Dear James: We just bought an older house with lots of natural woodwork. Can we sand it down and refinish it with another natural oil finish? What are some tips to apply the finish? —Tammy V. Dear Tammy: Staying with a natural oil finish is a good idea both for its original attractiveness and the…
Instead of Replacing a Damaged Laminate Countertop, Repair It With Inlaid Tile
Dear James: Our kitchen laminate countertop is fairly new. Our kids put a hot pot on it and burned a big spot. Is there any attractive, inexpensive method to repair it ourselves? —Emily T. Dear Emily: For the most part, laminate countertops are virtually indestructible. It is basically a very durable sheet of plastic with…
How to Install a New Bathroom on a Concrete Slab or in a Basement
Dear James: We plan to add a half-bathroom, but our house is built on a slab. Is it possible to still add a bathroom there, because there is no drain to the sewer in that spot? —Charlotte G. Dear Charlotte: It definitely is an easier project to add a bathroom in a room over a…
Various Types of Rope for Various Tasks and Projects
Dear James: It seems like I always need rope of some sort for various indoor and outdoor projects. I don’t like that cheap, thick yellow stuff. Are there better types of rope? —Ethan L. Dear Ethan: Rope comes in handy for many home projects, ranging from holding a cabinet in place during installation to putting…
6 Surprisingly Easy Home Upgrades You Can Accomplish in an Afternoon
Trying to create the home of your dreams? Never underestimate the satisfaction of completing small house projects. Here are six mini home makeovers that can be accomplished in an afternoon. Get Creative With Wallpaper Subtle and less of a commitment than wallpapering an entire room, try adding just a touch of patterned wallpaper to the…
How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets, in 7 Doable Steps
If you’re wondering how to paint kitchen cabinets, you’ve come to the right place. Giving your cabinets a makeover can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen, whether you’re opting for a clean white paint or a more adventurous dark or colorful hue. Before you get started, there are some key things you…
Spruce up Your Bathroom With Decorative Tiles
Dear James: The painted walls in my bathroom look too plain. I want to install some tile with a decorative pattern. Is it difficult to design and install patterns myself? —Mia H. Dear Mia: Adding decorative tile or changing the existing tile pattern can dramatically enhance the entire bathroom. Although it is not difficult to…
Reuse Lumber and Plywood by Pulling Out Old Nails
Dear James: When doing home improvement projects, I like to reuse the old lumber. It’s more stable and looks good. What is the easiest method to pull out the old nails? —Mario R. Dear Mario: If you are somewhat careful when removing the old lumber from walls and decks, much of it can usually be…
How to Add Attractive New Stair Molding
Dear James: I think replacing the baseboards and moldings would look better. It is difficult to cut the stair molding to fit without gaps. What is the best way to cut and fit it? —Debra S. Dear Debra: Adding new baseboards and molding, especially ones with contrasting colors to the walls, can jazz up a…
5 Home Repairs You Can DIY—and 5 You Should Always Hire a Pro to Do
When it comes to maintenance and repairs, professional labor can be one of the more costly portions of a homeowner’s budget. While many people opt to save cash by doing work themselves, not everyone possesses the skills necessary to fix their own homes (even with the help of online instructional videos). Attempting a DIY project…
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