Hot Construction & Repair Posts

How To: Repair damage around wall elements such as outlets

This Home and Garden video tutorial is going to show you how to repair damage around wall elements such as outlets. The video demonstrates how to repair a gap around a socket that was created due to a miscalculation on the part of the mason. The simplest way of repairing this would be to take the cover off, get a patch which is pre cut to the correct dimensions, peel it off, place it correctly over the opening in the wall and press it on. You could paint the area with matching color. Then put...

How To: Seal your outdoor deck

This is the demo showing how to seal your deck. The first thing you should need to do is to wash the deck. Most people prefer to use a pressure washer for that. You should be careful while using a pressure washer. The components needed for this are Armor All E-Z Deck Wash. It’s a good bleach and a good cleaning product. You should be careful while using it because it can stain your clothes. Another product is the Sun Frog Deck Cleaner. This is a product which you should mix with water. Before...

How To: Turn an old door into a small computer desk

This step by step tutorial will show you how an old door can be turned into a beautiful desk. Danny Lipford explains how an old door can be used to make a headboard, room divider or even as art. He then gives you basic instructions on revamping your door to become a desk. He starts off by removing all the elements that make a door a door, like hinges and door knobs. By filling in the holes left from the missing hardware with bondo you are left with a smooth surface ready to be cut and shaped ...

How To: Inspect your roof

There are a number of things that users must check on their roof to insure safety and prevent any leaking. For example, users should check that the roof vent is fastened and ensure that there are washers or caulk under the nails. On the chimney, make sure the flashing is fastened tightly and downwards. Users should also inspect the condition of the chimney. Remove any tree branches and clean the roof. This video will benefit those viewers who want to learn how to secure their roof from proble...

How To: Fix a leaky toilet

FusionGuy09 tells us how to fix a leaky toilet. You should be able to hear the leaking toilet. First thing you want to do is turn the water off. You can do this by reaching behind toilet and turning a lever. Next, flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank. Remove the flapper and check for wear with your finger (don't worry about the water back here, it's sanitary). Look out for cracks or pieces coming off. Also check the valve seat for spots without a seal. If you find parts that are...

How To: Build a storage rack for muddy shoes out of buckets

If you have a lot of spare buckets lying around your home, it's time to finally put them to use. Join Danny Lipford from dannylipford.com as he walks us through a useful storage method. Danny will be teaching us how to create a simple rack for storing muddy or dirty shoes, using only spare buckets. In his walk through, you will learn how to cut and shape your buckets, as well as the kind of tools you will need to build your shoe rack. You'll definitely save a lot of money on storage supplies ...

How To: Cut a crown molding and coving scarf joint

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut a scarf joint in crown molding and coving. Scarf joint is simply two flat planes meeting on an angle relative to the axis of the stock being joined. Users will need a magic miter. The magic miter is a miter box for cutting miter joints at any angle in crown molding, baseboard, chair rails and more. Adjust the machine to a 45 degree angle and lock it. Put in the mold and cut it. Repeat the same step for the other side. This video will benefit th...

How To: Clean a dirty window screen

This video is a tutorial on how to clean a dirty window screen. The man in the video points out that most homeowners will take the screen off the window and spray it with a hose. This leaves the screen still somewhat dirty. To clean it properly, you need a wading pool filled with water and liquid detergent. Put the screen in the wading pool and soapy water. Let it soak for a minute or two. Then you will take a broom and gently sweep both sides of the screen. He recommends to use a soft bristl...

How To: Refurbish brass door furniture with cleaning polish

The video is a description of how to refurbish a brass door frame, and door knob that has gone dull due to the lacquer. Purchase lacquer and metal polish at a hardware store. Before beginning work, remove the circulate at the back of the door knob with circulate pliers. Take the component parts of the door knob apart and set the spring and clip aside to be replaced later. Take a clean cloth and put metal polish on it. Using the cloth, polish the knob. It may take a while to get all the grime ...

How To: Install a toilet for an RV

In this video tutorial, viewers will learn how to install a toilet for an RV. Installing a toilet for the RV is a great idea because an RV is basically a mobile home, and having a bathroom in a home is mandatory. Users will need a mounting kit, gasket and some bolts. Make sure that before you begin, remove the old gasket and bolts. You may need to modify the water line. In this video, the plastic toilet is being upgraded to a porcelain toilet. This video will benefit those viewers who have an...

How To: Clean your gutters around your house

Maybe one of the hardest jobs you can do around the house is cleaning the gutters. When cleaning the gutters by hand, you have to constantly keep moving the ladder to get to the various spots of the gutter which contain a mess. If not done properly, the gutters can get clogged, which will not help the appeal of your home. This video explains a simple and easy way to clean the hassle-prone gutters. The powerful leaf blower makes cleaning the gutters simple and easy. Just make sure to keep your...

