Posts by Doug Ashy
When Should I Hire a Handyman or a Contractor?
Anyone who is handy around the house takes pride in their DIY accomplishments. Oftentimes being successful at one task—such as laying tile or painting—leads you to try other, more difficult jobs. If you’re a quick learner, that’s great, but sometimes trying to do everything on your own can backfire. Carefully assess your renovation project to…
Read MoreBreaking Down the Modern Farmhouse
Read Time: 3.5 minutes TL;DR The modern farmhouse aesthetic has a number of common, homey elements that tie it together. If you want to achieve it, look for the following. Most, if not all farmhouses have a front porch, with some even wrapping around three sides of the structure. Contemporary barn lights come in a…
Read MoreHow to Paint the Exterior of Your Home
Read time: 4.5 minutes TL;DR Painting your home’s exterior takes a bit more than just a brush and some paint. Be sure to prep your tools and materials, including cleaning supplies, a ladder and paint supplies. You’ll need to clean and smooth the surface of your home’s exterior, sanding away imperfections and filling in holes…
Read MoreWhat Type of Paint is Best for Exteriors?
Read Time: 4 minutes TL;DR For a successful DIY exterior paint job, it’s important to have the right materials on hand and the correct type of paint for the job. Water-based paints are more durable in varying weather conditions, while oil-based paints are stain-resistant, easy to apply and less prone to blistering. Sheen finishes are…
Read MoreWhat is My Wall Made Of?
Read time: 3.5 minutes TL;DR Knowing the structure of your walls and what’s inside them can make tasks like hanging a picture or installing new closet shelves easier. Vertical wall studs are generally 16 to 24 inches apart, while horizontal beams run along the floor, in the middle of the wall and at the ceiling…
Read MoreWhat’s That Cut? Your Guide to Saws
Read time: 4 minutes TL;DR Saws are essential to almost every home DIY project, yet the type of saw you need depends on the project and materials you’re working with. Hand saws, including miter box and bevel saws, are great for small pieces of wood, trim, molding and other small projects. More advanced hand saws…
Read MoreHow to Remove Carpet
Read time: 5 minutes TL;DR New carpet can breathe life into any room, but like many home improvement projects, it can be costly. If you’re handy, you can save money by tearing out your old carpeting on your own. Gather a utility knife, duct tape, pliers, knee pads and a pry bar. Remove furniture and…
Read MoreThe Twelve Days of Safety
The holidays are nearly here—which means non-stop decorating, dining and dashing through the snow (or in our case, leaves)! But with all the hustle and bustle, safety may not be your top priority. From holiday decorating mishaps to home damage and more, stay safe this holiday season by following our safety tips so you can…
Read MoreHow to Cut and Drill Through Tile
Read Time: 3.5 minutes TL;DR A few general guidelines can put you on the path to both cutting small tiles for installation and drilling through tile with expertise. For drilling small holes, regular drill bits will not be able to pass through the hardened glaze of most tiles. You’ll need a carbide-tipped masonry bit or…
Read MoreHow to Use a Paint Sprayer
Read time: 3.5 minutes TL;DR Not every job is suitable for a paint sprayer, plus it takes a little practice to achieve an even finish. Paint sprayers are suitable for large spaces such as big interior walls or rooms, exterior siding and fences. Spray painting produces a mist, so you have to be sure that…
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