While the tools required for this job are a bit more than a screwdriver and a few toggle bolts, the finished job will more than justify the rental or purchase of these tools.

• Pencil
• Level / Straight Edge
• Razor-knife
• Reciprocating Saw with 3-1/2” blade (can be rented)
• Screwdriver (electric preferred)
• Circular Saw (hand saw will suffice)
• 2×4 six to eight foot
• 1-1/2” Drywall Screws (10-20)
• 12p nails (6-8)

After deciding on the location for your new medicine cabinet, lay out your cut lines using the exact dimensions of your new cabinet. With your first horizontal line being at six foot (industry standard), lay out the rest below there.

With the razor-knife follow your layout lines making sure to cut through the drywall. Remove the piece of drywall to expose the rough opening (R/O) for the medicine cabinet. The object from here is to remove any wall studs in this opening and to fill in (pack) around the edges. There should be no wiring in the way, by building code they are lower. If any run vertical on interfering stud(s) this can be handled as you go.

To remove any vertical studding in the opening, put a 1-1/2” mark up from the opening on the stud(s) and likewise on the bottom. With the reciprocating saw, plunge cut through the stud at your mark. Be careful. Keep the plunge cut neat and at a minimum. This will keep the finishing touch-up simple.

With these cuts done properly you should have the drywall extending an 1-1/2” past the end of the vertical stud(s). In the case of a stud falling at one of the vertical edges, either shift R/O to allow room, or, in the event exact placement is critical for aesthetic reason, remove needed section of stud as above. If any drywall nails protrude into the R/O after removing the cut pieces, DO NOT PULL THEM. Cut them flush with a pair of Diagonal Pliers (dykes). This preserves the finish of the wall opposing the room you’re working in.

At this point, cut blocking (horizontal) to span from stud to stud inside of the wall. In the case you live in the western United States where interior demise walls are frequently framed out in 24 inch centers, run the blocking past the opening as far as you can, opening dictates this.  Fasten (nail) blocking to the stubs of the vertical studding inside of the wall. Cut and install vertical blocks, keeping them flush with drywall edges. To fasten, toenail to horizontal blocking
with screws, taking care to counter sink screw heads to facilitate smooth insertion of cabinet into the opening.

To ease installation remove cabinet door. Depending on the style of medicine cabinet, some have a “nailing flange” others simply fasten by screwing through the sides. In the case of the latter, keep cabinet edge flush to outside of drywall / wall surface to fasten.

With flange style apply supplied trim after fastening in place. With others, screw drywall to blocking (1-2 per block) then install cabinet. After fastening take care and use razor-knife to put slight bevel cut to the drywall surrounding cabinet. Keep it a 16th-8th inch in width. Neatly caulk. Re-hang the door, step back and admire.

Taking your time and making clean, precise cuts to the drywall surface keeps any cosmetic finish work to a minimum. The plunge cuts made to the studs through the drywall are easily patched with a dab of caulk; they tend to be concealed by the cabinet door.

Brightening up the yard by day is simple enough with a few attractive planters, wind chimes, and other pieces of yard décor. However, brightening up the yard at night takes a bit more planning and ingenuity. That is where solar lights and house signs come into the picture.

Knowing exactly where the best place to locate your new solar lights might involve a bit of troubleshooting and contemplation. Ideally, solar lights should be placed along walkways or paths that people might use after dusk arrives. It isn’t necessary to space them closely together if they are bright enough to throw off sufficient light to create visibility.

Additionally, now that 911 has entered the picture, displaying your home address is even more essential than ever before. In fact, the perfect way to make your house number visible during the night hours is to purchase one of the attractive solar house signs that are available today.

Any emergency personnel who have the occasion to stop at your home will be able to identify the address since it is so clearly displayed with a solar house sign. Plus, visitors and individuals who are simply passing by will be able to clearly identify your house number if you purchase a solar house sign.

Although the exact number of hours that one of these solar house signs will remain lit varies, they can portray well-lit displays for as long as 14 hours. Typically, the solar panels charge up throughout the day providing plenty of power to last throughout the night.