How To: Cut tile with a tile saw

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut ceramic tiles with a tile cutter. Ceramic tile cutters are used to cut tiles to a required size or shape. The tile cutter does not require too much pressure when cutting. The tile cutter used in this video is for simple and basic tile cuts. As users cut the tile, they should hear a screeching sound. This tile cutter allows users to cut both wet and dry ceramic tiles. This video will benefit those viewers who want to learn how to cut tiles. This...

How To: Cut nested crown molding with a DEWALT miter saw

dewalttv teaches you how to cut nested crown molding with a DEWALT miter saw. The advantage of this position is that it doesn't require a bevel angle. The bottom of the molding should be placed against the fence. To cut the right piece, set the miter to 45 degrees to the left and make the cut. To cut the other piece, the left one, set the miter angle to 45 degrees to the right and cut. You are done. This technique is useful when you don't want to worry about setting up a level cut.

How To: Install a toilet with ease

First, apply wax to the toilet hole so it doesn't leak. Next install the supply line. Set the bolts on the flange and attach a wax ring onto the bottom of the toilet. Set the toilet over the bolts. Next, stick the gasket to the bottom of the tank and put the tank on the toilet. Tighten the bolts on either side of the tank. Then, hook the supply line up to the toilet. Attach the toilet seat to the toilet by screwing it into place. Finally, turn on the water supply. Your low flow toilet is now ...

How To: Cut crown molding using a ladder and sawhorse set up

This is a how to video that explains how to do the difficult task of cutting crown molding and how to do it with tools you have laying around, a ladder and a saw horse as a support, and a miter saw. The author of this video explains that if the molding sags then it will not cut straight and your seams will not line up properly. The author is using an extension ladder and explains that you can cut very long pieces using this process. He also explains that you will need more than one brace to s...

How To: Clean your clothes dryer & make it hot again

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a dryer machine produce heat to dry clothes. Sometimes the dryer machine doesn't produce enough heat to dry clothes. To begin, users should clean the filter if it's full of dust. Check the discharge tube and make sure it is clean and doesn't have anything inside. Users should also open the back of the dryer machine and clean up all the excess dust located in the machine. The build up of dust clocks up the passage way and prevents the machine f...

How To: Remove & replace warped vinyl siding on your home

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remove and replace vinyl siding. Users will need a siding removal tool (zip tool). Insert this tool beneath the bottom edge of the overlap and pull down while sliding the tool horizontally. Remove the nails underneath and simply pull down the siding. Now measure the length of the siding. With the new siding, connect it on the exterior wall and reinforce it with some nails. This video will help those viewers who need to learn how to replace a vinyl ...

How To: Tile a diagonal cut tile

Tile RIGHT demonstrates how to tile a diagonally cut tile. First set the Measure Right Pro to the appropriate setting, extending it from corner to corner along your tile. Account for your grout line and the space up against the wall. Then, lock the tool. Next, place the tiles you're going to use on top of your set tiles. Slide the Measure Right Pro along the wall and mark the tiles. Place the sections in the appropriate place. Then, cut your tiles. Lay the tiles where you've previously marked...

How To: Cut tiles with a standard tile cutter

A standard tile cutter will cut ceramic and porcelain tiles but not natural stone tiles. To use the standard tile cutter adjust and lock the guide. Then, slide your tile into position in the tile cutter. Next, position your cutter on the edge of the tile. Push down on the cutter while sliding the cutter across the tile. When the cutter gets to the end of the tile, press down. The tile should then break into two smooth, clean pieces. Run a tile file over the edge of the tile to reduce the shar...

How To: Finish a basement layout and planning

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to finish a basement by laying out and planning. Planning the lay-out and design of the basement is an important part of finishing or remodeling a basement. Learn how to get new ideas as you design and lay-out your basement floor plan. Viewers will learn how to finish the basement space with expert tips and advice on home improvement. Make sure the basement is empty. Make measurements and mark them on the wall or floor. For a bathroom, there should be...

How To: Clean and seal a concrete patio

This is a video clip about "How to Seal a Concrete Patio " by Danny Lipford. This video depicts how to seal concrete by using mortar and cement. It will be sealed for more than 30 days. Use red bricks to seal it and wash it with concrete and masonry waterproof. Always make sure that we seal the concrete properly. Finally, clean and seal for more than 30 days. This seal is not breakable and works for more than 5 to 6 years. Be careful in choosing the waterproof.

How To: Tile a bathroom floor with Home Depot

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to tile a bathroom floor with Home Depot. Home Depot is an American retailer of home improvement and construction products and services. Tiling a bathroom floor can be difficult and can look awful if installation is done incorrectly. In this video, users will learn how to tile a bathroom floor. Mosaic tiles can be installed individually or pre-mounted on mesh-backed sheets. In this video you will learn how to install 12 x 12 inch sheets mosaics on a b...

