They may be blank — or he might hustle you along and not give you time to read through them. Español Report Fraud Read Consumer Alerts Get Consumer Alerts Visit ftc.

Breadcrumb Home Articles Vea esta página en español. Adding a room, renovating a basement, or doing some much-needed repairs around your home can be a big undertaking.

Finding a trustworthy contractor is an important first step. Scammers will promise to do the work, but leave you and your home worse off than when you started. They may do shoddy work, damage your home, overcharge you, or just take your money without performing any services.

So how do you tell the difference between a trustworthy contractor and a scammer? Before you hire a contractor, learn how to recognize the signs of a home improvement scam. Signs of a Home Improvement Scam How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam The Home Improvement Loan Scam Report a Problem.

Search Terms. home improvement. As we dive more into , home improvement projects continue to be popular — especially since so many of us are still spending more time at home.

As a result, Americans are spending significant amounts of time budgeting and considering which residential renovations to do first. Homeowners, in particular, are searching for the latest looks to keep up with a competitive housing market.

Here are some of the latest trends in home improvement that you can do to help ensure your home stays comfortable and increases in value. Many of the eco-friendly choices — from appliances to lighting — can help you save money, preserve resources, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Improvements can range from a faucet upgrade to buying a tankless water heater for your home — to use plumbing as an example. Even as we progress in the new year, the constantly changing pandemic keeps work-from-home — at least in some capacity — the norm.

Creating a sustainable and productive multi-purpose space is key for workflow. One hot home office trend to get in on? Using as much natural light in your workspace as possible to help improve your mood and productivity. Stocking up on the essentials.

Get it out of the way, so you actually have space to work on a system that will work for you in the long run. PODS makes home improvement simple by bringing a portable storage container right to your driveway.

During your storage renovation project or any project, for that matter , simply load whatever you need into the container to store it out of the way but close at hand. Easy, right? Open concepts have been extremely popular to new home buyers and homeowners, as they allow seamless flow to multiple rooms.

With the continuing trend of working at home and spending more time in the house, however, homeowners are wanting a little more privacy these days and are closing off some of those open spaces.

To get in on this trend, you can purchase portable room dividers or, for a less-obvious approach, incorporate large shelving, tables, or storage pieces to define a space and make it feel more cozy — while also blocking some of the views from other rooms. Many people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, so investing in some kitchen remodeling trends, like updating countertops, will pay off.

To avoid breaking the bank, though, consider ditching the general contractors and making smaller changes by focusing on colors and textures. Creating a new backsplash is also a great, simple way to bring an older kitchen up to speed. And if you have a larger budget to work with, consider installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

Currently on trend for family homes? Stainless steel appliances with smart technology. Have you seen them? Those spa-like bathrooms that look like they belong at a resort? Many homeowners are looking to transform their bathrooms from basic to breathtaking.

Gone are the days of cold feet after a hot shower!

To avoid breaking the bank, though, consider ditching the general contractors and making smaller changes by focusing on colors and textures. Creating a new backsplash is also a great, simple way to bring an older kitchen up to speed.

And if you have a larger budget to work with, consider installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Currently on trend for family homes?

Stainless steel appliances with smart technology. Have you seen them? Those spa-like bathrooms that look like they belong at a resort? Many homeowners are looking to transform their bathrooms from basic to breathtaking.

Gone are the days of cold feet after a hot shower! A natural flow between the indoors and outdoors with features like large sliding or folding glass doors allows for the option to let natural light inside.

A small garden in your backyard can also help an interior feel larger. Technology renovations that may have once been seen as luxurious are now becoming the norm. Technology additions can be as simple as multifunctional outlets with USB ports in kitchen areas or even climate control with smart thermostats.

When you add a little tech to your next home remodel or upgrade, you can easily increase comfort, security, and accessibility, all while improving your home value.

Our biggest tip? Your home is yours; it should reflect you. After all, no matter what you do, it will surely make a positive impact. For more on home remodeling and renovations, visit the PODS blog. As one of the first rooms guests see, the entryway has a big job: making a good first impression and keeping drop zone items tidy.

