How can I get a job in a carpentry related field.

By on March 31st, 2010

All I’ve done in the past eight years of my working life is work in the kitchen of restaurants. I currently have no desire to go any further in the restaurant field. I have very little college experience. I have no skills with tools.

That said, I’m looking for something new and I’d like to do more hard work with my hands. I was thinking about getting into something along the lines of cabinet making or home remodeling, possibly even a job building furniture. Every ad I read looking for these types of workers requires skill and experience. I don’t even have the basis for what would be considered experience. Where do I begin.

Need to fix leaking plastic drain pipe.

By on March 30th, 2010

Hello. In our basement, the drain from the kitchen sink leaks at an elbow-horizontal pipe junction. It is not a big leak, but it does drip about one drop every 5-10 seconds or so after using the kitchen sink. However, we use the kitchen sink a lot though (like most people), and I discovered the leak because it made a smelly little puddle of gray water on our concrete floor. I’ve cleaned it up, but the leak still needs to be fixed. The drain pipe and elbow are ABS plastic and are probably about 1-14 or 1-1/2 inches in diameter. It would seem that replacing the elbow and redoing the joint would be a pretty easy DIY job although I’m pretty worthless with plumbing so I’m not sure I should try it. Plus, the drain is up against the outside wall, which makes it a bit harder to deal with; if I have to cut the pipe, I’m not sure I can with the tools I have, given the lack of room to work. Is this easier to fix than I think. How should I go about fixing this. Or should I just call a plumber. I’m hesitant to call a plumber since I don’t want to pay a lot of money for what seems like such a simple problem, but maybe it wouldn’t cost too much. Or would it. Thanks.

Is it a good idea to remove the closet from a room to increase the size of your kitchen.

By on March 29th, 2010

I want to do this because my kitchen is really small. My worries are based on when I decide to sell If it might be such a drawback for a room not to have a closet but a bigger kitchen.

How much for remodeling my kitchen island.

By on March 28th, 2010

I am thinking redesign and enlarge my kitchen island. The new island will be about 5 feet by 6.5 feet with granite counter top. All shelves will be pull-out and involve relocate one electrical outlet. How much should I expect (including labors) from remove my existing island (4 feet bu 6 feet) to finish.

What are the limitations to remodeling while renting.

By on March 27th, 2010

(addition to previous question): I have been renting in a Chicago suburb. My lease is not up for 5 months. I understand my landlord wants to remodel. I have also been told that she can do so while I still live in the townhouse. What is considered acceptable remodeling. She’s talking about doing both the bathroom and kitchen. Do I use an outhouse and hotplate while she and her crew are allowed to parade through my house day after day. I’ve rented with the expectation that I will have facilities and a kitchen. Do I have rights as to when it becomes an infringement on the lease. And, if they start tearing down walls and cabinets, what about the dust and dirt that potentionally could ruin my furniture, clothes not to mention mine and my sons lungs, etc.

on whyville, who designed super hero and get out of the kitchen.

By on March 26th, 2010

I have get out of the kitchen right now, but i think it might expire soon so I wantto get another, but I can’t remember the designer.
I think it’s sieepduck, girlyleo, or rickyspeo but I really don’t know. I probably know of the designer and it’s not in stock - but I’d just like to be sure.
Thank you.

whats are some tips for a diy window inbetween my kitchen and living room.

By on March 25th, 2010

an interior wall separating my living room and kitchen; id like to let more light into each room, without knocking down the entire wall. thought this would be a nice idea

Am I unreasonable for not wanting my man’s ex-wife’s old furniture in the new home he is building.

By on March 24th, 2010

The father of my son has his ex’s old furniture in his new apt. as well as her old kitchen cabinets. I think he should start new. after she left him and moved across the country with his kids. Help me with this one. I don’t want to be unreasonable. but. ewh.
Might I add that it’s NOT his stuff. It’s her’s and the man she left him for.
.and he/we can afford to get new things. I am not making a big deal out it. just have a knot in stomach I am venting out here. And yeah. he will do what she suggests around the house before what I do. Time to move on.

Are there do’s and don’ts when mixing materials in a kitchen.

By on March 23rd, 2010

I am doing one job at a time starting with my floor. In the end I don’t know if my light maple cabinets will be painted or not.

I have a hard time visualizing my completed kitchen. I have made enough DIY mistakes and I need your help.

If you could tell me of any no no’s when mixing kitchen materials, like tile, wood, granite, stainless, bronze whatever I may avoid a costly mistake.

I’ll take whatever you’ve got. Thanks.
If I paint cabinets, they’ll be white. The tile I like at the moment is a medium brown stone with beige and bronze tones, low sheen.

I am thinking light counters need a darker floor. is that right. Then should the counters be dark, med or light.

Where can I buy personalised dinnerware.

By on March 22nd, 2010

I’m in the process of renovating my kitchen and want a dinner set (4 place settings) to match my wallpaper, is there any place online where I can send them a sample of my wallpaper and have it printed onto the plates. I’ve seen lots of places doing photo mugs but no luck with finding one that does plates yet