Maintenance and Repair: March 2006 Monthly archive
Squeaky wood floors are charming at first in an old building but living with them can be irritating. Natural Handyman has some fixes that should muzzle your creaky floorboards.
All Those Squeaks Just Floor Me! [Natural Handyman]
March 26, 2006 | Comments (1)Vinyl tile is easy to clean and maintain but you still yearn for a richer and more solid flooring. Here's some tips to getting that vinyl tile up and there's no easy way.
Removing Vinyl Tiles and Lino Flooring [DIY Doctor]
Removing Vinyl Floors [Hammerzone]
Some recommend not removing the tile at all [InfoTile Forums]
March 22, 2006 | Comments ()
Houseblogs.net is just over a year old and has become the mothership for anyone who is chronicaling the restoration or renovation of their home. Created by Aaron & Jeannie of HouseinProgress.net who own and restore their own 1914 Craftsman-style bungalow, Houseblogs is a community-driven site that allows members to share their DIY experiences and learn from others. One of the most helpful features of Houseblogs is the Ask Houseblogs section where readers can submit their own DIY challenges for other readers to answer. Next time you're in a quandry look here.
Ask Houseblogs
HouseinProgress.net
March 21, 2006 | Comments (1)Today is the first official day of Spring and we've compiled a list of some great resources that will help you break out of the winter funk and prepare your home and household for warmer weather and a fresh start.
Spring Cleaning A Complete Checklist [About.com]
Quick tricks to help conquer spring cleaning [MSNBC]
Clean for Spring [The Olympian]
Versatile baking soda helps with spring cleaning [Arizona Republic]
Outside of house needs spring cleaning too [Orlando Sentinel]
Your computer needs spring cleaning, too [Union Democrat]
Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Finances, Not Just Your Home [Chron.com]
March 21, 2006 | Comments ()
It's only natural that we become attached to our favorite household appliances, even if they sometimes prove more troublesome than their worth. From the toaster that burns just right to the oven that has settings only you know, there comes a time when they must be retired to the appliance graveyard (please recycle) or you must invest time and money (little or a lot of both) to reparing them.
Fix It or Ditch It [Popular Mechanics]
March 20, 2006 | Comments ()
As the weather warms you've probaby procrastinated cleaning out the ashes and soot from your fireplace in hoping that one more coldspell comes through and you'll have a season-ending opportunity to get a roaring blaze going. But if you feel the time has come to clean out your fireplace, here's how.
Fireplace-Cleaning Tips [Howstuffworks]
How to clean a fireplace [essortment]
March 16, 2006 | Comments ()Lead wasn't banned from house paint until 1978. Which means there are still A LOT of homes out there with lead paint both inside and out. The hazards from lead paint increase each year as the paint deteriorates more and more. Besides a child ingesting paint chips, the dust particles can also be harmful.
Lead paint should only be removed by professionals and the following precautions should be taken by both the contractors and the homeowners.
March 14, 2006 | Comments ()
There comes a time when even the most capable DIY homeowners need to call for help. Whether it be for technical skill and know-how or physical labor, there are some projects that require the experience and eye of an expert. Finding these experts is no small task. Where do you start? As always its best to go with a friend or families recommendation but what if you don't know anyone who's needed to call a roofer or tilesetter?
Depending on where you live the Franklin Report has become an excellent source. Currently only servicing New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Westchester/Connecticut, the Franklin Report is an online and book survey of home renovation and maintenance service providers, based on customer feedback and reviews. Miami and San Francisco issues will be released later this year with other metro areas following.
Angie's List is another source for finding contractors and is built by word-of-mouth from different homeowners who submit their own reviews online. This is definitely a much more attractive way of searching than seeing who has the best yellow pages ad. Angie's list covers many more cities but you must subscribe (pay) before accessing any listings.
And if you're fortunate enough to live in New York city, New York magazine just released their Best of NY issue which includes their best home repair services.
After you've created your shortlist of contractors, follow these guidelines from eHow to help you in making your final decision.
March 11, 2006 | Comments ()The Cleaning Center sells cleaning tools and products but they also provide a handy guide to removing stains, ANY STAIN. Oil, coffee, blood, grease, milk, wax, paint, etc...
Tags: cleaning, stain removal
March 9, 2006 | Comments (1)
You can hide them (here's how), or you can embrace the unique features of the twisted iron and metal and make them work for you in more ways than one. Old House Journal explains two techniques that will beautify your radiator.
March 3, 2006 | Comments ()
One our favorite home interest sites is You Grow Girl. It's more than just a gardening blog. Gayla Trail has created a well written and beautifully designed online gardening community. The forums are active and the articles are well written and to the point. We are easily amused and one of our favorites is How to Grow Your own Pineapple.
March 3, 2006 | Comments (1)Readymade found a great draft stopper that will keep you warmer and save on your energy bill.
March 1, 2006 | Comments ()
One of life's little annoyances can be sticky wood drawers. With a bit of lubrication you should have smooth gliding drawers in no time. And as a last resort you can try sanding the drawer until it fits evenly, but remember it's permanent.
eHow.com states "Excess moisture due to rain or humidity makes wood swell and often causes the drawers to stick. Application of wax, such as beeswax or paraffin, seals the wood and helps prevent moisture-induced swelling."
March 1, 2006 | Comments ()
