Dear James: I installed framing and a new door between our bedroom and our baby’s room. It is a heavy, solid door, but it does not close right. How should I adjust the hinges? — Rick J. Dear Rick: Hopefully most of the project of adding an additional door is done. It can be more…
Weatherstrip a Garage Threshold
Do you notice dirt, rain and snow creeping into your garage at the door threshold? That’s caused by the continued weight of a car driving in and out over the seal created by the threshold. The seal breaks down over time. It’s an obvious problem for any garage door, but one you can solve by…
Time-Tested Exterior Painting Secrets
Not long ago in this column, I shared why it’s so hard to preserve exterior wood using any number of products. One of them was paint. You may have been one of the many readers that reached out to me. If I had to boil down all the emails I received to just one, it…
Remove Old, Worn Finish From Woodwork
Dear James: I want to strip and refinish some very old woodwork in our farmhouse. What is the best method to do this so that this antique woodwork is not damaged and looks original? — Adam C. Dear Adam: Older, ornate woodwork is beautiful and an attraction in older houses. It is important to not…
You’ll Want to Make a Batch of This Effective DIY Upholstery Cleaner
This DIY recipe for upholstery cleaner is easy to make, super effective and (you know what’s coming) cheap! You’ll Need: a cheese grater an eggbeater or whisk a medium mixing bowl 6 tablespoons grated Fels Naptha laundry bar soap* 2 tablespoons borax* 2 cups boiling water *available in most supermarkets in the laundry aisle, or…
Stock a Toolbox for Minor Electrical Tasks
Dear James: My house was built decades ago and there are some electrical issues I want to improve. Will I need special tools for common electrical projects to make them easier? — Marye R. Dear Marye: Before buying any tools, buy a book about electrical codes. Never deviate from accepted electrical codes even if you…
Cover up a Ceiling Grid
One of the best ceiling coverups is tiles set in a metal grid, especially in a basement to conceal pipes and wires. But the metal grid can become pitted and rusted over time, so you have two options. You can remove the tiles, and prime and paint the grid for a fresh new appearance. Or…
Install a Multifloor Threshold
We all know how replacing the flooring material in a room can change its appearance, creating a unified new surface for furnishings. If that’s in your plans, spend some time deciding how the new surface will transition to the level of flooring in the hallway or adjoining room. If you’re in a newer home with…
Install a Humidity Sensor Fan Control
After taking a hot shower in a poorly ventilated bathroom, there’s often an unpleasant and damp feeling. Over time the buildup of humidity creates the creeping growth of mold and mildew on surfaces. In a one-bathroom home with several family members it can become a real issue. The solution is a device that detects changes…
Using the Humble Plumbing Loop Vent for Kitchen Islands
Have you heard the old saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know”? It’s an axiom homeowners should always keep in mind when thinking about the mechanical and structural systems hidden behind the plaster or drywall of their homes — especially the plumbing drain and vent system. I’ve been a master plumber since 1981, and…
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