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Question: I have a problem that I need guidance with before any heavy rains show up here. My yard out front is higher than an adjacent area, which is next

Question: Hello Robert. I’m writing in to ask about the extreme heat in my garage, in the summer. I do like to get out there for various projects year-round, but

Question: Hey there, Robert. I’ve written in before and received great advice from you, I’m hoping you’ll have insight into my current dilemma. We’re in an older neighborhood in Valencia

Question: Hi Robert. This is our first home with a pool, and we’ve been outside utilizing it daily since we moved in in May. Once the weather turned blistering hot,

By Sandy Lindsey Contributing Writer  Every fall, home stores overflow with silk flowers in warm golds, muted oranges, rusty reds, and rich burgundies — and with good reason. Few things create

Question: Dear Robert, do you know what we can do to reinforce the dog door in our sliding glass door? We bought the best insert we could find, and it

Question: Hello, Robert. Your article is a great resource for us. It has helped us gain the confidence to do many projects on our own. We are happy to read

Question: Hello Robert, can you please tell me if we could install a slide for our grandkids, for our backyard in-ground pool? I’ve seen them but not sure how to

Question: Greetings, Robert. Been reading your article for years, first time writing in. I want to install a full-size flag pole on the side of my driveway, but I’m not

Question: Hello Robert, love reading your articles, learning what I can. Looking for a suggestion here, hoping you have one. There is a small bedroom closet, which has the traditional older sliding doors on it. The problem is, the size opening that it has, is quite inconvenient. Is there any other door I can install with limited wood-working abilities, that I could use? Any ideas?  — Joseph A.  Answer: Joseph, there are many options, all of which you’d have to evaluate based on the wall this closet is on. The most popular in the last many years is the barn door style. If you have enough wall space, this can be one piece that slides off to the side, though you need the wall space to accommodate for it. The second and most likely to work would be a bi-fold-style door.   All of these can be purchased through Amazon as well as big box stores, and install is not too difficult. I’d likely go with the bi-fold doors — they have more style options and, in my opinion, you can end up with a larger opening for the access you’re looking for. Best of luck.  Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing

Question: Dear Robert, I enjoy reading the articles you write. There is a lot of information you’ve given that has helped. I have a question: Can I run a gas barbecue from my house gas line? I know that when a barbecue is purchased it can be “converted” to natural gas, but I don’t know what to do to get it connected to my home gas line. Are you able to guide me?   — MaryAnn B.  Answer: MaryAnn, yes this is possible. However, it is a process to accomplish it safely and legally. A licensed and insured plumber will need to do the work, and will need to file permits with Building and Safety.   There are several steps needed before any digging is done, and through the permitting and inspections process, safety measures are checked and ensured. Often landscape/hardscape contractors do this type of outdoor kitchen design and are skilled in the process. Best advice is to be sure to verify licenses and insurance before beginning any project. Best of luck.  Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing