Home Related Questions and Answers

Monday, March 18, 2013

When should floor kitchen cabinets be screwed to the wall if at all?

Q. Should kitchen floor cabinets be screwed to the wall when installing? We just finished installing the wall cabinets. The floor cabinets are level. We have shemed the cabinets. Any suggestions? Do we need to wait until we have our counter tops installed?

A. Yes, screw them to the wall and to each other. You need to start with the corner cabinets. For complete instructions, see www.kitchen-design-angel/how-to-install-kitchen-cabinets.html

How/where to install kitchen cabinets: directly on wood subfloor or on the tile?

Q. My kitchen has been gutted. The walls, the electrical, and the wood subfloor has been preped. Should the base cabinets be installed directly onto the wood subfloor (my house has a 3 to 4 foot crawl space...not concrete slab), or should the kitchen floor be tiled first and then install the base cabinets on top of the tile? What is the proper way to do it? Thanks in advance for your answers.

A. http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Kitchen_Cabinets_and_Floors__Which.html

How can I make our kitchen floor less slippery for my elderly mother?

Q. Our kitchen floor is very slippery. We are afraid that Mom might slip on it. We don't want to carpet it. Is there another solution?

A. If replacing the flooring is an option I would head to Lowe's and look into flooring that is designed specifically for the kitchen/bathroom. Explain your concerns to the sales person and if they don't know, place a piece of the flooring on the ground, dampen it and step on it and just test it to see how slippery it is.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

How to get past a security light?

Q. I'm sneaking out tonight, and we have security lights in our yard. How do you get past them without making them turn on?

A. best way is to go to your circuit breaker in the garage and find the breaker for the security lights/that side of the house. turn it off. then wala, problem solved.
another way would be to remove the sensor on the lights
remove the light bulbs
avoid the lights/sensor
tape the sensor up (during the day or something)
or as someone else said, avoid emitting Infra red radiation

actually, I think the way you COULD do this seriously, is the following:

find/buy one of those "space blankets". (reflective blankets meant to keep you warm by keeping in all IR heat) you can buy em at walmart and camping store as well as the kennedy space center if your interested haha.

then, cover yourself in it COMPLETELY shielding yourself form the camera, and go for it, walk, dont run, past the sensor, and you may be able to sneak past it because the blanket will hide your IR radiation from view of the sensor.
I haven't tried it, but I think it might work, seeing as how the blankets ar meant to keep IR radiation in. so they wont let it out and will act like a sort of camo from the sensor.
btw, the blankets go for like a max of 20 bucks.

*edit*
The walking slow thing, may work a bit, but you must understand how this stuff works to understand that it wont work well. maybe at all. the security light sensor is looking for a "change" in the IR temperature it is sensing. so if you move really slow, it might not detect a change. but then again, it might. its not worth trying. US a highly reflective material like a space blanket or shiny shiny aluminum.

Does a motion security light necessarily need to be connected to a switch?

Q. I'm wanting to install some motion security lights on the outside of my home. This job can go from easy to totally ridiculous if i have to install a light switch for it.

A. === as a home and business shop wire it myself electrical amateur your best course is to wire it direct and in doing so you must be careful to turn off the breaker and use a junction box or a connection box to follow the AWG wiring codes === American Wiring Guide Codes === the purpose of the box is to be a spark arrestor and tape the wire nuts into place with the black electric tape so if and when you ever sell the home you have done this job correctly ==== NO .... you do not need to have a switch but it should run off a separate breaker if possible [[ for your own safety when doing the wiring ]] respect that power even if it is only 110 volts --- if you already understand most of this and I have been redundant it is meant to help you get it right ....

What shall I do If my security light comes on in my chevy impala?

Q. Im having a passlock problem in my 2002 chevy impala. The security light blinks on and the car wont start. I have to wait like 10 minutes before it resets itself. The dealor says it cost 600.00 to fix and no one else would touch it. Ive called around. Is there an easier way out of this?

