Spend-A-Little Save-A-Lot Home Improvements Money-Saving Projects Anyone Can Do

162 Pages·2011·20.6 MB·English

by  Brad Staggs

REDUCE ENERGY USE • IMPROVE EFFICIENCY • INCREASE VALUE
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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“An ounce of prevention SSPPEENNDD--AA--LLIITTTTLLEE
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is worth a pound of cure” A
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— BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
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Franklin said it over 200 years ago, but Money-saving projects inside: E
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it’s never been more true — or valuable Check & Replace Air Filters
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— for today’s homeowner. With the Weather-seal Windows & Doors A
Stop Drafts Around Light Switches V
increasing costs of utilities and home
Install a Programmable Thermostat E
repairs, doing a little preventative
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Wrap a Water Heater A
maintenance will preserve your home,
Replace a Damaged Shingle -
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increase its value and save you money Attach Gutters
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in repairs and energy costs. Seal Chimney Flashing
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Simple things such as replacing Install Gutter Covers
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Secure Downspouts
air filters, adding a programmable O
Check Ductwork for Leaks
thermostat and insulating your water M
Fix Hot & Cold Spots IIMMPPRROOVVEEMMEENNTTSS
heater are easy fixes that will save E
Insulate Water Pipes

you money. Filling cracked concrete, I
Re-caulk a Tub
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installing gutter covers and re-caulking Install a Motion Sensor Light Switch
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a tub or shower will increase the value Insulate Basement & Garage Walls R
of your home. Step-by-step instructions Fill Cracks in Concrete O
Repair Mortar Joints V
for these and other inexpensive
Fix a Squeaky Floor E
projects are right inside.
Install a Faucet Cut-off M
Repair a Window Screen E
Fix a Sticking Door N
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Z7134 US $24.99 S MONEY-SAVING PROJECTS ANYONE CAN DO
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(CAN $28.99) A
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Brad Staggs
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Home Improvement Expert
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9 781440 304330
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SPEND-A-LITTLE
SAVE-A-LOT
HOME
IMPROVEMENTS
MONEY-SAVING PROJECTS
ANYONE CAN DO
Brad Staggs
CINCINNATI, OHIO
www.betterwaybooks.com
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Read This Important Safety Notice Metric Conversion Chart
To prevent accidents, keep safety in mind TO CONVERT TO MULTIPLY BY
Inches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centimeters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.54
while you work. Use the safety guards
Centimeters . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.4
installed on power equipment; they are for Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centimeters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30.5
your protection. Centimeters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.03
Yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.9
When working on power equipment,
Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.1
keep fingers away from saw blades, wear
safety goggles to prevent injuries from fly-
ing wood chips and sawdust, wear hearing
protection and consider installing a dust SPEND-A-LITTLE SAVE-A-LOT HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Copyright ©
2011 by Brad Staggs. Printed and bound in China. All rights re-
vacuum to reduce the amount of airborne
served. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by
sawdust in your woodshop. any electronic or mechanical means including information stor-
Don’t wear loose clothing, such as neck- age and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the
publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in
ties or shirts with loose sleeves, or jewelry,
a review. Published by Popular Woodworking Books, an imprint
such as rings, necklaces or bracelets, when
of F+W Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio,
working on power equipment. Tie back long 45236. [phone] First edition.
hair to prevent it from getting caught in
Distributed in Canada by Fraser Direct
your equipment.
100 Armstrong Avenue
People who are sensitive to certain chem- Georgetown, Ontario L7G 5S4
icals should check the chemical content of Canada
any product before using it.
Distributed in the U.K. and Europe by F+W Media International
Due to the variability of local conditions, Brunel House
construction materials, skill levels, etc., nei- Newton Abbot
Devon TQ12 4PU
ther the author nor Popular Woodworking
England
Books assumes any responsibility for any
Tel: [phone]
accidents, injuries, damages or other losses Fax: [phone]
incurred resulting from the material pre- E-mail: [email protected]
sented in this book.
