washingtonpost.com - washingtonpost.com - home ownership, improvement, refinancing Washington DC

Going Solar Goes Mainstream

Scott Sowers — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Nancy Elam and Dave Levinson didn't intend to become human guinea pigs. They just needed a new roof.

Where Have the Butterflies Gone?

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Here are answers to some of your summer gardening questions.

Use Care in Replacing a Ceramic Soap Dish

Tim Carter — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: You helped me recently when I decided to replace my showerhead. Believe it or not, the showerhead slipped from my hand and broke the shower soap dish. This small weekend project has turned into a nightmare. How do I replace the ceramic soap dish? What else can go wrong?

Choose the Best Saw for the Job

Alan J. Heavens — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There are handsaws for almost every purpose. So, with help from Irwin, Shark and Woodcraft, among other makers and sellers, here are some things to think about before buying.

Gene Austin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: I have renovated my basement and have put in nice furniture, rugs, lamps and so forth. However, the basement is almost all underground, and the windows are small and close to the ceiling. Is there anything I can do to improve the windows? Curtains don't help much. -- Dandra

The Sump Pump's Fault, or Yours?

Ann Cameron Siegal — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Rob Traister of Front Royal, Va., recently renovated and moved into his childhood home, a 1940s Cape Cod with an underground basement and a sump pit.

Helping Nature Help You

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A well-researched landscape design can go a long way toward lowering energy costs and putting homegrown food on the table. Nature has given us the tools to save money while being environmentally conscious.

Demystifying Hex Signs, the Colorful Soul of Pennsylvania Dutch Decor

Mariella Savidge — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- The Pennsylvania Dutch influence on the Lehigh Valley shines through in any number of ways: the food, the festivals, the language.

Welcoming Wildlife to Your Garden

Kathy Van Mullekom — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A young bunny munching on grass is barely aware of the audience he attracts while he eats lunch.

Keep a Replacement Showerhead Watertight

Tim Carter — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: I need to deal with a leaking showerhead. At first I was just going to fix the leak, but my wife wants a new showerhead. Are they difficult to replace? Are there some tips you can share that will make it appear as if a master plumber did the job?

Home Front: Getting Started on Nursery Decor, Midcentury Lighting and Allergy-Free Couches

Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza take questions on your decorating dilemmas. This week, they find out how museums pick colors for their gallery walls, and why people paint their porch ceilings blue.

Gene Austin — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: I am finishing my basement for living space. I have applied two coats of a waterproofing paint to the walls and have not detected any moisture for two years. I plan to use fiberglass insulation and wood framing. Do I need a vapor barrier between the wall and fiberglass?

Little Fixes Can Often Free Sticky Locks

Tim Carter — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q DEAR TIM: Several door locks at my home don't work properly. When I try to extend the deadbolt lock, it will not turn all the way.

Much to Learn and Admire in the Dog Days

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Take advantage of some interesting exhibits, lectures, workshops, tours and other educational programs in August. Events are free unless otherwise noted. Many require registration, so call ahead.

Do-It-Yourself

Gene Austin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q I have a two-story house with rain gutters that are too high for me to clean safely. I would like to install a gutter cover system that will eliminate cleaning. Which is the best? --S. Slogesky

Fire Up the Grill, Safely

Morris Carey and James Carey — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Keep safety in mind at summer barbecues, no matter what type of grill you use.

Home Front: Dorm Room Decor, Displaying Diplomas and "Man Rooms"

Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza take questions on your decorating dilemmas. This week, they start getting ready to go back to school, as they learn about eco-friendly college dorms and help parents get organized for their students' routines.

Cleaning Up the Messy Mortar

Tim Carter — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q DEAR TIM: How can I remove mortar from the sidewalk that I just built with paver bricks? My husband and I smeared mortar on the brick, and it looks terrible. Is there a nontoxic way to fix this without damaging the brick?

Your Thoughts Have Turned to Vacation, but Don't Go Until You've Done These Chores

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There are several important tasks you should tackle in the garden before you leave for your August vacation.

Finding a Moral in One Developer's Story

Katherine Salant — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Many years ago when I was backpacking through Asia, I bought books based on the number of pages per dollar. This sounds hopelessly philistine, but the best buys were long books.

Do-It-Yourself: Squeaky Wood Floors

Gene Austin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q Our older house has developed squeaky wood floors. What can we do to alleviate this?

Home Front: T-Shirt Quilts, Reglazing Tubs, IKEA Sofas and Hated Design Trends

Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza take questions on your decorating dilemmas, from slipcovers and shutters to dog hair and duvet covers.

