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Question: Good evening, Robert. I’ve never written in and am looking forward to your reply, hoping you’ll have some idea of what we can do to suit the need, without breaking the bank. Looking to make automated access to our garage overhead space, something like an elevator. We have an oversized garage that has high rafter areas. The previous owners
By Sandy Lindsey Contributing Writer Turning the home into a cold-weather fortress helps save energy, which in turn saves money and improves overall comfort. It also lessens the strain on that
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
By Sandy Lindsey Contributing Writer Painting is a chance to make a home look new again. Exterior paint improves curb appeal and home value. It’s also a chance to fix minor
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
By Sandy Lindsey Contributing Writer The nursery slogan “Fall is for Planting” is much more than a clever marketing gimmick to move out remaining stock. In fact, anytime after Labor Day
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
By Sandy Lindsey Contributing Writer Imagine an elegant place for reading, relaxing, dining, and entertaining outdoors that many homeowners can build themselves. Sounds like a pergola! There’s a pergola for every
Question: Hi, I hope you see this and are able to give me a quick reply — I need this repaired and hope I can do it on my own,
By Sandy Lindsey Contributing Writer Get out the garden basket — the veggies are growing fast and furious. Plan on picking tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, peppers, corn, eggplant and summer squash (zucchini
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: Hi Robert, I have a pocket door that is making a “grinding/squeaking” noise, as it is operated. Is this something I can investigate on my own, or do I need to call a professional in for it? Who would I call? Thanks for your help. — Roger L. Answer: Roger, if you are patient and decent with tools, you can give this a go. It is likely a shift in materials. This happens over time with doors and such, with houses settling. Carefully remove the trim surrounding the pocket door frame, exercise the door and see if that is where it was catching. If this is the case, shave down the trim so that there is clearance between the two, and reinstall. Caulk and paint as needed. If, by chance, this was not the issue, you will likely have to open drywall to investigate further. Best of luck. Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He
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
What distinguishes a good backyard gathering from a great one? More often than not, a little friendly competition. Exmark has partnered with landscape designer, Doug Scott with Redeem Your Ground, on a new
Question: I bought a home that I knew had a smoke smell but figured I could paint and make it go away. I painted the bedroom first, hoping to be able to move in and continue on over time. Unfortunately, the bedroom still is holding the smoke smell and now I’m at a loss. I already removed the carpet and padding, and am not sure what to do. Any ideas? — Chuck P. Answer: Chuck, there is a primer that is needed and, in my experience, is the only way to clear the air. Kilz is the brand and you can use the Restoration or original — both should do the trick. Fully cover all painted surfaces with this, then follow up with fresh paint. Once this is done, if there is still a smell, check the insulation in the attic. It could be old and holding the smell also. That is an expensive fix, but keep it in mind if you continue having the problem. Best of luck — reach back out if you need additional help. Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate