Here's How from Creators Syndicate

Replace Old Countertops With Laminate for 07/09/2009

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: My kitchen countertop has seen better days. It is time for a change, yet I am on a tight budget. Is it possible to make a new one myself? — Gail K.

Dear Gail: Designing and installing an attractive countertop is not a difficult job and can be done with just a few tools and a little imagination. If you are lacking in the imagination department, just use the old countertop ...

Updated: Thu Jul 09, 2009

Lowdown Deck Needs a Concrete Foundation for 07/16/2009

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I am planning some landscaping that will include a deck. My backyard is level, so the deck will not be built on posts. Is it wise and possible to build a deck flush to the ground? — Donna F.

Dear Donna: Adding a deck is probably the least expensive way to add living space to your home. What's more, a deck can make an attractive addition to your landscaping. Building a dec ...

Updated: Thu Jul 16, 2009

Installing the Right Lock is a Key to Security for 07/23/2009

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: Like everyone, I am concerned about security. I live here with my two young daughters. I want to install a good-quality deadbolt on the back door, but I don't know what to buy. Please help. - Candi M.

Dear Candi: Security is on everyone's mind today — and for good reason. There seem to be home burglaries in nearly every neighborhood. With just three of you there, you cert ...

Updated: Thu Jul 23, 2009

Loft Bed Makes Most of Limited Space for 07/30/2009

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: My son is getting older and wants his own bedroom away from his brother. We can remodel the laundry and utility rooms to get some space. How can I build a simple loft bed for this small bedroom? — Teri H.

Dear Teri: It is surprising how little space you need for a boy's bedroom. Your loft-bed idea is excellent, and you could even build a small closet into a corner or at t ...

Updated: Thu Jul 30, 2009

Installing Ceramic Tile Can Make a Bathroom Shine for 08/06/2009

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: We built our house on a tight budget years ago. Now that I am divorced, I would like to remodel and install ceramic tile in the bathroom. How do I prepare the new shower walls and add tile? — Robin T.

Dear Robin: Ceramic tile is clearly the wall-finishing material of choice for bathrooms. It is attractive, durable and offers a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures ...

Updated: Thu Aug 06, 2009

Outdoor Wiring for 08/13/2009

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I am in the process of updating the landscaping around my deck with more lighting and a fountain. I have done indoor wiring before. What are some of the precautions when running wiring outdoors? — Anna M.

Dear Anna: The basic wiring concepts for outdoors are similar to indoors except you must follow some additional safety precautions. It is very important to follow the el ...

Updated: Thu Aug 13, 2009

Re-Roofing for 08/20/2009

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: The shingles on my roof are about 18 years old now and there are a couple of leaks over the garage. I am debating as to whether to repair it or replace the roof. I will try it myself. What do you recommend? — Jessica G.

Dear Jessica: Most typical shingle roofs should last about 20 years before you start to notice leaks. Some factors, such as leaves on the roof, mildew and ...

Updated: Thu Aug 20, 2009

Repairing Concrete for 08/27/2009

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I got some quotes on some minor concrete landscaping and fix-it jobs around my house. They are pretty high. They do not look too difficult to do. How do I get started working with concrete? — Carlene H.

Dear Carlene: Most concrete repair jobs around the house are relatively simple for the typical do-it-yourselfer. For repair jobs, you simply clean out any old crumbling co ...

Updated: Thu Aug 27, 2009

Here's How, September 3 for 09/03/2009

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: My current house has an overflow problem from the gutters and the downspouts. I am planning to build a new house and I don't want the same problem. How should I build this one differently? — Judy M.

Dear Judy: Often, you may not have a gutter drainage problem in the first several years, but one can develop over time and get worse. If your house is built on a slab, the ove ...

Updated: Thu Sep 03, 2009

Repairing Your Own Windows for 09/10/2009

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: With a couple of sons, we get broken panes in our wood windows. I want to save some money by replacing the glass panes myself. What is the procedure a professional uses to replace glass? — Gloria D.

Dear Gloria: Although it seems as if it is a simple task to replace a broken glass pane in a window, most homeowners seldom do it correctly. The putty on the typical do-it-you ...