Attic Fans That Make a Difference You Can Feel

Tim Carter — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q DEAR TIM: I need an attic fan to cool my hot attic, but there are many types available. Should I consider a solar-powered fan? What type of attic fan do you use?

A Midsummer Garden's Blooms

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

There's always something blooming in the Washington area -- even on the hottest days of summer.

Home Front: Flea Market Tips, Roach Control and Decorating with Yellow

Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza explore flea markets, find out the difference between architects and contractors and take questions on your decorating dilemmas.

A Simple Tool for Perfect Tile Cuts

Tim Carter — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: I have never used a ceramic tile cutter. Is cutting tile possible with such a simple tool? How can it make straight cuts without shattering the tile? What tips can you offer for working with this tool? Is it faster to cut by hand, or should I rent a tile-cutting saw?

Healing a Magnolia, Pruning Redbuds and Perfecting Peonies

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I planted an Alta southern magnolia about a month ago. The leaves are turning yellow and brown, and many have dropped. What should I do?

To Reduce Greenhouse Gases, Start by Shrinking Buildings

Katherine Salant — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

New Mexico architect Edward Mazria has a proposal to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. His target: buildings.

A Crash Course in Putting Up Drywall

Tim Carter — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: I need to learn how to hang and finish drywall in a hurry, because a good friend wants me to show her how to do it. The trouble is, I have just seen it done on some home-improvement TV shows. Is it really that hard to install drywall?

Help for Your Hands, Feet and Plants

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Good footwear, gloves, tools, irrigation and plant-enhancing materials can make gardening safer and more enjoyable. Here are some new products that my associates and I have tested recently.

Do-It-Yourself

Post — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: I have a wood deck that I have stained twice in six years with semitransparent stain. The second time was a disaster. The stain is peeling and chipping. Both times, I cleaned and power-washed the deck before staining. I can't remember the brand of stain I used. What could cause this?

The Anxiety and Mystery Of Architect Fees

Katherine Salant — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Most people have no clue how much it costs to hire an architect, and with good reason. The way most architects charge for their services is confusing.

Tapping Your Garage's Hidden Storage Space

Tim Carter — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: I think overhead garage storage is the answer to my clutter problem. There is a giant empty space over the hood of both cars in our wide garage. I need a do-it-yourself garage-storage system that will support furniture, boxes and other household items.

Prof. Lerner's Reading List For Garden Design 101

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When it's time to rest from weeding and watering, consider some books on landscaping that will educate you about planting techniques, what to install and how to design.

Keep an Eye Out -- the Perfect Plants for Your Garden Are Nearby

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Every gardener wants plants that perform well, that are hardy, pest-resistant and long-lived, as well as aesthetically pleasing. But how do you find such stars?

Tall Cabinets, Thoughtful Layout Can Help Keep Laundry Room Clean

Tim Carter — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q DEAR TIM: It is time for new laundry room cabinets at my home, but after looking at several designs, I have decided that my current laundry room layout is bad. I don't want to order new cabinets until I am sure the floor plan will work. What is involved in remodeling a laundry room? Do you have...

Stay Safe, Even as the Temperature Rises

James Carey and Morris Carey — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When working on your house in hot weather, take these precautions to protect your health and get better results.

Making the Connection Between Your Home and Your Planet

Katherine Salant — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Even though two-thirds of Americans now accept that global warming is a serious issue, the cause hasn't yet hit home for many.

After Spring Rains, It's Summer Chores That Keep Your Garden Lush

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

After plenty of spring rain, gardens are growing lushly again, a contrast with last summer's drought. So it's time to get back to normal garden management activities.

Drawing Up a Screened Porch That Isn't Just a Mutated Deck

Tim Carter — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: The next project at my home is a screened porch. I have looked at many plans, but none of them really excite me. But after looking at some pictures, I have some good ideas about what I want in my design.

Home Front: Jura vs. Ants, plus Pink Paint, Sudsy Washer, DIY Caulking and more

Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza help with your decorating dilemmas.

Well-Built Walls Can Hold Back Forces of Nature

Tim Carter — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: Can you tell me how to build a retaining wall? Are retaining wall blocks a good choice? What critical things do I need to know so that I don't have a collapse or other failure in the years to come? I have access to lots of large stones. Can I just stack them to make a retaining wall ...

Relaxation, in Rotation

Karen Tanner Allen — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Many people can't imagine traveling to a summer house every weekend. But every third weekend? That seemed about right for Maureen and Larry Miller.

Assessing the Health of Trees, Preventing Lyme Disease and Attracting Butterflies

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT

In the height of our growing season, your questions abound.

Home Front: Wet Basements, Finding a Mover, Housekeeping Help and Welcome Terri!

Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Post Home Section staffers Jura Koncius and Terri Sapienza help with your decorating dilemmas.

An Enduring Look for an Enduring Patio

Tim Carter — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q DEAR TIM: I have decided to use patio pavers to build a nice outdoor space. Installing them seems easy enough, but I don't want to make a mistake. Can you tell me how to install them? What should I be concerned about if I want a patio that looks good and is as low-maintenance as possible?

Keeping Ticks Where They Belong -- Away From Humans

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Lyme disease is a concern for gardeners and anyone else who spends time outdoors.

A Solution to the Particleboard Problem?

Katherine Salant — Sat, 31 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Particleboard has made veneered wood furniture, cabinetry and hardwood wall paneling affordable, although it's probably almost invisible in your home. Nonetheless, it's still a subject of controversy because of its health and environmental effects.

Under Attack

Allan Lengel — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

A brigade of teeny brown ants scaled the wall, shot across the kitchen counter and stormed the fireplace at the Montgomery County home of Debbie Samartzis.

Even After Heavy Rain, Trees May Need Help Surviving Drought

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The drought is officially over, but its effects might continue for our area's trees.

Don't Overlook the Kitchen Exhaust

Tim Carter — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: The plans for my new kitchen call for a range hood exhaust fan . Is one fan more effective than another? Years ago, the downdraft exhaust fans were popular. What kind of fan is in your kitchen? How do I make sure the one I select will adequately ventilate my kitchen?

Building a Better Wood Than Mother Nature

Katherine Salant — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

I recently asked several builders, "Which building product with recycled content gives the biggest bang for the buck?"

In Planning a Shed, Form -- and Everything Else -- Follows Function

Tim Carter — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: I need storage-shed plans because the clutter in my garage has become unbearable. What should I be looking for? Is it necessary to have detailed plans if I am going to do the work myself?

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Here are a few of my top do-it-yourself gardening guidelines:

Late Spring Answers on Tulips and Training, Butterflies and Begonias

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Washington's growing season is in full swing. Q: My wife loves tulips. Is it true they only last one to two seasons? Are there any species that come back every year?

Giving Ceramic Tile Color That Will Last

Tim Carter — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: Can you instruct me on how to paint ceramic tile? Money is tight now, and painting the tile is the only thing I can afford. Can you paint old ceramic tile so it won't peel? Is there a special ceramic tile paint?

The Right Plants to Attract Those Winged Works of Art

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Now is the time to install plants that will attract butterflies so that these beautiful insects can spend the summer visiting flowers, drinking nectar, pollinating plants and adding animation to your garden.

To Earn a Plumbing Permit, Head Back to the Drawing Board

Tim Carter — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: My city allows homeowners to install their own plumbing. To get the permit, I need to supply a rough-in plumbing diagram. What is a plumbing diagram? Can I just do a bathroom plumbing diagram? All I am doing is adding a bathroom.

For Most Any Day in May, a Way to Garden Better

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Numerous lectures, workshops, tours and other educational programs are scheduled in May. Many require advance registration, so call ahead. Events are free unless otherwise noted.

The Art and the Science of the Trench Drain

Tim Carter — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: Do you think a trench drain will solve my soggy yard and the chronic leak in my basement? Many of my neighbors suffered from a recent heavy rainfall, and we all are tired of dealing with water in and around our homes. Will a trench drain really work?

For Tile Matchmakers, Patience Is the Most Important Tool

Tim Carter — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: I have ceramic floor tile in my kitchen. We removed a wall to open up the floor plan, and now I must replace the cut tiles with full ones to make the ceramic tile floor look perfect. My builder left behind a box of the original tile, so I have the pieces I need.

In Every Garden, Fertile Ground for Fitness

Joel M. Lerner — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Physical fitness might not be the main reason avid gardeners till, plant and weed, but regular gardening can help keep you fit.

Moving the Nest

Jill Hudson Neal — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

IT'S SOMETHING MANY CITY AND SUBURB DWELLERS only dream about: ditching the corporate grind and finally buying that great little gem of a place in the mountains or down on the shore.

Down by the Bay

Adrian Higgins — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

THE TRADITIONAL EASTERN SHORE LANDSCAPE SETTING IS ONE OF HISTORIC GRANDEUR -- the colonial house at the end of the shady drive, terraces dotted with pungent old boxwood. It's all very rooted. But, to my mind, the more interesting gardens in eastern Maryland are the ones that rely on that other g...

Dark Beauty

Linda Hales — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

ARTIST JUDY JASHINSKY DID NOT CREATE THE DARKLY MYSTERIOUS AMBIENCE OF HER CAPITOL HILL ROWHOUSE, with its coal-black interior. But she clearly relishes the drama of the stage set.

