Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel
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Out With The Old, In With New Windows: As the season for home remodeling and DIY projects gets underway, evaluating a home's list of needs and repairs becomes top priority. Read More
Concrete and Masonry, Exterior, Today's Homeowner Published 05/13/2008 by Danny Lipford
While this house had a beautiful view, the homeowners could only enjoy it when the weather permitted. With the addition of this great looking sunroom and patio, they’ll be able to take advantage of it all year long.
Home Improvement, Lawn and Garden, Gardening Basics Published 05/09/2008 by Julie Day
Every spring, birdwatchers across the country welcome the return of hummingbirds as they migrate north. These tiny, beautiful birds are a delight to watch as they hover and dart throughout the garden, and the males put on quite a show as they protect their territory and attract mates. And while hummingbird feeders do provide nourishment to the energetic birds, let’s face it – an active feeder is a source of pure pleasure for gardeners and bird-lovers alike.
Design and Decor, Electrical and Lighting, Plumbing, Quick Picks Published 05/09/2008 by Ben Erickson
Documenting the construction process when building a new house can be a valuable resource for future renovations. Photograph every wall and ceiling after the plumbing and wiring have been roughed in but before the insulation and drywall are installed. Include a yardstick in the photo to allow you to gauge distances and label each picture on the back. Also, photograph and mark on your survey the location of outside wires and pipes that are buried.
Video, Decks and Patios, Repairs and Installation, Exterior Published 05/08/2008 by Danny Lipford
Building steps used to require complicated measurements and difficult angled cuts, but the precut pressure treated stringers available at home centers today have made the job much easier. Allow for a stringer at each end of the steps and at 16” intervals in between. Use corrosion resistant screws and nails to assemble the steps.
Lawn and Garden, Lawn Care Published 05/07/2008 by Meredith Portman
To the initiated, an aerator resembles a lawn mower only a little wider, squatter, and heavier. The undercarriage looks like a medieval torture device, with a spinning cylinder of rotating coring spikes, much like a round hair brush on steroids. The idea behind aerating your yard is to break up the compacted soil which in turn has several benefits for your grass.
Financial, Quick Picks Published 05/07/2008 by Jenn Lingle
According to a survey conducted for Johns Manville, one-fourth of homeowners are considering using their federal economic stimulus check on home improvement projects. Landscaping was the most popular item, followed by upgrading a bathroom or kitchen, painting a room, and adding insulation. Planning to get Uncle Sam to help out around your home? Leave a comment below to let us know what projects you have in mind.
Attics and Basements, Repairs and Installation, Ask Danny Published 05/07/2008 by Danny Lipford
I’m going to finish a portion of the basement for my 12-year-old daughter and her pals to have a place to “hang out.” This section happens to be under the great room on the main floor. Are there products to help in noise reduction, and, if so, what options exist and how are they installed?-Steve
Hi Steve,
Start by insulating the space between the basement ceiling joists with a sound dampening insulation like Owens Corning QuietZone fiberglass insulation. Next, you might want to consider using a soundproofing drywall such as QuietRock for the ceiling. You can watch and read more about QuietRock, on our website at (622) Builders’ Show Special.
Good luck with your project,
Home Improvement, Today's Homeowner Published 05/06/2008 by Danny Lipford
Having the right tool for your next DIY project can make all the difference. Since expensive specialty tools aren’t needed often, consider renting them from a tool rental center like The Home Depot, rather then buying.
Decks and Patios, Lawn and Garden, Quick Picks, Furniture & Accessories Published 05/06/2008 by Ben Erickson
To clean the gunk off the racks on your grill, wrap them in newspaper or paper towels and place them in a plastic garbage bag. Saturate the paper with household ammonia, tie the bag closed, and let it sit overnight. The next day take the racks out—being careful to avoid breathing the ammonia fumes—remove the paper, and spray the racks down with a hose. If needed, wash them in warm water with dishwashing liquid to remove any remaining residue. Rinse and dry.
Home Improvement, Decks and Patios, Today's Homeowner Published 05/01/2008 by Danny Lipford
Since a wood deck can carry a lot of weight, it’s important to start with a solid foundation. Begin by laying out the location of the deck, making sure it’s square with the house. After the holes have been dug for the concrete footings, rebar is cut and wired together into a grid and supported by wire a few inches above the bottom of the hole.
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