Organizing Home Improvement ProjectsThis page is about organizing home improvement projects. Having all the materials and tools ready to complete a project will save you time and money.
Reducing Noise from Children's Room in an Apartment?I am moving to an apartment (renting). Having 2 young boys and a baby I am worried about the noise they'll make for the downstairs neighbour. How can I insulate their room for noise? I don't want to be a bad neighbour and at the same time I don't want to prohibit my kids from playing.
Making a Self Contained Sink?How do you make a self contained sink if there is no running water available?
Preparing Your Home for GuestsThis is a page about preparing your home for guests. There are many ways that you can prepare ahead of time for having guests stay at your house. Planning ahead will reduce stress and help make your guests more comfortable.
Cheap Brackets for a Glass Shelf?I need brackets for a glass shelf that are not expensive. Can any one help? All I can find at Home Depot are just out of my budget. They start at $4.99 and up. Thanks.
Remedy for Smelly Water? We have rotten egg water. When we wash our hair it still smells like the water does. Anyone have any ideas on how to get the smell out?
Hiring a Good ContractorThis is a page to hiring a good contractor. Finding the right contractor is a very important part of any construction project. A good contractor will save time and money in the long run. A bad contractor can bring an endless headache.
What are Ceiling Tiles?I noticed a tip using ceiling tiles. Can someone please enlighten me as to what they are? I haven't a clue. Thank you.
Making Laminate Countertops Shiny?How do you put a shine on laminate countertops? Thanks.
Black Spots in Sink?We have been getting these weird black spots in our sink. When washed away, they run like mascara. I can't figure out where it is coming from and I am worried it could be harmful to our health if it is indeed coming from the water.
Paint versus Varnish for Finishing Doors and Windows?Which is better, for the doors and windows of a home, paint or varnish?
Making a Colored Rug White?I have an 8x10 mostly white rug with some orange and pink circles. I want to make the whole rug white. Does anyone have any suggests on how to accomplish this?
Charging a Battery with a Wind Turbine?What does it take to control the current when charging a battery bank with a wind turbine?
Painting Bathroom Tiles?How do I paint bathroom tiles?
Saving Land That is Being Washed Away?My land is being washed away in the creek bed. It is dry in the summer. I'm looking for ways to stop this, but I don't have a lot of money. I want to save my land without getting in the way of the creek.
Using Oil Diffusers?Do oil diffusers really make the room smell good? They are the ones with 2 or 3 sticks in a little vase with oil in it.
Fabric Ceiling Has Water Stains?We have a ceiling made of beige color upholstery fabric. It got wet from a leak in the roof, and it has big brown rusty halos created by the water. It cannot come down to be wash. It is a cotton fabric. I would appreciate any idea how to cover, conceal, or paint it. Thanks a lot.
Installing Tile Without Backer Board?Can you put tile on plywood without backer board?
Refinishing the Outside of a Cinder Block House?I have a 60 year old cinder block house that has 5 to 6 layers of paint. Does anyone have ideas on covering it (stucco versus paint) or a stucco like covering?
Problems Rehanging Miniblinds?I took down some mini blinds to paint. Now I am going crazy trying to put them back. I can not squeeze and hold the other end up, other wise no help. Any ideas?
Removing Wired Smoke Detector Cover?I can't get the cover off my wired smoke detector. It is beeping and I need to change the battery. How does the cover come off?
Tiling a Kitchen Backsplash?I put up a backsplash in my kitchen. I have a problem. My bottom cabinets are not even so there is a gap. Over the length of one counter there is a 1/2 inch to a 3/4 inch gap. I don't have a wet saw.
Removing Wallpaper from Paneling?I bought an older mobile home. I want to remove wallpaper that has been applied to wood-like paneling and to the cabinet doors. Has anyone tried this? What did you use that worked?
Installing Shelving on a Slanted Ceiling?I have a loft with a slanted ceiling and I was wondering if it is possible to somehow place brackets on the slope in order to create shelving? This would give us some more storage space for books, etc.? Any ideas anyone?
