Converting a Garage Into a Guest Room?Does anybody have any thrifty ideas for changing a garage temporarily into a guest bedroom?
Getting Rid of Household Pests?I need help with a bug problem. We only seem to have them in the kitchen and bathroom. I have one of the sonic boxes that work with the house wiring We haven't had any field mice since getting them, but they don't seem to work on the bugs.
Septic Tank Tips?I bought a house in the boondocks, with private water and septic. What are the dos and don'ts? I love bleach as a disinfectant, is it okay to use?
Mounting a Curtain Rod on a Steel Door?We've just installed a beautiful new kitchen door. The old door was wood, but my new one is metal. Any suggestions for mounting a curtain rod? I'd rather not drill holes for screws if I can help it because then I'm limited to only one style of rod/curtain.
Alternatives to Expensive Spa Chemicals?Does anyone know about some low cost alternatives to expensive spa (hot tub) chemicals? Also any cleaning ideas appreciated, especially filter cleaning.
Squirrel Problem?I have squirrels nesting in my attic. My husband nosed around up there one day and found that they've been chewing through our phone and electrical lines, a huge fire hazard! Does anyone have any suggestions on humane ways to drive them away?
What Can I Do With My Bent Nails?I have a bunch of nails from a construction project. Most are bent and probably not usuable for building. What would you do with them? I have a bucket full. Thanks, Joe.
Changing Color of Vertical Blinds?My home came complete with wall to wall verticals in two rooms. Does anyone know of a way I can dye (perhaps) or whatever them?
Tiger Motif?My teenage daughter went back to school after her spring break. We want to redecorate her room while she is away. She chose a tiger motif. Any ideas? Thanks.
Water Softener Recommendations?The hardness of our water now exceeds 20 grains and we have been told that in order to get clean glasses from the dishwasher we must install a water softener. Any recommendations on this type of appliance?
Inexpensive Framing?Do you know any inexpensive ways to hang pictures on a wall? Framing costs are really high.
Adding a Fireplace Mantel?I've decided I would like like to add a mantle above our fireplace. I have a big picture hanging there right now, but I would love to have a mantle so that I could set pictures on it and maybe make a pretty swag to hang over it.
Campbell Soup Curtains?My daughter is re-doing her kitchen decorations. Over the years she has collected Campbell's soup collectibles. I saw some Campbell soup curtains somewhere and did not mention them to her as I thought she was no longer collecting Campbell's. Now I cannot remember where the curtains were.
Painting Advice Needed?I am painting before the holidays. I painted in the spring and old nicotine stains from a previous resident of our home came through the paint. How can I keep this from happening again?
How to Decorate My Room?I am 14 years old. I want to decorate my room. I need help with the color schemes. My bed spread is a magenta/maroon color, but it still has a hint of pink in it. But I don't know what color I should paint my walls and ceiling to contrast with it.
Solutions for a Mossy Roof?We have a lot of moss on our roof. Does anyone have some good ideas for killing it and keeping it from growing back?
Ticks?How do you safely keep ticks off your children and animals. I'm concerned about some of the insecticidal chemicals but don't want my daughter getting Lyme disease either. Does anyone know of any good natural methods for treating large areas?
- Mary
Decorating my Room?The room I'm in now the carpet is hunter green and the walls are white. I'm not sure of what color walls would look good with the hunter green carpet so if you have any ideas please let me know.
Decorating Rec Room with Mexican Theme?I am thinking of decorating my rec room with a Mexican theme. Can you give some tips and how to's on furniture color and accessories that are somewhat inexpensive.
Pool Products?I have an inground pool with cloudy water. What can I use other than a commercial pool product that will work like a "Floc" and drop floating debri to the bottom of the pool so that it can be vacuumed?
Making Painted Woodwork Look Like Real Wood?
Does anyone know how to make painted woodwork or doors to look like real wood? Looking for some way to do the older pieces of baseboard in other parts of the house.
