November 20th, 2008 — Doors, Garage, Handy Man, Install, Safety
Having a garage door opener makes life a lot easier and it can add safety features to an existing door. There are numerous kinds of opener and more kinds of doors, but for the sake of brevity, we’re going to cover installing a garage door opener that mounts on the wall above the door. This type of installation allows for more head room and can be a lot safer. The type of door for this opener is usually the type that will either fold up, or that can be raised on a track.
First, you’ll need to follow the instructions that are included with your opener. All openers are different, and while we can supply some general tips, you’ll need to make sure you are using the right tools and techniques for your particular opener. Keep these instructions in a safe place when you’re done in case you ever need to repair your opener.
Ok, let’s get started. Before you go any further, disconnect the power to the garage. First, you’re going to need to mount that opener above the garage door. Make sure that the wall is sturdy enough to handle the weight since some openers can be quite heavy. Using countersunk screws, attach the provided mounting brackets to the wall. You will need to make sure that you are attaching these brackets to a stud and that the screws are firmly in place.
Attach the wires in the motor to the switch on the wall. You may need some additional help from a qualified electrician if this is a brand new installation. If you’re just replacing an opener, follow the instructions to hook up the wires correctly. Make sure that you do everything correctly - wiring is not something you want to mess with. IMPORTANT: make sure that you properly hookup the emergency disconnect device. This will save a life if someone gets trapped under the door.
Now, attach the motor to the brackets, taking special care to make sure that it is secure. Attach the motor to the door using the provided belts or chains. Again, all openers are different, so at this point you will need to refer back to your instructions. Set that emergency disconnect device to MANUAL before going any further.
Raise up the door until it is completely up and then put it back down until it is completely down. Make sure that there aren’t any hitches in its movement. It should be fluid and as noise free as possible. Keep in mind that belt attachments are usually much quieter than chains.
Plug in the opener and then set up the remote control. Follow your unit’s instructions. Clean up the area and double check all connections. Turn the power back on and test the unit. Please note that it’s best to be outside of the garage during testing to avoid getting trapped inside. (It does happen.) Once you’re sure everything is working properly, you’re all set - go have a cold drink and celebrate!
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November 18th, 2008 — Doors, Handy Man, Install, Replace, Safety, locks
If you need to install new locks on your doors, there’s no need to call in a locksmith if you’ve got some basic DIY experience and you’re pretty handy. Today’s locks make it very easy to change them out and you won’t need many tools to get the job done. You will need:
- a screwdriver
- hammer
- chisel
- sandpaper
- drill
- in some cases, some adhesive.
Let’s get started! First, you’ll need to remove the old lock system. If it’s corroded, this can be pretty tough. If you can’t get it to come out of the door, try some WD40 to loosen it up. You may have to crank on those screws, but make sure that you don’t strip the heads or you’ll have a terrible time trying to get the lock out. Completely remove the lock mechanism and the plate that goes over the jamb.
Now, you’re going to need to measure the receptacle for the lock in your door jamb. If you’re using a similar lock, there shouldn’t be a problem in getting the tongue of the lock to fit into your door jamb. However, in some cases, you may need to widen the area. If the size difference is minimal, sandpaper will usually work to help create a better fit. If there is a big difference, slowly and carefully use your hammer and chisel to widen the area gradually. Don’t get too carried away or you’ll damage your door.
Once you’re sure that the tongue of your new lock will fit into the door jamb, you’re ready to get started. Separate the new lock into two pieces and insert the locking side first. Your door should already be sized to accept it. If not, you’ll need to change the shape of the hole with either sandpaper or a special saw. If you’re not comfortable with wood work, you’ll need to get someone else to widen this hole for you.
Attach the locking side to the door, making sure that it will line up perfectly with the second half before finishing. Now, get the second half of the lock and put it on the outside of the door. Place the two sides together and finish attaching them. Most new locks will come with instructions on how to accomplish this, so make sure you save them.
After this is done, you can install the new jamb plate and test the lock. It’s best to do this from the inside so you don’t get locked out if something goes wrong. We recommend fully testing the lock and the keys before you install it to cut down on any problems. It’s well worth the extra effort and you’ll keep from getting locked out. Although most prepackaged lock sets should be perfectly calibrated, there is always a chance that something might be a little off. Test it beforehand and you’ll have smooth sailing all the way. Make a copy of the key to put in a safe place and go relax - you just installed a new lock successfully!
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August 27th, 2008 — Air Conditioning, Create, Design, Doors, Garage, Handy Man, Heating, Project, electrical system
When it comes to adding on to your home, one of the most logical places to start if you are on a tight budget is your garage. It’s already there and if it is connected to your house, you’ve already got an extra room right at your disposal. However, there are a few considerations that you will need to take into mind before converting your garage.
1. How is the ventilation?
Typically, your garage will not be hooked up to the ventilation system in your house. Before you make any plans to convert your garage, you will need to have an adequate method of ventilation. Typically, it is easy enough to add the room to your duct system. However, if the garage is a stand alone room, you may have to add a separate system.
