 | A Panelized Home: Beginning the Finish
Throughout this project one recurring theme constantly re-emerges—hire the right people and take the time to do it right.
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 | Accessible Solutions: Bath and Toilet Room Plans and Finishes
Daily hygiene is critical to the health and well-being of wheelchair users. Accessible bathroom design is therefore a critical component of a residential project.
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 | Asbestos In Your Home
Once a common element in a wide range of building materials, asbestos is now known to be a serious health risk. Before you start a serious remodel on an older home, study these facts from the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association.
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 | Encapsulating Lead-Based Paint
Lead-based paint is a serious health risk in older homes. Today, new products are available that may save the time and expense of lead removal procedures.
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 | Estimating the Amount of Paint You Will Need
Before you buy, make sure to measure, calculate, and estimate the number of coats you'll need to complete your paint job.
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 | Exterior Painting: Before You Begin
To get a better-looking, longer-lasting paint job, take a good look at the surface you plan to paint before you start your painting project.
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 | Faux Paint Finishes: Bagging
Bagging can lend a fun new look to your walls.
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 | Home Maintenance Checklist
Here's a simple bi-annual "Top to Bottom" checklist to keep your home in shape year round.
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 | Indoor Air Pollution - Organic Gases
Organic chemicals (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs) are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
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 | Indoor Air Quality - Lead
Lead can cause serious damage to the brain kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. Lead exposure in children can result in delays in physical development, lower IQ levels, shorten attention spans, and increase behavioral problems.
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 | Paint & Wallpaper with Confidence
Of all home-improvements projects, paint and wallpaper are by far the most common. But there is more to interior finishes than meets the eye.
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 | Paint Color Selection
The right color gives a paint job your personal mark. An understanding of color families, hues, values, and tones gives you the tools you need to make the right choices.
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 | Paint Tool Primer
If you've ever struggled to paint a 2-inch window frame with a 4-inch brush, you know the frustration of using the wrong painting tool. Sizing up your paint and brush needs will make your tools work for you, instead of against you.
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 | Selecting the Right Paint Sheen
The sheen or gloss of a paint will determine its ability to hide flaws, enhance architectural features, or make for easy cleanup and stain resistance.
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 | Selecting the Right Paint Tools
It takes the right paint applicators to get the biggest payback from your investment in high-quality paint.
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 | Selecting the Right Paint Type
Choosing your paint wisely will determine how well it will last and wear. Whether to use latex or oil-based, alkyds or acrylics depends on the surface to be covered, the conditions it will face, and any base paint underneath.
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 | The Basics of Paint Selection
Interior or exterior, choosing the right paint depends on a wide range of factors. But the most important is personal preference.
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 | The Importance of Paint Quality
When it comes to coverage, cleanup, and durability, paint quality determines the paint job. Knowing the qualities of each will help you determine which paint to use and how much you should spend.
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 | The Right Caulks and Sealants
Caulks and sealants are your home's best defense against the elements. They are intended to seal gaps around the exterior of your home to keep out moisture, which can cause rot and structural damage, and air, which can deplete heating and cooling energy.
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 | Wall Stencils: Advice From a Pro
Why wallpaper when a simple stencil will add the perfect personal touch? With a little elbow grease and imagination, even the most uneven old wall can become an artist’s canvas.
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 | Wallpaper Basics
The decision to wallpaper is a smart and economical one. Today's easy-to-handle wallpapers and printed borders are extremely popular. Wallpaper adds personality to a living space and provides good value, especially considering how long it can last.
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 | Wallpapering Technique
A few simple tricks to make your next wallpapering job go smoothly.
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 | What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a serious health risk—and it may be in your home. Educate yourself with this helpful asbestos fact sheet from the Environmental Protection Agency.
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 | What You Should Know About Using Paint Strippers
If not properly used, paint strippers are hazardous to your health and safety.
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