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July 13, 2006 08:00 am
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Photos
Niagara Gazette
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Organizing is key to successful home projects
Monthly Q&A column with a local contractor
By Paul Page
CNHI News Service
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Sometimes a house improvement can seem like it’s going to be a lot of work. To help, you can put your design on paper and hang in on the refrigerator. Two questions you can ask yourself are “What can I do, and what do I need help with?”
You can do this with the smallest to the largest projects. With all your ducks in a row, start it, and use a check list as you accomplish each step. With a sincere heart, it will become a reality, and then it’s party time!
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QUESTION: In my kitchen, there is natural wood wall covering about a third of the way up the wall. After several years, maybe from washing the floor and such, it seems like nearest the floor, the finish has come off and above that it has bubbles on the surface. I would love to make it eye appealing again. Would you have any suggestions? — Karen
ANSWER: Having wood wanes coating in the kitchen is nice. A natural wood finish has its drawbacks. One is the results you are seeing from exposure to water. You could sand the entire surface to re-stain and apply a new coat of poly finish. It would be a lot of elbow grease and dust.
Or you could lightly sand, prime with a good stain hiding primer and apply a finish paint over the primer. It would still maintain the wood texture and feel. Coordinate with the upper walls and even the ceiling color. There are many options with sponge painting and rag painting.
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QUESTION: The summer has been quite hot. At times there is a significant temperature difference between the first floor and the second. It is definitely cooler down than up. The air conditioning seems to be working all right, but something doesn’t seem quite right. — Richard
ANSWER: First, call the heating and cooling technician to confirm the mechanics of the system are working correctly. Second, the difference in temperature could be caused by insufficient insulation in the attic ceiling.
A great way to help remove the heat in the summer is to install power ventilating fans. They are installed on the roof, and controlled by a thermostat to only run when needed.
Electric or solar powered models are available. Contact your local heating and cooling contractor.
Paul Page of Lockport, N.Y., has more than 25 years in the construction industry. If you have a handyman question you’d like help with, write to Paul at page4069@aol.com, or visit his Web site at www.purdyneatplace.com.
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