Adam Yeomans
Adam Yeomans is a licensed general contractor in Ripon, WI and has been performing all matters of building and remodeling for the past 15 years. For the last 5 years, Adam has decided to focus on remodeling existing homes and adding energy efficiency and green building principles to the projects that he completes. Adam works with Wisconsin Focus on Energy whenever possible to help his customers reach maximum efficiency levels for their homes as well as obtaining rebates for performing energy improvements. Adam is currently working towards a LEED Green Associate credential to help further his knowledge of the LEED rating system for green building.
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15 years of construction industry experience, 8 years of business ownership experience, Associates in MarketingMotto
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Texturing a Wall the Easy WayPatch and blend like a pro with a little bit of texture.
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Removing a Window to Create SpaceSometimes less is more. Less windows can equal more space.
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Bat Prevention TechniquesTaking care of your bat problem is an important step to a healthy and safe home.
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Recycled RoofingGreen roofing has a new face, and it looks a lot like regular roofing material.
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Efficiently Heating Large WorkspacesUsing dead wood to heat a workshop can work great if you plan it right.
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Concrete Cast Stone: Greener than Natural StoneCapture the beauty of real stone with a manufactured product that will save you money and is environmentally responsible.
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Uncommon Exercises that WorkWhen looking for fast results with minimal time commitment, these movements will help you produce results fast an in a short workout. -
Opening Up Basement Stair WallsMany people look to expand their square footage into the basement, but fear that they will not be able to get furniture up and down the old, narrow steps that were a common staple from the early 1900s until the 1960s.
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Combination Spray Foam Insulation SystemSpray foam insulation is a great product that air seals and insulates a home better than any material currently on the market.
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Fixing Plaster CracksOlder homes are great for their charm and classic architecture. Wood floors, decorative moldings, and curved doorways are just some of the features that many older homes adorn.
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Vent Free Gas FireplaceWhen energy efficient appliances are spoken of, rarely is a gas fireplace mentioned. Gas fireplaces, in the past have been costly to run, and did not provide much, if any heat.
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Green Kids ToysTeaching children about the importance of sustainability and greener living is very important. But if you can do this and make their day with a great toy, that is even better.
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Soy Based Spray Foam InsulationWhile closed cell spray foam insulation is the best way to insulate and air seal a home, there has been some push back on the use of this product by environmental experts and activists.
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Guide to Spray Foam and Fiberglass Insulation SystemsInsulation materials and insulation systems have been developed and tested throughout the last 30 years.
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Fixing a Broken Cabinet DoorAnyone who has kids knows that many products are not exactly made for them to be standing on or sitting on or hanging on, but kids will do it anyways.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Just as Important as Smoke DetectorsEvery year as the fall months bleed into winter, the furnace kicks on to keep our homes warm. One thing that many people take for granted is that the furnace vents properly...
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Foot StepsThe dark can play tricks on your eyes, especially when you are a kid. In the dark, your house seems miles away and every noise is becomes enhanced, especially foot steps...
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Creating a Single Story Exterior Window WallIf you have a great view and want to be able to take it all in, than making a window wall is the best way to expand your view. Window walls have minimal framing that should not take away from the view, but add to it, almost like a picture frame.
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Indoor Water WallWater brings tranquility to a home as there are few sounds as tranquil as lightly running water. Creating a water wall in your home may be easier than you think and can be a real art piece for your friends and family to enjoy.
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Car Booth: Creating a Unique Dining AreaCar enthusiasts love checking out all of the different automobiles and their ever changing body styles. The unique transformation for curvy vehicles of the 1940's thru the 1960's, to the boxy styles of the 1970's and 1980's.
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Incorporating Chinese Screens into Your DesignChinese screens are opaque doors that slide on upper, lower, or a combination track that allows the doors to open up an entire room, or close it off completely.
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Making a Metal Spiral StaircaseSpiral staircases are not only a means of saving space for getting from floor to floor. They are also a design element in your home. Typical spiral staircases can cost as much at $20,000 because of the time consuming work that is involved.
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Interior Windows: a Unique Design ElementInterior design has few boundaries as interior designers on TV shows are constantly trying to shock people by adding strange elements to a space that usually end up looking very cool. One design aspect that is rarely used is interior windows.
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Building a Curved RoofIf you are looking for a unique look without spending a lot of money on multiple roof lines, build a curved roof over your house.