2. How will you handle the doors?
A garage will typically have one large door and then a side door. If the room will be a bedroom or part of a living area, you will need to change that big door out. However, if you are just going to use it occasionally, you may be able to get away without replacing it.
3. How good is the electrical system?
Having extra outlets in your garage is helpful, even if you don’t plan on converting it. Typically, garages have a limited number of outlets, so you may need to add more. It is also a good idea to check the electrical system to determine whether or not is safe.
4. Heating and cooling is vital.
If someone will be living in the garage, you need to make sure that you have a way to control the temperature. Garages are typically not insulated very well, so you may need to add extra insulation. In addition, you will need to either work out a space heater or window air solution, or find a way to add your garage to the rest of your home’s heating and cooling system.
5. Where are you going to put your car?
While it is relatively easy to convert your garage into a new room, it does leave your car out in the cold. You may want to consider installing a car port alongside the garage if possible to provide some shelter for your car. If you’re not worried about it, or you have adequate parking space, this should not be a problem. It is never safe to combine a living area that will share space with a vehicle.
If you cannot find a way to convert your garage, you still may have another option. You can always add an extra room above the garage if necessary. This works well if you don’t have a lot of space on your lot and you still need extra room. This will require the help of a contractor to make sure that the new addition is stable and safe. In a pinch though, this is an easy solution that allows you to keep your car in your garage and still get an extra room.
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August 12th, 2008 — Cabinets, Handy Man, Install, Kitchen, Walls
Installing new kitchen cabinets is a great way to give an old kitchen a facelift. In addition to being more useful, new kitchen cabinets can add value to your home and make it look a lot nicer. Before we get started, let’s make sure you have all the tools you’ll need for this project. You’ll need the following tools:
- a level
- a hacksaw (just in case)
- screwdrivers of various sizes
- plenty of screws
- wood glue (in some cases)
- a sander or rough grade sandpaper
- vise grips
- a crowbar
- measuring tape
- a sledgehammer
- a power drill
Before you can install your new cabinets, you’re going to have to rip out the old ones. This can actually be quite fun and it’s a great way to get out some frustrations. Remove everything in the cabinets, and then take off the doors. If they are screwed into the wall, carefully remove the screws. If you are working with big cabinets, it’s really helpful to have someone else on hand to help take it down from the wall. If not, make sure you have some way to catch those cabinets if they should come down when you are unscrewing them.
If you cannot remove the old cabinets easily, you may need to use that crowbar. Place the end of the bar behind the cabinets and lever outwards. It may take a few tries. If worse comes to worse, grab a sledgehammer and start pounding. Completely remove all the wood and any fittings for the old cabinetry before proceeding. If the wall looks a bit rough, you may want to sand it down to make sure that your new cabinets will sit flush.
Now that you have completely removed the old cabinetry, you’re ready to get started with the new. Place them where you think they should go and then get out your level to make sure that they are even. Using your measuring tape so that you have the exact measurements before you start drilling. It is a lot easier to fix something during this stage than it is to try to fix crooked cabinets.
Take your time and make sure that everything is level. Once you’re satisfied, you can start drilling. If your cabinetry came with any special installation instructions, please refer to these now. For your screws, you’re going to want to make sure that they are rated to hold the weight of the cabinets. Most people prefer to countersink their screws for safety. Line up where you will need to drill and create holes in both the cabinetry and the wall to make it easier.
Then, attach your screws, countersinking if necessary and assemble your cabinetry. The whole process should take only a few hours, and less if you have help. There are several schools of thought if you’re working with unfinished cabinetry. Many people prefer to sand, stain and varnish before installing. Others prefer to do this later, or sand and stain, then varnish after they’re installed. It’s up to you, but keep in mind that installation can cause nicks in your varnish.
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August 8th, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man
This is a do-it yourself guide written mainly for women, but anyone that is interested in home repair can get a lot out of it. If you have ever wanted to tackle any kind of DIY project in your house this book is the definitive guide that can help you get the job done. The writing style is very engaging and this is an incredibly quick read for a DIY book. We really appreciated the humor that was used throughout to make it fun. This is a great book for single moms or just about anyone that needs to be able to tackle projects of all sizes around their homes.
The book is divided into five main sections, Plumbing, Electrical, Major Appliances, Windows, Walls and Doors as well as Home Safety. Each section includes plenty of drawings and illustrations to make the projects easy to understand. The detail on the drawings is quite good, a problem that many DIY publishers cannot fix. We were happy to see that even the smallest details were easy to see in print. Definitely a job well done!
The last section details how to find a contractor if the job is too big or if you don’t feel comfortable taking it on yourself. This took away a little bit from the empowerment theme of the book, but in some cases, there are times when even the best DIY’er can’t do it on their own. The tips contained here will help you avoid getting taken for a ride by a contractor and we appreciated the useful hints on how to locate the right contractor for the job.
The resource section is worth the cost of the book alone and provided some great ways to find the products and tools mentioned in the book. You can use this as a virtual shopping list to help build up your home tool kit. We liked the way that the book described the different tools needed and their uses, especially for readers that may not be used to home repair jobs on their own.
