Ever notice how styles in home decorating, like hem lines, change every once in awhile for no apparent reason? Wallpaper was once in, and now it’s way, way out. And, have you ever watched realtors react when they see shiny brass fixtures in bathrooms? You’d think they’re Superman and your fixtures are made of Kryptonite. … Read more

Britain has voted to become independent of the European Union, displaying that same spirit we inherited from them that led to our own independence. Like the British, we’re just not that keen on letting other people tell us what to do. So I ask you, my fellow Americans, how could we have allowed our decks, … Read more

I swear, some weeks I feel like an investigator for the missing persons bureau, handyman division. Homeowners say things about their previous handymen like “I just don’t understand it – everything was all set up and he didn’t show-up” or “he started the job, the materials he needs to finish it are still here, but … Read more

Hey, what’s with that flimsy extra door that’s right in front of your front or rear doors? The one that’s got a screen in it (or was that glass, or both, or neither?). That often ugly door that visually blocks your front door’s curb appeal, making your investment in a good-looking front door seem pretty … Read more

Can you never quite relax in your house because it’s always reminding you of what needs to be done? You look up, there’s a crack in the ceiling. You look down, there’s a crack in the tile grout. You’re at the kitchen counter and there’s a crack at the top of the backsplash. You can’t … Read more

People talk a lot about protecting the planet, but does it sometimes seem like the planet doesn’t care all that much about protecting us? We need to build houses to protect ourselves from snow, rain, hot, cold, water, wind, and animals of all sizes. And if we dare leave so much as a 1/4″ gap … Read more

Now that the weather outside is starting to climb above room temperature, you may be tempted to start running your air conditioner and running-up your electric bills with it. We have some simple advice for you. Don’t. Now, don’t get me wrong – air conditioning is great and all that. It has made the development … Read more

While beauty may fade with age, we are not alone – it is a fate we share with our decks. They come into this world made of freshly cut lumber, and are even stained and sealed to preserve their appearance. But just like us, time, weather, the harshness of the sun, and gravity eventually take their toll. … Read more

Many may believe that the 3 greatest salesmen of all time were PT Barnum, Veg-O-Matic’s Ron Popeil, and Donald Trump. But, I’ve got another candidate. It’s the fellow who convinced people with beautiful homes to attach a stack of raw lumber to the back, commonly known as a ‘deck.” These decks require an ongoing, expensive … Read more

OK, members of our studio audience. Let’s play JEOPARDY. The category is home repairs, and the answer is…”Yes, I need to do something someday before someone gets hurt”. Tick-tick-tick-tick-buzz. Nobody? The question was “What does “Fix St Louis hear every time they point out uneven walkway slabs (also accepted: a sunken last slab that makes the … Read more