| About Building Inspections (281KB) |
| Building inspections are necessary to ensure that a home complies with local building ordnances. |
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| About Building Inspectors (215KB) |
| Building inspectors can represent a variety of interests. |
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| About Concrete (177KB) |
| Mixing aggregate cement and water together makes Concrete. |
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| About Drywall (536KB) |
| Learn all about drywall. |
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| About Painters Putty (226KB) |
| Be sure to use the right putty for your painting job. |
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| About Rebar (203KB) |
| Rebar is used to reinforce structural concrete and masonry. |
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| About the Architect (350KB) |
| Understand the roll of your Architect. |
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| About the Painter (240KB) |
| Understanding the roll of a professional painter will help with your own paint project. |
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| Adjusting a Faucet Lift Rod (171KB) |
| See how to adjust a faucet lift rod. |
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| Advanced Wall Framing Parts (461KB) |
| Review some advanced wall framing techniques. |
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| Air Conditioner Unit Calculator (161KB) |
| Find out what size Air Conditioner you will need for your room. |
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| Apply Latex Paint to Walls with an Airless Sprayer (262KB) |
| Follow these guidelines for best results when applying latex paint to walls with an airless sprayer. |
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| Applying Latex Paint to Walls (176KB) |
| There are advantages and disadvantages to painting with rollers or airless paint sprayers. |
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| Applying Latex Paint to Walls with a Roller (152KB) |
| These tips will help you more effectively paint walls using rollers. |
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| Applying Painters Putty (293KB) |
| Follow these guidelines when using painters putty to complete a professional quality job. |
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| Architect's Scale (221KB) |
| The most common type of scale used on floor plans is architect's scale. |
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| Attaching Water Supply Tubes (192KB) |
| To attach water supply tubes between the shutoff valve and the faucet, follow these steps. |
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| Attaching Water Supply Tubes to a Faucet (146KB) |
| Follow these steps to attach water supply tubes to a faucet. |
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| Attaching Water Supply Tubes to the Valves (143KB) |
| Follow these steps to attach water supply tubes to the water supply valves. |
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| Attic Insulation Calculator (179KB) |
| Calculate the amount of insulation you may need for your attic. |
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| Basic Structural Parts (173KB) |
| Learn more about the basic structural parts you'll find in most structures. |
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| Basic Wall Framing Parts (230KB) |
| Review the basics of wall framing. |
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| Bearing & Non-Bearing Walls (238KB) |
| Before you build or remodel, you will need to understand the impact bearing and non-bearing walls can have on the design and layout of your home. |
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| Before You DIY: Get Ready for Disappointment (320KB) |
| Home improvement projects do not always work out the way you want. Disappointment is part of doing some projects. |
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| Before You Do it Yourself: Evaluate Yourself (424KB) |
| It is important to evaluate you abilities before you begin a home improvement project. |
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| Before You Do it Yourself: Learn How to be Safe (270KB) |
| Learn how to be safe and take precautions when doing home improvement projects. |
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| Blueprint Symbols (289KB) |
| Blueprints use symbols to indicate the location of things such as walls, windows, doors, and light fixtures. Take a look at some of the common symbols you will find on a typical building plan. |
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| Blueprint Views (261KB) |
| Learn about the five basic views found on most plans. |
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| Boxing Paint for a Uniform Color (167KB) |
| Use the boxing method to ensure a uniform tint when painting from multiple cans of paint. |
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| Building a Dog House (1114KB) |
| Use these plans to build a dog house that will keep your pet safe and warm. |
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| Building a House: The Ground You Build On (347KB) |
| The soil is the most critical component in the structural framework of a building. |
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| Building a Picnic Table (831KB) |
| Follow these steps to build a picnic table that would be welcome in any back yard. |
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| Buying Water Supply Tubes (252KB) |
| Be sure to determine the correct length before buying water supply tubes. |
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| Calculating Roof Slope (177KB) |
| Learn how to calculate a roof slope. |
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| Carpet Grain (245KB) |
| When carpet is rolled for shipping, fibers are pressed down in one general direction creating a directional slant or grain. |
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| Carpet Width (206KB) |
| Carpet roll width is an important factor in calculating the amount of carpet needed for you project. |
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| Ceramic Floor Tile Calculator (196KB) |
| Calculate the right amount of tile for your flooring project. |
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| Changing a Furnace Filter (379KB) |
| Improve indoor air quality, extend the life of your furnace and reduce your utility bill by changing your furnace filter regularly. |
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| Checking Your Newly Installed Faucet for Leaks (186KB) |
