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18 Articles

SETTING THE SCENE

Within our Milwaukee offices, we have a photo studio. Well, make that several photo studios. But one of them is particularly special. We call it the “dance floor” because it sits amid our desks—a wide-open space with lights, and sometimes music—just begging for someone to bust a move. While that’s yet to happen (at least on my watch), this studio is where big things happen. Most recently, it’s where the cover for this issue was shot. What started as a pie-in-the-sky idea (“Let’s build a bathroom!”) soon became a reality as our dedicated team of project editors, builders, photographers and stylists came together with a (literal) shower of ideas. Tapping in to their knowledge of the latest design trends, Sam Rosenmayer and Carmen De La Paz dreamed up the blueprints for a…

SETTING THE SCENE

Ever imagine that your love of DIY could turn into a bona fide business venture? Income Property, a new show streaming on At Home with Family Handyman, will inspire you. Host Scott McGillivray is a triple-threat expert in real estate, renovation and finance. He’s rescued homeowners from the harsh real estate market by showing them how to create rental suites in their home as a way to generate additional revenue to defray mortgage costs. In each episode, McGillivray presents his client with two design options. After they pick the one that meets their needs, the host and his team of contractors renovate the space, with the meticulous McGillivray overseeing a sleek and cost-effective makeover. Want a few pieces of advice to get started? McGillivray revealed his top five tips to leverage your…

GIVE YOUR MOTORCYCLE A LIFT Some years ago, a friend of mine was clearing out his garage in preparation for a move and offered me a Pittsburgh Automotive 1,500 lb. Steel ATV/Motorcycle Lift. I have since used the jack dozens of times to raise my motorcycle for maintenance and repair work. The foot-activated lift is lightweight, has a 1,500-lb. weight capacity, and is so stable and effortless to roll that I use it to winterize my motorcycle and keep it jacked for months at a time. If you’re a DIYer who enjoys working on motorcycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles or motorized scooters, this inexpensive lift will be an asset to your garage or workshop. The Pittsburgh Automotive 1,500 lb. Steel ATV/Motorcycle Lift is available online from Harbor Freight. –ETHAN O’DONNELL, SENIOR EDITOR TRY…

HOW TO ORGANIZE RATCHET STRAPS I frequently use ratchet straps in my work as a handyman. The problem is, they often remind me of an unwieldy pile of noodles. My solution is to cut the tops off empty water bottles, neatly fold the straps and insert each into a bottle. Then I grab an empty pail to store them in—ready to deploy without the lost time sorting everything out. LYLE MARKEY EASILY FIX A DOOR THAT JUST WON’T STAY OPEN A door that refuses to stay open can be a major annoyance. The solution? Remove the middle hinge pin by just tapping it out with a hammer and screwdriver. Over a flat and strong surface, strike the pin in the middle to create a slight bend. Tap the bent pin back into the hinge…

HOW TO TILE A SHOWER

There’s no getting around it: Tiling a shower is a big and messy project. But an updated surround can transform the look and feel of your bathroom. I chose a colored subway tile for the shower walls, sliced pebble tile for the shower base and dark gray grout, but a wide range of colors, patterns and tiles are available in stores or online to complement the design of any bathroom (to get inspired, see “Step Off the Subway” on p. 20). If this is your first time shopping for shower tiles, go with porcelain or ceramic because they are durable and more stain resistant than other tile types. Before you get started, change into clothes you have no problem possibly ruining—again, this is a messy job. And while it’s not the most…

HOW TO TILE A SHOWER

STEP OFF THE SUBWAY

WOOD-LOOK Wood-look tile is a great option if you want a bathroom with an organic, spa-like feel. Scandinavian-inspired applications are particularly popular: clean lines, minimalist feature walls and lighter finishes. The tiles withstand temperature and humidity fluctuations well, and they come in various dimensions and “wood” types; the TileBuys Wooden Mosaic Marble Tile pictured here mimics oaken hardwood. PENNY Penny tiles have been popular in bathrooms for more than a century. Even in shades such as “Vintage Mint,” like the ones pictured here from Mineral Tiles, they have a timeless appeal. Perfect for patterned mosaic applications and customization, penny tiles can be used in showers, on walls or floors, or as accents around mirrors and sinks. The tiles typically come adhered to mesh sheets for easy installation, and they can even be applied…

