ArcaMax

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

Dear James: I need to fence my backyard for my children and dogs with a chain-link fence. Is this difficult to install myself, and what materials would I need to buy? -- Cherri W.

Dear Cherri: Chain-link is one of the most affordable fencing options that is child- and pet-safe, plus it provides added security from prowlers and thieves. If you ...Read more

Dear James: There is moldy and sewer gas odors in our bathrooms. They have tile floors. What are possible sources of the odors, and what can I do to eliminate them? -- Greg N.

Dear Greg: There are many odors in a bathroom, making it difficult to distinguish among them. A sewer gas odor is often one of the more distinctive odors. Luckily, the ...Read more

Dear James: With my own and neighbor kids playing sports, there are some cracked window panes I have to replace. What's the proper way to replace glass in a wood window? -- Sheryl K.

Dear Sheryl: It sounds like it is a simple project to install a new pane with some new caulking, but there is a proper method for a professional-looking, long-...Read more

Dear James: Our old house had gutter drainage problems that flooded our landscaping. While we are planning our new house, what are some design tips to avoid similar problems? -- Cory T.

Dear Cory: You may not notice a drainage problem initially, but it often develops several years after a house is built and gradually worsens as sediment builds ...Read more

Dear James: In my house, which is rather old, the door hinges are stiff, and the cabinets don't close well. I need to install new ones. What are the best hinges for the various applications? -- Tammy H.

Dear Tammy: All hinges, but especially ones on heavy wood doors, will wear out over time even with proper maintenance. Regular lubrication can ...Read more

Dear James: Our old house is a mixture of many additions over the years with basements and crawl spaces. It often has a damp, moldy odor. How can we eliminate this condition? -- Bert J.

Dear Bert: The damp, moldy odor is not only unpleasant but can also indicate other more serious problems. Mold spores released into the air can cause allergies ...Read more

Dear James: One room has recurring cracks in the plaster ceiling. Instead of more repairs, is it wise to add a dropped tile ceiling to use it as a home theater? -- Gary K.

Dear Gary: Once cracks start to develop, particularly in a real plaster ceiling, it is not surprising the repairs don't last long before new cracks appear or old ones reopen....Read more