Before you move, check the measurements and assess the condition of your appliances and electronic equipment. If they won't fit your new home, don't move them! Shop for new appliances to suit your new location.
Tankless water heaters use 20% less energy than conventional water heaters and only heat the water when you need it. Controls allow the water temperature to be changed instantly, as desired by the user. While tankless water heaters cost more up front than conventional tank water heaters, they will cost less to run than conventional water heaters in the long term. As well as using energy more efficiently, they can often last two times the life of a conventional tank.
Wood is perhaps the most practical of all flooring materials. But over time, the protective finish may wear off. This occurs most noticably in heavy traffic areas, or you may decide to freshen up the finish of a wood floor that's been hidden under carpet for years. Also, applying a modern new finish can make hardwood floors much easier to maintain than when they were originally installed.
A monitored security system could help you and your family feel safer in your home, and protect the investment you've made. A system guards your home, belongings and family while you're there as well as when you're away.
More than just a clamp rack, this is a full-service mobile work station and storage solution! Load both sides to the hilt with clamps, and use the interior space to store everything from air compressors to dust collectors.
Applying window film/tinting can reduce potentially harmful UV light, and can also cut a home's heat absorption, saving on cooling costs.
Window screens have come a long way in a few years. In addition to keeping insects out and letting air in, they can now protect you and your possessions from sun damage. Here's an overview of what's available.
Replacing a damaged section or an entire screen can be done with tools usually found around the home and by handywomen and men alike.
This guide should help you decide whether window replacement makes sense for your home. It explains various window features and can help you select appropriate windows and a professional and competent window contractor.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about window hardware repair.
The type of window glass you want will likely depend on where it will be going.
Window films can improve the effectiveness of glass in your home. Window tint films can reduce the amount of damaging rays that reach you through your windows. Window films can reduce your cooling costs and also increase safety if glass is accidentally broken.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about window shades and blinds.
Consider a house call: Because projects such as installing new blinds or shades throughout a house are a major investment, both for re-sale value and emotional satisfaction, you may want to make all your decisions yourself.
Dual pane windows are great to reduce energy loss and to make homes more comfortable by insulating against noise and drafts. But when moisture forms between the panes of glass, homeowners often don't know whether to call a window expert, the local glass company or a general handyman.
Q: What do you know about Alenco Windows? I have over 25 of the Alenco, aluminum framed windows in my 11 year old house. I have replaced over 20 panes in these windows. Do you know anything about warranties from Alenco?
Windows bring the outside world into your home but they shouldn't be the source of high energy bills. Design options provide for noise reduction, high resistance to condensation, and protection from UV rays that can damage and fade furnishings.
Applying window film/tinting can cut a home's heat absorption and reduce potentially harmful UV light.
Modern windows rely on a wide array of technologies to achieve a level of energy efficiency as high as five times that of traditional windows. All that technology can also be confusing. Terms like "low-E glass" and "argon gas" mean little to the average consumer. Any firm making a presentation to you about windows is likely to use dozens of such terms. Fortunately, there is a simpler way to evaluate different windows.
Many homeowners are bombarded with sales pitches about thermal replacement windows. Because the window replacement business is often more profitable than other home service businesses, numerous companies are pushing windows in the marketplace. Window firms, as a group, are among the most aggressive marketers, and are likely to rely on telemarketing and high-pressure sales tactics. As a consumer, you must be careful or you may find yourself fooled by a smooth operator.
Storm windows are an extra window that cover the inner window. They provide extra protection and some thermal insulation during cold weather and come in two basic styles.
The type of frame material on a storm window unit is important because it contributes to the storm window's heat conductivity and maintenance. Wood, aluminum, or vinyl are the most often used window frame materials.
Stained glass as defined by Webster's Dictionary is: "glass painted with metalic oxides or chlorides ground up with proper fluxes and fused into its surface at moderate heat".
By letting natural light stream in, a skylight gives a room a feeling of spaciousness and light. By reducing the need for electric lighting, it can help trim energy bills.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about common skylight problems.
This information can help answer and clarify questions about security storm shutters.
