November 21st, 2008 — Book Review, Ceramic, Countertops, Flooring, Tile
Black and Decker’s The Complete Guide to Ceramic and Stone Tile is a must read for anyone that is considering renovating their home. This is a great guide that makes it very simple to understand how to do even complex tasks and the project section alone makes it worth the cover price. This book is aimed at beginners but professionals should be able to learn a thing or two along the way.
The book opens with basics of ceramic and stone tile that walks the reader through the process of picking the right tile for their home, the kinds of tools they will need to complete various projects and how to prepare for a new tile installation. We appreciated this section since it does go into more information on the many different types of tile as well as their suggested uses. If you’ve always wanted a certain kind of tile, you may find that it’s really not meant for that purpose, so this is a great place to start before you end up spending too much money on tile selection.
This section provides an absolutely exhaustive list of the tools you’ll need and what purpose they serve. This is perfect for beginners who may not know exactly what they will need to get each type of job done. It also serves as a handy shopping list. Even the most complex tools are completely explained so that anyone can pick one up and begin using it properly.
The section on removing old flooring or countertops is very useful and contains some tips that will make the job go a lot faster. This is perfect for those who are not used to ripping out old tile and contains some safety tips that will make it a lot less dangerous for those who are new. In keeping with the times, this last section also includes a how-to on installing a floor warming system. This is not only energy efficient, but can greatly add to the value of your home. While you’ve got your old floor ripped out, you may as well take advantage of this new method of heating.
Moving on to the projects section, there are plenty of tasks here that will probably have you itching to redo something, anything in your home. They are all broken down so that anyone can follow them and get great results. You’ll get how-to’s on proper planning, and a material’s list that makes it even easier to make sure you have everything you need before you get started.
While it includes plenty of flooring and countertop how-to’s, we appreciated the projects on backsplashes, shower bases and the more extensive forms of flooring that include intricate designs. Everything is laid out logically and it very easy to follow.
Overall, this is an incredibly helpful book that more than deserves a place in your bookshelf. If you’ve got a tile project coming up, it’s definitely a must-have. Even if you don’t, after you read the book, you’ll undoubtedly want to start one.
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November 20th, 2008 — Heating, Windows, pipes
Whether you have a vacation home that will not be in use for the winter, or you will be gone from your home for an extended period of time this season, it is a good idea to properly close up your home for the winter. This is not difficult and the steps you take here can save you thousands of dollars by preventing burst pipes, water damage and other damage. Here is a quick checklist to help you get prepared.
1. Drain the water heater and the pipes.
This is something that many homeowners forget, but it is the most important step to take and should be done before anything else. If you don’t get rid of excess water in your pipes, plumbing and water heater, there is a chance that they could freeze. Since you won’t be at the home, you may never know what happened until it is too late. If you are not used to flushing your home’s plumbing system, you can easily hire a plumber to help with this job. Once everything has been flushed, double check to make sure that the main water line to the house has been shut off.
Some people recommend adding antifreeze to toilet water, but this is a hazard, particularly if you have pets and small children. It is best simply to flush the house system and close down the water line for the winter.
2. Seal all the windows.
In order to keep the temperature at a constant level, it’s a good idea to seal up and winterize all of your windows and doors. This can save you money on heating an extra home throughout the winter and will help keep the interior less dusty. You can purchase window and door sealing kits at your local hardware store and do this on your own.
3. Set your furnace to the desired level.
If you don’t mind heating the house all winter long, or if you haven’t completely flushed the house water system, you will need to make sure that you leave the heat on. Most people prefer to set the heat at about 50 to 60 degrees to keep it above freezing. This should reduce the cost for heating the house throughout the winter. If you prefer to just turn everything off, double check and make sure that no water is left in the pipes before you do.
4. Turn off the electricity.
If you will not be using the heating system, you can simply turn off the electricity for this portion of the year. Many people feel more comfortable doing this, since they won’t have to worry about electrical fires if something happens when they are not at the house. Talk with your power company about shutting down for the winter. If you have propane or natural gas lines in the home, you should also have those shut down for the winter.
These easy steps will help you make sure that your house is safe and sound for the winter and will be ready for you next spring.
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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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November 17th, 2008 — Book Review, Drywall
John Wagner’s book on Drywall tips is incredibly useful and is well suited for beginners or those with a modicum of do it yourself experience. Experts probably won’t get much out of it, but for its intended audience, it definitely hits all the right notes. Even if you’re not planning on drywalling any time soon, you can get some great tips for repairing common wall issues, so it is definitely well worth the purchase price.
What sets this book apart from the competition is the attention to detail. Too many how-to books don’t include enough diagrams and photos to fully illustrate the process of how to do something. This is one of the few that went to exhaustive lengths to make sure that each process is thoroughly documented. This is incredibly helpful for beginners that really need to have a visual representation of what they need to do to get the job done.
