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Carpet - Carpets are made by pulling loops of synthetic or wool yarn through a tough backing. These loops are often cut to create the carpet's pile. The most durable synthetic carpeting material is nylon. It wears well and is quite stain resistant. Other synthetic materials are olefin, polyester, and acrylic. Wool has the most pleasant and natural texture, and is also the most expensive. The fibers used have a dramatic impact on a carpet's look and performance. |
The list of synthetic fibers can be confusing
because manufacturers often call them by proprietary names. Still, all
synthetics fall into four generic categories: nylon, olefin, acrylic,
and polyester.
Nylon - The majority of carpet fibers are made of nylon. Nylon fibers are resilient, survive the weight of furniture, and hold up well in heavily trafficked areas.
Nylon is available in a vast array of colors, and solution-dyed types
are colorfast. Nylon carpets can be found in a wide variety of wear
ratings and price ranges. This is generally the best choice of carpet
fiber for the home.
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|
Cedar Impression Siding - Cedar siding looks great after new stain is applied. It gives your home a nice warm look. But in order to achieve that look, the surface must be very carefully preped. Since stain is transparent, any flaws will show, and in fact are magnified by the application of stain. |
New Cedar Siding
New cedar siding should be protected from the weather at all times.
Don’t leave the siding exposed to the elements - get the finish on as
soon as possible. It is usually not necessary to perform extensive
surface preparation as long as the siding has not weathered for more
than two weeks and is clean and dry. Any contamination, such as dirt,
oil, and other foreign substances, must be removed.
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|
Cold Solder - You need a few basic tools to successfully sweat solder copper pipe. These include pipe cutter, cleaning tools, propane torch, safety goggles, gloves, fire extinguisher, and flame blocking material if working in enclosed places.
You will also need lead free solder and a soldering paste called flux. Do not use lead based solder on water pipes because the lead can get into your water supply. Even a small amount can be detrimental to your health. |
Copper must be cleaned to remove surface contamination prior to soldering.
There are a number of ways to do this. You can use fine grit sandpaper, emory cloth, or a tool
designed for the purpose. Whatever method you choose, the mating surfaces of the parts to be
connected must be bright and shiny. Otherwise, solder will not bond
and you will end up with a leaking connection.
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|
Clean Grout - Tile grout can be difficult to remove stains from, especially if it has never been sealed. Mold, mildew, food and beverage stains, and a host of other problems can make your grout look old and dirty way before it's time.
Start with a household solution of vinegar or baking soda before moving to more harsh commercial cleaners. Dilute vinegar with an equal amount of water. To use baking soda, mix with enough water to make a paste. Apply the homemade cleaner in small circular motions with a nylon brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry. |
If your grout is still stained, the next thing to
try would be commercial tile and grout cleaners. These are
available where home cleaning products are sold. Start with a mild
cleaner instead of jumping right to a harsh one. To get the best result from
a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes
before scrubbing. Follow the directions on the label to
clean effectively and prevent discoloration.
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Wood Fence Stain - Wood stains are designed to impart a deep, rich color. When applied correctly, they also protect the wood from water damage. Unlike paint, which builds a color coat on the surface, stain will penetrate the surface when applied. The surface of wood will be partially visible and therefore requires careful preparation to minimize imperfections prior to application. |
The initial application of paint or wood stain is absorbed into the
substrate. Since stains contain low amounts of binder, the pigment
remains near the surface, while the binder penetrates to a deeper
level. On the other hand, paint has a high amount of binder, so the
pigment forms a layer on the surface.
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|
Unfinished Kitchen Cabinet - Installing new kitchen cabinets will give a new look to an existing area. You can change the style, color, and almost anything else to create the image you are after. There are a lot of manufacturers that offer high quality products to fill most any need.
Before starting, see if your existing cabinets can be refinished or resurfaced. Sometimes, this can be done for a fraction of the cost of new units. And it's certainly less work on your part.
While you're at it, take a look around for other items that need replacement. What about those faucets and appliances? Lighting fixtures? Paint or wallpaper? |
If you decide to go ahead with new cabinets, plan
your job. Take measurements, make note of appliances and fixtures that
have to be moved. Are you changing the color of the entire room? What
about new light fixtures? How about the floor? This might be a good
time to
install new ceramic floor tile.
Get brochures from several cabinet companies and
compare features, warranties, and prices. These will tell you what
standard sizes are available, finishes, styles, materials, and
hardware options. You may have to order a custom size to fit your
area, but it is usually much less expensive to use standard sizes.
Draw a layout of your cabinet plans to give you an
idea of how everything will line up and fit together. Make sure to
include appliance and fixture locations. Check for interference with
existing fixtures and lighting. If you are not going to install new
light fixtures, make sure the new cabinets do not create shadows on
the counter tops.
Look for interference with cabinet doors when they
are opened. If you have a built-in range, will it fit the new opening?
What about the exhaust fan - will you have to relocate the exhaust
pipe and electrical connections?
Check the cabinet heights. If you are especially
tall or short, see how far up you can comfortably reach. Many upper
cabinets are designed to have an empty space between the tops and a
standard height ceiling, while others will extend all the way to the
ceiling.
If one of your cabinets will go over your sink or
stove, make sure to allow space underneath it for working, and to
attach lighting or a stove hood.
Be sure that upper cabinets line up with lower
cabinets, and allow for windows and other features in the wall.
Consider how you use your kitchen.
Items Needed for a Professional Job:
-
Several carpenter's
levels or laser levels of different lengths
-
Lots of wood shims for
leveling
-
Clamps to hold cabinets
together while you are arranging.
-
Stud finder
-
Counter top
-
Two 2x4s or a cabinet
jack
-
Hinges
-
Drawer pulls and door
handles
-
Any sinks, faucets, or
other fixtures you will replace at the same time
-
Paint and replacement
flooring
-
Caulk
-
Basic power tools such as circular saw, drill, jigsaw,
and screw gun
-
Screws for hanging
cabinets
Empty the old cabinets completely, then remove the
doors and shelves before unscrewing the cabinets from the walls. Most
shelves simply lift off of pegs, but some need to be unscrewed or
pried off their supports.
Make certain that you support the upper cabinets as
you remove the mounting screws. If the upper cabinets are a one-piece
unit, you may have to separate them to avoid damaging adjacent walls.
After the old cabinets are removed, do any painting
and floor work before installation begins. This would be a good time
to do plumbing work if needed, assuming the pipes are exposed. See my
post on
how to sweat solder copper pipe if you need help with this.
Assemble the cabinets, but do not put the doors on
yet. Take the time to make sure that the cabinets are assembled as
securely, squarely and evenly as you can. Install upper cabinets first
if possible, so that you will not need to work over the lower units.
Locate studs with a stud finder and use a level to
draw a line down at their locations. Measure from the ceiling to mark
the height of the cabinet brace or rail you will fasten to the studs.
Upper cabinets go first, starting at one end or in
a corner. Be sure to arrange for a helper to lift and support them
during installation. Follow all manufacturer instructions for
installation.
Now mark the locations of your studs for the lower
cabinets. Move them into place and check which cabinet sits highest.
It's easier to shim the others up to this height than to shorten the
tall one.
Make cutouts for plumbing, electrical, etc. Be sure
these are accurate, and leave a little extra room so cabinets can be
moved a little and not interfere with pipes or wiring.
Level the top of the cabinets by shimming under and
behind them. Remember that you will install a counter top on the
cabinets, so you want this reasonably level and all the joints flush.
Also look at the appearance of the cabinet fronts and make sure those
are even.
|
Ceramic Tile Bathroom Floor - Ceramic floor tile is a great way to upgrade your home. Ceramic tiles are very durable and easy to clean. But in order to achieve that pro look, you must take your time during the initial planning and surface prep stages. Preparing the Surface Surface preparation is crucial for a professional looking tile job. High and low spots must be leveled or you will have difficulty aligning the tiles. Low areas can cause tiles to crack. Remove any contamination so the adhesive will adhere to back of tiles. |
Laying Out the Floor
Snap chalk lines with a 90 degree intersection, preferably in the center of
the room. Be patient. The more time you invest in laying out your area
the better your project will go. Solve your layout questions before
the adhesive is even mixed.
