The selling feature in many homes is the attic, an ideal space for not often-used but keeper-worthy stuff we accumulate. In many new homes there’s access to an attic, but it’s useless without a floor; the same is true in some older homes. To take advantage of the untapped storage space in the attic, you…
Install an Opening Acrylic Block Window
Designers have used acrylic glass block for years because it creates a striking focal point while providing a light airy feel to a room. Remodeling contractors choose block windows to replace old windows, especially where you want to bring daylight into a room like a kitchen; but also maintain privacy. While many acrylic block windows…
Don’t Call the Brick Mason: DIY Repointing
Last week, I fielded no fewer than five phone calls from homeowner with the same grim news. They found it nearly impossible to get quotes from contractors to do fairly simple repairs. Each caller’s stress level was running on high. Fortunately I talked each one through what they needed to do to complete the repairs…
Is Drywall as Good as Real Plaster?
Dear James: We are planning a substantial room addition to our dream home. We are not on a tight budget, and we want everything done right. Should we use plaster walls or standard drywall walls? — Sheila T. Dear Sheila: Hmm — plaster?! Most people think that real plaster walls are a relic from yesteryear….
Weatherproof a Door
The Department of Energy tells us warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home in the winter can waste a substantial portion of your energy dollars. You can save at least 10% on your energy bill by reducing those air leaks at the doors to your house, and it’s…
Replace Drawer Glides
Cabinet drawers are designed to open and close with ease because of the metal glides, the mechanism installed along the sides of the drawer. We take that easy operation for granted until the drawer gets stuck, either from something in the path of the glides or the glides getting off track, breaking or sagging. That’s…
Finding the Faucet Style for a Bathroom Sink
By Ed Del Grande From Tribune News Service Q: Hi Ed, I plan to change out the faucet on our guest bathroom sink. I’m confident about doing the job, but need help finding the faucet style to fit my sink. Can you go through some basic bathroom faucet styles for an oval drop-in sink? Ron,…
Should You Buy Stock Cabinets or Custom Cabinets for Your Kitchen Renovation?
Whether you’re building a new home or want to renovate your current space, one of the biggest showpieces in the kitchen is your cabinets. As you begin planning your remodel, you’ll need to choose from either stock kitchen cabinets or custom cabinets. With stock cabinetry, speed of installation and cost are on your side, while…
Increase Household Water Pressure in Minutes
Christine lives in Sylvania, Ohio. She reads this column weekly and shared the following: “In the newspaper today you said you’re addressing topics that can save homeowners money. In my community many have water pressure issues, myself included.” She then gave me a full report about her particular water-pressure problems. Often, when readers get in…
Upgrade Your Old Kitchen Cabinets
Dear James: My kitchen cabinets are still in excellent condition but are 20 years old. Is it possible to just repaint the cabinets instead of replacing them for a new look? — Billy T. Dear Billy: The cost of new kitchen cabinets, even if you do the installation yourself, can easily run up into the…
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