Power Tool Drag Racing

Take your ingenuity and power tools to the next level and get competitive.

  July 31, 2007 | Comments ()

Building Interior Walls using Metal Studs

We've presented some techniques for building interior walls but overwhelmingly the material of choice is now metal/steel studs. Besides saving trees, metal studs have many advantages over traditional lumber. They don’t shrink or split and are always perfectly straight. They’re also light and easy to store; they resist fire, insects and rot; and they are about 30% cheaper then wood. Plus you'll only need tin snips and a screw gun or a drill with a bit-holder. But remember, metal stud walls should only be considered for non-load bearing use.

Steel Studs aka Light Guage Metal Framing [Remodeling for Geeks]
Whole-House Remodeling with Steel Studs and Joists [Housing Zone]
How to Build with Steel Studs [WikiHow]
Modular Metal Stud Framing [PortaFab]
How to Cut Metal Studs [Bob Vila]
Residential Steel Studs and Joists [CSSBI]

  July 30, 2007 | Comments ()

Lead Paint Removal

We've touched on the dangers of lead paint and now House in Progress has started their own lead paint stripping process after highlighting the history of lead paint use in this country and makes a distinction between lead paint that is intact (safe) as opposed to paint chips and dust (unsafe). Any home built before 1978 may wish to have the paint on their walls tested for lead before performing any remodeling projects. Apartment Therapy offers some tips for finding low and zero VOC paints.

  July 27, 2007 | Comments ()

Transform Your Formica Countertops

If you aren't satisfied with your formica countertops you can give them a fresh look. With a little effort and creativity, who knew granite could be this easy and while you're at it, upgrade your fixtures.

Formica Countertop Repair [Bob Vila]

  July 26, 2007 | Comments ()

Are You as Handy as Your Dad?

Toolmonger turned us onto a great blog entry from the Wall Street Journal asking the question, "Are Dads Less Handy Around the House?"

I'm not a Dad and even if I were I'm certainly not as handy around the house as my Pop is. I was raised by a very handy Dad who had a tool shed to be proud of. His specialty is in electrical work and he enjoyed the puzzle of determining what's "hot" as much as the challenge of installing the light fixture or appliance. My Dad set the bar high which motivates me to keep on learning.

  July 18, 2007 | Comments (1)

Advice for Building Permit Approval

Applying for building permits are often the bane of many general contractors and often times work that has already begun must stop until permits are secured and the work order is approved. This wastes time and money for the homeowner but procuring all of the necessary permits before construction helps to ease this process. Here's some advice for gaining permit approval quickly and with the least amount of hassle.

  July 13, 2007 | Comments (1)

Outdoor Sheds

Sticking with the storage theme this week, why not build your own shed. Once again we've found some great content from Popular Mechanics which includes a comprehensive plan for building your own wood shed. If you aren't sure what materials to use for construction use this guide from DoItYourself.com.

  July 13, 2007 | Comments (2)