Updated: Thu Sep 10, 2009

HERE'S HOW for 09/17/2009

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: We just got a puppy, and my son is now old enough to go out in the backyard alone, so I want to install a chain-link fence. What materials do I need to get to install the chain-link fence myself? — Angie F.

Dear Angie: For your situation, chain-link is the best fencing option. The materials are reasonably priced and readily available at most home center stores. Although y ...

Updated: Thu Sep 17, 2009

Ceiling Leak Solutions for 09/24/2009

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: My house had roof leaks, which are fixed, but the ceiling is damaged. Instead of fixing it, I plan to install a dropped ceiling and use it as a media room. Is this easy to do and good for acoustics? — Connie M.

Dear Connie: First, make absolutely certain the leak in the roof has been fixed before installing a dropped ceiling. If there still are leaks, they will be hidden ...

Updated: Thu Sep 24, 2009

Small Lightweight Tools for 10/01/2009

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I want to do some outdoor projects, such as adding a deck, a trellis, etc. Being petite, many tools are difficult to work with. Can I get smaller-sized tools and do you have any tips? — Beth L.

Dear Beth: You should be able to do most of the outdoor projects that a large man can do, but it may take you longer. That unattractive extra weight around a male contractor's stom ...

Updated: Thu Oct 01, 2009

Strip Old Deck Sealer for 10/08/2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I used a dark deck sealer several years ago. It looked good for the first year or two, but now it is peeling off in areas. What is the best way to fix the bare areas and stop further peeling? — Kymberli M.

Dear Kymberli: The attractive dark sealer you applied a couple of years ago functions more like a coat of paint than a sealing stain. No matter how well you prepare the ...

Updated: Thu Oct 08, 2009

Make Proper Wood Joints for 10/15/2009

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I think I have gotten pretty good at fixing and making things around my house. I want to build unique kitchen cabinets. What are the best types of wood joints for this and other projects? — Joann V.

Dear Joann: You can save a considerable amount of money by making your own kitchen cabinets. This also allows you to individualize them so yours will be truly unique. Keep in ...

Updated: Thu Oct 15, 2009

Install Vinyl Flooring for 10/22/2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I have a playroom for my children. It has old carpeting, which needs to be replaced. I would like some type of durable non-carpet flooring that can take abuse. Will any commercial-type flooring work? — Ann G.

Dear Ann: Any of several commercial-type flooring materials should be able to take the abuse children can give it. Just think about the wear and tear on supermarket ...

Updated: Thu Oct 22, 2009

Stop Smoking Fireplace Problem for 10/29/2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: Whenever we use our great room fireplace, some smoke comes out into the room. I am going to add one to the master bedroom. How can I keep the new fireplace from being smoky like the old one? — Patty M.

Dear Patty: You definitely are not alone with the problem of a smoky wood-burning fireplace. More than half of fireplaces cause some smoky conditions inside homes and it is ...

Updated: Thu Oct 29, 2009

Install a New Toilet for 11/05/2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Pat: I think it is time for a new toilet. I want a stylish attractive one, but it must also flush well and be quiet. Once I pick one, is it a project I can do by myself, or do I need a plumber? — Kat L.

Dear Kat: You should be able to install a new toilet yourself with just a few wrenches. By doing the installation yourself, the money you save on labor can be spent on a more s ...

Updated: Thu Nov 05, 2009

Install Wood Wainscoting for 11/12/2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Pat: Much of the drywall has been nicked by my kids over the years. I would like to add wainscoting in the dining room instead of replacing the drywall. How can I do this myself to save a few bucks? — Wendy M.

Dear Wendy: Wood wainscoting is truly a beautiful wall treatment. Unfortunately, probably due to its high cost, it is not as common as it once was years ago. If you do i ...

Updated: Thu Nov 12, 2009

Eliminate Musty Indoor Odors for 11/19/2009

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Pat: I live in an old house, which seems to always have a moldy odor. Various sections are built over a dirt crawl space, slab and basement. Where is this odor coming from and how do I eliminate it? — Sheri J.

Dear Sheri: A moldy odor is generally caused by persistent dampness somewhere in your home. This is not only annoying, but it can be unhealthy for your children. Another ...

Updated: Thu Nov 19, 2009