(guest post by Megan Wenzl) If you’re anything like us, you love your home. Taking pride in where you live is one of the purest pleasures in life, but since most people spend the majority of their time inside their humble (or not-so-humble) abodes, it can be easy to overlook the exterior. Part […]
First Roofing Job? Avoid These Common Mistakes
(guest post by Nate Smith) Any roofing job can be dangerous, whether you are an expert or a beginner. The nature of the work carries risks, no matter your experience level. Although costs are high to repair or replace a roof, it can be even more expensive if not done properly the first […]
Titebond WeatherMaster Ultimate MP GiveAway
Titebond WeatherMaster Ultimate MP – where the MP stands for Multi-Purpose. This is a high-performance sealant – use in any weather, any place, wet or dry, hot or cold. Unbeatable adhesion to metal: aluminum, sheet metal, flashing, and coated metal including Kynar™ and Hylar™ coated metals; and outstanding adhesion to PVC, concrete, wood, masonry, vinyl, […]
Telescoping Baluster Marking Tool for Stairs
Here’s a short video I made demonstrating how to use the Telescoping Baluster Marking Tool from L.J. Smith Stair Systems.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]