Handy Man Fix Home Repair

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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Windows screens may look tough, but many times they are all too fragile. One small tear can mean a house filled with bugs, but thankfully, it’s easy enough to fix them if you have the right tools. Here’s a quick guide to replacing and repairing window screens that anyone can use. Before you get started, you’ll need to get a roll of screening material, or several, depending on the size of the project, as well as stripping, and a screening material tool. These materials can be purchased at most local hardware stores.

It is a good idea to measure your windows before you purchase the screening material to ensure that you are getting the right size. Most rolls of material are pretty standard in size, but if you have very large windows, you may need to custom order screens. The vast majority of windows can be fixed with this material however, and the rolls are usually inexpensive.

You’ll have a choice between fabric material as well as metal. If you have a problem with cats or other small animals hanging off of your screens, you may want to think about metal screening material. Be advised however that it can rust, and it is more difficult to work with. A good durable fabric can usually withstand most animals and will be much easier to install.

Now that you have all of your materials on hand, you’re ready to get started.

Step One –

Remove the screen from the window. Your screen will be in a small frame that can be lifted out of the whole window. Do this gently to avoid warping the frame. Most can be easily taken out, but if you have an older home, you may need to use a small screwdriver to pry the screen out.

Step Two –

Remove the old screening material. If you look closely at the screen frame, you should see some stripping that is holding the material in place. Find the end and gently pull the stripping out of the frame. If you don’t have new stripping, you’ll need to make sure that you keep the original intact. Once the stripping has been removed, simply pull the screen out and throw it away.

Step Three –

Cut the new material to fit. Take your roll of new screening material and roll it out over the screen frame. Leave a few inches on each side of the frame to ensure that you have enough material to work with and then cut off the material.

Step Four –

Center the material and install the stripping. Center your screening material over the frame, pick a corner and begin the process of putting the stripping back in. Tamp it down in one corner, and then use your screening tool to gently push the stripping back into the frame. Keep pulling the material tight as you do this to ensure a good fit. Once you go around all four corners, cut off any existing stripping and tuck the end in well.

Your screen is now ready to reinstall!

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Why do so many home improvement projects end in disaster? According to Amy Johnson, the author of What Your Contractor Can’t Tell You, it’s due to the fact that homeowners simply don’t have access to the right tools, knowledge and planning abilities that the pro’s do. Her basic premise is that home owners will spend 90% of their time actually working on a project, and 10% planning it, while the opposite is true of professionals.

This theory forms the book and allows homeowners rare insight into the mind of a contractor and how to put this theory to good use, no matter what size project you’ll be working on. By focusing more on planning and by taking the time to handle problems before they actually occur, Johnston feels that homeowners will be able to tackle even huge renovation projects with less hassle. And you know what? She’s absolutely right.

Each chapter contains an important lesson or two on how to take a home renovation from start to finish. Whether you’ll be doing the work on your own, or hiring a contractor, the author takes you through each necessary step to save time and money. From the original design phase, to how to oversee workers and how to stay on budget, Johnston offers some real world advice that can be put to immediate use.

The sections on cost estimates, budgeting and dealing with plan specifications are essential reading and should be gone over at least twice, and then once more during the actual renovation phase. Simply by reading this section you can easily save thousands of dollars on your home renovations. There are insights in here that are commonly only known to contractors, but now everyone can benefit from them right now.

The sections on handling permits and town officials should be required reading for anyone that is planning on improving their home and it offers some great tips on how to get the right permits, how to get through inspections and how to save money on the entire process, start to finish. If you have a zoning commission that is not known for their friendliness, this section should be very beneficial in helping you overcome those obstacles and keep on with your project.

If you are planning on undertaking a major renovation to your home, or you are just doing some weekend projects, this book is an incredibly valuable resource that is more than worth the cover price. You’ll be saving not only time, but also money, by putting the tips in this book to good use. It’s the ideal gift for anyone that enjoys DIY projects, and especially to those that are considering buying a home to fix up or that need to tackle some serious projects. We highly recommend this book and found it to be one of the few resources in this genre that absolutely anyone can benefit from.

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If you are looking for new ways to increase the overall value of your home, there are numerous projects that you can tackle on your own. Whether you are an experienced DIY’er, or just starting out, these projects are fun and add more than just monetary value to your home.

1. Go Green.

Installing energy efficient appliances is perhaps the easiest way to increase the value of your home. Look for the Energy Star label since you may be eligible for special cash back rewards. These new appliances are remarkably different from older models and many of the new refrigerators will use about the same amount of energy as a light bulb.

There are many other ways to go green with your home. Try installing a new “green” flooring system, such as bamboo or cork. These floors will add beauty to your home and you’ll feel good about your choice. You can also install energy efficient windows and more to your home to save on your energy bills.

2. Landscape Your Yard.

One of the best ways to installing increase your curb appeal is by landscaping your yard. Whether it’s a single shade tree or an elaborate garden, landscaping gives you the opportunity to have fun and improve your yard. Anyone can landscape, and with the right tools, you’ll get professional results.

3. Refresh Your Kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of your home and for many DIY’ers, this is the place to start. From replacing cabinet doors, to adding new fixtures, there are many ways that you can make that old kitchen look brand new. If you’ve got the budget, you can tear out your old cabinets and completely overhaul the space.