STEP OFF THE SUBWAY

HOW TO BUILD A BATHROOM VANITY

A bathroom vanity is merely another piece of furniture in your home—albeit one that will probably get the most use, along with the subsequent wear and tear. And it’s likely something you’d never consider making yourself. Allow me to help you change that perspective. As I approached this project for building a bathroom vanity, I purposely designed it with clean lines and simple joints. Ultimately, I wanted a bathroom vanity with universal style—one that would fit well in any bathroom and complement any style. I hope to inspire you to try something you might not have considered before: making it yourself. Bottom line: The whole secret to building a bathroom vanity is creating internal strength and strategically hiding all hardware so the whole vanity looks as if it is floating. Here are…

HOW TO BUILD A BATHROOM VANITY

BATHROOM FACELIFTS UNDER $500

Smart hotel operators know how important it is to invest in great bathrooms. And it makes sense: Who doesn’t love a stylish, comfortable bathroom that’s stocked with everything you might need? Luckily, you don’t have to shell out for a luxury hotel suite to have it all. Here are nine ways to turn your own bathroom into a dream space on a budget—making it a functional, inspiring place to start and end each day. 1 SWITCH UP THE FLOOR $250 if self-installed Vinyl has long been a top choice for bathroom flooring. It is slip resistant and relatively warm to walk on—and it’s more affordable and easier to install than other popular options, such as ceramic tile. If you have a pre-existing vinyl floor, you can install new vinyl right on top, as…

BATHROOM FACELIFTS UNDER $500

Our “Best” List

Today’s toilets offer more bells and whistles than ever: self-cleaning, bidet attachments and even lights. But most of us want comfort and style at the right price. A strong flush using less water doesn’t hurt, either. We’ve identified the best toilets out there, including top names and hidden gems, to help you in your search. 1 STRONGEST FLUSH: GLACIER BAY POWER FLUSH, $199 This high-efficiency toilet dramatically reduces future repairs because of its patented hydraulic flush design—there’s no flapper! It’s quiet, too, as the fill valve stays submerged during the entire flushing process. A one-piece space-saving toilet, it still feels roomy because of its elongated bowl. 2 BEST FOR SAVING SPACE: HOROW MODERN COMFORT, $259 Looking for a modern space-saving toilet? This compact one-piece is just 25 in. deep, yet features a full-size round…

Our “Best” List

Wait. Can I really fix my own toilet? Absolutely. Toilets are feats of genius yet simple engineering. All toilets, from humble to high-end, operate on fundamental principles: gravity, the siphon effect and a few mechanical components to get things moving. Whether you have a running toilet, a toilet that rocks when you sit or you just want to freshen up your bathroom, these tips will help you save money and learn new skills. TOILET RUNNING? A toilet that constantly runs wastes water and jacks up your utility bill. Plus, it’s annoying. All-in-one repair kits can take care of the problem, but Alan Soukup, owner of Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas, Texas, says to check a few things first. First, the handle. “Sometimes, the issue is as simple as the flush handle not…

Let’s Talk Bidets

Bidets have come a long way. Once relegated to jokes and quizzical stares from Americans traveling abroad, bidet installations are on the rise in the U.S. as the skeptical and squeamish come on board. And why not? Bidets offer benefits to your home’s plumbing, the environment and your own self care. SO WHAT ARE BIDETS, EXACTLY? They’re bathroom fixtures that clean your backside with water instead of toilet paper, and they have been around for hundreds of years. Once a staple of European upper classes, bidets soon spread to Asia and other parts of the globe. Folks in the U.S. didn’t get the memo. Until now. “People seem to be catching on to the fact that bidets can offer superior cleanliness, conserve water, and add a touch of luxury to any bathroom,” says…

Let’s Talk Bidets

BATHROOM FIX-IT Q&A

Bathrooms are typically the smallest rooms in the house. But they can cause the biggest headaches. With mystery leaks, paint bubbles caused by water and toilets gone awry, it may feel as if you need encyclopedic knowledge to keep everything running smoothly. But really, all you need are questions. We have the answers. To make things easy, we have gathered the most common questions about bathroom woes and provide the you-can-do-it advice to solve them without stress. Q WHAT IS THAT MYSTERY PUDDLE? This is likely a splash leak, and it’s simply water escaping past a shower curtain or shower door. Although it sounds minor, splash leaks cause damage when water seeps into the subfloor. Curb a problem before it happens by closing curtains and doors securely. And keep your eyes open for…