Outfit your entryway with added function by creating a do-it-all storage system. Enlist the help of furniture to perform double duty, such as a bench that also acts as a shoe caddy. The right combination of storage solutions including wall hooks, lockers, and cubbies will help your entryway stay organized and inviting.

Beautiful light fixtures can go a long way in energizing or soothing a space, and smart designs can ease eye-intensive tasks. Successfully light a room by creating layers of light with task, accent, and ambient lighting. An interesting pendant, sconce, or chandelier instantly boosts a room's sophistication.

Here, an industrial fixture not only makes a style statement but also provides a targeted light source for the table. One size doesn't fit all when it comes to how you use your closet storage.

Before rushing off to the store for new closet organizers, measure your closet space, inventory what's in it, and consider your current and future lifestyle.

Once you're sure of what's supposed to be in there, hit the store and look for home improvement ideas to maximize your closet capacity. Cut the clutter to make the space work better for both your routine and your stuff. An undersink filter gives you clean, great-tasting water without cluttering your sink or countertop space.

Even better, you can easily install a water filter without hiring a professional. Before starting this home improvement idea, make sure the undersink space is large enough to accommodate a water filter system.

If space is at a premium, boost a blank wall's style and storage capacity with a modular shelving unit. Available in all shapes and sizes, they're sure to fit almost any willing space.

Books and display pieces can add colorful interest to open shelves , while cubbies are also a perfect fit for baskets, boxes, and bins for accessible yet out-of-sight storage. Polish the look of your front door with small accessories that pack a big punch.

Details such as house numbers , outdoor lighting, and a letterbox are home improvement ideas that make a lasting impression and give your exterior a distinct personality.

Matching finishes on these accessories will give you a tailored look, while mix-and-match accessories, such as vintage or upcycled fixtures, will create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Transform a bookcase into a versatile entryway organizer. The best units are those with adjustable shelves that let you utilize space how you need it: slim slots for shoes and an open area for coat storage, for example.

You can add additional function with hooks in just the right places. A simple, inexpensive, box-store bookcase may do the trick, or an older, unused cabinet could be the perfect fit.

In either case, you can increase the style with eye-catching paint and accessories. When was the last time your carpets were cleaned, like really cleaned? For a little bit of money, you can revive the look of your carpets and improve your family's health with professional carpet cleaning.

Weekly vacuuming removes topical dirt, dust, and hair, but a carpet-cleaning service will remove stains , allergens, dust mites, and grit. If you have carpet in high-humidity areas of your home, start there, as carpet cleaning will also fight mold and mildew growth.

A good deep clean will help carpets wear better and last longer. A backsplash not only contributes a dose of character to a kitchen, but this home improvement idea also protects walls from splashes and spills. Beaded-board panels and decorative tile backsplashes are easy to install and can be done without the help of a professional.

Even someone new to remodeling can do it! Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to tile your own backsplash in a weekend or less. Trimwork and crown molding are accessories for walls, doors, and windows. Whether you're replacing old trim or adorning your walls for the first time, you can transform a room with trim in just a weekend.

Give your home a complete look for less with affordable, off-the-rack moldings from a local home improvement center. For a deluxe custom look, you can layer pieces of crown molding around entryways and ceilings. Give windows a custom look at a lower price using DIY window treatments. With a mini blind and midweight upholstery fabric, you can create a charming Roman shade to block out the sun and boost your color scheme.

For this home improvement idea , choose fabric in an eye-catching complementary pattern to make the window a focal point. A landscaped walkway suggests an inviting home.

Create natural beauty and texture with an assortment of perennials. Whether you're putting them in the ground, potted, or a mix of both, you can install an enticing introduction to your home in one afternoon with a quick trip to a local home improvement center, greenhouse, or farmers' market.

Start your day with the perfect shower experience by switching out your shower head. A multi-function shower head will give you a more customized experience : an invigorating pulse to wake you up or maybe a concentrated stream to clean up after outdoor activities.

A handheld or sliding bar model is easy to adjust for heights, whether for tall adults, small children, or pets. While these lead test kits may be available to the public, EPA only recognizes tests conducted by certified inspectors, risk assessors and RRP-certified renovators.

