Closing Off Window in Metal Door?I have a metal door that has a window in the middle of it and I don't know how to close off that window. what would be your advice on it?
Removing Railroad Ties in Rhode Island?Hello, I am looking to replace the railroad ties surrounding my patio. I live in Newport RI (02840) and I am not sure where to go for the service....any thoughts?
Thanks!
tony.raiano (at) fmr (dot) com
Free Home Renovations?Our family has outgrown our home. We have a new baby on the way in a few short months. We have a good standing home but feel like we could be utilizing more of the home but the design of the home is very old.
Maintaining and Cleaning an Old Humidifier?I have an older room humidifer with the removable 2 gallon plastic tanks that I refill when empty. I need to know how to maintain the humidifer, keep it clean and get rid of lime build-up. I used to buy cleaner that I put directly into the tanks, but it was expensive and hard to find.
Creating Livable Space In The Garage In The Winter?I'm trying to decide what types of heaters to use during the winter season. Also what can I use for a divider for half of use of the garage. We also have very cold cement floor. Any help would be appreciated.
-Jose Zapata
Green Water in Above Ground Pool?We just set up a metal frame pool and the water has been nothing but green since! I have shocked it three times, added bleach, used stablizer, clairfier, and algecide as well. We have also added much clorine granules, and still no luck. PLEASE HELP!!! THANKS
Mounting Baby's Mobile On The Wall?We'd like to adapt a crib mountable baby mobile onto the wall near the changing table so our son has something to distract him while he's being changed.
Improving the Exterior of Your Home?Tips to help you improve the exterior of your home. Post your ideas.
Controlling the Humidity in a Parked Motor Coach without Electricity?I need some Ideas for our motor coach. it is parked at a permanent camp site, and this year it is holding the humidity in so bad. I can not use a dehumidifier, because we are gone for 1 to 2 weeks at a time so the electricity is off during that time.
Water Absorbing Snakes?My garage door leaks on one end during rain storms. Can anyone tell me how to make those water snakes that absorb water, then will dry out to be used again? What material would be used for the tube, and what would be used for filler?
Fun Entertainment Ideas for a Home in the Country?We just bought some land that we are planning to set up for living pretty soon now. It's kind of far out from town so we want to make it mega fun for guests to be more excited about driving out. We have some ideas like an archery corse, a swing, a tree house, hamocks and a guest room library.
Connecting a Phone Line?We had two phone lines coming into our house. I recently disconnected phone line A. I would now like to connect the jacks inside the house that were used for phone line A into phone line B, the line that is still active.
Weeds Growing In Cracks In My Driveway?I would like to know how to stop weeds from growing in the cracks of the driveway and sidewalk. I am getting really tired of pulling them out one by one.
Finding Legs and a Spigot for a Vintage Sink?We bought a beautiful blue wall mount bathroom sink at a salvage store. It appears to be vintage 1940's. The spigot and hot/cold controls are there, but we don't know if they work. The problem is twofold: Where can we find the chrome support legs it needs? I've looked all over the internet.
Installing a Spring Tension Rod?Could you please tell me how to install a spring tension rod? I have never used one before.
Putting a Shelf on the Wall Without Brackets?I am looking for a unique way to put a shelf on the wall, using some kind of supports, but not brackets. I had a wild hair about using soup cans (loll) if anyone has any Ideas on what I could use I will welcome the help.
Making Cornice Boards From Foam Board?Somewhere in my internet travels I saw instructions for making cornice boards with foam board. Unfortunately, I didn't bookmark it or print it or anything. Would anyone happen to know where I could find those instructions?
Something in My Home is Making Me Itch?What could be causing me to itch? Sometimes it feels like something is biting me too, but I have no rash. It seems to only happen inside my home. We went on vacation and it went away.
Adding a Hitch to a Mobile Home?Does anyone know if you can put the hitch on the opposite end of a mobile home to move it a short distance?
Phones Not Ringing?All the phones in our house work but they don't ring. Any ideas?
Skunk Smell in a Mud Puddle?I had a dead skunk in a really big puddle on my property and the dog keeps getting in the water and she stinks. She always goes back to the spot and I can't fill in the puddle, it's way too big.
Home Improvement Price Comparisons?Home Improvement Price Comparisons. I want to put up a new fence around my yard this year, either a privacy or chain-link. I also plan to repaint the exterior of my home and replace the front porch and back porch.
Turning a Raised Pool Deck Into a Playhouse?I have a raised deck that went beside an above ground pool. We don't use the deck with the pool so it's wasted space. My friend had the idea of turning it into a playhouse; getting a plastic BBQ grill, play stove, small table, etc., at consignment stores to put out there.
