Essential Skills

Justin Bieber (aka JB) as I wire for TV in the Hutch

DIYers, You Only Need These Three Essential Traits :: Do It Yourself

Homeownership

The Ten Essential Tools for Homeowners and as I was thinking about those "things," you know -- tools (the tools that are most valuable for every homeowner), it struck me that maybe...

by jb bartkowiak

Low Rise Cedar Deck Recently Spring Cleaned image via Ricks Fencing

Tips for Cleaning a Wood Deck :: Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Decking

I hate the words “spring cleaning.” I hate long checklists that remind me of all the things I don’t feel like doing. I hate the hours of dirty, sweaty work required to...

by Dave Nichols

The Ten Essential Tools for Homeowners :: Tools Every Homeowner Needs

Just 10 tools, not easy. But here they are; the ten essential tools for building a basic toolbox. here are many tools for many jobs, and you ALWAYS want the right tool...

by jb bartkowiak

Building Science 101:: The Three Fundamental Rules of the House

The fundamentals of building science are pretty simple. We boil them down to three rules here. Know the House as a System, Build for Your Climate & Control the Flow of Moisture,...

by Allison A. Bailes III, PhD

How To Install a Dimmer for a Table or Floor Lamp

Make-Maintain-Fix

Dimmers also help conserve energy and save money on your utility bills. And they're incredibly easy to install. Plug-in foot-control floor lamp dimmers plug directly into the wall and contain a socket...

by Home Sweet Solutions

Planning for Sinks and Faucets :: Inches Matter in Horseshoes and in Kitchens

Kitchen sinks and faucets have changed dramatically in the last decade. Sinks are deeper with more shapes than ever before; faucets have changed from three-piece units with separate hot-and-cold knobs to sleek...

by Kelly Morisseau

Do Your Part to Stop Bag Breakage :: On ReUsable Shopping Bags

Homeownership

I know for my family it has been difficult to remember our bags (purchased for 99c each) on food shopping trips. We try to work them into our regime; I mean --...

by jb bartkowiak

6 Liters aka 1.6 gallons per flush stamped on the inside of toilet tank

The Curious Case of the Exploding Toilet :: Better Pre-Vacation House Planning and Prep

Homeownership

Ok, it didn't explode -- the toilet, its tank had developed a rather large crack that ran from its base all the way up to the flush handle. My immediate feeling is...

by jb bartkowiak

Side Venting a Gas Dryer :: Installing a Close Connect Fitting

Remodeling

Any time I make a major purchase, I try to get my hands on the installation instructions long before the fixture goes in. But still I was surprised and taken aback to...

by jb bartkowiak

How to Remodel a Bungalow :: Start Where the Water Is and Then Move to the Air

They always say put the money where the water is. In other words, you as a homeowner often get the most from your remodeling dollar with work on the kitchen and on...

by jb bartkowiak

Tub/Shower Faucet Repair (Follow Up): Stop and Waste Valves

Make-Maintain-Fix

When shut off values are equipped with a waste outlet, you can open these little grooved nuts and drain uphill water at a safe location in the basement, usually into bucket ....

by jb bartkowiak

Dripping Tub Shower Faucet :: Tub/Shower Faucet Stem Repair Procedure (3-handle faucet)

Make-Maintain-Fix

Shower/tub faucets, those that service both a tub and a shower head, come in 1-, 2- or 3-handle configurations. Of all of them, the 3-handle configuration is probably the most common, and...

by jb bartkowiak