James Dulley: How to Add an Attractive Shower Door with a Kit
Dear James: I’m tired of the musty old shower curtain that always leaks, so I want to install shower doors. What is the best way to install them on tile walls? — Alex G. Dear Alex: Your problems with just a shower curtain are not uncommon, and installing shower doors is the best solution. It…
James Dulley: How to Tackle Glue-Down Flooring Installation
Dear James: We are replacing carpeting with hardwood flooring ourselves. I prefer using the glue-down methods than just nailing it. Is this a good option for us? — Jonathan O. Dear Jonathan: Even though people often assume installing a hardwood floor is above their do-it-yourself abilities, a glue-down tongue-and-groove floor is fairly simple to install.…
James Dulley: Are Plaster or Drywall Walls Better?
Dear James: I am planning a new room addition and have concerns about using drywall. I have heard some horror stories about having plaster walls, but will plaster really result in that much better walls? — Alyssa F. Dear Alyssa: Plaster is considered superior to drywall in every aspect expect for installation. The strength of…
James Dulley: How to Renew a Damaged Walkway Surface
Dear James: My concrete walkway from the driveway to the front door is sound, but the surface is crumbling. How can I repair just the surface without the expense of a totally new walkway? — Jack P. Dear Jack: A crumbling walkway is not the most attractive or inviting way to greet guests who come…
Mark Baird: How to Brighten Up an Outdated Kitchen Drop Ceiling Without a Major Remodel
Question: We recently purchased a home in Santa Barbara that was built in the 1960s and had a complete kitchen remodel about 10 years ago. All the kitchen cabinets and countertops were replaced, which we love, but the kitchen ceiling has long florescent tube lights set inside a recessed area covered with plastic panels that…
James Dulley: How to Upgrade Décor with New Mantel
Dear James: I have an older house and want to upgrade the décor with a more modern fireplace mantel and maybe some cabinets. What is a simple, functional design I can build myself? — Mimi C. Dear Mimi: In most homes 400 or more years old, the woodburning fireplace likely is built with a plain…
James Dulley: How to Build a New Linen Closet
Dear James: We are going to need more storage space with a new baby. Adding a small linen closet inside an existing closet would help. Do you have any tips on adding closets? — Anthony R. Dear Anthony: A house can never have too much storage space, especially with a growing family. A linen closet…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.