We’re fixing an older home with plaster walls and want to apply drywall over top. Can we do this? I’ve heard that you can’t screw drywall down in situations like this. What about construction adhesive instead? I’ve never heard any…
Q: How can I soundproof the suspended ceiling in my basement? My daughter is moving in down there and I’m hoping that fiberglass batts installed above the ceiling tiles will keep the sound down. A: Effective retrofit soundproofing is never…
What’s your opinion of macerating toilets? I’m planning to build a two-piece bathroom in a finished basement. Macerating toilet systems allow bathrooms to be built below the level of a drain. They include a toilet that connects to a sealed box…
My husband and I would like to paint our Formica countertop to change its colour. Will this work? The cost of a replacement countertop is too high, and our old one remains in good shape. Although I haven’t tried it…
A few years ago a homeowner from Toronto wrote to ask how he can fasten crown moulding to his concrete ceiling and walls. What’s making it even trickier is that the ceiling is also out of level by as much…
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 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,…
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…