Eliminating Moisture Under the Sink?Does anyone know of a natural way to eliminate moisture under a kitchen sink? The products that are on the market are a little pricey.
Recommendations for Wireless Driveway Alarm?I am thinking about using a wireless driveway alarm system. I'd like to know if anyone has had any experienced using one and I looking for recommendations. Thank you.
Making Storm Windows for a Porch?How does one make storm windows for a porch?
Sound Proofing a Timber Frame House?I have a timber framed house. How can I make the internal plasterboard walls, and the floor between floors more soundproof, cheaply?
Rotten Egg Smell in House?What could be causing a rotten egg/sulfur smell in my house every once in a while? I'm not sure of the cause and not real sure where it's coming from either. Is there any danger in this? Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Removing Items from a Heater Duct?My husband dropped a plastic paint stirrer into the heat duct. It seems to have landed near the gas furnace. Does anyone have any suggestions as to who might be able to get it out. Maybe a duct cleaning service or HVAC?
Using Floor Tiles on Counters?Can floor tile be used for counter top?
Selecting Paint for a Laminate Counterop?What paint do I use to paint my laminate countertop?
Save on Remodeling With a Commercial AccountMany people do not realize, if your doing a major home remodel/project you can go the commercial desk at Lowes or Home Depot and set up an account as if you were your own commercial contractor.
Demolishing an Old House?What is the best way to dispose of an old house? The fire department will not burn the house down for us. The house is very old, in bad shape, and needs to be disposed of. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Refinishing Veneer Cabinet Doors?How do I refinish cabinet doors that have veneer glued to them? It is peeling off.
Refinishing Carport Floor?We need to refinish a carport concrete floor. We tried the epoxy paint and it did not hold up. We removed as much as possible with paint remover, however there are still some spots left. What can we do with the floor to make it look nice and hold up under wear?
Putting a Laminate Countertop Over Existing Countertop?Can I put laminate countertop on top of existing laminate countertop?
Habitat for Humanity StoresIf you are in need of building or home improvement supplies (paint, flooring, tile, etc.) try Habitat for Humanity. They have stores located in all states. The items are donated from builders.
Making a Mobile Home Belly Board?What is a belly board made from for mobile homes? I need one so badly. I haven't got a clue how to finding someone to put one on my house. Energy Assistance won't help me either.
Maintaining Tile Countertops?I have just recently installed tile kitchen countertops. I know solid countertops are all the rage now but I wanted tile. Any tips for using and maintaining them?
Making a Frugal Rain Chain?Does anyone have a frugal idea for making a rain chain?
Is This Marlite?Does anyone know if this is Marlite? It is a kind of slick surface and at the seam of each panel is a thin strip of metal. Our house was built in 1925, but I have a sneaking suspicion the bathroom was updated around the 50's.
Removing Tile from Formica Countertops?How can I remove ceramic tile from Formica countertops? I am hoping to salvage the original Formica until I am able to replace it. I also have the tile as a back splash under upper cabinets and behind the stove but I would like to leave that intact.
Spring Spruce UpsSpring invites sprucing up, but budgets don't necessarily invite it. When your heart wants some fresh colors and subtle decorating changes, don't let your bank account stop you. For a few pennies, a fresh look can welcome you.
Using Wallpaper to Line Drawers?How do I line wooden drawers with wallpaper?
Venetian Plaster on Countertops?Has anyone ever used Venetian plaster on their countertops? Just wondering if it would work. I've done it to my walls and it looks amazing. Help!
Soil Has Eroded Away from Foundation?On one side of my house there are no gutters, expect for a single rain spout. Over time the soil has eroded away from the concrete foundation. I plan to get gutters, relocate that spout and add a small retaining wall. But I know that can get expensive.
Drain Pipe on Side of House is Leaking?Why is drain pipe on the side of the house leaking?
Change the Color of Metal Trim?We are updating our master bathroom, and have come to a roadblock. We have a very large, custom shower door. The metal trim on the shower door, and the sink fixtures are all that really shiny brass color. I really don't like that finish.
Painting Over Tile?Does anyone know how I can paint over tiles cheaply, without the paint coming off? I live in rented accommodations and don't want to spend a lot. I've spent too much on this place already! Thanks.
Applying Polyurethane to Painted Countertop?What is the best method to apply polyurethane to seal a painted countertop?
Removing Painted Pictures from Ceramic Tile?I have ceramic tiles in the kitchen and most of them have veggies and fruit painted on them. How can I get that off or do I have to replace them all?
Decorating an Apartment Refrigerator?I have a refrigerator in my kitchen that still works and I am looking for ways to make the front door look nicer by decorating it. I rent and it comes with the apartment. Thanks for any help.
Waxing Shower Tiles?Should I wax shower tiles to help prevent hard water build up?
Windows Painted Shut?We recently moved into a very old house that has it's windows painted shut. The windows are suppose to open from bottom to top, not side to side. Does anyone know of how to reopen old painted shut windows?
Not Getting Enough Hot Water?I have two 50 gal. water heaters tied together, and I still run out of hot water. What can I do too increase recovery time? Will a bypass help?
Re-Coating Painted Laminate Countertops?I did my bath counters and used Enviro. I have little hail marks and have to re-coat. What kind of sandpaper did you use? And can you add paint on top of the 1st coat before you do a 2nd coat, without sanding the whole thing? Help!
Preventing Moisture in Attic?How can my friend prevent moisture in the attic? She has so much moisture that a dehumidifier and temp at 70 degrees has not helped. This is a 2 room addition that was built off her main house 3 years ago. Frame and siding is the material.
Sealer Recommendations for Faux Granite Counters?Can anyone offer advice about which sealer is the best choice for the faux granite counters. Previous posts have mentioned Envirotex, Parks, Varathane, Poly etc. I'm afraid of the epoxys, but want a durable, professional result. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Updating a Block Ceiling?I have one of the old ugly block ceilings in my living room and would love to hear some ideas on how to make it more updated without having to take it all down. Painting would be the simplest for me, but I would like it to look like a tin ceiling. I thought maybe a paper lace doily in the center of each square would give me that look, but I'm afraid once I get it glued that it'll just look like I put a paper lace doily up there! Help!
Using Heat to Patina a Copper Back Splash?I want a copper back splash. I have been online for a week to try and get some answers. I need to know how to burn the copper and bring those colors out. I think they call it patina.
Adding More Resin to Countertops?I just painted and coated my bathroom countertop according to some of the posts from this site. There are some spots that need more resin because they are too thin. Can I pour it now (24 hrs) or do I have to wait until the hard cure (72 hours)? Thanks.
Discolored Apartment Water?Our water in our apartment complex has a pinkish/orangeish color to it when it dries on a surface like the shower curtain or under shampoo bottles in the shower or in the dish drainer. Any ideas what that is?
Painting Shower Tiles?I have a shower the previous owners painted. I removed as much as possible. Any hint on how to repaint or cover tiles?
Smelly Well Water?We have smelly well water. We replaced the rod in our hot water tank and now it smells worse. Any suggestions?
Semi-Permanent Room Divider?How do I divide a bedroom, semi-permanent? I have a 13 yr old boy an a 14 yr old girl sharing a 10 x 11 bedroom. I'd like to provide them with some privacy and a quiet space to escape to. Something more noise dampening than a curtain; but ultimately removable, as we are renters. I'm thinking dry wall and some kind of brackets to attached it to the existing wall and ceiling? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Replacing Water Heater In Attic?Does anyone have suggestions on replacing a water heater that is in the attic? How do we get it down and the new one up there without calling a professional?
Repairing Ceiling With Plywood?Can plywood be used to replace a ceiling?
Keeping Plastic From Tearing Around Nails?I would like to hang a 4 x 6 sheet of fairly heavy plastic over the front of a cupboard without doors. What can I use on the plastic to make sure that it does not tear or run when I put tacks or small nails in it? Thanks for any suggestions.
