Evaluating an old house is a process of compromise. The need for minor repairs like painting, scrubbing tile, and freeing stuck windows may disqualify a house if its over-all appeal to you is only marginal, while major work like foundation and roofing repairs may seem acceptable if you have found an extraordinary old house.
This post will kick-off a series dedicated to doing your own old house inspections with instructions and techniques that not only apply to older homes but new ones as well.
It's the kind of thing you forget about until you're going up the stairs and there it is: the squeaky step. Though probably not on the top of your to-do list, this quick reference may give you the motivation you need. It may be as easy as dusting the stairs with a little talcum powder.
If you have pets that shed then you definitely have a pet hair problem in your home. Maybe you've figured out the best solution--but I know for me it's always been a frustrating issue. Apparently, though, the rest of the world already has pet hair removal figured out. If you're not one of these people then keep reading.
Cutting dovetail joints is one of the essential skills of any woodworker, but lining up the pins and tails can be challenging.
We're constantly bombarded with commercials and print ads about how important a good night's sleep is. Since our mattresses are with us for ten years or more, it's worth a little research so we can all cash in on that good night of sleep.
Imagine working with some beautiful pieces of cherry or mahogany, and the project underway is almost done, and in hopes of finishing early for the day, you hammer a little faster than necessary, and ping, the wood splits. A project is now delayed and/or potentially ruined.
Need a new door for the entryway? Or maybe one to replace an existing bedroom or closet door? If you aren't schooled in the differences between interior and exterior doors, you could end up purchasing the wrong type of door, only to have to go out and purchase another one.
Exterior doors should be heavy duty and weatherproofed. Insulated metal or steel doors offer long-term wear and help keep out the cold. They're also more secure. Wood doors don't last as long, as they can warp, rot,
and shrink.
When you get professionally installed carpet, you know it comes with padding underneath. But did you know just how important that padding can be? If you're thinking of installing wall-to-wall carpet yourself or are buying a large area rug, read these tips before you do it.
Don't let spring cleaning get in the way of your allergies--in fact, make sure your "big clean" isn't simultaneously stirring up dust mites and pollen that will only make things worse for your allergies. Take a look at this article on for advice on minimizing allergens.
DIY Maven shares the virtues of tin ceiling tiles: Tin ceilings came to the U.S. during the Victorian era via Europe and became a popular, inexpensive alternative to decorative plasterwork. In this century, thinking of tin ceilings as an inexpensive alternative is downright laughable--considering the alternative is now Sheetrock!
May 22, 2008 | Comments ()
