For questions generally relating to the proper insertion of a particular device or feature into a home, building or other structure. As this topic is very broad in general, when using this tag please include additional tags to narrow the scope of the discussion to a particular room, subsystem ...
6
votes
1answer
121 views
What do I need to know before selecting and installing a cat/pet door in a door?
We want to (finally) install a pet door for our cat. It will most likely be a model that will install in the laundry room door, the optimal location for it in our house. This brings me to my first ...
19
votes
3answers
10k views
How do I remove and reinstall baseboards (Skirting Board) without damaging them?
I need to temporarily remove the baseboards in a couple rooms. I am interested in some suggestions for removing the baseboards without damaging them so they can later be reinstalled. Suggestions may ...
6
votes
1answer
107 views
What is the proper and accurate way to measure space for window screens?
One of our metal windows is missing a screen and I'd like to replace it. I don't have other windows of the same size so I can't easily copy the screen dimensions. How should I measure the window ...
6
votes
1answer
296 views
Our vinyl floor install will need to be redone — will new vinyl need to be used, or can the existing vinyl be reused?
I had a company (whose name will not be mentioned unless they refuse to fix the job) install a new vinyl floor. I'll spare all the ugly details except the one that's relevant to this question which is ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
When bolting down a porcelain toilet, how tight is “too tight”?
Tightening bolts on the base of a toilet is the one thing about toilet installation that has me the most nervous. They say not to over-tighten, but how tight is too tight before the porcelain is ...
4
votes
1answer
850 views
How do I anchor an acrylic claw foot tub?
I have been working on remodeling my bathroom. As part of the renovations we have decided to replace our old tub with an acrylic claw foot tub. The tub is extremely light weight. I am assuming that ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
How do I install wood shutters on a brick house?
I've built some Board-N-Batten shutters and am ready to hang them on the house. However, I've never installed shutters before, so I want to be sure I install them properly.
Do I drill pilot holes in ...
6
votes
1answer
284 views
Installing new toilet. Does the wax ring have to fit snug around the hole in the underside of the toilet?
I got a new toilet complete with installation kit. The illustrations on the directions appear to say to apply the wax ring around the drain opening beneath the toilet then set the toilet down on the ...
4
votes
4answers
1k views
Do I have to check if my floor is level before installing new linoleum (from a roll, not tiles)?
I just tore up my old linoleum flooring and will be installing new linoleum in the next few days. Some internet research has revealed that I need to make sure the floor is level and, if it is not ...
4
votes
1answer
144 views
Can hurricane shutters be installed horizontally?
Looking at the photos at this site, it appears that they are able to be installed horizontally.
Do you have to use a track or can you drill into the shutters and then Tapcon them to the masonry? I ...
0
votes
1answer
321 views
How do I find someone to install a utility pole?
I am in need of a fairly tall utility wooden pole installed on my property, which I'm sure requires special know how and equipment to do safely. I've been doing a lot of Googling and found a few ...
3
votes
2answers
250 views
How do I install a fire extinguisher on the side of a cabinet?
I want to hang my fire extinguisher on the cabinet next to my sink. Below are pictures of the fire extinguisher bracket and the location where I want to put it. Should I use a bolt with a nut - or ...
4
votes
1answer
171 views
Installing a new exterior door into a taller existing opening
We are remodeling our 1948 home, and the previous owner was quite tall. We are trying to replace our exterior door, and have come across a wonderful deal on a door. Here is the issue: How can I make ...
7
votes
5answers
1k views
Carpet company wants to charge me for the waste they will have left over. Is this normal?
My floor measures out at 296 sq ft, but the carpet company wants to charge me for 330 sq ft. Their reasoning is that they are not charging me for the actual square feet of total area, but for the ...
0
votes
2answers
210 views
When is the “best” time to get a gunite pool installed?
Is there a time of the year where pool installers are generally "cheaper", due to lack of business?
I've heard that it's best to purchase decks in the fall, since that is the slow season. Just not ...
5
votes
1answer
73 views
Choosing Hurricane Shutters
In Florida, it is now officially hurricane season. I am in the market for aluminum hurricane shutters. However, I do have some questions. Home Depot offers aluminum shutters that are either 48 inches ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I install a portable air conditioning unit in a large sliding window?
I have a large sliding window that is 53 inches top to bottom and I want to install a portable air conditioning unit. The kind that don't sit in the windows but vent to the window. The window ...
1
vote
1answer
4k views
How to prep existing floor for installation of self-adhesive vinyl flooring?
Some quick background to preempt some discussion about quality, longevity, rental issues, etc.: I'm in a rental that is literally "anything goes". It's a long story, but suffice it to say if it does ...
2
votes
1answer
540 views
Removing knockouts in composite granite sink
The sink has one existing hole, and 3 knockouts which are cut about half way through the material.
What are the best tools, and techniques for removing fixture knockouts on a composite granite ...
5
votes
1answer
117 views
Bought a US appliance and powered directly off Aus mains, is it boned?
Hope this is on topic for this stackexchange.
I recently bought a lamp from the US and had it shipped to Australia. Stupidly I powered it straight off the mains through an adapter. The device is ...
3
votes
1answer
327 views
Kitchen Cabinets And Dry Wall Screws
I've got some kitchen cabinets that were hung using 4", course threaded, dry wall screwed. At every stud there is a screw at the top and bottom of the cabinet. Additionally, each cabinet is joined ...