Both solar house signs and solar lights are sold in varying sizes from small to super large. Size up the area where you are planning to place the lights in order to have a good idea of the best size to purchase.

Intro: Adding a few solar lights to your yard can improve its safety while lighting the path to your doorway. There are a lot to choose from and while you are at it, you might want to include a solar house sign.

Windows let you look outside and allow sunlight into your home, but you also want them to keep in the heat during the winter and the cool during the summer.  Properly sealed, efficient, double-paned glass windows will do this.  For the following ten reasons, there’s no time like the present for upgrading the windows in your home.

1. Federal government tax credits expire at the end of 2010.  Those who replace their windows and doors with qualifying, energy-saving windows and doors, may receive a tax credit of 30% for costs up to $1500.  Note that this has to be your principal residence.  It also can’t be a new construction. So, if you upgrade your windows before December 31, 2010 – and there are other reasons to act at once – you can get as much as $450 back on your taxes next year!

2. You’ll save money on your utility bills. In some homes, as much as 30% of heating and cooling costs are due to inefficient windows and doors.  After you install your windows, you may almost enjoy paying your utility bills – especially if you compare them to the same month of the previous year.

3. Because of the downturn in the economy, more construction workers are available now. If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, there’s no time like the present to hire someone, because they are both available and less expensive.  Furthermore, you’ll be helping local workers get through the recession.

4. You’ll help protect the environment. Energy efficient windows use less energy, and the terrible oil spill in the gulf is a reminder that we should do we all we can to reduce our energy use.

5.  Old, cracked windows are dangerous. Windows that are old and cracked do more than increase your energy bills – they put you and your family in harm’s way!  Old, cracked windows are more likely to break, and there’s little more frustrating and painful than tiny bits of glass all over the floor.

6. Older windows can be made of dangerous materials, such as lead paint.  When you replace them you can be sure that the newest and safest materials are used.

7. Reduce your chances of mold. Old, poorly sealed windows can let water into your house, trapping moisture inside the walls and leading to mold.  Mold can cause serious, even life-threatening illness. Furthermore, mold can be difficult and extremely expensive to remove, and can harm the resale value of your home even after you have gone through the costly and lengthy mold-removal process.  Many potential customers refuse to consider buying a house that has had mold, because of its tendency to return.

8. Make your home more attractive.  When you install new windows, you usually replace or repaint the trim around them, immediately refreshing your home’s appearance.

9. Make your home more comfortable.  Energy efficient windows keep out drafts, meaning that those sitting or sleeping near the new windows will not be exposed to outside air and temperatures.

10. Take advantage of the huge improvements in window technology. During the last two decades, there have been huge leaps forwards in improving windows.  Not so long ago, all windows were made of single-paned glass; now they are double-paned, triple-paned or even quadruple-paned, and can even have inert gas locked inside in order to improve the insulation. Tints are available to cut down on the amount of sunlight, as are special coatings to reflect heat.  Similar improvements have been made in window frames.  You’ll want to consult with your local expert to determine which new windows are best for you and your home.

New windows will decrease your tax and utility bills.  They will make your house more attractive and your home more comfortable.  Moreover, they’re good for the economy and even the environment.  Installing new windows is a great investment, now more than ever.

It’s very common for homeowners to encounter different kinds of problems when it comes to plumbing: clogged drains, burst pipes, and stubborn leaks. Oftentimes, these problems can be dealt with without having to contact a professional plumber, but there are also instances where a qualified plumber is the best person to handle the job.

Plumbing Repairs – Why Call a Plumber?

In general, calling a plumber is perceived to be the easier and more convenient option. However, it can also be quite expensive. This is why most homeowners try doing the repairs on their own first instead of hiring a professional plumber as soon as something goes wrong. But if you’ve tried everything and you still need the services of a professional plumber, there are certain factors you have to consider choosing the best person for the job. First, the plumber needs to be fully qualified to perform the repair. Second, you should verify the fees before actually calling the plumber over.

