If you plan to replace multiple lights in your unfinished attic, start by removing or trimming the surrounding insulation. If you don’t feel confident dealing with electrical wires, it’s wise to seek the help of a skilled or certified electrician. Trying to handle these components on your o...
Measure and cut enough insulation material to fit between the floor joists. Ensure a snug fit and secure the insulation by using insulation supports or wires. Be careful not to compress the insulation, as this may reduce its effectiveness. Next, use insulation supports or wires to hold the ins...
Measure the space between joists and studs to determine the width of the insulation you need. A basic rule of thumb is that these are spaced 16 inches on center, but this can vary widely. Select your type of insulation. While fiberglass is most common for blankets and batts, there are...
If you’re competent at handling electrical problems, shut off the power to the circuit and check the wire connections at the switch and fixture. Otherwise, call an electrician. Next See: Deck Lighting Ideas and Tips: Illuminating Your… ...
When I run a sump pit hose in a crawl space, I always hang the hose along the bottom of the floor joists and try, if possible, to grade it toward where it exits the crawl. Take your hose or drain out a crawl space vent. This will make installation easier for you, and you only ...
A moisture barrier underlayment is required when you install laminate flooring on concrete, and it's highly recommended on plywood as well, especially if the floor is on the ground level. You may also want an underlayment to provide sound and thermal insulation. Most laminate dealers sell under...
Welcome to the world of prefab. But what exactly is a prefab house? How are the pieces constructed and assembled? How much does it cost to build a house versus anchor a prefab to a plot of land? And what kind of instructional manual comes with the ultimate model kit? In this ...
To determine exactly what is making noise, go under the floor, to a basement without a finished ceiling or to a crawlspace, and then listen while somebody walks above you. You might have to remove insulation that’s under the floor or between the floor joists to gain better access. If ...
So, floor joists. They’re the things that hold up the floor. On a finished house, you usually don’t see them, but on an unfinished house they look like this: Picture taken fromthis website. You put subfloor over the top of them and then put carpet, linoleum, tile or hardwood ove...
Hang a plumb line from the top to the bottom plate and line them up. Secure the 2x4-inch boards to the top plate and then nail it securely into the floor joists. Step 4 - Frame the Room Using more 2x4-inch boards, frame the portions of the room not on a concrete wall. Use ...