If you notice cracks or holes in the mortar of your home's brickwork, it is time for repointing. This home improvement project involves cleaning out the distressed mortar and replacing it with fresh material.
When all things are equal (quality of materials, surface preparation, condition of siding, etc.), paint provides longer protection for siding than stain does. When properly applied, paint can last for seven to nine years.
Inspect your driveway for cracks and other signs of damage. Concrete driveways should be cleaned and cracks repaired using an epoxy patching material. Asphalt driveways require an asphalt patching material and should be sealed every two years.
A well-landscaped yard creates a warm and inviting area for your guests. For greater visual appeal, create walkways or seating areas using fieldstones, mulch, or a mixture of the two.
Are you putting your home up for sale? One of the best ways to increase its value is to make improvements to the kitchen and bathroom. Not only will they make your home more appealing, they deliver an exceptional ROI.
Regularly inspect the caulk and grout around windows and doors, sinks, tubs, and shower stalls. If it is moldy or damaged, it needs to be removed and replaced.
Before painting or staining bare wood, apply a sealer. Doing so protects the wood and prevents the growth of mold. It is also available with UV blockers to prevent sun damage.
Directing water away from the foundation of your home or building is important for its stability. Even if the site is properly graded, roof run-off can still attack it. When you're installing gutters be sure to add a splash block to the bottom of the downspout.
Removing faucets and sinks goes much faster and is easier to do when you use a basin wrench. This odd-looking cousin to slip joint pliers is designed for the tight spaces and odd configurations of faucet-to-basin connections.
If you have a large expanse of yard in which you'd like some texture, consider building stone walls in strategic locations. Not only will they define areas, they will provide additional seating.
Treated lumber is perfect for outdoor home improvement projects and kits of pre-cut lumber for decks, patios, furniture and play sets are available that make assembly easy and with minimal waste.
Feelings of depth and richness can be added to your cabinets by adding framed or raised panel doors. Attractive hardware, detailed carving, or contrasting inserts also add to their beauty.
A decorative paving stone curb will deliver the perfect finishing touch to your swimming pool. Not only does it help to define its boundaries, it will keep grass from encroaching on the decking area.
Copper tubing for plumbing is 5/8” in diameter, and is available in two thicknesses: M and L. M is the thinner of the two and is acceptable for interior applications well-removed from the chance of freezing. If there's even a remote possibility that the water in the pipes could freeze, choose L.
Replace the filters in your HVAC system according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. A clogged filter impedes airflow, decreases efficiency, and shortens the life of the unit.
After drywall has been installed, it will still need a thin coat of plaster applied to it before it can be painted. A primer coat of paint will also be needed.
Thinking about buying new furniture for your master bedroom? Why not go all in with a complete remodel to turn it into a place you've dreamed of owning.
Hardwood flooring is available as wide planks, thin strips, or as parquet squares. With that, you are not limited to one or the other and can mix and match as you choose – whatever fits the look you are trying to achieve.
When it’s raining or snowing and the cold winds are blowing, few things beat the ease and comfort of a dry garage for entering or exiting your vehicle or home. A good garage door not only contributes to the coziness, it also provides a strong degree of security.
As your family grows, available space becomes scarce. Cabinets specifically designed and built to fit the layout of your home will provide much needed storage and a place to keep things out of sight but still handy.
Move your mancave outdoors with a handsome, well-designed, fully equipped, outdoor cooking patio. Let's talk about your ideas and what you'd like to include and then we'll take things from there.
If you have a fireplace, an inexpensive upgrade that will improve its appearance is replacing the old surround with a new one made from brick. If you have a wooden mantelpiece, it can be incorporated into the design.
