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…
Most vinyl windows are white, and the reason has largely to do with the way vinyl expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Light colours reduce heat build up in the window frames, eliminating the bowing, bending and cracking that…
I live in a six year-old two story home, and when the shower or bath faucets are turned on in the bathroom, the cold water pipe vibrates and makes a knocking noise. I’ve located the spot in the basement where…
How can I fix a new door that has an uneven gap at the top? I know that the proper thing to do is to take out the door jamb and square it up, but I hope there’s another way….