Here's How from Creators Syndicate

New Caulk is the Best Answer to Stubborn Mildew for 07/17/2008

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I try to keep the bathroom as clean as possible, but the caulk around the bathtub and shower stall is black. Can you tell me how to clean the caulk or, if necessary, how to replace it? — Diane H.

Dear Diane: No matter how clean you keep your bathroom and bathtub, they will never look really clean if your caulk is discolored or black. What's worse, there is no sure way to ...

Updated: Thu Jul 17, 2008

Don't Wait to Fix a Leaking Roof for 07/24/2008

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I have noticed some damp dark spots on my bedroom ceiling after it rains. How do I know whether it is best to have the leaks repaired or to have the entire roof replaced? — Annie H.

Dear Annie: If you are already seeing dark spots on your ceiling don't wait to get your roof repaired or replaced. The dark color is mildew that has developed from the long-term presence of mo ...

Updated: Thu Jul 24, 2008

Hanging a Ceiling Fan Can Be a Breeze for 07/31/2008

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I am planning to get a ceiling fan for my living room and I want to install it myself. There is light fixture in the center of the ceiling now. What is the best method to install the fan? — Marin V.

Dear Marin: Before you think about the installation method, first determine the size of ceiling fan you need and when you plan to use it most often. Most people use them for s ...

Updated: Thu Jul 31, 2008

Anyone Can Take a Crack at Mailboxes for 08/07/2008

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: Now that I am living alone, I can finally install a neat mailbox to replace my old black one. What types of decorative mailboxes do you recommend, and would it be difficult for me to install one myself? — Connie C.

Dear Connie: The array of decorative mailboxes is nearly endless. You can find them at home center stores, craft shops, summer craft fairs and many online sour ...

Updated: Thu Aug 07, 2008

Paint Restores Grungy Gutters for 08/14/2008

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: My house has old, white aluminum gutters. They look terrible, but they only two seams leak. Is it possible to seal those leaky seams and paint aluminum gutters with a fresh white coat? — Erika J.

Dear Erika: Old, discolored gutters can make a house look run. Often, as it sounds in your situation, you don't notice how bad they look until you inspect them after a leak forms ...

Updated: Thu Aug 14, 2008

Pedestal Sink a Good First Step for 08/21/2008

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I want to remodel my bathroom, but I can only afford to do it in stages. I think installing a pedestal sink would be a good starting point. Can I install one myself without a plumber? — Becky S.

Dear Becky: The sink and the bathtub are the two most prominent items to influence bathroom decor. Installing a new retro-style pedestal sink in place of your old sink/cabinet is ...

Updated: Thu Aug 21, 2008

Vinyl Flooring Needs Good Foundation for 08/28/2008

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I like the way vinyl sheet flooring looks in a kitchen. But in my friend's home, it cracked and got dull in less than a year. If I have it installed in my kitchen, how can I avoid these problems? — Jean B.

Dear Jean: Vinyl sheet flooring is attractive and generally very durable. One of its most common uses is in commercial buildings that receive a lot of foot traffic, and ...

Updated: Thu Aug 28, 2008

Sandpaper Made with True Grit for 09/04/2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I have been trying to clean up and refinish hardwood trim in my older home. I went to the home center to buy sandpaper, but there are so many types. Which one is best for what? — Carol R.

Dear Carol: The sandpaper isle at the home center can be a bit overwhelming, sometimes even for professionals. It could be worse though. If you go online sometime and search for sandpape ...

Updated: Thu Sep 04, 2008

Patio Construction Starts With a Good Foundation for 09/11/2008

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I have a backyard deck, but I would also like to build a patio on a level area adjacent to it. I need advice on what types of material to use for the patio and some installation tips. — Eloise N.

Dear Eloise: Decks are nice because they are up from the ground, but a patio does come in handy for outdoor projects and entertaining. With the current popularity of complete out ...

Updated: Thu Sep 11, 2008

Troubles Flow From Gutters in Poor Repair for 09/18/2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: When observed from the ground our gutters look clean. But when it rains, water overflows from the gutters and runs down the walls. I am concerned that the overflow might discolor our siding. What is causing them to overflow and how can I fix it? — Dorene V.

Dear Dorene: There are several causes of overflowing gutters. In could be that they are clogged, rusted or leaking a ...

