ArcaMax

Dear James: My elderly mother is moving in, so I need to add another bathroom. What are the major design considerations, and what is the proper sequence of project tasks? -- Javier T.

Dear Javier: Planning the sequence of the work is always a smart step. There are many more considerations when adding a bathroom than when adding other rooms. It ...Read more

Dear James: I live in a house on a sloping lot and want to add a privacy fence around the backyard. How should I construct it so it looks good down the sloping side? -- Diane K.

Dear Diane: You have several options for privacy fence designs and construction methods depending upon the level of privacy you want and your budget. For a do-it-...Read more

Dear James: Our old garbage disposal is noisy after years of our kids dropping forks in it. If I buy one at a home center store, should I attempt to install it myself? -- Keith S.

Dear Keith: You should be able to install a new garbage disposal using just basic hand tools even if you are not an experienced DIY'er. It can be a job getting the ...Read more

Dear James: My house has two and a half bathrooms and each of the toilets has problems such as inadequate flushing, noisy flushing and self-flushing. Does it require a plumber to fix them? -- Stephanie L.

Dear Stephanie: Some repair projects require a plumber, but most common toilet problems can easily be repaired by the homeowner. There are ...Read more

Dear James: The beautiful dark stain that I put on my wood deck a few years ago is starting to peel off. How can I repair those spots and keep more spots from peeling? -- Ken N.

Dear Ken: That type of dark stain does look great when first applied. The unfortunate news is that it is probably going to continue to peel, and each year there will be...Read more

Use Membrane To Repair Low Roof

Dear James: We had the roof partially raised to convert the attic into living space. The relatively low old asphalt rolled roof is leaking. What is the best option to repair it? -- Olivia H.

Dear Olivia: It would have been much better if the contractor had used durable tin or copper for that low roof initially, ...Read more

Dear James: I like pocket doors because they save floor space, but they often don't glide smoothly into the wall slot. What is the best method to install one? -- Kevin D.

Dear Kevin: As houses are becoming smaller to lower construction costs and utility bills, interest in pocket doors is making a comeback. They were very popular in the ...Read more

Dear James: I am tired of having to paint soffit on my ranch house. I think installing aluminum soffit with vents is better. Is this a project for the average do-it-yourselfer? -- Juanita F.

Dear Juanita: I would not recommend trying this yourself with a two-story house, but with your one-story ranch, it is a doable project. Aluminum soffit is ...Read more

Dear James: My old driveway gets some new potholes each year I need to fix. What is a good way to do a long-lasting fix without using heat like professionals do? -- Richie G.

Dear Richie: Repairing driveway potholes yourself can be challenging without heat. Heating the asphalt repair materials makes them pliable and easier to compact and stick ...Read more

Dear James: I am on a tight family budget, but I want to do something to upgrade my old kitchen laminate countertop. What is my least expensive option? -- Kristin W.

Dear Kristin: Laminate countertops are very durable, but the surface can get scratched and stained after years of use. Since a countertop is often the focal point of a kitchen, ...Read more

Dear James: I just bought an older house that is going to need quite a remodeling project. Do you have any tips for selecting a good remodeling contractor? -- Kevin S.

Dear Kevin: If you do an internet search, you will find many local remodeling contractors. In general, most are reliable, honest and price things fairly. As in any profession, ...Read more

Dear James: I am living in my first house and would like to add a deck myself. I am fairly petite, so standard tools are a bit heavy for me. Are smaller tools available? -- Anita T.

Dear Anita: You should not have a problem building a deck yourself. All home center stores have free deck-building plans and material lists written for the ...Read more

Dear James: I would like to add some unique ceiling during our dining room remodel project. Is beadboard or plank paneling an option I can install myself? -- Dave B.

Dear Dave: People often think of walls and flooring when planning the room decor, but the ceiling covers just as much area as the floor, and the view of it is totally unobstructed....Read more