Home Sense

Mike McClintock (For The Washington Post)

Have questions about how to keep your home fit and trim?

Home Sense columnist Mike McClintock is online every other Thursday at Noon ET to answer your questions about home building, remodeling, repairs and the wide range of home-consumer issues. If it has something to do with the place where you live -- from home security to the latest on appliances, energy-saving and a lot more -- just ask. Mike has the answers.

McClintock's column appears in the Post Home section every Thursday. He is the author of 10 books, including "Alternative Housebuilding."

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

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Mike McClintock:
Hi: Some conventional wisdom (conventional but anything but wise) suggests that many and even most do-it-yourselfers are hard up or retired oldsters or stuck with 50s hobbies and not very upscale to boot. But the people who look down their noses at DIYers seem to have only one response when anything goes wrong around the house- "call the man" Why? Because aside from not having the inclination to tackle a project they have not a clue about what's wrong or how to fix it.

Every homeowner has to 'call-the-man' for some complex jobs. But many people do some of the work themselves. Even more want to know what's what even if they hire a pro. And it turns out that a lot of people rarely if ever call a professional and prefer to do it themselves.

With that in mind, see how you do with the multiple choices about nationwide do-it-yourself trends from a recent survey of American homeowners conducted by Sears, Roebuck & Co.

(It's almost but not quite April Fool's Day, so the asnwers end of hour are real; missed by one day.)

HOME SENSE- DIYers -QUESTION
What percent of homeowners say their household rarely or never uses outside service professionals? 14, 24, 34 or 44?
Some DIYers take on jobs to save money. What percent do it because they believe they will do a better job than a pro? 10, 15, 20 or 25?
What percent who use help at least occasionally say that it is getting harder to find qualified home service professionals? 24, 34, 44, 54?

On to your questions-

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Cool Breeze: Howdy!; In terms of ventilation direction, should you air condition/blow the air from south to north wall or vice-versa?

Mike McClintock: I was stuck for a minute here trying to think why it might matter, and came to the comnclusion that it doesn't.

I suppose, in theory, south walls would be warmer and need more cooling, but i would be doing every other job in the place before relocating the AC.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Mike,

Hoping you can help with this problem. I bought a seven-year old condo last year. The wall-to-wall carpet is now about three years old. At some of the edges, for example, at the kitchen doorway, the carpet has come loose from the metal stripping at the edge. Is it possible to simply glue the carpet edge down? Or should I consult a carpet installer?

Thanks

Mike McClintock: An installer will probably do what you could with the right tools, mainly a kicker. Its teeth lock into the carpet; then you lift a bit and bump your knee into the other end, basically stretching the carpet towards your target. In this case, you might use the kicker to gather slack, then do one more bump to set the edge back onto the tackless strips.
If you glued it in place, who knows, the moving might be over and it would stay there, maybe.

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Fairfax, Va.: Mike,
What is your opinion on glazing tubs/tile instead of replacing? Does glaze hold up well or will it start to fade or chip or crack?

Mike McClintock: Think it makes sense, 1. if you do a very through job finding a contractor, 2. if removing the tub would break tile, require a lot of plumbing and all that.
Sure, there are some guys who do thorough jobs. But i've heard about a lot of bad jobs that don't last despite the considerable expense.

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McLean, Va.: We are purchasing an 87 year old home with lovely stained glass and leaded glass windows. What do you think about replacing these old windows with energy efficient windows, and hanging the sashes with the beautiful glass just inside the new window frames as decorative art?

Mike McClintock: Sounds like a practical solution, but maybe the stained windows could be hinged or somehow swivel mounted so you can see out without the thint, aside from getting more ventilation.

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Maryland: We removed some wallpaper this weekend -- just grabbed a seam that had come loose and pulled. It came off easily enough (proof enough that we made the right decision to tear it out and paint instead!;). But, it appears that what came off was just a top layer, there is clearly a brown paper-like substance still stuck to the walls. THAT stuff is proving impossible to get off with just manual wallpaper removal scraping-type tools. The seams where the wallpaper was/is are prominent. Can we prime over that paper-like residue and then paint, or will that not work? If it would work in theory, should it also prevent the old seams from bleeding/showing through the paint? If we HAVE to get that stuff off, should a steamer do the trick or will we likely need to invest in some sort of chemical solution? We appreciate any thoughts you have!;

Mike McClintock: Wallpaper removal can lead to interesting, multi-layer excavatons. Your sub layer sounds like liner paper- a paper often installed over irregular walls to makew the surface layer look smoother. Painting over it will look pretty much like painted liner paper, complete with seams.
If it's really on there, best bet is probably a chemical solution let into and under the paper with a scarifying tool. Roll it over the surface and it makes little pinpricks for access.

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Vienna, Va.: Hi,
What do you know about liquid coating for aluminum siding? We are debating replacing our 30 aluminum siding with vinyl siding or coating the aluminum (which is in good shape except for fading) with "liquid siding" that is purported to last a lifetime. Price is about the same. We are interested in how it looks and how it holds up. I understand that it has been used for industrial/non-residential for years and is relatively new is the residential market. Thanks.

Mike McClintock: Have heard of it but never tried it. But, in he end, it's paint, and i wouldn't be painting aluminum siding, specially if the paint price would cover residing with a new product.

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Baltimore, Md.: Flat roof rowhouse -- needs new roof. Two options presented by roofing company: Flat roof, done with something called 2-ply and tar with a 10 year guarantee but will need to be retarred every 3-4 years OR rubber roof, same guarantee, but no maintainace. Cost difference apprieciable for the rubber roof. Any opinion?

Mike McClintock: The rubber roof (modified bitumen) hands down, no contest.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I'll take a guess at this:
What percent of homeowners say their household rarely or never uses outside service professionals? 34 percent

Some DIYers take on jobs to save money. What percent do it because they believe they will do a better job than a pro? 25 percent

What percent who use help at least occasionally say that it is getting harder to find qualified home service professionals? 54 percent

Mike McClintock: You got the last one.

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Manassas, Va.: Hey Mike,
Looking for some advice before another round of power failures this summer. I guess it's all the airconditioning but sometimes this place seems like it's off the grid. I got an estimate on one of those built-in backup systems that powers the whole house (almost $12,000), so maybe you could steer me to mid-range equipment that can handle more than a few lights and the refrigerator?

Mike McClintock: Top-end, built-in systems feed power through house wiring automatically when there's an outage, whether you're home or not. They're terrifically convenient, but $10,000 and up is steep- maybe unless you're running some crucial operations out of your house.
At the other end are portables (run outside where the exhaust can escape) that supply power through extension cords. In between are semi-automatic systems, i.e. you throw a switch tro cut from the utility supply to the generator- and eventually back again. You have to be there, add fuel and all that. But the system delivers power to circuits (a few anyway) instead of through extension cords.
But portables are a pretty good deal. In the $500 range you might get 2-3 hours of runtime on a tank and 3,000 watts of power with a few outlets for extension cords. At the high end ($2,000 or so) you might get a large fuel tank with overnight runtime and 10,000 watts with more outlets.You'll need to total wattage of lights and appliances on the circuits you want to run in an outage- and add 15-20 percent to cover the surge when appliance motors start up. A 3-5,000-watt unit might handle basic lights, fridge, furnace and some portable AC. You might need twice as much to carry central AC.

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Bowie, Md.: The water runs continuously and I bought a seat wrench but it seems too big to fit into the stem where the handles would be or I must be doing it wrong. I'm really desperate about what I can do since no instructions were on the package and the local Self Improvement Centers didn't know what to tell me to do.

Mike McClintock: You have to love the fixtures to be regrinding the seats. Hope you changed all the washers first, as that's a much easier fix, if it works. The grinder has to be matched to the valve, obviously, then the trick is to keep it dead vertical.

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Alexandria, Va.: I have heard that there are hardwood floors under the carpet in our 40 year old condo. Would it be best to take the carpet up ourselves and revive the floors? Or should we hire a professional?

Mike McClintock: Think i'd take a peek to see if what you've heard is what you've got. Then it depends on what shape the floors are in and if you can handle (also want to) do the job.
A typical scenario: the floors are scuffed and wron in some places but not too bad. You need to use the edger a lot to erase at least some of the tack-strip nailing, and maybe just a one-time fine papaer sanding on the main floor. That's a day.
Then comes the two coats of poly, and if the weather is a little muggy a day or more invbetween and after for drying, plus the furniture moving.

