Home Repair and Paint Guide

... But ignoring the task only causes problems to develop. ... Mold can form under the carpet due to trapped moisture. ... In order to keep your carpet in good shape, you need to give it a thorough cleaning on a regular basis. ... Of course, you still have to be there while work is progressing. ... Most people I have dealt with were completely honest, but there’s always the chance of getting that certain one. ... The immediate result will be a carpet that looks brighter and smells fresh. ... These make it much easier to do the work. ... Then spot clean the stained and heavy traffic areas. ... Follow directions on the container. Pet stains can be treated with a cleaner that has enzymes for removing pet smells. ... Make sure that you use the type of shampoo your carpet and cleaning equipment requires. Read the instructions for your specific cleaner and follow them carefully. ... Another tank will receive and hold the dirty solution. ... Once your machine is prepared, you can get started with the cleaning task. ... Then you move the cleaner back and forth over the area to remove excess solution ...

... A hardwood floor is a great looking and durable addition to most homes. ... You might be able to get a good deal on installation if you are going to install flooring over a large enough area. ... Most hardwood floors are coated with multiple layers of clear urethane. ... As long as this coating is not worn through, the wood will maintain its look and character. ... Oak is a very common material used as hardwood flooring because it’s extremely durable. ... When shopping for hardwood floor material, be sure to look at samples of the actual wood. ... Number 1 Common will have more knots and they will be larger. ... The species and grade of the flooring are usually stamped on the underside of the lumber. ... It causes wood to swell and this leads to warping, twisting, cupping, etc. This is the reason many floor experts recommend against using water to clean this type of flooring. ... Remember that the wood is coated with clear urethane. ... Only use cleaners specifically formulated for hardwood floors. ... Better yet, don’t use wax at all unless it’s really needed ...

... Place about 3 linear feet of this tile end-to-end. ... Measure from the outermost edge to the edge of the closest 2 feet of tile, including the grout joints, and write down this measurement. ... Using the recorded figure, measure and mark the floor at each end of the wall. ... Now do the same thing on the intersecting wall. ... Measure 36″ from the intersection, along one of the chalk lines, and mark the spot. ... The distance between the two marked spots should be 60″. ... The most likely problem is that the walls are not square. ... You have to get this right or you will never get the tiles to align properly. ... Using the figure you wrote down earlier, measure and pop the the next set of lines, using the chalk line you already laid out as the starting point. ... Start your ceramic tile installation in the corner you laid the two original lines. ... Use a 4′ level to keep your tiles straight. ... The easiest way to handle a ceramic tile floor layout is by using a grid. ... Find the largest ceramic tiles you are going to be using ...

... This is especially true where the room is on the second level of your house. ... Tile can be installed over an existing ceramic tile floor long as it’s level and in good condition. ... Remember that installing ceramic tile over an existing floor will raise the height of the entire floor. ... A lot of people don’t know that these cut-ins allow room for your feet when standing in front of a counter. ... Doors are another problem. ... Concrete backerboard (cement board) is the standard material for ceramic tile subflooring. ... It can’t be damaged by water and is the ideal solution for bathroom and kitchen installations. ... Using a framing square, score your cut line a few times. ... A special carbide-blade cutter works better. ... Cement board is installed over a wood subfloor using the same type of thinset mortar that you use to set tiles. ... Then use the notched side of the trowel to comb out the adhesive. ... Stagger the joints so they don’t line up with one another or fall directly over the joints of the subfloor ...

... Because of this, it will gradually change shape over time. ... In fact, you will most likely have to replace several tiles after a new home has settled. ... You might not be able to find the same pattern in the future. ... This means using a product such as cement board for the surface. ... It also allows a small amount of “give” to the underlying substrate and helps prevent cracking. ... The floor joists must be securely attached and spaced correctly. ... I have personally seen areas where floor tile has cracked substantially due to the weight of a large refrigerator. ... The “contractor” that did this type of work was either a crook or an idiot and it is probably not possible to determine which one. ... Visit the job site several times a day if possible and look at everything. ... Ceramic tile is used in many areas of the home. ... The bathroom will usually have a tile floor and shower stall along with ceramic wall tiles. ... Cleanup is quick and easy with just some warm water and a sponge or mop.  Installing ceramic tile in a new home presents a few considerations ...

... Grout can be color-matched to just about any color you like. ... Just a quick wipe-off with water mixed with a tile cleaner will be enough to keep it looking shiny and new. ... If you have children and/or pets that run in and out all day, you will definitely appreciate the easy cleanup. ... It is then coated with a quartz type of glaze and fired in a kiln. ... They will last for many years of high traffic use. ... This will usually cause a crack or chip. ... Of course, if the tile has a design on it, it will have to be replaced instead of attempting repair. ... If you have never worked with tile before, start with a piece of 4 x 8 plywood and practice with cheap tiles. ... Remember that tiles will break easily if put under tension without support. ... If there are areas that flex when weight is applied, the tiles will crack within a short period of time. ... Fix any weak or sagging areas and apply cement board before laying tile. ... Ceramic tile floors are very popular in kitchens and bathrooms ...