Guide

How to Clean Scuff Marks From a Flat Painted Wall

While shinier paints such as eggshell or glossy paints reflect light, flat paints absorb light. Many homeowners and builders use flat paint for this quality, which hides texture surface imperfections. Start with the least abrasive method to avoid accidentally removing paint. The matte finish on flat walls is difficult to keep clean, since the grainier texture tends to hold onto dirt, dust and other debris. The lower potion of flat painted walls are prone to surface damage, where shoes can scuff and mark up the area.

How to Use a Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver

The simple design, sharp shaving blade and sturdy motor of the Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver help to transform ordinary ice into a "snow-like" texture. Whether you need shaved ice for a dessert or for use in smoothies or other iced drinks for a party or health-conscious diet, using the Snowman isn't difficult. Simply prepare your ice, assemble the unit, make your shavings and combine with a beverage, snow-cone syrup, fruit and/or dessert topping.

How to Acquire Existing House Plans in South Florida

To build an addition to your South Florida home, you must obtain a copy of the original house plans. Your architect will need the plans to identify load-bearing walls and to ensure that the roof angles join correctly. Your builder will also be required to submit the original plans along with new plans when he applies for building permit. Check out your house plans Research whether your home falls under a county or a city building department.

How to Remove Venetian Plaster

When the Venetian plaster in your dining room doesn’t fit in with your redecorating plans, you may wonder if it has to be professionally removed. It is possible to make this a do-it-yourself project, as removal of Venetian plaster is not a difficult job. Things You Will Need + Plastic sheeting and drop cloths Masking tape Electric sander 80-grit sandpaper 120-grit sandpaper Dust mask Safety goggles Vacuum cleaner Soft clean cloths However, keep in mind the fact that it is a messy job that creates a lot of dust, but when finished there will be no trace of what was once on the wall.

How to Build a Gable Roof Over a Deck

Building a gable roof over your existing deck will make it more comfortable, providing shade and shelter from the rain. The gable design of the roof will also allow for excellent rain and snow runoff in wet climates. Follow these steps to build one of these functional roofs yourself. Build a Gable Roof Over a Deck Things You Will Need + Measuring tape Shovel Cylindrical concrete forms Ready-mix concrete Post anchors 6x6 lumber for support posts Hammer Nails 2x8 lumber 10-inch-long 5/8-inch bolts and matching washers and nuts Set of wrenches custom roof trusses, ordered from lumber yard 5/8-inch plywood sheathing Roofing felt Roofing tacks Shingles Drip edge Paint or stain Tip Always use professionally engineered roof trusses designed for the dimensions of your roof.

How to Design a Built-In Entertainment Center Out of Drywall

Using drywall to build an entertainment center is one way to create a large unit without spending a lot of money. You can use leftover wood framing or recycled wood doors from other projects to save money, too. After enclosing the framework design to form the skeleton of the unit, you can cover a lot of the surfaces using drywall only. For DIY projects, the cost of drywall is less than $.

Homemade Post Driver Plans | HomeSteady

Homemade post drivers are comprised of fur pieces of metal that are welded together. The process is simple and the drivers last a long time. Keep in mind that you will be lifting the entire weight of the driver to ram the post into place. The heavier the weight, the harder it is to lift. However, the heavier the weight, the further the post will be driven into the ground on each impact.

How to Clean a Clogged Bathroom Drain

Bathroom drains collect soap scum, toothpaste, baby oil and hair clumps. The daily use of these drains makes clearing a clog essential. There is no need to call an expensive plumber every time you experience these pesky clogs, though. With a bit of know-how, you can clear your drains with a minimum of money and little bit of muscle. Clear out the clogs yourself and keep your money from draining out of your pocket.

How to Remove a Cinema Display Stand

The Apple Cinema Display is a range of monitors designed for use with Apple brand computers. Compatible with every line of Apple’s Mac notebooks and desktop computers that utilize the Mini DisplayPort, the Cinema Display can serve as an easy-to-connect monitor for any modern Mac product you may own. To increase its usefulness, Apple builds the Cinema Display with a removable stand. This allows you to attach the display to a VESA mount, which in turn opens up the display for a large variety of mounting options, from flat wall mounting to multiple desktop mounting arms.

A Leak in a Gable Vent

Gable vents provide a way for the attic to receive fresh air, helping prevent mold growth. If the gable vents become a source of moisture entering the attic, though, they no longer serve their original purpose. Gable vents have slats that are angled down to keep rain out, but if high winds are blowing rain to the side, it may then enter the attic. Tom Silva of This Old House recommends constructing a baffle piece that allows air flow but blocks water.