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 ...
3
votes
1answer
331 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
127 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
2answers
1k views
Can I install cellulose insulation without a blower machine?
I've purchased a few bags of loose fill cellulose insulation from the local hardware store (GreenFiber brand). How will the insulation work if I don't put it through the machine to fluff it and force ...
3
votes
2answers
407 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
242 views
Should a ceiling fan on a long rod move when using the pull chain?
I installed a 52" ceiling fan in our family room on a 2 foot long downrod. It has a very slight wobble, but nothing of concern since I assumed there would be some wobble due to the length of the rod. ...
3
votes
2answers
86 views
Where should a TV aerial be positioned?
I was thinking that if we do need a better aerial for receiving Freeview TV broadcasts, is there an ideal position where we can put it? I was thinking of putting it at the rear of the property like in ...
3
votes
2answers
50 views
What are the optimal conditions to install a hardwood floor?
I'm going to be installing a Red Oak tongue-and-groove hardwood floor to save some money, but I've heard mixed advice on what time of the year a floor should be installed. I live in the northeast of ...
3
votes
1answer
64 views
What is the correct way to secure a gas standalone range?
Can somebody tell me the best way to secure a gas standalone range. If there is an earthquake, I would prefer that the range not slide around. It's on engineered flooring over 1-1/8" plywood.
3
votes
1answer
253 views
How to add a drain pipe to a concrete block wall covered in insulation?
I want to run a 1.5" drain pipe along the wall about 2 feet from the floor to a microbrewery setup in the corner of my basement. I have sheets of fiberglass insulation against the walls though, and I ...
3
votes
2answers
260 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 ...
2
votes
4answers
2k views
How high I should install a 52 inch TV on the wall?
I'm going to hang my TV to the wall and I want to know how much from ground is standard for 52 inch TV?
2
votes
3answers
207 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
377 views
How do I hang a prehung door?
I want to put up a door in a spare room that is already 82" in height. If I want to put the door to one side of the wall are studs necessary on that side of the wall or can I nail the prehung door ...
2
votes
2answers
301 views
Should I secure a free-standing vanity sink to prevent drain pipe damage?
I recently installed a free-standing vanity sink in my laundry room, similar to the one pictured below.
Due to the configuration of the drain and supply pipes in the room, the sink could not be ...
2
votes
2answers
330 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
80 views
How should I caulk clapboard?
I have been installing new clapboard siding on my house. It is primed finger jointed cedar. The one time I had a friend help me he questioned my method of caulking. What I have been doing is ...
2
votes
2answers
87 views
What material should I use for a platform that holds 300-500 lbs?
I am making a flat platform with 4 leveling feet that can hold a 150 lb Corrosion-Resistant Heavy Duty Blower plus another 150-350 lb (so in total 300 - 500 lbs of mass). It is around 24" x 24". Do ...
2
votes
1answer
251 views
What can I use to tunnel under a walkway or driveway?
I have seen Walkway Tunnel Kits being sold in the US, unfortunately I can't find a similar product in the UK. Are there alternative products or methods, that can be used when a product like this is ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views
Potterton EP3000 -> Horstmann C27 boiler programmer wiring
I'm in the UK, using an ancient tempermental Potterton EP3000 boiler programmer, but I have a brand new Horstmann C27 which I'd like to replace it with.
Apart from the mains supply, there are three ...
2
votes
1answer
99 views
Is flashing required to attach a landing to the exterior of a house
I will have a landing running from the back door, then four or five steps to ground. Do I need to place metal flashing where the landing attaches to the house, or some other means of protecting the ...
2
votes
2answers
395 views
How can I build an insert on a desk that adjusts the height of a sewing machine?
I'd like to take my executive desk ( now sewing table) and cut out a piece of it to use as a support for my sewing machine. I want the sewing machine support able to lower the machine to table height, ...
2
votes
1answer
558 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 ...
2
votes
0answers
161 views
should labor charge include waste percentage? [closed]
The carpet company is charging so much per yard for the carpet, and labor included. A 10% waste factor is added on. That means I'm paying 10% more for the labor, right? Is that normal? I'm told by ...
