Here’s a short video I made demonstrating how to use the Telescoping Baluster Marking Tool from L.J. Smith Stair Systems.
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Planning a Stair Rail
Installing a stair guardrail can be a challenging undertaking. The project is more complicated than tread or riser removal, because you’re dealing with precise angles rather than square cuts. The rail system must be securely supported by newels that are solidly fastened to the framing of the floor or wall. The rail must also adhere […]
New Ceiling Fixture from Lamps Plus
Last week, we upgraded a ceiling fixture with a new chandelier from Lamps Plus. This lighting fixture was located above the staircase we recently remodeled and made a beautiful “crown jewel” to decorate the space. The homeowner selected the Lacey 28″ Wide Round Black Chandelier to replace a much smaller (and lackluster) existing pendant. The […]
How to Tarp a Shingle Roof
(guest post by Pat Overson) If you are looking for a short-term solution for fixing a leaky roof, then installing a tarp is your most practical option. A tarp is not a replacement for real repairs done by a roofing contractor, but it will keep your leaky roof from causing permanent water damage to […]
Give Your Cabinet a Second Life
(guest post by Owen Wright) Do you want to freshen up and give your cabinets a second life? Would you rather consider replacing, refinishing or cabinet refacing? Here is a guide to help you decide. Signs That It Is Time For Change Over time, your cabinets suffer from wear and tear and damage that […]
Featured Posts
Home Improvement Regrets
Ever start a home-improvement project and then wish that you hadn’t? According to a recent study at ImproveNet.com, 63 percent of people who have attempted home DIY projects said they regretted at least one of them. The survey of 2,000 Americans exposed some ugly truths about DIY endeavors. One in three people have called a […]
Home Ownership Excitement (aka Basement Leak!)
Homeownership can be challenging, rewarding and exciting. This is particularly true as you settle into a new house and get to know its character quirks, which can range from floor squeaks and sticking doors to flickering lights and midnight water leaks that threaten to the destroy the home. It was one of those surprise water […]
Dreaming for a Dream Home
I saw an interesting study recently on what Americans want in a dream home. Northshore Fireplace surveyed 2,000 Americans to determine their hopes for a house in the future. It turns out, people are thinking big. According to the results, the average American wants a home with 7.5 rooms in a comfortable 2,195-sq. ft. […]
What Is Asbestos and Its Exposure Risks?
(guest post by Judy Olsen) Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that possesses fireproof properties that made it a popular material for use in insulation, floor tiles, drywall, pipes, sealants, shingles, siding, and drywall. Asbestos was also used for crock pots, hair dryers, and car brakes. Even baby powder had, at one point, asbestos content. […]
Home Improvement
Installing Risers on Stairs
Okay, back to my ongoing to stair-remodeling series, which you can follow in my previous blog posts here. On the last episode, I had to deal with a surprise: constructing and installing a stair stringer. This time, I’m installing new risers and treads on the upper flight of this split-level staircase (home of the new […]
Stair Stringer Installation
Back to my ongoing stair remodel… A funny thing happened on the way to installing the remaining treads: Everything went haywire. I’ll try to sum it up as succinctly as possible:
Stair Rail Removal
Getting back to my ongoing staircase remodel… I already replaced the lower flight of the split-level stair treads, but I couldn’t replace the upper flight before first removing the handrail. So, this next phase of the project called for some orderly demolition. […]
Weekend Projects
TV Size Upgrade
Over the weekend, I helped my buddy Mitch mount a new 60″ flat screen to the wall. This was a little trickier than it sounds, because he wanted to hang it over an existing wall nook that was too small for the larger screen. The TV nook built into his wall was originally designed to […]
5 Home Appliances You Didn’t Know You Could Repair Yourself
(guest post by Chris Zeisler) Not every homeowner is a handy person, but with the right resources, you don’t have to be. While some appliance repairs are jobs for professionals, others are simple enough that even homeowners who aren’t mechanically inclined can handle them – especially if they know where to go to look for […]
Installing a Timberchic Accent Wall
As part of an ongoing remodeling project, the EHT staff had our first opportunity to install Timberchic, a peel-and-stick plank made of genuine reclaimed wood. Thin, lightweight, and easy to cut and apply, these affordable DIY-friendly planks are made 100% from reclaimed river logs and are available in an enhanced palate of colors (we chose […]