Liquid Sand Paper?Does liquid sand paper work, or is there something better than liquid sand paper?
Problems Hanging Shelves?I have just hammered a hole in my wall. I am trying to hang up some shelves so as to give myself some storage space. i have become comfortable with the drill, but now I have 6 holes and no shelf. What am I doing wrong?
Waterproofing My Basement?I would like some info on basement waterproofing.
Creating an Outdoor Curtain for Privacy?I am in need of an idea on how to make a free-standing outdoor curtain. I rent and the neighbors just moved in with a big plastic play center for their backyard.
Yellow Dust In My House (Update)?I have yellow dust throughout my whole house. It even turns my carpets yellow. If you spray the carpet with water it makes it white. But it is not just on the surface of the carpets. It took me 13 hours to scrub 2 rugs until the yellow was all gone.
Is Formica the Same as Laminate?Is formica the same as laminate?
Drilling Holes in Wall Tiles?What is the best way to drill holes into wall tiles?
Partitioning a Bedroom in an Apartment?I need some ideas on how to partition a room in my apartment. I have two daughters ages 2 and 3 who have completely opposite personalities and cannot stand sharing a room together. My 2 year talks herself to sleep and my 3 year old can't sleep with noise. So just hanging a sheet won't work.
How Much Should an Addition to a House Cost?How much should I expect to pay for an addition to my house?
Where Can I Find Cabinet Kits?Trying to locate a site that I can go on and look at some cabinets that I can assembly from kits. I recently purchased an electric fire place and want to put some type of cabinets on each side to put the VCR, Stereo and other components in.
Removing Dried Grout from Bricks?Does anyone know how to remove dried grout from brick? This past weekend my husband put up brick behind our stove and across the back splash behind the sink. The first layer of grout and then the bricks looked great!
Hot Water Smells Like Burned Rubber?Why does my hot water smell like burned rubber for the first 10 seconds that I run it. It is in a newly-built cottage with all new plumbing and a new water heater. No one is living in the cottage yet, so the hot water only gets used for about one gallon each day. I'm trying to purge the water heater hoping that will do the trick.
King Sized Bed in a Small Room?I have a king size bed and a small bedroom. I don't know the dimensions. How on earth can I make this work since I now have to live without my dresser?
Using Removable Caulk?Has anyone used 'removable' caulk? Did you have any problem removing the caulk, when it was time to remove it? Thanks
Painting Plastic Shower Enclosure?I want to paint our plastic shower enclosure. What do I need to do and what kind of paint is needed.
Replacement Vertical Blind Fabric Inserts?Looking for sites to find fabric insert replacements for existing verticals.
Fixing Up An Old Rental Trailer?I'm getting out of a bad relationship and moving into an old ugly trailer. The kitchen cabinets have really been abused and are ugly. It's a rental so I can not do anything permanent. Any ideas?
Covering Exposed Foundation Walls?I would like to do something with our foundation. We live in a ranch style house, built into a hill. The unsightly full, cement basement foundation is exposed on the south side. Foundation on front of house is no problem. The two ends also have more cement exposed than I like. What can I do to make it look nice?
My House is Falling Apart?My husband died in 1999, and he left me a 80 year old home. The floors are caving in, and the walls are busted. The roof is falling in and it's raining in the house and all I can do is pray.
Looking For A Laminate Alternative?I am appalled at the price of laminate. The piece I want and only need 4 feet of, I have to pay the 8 foot price! I bought a beautiful china hutch, I am taking the top off for the bathroom vanity. Now my question is, since the prices are so high, what about just polyresining the heck out of the top of the vanity? Would this work and last? Thanks in advance for any help.
Removing Contact Paper From Metal?Does anyone have a good way to remove contact paper from a metal surface?
Scenting Your Home Naturally?I have recently stopped using all of my favorite scented cleaning products due to all the chemicals and such. I have replaced them with vinegar, baking soda and others. What I miss is the scents. Any ideas on how to scent your home without chemicals, sprays and air fresheners? Thanks to all.
Venting a Dryer Inside?What are the dangers of venting an electric dryer indoors?
Keeping Garage Cool In The Summer?Our garage becomes very hot in the summer (it's 100 degrees F both indoors and outside) in spite of the fact that there is a gap between the garage door and the wall and door top (like most). I told my DH he had to invent something to keep the air circulating. Keeping the bottom of the door open a few inches doesn't help much because heat rises. In the mean time - any suggestions?
Getting Plastic Buckets Apart?How do I get plastic buckets apart?
Suggestions For Window Alarm?My daughter wants a window alarm. Not one to tell if the window is raised, but one that indicates if glass and screen are being broken. Any suggestions?
