Archive By Section - Your Home
Fiberglass decks and acoustic ceilings
Dear Robert, I am the VP of an HOA community, and I have a question for you. We need some deck work done, and we're planning on rebuilding them from scratch. So far, we have received bids on three different types of decking - eurathane, fiberglass and a muir coat. Are there any other types that we should look into? I'd like to know which one is the best. Dorothy Hello Dorothy, I'm familiar ...
Brent’s magic carpet ride
You wouldn't necessarily make the connection, but rising oil prices have increased the cost of carpet.
Creating a water garden in a tub
Water gardening has become very popular in the last 20 years. Many homeowners have installed small ponds or water features to grow a wide variety of plants, and to enjoy the ambiance that water provides. But you don't need a large yard or tons of time and energy to build a water garden. If you don't have the time, money, or ambition to create a large water feature, you can build a water garden in a tub.
Descanso Gardens holds summer events
Learn all about bees and other pollinators at a three-session seminar at Descanso Gardens today from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants may register for one, two or all three sessions conducted by Gordon Frankie, professor of insect biology at UC Berkeley and Robbin Thorp, professor of entomology, natural history of insects and insect classification at UC Davis.
Night walk in the garden
Docent Jim Jackson will lead another popular night walk at Descanso Gardens on Friday, July 25 starting at 7:15 p.m.
Cool plants for hot places
The long, hot days of summer provide the perfect time to think about some cool plants that love hot places.
Squeezing more miles out of your car
Sick of watching the numbers on the gas pump top the $60 and even $70 mark during your visit to the gas station? It's a common feeling among all sorts of drivers, and even with high gas prices taking a toll, we still have to pay those gas bills.
Who needs a staircase when you can have a fireman's pole?
Hello Robert, I have a game room that sits directly above my living room, and I'd like to put in a fireman's pole. The second floor, the floor of the game room, is concrete. How should I start a project like this and do you know where to buy a fireman's pole? Thank you. Bob A. Bob, I've seen fireman's poles in both wood and metal. I would go with the metal. It's just tube ...
A few tips for a greener home
Whether you were one of the first to jump on the green-wagon, or were dragged there, kicking and screaming, by government regulations, the simple facts are that conservation of natural resources and reduction of pollution have become homeowner responsibilities. And while we all realize that hosing-off the neighborhood or burning our trash in the back yard are environmental faux pas, we still may be polluting, and wasting resources, in other ways. Surprisingly, it may be ...
Homeowner wants a telephone line in the bathroom
Robert, I want to install a telephone in the bathroom. I know, it may sound a little crazy, but this is the first place I've had that doesn't have one and I miss it. I'm thinking it can't be that difficult. Is it an easy thing to do? Thank you. Jen C. Jen, A little time-consuming, maybe, but not difficult at all to install. First find the nearest jack to the bathroom. You'll see that ...
Planning your vacation around your pet
Cat Ford, 17, is going to Lake Havasu for the Fourth of July weekend, and she's taking her two pit bulls and dachshund with her. "I (will) need a lot of bones - a lot of bones, a lot of food, a lot of water and a lot of toys," said Ford, who works at Valencia's Pet Depot. She explained that her dogs are too rambunctious to leave at a kennel or with a pet-sitter.
What do you do when your pool skimmer breaks?
Hello Mr. Lamoureux, First time, long time. I hope this will be an easy one, with an easy solution. The flapper on my water skimmer on my pool is broken. Our pool man looked at it and he said that it was all one assembly and that entire area would have to come out and be replaced. Is there a better, much less expensive way? Is it a necessary component anyway? Thank you. Anthony M. ...
Garage floor resurfacing may not be worth the hassle
Hello, Robert, Would you tell what kind of paint you would recommend for a garage floor? Thank you. Terry C. Terry, Any of your concrete urethane coatings are good for this application. These are found at Dunn Edwards or any of your name brand stores. The most important rule is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the prepping. This is the most critical part of it all. You'll want to start with a very thorough ...
The cure for road rage
Has another driver ever suddenly cut in front of you on the freeway and you felt a surge of retaliation?
Ever had a re-bath?
Robert, What do you think of this new procedure of "re-bath?" What would be the pros and cons? Curt W. Curt, The re-bath system is just an economical method of resurfacing your tub and shower. The concept is very similar to having your kitchen cabinets re-faced as opposed to replaced. They use the existing substructure and give it a new exterior. The pros are that this procedure is much less expensive and faster than the ...
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