36
votes
How do I drywall when the studs are not flush?
The difference appears to be about 1/4" to 3/8". If so, I'd fur it out with some 1/4" plywood strips or some 3/8" lath strips.
- 76.9k
35
votes
Accepted
Precision in Home Improvement, or: How to Trust a Laser Level?
A good technical response by @martinbonnersupportsmonica but I’m going to broach the psychological side of the question.
In short, good enough is usually good enough. Do your best. Check your cabinet ...
- 19.2k
28
votes
Asbestos contamination
Understand the asbestos "threat".
First, the feeling of alarm actually comes from the constant pounding of advertisements - from lawyers looking for easy work tapping several trust funds ...
25
votes
Accepted
Do new wire runs in an existing ceiling need to be stapled down?
If you are not removing more drywall than needed for the new recessed lights, then no per 334.30(B)(1) (assuming you are using NM cable). There are similar clauses for other flexible cable assemblies (...
- 5,207
23
votes
Accepted
What is the purpose of this joint in my wall stud?
Those are called "finger jointed studs". These joints are weaker than regular 2x4 or 2x6. I do a lot of woodworking and when gluing boards together (for like a table top) the glue joints ...
- 23k
20
votes
Precision in Home Improvement, or: How to Trust a Laser Level?
A quick search for "visible out of plumb" found this page, which is a detailed list of acceptable tolerances https://www.premierguarantee.com/insite/tolerances-in-internal-and-external-...
18
votes
Installing a 48" vanity between two walls that are 51" apart. How can I cover the 1.5" gaps on the cabinet marble top and the cabinet sides?
This is a free standing vanity. It is not made to finish against a wall. The cabinet part does not lend itself to adding what we call "fillers" as a standard vanity cabinet would. The open ...
- 4,523
17
votes
Accepted
Do I need to replace 14-Gauge Wire on 20-Amp Circuit?
Except when there is an actual danger right now (there isn't), the problem is always the future. It is extremely unlikely that any future homeowner or electrician doing additional work will notice the ...
15
votes
Closet Wall, is it Load Bearing?
The framing above the pantry door is not load bearing. The doorway to the left of the pantry in the middle picture is load bearing. You can tell by the solid header.
- 698
14
votes
How can I seal a gap between floor joist boxes and foundation?
This is a perfect scenario for spray foam, which both seals against airflow and adds insulation value. Pick up a couple cans and seal all such joints, then overlay fiberglass batts that match or ...
- 126k
13
votes
Precision in Home Improvement, or: How to Trust a Laser Level?
It's only a problem when it's a problem, and every structure has flaws.
A relatively flat floor that's out of level 5/8" over 40' isn't a problem. No human can detect that. A wall that's out of ...
- 126k
12
votes
Can new wall go over tile floor?
The "correct" way to do it, is to remove or cut the tile where the wall will go. Whether or not you want to do that, is up to your personal preference.
- 131k
12
votes
How can I seal a gap between floor joist boxes and foundation?
Isherwood is right on the approach - spray foam or caulk - or both (caulk first). I however want to add... If I had a crack this big I would block it off with a 2x4 or even 1x's. This is mouse ...
- 47.7k
10
votes
What is the purpose of this joint in my wall stud?
That is a join between two bits of timber.
The ends are machine cut and glued.
- 26.1k
10
votes
What should I do about this vanity that won't sit tight to the wall due to trim molding?
If that leg can be unscrewed and moved over 1/2 inch, that would be my first choice. If not, then I'd get a coping saw and cut the leg to fit the trim.
- 76.9k
9
votes
Wood floor protection during demolition of roof
It would be very worth investing in at least two layers of protection. I'd start with something that will accommodate dust and debris. It should seal against them, but it should also cushion them if ...
- 126k
9
votes
Do new wire runs in an existing ceiling need to be stapled down?
Electricians "fish" wires through existing homes by the thousands every day without stapling. Staple if you can (every 4' in attics, within 12" of all boxes), and don't if you can't. Use some common ...
- 126k
9
votes
Do new wire runs in an existing ceiling need to be stapled down?
In addition to good answers by @statuephemism and @isherwood, it's worth mentioning why you might want to staple and why in your case it probably doesn't matter.
First reason to staple is to keep ...
- 1,034
9
votes
What adhesive is typically used to "glue" a porcelain under-counter sink to a stone countertop
Most likely it's silicone. You should be able to cut it with a razor/knife to free the sink and then scrape/peel it off completely once the sink is out of the way.
- 5,487
9
votes
Why was the tile on the end of a shower wall jogged over partway up?
You said it yourself in the question - it's because it's aligned to the other side of the tub. If the tiled wall was continued all the way to the corner, there's a chance the finished product would ...
- 983
9
votes
Accepted
Adjustable Receptacle Box - Drywall Bulging
Your obvious problem is the height of the screws holding the bracket in place where you snugged down the drywall above and below that bracket location and caused the drywall to fracture due to the ...
- 3,359
8
votes
Previous owner didn't get permits for remodel, am I now liable?
Sorry, I am going to have to disagree with some of the above posters. It all comes down to the interpretation of due diligence.
Hypothetically, if you bought the place and know that work was done ...
8
votes
How do I know if a roofing company is using subcontractors?
First, if you have a contract with someone, and a question/suspicion arises about the work specified in that contract, you should just ask the person you are contracting with, rather than go online ...
- 1,007
8
votes
Installing a 48" vanity between two walls that are 51" apart. How can I cover the 1.5" gaps on the cabinet marble top and the cabinet sides?
I think I might try pushing the cabinet all the way to the left, leaving a gap of about 3" on the right.
Then mount a towel bar all the way across, maybe 12" above the countertop or so.
Then ...
- 199
8
votes
Accepted
Mixing Mold Resistant Drywall with Standard
I've done that with left over drywall. I tried to use the pieces in a closet.
If textured, I have found no difference in the final finish.
Go for it.
- 22.2k
7
votes
Accepted
Is it a good idea to separate switch for recess lights and chandelier in living room?
It is totally normal to install two groups of lights in one room with separate switches. If you do that then you also have the option to install, now or at a later time, a dimmer and/or timer on each ...
7
votes
Range Hood Galvanized Pipe - Installation Code
All the ones I've worked on are usually 6" below the ceilings but those are usually rough ins. Flexible duct has more resistance to flow than the rigid so I'd install the rigid right up to the ...
- 76.9k
7
votes
Why was the tile on the end of a shower wall jogged over partway up?
Because the entire bathroom has a wainscot on the lower portion and that's where the shower ends.
Look at the wall across the room. It has tile partway up and paint above. That's the design of the ...
- 126k
6
votes
Accepted
Can I demo plaster walls but somehow keep the window casing?
One of the main purposes of moldings, such as the trim around doors and windows (called casings), is to act as a barrier and seal to wind and water intrusion. Moldings on wall between vertical boards, ...
- 33.6k
6
votes
Should I put vapor barrier only on exterior wall of a bathroom?
The TL;DR -- vapor barriers belong on the outside only
You should only place a vapor barrier on the exterior side of the exterior wall, allowing the assembly to dry back to the inside if water does ...
- 80.8k
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