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Making an Eyebrow Window on a RoofSometimes all you need to create a lot of interest in your home is a unique feature that most people do not have, like an eyebrow window on your roof.
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Concrete Floor StainingConcrete floors can be beautiful if you have a little bit of vision, and a lot of ambition.
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Build a Closet Hide-Away BedIf you have a small room in your house that you need to function as an office and a guest room or permanent bedroom, use the closet for something other than storage.
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Hanging Shelves the Easy WayIf you are one of those people who goes to hang something on the wall only to have the wall look like Swiss cheese when you are done, then you need the easy solution to hanging shelves.
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Creating Your Own Social Security SystemGeneration X and those that are younger have been told for quite some time that the social security fund the government currently uses to pay its elderly citizens is diminishing at an exponential rate.
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EIFS: Wrapping Corners ProperlyOne of the best siding materials in modern construction has gotten a bad wrap because supposed professionals are not installing it properly.
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EIFS Foam Board ProblemsEIFS (Exterior Insulated Finish System) is one of the most energy efficient siding choices that a homeowner can choose from. The combination of a thermal barrier
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Creating Conservative WealthThe stock market goes up and down reflecting the state of the economy. However, it seems like no matter what is going on, some people always seem to be making enough money and are not worried about the ups and downs of the economy. How do they do it?
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A Second Story Addition: Adding Up, Not OutIn many cities across the country, many people who have dreamed of moving to their dream home have had their dreams put on hold, some of them permanently.
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Spray Foam RoofingRoofing applications often fail because of the multiple seams that are created because of the large amount of surface area of a roof. Every penetration that goes through a roof is a possible leaking point that can go
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Elastomeric Coating UsesProtective paint coating systems have become more prevalent in the last decade as the building materials we use continue to become more expansive and adjustable to the materials that they are attached to.
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Build Your Own Chalk Board Coffee TableIf you are looking to create a fun conversation piece in a casual room, turn your ordinary coffee table into a chalk board table.
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Solar Powered Attic FanIf you have an older home, it may be hard to get proper ventilation through your entire attic. In this situation, excess moisture can build up inside the attic, making it a possible breeding ground for mold and mildew
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Tool Talk: 7 1/4 Inch Circular SawThe 7 1/4 inch circular saw is one of the most versatile and efficient tools a homeowner can have. The simple design and multifunctional usage make this a must have item for any do-it-yourselfer to have.
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Tool Talk: Reciprocating SawIf you have ever performed a remodeling job on your own, you have probably framed a wall wrong before and had to take it apart. It is a pain pulling nails and trying to do it so you save lumber.
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Making Large Rooms More IntimateOne of the greatest complaints of people who build large homes is when it is just them relaxing there, the space seems so spread out it feels more like a hotel lobby than a living space.
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Taking Care of Your Septic SystemSeptic systems are rural waste management systems that are comprised of a holding tank and a leach field. The holding tank holds the human waste in the tank allowing the bacteria within the tank to break down.
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Tool Talk: The Hammer DrillFor drilling through concrete, brick, or stone, there is no other drill that can make this job easier than a hammer drill. Using these types of drills will allow you quickly anchor wood and steel to masonry structures,
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Routers: Types and UsesA router is a rotary tool that has the ability to spin at 35,000 RPM (revolutions per minute) or faster to rotate a cutting blade that shapes, removes, or defines a piece of wood.
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A Guide for Making a Totem PoleTotem poles were originally constructed by aboriginal peoples of the Northwestern North American regions using crude tools and western cedar. These poles were used to tell stories of family ancestry, and legends.
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Tips for Installing a Mail BoxIt has happened again. The teenagers have been having too much fun and have taken out their frustrations on your mailbox. Not to fear. You can install a new mailbox easily using these simply instructions.
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A River Runs Through ItPersonal hydro electric devices are not something that is talked much about among green builders and sustainability experts, but rivers and streams offer a continuously
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What Makes a Product Green?There has been a significant amount of discussion over the last 5 years about the importance of building green and green technology shaping building methods and product design.
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Electric Cars: the Real ProblemThere is a very good reason that electric cars are still in their infancy as far as being produced at a rate that can at least compete with gasoline engine cars.
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Stopping Animals from Entering Pole Buildings with Spray Foam InsulationRaccoons, squirrels, rats, and mice can wreak havoc on a business and make employees uncomfortable. This is not to mention the health and safety effects of vermin infestation.
