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Home Improvement

Launched Q&A site for contractors and (serious) DIY'ers

Announcements

2  
I edited the audience field... it should only describe the audience; use the example questions to describe the domain – Joel Spolsky♦ May 27 '10 at 14:25
3  
Why does it have to be (serious) DIY'ers? Why not the weekend warrior, or anyone who wants to DIY? – Alan Jun 12 '10 at 21:09
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if you voted for a question not in the top 5, consider moving your votes to questions in the top 5. – antony.trupe Jun 16 '10 at 13:22
show 2 more announcements

131 Example Questions (10 closed)

active newest votes
up vote 0 down vote
How will [proposed zoning/ordinance law] effect my [project]?
added by Kredns May 27 '10 at 4:07
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Too localised (even if the law was country wide). – ChrisF May 27 '10 at 10:34
I think it just needs rephrasing - "Does anybody have experience with [project] being effected by [law]?" The targeted community seems highly likely to have that experience. So long as the question addresses personal experience and isn't hunting for legal advice. – Kara Marfia May 27 '10 at 13:14
up vote 0 down vote
Am I legally bound to follow the rulings of my neighborhood association, even though they aren't part of the government? [closed]
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 4:08
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closed as off topic by Shog9, Chris W. Rea, Chris Johnsen, Jeff Yates, Foster Brereton Jun 9 '10 at 17:36

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.

Legal issues should be off-topic on most of these sites. – Good Person May 27 '10 at 7:43
5  
A moderator should edit this to read - "Does anybody have experience with ignoring / going against the neighborhood association?" - so it's soliciting personal experience, not legal advice. Best to have the question asked, answered, and searchable - or it'll just come up 12 times a month. ;) – Kara Marfia May 27 '10 at 13:17
up vote 0 down vote
Tips on building a "safe room" for severe weather and security purposes?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 4:09
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On topic, provided one gives specifics as to what "severe" means, as it is locale-specific. Safety against... tornadoes? Flooding? Home invasions? – Ether May 31 '10 at 22:50
This is a poll style question with no right or wrong answer, which makes it difficult to fit into the Stack Exchange paradigm. Perhaps "Tips on building" should be "How can I build". – Jeff Yates Jun 9 '10 at 14:12
up vote 0 down vote
Where can I find pre-made designs for a shed/garage/shop?
added by Troggy May 27 '10 at 4:47
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As an answer, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has several builders. Only one sells retail, but they all have diagrams of the design. – Arlen Beiler May 30 '10 at 11:28
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How to build a solar collector?
added by Rog May 27 '10 at 6:17
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up vote 0 down vote
Why did the water tap to my refrigerator ice maker / water filter suddenly stop working after 2 weeks?
added by Kara Marfia May 27 '10 at 13:21
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up vote 0 down vote
What is fire blocking and how do I incorporate that into my house design?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 14:45
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up vote 0 down vote
My shed has 24" studs and 3/8" siding. Do I need cross brace supports as well?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 14:46
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up vote 0 down vote
Schedule for applying fertilizer and pesticides to lawn? [closed]
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 14:47
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closed as off topic by bmargulies, Clinton, Mike Sherov, Jeff Yates, Foster Brereton Jun 9 '10 at 17:36

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.

1  
Belongs on the Gardening site – Jeff Yates Jun 9 '10 at 14:13
up vote 0 down vote
Can I fit a walk in shower in my bathroom?
added by ChrisF May 28 '10 at 11:46
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This would need the location (ground floor, upper floor) and size of the bathroom, plus what other fittings were in the room to be answerable. – ChrisF May 28 '10 at 11:46
Keep in mind these are question titles - you can assume that they would include (or provide after some queries) the info you are asking for. The question itself, with sufficient background, though, I think should be perfectly fine. – Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:41
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What sort of wood is suitable for countertops?
added by Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:48
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up vote 0 down vote
Is anyone interested in helping me finish my basement? You'll gain valuable training if you do! [closed]
added by Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:50
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closed as off topic by Shog9, Chris W. Rea, Peter K., bmargulies, Robert Cartaino Jun 5 '10 at 22:33

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.

what state? how much do you pay? – antony.trupe Jun 11 '10 at 19:52
@antony - Note the emphasis on training, which I'm sure is priceless! ;-D (I am not doing work on my basement, this is simply an example question...) – Adam Davis Jun 12 '10 at 1:47
up vote 0 down vote
How do I build a foundation suitable for a 4,000 sq ft house?
added by Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:50
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I vote off-topic because, like a question about building a cabin, how can you improve a property, if there isn't yet one to improve... – JYelton Jun 10 '10 at 16:09
up vote 0 down vote
Suggestions on where to look for plans and ideas on building a cabin?
added by Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:52
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Can you consider this a "Home Improvement" question when there isn't yet a home to improve? I'm leaning towards off-topic. – gnovice Jun 5 '10 at 5:45
up vote 0 down vote
How to build a nice fire pit?
added by Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:52
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up vote 0 down vote
What are the common concrete types one should be aware of for different projects?
added by Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:53
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up vote 0 down vote
Would you buy a house that had drop ceilings instead of drywall ceilings?
added by Adam Davis Jun 1 '10 at 3:56
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5  
Subjective. If it were asking for benefits/drawbacks of each then it might be OK, but it would have to be worded correctly – ChrisF Jun 1 '10 at 13:56
up vote 0 down vote
Should I use a ledger board for my deck or a stand-off?
added by Kyle Cronin Jun 1 '10 at 20:33
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up vote 0 down vote
Remove pet stains that have soaked into wood floors? [closed]
added by Niall C. Jun 2 '10 at 2:53
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closed as off topic by Jeff Yates, WikiSpeedia hang-around, Lee, Adam Davis, alexanderpas Jun 16 '10 at 21:52

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.

