HOME Q&A

GLENN HAEGE, GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

Originally published Saturday, March 16, 2002

Q: My mother had her home inspected for a mold and drainage problem by a company she says she heard you talk about on your radio program or write about in one of your newspaper articles. Now, after several inspections and bringing in still more specialists, all she has is some complicated drawings and a bill for $2,000. No work has been performed. What gives?

A: Unfortunately, people who don't pound nails or pull wire often cost a lot more than people who do. If a problem is so difficult that specialists have to be brought in and drawings have to be made, it is very easy to have a large bill before work begins. Always discuss the way a company charges before an appointment is made. Specialists and renderings cost money. They should never be authorized before you know exactly what kind of costs are involved.

Q: I would like to put a 3-foot-wide strip of paver bricks along the entire length of my driveway. I can't find any how-to books to tell me how to accomplish this project.

A: Most large paver manufacturers have instruction booklets that can give you all the information you need. Also, many home improvement stores that sell supplies also host classes. Call to find out when classes start. You can also rent equipment needed to accomplish the project. A friendly word of advice. Start building up your lower back muscles now. You're going to need them if you do this project.

Q: Five years ago I had a house built and I have the worst toilets. I often have to flush them three times. My daughter is having a condo built. How can she tell the builder to install the best toilets? Is there a brand you can suggest, or does she just tell the builder she wants the higher priced ones?

A: I cannot personally guarantee that any gravity-feed toilet will have one-flush operation. For this reason, I recommend telling your daughter to order pressure-assisted toilets containing either the Sloan Flushmate, or the W/C Technology power flush insert. Almost all the major companies make toilets with one or the other of these products. The cost will be at least double that charged for a standard gravity feed unit.

Q:We have a 7-year-old, stick-built, one-story home. We have electric baseboard heat and a gas outside vent fireplace. We have ceiling fans in the living room, kitchen and one bedroom. We have a very distinct dirt shadow on all of the studs and trusses on the outside walls. Can you tell us why we have this problem and how to correct it?

A: There are two possible answers, and it could well be a combination of the two: negative air pressure or lack of insulation. To solve the first you could install an Equaliz-Air unit by Xavier or have a heating contractor install a Skuttle Model 216. To solve the second, call an insulation contractor to blow insulation into the exterior walls.

Glenn Haege, who writes this column for the Detroit News, also hosts "Ask the Handyman," a syndicated radio show heard on 195 stations nationwide. You can contact him via e-mail: editor@flashcom.net. Visit his Web site at www.masterhandyman.com. Volume prohibits personal answers.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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