Interior design can add a lot to your home if you work with the right group of people. Interior designers, architects and contractors should be part of your team. Be ready to tell your interior design team what you like and want. Interior designers will know how to work with you if you pre-plan some of your likes and wants. Take pictures and make lists.
Decks don't have to be made of wood only. You can find many types of alternative decking material. Virgin vinyl, recycled plastic, plastic resin mixed with wood fibers and aluminum. Sealing many of these materials is not necessary. Read this column to see the pros and cons.
Vinyl windows are no maintenance, energy saving products that you want in your home. New certification programs help you pick these vinyl replacement windows.
Closet storage is always important. Building closets is a great project for a beginner. Closet storage systems will maximize the storage space in your new closet.
Painted floors are economical, DIY friendly, and beautiful. Cleaning, surface prep, sanding, primer and protective urethane will do it! If you can't afford new flooring, you can create your own with a couple cans of paint and one can of clear urethane.
Electronic deadbolt locks secure your home from intruders. There are deadbolt locks with keyless entry, single or double cylinder deadbolts to choose from.
Inlaid wood flooring dramatically changes the look of a wood floor. These floors are usually expensive. You can opt to stain a pattern or border on your existing wood floor to achieve a similar look.
Basement shelving and garage storage shelves that you can build yourself. Using 2x2, 2x3, and 2x4 lumber and plywood, you can build simple shelving systems for storage.
Wallpaper removal will be successful if you use the correct tools. Wallpaper that is pierced and coated with an enzyme solution will scrape off in 20 minutes.
There are four primary deicing salts for ice and snow removal. Sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. Each has certain temperatures that it can work with. Magnesium chloride is less damaging to concrete, plants and trees.
Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Complete the form below and each week you'll get:
Unsubscribe at any time. We respect your email privacy.