BATHROOM FIX-IT Q&A

EXPERT ADVICE FROM THE JOB SITE Glasswork can transform any space. Swap that shower curtain for glass and increase the value of your home. Create a sleek or textured glass partition for separation in an open-concept home in a way that doesn’t obstruct light. Use antique glass backsplashes as a unique focal point in your kitchen. Or up both the utility and artistry of your counters with glass countertops. It’s clear: Glasswork may be just what your home needs to make it uniquely you. I spoke with Andrew LeJeune from GlassArt and Glass & Mirror Minnesota about which glass trends can improve your space, and when you can DIY versus call a pro. COUNTERTOPS Glass countertops are a chic alternative to granite or stone. According to LeJeune, there are distinct benefits to upgrading your…

TOP 4 TIMESAVING CLEANING HACKS

1. DISINFECT PLASTIC TOYS IN THE DISHWASHER Put down the Clorox wipes and simply use the dishwasher. It makes quick work of eliminating germs from plastic toys like Lego bricks. Put the toys in a mesh laundry bag to keep them contained and remove them before the drying cycle starts, opting instead to air-dry the toys on a towel. (Psst … this method also works well for other items like seashells, dish brushes, rags and sponges.) 2. DUST BLINDS WITH KITCHEN TONGS Dusting blinds can be quite a pain. It’s difficult to thoroughly wipe both sides of the slats without bending them in the process. A pair of kitchen tongs makes it a lot easier. Simply cut a rag into two small pieces and use twist-ties or rubber bands to secure the rags…

TOP 4 TIMESAVING CLEANING HACKS

TOP TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR CLEANING TOOLS

By spending a little time maintaining your tools, you can ensure they will continue working efficiently and, ultimately, that will save you money. Here are the top four cleaning tools and how to care for them: BRUSHES AND BROOMS Over time, bristles get dirty and nasties like bacteria and grime build up. Instead of cleaning, your brushes and brooms are pushing and spreading germs and dirt from one place to another. Here’s how to fix that: ❏ Bang bristles on a solid surface to loosen trapped dirt. ❏ Rinse with clean water. ❏ Try this homemade disinfectant solution: Add 1 gal. of warm water to a clean bucket or sink, then mix in ¼ cup of baking soda, ½ cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of ammonia. ❏ Immerse the bristles in this concoction. Agitate…

TOP TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR CLEANING TOOLS

UH-OH…DON’T MISS THESE SPOTS!

There are always the obvious places to clean, but what about the most common misses? Here are the top five places to add to your checklist. 1. UNDERSIDE OF CHAIRS AND TABLES I put my hand under a chair the other day and I kid you not, there was old, sticky, half-hardened slime from my daughter’s slime kit smeared across it. So yeah, I haven’t washed under my chairs in months. 2. CHANDELIERS AND OTHER LIGHTING They can get gross. I’ve had lights become greasy. I don’t know how, but it happens. 3. KITCHEN BACKSPLASH This seems obvious, but in my day-to-day I might give this a quick wipe but not a real scrub. If you cook with oil, there will be a buildup of greasy oil on those tiles. So pull out that toothbrush and…

UH-OH…DON’T MISS THESE SPOTS!

DO YOU CRAVE MORE FAMILY HANDYMAN?

GOT A DIY QUESTION? Finding the answers is easy at familyhandyman.com. Click on the three bars at the top left of the page and then search your topic to get expert step-by-step help with your projects. GOT A HANDY HINT OR TIP FOR US? To share your idea with us, submit a copy of your original contribution, including photos and/or sketches, by email to: submissions@familyhandyman.com Or mail to: Family Handyman, 1610 N. 2nd St., Suite 102, Milwaukee, WI 53212 Please include your name, mailing address and email address if you have one, and indicate to which department you are submitting. We reserve the right to publish your submission in any appropriate department, or elsewhere. Contributions will not be acknowledged or returned. RIGHTS By submitting material to us, you grant Home Service Publications, Inc., its parent company subsidiaries, affiliates,…

DO YOU CRAVE MORE FAMILY HANDYMAN?

HOMEOWNER 0, MOLES 1 Each year the moles arrive and wreck my perfect lawn with their earthworm-mining tunnels. I’ve tried all sorts of traps and solutions over the years, and last year I decided to try a different approach. One evening, I stamped down the mole trails and waited with a pitchfork. As soon as I saw a little quiver in the stamped-down trail, I knew a mole was moving and I attacked, plunging the sharp tines into the soil over and over to spear the varmint. I figured I must have speared the critter, but who knows? The next morning I noticed something odd about my lawn irrigation system. The ground was rising and bulging and occasionally sending up an errant spray of water where no sprinkler head was located. Upon…

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