Dear James: I am using recycled brick over a wood-framed wall for my new house. Should my builder take any special precautions to ensure the old bricks do not crack over time? —Rosie H. Dear Rosie: There are not many solid brick houses built today, so if some bricks do crack, the house will not…
Add Shading for Your Patio and Deck
Dear James: It gets too hot in the afternoon sun to use our deck, but we like being outdoors. Are there any inexpensive do-it-yourself shading projects that would help?—Kristin T. Dear Kristin: Being outdoors on a deck on a sunny afternoon can be unbearable. You will find it worse in the early afternoon when the…
How to Design and Make a Wooden Deck Bench
Dear James: I could use a long bench on my deck to use when entertaining. Are there low-cost, simple-to-build bench designs that I could make myself? —Mark B. Dear Mark: Building a deck bench is one of the most common do-it-yourself projects. It would be wise to make two benches while you are at it….
Replace Your Old Gutters Yourself and Save
Dear James: A tree fell and damaged some gutters, but I should replace them all. I plan to have the gutters professionally made, but I will install them myself. Do you have any advice? —Greg R. Dear Greg: You can typically save about 50 percent of the total cost by installing the gutters yourself. The…
Use Permanent Window Film to Block Heat
Dear James: The old-tinted film on my windows blocks heat, but the corners are becoming loose and cracking. How do I remove the old film and install new film myself? —Lana T. Dear Lana: Old, deteriorating, tinted window film is still effective at blocking heat and glare, but it can look really bad and impair…
Use Box Ceiling Beams for Accents When Opening up a Floor Plan
Dear James: We are empty-nesters and plan to combine rooms for a more open floor plan. Box beams would look nice for some separation. What are some tips for adding box beams to the ceiling? —Nick K. Dear Nick: Most modern homes have more open floor plan layouts instead of many smaller distinct rooms. It…
Upgrade Your Windows and Doors With New Wood Trim
Dear James: Our window and door trim are looking dull, worn, and scratched. They are beyond just refinishing. What are the steps to removing and replacing the old wood trim myself? —Colleen W. Dear Colleen: It is surprising how much window and door trim can affect the appearance and style of an entire room. If…
Match the Color and Profile of New Cabinets to Old Ones
Dear James: We remodeled our kitchen, but we love our stained wood cabinets and some need new doors. How can we match the color and edge detail on the new doors with the old ones? —Ted G. Dear Ted: The detailing and stained natural wood on some older cabinet doors is very attractive. Not replacing…
Add a Softer Layer Over Your Patio and Deck for Comfort
Dear James: My old deck and patio have gotten worn and rough over the years. Instead of having expensive repairs done, are there comfortable, durable coverings I can put over them? —Cheryl T. Dear Cheryl: Deteriorated deck and patio surfaces can be very uncomfortable to walk on, and they look bad. A rough wood surface…
Minor Concrete Repairs Are an Easy Do-It-Yourself Project
Dear James: I need to do some projects around my house that require patching and adding some concrete. Is this a project the average do-it-yourselfer can do without expensive tools? —Sharon M. Dear Sharon: If you have a container or wheelbarrow for mixing the concrete, and you are strong enough to carry the heavy bag…
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