Extreme How-To Blog

Home Improvement Know How When You Need It

You are here: Home / Archives for Home Improvement Projects

Home Improvement Projects

Replace Outdoor Lighting

by

    (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

by

  (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 […]

Planning a Stair Rail

by

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

by

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 […]

Give Your Cabinet a Second Life

by

(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

by

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 Ownership Excitement (aka Basement Leak!)

by

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

by

  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. […]

How to Do Your Own Chimney Maintenance

by

(guest post by Jesse Peralta)   Home is where the hearth is! A fireplace not only makes for an attractive focal point for a room, but also creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, homeowners should make sure this warm corner is regularly cleaned, thereby keeping the house and family safe from chimney fires. Though […]