On May 25, 2012, a homestead homeowner inquired as to how she and her husband could support themselves financially after moving out of the city to a rural homestead property. The biggest piece of advice, whatever you design for yourselves,…
What kind of coating can I put on some oak stairs to stop dogs and people from slipping? I really don’t want to use carpet. On June 12, 2012, a homeowner from Texas asked me what kind of coating they…
I’ve read conflicting advice about the use of wide boards for furniture woodworking projects. Some say its okay, others recommend slicing the boards to no more than 4 inches wide before gluing them back together again. I have some very…
I’m looking for information on floor and roof supports in new houses. I’d like to have a home built with a completely open basement, and I’ve heard of floor systems that eliminate the need for pillars. Please fill me in…
How can we stop frost from forming on the inside face of the garage walls on our three-year-old home during winter? The drywall is getting ruined. Our builder wants to help, but doesn’t know how to begin. This sounds like…
I plan to remove old carpet from a medium-sized bedroom, and then paint the floor. Trouble is, its just chipboard under the broadloom. What’s the least expensive, paintable material I can install on top? You’re right to be hesitant about painting…
How should I make a creaky subfloor quiet? Back in 1990, I had the second floor of our 60-year-old bungalow enlarged. The contractor used 1/2-inch chipboard for the new subfloor, fastened with nails only. This floor has always been noisy…
Do you still like the low-flow toilets you installed in your bathroom? I came across an old column of yours where you describe this technology and how to install it. I have two toilets in my house of unknown vintage…
Can we safely install laminate flooring in our unheated cottage? One salesman told us that it would be okay because the product is moisture resistant and so much better now than a few years ago. Another salesman won’t guarantee a…
We are currently renovating an older mobile home. We have the opportunity to install unfinished oak flooring throughout, but wonder whether the situation affects how we should do it. What are your ideas for finishing? I prefer a satin-type finish,…
Why is water dripping from underneath my eaves? There’s no leakage in the attic or living quarters, but I’m concerned. The leaks happened when warm weather melted snow on the roof. The water dripping from your soffit is a definite…
Is radiant infloor heating a good idea for a cottage? We’re planning our design right now and need help understanding this option. Everyone likes radiant floor heating because everyone likes warm feet. But the real issue in cottage country is how…