| Be sure to inspect these areas when checking a newly installed faucet for leaks. |
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| Checking the Sink Waste Assembly for Leaks (192KB) |
| Follow these steps to fix common causes of waste assembly leaks. |
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| Choosing Oil-Based or Latex Paints (371KB) |
| Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both oil based and latex based paints. |
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| Choosing Water Supply Tubes (241KB) |
| Choose the right type of water supply tube for your project. |
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| Choosing a Ladder (268KB) |
| Understand the difference between varying types of ladders and choose the right one for the job. |
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| Choosing a Paint Primer (240KB) |
| Be sure to choose the correct type of primer for your painting project. |
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| Choosing a Smoke Detector (480KB) |
| Consider these issues when choosing a smoke detector. |
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| Cleaning Latex Paint From Your Brushes (201KB) |
| Follow these steps to clean latex paint from your brushes. |
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| Cleaning Oil Paint From Your Brushes (198KB) |
| Follow these steps to clean oil paint from your brushes. |
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| Cleaning Rain Gutters (551KB) |
| To help protect your home from water damage gutters should be cleaned regularly-especially if you live around trees. |
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| Cleaning a Furnace Filter (187KB) |
| Guidelines for cleaning a furnace filter. |
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| Cleaning with TSP (218KB) |
| Cleaning with TSP can help new paint adhere to old paint. |
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| Concrete Column Calculator (140KB) |
| Calculate the amount of concrete you will need for your fence posts or other columns. |
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| Concrete Crack Repair Products (275KB) |
| Crack fillers can vary significantly in expense and effectiveness. So make sure you choose one that's right for your situation and budget. |
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| Concrete Patio Calculator (143KB) |
| Calculate how much concrete you need for a new patio or other rectangular slab. |
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| Determine a Brush Stroke Pattern (0KB) |
| Before you start painting, determine the direction of your brush strokes. |
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| Determining the Depth of the Foundation Hole (179KB) |
| The contractor considers a number of factors to determine the appropriate depth for the foundation hole. |
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| Disposing of a Smoke Detector (197KB) |
| Follow these guidelines to dispose of your smoke detector properly. |
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| Door Openings (306KB) |
| Learn how door openings are framed. |
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| Drying Lumber (291KB) |
| Learn how and why lumber is dried. |
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| Drywall Calculator (198KB) |
| Use this calculator to order the right amount of materials for your drywall project. |
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| Engineer's Scale (185KB) |
| Engineer's scale is used on plans that show very large dimensions, such as a plot plan. |
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| Factors that Determine the House Footing Depth (427KB) |
| There are important factors that determine the maximum and minimum depth of the footings. |
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| Fence Calculator (135KB) |
| Create your fence layout then let this calculator generate a list of materials you'll need to build it. |
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| Fixing Lavatory Faucet Leaks (472KB) |
| Follow these steps to fix lavatory faucet leaks. |
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| Fixing Water Supply Tube Leaks (215KB) |
| These steps can help you fix water supply tube leaks. |
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| Grass Seed Calculator (215KB) |
| Calculate how much grass seed you will need for your lawn project. |
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| Hail Damage to Composition Shingles (358KB) |
| Learn to recognize hail damaged composition shingles. |
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| How Carpet Direction Affects Installation (316KB) |
| The direction carpet is laid can significantly impact the amount of waste. |
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| How Matching Issues Affect Carpet Installation (302KB) |
| Matching issues can affect how carpet is installed and how much you will have to buy. |
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| How Paints are Made (240KB) |
| Learn which basic materials are used to make paint. |
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| How the Carpet Cut Affects Installation (272KB) |
| How the carpet will be cut can have a significant impact on your carpet installation. |
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| How to Use a Table Saw (396KB) |
| A table saw is a versatile and powerful tool that demands respect. Follow all instructions and warnings carefully to avoid injury and to complete a quality project. |
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| Identifying Bearing & Non-Bearing Walls (277KB) |
| How to tell if a wall is bearing or non-bearing. |
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| Identifying Wood Shakes and Shingles (670KB) |
| Understand the difference between wood shakes and wood shingles. |
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| Installing Color Rings on a Cross Handle Faucet (161KB) |
| View instruction for installing optional color rings on a cross handled faucet. |
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| Installing Color Rings on a Lever Handle Faucet (155KB) |
| View instruction for installing optional color rings on a lever handled faucet. |
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| Installing a Drain Plug (Easy Removal Method) (173KB) |
| Use this method to install a sink drain plug that is easy to remove. |
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| Installing a Faucet (535KB) |
