Quick Column Summary: Planter landscaping against foundation Water issues Keep brick dry, weep holes open Space around foundation allows for inspection DEAR TIM: I just purchased a home where the landscaping bed is up against the brick front wall. The home is about twenty-five-years old. The planting bed extends about 3 feet from the house […]
I just shot a new video this morning. The inspiration came because I changed out all the old useless fluorescent fixtures in my garage that have given me nothing but headaches for six years. I installed simple surface-mount standard bulb fixtures that I'm outfitting with LED bulbs. As I was installing the new simple fixtures, […]
Quick Column Summary: Double pane windows with fogging between How to remove and clean it Have new insulated glass installed Video link Martin Gold, who's got a fogged window in Lakeport, NJ, has a great question: "I have a bow window double panes one pane has developed a film in between panes. Is there a […]
Two days ago, I spent over five hours on the Conway Scenic Train. It was a spectacular bluebird day here in New Hampshire, albeit a little cold in the morning as I rode in the open car with friends and co-workers from the train I work on. This long train ride, probably 30 or more […]
Here are a few photos and videos of my fun day on September 15, 2014 with my co-workers from the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. The Conway Scenic Railroad has a very large operation with many pieces of equipment and a very long stretch of rail line up the Crawford Notch U-shaped valley created by the massive […]
Quick Column Summary: Question a contractor about what he did/did not do Have great plans and specifications Keyways and steel rods in foundation Jonathan Smith is building a new home in Akron, OH. He went to look at the new footers and, well, allow him to tell you: "I'm building a new house, my contractor […]
Quick Column Summary: Chimney repair for the ages Protect your chimney with a crown Chimney liners Prevent cracks with wire mesh DEAR TIM: My chimney is constructed with concrete block and has a thin stucco coating. I know the top of the chimney is not right and some of the blocks are falling apart. There […]
Quick Column Summary: Is furnace smell dangerous Carbon monoxide is odorless/dangerous Dust accumulation causes smell Clean furnace and ductwork Jane, who lives with an old octopus gravity-feed (probably) furnace in Roseville, MI, has an odor issue. Let her describe it: "We moved into a home that has an old octopus furnace - it is labeled […]
I'm perched at the top of the grand staircase at the Kennett House B & B as I type this. There's a space perfect for a 4-foot round oak table and chairs. Gilja Kusano is the owner / proprietor and it's a stunning property. The house is made from solid granite and the interior chestnut […]
Roof Flashings - They're Easy to Install Quick Column Summary: What are flashings Install flashings properly Flashings protect your home from water How to make your flashings waterproof From the September 9, 2014 Newsletter DEAR TIM: I'm looking at bids right now for a re-roof project and a new deck job at my home. The […]
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