Accessible Solutions: Entrances
Sloped Walks - A gently sloped walk (less than 5% incline) is the best alternative for achieving entry access when the lot is relatively flat or when the driveway is approximately on the same level as the home's entry floor. The other key factor ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Garage Workshop Foundation And Slab
The height of the concrete foundation wall is usually determined by the size of the structure above. “For a single-story garage we look for an 8 inch foundation wall,” says Farrell. “A two-story structure would require at least a 10 inch ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up—BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Creating The Ultimate Garage Workshop
Counters, cabinets, plumbing, electricity, lighting, heating, cooling, flooring, and ventilation make up the basics. Lighting and electricity are a universal must—storage and workbench space, too. A sink and bathroom keep the space and cleanup ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Custom Garage Doors From Designer Doors
The high sap content and natural rigidity of the fir framework make for doors that are stable and enduring. The door is insulated to an R factor of 8 to 10 and is sealed from the weather with a flexible vinyl seal and a butyl rubber gasket in an ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Framing A Garage Workshop
Framing with steel studs is as straightforward as building with stick lumber. Steel 2x4s are simply substituted for wood. Instead of nailing the framing materials together, steel studs are screwed together with fasteners. If the garage ever needs ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Garage Door Opener
In the name of safety, two electric eyes were installed at the base of the door opening. They monitor the area below the open door. If there is anything in the path of these electric eyes as the door is closing, the door will stop and open up ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Garage Door Systems, Springs, And Openers
By federal regulation, all opening systems manufactured after 1991 must include a reversing mechanism. This device either senses when the garage door comes into contact with an object, or uses an infrared safety beam to detect the presence of a ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
How To Store Safely
Storing in cardboard boxes is a risk. Silverfish, certain types of roaches, and bookworms are attracted to the starchy materials found in book bindings and can even eat their way through the boxes to get to the books themselves. Silverfish lay ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Storage At A Glance
Short-term storage, like short-term memory, must remain accessible. First determine whether the items are for seasonal, occasional or daily use, as this will determine how and where you will store them. Out-of-season clothes and holiday ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Storage Planning For Garage, Laundry, And Basement
First decide whether your stored items are in the best location. Things that get little use might be better stored in the basement than the garage. Seasonal items can rotate to remote storage spots during off-season. Gardening supplies should be ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
Properly Handle Hazardous Household Products
Blood - First, soak or rub in cold water until stain is almost gone. Then, if fabric is washable, launder in warm water and detergent. On non-washable materials try a little borax or hydrogen peroxide to get the last traces out. Once blood stains ... [... more]
Bob Vila |
