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1500 questions
21
votes
4 answers
Which Kitchen outlets do NOT need GFCI?
I have the 2 circuits in the kitchen with GFCI outlets, but I'm not quite sure which other ones do NOT need GFCI. Other circuits in the kitchen include Microwave, Fridge, and Dishwasher. It makes sense to me to not have the fridge on GFCI though.
rcav8r
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21
votes
3 answers
Is notching a flange on an I-Joist ever acceptable?
My home builder said that the following notch in a flange on an I-Joist was acceptable, but I've read that you're never supposed to do so. Is that true?
gibbo
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21
votes
3 answers
How to calculate the maximum safe load on a horizontal wooden beam?
I am thinking of constructing a wooden bed/desk/roof/shed/ship/bridge/rocket
How can I calculate the maximum load a rectangular horizontal wooden beam of dimensions L x H x W can safely support if the beam is adequately supported at both…
RedGrittyBrick
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21
votes
6 answers
What should I do to increase the dimming range of LED bulbs?
We started doing most of our homes in LED last year. I am a big dimmer fan and would pretty much put a dimmer on any light switch. One thing that I haven't gotten down is the dimming range of the LED vs what I am used to with the incandescent…
DMoore
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21
votes
2 answers
1lb of cure is worth 10 tons of mold: DIY repair of a poorly sealed window? lots of photos herein
Preface
I live in China. Construction is largely handled by unskilled migrants, and one cannot just call up a specialist contractor to fix a major issue.
Problem
I've got a window that was not properly sealed when the apartment was built, and which…
Drew
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21
votes
7 answers
What is the optimal configuration of a cross brace on a wooden gate?
I'm building a wooden gate for my deck, and I want to put in a cross brace to reduce sagging. I want to install the brace so that it transfers the load from the top unhinged corner, to the bottom hinged corner.
I'm just not sure what the best way…
Tester101
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21
votes
4 answers
How many cables are you allowed to run through a single hole in a wooden floor joist?
How many cables are you allowed to run through a single hole in a wooden floor joist? For example, could I run five 12-2 cables through a 1-1/8" hole? I know they physically fit, but is there a code to regulate this? Is there any limit on this or…
Tom L
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21
votes
9 answers
How big a hole in drywall can be fixed by spackle alone?
How big of a hole in drywall can be fixed by spackle alone?
The previous owners left numerous holes in the drywall. Each hole is the diameter of a coaxial cable, which I want to patch up. Can I use spackle to bridge the gap? Or can I press fit a…
pkumar
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21
votes
17 answers
Is it worth it to insulate hot water PEX tubing?
Is it worth the time and expense to put the foam pipe wrap on pex hot water pipes? I've seen mixed statements.
What is your thought? But more importantly, can you back it up?
Dilbert789
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21
votes
16 answers
Is fiberglass mesh tape a good choice for drywall?
I'm going to be doing some drywalling shortly and was wondering what experiences other have had with the self adhesive fiberglass mesh tape.
Is it a good choice or am I going to regret using it?
Dilbert789
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21
votes
4 answers
What are some scalable, affordable home automation options?
I've been looking to set up a home automation system in my house for a while now, but I'm having trouble committing to any one starting point. I'd like to set up an initial system that controls maybe two or three outlets and one or two overhead…
Daisy Sophia Hollman
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21
votes
10 answers
What's the best way of replacing a plug or switch in a house with aluminum wiring?
My house has aluminum wiring, which from what I understand isn't recommended any more. How do I replace a plug or switch since the new unit only takes copper wiring?
MattGrommes
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21
votes
20 answers
What projects should never be DIY?
What are the most common DIY projects that you should not do yourself? What must be hired out?
Edit: Just to be clear, what we're looking for here are the things that a regular homeowner might think they can do, but should not.
Things that look…
Jay Bazuzi
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21
votes
5 answers
Precision in Home Improvement, or: How to Trust a Laser Level?
Even though I enjoy DIY, I also suffer from a certain amount of anxiety about it, especially when tolerances have to be tight. If the Internet's advice is that a certain thing needs to be square, or level, or plumb, I am never confident that I have…
GogTheGuilder
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21
votes
10 answers
Why does bleeding radiators save energy?
I wanted to bleed my radiators by myself for the first time and I was wondering what is the reason that bleeding radiators saves energy?
Most of the guides on bleeding radiators mention that this is important for saving energy but none explain the…
user161351
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