I have an older home and have replaced some baseboard with new wood.
Or is there another idea that would work?
thanks
Linda
I Want a Frugal Gazebo!Anyone have some money saving tips for building a gazebo for my backyard. We are heading into the summer and I would like to put something nice together that in relatively inexpensive. They have iron Gazebos at Costco for about 400 dollars. I would like to come in well under that.
Thanks, Stan
Refurbishing My Mustard Countertop?My bathroom counter top is an awful mustard color and I would like to change it, Is there anyway I can do this without going to the expense of buying a new counter? Would like to do a faux marble.
Moss Growing on Red Tile Roof?I am trying to find some tips to prevent moss from growing on a red tile roof. I like the roof a lot but every few years the moss needs to be removed and its very difficult to remove it without breaking tiles.
Turning Garage Into Kids Room?We are hoping to turn our attached garage into a kids tv/play room this summer. We have several issues we are looking at...
Septic and Well Pipe Covers?We recently moved the ugly "wishing well" that sat over the normal ugly well pipe that sticks out of the ground. We are looking for new and different ideas to cover this up.
Need Help Creating a Sophisticated Bedroom?i am 23 and I need help decorating my bedroom. I want it to look sophisticated but represent my personality as well. Right now, my room is so plain, I have a canopy bed with light olive green and yellow drapings and a white bedspread. I also have this fantastic bright red and blue tapestry with an orange sun and moon in the middle of it and I really think it represents my personality. I want my room to be able to accomodate both styles. Should I just choose one? If so, what are some ways to do that?
Clueless decorator,
Angie from Missouri
Safari Style on a Budget?My sister is turning 12 this weekend and we are sending her off to her Grandma's house. We only have two days and three nights to completely decorate her bedroom into a safari theme. Her room is also pretty small and it seems cluttered with an entertainment center, twin bed, and dresser. How can I make this room have a spacious safari theme using the items in her room? Also what do you think of putting her mattresses on the floor and outlining the bed (just the wall portion) with plushy decorated squares as a border?
Angie from Missouri
Armadillo in My Yard?I want to know how to keep an armadillo out of my yard. He is obviously after the grubs in the yard. I have tried moth balls, traps, nothing has worked yet.
Frugal Tree Removal?Hi there, we have 6 to 8 giant evergreen trees that are dropping more and more debris on our house as they get bigger. It's pretty bad when it is windy. We are going to have to hire someone to cut them down. Anyone have any tips for going about doing this. Is their an inexpensive and safe way to have it done?
LS
Carpet with Flattened Pile?Is there a way to raise flattened pile on a carpet?
Ida from England
Color Advice for Painting Kids Room?I have a little boys room that they have dark blue headboards. What would be a good color to paint their wall?
Getting Rid of Rabbits Under House?Anyone have ideas how to get rid of rabbits? We live in the country in a mobile home, the rabbits have decided they like it under our home. We have piled dirt high in their holes, put rocks and tried water. They keep coming back. Help.
RoseMary from Colorado.
Looking for Basement Remodeling Tips?My basement is old and gross. The ceiling is low and there are spider webs all over the place. I would like to turn my basement into a part of my home I don't mind going in.
New Berber Carpet Has a Run?Help! My new Berber carpet has a small run. It's only about two inches long, but I don't want it get any longer. Is there anyway it can be fixed? I was thinking of just squooshing it into place with glue, but I'm not sure this is the wisest way to go.
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?
Hydronic Cooling Systems?Just wondering if anyone has any information on hydronic air conditioning units, since my swamp cooler will need replacing soon, and I would prefer the hydronic to typical refrigerated air conditioning units (water conservation and costs out west).
Stucco or Paint?My home's stucco is in need of repair. I've heard you should not paint over stucco, but I know some folks who have done just that. Just wondering if the reason for not painting over stucco is due to moisture getting in between the new paint and the underlying stucco. And, is there any newer type exterior paint these days that would work well over stucco (after repairing the stucco cracks, of course)? I find it hard to believe with the technology these days, that someone has not figured out a way to paint over stucco (must less expensive, and can be changed easier). Thanks for any suggestions.