If lead-based paint is believed to be present , the best way to receive an accurate reading is by hiring a certified inspector, risk assessor or a Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule-certified renovator for specific identification of the presence and location of lead-based paint.

Options for paint testing by certified professionals include an EPA-recognized paint test kit, sending a paint chip sample to a National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program certified lab , or performing X-ray fluorescence XRF testing.

For additional questions regarding testing kits, contact the National Lead Information Center. Are renovation firms required to test for lead-based paint before doing paint disturbing work in homes and child-care facilities built before ? Firms have two options. They can either assume lead-based paint is present and follow the lead-safe work practice requirements of the RRP Rule which requires no testing , or they can test to confirm the presence of lead.

If lead-based paint is present or assumed to be present, certified renovation firms must follow lead-safe work practices and other RRP rule requirements during the renovation. Renovations in which a certified renovator, inspector or risk assessor determined in accordance with 40 CFR section Renovators are required to keep records for three years certifying that a determination has been made that lead-based paint would not be disturbed by the project.

Skip to main content. Contact Us. Lead Test Kits. Background On April 22, , EPA published the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting RRP Rule , which, among other things, established performance recognition criteria for lead test kits for use as an option to determine if regulated lead-based paint is not present in target housing and child-occupied facilities.

EPA-Recognized Lead Test Kits EPA has recognized three lead test kits for use in complying with the RRP Rule. Read the National Institute of Standards and Technology NIST lead test kit laboratory evaluation report.

Lead Test Kit Environmental Technology Verification EPA's Environmental Technology Verification ETV Program has completed its verification of the performance of four vendor-submitted lead test kits developed to meet the negative response and positive response performance criteria for improved lead test kits set forth under the RRP Rule.

Frequent Questions about Test Kits What is an EPA-recognized test kit? Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

A handheld or sliding bar model is easy to adjust for heights, whether for tall adults, small children, or pets. Plus, newer models are typically more water-efficient.

Choose a model for this quick home improvement idea that matches your current plumbing. An unused hutch, armoire, or bookcase can quickly transform into an entertaining or beverage station with a little creativity and organization.

Store bottles and beverage glasses on open shelves for easy access, or free up space by outfitting the underside of a shelf with hanging storage for wine glasses.

Use drawers or cabinets for linens , serving trays, and utensils. Designate a space as a central area for often-used games and media. A dedicated cabinet, closet, or other storage option keeps family members from having to search for games, toys, and other accessories.

Divided shelves and a combination of shallow baskets, bins, and photo organizers help the space stay organized with this home improvement idea.

Labels make sure things go back to the right place. Savor warmer seasons with a simple path that leads the way through your yard or garden. An understated path of irregular-shaped flagstones creates a casual, welcoming atmosphere.

If you're feeling crafty , outline a path with painted stones, bricks, or old garden edging. If mold creeps into your shower stall or your bathroom mirror is consistently foggy, it might be time to replace your bathroom vent fan. You can install new ventilation in about three hours, and this home improvement idea will leave your bathroom dry and odor-free.

See our step-by-step guide to learn how to install a bathroom vent. Small appliances like stand mixers, slow cookers, and food processors can end up on the countertop because they're heavy and awkward to move when needed.

If you're tired of wasting valuable countertop space on these appliances, install an appliance lift in a base cabinet. Fancier models with soft-close and lift-assist features could put this home improvement idea out of your budget, but the basic spring-loaded hardware and required wood supports should be just right.

And it's not only for unused or cumbersome appliances; when countertop space is at a premium, it's a smart solution for things like toasters and coffeemakers, too!

Window boxes have a little something for everyone: They add color to the exterior of your home and attract birds and butterflies that can be admired from indoors. Many window boxes and baskets are available, so you'll easily find something that fits your style. But if you've got tools and materials already, build a window box and save the project money for creating a floral showstopper.

Small, accessible appliances lend a big hand in the kitchen. Streamline efficiency at the hub of your home with a new small appliance, such as a coffee machine , toaster, blender, or electric kettle.

Replace one of your current underperforming appliances, or purchase a new gadget your kitchen routine would benefit from incorporating. Just remember to make room for it before it comes home! Details make the difference; you can prove it with high-impact, low-effort home improvement ideas that you'll enjoy every day.