Q: This past September I replaced two windows in my son's room. I installed a double hung insulated window, which tilts in for easy cleaning. Yesterday, my 15 year old son and a couple of his friends were tossing around a hard ball and. yes you've guessed it! The ball broke the inner glass of the top window. The outer glass is fine. Is it possible to make the repair without removing the entire window from the house?
Q: I would like to replace a window in my house with glass block. It is an arched dual pane glass that has lost its seal. Is this feasible from the perspective of available materials, so I won't have to remodel the entire window opening?
Q: What can I do about moisture building up on my windows?
Windows, more than almost any other feature, give a modern home its personality. When homebuyers are asked to describe a home they've toured, they often include references to light in their description. Women in particular seem highly attuned to the levels of natural light in a home.
Even the highest quality screen available will deteriorate over time. When it eventually becomes necessary to replace or repair window screens, call a professional with the tools and experience to do the job properly.
Many of us are familiar with the ubiquitous advertising "deals" on thermal replacement windows. They tell us that replacement windows will save us money on energy and maintenance. They tell us our home will be cozier. They tell us our home will be more valuable. We wonder whether any of what they say is true. We ask questions and get hi-tech double talk about low-E glass and argon gas. They might as well be speaking a foreign language.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about installing a skylight.
There are two basic window styles: operable and fixed. An operable window has moving parts that can be opened; a fixed window can't be opened. These two basic styles have many variations: Awning windows are operable windows. They are top-hinged so you open them by pushing the bottom of the sash out and up.
In keeping with today's concerns for saving energy, windows may be standard single glazed, dual glazed or even triple glazed.
"R-values" measure heat loss through glass: the higher the R-value, the higher the glazing's resistance to energy loss. By increasing a window's R value from 2 to 4, you can reduce energy losses by 50 percent.
Glass is the key to many of a home's best features: natural light, and a clear view of the outdoors. But as the amount of glass used in a house increases, its energy efficiency usually decreases, simply because glass windows and doors are not as effective as walls for insulating. So, a great deal of effort has been made in recent years to improve the energy efficiency of window glazings.
Although windows are most economical when purchased in standard sizes, there are times a homeowner needs a custom window size. This might be to replace windows in an older home built before modern standards were established, for a unique opening or to install a custom made stained glass window. Custom made glass patio doors can also be made to fit most any opening.
There are many different configurations of windows. Here are the most common:
Q: We are having condensation problems in our home. We have aluminum single pane windows, which sweat profusely in the winter. We are also seeing water spots on the ceilings and corners of the outside walls and on the inside of the front wooden door. The attic is vented and the soffits are clear. Can you help us?
Q: We moved into our newly constructed home 14 months ago. I have a huge problem with our double pane windows sweating all the way around the metal frames during the winter months (we live in Texas).
Also, the builder did not leave weep holes in the brick around the foundation.
Q: I bought my house a few months ago. Now with the weather getting colder and the heat running I have found that there is a lot of condensation on the storm windows. The house is a 30-year-old split level. Is there something I can do about the condensation problem short of getting new windows?
Q: I have a house that was built in 1992, and has Andersen windows. During the winter and now even in November, some of the windows get moisture in the center of them. Not all the windows have the problem, though. It happens in the living room, kitchen and in the basement, which is finished.
This checklist should help you decide whether window replacement makes sense for your home.
Q: Can you tell me what I should be looking for in a replacement window? For instance, the space in between the double pane, fully welded, insulation on the frame and in the frame and sash?
I've been shopping and have received a range of prices, even for the same thing. The only thing I know is that I should make sure the window is fully welded. What else should I be looking for to make sure the window is sound and heat efficient?
Few modern wallpapers are actually made of paper. Today's wall coverings may be made of vinyl, vinyl-coated paper or cloth, textiles, natural grasses, foil or mylar.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about removing wall coverings.
Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or simply hanging a mirror, an understanding of wall materials is essential. The two most common interior wall surfaces are gypsum wallboard, often referred to as drywall, sheetrock or gyp board, and plaster.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about wallpaper.
Although drywall nails are inexpensive and quick to use, drywall screws are more secure - and often a better choice for hanging drywall on ceilings.
Although newer wallpaper is often washable, older papers may not be. Before washing wallpaper, test an inconspicuous area. Washable wallpaper can be sponged off with a mild detergent.
