Home Improvement Remodeling Articles at ReliableRemodeler.com

How do I dismantle an old brick chimney?

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:06:00 +0000

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 22:06:00 +0000

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 22:06:00 +0000

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 22:06:00 +0000

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 22:06:00 +0000

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 22:06:00 +0000

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

DIY projects: remember to figure waste

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:06:00 +0000

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

Thu, 09 May 2013 22:06:00 +0000

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 18:56:00 +0000

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 18:56:00 +0000

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 18:56:00 +0000

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.

Is it a load-bearing wall?

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:56:00 +0000

Sawhorses: remodeling tools of a different color

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:11:00 +0000

Sheetrock 101: what every DIYer should know

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:11:00 +0000

2013 may be ideal for remodeling projects

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:11:00 +0000

Egress and your home remodeling project

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:21:00 +0000

Remodeling 2013: 4 innovative products for DIYers

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:58:00 +0000

Remodeling contracts: 7 guidelines for homeowners

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:30:00 +0000

5 great gifts for home improvement DIYers

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:56:00 +0000

DIY framing: Don't forget the blocking, nailers, and fire-stopping

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:01:00 +0000

Kitchen Remodeling Getting Started

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:43:00 +0000

Remodeling Ideas at ReliableRemodeler.com is your online magazine, resource, and guide for home improvement, design, decorating, landscaping, painting, and renovation projects.

6 tips for keeping out the drafts this winter

Fri, 13 May 2011 23:05:57 +0000

One way you to avoid high heating bills is to keep the cold air out in the first place. Here are 6 ways to plug up the drafts.

7 key steps to preparing your backyard pond for winter

Fri, 13 May 2011 23:05:21 +0000

If you have a pond in your yard, special preparation is needed before freezing winter weather sets in. These tips should keep your pond looking good come spring.

Understanding the finer points of home ventilation

Fri, 13 May 2011 23:05:00 +0000

Air flow is a key ingredient in cooling your house. Here are 5 basic points about home ventilation you should know.

5 facts you want to know about radiant floor heat

Fri, 13 May 2011 22:05:00 +0000

Want your tootsies to stay toasty when they hit the floor? How about installing radiant floor heat?

7 winter home improvements to help you stay warm

Fri, 13 May 2011 21:05:28 +0000

Don't let winter drain all the warmth out of your life. Here are 7 ways to keep the cold out of the house and the warmth in.

8 ways to dispose of home remodeling debris

Fri, 13 May 2011 20:05:19 +0000

Have you remembered to figure the cost of removing debris into your remodeling budget? Here are some suggestions for ways to save on disposal costs and properly discard debris.

5 signs the duct work needs cleaning

Fri, 13 May 2011 19:05:05 +0000

Dirty ducts can harbor pollutants like dust, mold, insects and even rodent droppings. They can also reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. In most cases it is best to call in a professional to clean them.

Is your home prepared for Old Man Winter?

Fri, 13 May 2011 19:05:00 +0000

Consult this checklist and get ready before winter sets in.

New insulation options for your home

Fri, 13 May 2011 18:05:58 +0000

Lack of sufficient insulation can be an energy drain any time of the year. These insulation solutions can trim your energy bills and make your house more comfortable year round.

7 easy steps to laying a cork floor

Fri, 13 May 2011 18:05:46 +0000

Cork flooring is easy underfoot and easy to install. Learn how in 7 steps.

7 basics of an outdoor fire pit

Fri, 13 May 2011 17:05:11 +0000

On cool evenings, nothing is quite as fun as gathering around a fire pit in the backyard. Follow these 7 steps to build yours.

6 tips for a winning gazebo design

Fri, 13 May 2011 16:05:50 +0000

Gazebos add a touch of class and romance to a yard, not to mention extra space for outdoor living. Consider these planning tips for a successful project.