ArcaMax

Dear James: I am fairly handy with woodworking tools, so I would like to build a unique birdhouse. What are some design tips? -- Adam K.

Dear Adam: There are several things you must provide in addition to the birdhouse to attract birds to your yard. Birds need some trees and shrubs to hide from predators, food to eat and water to drink, as well...Read more

Dear James: I have divided a large room to create an office, so I now have to tape the drywall joints. What are some taping tips so the joint locations won't stand out? -- Scarlett L.

Dear Scarlett: Hanging the drywall properly is easy. The difference between a good and bad job is the taping of the joint. If at all possible, you might want to ...Read more

Dear James: I want to add a decorative brick walkway around my muddy flower gardens. Is this a typical DIY project, or will I need a contractor who uses mortar joints? -- Glenn P.

Dear Glenn: With various brick colors and textures, brick walkways are both beautiful and simple to install. The best part about them is you can complete the project ...Read more

Dear James: Over the years, our pets and children and scratched the wooden window and door trim. Is it possible to replace the trim without buying woodworking power tools? -- Char W.

Dear Char: New window and door trim can make a tremendous improvement in the overall appearance of any room. There are many new styles and profiles of trim stock ...Read more

Dear James: My kids complain that playing on the concrete patio and wood deck is uncomfortable on their feet. Is there a softer, yet durable, covering I can put down? -- Vijay F.

Dear Vijay: Yes, it is available and works great for both patios and decks. It is similar to the simulated grass covering at miniature golf courses. It definitely ...Read more

Dear James: Some of the concrete around my landscaping and patio is deteriorating and needs repairs before it gets worse. What are some general concrete repair tips? -- Gretchen F.

Dear Gretchen: Making repairs to concrete is a relatively simple project. The most difficult part is carrying the heavy bags from your car to the work area. In this ...Read more

Dear James: We have had some issues with thefts on my street. We try to be careful, but what are some additional security steps we can take ourselves? -- Kyle V.

Dear Kyle: Luckily there are many low-cost security measures you can take to keep your family safe. These typically involve improving window and door security to make a would-be ...Read more

Dear James: When we have a strong rain, I notice some leaks through my garage's 25-year-old shingle roof. What are some tips to replacing the shingle roof myself? -- Tonya D.

Dear Tonya: It actually is surprising that you are just starting to notice some leaks from a 25-year-old garage roof. Garage roofs often deteriorate faster because ...Read more

Dear James: Our old wooden back door is worn out from years of kids and pets. What is the best way to replace the door on a house which has aluminum siding? -- Cory K.

Dear Cory: Replacing an old exterior door is a weekend project most DIYers can handle. Installing a more durable insulated steel door might be a good choice if it still gets ...Read more

Dear James: I need to add some additional seating on my deck for entertaining. I want something more unique than just buying more chairs. What do you suggest? -- Vicki N.

Dear Vicki: Your best option for additional seating at a reasonable cost is to build an attractive movable bench. This way, if your family needs more open deck space at times,...Read more

Dear James: I want to add a skylight to my family room to make it seem larger and more open, but there is an attic above it. Is it still possible to add a skylight? -- Jason G.

Dear Jason: You'll be pleasantly surprised by the impact adding a skylight can have on the perceived openness and size of a smaller space. The increased brightness and ...Read more

Dear James: I have damaged my new laminate countertop by placing a very hot pot on it. Is there a way to repair it myself without going to the expense of replacing it again? -- Maria T.

Dear Maria: Laminate countertop materials are very durable, but they can be damaged by the application of heat from hot cooking utensils. It may just weaken it ...Read more

Dear James: I tried installing window film to block glare and heat, but it never looked right. When I remove it, what are some tips for installing it properly this time? -- Neal S.

Dear Neal: When applied properly to a window, film can be an attractive improvement to your home. It can certainly reduce the summer heat and, if you select the ...Read more