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Proper Home Drainage Without GuttersWater issues in the basement are generally caused by the large amount of roof water that comes flowing from the edge of the roof to the ground in a concentrated trench around the house.
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Tearing Down an Old HouseYou have found the perfect piece of property to build your dream home. The problem is there is a nightmare of a house already on the property. What can be done? Tear it down yourself.
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Tuck Tape: Sealing Vapor BarriersFiberglass insulation material is one of the lowest quality insulation products on the market today. Fiberglass insulation meets minimum code standards and must have a vapor barrier by code.
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Outdoor Wood Burning BoilersOutdoor wood burning boilers became very popular starting in 2007 due to the escalated gas prices that the United States experienced during this time.
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Re-Purposing Old FurnitureMany times I hear people say, "I need new furniture in the worst way." Most of the time it is not that there is anything wrong with the furniture, it is simply that people get sick of the same old furniture.
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Groutless Stone WorkNatural stone is one of the most beautiful building materials used in construction today. One of the challenges in stone work is making sure that the stone is properly mortared together...
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Shoe Molding: Uses for Multiple Construction ProjectsInstalling new flooring, putting in replacement windows and adding decorative moldings to your home sometimes requires a little bit of something extra to finish the job.
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Custom Door SizingIf you live in an older home, you have probably noticed that the doors are not as wide as they are in modern construction.
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Custom Toilet Paper StandIf you are looking to add something to your bathroom that is decorative and also useful, make a toilet paper stand.
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Mounting a Toilet Paper HolderFor some reason, toilet paper holder mounting is one of those projects that looks very simple, but causes many people a lot of headaches.
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Sun Room AdditionsIn cold weather climates, you will often hear people start to get a little bit ornery towards the end of winter. The lack of sun and being cooped up can get to anyone.
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How to Sharpen an AxeThe axe is one of the most crude tools for cutting wood know to man. But this instrument is still one of the best and quickest ways to cut down a tree.
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Sun Room Flooring OptionsSun rooms offer a winter retreat that gives you the exposure to the sun that you need to escape the feeling of cabin fever.
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Interior Plastic MoldingsWood moldings are the most extensively used decorative element for adding character to a room against the floors and ceilings. However, plastic molding is being used more and more because of its cheap costs...
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Adding Structural Strength to Your Home with Closed Cell Spray FoamA home's structural capacity is one of the most important elements in the longevity of a home. New materials are constantly being developed and tested to help develop the next generation of structural lumber, most of which is made of laminated lumber.
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Laminated Lumber and Spray Foam Insulation: a Non-Condusive RelationshipSpray foam insulation is the advertised form of insulation material today. With the fantastic air sealing qualities along with significant R-values...
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Monolithic Thermal Blanket Insulation TechniqueAttic crawlspace closets, foundation crawlspaces, and unfinished basements are large areas for energy loss. These areas are hardly ever insulated correctly and are not that easy to insulate to begin with. Or are they?
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Building Walls with a Thermal BreakThere are many ways to reduce energy loss through house walls. In the 1970's, standard wall thickness went from 2x4 to 2x6 for added strength, but also for added insulation.
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Do Storm Windows Really Increase Energy Efficiency?Storm windows used to be a necessity for old windows to keep water and snow from penetrating through them. Window construction now compiles a complex construction of thermally broken frames...
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The Boom Lift: Hard Jobs Made EasyYou know how to shingle and side a house and you know you need to improve these areas of your home, but you really do not want to be up on your steep roof, or climb a ladder all day.
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Plaster VeneerPlaster has been used for over a century on interior walls as a finish coat. It can be spread over stone, wood, even straw as has been demonstrated with straw bale homes.
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Building a Bunk BedIf you had a bunk be when you were a child, you probably have fond memories of playing up on your bed, climbing up the ladder to jump off of it, and being able to touch the ceiling with your feet.
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Removable Kitchen Back SplashesDecorative kitchen back splashes make cleanup easier, add to the character of the kitchen, and increase the equity of the kitchen portion of a home.
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Making a CouchHave you ever carried an old, beat up couch to the curb with a "FREE" sign taped to the front of it hoping someone would take it off your hands for you?
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Aluminum Can RoofingThere are a multitude of different roofing products on the market today, all of them promising years of trouble free protection. On the downside, roofing is expensive, costing on average of $150 per square foot...
