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1500 questions
11
votes
5 answers
Can I mix latex paint into concrete
would like to color concrete mix can I use outdoor latex paint to mix in with the concrete?
Susan Buckner
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11
votes
4 answers
Garage door opener installation - hardwired vs. outlet power?
I'm installing an opener for my garage door, and need to run some new wiring in order to get power to the unit. The unit can be hardwired or plugged into an outlet. I'm leaning toward the outlet option for now since it seems more versatile. Is this…
ajk
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11
votes
5 answers
What type of ethernet cable do I need for outdoor use?
I want to run about 100 meters of Ethernet cable out my attic and down a drainpipe. The cable will be exposed to the elements, and attached to a gigabit switch (indoors) at both ends.
What kind of cable do I need? Can I get a basic Cat5E bulk cable,…
Portman
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11
votes
3 answers
Do I need an egress bedroom window if I have a walk-out exterior door?
I have a basement with three hopper windows and a walk-out door. There's also a staircase that connects the basement with the upper (main) floor of the house.
If I build a bedroom, do I need an egress window or is the basement walk-out door acting…
Peter Q
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11
votes
6 answers
Are bubbles in new exterior paint normal?
Not happy with the new exterior paint job - it bubbled immediately, and the initial recommendation from the contractor was "don't pop them". We gave it time to settle, but the issue still hasn't been resolved. I am so disappointed in the appearance.…
Tara Benson
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11
votes
7 answers
How do I reduce how much the sun heats up a front room of my house?
My office room is in the front of the house and facing south. It gets hot very fast during hot days (even in spring). It is a fairly small room and I have computers there attributing to heat. There's a small double pane window with cloth blinds.…
Zepplock
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11
votes
6 answers
Has anyone ever used IdeaPaint?
Someone sent me the link to IdeaPaint which appears to be a paint that turns any surface into a whiteboard. It looks pretty appealing, but I was wondering:
Whether anyone here has ever used it and if so whether they are happy with it?
What if I…
Zippy
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11
votes
11 answers
Inconsistent Garage Door Open Remotes
We have a single garage door with an opener and two remotes. We get extremely inconsistent results with both remotes (a change of batteries does not fix). When we leave in the morning and we're right outside the door and want it to close, the remote…
Mike Cole
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11
votes
3 answers
Why is a neutral wire needed for most 'smart' light switches?
Why do most smart light switches need a neutral wire?
Aaron
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11
votes
1 answer
Is it worth it to replace old style breakers with GFCI or AFCI breakers?
I have older wiring on my house (2-wire) BX. And while it's all in good condition, and I do check the outlets monthly to make certain it's still grounded, I'm wary of the BX sheathing as the ground.
Is it worth it to replace the breakers with GFCI…
Spencer K
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11
votes
2 answers
How can I build a custom stair case in a small space?
In my continuing pursuit of gutting this house and trying to better it; the snow has finally broken and its time to get back to work.
We really, REALLY, want to use the attic space as storage / den / office space.
We've finally come to the…
lsiunsuex
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11
votes
2 answers
What does a surge protector do that a breaker doesn't?
The circuit breakers in my home are 120VAC, 15A or 20A breakers.
What would a surge protector (e.g. this or a power strip with surge protection) do that a breaker wouldn't do already?
Jason C
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11
votes
1 answer
How can I adapt a wall outlet to suface mount conduit?
I have a single gang in wall outlet in my basement. I would like to adapt it into surface mount EMT conduit to get an outlet at a different location. Ideally I would be able to keep a plug at the current location, but its not critical.
Once site I…
JBCP
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11
votes
6 answers
How do I lubricate plastic rollers for sliding closet doors?
I just installed some new sliding closet doors, but unfortunately they're a bit squeaky/noisy when operating. They are "Reliabilt" doors from Lowes, the actual company that makes these is SGA. There's nothing in the instructions and nothing on their…
gregmac
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11
votes
5 answers
What are some routine home maintenance tips?
We just built a new home, and I'm wondering what routine things need to be done to keep everything working, well maintained, and happy. I can think of a lot of things, but the problem with any question like this is you never know what you don't…
Scivitri
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