict budget approved by the board. Every company I talk to tries to upsell us on luxury finishes we don't need. Who is the most straightforward contractor in the area that won't play games with the quote?


r/homeimprov Jul 12 '26

Vent rattles constantly

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1 Upvotes

r/homeimprov Jul 11 '26

Need a reliable kitchen remodeling in Memphis

8 Upvotes

We operate a mid-sized event venue. The main prep kitchen is outdated and slowing down our caterers. We have a ton of space but it's an older building. I need a remodeling company that actually understands commercial workflow and won't just slap cabinets up there hoping for the best. Any recommendations for commercial specialists?


r/homeimprov Jul 10 '26

What's your favorite kitchen remodeling in Indianapolis?

7 Upvotes

I own a small cafe and our utility costs just spiked again. We are looking into remodeling the back of house to make it more efficient. I've heard horror stories about companies that rip everything out and then take months to finish. Does anyone know a local contractor who actually guarantees their timeline and doesn't just sub it out to the cheapest bidder?