Home Front: Refinishing Furniture, Front Door Colors, and Furniture Delivery Fees

Annie Groer and Jura Koncius — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Paying in Full Upfront Leaves You With Nothing but Hope

Tim Carter — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

Q: DEAR TIM: My kitchen cabinet remodel has turned into a disaster. I contracted the job through a national home-center chain, which demanded that I pay in advance for the entire job.

You Can Load Up With Quiet but It'll Cost

Mary Ellen Slayter — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

When it comes to dishwashers, silence ranks right up there with cleanliness.

Sellers Turn to Pros to Dress Up Their Homes

Alan J. Heavens — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

For sellers, it's a stressful real estate market: Lots of houses are available; buyers look and look, leaving them panicked and their agents frantic.

washingtonpost.com - washingtonpost.com - home ownership, improvement, refinancing Washington DC

Going Solar Goes Mainstream

Where Have the Butterflies Gone?

Use Care in Replacing a Ceramic Soap Dish

Choose the Best Saw for the Job

The Sump Pump's Fault, or Yours?

Helping Nature Help You

Demystifying Hex Signs, the Colorful Soul of Pennsylvania Dutch Decor

Welcoming Wildlife to Your Garden

Keep a Replacement Showerhead Watertight

Home Front: Getting Started on Nursery Decor, Midcentury Lighting and Allergy-Free Couches

Little Fixes Can Often Free Sticky Locks

Much to Learn and Admire in the Dog Days

Do-It-Yourself

Fire Up the Grill, Safely

Home Front: Dorm Room Decor, Displaying Diplomas and "Man Rooms"

Cleaning Up the Messy Mortar

Your Thoughts Have Turned to Vacation, but Don't Go Until You've Done These Chores

Finding a Moral in One Developer's Story

Do-It-Yourself: Squeaky Wood Floors

Home Front: T-Shirt Quilts, Reglazing Tubs, IKEA Sofas and Hated Design Trends

Attic Fans That Make a Difference You Can Feel

A Midsummer Garden's Blooms

Home Front: Flea Market Tips, Roach Control and Decorating with Yellow

A Simple Tool for Perfect Tile Cuts

Healing a Magnolia, Pruning Redbuds and Perfecting Peonies

To Reduce Greenhouse Gases, Start by Shrinking Buildings

A Crash Course in Putting Up Drywall

Help for Your Hands, Feet and Plants

Do-It-Yourself

The Anxiety and Mystery Of Architect Fees

Tapping Your Garage's Hidden Storage Space

Prof. Lerner's Reading List For Garden Design 101

Keep an Eye Out -- the Perfect Plants for Your Garden Are Nearby

Tall Cabinets, Thoughtful Layout Can Help Keep Laundry Room Clean

Stay Safe, Even as the Temperature Rises

Making the Connection Between Your Home and Your Planet

After Spring Rains, It's Summer Chores That Keep Your Garden Lush

Drawing Up a Screened Porch That Isn't Just a Mutated Deck

Home Front: Jura vs. Ants, plus Pink Paint, Sudsy Washer, DIY Caulking and more

Well-Built Walls Can Hold Back Forces of Nature

Relaxation, in Rotation

Assessing the Health of Trees, Preventing Lyme Disease and Attracting Butterflies

Home Front: Wet Basements, Finding a Mover, Housekeeping Help and Welcome Terri!

An Enduring Look for an Enduring Patio

Keeping Ticks Where They Belong -- Away From Humans

A Solution to the Particleboard Problem?

Under Attack

Even After Heavy Rain, Trees May Need Help Surviving Drought

Don't Overlook the Kitchen Exhaust

Building a Better Wood Than Mother Nature

In Planning a Shed, Form -- and Everything Else -- Follows Function

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Late Spring Answers on Tulips and Training, Butterflies and Begonias

Giving Ceramic Tile Color That Will Last

The Right Plants to Attract Those Winged Works of Art

To Earn a Plumbing Permit, Head Back to the Drawing Board

For Most Any Day in May, a Way to Garden Better

The Art and the Science of the Trench Drain

For Tile Matchmakers, Patience Is the Most Important Tool

In Every Garden, Fertile Ground for Fitness

Moving the Nest

Down by the Bay

Dark Beauty

Home Front: Refinishing Furniture, Front Door Colors, and Furniture Delivery Fees

Paying in Full Upfront Leaves You With Nothing but Hope

You Can Load Up With Quiet but It'll Cost

Recommended Reading, and Viewing, for Garden Lovers

Sellers Turn to Pros to Dress Up Their Homes