Q: Is it okay to keep my 15 year-old freezer working in an uninsulated, closed-in porch during winter? I know some people keep freezers in garages without any difficulty, but I’m concerned the motor might seize in cold winter temperatures. […]
Continue ReadingBEAT THE HEAT: Cooler Upstairs Bedrooms in Summer
Is the second story of your home too hot in summer, despite air conditioning that’s running full blast and making lower levels too cold? Click for a real-world solution that solves the problem once and for all.
Continue ReadingARCHITECT: How to Choose One for Your Project
UPDATED 22MAY2017 Q: How should my husband and I choose an architect? We’ve bought five acres of waterfront property that’s blessed with interesting topography. We envision a small, green home, perhaps using water reclamation technology and solar energy, incorporating local […]
Continue ReadingVIDEO Q&A: How Do I Get Quartersawn Lumber 2x6s?
UPDATED 6MAY2017 Q: I bought plans to build a workbench and the instructions mentions making the top from quartersawn lumber to guard against warping and cupping. I don’t know what quartersawing is. I plan to use 2X6s for the top, but how do […]
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Q&A: Can recessed light fixtures be installed in a cathedral ceiling?
Q: Can I install recessed light fixtures in a cathedral ceiling? There’s insulation right above the drywall, and I understand that recessed light fixtures need to have clearance around them because of the heat they generate. What can I do? A: […]
Continue ReadingROOFING Q&A: What’s Best Fiberglass or Organic shingles?
Q: Two of the three companies quoting on my reroofing job strongly recommend fibreglass shingles. The other never uses them. From a price stand point, there’s little difference, though warranties look better on the fiberglass. Can you help me make […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: What’s the best paint for my basement floor?
Q: What’s the best option for painting my concrete basement floor? It has a few small cracks, but it’s in pretty good shape. Is there a product that can be used to fill these gaps before painting? A: The best basement […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: How Do I Anchor Something Heavy to Drywall?
Q: How do I anchor something heavy to drywall? I’d like to install a hanging ceiling lamp bracket, but don’t think a regular hook will hold. What can I do? A: You’re wise to be concerned because a regular drywall anchor […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: Is Knotty Pine Good For a Finished Floor?
Q: Is knotty pine a good option for a finished floor? We’ve read your recommendations of this material, and would love to use it, but we’ve been advised not to. We’re told the wood will probably buckle, crack and split […]
Continue ReadingQ&A: How can I protect tools against rust?
Q: My husband and I store power tools, hand tools and garden tools in our garage, and they’re getting quite rusty. I’m not sure why because they never get wet. What’s causing the rust and how can we stop it? […]
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