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Hurricane Clips and Mold IssuesModern construction has proven to produce buildings that are more square, move less creating less maintenance, and have energy efficiency capabilities that few could have foretold.
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Styrofoam Insulation Chutes: Poor Quality Equals Poor VentilationStyrofoam ventilation chutes are the most common type of ventilation chute for attic ventilation between rafter spaces.
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Sound Proofing Existing WallsSound proofing existing walls is a hard task. Or is it? Adding sound attenuation insulation to your home is easier than you think.
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Basement Wall FramingRemodeling a basement is a great way to expand your living space and improve your equity. In some cases, remodeling the basement is the difference between moving from one location...
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Interior Basement Wall Insulation for Finished Poured and Block FoundationsInsulating finished basement walls is not optional. In order to gain the most efficiency possible, you will want to insulate the interior of the walls regardless of whether insulation exists on the outside of the walls.
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Finishing Basements with a Stone FoundationSome of the most well built homes in the United States are built on a stone foundation. Stone foundations are typically constructed out of field stone which is mostly lime stone.
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Thermal Imaging Cameras: Non-Invasive InvestigationThermal imaging has been used by the military for decades to detect their enemies in thick jungle settings and far off distances. Today it is used by fire departments for commercial building inspections.
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Moisture Meters: Uses and ApplicationsWith the age of energy efficient building practices and installation upon us, some contractors who are not qualified to perform projects using energy efficient materials and equipment will botch jobs and create problems.
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Making a Glass Coffee TableIf you have a small living area but have big style ideas on a low budget, keep an open feel with plenty of style points by making a glass table.
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Installing Cabinet Knobs and HandlesOne thing that I have heard a lot of people complain about is when they mount their cabinet handles and knobs, they do not line up correctly and it looks funny on the cabinets.
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Choosing Ventilation FansVentilation fans have become increasingly important as the construction standards for building insulation and vapor barriers has made homes tighter and tighter.
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The Pros of Plastic FurnitureFrom water bottles to car panels, plastic has a variety of uses. One area of plastic production that has become more prevalent is the manufacturing of plastic outdoor furniture.
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Hydrogen Fuel Cells for a HomeThis is not science fiction, but a new source of power invented by the Japanese and starting on its test run in random homes in Japan. Hydrogen fuels cells are often talked about for cars.
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Solar Driveway LightsHave you ever been backing out of someone's driveway and could not see were the driveway was? If it is your driveway, more than you would like to admit.
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Making Your Own ChandelierChandeliers are beautiful light fixtures, but can be extremely expensive. But you can make your own with a little bit of re bar and some chains.
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Ceiling Character: Adding Wood BeamsIf you have high ceilings and you want to add interest to the room, adding wood beams to the ceiling will do it.
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Brick Feature WallWhen you watch the shows on home improvement, there seams to be an obsession with people wanting old, beat up brick walls as a feature wall in their homes.
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Brick Back SplashCreating a back splash made out of recycled brick is a great way to give your kitchen a rustic look without the high price tag.
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How to Create a Modern-Design Wall or Back Splash with BoltsModern design elements often take a turn toward the industrial. If you are looking to push this envelope with something that is extremely edgy and unique, try using actual bolts in your design.
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How to Recognize Poor Insulation TechniquesWith all of the stringent energy codes in modern construction practices, it is hard to believe that there are still poor techniques used by builders and subcontractors.
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Creating a Trayed CeilingIf you have a room with a tall, flat ceiling that is boring you, give it some depth by creating a trayed ceiling effect. This is when the ceiling is higher in the middle of the room than on the sides, giving it a "trayed" look.
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Building Managment Systems: The Next Generation of Green TechnologyBMS (building management systems) are not something that is all that new. Controls have been used since the late 1960's with large pneumatic air compressors to open hot water valves that supply heat.
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Inexpensive Under-Cabinet LightingYou love your kitchen but something seems to be missing. Maybe it's the lighting. Kitchen counter tops often feel darker than other areas of the kitchen because they are.
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Wall-Mount Gas FireplacesIncorporating a fireplace into modern design has always been tricky because of the formal feel of a fireplace. The newer innovation of ventless gas fireplaces has given homeowners the power to create extremely artful, modern designs.
