1
vote
2answers
16 views
Paint mismatch/How do I make this paint match?
I'm painting drywall. The paint I purchased was said (by the developer) to be the paint used on this wall. The paint however doesn't match as you can see in the picture. I'm just shaking the can and ...
0
votes
0answers
11 views
Tight sink handle
I recently replaced the pivot rod in my bathroom sink drain. Over the course of the 3 days it took me to finally come to a resolution for it, the cold water handle has gotten tight. The hot water ...
1
vote
1answer
17 views
Rewiring A Ceiling Fan - Add Wall Switch
I have ceiling fans in four rooms all with lights. The fans are hardwired to the breaker box, but the lights are on switches. I'd like to add another switch to control the fan, either on/off, or a ...
0
votes
2answers
24 views
What dos it mean when our window screens are loose and the windows are hard to lock?
We just finished building our new house and we feel like the Simonton windows might have some issues. I'm not sure if what I'm seeing is normal or not so I thought I'd post my issues here and see ...
2
votes
2answers
42 views
Is it OK to leave window opened and air conditioner ON (cooling) at night?
At night temperature outside is usually lower than temperature set on AC. So looks like conditioned air should not leak outside (if it does, it is replaced with even colder air) and it is fine to ...
0
votes
0answers
20 views
Fixing a crumbling shed base
I think I know the answer to this already but its worth a punt.
I laid a 4mx3m shed floor (clearly badly), with about 10 cm of hardcore and 7.5cm of cement, that whilst in the middle appears fine, on ...
2
votes
2answers
69 views
How long can a refrigerator be stored without being used?
I purchased a refrigerator 8 months ago, but it will not be used right away. It came directly from the showroom. Must I use it now, or I can wait longer before using it?
1
vote
0answers
27 views
How long to wait to dry/cure between coats of plaster?
Even though I am in the U.S., my city row house is old and the brick walls attaching to neighbors on each side have an inch thick plaster. During the recent demolition/renovation, I had to tear some ...
2
votes
1answer
52 views
Which lumber to use to rip my own molding?
I need to rip some custom sized molding on my table saw. Which is the best kind of lumber to use? I imagine plain 1x Spruce-pine-fir (SPF) is not the best choice.
4
votes
2answers
54 views
How to prevent small birds from getting trapped inside open double-hung windows?
I have a double-hung window which has an AC unit, meaning it is always open. Occasionally, like just now, small birds get trapped in between the panels and they can't get out because it is narrow and ...
0
votes
1answer
53 views
Should we use plasterboard, MDF or wood when blocking up a window in our pantry?
We have a window in our pantry and we have been advised that we might need planning permission to remove it. Instead it would be easier to put plaster board over it.
I was just curious whether ...
0
votes
0answers
24 views
My dog chewed on my bathro doorframe. I rent so this is a big problem [duplicate]
So I have two dogs one goes in the kennel because he can open the doors and the other cant so we always put him on the downstairs bathroom. He's never had an issue with chewing on wood.. Never, so ...
3
votes
1answer
37 views
How do I replace part of my bathroom ceiling?
I had a leak in the roof above my bathroom. I had a contractor investigate. He looked at the roof carefully, and he examined the ceiling with an infrared scanner while it was actually leaking. He ...
1
vote
1answer
35 views
How can I patch my slab around a rough-in pipe in a difficult to access location?
I've got a situation similar to this one (slab finishing/patching around roughed-in plumbing remodel), but in my situation the finishing job poses a couple extra problems:
1) The trench routes under ...
0
votes
1answer
30 views
What are some cheap ideas to smoothen the surface of a papier mache? [closed]
I did a papier mache sculpture and I want to smoothen it. The end result of my paper mache has creases in it. I want an end result to be finished like it was done in wood, plastic or any solid smooth ...
2
votes
1answer
49 views
What type of adhesive do I use to bond metal & glass?
I need some strong adhesive for a table. The glass panel fell off and I have no idea what type I need. It needs to be clear and very strong.
Pics here:
1
vote
1answer
50 views
Can I safely bypass the door switch on my dryer?
The door switch on my dryer is broken (the rocker part of the switch just hangs loose) and the dryer won't start. I have the part number, but I won't be able to get one for several days. Is this ...