Mixing Instructions
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|
Exotic Lumber - Softwood lumber is used for construction or remanufacture. Construction lumber is graded and sized after being processed at the mill. Lumber used for remanufacture will undergo secondary processing. Some examples include stock for pencils, ladders, poles, boxes, etc. |
Lumber intended for general construction is subdivided into stress graded, non-stress graded, and appearance categories. Stress graded and non-stress graded lumber are required to have consistent structural integrity. With appearance lumber, visual quality of the piece is most important and structural integrity is a secondary requirement. The term "yard lumber" is often applied to the non-stress graded and appearance lumber that is sold by retail lumberyards. With such lumber, grading is done on the better side of a piece after drying and surfacing, and grades are designated by specifying the allowable size and number of defects (e.g., knotholes). This contrasts with hardwoods where most grades are determined from the poorer side of each piece on the basis of a specified number of clear cuttings. Another distinction is that hardwoods are typically graded prior to drying and surfacing. |
|
Brass Fire Extinguisher - Fire extinguishers come in four different classes. Each class is designed to fight a different kind of fire. Class A and B extinguishers have a numerical rating that determine the extinguishing potential based on size and type. |
Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in
ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper. The numerical rating
refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the
amount of fire it is designed to extinguish.
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Black Ceiling Tile - Ceiling tiles are relatively easy to install. You don't need a lot of special equipment, and layout is not very difficult. The key is planning. Getting the layout right before starting will go a long way toward that professional look. |
Selecting the Tiles
Most ceiling tiles are made of fiberboard. Standard
tiles measure 12" by 12", although tiles are also made in 12" by 24"
and other sizes. Acoustical tiles are made from the same type of fiber
with an additional manufacturing process to help absorb sound in a
room. A well designed acoustical tile absorbs up to 70 percent of
excess noise.
Ask the supplier to help estimate the materials you
need for installation. Most manufacturers provide charts to determine
the number of tiles, the amount of furring, and the gallons of
adhesive needed (if adhesive is used) based on the room size. Tiles
are typically packed as follows: 12" by 12" ceiling tiles in cartons
of 40, 12" by 24" are packed 20 to a carton.
Ceiling Tile Installation Methods
The most common methods of ceiling tile application
are adhesives, stapled or nailed to wood furring strips, or a metal
grid suspended from the overhead floor joists. For ceilings made of
plaster, sheetrock, or other materials that provides a smooth,
continuous backing, use adhesives to apply the ceiling tiles. If the
ceiling has cracked plaster or other defects, apply furring strips and
nail or staple the tiles to the furring strips.
Basic Rules
-
All cut tiles should be used for the edges of the room
where the ceiling meets the walls.
-
Cut tiles at opposite ends of the room should be the
same size.
-
If at all possible, cut tiles should not be less than
half a tile wide.
Determine the Size of Border Tiles
Measure the distance from wall to wall on the longer
side of the room. If the length measures exact feet, you will not need
to cut border tiles for that direction. If the distance does not come
out in exact feet, add 12 to the number of inches remaining and divide
by two. This gives you the width of your border tiles. For example, if
the room is 10′ 6" long, add 12 to 6 (18) and divide 18 by 2. The
result of 9" is the width of the border tiles for each end of the run.
Do the same thing for the shorter side of the room. Confused? Here is
the result of the calculations:
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Ranch House Plan - Building your own home is both rewarding and maddening. The problems you will face can tax both your energy and patience. Even hiring a general contractor to manage the project will not prevent problems from distracting you from other activities (like making a living).
You will also face one of the most frustrating things you likely will ever come across - the local building inspector. Just wait until one of these creatures shows up at your building site. You won't believe the goofy things they come up with. To be fair, some of the items they refuse to pass will be valid. But all too often, you'll end up with a jackass that's trying to stroke his/her over inflated ego. |
Don't count on anybody to do their job right. Just because an architect has
a nice office and a good reputation doesn't mean the drawings will be
done properly. The contractor that comes highly recommended might end
up ripping you off with shoddy work. You absolutely must stay on top
of the entire home building project to prevent losing
money or getting a house that you hate. It's amazing how many
contractors can't even read a simple set of blueprints. And don't let
them talk you into changing something unless you really want the
change. In some cases, the contractor is simply trying to swap cheaper
materials to increase the profit margin.
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Kitchen Ceramic Tile Backsplash - Installing a ceramic tile backsplash will give your kitchen or bath a completely new look. Because the area you’re covering is not very large, it’s easy to keep the expense to a minimum. This type of project is well within the skills of the average do it yourself handyman and makes an excellent weekend project. Just take your time during the planning and layout stages for a professional looking job. |
Before starting, review the features of the area. What color are the walls,
countertop, floor and appliances? Are the cabinets light or dark? What
type of lighting is present, and what does it illuminate? What color
and type are the fixtures? If your cabinets are dark, you may want to
lighten-up the area. If you have under-cabinet lighting, the
backsplash could probably be done in a medium color tone so it doesn’t
contrast with the cabinetry.
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Paint Manufacturer - Paints are usually water based latex or oil based. Most of the liquid portion of latex paint is water, while the liquid in oil based paints consists of petroleum distillates and other organic solvents.
Latex is the most commonly sold paint today. It covers well, cleanup with water is fast and easy, and it is durable. Before starting any paint project, consider the nature of your particular job before deciding which type of paint is best for your application.
|
Water based latex paints offer significant performance advantages. Compared to oil based paints, top quality exterior latex paints have greater durability, color retention, and chalk resistance, so they continue to look good for years. Since they are less brittle and more elastic than oil based paints, they have better resistance to cracking. Latex paints also dry much faster than oil based paints, which allows for a quicker second coat. When compared with other latex paints, those with 100% acrylic binders are especially durable and highly flexible. They tend to adhere extremely well to a variety of exterior surfaces, and have greater resistance to troublesome paint failures like blistering, flaking and peeling. |
Removing Bathroom Tiles - For a professional tile installation job, good planning and proper layout are a must. The surfaces must be smooth and free of defects. Fix all high and low spots before proceeding, and make sure that nail heads are countersunk slightly below the surface. Horizontal Working Lines Layout lines must be accurate and easy to see. The horizontal lines are drawn first, and the procedure depends on whether your tub or shower pan is level. |
Level Tub or Shower Pan - If the tub is level to within 1/8″, measure and mark your horizontal line from the high point of the tub. The 1/8″ difference (if
there is a difference) can be hidden with grout. Measure up from the lip of the tub, the width of a tile plus 1/8″. Make a line using a level and a straight edge, along the back wall and the two end walls.
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|
Concrete Flooring - Fixing a cracked concrete driveway or sidewalk is well within the ability of the average handyman. And the damage should be repaired as soon as possible, because water will get under the structure and cause more problems. |
Cracks in Sidewalks
Enlarge
the crack along its entire length with a cold chisel and hammer. Use
gloves and eye protection! Make the crack wider at the bottom than at
the top, a process known as undercutting. It helps to bond the new
concrete with the older concrete. After the crack has been thoroughly
undercut, remove all loose material and brush the area with a wire
brush.
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|
Kitchen Cabinet Knob - Installing a new set of cabinets is a great way to upgrade your kitchen. The job is not too difficult and can be accomplished over a weekend. Before starting, see if the existing cabinets can be refinished or resurfaced. You might be able to achieve the same result with less expense and work. |
If you decide to go ahead with new cabinets, plan
your job. Take measurements, make note of appliances and fixtures that
have to be moved. Are you changing the color of the entire room? What
about new light fixtures? How about the floor? This might be a good
time to
install new ceramic floor tile.