A. all chevrolets have this problem, even mine. this summer i found out what my problem was. first the light blinks then, my tahoe woulg turn off while i applied the break peddle. killing all power to vehicle.
chevrolrt dealer told me same thing $600 to fix.

i thought the all\arm system was holding it off, on anti-thift, cause i could hear the alarm box making clicking sounds

the problem with mine was a loose positive battery post.
even tho the post was tight, just wasn't tight enough'
post was tight into the battery, but loose between both cables that hooked to the positive pose, not much just enough to cause problems.

what i did was put a lock washer between both cables, and installed cables in a v shape from bottom looking up.

havent had the problem again.

around here, i know at least 7 people with same problem

give it a try, before spending $600

Does anyone know where I can buy an outdoor lighting fixture?

Q. I want to replace my outdoor wall-mounted light by my front door. The one I have now also has an outlet on it. I find this very handy to plug in my weed whacker, etc. I can't seem to find an outdoor light that comes with the outlet. Have they been discontinued?
Thanks HVAC, I did check in those stores. I guess they don't make them anymore.

A. I have not seen one in a long time. Check at Lowes? home depot? Another thing you could do is when the light is replaced have an outlet wired into the light circuit in the wall, it should not be very difficult for an electrician

Why does turning my outdoor lights on trips my circuit breaker ?

Q. I have 4 outdoor lights, 2 lanterns and 2 recessed lightings. The switch is part of 3 switches that controls indoor lights and sockets. Whenever I turn on the outdoor switch, it triggers the circuit breaker. The other 2 switches don't do this. The 2 lantern lights worked when checked individually. But I didn't check the recessed lights yet. What could be the problem?

A. The easiest way to figure it out is to try the process of elimination. The easiest to eliminate and the most likely source is one of the light fixtures. Remove one fixture at a time and recheck the circuit to see if it trips. If the circuit stops tripping, the problem is in the last fixture removed. If that doesn't help you find it, try reinstalling one of the fixtures and messing around with the switches. It's not uncommon for the 4-way switches to go bad. Like the other contributor said, never upsize a breaker without the recommendation of a licensed electrician. It goes without saying that if you're uncomfortable working around electricity, leave this one to the professionals. If the 120 volts doesn't kill you, the fire will.

How do I make my outdoor lights emit red without changing the bulb?

Q. In my film class, our professor mentioned some type of fiberglass gels that you use to change the color of the light. However, I don't think I heard him correctly and now someone wants to put it over their outdoor lights to make them red for the holidays. I'm pretty sure I have the correct material (the woven fiberglass) in mind, but I just want to make certain. if this is the incorrect material, what else can I use to put over my lights as a gel to make the light reds.

A. yeah ur right its the woven fiberglass
i also did this for the holidays

How much do I charge for painting and repairs?

Q. I am looking in to doing some interior home painting jobs. I am not sure what to charge? Do you base it on the size of the rooms? How and what do I charge? How much should I charge for small repairs, putting in a new faucet, new fan?

A. Whether you bid the job or do T&M (time & material) you have to figure out what you are willing to work per hour. This may not be what you are worth per hour, as competition, location and economic times sometimes dictate terms.

The easiest solution I recommend to people in your situation, is to look over each aspect of the individual job (fan instillation, painting, etc) determine how much time it will take to complete each job from start to finish â¦â¦then double the time âyou thinkâ it will take. It may seem excessive, but it is a simple formula that has proven itself time and again.
There are many variables that go into bidding a jobâ¦â¦ but using this formula should assure you of being within the market range of a bid.
Whatever you determine your hourly at, plus material (and any mark up you put on material) would be your estimated price (and donât forget to figure any time spent at the store)

Having a home painted on the outside?

Q. When having your home professionally painted ( I assume with a gun ) how far can the fine mist travel? I realize there are varying factors, but am looking for a generalized answer. Typically how many feet?

Thanks
Alyssa - worthless!

A. Painters will take every precaution from overspray as they are responsible and accountable.

On a windy day I have seen overspray from soffits go over buildings and mist coat cars some 100 feet away.
A little heads upâ¦ and question to ask your painters. Ask them if they back roll when they spray.
This is something I require from all the painting contractors when doing homes, it extends the longevity of the job; although not as much so when shooting a nonporous job

How Do I get home owners to hire me to paint their homes? As a home owner, would door to door sales, work?

Q. I run a small home painting business in the East Bay of San Francisco. I use C.L. , its free and seems to work, I dont trust the yelllow pages, am I wrong? How do and would you hire a house painter.

