If you’ve ever heard the old adage “measure twice and cut once,” then you’re well on your way to learning the correct way of making home improvements. That isn’t all there is to know, however. So find out what you don’t know in the article below.

Before beginning home improvements apply for the appropriate building permits. Any home improvement that involves plumbing, electricity, or structural changes can require a permit. Check your local laws. If you proceed without a permit then you can be fined or it could make the house harder to sell in the future.

Once you’ve checked the flapper valve, if the toilet is still running, check the chain. If the length of the chain linking the arm lever to the flapper valve is too short, water will keep running from the tank, as there would be no seal. To remedy this, simply remove the old chain …