Discussion Forum
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How do you run a wire through rigid insulation behind a wall?
My neighbor hung a new TV on his wall, and the outlet and components are down near the floor. He wants to hide the wires. The room is an addition…
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soil versus bricks
One of my neighbors is a busy gardener, and digs up sections of her yard periodically to make room for new plantings. For a few years, she has been piling…
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Are heavy drapes energy efficient?
I have a friend who lives in a big old drafty Victorian house with big windows, in Chicago. She is wondering if getting big heavy drapes would be an energy-saver.…
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Help! Spalling concrete problem
I drew up some front steps for a bungalow to be poured between two brick parapet walls. The contractor seemed thorough and conscientious, and was a nice guy to boot.…
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Preparing raw plaster for painting
My house was built in 1947 and was built pretty well- a good inch or so of plaster on lath and mesh on the inside walls. My bathroom ceiling was…
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Foundation repair needed
I'm designing a few bedrooms to go on top of an existing, 60 year old masonry garage in Chicago. There was some serious settling/upheaval from two large trees, since removed.…
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Who’s got a better memory than I do?
I'm embarrassed to be asking, but I'm looking for a FHB project from a year or two ago (?) and can't find it in my back issues (or in the…
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can i drill in stainless steel?
hi- i want to install an under-the-sink liquid soap dispenser in our stainless steel sink. how do i drill a hole in the stainless steel? not having ever seen a…
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Adjustable height sink
My kids are 1, 3, and 5. I've witnessed a few too many close calls in the bathroom, usually involving stools at toothbrushing time. The one room in the house…
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Which nails for cedar shingles
hello- i got volunteered to put a roof on the playhouse at my kids' preschool. it's small, each half is 3-1/2 feet by 6-1/2 feet. i sheathed it with 3/4…