3
votes
1answer
64 views
DIY solution for open ground wiring where electronics need to be plugged in?
Although many of the original two-prong outlets in a rental property (built around 1958) have been replaced with three-prong ones almost none of them are actually grounded (the couple that are ...
1
vote
1answer
42 views
What kind of sand should I use for a sandbox?
What type of Sand is normally used for Sandboxes? I've heard some people love Masonry sand because it clean of small pebbles. Other like Concrete sand because it packs well.
2
votes
1answer
32 views
How can I cut/route a small, straight slot through a piece of wood?
While I'd like to keep this question as generic as possible, I specifically want to cut a slot that's 1/2" long x 3/16" wide all the way through a piece of 3/8"-thick oak. My primary options are ...
1
vote
1answer
29 views
How do I get better looking results with Sandstone texture paint?
I am painting a small bathroom with Sandstone paint that I bought in Lowe's (for non-US users, this is big chain of home improvement/remodeling stores).
The result is just terrible. First, it ...
2
votes
3answers
61 views
Should I remove a broken piece of the pivot rod from the trap in my bathroom pedestal sink?
I have a pedestal sink in my bathroom and my horizontal pivot rod for the pop-up stopper broke. I was going to simply swap out the pivot rod, however, the short end that broke off fell down the drain ...
-1
votes
0answers
40 views
Is there a safety code for cable wiring and electric cables outside the home? [closed]
Have you noticed that U-verse cable wires, when placed over an electric cable underground, creates a noise inside the home when using equipment?
3
votes
2answers
49 views
How do I make exposed wood stairs less squeaky?
I was wondering if it is possible to make exposed wood stairs less squeaky with a layer of foamy/rubbery material between the stringers/frame and stair treads. Or is there a different solution?
4
votes
1answer
78 views
Will I need to replace my ridge beam after a tree struck my roof and splintered it?
The limbs of the tree punctured the roof in at least two spots, so we're already looking at repairs. Upon closer inspection within the attic, I noticed that the ridge beam is just slightly splintered ...
4
votes
1answer
48 views
How do I fix stripped bolt holes in wood?
I have a wood futon that is assembled with threaded bolts screwing into holes in the wood that are threaded. Over time the threading in the wood has worn and the bolts just slide in and out. I've ...
2
votes
1answer
44 views
How do I attach the framing of a shorter wall to a higher wall above concrete?
Back again with another framing question that I simply haven't been able to answer.
For Reference:
Gray - Concrete
Pink - XPS Insulation
Darker Browns - Existing Wood
Light Brown w/ Dashes - new ...
3
votes
3answers
63 views
Do wooden cabinets absorb grease in kitchen?
I had my mind on wooden countertops - but I will likely be a heavy duty user and so I have settled on the idea of using wooden cabinets (such as here) with a corian/marble type countertop. My partner ...
1
vote
2answers
76 views
How do I wire this bathroom fan?
I am replacing a bathroom fan. The switch on the wall has three switches that were in use (one for the fan, one for the light, and one for the night light). I already took out the old fan and now ...
0
votes
2answers
56 views
Is there a product I could apply on the wall before painting so that one paint layer only will do?
After removing wallpaper with a steamer I want to paint it, but using the least amount of paint possible.
Is there a product I could apply on the wall before painting so that one paint layer only ...
1
vote
3answers
61 views
hydronic floor heating system efficiency - using concrete as thermal energy store or not?
I am renovating my house and would like some advice on floor heating for my living room. I have dug this room out to a depth of 97 cm to create a lower level. I have lined this box with 2.5 cm thick ...
3
votes
1answer
58 views
How can I frame this area of my basement wall around my water main?
I have started the process of framing my basement, but I've hit a bit of a snag as I'm not sure how exactly to frame around our water main. My original idea was to frame two walls (floor to joists) on ...
2
votes
1answer
41 views
How should stair treads and risers be assembled?
When assembling stair treads and risers, is it better to have the tread tucked under the riser or have the riser tucked in between the tread and the stringer riser backing? I am inclined to think the ...
1
vote
0answers
72 views
Where can we recycle washing machine and kitchen sink drain water?