Distributed in Australia by Capricorn Link
The authors and editors who compiled P.O. Box 704
this book have tried to make the contents Windsor, NSW 2756
Australia
as accurate and correct as possible. Plans,
illustrations, photographs and text have Visit our Web site at www.popularwoodworking.com.
been carefully checked. All instructions,
Other fine Popular Woodworking Books are available
plans and projects should be carefully read,
from your local bookstore or direct from the publisher.
studied and understood before beginning
construction. 14 13 12 11 10 5 4 3 2 1
Prices listed for supplies and equipment
ACQUISITIONS EDITOR: David Thiel
were current at the time of publication and
DESIGNER: Brian Roeth
are subject to change.
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About the Author Acknowledgements
Brad Staggs is a licensed Throughout the course of writing this book, I discovered
contractor and has become that it takes a team to bring a project like this to life. I’m
a regular on tlevision grateful to everyone on my team for the invaluable time,
shows around the country effort and wisdom. Ken Williams of Dickson Heating &
and the internet. He has Cooling remains one of the (seemingly) few honest &
written, produced and hard-working repairmen in the business. His technical
directed feature stories for know-how pulled me from the fire many times. My sister
The Nashville Network. Anita Warren and friend Beth Knott were kind enough
When HGTV launched, to read this book cover-to-cover. I commend you both
Brad began producing for your keen eye and grasp of the English language; my
and hosting features for Decorating with Style and Today grasp just looks tighter thanks to you. This book wouldn’t
at Home, where he quickly became known as HGTVs have been possible had I not been my father’s son. I
“Home Maintenance Expert.” When Scripps created DIY, believe it’s ‘Honest’ Ray Staggs’ DNA that gave me the
Brad was brought on to host Home Repair & Remodeling, ability to think outside the box in all projects I undertake.
he also co-produced Tools & Techniques, and he had a role And finally, I’m grateful for my friend and editor David
in Decorating & Design and Gardening and Landscaping. Thiel. Thank you for your confidence, your friendship,
Today, Brad is seen weekly on HGTV’s HGTVPro.Com and mostly for your bottomless patience. You know that I
Weekly. He can be seen on the syndicated Rebecca’s have a completely new appreciation for your world.
Garden, The Today Show and recently wrapped up a stint
as anchor of RFD-TV Live!, a news/information program
aimed at the agricultural heartland of America.
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Contents
1 2 3
CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE
STARTING OUTSIDE 8 HVAC–HEATING & EASY WAYS TO
AIR CONDITIONING 28 SAVE ENERGY 44
Finding a Hole in Your Roof 9
The Short-term Solution 10 The Basics 29 The Logic Behind Leaks 45
The Long-term Solution 11 Checking & Replacing Weatherstripping Drafty
Filters 31 Windows 49
Checking & Repairing
Flashing 14 Fixing Hot & Cold Spots 34 Weather-sealing Windows &
Chimney Flashing 14 Locating a Leak 36 Doors 52
Skylight Flashing 19 Choosing the Right Tools 53
Cleaning the Condenser Unit 38
Roof Flashing 19 To Avoid a Mess 54
Fin Damage 43
In the Gutter 20 Winterizing the Condenser Unit 43 Filling Small Spaces 54
Pieces and Parts 20 Filling the Big Gaps 57
Sealing the Joints 22
Securing the Perimeter 60
Topping It Off 23
Closing the Gap 64
Dispersing the Water 25
Installing Window Film 68
Sloping the Earth 27
Insulating a Water Heater 77
Insulating Water Pipes 83
Installing a Programmable
Thermostat 87
Installing a Motion Sensor
Light Switch 94
Sealing Outlets & Switch
Plates 100
Insulating Garage &
Basement Walls 102
Choosing the Insulation 102
The Right Tools 103
Exposed-stud Installation 103
Cutting Insulation 105
Cinder Block or Concrete
Walls 106
Rock Foundations 108
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4 5
CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE
PREVENTING MOLEHILLS LIFE’S LITTLE
FROM BECOMING ANNOYANCES 146
MOUNTAINS 110
Stop Squeaky Floors 147
Filling Cracks in Concrete 111 The Bracket Method 148
Small Cracks 112 The Shim Method 149
Larger Cracks 115 The Block Method 150
Repairing Spalled Concrete 120 A Trick for Carpeted Floors 151
Spalled Steps 122 Repairing a Window Screen 152
Repairing Mortar Joints 124 Adjusting a Sticking Door 156
If It Settles 127 Tight & Bright 156
Installing a Spigot Shutoff 128
Copper Pipe 131 My Goal 159
PVC Pipe 134
Re-caulking a Tub or Shower 138
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Introduction
For most people, a home is the single most expensive
investment they’ll ever make, not just in terms of money
but also sweat and emotional equity. With everything
you’ve invested in your home, it makes sense to keep it
and its systems running at peak efficiency, right? That’s the
reason this book exists.