Q: I have a cinder block wall in a finished basement in a house built in 1978. Behind the paneling, the drywall and the studs were rotted out from moisture. A sump pump was added at some point before we bought it, but there is no evidence of standing water. There are hairline cracks in the wall on the outside, below ground level, but no large cracks (as far as I can tell). After removing the drywall and insulation, the cinder blocks were damp, not wet, but dried out eventually. Do I need to trench around the foundation and re-coat with waterproofing, or is waterproof paint on the inside good enough?
Q: What is the correct procedure for installing drywall tape at the seams?
Q: We have a small hole in our wall. Can we repair it ourselves?
Q: I've been wanting to paint my bathroom. The walls are covered with two layers of wallpaper and textured paint. I've been trying to remove it by scraping, but its taking a very long time. I have been scraping and scraping. Is there an easier way?
Q: My tenants stuck two sets of beveled mirrors to the wall. How can I remove them and will I have to replace the drywall?
Q: We bought a house three weeks ago and we would like to repaint the walls. The problem is that in some areas or rooms there is already wallpaper. How we can get rid of the existing wallpaper? What do we need to do it ourselves?
Q: I want to remove an exterior wall that separates my living room from a sun porch. It is a load-bearing wall and I would like to support the 14 foot 6 inch span with as small a beam as possible, wood or steel.
Can you let me know my options for temporary support and permanent post and beam size requirements?
Few things fill a professional paper hanger's heart with more dread than hearing a potential client say, "My walls are already smooth and ready for paper."
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about plaster.
Although plaster can be extremely durable, stress cracks can come from movement in the framing of the house. Holes are generally caused by impacts or water. Over time, plaster walls and ceilings may develop stress-cracks.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about installing wallpaper.
Take a look at those stark white walls in your home -- what a wonderful opportunity for expressing your personal style and creativity!
Q: I am building a glass block wall for a shower with a vaulted ceiling and want to know how to attach the block to the wall so that it will be secure without having to go to the ceiling.
Drywall finishes come in two basic styles: smooth and textured. Textured finishes range from light to medium and heavy, with both simple and complex textures. There are two types of smooth wall finish: smooth for wallpaper and smooth for paint (smooth for paint leaves a slight pebble finish).
Q: What is the best way to go about sealing our windows? The drywall is slightly cracked around the windowpane. Is there anything we should do to prep this area before caulking?
Drywall panels cover most walls and ceilings built over the last 40 years. Drywall can also be called sheetrock, wallboard and gypsum board. These panels are made of a layer of gypsum sandwiched between heavy paper facings. A waterproof type, sometimes called "green board" because of the color of the paper, is used in bathrooms and other areas subject to heavy moisture.
Drywall panels cover most walls and ceilings built in the last 40 years. These panels have a layer of gypsum sandwiched between heavy paper facings. A waterproof type sometimes called green board is used in bathrooms and other areas subject to heavy moisture. The sheets, which are relatively inexpensive, are 4 feet wide, 1/4 to 5/8 inch thick, and 6 to 16 feet long. The standard size is 1/2 inch thick and 8 feet long.
Styles of drywall have changed a lot over the years. Using drywall techniques to add new architectural or design touches, or simply retexturing ceilings and walls, can dramatically change the overall appearance of a home with a relatively small investment. Following are some basic ideas to get you started.
Q: I am planning a remodeling project, and want to find out what has to be done, and what steps are involved to create a pass through wall between my kitchen and family room.
As I know that this is a load bearing wall, what are the things I must do and the sequence to be done with respect to ensuring stability of the supported ceiling?
Sometimes all it takes is some elbow grease and the right tools to get a job done. The right tools can be costly, as well as awkward to store, so it often makes more sense to rent specialized tools than to own them.
Here is an extensive list of tools and items that can be rented.
Special events sometimes require more servingware than most people own. It is usually more economical to rent the extra supplies you need than it is to buy.
It is often necessary to rent portable sanitation for construction sites and special events when there are too few or no facilities available. Chemical portable toilets have come a long way from the old fashioned outhouses.
Most heavy equipment is rented by the day or longer, but some can be rented for a few hours.
Gently worn tools are the hallmark of the true gardener. There's a patina on the garden tool handles laid in by firm hands over years of digging, turning, cultivating and filling in. Your investment now in good quality gardening tools can last for generations.
