tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63192932772852215432023-06-21T00:40:41.385-04:00Christopher Construction's DIY Projects & Household Tips Find Tips & tricks to help you with your next projectChristopher http://www.blogger.com/profile/16532031754559680112noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319293277285221543.post-17222671337833138162013-03-29T16:32:00.000-04:002013-02-01T22:48:12.718-05:00<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Through out the year's of being a New Jersey home improvement contractor I've learned quite a bit. These tips and tricks that I have used have saved me hours of frustration, time, and not to mention money. Most, if not all, were learned through trial and error. When you encounter the "Honey Do List" and think this doesn't seem so difficult, I'm here to back you up. We all have good intentions but lack the tools(knowledge & experience). So, for all you weekend warriors This Blog Is For You! Every week we will be adding a new tip.</strong></span>Christopher http://www.blogger.com/profile/16532031754559680112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319293277285221543.post-26337266748103880512013-02-06T23:25:00.000-05:002013-02-06T23:25:41.314-05:00Interior Wall Projects<span style="font-size: large;">When repairing interior walls or hanging pictures one thing you need to know is where the studs are located..<strong>Finding The Wall Studs </strong>can help avoid further damage. Wall Studs of 2" x 4"'s or 2" x 6"s are usually located 16 inches apart.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you start in the corner and measure 17 inches , you should hit the center of the stud. Just remember that wires often run through the center of the studs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Another way of locating stud is to use a commercial stud finder. Don't have one , a neat trick would be to use a common compass it works almost as well. When you run the compass on the wall the needle will be attracted to the drywall nails.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you're installing wallpaper to walls ,start straight ! Don't count on room corners being plum, use a level to mark a vertical line to follow. You can also suspend a chalked weighted piece of string from a high point on the wall. When it comes to rest , pull it taunt against the baseboard. Snap the string at the center. The mark will leave a true vertical. If you're applying wallpaper in areas of the house where dampness or steam tends to occur, like bathroom or the kitchen. As soon as wallpaper dries, paint some clear shellac over the joints and edges. This will help prevent those areas of the paper from peeling back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quick Tip for painting</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't Allow those messy runs on the side of your paint can. Stretch a rubber band vertically over the can so that it runs across the open mouth of the can. Now you can wipe your brush on the rubber band and the excess paint will fall back into the can.</span>Christopher http://www.blogger.com/profile/16532031754559680112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319293277285221543.post-90623986173173587552013-01-31T19:36:00.002-05:002013-01-31T21:50:19.663-05:00Repairing Brick Steps<span style="font-size: large;">Repairing brick steps can seem intimidating , but with a little know how and some patients you can do it. When properly maintained a masonry porch/steps can last for several decades and beyond. One of the main reasons for major damage, is cracks that appear on the surface. Not attended to immediately this will lead to structural damage of the block. Once the block have been compromised it usely leads to a total rebuild, costing thousands of dollars. If you have loose brick or stone on the treads or cracks now is the time to take action. You can go to your local hardware store or one of the home improvement chains to get supplies. Remember the tools that you need are probably only going to be used a few times, so don't spend a lot money on them. After using them keep them clean and dry and you'll have them for next time.</span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Tools & Material needed</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hammer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chisel</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Small tarp </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mason trowel</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Brick jointer</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Brush</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tape Measure</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Small level</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mason line</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sponge & 5 gallon bucket</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bag of ready mix mortar type S</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caulk any remaining cracks and voids on porch with a clear sealant.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now that you have repaired it, keep it from further damage and apply a waterproof sealant.This can be sprayed on or applied with paint roller.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quick Tip: Never use rock salt on masonry use calcium chloride</span><br />
<br />Christopher http://www.blogger.com/profile/16532031754559680112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6319293277285221543.post-3344794054791635672013-01-21T16:11:00.000-05:002013-01-21T23:31:07.413-05:00Removing Black Soot On Fireplace Front Organically<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">This is a great way to remove soot build up on fireplace front. It also works great on stone and brick that have stains. Most commercial cleaners have harsh chemicals that may be harmful to you and your family. Distilled white vinegar is a natural mild acid that has been used for years by many different industries.It's main ingredient is acetic acid, giving it's natural power to clean. I have included a step by step instructions on how to remove stains. I have customers ask me all the time how to keep the hearth on the fireplace looking new and free from stains. Sealing any masonry surface with a good brick or stone sealer will prevent stains from penetrating the surface. This makes for an easy clean up when something does get on it,usually a wet rag is all thats needed.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Tools needed </span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup Distilled White Vinegar in spray bottle</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup Water in spray bottle</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Hand held brush</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Rag</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Some elbow grease</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Quick Tips: Many older homes have plaster walls,driving nails into them can cause cracks. To Eliminate this put a strip of masking tape on wall. Drive nail into tape, once set remove tape</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">If you need to fix small cracks on plaster walls ,Instead of mixing plaster with water,use vinegar to mix for a stronger fill</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">No Plaster? Try some white carpenters glue mixed with baking soda. This also works good for nail holes on drywall</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Have any good tips ? Please share</span></strong></div>
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Christopher http://www.blogger.com/profile/16532031754559680112noreply@blogger.com3