ArcaMax

Dear James: One room has recurring cracks in the plaster ceiling. Instead of more repairs, is it wise to add a dropped tile ceiling to use it as a home theater? -- Gary K.

Dear Gary: Once cracks start to develop, particularly in a real plaster ceiling, it is not surprising the repairs don't last long before new cracks appear or old ones reopen....Read more

Dear James: We have a dog and kids that have damaged the door screen and some window screens, which are supposed to keep out mosquitoes. What is the easy way to repair or replace the screens? -- Cindy N.

Dear Cindy: As you have found, damaged window and door screens are not only unsightly, but they also allow hungry mosquitoes and other insects...Read more

Dear James: I need to replace the floor in our children's playroom. I want something durable and spill-resistant. Would a vinyl tile floor be a good choice? -- Drew B.

Dear Drew: Commercial-quality vinyl tile floor tiles would be an excellent choice for your rec room. It's often used in grocery stores and should handle active children's abuse. ...Read more

Dear James: I plan to add a new bathroom, and some old plumbing should also be replaced. I'm not comfortable using a torch and solder, so would plastic plumbing be good? -- Laura W.

Dear Laura: Sweating copper plumbing together with a torch and solder sounds intimidating, but it actually is quite easy after a short learning curve. Using plastic...Read more

Add an Efficient Screen/Storm Door Yourself

Dear James: I need to add a durable screen/storm door because we now have a dog. What design of door is best for a big dog owner, and can I install one myself? -- Ed P.

Dear Ed: Your dog will probably enjoy having a screen door to relax by during nice weather. Dogs, especially large ones, can really ...Read more

Dear James: I have quite a few repair projects to do around my house. I went to buy nails, but I was overwhelmed by the variety. Which ones are best for which projects? -- Debbie T.

Dear Debbie: It can be overwhelming to walk down the fastener aisle and see all the types, sizes and materials of nails available. Using the proper fastener can ...Read more

Dear James: The ornate solid brass bathroom fixtures in my old house are tarnished but still work fine. I cannot find identical replacements. How can I restore them? -- Reilly K.

Dear Reilly: It is not surprising you cannot find new ones with similar ornate designs, so refinishing them is your best option if you really like them. The other ...Read more

Dear James: I am setting up a computer station for my children. It needs additional lighting. Would recessed lighting be good and do you have installation tips? -- Jamie L.

Dear Jamie: For task lighting over a computer work area, recessed LED lighting is an excellent choice. Having the light focused down from overhead is ideal for a computer ...Read more

Dear James: Our dining room drywall has been damaged over the years. Instead of repairing it, I want to install wainscoting. Is this a job for a typical DIY'er? -- Andy H.

Dear Andy: Installing wainscoting on a dining room wall is not a difficult do-it-yourself project, but it is not inexpensive either. Several companies make wainscoting kits ...Read more

Dear James: There have been break-ins in my neighborhood, so I want to install glass block windows for security. What are some tips for installing mortar-type glass blocks? -- Nina D.

Dear Nina: Complete glass block window installation kits are available, but it is not difficult to do it yourself using individual glass blocks and mortar. This ...Read more

Dear James: Our ugly old kitchen cabinets are falling apart, so I want to try to make my own. What are the best wood joint designs to use so they hold up better? -- Chris P.

Dear Chris: Making your own kitchen cabinets is a great project in which you can express your own individuality and personality. Even if you have to go out and buy some new...Read more

Dear James: I'm moving into my first house, and it needs some work. I don't have any tools. What type of hand tools should I buy to get my own toolbox started? -- Holli W.

Dear Holli: Even if you are moving into a new house, you will find many needed projects that require basic hand tools and a few simple power tools. Buy a toolbox which is ...Read more

Dear James: Our half bathroom needs an upgrade and a new toilet. I want a more expensive stylish one, so I need to save by installing it myself. Do you have any tips?? -- Brian S.

Dear Brian: Replacing a toilet is a relatively simple project, and it can make a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your bathroom. The most difficult part will...Read more