Expert Advice on Home Improvement

The annual Kitchen/Bath Industry Show is the largest international trade show for kitchen and bath products in the world. Here are some of the cool, innovative items that Danny and Jodi discovered at this year’s show. Watch this video.

Watch this video to find out how you can reduce the chance of scalding in the bathroom by lowering the temperature of your water heater. Watch this video.

Watch this video to find out how to childproof your kitchen to make it safe for children using cabinet and refrigerator latches and an anti-tip bracket for your stove. Watch this video.

Drinking water can become contaminated with lead from the solder that was used in the copper pipes in many older homes. Find out how to test your water and remove lead and other harmful chemicals by installing a water filter. Watch this video.

The new side-by-side refrigerators from GE save energy by incorporating a small door that opens from the outside to provide access to often used items without having to open the main door. A keypad on the outside allows you to set the temperature and also features a door lock button. Watch this video.

Carolyn asks, “How can I keep my appliances clean?”

One way to keep appliances from showing smudges and fingerprints is to choose one with a textured finish. Stainless steel is also a good choice, but make sure to select models that are a composite of stainless steel and other ingredients, such as nickel, which help make them almost smudge proof. Watch this video.

Seams in granite countertops are glued together using two-part epoxy. A special clamping system, known as a seam puller, uses a vacuum pump to attach blocks to each half of the countertop. The two sections are then pulled together with lever operated clamps until the glue sets. Watch this video.

Cookie asks, Why is it that prefabricated cabinets cost so much?

While prefabricated cabinets might look like they’re made from inexpensive particle board, they are actually constructed from a much higher quality product known as engineered wood that is much more durable than standard particle board. Watch this video.

To remove soap scum and hard water deposits from a tile wall in a bathroom, use muriatic acid diluted with water. Follow the warning and instructions on the bottle, and be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Watch the video to find out more. Watch this video.

The Cimmaron toilet from Kohler is a comfortable 17” high, the same as most chairs. The standard model is economical as well, using either 1.4 or 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF). An EcoSmart model is also available that requires only 1.28 GPF, 20% less than most toilets. Watch this video.

Sometimes going green is as simple as changing bad habits such as remembering to turn off the water when brushing your teeth, running only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, and taking shorter showers. Watch this video.

Paper towels account for up to 3,000 tons of waste a day. Sponges are a more eco-friendly option for clean up, since one sponge is the equivalent of 17 rolls of paper towels. To kill the bacteria and mold that can grow on sponges, put a damp sponge in the microwave on high for two minutes. Watch this video.

Installing a new bathroom vanity isn’t that difficult, although it does involve a combination of some basic plumbing and carpentry skills for everything to come together. Watch this video to find out what you need to know. Watch this video.

The first step in removing a toilet is to drain all the water out of it. This simple trick uses gravity to pull most of the water out of the toilet bowl, making it easy to remove without making a mess. Watch this video.

When a faucet has a weak or intermittent flow, the problem is often with the aerator. Aerators contain a fine wire screen that mixes water with air to provide an even flow. Over time this screen can become clogged with mineral deposits or debris, reducing the amount of water coming through. To solve the problem, unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet and soak it overnight in a cup of white vinegar. Watch this video.

To cut through grease on kitchen cabinets without harsh cleaners, heat a damp sponge in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. Spray the cabinet with a citrus based cleaner and use the hot sponge to remove the grease. Wipe off any remaining residue with a paper towel. The combination of the citrus cleaner and hot sponge will remove the grease in half the time. Watch this video.

Showers account for almost a fourth of individual water use. Installing low-flow showerheads in your home saves both water and energy. For more ways to reduce the water you use, check out our article Water Conservation in the Home. Watch this video.

When attempting to drill into ceramic tile, the glazed surface of the tile can cause the drill bit to wander. To solve this problem, apply two layers of masking tape to the spot to give the bit a surface it can grab hold of, then use carbide tipped masonry drill bit to drill into the tile. Watch this video.

One of the key elements of a bathroom renovation is the various fixtures that go in it. A number of new styles and finishes have been introduced in recent years that can give your bathroom a unique touch. Watch this video.

A minor kitchen remodel has one of the highest rates of return of any home renovation project. It often includes replacing the cabinet hardware and countertops as well as refinishing the cabinets themselves. Another more expensive option is to replace the doors and drawers on the existing cabinets. Watch this video.

Since it’s often the busiest room in the house, the kitchen is an ideal place to leave messages. But rather than plastering the walls with sticky notes, consider painting the inside of a cabinet door with chalkboard paint to turn it into a permanent, erasable message center. Watch this video.