Today’s kitchens are more efficient and easier to keep up, thanks to new materials and designs that make the most out of the space in your kitchen.

4. Add a Room.

Whether it’s a brand new addition, or a new way to use an old space, there are plenty of ways that you can get more out of your home and make it worth more money. Building on to your home is a great way to save money and get more space, without having to purchase a new house. Your new addition can even be something as simple as a converted garage or basement.

5. Add a Deck, or Screen in a Porch.

Looking to take advantage of outdoor space? Adding on a deck or a patio gives you a whole other room and plenty of chances for fun. Anyone with basic building experience can make a deck, and this is a great addition to any home.

A screened in porch can also be very useful, especially as a three season room. If you’re not quite ready to build on, but you still need some extra space, this is a great solution and it’s easy to do!

These are just a few ways that you can add to the value of your home and get more use out of it.

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Every year, thousand of homeowners pick up their tools and go to work on their homes. Unfortunately, many are not prepared for the projects they are facing and they may end up causing more damage.

Here are the top ten mistakes that DIY’ers make when fixing or renovating their home.

1. Failing to make a budget.

Every project you do, from wallpapering to installing a new roof needs to have a budget. Set how much money you’re going to spend and then stick to it. Otherwise you may find that your costs are spiraling out of control.

2. Overestimating their abilities.

We all wish we were Bob Vila, but many of us just don’t have the skills necessary for some jobs. There are
times when you will need to call in a professional. Otherwise, you can end up injured, or you may irreparably damage your home.

3. Not having the right tools.

There is a tool for every job, and most homeowners have the garden variety tools necessary for every day projects. However, some home improvement projects will require special tools. Never try to make do wit substandard equipment.

4. Failing to take proper safety precautions.

If ending up in the emergency room doesn’t sound like a great way to spend a weekend, it is vital to make sure that you take safety precautions for every project. From turning off the electricity to wearing safety goggles, safety must come first.

5. Failing to recognize the scope of a project.

Ripping out your cabinetry and putting new ones in sounds pretty easy, but there is a lot of work involved, especially when it come to hanging the new cabinets. Instead of getting stuck with a half done project, make sure you understand every part of the process and that you have the skills necessary to get it done.

6. Not having enough help.

There are jobs that will require more than one person. While many of us like to think we can do it ourselves, there will be times when you need assistance. Make sure that you have enough friends or family lined up for the job before you start.

7. Failing to read directions properly.

Putting together a bike without instructions is one thing. Using acid on your masonry without reading the
instructions could be fatal. Never start a project without first reading the directions for everything you will be using.

8. Using the wrong materials.

If you have ever made the mistake of using the wrong kind of paint or glue, you know how frustrating it can be. Before you begin every project, make sure that you have the exact materials you need to complete it successfully. Scrimping is not allowed in DIY.

9. Failure to get the necessary permits.

While small home improvement projects may not need a permit, most will. It is far better to err on the
side of caution and ask than it is to face a hefty fine. In the case of additions, you may even be forced to tear down what you just built. Always get the right permits before starting any project.

10. Not being careful enough.

When you’re tackling a project, it’s easy to want to get it done and hurry through. However, you’ve got to make sure to take the time that it takes. The old adage “measure twice, cut once” certainly applies here. Always make sure that you are doing everything properly, using the right materials, and measurements.

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Plumbing problems can be costly, but most of the time, they are relatively easy to fix, especially if you know what you’re doing. You can save thousands of dollars every year by learning how to be your own plumber and you’ll be gaining knowledge that can help you, especially in an emergency. Here are some tips on how to tackle the most common plumbing problems that homeowners experience.

First, you will need to get some solid plumbing books or DVDs that will walk you through the most common jobs. You can refer to these if you get stuck during a project. Having these books on hand can really make a difference, especially when you are under the wire. If you already know how to do basic plumbing, you’re just one step ahead. Try to get a variety of different books that cover not only basic pipe and drain issues, but also how to fix toilets and fixtures to make sure you have a well rounded library.

Next, you will need to make sure that you have the right tools on hand for the job. Here’s what we recommend: a variety of different pipe wrenches, appropriately sized for your house’s plumbing. It sounds simple, but many people find out too late that they don’t have the right wrench on hand during an emergency. It is also a good idea to purchase what is called a plumber’s snake. These are tools that can be used to quickly unclog a drain and they are very helpful.

It is also a good idea to have a variety of caulks, sealants and silicone on hand. These are very helpful when it comes to fixing a leak, or putting in new tile. Make sure that they are all properly closed so that you don’t end up with a bunch of dried out tubes when you really need them. Next, you should have a good supply of pipe fittings for your different pipes throughout the house. The hardware store will have a variety of elbow joints, end caps and other things that you will need. Measure your pipes and get everything that you need.

You should also keep a supply of drain cleaner, empty buckets, gloves and other small items that are usually required during a repair session. Make sure your tool box contains a propane blow torch, a variety of pliers and wrenches and anything else that your house may require. Keep all of your tools in a safe, dry place where they can be easily accessed. That way, when something does happen, you’ll be able to grab your stuff and get right to work.

Finally, it is a good idea to practice your skills from time to time, so that they don’t get rusty. If you have an extra bathroom, you can use this to try fixing a leak, cleaning out a drain or replacing the workings of your toilet. You’ll stay fresh and you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way.

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