I wanted to assemble a collection of projects that
would make a real difference once completed — and not
simply the same old projects normally found in a home
improvement book. Each of the following pages is filled
with tips and tricks I’ve learned through years of personal
experience on job sites, as well as the many TV shows I’ve
produced and hosted.
I truly believe that if a person has the desire to
accomplish a project, and is willing to put in the time
necessary to learn the techniques and tools involved,
the sky is the limit. That’s the goal of this book: to give
you the knowledge I’ve gained that will manifest itself as
confidence in your own abilities. Combine that newly-
gained confidence with a good set of tools and you may
never have to call a handyman again!
6
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INTRODUCTION 7
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Starting Outside
From the time of the Great Flood, water has been a real
source of pain and gnashing of teeth with us humans. It
seems so benign, even comforting at times. Given the
chance, though, water will turn on you in a heartbeat —
so be prepared!
In the world of home ownership, water can lead to
everything from cracked foundations to long-lasting mold
problems within a structure. I’ve even seen the results of
water pushing rocks and branches through cinder block
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walls. It’s a pretty amazing liquid!
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Finding a Hole in Your Roof
It’s a good idea to start at the top of your house to see appeared in your living room doesn’t mean the hole is
where water might become a problem. This, of course, directly overhead. The good news is, there’s at least one
means getting on the roof, since the source of most trick you can employ to find the offending hole in the roof.
water infiltration comes from overhead — in the form
of rain. You see, disguised as a gentle, refreshing rain, LOOK FOR THE STAIN OR WORSE,
water cleverly diverts your attention while it looks for THE PEELING PLASTER OR DRYWALL
the smallest hole or crack in your roof. When it finds it, Once you’ve discovered that you have a leak, or that your
things can get ugly very quickly. roof has one, it’s time to put on your investigator’s hat
Roof leaks are one of the most frustrating problems and take a trip into your attic. Orient yourself so that
in a home. Even professionals have trouble finding their you know approximately where the stained ceiling is and
source. The reason is simple — if water finds a small head in that direction. You should do this on a rainy day,
entryway through your roofing material, the evil force as you’re more likely to catch the culprit in action.
known as gravity pulls it down the underside of the Once you’ve reached the area where the water is
sheathing for a short, or possibly long distance. It then soaking your ceiling, take a look at the roof rafters and
soaks through the insulation between your ceiling joists sheathing. If the water is actively coming in, follow it up
and manifests itself inside your home as a giant ugly to its source. If it’s not raining, look for a water stain and
stain on your ceiling, or worse — in your wall where you again, follow it to the likely point of entry. The good news
can’t even see it! That’s when the mold issue can start, is — you’re about halfway to fixing the problem! Again,
but we’ll get to that later. try to get a good idea of what section of roofing you’re
The reason it’s so aggravating and tough to fix is the looking at so you can find it from the other side.
aforementioned gravity issue. Just because the stain
Stained roof framing is a good indicator of a roof leak. Peeling drywall in a closet from nail pop leak!
STARTING OUTSIDE 9
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