There are many types and textures of stone tile available today. There are six basic surface textures available.
Q: How long does it take for ceramic tile to dry after installation?
Consumers are often puzzled by the wide range of prices they can receive from contractors bidding on the same job. Understanding the basics about tile purchasing, design, and installation can help consumers compare estimates to get the best return for the time and money spent.
Tile inlay is used mostly to create geometric or figurative designs. The combination of ultra high-pressure water jets and a computer guidance system cuts pieces so precisely that almost any design can be achieved.
The delicate colors of stone can often be altered by the improper use of cleaning chemicals, mopping with dirty solution, or using chemicals that are not designed for stone care. Sunlight can also fade the color of natural minerals.
Q: Should I use quickset for putting tile on my greenboard shower stall, or should I use some kind of glue or caulk?
Q: We just purchased a house that is about 35-40 years old. There are 4x4 plastic tiles applied with a glue base in both bathrooms. The shower in the master has plastic tile that is in great shape, but we aren't sure if this should be sealed somehow. The inspector who looked at the house said that moisture would get behind the tile and ruin the drywall. Any suggestions?
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about repairing stone tile.
Repairing tile is a cumbersome job that can be done by the average homeowner. But it is a messy, dirty job. Professionals can do your repairs in a quick and timely manner, saving the pain of doing it yourself.
Stone is one of the most durable of all floorings. When properly installed, it should last the lifetime of a house. This toughness combined with the natural beauty of stone makes it the material of choice where quality and character are important considerations. Stone is just what its name implies: quarried slate, limestone, flagstone, granite, or marble.
Q: I would like to know the different grades of ceramic tile. I was told that they are graded from 1 to 5, 5 being the best. Is this true?
Q: I purchased a one year old home from a builder. The ceramic floor tile makes a crunching eggshell type noise when walked on and the grout is cracking. What might be the problem? There is 3/4 plywood subfloor with a cement scratch coat on wire mesh.
Q: Is it possible to color ceramic tile? I just bought a house that has a new white ceramic tile floor in the kitchen and I hate the fact that it constantly needs cleaning. Any ideas?
Q: I had new ceramic tile installed in my kitchen a few months ago. My wife dropped a bowl on the floor and chipped one of the tiles. I have the chip, is this repairable with glue? My contractor said if he replaced one tile it may loosen the ones around it.
Cement board is a product that revolutionized the tiling industry. It's literally a board of concrete (usually in 4- x 5-foot sizes). It ranges anywhere from a half inch thick for walls to 1/4 inch thick for floors.
The most durable of all tiling materials are ceramic tile and stone materials that, when properly installed, last the lifetime of a house. This toughness, combined with the natural beauty of stone and the incredible array of tile types, colors, patterns, and textures makes tile and stone the materials of choice where quality and character are important.
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about wood shingle siding.
Siding problems: Cracks and holes in your siding will allow moisture and pests to get in. You should always make sure that the underlying problem is fixed before you repair the siding; otherwise the problem may crop up again later.
Q: I want to put siding on the outside of my new upscale home. I want a natural look, with little maintenance? Have you ever heard of Werzalit?
This information can clarify and help answer some questions about wood panel siding.
Vinyl siding looks similar to horizontal wood siding but doesn't require as much maintenance. These systems can be applied right over old siding but are easier to apply over solid sheathing. Vinyl siding doesn't rust or corrode, but vinyl, which is actually polyvinyl chloride (PVC), does become more brittle as it gets older.
Q: Lately I've been receiving all kinds of calls and ads in the mail about vinyl siding for my home. I have never thought of vinyl siding before, but we are facing a distressingly high heating bill now, and the task of repainting the house this spring, so it seems like an option to consider. What can you tell me about it?
Q: How do I choose the best type of siding?
No matter whether a home has wood, stucco, brick or stone siding, the fascia, soffits and trim around doors and windows have traditionally been made of wood. Wood, of course, needs regular maintenance and repainting. Even for a house with wood siding, maintaining the wood trim has always been the most labor intensive and costly part of any exterior paint job. If not maintained well, exposed wood can deteriorate, warp, and may need extensive sanding before repainting or replacement.