Upgrade builder-basic outlet covers, light switches , or door knobs with something that better fits the overall character of your home or the fixtures in the room. These small changes won't go unnoticed. Once you start, it's hard to stop identifying places around the home that need a little TLC.

Organize your home improvement supplies with everyday household items to make things easier. For example, repurpose spice containers or mason jars for storage of pesky little pieces like screws and nails. Although you can purchase these inexpensively at the store, you might already have some at home to start.

Use these ideas for garage storage and organization many of which can be adapted to basements, potting sheds , and other home improvement spaces to inspire you.

Jump-start laundry day with this home improvement idea for streamlining your sorting ritual. Separate laundry bins encourage organization as a daily routine. The open design with easy-to-read labels helps the whole family see where to place items, saving you time on washday.

Small-space solution: Opt for laundry bags that can hang from over-the-door hooks rather than hampers that take up floor or shelf space. Illuminate your deck stairs or patio drop-offs with low-voltage lighting.

If you don't already have an outdoor lighting system that you can tap into, there are a variety of solar options. Look for stick-in-the-ground pathway lighting or stair-mounted solar units.

Deck and outdoor lighting adds safety and beauty to alfresco spaces and allows you to enjoy time outside well past sunset. Regulating your home's temperature is a breeze with a programmable thermostat , and it will save you money on utility bills each year if used correctly. Modern thermostats are mercury-free and more energy-efficient than an old manual thermostat.

Smart thermostats go one step further, offering programmable settings and technologies that adjust the temp based on whether the house is empty and let you change settings from your phone. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. The curtains don't have to be white — you can choose any color!

Promising review : "I purchased these for the sliding glass door in my living room, and I love them. Although they are considered sheer, they are constructed well and heavy enough to hang beautifully and add privacy without obstructing the natural light.

Bed Band is a US-based small business that specializes in bed bands for mattresses of various sizes. Promising review: "We have a rather deep mattress and added a memory foam topper, which gave our fitted sheet a real stretch to be able to securely tuck at the corners and not slip off.

It would hold some of the time, but we frequently had a corner or two slip off during the night. It was disrupting sleep, so I was ready to safety pin the fitted sheet corners in place. However, no need for safety pins. After giving Bed Band a try our fitted sheet slipping problem is solved! The other designs require that you adjust the bands first, and then stretch the clamps into place under tension.

With Bed Band, you clamp each band into place without tension, then you use the quick adjuster to apply tension as needed. This makes for a much simpler installation, and with a product that by its nature needs to removed and re-installed repeatedly sheet washing , ease of installation is critical.

Bed Bands is the clear design winner here for both function and ease of installation. A stellar product design at an affordable price! Promising review : " Brought an antique chest of drawers back to life.

Very glamorous!! Promising reviews: "I saw this product in a TikTok cleaning video and was convinced to try. We had really tough stains on our fireplace stone from a fire that got out of hand. I tried other cleaners and none worked like this did. There was soot along the outer lower part, the brick was grey and it should be red.

Also there were fire burn marks on the brick from having too big of a fire. I scrubbed the thick gel on the brick, then had a clean pail of water with a old rag — once you wiped it off, it was like magic!

Brought the brick back to life and looking new again. Hudson Bulb Co. is a small business that specializes in vintage bulbs and other types of lighting. Promising review: "These light bulbs arrived safely with sensible packaging. I was delighted by their design.

I have two antique sconces without shades and these beauties brought the room to life. Promising review: "This is by far, the greatest cleaner I have ever ordered from Amazon and I am so beyond thrilled that I did. This product will get off year old baked-on grease from your stove.

We have a gas range and the stuck on grease from the previous owners was absolutely disgusting. My husband would even cover our stove when people would come over so they couldn't seen the range. I finally got around to using this kit one Sunday when I had the time and it brought our old range back to life.

It looks like a new stove. My husband couldn't believe how amazing it now looks. This stuff works and the razor is the key to all of it! Promising reviews: "I use them for cleaning all over my apartment. Brought my semi permanent hair dye-stained tub back to life!