1
vote
1answer
179 views
What should the water main connect to first: carbon filter or water softener?
I have an Amazon Gold carbon filter and water softener. It's not clear to me if the water main should go to the carbon filter first then to the water softener or vice versa. So, which goes first?
1
vote
2answers
161 views
Is it possible to use this reclaimed hardwood flooring?
I am planning on reusing some old hard wood flooring reclaimed from another parts of the house. I should note I have an old house that the original portion was built in 1760 with an add on done ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
How do I finish a ridge cap?
I've installed the ridge cap, using modified 3 tab shingles.
I've installed the ridge cap all the way to the other end of the ridge, but I'm not quite sure what to do now.
The next shingle will ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views
How can I fix this broken connector piece on my Symmons shower Knob?
I was trying to get the knob off so I could potentially increase the amount of hot water getting mixed and it seemed to be coming off nicely but then snapped. By nicely, I mean it was a steady ...
1
vote
1answer
539 views
How do I wire a new ceiling light with power to the ceiling and 3-way switches?
I'm trying to install a new light fixture in the front hall. Currently, the light is activated by 2 switches (on each end of hall). The NEW fixture has 1 black wire and 1 white wire. The ceiling wires ...
1
vote
1answer
5k 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
149 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 ...
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 ...
1
vote
1answer
5k views
How can I install a window air conditioner in a metal window frame?
I'm trying to install a window unit air conditioner, but most of the installation instructions don't seem to work with this window configuration.
A little bit about the setup: The apartment is the ...
1
vote
2answers
218 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 ...
1
vote
1answer
103 views
Which wall should I install a replacement thermostat on?
I'm replacing an old thermostat that is behind a door to our dining room, that is usually kept open, hiding the thermostat.
Given that the wires come from above and I have some flexibility as to ...
1
vote
1answer
84 views
Why am I getting condensation on vapour barrier?
I installed some vapour barriers on the windows recently due to it getting a bit cold, but have been noticing that I've been getting a fair bit of condensation on the inside facing part of the ...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
Buy Fluorescent Bulb With Warranty Or Without In This Case?
I need a new E-14 fluorescent bulb of 9W for my aquarium since previous was 15W and got burned. People recommended to drill holes in aquarium's lid to allow convection but since former bulb was 15W, ...
0
votes
3answers
630 views
How do I cut a brick fireplace hearth to allow for a laminate flooring expansion gap?
I am attempting to cut a small piece out of the brick fireplace (already in place) to allow for the expansion of the floating laminate flooring that I am installing. I don’t want to just leave the ...
0
votes
2answers
231 views
Will piece of Acrylic sag?
I am in the planning stage of a table project and have a question about a piece of acrylic. I intend to use a 3' x 3' square piece of acrylic that is 0.236" thick as the center. Would a 1" lip on all ...
0
votes
1answer
336 views
How can I install a nest thermostat with no wires?
I have zoned heating/AC/heat pump. My original thermostat on the wall is NOT connected to any wires, in other words it is wireless. I thought it had wires so bought the new Nest thermostat. ...
0
votes
1answer
22 views
How do I wrap the pre-filter around the HEPA filter in this air purifier?
I bought this air purifier and was installing the pre-filter that came with it. The instructions go "Carefully wrap the pre-filter around the HEPA filter so that the ends meet. Fasten the ends ...
0
votes
2answers
218 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 ...
0
votes
2answers
226 views
Should I have cavity wall insulation installed?
I have the option to get cavity wall insulation done for free in my home, but i'm not sure if its a good idea or not. I've heard people say it can cause issues with damp, its hard to get out if ...
0
votes
1answer
339 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 ...
-2
votes
2answers
301 views
Should I have a break between rooms when installing laminate flooring?
I'm going to be putting in laminate flooring in my basement on top of a concrete slab. The basement consists of two rooms, the boards will be running perpendicular to the wall with the door between ...