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Base Room: an Underground GetawayIf you are looking at putting on an addition, but do not want to lose your yard, adding a base room could be the answer you are looking for. A base room is a subterranean room that is housed...
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Adding an Outdoor Room in the Middle of Your HouseOutdoor space is a hot commodity. If you are planning on building a home and have small lots to choose from, you can still have a great yard and have all the privacy you want. Just put the yard in the middle of the house.
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Making Citronella LanternsMosquitoes are a nasty part of outdoor activities in the summer time, especially when the weather is humid. Dousing yourself in bug repellent is not the way you were probably wanting to spend your evening.
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Connecting Basements: Cutting Through Foundation WallsAdding on basement space is a valuable asset compared to a crawlspace. You gain more usable square footage and maintenance is much easier and tends to be less expensive.
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The Elements of Loft DesignIf you have a long, narrow room with cathedral ceilings, you can increase to usable space by installing a loft. Loft space does not have to feel rustic as it is often depicted in magazines and on home improvement shows.
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Green Roofs Made Easier: GreenGrid Roofing SystemGreen roofs are becoming more and more common for flat roof applications in larger cities. The concept of gaining added insulation value, improved drainage, and reducing the carbon footprint
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Quadruple Pane Windows: the Ultimate in Energy Efficient WindowsWindows in general are one of the largest sources of thermal transference in a home or office building. As advanced as the technologies we have are, the best R-values for windows have come from triple pane krypton gas filled windows around R-9.8.
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Solar Shingles: the Ultimate in Green RoofingMany people like the idea of incorporating solar into their homes. The biggest issue that most people have is not the cost or the equipment, it is the look of the panels.
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Under-Cutting Doors for Energy EfficiencyEvery time an HVAC sales representative comes into your home, they are going to try and sell you a newer, more efficient furnace. This furnace is going to save you tons of money, they tell you.
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Turn an Old Front Porch into a Three Seasons RoomIf you have an older home with a front porch that is enclosed by windows, you probably do not use it for much because the temperature is hardly ever right.
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Guide to Outdoor Porch Ceiling FansFront and back covered porch areas are designed as a sanctuary to escape the sun's hot rays. Instead of utilizing this area, most people prefer to be indoors on hot days.
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SBA Loan Programs for Home BusinessesThe Small Business Administration has been providing small businesses with funding since 1953.
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How to Fill a Hole Left by a Mortise LockReplacing a mortise door lock set with a regular door knob creates a left over hole from where the lock set used to be. The old plunger plate also has left a hole on the side of the door.
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Garage Sale Vessel Sink and VanityIt seems like everyone is having a garage sale this summer and no bigger events in communities are bigger than the city wide rummage sales.
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Repurposing a Revolving Vanity MirrorRevolving mirrors are a popular antiquity from the early 1900's, made for the top of womens' vanities. The revolving mirror was made so that the mirror was mounted on a swivel.
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Building Butcher Block CountertopsButcher block countertops are some of the most sought after counter tops in the world. The beauty of natural wood with the ability to have a full work surface that can handle almost any abuse, is a quality in a counter top worth having.
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Home Improvements that Yield Little EquityReal estate values and prices fluctuate throughout the decades and, in the end, what those of us who have bought a home want, is to have a property that grows in value
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Closed Cell Spray Foam OptionsClosed cell spray foam insulation is the hottest form of insulation on the market.
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Building an Inexpensive Outdoor BBQExpanding your living space into the back yard is a smart choice to improve equity and home value. One way to create a functional outdoor space is by installing an BBQ.
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Tips for Fixing Old Pocket DoorsSome of the most beautiful woodwork is showcased by the paneled doors that were made in the early 1900s, especially pocket doors.
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Building a Two Story Garden ShedMany people build or buy a garden shed for the extra storage. The look of the garden shed can be similar to the house, giving it a guest house or play house appearance.
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Garage Foundation Mold RemediationGarages with mold on the foundation creates multiple health issues and can migrate into other areas of the garage where moisture and heat continuously occur.
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Giving a Room a Raised Paneled Look with PaintPaneled walls give a room a look of elegance and depth that cannot be achieved by any other method. Or can it?
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Building a Raised Fire PitFire pits have an ambiance like nothing else that can be created, bringing the night to life.
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Wind TurbinesWind generation is a clean and green way to produce your own electricity. However, before you buy a wind turbine, you need to calculate your annual power usage so that you can choose a turbine of the right size.
