Articles from Paul Bianchina

Decking choices abound
Pros and cons of wood, synthetics
June 26, 2009

Pros and cons of linoleum flooring
Despite practicality, resale value weak
June 19, 2009

Great Father's Day gift ideas
Hot new tools available for all budgets
June 12, 2009

Deck repair on a budget
Replacing floor boards the safe, accurate way
June 5, 2009

Rules strict on window replacement
Were homeowners victims of up-selling?
May 29, 2009

Mystery of the 'mud-jacked' driveway
Before complete overhaul, consider options
May 22, 2009

Going 'green' in the backyard
Easy ways to save money, environment
May 15, 2009

Do-it-yourself roof repairs
Tips on replacing shingles, fixing flashings
May 8, 2009

Spring into home maintenance
6 features that need most attention
May 1, 2009

Do's and don'ts of deck cleaning
Some common strategies can do more harm than good
April 24, 2009

Best fix for a cracked patio
Don't paint it, layer it
April 17, 2009

Nothing seems to fix low shower pressure
Shower valve cartridge could be culprit
April 10, 2009

Need fencing? Think vinyl
Styles, pricing, durability among top draws
April 3, 2009

Pulling the trigger on nail gun purchase
A look at best choices below $399
March 27, 2009

Insulation tips for 1920s home
Don't assume blown-in cellulose is best
March 20, 2009

Don't cry over spilt motor oil
How to rid flagstone patio of slimy mess
March 13, 2009

Be safe installing roof truss
Bracing, placement must be spot on to avoid injury
March 6, 2009

Icicles in attic a red flag
Moisture likely related to vents, not leak
February 27, 2009

Shower doors offer choices galore
Installation can be a DIY job if you have the patience
February 20, 2009

Got workbench?
Being handy at home comes in two styles
February 13, 2009

Asphalt driveway has odd problem
Similar cracks not seen on neighboring properties
February 6, 2009

Truth about home fixture warranties
Some are vague about what's covered, what's not
January 30, 2009

Attic overdue for re-insulation
Blown fiberglass maximizes comfort, efficiency
January 23, 2009

Roller covers key to great paint job
How to match to paint types, surfaces
January 16, 2009

Overwhelmed by kitchen floor options?
Resale value, cleanability among key selling points
January 9, 2009

Five ways to cut heating costs
Pay attention to furnace filter, duct insulation
January 7, 2009

Cool tools under $200
Choose from LED light, sander, X-Bench
December 26, 2008

When double-pane glass needs replacing
Project is not a do-it-yourself job
December 19, 2008

When it comes to routers, spare no expense
Accuracy, safety top handyperson's wish list
December 12, 2008

Everything you wanted to know about wood
Most common types and their uses defined
December 5, 2008

Heavy lifting help for do-it-yourselfers
Three great tools under $250 each
December 2, 2008

Replacing kitchen range difficult in older home
Fix likely a matter of updating electrical wiring
November 21, 2008

As home ages, some defects unavoidable
How to fix out-of-square corners, saggy doors
November 14, 2008

Choosing the right weatherstripping
How to eliminate heat loss at exterior doors
November 7, 2008

Concrete painting 101
Whether epoxy or enamel, each has advantages
October 31, 2008

Tool rental done right
Tips on time, transport, damage waivers
October 24, 2008

Fall checklist for a safer, warmer home
10 tasks that improve energy efficiency, save lives
October 17, 2008

Sellers wise to replace exterior door
Despite hinge issues, job easier than it looks
October 10, 2008

Deck railings become fun and exciting
Myriad materials, designs let homeowners' imaginations run wild
October 3, 2008

Top ways to boost curb appeal
Whether selling or staying, first impression makes world of difference
September 26, 2008

Miter saw great for DIY projects
Versatility, power more than make up for high price
September 19, 2008

Buying remodeled home can be hassle
Without permits, getting home insurance is difficult
September 12, 2008

Staging home for sale worth the cost
Property will often sell more quickly and for higher price
September 5, 2008

Don't let home inspector out of your sight
Before buying, it pays to know property's condition
August 29, 2008

Power tools make house painting a cinch
Do-it-yourselfers wise to invest in paint sander, airless sprayer
August 21, 2008

Composite decking not infallible
Despite benefits over natural wood, warping and rotting still possible
August 15, 2008

Want a fancier-looking room? Try wainscoting
Do-it-yourself design and installation tips
August 8, 2008

GFCI electrical outlets are lifesavers
If home doesn't have any, get them installed
August 1, 2008

