Remodeling 23: Remodeling Answers
Here's a list of Dave's answers about home improvement and remodeling you might find of help. Click on a title to see its answer.
On a 2x6 exterior wall, how thick do you make the header?
I am determined to turn an unfinished attic into a bedroom. How do I get started?
How do you frame in a bifold door? What are the rough opening measurements?
Could you please tell me how you build headers for closet bifold doors that are 6'0" wide on non-bearing walls? Do you just build them out of 2x4's?
I'm planning on building an entertainment center/armoire. Most of the plans that I've looked at call for a 1/4" plywood back to be nailed into the sides. However, one plan that I've looked at uses a 3/4
I want to put down tile on the kitchen floor. The floor currently has vinyl from the 70's and is flush with my hardwood floors in the dining and living room. My question is do I need to take out the subfloor and replace it so once my til
Do you know how I might find information on building the walls and roof of a residential home from cement as they do in commercial construction? This seems like it would be an extremely strong and inexpensive building.
How do you fill and seal the gaps between cement and brick or cement and cinder block AND how do you fix the cracks in a cinder block wall?
Should I put tar paper against the cement foundation wall before I put up the 2x4's?
How do you construct a window well?
How do I cut 3 1/2" crown molding at the correct angle?
I am making a Home theater downstairs and need to make square decorative columns. Do you have any plans for these?
How does one determine the swing of a door?
I am in the process of building a dog house for my German Shepherd puppy. Can you please tell me what would be the correct size to accomodate her when she has reached her adult state?
I'm in the process of finishing my new house and have a question. I have to hang doors, put on the base and door trim and lay a pre-finished hardwood floor. What should the order be? The sheetrock is up, spackled and painted.
Have you any suggestions for the BEST methods for hanging shelves or other heavy objects from drywall where using a stud won't work?
Any suggestions on how to make the joint when you butt drywall to a timber frame post.
Can you give me some guidance on wood for my bar? For framing, I'll use treated lumber, but for the exterior visible surfaces, I wanted to use something a little nicer.
My question right now is on removing (filling in) an existing window. I am clear on what I will need to do with the framing. My question is on the exterior sheeting.
I am installing tile and carpet in the rec room of my house and the problem is that there's a two foot perimeter of tile around the room and the center of the room is carpet. How do I finish the carpet and attach it to the floor? There i
I'm building a 10' x 12' gambrel roof storage shed on 3 - 4" x 6" runners and I'm going to use 2"x12"x12
On a 2x6 exterior wall, how thick do you make the door header?
What is the height to fit internal door handles?
Should I put tar paper against the cement foundation wall before I put up the 2x4's?
How close to the floor and ceiling should drywall go?
How do I install a heavy ceiling fan so it won't fly or fall off?
Do you have any instructions/tips for installing a ridge vent on an existing attic roof?
I did some repair work on a ceiling that had a textured stucco-like finish. How would I go about duplicating that finish in the area I was working on?
How do I cut 3 1/2" crown molding at the correct angle?
I am finishing a basement and we are putting down an OSB subfloor which will eventually have wall to wall carpet over it. Should I install baseboard trim before or after we install the carpet?
We had custom cabinets built for our bathroom. We chose to install the drawer knobs and door handles. What is the best way to install knobs and handles and assure uniformity prior to drilling holes. Cabinet facing wood is cherry.
When installing doors and windows in a new construction house, how much bigger do I make the rough opening than the actual size of the door or window?
I'm looking at building kitchen cabinets. Would they be similar to your corner cabinet plans or is there a difference in the case construction?
I'm looking at building kitchen cabinets. Would they be similar to your corner cabinet plans or is there a difference in the case construction?
The home I am building is a 28x30 Chalet style home. I am considering using metal roof sheeting. On a residential home, can the sheeting be installed with purlins alone attached to the rafters, without sheeting, or do I need both.
How do you fill and seal the gaps between cement and brick or cement and cinder block AND how do you fix the cracks in a cinder block wall?
Do you have any advice for me to give my husband on setting poles for a pole building? It will be a 28' x 40' garage.
I'm building a gazebo and have a question about how to attach the beams at the top of my posts.
I would like to refinish my kitchen cabinets that are lacquered with a dark brown lacquer. I want to strip the lacquer and repaint them in a solid color. I do not want a glossy finish and am worried about paint brush strokes. I was consid
I am interested in taking down an interior wall that separates my kitchen and dining room and the wall runs parallel with the floor joists. Are there any special precautions that I should keep in mind while undertaking this project?
I am determined to turn an unfinished attic into a bedroom. How do I get started?
I have to repair some stucco damage around the outside of the house due to water coming up behind the stucco. How can I get a good color match and how do I go about getting started?
I did some repair work on a ceiling that had a textured stucco-like finish. How would I go about duplicating that finish in the area I was working on.
How does one determine the swing of a door?
I'm building a 10' x 12' gambrel roof storage shed on 3 - 4" x 6" runners and I'm going to use 2"x12"x12
I am in the process of building a dog house for my German Shepherd puppy. Can you please tell me what would be the correct size to accomodate her when she has reached her adult state?
When installing doors and windows in a new construction house, how much bigger do I make the rough opening than the actual size of the door or window?
Is there a standard width to a hallway? Also I've got a 36" front entrance door, the rest are 32". Is there a reason to put a 36" door anywhere else?
Is there a standard width to a hallway? Also I've got a 36" front entrance door, the rest are 32". Is there a reason to put a 36" door anywhere else?
Is there a standard width to a hallway? Also I've got a 36" front entrance door, the rest are 32". Is there a reason to put a 36" door anywhere else?
If I use staples for a Luan underlayment (for Linoleum in a bathroom), what size staple is best? Also, I thought the underlayment should end up half way through the doorway, but someone just told me only 3/4 inch and the carpet will be la
I have to repair some stucco damage around the outside of the house due to water coming up behind the stucco. How can I get a good color match and how do I go about getting started?
How do I attach a heavy ceiling fan so it won't fly or fall off?
I'm confused about whether or not to tape the joints on 1/4 inch wonderboard, a cement backer board for tile. The manufacturer says not to, but people in the trade say to tape them with fiberglass drywall tape. Any insight on this would b
Do you use tar paper for moisture barrier under vinyl siding, the same as felt paper? We have 15 and 30 pound, which one? Is Tyvek housewrap better?
I am installing tile and carpet in the rec room of my house and the problem is that there's a two foot perimeter of tile around the room and the center of the room is carpet. How do I finish the carpet and attach it to the floor? There i
Can you tell me what amount of vents should be in the skirting of a mobile home?
Lots of people trim out their windows different than others. What's your preferred way of installing inside window trim?
How do you construct a window well?
I would appreciate any feedback from you regarding finishing the interior pine side of an out-swing french door patio door. After applying a conditioner (per Minwax's recommendation) I am considering applying a gel stain. Is any sanding n