| Follow these steps to install a faucet. |
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| Installing a Metal Waste Assembly in a Sink (238KB) |
| Follow these steps to install a metal waste assembly in a sink. |
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| Installing a Plastic Waste Assembly in a Sink (208KB) |
| Follow these steps to install a plastic waste assembly in a sink. |
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| Installing a Sprinkler System (648KB) |
| After your sprinkler system layout has been designed, follow these steps to install it. |
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| Installing a Vandal-Resistant Drain Plug (185KB) |
| Learn how to install a sink drain plug that is vandal resistant. |
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| Interior Paint Calculator (159KB) |
| Calculate how much paint you need for your rectangular or L-shaped room. |
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| Ionization Smoke Detectors (297KB) |
| Learn how ionization smoke detectors work. |
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| Know When to Say No (365KB) |
| Know what types of projects you should not try to do on your own. |
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| Laminate Flooring Calculator (200KB) |
| Calculate the materials you will need for a new Pergo laminate floor. |
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| Latex Allergies and Latex Paint (166KB) |
| The latex used in paint is probably not the same latex that causes your allergy. |
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| Learn About Wood Shingles (504KB) |
| Learn about the different types and qualities of wood shingles. |
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| Learn More About Latex Paints (281KB) |
| Learn about the most common materials used to make latex paint. |
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| Learn More About Oil Paints (304KB) |
| Learn more about how oil based paints are made. |
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| Masking and Covering (517KB) |
| Masking and covering before you paint will help protect the room from the inevitable spills and drips that occur when painting. |
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| Measuring Tip (246KB) |
| Use this simple trick to easily divide an area into equal parts. |
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| Measuring a Board (301KB) |
| Follow these tips for more accurate measurements. |
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| Overlaying Composition Shingle Roofs (333KB) |
| It's not always necessary to tear off old shingles when replacing composition shingles. |
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| Paint Straining and Thinning (322KB) |
| These two steps can be a very important part of paint preparation. |
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| Painting with Brushes (202KB) |
| Learn some basic techniques that make painting with brushes more effective. |
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| Painting with Pads (249KB) |
| Painting with pads can be very effective for some applications. |
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| Patching a Door Knob Hole in a Wall (431KB) |
| Patching a Door Knob Hole in a Wall |
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| Plunging a Slow Draining Garbage Disposal (215KB) |
| These tips will help you more effectively plunge a slow draining garbage disposal. |
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| Preparing New Brushes (207KB) |
| Improve the performance of a new paintbrush by breaking it in before using it. |
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| Protecting Your Newly Installed Faucet From Damage (215KB) |
| Debris caught inside plumbing pipes can damage your faucet. |
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| Read the Owners Manual (209KB) |
| Always read the owners manual before using a tool or starting a project. |
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| Removing a Screw That's Stripped (161KB) |
| Follow these steps when you need to remove a stripped screw. |
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| Removing a Screw That's Stuck (161KB) |
| Follow these steps when you need to remove a screw that is stuck. |
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| Repairing Cracks in Concrete (353KB) |
| Always follow the directions on the concrete crack filler you buy but for all products here are a few rules of thumb that usually apply. |
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| Replacing a Split Circuit Electrical Outlet (652KB) |
| Follow these steps to safely replace a split circuit electrical outlet. |
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| Replacing a Standard Electrical Outlet (583KB) |
| Follow these steps to safely replace a standard electrical outlet |
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| Replacing a Switch Cover Plate (293KB) |
| Follow these steps to safely replace an electrical switch cover plate. |
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| Replacing a Switched Electrical Outlet (588KB) |
| Follow these steps to safely replace a switched electrical outlet. |
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| Replacing an Outlet Cover Plate (309KB) |
| Follow these steps to safely replace an outlet cover plate. |
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| Resetting Your Garbage Disposal (192KB) |
| These steps will help you safely restart your garbage disposal. |
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| Restarting Your Garbage Disposal Motor (219KB) |
| Follow these steps to safely restart your garbage disposal motor. |
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| Retaining Wall Calculator (167KB) |
| Calculate how many blocks you will need for your retaining wall project. |
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| Return on Investment for Home Improvement Projects (184KB) |
| Project the percentage of return for the home improvement project you're considering. |
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| Roofing Calculator (105KB) |
| Create a list of materials you will need to shingle four different roof types. |
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| Rough-Cut Boards (163KB) |
| Boards produced from the first cutting of a tree are rough-cut. |
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| Sanding Screens (263KB) |
| Sanding screens have many advantages over sandpaper for sanding drywall. |
