Entry Walk Project – Phase II: Site Issues & Aggregate Base Installation

stringline_diagram

After the demolition of the old walk, and the excavation for the new brick walk were completed, the next phase of the project included accommodating a drainage pipe from a downspout of the house that needed to cross under the walk, preparing the soil subbase, and installing the aggregate base. To recap from Phase I [...]

Do You Know Your Period House Hardware? Test Your Knowledge!

shutterdogs

One of the classic details you can add to a traditional home’s home improvement project is period hardware. Period hardware manufactured today replicates the designs that were used at a particular time in architectural history. It includes outdoor hardware like door knobs and thumb latches, gate and door strap hinges, latches, door knockers and bells, [...]

Protect Your Door Screens From Damage

pet_grille

The following scenario may sound very familiar to many dog owners. A large family dog is distracted by another dog or a person outside, and forgetting that there is a screen door between him and the distraction, goes flying through the screen ripping it beyond repair. This has happened to our brother and his wife’s [...]

Creating a Landscape Feature Using Outcrop Stone Slabs

slope

A popular landscape feature with many homeowners is the application of large heavy natural stone slabs to create an outcropping effect. This type of feature can be used on a hill or bank with a gentle or rolling slope, where the large stone slabs are fitted, and tucked into the earth to appear as if [...]

Cleaning Out the Garage: What to Do With Old Household Products

oldpaint

It was ‘clean out day’ outside in our Mom’s garage recently. A local household hazardous waste drop-off event was coming up soon, and we wanted to take advantage of it, and get rid of a bunch of old household products. We had been eyeing various older items in the garage for a while, wanting to [...]

Entry Walk Project – Phase I: Removing the Old Walk

old-walk-ph1

When beginning a new home improvement project, it can be both exciting and intimidating all at the same time. A homeowner can joyfully anticipate what will be a beautiful addition or renovation to the outdoors of their home. Over the next weeks we’ll spotlight the various phases of this outdoor home improvement project. The project [...]

How to Fix a Sagging Door

bottomhinge

My storm door was out of alignment. The top of the door was hitting the door frame which meant it was sagging and needed to be squared. Any door, whether a storm or screen door, an entry door, or an interior door, is suppose to be able to move freely  within its door jamb. The [...]

How to Prevent Paver Projects from Failing

PaverWalk

What would cause areas of a beautiful dry-laid paver project to caved in or sink? We’ll give you the answer in a second. But we can’t tell you the number of homes we have seen where this occurred on the porch stoop and/or walks. Some of these porch floors had areas where the pavers were [...]

Tools Can Damage Concrete Surfaces

Your concrete project can look like this for decades if properly cared for

Several years ago, I was talking with an owner/contractor of a decorative stamped concrete company  (lets call him Joe) about a callback he had regarding  a concrete walk he installed for a homeowner.  The following spring after the installation he received a call from the homeowner complaining that the stamped concrete walk did not stand [...]

Painting a Storm Door

before-peeling

Painting my aluminum storm door proved to be a worthwhile project. It gave the door an updated look, and, not having to buy a new storm door right now, was an added bonus.   Even though the door is around 20 years old, overall, it is in good mechanical condition, despite having a few dings [...]

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