Home Related Questions and Answers

Monday, June 24, 2013

How do I stop my wall light bulbs making black marks on the ceiling?

Q. My wall light bulbs make black marks on the plaster coving and ceiling in my room. I understand you used to be able to buy little press on metal caps to stop this.

Does anybody know if these are still available and where I can get these from or any other tip to help

Any help would be very much appreciated
Unfortunately I am only using 25 watt bulbs now to help this so really can't go much lower but thanks for this idea

A. Use lower watt bulbs. The heat is causing the marks.

How do you make the wires safe before you put a blanking plate on when you remove wall lights.?

Q. We want to remove 2 wall lights, but we do not want to permanently remove the wires, so we will use blanking plates, but are not sure how you make the wires safe first. Does anyone have suggestions please?

A. You don't say where you are. If you are in the UK you will need to use connector blocks (min 5amp rating) as we stopped using screw on type connections, such as wire nuts /midgets, many years ago. Connector blocks are widely available from diy shops.
Don't rely on turning the wall switch off to make the cables dead as there may still be live cables present. It is probably simpler for you to turn off the main switch (Usually the biggest switch at your fuseboard) After making sure that the cables are definitely dead, put the cables into your connector in exactly the same order as they were connected in the fitting. ie if a black and red cable were connected together in the fitting they must be connected together when you reconnect them. Many people make the mistake of not noting how it came apart. Put all your earth cables together and after gently tugging at all the cables to make sure it doesn't fall apart tape the connectors up before pushing back into the wall and covering with your blank plate.
You may be lucky and find that on removing the old lights you have existing connectors you can retain. In which case visually check there are no loose strands of copper after disconnecting the light and simply tape the connectors up.
If in any doubt of how to make it safe don't attempt it yourself, get someone in. Electricity kills.

Where can you get wall lights for your room?

Q. I have been watching room tours on youtube and a lot of people have really cool wall lights (not plain ones, like pink and stuff) ti make there room more fun, they have them over there bed and stuff. So I went to a couple of stores online but none had anything close to that. Please help!

A. Have you tried homedepot ive senn cool lights their

Sunday, June 23, 2013

How do I wire an electrical outlet from a wall light?

Q. I want to install an electrical outlet on a wall that doesn't have any other outlets. There is a wall light directly above the place where I need the outlet so I want to use that junction for the power source. I do not want the wall light's switch to control the outlet. How do I wire this?

A. Depends on how the light is wired. If it's got only a black and a white wire, the only thing you can do is have the switch control the whole circuit. With only two wires, the black wire is made/broken at the switch, so the only way to get a circuit is to have the switch on.

If you have two black and two white, you're OK. One B/W pair will go to the switch and the other B/W pair provides the power. If you have this, notice that one pair is wired across the black of the other pair. That is, a black wire coming in ties to another wire going out without going to the light. The companion wire of the one going to the switch should be wired to the light. That's your switch leg, and it is made /broken at the switch. The white wire of the leg in should be on the other pole of the light. You want to take your new wire and add the black to the connection on the black coming in. You'll now have three wires there - hot in, hot out to switch, hot to your new outlet. Take your white from your new run, undo the white of the leg in at the light. Connect those two and add a white pigtail. Wire the pigtail to the light.

Be sure all circuits are off, and if you're not sure which wire is which, use an ohmeter to test. Be sure all grounds are connected in each box. Check out what will be on the circuits and make sure you don't overload them, and also that your boxes are rated for the amperage/wires you'll be using.

How do I stop my wall light bulbs making black marks on the ceiling?

A. Use lower watt bulbs. The heat is causing the marks.

How do you make the wires safe before you put a blanking plate on when you remove wall lights.?

How can I build an in-home bar?

Q. I'm thinking about building a small bar for my living room just for when friends come over. Are there manuals for that sort of thing? Can you suggest any sites?

A. Seems obvious it won't be a WET bar, and answer number one truly has a decent suggestion. The BAR can be almost any type of furniture,,,even a converted TV/Entertainment center, antique buffet from Gramma; etc.

I'd pass on building; but that's just one wolfs opinion.

I've BUILT a few bars in my life, and they actually served no different function,,,in general,,, than a plank sitting on milk crates could,,,no offense, and no that isn't a suggestion...smiles.

It should either Blend/coordinate with what furnishings you have,,,or be a showcase piece that people might actually be attracted too, and doesn't even have to suggest in any way that it's a BAR. A Louis the 14th Desk would work,,,and maybe for multiple uses.

