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Here's How: Should I Be My Own Home Contractor?

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Should I Be My Own Home Contractor?

Dear James: We plan to build our dream house, but the price quotes are outrageous now. Does it make sense to attempt to be our own general contractor to save some money? -- Randy T.

Dear Randy: A good general contractor can be worth his weight in gold for both controlling costs and headaches, but the key ...Read more

Here's How: Replace Your Floor With Sheet Vinyl

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: I want new sheet vinyl flooring in my kitchen. The last one cracked too quickly. What should we do to be sure this does not happen this time it's installed? -- Betsey G.

Dear Betsey: Definitely don't use the same company or installers you did the first time. In most cases, durability problems with sheet vinyl floors, particularly ...Read more

Here's How: Remove Dark Mildew Stains on Grout

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: Our bathroom must have been remodeled several times because it has some glossy and matte finished tile. How can we clean off the dark nasty grout mildew? -- Greg T.

Dear Greg: Almost every bathroom tile has some spots of dark mildewed grout, but when it is excessive, it really looks bad and makes the entire bathroom seem dirty. ...Read more

Here's How: Proper Sandpaper Makes Projects Easier

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: Our century-old house has natural woodwork, but most should be refinished. How do I decide what types and grits of sandpaper to buy and which to use where? -- Deandra R.

Dear Deandra: As you mentioned, there are not only many types of sandpaper materials, but the roughness (grit) and the type of abrasive materials also vary. The ...Read more

Here's How: Make Proper Angle Cuts on Crown Molding

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: I like the look of crown molding for my dining room, but I am having trouble getting the corner cut for a good fit. Is there a proper way to cut them? -- Jessica P.

Dear Jessica: Fitting the corners for crown molding is a challenge even for experienced remodelers and builders. They will fill the gaps in the corners with wood filler ...Read more

Here's How: Install a Locking Storm Door Handle Yourself

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: The handle and lock on my back storm/screen door has broken from years of use. Is that something that can be repaired, and are there more durable options? -- Dennis W.

Dear Dennis: The handle on the screen door, especially one leading to the backyard, often gets more abuse than other doors. It is used more by the kids, often ...Read more

Here's How: Hang a Ceiling Fan Properly and Safely

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: I bought a ceiling fan two summers ago and am just getting around to installing it this winter. Can this be a one-person job? And do you have any tips? -- Cheryl S.

Dear Cheryl: A ceiling fan is normally thought of for cooling, but it is also effective in the winter. Especially in a room with a fireplace, running the ceiling fan in ...Read more

Here's How: Make a Simple Extra Loft Bed

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: I am thinking about converting a small storage room into an extra bedroom for my son. Adding a loft bed would be a space saver. Do you have any construction tips? -- Stephen B.

Dear Stephen: When space is the primary concern, you cannot beat a loft bed. If you are feeling really energetic, you can build cabinets and drawers under ...Read more

Here's How: Replace Old Fixture With Track Lighting

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: I think track lighting would be a good alternative to my old ceiling fixtures in my kitchen and living room. Is this a project I can try myself? -- Rita T.

Dear Rita: Track lighting is not difficult to install yourself, especially when there is an existing light fixture in the ceiling of the rooms. The simplest part of the work is ...Read more

Here's How: Add Solid-Surface Countertop Yourself

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: My kitchen needs a new countertop and I want something that is attractive and durable. Would a solid-surface countertop meet my requirements? -- David R.

Dear David: There are many types of durable countertops, but solid-surface countertops are particularly beautiful, durable and easy to care for. They are a bit on the pricey side ...Read more

Here's How: Eliminate Unsightly Nail Pops in Drywall

Home & Leisure / Here's How /

Dear James: There are lots of nail pops on our drywall joints. When we have our new room addition drywalled, what should be done differently to avoid this? -- Mandee L.

Dear Mandee: Even after you try to fix the nail pops yourself with spackling compound and paint, the repaired spots will still be apparent. For this reason, it is extremely ...Read more

 

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