Need Advice on Remodeling?My future wife and I will be moving into a two family house after we are married owned by her grandparents. It is an older house but looks great. I would be living in the bottom floor. I was thinking of redoing the floor with a rosewood Pergo floor from Lowe's.
Removing Old Paint From Wood?How do you remove old paint from wood surface?
Keeping Plastic From Tearing Around Nails?I would like to hang a 4 x 6 sheet of fairly heavy plastic over the front of a cupboard without doors. What can I use on the plastic to make sure that it does not tear or run when I put tacks or small nails in it? Thanks for any suggestions.
Repairing Ceiling With Plywood?Can plywood be used to replace a ceiling?
Replacing Water Heater In Attic?Does anyone have suggestions on replacing a water heater that is in the attic? How do we get it down and the new one up there without calling a professional?
Installing Awning Over Deck?I want to install an awning over my ground level deck. Any recommendations or warnings? Thanks.
Semi-Permanent Room Divider?How do I divide a bedroom, semi-permanent? I have a 13 yr old boy an a 14 yr old girl sharing a 10 x 11 bedroom. I'd like to provide them with some privacy and a quiet space to escape to. Something more noise dampening than a curtain; but ultimately removable, as we are renters. I'm thinking dry wall and some kind of brackets to attached it to the existing wall and ceiling? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Rain Sticking To Window Screens?Does anyone know how to prevent the rain from sticking to the outside window screens. This has been happening since I bought new windows last spring.
Refinishing Cultured Marble Counters?To make this project easier I removed my faucet and drain.
Smelly Well Water?We have smelly well water. We replaced the rod in our hot water tank and now it smells worse. Any suggestions?
Keeping Wheelchair Ramp Ice-Free?I just recently got a wheelchair ramp put together for my son Ryan. The 3 guys who put it together put underlayment over top. They said not to put rock salt on top of it or to use a shovel. Any suggestions about what I can do about the up coming snowy weather? What can I do to keep the snow off and to keep my son from sliding?
Bedroom Feels Damp?My bedroom feels constantly damp, so does my bedding and clothes. I cannot find the source of the problem. There is no dampness on any of the walls or floor and I cannot find any cracks that might be letting in air. Does anyone have any ideas?
Wood Keeps Oozing Sap?We have a wooden fire surround and the wood has not been sealed and therefore it oozes sap continuously. What can I do to stop this?
Making a Privacy Barrier?I have been looking for an easy inexpensive way to make a privacy barrier. We live on a corner block and finally are able to afford a side fence but this still leaves a space where people can see through to the back of the house.
Soundproofing a Room?Any tips on cheaply sound proofing or sound deadening a room?
Painting Shower Tiles?I have a shower the previous owners painted. I removed as much as possible. Any hint on how to repaint or cover tiles?
Discolored Apartment Water?Our water in our apartment complex has a pinkish/orangeish color to it when it dries on a surface like the shower curtain or under shampoo bottles in the shower or in the dish drainer. Any ideas what that is?
Adding More Resin to Countertops?I just painted and coated my bathroom countertop according to some of the posts from this site. There are some spots that need more resin because they are too thin. Can I pour it now (24 hrs) or do I have to wait until the hard cure (72 hours)? Thanks.
Using Heat to Patina a Copper Back Splash?I want a copper back splash. I have been online for a week to try and get some answers. I need to know how to burn the copper and bring those colors out. I think they call it patina.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Painting Countertops?I have been reading all the posts and I am very excited to tackle my countertops, but I need step by step instructions and maybe a shopping list. Does anyone know where I can print one or can give me an idea on how to get started?
Updating a Block Ceiling?I have one of the old ugly block ceilings in my living room and would love to hear some ideas on how to make it more updated without having to take it all down. Painting would be the simplest for me, but I would like it to look like a tin ceiling. I thought maybe a paper lace doily in the center of each square would give me that look, but I'm afraid once I get it glued that it'll just look like I put a paper lace doily up there! Help!
Black Stains on Ceiling?I have black stains on my ceiling, in the corners and following my truss line. Any ideas what causes this?
Keeping Driveway Clear of Plowed Snow?I live in New England. We've had our first snowstorm of the year with more to come (supposedly). Any tips on how to avoid the snowplowed snow from the street from blocking our driveway. Just thought maybe someone had a nifty tip for this.
Sealer Recommendations for Faux Granite Counters?Can anyone offer advice about which sealer is the best choice for the faux granite counters. Previous posts have mentioned Envirotex, Parks, Varathane, Poly etc. I'm afraid of the epoxys, but want a durable, professional result. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Preventing Moisture in Attic?How can my friend prevent moisture in the attic? She has so much moisture that a dehumidifier and temp at 70 degrees has not helped. This is a 2 room addition that was built off her main house 3 years ago. Frame and siding is the material.