It was a great date!! My baseboards are so shiny and the erasers did not scratch my walls or paint when I cleaned the top lip of the baseboards. I can easily cut or tear them in half to get smaller erasers for those nooks and crannies.

Psst — check out BuzzFeed's STK cleaning pads review for more deets and incredible before and after photos. Promising review: "I bought this to keeps things in place on my countertop in my travel trailer.

I was sick of stuffing all of my countertop items in the sink and in cabinets during travel, and this product is the solution! I used it to stick my paper towel holder down and it hasn't moved a hair since!

We have used the paper towel holder, we have traveled, we have had KIDS getting paper towels and it hasn't budged. Perfect solution for mess-free, damage-free hold. BuzzFeed Shopping logo BuzzFeed Shopping logo. Gift Guide. Sex Toys. Shopping · Posted on Feb 8, by Jenae Sitzes BuzzFeed Staff.

Prismatic window film for covering any windows where you could use a lil' extra privacy — it'll also allow the sun to cast gorgeous rainbows across the room during the day and create the coziest stained glass effect at night. com , www. A nontoxic, waterproof grout pen so you can refresh the old stained grout on your tile floors or shower walls — a far easier and cheaper alternative to having it professionally regrouted.

com , Amazon. An easy-to-install high-pressure rainfall showerhead with an adjustable extension arm so you can set your preferred angle and height. Clear refrigerator bins that'll majorly upgrade your fridge organization and make it look like something out of a magazine.

These are great for stashing drinks, produce, and other commonly used items. A fabric shaver to rescue your poor couch, chairs, pillows, and other fabric-covered items that are starting to pill especially if you have cats who love to use their claws on them.

This will shave off the unsightly loose ends to bring your fabric pieces back to life. And it works on sweaters and clothes, too, of course! Peel-and-stick backsplash tile that'll add some ~flavor~ to your bathroom or kitchen wall — a relatively cheap afternoon project in place of a hefty investment requiring professionals.

Whether it's your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, it's amazing how much of a difference this makes! Decorative hinges that'll liven up your garage doors with a classic carriage house look, which you'll be able to admire every time you get home for the day. They attach magnetically!

A weatherproofing strip to better seal doors and help keep out cold drafts while preventing your precious heat from escaping. Another big benefit: It'll help muffle the distracting sounds of car horns or your neighbor's loud music while working from home!

And a three-layer door stopper you can install and by "install" we mean peel and stick! A compact cutlery organizer cleverly designed to maximize your drawer space with stacked, angled compartments that take up waaay less space than the typical wide, flat organizers.

Amazon, www. Some faux stainless steel contact paper to upgrade your kitchen appliances. And when you move or change your mind, you can easily remove or reposition it! A pack of adhesive cable clips that'll straighten out that mess of cords tangled behind your home office desk that you've been trying very hard not to think about.

Small LED lights for instant ~ambiance~ — they're perfect for sticking under kitchen cabinets or an office desk, along the ceiling, behind a TV, or anywhere you want to add a neat glow.

And using the Govee app, you can program them to give off a classic white glow or all sorts of colors, and at variety of brightness levels.

A power scrubber brush that straight-up attaches to a drill to handle all the muscle power of cleaning for you. If you've got stains, hard-water marks, and mold and mildew buildup that you just haven't been able to get rid of, this could be the thing that finally brings your tile, porcelain, upholstery, and more back to life.

Waterproof, stain-resistant faux marble granite adhesive for giving new life to that old, scratched-up desk, vanity, or bathroom counter. A two-pack of Howard Products wood polish and conditioner made with beeswax and orange oil if you've noticed your wood surfaces looking a little dull and dry lately.

With this, you can polish your furniture, cabinets, doors, and more to restore their luster — and avoid the cost of having them professionally refinished. And a versatile Katzco Furniture Repair Kit to address that scratched-up door your pet has unleashed its claws on or scratched-up chair that's been bumped into one too many times.

The kit includes six wood markers and six wax sticks so you can find the closest color match to the type of wood you have. A set of NoNo Brackets that make mounting curtains a breeze — just attach these to the top of your existing blinds, and you won't have to drill any holes.

