![Jeff Somers](jpg/image.fill.size_204x204.v1699836614.jpg)
Jeff Somers
MORE BY Jeff
![Empty storage unit](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711730366.jpg)
![Empty storage unit](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711730366.jpg)
Five (Legal) Alternative Uses for a Storage Unit
Don't just use your storage unit to store stuff. That's boring.
![A close-up photograph of two people shaking hands](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711646986.png)
![A close-up photograph of two people shaking hands](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711646986.png)
Five Situations You Should Be Using a Contract (and How to Make One)
It’s pretty easy to write a legally binding contract. You should be using them a lot more.
![Cherry tree hanging over fence](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711639317.jpg)
![Cherry tree hanging over fence](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711639317.jpg)
What to Do If Your Neighbor’s Tree Hangs Over Your Property
When a neighbor’s tree hangs over your property it can be a nuisance—and even cause damage. But tread carefully before you trim it.
![A contemporary condo complex with neat, side-by-side tall white buildings](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711476983.png)
![A contemporary condo complex with neat, side-by-side tall white buildings](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711476983.png)
How to Oust Your Condo Board or HOA
Lawsuits against incompetent or malicious condo boards or HOAs are difficult because the law favors them. But there’s one thing you can almost always do: Petition to remove them.
![person handing over keys to another person over desk](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711471911.jpg)
![person handing over keys to another person over desk](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711471911.jpg)
You Should Run a Background Check on Your Future Landlord (and Yourself)
Check out your potential landlord—and find out what red flags they might find on you.
![three-pronged outlet on a tile wall with a charger plugged in](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711387619.png)
![three-pronged outlet on a tile wall with a charger plugged in](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711387619.png)
9 Types of Outlets You Might Find in Your House (and What They’re Supposed to Power)
If you’re wondering what you can plug in and where, here’s everything you need to know so you don’t a) burn down your house or b) destroy your appliances.
![Water heater attached to house](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711040183.jpg)
![Water heater attached to house](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711040183.jpg)
When to Get a Tankless Water Heater (and When Not To)
If you have a large family or a small space, a tankless water heater may be more trouble than it’s worth.
![small bathroom decorated in neutral colors](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711035955.png)
![small bathroom decorated in neutral colors](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1711035955.png)
When It’s Actually a Good Idea to Remove a Bathroom
More bathrooms isn't always better, despite what we've been told.
![old chimney on roof](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710866931.jpg)
![old chimney on roof](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710866931.jpg)
The Six Ways You Need to Maintain Your Chimney
If your house has a chimney, it needs maintaining—whether you actually use it or not.
![A house with the exterior siding removed and wool mineral insulation installed](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710784779.jpg)
![A house with the exterior siding removed and wool mineral insulation installed](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710784779.jpg)
Your Home Might Need External Insulation, Too
If you’re going to replace the siding or cladding on the exterior of your house, you should take the opportunity to add external insulation for a more comfortable house and lower energy bills.
![A collage of product images of the five recommended solar generators](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710531698.jpg)
![A collage of product images of the five recommended solar generators](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710531698.jpg)
The Best Solar Generators You Can Buy Right Now
Whether you're camping or navigating a blackout, a reliable solar generator can be a godsend.
![Man looking at car engine while on smartphone](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710435228.jpg)
![Man looking at car engine while on smartphone](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710435228.jpg)
Why You Might Need Mechanical Breakdown Insurance for Your Car
Mechanical breakdown insurance can make it possible to get your car fixed without losing your shirt.
![House in floodwaters](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710429747.jpg)
![House in floodwaters](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710429747.jpg)
How to Avoid Force-Place Insurance on Your Home or Car (and Why You Should)
Lenders sometimes go ahead and purchase insurance you don’t need.
![Police lights in a car's rearview mirror](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710264276.jpg)
![Police lights in a car's rearview mirror](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710264276.jpg)
What to Do if the Police Seize Your Cash or Property
Often the police can legally seize your property—even if you haven’t done anything wrong.
![open door to an empty apartment with plain white walls](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710176011.png)
![open door to an empty apartment with plain white walls](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1710176011.png)
When Renovating Your Rental Is Actually a Good Idea
Renovating a property you don’t own seems like a bad idea—but under the right circumstances, there are distinct benefits.
![Dog pooping on lawn](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709920147.jpg)
![Dog pooping on lawn](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709920147.jpg)
The Weirdest Side Hustles That Can Make You Real Money
Make money as well as something to tell your grandkids about (or not).
![pile of old, corroded copper pipes](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709839912.png)
![pile of old, corroded copper pipes](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709839912.png)
All the Metal Stuff You Can Sell for Scrap When Remodeling
When you tear your house apart to beautify it, it’s typical to just order a dumpster for the debris—but there might be scrap metal money in it for you.
![Apartment building gym](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709660782.jpg)
![Apartment building gym](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709660782.jpg)
Why You Shouldn’t Buy or Rent for the Building Amenities
We often get lured into a condo or rental with the promise of shared amenities, but they’re not worth anything if you don’t use them.
![A photograph of two small Juliet balconies on a contemporary white brick building exterior](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709575949.png)
![A photograph of two small Juliet balconies on a contemporary white brick building exterior](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709575949.png)
How to Turn Your Juliet Balcony Into Functional Space
That so-called "balcony" can work for dining, food prep, storage, and more.
![solar water heater on roof](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709315450.jpg)
![solar water heater on roof](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1709315450.jpg)
Consider Adding a Solar Water Heater to Your Home
Solar thermal panels can heat your water. For free.