How To: Install tile like a pro

This video will describe the process of installing ceramic tile. The pro tilers suggest that you start with a very small area to put down the tile adhesive. Do not cover the entire area with adhesive and then start laying tile. Starting out one or two rows at a time will suffice. They stress there is no reason to rush a tiling job. You can certainly lay tile too fast, but if you only put down limited adhesive there is no way you can lay tile too slow. The lesson in this video is to take it sl...

How To: Remove caulk

If you’re doing some spring cleaning and decide to throw in a little home improvement in as well you may want to remove old caulk. As we all know, old caulk is unattractive and will make areas look dirty or unfinished.

How To: Paint your house

This video describes how to prepare for and execute painting your home. To begin, you should power wash your house to remove any dirt, dust, cobwebs, etc. These would prevent the paint from setting properly, unless it was new wood. If it is new wood, you should put on a beige coat first. However you begin, you should let either method dry before moving to the next step. After it dries, you should apply a weatherproof and paint-over caulk to the cracks to keep out moisture and insects. After t...

How To: Coat a drywall cornerbead

"Owens Drywall" wall describes how to coat a drywall corner bead. 1. Fill pan with drywall. 2. Take a eight inch knife and use to spread the drywall on wall, starting from the bottom and working your way up. If you drop any on the ground, go ahead and pick it up with knife. 3. Go over the same spot multiple times from the bottom up to ensure the drywall is on evenly and clean!

How To: Install a Mortar Shower Pan

Mark Donovan is remodeling a ceramic tile shower, and shows how to install a mortar shower pan. First consider the framing of the shower. Plywood, 2x4's and 2x6's provide a good foundation for the weight of the tile. Then remove the cover from the drain. Use duct tape to cover the drain hole. Staple 15-pound felt paper onto the floor of the shower, and up about an inch on the sides, trimming around the drain, to protect the wood from moisture. Then staple down metal lath to reinforce the floo...

How To: Drywall an archway

Watch this video learn how to drywall an archway in five quick and easy steps. Measure and cut drywall to fit your arched opening. Score the back of your drywall to help it bend to your archway. Place drywall into opening. Tack or nail to hold the drywall in place. Screw drywall into arch. Mark and cut the drywall for the face of the archway. Place drywall over archway and use as a template to cut the drywall. Nail/Screw drywall to the face of the archway. It is now ready for corner bead, tap...

How To: Stop squeaky hinges at home with oil and wire wool

Learn how to stop squeaky hinges at home with oil and wire wool in simple steps. Spray some WD-40 lubricant to the hinge and open and close the door a few times. Use a spray tube to avoid the oil being wasted or even you can use cooking oil. If the hinges are still squeaky remove it completely and rub it wire wool, fix it back and spray the lubricant or oil. You can also rub it with soap instead of wire wool. If you still have the squeaky problem replace the hinge with a new one.

How To: Fix and repair a dripping faucet

James from J&C Home Repair explains how to fix a bathroom faucet. He shows how to turn off the water supply to the faucets and tells you exactly what tools you will need. He demonstrates how to remove the faucet handle and the valve using common household tools, and recommends taking the parts to the hardware store to make sure you get the correct replacement parts. This video shows that repairing a faucet is a simple job that anyone can do. You don't need to call a plumber for this!

How To: Install door weatherstripping

This video shows you exactly how to weather-strip a door to keep down heating costs. Step by step instructions on how to check your doors to see if they need weather-stripping and how to install the weather-stripping. This also teaches you how to check to make sure that your weather-stripping has been installed correctly on your door to keep out any drafts. All that you need is some weather-stripping, a tape measure, a utility knife, a power drill, and some screws. This video teaches you how ...

How To: Patch a hole in the wall

A hole in your wall may in fact be easier to fix than is seems. After cutting a rectangular piece of drywall to patch up the hole, cut out another thin piece of drywall to use as a backing. By inflating a balloon and placing it in the back of your hole, the pressure caused by the balloon will allow you to put your backing and piece of drywall in place effectively, allowing you to cover up and sand over any holes in your wall. Using this innovative method, anyone will be able to fix holes in t...

How To: Remove and replace exterior caulk

In this how to video you learn how to remove and replace exterior caulk that has failed. The video suggests a putty knife and/or a utility knife. Once the caulk is removed the video suggests you use a dry clean paint brush to clear any left over. You then simply apply new caulk where needed and the job is complete. This video is about a minute and a half and is great for people learning how to maintain their homes.

How To: Repair sections of 4x8 wood home siding

Weather can really do some damage to the wood siding on your home. When your siding becomes worn and rotten due to the elements, it's time to break out the tools and install new wood. This instructional video walks you through the basic steps of repairing the wood siding on your home. Follow along with the tutorial and keep your home fortified.