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- References are King – and a Must!
- How Painters Tape Can Save You $1000′s
- Vinyl Tub Surrounds – Expensive May Not Be Better!
- The Best Router – Period!
- Tint Your Plaster For Touch Ups on Primed Walls & Trim
- Do Not Use Pens, Felt Pens or Chalk Lines!
- Hard To Find Reproduction Antique Hardware
- WCB Coverage – It’s a Must…Sometimes Even as a Homeowner
- Cutting a Hole In The Ceiling? How To Keep Drywall Dust Contained!
- The Secret To Buying Name Brand Power Tools Dirt Cheap!
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How Painters Tape Can Save You $1000′s
Many Years ago I had the opportunity to refit a 50′ yacht – complete from front to back (or properly stated bow to stern). However, before this project started, the owner was fixated on using painters masking tape and laying out every detail for the boat – not once, not twice, but several times in some cases, and not all in the same day… this went on for several days. We even used cardboard to mock up cabinets and equipment!
Even though I was being paid well to go along with this process and redo layouts more times than I care to remember, I could only think of one thing – man this guy is anal – how many times can you do this! Move this line 1/2″ that way, no, lets do that again and make it 3/4″. Let me say, in that week I had thought of dropping the job many times each day – all I could think of was “How anal will this guy be once I start the actual work?”
Vinyl Tub Surrounds – Expensive May Not Be Better!
Vinyl tub surrounds are very popular and reasonably easy way to spruce up the walls around your old tub. They come in a multitude of designs and quality, full height or 59″ – they can be cheap at about $60 or go all the way up to $300.
But, be warned – more expensive is not always better.
I have installed many of these kits and have learned that a higher price is no guarantee of better quality “or fit”. I recently bought a kit for $240 for a job and was seriously disappointed – so much so that I returned it for a unit that was less than $100 – and the cheaper one was twice the quality!
Stuck For Design Ideas – Check Out “TRENDS”
Living in small towns has many advantages, no rush hour, easy living, peaceful surroundings, lots of outdoor recreation… the list goes on. But, when it comes to the latest product choices and design ideas for your new home, renovation or yard, living in a small town has it’s downside – their is no big name stores that can afford to display all the latest and greatest products, and stores seldom carry the best upscale design magazines.
If you are looking to set your new home or renovation apart from the rest and tap into some very cool design ideas, I strongly encourage you to check out “TRENDS MAGAZINE“. This magazine brings you the latest designs and products from across the country and even overseas. Unlike many upscale magazines, TRENDS focuses on designs that are both practical and beautiful, with enough variety to please most people
Schluter®-DITRA Floor Membrane Video
If you watch Holmes on Homes on a regular basis you are sure to have seen the Ditra membrane being used more than once. Although it is expensive at about $200.00 for 50 sq. ft. and $400 to $450 for 170 sq. ft. (material cost only), it is the ultimate choice for use under ceramic tile, marble, granite or similar materials. It prevents grout and tile fracturing – a common problem in many homes.
Schluter-DITRA is an 1/8″ thick polyethylene mat with square, dovetailed recesses and an anchoring fleece laminated to the underside. In conjunction with tiled coverings, Schluter-DITRA forms an uncoupling, waterproofing, and vapor pressure equalization layer.
Schluter-DITRA-XL is the latest innovation in uncoupling membranes. DITRA-XL provides the same four essential functions as Schluter-DITRA (uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor management, and support/load distribution), but is 5/16″ (7 mm) thick, allowing for even transitions between ceramic tile and 3/4″ (19 mm) -thick hardwood flooring and ceramic tile application on single-layer wood subfloors (regular sheated plywood or OSB floor).
Choosing The Right Caulking Gun for Best Results
Sometimes a good tradesman can blame his tools… if he buys the wrong ones, but then again, he should know which tools to buy. When it comes to caulking guns, buying the right type can make all the difference in the world. Shown in the image are the 2 most common caulking guns available, the skeleton style and the ratchet style. Unless you do a lot of caulking, you will not know which is best and why. Do not buy the ratchet style, they are usually very cheaply made and offer little control over the flow of caulking. See below for a comparison of both guns
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My Favorite Magazines!
When it comes to woodworking and home repairs, two magazines stand out from all the others, Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. I have collected these for years and always enjoy going back to old issues and checking out various projects and tips. The quality is high and you'll find these magazines feel more like book quality.
Turning the pages of Fine Woodworking or Fine Homebuilding is like a kid in a candy store - so much cool stuff you just have to try. Over all I give these magazines a rating of 10/10 - some issues 9/10.
Don't buy these in the store, you can save over 30% using my links above (images) to grab a subscription. -
NEW! Holmes Magazine
If there is one guy who's opinion you can trust for construction and renovation advice it is Mike Holmes from Holmes on Homes. Now you can get his advice delivered right to your door with the launch of his new magazine!
If you've been wondering where you can subscribe to his new magazine? Look no further, you can get a subscription right now for only $18.95 Cdn and save up to 52% off the newsstand price (6 issues). I got mine and am looking forward to the first issue. Visit HolmesMagazine.com to get yours today!