Yellowpages?
Online Postings
Google ads?
Door to door
Flyers or doorhangers?
Guy with white overalls at aint store?

Tell me how you hire your paint.

A. I would place my advertisement every were I could that my budget allowed. Even door to door. If your nice and professional looking and can talk good you could pull it off. Yellow pages are a good source.

What kind of gun is not lethal but can stun/immobilise a victim? (specifically i'm thinking of home security)

Q. It is specifically meant for personal and home safety. Should not be lethal - hence free from hassles of licensing but have power to stun or immobilise victims; it should be simple and cost-effective enough to make, preferably on our own; it may use chemicals, minor explosives or electronic devices etc but should not be dangerous to keep it; also handy enough to carry around
It should have a reach of at least 30 meters.

A. The very first thing that you need to think about is your safety and the safety of the others in the house that you live in. That also includes any small children that may get a hold of such a thing.Then why non-lethal? Because you would rather not kill a person, if that is your view I completely respect that, or is it the permit issue? Tazers and other non lethal devices can kill or seriously injure a child as easy as a gun. You will need to think about where to store it, how easy it will be for you to get to it, and how effective it will be. They make guns that shoot rubber bullets, or nets that are very effective, but they cost a lot. The cheapest and most reliable device you could use is a 12 gage shotgun. Typically there is no permit issues because they are primarily used for hunting. You can get them with shorter stocks and barrels so they are easier to maneuver in your home. Remember what ever is dangerous to intruders is dangerous to you. If this device is not strong enough to keep them under control until help comes then you only have an angry, injured, criminal which is not a good thing to have in your house.

What are some questions I can ask about in home enviromental safety?

Q. I'm doing a video project for my mass media class. I will be intereview people and asking them questions. I need 2 more questions to ask concering about in home enviromental safety? can someone help me out please?

A. Is the house ventilated? This could be a clue for Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do you notice any strange smells when you've been gone for a few days? Could be mold.
What kind of cleaners do you use? Some are quite toxic or caustic.
When was the house built? Older homes may have asbestos insulation or lead based paints.
Do you have pets or children? Both can leave little messes if they have accidents.

Do most youngsters get adequate guidance and discipline training from their parents?

Q. Esp on home-safety, fire-safety, vehicle-safety and other aspects of safety? Isn't this the right time for more family bonding and to nurture kids properly, for a better tomorrow?

Your valuable comments would be much appreciated!

A. From where I am, parents teach, guide and discipline youngsters on the basics of safety, good behavior and manners. We don't even spare the rod, so to speak, if a child does wrong. But we explain to him why he is being spanked - not because we love him less but because we want to instill in his young mind the importance of knowing what is right and what is wrong, that there are certain rules to consider and must be obeyed to make him a better person when he grows up and that includes thinking not only for his own self but to consider others as well.

I am searching for best home contractors in Charlestion South Carolina.?

Q. I am searching for best home contractors in Charleston South Carolina. Can any one give me a good reference.

A. I think gatch builders will be good for you. They can help you. http://www.gatchbuilders.com

How do I find an apprenticeship for a general contractor.?

Q. I want to be a home contractor though. Build houses and such. I have looked and craigslist and searched the web, but I guess perhaps the best thing would to be contact other companies who build homes and see if they have any entry positions? also What kind of schooling is required to be a general contractor, I want to eventually be in the supervisory position once Ive learned everything.

A. 1. You should possess a degree or basic qualification in construction, civil engineering or related subjects.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Basic-Qualifications-of-a-General-Contractor&id=5393201

2. You should approach a construction company for apprenticeship.

.

Is it legal for a home improvement contractor to walk off the job?

Q. We hired a home improvement contractor for a major landscaping job. He completed about 80% of the work but then disappeared. Right before he disappeared, he asked if we minded paying him for the work he already completed. He seemed nice so we agreed. Then, he vanished, even though he signed a contract with us saying that he was supposed to do our driveway (which he didn't -- and now it is near winter and we have no driveway). Can he legally do this? (walk off a job even though the work in the contract is incomplete)

A. Never Pay until the job is DONE.

Never

No matter HOW NICE he seems.