Get brochures from several cabinet companies and
compare features, warranties, and prices. These will tell you what
standard sizes are available, finishes, styles, materials, and
hardware options. You may have to order a custom size to fit your
area, but it is usually much less expensive to use standard sizes.
Draw a layout of your cabinet plans to give you an
idea of how everything will line up and fit together. Make sure to
include appliance and fixture locations. Check for interference with
existing fixtures and lighting. If you are not going to install new
light fixtures, make sure the new cabinets do not create shadows on
the counter tops.
Look for interference with cabinet doors when they
are opened. If you have a built-in range, will it fit the new opening?
What about the exhaust fan - will you have to relocate the exhaust
pipe and electrical connections?
Check the cabinet heights. If you are especially
tall or short, see how far up you can comfortably reach. Many upper
cabinets are designed to have an empty space between the tops and a
standard height ceiling, while others will extend all the way to the
ceiling.
If one of your cabinets will go over your sink or
stove, make sure to allow space underneath it for working, and to
attach lighting or a stove hood.
Be sure that upper cabinets line up with lower
cabinets, and allow for windows and other features in the wall.
Consider how you use your kitchen.
Items Needed for a Professional Job:
-
Several carpenter's
levels or laser levels of different lengths
-
Lots of wood shims for
leveling
-
Clamps to hold cabinets
together while you are arranging.
-
Stud finder
-
Counter top
-
Two 2x4s or a cabinet
jack
-
Hinges
-
Drawer pulls and door
handles
-
Any sinks, faucets, or
other fixtures you will replace at the same time
-
Paint and replacement
flooring
-
Caulk
-
Basic power tools such as circular saw, drill, jigsaw,
and screw gun
-
Screws for hanging
cabinets
Empty the old cabinets completely, then remove the
doors and shelves before unscrewing the cabinets from the walls. Most
shelves simply lift off of pegs, but some need to be unscrewed or
pried off their supports.
Make certain that you support the upper cabinets as
you remove the mounting screws. If the upper cabinets are a one-piece
unit, you may have to separate them to avoid damaging adjacent walls.
After the old cabinets are removed, do any painting
and floor work before installation begins. This would be a good time
to do plumbing work if needed, assuming the pipes are exposed. See my
post on
how to sweat solder copper pipe if you need help with this.
Assemble the cabinets, but do not put the doors on
yet. Take the time to make sure that the cabinets are assembled as
securely, squarely and evenly as you can. Install upper cabinets first
if possible, so that you will not need to work over the lower units.
Locate studs with a stud finder and use a level to
draw a line down at their locations. Measure from the ceiling to mark
the height of the cabinet brace or rail you will fasten to the studs.
Upper cabinets go first, starting at one end or in
a corner. Be sure to arrange for a helper to lift and support them
during installation. Follow all manufacturer instructions for
installation.
Now mark the locations of your studs for the lower
cabinets. Move them into place and check which cabinet sits highest.
It's easier to shim the others up to this height than to shorten the
tall one.
Make cutouts for plumbing, electrical, etc. Be sure
these are accurate, and leave a little extra room so cabinets can be
moved a little and not interfere with pipes or wiring.
Level the top of the cabinets by shimming under and
behind them. Remember that you will install a counter top on the
cabinets, so you want this reasonably level and all the joints flush.
Also look at the appearance of the cabinet fronts and make sure those
are even.
|
|
Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding - If you are applying stain to cedar siding, the surface must be very carefully prepared. Any imperfection will be magnified because stain is transparent. Take your time during this stage to obtain a professional looking job. |
New Cedar Siding
New cedar siding should be protected from the weather at all times.
Don’t leave the siding exposed to the elements - get the finish on as
soon as possible. It is usually not necessary to perform extensive
surface preparation as long as the siding has not weathered for more
than two weeks and is clean and dry. Any contamination, such as dirt,
oil, and other foreign substances, must be removed.
|
|
Copper Pipe - Sweat soldering copper pipe is not difficult as long as you have the right tools for the job. This would include a pipe cutter, pipe cleaning tool, propane torch, safety goggles, gloves, fire extinguisher, and flame blocking material.
Be sure to purchase only lead free solder. Never use lead based solder on your water pipes. The lead could find it's way into the water supply, and even small amounts are harmful. Don't forget to purchase solder flux. You will need this in order to clean and etch the surfaces to be joined. |
Copper must be cleaned to remove surface contamination prior to soldering.
There are a number of ways to do this. You can use fine grit sandpaper, emory cloth, or a tool
designed for the purpose. Whatever method you choose, the mating surfaces of the parts to be
connected must be bright and shiny. Otherwise, solder will not bond
and you will end up with a leaking connection.
|
|
Bathroom Grout - Tile grout can become very stained and dirty. The usual culprits are mold, mildew, food and beverage spills, and pets. This is especially true if the grout has never been sealed.
To clean the grout, start with a mild cleaning solutiuon. Never use bleach on colored tile as that may lighten the color. If unsuccessful, move up to the harsher chemical cleaners.
Vinegar or baking soda might provide a good cleaning solution if the stains are mild and have not been allowed to remain on the grout too long. Vinegar should be diluted with an equal amount of water. Baking soda is mixed with water to form a paste, about the consistency of toothpaste. Apply the homemade cleaner and scrub with a nylon brush. |
If your grout is still stained, the next thing to
try would be commercial tile and grout cleaners. These are
available where home cleaning products are sold. Start with a mild
cleaner instead of jumping right to a harsh one. To get the best result from
a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes
before scrubbing. Follow the directions on the label to
clean effectively and prevent discoloration.
|
|
Sikkens Wood Stain - Wood stains penetrate wood instead of creating a film on top like paint. Pigment is suspended in a solvent and binding agent. Although similar to paint, there is very little binder. This allows color to penetrate into the wood, while leaving the substrate partially visible. Stain gives the wood a rich, deep color. |
The initial application of paint or wood stain is absorbed into the
substrate. Since stains contain low amounts of binder, the pigment
remains near the surface, while the binder penetrates to a deeper
level. On the other hand, paint has a high amount of binder, so the
pigment forms a layer on the surface.
|
|
Kitchen Cabinet Hinge - Looking for a way to upgrade your kitchen? Installing new cabinets will completely change the look and feel. There are a great many resources, and most offer a wide selection of styles, materials, and sizes. You should have no problem finding units that meet your needs.
Also consider the other items in your kitchen. You might want to replace appliances and lighting fixtures, repaint and/or wallpaper, new floor, etc. What about those faucets? |
If you decide to go ahead with new cabinets, plan
your job. Take measurements, make note of appliances and fixtures that
have to be moved. Are you changing the color of the entire room? What
about new light fixtures? How about the floor? This might be a good
time to
install new ceramic floor tile.
Get brochures from several cabinet companies and
compare features, warranties, and prices. These will tell you what
standard sizes are available, finishes, styles, materials, and
hardware options. You may have to order a custom size to fit your
area, but it is usually much less expensive to use standard sizes.
Draw a layout of your cabinet plans to give you an
idea of how everything will line up and fit together. Make sure to
include appliance and fixture locations. Check for interference with
existing fixtures and lighting. If you are not going to install new
light fixtures, make sure the new cabinets do not create shadows on
the counter tops.
Look for interference with cabinet doors when they
are opened. If you have a built-in range, will it fit the new opening?
What about the exhaust fan - will you have to relocate the exhaust
pipe and electrical connections?
Check the cabinet heights. If you are especially
tall or short, see how far up you can comfortably reach. Many upper
cabinets are designed to have an empty space between the tops and a
standard height ceiling, while others will extend all the way to the
ceiling.
If one of your cabinets will go over your sink or
stove, make sure to allow space underneath it for working, and to
attach lighting or a stove hood.
