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How To: Polish Marble
Marble—a white or uniquely variegated type of limestone that has been exposed to extreme heat and pressure—has a long history of being favored by artisans and builders, from Michelangelo's David and Moses sculptu...
The Dos and Don’ts of Taping Drywall
Professional drywall taping crews make it look so easy: They move quickly, slather compound on every joint and nail hole, and leave behind walls that are ultra-smooth. While taping drywall isn’t a difficult task,...
Solved! What to Do When a Garage Door is Not Opening
Q: When I returned from work today, I pushed the button on my remote garage door opener—but the door didn’t budge. Even after putting new batteries in the remote, the garage door still is not opening. What are th...
How To: Make Your Own Degreaser
The oil kicked up by cooking can cling to surfaces throughout your kitchen, defying your everyday swipes with a sponge. Virtually overnight, grease can turn to stubborn grime on countertops, the stove, even your ...
5 Things to Know Before Installing a Shower Drain
Replacing a shower drain isn’t usually a difficult task, but it always pays to be prepared for complications before you start the job, especially as every project is different. While it should take just a couple ...
How To: Light a Pilot Light
You woke up shivering in a cold house. Your morning shower, instead of a warm and pleasant wakeup call, was spent futilely turning the knob towards “Hot” as your skin erupted in goosebumps. When you tried to scra...
The Dos and Don’ts of Bathroom Ventilation
Your bathroom is the wettest room in your home. Steamy showers, flushing toilets, running sinks, and occasional drips add up to high humidity. And with major moisture comes potential problems: mold and mildew, a ...
Solved! Why It's a Mistake to Mount a TV Above a Fireplace
Q: We just bought a new 55-inch flat-screen TV, and I’d like to hang it over the fireplace in our family room. But my husband’s afraid that heat from the fireplace will mess with it. Is it really a bad idea to mo...
6 Things to Know Before Installing Recessed Lighting
Unobtrusive illumination installed flush with the ceiling, recessed lighting can be found in virtually all types of homes, and for good reason. It beams light downwards, illuminating a whole room without invading...
How To: Get Rid of Chipmunks
Surely one of the cuter rodents you’ll ever counter, chipmunks are also among the most destructive. These small, striped natives of North America and Asia are omnivores that devour everything from beneficial inse...
