Home Related Questions and Answers

Monday, December 17, 2012

My bathroom has a really strong urine smell what could this be caused from and what is a way to get rid of it?

Q. I know it's a bathroom of course it's gonn'a smell like urine but it's so strong I can't barely stand it. I clean my bathroom about 3-4 times a month.

A. Do you have men or boys in your home? If so, the floors and walls around the toilet need to be cleaned regularly, as well as the toilet itself. You may need to replace the toilet seat and any bath mats or rugs that you have in the bathroom.

If you have carpet around the toilet it should be cleaned with something that will neutralize the urine. I've found that spraying white vinegar on the carpet works well. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries and you can then clean the carpet with something a little more fragrant.

Wall paper will also absorb urine and I've tried lightly spraying and wiping it with vinegar and it helps, but I've also had to completely strip the paper and paint the bathroom to get the smell out of the walls. Good luck. I hope you find something that will solve your problem.

When painting a bathroom, do you have to use a special paint to withstand heat and humidity?

Q. I am going to be painting my bathroom this weekend. I was wondering if I can use the regular matte finish in there or do I have to get a little gloss so it can stand the heat. I never close my bathroom door because it's inside my bedroom so I just close my bedroom door. It never gets THAT steamy in the bathroom because of that. I am just wondering though. Also, do you think it's nice to also paint the ceiling the same color as the walls? Or should I leave it white? I am doing a light pinkish color.

A. Don't use flat paint, I't grows mold really easy. I used to own a painting busines. We always used semi gloss or gloss paint for the bathrooms. I saw some one else recomend Behr paints from Home dept, My advice is not to use it. I found it required a lot of extra prep and even mutiple coats to get good coverage. I like the look of the bathroom walls and ceiling the same color.Good luck

What kind of ceiling lights or bathroom lights would be good for a teenagers bedroom or bathroom?

Q. For the bathroom I'm looking for one with three bulbs and for the bedroom a flush mount. my bedroom is aqua.
i'm not sure about the other details. and could you also add pictures with your answers?

A. A mini chandelier is a really cute and unique addition for bathroom lighting. It will help add some decor to the room. Check some out

http://www.everychandelier.com/Mini-Chandelier-C53035.html

Sunday, December 16, 2012

can i add a ceramic bullnose tile to my already existing laminate countertop and how?

Q. I have a bathroom countertop that is very nice. the only problem is someone put a horrible color laminate for the edging. Can I do a bullnose tile over it and will I have to add any wood to it first or just go right over it. Im also doing tile backsplash

A. ODD... no offense meant. Why not just bite the bullet and cover the existing top with Concrete backer board, and tile the entire thing? To just bullnose the face and backsplash would leave an area that you claim is NICE as a depression over all.

More directly stated "CAN I?" is a question I so often answer in the same way..."CERTAINLY."

"Will you be satisfied" is often an add on I apply to the question.

Steven Wolf
thousands of sq. ft. of tile/ many bathroom remodels

Bathroom Sink Above or Under Granite Countertop?

Q. Just wanted an idea. We are looking to redo all of our bathroom countertops from tile to granite. I can't decide if I like the above the counter sinks or to place the sink below the countertop. Below is much more expensive. About $200 per cut. Anyway, any suggestions? Thank you.

A. My wife and I recently remodeled our bathroom with granite tile countertops. We went with square, top mounted sinks for more of an older look. Personally, I don't like the undermounts with granite or sold surface. It's just something about the way they treat the edges and rim that takes something away from the character of the sink and makes me think of a hotel bathroom. Also, the top mounts have a more detailed edge and rim so I just think it looks a little nicer. It's all just personal preference.

Bathroom Countertop problem?

Q. I just purchased a new home, and the guest bathroom countertop has been badly burned by what looks like a curling iron. It is a solid surface, but beyond that I have no idea what type of surface. How can I find out the surface type, and if it is fixable, or needs to be replaced?
The house is a foreclosure, so there is no communication with the previous owner. The bank is not willing to fix it, but they are willing to lower the price/give an allowance back, for it to be fixed.