Certainly too there are PURCHASE options. One might be a mini thing on wheels/casters, that doesn't have to live in the Living room.

Again, my opinion. this project could be an enjoyable one just in the shopping experience. Good Will, garage sales, etc.

How expensive,on average, does it cost to build your own basic home bar?

Q. hey, moving towards a house on campus and want to build a bar at my new place. Just kinda want to know what i'm getting myself into.

A. It really depends....if you go to home depot and buy the materials you can get great materials for 400-500 dollars (small bar)or you can go cheaper. Or you can go really cheap and look over thrift stores and antique malls for an older piece of furniture and re-purpose it for $100-200 dollars. This assumes you have the tools you need to get this done. But a major factor is what you want. Somewhere to store drinks and set them on will be a lot cheaper than your very own "cheers" style bar.

Where is a good place to buy a home bar?

Q. I am looking to buy a bar for my house. Nothing huge just a nice small bar. Few shelves, storage and such. Any ideas where to find one?

A. I work for Durham Bookcases (www.thebookcaseshop.com) and we build various kinds of tables and have built host stands and other furniture for restaurants before.

Depending on the kind of bar you are looking for you could get a table and cut a hole in it for a bar sink and other fixtures. If you want a closed bar, then you could add some panels between the legs to enclose it. As far as shelving, if you could either add a small bookcase or cabinet under the table or have it built into the bar. If we built what i described it would probably be around $360 plus the cost of finishing ($135 for stain $176 for painting), and the sink and other fixtures.

Fletcher Hardison

What paint colors would be ideal for a serene home office with Scandinavian-modern furniture and aesthetics?

Q. My stepmom is in the process of converting two small guest bedrooms into one large home office that is adjacent to a nursery. The room that is connected to the nursery (by a bathroom) is currently painted a medium-hued turquoise called Blue Ground by Farrow & Ball, and will serve sort of like the sitting area of the office. She adores the color, and will most likely keep it. The other room is wallpapered, but they're going to remove the paper and paint. There is still a partial wall up, so even though the space is open, there is a separation between the two rooms. This is why I think it would be nice to have the rooms two different colors that harmonize with one another. She is considering painting three walls a cloud white and having one accent wall with color.

All of the furniture that will go in the room has a Scandinavian-modern aesthetic to it, sort of like the IKEA style but higher quality. Most pieces are either white or blonde wood, and have clean lines. There is a lot of natural light streaming in. She is wanting the space to have a serene vibe to it with colors that are calming but not boring. We're in Southern California, so she's considering incorporating some ocean-inspired decor, like a driftwood coffee table and maybe sea glass colors, but it won't be like a "beach theme."

Do you have any paint color suggestions? Unfortunately, I'm in college several hours away, so I don't have any photos to share of the space.
This is the color of the room that is already painted: http://us.farrow-ball.com/blue-ground/colours/fcp-product/100210

A. I think I'd go for a light grey, either true grey or possibly a little on the blue side. It's certainly serene. It looks businesslike. It can go with an ocean theme. Think of the colour of an ocean just after a storm.
It will go with the furniture. A sand colour might be all right too but you'd have to be sure it goes okay with the blond wood. You could accuse grey of being boring, but it makes an excellent background colour and if you put an interesting piece of art or two on a wall, that will liven it up a lot.

I like that turquoise colour a lot too but combining with other colours is a bit tough without having it look like a kid's playroom. Anything red, pink, or coral is out. Yellow might work but it better be a very subdued yellow. Green just won't go. A medium blue might be okay but if it's too pale it will look cheap beside the turquoise and too dark will overwhelm everything else.

What are essentials for a home office?

Q. I want to convert a section of our home basement into a home office? What are essentials to creating an excellent home office environment?

A. The first step in creating a home office plan that works is to evaluate what you plan to do in the space.

A home office can have different zones for various tasks, equipment, and furniture needs. A desk and computer area may be one zone, while bookshelves, storage, and filing are another.

Furnishings. Make sure that you allow for adequate desk space for your equipment, and space to store materials, records and supplies.

Outlets. Are there enough electrical outlets to safely accommodate all of your business equipment (computer, telephone, copier, fax, clock and desk lamps)

Invest in a second phone line for your office.

Choose bright colors that will reflect light and keep you in a productive mood.

you'll need some sort of bookshelf-or shelves-and file drawers that are easily accessible without you having to get up.

Bulletin and chalk boards are a great way to keep home office reminders front and center.

accessories like pencil holders and divided containers.

personal art and pictures, family portraits.

A computer, desk chair and obvious things like that also.

Plants help make it more inviting.