Many professional plumbers these days are known to be grossly overpriced, so you have to be careful when making your selection. Most of them will state their hourly rates straight up, but that may not the only cost they will charge at the end of the job. A lot of these plumbers also charge for mileage, which is quite fair especially if you live in an area that’s remote or out of the way. However, you have to check when the plumber will actually start charging you. Some plumbers will begin counting their working time once they reach your house and charge a separate amount for their mileage. Others will start charging their hourly rate when they get in the car and drive to your place, which can turn out to be expensive if they are coming from a faraway place.

In addition to the professional qualifications and fees, you will want to hire a plumber you can trust, especially since you are going be letting him into your home. You should also hire someone who puts importance on customer satisfaction, and will not just leave after doing a cursory repair of your problem.

Plumbing Repairs – Do-It-Yourself Plumbing

The more you know about plumbing repairs, the less you will have to spend on professional plumbing fees. As a homeowner, it’s worthwhile to learn at least some basic plumbing repair tips that can help reduce the frequency of having to call an expensive professional plumber. For example, a clogged drain is one of the common reasons homeowners call a plumber. Clogged drains are usually triggered by grease buildup in the kitchen sink or hair clogs in the bathroom sink or bathtub. These problems can easily be solved using home remedies or items you can buy in the grocery store for just a couple of dollars. Learning about such tips can be very effective in reducing your plumbing expenses.

If you need to install new bathroom fixtures, you should buy these items on your own instead of having the plumber buy them for you. However, do make sure to confer with your plumber before buying anything just to make sure you’re buying a reliable brand and that he will be able to work with that particular model when he does come to do the installation for you.

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is the place where all meals are prepared and where family members usually gather after a long day at work or school. Considering that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, it is only fitting that you keep your kitchen as functional and as updated as possible. This can mean anything from simply replacing the old worn-out cabinetry to doing an entire kitchen remodel.

One of the first things you have to consider when planning to remodel or redecorate your kitchen is whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional to handle the job. Both options have their own pros and cons, and the decision is completely up to you.

DIY Kitchen Remodeling

If you decide to do it yourself, you are going to need to buy all the necessary tools and materials for completing a kitchen remodeling project. The easiest way to accomplish this task is to sit down and create a list of all the supplies needed. Think of every item beginning from the new kitchen countertop down to the very last nail. Of course, forgetting a few things here and there cannot be avoided, and this may mean making occasional trips to the hardware store in the middle of the project. Still, having a list makes shopping for kitchen remodeling supplies so much more efficient.

Home improvement stores are the best places to go for (nearly) all home remodeling requirements. Most of these stores tend to carry a wide range of construction and decorating materials. However, if you are unable to find what you need in home improvement stores — perhaps a specific tile design or custom-made kitchen cabinetry — you’ve got the Internet to turn to.

With a quick online search, you can easily find whatever it is you need. You can even compare prices across different websites to find the best bargain without ever getting up from your desk. Before you purchase anything online, however, check the shipping requirements of online stores. Most local companies that accept orders over the Internet are more than happy to deliver your purchases for free and within just a couple of days if you live within a certain mile radius. But there are companies that charge hefty shipping fees, especially if the supplies are coming from other countries.

Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

If you decide to hire a contractor to do your kitchen remodeling for you, you won’t need to worry about buying tools. If you are embarking on a do-it-yourself project, though, this is one other thing you should add to your list. Remodeling and construction tools can be quite an investment so make sure you only buy those that you will actually use. In fact, if you are not planning to do any further remodeling in the near future, it is best to simply rent the tools or borrow from friends. Kitchen remodeling projects can get quite expensive so it is best to cut down on unnecessary expenses whenever you can.

Tips When Laying Vinyl Tiles

• Pre-purchase. When laying vinyl tiles, getting the pre-purchase organizing phase is vital. One of the most important decisions relates to the durability of the tile. Where is the vinyl tile being laid? Is it in a high-traffic area? Depending upon where the tiles are going and who will be walking upon them (e.g. children and pets), a lower quality and cheaper-priced tile might suffice.

• Floor Preparation. One of the easiest to forget aspects of laying vinyl tiles is that of adequately preparing the floor surface. More often than not the renovator is overly eager to begin the transformation. Not enough time is spent cleaning the floor. If not prepared thoroughly, tiles can loosen. This can result in chipping or a buckling effect. Liquid can then seep under the tiles and create water damage.