Overall, this was a fantastic book that really breaks down common tasks and makes them easy to understand. The money that can be saved by tackling these projects is significant, and the section on major appliances was an interesting addition. Most DIY projects focus only on what you can build or fixing fixtures, so this was something that we found to be very unique to this book. If you’ve ever faced a loud refrigerator in the middle of the night and didn’t have the money to get it fixed professionally, this book will definitely come in handy.
The authors have gone on to write more DIY books for women and it is easy to see why they have built up such a dedicated audience. No matter what gender you are, the books are fun to read, informative and contain some really great tips to help you get the job done right.
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June 9th, 2008 — Cheap Alternative, Dishwasher, Handy Man, Kitchen, Refresh, Refrigerator, Repair
If you’re stuck with some aging appliances and replacing them isn’t in your budget, there are a few tricks that you can use to give them a facelift and make them more energy efficient, on the cheap. For this article, we’re going to focus on refreshing your refrigerator and dishwasher, but these tips will work for just about any large appliance you have in your home.
Let’s start with the refrigerator. Chances are it could use a top to bottom scrubbing and a defrost if it’s an older model. Completely remove all the food and scrub the entire surface inside and out with a good cleaner that’s safe to use around food. Get into every nook and cranny until it’s sparkling. If you’ve got a common refrigerator, you may be able to find replacement shelves that will make it easier to store your food. Before you shut those doors though, there are two more steps you’re going to need to take.
Grab an old toothbrush and dunk it in your cleaner. Locate the rubber gasket on the inside of the door and get scrubbing. It’s most likely pretty gunky unless you’ve been cleaning it on a regular basis. If your refrigerator is old, you should replace the gasket. This will make your appliance more efficient. These gaskets can be found at any hardware store. Measure the old one or take a section in to help make it easier to find the replacement. Replace both gaskets and shut the door.
Scrub the outside of the doors until they are sparkling clean. Now, you’ve got an option. You can leave it as is, or you can try a technique that will make it look like you’ve spent a couple thousand dollars on a new appliance. Get some stainless steel contact paper – yes, contact paper, and carefully apply it to your door. You’re going to want to make sure that there are no broken or crooked edges. Completely coat the appliance with the contact paper, smoothing out any bubbles as you go. When you’re done, your refrigerator will look fantastic. It’s important to find contact paper that’s meant for this type of use. You can usually find it in most home improvement stores or online.
Now, let’s move onto to the dishwasher. Repeat the same processes above, making sure that it is completely cleaned out. You can also add the same contact paper to this appliance so that you have a uniform look for your appliances. You may need to replace the gasket on the dishwasher if it is old and worn out. These wear out pretty quickly since the area inside is so hot and humid. Again, you’ll be saving money on energy costs by taking the time to install a new gasket.
Make sure that you follow the proper care instructions for your newly contact-papered appliances. Most come with special instructions, but you can use a damp cloth with dish soap to clean it. Make sure that the cloth is not too wet.
Your kitchen should now look brand new and you’ve only spent a few hours and a couple dollars!
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Read more tips and advice on home cleaning at Merry Maids.
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June 4th, 2008 — Clean, Handy Man, Mold, Safety
Mold is a serious problem for many homes, especially those in humid climates. However, some areas of your home are going to be more likely to have mold, even if you live in the middle of a dry desert. Here are some tips on how to make sure that you don’t get mold, and how to handle it if it is already a problem.
There are numerous kinds of mold that can attack a house. Most are non-lethal, but black mold is a whole other story. This is a pernicious mold that not only destroys your home, but it can also destroy your health. If you are worried that you have black mold in your home, do not attempt to remove it on your own. Doing so will only loosen the spores which can cause more health problems. Always contact a professional to handle this kind of job. Black mold is so bad that in some cases the only way to get rid of it is to burn the entire structure.
But let’s talk about your average, everyday, non-lethal mold. There are some spots in your home that are going to be more likely to get it – usually the spots where there is a lot of water. Bathrooms, under the kitchen sink or anywhere that you might have a leak. Mold can even be a problem outside in some cases. We’ve had homeowners report mold appearing in dog water bowls and on other surfaces outside the home.
In order to prevent mold, you’ve got to make sure that the environment is not conducive to its growth. Mold needs moist and humid temperatures to thrive. In the case of the bathroom, this means installing a proper ventilation fan and keeping doors open after your shower. Your goal is to dry out any moist areas as quickly as possible before the mold has a chance to grow.
If you’re already dealing with mold, you’re going to need to remove it quickly. Even though it may not be as deadly as black mold, regular mold can be a health concern. You’re going to need to get some hot, soapy water, preferably filled with an antibacterial cleaner. It’s a good idea to wear a mask during the cleaning process just in case. Thoroughly wipe the area down that is affected with mold and then dry it off. It is important to make sure that it is completely dry or you’ll end up with the same problem again.
Phones and other places that can harbor mold can be cleaned easily by using a solution of water and mouthwash. This is very effective, especially with the stronger ones that are formulated to kill bacteria. Dip a rag in the solution and thoroughly wipe, then dry the surface. This should kill the mold and prevent its reoccurrence.
With careful management, mold doesn’t have to be a factor in your home. Just remember – keep it dry and keep it cool.
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