Warm lighting, stay away from fluorescent lighting.

Help with becoming a better sales person?

Q. I work for a company called Winport USA. It's a small company that imports school, home, and office furniture. The company actually has really, really nice furniture, that is not common in the US. I have to start calling schools and asking them if they are interested in buying any school furniture. I am supposed to set up a meeting with them if possible, and give them our website address.

I honestly don't even know where to start. This is my first sales job, and the entire company is counting on me. I have no experience whatsoever. Any advice?

Thanks!

A. The trick is to listen. hear what they want or need and fill that gap. Keep working even when everyone says no.

Good luck!

Bathroom remodeling, when should we have windows installed?

Q. We are planning on having our bathroom remodeled. We want to replace the bathroom window, replace the floor tiles, tile and paint the walls, and have a sink and mirror installed. Here's my question: do we have the window installed first before the other things or last?

A. You'll want to tile around the window and make sure it is well sealed so the window goes into the framing, then tile backer board, then the tile. Window first, in other words.

Are there any places that will assist in bathroom remodeling for the elderly in Northwest Ohio?

Q. My father has had 3 strokes. It is hard for him to balance himself to get in and out of the tub. I would like to have his bathroom remodeled for him. I want to have the tub taken out and replace with a walk in shower. The toilet doesn't work like it should, but it works. I would like to get that replaced also. They both need rails around them so he can get in and out the shower and on and off the toilet with ease. Can anyone help me in finding assistance with these needs?

A. Most all Counties and or Cities have programs to aid Seniors- has to be low income person .
Look in phone book for Senior services, or call city hall.

How to find out a Quality Bathroom Remodeling?

Q. How to find out a Quality Bathroom Remodeling?

A. contact bath fitters they are quick, fast and approachable.

Where to Buy Nice, Affordable Outdoor FURNITURE in South Florida (Miramar) or Online?

Q. I am looking for a nice set of outdoor furniture to put around my pool. Preferably looking for a place to buy the furniture in Miramar, but willing to go anywhere in Dade or Broward County to purchase as well. My spending limit is set at $450. Thanks :)

A. Check out this site:
http://furniture.buy-stuff.us/Florida/Miramar

It has used furniture for sale in or near Miramar. You can buy and then pick up yourself.

Would a picnic blanket be considered as outdoor furniture?

Q. I am doing a furniture project and I am trying to find out if a picnic blanket would be considered a kind of outdoor furniture? I read online that furniture is the mass noun for the movable objects ('mobile' in Latin languages) intended to support various human activities such as seating and sleeping in beds, to hold objects at a convenient height for work using horizontal surfaces above the ground, or to store things.

A. A blanket is a 'soft furnishing' rather than 'furniture'.

Looking to buy high end outdoor furniture...where can I buy this?

Q. I am looking to buy some awesome outdoor furniture (chiase lounges, talbe/chairs, etc.) for my outdoor pool area. I've always loved the outdoor furniture that high end hotels have. Does anyone know where I can buy this stuff?

A. http://www.homedecorators.com/Outdoor/

what is a good home design software that is free?

Q. Something similar to the HGTV Home Design software would be great. I want to be able to design the floor plan and the architecture of the home.

A. Hi there! There are a lot of design software you can download online, but the only ones I know of are those from IKEA, Google (Sketchup), and Alljoinery Solutions. When it comes to kitchen floor plans, living room floor plans, and even home architecture design, these ones are the best, at least based on my own experience.

What is the easiest home design software to use?

Q. My 12 yr old son wants to be an arcitect and we have played around with some of the less expensive ($9.99) home design software, but they seem a little hard to get started with. Anyone know if a very simple one to purchase? We were thinking of the Better Homes & Gardens series, maybe find one on e-bay..

A. Google SketchUp is free. If your 12yo is anything like my 10yo he should be able to become proficient at that pretty quickly. My son goofs around with my AutoCAD which is NOT inexpensive nor would I have thought it easy, (considering what I charge for drafting)!
You can get it here.....

http://www.sketchup.com/

is there an inexpensive or free home design software out there for a normal homeowner?

Q. its just that I want to play around with some home design ideas with my house for a small addition, & I need some kind of basic program to use. Thanks!

A. I know they can be hard to find. I think Lowes has one on their website, I used it for a kitchen once, but it takes some patience. I have always done my design ideas in The Sims 2, because it is much more user friendly and quick. I never really get around to playing the actual game though. The only problem with this is sometimes the location of things isn't exactly where you want it, but it's a good way to get the idea of what you want to do.