For those completely new to drywall, the beginning section covers everything you could ever need to know about it. From the different materials that are used to make it, to its many forms, such as moisture or fire resistant, this is a great place to start before you begin your next project. You’ll be able to shop for drywall with a whole new appreciation and it will make the selection process much easier.
Common accessories and tools that are needed for drywalling are also covered and make it easy to see exactly what you are going to need to complete a project. You can use this as a virtual shopping list to make sure that you have everything necessary on hand before you start your project. The tools and equipment section is absolutely exhaustive and very useful. It also covers the tools for safety and how to build a “deadman.” This is used if you will be installing drywall on your own and it makes it much safer.
The next section of the book is divided up into how to cut, install and finish drywall. You’ll learn a bunch of different techniques that are designed to make the entire process easier while producing professional results. There are numerous little tips sprinkled about and we recommend taking a glance at them a few times. You can really learn a lot from the tips on their own.
The section on repair is very useful, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to fix an existing wall without having to completely replace it. This makes the book worth the price on its own. Although drywall isn’t the most fascinating subject in the world to many people, this book makes it easy to understand and a little bit fun. While it’s probably not something you’d read for pleasure, it is well suited for the DIY lover and weekend warrior.
By the time you’re done, you’ll be able to hang drywall and fix it like a pro. In fact, you may just find yourself itching to try out your new skills!
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November 16th, 2008 — Create, Curb Appeal, Design, Flooring, Handy Man, Landscape, Outside, Project, Yard
Any home can look better when you add a nice walkway leading up to it. Luckily, just about anyone can do it on their own and it doesn’t take much time. We recommend allowing around two to three days to complete your walkway, so it can be accomplished on a weekend. If you need to break it up, you can dig on a Friday evening so that the next two days are free for the whole installation process.
You’re going to need some tools and materials before you get started. They include:
- shovels
- strings and posts
- landscaping nails
- ledger boards
- plastic guides
- rock dust
- gravel
- wetsaw or paver splitter
- numerous 2 x 4’s
- your pavers
- a level
Most if not all of these items are available at any hardware store. A wetsaw is pretty expensive, but you can rent one. If this doesn’t appeal to you, a paver splitter will usually be able to get the job done for you and they are a lot cheaper. If you are using a splitter, you’ll need to add a hammer and chisel to your material list.
Ok - let’s get started. First, you’re going to want to measure out your walkway. Keep in mind the size of your pavers and allow at least two extra inches on the sides for your filler. You’re going to want to dig out a path that is around one foot deep for the entire length of the path. Now, grab those strings and posts, and place them alongside this path. Put the strings at level with the ground above your new path. This will be your guide as to how high your finished path will be. You don’t want it too high or you’ll end up tripping over your own walkway.
Take that gravel and fill in the pathway completely with about ¾ of an inch of gravel. Once you’re done, tamp it down securely. Now, take that rock dust (sand works too) and fill in the entire path to a depth of about 2 inches. Tamp this down again. Take your ledger boards and lay them out along the sides of your path. Place your 2 x 4’s over these so that you have a wooden plankway. This provides a solid surface for your pavers.
Use those plastic guides on the outer edges of your walkway to mark off the edges. This gives it a nice finished look that is very even. You’re now ready to add your pavers. Put them in following the pattern of your choice. Make sure they are arranged properly. In most cases, you’ll need to cut a paver. Use the wetsaw or splitter to get this done and finish the walkway.
Now, add in rock dust along the sides to build everything up until it is level. Tamp it down. Spread out the rest of the dust on the pavers and sweep it into the cracks. You should do this a couple of times until everything is packed firmly in. This helps reduce the risk of weeds between your pavers and makes the surface a lot safer. You can add some grass seed along the edges to give it a more finished look.
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November 14th, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man, Project, electrical system, plumbing
The Creative Homeowner is one of today’s hottest resources for home improvement and this latest book produced by their editors addresses one of the biggest concerns that homeowners have. They want to start making improvements around their home, but they are too worried that they may mess something up. Considering how much money is spent on fixing DIY projects that go awry, this fear is well founded. However, there are projects that, like the title suggests, anyone can do – especially if you have the right direction.
The first chapter goes into basic principles about your home and how everything works. This lays a great foundation for the next few chapters which start to go a lot more in depth. We still recommend reading this first chapter, since it does contain some great information. Chapters two through four go into the different tools you will need for each project in the book and this can serve as a handy shopping list. You’ll also be learning more about basic repair before you get started on the actual tips.