Of course if he is contractually obligated to finish the job - but Now YOU have got to compel him to do it. (and you've lost hour hammer)

(no pun on the contracting thing)

It will probably be cost effective to hire someone to finish the job... and consider this a lesson learned.

I assume you've called him to ask "what's up"? And I also assume he's UNAVAILABLE, right?

How do I make a homemade composting bin?

Q. I've looked at composting bins online and the prices are steep for a a house of college students, ranging from 150-200$. I was wondering if anyone knew how to construct one for a lesser cost.
A slat wood built bin?, Can one just be made out of a large rubbermaid bin? Other ideas?

A. Good Evening ShyGirl,

I was always to poor to know any other way. I have been gardening for 60 years. I don't know why people love to spend so much money on gardens. I use nothing but natural ingredients. I use no chemicals or pestcides. I think people forget they eat whatever they put on their plants or in the soil. My garden is 20x20 ft, and I have nine (9) rare fruit trees. You see why I have two 55 gal compost drums.

You sound like you need help on making a good compost bin. Since you are new at compost, it may be easier for you to start with a plastic bin. A 32 gal is just find.

Make sure your bin is away from the house. Compost bins will give off odors. Cut out the bottom and add holes around the sides. You must vent the sides. Place four inch bricks shaped like the letter "I_I" or V" on the ground. Place your bin on the top of the bricks. You can shovel compost out of the open end of the bricks when your compost is ready.

Layer in your soil, your vegetable and grass cuttings, dead plants, egg shells, and coffee grounds. I do not use other materials because they can draw mice, and the smell is bad. Never use meat or cooking oils. I mix my compost with chicken manure. Chicken manure is by far the best. Therefore add chicken manure every (about 2 cups) few inches. Keep the mixture lightly moist. You will never buy soil again. A 1cu. ft. of chicken fertilizer will cost about $4. The plastic can will cost about $20.

Do not use wood of any type. Wood will draw termites in the summer in certain areas of the country. It does not take them to long to find wood and dirt. I hope I helped. Good luck to you and your family, from Los Angeles.

Anyone know the name of that one popular pastrami place in Vegas?

Q. Last time I was in Vegas was in 1995. There was a small food place, no drive thru, order at a window, long wood building, a few eating tables outside. The line was always super long, and they were famous for making people so full, it would be rare to see a person eat there twice in one day. Their sandwiches were soooo good, and I think they only had one location. I was wondering if anyone knows the name of it, and if it's still around?

A. Sammy's L.A. Pastrami ! Delish!

4035 S Decatur Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89103

(702) 644-8747
www.sammysdogs.com

Where can I buy sustainable wood lumber for restoration renovation, I do custom woodworking in PA, NJ area?

Q. Where can I buy sustainable wood lumber for restoration renovation, I do custom woodworking in PA, NJ area?
I am looking for old growth lumber, high quality timber, virgin wood reclaimed wood. I am in the Philadelphia manayunk area wood building trades. I do wood working, a number of projects right now are unique pieces, i am trying to stay with using old character antique lumber. My passion is for beautifully aged beams timber with outstanding patina and rich colors. Anywhere in Southeast Pa or NJ will do? I only use antique reclaimed beams from locally knocked down buildings. I like the raw wood beautiful timbers and handcraft it into wood furniture and custom woodworking.

A. Try us Atlas Wood Products in Phila Pa.
215-843-0313
Ask for me Nick Sucic "wood man" for a discount.
someone said to us "your a great source for all types of reclaimed wood. i tell my friend how nice and helpful you guys are"
we might have the largest selection of different used reclaimed wood in Phila,Pa.
Located in North Philadelphia near Manayunk.
Our wood is from the Philadelphia's area.
215-843-0313
Atlas Wood Products
2101 w lippincott ave Phila, Pa 19132
try us first or last for a great price and friendly service.
We think we are the only green woodworkers under roof, exclusively offering a huge selection of completely different selection of material for sustainable lumber uses reused lumber, compared to anyone else for restoration renovation, custom wood working in southeast PA. We do wooden furniture repair, rustic wooden tables wood benches, wood bar stools, millwork planing, large bandsaw resawing sanding surfacing etc.
Source(s):
Atlas Wood Products 215-843-0313 phila pa
http://woodrecycling.me/about/ look at our first blog