You can safely replace a circuit breaker in your electrical panel if you follow the proper safety precautions. In some localities, even minor electrical work might require a permit, so be sure to check local building codes before proceeding. The breaker is designed to protect your wires from carrying too much current by tripping off […]
Weekend Projects
Safety Features and New Electrical Options
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a type of electrical outlet that helps protect people from shocks due to hazardous ground faults. Ground faults occur when an electrical current “leaks” or follows an unsafe path instead of following its normal safe path. When a ground fault occurs and electricity from an appliance passes through […]
Choosing Caulks and Sealants
Caulks are used to seal joints for a decorative finish, to seal joints to prevent water intrusion, or both. When it comes to sealing joints in crown molding or weatherproofing windows, choosing the right caulk/sealant product is the first order of business. Selection Silicone sealants have long been the staple for exterior projects where […]
Organize your Workshop
For DIY homeowner to work productively and efficiently, all your necessary tools should be where you need them, when you need them. From easy visibility to convenient accessibility, there’s a lot to consider when organizing a workspace. If you’re giving your garage or workshop a complete remodel, a good place to start might be the […]
10 Ways to Decorate the Front of Your Home
(guest post by Eva Hines) First impressions count, especially when it comes to your home. There are many ways in which you can decorate and enhance the appearance of your house from the outside and this means getting the frontage up-to-date. Try these features to add style and value to your property’s exterior. 1. […]
Pipe-bracket Shelves
This week I made some “industrial style” shelves for my son’s room. The shelf brackets are made from 3/4″ galvanized pipe, floor flanges and end caps, which I spray-painted black with a hammered finish for a wrought-iron appearance. The shelves were cut from 2×10 lumber that I distressed with a trucker chain, 1/2″ nuts, […]
Easy Tips to Maximize Home Storage Space
(guest post by Francesca Holmes) If you have thought of doing away with a lot of your household stuff on various occasions but haven’t been able to, you are not alone. Like several others, you are probably unable to let go of most items inside your house because of the memories attached to them. Or […]
Fence Staining Made Easy with Ready Seal
When it came time to re-stain a shadowbox fence, I wanted to work smarter rather than harder, so I tried a promising product called Ready Seal. This is an oil-based semi-transparent wood stain and sealer in one. Ready Seal is a professional-grade product but is formulated with unique “goof proof” features that make it especially […]
Pallet Furniture
I had to pick up a new mattress at a local furniture warehouse. While waiting for the workers to load my truck, I noticed the warehouse crew had gotten creative with some leftover shipping pallets. Check out the parking lot “lounge” they built: Pretty cool, right? Check more fun with shipping pallets here: Hillbilly […]
Energy Efficiency Tips from Duck
Our friends at ShurTech, makers of Duck Tape, offer some handy advice on getting the most energy efficiency from your home. –M. Weber Homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent of total energy costs) by properly sealing their homes. According to the U.S. […]