Walls and Ceilings

How can we save energy – Insulate

Heating and cooling your home accounts for 50 – 70% of your home energy use. Unless your home was designed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. Many of the older homes in the U.S. are not insulated to the optimal level. Older homes are likely to use more energy than newer homes, ... see more: How can we save energy - Insulate

Bedbugs – What you need to know

Once virtually eliminated in the United States, bedbugs are now becoming Americas pest nightmare. Because bedbugs are the ultimate hitchhiker, no place is immune. Once inside a residence, bedbugs can be very difficult to get rid of.

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How to hang a picture

A house is not a home until you add your personal touch. In most instances, that is done with paintings and pictures. Even the most bland house can be instantly transformed with a well placed piece of art. There is a skill to hanging art and pictures. First, you have the challenge of ... see more: How to hang a picture

Silverfish

Silverfish and firebrats are primarily nuisance insects, belonging to the insect order Thysanura. They usually cause little damage, although the potential exists for large, uncontrolled infestations of silverfish and firebrats to damage paper, book bindings, wallpaper, cereals, starched fabrics, leather, fur, silk and rayon. Silverfish and firebrats are wingless and do ... see more: Silverfish

Installing Skylights

Skylights, also known as roof windows, are extremely effective summer heat ventilators. They are also more effective in admitting natural light than vertical windows of the same size. A skylight brightens interior rooms in a way no artificial light can match. Even on cloudy days, a skylight provides a surprising amount of light.
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Powder Post Beetles

Powder post beetles include several small, brownish, dry wood-eating insects ranging in size from one-twelfth to one-fifth inch long. There are three families, Lyctidae, Anobiidae, and Bostrichidae,

Powder post beetles were so named because the wood upon which they feed is generally eaten into a fine, flourlike powder. The Lyctus types feed primarily on hardwoods; the Anobiids prefer to attack ... see more: Powder Post Beetles

Ceilings – Install a Drop Ceiling

Installing a drop ceiling, sometimes known as an acoustical ceiling, is a relatively easy remodeling project. If you are planning on updating your basement, installing a drop ceiling will hide all ductwork, plumbing and electrical boxes and still allow access as needed. Installing new lighting is a ... see more: Ceilings - Install a Drop Ceiling

Taping Drywall – Finish drywall like a pro

Okay, you have installed the drywall. That is the hard part. Now comes the part that requires a little finesse. Finishing drywall is a skill that takes a little bit of practice, but something that anyone can do. Once all your drywall is installed, clean the room of all debris and ... see more: Taping Drywall – Finish drywall like a pro

Wallpaper repair

Wallpaper is a decorators dream. With its many patterns and colors it can bring life to an otherwise plain room. But if not installed correctly, it can turn into a blistering, peeling nightmare. Repairing loose,curling seams or bubbles is a project that any homeowner can do with a little patience and a few insider tips.

How to find wall studs

Finding wall studs is a problem most homeowners have come across. If you are hanging a new cabinet, an antique mirror or priceless work of art, you do not want to trust a hollow wall anchor to do the job. Finding a wall stud is fairly simple and can be done ... see more: How to find wall studs