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Removing a Drop Ceiling: What You See is What You GetIf you have a home where the first floor (and maybe the second floor) ceilings have a drop ceiling, you can gain a substantial amount of height by removing the drop ceiling.
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Going from Two Garage Doors to OneIt may seem like a huge project, but going from two garage doors to one is a lot simpler than you may think. It just requires proper planning and about 20 minutes worth of a friend helping you out.
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Exterior Insulation SystemsThe entire point of insulation is to minimize the thermal changes that occur between the outside and the inside.
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Troubleshooting Window LeaksLeaking windows can cause serious aesthetic and structural problems in a house. This type of damage is hard to repair because it involves so many portions of the opening.
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Choosing Wind TurbinesWind generation is a clean and green way to produce your own electricity. However, before you buy a wind turbine, you need to calculate your annual power usage so that you can choose a turbine of the right size.
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Insulated Concrete Forms: Building Energy EfficientICF (insulated concrete forms) have been around for almost 10 years now and have been used to build new homes around the United States.
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Uses for Old Cedar SidingYou love the look of cedar siding but are sick of the constant maintenance. It seams like every time you stain it, it needs to be done again a year or two later.
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Insulated Attic with Storage in MindIf you have a large attic space in an older home that you use for storage, you can insulate the attic properly and keep all of your storage space as well. -
Making Lumber for Your New HomePart of building green is using materials that are harvested in a sustainable way. There are few practices more sustainable than not cutting down trees for a home.
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Why Craigslist is the Green Way to Shop and Save MoneyIt may be important to by products that use sustainable materials that have little environmental impact, but just as importantly, it is important to buy the items that do not have this boasted construction.
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Solar Chargers: the Portable Electronics RevolutionWith energy efficiency on everyone's mind these days, it is no wonder that the consumer electronics industry has spent a considerable amount of time and energy on small appliance solar chargers. -
Workout for Free: Green Alternatives to the GymMore and more pressure is being put on Americans to lose weight and get healthier as the population of obese individuals rises. Here are great ways to lose weight and save the environment at the same time. -
Tips for Killing Mold in Your HomeIf you have excess moisture in your basement and you have mold growth, you must first work on diverting the water away from the foundation of the exterior of your home.
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Roofings Costs and Choosing a ContractorAt some point, the roof has to get redone. The shingles cracking, and the granules falling off are all signs that the roof is near or past it's life expectancy.
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Duct Cleaning for Health and Energy EfficiencyMost people know that you are supposed to change your furnace filter every 3 months. However, cleaning the ductwork of a home is rarely discussed.
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Solar Heat Without a Solar Panel SystemThe concept of heating areas of a home with the warmth of the sun is not something new. It has been around for decades to combat the price increases of fossil fuels and electrical costs.
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Natural Hillside Water and Erosion ControlIf you live on a hill side, it water and drainage issues can cause a lot of problems. Because Mother Nature has her own plan when it comes to weather, preparing for the average yearly rain and snow
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Kitchen Islands: Unique Ideas and ApplicationsCounter space seems to be a hot commodity in modern kitchens, as there is never quite enough of it. Adding a kitchen island will significantly increase the workspace and give the kitchen a customized look.
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Electrical Service: Going from Overhead to Under GroundOverhead electrical service continues to be a prominent form of providing electricity from the utility company to the residences and businesses around the United States.
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Practical Uses for an Old DoorReplacing an old paneled door or set of doors will give a home a much newer look. But most of the time the old doors are kept by the homeowners, because they really aren't in that bad of shape.
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Five Essentials for the Multi-Purpose MudroomMudrooms are great for keeping everyone's filth secluded into one area of the home. The dirty shoes, the coats and hats, even the sports equipment seem to end up in the mudroom.
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Things to Know About Electric Heated FloorsElectric heated floors a great way to heat specific areas of your floors, but have some major downfalls for large area heating.
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Cheap Kitchen Cabinet UpgradesIf you like the layout of your old kitchen but your cabinets are showing their age, give them a new look for a few hundred dollars that will make your kitchen look like you spent a fortune remodeling.
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Create a Cheap Tile BacksplashWe have all been to the garage sales with the random tiles left overs from past home improvement projects. The people are so desperate to get rid of them, they hardly charge anything for them.
