FixThePlace.com
Chuck
I've been working on projects since I was a kid taking my bike apart. I'm one of those people that can take something apart, put it back together and have it work as good or better than it was. I was playing around with electricity and electronics in elementary school. I was one of those kids that took all the shop courses in highschool. I always loved building and fixing things. It was a way I could have what I wanted without having to pay the big price.
Since then I became an engineer, got an MBA, went into the computer business, built houses, designed, built and ran 3 carwashes. Through all my experiences I've learned much about all the trades by asking questions, observing and doing the work. I learned a lot of lessons along the way.
The first time you do a job will usually take you twice as much time as the second time because the first time through you spend lots of time problem solving. If you're like me a homeowner, many times there won't be a second time. I've tried to make these directions detailed enough to give the answers to many of the problems you may encounter in your project.
Install a Gas Fireplace Insert
Napoleon XIR4N-1SB
This is a complete insert, not gas logs. It's self contained and sealed. It has 100% makeup air and radiates heat into the room.
Take Apart - A Moen Shower Head
The water coming out of the shower was anemic. The house has great water pressure. What was the problem?
Total Bathroom Remodel
Before and After Pictures
The old bathroom had stick on tile a junk quality vanity and dated colors. The vent fan wasn't even connected to an exhaust.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Demolition
Disconnecting all water and drains. Removing the sink, vanity, toilet, bathtub, floor tile and breaking out the tile walls in the bath surround.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Plumbing the Shower Base
Moving the water supply into the wall. Redoing the bathtub drain for a shower base. Installing a Moen shower valve.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Plumbing the Water Supply
Setting the shower base and hanging cement board walls. Installing cement board underlayment.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Floor and Walls
Setting the shower base and hanging cement board walls. Installing cement board underlayment.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Tile
Laying out the job, cutting tile, setting the tile, sealing the tile and grouting.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Installing the Vanity
Drilling the holes in the cabinet for the water supply and the drain. Hanging the vanity securly to the wall.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Plumbing the Shower and Sink
Installing the faucet, sink and the Moen shower valve.
Total Bathroom Remodel Floor
Installing the Toilet
Preparing the floor flange, setting the toilet and hooking up the water.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Vent Fan
The bathroom didn't have a vent fan. I installed a fan and ran the duct through a ceiling joist to outside.
Total Bathroom Remodel
Remove and Cut a Mirror
The existing mirror was too tall to allow for a 4" backsplash. I had to remove it, cut it down and reinstall it.
Total Bathroom Remodel Floor
Installing a Mosaic Backsplash
A backsplash protects water from ruining the wall as well as adding a nice design feature.
Trim Out a Closet
Install Shelves and Poles
You can't call it a bedroom unless you have a closet. You can't take for granted what goes into it.
Repair a Leaking Outdoor Hose Valve
Is your hose bibb leaking ?
Over the winter when it was freezing out I'd sometimes get icicles hanging from the hose.
Rebuild a Milwaukee NiCad Battery Pack
In 2007 I bought this really nice Milwaukee 0624-20 18v Hammer drill that has Nicad batteries that died. New batteries were expensive.
Attach a Dishwasher to a Granite Top
Is your Dishwasher Flopping Around?
5 years ago I installed a new dishwasher. I never anchored it to the counter top so it's been moving around ever since.
How to Install a Toilet
Install a new one or repair an existing one.
The biggest reason to pull a toilet is leaks. If the toilet isn't correctly set to the drain you will get sewer gas in the house. Otherwise there are numerous points for water to leak.
How to Install a Recessed Light
Recessed lights are called cans
Cans are handy because they don't stick out and are easy to install. I'm installing this one in a closet with an LED bulb.
Install LED Ballast bypass Fluorescent Replacements
Power feed from both sides. I had 4 fluorescent fixtures in the basement. One fixture had a burned out ballast. The cost of the LED replacement tubes was less than the cost of a new ballast.
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Install LED Ballast bypass Fluorescent Replacements
Power feed from one side. Fixture is modified for the new sockets
Install LED Ballast bypass Fluorescent Replacements
Power feed from one side. No need to modify for the new sockets
Replacing an Exterior Door
This old exterior door had water damage on the bottom and the seals were shot. I replaced it with an insulated fiberglass door.