Re-Coating Painted Laminate Countertops?I did my bath counters and used Enviro. I have little hail marks and have to re-coat. What kind of sandpaper did you use? And can you add paint on top of the 1st coat before you do a 2nd coat, without sanding the whole thing? Help!
Sponge Painting Cabinets?I painted my kitchen cabinets a Cinnamon Spice color, but now they look bland and boring. Is there anything I can put on top of the paint, like a faux wash of some sort that would make them look better? Can I sponge paint another color over that?
Installing an Undermount Kitchen Sink?I want to install an undermount kitchen sink. My current sink is on the top. Do I need to replace my countertops as well?
Not Getting Enough Hot Water?I have two 50 gal. water heaters tied together, and I still run out of hot water. What can I do too increase recovery time? Will a bypass help?
Windows Painted Shut?We recently moved into a very old house that has it's windows painted shut. The windows are suppose to open from bottom to top, not side to side. Does anyone know of how to reopen old painted shut windows?
Decorating an Apartment Refrigerator?I have a refrigerator in my kitchen that still works and I am looking for ways to make the front door look nicer by decorating it. I rent and it comes with the apartment. Thanks for any help.
Waxing Shower Tiles?Should I wax shower tiles to help prevent hard water build up?
Roots in Sewer Lines?How do I know if I have roots in my sewers?
Laminate Vs. Formica Countertops?What is the difference between laminate and formica countertops?
Removing Painted Pictures from Ceramic Tile?I have ceramic tiles in the kitchen and most of them have veggies and fruit painted on them. How can I get that off or do I have to replace them all?
Applying Polyurethane to Painted Countertop?What is the best method to apply polyurethane to seal a painted countertop?
Painting Over Tile?Does anyone know how I can paint over tiles cheaply, without the paint coming off? I live in rented accommodations and don't want to spend a lot. I've spent too much on this place already! Thanks.
Painting Plastic Door Trim?The vinyl siding on our house is in great shape after 15 yrs. but the plastic trim around the door, etc. is yellowed. How can I properly paint it white again?
Change the Color of Metal Trim?We are updating our master bathroom, and have come to a roadblock. We have a very large, custom shower door. The metal trim on the shower door, and the sink fixtures are all that really shiny brass color. I really don't like that finish.
Drain Pipe on Side of House is Leaking?Why is drain pipe on the side of the house leaking?
Soil Has Eroded Away from Foundation?On one side of my house there are no gutters, expect for a single rain spout. Over time the soil has eroded away from the concrete foundation. I plan to get gutters, relocate that spout and add a small retaining wall. But I know that can get expensive.
Venetian Plaster on Countertops?Has anyone ever used Venetian plaster on their countertops? Just wondering if it would work. I've done it to my walls and it looks amazing. Help!
Using Wallpaper to Line Drawers?How do I line wooden drawers with wallpaper?
Shading My Porch from the Sun?In the afternoon the hot sun comes onto my porch. I need to create shade, but can't afford solar shades. Does anyone have an idea what I can use to shade my porch that is not to expensive?
Removing Tile from Formica Countertops?How can I remove ceramic tile from Formica countertops? I am hoping to salvage the original Formica until I am able to replace it. I also have the tile as a back splash under upper cabinets and behind the stove but I would like to leave that intact.
Is This Marlite?Does anyone know if this is Marlite? It is a kind of slick surface and at the seam of each panel is a thin strip of metal. Our house was built in 1925, but I have a sneaking suspicion the bathroom was updated around the 50's.
Making a Frugal Rain Chain?Does anyone have a frugal idea for making a rain chain?
Maintaining Tile Countertops?I have just recently installed tile kitchen countertops. I know solid countertops are all the rage now but I wanted tile. Any tips for using and maintaining them?
Making a Mobile Home Belly Board?What is a belly board made from for mobile homes? I need one so badly. I haven't got a clue how to finding someone to put one on my house. Energy Assistance won't help me either.
Putting a Laminate Countertop Over Existing Countertop?Can I put laminate countertop on top of existing laminate countertop?
Refinishing Carport Floor?We need to refinish a carport concrete floor. We tried the epoxy paint and it did not hold up. We removed as much as possible with paint remover, however there are still some spots left. What can we do with the floor to make it look nice and hold up under wear?
Refinishing Veneer Cabinet Doors?How do I refinish cabinet doors that have veneer glued to them? It is peeling off.
Making Patio Umbrella into Half Umbrella?How do I convert a patio umbrella into a half umbrella?
