Home Improvement
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Small kitchen remodel can make a big changeFeb 17, 2013 4:02 am - Q. We’re planning to do a small kitchen remodel job by just changing our “drop-in”-style sink. Since we are not changing the counter or cabinets, can you give us any ide...
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Repairing a leaning toilet can be a simple processFeb 16, 2013 3:00 am - Q. I live in an older home, 1970s, and I have noticed that the toilet in the master bath is leaning off-center. I tapped on the vinyl flooring next to the toilet and it ...
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Home inspector or contractor-friendFeb 14, 2013 2:56 pm - Q. We are buying a 50-year-old foreclosure home. Before placing it on the market, the bank had it remodeled by a licensed contractor, and the work supposedly meets FHA r...
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Clean faucet finishes with careFeb 10, 2013 4:02 am - Q. I’m trying to get the corrosion off my older bathtub mixing valve and sink faucet. I have tried using strong cleaners, without success. Also, some spots on the handle...
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Home inspector: heavy-handed bureaucrats intimidate homeownersFeb 08, 2013 4:27 am - Q. We purchased our home 10 years ago. A primary selling feature of the property was the detached guesthouse, built in 1964. But now, that bonus building has become a ni...
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Easy plumbing upgrades will make a big differenceFeb 03, 2013 4:02 am - Q. I would like to do some upgrades around my house. My question is — although my plumbing system is working properly, what are some easy plumbing upgrades you recommend...
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Home fix: Open crawlspace vents keep winter homes healthierFeb 02, 2013 12:00 am - Q. You have often said that crawl space vents need to be opened in the winter. Why is that? I always thought they should be closed to keep my water pipes from freezing. ...
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Home inspector: Who’s to blame for faulty water heater?Feb 01, 2013 4:03 am - Q. We recently bought an old home that was just remodeled, including a new water heater. But since we moved in, the pilot light keeps going out. The contractor who did t...
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‘Artist edition’ fixtures dress up bathrooms, kitchensJan 27, 2013 4:01 am - Q. I could have asked my plumber this, but as a fan and regular reader of your column I wanted to hear it from you. So, here is my question: I recently read online that ...
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Low wiring to the garage can be dangerousJan 26, 2013 4:00 am - Q. The sale of my home recently fell through because the home inspector’s report stated, “the electric service to the garage was too low.” No other explanation came with...