Home Improvement Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
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How do I fix seams that open up at the corners of walls during the winter?

Every winter, we get cracks like this where the walls meet the ceiling in certain rooms. We just got our bathroom redone, so it's most bothersome here. When springtime comes, they "seal" back up. Why does this happen and what's the best way to…
spalt
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What are the pros and cons of different types of windows?

I live in the North Eastern corner of US, and my house has 50 year old single-pane wooden windows. They held up not too bad, considering, but now I want to replace them all. Things that are important to me are: Decent energy efficiency (this,…
user76
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Putting together a tool set for children 8-11

One of the many hats I wear is the hat of Bagheera, assistant cub scout leader. I'd like to introduce a project where we build a wooden tool box. But I'd also like to provide the cub scouts with a minimal set of tools they can take home. What…
Chris Cudmore
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In a multi-gang box, are neutral wires paired with specific hot wires?

I have a four-gang box that I'm installing new dimmers in. Currently all of the neutral (white) wires coming into the box are connected together (and not to the dimmers). The new dimmers require connections to the neutrals. There are three bundles…
drs
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8 answers

Is there a wall outlet power meter that I can interface with from a computer?

I'm wondering if there is a wall outlet power meter that I can somehow interface with from a computer. I'm aware of all the google power meter products, but those are for an entire house. I'm trying to measure the electricity usage of a single…
wangburger
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Is there any code for running Ethernet cable (through attics)?

We have an unfinished attic - the insulation-everywhere, step-in-the-wrong-place-and-fall-through-the-ceiling kind. I'd like to run Ethernet cable through the attic. I know for Romex, I'd have to staple the wire to the joists, drill holes when…
BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
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What is the relative importance of cut-retardant safety gloves when using a chainsaw?

I am evaluating some cut-retardant gloves for use with a chainsaw. At first the idea of protecting my hands appealed to me, but later I couldn't really justify to myself why that purchase would make sense if the rest of my torso was…
Anonymous
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What would cause excess CO2 in cellar

Question Update: We now know that the problem is Carbon Dioxide; any suggestions on what could be consuming oxygen and producing Carbon Dioxide would be great! We rent an old farm house that has recently been renovated, the cellar has been tanked,…
Dog Ears
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What are the pros and cons of adding a vapor barrier behind shower backer board?

After much research, I have a lot of conflicting advise about the need to add a vapor barrier before installing the backer (hardy / cement) board for my bathroom shower. The "expert" at Home Depot, and another guy on youtube seem to think this is a…
virtualxtc
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Why won't HVAC supply stores sell directly to the public?

I am quite shocked that every store in my very large metropolitan area that sells HVAC supplies requires purchasers to have HVAC contractors license. Which makes it very difficult for a very technically inclined DIY-er to do the job himself. I…
amphibient
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What are my options for asphalt driveway repair and/or sealing?

I live in New England and my asphalt driveway is showing a lot of cracks. There's also a little divot in one flat spot that collects water. What are my options for getting the driveway back to looking good, and stopping any further damage?
Jon Fournier
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Will the coating on deck screws interact poorly with untreated lumber?

I installed a washer box onto a stud using deck screws. Following this, during a conversation at Lowe's with one of their employees, I was informed that the coating on deck screws is specifically designed for use with pressure-treated wood.…
Chris
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Why does my tankless water heater fail when the HVAC is running?

Florida, USA. 1963 or 1964 home. TL;DR: When my central (electric) heat is running, my A.O. Smith tankless (electric) water heater malfunctions. We purchased this home a few months ago. Over the last six decades it’s had a lot of work done, and…
samh
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Why does my waffle maker regularly trip AFCI?

Our house (built in 2017) has per code a large percentage of combination GFCI/AFCI breakers. We have a waffle maker that regularly trips the breaker just as its heating up cycle is about to complete. We initially got the appliance replaced by the…
jcoleman
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How should I power a shed before the house is built?

I want to bring power in to an undeveloped lot, where the first thing I want to build is a shed/shop. This will be the main base of operations while I begin constructing the main house. Since I will need power in the shed long before the house goes…
nscheens
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