for questions about whether a job can be undertaken by a competent DIYer or whether it's one to be left to the professionals.
4
votes
1answer
84 views
How do you keep from dropping grout all over when tiling?
Finished tiling a tub surround today. Wife helped me clean up the grout...
My mix is like a creamy peanut butter. I read the directions. I use a float and drywall knife to apply. I buy the good ...
1
vote
3answers
297 views
Is creating a concrete driveway a diy?
The entry of the driveway is just a rock bed with no concrete. I want to replace it, it doesn't have to be replaced with concrete so I'm open to suggestions there. If it is a diy, what are the high ...
3
votes
2answers
119 views
Is installing blinds a DIY Project?
My wife and I have been in our home for a little less than a year, and the paper blinds are starting to get tired to look at. The prices on blinds.com look appealing, but I'm hoping there are no ...
3
votes
3answers
457 views
How do I fix the cracks in my brick foundation?
I have some cracks in the foundation of the house I am about to buy. The house is 100 years old, there doesn't seem to be water leaks. The cracks don't look to be offset.
Attached is the picture ...
9
votes
6answers
1k views
How can I insulate my attic on a tight budget?
My attic is running 135Fahrenheit (55 Celsius) and more right now. And that's before it even gets to the hottest part of the day! The A/C guy said the A/C's are working perfectly. But he tested the ...
1
vote
1answer
352 views
Can I replace all the Qest pipe in my home by myself?
I have Qest (polybutylene) pipe in my thirty year home. We bought our home in 2007 and since then we have had two tiny pin hole leaks in the attic. Replacing those sections of pipe was pretty easy ...
4
votes
2answers
3k views
Why use a screwdriver when we have drill/drivers now?
I'm wondering when should we choose a screwdriver.
Can it be used to put screws in wood, concrete or metal without drilling a hole?
If we need to drill a pilot hole anyway, why don't we just use ...
1
vote
1answer
688 views
Is installing an egress window in a basement a do it yourself job?
For starters, we found wet carpet in a finished basement room. It's not a full bedroom because there is no egress window, but does have a small window approx 2' x 1' about 3 feet away from where the ...
8
votes
3answers
456 views
Can I replace my ungrounded / two prong outlets, or should I have a professional do this type of a thing?
They're all two prong except a select few in the kitchen. Is this a project I could take on with NO electrical experience other than minor soldering, or is this something I should not attempt?
...
8
votes
1answer
1k views
What is the best way to improve counter tops without completely replacing them?
I would like to re-do our counter tops in the kitchen. We currently have the laminate on particle board type. What is the best way to refinish this type of counter top to make it look higher ...
3
votes
1answer
110 views
How can I eliminate a light circuit?
Background: We live in a co-op. Each unit has it's own electrical box to shut off electricity.
We have a corner under-cabinet light that is hardwired into the box I THINK (I'd have to tear up the ...
7
votes
1answer
910 views
Should I install my own electrical service panel or hire an electrician?
I'm getting electrical service to bare land. This is not temporary service but permanent remote service to a pressure treated 6" x 6" post instead of a building.
I already have covered the work to ...
20
votes
20answers
4k views
What projects should never be DIY?
What are the most common DIY projects that you should not do yourself? What must be hired out?
Edit: Just to be clear, what we're looking for here are the things that a regular homeowner might think ...
