Expert Advice for your Lawn & Garden TV Host of Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel
Video, Decks and Patios, Repairs and Installation, Exterior Published 05/08/2008 by Danny Lipford
Building steps used to require complicated measurements and difficult angled cuts, but the precut pressure treated stringers available at home centers today have made the job much easier. Allow for a stringer at each end of the steps and at 16” intervals in between. Use corrosion resistant screws and nails to assemble the steps.
Attics and Basements, Repairs and Installation, Ask Danny Published 05/07/2008 by Danny Lipford
I’m going to finish a portion of the basement for my 12-year-old daughter and her pals to have a place to “hang out.” This section happens to be under the great room on the main floor. Are there products to help in noise reduction, and, if so, what options exist and how are they installed?-Steve
Hi Steve,
Start by insulating the space between the basement ceiling joists with a sound dampening insulation like Owens Corning QuietZone fiberglass insulation. Next, you might want to consider using a soundproofing drywall such as QuietRock for the ceiling. You can watch and read more about QuietRock, on our website at (622) Builders’ Show Special.
Good luck with your project,
Video, Carpentry, Repairs and Installation Published 04/23/2008 by Joe Truini
Since the tape will tend to wear out after a few holes, a more permanent solution is to drill a hole lengthwise through a piece of 1” x 1” stock and slide it over the drill bit to act as a stop. Stop drilling when the tape brushes away the shaving, indicating that the desired depth has been reached.
Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Ask Danny Published 04/18/2008 by Danny Lipford
Thomas asks, “I put polyurethane on cabinets after I stained them. Now a week later, I find oil on the surface of the cabinets, and when I try to clean it, it leaves dull spots. I don’t know what to do, or what is the problem. H-E-E-E-E-L-P!!!”
Electrical and Lighting, Repairs and Installation Published 04/17/2008 by Joe Cuhaj
The popularity of Home Theater Systems (HTS) has taken off in recent years as prices have fallen. These days you don’t have to take out a second mortgage to enjoy remarkable sound and video quality in the comfort of your own home.
Home Improvement, Kitchens and Baths, Repairs and Installation Published 04/10/2008 by Jared Libby
Whether you’re putting in all new appliances or simply replacing a worn-out machine, installing a dishwasher yourself is a DIY project that’s not that difficult and can save you a hefty installation fee. Start by connecting the drainpipe to the discharge pump. Many local building codes require dishwashers to be vented using an air gap to prevent the siphoning of water from the sink drain or disposal.
Flooring, Repairs and Installation, Ask Danny Published 04/02/2008 by Danny Lipford
We are thinking about replacing our tile floor in the kitchen with hardwood. The tile is laid in a concrete foundation and would be huge mess to rip up. Is it possible to lay hardwood over an existing tile floor? If so, what do you recommend? -Donna
Hi Donna,
Yes, you can lay a wood floor over tile if the existing floor is in good shape and without cracks. I would suggest 3/8” thick, prefinished engineered hardwood flooring. You can install it either as a floating floor that locks together and is not attached to the tile, or glue it down. Check to be sure the existing floor is flat first and fill in any low spots with leveling compound. If the floor is being glued to a slick surface, rough the tiles up a bit by sanding them to allow the adhesive to adhere better.
Good luck with your project,
Safety and Security, Repairs and Installation, Ask Danny Published 03/28/2008 by Danny Lipford
We are in the process of purchasing a new home, but it has a strong damp/musty odor. How can we make sure it has no water damage? -Raul
Raul,
There are a number of possibilities that could be causing your problem including a leaky roof, plumbing leaks, excessive moisture in the crawl space, a slab that wasn’t waterproofed correctly, condensation in the walls due to an improperly installed vapor barrier, or damage from flooding.
While it’s not easy to check inside of walls, you can inspect the attic as well as under the house or in the basement for signs of leaks, moisture buildup, mold, or rot. A moisture meter can be used to check for excessive moisture in wood while a hygrometer can determine the moisture content of the air.
Water stains on rafters are a telltale sign of leaks, either past or present. Also, be sure to examine the floor joists under the house for signs of mold. If the house is in an area prone to flooding, look in out of the way places—like closets and inside of cabinets—for stain lines on the walls or water damage on the floor.
I would definitely have a competent home inspector examine the house before you purchase it, as mold and excessive humidity can be costly to eliminate.
Check out our article How to Prevent and Remove Mold and Attic and Basement Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Video, Flooring, Repairs and Installation Published 03/27/2008 by Danny Lipford
This small room is perfect for a piece of low pile commercial carpet we picked up for $100. Start by aligning the factory cut edges of the carpet against two of the adjoining walls in the room. Press the carpet firmly against the remaining walls with a 6” drywall knife, then cut through it using a sharp utility knife.
Electrical and Lighting, Repairs and Installation Published 03/13/2008 by Danny Lipford
Telephone jacks can be either flush or surface mounted, so be sure to buy a replacement jack that fits your particular setup. While phone lines are low in voltage, they carry enough current when they ring to give a mild shock, so it’s a good idea to disconnect the line before working on it. Also, never work on a phone line during a thunderstorm, since lightning can travel down the wire causing serious injury.
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