I would like to know the best place or method to recycle drain water from the kitchen and washing machine.
Can we use it for gardening (as it contains soap and oil)? Or it can be added to a Biogas ...
1
vote
1answer
32 views
How can I test my drill and batteries for faults?
Apologies if this is off-topic.
I was given a used standard cordless 12v drill and 2 batteries, without the battery charger. The drill didn't work at all with one battery, and just turned slowly for ...
0
votes
1answer
64 views
What type of dryer best handles long exhaust vents?
I have a very long exhaust line (about 5 meters) from the dryer and have issues with moisture staying in it when I do laundry. Since the old dryer broke down, I am now shopping around for a new dryer ...
0
votes
1answer
57 views
How do I mount my TV on my wall with poor stud location? [duplicate]
My wall studs are in an inconvenient space, I had a spot on the wall where I envisioned the TV to go, but the location of the studs would not have this tv be in the center of it, and there is other ...
2
votes
1answer
70 views
Can I wire an extension into a Party line phone?
We have a 2 party line phone in a rural area in Canada. But we are the only party. Thus we get a cheaper rate and do not have to share. Win!
However, we have only the old pulse phone with ...
1
vote
1answer
45 views
How can I prevent the fireplace smell when the A/C is on?
I get the ashy fireplace smell in the family room when the A/C is running. I haven't had a fire burning in months.
I checked out this question, but it targets a recent fire and a cold air return.
...
1
vote
2answers
45 views
How can I reattach a drain pipe that detached under the sink?
Recently, I had a clog in my bathroom sink that I wanted to attempt to fix myself. Believing the clog to be in the P-trap, I bought a pipe wrench, removed the trap, cleaned it out, and attempted to ...
3
votes
2answers
51 views
How do I compact backfill behind a retaining wall under a driveway?
I have a retaining wall that is on the property line. Along the top of the wall is my driveway. Part of the wall has given way and needs to be rebuilt. I think I have everything figured out except how ...
2
votes
1answer
64 views
Is it time to replace my water heater?
I have a 20+ year old, 115 gallon, electric water heater. Works like a champ, but I'm considering replacing it for a couple of reasons.
It's leased - I pay $20/mo.
It's 115 gallons for a house with ...
2
votes
1answer
20 views
How should I clean my slate and stucco outdoor patio area?
I have a patio with a slate floor, with (what used to be) a bright white grout of some sort, surrounded by stucco half-walls that are topped with additional slate. The stucco has a rough surface. ...
3
votes
1answer
62 views
How difficult would it be to replace these fuses with circuit breakers?
I had a fuse blow last night. While the short-term plan is just to replace the fuse wire, in the longer term I'd like to switch them out for circuit breakers for the added safety but mostly for the ...
4
votes
1answer
77 views
How well do whole house humidifiers work?
We are moving to an area where it gets cold and snows in the winter. We come from a desert area where it is never very cold except for the dead of winter, and where we use the heater very seldom. We ...
3
votes
1answer
62 views
What are low-cost ways of cooling down a room? [duplicate]
How do I cool a bedroom - that has a ceiling & standing fan, but is still hot?
Ideally, the cheaper the better.
I live in Jamaica - where the climate is warm most of the time, and the summers ...
4
votes
1answer
43 views
Can I put an AFCI receptacle on a branch circuit that shares a neutral with another branch circuit?
So, I have a Square D QO panel that had one of the original AFCI breakers go bad, and in the process of researching how to fix that, I learned a bit about this whole AFCI thing and how newer code ...
3
votes
1answer
37 views
Should door jamb be lifted off subfloor or touching?
Simple question: when installing a custom made door jamb, should it be sitting directly on top of the subfloor or be lifted up a little (like drywall is lifted 1/2", for example)?
3
votes
4answers
162 views
How can I run Cat5e cable through a completely finished house?
My family and I are interested in buying a house that was built in 2002. This house is two floors on a concrete slab with a finished bonus room upstairs so there is no attic other than above the ...
0
votes
0answers
32 views
How do I change an overhead light fixture from one bulb to two bulbs?
The old overhead light had one bulb, and it's a 1974 house. I matched black wires to black wires for the two bulbs, and the white wires to the white wires. The light goes on but does not go off when ...
