Home Improvement Retail

 

Home Improvement Retail

Question:
I would like to know the best way to put a mail box receptacle in my front door area, so that it feeds the mail directly into the house and there is no air blowing through?
Answer:

There are kits available which you can install yourself. Make certain you cut the slot between two studs, apply caulking to the flange and you're good to go.

Question:
I have a wood burning stove that needs a flue installed from the stove to the ceiling. It is in a home that had a pre-existing stove so the ceiling to roof section is taken care of. Any suggestions on who to contact for an installer?
Answer:

Your best best for a wood burning stove flue would be a company that sells wood burners.

Question:
What is the maximum snow load on 2x8 stringers @ 16" centers over a 12 ' span?
Answer:

There is no calculation for snow load on stair stringers. It appears you may be confused with roof rafters.

Question:
Why does not my doorbell work anymore?
Answer:

There could be many reasons the doorbell has stopped working. There could be a problem with the button, a wire inside the house, the transformer, or a fuse/circuit breaker. Try replacing the button or getting a wireless doorbell.

Question:
I'm thinking about doing some "major" renovations to my home. Should I hire a general contractor/renovator or hire an architect and do most of the work myself to help keep costs down?<br /> The work would involve everything from landscaping, to repairing a cracked basement wall, to talk of an addition or lowering the basement crawl way floor to make it livable space, to remodeling a kitchen, to replacing the furnace, water heater and all the windows, and adding insulation to the outer walls.<br />
Answer:

We suggest contacting a building designer or architect. Once you have your plans, you can get pricing from 2 or 3 contractors, choosing the one you are most comfortable with after checking references.

Question:
How can I get rid of the cigarette smell in a house? Do I have to replace all the dry walls and carpets? I heard that it is extremely hard to do. Can you please advise?
Answer:

I would suggest a lot of cleaning, especially carpets and a new coat of paint will usually do the trick. After that a good duct cleaner to clean out the heating system.

Question:
I used CLR to clean my kettle. It did a super job. Now, like an introduced species I want to get rid of the CLR taste in my coffee or tea. There must be something that will neutralize that
Answer:

If you haven't already boiled water 3-4 times, try it with a bit of lemon juice and water. If this is unsuccessful then we recommend that you contact the company that produces CLR.

Question:
I need a new roof on my shed. Instead of going with metal (which is already there), I would like to use this stuff I had seen before but have no clue what its called or where to get it. It was light weight and let the sun through. My uncle used it on a patio cover, any idea what it is?
Answer:

I think you are looking for fiberglass panels that are translucent, they should be available at your builders supply store.

Question:
I have two big dogs with dander and a partner with dry skin, they all create a great deal of dust in the house. We have a ventilation system, however it does not help with the dust problem. My question is; What product will help clean the air and decrease the dust.? I can clean daily, brush the dogs but nothing has helped.
Answer:

Through vacuuming with a good quality Hepa vacuum twice a week do all floors fabric furniture and the dogs and this should greatly improve the problem.

Question:
What is Automation?
Answer:

Home Automation is controlling various systems and or electronics. Lighting, heating/cooling, garage doors controls sprinkler controls and security work together to provide added comfort, convenience and security through interfacing done with a central control panel. Clients can choose to program the system themselves or have the programming handled by the installer. It should be mentioned that lighting and HVAC control offers a substantial savings on utility bills each month, and in the course of a couple years can pay for its self.