Home Improvement Blog

Monday, August 26, 2013

On home renovation shows on TV, why do they never go into detail on doing electrical work?

Q. I watched an episode of Hometime today where they were installing ceramic tile on the floor. They spent the entire half-hour program going into detail of each step of the way. I've seen that with other kinds of work too, but never with electrical. On any given program where the project involves any electrical work, they never spend more than 5 minutes describing it, and they only give an overview of what needs to be done -- not how to actually do it.

A. Liability. Giving someone a little bit of information about electricity can be fatal. Electrical work is not something that can be learned from watching a 30 minute TV show. In addition, most states require that electrical work done on property other than your own home be done by a qualified electrician. Sometimes, they will show them installing light fixtures, but all of the preliminary wiring has been done to the point that the finish is as close to idiot-proof as you can get. Hope this helps.

Original Question

Any tips on dust removal after a home renovation?

Q. We had some electrical work redone, and there were a lot of holes that were made in the dry wall ceilings and walls. The spackling is done, but I know the sanding is coming in a day or two. Any suggestions on dust control and removal. The areas that will be done are in the bedrooms, hallways and kitchen.
we don't have central air/heat. We have the oil heat type furnace. Heat is distributed through baseboard heaters.

A. Block off the areas to be sanded with plastic over the doorways, and be sure to block off the cold air returns. The dust will be sucked into the cold air returns, then to the furnace (which is no good).

Then use a good shop vac with a good filter.

There are also drywall sanders that attach to a vac and the dust is sucked into it while you are sanding. Ask your contractor if he uses one.

If not, just block off the areas and take out anything you dont want dusty.

If he is only sanding holes here and there, he can also use a sponge and "wet sand". This way there is no dust at all.

edit: I would definately ask about sponge sanding the spots. I do it often and it works fine if the guy knows what he is doing. You dampen a sponge and use that. Then you get 0 dust.

Original Question

How do people learn enough about the mechanicals of cars to do at home restorations of classic cars?

Q. i want to get into classic car restoration from the 60's but how do people learn how to preform all the mechanical stuff during the restoration

A. school or just by reading books and doing it really so many differrent parts to re doing a car have to know something about everything most of it you can learn by a book and doing it or scools that teach it auto body auto shop auto paint learn most of it by watching others do it and then doing it just like they did

Original Question

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Can someone recommend me a home renovation contractor in Vancouver West?

Q. I am planning to renovate my bathroom and kitchen.

A. Hi Edit, Marino GC does very nice renovation work. The company has been around in Vancouver for a while doing high quality high-end remodelling. I actually know some of the guys working for the company and I do know that they are very good and talented trades people. Very big bonus that they are really honest about the their pricing and they deliver what the have promised.

Original Question

Friday, August 23, 2013

How to get started in a home renovation career.?

Q. I want to flip homes, but have no idea where to start. I am 20 years old and am recently in school for architecture. However my major is not what I ultimately want to do.

How do I transition into a career renovating homes?

A. You have to attain your first property in this instance (No mean feat today!) Then, renovate, and sell (Hopefully) That's your first step. Auctions can be good ways in, to getting a fixer, but there's absolutely no guarantee, as you are likely to be up against other property developers with much larger pots of readily available disposable income, and - the places listed and found at auctions, can frequently contain very expensive 'secrets' to have to remedy... Still, good luck to you.

Original Question

I want to make a home made foreskin restoration device, any one have any ideas using materials from home?

Q. I want to make a home made foreskin restoration device, any one have any ideas using materials from home?
I am under eighteen and can't buy a restoration device and only can use things I own. Does anyone know a easy to use device? Any sites that can help me out?

A. Don't waste your time and money on trying to create a faux skin.

Your parents did the very best for your long term hygiene and sexual satisfaction by getting you circumcised. Don't throw away these benefits.

Original Question

Thursday, August 22, 2013

On home renovation shows on TV, why do they never go into detail on doing electrical work?

Original Question