• Tools. There are two main varieties of vinyl tiles. The first is a self-adhesive tile. This is where renovators don’t need to purchase specially-designed adhesive. The other type is where tile glue is required. Other tools needed include a utility knife, tape measure, sealing agent and a tool to flatten the tiles.

• Laying Tiles. The main reason vinyl tiles are still popular is because they are extremely easy to apply. If an adhesive-backed tile, renovators just peel and press into position. If adhesive glue is to be used, a trowel is necessary to spread the glue at the right height for the tile. Try to avoid too much glue, as excess will be pushed between the tiles. This will dry and later removal will likely damage the tile. It is important that pressure is applied to the tile after being laid. Using a roller of some description is vital. This will minimize air gaps and ensure that the tile is securely positioned against the floor surface.

Vinyl tiles are one of the easiest DIY tasks to perform. Much of the effort is in the planning. Once all this is out of the way, however, the task of laying vinyl tiles is straightforward. There is no denying that the vinyl tile offers maximum look for minimum outlay.

Damages to home appliances are not only annoying and inconvenient, they’re also inevitable, especially if you live in a home that’s quite old, where the components are not as well-oiled as they used to be. When this happens, it’s perfectly understandable that you’ll want everything to be fixed and back to normal as soon as possible. So what do you do? Some homeowners might try to repair the broken items themselves, while others will immediately go to the store to buy new ones to replace the broken items.

For the majority of homeowners, the most sensible option is to call a home repair company to come over and fix whatever is broken. This is certainly a practical move: you don’t have to tire yourself trying to figure out what’s wrong, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money on buying replacement appliances either. However, hiring a home repair company can also be risky. For one thing, you’ll be letting a complete stranger into your home. Also, there are many unscrupulous individuals today who will only take advantage of your situation and charge much more than is necessary for an otherwise very simple repair job. So to avoid paying more than you should while still getting quality service.

Choosing Home Repair Company tips:

1. Gather all relevant information about the unit to be repaired: the manufacturer, model, date of purchase, and a clear and concise description of the problem. If you’re able to relay all these information to the repair company’s representative over the phone, you’ll project yourself as a well-informed customer who isn’t an easy prey for would-be scammers.

2. Check the warranty. If the broken appliance is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, it’s best to get in touch with the manufacturer first rather than calling other independent repair companies. In this case, the repair service is going to be free of charge and there’s a good chance you won’t have to pay for replacement parts either.

3. Ask friends or family members for recommendations. You can always use the Internet to search for a good home repair company but it’s a better option to get first-hand referrals. If people you trust have been satisfied by a particular company’s services, it’s very likely you’ll be satisfied as well.

4. Check whether credit cards are accepted. Oftentimes, appliances break down when you least expect it, and it might happen at a time when you don’t have enough cash with you to pay for the repairs. So before you ask a repairman to come over, verify over the phone if credit card is an accepted form of payment. In addition to being convenient, this method of payment also gives you more protection as a consumer because you can file for a refund in case you aren’t satisfied with the service.

5. Compare prices. Don’t just hire the first available repairman. Call a few different companies to check their prices so you can hire the one with the most reasonable fee.

The process of choosing a good home repair company need not take long. Just make sure you ask all the right questions and that you’re satisfied with their answers before you sign a contract and hire someone to work in your home.

Having a fully-operational central air unit in good condition is not only economical, but it’s also a step towards greener, more environmentally-conscious living. So it’s good to regularly check and troubleshoot your central air unit. Here are just a few tips to do just that:

Central Air Unit – Electrical problems with switches

When an air conditioner doesn’t work, usually some people dismiss it as a problem of the whole machine and discard it. Sometimes it may just be a faulty electrical connection or a non-functioning switch. If your unit won’t start, check the outdoor service control switch for any blown fuses or such. A central air unit has a multitude of switches for each component, and any one of these may just be damaged.