Sandy in NM
Need Discontinued Wallpaper?I am needing 7 rolls of a border by Kim Anderson. The pattern is called Boy Meets Girl. It was in The Great Big Kids Book. I have half of a room finished and now the pattern has been taken off the shelves.
Clunking Noise from Our Water Heater?Looking for suggestions: Our home's water heater has started making a clunking noise occasionally while the water is being used. It doesn't seem to matter whether hot or cold is being used. Could it be something like air in the lines? How can we deal with this other than calling a plumber?
Thanks for your help!
Becki in Indiana
Painting a Church Room to Create a Children's Room?I am the director of the children and preschool departments. I have been given a room specifically for children's church. I get to pick the colors it is to be painted. My thoughts have been a blue with blocks of color in yellow and green.
Decorating a Red Bedroom?I'm a male university student currently renting a house with a few other guys. I'm stuck with a bedroom with blood red walls which I can't paint over. What can I do to my room so it doesn't seem so weird? I currently have a pine desk, double futon, navy blue sheets. Advice on how to decorate this room would be greatly appreciated.
Ray from Canada
Removing a Stripped Screw?Anyone know how to remove a stripped screw from a wood chair without ruining the wood? Mark
Looking for Discontinued Wallpaper?I am looking for two rolls of discontinued wallpaper border. It is by Rosedale Wallcoverings. It is Bear & Moose Woodsy Design. It has holly berries, pine needles, and acorns. I am looking for green. The blue is on eBay at this time. Item 5910257119. Please e-mail rdoty (at) bama (dot) ua (dot) edu.
- Rdoty
Frugal Couch Repair?I have a question for you guys, my friends dog chewed up the corner of my couch and I am just wondering if you guys might know how to repair it while being frugal. Thanks for any help you might offer.
Jamielj
Looking for Maroon Tulip Wallpaper?I am looking for wallpaper that was carried by Sherwin Williams about 4-5 years ago. I believe the designer was Julian Davis and the paper had a maroon tulip design - sort of contemporary - on a faux crackle background of a sepia tone. thanks, kat
Help Decorating Burgundy Dining Room?I have painted my dining room burgundy and feather dusted with a light pink in the same color family. I am having trouble accenting the walls. I am not sure what to put on the walls since they look so busy already. I am also thinking about new light switches in a wood... not sure if that would be took dark? Any suggestions? I need all the help I can get.
Nancy
How Can I Confirm Electrical Problems?I have many outlets but only one outlet is out. I thought I would just replace the one so I got a free estimate and they want over 4 grand saying the whole house needed to be rewired. It's scary because I don't want a fire. How does one know if this is true, are there other signs to look for so I can make sure that this really needs to be done before I spend 4 grand?
Chris
Need help finding discontinued wall border.I am in search for a discontinued wall border that was manufactured by Lambs and Ivy. The name of said border is 'Stop and Go'. I am doing so for my sister who has searched in vain for many months on end.
Help for Sluggish Dishwasher?Hi There! Lately my dishwasher will not rinse all of the soap out of the soap dispenser during a wash cycle. It has water, but acts like the spray action isn't strong enough. I feel like the dishes aren't getting clean...any ideas? Thanks. :)
Aeromama
Mexican Kitchen Theme?I am remodeling my kitchen and want to do the decor in a Mexican theme. I would like some suggestions on what colors to go with on the counter tops, cabinets and wall/trim paint.
Building a Fence?I need to replace the fence I have, it's really old. I need a 6 foot fence which I hope to look decent. Anyone have any tips for an inexpensive way to go about this?
Why is My Wallpaper Coming Loose?I have wallpaper that is coming loose along the seems on two inside walls. I have bought the glue to put it back, but I am curious as to what caused it to begin with. This is on the 2nd floor inside wall of my bedroom, where there is no moisture. Could being too dry cause this as well?
