These are some areas of discussion which may help you assess the skills of an electrical contractor, or determine the scope of what you want to have done: 1. Ask about the permit. There are very few electrical repairs that will not require a permit in most communities, so you can assume that one will […]
When the winter snows have melted and you can see your driveway again, you might decide it’s time to clean the surface. It’s incredible that something as hard as concrete can be so absorbent – but, let someone park an old oil-leaking car on your driveway, you’ll be left with a large unsightly stain. While […]
If you’ll be talking to contractors about a roof replacement, there are a lot of things to consider. In addition to issues like the difference between traditional and dimensional shingles, you should also think about ways to improve your home’s insulation and ventilation. Environmental Health Watch lists roof replacement as one of the “opportunity points” […]
In most cases, repairing a doorbell is a relatively simple, quick, and inexpensive project. Familyhandyman.com has a good how-to article that will guide you through the process, and there are lots of helpful videos available on the web. You don’t need to be afraid of working with electricity. Most of the doorbell circuit is “low-voltage” current that won’t […]
Lath-and-plaster walls are common in older houses (those constructed from the late 18th Century until the early 1950’s, when drywall became the common building technique.) Whether it’s an oil portrait of an early ancestor or wall-hung kitchen cabinets, securing things onto older lath-and-plaster walls can present a bit of a dilemma. First, let’s talk about […]
The drain from your bathtub may have one of a variety of configurations. When problems occur – clogged lines, leaks, etc. – the repair method may depend on the way the drain line is designed. Nearly all tubs will have a waste and overflow drain assembly, comprised of three primary components: the overflow pipe from […]
These are some areas of discussion which may help you assess the skills of an electrical contractor, or determine the scope of what you want to have done: 1. Ask about the permit: There are very few electrical repairs that will not require a permit in most communities, so you can assume that one will […]
Selecting strong trees the first step: This year many yards have taken a beating! Between the heavy snow that hit last fall while our trees were still full of leaves and the sub-zero temperatures from last month’s “polar vortex,” Northeastern Ohio homeowners may be wondering how to protect their trees. Forestry.com suggests several ways to […]
Why is it so important that your attic be adequately insulated? The answer is that, because heat rises, an attic without insulation will allow the warmth from the living space below it to escape – causing heating costs to go “through the roof,” as well. WHERE TO INSULATE: Your first decision will be where to […]
Whether your decision is based on style or space considerations, you may prefer a pedestal sink for your bathroom. This style of sink consists of two pieces – the sink basin itself and the stand (“pedestal”) beneath it. The plumbing fits inside the pedestal, which rests on the floor. The sink rests on the pedestal […]