Problems with humidity

When a unit cools but does not dehumidify the area, chances are the unit is too big for the room or rooms it is cooling. Since the unit cools the room too quickly, there’s no time for the moisture to be removed. Either switch to a smaller unit or increase the load capacity by making it cool more rooms. Sometimes there may also be an unexpected moisture source such as leaks and such.

Central Air Unit - Duct problems

If both the outdoor and indoor parts of the air conditioning unit are fully functional but cool air doesn’t seem to come out, there may be a defect with the ducts. Make sure there isn’t any blockage in the ducts. It also might even be unhealthy for you and everyone in the building.

Diminished cooling capacity

If the air conditioner is operational but isn’t blowing out cool air, check your temperature settings on your thermostat first. If your settings are correct but the temperature still isn’t, the next thing to check is if the outdoor air conditioning compressor is running. Also check your air filters. Over time, it may be blocked by dirt and debris. Either clean the filter or replace it. Also, make sure that the air supply vents are open and aren’t blocked by furniture and such.

High monthly energy bills

Your air conditioning unit may be working properly, but if it uses up a lot of energy, there might be something wrong. Usually older units may use up more energy, in which case it might be time to replace it. But most of the time it’s because central air units have to exert more energy because the house or building is not well-insulated. Check for air leaks in your house or building and re-examine your insulation.

Of course, it’s always better to consult with a professional technician or electrician, but with these basic tips, you should be able to solve, or at least troubleshoot some everyday problems you may have with your central air unit.

Once you’ve got your slate roof up, it will require very little maintenance from year to year. You may want to visually inspect your slate roof periodically, especially after storms when tree branches or debris may hit your roof. Keep an eye out for any cracked or broken pieces of slate.

Every now and again, you may need to replace a slate tile or two. A professional slater will have the necessary tools to get the job done quickly, but here’s how a simple slate replacement is done:

1. Chose your replacement slate. Be sure it looks similar to the existing slate in both color and size. When it’s time to install the replacement, your slater will likely use hook ladders on the roof. These specialized ladders ensure there’s no pressure on the existing slate while the replacement is installed.

2. Any broken pieces of slate should be removed with a slate ripper. This is a tool slaters use to pull out the countersunk nails without damaging the surrounding slate.

3. The new slate is nailed in and a piece of copper may be put underneath to prevent water from getting under the new tile.

So, those are the bare basics of slate roof installation and repair. It may seem like a slate roof is complicated compared to the majority of roofing options available today, but a slate roof is one of the longest-lasting and lowest maintenance options out there.

A slate roof may be an investment up front, but it will protect your home for generations with the right installation and upkeep.

If you’re thinking about having a slate roof installed, or if you want to learn basic maintenance for your existing slate roof, read on for some basic slate roof facts.

Know Your Slate

A roofer who installs slate is called a “slater”. An experienced slater can help you decide if slate is right for your home, but learn the basics about slate roofs before you ask for quotes. Installing slate is a big investment, so arming yourself with some knowledge will help you when talking over your options with a slater.

Here’s five slate roof basics to keep in mind:

1. Slate should be installed on solid wood. Your roofer or slater should make sure the wood support in your roof will last as long as the slate will. Plywood isn’t going to last that long, so make sure your roof support is solid lumber.

2. The slater should use only copper or stainless steel nails on your slate. Just like the solid wood support, these types of nails are more likely to last the life of the slate. The last thing you want to do is replace all the nails in your roof because they weakened before the slate did!

3. When installing the roof, the slate should be drilled for countersinking, and it should not be nailed down tightly. Nailing tightly creates stress on the slate and could lead to cracking and breakage. Countersinking, or making the nail flush with the tile, ensures that the nail heads won’t damage surrounding tiles. The slate should hang comfortably, but not tightly.

4. Make sure your slater uses high quality flashing. Flashing is a thin metal sheet that’s installed around areas like chimneys to prevent water from getting into cracks and under roof tiles. Copper, stainless steel, and lead are all very durable, and all are good choices for a slate roof.

5. When your slate roof is installed, make sure the slater leaves at least a 3 inch overhang from one row to the next (this is also called a head lap). Anything less could result in water leaks.