Be sure that upper cabinets line up with lower
cabinets, and allow for windows and other features in the wall.
Consider how you use your kitchen.
Items Needed for a Professional Job:
-
Several carpenter's
levels or laser levels of different lengths
-
Lots of wood shims for
leveling
-
Clamps to hold cabinets
together while you are arranging.
-
Stud finder
-
Counter top
-
Two 2x4s or a cabinet
jack
-
Hinges
-
Drawer pulls and door
handles
-
Any sinks, faucets, or
other fixtures you will replace at the same time
-
Paint and replacement
flooring
-
Caulk
-
Basic power tools such as circular saw, drill, jigsaw,
and screw gun
-
Screws for hanging
cabinets
Empty the old cabinets completely, then remove the
doors and shelves before unscrewing the cabinets from the walls. Most
shelves simply lift off of pegs, but some need to be unscrewed or
pried off their supports.
Make certain that you support the upper cabinets as
you remove the mounting screws. If the upper cabinets are a one-piece
unit, you may have to separate them to avoid damaging adjacent walls.
After the old cabinets are removed, do any painting
and floor work before installation begins. This would be a good time
to do plumbing work if needed, assuming the pipes are exposed. See my
post on
how to sweat solder copper pipe if you need help with this.
Assemble the cabinets, but do not put the doors on
yet. Take the time to make sure that the cabinets are assembled as
securely, squarely and evenly as you can. Install upper cabinets first
if possible, so that you will not need to work over the lower units.
Locate studs with a stud finder and use a level to
draw a line down at their locations. Measure from the ceiling to mark
the height of the cabinet brace or rail you will fasten to the studs.
Upper cabinets go first, starting at one end or in
a corner. Be sure to arrange for a helper to lift and support them
during installation. Follow all manufacturer instructions for
installation.
Now mark the locations of your studs for the lower
cabinets. Move them into place and check which cabinet sits highest.
It's easier to shim the others up to this height than to shorten the
tall one.
Make cutouts for plumbing, electrical, etc. Be sure
these are accurate, and leave a little extra room so cabinets can be
moved a little and not interfere with pipes or wiring.
Level the top of the cabinets by shimming under and
behind them. Remember that you will install a counter top on the
cabinets, so you want this reasonably level and all the joints flush.
Also look at the appearance of the cabinet fronts and make sure those
are even.
|
Italian Ceramic Floor Tiles - Ceramic tile is generally easy to install, and it's a great way to upgrade a kitchen or bath. In order to achieve that professional look, proper planning and prep work are the keys. Sub-floor Preparation The surface to be tiled must be smooth, dry, and clean. All contaminants must be removed by sanding, scraping or chipping. Any imperfections in the floor should be patched with a waterproof patching compound. |
Laying Out the Floor
Snap chalk lines with a 90 degree intersection, preferably in the center of
the room. Be patient. The more time you invest in laying out your area
the better your project will go. Solve your layout questions before
the adhesive is even mixed.
Mixing Instructions
|
|
Lumber Liquidator - Softwood lumber is graded for construction or remanufacture projects. Construction lumber first processed by sawing, surfacing, etc., then graded. It is the most commonly available product in lumber yards. Lumber for remanufacture will undergo secondary processing to create a product that may differ markedly from the original piece. |
Lumber intended for general construction is subdivided into stress graded, non-stress graded, and appearance categories. Stress graded and non-stress graded lumber are required to have consistent structural integrity. With appearance lumber, visual quality of the piece is most important and structural integrity is a secondary requirement. The term "yard lumber" is often applied to the non-stress graded and appearance lumber that is sold by retail lumberyards. With such lumber, grading is done on the better side of a piece after drying and surfacing, and grades are designated by specifying the allowable size and number of defects (e.g., knotholes). This contrasts with hardwoods where most grades are determined from the poorer side of each piece on the basis of a specified number of clear cuttings. Another distinction is that hardwoods are typically graded prior to drying and surfacing. |
|
Fire Extinguisher Cabinet - There are four classes of fire extinguishers. Each one is designed for a specific type of fire. Modern fire extinguishers use a picture and labeling system to designate which types of fires they are designed for. Older units use colored geometrical shapes with letter designations.
Class A and B fire extinguishers have a numerical rating based on tests conducted by Underwriter’s Laboratories. These ratings determine the extinguishing potential for each size and type of extinguisher. |
Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in
ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper. The numerical rating
refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the
amount of fire it is designed to extinguish.
|
|
Ceiling Tile Grid - Planning and good layout are the most important parts of a successful ceiling tile job. Once everything is laid out, the project should go smoothly. And it's also one of those tasks that adds a lot of appeal to your home. |
Selecting the Tiles
Most ceiling tiles are made of fiberboard. Standard
tiles measure 12" by 12", although tiles are also made in 12" by 24"
and other sizes. Acoustical tiles are made from the same type of fiber
with an additional manufacturing process to help absorb sound in a
room. A well designed acoustical tile absorbs up to 70 percent of
excess noise.
Ask the supplier to help estimate the materials you
need for installation. Most manufacturers provide charts to determine
the number of tiles, the amount of furring, and the gallons of
adhesive needed (if adhesive is used) based on the room size. Tiles
are typically packed as follows: 12" by 12" ceiling tiles in cartons
of 40, 12" by 24" are packed 20 to a carton.
Ceiling Tile Installation Methods
The most common methods of ceiling tile application
are adhesives, stapled or nailed to wood furring strips, or a metal
grid suspended from the overhead floor joists. For ceilings made of
plaster, sheetrock, or other materials that provides a smooth,
continuous backing, use adhesives to apply the ceiling tiles. If the
ceiling has cracked plaster or other defects, apply furring strips and
nail or staple the tiles to the furring strips.
Basic Rules
-
All cut tiles should be used for the edges of the room
where the ceiling meets the walls.
-
Cut tiles at opposite ends of the room should be the
same size.
-
If at all possible, cut tiles should not be less than
half a tile wide.
Determine the Size of Border Tiles
Measure the distance from wall to wall on the longer
side of the room. If the length measures exact feet, you will not need
to cut border tiles for that direction. If the distance does not come
out in exact feet, add 12 to the number of inches remaining and divide
by two. This gives you the width of your border tiles. For example, if
the room is 10′ 6" long, add 12 to 6 (18) and divide 18 by 2. The
result of 9" is the width of the border tiles for each end of the run.
Do the same thing for the shorter side of the room. Confused? Here is
the result of the calculations:
|
|
Unique House Plan - So you have decided to build your own home. Although it can be very rewarding, you must be ready - financially and emotionally - to deal with the myriad or problems that will occur. And if you are going to actually do the work yourself instead of acting as general contractor, you must have time, determination, and tons of patience.
Just dealing with local building inspectors can be maddening. Answer this question; If a building inspector is actually good enough to build a home, then why doesn't he/she do that for a living instead of inspecting them? There is a far greater profit potential to building verses inspecting. So you will be up against ridiculous and unnecessary change requests from inspectors that know less about the project than you. In some cases, a lot less.