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Chevy Chase, Md.: We want to put a hot tub in our backyard. What issues should we be aware of in purchasing and installing one?

Mike McClintock: Most are mounted in a deck, and most decks aren't built for the load (when filled with water and people). So you need to account for the weight and also provide a code-approved power supply- maybe a new circuit for heaters and pumps.

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Buying a house "As Is": Hello Mike. Great forum!

My husband and I are looking to purchase a home. Unfortunately, the market is so competitive in some of these closer-in neighborhoods, we're losing bids to people who waive the inspections and buy the homes, "As Is." Aside from hiring an inspection professional to accompany us on weekends to Open Houses, can you (or any other readers) suggest a resource or even what would be your biggest things to look for? We're getting discouraged, but don't want to walk into a purchase and get blind-sided by having it be a complete money pit! (We don't mind some upgrades...)

Mike McClintock: I built houses for 12 years and have done a lot of other home-related work, and i wouldn't buy as is on a once through in a million years. It's nuts. Houses arew so different. Owners are so nuts, too, and do all kinds of truly bizarre things by way of improvement.
I would look once for all thos first impressions, and always go back at least once more to spend a few hours pouring through the place looking for problems. For most people, that would mean an inspector.
I know that meakes it tough, but how much worse might it be if you pay for a lemon.
Don't see how an inspector cxould do a professional job during an open house.
You can, of course, make an offer to buy on conditon of a satisfactory inspection- and survey and a few other things i'd be checking.

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Rockville, Md.: I have a 1965 split level, and in the family room is a brick wall with the fireplace. It's annoying because the fireplace is not centered on the brick wall. I'd like to expand the fireplace 12 inches (to one side) to center it. What kind and expense of work is involved in that? FYI, the other side of the wall is the outside of the house -- also brick.

Mike McClintock: Strange the the builder wouldn't have gotten it right. Anyway, it's a big job, rebuilding the firebox for sure, and then trying to get a good draw through an off-center flue would be iffy.
How about cheating the off-centerness with columns, mantels and other architecturals tricks.

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Silver Spring, Md.: This is a tile question. We put a new countertop in our kitchen and replaced the backsplash with tile (8 months ago). Where the counter (silestone, a hard surface) meets the tile, the grout is disintegrating. My sister is finding the same thing on her granite/ tile grout. I called the tile store and was told this is where there is "shifting" of the counter and probably an epoxy should have been used instead of grout. What can we do now? The tile people (installers) are not coming back for this and it is disappointing.

Mike McClintock: It's normally a caulked seam, not grouted unless you have the same material on the counter and the backsplash, and sometimes not even then- like the seam between the tub and the first row of tiles: caulked while the others are grouted. Also, the counter isn't supposed to shift.

So it is kind of an installation error, but if no one is coming back no matter what, guess i would remove the grout and add epoxy or caulk, though if you regrout and prtect the new, maybe fuller seam with a clear silicone coating it might stay in place longer.

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Silver Spring, Md.: In preparing to install new cabinets, we also tore out outdated and just plain ugly tile that had extended from the top of the backsplash to the underside of the cabinets. Now, of course, we're faced with the ridged residue of the mixture the tile was set in. Rather than re-tile, we plan to simply paint that area. We think it looks easiest just to cut out all that drywall and install new drywall in that area, even though it will mean having to screw/otherwise attach the new drywall to the old (we figure if we cut up high enough, the new cabinets will cover the seam). A sound plan? Is there anything else you would recommend instead of/ in addition to what I outlined above? Thanks!

Mike McClintock: Cover the panels or replace them. Removing the adhesive ridges will take forever and probably pull a lot of drywall off in any case. Think about screwing a new sheet just to the cabinets, then adding molding to cover.

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Clifton, Va.: My brother put a hot tub in his back yard. Biggest cost after hot tub was running 220v line to tub. Cost him about $800.00. Scope out location and electrical service accessbility can lower your costs.

Mike McClintock: Yup, between the heaters and pumps they can use a lot of power.

