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Do It Yourself or Not: Paint a metal railing

A metal railing provides a sturdy barrier and firm gripping surface that assures safe footing on the exterior entry stairs to a home. Over time the effects of weather can chip and corrode the railing, especially in high-use areas, so a fresh coat of primer and paint is needed to restore its appearance. A thorough scraping, priming and fresh ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Install a fireplace

A fireplace adds character and ambiance to any room, making it an undeniable improvement. And on a cold night the appeal of a crackling fire goes a long way as an upgrade that can add value to the home. A prefabricated metal zero-clearance fireplace is a popular choice, because it takes a minimum amount of space and can be safely placed near ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Hang a plank ceiling

The ceiling, which some designers say is the fifth wall of a room, can be the center of attention. When the ceiling is made of laminate wood planks, also called panels, it can be a striking addition and transform an ordinary room to extraordinary. A wood plank ceiling can add a charming contrast in a stark contemporary setting, or complete the ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Edge trim a lawn

To give a neat and manicured look to your lawn use an edge trimmer to outline flower beds, trees, clusters of shrubs and walkways. It’s a finishing touch that defines the landscape with a tidy and manicured appearance. Every time the lawn is mowed the edging emphasizes the perimeter and line separating grass and the other elements of the ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Add a glass door insert

A door insert is an ideal way to bring light into an entryway or brighten a dark hallway and at the same time improve an ordinary door. The insert gives an existing door a new lease on life while opening up the interior with daylight. These door inserts come in kits for both interior and exterior doors, some with internal blinds, in a variety of...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Install a casement window

A casement window is a good choice when a room needs ventilation, because it opens on its side at the turn of a crank so it’s easier to operate than lifting a traditional double-hung window. We’ve used a casement in small bathroom makeovers, because their narrow shape takes up so little wall space but allows opening and closing with ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Coat a garage floor

An ugly pock-marked cement garage floor can be transformed with a new epoxy finish. The new surface does double duty to upgrade an otherwise ordinary garage while creating a durable, long lasting surface. The dreaded job of removing everything in the garage is no small feat for most of us which can resurrect new found treasures if your garage is...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Install a power roof vent

With so many “excessive heat days” this past summer, attic air circulation has become important because the movement of air prevents the space from overheating. When the thermometer drops, proper air flow reduces attic humidity and improves insulation performance, so good air circulation in an attic is crucial, no matter what the weather.

...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Lay stone patio pavers

Investing in a stone patio is not a trivial investment, but it’s an improvement you’ll enjoy for years to come. The durable stone surface has an earthy look that enhances a yard and landscape as well. Stone pavers offer a nice contrast and transition to a manicured lawn and provide comfortable outdoor living. There’s a variety of stone ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Paint aluminum siding

If aluminum siding on your house is showing its age with a dull and faded surface, you can give it a facelift with paint and restore it. Compared to replacing siding, a coat of paint offers a dramatic change costing considerably less.

Painting aluminum siding involves three steps: first, power washing to remove chalking, mildew and dirt; then ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Install a chimney cap

An open or unprotected chimney on top of your roof is an invitation to birds, rodents and squirrels to go down your chimney and set up residence wherever they want. If you want to prevent an unwanted guest showing up in your fireplace, your best line of defense is a chimney cap. With its grated sides and a sturdy hood that fit snugly on top of ...Read more

Do It Yourself or Not: Replace a sump pump

If you’ve ever had to deal with a flooded basement, you know the mess and damage that storm water can create. A submersible sump pump is the best way to drain that flood water away, protecting appliances and other things that might be damaged. The unit has a waterproof pump and motor that sits in a pit or tank in the floor, where it’s ...Read more

Do It Yourself of Not: Install a wall storage system

Storage components and racks are a good solution for finding a place for all your stuff. For household items and clothing there’s plenty of systems that fit the bill. But if you’re on a mission to organize your garage, we found a system designed for the task. The StoreWALL system is designed to carry heavy tools and equipment, and the ...Read more

 

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