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What You Should Know About Conrete CountertopsConcrete countertops have become a popular choice for solid surface counter tops across the United States. The polished, clean look of the counter tops is the perfect surface for preparing food for guests and family.
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Guide to Tankless Water SoftenersThe days of buying huge, heavy bags of salt are over with this clever device.
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Small Apartment Kitchen and Bathroom IdeasCity living offers the convenience of fun and entertainment around every corner. From festivals and live entertainment, to the fine arts and assortment of shopping destinations, there is never a dull moment.
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Kevin Costner's Oil Separating MachineOne of the most innovative concepts of our time has been thought up and funded by none other than the star of Water World, one of the largest Hollywood flops of all time, Kevin Costner.
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Ceramic Coatings: Energy Saving Solutions for Warm Weather HomesCeramic coatings have been around for almost 20 years but have never become a popular means of insulation because they do not have an R-value rating making it hard to judge the actual resistance to heat load.
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Green Roofs: the Grass is Always Greener... On the Roof?Green roofing systems are a cool way to go green while creating a unique design element for your home
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Keeping the Lights On: Back Up Generator SystemsIt is that time of year again when everyone has their air conditioning blasting, trying to get some relief from the summer heat. All of a sudden, boom! The power is out. -
Fixing a Leaky ChimneyLeaking around masonry chimneys is common because the methods of flashing are typically not performed properly to begin with. Here is how to redo the flashing of your leaky chimney. -
Creative Energy Saving Concepts of TommorrowEnergy conservation and use is something that everyone is going to have to get used to.
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Krypton Insulated Glass WindowsNo, it is not the mineral that weakens Superman. It is an element on the periodic table with the symbol Kr. This gas is an excellent insulator for windows. -
The Dilemma of Wind EnergyProp wind turbine generators allow the wind to catch the props and turn them the make electricity. The issue is that the blades are up to 112 feet long and can be pushed to damaging speeds. -
Steel Roofing - A Green Roofing MaterialMost people don't think "sustainable" or "green" when they think of steel roofing. But steel roofing is one of the greenest roofing materials around for a number of reasons.
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The Benefits of Outdoor Office SpaceThe office is a stuffy place where the temperature is never right, someone is always complaining, and the coffee pot is always empty, right? -
Government Building Renovations: a Gold Mine of Reusable ItemsAs part of the United States solution to solving the economic crisis, the government has issued funds to improve schools, military bases and other select government buildings.
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Guide to Rotting Brick SidingBrick veneer siding has long been admired as one of the most stately materials to use when building a house. It's classic and sturdy look add to not only it's curb appeal, but perceived value as well.
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Fixing Damaged DrywallThis method of repairing drywall is for major cracks and holes the size of a doorknob or larger. -
Free Stone for LandscapingStone has often been used for building rustic, natural retaining walls and lining gardens. Outdoor living space designs are incorporating stone into the design more and more.
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Energy Star Home Performance ProgramEnergy Star has become the staple for rating energy efficiency of many products and methods for building construction and efficiency.
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Hot Roof Insulating for Cathedral CeilingsCathedral ceilings make a room feel much larger by following the roof line up to the peak. This is on many home owner's wish lists, especially in master bedroom and living room areas.
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Keep Cool and Save Some GreenStaying cool during the dog days of summer is a challenge for most people, but there are some easy tips that you can use that will help you save energy, as will as saving some money.
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Home Tips: Heating Supply Ducts in Exterior WallsHeating supply duct work is not supposed to be in the exterior walls. However, in older construction homes and remodeling projects, there are sometimes no other options for running heating supply and return duct work.
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Home Tips - Common Household Wire and Fuse SizesIf you do not have much knowledge of residential electrical code requirements and are trying to do some basic fixes on your own, you will want to reference this article to make sure you are using the correct wire size and type for your home. -
Home Tips: Properly Insulating the Edge of an Old AtticThere is a huge push currently underway for homeowners to insulate their homes to save energy. This is a very wise and worth while investment. -
Curb Appeal: Easy Ideas for a Great First ImpressionWhether you are inviting guests over, or want to put your house on the market, curb appeal is one of the most important aspects of a home.