A hard-working jar of The Pink Stuff , an internet-beloved, all-purpose cleaning paste made to tackle stains, dirt, and grime practically anywhere.

Put it to the test on that pan, bathtub, or wall you've long given up on and watch this versatile paste work its magic. Premade wall panels that'll bring an interesting flair to plain walls and doors, and just a dash of elegance without being distracting.

Leather Honey conditioner to breathe new life into your well-worn leather couch, chairs, and even shoes and apparel. For starters, its flush-glazing design maximizes the amount of daylight coming in. An integrated LED strip light provides tunable illumination when needed. Lab Results: While we were not able to install the skylight and test it under real-world conditions, our engineers reviewed the extensive technical data provided by Marvin.

Based on that review, we are confident thatthe skylight will meet its claims around ventilation and light transmission. We also checked the specs on the integrated LED lighting to confirm that the dimmable fixture can range from the soft light of sunrise k up to bright midday light k.

Window screens are essential for keeping the bugs out while allowing fresh air in, a key to proper ventilation in the home.

Their only downside is that they cut down on natural light and impede the view, especially if they collect a lot of dirt and dust from outside air. Enter the Pella Hidden Screen, a solution for vinyl windows that retracts into the frame when the window is closed, lifting up into operation only when the window is open.

Lab Results: Our engineers tested the hidden screen system on a Lab sample and found it to be soundly designed and constructed. Both the top and the bottom sash of the double-hung windows can be opened for maximum ventilation, and both tilt for easy cleaning.

As for style, the simulated divided lites and the brushed-nickel hardware give a traditional look, while the trendy black interior and the exterior finish are eye-catching on both sides of the window; a dozen other colors are available.

Our engineers have also reviewed third-party certifications to ensure that the windows meet all energy-efficiency claims. Our market analysts, meanwhile, are impressed by the extensive range of configurations, colors and features.

Finally, Window World provides full-service support throughout the entire window journey, from design consultation to installation to ongoing support via the limited life warranty, which is transferable to the next owner. Smart home technology is changing how we interact with our homes, increasing safety, convenience and efficiency.

The Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug is a compelling case in point, allowing you control any electrical device from anywhere via a smartphone app. Lighting is the primary use case think holiday lights or year-round string lights illuminating the back deck , but the plug can bring remote control to any electronic device, including pool pumps, bug zappers and outdoor speakers.

Testers liked the ability to control the light through the app or a wireless remote, knowing that not everyone wants to pull out their smartphone to operate the lights.

The plug is also very well built, our experts say, with durable materials and solid construction that enabled it to withstand months of extreme temperatures and heavy rains in our home evaluations. When it comes to electrical projects, conventional wisdom is to bring in a professional, since handling live wires can be dangerous in the moment and create fire risks down the line if done incorrectly.

The Light Fixture tackles that thinking head-on by providing kits with all the tools, supplies, and comprehensive instructions needed to safely and confidently replace a light fixture.

Similar kits exist for installing a faucet, patching a hole in the wall and hanging artwork. Lab Results: The kit is ideal for beginning DIY-ers or as a gift for first-time homeowners, our experts say. The comprehensive kit contains all the supplies required for the project, and the tools are of solid quality.

Our experts like that all the how-to literature includes appropriate warnings and instructions for working safely with electrical wiring.

Schneider Electric, a global manufacturer specializing in home automation and energy management, makes that prospect easier than ever with the launch of its Square D X and XD Series Wiring Devices. Lab Results: Our engineers evaluated the assorted devices and found the materials and design to be top-notch, with the materials including heavy-duty plastic, tamper-resistant shutters and side-mount pressure plates for easy hookup.

Installation was straightforward, though unless you have a lot of experience with electrical wiring we recommend hiring a professional. In terms of usability, testers liked the many specialty features, including the dual fast-charging USB ports on the Square D receptacle, the screwless face plates, and the ability to track energy consumption in real time through the Wiser Energy app.

Bidet toilet seats make it possible to ditch the toilet paper in favor of a cleansing spray without having to replace your entire toilet. This bidet seats shows off Kohler's innovation, with its sleek design, continuous warm water flow and adjustable settings, including oscillating and pulsating sprays.