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| Sanding Walls and Ceilings Before Painting (227KB) |
| Lightly sanding walls and ceilings may sometimes be necessary before beginning your paint project. |
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| Sandpaper (272KB) |
| Learn the basics about sandpaper and choose the right type for your project. |
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| Scale (204KB) |
| To accurately represent a large structure with a much smaller drawing on paper, the building plans are drawn to scale. |
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| Selecting a Paint Color (234KB) |
| Consider these issues when choosing a paint color for your project. |
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| Selecting a Paint Finish (238KB) |
| These guidelines can help you choose the best paint finish for the job. |
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| Smoke Detector Alerts (152KB) |
| Smoke detectors are available with varying types of alerts. |
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| Smoke Detector Power (254KB) |
| Smoke detectors are usually powered in one of three ways. |
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| Smoke Detector Sensors (245KB) |
| Most smoke detectors use one of two types of sensors to detect smoke. |
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| Sprinkler Head Spacing (290KB) |
| These guidelines will help you plan for appropriate sprinkler head spacing. |
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| Sprinkler System Components (453KB) |
| Most sprinkler systems include several key components. |
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| Sprinklers for Flower Beds and Shrubs (269KB) |
| Select the right type of sprinklers for your flower beds and shrubs. |
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| Stirring the Paint (182KB) |
| Stirring the paint is an important part of painting preparation. |
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| Surfacing Boards (384KB) |
| Learn how surfacing rough cut lumber changes the lumber dimensions. |
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| Table Saw Measurements (262KB) |
| Follow these measuring guidelines to complete an accurate cut when using a table saw. |
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| Table Saw Safety (438KB) |
| When using a table saw, follow all instructions and warnings carefully to avoid injury and to complete a quality project. |
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| Testing a Smoke Detector (374KB) |
| Test your smoke detector regularly to be sure it is working correctly. |
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| The Rafter-Angle Square (365KB) |
| There are many uses for a rafter-angle square. This lesson will show you how to use a rafter angle square. |
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| Tornado Precautions (891KB) |
| Following a few basic guidelines to prepare for a tornado or severe weather can prove to be invaluable. |
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| Turning Off Gas to Individual Appliances (370KB) |
| Many gas appliances have their own shutoff valve. Learn how to safely use this valve |
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| Turning Off the Electricity (397KB) |
| Always turn off the electricity when working with any part of your homes electrical system. |
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| Turning Off the Gas Main (294KB) |
| Normally you should not turn off the gas to your home yourself. However, you should know how to in case of an emergency. |
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| Turning Off the Main Water Supply (257KB) |
| It is a good idea to know how to turn off the main water supply to your home for a number of reasons. |
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| Types of Framing Lumber (214KB) |
| Different species of trees produce wood of different hardness and strength. |
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| Types of Sprinkler Heads (346KB) |
| Learn about the most common types of residential sprinkler heads. |
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| Uninstalling a Lavatory Faucet (283KB) |
| Follow these steps to uninstall a faucet. |
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| Unjamming Your Garbage Disposal Properly (307KB) |
| Follow these steps to safely unjam your garbage disposal. |
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| Using Stepladders Safely (291KB) |
| Follow these rules to prevent ladder accidents. |
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| Using Your Garbage Disposal Properly (496KB) |
| Following a few basic guidelines will extend the life of your garbage disposal. |
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| Using a Circular Saw (681KB) |
| Learn how to use your circular saw safely. |
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| Using a Combination Square (432KB) |
| Understand the many uses of this versatile tool. |
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| Using a Coping Joint for Installing Baseboard (387KB) |
| Learn how to cut coping joints for baseboard installation. |
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| Using a Mason's Line (180KB) |
| Use a mason's line when building a brick wall. |
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| Wall Ties (178KB) |
| When there is an intersection between framed walls, a wall tie is added. |
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| Wallpaper Calculator (193KB) |
| Purchase the right amount of wallpaper for your project. |
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| Water Softener Calculator (142KB) |
| Order the right size water softener for your home. |
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| When to Repair Cracks in Concrete (286KB) |
| Learn to recognize when concrete cracks need to be repaired. |
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| Why Lumber Dimensions Sometimes Vary (180KB) |
| Moisture in wood can cause the dimensions of a board to vary slightly. |
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| Window Openings (347KB) |
| Learn how window openings are framed. |
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| York Furnace Recall Notice (321KB) |
| The Consumer Products Safety Commission and York International Corporation have announced a recall for several York-built furnaces. |
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