Remodeling: May 2006 Monthly archive
When considering a subfloor the best option is usually a tongue-and-groove edged board. These are the easiest to install and don't require additionally blocking. They can be used under carpet, tile, or wood flooring.
Installing a Subfloor Over a Joist System [Homestore]
Solid subfloors make for happy feet [Inman News]
Tongue-and-Groove Flooring [CanPly]
May 31, 2006 | Comments ()
Lam Beams (Glu-Lam Beams) are usually constructed of Cedar or Pine and can provide the strength of steel but the feel and warmth of wood. These are best used to span interiors and assist in supporting pitched roofs and secondary floors.
Lam Beams [Howe Lumber]
May 31, 2006 | Comments ()
Cupolas bring an instant old-world charm to your home and enhance the roof line much like a dormer would, but depending on your design, cupolas are less structurally invasive than dormers and decorative cupolas are much easier to install. They are also the perfect base-point for a classic weathervane.
Where Can I Find Cupola Plans? [Cupola FAQ]
Build a Cupola Plans [Family Handyman]
May 30, 2006 | Comments ()
Time Thief, a renovation houseblog of a 1940's Prairie Village, Kansas tract home, has chronicled their bathroom renovation in a few informative entries with great photos. This should be inspiration enough to dive into your own bathroom remodel and maybe you'll find something else besides razor blades behind the walls.
Time Thief
Bathroom Tour
Bathroom Progress
Finished Bathroom
Tags: bathroom, remodel, renovation
May 23, 2006 | Comments ()
From the Answers @ Ace section of the Ace website comes a great how-to for framing and hanging doors. This step-by-step will take you through the process. Starting with the framing using 2x4s, hanging then mortising the door for hinges, and finally installing a cylinder lock. Look for a post on securing your home and dead bolt locks coming soon.
Framing and Hanging Doors [Ace Hardware]
May 22, 2006 | Comments ()
A concrete floor is easy to clean, requires little maintenance, and gives your space an industrial look. They can be perfect for basements as well as other unfinished rooms in your home but many times you may want the benefits of a concrete floor without the coldness of it. The best solution is to paint your floor and you may be surprised as to the flair a simple color or two on the floor can do for a room.
Concrete Floors [Home and Garden Makeover]
Better Basement Floors [Dollar Stretcher]
Peeling from Concrete Floors [Benjamin Moore]
May 18, 2006 | Comments (1)
One of the easiest kitchen makeovers you can do is install a tile backsplash. Installing tile on the wall between the countertop and the upper cabinets allows you to customize the look of your kitchen and add patterns or colors that compliment the rest of your house. It also makes cleanup easier as you no longer have to scrub the wall but just wipe down the tile while cleaning the counters.
You can adhere the tiles to existing wall board, formica, or plaster but be sure to clean all surfaces thoroughly and even sandpaper them before applying adhesive.
If you've got old (retro) tile as above and want to replace it you can attempt to separate it from the wall but many times the tile is permanently stuck to the wall board and in that case it's easier to just cut out the wall board and replace it, then tile onto the new wall.
May 16, 2006 | Comments ()
One of the smartest ways to add warmth and comfort to a plain looking room is by adding molding. Crown molding runs along the top of the top of the wall and intersects with your ceiling. There are many different styles to choose from depending on your desired effect. You can also add a chair rail and wainscoting which will give your room an even more traditional look as well as protect your wall from nicks and scrapes. And the final piece of railing to install is the baseboard molding which will finish the look.
Your local hardware center will have the supplies you need to do this yourself and it does take time and patience as well as a little know-how with a table saw. There are pre-made molding kits which make the process easier but they do cost more.
Selecting Molding [Lowes]
May 12, 2006 | Comments ()An attic that isn't ventilated can act like a sauna and get extremely hot. An easy way to resolve this is by adding soffit vents. These vents should be installed underneath the eaves of your house and will cross-circulate the air in your attic by bringing in fresh air and allowing heated air to escape through gable or ridge vents. By adding soffit vents you will save more in air-conditioning costs and make trekking into your attic more bearable.
Installing Soffit Vents [CornerHardware]
Attic Soffit Vents [DIYnet]
May 4, 2006 | Comments ()