Thanks
Carolyn
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
Decorating Old Furniture?We had our living room furniture recovered in 1986. It is wearing in some places now and probably would not have lasted this long if it was not for the fact that the material was top of the line. We are having our house renovated so cannot see our way clear to recover the furniture right now. Any tips for temporary fussing up of the furniture without just throwing a blanket over it?
Bev Sobkowich
Painting a Small Room?I have a really small room, about 2x2.5 meters, and I have a bed and a desk in it. I also have one really small window and in a few weeks I am going to get a big closet. And I have green carpet, so I was wondering should I paint my walls to light blue...
Preventing a Rug From Slipping on the Floor?Hi. I have a matching set of throw rugs in my hallway, but one of them is really mean. Although it still has the rubber backing on it, every time I step on it, it slides and THROWS me. Does anyone have ideas for something I could attach to it to keep it from slipping?
From Cindy, slip-slidin' away in PA.
Inexpensive Decorating?We are moving to a new home soon. It is somewhat formal and traditional home (big change). Do you have any inexpensive decorating tips? There is a huge garden tub with plenty of space around for some pretty things as well as a lot of cabinet space in kitchen, etc. I lean toward antique.
Beth
Safari Decor: Accents with An African Theme?I just bought an amazing elephant painting for my family room. I'm planning on painting the room a rust color (I think). I'm not very imaginative, so I'd appreciate some ideas on making some inexpensive, but sophisticated-looking accents for my room that will play off the African feel of the painting. Nothing over the top (it's not my style). Thanks a bunch!
Sandy
Frost in my Frost-Free Freezer?I have a frost free freezer only about 5 or 6 years old and lately I have been getting frost in it on the top. I thought maybe I was getting left open so I put a piece of velcro on it to secure the door shut, but still there is frost. What could be happening here?
Ship to Shore Wallpaper Border?I am looking for a wallpaper border to match my shower curtain. I fell in love with the shower curtain at a friends house and finally found it on e-bay. The shower curtain was originally sold at Target Store abou 3/4/5 years ago. The design is called Ship to Shore, made by Bathworks. I am looking for the bathroom border that matches the curtain. It is really cute with bright colors. On the shower curtain it has sailboats, sunglasses, bathing suits, beach bucket and other beach related items. The little that I know about the border is that it has the sailboats on it in bright colors. If anybody know where I can find the border or if you have some left over I would love to have it.
Thanks,
Margaret from Maryland
Decorating My Dream House?We are soon moving to our "dream house". I need some decorating ideas (cheap). The house is more formal traditional. I lean more
toward antique.
B from Texas
Bathroom Sink Repair?Can anyone tell me how to repair or reglaze a bathroom sink where the finish is worn off around the drain?
Pat
Frugal Thermal Curtains?I want to hang thermal curtains in my living room this winter to conserve heat. I only have one big triple window in the livingroom and would like to put a wrought iron rod across the top and hang (preferably) tab top curtains on it. Naturally I do not want to spend a fortune on this project. Does anyone have any sugestions to do this frugally? I want to save as much money as possible.
Cookiepom
Bleach Spots on Furniture?Does anyone know of a fabric paint that would help to camoflage bleach spots on a moss green cordoroy couch? What brand and/or type?
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.
Counter Top Refinishing?We are trying to update our home on a budget. The kitchen has white counter tops, but a green edge around it. I am trying to get rid of the green in my kitchen. I can not afford to have it professional done. Does anybody have any ideas on how I can change the color myself?
Linda from Texas
Redecorating My Room?I'm currently in the redecorating mood and I am in love with two things: stars and the color pink. Do you have any cheap and easy ways I can make my room pretty?
- Kiersten
P.S. My room is tiny.
Grandma's Cupboard Wallpaper?Patricia from Wisconsin: I'm looking for a few rolls of discontinued wallpaper. It is from the Warner "Grandma's Cupboard" book, stock # CUP7181. Thanks for your help.