I personally witnessed one inspector that demanded all screws be removed from a new deck and replaced with nails. Now really, how much sense does that make, especially when every other deck in the area was built with screws and passed final inspection. Unreal. If you can't handle this type of lunar logic, then find someone that can. |
Don't count on anybody to do their job right. Just because an architect has
a nice office and a good reputation doesn't mean the drawings will be
done properly. The contractor that comes highly recommended might end
up ripping you off with shoddy work. You absolutely must stay on top
of the entire home building project to prevent losing
money or getting a house that you hate. It's amazing how many
contractors can't even read a simple set of blueprints. And don't let
them talk you into changing something unless you really want the
change. In some cases, the contractor is simply trying to swap cheaper
materials to increase the profit margin.
|
|
Brick Tile Backsplash - A tile backsplash will create a new look for your kitchen or bath. Using the right color to accent your kitchen adds a nice finished touch. This is a great weekend project for the average handyman. |
Before starting, review the features of the area. What color are the walls,
countertop, floor and appliances? Are the cabinets light or dark? What
type of lighting is present, and what does it illuminate? What color
and type are the fixtures? If your cabinets are dark, you may want to
lighten-up the area. If you have under-cabinet lighting, the
backsplash could probably be done in a medium color tone so it doesn’t
contrast with the cabinetry.
|
|
Fire Extinguisher Training - Fire extinguishers come in four different classes. Each class is designed to fight a different kind of fire. Class A and B extinguishers have a numerical rating that determine the extinguishing potential based on size and type. |
Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in
ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper. The numerical rating
refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the
amount of fire it is designed to extinguish.
|
Painting Bathroom Tile - In order to achieve a professional and attractive look, be sure to take your time during the planning and surface prep stages. The substrate to be tiled has to be clean, smooth, and free of defects. Any damaged areas must be repaired and smoothed before work begins. Even small high spots will make alignment nearly impossible. Horizontal Working Lines The horizontal lines are drawn first. Make sure all lines are accurate and easy to see. The way to do this depends on whether your tub or shower pan is level or not. |
Level Tub or Shower Pan - If the tub is level to within 1/8″, measure and mark your horizontal line from the high point of the tub. The 1/8″ difference (if
there is a difference) can be hidden with grout. Measure up from the lip of the tub, the width of a tile plus 1/8″. Make a line using a level and a straight edge, along the back wall and the two end walls.
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|
Concrete Truck - Repairing concrete is not difficult. Preparation is the key to a long lasting repair. Here are the procedures for a couple of the more common problems you might encounter around the home. |
Cracks in Sidewalks
Enlarge
the crack along its entire length with a cold chisel and hammer. Use
gloves and eye protection! Make the crack wider at the bottom than at
the top, a process known as undercutting. It helps to bond the new
concrete with the older concrete. After the crack has been thoroughly
undercut, remove all loose material and brush the area with a wire
brush.
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|
Empire Carpet - Carpets are made by pulling loops of synthetic or wool yarn through a tough backing. These loops are often cut to create the carpet's pile. The most durable synthetic carpeting material is nylon. It wears well and is quite stain resistant. Other synthetic materials are olefin, polyester, and acrylic. Wool has the most pleasant and natural texture, and is also the most expensive. The fibers used have a dramatic impact on a carpet's look and performance. |
The list of synthetic fibers can be confusing
because manufacturers often call them by proprietary names. Still, all
synthetics fall into four generic categories: nylon, olefin, acrylic,
and polyester.
Nylon - The majority of carpet fibers are made of nylon. Nylon fibers are resilient, survive the weight of furniture, and hold up well in heavily trafficked areas.
Nylon is available in a vast array of colors, and solution-dyed types
are colorfast. Nylon carpets can be found in a wide variety of wear
ratings and price ranges. This is generally the best choice of carpet
fiber for the home.
|
|
Cedar Siding - The surface condition of cedar siding will have a huge impact on the look and lifespan of the final result. Take your time and get this step right before applying any type of finish. |
New Cedar Siding
New cedar siding should be protected from the weather at all times.
Don’t leave the siding exposed to the elements - get the finish on as
soon as possible. It is usually not necessary to perform extensive
surface preparation as long as the siding has not weathered for more
than two weeks and is clean and dry. Any contamination, such as dirt,
oil, and other foreign substances, must be removed.
|
|
Copper Pipe Bender - In order to successfully sweat solder copper pipe, you will need the following basic items; pipe cutter, pipe cleaning tool, propane torch, safety goggles, gloves, fire extinguisher, and flame blocking material to prevent damage to walls and other surfaces.
When purchasing materials to do the job, be sure to get lead-free solder and soldering paste, also called flux. Never use lead based solder on your pipes. The lead could leech into the water and is very harmful to your health. |
Copper must be cleaned to remove surface contamination prior to soldering.
There are a number of ways to do this. You can use fine grit sandpaper, emory cloth, or a tool
designed for the purpose. Whatever method you choose, the mating surfaces of the parts to be
connected must be bright and shiny. Otherwise, solder will not bond
and you will end up with a leaking connection.
|
|
Tile Grout - Cleaning ceramic tile grout can be a messy and difficult job. This is especially true if the grout has never been sealed. Stains from mold, food and beverages, and foot traffic can make your grout look old and dirty way before it's time.
Start with something simple, like vinegar or baking soda. Dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of clean water. Baking soda is mixed with water to create a paste. Apply the homemade cleaner and scrub in small circles with a nylon brush. Rinse with water and dry with a sponge or paper towels. |
If your grout is still stained, the next thing to
try would be commercial tile and grout cleaners. These are
available where home cleaning products are sold. Start with a mild
cleaner instead of jumping right to a harsh one. To get the best result from
a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes
before scrubbing. Follow the directions on the label to
clean effectively and prevent discoloration.
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|
Minwax Wood Stain - When staining wood, it is very important to remove all surface defects prior to applying the stain. Even small imperfections will be magnified after stain is applied. That's because stains are designed to penetrate the wood surface. Paint, on the other hand, builds a color coat on the surface that hides whatever is beneath. |
The initial application of paint or wood stain is absorbed into the
substrate. Since stains contain low amounts of binder, the pigment
remains near the surface, while the binder penetrates to a deeper
level. On the other hand, paint has a high amount of binder, so the
pigment forms a layer on the surface.
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|
Unfinished Kitchen Cabinet - Installing a new set of cabinets is a great way to upgrade your kitchen. The job is not too difficult and can be accomplished over a weekend. Before starting, see if the existing cabinets can be refinished or resurfaced. You might be able to achieve the same result with less expense and work. |
If you decide to go ahead with new cabinets, plan
your job. Take measurements, make note of appliances and fixtures that
have to be moved. Are you changing the color of the entire room? What
about new light fixtures? How about the floor? This might be a good
time to
install new ceramic floor tile.
Get brochures from several cabinet companies and
compare features, warranties, and prices. These will tell you what
standard sizes are available, finishes, styles, materials, and
hardware options. You may have to order a custom size to fit your
area, but it is usually much less expensive to use standard sizes.
Draw a layout of your cabinet plans to give you an
idea of how everything will line up and fit together. Make sure to
include appliance and fixture locations. Check for interference with
existing fixtures and lighting. If you are not going to install new
light fixtures, make sure the new cabinets do not create shadows on
the counter tops.
Look for interference with cabinet doors when they
are opened. If you have a built-in range, will it fit the new opening?
What about the exhaust fan - will you have to relocate the exhaust
pipe and electrical connections?
Check the cabinet heights. If you are especially
tall or short, see how far up you can comfortably reach. Many upper
cabinets are designed to have an empty space between the tops and a
standard height ceiling, while others will extend all the way to the
ceiling.
If one of your cabinets will go over your sink or
stove, make sure to allow space underneath it for working, and to
attach lighting or a stove hood.
Be sure that upper cabinets line up with lower
cabinets, and allow for windows and other features in the wall.
Consider how you use your kitchen.
Items Needed for a Professional Job:
-
Several carpenter's
levels or laser levels of different lengths
-
Lots of wood shims for
leveling
-
Clamps to hold cabinets
together while you are arranging.
-
Stud finder
-
Counter top
-
Two 2x4s or a cabinet
jack
-
Hinges
-
Drawer pulls and door
handles
-
Any sinks, faucets, or
other fixtures you will replace at the same time
-
Paint and replacement
flooring
-
Caulk
-
Basic power tools such as circular saw, drill, jigsaw,
and screw gun
-
Screws for hanging
cabinets
Empty the old cabinets completely, then remove the
doors and shelves before unscrewing the cabinets from the walls. Most
shelves simply lift off of pegs, but some need to be unscrewed or
pried off their supports.
