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Welcome to I Can Fix Up My Home

Standard Disclaimer:

Any project which requires the use of tools carries the potential for injury. Use caution and your safety gear, this site won't be liable!

This is our latest video that explains how NOT to mulch the base of a tree. You can see how the city workers built a mound around all the trees in the park next to my home. OK, obviously their intent is water retention.

Are they going to meet their objective? To some extent, yes; but not completely. The mounds are so deep that water is going to have a hard time seeping through. But even worse, they have created a circumstance where rot and pest damage can occur at the base of the tree. Fail!

Thanks for visiting! All the site’s content can be found by navigating the topics on the upper left or checking out the most popular articles below. Been here before? You should still have a look around. I’ve been adding a lot of new content lately and adding a comment section to the bottom of the articles. So enjoy!

I like to think of this site as a storehouse of DIY home improvement knowledge and advice on what to look for and think about if you are going to hire a contractor. Knowledge is power. What type of topics do we delve into? As many as we can. For example, deck construction is always popular. We cover everything from design down to choosing composite deck boards.

Another popular topic is flooring because of three main reasons. First, it’s a basic way to brighten up the home. Secondly, it’s an affordable project because it is not “all or none”; you can do one room at a time, as you can afford. Third, with the advent of laminate flooring, it’s an easy DIY project, cutting out the contractor labor cost. For example, for the sustainable types, I've seen nice eco-friendly flooring at Lumber Liquidators.

Safety in the Workplace

I’d just like to offer a few words on the subject of safety in the workplace when you are working on any DIY project. I say this because this site offers a lot of information and advise but performing the steps can be dangerous. I’m happy if you find our advice helpful, but we aren’t liable for any injuries.

• Electrical projects — Check for power at the spot you will be working on, flip the breaker, check again. Don’t work on an energized circuit. Work on fiberglass ladder, not aluminum.
• Woodworking — Use your power tool’s safety devices. With sharp things rotating at thousands of RPMs, very bad things can happen.
• Good housekeeping — A clean work area is a safe work area. Remember, plastic bags are your best friend. Keep them; handy for clean up. Clean up should be done promptly to avoid accidents.

Testimonials

• From Billy: I really appreciate the detailed troubleshooting details for appliances, especially the article on refrigerators!
• From Randy W.: The woodworking section is great. Your table saw review helped me make my decision.
• From Sheila: Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. we are first time home owners and we just fixed a leak and needed to texture the new sheetrock. it looks awesome! we made the knock-down texture tool you described and it worked like a charm. saved loads of money! thanks thanks thanks!
• From Stephenie: This told me more than i knew, thanks. (From the article Pouring a Concrete Slab).
• From Jim Perkins: I bookmarked this site and now consult it every time I plan a new project or repair.
• From Anonymous: Thanks, Kelly. Unfortunately, this house didn't have a dishwasher to begin with so we had to cut supply line and "T" into it, but I think we'll get it done. Your tutorial is great.

Here’s a sampling of some of our most popular articles. Enjoy! For a full listing, click one of the topic links on the upper-left on this page.

• Knowing Lumber Grades can Save Money on Home Improvement Projects Don’t overbuy on your hardwood and pine.
• 4 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bills Over Time Save on utilities by making energy modifications to your home.
• How to Make a Knockdown Texture Tool A unique alternative to crow's foot, rolled, or spray texture.
• The Organic Method of Planting a Tree Planting trees or shrubs organically is environmentally friendly and more affordable than the chemical method.
• How Active and Passive Solar Water Heaters Work Green, renewable systems reduce utility bills and save money.
• Tips for Decorating a Kitchen Whether you have a modern or vintage kitchen, evaluate the current space and develop a design theme.
• Drywall Texturing Made Easy These DIY paint roller and knockdown texture methods are an easy project and allow you to be creative.
• Composition Shingle Roofs VS Metal Roofs Which is right for you? steel roofing material costs more but saves on homeowners insurance.
• Pouring a Concrete Slab Build a form and pour cement for a patio, shed, driveway, or carport foundation.
• Install a Trackless Bi-Fold Closet Door on a Laminate Floor Install a pivot bracket without violating the floating floor concept.
• Wood Joinery with a Finger or Box Joint A strong, simple alternative to cutting dovetail joints using a table saw jig.
• Make a Kitchen Cabinet Door Similar to making a picture frame, design it, build it, and apply wood finishing techniques.
• Suspended Acoustical Ceilings Installation tutorial for sound control or to hide a popcorn ceiling.
• Tips for Installing Carpet on concrete A DIY guide for laying your own floor.
• How to Finish a Concrete Slab This article explains finishing the slab by the steps of screeding, darby, edging, grooving, floating, and troweling the slab.
• How to Install Your Own Home Security System Custom surveillance cameras and burglar alarms secure the home.

Are you interested in writing for us? Check out the contributing writers guidelines.