Topics covered on today's episode: Light switches that double as night lights Installing a light in a tiled ceiling; running the switch to the light Installing a dimmer switch to control one light on a system that currently controls two lights Adding overhead lighting to a room that currently has lighting from ceiling fans Building an inexpensive patio cover for an existing patio Cleaning off a tacky finish on a deck and refinishing Altering a deck design that is currently not functional Making a stone-look patio Porch paint or additive that inhibits mold and mildew Correct preservative for stone fireplace Removing a bathroom mirror that's held with clips Tips: - To keep stranded wire from fraying when screwed to a terminal, first separate it into two groups, twist the groups separately clockwise, then combine the groups by twisting them clockwise back into one group.
- You can use a seam-ripper to make quick work of stripping wire.
- Keep the boogeyman away with a small hooded nightlight plugged into the end of an extension cord. (Also makes a great trouble light for small jobs in cramped spaces.)
- You can design a free-form patio by using a garden hose. Adjust the hose until you're satisfied with the shape of the patio.
- Placing a metal washer inside the plastic foot-covers of your patio furniture prevents the feet from cutting through the tip and causing trouble.
- If your deck's handrail sags in the middle of a long run, measure the distance between the decking and the underside of the railing at one of the posts. Cut a 2x6 block to that length, then use two 2x4s as a lever and fulcrum to raise the railing ans slide the block in.
Reading List For a complete updated list of Creative Homeowner books, click here . Home Book: The Ultimate Guide to Repairs, Improvements & Maintenance
Editors of Creative Homeowner
$34.95
Hardcover -- 608 pages (September, 2000)
(ISBN: 158011069X) Creative Homeowner patio and deck books: Deck Designs
Steve Cory
$16.95
Paperback -- 192 pages (April, 2000)
(ISBN: 1580110703) Decks: Planning, Designing, Building
Steve Cory
$16.95
Paperback -- 192 pages (January, 2001)
(ISBN: 1580110452) Smart Guide: Decks
Editors of Creative Homeowner
$8.95
Paperback -- 80 pages (December, 2002)
(ISBN: 1580111041) Walls, Walks & Patios: Plan, Design, Build
Editors of Creative Homeowner
$16.95
Paperback -- 192 pages (November, 1997)
(ISBN: 1880029979) What's In Style Decks
Lynn Elliot
$12.95
Paperback -- 128 pages (March, 2001)
(ISBN: 1580110924) Other Book Resources Lighting Home Lighting
By Stacey Berman et al
$12.95
Paperback - (January 1998)
Leisure Arts (ISBN: 0376013087) Patios and Decks Better Homes and Gardens Porches & Sunrooms: Your Guide to Planning and Remodeling
By Better Homes and Gardens, ed., et al
$14.95
Paperback (September 2000)
Better Homes and Gardens Books (ISBN: 0696211017) The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
By the editors of Creative Publishing International
$24.95
Paperback (February 1, 2001)
Creative Publishing International (ISBN: 0865734275) Decks and Patios for Dummies
By the editors of the National Gardening Association et al
$16.99
Paperback (March 1998)
Hungry Minds Inc. (ISBN: 0764550756) Ortho's Guide to Decks & Patios
By Eric Clough et al
$24.95
Paperback (October 1996)
Ortho Books (ISBN: 0897213122) Porches and Other Outdoor Spaces
By James Grayson Trulove et al
$24.99
Paperback (May 2000)
Rockport Publishers (ISBN: 1564966542)
RESOURCES :
Gardening Supplies
Lowes
Website: www.lowes.com
Lowe's (Lowe's Companies, Inc.)
Customer Care (CON8)
Website: www.lowes.com
Stone Care Information
Stone Care International, Inc.
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Phone: 410-783-0045
Fax: 800-724-6646
Email: sci@stonecare.com
Website: www.stonecare.com
Do-It-Yourself Awning Kit
Screen Houses Unlimited
Phone: 905-825-0847
Patio Covers
West End Designs
San Antonio, TX 78207
Phone: 210-281-0003
Fax: 210-281-1922
Website: www.sanantoniopages.com/patiocovers/
Quikrete
Website: www.quickrete.com
Creative Homeowner Information
Creative Homeowner Press
Website: www.creativehomeowner.com
GUESTS :
Doug Snapp
Licensed Electrician
Massey Electric
Website: www.masseyelectric.com
| ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: | | Lighting, Patios and Decks |
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