Updated: Thu Sep 18, 2008

Rout the Mildew in Your Grout for 09/25/2008

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: The grout between my bathroom tiles is discolored with dark mildew. Some of the tile is glossy and some has a flat, dull surface. What is the easiest and safest way to clean the grout without harming the tile? — Rita M.

Dear Rita: Dark, mildewed grout is common in most bathrooms — or anywhere else grout and moisture meet. It's a nuisance because even though the rest ...

Updated: Thu Sep 25, 2008

Wood Pallets Stack Up As Compost Bins for 10/02/2008

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I am not real handy with tools, but my daughter wants me to build a compost bin for our yard. I would like to build a simple one, but I want it to be somewhat effective. What do you suggest? — Marta W.

Dear Marta: Schools today are teaching children more and more about taking care of the environment and recycling for the future.

Composting is actually not recycling ...

Updated: Thu Oct 02, 2008

Most Countertop Projects Best Left Up to the Professionals for 10/09/2008

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: My old kitchen countertops are scratched and discolored. I want to replace them with synthetic, solid-surface countertops. Are these very durable, and should I try to install them myself? — Janine F.

Dear Janine: If you like a glossy, easy-to-clean countertop, a solid-surface one is just what you need. These countertops are often made of a plastic material, such as acryli ...

Updated: Thu Oct 09, 2008

Building a Bridge to Higher Property Value for 10/16/2008

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I am planning to sell my house so I want to improve the landscaping. I think a small, decorative bridge would look nice over a gully near the flower gardens. How should I build it and what material is best? — Joni S.

Dear Joni: Adding a bridge to your garden, or any location in your backyard, can enhance the landscaping and give it a professional look.

You might co ...

Updated: Thu Oct 16, 2008

Employ an Expert to Get the Lead Out for 10/23/2008

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Pat: I plan to remodel a 50-year-old house but retain as much of its original character as possible. Most of the woodwork needs refinishing. It might have some old lead paint. What should I do? — Nicole

Dear Nicole: If your house is 50 years old, there is a good chance the paint on the woodwork contains lead. In the late 1970s, laws were passed prohibiting lead as an ingredien ...

Updated: Thu Oct 23, 2008

Looks Can Be Deceiving When Installing a Tile Shower for 10/30/2008

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Q: Dear Pat: My children are getting older and we need another shower. I have space in the utility room to install a shower stall. It is built over a slab. Is it possible to install one with a ceramic tile floor? — Sonia M.

Dear Sonia: Installing a shower stall with a tile floor is very attractive, but it can also be a complicated home improvement project. Before you tackle a job o ...

Updated: Thu Oct 30, 2008

Asphalt Driveways Benefit From Routine Maintenance for 11/06/2008

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Pat: My asphalt driveway needs serious repairs. There are several potholes and dents in it. I know professional heated repairs are best, but what is the best way to repair it myself? — Toni F.

Dear Toni: Asphalt driveways do require maintenance and people are often surprised at how and why they sometimes deteriorate so quickly. You are correct that hot repairs are the best and ...

Updated: Thu Nov 06, 2008

Toilet Repairs Need Not Drain Your Wallet for 11/13/2008

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Pat: We have three toilets in our house and each one seems to have a different problem. It costs a fortune to hire a plumber, so I want to try to fix them myself. What are the common toilet problems? — Tracy L.

Dear Tracy: Experienced plumbers are highly skilled and generally worth the fees they charge. Yet most homeowners can repair many common toilet problems themselves. Mos ...

Updated: Thu Nov 13, 2008

Soffit Problem Might Indicate Roof Leak for 11/20/2008

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Pat: I have a one-story ranch-style house. I seem to have to get on a ladder and paint the horizontal area under the roof overhang every couple of years. Is there a low-maintenance fix for this? — Cyndi W.

Dear Cyndi: The area beneath the roof overhang is called a soffit. It should not require such frequent painting because it is not directly exposed to the sun's rays or rain. ...

Updated: Thu Nov 20, 2008

Get in the Groove to Decorate the Fifth Wall for 11/27/2008

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Pat: I bought an older home and the living room ceiling is in pretty bad condition. I am looking for one that is decorative and easy to install myself. Is beadboard or plank paneling a good option? — Rhonda H.

Dear Rhonda: When you are remodeling or just redecorating a room, think of the ceiling as the fifth wall. Unlike the vertical walls, no matter what direction you are fac ...

Updated: Thu Nov 27, 2008