Make certain that you support the upper cabinets as
you remove the mounting screws. If the upper cabinets are a one-piece
unit, you may have to separate them to avoid damaging adjacent walls.
After the old cabinets are removed, do any painting
and floor work before installation begins. This would be a good time
to do plumbing work if needed, assuming the pipes are exposed. See my
post on
how to sweat solder copper pipe if you need help with this.
Assemble the cabinets, but do not put the doors on
yet. Take the time to make sure that the cabinets are assembled as
securely, squarely and evenly as you can. Install upper cabinets first
if possible, so that you will not need to work over the lower units.
Locate studs with a stud finder and use a level to
draw a line down at their locations. Measure from the ceiling to mark
the height of the cabinet brace or rail you will fasten to the studs.
Upper cabinets go first, starting at one end or in
a corner. Be sure to arrange for a helper to lift and support them
during installation. Follow all manufacturer instructions for
installation.
Now mark the locations of your studs for the lower
cabinets. Move them into place and check which cabinet sits highest.
It's easier to shim the others up to this height than to shorten the
tall one.
Make cutouts for plumbing, electrical, etc. Be sure
these are accurate, and leave a little extra room so cabinets can be
moved a little and not interfere with pipes or wiring.
Level the top of the cabinets by shimming under and
behind them. Remember that you will install a counter top on the
cabinets, so you want this reasonably level and all the joints flush.
Also look at the appearance of the cabinet fronts and make sure those
are even.
|
Ceramic Floor Tile Prices - Installing a ceramic tile floor is not too difficult, but you must plan ahead to ensure a professional quality job. Removing the old flooring (if this is not a new tile job) will prove to be the most difficult part of the task. In addition, the substrate to be covered must be clean, level, and smooth. Substrate Preparation The substrate must be clean and free of defects. Make sure all high spots are removed or you will find it nearly impossible to align adjacent tiles. If you need to patch rough areas, use a waterproof patching compound. |
Laying Out the Floor
Snap chalk lines with a 90 degree intersection, preferably in the center of
the room. Be patient. The more time you invest in laying out your area
the better your project will go. Solve your layout questions before
the adhesive is even mixed.
Mixing Instructions
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|
Lumber Supplier - Softwood lumber is categorized by intended use - construction or remanufacture. Construction lumber is graded and sized after sawing, surfacing, etc. It is commonly available in lumber yards and serves as the primary resource for many projects. Lumber for remanufacture will undergo secondary processing to create a product that may differ markedly from the original piece. Some examples include stock for pencils, ladders, poles, boxes, etc. |
Lumber intended for general construction is subdivided into stress graded, non-stress graded, and appearance categories. Stress graded and non-stress graded lumber are required to have consistent structural integrity. With appearance lumber, visual quality of the piece is most important and structural integrity is a secondary requirement. The term "yard lumber" is often applied to the non-stress graded and appearance lumber that is sold by retail lumberyards. With such lumber, grading is done on the better side of a piece after drying and surfacing, and grades are designated by specifying the allowable size and number of defects (e.g., knotholes). This contrasts with hardwoods where most grades are determined from the poorer side of each piece on the basis of a specified number of clear cuttings. Another distinction is that hardwoods are typically graded prior to drying and surfacing. |
|
Fire Extinguisher Rating - Fire extinguishers come in four different classes. Each class is designed to fight a different kind of fire. Class A and B extinguishers have a numerical rating that determine the extinguishing potential based on size and type. |
Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in
ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper. The numerical rating
refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the
amount of fire it is designed to extinguish.
|
|
Cheap Ceiling Tile - Installing ceiling tiles requires a lot of planning before work begins. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions and take your time during the planning and layout stages. |
Selecting the Tiles
Most ceiling tiles are made of fiberboard. Standard
tiles measure 12" by 12", although tiles are also made in 12" by 24"
and other sizes. Acoustical tiles are made from the same type of fiber
with an additional manufacturing process to help absorb sound in a
room. A well designed acoustical tile absorbs up to 70 percent of
excess noise.
Ask the supplier to help estimate the materials you
need for installation. Most manufacturers provide charts to determine
the number of tiles, the amount of furring, and the gallons of
adhesive needed (if adhesive is used) based on the room size. Tiles
are typically packed as follows: 12" by 12" ceiling tiles in cartons
of 40, 12" by 24" are packed 20 to a carton.
Ceiling Tile Installation Methods
The most common methods of ceiling tile application
are adhesives, stapled or nailed to wood furring strips, or a metal
grid suspended from the overhead floor joists. For ceilings made of
plaster, sheetrock, or other materials that provides a smooth,
continuous backing, use adhesives to apply the ceiling tiles. If the
ceiling has cracked plaster or other defects, apply furring strips and
nail or staple the tiles to the furring strips.
Basic Rules
-
All cut tiles should be used for the edges of the room
where the ceiling meets the walls.
-
Cut tiles at opposite ends of the room should be the
same size.
-
If at all possible, cut tiles should not be less than
half a tile wide.
Determine the Size of Border Tiles
Measure the distance from wall to wall on the longer
side of the room. If the length measures exact feet, you will not need
to cut border tiles for that direction. If the distance does not come
out in exact feet, add 12 to the number of inches remaining and divide
by two. This gives you the width of your border tiles. For example, if
the room is 10′ 6" long, add 12 to 6 (18) and divide 18 by 2. The
result of 9" is the width of the border tiles for each end of the run.
Do the same thing for the shorter side of the room. Confused? Here is
the result of the calculations:
|
|
Bungalow House Plan - Building your home is a very tall order. You will have to deal with a lot of problems, and quite a few of these cannot be foreseen or planned for in advance. It will take time, determination, and a lot of patience. Even if you hire a general contractor instead of doing everything yourself, there will still be a lot you have to consider.
Dealing with local building inspectors can be absolutely maddening. Talk about bureaucratic lunacy, you haven't seen anything until these goofs show up at your construction site. Depending on the inspector's level of competence (or incompetence), they will find all kinds of things to complain about. Some may be justified, but all too often the items they are refusing to pass are due to an over inflated ego on their part. And politics play into this unfortunate ordeal. If you don't build houses for a living, inspectors tend to think you don't know what you're doing. |
Don't count on anybody to do their job right. Just because an architect has
a nice office and a good reputation doesn't mean the drawings will be
done properly. The contractor that comes highly recommended might end
up ripping you off with shoddy work. You absolutely must stay on top
of the entire home building project to prevent losing
money or getting a house that you hate. It's amazing how many
contractors can't even read a simple set of blueprints. And don't let
them talk you into changing something unless you really want the
change. In some cases, the contractor is simply trying to swap cheaper
materials to increase the profit margin.
|
|
Kitchen Cabinet Door - When it's time to replace an old door, the best way to go is with pre-hung units, where door and frame are already fitted together. This will eliminate problems with trying to get a new door to work properly in an old frame. |
Brick homes are especially prone to having jambs that cannot be
removed. For some reason, there are builders that will install the
doors, then apply brick right over the outer part of the door frame.
In this case, removal would require the jambs be broken apart in small
sections for removal, and the new frame would have to be modified in
order to fit.
|
|
Celotex Ceiling Tile - Installing ceiling tiles is a great way to change the look and feel of a room. And fortunately, it's not a difficult job. Knowing a few "tricks of the trade" will make things go a lot easier. |
Selecting the Tiles
Most ceiling tiles are made of fiberboard. Standard
tiles measure 12" by 12", although tiles are also made in 12" by 24"
and other sizes. Acoustical tiles are made from the same type of fiber
with an additional manufacturing process to help absorb sound in a
room. A well designed acoustical tile absorbs up to 70 percent of
excess noise.
Ask the supplier to help estimate the materials you
need for installation. Most manufacturers provide charts to determine
the number of tiles, the amount of furring, and the gallons of
adhesive needed (if adhesive is used) based on the room size. Tiles
are typically packed as follows: 12" by 12" ceiling tiles in cartons
of 40, 12" by 24" are packed 20 to a carton.
