We ask a lot of our homes. We ask them to function crisply, to store all of our stuff neatly and with precision, to give us shelter, warmth, water, and electricity, and to provide us with special places to eat, bathe, sleep, and enjoy peace and quiet. They’re also the central hubs for our family…
How to Have a Chef-Approved Kitchen Without Remodeling
You can cook like the pros without ever firing up a restaurant-caliber range—or tearing out countertops. Here are some ideas that won’t require a contractor. Choose Easy-Grab Cabinet Hardware Quick access to gear and ingredients makes a kitchen run smoothly. One small but important detail: cabinet hardware. Long, rectangular pulls are easier to grip than…
When Replacing Hardwood Floors, Identify the Root Problems
Dear James: The old hardwood floors in my parents’ house are a mess. I would like to repair them and use as much of the original wood as possible. Do you have any advice? —Nichole S. Dear Nichole: As beautiful as a well-maintained vintage hardwood floor looks, it can look really bad from buckling, cupping,…
Split a Large Room in 2 With a Room Divider
Dear James: With the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to split a big room with a wall to make a home office. How do I build a wall that will be reasonably quiet so I can concentrate? —Gerry H. Dear Gerry: Your situation is a common one today, and who knows for how long and how…
Choosing the Best Paneling Type for a Room
Dear James: We have a storage room, and the drywall is pretty beaten up. I want to put paneling over the drywall. What panel choice is good, and how can I install over the drywall? —Randall K. Dear Randall: The walls in a storage room can get damaged from hauling things in and out, and…
Make a Curved Glass Block Wall for a Shower
Dear James: I want to build a curved glass block wall for a shower stall and a straight one in my kitchen. How do lay a glass block wall so that it will not leak when showering? —Darlene G. Dear Andrea: Glass block walls can give a house a very open look and make smaller…
Selecting the Right Brush Makes Painting Easier
Dear James: I have a box of old paintbrushes here, but should get new ones for my remodeling projects? With so many options in the paintbrush aisle, what type is best to buy? —Jose M. Dear Jose: As you have funds, there are typically at least several dozen different sizes, bristle types, and shapes in…
Build a Lightwell Under an Attic for a Skylight
Dear James: My living room is too dark, so I want to add a skylight. My house has a pitched roof. How can I add a skylight when there is an attic above the living room?—Colleen G. Dear Colleen: Installing a large skylight will definitely bring more natural light into your living room. The basic…
How to Store Extension Cords and Hoses for Easy Use
Dear James: I am a do-it-yourself type of guy. It always is frustrating trying to untangle extension cords and air hoses. What is the best method to store them after each use? —Clark H. Dear Clark: Many people now use lithium cordless tools, so cord storage is not a problem. If you do a lot…
Repair Asphalt Driveway Gaps, Holes, and Cracks
Dear James: My asphalt driveway has many cracks and small holes. It is only a few years old. My repair attempts don’t last for long. How can I fix them better? —Carla A. Dear Carla: Asphalt driveways do require periodic sealing, but they should not be deteriorating in just a couple of years. It sounds…
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