Dear James: We think wainscoting would look good in our dining room. We have extra drywall here from a previous project. Can this be used instead of wood for wainscoting? —Julie R. Dear Julie: Wainscoting is becoming more popular again, even in newly built houses. The decorative walls are attractive, and doing just one wall…
How to Secure Your Home on a Budget
Dear James: There have been some break-ins in my neighborhood, so I want to improve security at home. I’m on a tight budget. What are some simple do-it-yourself security tips? —Darrel K. Dear Darrel: Almost every homeowner is on a tight budget these days, but there are still some things you can do to make…
Simple Tips for Replacing an Asphalt Shingle Roof
Dear James: There are leaks in our garage when it rains. The dark shingle roof is about 20 years old. Is it better to try to just fix the leaks or re-shingle the entire garage roof? —Jennifer T. Dear Jennifer: At 20 years, your roof is reaching the typical life of an asphalt shingle roof….
Add a Walk-In Closet to Your Master Bedroom
Dear James: We created a master bedroom from two smaller bedrooms. Now, we want to build a walk-in closet into a corner. How big should one be, and how should we build it? —Aaron M. Dear Aaron: A walk-in closet is found in almost every master bedroom these days. This is a pretty simple do-it-yourself…
Make a Small House Seem Larger Indoors With Proper Design Features
Dear James: We are on a strict budget for our new home. It will have to be fairly small overall. What are some design tips for making the living space seem bigger than it actually is? —Kellie D. Dear Kellie: The modern trend in homebuilding is smaller houses. Building material costs are very high right…
Is It Better to Rent or Buy Drywall Hanging Tools/Equipment?
Dear James: Much of the drywall in my house is uneven and needs to be replaced. I plan to hang the drywall myself. Are there tools or fixtures that will make it easier for a beginner? —Noah L. Dear Noah: Hanging drywall is not as difficult as most people think it is. Apparently, the original…
Make Sure Concrete Is Properly Poured to Minimize Cracks
Dear James: I am having a new house built in an area where others have had many cracks in the concrete. What should our builder pay attention to in order to avoid this in our house? —Logan G. Dear Logan: It is not unusual to have some cracks form in concrete. It takes time for…
Remodel a Bathroom With a New Vanity and Cabinets
Dear James: I am planning a partial remodel of my bathroom with just a new vanity and cabinets. What are reasonably priced options, and can I easily install them myself? —Oliver J. Dear Oliver: Just replacing the cabinets and vanity is the typical do-it-yourself bathroom remodeling project. A full remodel would include replacing the tile…
Oil Finishes Are Easy to Apply to Wood
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…
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