Ask the Contractor

How do I dismantle an old brick chimney?

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:06:00 -0700

I want to get rid of the brick chimney on our house (we don't burn wood anymore and it is in bad shape and leaning). I can't get any big machinery near that side of the house without taking down a fence and running over some landscaping, so what's the best way for me to take this down by hand?

Why does my house need mechanical ventilation?

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:06:00 -0700

We just put new windows in our house and paid to have more insulation in the attic and weatherstripping around the doors. The house seems very tight now (less drafts, more comfortable). Someone mentioned to us that we now need some mechanical vents to control air flow. Any idea on what this is?

What is the order in which to do a kitchen remodel?

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:06:00 -0700

I'm planning to remodel my small kitchen, hallway and bathroom from floor to ceiling. I also plan to replace all of my appliances and reduce the size of one window. Is there a general check off list of what needs to be done and in what order to do it? Should I do the ceiling first or the floor? What projects are best left to the professionals?

- Tim B.

Can the height of a basement be increased?

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:06:00 -0700

Is there any way more height can be put into an existing building's basement? The height of the unfinished ceiling is six feet. The whole basement is unfinished and it has no subfloor.

-Sharron

What is the best stain for cedar siding?

Sat, 11 May 2013 15:06:00 -0700

I am putting up some cedar siding on a garage and want to finish it with some stain. What is the best type of stain to use on raw wood? Should I put the stain on before I nail up the boards or after?

Do I need to replace old knob and tube wiring?

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:06:00 -0700

We are looking at an old house to buy (1930's?) that has some knob and tube style wiring. Is this type of wiring safe, is it allowed by code? We are most likely going to rent the house to tenants. Should we worry about the old wiring?

Kerry - Portland, ME

How do I install wood board and batten siding on my barn?

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:06:00 -0700

I'm putting up some wood board and batten siding on a small barn, hoping to let the raw wood turn grey over time to look old. There is a lot of conflicting advice online about how to nail/install the boards, plus what species of wood to use if I want it to weather to a silver/gray finish. What's your advice?

-Gregg J.

Can I hang sheet rock directly over backer board?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:56:00 -0700

I have one small room in a 1959 ranch house that was paneled instead of plastered. When I
removed the paneling there was backer board on the walls. My question is, can I hang 1/4"
sheet rock directly over this?

Who should I hire to finish my basement?

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:56:00 -0700

How much would it cost to hire someone to turn a totally unfinished basement into a finished large room -- can one contractor do the walls, floors, ceiling?

-Karen

How do you install kitchen wall cabinets?

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:56:00 -0700

I want to hang some new wall cabinets in my kitchen. What is the best way to do this? What type of screws should I use to hang the cabinets that will hold a lot of weight (dishes,etc.)? Thank you.

-Steve B.