Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Jerry asks, “Can I claim the federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit for Homeowners if I receive a tax refund?”

You may still be able to qualify for the federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, even if you receive a refund, as long as you don’t receive a total refund of all the federal income taxes you owed for the year. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Tom asks, “I’m installing a mailbox at the curb. How high should it be, and are there other postal service requirements?”

Start by contacting your local post office to make sure the mailbox and location meet approval. Read on for the general guidelines for a curbside mailbox. Read in full.

Lauren asks, “The stain on my cabinets is still tacky after two days of drying. What should I do?”

If you used a penetrating oil stain, you may have allowed the stain to build up too thick a coat on the surface of the wood. Fortunately, the problem is easy to fix. Read on to find out how. Read in full.

Barb asks, “We would like to install an exhaust fan in our bathroom to remove excess moisture but do not have an attic to vent it through. Can we install it in an outside wall instead?”

Wall mounted vent fans are available, though they’re not as common as ceiling mounted models and may be harder to install. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Nicole asks, When finishing an attic, which way should I face the insulation, or should I use nothing at all?

Since both the attic above and room below will be heated, you can use unfaced insulation without a vapor barrier or no insulation at all. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Providing proper ventilation in your attic will keep your attic cooler in the summer, which can lower your air conditioner bills and make your roof last longer, and reduce condensation during the winter, which can lead to mold, mildew, or rot. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

Lynda asks, “I have an old wardrobe, and the wood is extremely dry. How do I add moisture to it?”

It’s a myth that you need to “feed” finished wood periodically to keep it from drying out. However, you can rejuvenate an old finish to bring back the shine without stripping it. Read on to find out how. Read in full.

Joanne asks, “I have now put three coats of latex paint on my walls, and it still hasn’t covered well. The main problem is brush marks. What can I do?”

I’d start by changing from a brush to a roller, since covers better. Also, a high quality paint will cover much better than bargain brands. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

John asks, “I plan to install tile on a Formica countertop with 1/4” cement backer board. Do I need to apply thin-set mortar between the backer board and Formica to stick it down?”

I would both glue and screw the cement backer board to the plastic laminate countertop before laying your tile. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Robert asks, “I had my roof reshingled and the skylight len replaced, but my skylight is still leaking. Is there was some sort of sealant I can apply to fix it?”

There are a number of possibilities as to why your skylight is leaking, including condensation, backup caused by leaves and debris, and improperly installed flashing. Read on to find out more. Read in full.