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Exterior Design, Repairs & Advice, Water Management
It’s easy to see when wood porch columns begin to fail because they are in our sightline, and the majority of the time the rot begins at the bottom of the column. The sooner you tackle column problems the more likely it can be successfully repaired. Wood columns on...
Remodeling, Repairs & Advice
A St. Peters, MO woman bought a fixer-upper ranch house that needed some repairs and updates, but she liked its open plan and could see the potential. While she could take care of many of the projects herself, there was one item that she called “the elephant in the...
Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Roofing
Question We live in rural Illinois in a north-facing home. I’m having a hard time keeping ridge cap 3-tab shingles on the roof because of high winds. The wind pulls them off 6 to 8 at a time while leaving the nails intact. I have layered the tabs in a north-south...
Personal Spaces, Remodeling
Laundry is a constant chore, from what to do with dirty clothes, to the washing and drying, to putting the laundry away. Even though it’s a daily part of our lives, where to put the laundry room is too often treated as an afterthought. You need a space that makes it...
Garages & Driveways, Q & A, Repairs & Advice
Question I have a 15 year old concrete driveway that is beginning to show little divots that look like pock marks. What sort of ice melting product is least damaging to my concrete? Answer The pock marks are likely from rock salt deterioration on your concrete drive....
Q & A, Repairs & Advice, Windows & Doors
Question I am thinking about replacing the aluminum framed windows in our 45 year old brick veneer house. Should I look at window companies and have them do the job, or is it better to have a contractor replace the windows? I’m concerned about compromising the...
Basements, Q & A, Repairs & Advice
Question We just repaired a bad water leak that completely covered one wall in the finished basement. It’s dry wall with a vapor barrier and insulation behind it. The only moisture I can feel is in the corners of the drywall at the base but I know the insulation is...
Remodeling, Repairs & Advice
This 1970s St. Louis ranch home was purchased as a fixer-upper. There were many obvious improvements to be made, and a home inspection showed it was in decent shape, making it a good candidate for a remodel and updates. While renovations were in full swing, Mosby...
Design & Remodeling, Personal Spaces, Remodeling
When your pastime begins to crowd out people or spaces in the home, it may be time to think about creating a special hobby room. Hobbies help reduce stress through creativity and escape, so consider this project beneficial to your overall well being. Here are the key...
Before & After, Exterior Design, Roofing, Siding, Water Management, Windows & Doors
The Before and After Story of a St. Louis Exterior Update If you love the way your older home looks, an exterior remodel need not be a dramatic before and after story. Let’s take a look at how to replace and update most of a home’s exterior while retaining...