Chapter five basic plumbing projects and everything is broken down until it is incredibly easy to understand. After that you’ll be moving on to electrical systems and the advice contained in this chapter could easily save lives, while helping homeowners tackle jobs that need to be done. We really enjoyed Chapter Seven since it is packed full of project ideas for little remodeling things to do around your home. This section actually had a few ideas we hadn’t thought of, so it was quite useful.
The last chapter covers everything you could ever need to know about remodeling and once again, the editors have done a fantastic job of making it easy to understand and read. Don’t skip over the appendix – there are some great resources and even more tips that you’ll find in there that are very beneficial.
Whether you’re an experienced weekend warrior, or just starting down the DIY path, we can’t think of a better book to read. This is packed with great project ideas that will not only walk you through fixing up your home but will also provide you with some creative sparks to start your own projects. By far, this is one of the best books we’ve ever come across for beginners and yet it will still appeal to those of us that are well versed at home improvement projects.
We commend the authors and editors of this book for taking the time to put together such a comprehensive book. By simply following the project steps in this book, literally anyone can start fixing up their home. It’s nice to come across a book that completely delivers on its promise in the title and we highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to get their home fixed up. It’s a great buy and one that will certainly get a lot of use.
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November 13th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Handy Man, Repair, Walls
Holes in the wall are pretty shocking when it happens, but luckily, this is a fix that most people can do on their own. There are a few exceptions, such as if the hole is overly large or if there may be underlying damage that is structural. However, in most cases, you can easily fix a small hole in the wall very easily. You will need to have a few tools and materials on hand before you get started.
We recommend:
- drywall putty
- a flour sack
- sandpaper
- paint to match the wall
- a painter’s knife
First, you’ll need to determine how bad the hole is. If it’s a simple cosmetic hole, the fix will be pretty easy and you may not need to worry about filling the area. However, if you’ve got a pretty large hole, it’s a good idea to stuff something in there to make it easier to fill. A flour sack works very well for this purpose, and can make it easier to get the job done quickly. You may also want to get a special kit from the hardware store that will have filler that can be inserted into the hole.
Once you’ve got the hole filled, it’s time to cover it up. Grab your drywall putty and your painter’s knife and get started. You’ll want to use a spackle motion to apply the putty to the wall. Overlap the hole as you go to create a strong bond. Make sure that you don’t use too much or you’ll end up with a mess on your hand. Too little however and you won’t be able to get the job done. Instead of glopping it on all at once, gradually apply the putty until the area is even and filled in.
Now, you’re going to need to let this dry before proceeding to the next step. It may take a few hours depending on the type of putty you used. Make sure you read the instructions so that you’re not jumping the gun. When the putty is completely dry to the touch, get your sandpaper and smooth out the area. You’ll need to make a few passes to get everything smoothed out and even with the rest of the wall.
Once you’ve finished this, you’ll be able to paint over the area. Most drywall putty is taupe or light brown in color so you won’t have to worry too much about covering it up with paint. If the wall is white, you’re probably going to need to add a few coats to prevent see through. Let the paint dry completely before you quit to make sure that it looks right.
It is important to address a common technique that many people use as a shortcut. If you’ve got a small hole in the wall and you’re a renter, you can easily make it look as though it’s fixed by adding a little white toothpaste to the area. For bigger holes, some people like to try mixing flour and water to create a paste and using a sheet to cover the hole. We don’t recommend this fix since it is not permanent.
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November 10th, 2008 — Handy Man, Light Fixtures, Outside, electrical system
Exterior lighting can add immediate value to your home, but there is often a lot of confusion as to how it should be added and whether or not you’ll need the help of a professional to get the job done. Whether you have questions about placement of your exterior lights or the actual installation process, these tips will help you get started.
1. Selecting the Lights.
This process should involve not only considering your actual budget for the lights themselves, but also the cost of installation. If you are working on a low budget, solar lights are an ideal solution. They can simply be driven into the ground, and will not require the help of an electrician. These are also quite suitable for those that need a fast exterior lighting solution or for those that do not have a lot of experience in DIY.
On the other hand, if you are interested in a complex lighting system and don’t mind having to pay an electrician, electric lights may be the better choice. We don’t recommend installing these on your own, unless you have experience with wiring. Deadly accidents are common when you mix a lack of knowledge with live electricity.
2. Planning Your Exterior Lighting Placement.
If you need to highlight certain areas of your yard, then most of your work has already been done for you here. You can simply place your lights where they are needed and call it good. However, if you have a larger design scheme in mind, or you are trying to improve the way that your house looks at night, you may want to think a little more carefully about their placement.
We recommend putting the lights into position, but not actually installing them before you make up your mind. You can get a better idea of how they will look, and you won’t have to go to the expense of moving and/or rewiring them if you don’t like the finished results. Take your time when figuring out your exterior lighting placement. It will help you save time over the long run.
