Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Louise asks, “The ceiling in my living room has a crack where two of the pieces of drywall meet. How should I go about repairing it?”

Cracks in drywall joints in a ceiling are caused by wood movement in the framing due to shrinkage caused by changes in temperature and humidity. The common approach is to fill the crack with spackling then paint over it, but the crack will usually come back as the seasons change. A better solution is to apply drywall compound and tape over the crack to keep it from telegraphing through. Read on to find out how. Read in full.

To keep your pool area free from unwanted leaves and insects, a custom built, aluminum framework can be erected over your entire pool and covered with durable screening. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

A carefully planned and executed addition is the solution for a growing family that needs help fitting into this beautiful, 100-year-old home. Since it’s located in an historic district, there are many restrictions on how the structure can be altered, making the design and construction a challenge. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

[Sponsored message from Woodcraft]
Rather than scouring the malls for the perfect gift for that hard to shop for loved one this holiday season, why not give the gift of a hobby that can last a lifetime. Enroll them in a woodworking class to further cultivate an existing hobby or inspire a new one. Read in full.

Sawmill owner, Roy Hyde, recycles fallen trees into lumber for custom woodworking projects. This environmentally friendly process keeps valuable timber out of the landfill while providing unusual species of wood in sizes not often found at the local lumber yard. Watch this video.

Tony asks, “I’m planning on finishing my basement myself at little at a time. How should I go about it?”

When finishing a basement, it’s important that the work is completed in order. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Trying to find the right glue at your local home improvement store these days can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many to choose from, and picking the wrong one can lead to a really sticky situation. Or not, which could be even worse! The trick is to match the glue to the job at hand. Here’s a breakdown of the different types available to help you get it right. Read in full.

We’re adding a sunroom with impact resistant glass, two porches, a covered deck, and a swimming pool to this home with a beautiful view overlooking Mobile Bay on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Read more to see how it was done. Read in full.

This house on the Alabama Gulf Coast has a beautiful view of Mobile Bay, but the homeowners’ haven’t been able to enjoy it since Hurricane Katrina destroyed their deck in 2005. To remedy the problem, we’re adding a 500-square-foot addition—along with two porches, a deck, and a swimming pool. Read more to see how it was done. Read in full.

This easy to build wooden outdoor bench is made from pressure treated wood and assembled using corrosion resistant screws to stand up to the elements. It’s perfect on a back porch for taking off muddy shoes or to as a table for potted plants. Here’s how to go about making it. Read in full.