November 11th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Curb Appeal, Handy Man, Replace, Windows
Replacing your windows can bring numerous benefits to your home. Not only will they look nicer and add value to your property, but you can also gain significant energy savings. Most new windows are now heat and cold efficient and will greatly reduce the amount of drafts coming in as well as UV rays. If you’re ready to get started, you’ll need to get some tools together first. You’ll need the following: crowbar (to remove old window), power sander or rough grade sandpaper, screwdrivers of varying sizes, pliers (just in case), gloves, insulation (either blow in or standard), clamps, wood shims, paint, plastic sheeting and either screws or wood glue depending on how your new windows will be installed.
IMPORTANT: Always measure your windows and casings before you attempt to replace one. It is a lot easier to take care of size issues before you’re left with a big hole in the wall. Take the time to make sure that everything lines up BEFORE you do any replacements. Also - it is a good idea to make sure that the area where you will be working has the electricity turned off. This is very important - you could accidentally cut a wire while you are removing the old window. No one enjoys being electrocuted! Take the time to be safe and take the right precautions.
Before you can install the new windows, you’re going to have to remove the old ones. First, you’ll need to remove the window itself, taking special care not to break the glass. Remove it and place it aside in a safe place. Now, you’re most likely going to need to remove the window casing so that your new window will fit properly. Either unscrew or use that crowbar to pry it apart. You should be left with an empty hole. Sand the edges down to make sure the new casing will fit.
Now that you’ve prepped the wall, you can insert the new casing. You will most likely need to refer to the installation instructions that came with your new window, since most are different. Generally however, you’ll need to attach the new casing with either screws or wood glue. If using glue, make sure that you also clamp the casing and give it time to dry before installing the window. If necessary, use the plastic sheeting to block the hole until the glue is dry.
It is a good idea to fill any gaps with insulation. If the gaps are large, you can use regular insulation, but most people prefer the spray type that comes in a can. It will expand after you blow it into the holes, so don’t use too much. Cut off any excess after it is dry and sand the area down. You may need to further cover this with wood if the gap is large. If not, you can paint over the area to match your walls or your home’s exterior.
Once your casing is ready, you can begin installing the new window. Most will slip into the grooves that are on the casing, but it may take a little time to line everything up. Remember, be gentle and never force the window into the casing. You risk breaking the glass and having to start all over again. After the new window is installed, make sure it works properly and you’re all set.
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November 10th, 2008 — Handy Man, Install, Kitchen, Sink
If you’re sick and tired of your old kitchen sink, replacing it with a new one is not all that difficult. If you’re working with an entirely new surface, the steps for installation will be the same as provided below, but you will need to add the steps of measuring the sink and cutting in a new hole in your countertop. Most sinks now come with a template to make this easier. For the purpose of this review however, we’re going to stick with working on a replacement sink that is the exact size and shape of the old sink. If you do find that there is a size difference, you can use a saw to cut the countertop to fit.
Before we get started, you’re going to need some basic tools:
- saw (as mentioned above)
- pipe wrenches (appropriately sized for your pipes)
- screwdriver
- crowbar
- power sander or sandpaper
- pliers
- empty bucket
- silicone caulk
- plumber’s putty
- caulk
- clamps
- gloves
Turn off the water supply to the sink before proceeding any further.
Once you’ve got all of your tools organized, you’re ready to get started. Before you begin however, re-measure everything to make sure that the new sink will fit. If you still need to remove the old sink, first you will need to use your wrench to loosen the p-trap. That’s the U shaped pipe under the sink that connects the plumbing to the drain. It’s a good idea to completely remove everything under the sink to ensure that you have enough space to work and that nothing gets ruined. Place your empty bucket under the p-trap to catch any excess water.
Your old sink was most likely installed with putty or adhesive of some sort. Use your crowbar to carefully remove the sink from the counter. Lift it out and place it aside. You may need to get some help since sinks are a bit heavy. Sand any rough areas that are around the hole where the sink used to be. If you are keeping your old faucet and it’s not attached directly to the sink, re-silicone it to make sure you won’t have any leaks. If you’re replacing it, remove the old one by loosening the fittings under the counter with your pipe wrench.
You’re now ready to move to the next step. Unpack your new sink. Place plumber’s putty around the edges of the hole where the sink will go. Lift up the new sink and carefully place it into the hole. Make sure it is completely lined up and fits well before proceeding. Now, clamp it down and give it enough time to dry. If any putty squeezes out, use a damp cloth to wipe it away. Attach your new faucet, or re-attach the old one and caulk around the area. It is also a good idea to caulk around the outside edges of the sink. When it’s dry, you can sand it down to make it look better. Reconnect the p-trap and you’re all done!
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September 4th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Clean, Deck, Flooring, Outside, Seal/Stain, Yard
Adding a deck can be a great way to increase the overall value of your home, but taking care of it is a whole other matter. Unless you purchased pre-sealed wood, you are going to have to take the time to maintain your deck, or your investment will quickly go to pieces. Here are some great tips on how to weatherproof your deck and make it easier to maintain.
Whether your deck is brand new or aged, these tips can make a big difference in the amount of work you do throughout the year on your deck. They will require a weekend, or maybe more time depending on your schedule, to complete. However, once you are done, you should not have to do much to your deck throughout the rest of the year, besides washing it occasionally.
Let’s get started!
1. Power wash the entire deck.
This is a vital step and will impact the finished results. Take the time to make sure that the deck is really clean, even in between the boards. A power washer will make short work of this chore, but you can also do the same thing with a hose and a pressure sprayer.
2. Sand the whole surface.
After the deck is completely dry, it’s time to sand down any damage, imperfections or snags. A power sander is recommended for this task, and will save you a lot of time and effort. Do at least one pass on all of the boards and make sure that they are completely smooth.
3. Sweep the deck.
Once you’re done power sanding, there will be some detritus left behind so it’s now time to completely sweep away all of your shavings. Take the time to make sure you get it all to avoid common cosmetic issues that we’ll talk about in our next step.
4. To seal or stain?
This step will depend on your personal preference. If the wood is already the right color or in good shape, sealing it should be sufficient. If not, you may need to stain it first. This can take up to 3 to 4 coats, depending on the depth and intensity of the desired finished color. Decide which method is right for you, and then double check to make sure that all of the shavings are gone.
Failing to do this will cause bubbles in the finish and may impact the overall effectiveness of your weatherization preparation. Make sure that your family knows they cannot walk on the deck until this process is completely done. It may take up to two coats of sealant, depending on the brand and how bad your wood is.
5. Make a note of the date.
You will probably need to redo this in about five years, so make sure you mark down in your home improvement journal when you finished weatherproofing the deck. By keeping your maintenance up to date, you can be assured that your deck will beautify your home for many years to come.
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