Ceiling Tile Installation Methods
The most common methods of ceiling tile application
are adhesives, stapled or nailed to wood furring strips, or a metal
grid suspended from the overhead floor joists. For ceilings made of
plaster, sheetrock, or other materials that provides a smooth,
continuous backing, use adhesives to apply the ceiling tiles. If the
ceiling has cracked plaster or other defects, apply furring strips and
nail or staple the tiles to the furring strips.
Basic Rules
-
All cut tiles should be used for the edges of the room
where the ceiling meets the walls.
-
Cut tiles at opposite ends of the room should be the
same size.
-
If at all possible, cut tiles should not be less than
half a tile wide.
Determine the Size of Border Tiles
Measure the distance from wall to wall on the longer
side of the room. If the length measures exact feet, you will not need
to cut border tiles for that direction. If the distance does not come
out in exact feet, add 12 to the number of inches remaining and divide
by two. This gives you the width of your border tiles. For example, if
the room is 10′ 6" long, add 12 to 6 (18) and divide 18 by 2. The
result of 9" is the width of the border tiles for each end of the run.
Do the same thing for the shorter side of the room. Confused? Here is
the result of the calculations:
|
|
Discount Kitchen Cabinet - Installing new kitchen cabinets will give a new look to an existing area. You can change the style, color, and almost anything else to create the image you are after. There are a lot of manufacturers that offer high quality products to fill most any need.
Before starting, see if your existing cabinets can be refinished or resurfaced. Sometimes, this can be done for a fraction of the cost of new units. And it's certainly less work on your part.
While you're at it, take a look around for other items that need replacement. What about those faucets and appliances? Lighting fixtures? Paint or wallpaper? |
If you decide to go ahead with new cabinets, plan
your job. Take measurements, make note of appliances and fixtures that
have to be moved. Are you changing the color of the entire room? What
about new light fixtures? How about the floor? This might be a good
time to
install new ceramic floor tile.
Get brochures from several cabinet companies and
compare features, warranties, and prices. These will tell you what
standard sizes are available, finishes, styles, materials, and
hardware options. You may have to order a custom size to fit your
area, but it is usually much less expensive to use standard sizes.
Draw a layout of your cabinet plans to give you an
idea of how everything will line up and fit together. Make sure to
include appliance and fixture locations. Check for interference with
existing fixtures and lighting. If you are not going to install new
light fixtures, make sure the new cabinets do not create shadows on
the counter tops.
Look for interference with cabinet doors when they
are opened. If you have a built-in range, will it fit the new opening?
What about the exhaust fan - will you have to relocate the exhaust
pipe and electrical connections?
Check the cabinet heights. If you are especially
tall or short, see how far up you can comfortably reach. Many upper
cabinets are designed to have an empty space between the tops and a
standard height ceiling, while others will extend all the way to the
ceiling.
If one of your cabinets will go over your sink or
stove, make sure to allow space underneath it for working, and to
attach lighting or a stove hood.
Be sure that upper cabinets line up with lower
cabinets, and allow for windows and other features in the wall.
Consider how you use your kitchen.
Items Needed for a Professional Job:
-
Several carpenter's
levels or laser levels of different lengths
-
Lots of wood shims for
leveling
-
Clamps to hold cabinets
together while you are arranging.
-
Stud finder
-
Counter top
-
Two 2x4s or a cabinet
jack
-
Hinges
-
Drawer pulls and door
handles
-
Any sinks, faucets, or
other fixtures you will replace at the same time
-
Paint and replacement
flooring
-
Caulk
-
Basic power tools such as circular saw, drill, jigsaw,
and screw gun
-
Screws for hanging
cabinets
Empty the old cabinets completely, then remove the
doors and shelves before unscrewing the cabinets from the walls. Most
shelves simply lift off of pegs, but some need to be unscrewed or
pried off their supports.
Make certain that you support the upper cabinets as
you remove the mounting screws. If the upper cabinets are a one-piece
unit, you may have to separate them to avoid damaging adjacent walls.
After the old cabinets are removed, do any painting
and floor work before installation begins. This would be a good time
to do plumbing work if needed, assuming the pipes are exposed. See my
post on
how to sweat solder copper pipe if you need help with this.
Assemble the cabinets, but do not put the doors on
yet. Take the time to make sure that the cabinets are assembled as
securely, squarely and evenly as you can. Install upper cabinets first
if possible, so that you will not need to work over the lower units.
Locate studs with a stud finder and use a level to
draw a line down at their locations. Measure from the ceiling to mark
the height of the cabinet brace or rail you will fasten to the studs.
Upper cabinets go first, starting at one end or in
a corner. Be sure to arrange for a helper to lift and support them
during installation. Follow all manufacturer instructions for
installation.
Now mark the locations of your studs for the lower
cabinets. Move them into place and check which cabinet sits highest.
It's easier to shim the others up to this height than to shorten the
tall one.
Make cutouts for plumbing, electrical, etc. Be sure
these are accurate, and leave a little extra room so cabinets can be
moved a little and not interfere with pipes or wiring.
Level the top of the cabinets by shimming under and
behind them. Remember that you will install a counter top on the
cabinets, so you want this reasonably level and all the joints flush.
Also look at the appearance of the cabinet fronts and make sure those
are even.
|
|
Stucco Home - Stucco is very durable. The newer types have a long lifespan and are resistant to the elements. But small cracks do occasionally appear. There is also the problem of mechanical damage from something hitting the surface.
Use acrylic latex paint to cover small cracks. You can also fill them with latex caulking compound and then paint with acrylic latex paint. For larger cracks, chisel around the edges of the crack and brush away loose material. Paint the edges with concrete bonding agent and allow to cure. Then use a trowel to fill the crack with stucco patching compound.
|
Make sure the color and texture are similar to the stucco around it. Matching the texture and color is the hardest part of stucco repair. Make a few trial patches on scrap wood before applying to your house. Keep the patch damp for 4 days to allow it to cure.
To patch small holes, simply pack the hole with stucco patching compound.
With a larger hole, remove any loose material with a cold chisel and blow away the debris. Dampen the area where the patch will be applied. Partially fill the hole with patching compound. Don't fill the hole completely because you'll need to apply two more layers after the first one has cured.
Allow the first patch to cure for a couple of days, then apply the next layer. Repeat for the final layer. Keep the surface damp for 4 days. Then apply acrylic latex paint.
|
|
Gun Solder - In order to successfully sweat solder copper pipe, you will need the following basic items; pipe cutter, pipe cleaning tool, propane torch, safety goggles, gloves, fire extinguisher, and flame blocking material to prevent damage to walls and other surfaces.
When purchasing materials to do the job, be sure to get lead-free solder and soldering paste, also called flux. Never use lead based solder on your pipes. The lead could leech into the water and is very harmful to your health. |
Copper must be cleaned to remove surface contamination prior to soldering.
There are a number of ways to do this. You can use fine grit sandpaper, emory cloth, or a tool
designed for the purpose. Whatever method you choose, the mating surfaces of the parts to be
connected must be bright and shiny. Otherwise, solder will not bond
and you will end up with a leaking connection.
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Clean Grout - Tile grout can become very stained and dirty. The usual culprits are mold, mildew, food and beverage spills, and pets. This is especially true if the grout has never been sealed.
To clean the grout, start with a mild cleaning solutiuon. Never use bleach on colored tile as that may lighten the color. If unsuccessful, move up to the harsher chemical cleaners.
Vinegar or baking soda might provide a good cleaning solution if the stains are mild and have not been allowed to remain on the grout too long. Vinegar should be diluted with an equal amount of water. Baking soda is mixed with water to form a paste, about the consistency of toothpaste. Apply the homemade cleaner and scrub with a nylon brush. |
If your grout is still stained, the next thing to
try would be commercial tile and grout cleaners. These are
available where home cleaning products are sold. Start with a mild
cleaner instead of jumping right to a harsh one. To get the best result from
a commercial cleaner, spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes
before scrubbing. Follow the directions on the label to
clean effectively and prevent discoloration.