The seat even features an automated LED light, helpful for finding your way in the dark. The adjustable cleansing sprays did the job on all body types and the built-in odor control was a hit. Another lauded the ergonomic design, saying: "A lot of bidet seats are steeply angled at the back because of the wires needed, and that can make them uncomfortable to sit on, but the C3 is really comfortable.

Lab Results: The terrazzo tile—a composite building material made from recycled glass, stone and binders—held up to our tough impact and abrasion tests. The slightly porous material was a bit more prone to staining mustard gave it the most trouble so our experts recommend vertical applications, or truly low-traffic floors.

In terms of sustainability, our engineers reviewed the technical data to ensure that the tile base consists of at least 65 percent recycled material.

Through decades of toilet testing, American Standard has earned a reputation for performance and reliability with our experts. The Champion PRO two-piece toilet is up to the same standard. Everything needed for installation is included: tank, bowl, trip-lever, seat with lid, speed connect tank-to-bowl coupling kit, bolt caps and wax ring.

Lab Results: Despite using very little water, the Champion PRO delivered impressive flushing performance in our tough tests, which included colored powder, wads of toilet paper, sponges and even golf balls. The flushing action also did a very good cleaning the bowl, which our testers say should reduce the number of manual toilet cleanings.

Smart home technology has made its way into bathrooms, where it adds convenience, functionality, safety and more.

Case in point: this new high-tech shower system from Kohler. The Wi-Fi connected controls let you program precise temperature settings, which can be operated through the smartphone app, voice control, or through the touchscreen display.

The shower system features an array of luxurious sprays, including an oblong showerhead and seven sprays, from deep massage to a full-body mist.

Lab Results: Our design experts praised the fully-customizable configuration of the shower system, which allows for a truly unique walk-in shower experience. They also like the range of finishes—polished chrome, brushed nickel, matter black and brushed brass.

The WiFi-connected controls are a neat convenience for high-tech homeowners. Linear drains bring a sleek, streamlined look to walk-in showers, which have become a preferred feature of luxury bathrooms. The drains are a safety upgrade too since they eliminate the need for a curb; that's because the floor slopes gently in one direction, rather than from all four sides, as with a center drain.

The drain cover comes in a range of finishes, from brushed gold to matte black. Lab Results: Builder Fernando Pages used the Oatey system in his latest new home build. He also says the feature will appeal to buyers and add to the value of the home.

Bathroom lighting is easy to get wrong. In many homes, the fixtures are too high up, casting shadows that hamper makeup application, shaving and other grooming.

The side-integrated LED lighting washes the face in plenty of bright illumination. The mirror also provides excellent storage, with five staggered shelves for short and tall items.

Lab Results: Testers raved over the design of the mirror. One caveat: the mirror was much harder to install than advertised, because of the complicated wiring involved. We strongly recommend professional installation.

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. All About Good Housekeeping's Awards Programs. Our Best Fitness Awards Are Here! The Winners of Our Kitchen Gear Awards. The Winners of Our Kids' Book Awards.

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Kitchen All-Stars. Space-Saving Kitchen Sink. Delta Faucet Workstation Sink Shop at Amazon. Top-Rated Countertop. Indispensable Water Dispenser. Elkay ezH2O Liv Built-In Water Dispenser Shop at Amazon. Game-Changing Faucet. Kohler Crue Touchless Faucet Shop at kohler.

Ultimate Glass Cleaner. Delta Faucet Glass Rinser Shop at Amazon. Versatile Porcelain Tiles. Crossville Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam Shop at crossvilleinc. Garage Wonders. Smart Garage Door Opener. Chamberlain Secure View Shop at Amazon.

Tip-Top Tool Storage. Craftsman 7-Drawer Workstation Shop at Lowe's. Innovative EV Charger. ChargePoint HomeFlex EV Charger Shop at Amazon.

Excellent Exteriors. Convincing Composite Decking. TimberTech AZEK Landmark Collection Composite Decking Shop at timbertech. Durable Composite Decking. MoistureShield Meridian Composite Decking Shop at moistureshield.

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