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Washington D.C.: Is it possible to change from radiator heat to a heat pump in a 1928-built house that already has ducts used for central air? And if so, how expensive/complicated is that generally? The reason I'm thinking about it is that I don't like having radiators in every room. Thanks.

Mike McClintock: It's possible, but a lot of people would practically kill for radiator heat. You have the ideal, central air and the bone-warming radiators.
A contractor could take them out, and then basically install a new heating system supplying hot air through your AC ducts. The heat supply won't be as good, i'd bet. Think i'd be trying live with the radiators

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Mike, Thanks for the useful chats. We are thinking about a ceramic tile floor in our bathroom. The guys came to measure the other day and told us the sink and toilet would have to be lifted for the tile to go underneath. Is this something only a plumber can handle?

Mike McClintock: Lifting the fixtures is possible and makes a neater tile job. But if the quote on that is high, you can get an adjustment from the tiles (shouldn't be much) for cutting around the fixtures. It doesn't look much different burt requires more cutting.

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Mannassas, Va.: Manassas, Va. with the generator question -- shop around -- our house generator was well under 10K and it can do the furnace, well, sump pump, fridge and selected outlets in the house.

The neighbors with the portables were hating life when they had to refill the gas tank at 2 in the morning during and after Isabel.

Mike McClintock: Some of the larger (and more costly) portables will run overnight, but the automatic whol-house systems are nice if you can afford them.

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Re: Expensive generator: I recently installed an automatic system at the home of my aging parents, can't have them bailing the basement when the sump pump stops, but you did not say enough about reviewing what you expect to run. We had a pretty wide range of estimates to chose from (even from the same company) depending on what you wanted to run. I'd look there first to save money. After all, having to replace your freezer full of food for the third time in a few months (as has happened to friends) does not make your portable look like a bargain when you are not home to run it.

Mike McClintock: Yes, the automatic feature will save the stock in, say, a vacation home, or if you're out a lot- but for a hefty price.

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Washington, D.C.: My wife and I bought a townhouse a few months ago. There is exposed brick on the first floor (living room). We'd like to expose the brick (that we assume is behind the dry wall) on one wall of the second floor of the house. Any thoughts on how we can do this?

Mike McClintock: Take a peek to be sure. Then it's normally just ripping out the drywall and supporting frame, then cleaning and probably sealing to finish. Things get more complicated if there are outlets on the wall, or if it's an outside wall and the framework is holding insulation.

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Fairfax, Va.: Just moved into a condo, and there are two funky things that are going on that should be easy enough to fix without hiring help, but really I have no idea. First, the toilet will flush every other time. Flush it once, the water basically disappears. Flush it again, the water rises to the top. Flush it one more time, the water disappears again, and so on. Any idea what is causing this? Second, the master bedroom has a live switch. When I connected something to the outlet it was fine, but once I connected an extension cord to the live outlet, the circuit blew (I tired several extension cords to see if one was broken, but apparently not). What's going wrong? Thanks!

Mike McClintock: number 1. replace the filling mechanism, 2. no easy answer because of the terms you used, switch for outlet, maybe. Some outlets are switched, one pattern being to have one of the two outlets in a duplex receptacle controlled by a wall switch so you can turn on a table lamp when entering a room, while the other outlet is unswitched, for a radio, say. But if a ciruit breaker is popping repeatedly, whatever the setup, call an electrician. Outlets and switches do sometimes break.

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Gettysburg, Penn.: Mike, we're buying a 100 year old house. I'm going to follow the inspector around to learn about the house. What are some of the important things I should take note of? (House is a brick foursquare; has radiators (love those) and oil burner.) Thanks.

Mike McClintock: Good plan- to squeeze some extra service out of your inspection costs. I'd concentrate on the mechicanicals mainly because they are crucial and also the most expensive to repair and replace (the furnace anbd AC mainly)
Sometimes inspectors pad reports by making notes about very little things- a door lock that is a bit balky- so being there you could hustle the guy through the frills and spend more time on the meat.

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Laurel, Md.: Hi, Mike. I have to repair a concrete step that has a chunk missing (3" X 1") Can I use a quick setting concrete mix and patch it using a board against the step to make sure it's flat?