Decorating with a Native American Theme?I would like some ideas for decorating with a native american theme. I am part Chippewa and I would like to express this part of my heritage. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Delinda from Washington state
Adjusting Oven Temperature?We have an old stove in the house we just bought and it cooks above the noted temperature. Does anyone know a way to correct the temperature gauge without having to call an expensive repairman?
By Christine
Repairing Dings In the Varnish On a Hardwood Floor?We recently installed hardwood floors in our house and sadly have some pretty major dings and scratches on the varnish from a chair. We had a chair with metal feet with rubber ends on the feet. The metal broke through one of the rubber feet and scratched the floor. Does anyone know of a way to buff these out to make them less noticeable? We have rearranged our furniture in a way that puts them in a high traffic area, the rest of the floor looks fantastic.
Any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks.
Jimmy
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.
How do I make a head board for my bed?I do not have a head board for my bed. Does anyone have ideas on how to make one? I was thinking of getting pressboard and covering it with some foam them material?
Thank you in advance!
ML from Alberta
Decorating Doors To Brighten Up a Hallway?I have a drab hallway with 4 bedroom doors. The kids have drawn on them with black marker. I'm looking for inexpensive ideas to decorate them that will cover up the marker and make the hallway look more interesting and a bit more bright.
Tina
Fixing Bump on Furniture?Hi, I recently bought a desk. I was fixing a hinge that had been put on incorrectly. When I went to put the screws back in I put a long screw in the wrong hole and ended up putting the tip of the screw all the way through to the front of the desk. I was able to put the wood back down, but the bump is still noticeable. Is there are good way to fix a mistake like this? Thank you so much!
Kelley
Paint Color is Too Dark?We just painted my sister's room purple and green, and the colors ended up too dark. How can we lighten the walls?
Elizabeth Faw
Repairing Cracks in Plaster Walls?Tips for repairing cracked or damaged plaster walls.
Seam Repair On Loveseat Cushions?Our living room set is 6 years old, the cushions on the lovseat and chair is pulling apart at the seams. If I just try to hand sew them they will just pull apart. Can anyone please help on how I can repair them.
Thank You,
Dave from IL.
Changing the Color of Carpet?Can you change the color of carpet by dying it a different color? does anyone have any suggestions? Need to change from Burgundy to a beige or brown on a budget!
Tammee from Kentucky
Can't Find Matching Bedspread and Sheets?I wanted to paint my walls lime green and hot pink but I can't find a bedspread, sheets, etc. to match it.
Architectural Ideas for A German Theme Home?I have been thinking of altering the exterior look of my home to give it a German Theme appearance. Where does one begin searching for architectural ideas? I own a small one floor bungalow.
-Eric
Sanding an Old Wood Floor?We recently pulled up a vinyl floor and underneath was plywood over rough old wide pine boards. We are wondering what is the best way to sand them to make them smooth and what is the best polyurethane for them?
Susan from Maine
Looking For Bold, New Color To Paint My Walls?My house has hunter green carpet all the way through it. My walls are all white. My den, kitchen/dining room and living room are connected (not separated by doorways). I want to paint my walls in a bold new color. I have thought about yellow, but my furniture in the den is yellow, and the furniture in my living room is burgundy (which i would like to make it have a palm tree/jungle theme). I would like something classy, but trendy. But yet is simple to achieve. Anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!
Myndi
Painting Color Advice For a Room With a Black Satin Bed Spread?I have a black satin bed spread and almost magenta sheets to go with it. I need a color to paint my walls and then a color to paint the trim around my windows! Please Help!
Justine
Need Opinion on Painting and Colors?I was wondering would a black beadspread with lime green and hot pink sheets and pillows look good? I mean if the walls are hot pink and lime green? Another thing, how should I paint the walls? Should I do each wall a different color? I thought about painting each wall a different color then putting some kind of design in the other color so that way each wall would have both colors. What do you guys think?