A. Go to your local hardware store ask to see samples in kitchen counter tops the have alot of samples you can go throu and make sure you write down to color that you see it in this way if they have a sample it would be easier .If they do have the kind you have make sure you ask who makes it in case they dont know hoe to fix it you can go online to as how to fix (oh kitvhen bathroom all the same)

Can I use interior paint outside?

Q. Stupid question but can I use interior paint outside? I bought a gallon of interior paint to paint a closet door, now I have a lot left and was wondoring if I could paint my wooden bullked(outside door to cellar) door with it. I hate to waste paint.

A. you could but i do not reccomend it. as a painting contractor , i can tell you it would flake off very quickly,and wouldnt be worth the the effort. the only thing you could do if you were adamant about doing ti would be to oil prime the door with a good primer like X-I-M then top coat it with your interior paint...this may buy some time before it flakes...but it will flake

What brand of interior house paint do you like?

Q. I have a lot of interior painting to do. I want something that goes on smooth and usually covers in one coat.

A. Im a 37 year experienced painter..Sherwin willimas has many good labels of paint..Pro mar 200...and cashmere are both greta wall paints..alot of people say behr..but it is one of the worst paints you can get..user unfriendly, hard on your tools , rollers brushes, etc...and THEY DO NOT HONOR THIER WARRANTY...I painted since 13 years old.. and believe me..Behr sucks!!

What are you the best interior paints, and do you think that brands like Farrow & Ball are worth the price?

Q. As an artist, I've learned that sometimes expensive paints are worth the money because of the exceptional quality, and others are a rip off. I'm guessing the same is true with interior paints for your house. My mom is obsessed with Farrow & Ball, but to me it's absurd to pay more than $90 a gallon for paint. They have very limited color options, too.

A. Farrow and ball only do paints that are period colours (georgian, victorian etc..), and you can choose from lots of different finishes. But personally, i don't think that it makes a blind bit of difference! I would much rather spend my money on some fabulous feature wallpaper, or a nice sofa than on paint, which nobody is going to pay the slightest bit of attention to. Nobody compliments your paint, no matter how expensive it is! I think that if you are trying to create a victorian house, with every detail spot on and correct, then maybe, just maybe, its worth it. Otherwise i wouldn't bother!

What is your favorite kitchen appliance?

Q. What is your favorite kitchen appliance, utensil etc? It can be anything big or small.

A. bullet

Best place to shop for red kitchen appliances?

Q. My husband and I are moving into a new house and I want to do our kitchen in red. Does anybody have suggestions on the best places to buy red kitchen appliances?

A. Amazon and eBay are good for small appliances, and the reviews can be really helpful. But for bigger red kitchen appliances you might want to check out places like Sears, Home Depot, etc. where you'll actually have a chance to see and use the appliance before buying. A site I like that highlights some nice smaller items is http://www.redkitchenstuff.com/.

It can also be risky to buy big appliances online because it they're damaged during shipping it's a pain trying to get a replacement/refund.

Are used furniture and kitchen appliances safe to buy on Craigslist?

Q. I know from news reports that people have been murdered when meeting in person to buy or sell personal electronics (iPhones, iPods, etc.). But is it any safer to meet strangers when trying to buy furniture and kitchen appliances on Craigslist?

A. I would be more concerned with insect infestation. Regardless, never go alone. Take a can of pepper spray. Know the neighborhood.

How do you unlock a bedroom door from the outside?

Q. I accidentally locked my bedroom door from the inside. It is one of those doorknobs with the little hole in the middle and the lock on the other side that you push to lock and turn the handle to release. I've tried using wire hangers, and it hasn't worked. Please help.

A. It depends upon the type of lock that is on the door. If it is a passage lock that is commonly used for a bedroom door then a thin screwdriver inserted in the center hole will engage a slot and you will be able turn it 90 deg to unlock the door.

If it is a keyed entry set like an exterior door then there are several possibilities. If the hinges are on your side slide the center pin out and open the door from the hinge side. If not then you might be able to "card" the door if the lock is of inferior quality. If it is of better quality and installed correctly then see the next:

If it is a dead bolt then you will have to break the door, drill out the lock, find the key, or call a locksmith.

Does a bedroom have to have a window in PA?