Mike McClintock: Sounds right, after cleaning out the hole thoroughly. On larger holes it's also helpful to drive a concrete nail or two to act as mini rebar.

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Takoma Park, Md.: I have a sweet little bungalow that my family is quickly outgrowing. It has a rough unfinished basement with a cement floor that is buckled an not a lot of headroom (about 6 and a half feet). I'm considering a renovation and wonder if you'd recommend digging out the basement or popping up to make more space. What are the pros and cons of each approach? What is the cost difference?

Thank you

Mike McClintock: If the foundation can support the extra load- in a summer-type bungalow maybe not, but in a Sears-kit-like beefy bungalow it probably would. Anyay, up is usually easier and less expensive.

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Alexandria, Va.: I would like to put in a new floor and paint and do some minor plaster work on the interior of my house.

I can't make up my mind about which should come first. I'm thinking the floor.

Mike McClintock: Procrastinating, maybe?
Do the messy work first, the floor last- the routine on most new construction as well.

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Atlanta, Ga.: I am preparing in a few months for a kitchen renovation with cabinet refacing and installing granite and new backsplash. My question is, can I do this in stages and have the backsplash/ Granite or cabinets first? If so, what would be the proper order? Thanks.

Mike McClintock: Counters would come last, in a way, like the floors, after the mucking around with the boxes and carpetry and maybe some plumbiong and who knows what else is completed.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Mike, is there any free service to get an energy audit on an older house? The electric companies used to do this but I haven't heard lately

Mike McClintock: At least some still do. Also, there are some pretty good services online- sorry, don't have the web address inmy head, but pretty sure lawrence livermore labs has an extensive service based on zip code; remember trying it once and thinking it was good aside from nifty.

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Annapolis, Md.: Radiator question: Having radiators removed is very expensive. It has to be done by a plumber. We had one removed where we were putting in a doorway and for everything (removal, hauling away, etc.), it ran almost a thousand dollars. A solution to the look of the radiators is to get covers: wooden (woodenradatiorcabinet.com) or metal (monarchrad.com).

Mike McClintock: Agree; plus i like radiator heat, a lot, specially if you have ducts for AC.

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For the "As is" Buyer: We bought "as is" and the seller (FSBO) was very accommodating about letting us bring an inspector through after the open house and prior to submitting our contract. There were some problems, but nothing we couldn't handle with some professional help and the price was fair considering. It's worth asking about doing that; in our case it showed we were serious and we got the house. Line up a call list of 3-4 inspectors though so you can get one on a day's notice. (It can be done; happens all the time in this market.) The Post had a good article on "as is" sales back in the fall (October maybe?)

Mike McClintock: After the open house might be too late, according to the chatter's experience, but it's a thought.

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Manassas, Va.: Re: Hot tub Another alternative is to put it on a patio under your deck that is reinforced with rebar. FYI our line from one side of the house to other, box, hard line to tub, came to a little over $1000. Cost is running about $.20/day in electric. Go for it... it's worth it!

Mike McClintock: I remember a memorable dousing- outunder the stars and snow

out of time already, so send your questions again for next time- and here comnes the answer to the quiz--

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Mike McClintock: HOME SENSE- DIYers -QUESTION
What percent of homeowners say their household rarely or never uses outside service professionals? 14, 24, 34 or 44?
Some DIYers take on jobs to save money. What percent do it because they believe they will do a better job than a pro? 10, 15, 20 or 25?
What percent who use help at least occasionally say that it is getting harder to find qualified home service professionals? 24, 34, 44, 54?


HOME SENSE- DIYers -ANSWER
What percent of homeowners say their household rarely or never use outside service professionals? 44%
Some DIYers take on jobs to save money. What percent do it because they believe they will do a better job? 20%
What percent who use help at least occasionally say that it is getting harder to find qualified home service professionals? 54%

On the gender front, the nationwide survey found that women are more likely than men to hire a service professional. Among single female homeowners surveyed, 37% said they always or often use outside professionals, compared with 17% of single male homeowners. Men and women surveyed agreed (58 and 56 percent respectively) with the idea that that women are treated with less respect than men by contractors and service people.

See you next time

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