One way to save water is to install low-flow aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets. They can be installed in minutes by screwing them into the end of faucets. While most aerators limit water to three gallons per minute, low-flow models are available for around $5 that can reduce the flow to as little as one GPM. This can reduce faucet water usage by almost 60%. Aerators can save energy as well, since they use less hot water. Watch this video.

When caulking around a tub, start by lining both sides of the joint with masking tape. After applying a bead of caulk, run the rounded edge of an expired plastic gift card along the joint to wipe off any excess caulking. Carefully remove the tape before the caulking hardens. Watch this video.

A major bathroom remodel can return much of the cost in increased value to your home. Hiring a professional bathroom designer or architect to plan the remodel can result in a better layout as well as making the project go smoother. Watch this video.

A kitchen remodel can return over 90% of its cost to the value of your home. It’s important to have a qualified kitchen designer help plan your kitchen to make sure the appliances and sink are conveniently located to promote an efficient flow of traffic. Watch this video.

While ceramic tile is a durable, low maintenance material, the grout between the tiles is not. Unless stain-proof grout was used, the grout will need to be sealed. Danny shows you how it’s done in this video. Watch this video.

Sealing the joint around a tub is important to prevent water from seeping behind the tile which can cause the wood framing to mold or rot. Find out how to caulk around your tub in five easy steps. Watch this video.

Keeping natural stone and solid surface countertops looking their best is easy with this three-part Countertop Care Kit from Stone Care International. The kit includes bottles of cleaner, polisher, and sealer to keep your countertops looking like new. Watch this video.

From cutting edge ovens and cooktops to unique sinks and countertops, the innovative kitchen products on display at the 2006 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show might be just the thing to set your kitchen apart from the crowd. Watch this video.

Showerheads that mimic the feel of falling rain usually require additional plumbing to retrofit them to an existing shower, but AquaScape showerheads from Waterpik have an adjustable arm that connects to the existing pipe without any extra plumbing. Watch this video.

In a cramped bathroom, finding a place for a wastebasket can be a real challenge. One way to solve this problem is by mounting it on the inside of a cabinet door. This not only provides easy access, but hides the basket from view. Watch this video.

Solid surface countertops are a popular choice with homeowners since they are durable and scratches can easily be sanded out. Another advantage of this type of material is that seams are glued together in such as way as to make them practically invisible. Watch this video.

More and more materials for countertops and floors are available that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly. One product called shetkaSTONE is made from recycled paper, plant, and cloth fibers. While it has the look of stone, it can be cut and screwed like wood. It is water and stain resistant and comes in a number of colors. Best of all shetkaSTONE can be recycled again if it is ever replaced. Watch this video.

Capitalizing on a popular new trend, a morning bar was added to our Today’s Addition. Merillat helped design the cabinets maximizing convenience by integrating a high end coffee maker, a water supply, refrigerator, and microwave. The cabinets are from Merillat’s Classic line. Although the cabinets are very affordable, they included some great features including fluting, a tilt-out sink tray, a refrigerator door panel, and self-closing drawers. The end result is not only a mecca of late night convenience but also appealing to the eye. Watch this video.

A decorative ceramic tile backsplash can really serve to dress up the space above the countertops in your kitchen, as well as providing protection from the inevitable splatters and spills. Watch as Danny takes you step-by-step through the process, from preparing the wall surface and installing the tile to sealing the grout from stains. Watch this video.

Whether you’re starting from scratch with an all new kitchen, or simply want to dress up the cabinets you already have, the countertops you choose can make a big difference in the finished look. From plastic laminates to solid surface materials to natural stone, Danny guides you through the maze of choices that are available no matter what your budget. Watch this video.

Danny gives some valuable tips on how to update the look and style of your kitchen cabinets without the time and expense involved in replacing them. These include: changing the existing hinges and knobs, replacing the cabinet doors, repainting the cabinets. Watch this video.

The elderly often require modifications to their existing homes in order to make them safer and easier to use. Danny explores some innovative ideas to make homes more accessible, such as hinges that provide additional clearance for wheelchairs and the removal of thresholds from exterior doors. In the bathroom he examines the importance of ADA compliant faucets, as well as grab bars and adjustable shower heads. The need for increased lighting is addressed by the installation of remote controlled skylights. Watch this video.

Tired of waiting for hot water? Danny shows three methods for easing the problem. Including a hot water recirculation pump, proper water heater maintenance, and a tankless water heater, these solutions will have your water running hot in no time. Watch this video.

With so much to choose from on different types of kitchen sinks, Danny details some of those options and what to watch out for. From heavy composite materials to traditional stainless steel, take a little time to make sure you get the sink that best fits your needs. Watch this video.

