In Minnesota, treated lumber and plywood is considered toxic and needs to be disposed of differently than nontreated materials. Treated lumber cannot be burned; that releases chemicals into the the air like heavy metals, sulfur dioxide and dioxin. Also, per Minnesota regulations, it cannot be dispos

A DIY basement drain installation can be undertaken for any number of projects, including a toilet, shower or laundry tub. Often, a basement drain job is necessary to put in place critical protection against basement flooding or at least minimize any potential damage. Basement drainpipes and fitting

Installing sheet foam insulation in your home provides an additional layer of protection from air drafts, increasing energy efficiency. Install sheet foam on top of wall boards or solid concrete walls. For exteriors or interiors, sheet foam provides an easy way to combat heat loss. Install sheet foa

The Gnome desktop environment consists of customizable and replaceable components including a window manager to manage window movement and basic functionality, panels containing applets and menus and bundled applications. Window Maker provides Gnome compatibility for use as a replacement window mana

Paint provides little protection for a wall against the water damage caused in moisture-rich environments. Because of this, installing a vanity against a wall with nothing more than paint as a finish invites damage to the wall from splashed water. This damage can soon lead to the need for extensive

Crown molding is a finishing trim with a top edge that flares outward for top trim in rooms, around cabinets and above doors and windows. The molded pattern covers the top of wall joints where they meet the ceiling to seal the air space and add beauty to a home. Crown molding is either wood or foam.

Roofing a geodesic dome is one of the final building steps before you're ready to set up the interior of the dome--and it is one that defines the character of the dome and its possible uses. You must put a lot of thought into what kind of roof you want and how much time and energy you want to spend

Prefab homes, also known as prefabricated, manufactured or mobile homes, are an inexpensive alternative to families who cannot afford more traditional homes. They require less labor to produce, and the homes are built according federal Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations instead

Testing for asbestos fibers in building materials should be conducted by a professional who is trained to identify and handle the product. The U.S. Department of Labor sets forth specific guidelines for asbestos sampling and analysis.

Adding a curtain to a French door offers decoration and privacy. Adding a lining to the curtains increases the privacy, especially if the curtain is thin or sheer. Sew a coordinating fabric to the backside of the French door curtain using basic sewing skills, to economically upgrade the look and fee

Granite countertops have become common features in many of today's modern kitchens. Their durability and good looks have made them increasingly popular. Maintaining them is easy, but homeowners must be armed with a little bit of knowledge regarding their care. There are a few simple options for maki

Many household appliances and electronics, such as TVs, telephones and microwaves, are affixed to a wall with wall mounts. Hanging these types of items is a popular space-saving technique, however, to take them down, you need to know how to remove their mounts with minimal damage to the wall and hid

Painting plywood floors is an affordable way to customize a home without paying for expensive flooring options, such as hardwood, carpet or tile. Plywood can be painted a solid color, or dressed up with faux finishes resembling tile and stone. It is essential to prepare the plywood prior to painting

A cracked floor tile looks bad, can allow moisture to get under the tiles and can even be dangerous for bare feet. If the crack is wide and a significant amount of the ceramic is missing (more than 1/4 inch space), you may have to remove and replace the tile. But if it's just a crack, you can fill i

The floor of a garage bears the brunt of substances and elements that not only damage it, they can also affect it aesthetically. There are a wide range of floor coverings available for garages, both commercial and residential, and range from simple and inexpensive, to sophisticated and pricey. There

Roofs are one of the longest-lasting parts of a home, but they may be damaged occasionally. If one or two shingles must be replaced well before the 20-year life cycle of a typical roof is up, it is possible to replace only the damaged shingles. Take precautions, however, while you are on the roof to

Laminate countertops make ordinary surfaces look shiny.Modern elegant kitchen image by MAXFX from Fotolia.comAn ordinary countertop becomes a laminate when a thin layer of plastic is applied to the top of the surface. Laminates typically form a shiny, easy-to-clean surface for wood or...

Flat washers may be used for many applications.flat washers image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.comThere are many different types of flat washers to choose from. Most are made from either stainless or carbon steel. A flat washer is generally designed to be used with threaded fasteners...

Baseboard heating systems use hot water, forced through pipes, to heat a home. These heating systems provide an even distribution of heat, which is less likely to overly dry the air unlike forced-air systems. There are relatively few maintenance needs with a baseboard heating system as there are few

Countertops need to be both practical and visually appealing, as well as easy to maintain. Countertops made of either natural or simulated materials are available for any interior decor style, color scheme and budget. Whether you choose laminate, manufactured stone, or natural or recycled materials,