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Home Tips: Air Sealing OutletsAir sealing in one of the most important aspects of energy efficiency. -
Home Tips: Energy HealsAttic energy lose is the most prevalent around the edge of the ceiling and at the top of the walls. This effect is from a lack of insulation material over the top plates of the walls. -
Home Tips: Overhead Electrical Service IssuesOverhead electrical service cables are still one of the most common methods of supplying electricity to homes and businesses throughout the United States. -
Home Tips: Electrical Panel ClearancesWhen installing a new electrical panel or remodeling around an existing panel, it is important to know what the proper clearances are and the proper methods of mounting the panel.
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Home Tips: Where Do Ground Wires Go?Most people know that you have to have your home's electrical system grounded somewhere in case of stray voltage, lightning, or power surges.
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Home Tips - Furnace InspectionThe end of the heating season is coming to an end. Easter is just around the corner and following closely behind are warmer temperatures. Every day we seem to get a little bit more daylight and it gets a little bit warmer.
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Home Tips - Garden BoardersFor the average person that loves the look of a plush, blooming garden of flowers and plants but doesn't have a lot of time between work and kids and, well, life in general, gardening may be more like a job then actual work.
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Home Tips - Using Your Water Heater to Heat Your HomeIf you live in a rural area and have a well you can benefit from your seemingly endless supply of water by using it to heat your house. The equipment is really no different than you are used to, just simply a different method.
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Home Tips - Air ChangesUnderstanding how your home functions is a big part of choosing home renovation projects. You wouldn't do something that would harm you home, at least not on purpose.
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Home Tips - Ground Source Heat PumpsGround source heat pumps can provide heat for your home during the winter, and air conditioning for your home during the summer.
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Home Tips - Co-efficient of Performance and Balance PointHow does your heating or cooling specialist know if your system is working efficiently?
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Home Tips - Electric Baseboard HeatersElectric baseboard heaters first became popular in the '70s when the oil criss hit.
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Home Tips - Cold Kitchen SolutionsOne of the first places I go in the morning is my kitchen. I make my coffee, eat my cereal, and then get ready for work. In the morning in the winter time, this daily grind can be very chilly in the morning, especially on the feet.
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Home Tips - Floor HeatersYou have a huge hole in the corner of your floor that allows you to see directly into the room below you. You can hear every conversation as you try to sleep below you and you are becoming agitated.
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Home Tips - Refinishing FurnitureFurniture is expensive. Refinish an older piece and save money along with giving your home classic charm.
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Home Tips - Choosing the Right ContractorChoosing a contract can be tough. You want it done right, but you also don't want to pay out the nose for it.
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Home Tips - Making a Coat RackCoat racks and hangers are very handy in small spaces to organize your coats, hats, and gloves. Design your own and build it at a fraction of the cost you would buy it at the store.
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Home Tips - Fixing a Sagging Roof LineA sagging roof line can cause a lot of problems with your house. As the roof spreads, it also pushes your walls out making them tilt.
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Home Tips - Roof DeckThis process is great for adding valuable outdoor space, especially in large cities.
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Home Tips - Building a HeadboardBed frames and headboards cost a lot of money, especially when you have a king size bed.
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Home Tips - Get Tools CheapTools can be expensive. I know. I have bought a lot of tools over the years. There is a better way to get quality tools at bargain prices, but you have to be willing to do your homework.
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Home Tips - Build a Covered PorchCOvered Porches give any home a classic look and a great outdoor space.
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Home Tips - Rustic Outdoor SeatingOutdoor seating for all of your friends and family can be expensive, and frankly, clutters your patio.
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Home Tips - Fixing Bowed House WallsThis is a complicated project and will take about 6 weeks to complete. First nail/screw a cleat to the side of the house made of two 2x6's about 4' long.
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Home Tips - Energy Efficient Basement FloorIf your basement floor is too cold for you handle, you may want to consider a warmer floor installation over the floor. Not only will it take away the cold concrete floor, it will make your basement more energy efficient.
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Home Tips - Free Water for Your PlantsGardens and lawns need a lot of water during the summer months to stay healthy and keep from drying out.
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Home Tips - Shoe ShelfShoe shelves are practical for closets, mud rooms, and even next to the pantry.
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Home Tips - Fix a Sagging FloorFloor sags can be annoying, especially if you want to redo your house. Straighten your floors out and start your other remodeling projects... after you fix the floor.
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Home Tips - Installing a Sump Pit and PumpSump pumps are the best way to remove unwanted water from your basement. Adding a sump pump can be a fairly large project, but can be successfully performed with the right instructions.