3. Installation.
Once you have your lights picked out and you’ve decided where they will go, it’s time to start the actual installation process. As we mentioned earlier, if you are dealing with solar powered lights, this should be quite easy. Most will come equipped with stakes that will allow you to put the lights anywhere in your yard. Make sure that they are driven deep enough and that the solar charger will have access to enough light during the day to provide illumination at night.
For electrical lights, you will need to run wiring from a connect point to each individual light. This is one of the main reasons that hiring a professional is just easier. You won’t have to worry about digging and they will be able to get the job done safely and quickly. If you have experience, you can try it on your own, but don’t forget to shut off the main power before you begin.
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October 24th, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man
When it comes to home repair, one of the most trusted names has to be the Stanley Company. They make what many consider to be the best tools, and when you see that yellow and black label, you immediately know you can count on it. This branding has served them well for years, and when I came across the book, with the usual yellow and black color scheme, I knew it had to be pretty good.
While the book is not exactly reader friendly in spots, you can tell just by looking at the table of contents that it’s meant to serve a purpose. Much like their tools, this book from Stanley will get the job done. The first two chapters cover basic tools and power tools, offering even the newest newbie a complete look at everything they need to get started. You can take the book with you when you’re shopping for tools, to make it easier to figure out exactly what you need.
Part two delves into hardware, finishing and materials, covering everything from plywood to hinges. Part three however is where it gets good. This is literally the bible of home repair and covers every kind of project imaginable. No matter what you have planned to do to your home, chances are you’ll be able to find the information you need right here.
From staining your floors, to repairing foundations to figuring out how to free a stuck window sash cord, it’s all right there. This interior section is worth the cost of the book itself, but section four gets even better and takes you outside your home with even more great projects. In fact, after reading through the book, you may just find yourself completely inspired to redo your home.
Parts five and six are worth their weight in gold and cover home systems and safety tips that every DIY’er should know. The last section in the book is your homeowner’s inspection sheet that takes you through everything in your house, helping you spot errors and learning what needs to be fixed. Even mold, radon and lead are covered, as well as many other hidden things that lurk within homes undetected for years.
Whether you are intrepid do-it-yourselfer, just getting started, or simply trying to find a way to save money by fixing things on your own, buy this book. It’s the easiest way to get everything you need to know about home repair, all in one place. There are few books this exhaustive or this thorough and even though it may not be light reading, it’s material that you know will work.
This is a great housewarming gift and it’s perfect for anyone that’s considering becoming a weekend warrior. Before you pick up a drill, take the time to get the book and start flipping through. You’ll come away with everything you need to know about home repair, and then some.
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October 15th, 2008 — Fix, Flooring, Handy Man, Wood Floors
Warped flooring is a major problem for many homeowners. First, it is typically caused by water damage, and can be indicative of a major leak, but it can also be caused by excessive wear, poor original materials or even chance. Warped floors are a bit of a hazard around the house and should be fixed as soon as possible. Let’s go over a few easy ways that you can get this job done.
Small Warps
These are tiny little warps that are usually barely noticeable. Commonly, if you found a leak in time, or are paying attention, you can spot this type of warp while it is still small and easy to fix. If the average area is less than six inches in diameter, and the boards affected are not numerous, you can try a very easy fix.
Get a cinderblock, or something similar that is very heavy. Wet the area where the warping occurred slightly and then place your heavy object over the warp. Give it a few days and check to see if the warp is gone. If you are using something heavy enough and the floor is still pliable, chances are your warp will be gone. This is a great fix if you are on a budget.
Medium to Large Warps
This is a little more serious and may require spot fixing. In a perfect world, only one flooring board will be warped, but often, it will usually effect more than one. Locate the area where the warping occurred and if necessary, fix the problem that caused it in the first place. Locate replacement boards that are the exact size and length of your existing flooring.
Take up the existing boards and if necessary, fix any underlying problems that may have been caused by a water leak. Get your replacement boards and lay them down, lining them up carefully. Using the appropriate sized screws, attach them to the floor joists one by one until the area has been completely fixed. You may need to either paint or stain them to match your other flooring.
Massive Warps
This is a serious issue, and may require the help of a professional. Massive warping is usually caused either by extreme neglect, bad water damage or age. This will typically require replacing the entire floor, especially if numerous boards are affected. Locate any boards that may be saved, but check them for structural integrity. It is best to err on the side of caution when dealing with massive floor warps since it may be an indication that the wood is rotten.
Rip out the flooring. If you are replacing the entire floor, you have some options as to what materials you will use for the replacement, either new wooden floors, or a subfloor with carpeting. Fix any underlying damage and then install your new flooring option. Again, you may need to either paint or stain it to match, depending on how much of the original floor you were able to keep.
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