A flooded basement or crawl space because of a power failure is something homeowners dread, but an ounce of prevention like a backup sump pump is the solution. The pump operates on batteries and does not rely on the local electric utility company for power like a pedestal or submersible pump. A backup pump uses…
Picking the Right Blade for Your Power Saw
Dear James: I just got out my power saws for a remodeling project and the blades are shot. What types of new blades are best for general work with circular and table saws? —Aaron M. Dear Aaron: Those two saws, along with a compound miter saw, are pretty indispensable for most remodeling projects. If an…
How to Apply Stain and Topcoat Finish on Wood Trim
Dear James: Our church has some beautiful old decorative woodwork that needs some repairs and to be refinished. What is the best way to retain the original appearance?—Karen L. Dear Karen: It is possible to bring old woodwork back to nearly its original appearance, but don’t expect to duplicate it perfectly. This will probably require…
Simple Tips for Repairing and Maintaining Your Clothes Washer
Dear James: My clothes washer leaks a little when in the drain and spin cycles. What things should I check to locate and repair the water leak? What are some maintenance tips?—Teddy L. Dear Teddy: It is good that you noticed the leak before it got too bad. Generally, people just load the clothes in…
Connect 2 Rooms With a New Door
Dear James: My living room is adjacent to the children’s bedroom. I would like to add a door between the two rooms. How can I open and frame the new door opening?—Carla T. Dear Carla: Adding an additional opening between rooms is a relatively easy and popular project. By installing the proper type of door,…
Is Your Home Working for You?
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…
Repair Shower Stall Membrane to Repair a Leak
Dear James: A dark spot is forming on the ceiling below my master bathroom with a tile floor. My newer house is just past the warranty. Where should I look for the water leak? —Amy F. Dear Amy: It seems like problems always occur just after the new house warranty expires. The basic plumbing is…
Minimize Paint Blistering With Proper Techniques
Dear James: My house has wood siding, which I painted last year. Most of it looks good, but it blistered in some spots and is getting worse. What is the best way to repair it? —Dwight R. Dear Dwight: Blistering can look very bad and generally will get much worse and more widespread over time….
Make Invisible Joints When Applying Drywall Tape
Dear James: I just moved into an older house, and a lot of the drywall tape is coming loose and needs retaping. Why did it come loose, and how should I replace it? —Randall N. Dear Randall: It is not uncommon for drywall tape to come loose after many years. A change in humidity and…
5 Home Projects to Do Now to Avoid Costly Repairs This Winter
Home improvement projects may not be the first things on your to-do list this fall, but you may want to add a few items to that list (maybe after “book holiday travel” but before “buy new soccer cleats for the kids”) to help prepare your home for the chillier months approaching. Steve Wadlington, president of…
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