3
votes
2answers
7k views
How do I install laminate counter tops? What are some tips/tricks to it?
I'm preparing to install a new laminate counter top in my kitchen; as this is the first I have installed by myself, I would like to know if there are any tip/tricks or things to look out for while ...
1
vote
1answer
146 views
Using screws to install a set of french doors?
I am installing a set of french doors. I have installed many doors before, but I was curious as to whether or not anyone has tried using countersunk screws to install the door? If I needed to adjust ...
2
votes
2answers
328 views
TV antenna moves a bit - problem?
I'm partway through installing my own outdoor TV antenna.
I've gone with a "through the roof and screwed into a beam" method rather than the "sit on top of roof and stabilise using 3-4 wires screwed ...
1
vote
2answers
196 views
What is the order of installation for a stair railing?
I am rebuilding a set of steps, and have decided that I need to replace the handrail at the base of the steps. This is one of the exposed handrails, with ballisters and a newel at the end. This is a ...
3
votes
1answer
161 views
Tips for measuring a front door opening?
I'm getting ready to replace my front door with a brand new pre-hung door and have some questions regarding collecting measurements.
Where exactly should I measure? I've heard people use the phrase ...
7
votes
3answers
831 views
Are new “low noise” whole house fans actually quieter?
I've dealt with a number of older whole house fans (10 years and older) and the one thing they all had in common was a ton of noise.
Are the new "low noise" fans actually that much quieter than the ...
4
votes
3answers
5k views
How do I install a pre-hung door in a rough opening that's too wide?
I'm replacing an interior door -- including the original jamb -- in my house with a new 30" pre-hung door. With the jambs, the new door is 31 3/8" wide. However, the original rough opening is ...
11
votes
9answers
22k views
When installing hardwood floors, should I use rosin paper, roofing felt, or nothing underneath? Why?
I've installed hardwood floors, over top of OSB subfloor with a layer of roofing felt in between. I copied this from the hardwood floor contractor who did a kitchen in my home once. He'd been in ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
How do I install hanging cabinets with a flimsy backing?
I went and watched this 1 min video clip about hanging cabinets:
http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_3d_index.asp?page_id=35750421
It seems to say to just screw my cabinets into the wall (where ...
5
votes
1answer
4k views
Do I need an outlet box to install an outdoor light fixture?
We're getting a sliding door and deck installed this week and the town inspector said I need to have an outside light by the door. I'm ready to tackle this part myself. Most of the howto stuff I ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
What consistency should drywall mud be?
I've been reviewing various drywall videos and documentation but I haven't found clear details on what kind of thickness the joint compound should be. Is there a definitive answer for this? Or does ...
3
votes
3answers
612 views
What are the pros and cons of vinyl gutters?
I need to add some gutters to part of our house and I'm seriously considering vinyl gutters because they seem REALLY easy to setup (with minimal tools required too). That being said, I've heard some ...
4
votes
1answer
465 views
How Is “Super Laminate” flooring installed?
I recently learned about AABSO "Super Laminate" flooring (aka Vinyl flooring planks). It seems to have some advantages over standard laminate flooring when it comes to moisture resistance so I'm ...
7
votes
7answers
8k views
How do I uninstall a receptacle when the wires are stuck?
I just installed a receptacle in my basement and I realized I need to reinstall it someplace else. The leads are inserted into the holes behind the receptacle and I can't get them out!
The ...
3
votes
2answers
386 views
Tips and advice for installing a chimney cap?
I have an older wood-burning fireplace that is missing a chimney cap. I'd like to install one prior to rain season here in California but would still like the ability to use the fireplace now and ...
2
votes
3answers
205 views
What should I look for in a Whole House Fan
I see a lot of variance in the prices of whole house fans in the market, and not a lot of clarity or comparison between vendors and models.
We're looking to buy some to install in our newly purchased ...
6
votes
4answers
399 views
What's the easiest process for cutting bathroom flooring tiles to fit complex door trim?
I'm going to be laying in some fairly heavy-duty vinyl bathroom flooring tiles (similar to the Armstrong Caliber product, although I'm not sure it's actually that brand). The bathroom has some tough ...
11
votes
8answers
35k views
What direction should laminate flooring be placed in?
I'm thinking of installing laminate flooring and have a question: If I'm installing laminate throughout the house, should ALL of it be going in the same direction?
Say for example, let's say I have ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
Should my toilet flange sit on top of the backer board or the tile of the floor?
The bathroom model saga continues. The old toilet flange was rusting, and the subfloor was rotting, so I pulled up the subfloor around the toilet, and replaced the drain pipe with ABS, and an elbow. ...
5
votes
6answers
6k views
What material should I use for a custom, do-it-yourself desk for my home office?
I am currently remodeling my office, a converted formal dining room, and I am stuck on what material to use for the desktop.
Currently I have a 1" thick Cherry Veneer particle board that is 6' wide x ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
How do I add a quiet blower or fan to a gas fireplace?
I have beautiful fireplace in my family room, although it is gas rather than wood burning, and it vents strait outside. Due to the nature of how it is vented, I don't really get much heat from it, and ...
8
votes
4answers
295 views
Is air conditioner installation a DIY project?
We got a bargain on a brand new 6.2kw Split System Inverter Air Conditioner.
The quotes we've received for installation are almost as much as the unit cost itself.
Is this something I should be ...