-Brittany
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
Removing Decoupage From Table?I recently bought a wooden farm type kitchen table. The previous owner started a decoupage project on the base and quit 1/2 way through. Is there a simple way to remove this? Susan O
Repairing Resin Chairs?I have several resin (plastic) chairs that are cracked. Does anyone know of a method or product to repair them?
RC from PA
Looking for Inexpensive Shelves and Dresser?I need bedroom shelves and dresser for my granddaughter's room. I don't have very much money and want to surprise her for Christmas. I am raising her and she is nine years old. I live in northwest section of Tucson. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Cleaning a Hot Water Heat Tank?My mother has asked for me to see if anyone knows of a way to clean out your hot water heater tanks. She has used vinegar in her dishwasher, etc. for years and knows it works great on hard water build-up and she feels that if she could do this in her hot water tank it would extend it's life, etc. Anyone know of how to go about doing something like that?
Tawnda
Electrical Wiring Problems?Here's the scenario. We have been in our home about 4 months. Newly built. It has gfci circuits throughout the home. The issue I have is in at least three of the rooms, when the television, vacuum, or iron is turned on the lights dim for like a half second or so. I can handle when the ac/heat kicks on it draws more power/amps. but an iron? We had and electrical contractor for the builder come out. He said it's normal, nothing he can do? What gives? Do they need a bigger breaker, etc? I had the power company come check outside, (of course theres no problem there.) Any input would be greatly appreciated. thanks a million.
d in TX
Decorating a 14 Year Old Boy's Bedroom?I have a 14 year old boy, I am a single mom. My son's room is in need of some serious help.
Weatherproofing Windows?We just bought a house and the windows are all needing to be replaced. Does anyone know of a way to help save energy on these low grade windows until we can afford to replace them?
Thank you.
By Christine
Taking Apart Glued Furniture Joins?What can I use to de-glue (remove glue) from furniture joints? I would like to restore some dining room cloth fabric covered chairs, including the wood and recovering them.
poppop1968
Help With Wiring A New Light?I've just fitted a new pendant light fitting using the existing electrical source. However, when I turn the main power on, the lights are on even though the light switch is off. When I put the light switch on, it blows the fuse!
Repairing A Sofa Button?How do you repair a sofa button?
Don Poor
Help Replacing a Fluorescent Light?I have taken down a fluorescent light in my house and lost my wiring diagram. There are 4 wires inside 2 brown (I expect to be live), 1 blue (newtr) 1 purple (don't know) also it should be earthed. Help me please.
Baz
Temporary Solution For Ugly Kitchen Cabinets?I was checking online and found this site I was hoping someone could help me. I live in an apartment and the kitchen cabinets are ugly. I can't do anything permanent on them so I was wondering does contact paper come off? Or is there something else out there I can use?
- Nani
Need Sports Makeover For Son's Room?I am wanting to change my son's room. He is 11 yrs old. His whole room needs a makeover from top to bottom. I am a single parent so money is tight. Any good suggestions? He loves sports.
Gina from Missouri
Is Replacing The Springs On a Sofa Worth It?I have a not-so-old (5 years) but clearly not-so-good-quality sofa on which the springs have lost their tautness. These are low quality S-springs. Is it worth getting the sofa "resprung"? Anybody know how much that tends to cost (3-seater) - as much as buying a new set of furniture? Apart from the springs it's in great shape, and there is a matching loveseat which has no problems at all, so it's a bit of a shame to have to junk the whole set on account of the one set of springs.
Thanks ever so much.
Adrienne from DC
Looking For Home Makeover Advice For My Mom?My mother's home needs a serious makeover. However, the funds are limited and she really doesn't know how to go about getting it done. She's the best mom in the world and I'd like to surprise her with home improvement quest. To whom ever it may concern, please send me information on how to start the process. Thanks!
SC
Sheila from Florida
