Rigid foam insulation is the best thing since sliced bread. It’s thin, effective, has a great r-value and acts as a vapor barrier. With the time and space saved, it’s worth its weight in…well, rigid foam. It’s sort of expensive though at $18.99 per 4’x8′ 1 inch thick sheet. But the mice hate it and […]
Home Improvement
The home improvement category should be an entire blog unto itself. It covers a lot, but many of my posts here are full of excellent information on entertaining topics. I've done my fair share of fixing up and repairing houses in my day, so it should be no surprise that a good portion of this entire website is dedicated to the subject. I've installed multiple types of flooring, remodeled kitchens, completely revamped bathrooms, have torn down and rebuilt new decks and porches, and have painted far too many walls than I'd like to admit. In the posts contained in this category, you'll read about my adventures topping off gravel driveways, building sidewalks and stairs, installing wood and pellet burning stoves and chimneys, and insulating basements. It's a good time all around.
Installing Mathews Brothers Windows
One of the things I’ve got to finish up before Winter rolls around is the window replacement in the log cabin room. I’ve already done the wood stove installation and now I’m going to tackle the windows. Basically, I’d like to get everything done that I couldn’t do while there was six feet of snow […]
How to Install the Englander NC-30 Wood Stove
I really didn’t think I was going to get to this project until September. I mean, I knew it had to get done, and the sooner the better, but the way I’ve been procrastinating lately – well, let’s just say I’m surprised. I think it was two Sundays ago when I said to Laura, “let’s […]
Building a Pool Fence
Back last year, when we were sitting in Florida, looking at houses in Maine online, we discovered a real beauty. The beauty we found online happens to be the one we currently live in. I can thank Laura for that. She did all the research and hunting throughout the web. She had her criteria and […]
Trapdoor Ideas
Yesterday, I began tearing apart the half-wall that ran along the side of the basement staircase. I’m sorry I didn’t take any pictures of it, but I was kind of on a roll. Basically, I just needed to get rid if it so I could begin building my trapdoor. And by the way, I guess […]
Fixing a Sagging Floor
I finished up the basement support beam last night. We no longer have a floor in the log cabin that sags or bounces. When you walk up there, it’s as firm as a fiddle. And it only cost me around $15. I already showed you the first half of this project. If you haven’t read […]
Setting Up a Cheap Basement Support Beam
A quick note before I begin. The beam I set up a few minutes ago is not meant to bear weight. It’s simply meant to lift the floor above about a quarter inch and to reduce its sagging. I would also like to take the spring out of the floor as well. Good. Glad I […]
SharkBite Vs. Traditionally Installed Water Valve
I was doing some work yesterday that required I turn off the main water source for the house. I had to repair a few frozen broken pipes and I needed to release the water pressure in the system. I also needed to get as much water out of the pipes as possible. After fiddling with […]
Is Re-Insulating Your House a Good Investment?
I totally forgot to cover this in my previous post. It’s the question of whether it’s more worth it to re-insulate your older drafty house or to invest in more efficient heat sources. I’m only talking about heat here because I live in Northern New England. I’ve already made the commitment to never again concern […]
Insulating an Unfinished Basement + Rim Joists
From what I’ve been reading online, there seems to be a general trend that’s moving people away from traditional fiberglass (pink stuff) insulation and moving them towards either spray foam insulation or rigid foam panel insulation. Because it’s still relatively new and mostly requires professional assistance, spray foam is expensive. If you were to have […]