Q. I live in an apartment that was listed as a 2 bedroom. One of the bedrooms does not have a window. Is there supposed to be a window for emergencies or ventilation? Does anyone know the laws for this sort of thing?

A. You do need to have ventalation in a beedroom. But more important you need egress. At least one window in each bedroom must be of sufficient size to permit the occupants to escape a fire and also to allow a fully outfitted firefighter to enter.

An egress window must satisfy all four Internatioinal Residential Code (IRC) criteria:

Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor).
Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in.

So if it doesn't ahve this it's not a bedroom. A simple call to your local bulding department can confirm this.

How much would a 4 bedroom home in the following areas cost to purchase?

Q. How much would a 4 bedroom or 5 bedroom home cost to purchase in the following areas? :
Newport Beach, California
Santa Monica, California
Wilmington, North Carolina

A. The question you ask is like asking what would a blue car cost in Newport Beach, California Santa Monica, California Wilmington, North Carolina. 1 story, 1.5, story, 2-story, tri-level, one story with basement 1.5 story with basement ect. 1 car garage, 2 or 3 car garage, what size lot? What age? 1300 sf 4-bed, or 2000 sf 4-bedroom and everthing in between and larger, 1 bath, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 3 bath, what condition? if its a older home, what degree of updating has been done? Sorry but no one can answer your question. Also zillow does not know its butt from a hole in the ground.

What should I get my mom for her birthday?

Q. I'm not really sure what to get her. Sephora recently had their "Best of 2008" thing so I was thinking about getting some of those products but they're all like $25+ and I'd like to keep it within the $50 limit and I think it'd be a little cheesy to get her just two products. She likes home furnishing, she likes jewelry. I don't want to get her clothes and she doesn't like going to spas. Thanks for the help!

A. Please look jewelry for mom at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_jw?url=search-alias%3Djewelry&field-keywords=mom&x=0&y=0&tag=discount.save-20

Hope this help.

Good Luck.

Define Home Furnishing?

Q. How can you define "Home Furnishing"? Most internet dictionaries redirect this to furnishing and I can't find any definitions for it..thanks.

A. My opinion is anything that goes inside the home. This includes carpets, furniture and wall decor.

Can I claim my grandmother who is 70 year old and lives in a nursing home as a dependent?

Q. My grandmother is 70 and lives in a nursing home, I furnish all of the support for her, I paid over $12,000 for the nursing home, bought her a wheelchair, paid for her doctor's fees. Can I claim her as a dependent and deduct those expenses?

A. Yes. Provided, as it is very likely, that she ...

1) does not earn more than $3,650 gross income. In this case, if only social security, that does not count as gross income.

2) Including all her income, such as pensions and social security, you still provide over 50% support. As you say, you furnish all support.

You can deduct medical expenses on your tax return for a dependent, but not the entire cost of the nursing home. Ask them for a breakdown of the expenses, the room and board portion will not count. The other expenses, wheelchair, doctor fees, medications, etc. do count.

Where to find a home energy auditor?

Q. Trying to get a comprehensive home energy audit on my house. Google brings up a lot of home inspectors, are they the same thing or are they qualified to do that?

Any information would be great, thanks. I'm in Atlanta also.

A. I've got one coming to our house one of these upcoming days.
I found one close to me on www.energygroup123.com, maybe you can too, or at least get a referral.
Their audit is free too!

Oil hit over $90 per barrel. What are you doing to cut back or use less home heating energy/gasoline?

Q. Do you drive as often, as you drove prior to the oil increase, for vacations, work, recreation, etc...?

Is the utility company in your community helping, ignoring or hurting (increasing bills) the current home energy costs?

With the cost of per barrel of oil rising to $100 per barrel of oil and is expected to go past the $100 per barrel mark, do you have any thoughts/suggestions as how to cope with the high cost of energy needs.

A. people can get together and demand cheap solar electric cars, hybrid cars, (that car that makes water is a GM disaster)... we are making allot more ethanol . oil will always be needed for plastics.

plus we got plans for building alot more Nuclear plants.

Visit this website, this may help you
http://buildyourownhomeenergy.blogspot.com/

Oil hit over $90 per barrel. What are you doing to cut back or use less home heating energy/gasoline?