Kitchen renovations add more value to your home than improvements in almost any other areas, but they also can make a drastic difference in how your home is used. Danny has some advice to help make the right decisions during the renovation. Watch this video.

During a remodel is the perfect time to evaluate the condition of the many hidden elements of your home. Danny points out some areas to check when the walls are opened up and the place cleared out. Watch this video.

Ceramic tile floors can add extra elegance to formal areas like the living room and dining room. In a project like this, Floor preparation is import before the first tiles can be laid. Darker marble insets were used to add pizazz to this flooring. Watch this video.

Danny simplifies the complicated process of selecting the right kitchen cabinets. From your first decision, whether to choose manufactured or custom cabinetry, to the difficult task of giving your kitchen personality, Danny provides answers and even enlists the help of kitchen designer Cheryl Kees Clendenon. Watch this video.

Creating a kitchen that’s attractive but easy to keep clean is a goal for most homeowners but it’s especially hard for parents of young children. Kids seem to find away to get fingerprints on every appliance you own. Watch this video.

The “Old World” look of natural stone is more popular than ever in kitchens today, but people often ask how they can create this look on a budget. The answer may be in a new generation of laminate countertops that mimic the look of stone surfaces at a much lower price. Watch this video.

One of the first questions people often ask at the start of a kitchen renovation is “can I get granite countertops on my budget?” The answer to that question is yes a lot more often now than it once was because Granite has become more affordable. Watch this video.

I’m often asked why some brands of pre-fabricated cabinets are so expensive when they are made of particle board. Most quality cabinets use a material that does resemble a low-grade particle board but is actually much more durable. Watch this video.

Organizing your kitchen cabinets to make it easy to find your food items is easy. We found that you can actually make small steps inside your kitchen cabinets to display canned goods so that you can actually see what’s in the back of the cabinet. Watch this video.

Wouldn’t it be great to see exactly how much space a kitchen island will take up before it’s actually installed? An inexpensive way to get a realistic sense of this space is to construct a full-scale model of the island out of cardboard. Watch this video.

Countertop appliances such as coffeemakers and standing mixers are often stored pushed back under cupboards or shelves. In order to use the small appliances, you will need to pull them away from the wall. Self-adhesive felt pads, such as those used to protect floors from furniture scratches, have another handy application. To prevent marring the counter-top, stick the small felt pads to the bottom of your kitchen appliances. Watch this video.

This plumbing trick is an oldie but goodie and works well when you need to caulk around the top of a tub. Scrape out the old caulk and fill the tub with water to weigh it down. If there is any flexibility in the wooden framing beneath, the tub will be at its lowest point. Create a guide for the new caulking by applying masking tape both to the wall and the top of the tub. Fill the gap around the tub with silicone caulking, let it dry overnight and drain the water. Watch this video.

There are a variety of home remedies for clogged drains that don’t require commercial products. One of the easiest drain cleaning solutions makes use of an ordinary plunger. Watch this video.

Sometimes it’s just as easy to repair something as it is to replace it. A spring loaded shower rod that has fallen down is a great example. These types of shower rods work under tension, and if the mechanism inside has snapped there will be no tension to hold it. To fix the problem simply set the rod to the correct length, mark it with tape and then drill two holes through both pieces of the rod. Place stainless steel screws in the holes so that they won’t rust. This will lock the rod into position, but once it’s in place there won’t be any reason to adjust it. Instead of $10-$15 for a new rod you pay for the screws. Watch this video.

It’s inevitable that if you store your pots and pans with the lids on them, they won’t stay that way for long and you’ll find yourself constantly searching for the right lid to the right saucepan. Organize your pot and pan lids by creating a simple storage area for them. Watch this video.

Often the straps that secure the pipe leading to a shower-head become loose creating an annoying rattle as the shower is pressurized. To alleviate this without tearing into the wall to re-secure the pipe, try using expandable foam. Watch this video.

A toilet tank lid that doesn’t fit properly is dangerous if it falls off the tank, and the noise of china scraping china is truly annoying. To solve this problem simply apply a bead of 100% silicone caulk to the top lip of the toilet tank and allow it to dry (usually overnight). Once dry, the silicone forms a gasket that keeps the lid from sliding around and eliminates that nasty grating sound. Watch this video.

Every kitchen has a junk drawer and we can’t change that, but we may be able to help you organize your junk. Drawer organizers can be purchased from most home centers or discount stores but rarely do they allow you to truly customize the drawer space. The solution: create custom dividers using lattice strips (sizes vary but most are about 1/8′ thick and 1 ¼’ to 1 ¾’ wide). Layout the pattern you want and create interlocking joints by cutting notches in the lattice half the depth of the lattice and the full thickness. Hook them together and set them in place. Watch this video.