Suggestions For Window Alarm?My daughter wants a window alarm. Not one to tell if the window is raised, but one that indicates if glass and screen are being broken. Any suggestions?
Keeping Garage Cool In The Summer?Our garage becomes very hot in the summer (it's 100 degrees F both indoors and outside) in spite of the fact that there is a gap between the garage door and the wall and door top (like most). I told my DH he had to invent something to keep the air circulating. Keeping the bottom of the door open a few inches doesn't help much because heat rises. In the mean time - any suggestions?
Scenting Your Home Naturally?I have recently stopped using all of my favorite scented cleaning products due to all the chemicals and such. I have replaced them with vinegar, baking soda and others. What I miss is the scents. Any ideas on how to scent your home without chemicals, sprays and air fresheners? Thanks to all.
Removing Contact Paper From Metal?Does anyone have a good way to remove contact paper from a metal surface?
Looking For A Laminate Alternative?I am appalled at the price of laminate. The piece I want and only need 4 feet of, I have to pay the 8 foot price! I bought a beautiful china hutch, I am taking the top off for the bathroom vanity. Now my question is, since the prices are so high, what about just polyresining the heck out of the top of the vanity? Would this work and last? Thanks in advance for any help.
Covering Exposed Foundation Walls?I would like to do something with our foundation. We live in a ranch style house, built into a hill. The unsightly full, cement basement foundation is exposed on the south side. Foundation on front of house is no problem. The two ends also have more cement exposed than I like. What can I do to make it look nice?
Fixing Up An Old Rental Trailer?I'm getting out of a bad relationship and moving into an old ugly trailer. The kitchen cabinets have really been abused and are ugly. It's a rental so I can not do anything permanent. Any ideas?
Replacement Vertical Blind Fabric Inserts?Looking for sites to find fabric insert replacements for existing verticals.
Using Removable Caulk?Has anyone used 'removable' caulk? Did you have any problem removing the caulk, when it was time to remove it? Thanks
Painting Plastic Shower Enclosure?I want to paint our plastic shower enclosure. What do I need to do and what kind of paint is needed.
King Sized Bed in a Small Room?I have a king size bed and a small bedroom. I don't know the dimensions. How on earth can I make this work since I now have to live without my dresser?
Hot Water Smells Like Burned Rubber?Why does my hot water smell like burned rubber for the first 10 seconds that I run it. It is in a newly-built cottage with all new plumbing and a new water heater. No one is living in the cottage yet, so the hot water only gets used for about one gallon each day. I'm trying to purge the water heater hoping that will do the trick.
Quick Tips Worth RememberingI don't know about you but I am always looking for little tips that will make my life easier. Here is a quick list that can be printed off and stuck in one of your cookbooks for future reference.
Where Can I Find Cabinet Kits?Trying to locate a site that I can go on and look at some cabinets that I can assembly from kits. I recently purchased an electric fire place and want to put some type of cabinets on each side to put the VCR, Stereo and other components in.
How Much Should an Addition to a House Cost?How much should I expect to pay for an addition to my house?
Use Tee-shirts For Staining FurnitureWe have a friend who works in a cabinetry shop. He says old cotton tee-shirts make the best rags for staining furniture. Cotton holds the stain longer than cloth made from other materials.
Drilling Holes in Wall Tiles?What is the best way to drill holes into wall tiles?
Creating an Outdoor Curtain for Privacy?I am in need of an idea on how to make a free-standing outdoor curtain. I rent and the neighbors just moved in with a big plastic play center for their backyard.
Problems Hanging Shelves?I have just hammered a hole in my wall. I am trying to hang up some shelves so as to give myself some storage space. i have become comfortable with the drill, but now I have 6 holes and no shelf. What am I doing wrong?
Waterproofing My Basement?I would like some info on basement waterproofing.
Liquid Sand Paper?Does liquid sand paper work, or is there something better than liquid sand paper?