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New House Plan - Building your home is a very tall order. You will have to deal with a lot of problems, and quite a few of these cannot be foreseen or planned for in advance. It will take time, determination, and a lot of patience. Even if you hire a general contractor instead of doing everything yourself, there will still be a lot you have to consider.
Dealing with local building inspectors can be absolutely maddening. Talk about bureaucratic lunacy, you haven't seen anything until these goofs show up at your construction site. Depending on the inspector's level of competence (or incompetence), they will find all kinds of things to complain about. Some may be justified, but all too often the items they are refusing to pass are due to an over inflated ego on their part. And politics play into this unfortunate ordeal. If you don't build houses for a living, inspectors tend to think you don't know what you're doing. |
Don't count on anybody to do their job right. Just because an architect has
a nice office and a good reputation doesn't mean the drawings will be
done properly. The contractor that comes highly recommended might end
up ripping you off with shoddy work. You absolutely must stay on top
of the entire home building project to prevent losing
money or getting a house that you hate. It's amazing how many
contractors can't even read a simple set of blueprints. And don't let
them talk you into changing something unless you really want the
change. In some cases, the contractor is simply trying to swap cheaper
materials to increase the profit margin.
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Abc Fire Extinguisher - There are four classes of fire extinguishers. Each one is designed for a specific type of fire. Modern fire extinguishers use a picture and labeling system to designate which types of fires they are designed for. Older units use colored geometrical shapes with letter designations.
Class A and B fire extinguishers have a numerical rating based on tests conducted by Underwriter’s Laboratories. These ratings determine the extinguishing potential for each size and type of extinguisher. |
Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in
ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper. The numerical rating
refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the
amount of fire it is designed to extinguish.
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Tile Grout - Cleaning ceramic tile is pretty easy compared to other flooring types, but the grout is another story. Spills can easily stain unsealed grout and it can be very difficult to remove them. And stained grout will make the rest of the floor look dirty. |
The best long term solution to
keeping grout clean is to seal it. This will help prevent spills from
being absorbed into the grout, and cleanup is much easier.
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Lumber Wholesale - Softwood lumber is categorized by intended use - construction or remanufacture. Construction lumber is graded and sized after sawing, surfacing, etc. It is commonly available in lumber yards and serves as the primary resource for many projects. Lumber for remanufacture will undergo secondary processing to create a product that may differ markedly from the original piece. Some examples include stock for pencils, ladders, poles, boxes, etc. |
Lumber intended for general construction is subdivided into stress graded, non-stress graded, and appearance categories. Stress graded and non-stress graded lumber are required to have consistent structural integrity. With appearance lumber, visual quality of the piece is most important and structural integrity is a secondary requirement. The term "yard lumber" is often applied to the non-stress graded and appearance lumber that is sold by retail lumberyards. With such lumber, grading is done on the better side of a piece after drying and surfacing, and grades are designated by specifying the allowable size and number of defects (e.g., knotholes). This contrasts with hardwoods where most grades are determined from the poorer side of each piece on the basis of a specified number of clear cuttings. Another distinction is that hardwoods are typically graded prior to drying and surfacing. |
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Roof Gutter - Most homeowners completely ignore the roof on their home. But that's a mistake. Your roof has a very difficult job. It must provide protection from the elements, while maintaining it's look for many years. Ignoring small problems is the number one reason for expensive re-roofing jobs. |
Your roof must be inspected periodically to ensure minor problems are
corrected before real damage sets in. If the pitch of your roof is
low, and you are comfortable (and confident) walking around on it, you
can perform your own inspection and make small repairs yourself.
Otherwise, hire someone to do this for you. Be careful - a fall, even
from a single story house, can be fatal.
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Concrete Contractor Masonry - Fixing a cracked concrete driveway or sidewalk is well within the ability of the average handyman. And the damage should be repaired as soon as possible, because water will get under the structure and cause more problems. |
Cracks in Sidewalks
Enlarge
the crack along its entire length with a cold chisel and hammer. Use
gloves and eye protection! Make the crack wider at the bottom than at
the top, a process known as undercutting. It helps to bond the new
concrete with the older concrete. After the crack has been thoroughly
undercut, remove all loose material and brush the area with a wire
brush.
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Paint Supply - Paints are usually water based latex or oil based. Most of the liquid portion of latex paint is water, while the liquid in oil based paints consists of petroleum distillates and other organic solvents.
Latex is the most commonly sold paint today. It covers well, cleanup with water is fast and easy, and it is durable. Before starting any paint project, consider the nature of your particular job before deciding which type of paint is best for your application.
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Water based latex paints offer significant performance advantages. Compared to oil based paints, top quality exterior latex paints have greater durability, color retention, and chalk resistance, so they continue to look good for years. Since they are less brittle and more elastic than oil based paints, they have better resistance to cracking. Latex paints also dry much faster than oil based paints, which allows for a quicker second coat. When compared with other latex paints, those with 100% acrylic binders are especially durable and highly flexible. They tend to adhere extremely well to a variety of exterior surfaces, and have greater resistance to troublesome paint failures like blistering, flaking and peeling. |
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Wood Fence Stain - When staining wood, it is very important to remove all surface defects prior to applying the stain. Even small imperfections will be magnified after stain is applied. That's because stains are designed to penetrate the wood surface. Paint, on the other hand, builds a color coat on the surface that hides whatever is beneath. |
The initial application of paint or wood stain is absorbed into the
substrate. Since stains contain low amounts of binder, the pigment
remains near the surface, while the binder penetrates to a deeper
level. On the other hand, paint has a high amount of binder, so the
pigment forms a layer on the surface.
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Cedar Wood Siding - The surface condition of cedar siding will have a huge impact on the look and lifespan of the final result. Take your time and get this step right before applying any type of finish. |
New Cedar Siding
New cedar siding should be protected from the weather at all times.
Don’t leave the siding exposed to the elements - get the finish on as
soon as possible. It is usually not necessary to perform extensive
surface preparation as long as the siding has not weathered for more
than two weeks and is clean and dry. Any contamination, such as dirt,
oil, and other foreign substances, must be removed.
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Back Door - When it's time to replace an old door, the best way to go is with pre-hung units, where door and frame are already fitted together. This will eliminate problems with trying to get a new door to work properly in an old frame. |
Brick homes are especially prone to having jambs that cannot be
removed. For some reason, there are builders that will install the
doors, then apply brick right over the outer part of the door frame.
In this case, removal would require the jambs be broken apart in small
sections for removal, and the new frame would have to be modified in
order to fit.
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Ceramic Tile Flooring - Ceramic tile is generally easy to install, and it's a great way to upgrade a kitchen or bath. In order to achieve that professional look, proper planning and prep work are the keys. Sub-floor Preparation The surface to be tiled must be smooth, dry, and clean. All contaminants must be removed by sanding, scraping or chipping. Any imperfections in the floor should be patched with a waterproof patching compound. |
Laying Out the Floor
Snap chalk lines with a 90 degree intersection, preferably in the center of
the room. Be patient. The more time you invest in laying out your area
the better your project will go. Solve your layout questions before
the adhesive is even mixed.
Mixing Instructions
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Wood Stove Pellets - Wood stoves are a pleasant way to heat your home. Since they are completely exposed to surrounding air, most of the heat is radiated into the living area instead of going up the chimney. And they can produce enough heat to help lower your utility bill. |
Wood stoves require regular maintenance in order to
remain efficient and safe. Creosote (black flammable tar deposited from wood smoke)
builds up inside your chimney and must be removed to prevent a chimney
fire. Ashes have to be cleaned out of the firebox and disposed of
properly.
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