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

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

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

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...

Installing paving stones over existing concrete and cement slabs can be done in as little as one afternoon. This upgrade makes the overall appearance of a patio and surrounding landscape much more appealing because paving stones have a more finished look than bare cement. This project works best whe

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...

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,

All it takes is one small spill, and beautiful carpet can become stained. Bright red stains from cranberry juice are very apparent on light-colored carpets. Not only do juice stains look bad, they create an unhealthy environment in a home. Promptly treat cranberry stains to prevent them from becom

Wood railings are easy to build. They can separate and enhance an area in your yard. If desired, you can add a gate, or the fence can have a split opening for easy access to another area. You can complete this project with basic hand tools, if you have all of the wood pre-cut when you buy it from yo

Caulk is designed to fill gaps to guard against water, air or noise intrusion and is flexible when dry to allow for expansion and contraction in different temperatures. This makes caulk ideal for sealing all types of cracks around your home or business. Many different varieties of caulk are availabl

A new bathroom floor tile can instantly change the look of a bathroom. Just a small change can help maintain the value of your home. With so many options to choose from, you can get the look you want for the price you want.