Excavation's the first step in deck building
Before digging, know where utilities are located
July 25, 2008

Backyard deck a perfect DIY project
Tips for improving structural integrity, aesthetics
July 18, 2008

Put lawn upkeep on autopilot
A look at the latest in sprinkler timers
July 11, 2008

Vinyl adhesive a nightmare to remove
Job best tackled with putty knife, mineral spirits
July 7, 2008

Some remodels endure endless inspections
What building officials look for during site visits
June 27, 2008

Some plumbing materials shouldn't be mixed
How to safely connect pipes of different styles
June 20, 2008

Last-minute gifts for Father's Day
You can't go wrong with quality home-improvement tools
June 13, 2008

Shopping for wallpaper made easy
Don't leave home without floor and paint samples, room dimensions
June 6, 2008

Deck-staining that can't fail
Look for product that resists water, mildew
May 30, 2008

Organization tips for kitchen pantry
Find items easier whether it's a walk-in or cabinet design
May 23, 2008

Latest trends in kitchen cabinets
When remodeling, choose sizes and styles with resale value in mind
May 16, 2008

Straw houses gaining acceptance despite concerns
Many enticed by low construction costs, energy efficiency
May 9, 2008

When replacing door, go with prehung unit
Vital details you need to know before ordering
May 2, 2008

Building permits are nothing to fear
Find out which projects require them, which don't
April 25, 2008

New home technology wows builders
Turbo oven, eco-heater, no-fail sump pump among latest products
April 18, 2008

How to pick the right furnace for your home
Grill contractors on preferences, warranty, then ask for references
April 11, 2008

Remodel dilemma: Paint or replace doorknobs?
Homeowner wants knobs to match bronzed bathroom fixtures
April 4, 2008

Painting tips from the pros
How to save time, eliminate mistakes, expedite clean-up
March 28, 2008

What's causing drafty kitchen cabinet?
Adjacent appliance's exhaust pipe likely needs insulation
March 25, 2008

Faulty dip tube linked to cold showers
Tips on how to replace plastic fitting inside water heater
March 21, 2008

Cost to remove backyard oil tank soars to $11K
Homeowner seeks help disputing contractor's charge
March 18, 2008

Air compressors improved for do-it-yourselfers
More choices available as makers solve portability, cost issues
March 14, 2008

Two-day, $2,000 room makeover not reality
Behind the scenes of home-improvement TV shows
March 11, 2008

Periodic flush does a water heater good
Tips on performing job safely, efficiently
March 7, 2008

Don't clean deck with pressure washer
Homeowner's mistake leaves behind 'fuzzy' mess
March 4, 2008

Get rid of 'popcorn' ceilings all at once
Despite disruption, it will lower overall cost and improve home's resale value
February 29, 2008

Energy audit helps save on heating, cooling bills
Find out which areas in your home are wasting energy
February 22, 2008

Changing out windows tricky with aluminum siding
Homeowner seeks advice on quality vinyl products
February 19, 2008

Kitchen is no place to skimp on lighting
Brightening tips to make cooking, cleaning even more fun
February 15, 2008

Best way to heat, cool McMansion
Deciding among electricity, propane, geothermal or solar
February 12, 2008

High-efficiency furnace offers big payback
Savings over cheaper model seen after 6.25 years
February 8, 2008

Old linoleum floor may contain asbestos
If so, is removal necessary before installing new flooring?
February 5, 2008

Power tools: tips for safe operation
Clothes, eyewear, workspace just as vital as proper tool usage
February 1, 2008

Cast-iron pipes shouldn't be oozing tar
Repairing pipe joints can be difficult, dangerous job
January 29, 2008

Lithium-ion battery wins over remodelers
More power, less weight improves tools' efficiency
January 25, 2008

Beware of kitchen-range fire hazard
Can fireproof material compensate for inadequate cabinet clearance?
January 22, 2008

Three must-haves for a good paint job
Without proper prep, finished product could be disaster
January 18, 2008

How to ensure a problem-free remodel
Dos and don'ts of hiring a contractor, agreeing on price
January 15, 2008

Asthma gets worse in manufactured home
Tips on how to isolate allergens with minimal cost, disruption
January 11, 2008

Best way to eliminate roof algae
Applying 3-ingredient solution preferred to high-pressure wash
January 8, 2008

Bathroom remodel bad for water heater
Improvements to ensure fast hot water backfire
January 4, 2008

Best way to fix popping nails
Don't think you're done after pounding them back into wall
January 2, 2008