I think it may be more on topic if you were asking how to protect from this type of thing (ie: what kind of wax to use or something) – d03boy Jun 2 '10 at 4:00
This is related to Cleaning or Housekeeping, not Home Improvement. As @d03boy states, this would be better if it were asking what material to use to prevent it. – Jeff Yates Jun 9 '10 at 14:15
up vote 0 down vote
Does an oil based low VOC paint exist?
added by Clinton Jun 5 '10 at 2:55
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@Clinton: What is VOC? – WikiSpeedia hang-around Jun 10 '10 at 19:10
@Peter - VOC - Volatile Organic Compound en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound – ChrisF Jun 10 '10 at 19:15
up vote 0 down vote
How do I determine if a wall is load bearing?
added by Doresoom Jun 9 '10 at 14:35
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up vote 0 down vote
I have some basic carpentry experience. Should I remodel kitchen cabinets myself or have them professionally done?
added by JYelton Jun 10 '10 at 16:16
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up vote 0 down vote
How can I remove stubborn moss and get grass to grow instead?
added by Lee Jun 11 '10 at 5:46
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up vote 0 down vote
How often do I need to edge my flowerbeds?
added by antony.trupe Jun 11 '10 at 17:49
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up vote 0 down vote
How do I reclaim a 150x150ft, 45 degree slope from vines/underbrush with the least amount of future maintenance?
added by antony.trupe Jun 11 '10 at 17:54
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up vote 0 down vote
What is the easiest way to fix/adjust a door that needs to be slammed in order for the latch to engage?
added by iammichael Jun 16 '10 at 20:15
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up vote 0 down vote
How to choose a drill? Do I need a Drill or a Drill/Drive (and what is a drive?) Is $49 what I need or $249? what do you get for the extra $200?
added by csmba Jun 16 '10 at 20:41
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up vote 0 down vote
I want to replace switches/HVAC panels in the house to a set of connected devices. What Home Automation devices/brands are available to DIYers?
added by Rom Jun 16 '10 at 20:56
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up vote 0 down vote
I'm changing my house heating system. What are my options and their pros/cons? (wood, gaz, electricity,...)
added by Stephane Jun 16 '10 at 22:05
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up vote -1 down vote
The best roofing material to use when cost is no object?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 3:54
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1  
Cost is always an object – Mark Henderson Jun 8 '10 at 7:46
up vote -1 down vote
House has aluminum siding, can't get to neighbor's wifi except near window. How to get a good signal past the aluminum?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 4:01
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up vote -1 down vote
Neighbor slipped on steps I built and is suing me. What are the laws/rules/regulations for tread riser/depth, and am I at fault?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 4:04
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Too localised - the rules on steps/stairs will be different in different parts of the world. Also the site should avoid legal questions - the advice given could cost someone a lot of money or even their liberty. – ChrisF May 27 '10 at 14:31
up vote -1 down vote
How late at night can I continue to work without getting my neighbors upset?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 4:08
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2  
Too localized (municipality bylaws) – Chris W. Rea May 28 '10 at 2:31
Or perhaps could read "I need to do a lot of noisy DIY work - what are your tips for keeping your neighbours onside?" – x3ja Jun 16 '10 at 21:28
up vote -1 down vote
I bought the house next door - how do I safely build an underground tunnel with no surface excavation?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 4:09
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1  
This has much more to do with safety and legal issues regarding property boundaries and mineral rights than it does home improvement. – Jeff Yates Jun 9 '10 at 14:19
up vote -1 down vote
Getting more electrical power to my computer room for servers - what capacity do I need to run all my stuff?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 4:10
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up vote -1 down vote
Are there arsenic removal systems for well water?
added by Adam Davis May 27 '10 at 14:50
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up vote -1 down vote
When is "Home Improvement" next being shown in <X>? [closed]
added by ChrisF Jun 1 '10 at 14:07
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closed as off topic by Niall C., bmargulies, Clinton, Robert Cartaino, Kredns Jun 7 '10 at 17:12

This question does not relate to the topic of the proposal.
It was closed as part of an automated migration of off-topic to close votes on September 29, 2011.

Off topic as it's about the TV show ;) – ChrisF Jun 1 '10 at 14:07
but the TV show is on topic. – antony.trupe Jun 11 '10 at 19:52
this is an obvious and therefore somewhat meaningless example. And nobody is going to ask it – d03boy Jun 16 '10 at 1:01
Tim: Ah ah ah more power! Al: I don't think so, Tim. – Daniel X Moore Jun 16 '10 at 20:42
up vote -1 down vote
How to keep carpenter bees away from my deck?
added by msemack Jun 4 '10 at 17:39
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up vote -1 down vote
In episode <x> of New Yankee Workshop, Norm is using an unusual tool; what is it!?
added by JYelton Jun 10 '10 at 18:18
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Seems very trivial, not a question with a lot value to a lot of people – Adam Jun 16 '10 at 20:31
up vote -2 down vote
Should I sue the contractor that screwed up my home renovation job?
added by Chris W. Rea May 27 '10 at 3:24
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This doesn't really address fixing the home; it's secondary issue. A legal site would be best for this kind of question. – Chris W. Rea May 27 '10 at 3:28
Getting legal advice from the internet - a bad idea – ChrisF May 27 '10 at 10:15
I gave this an on-topic because I could see this question working as a "did i just get screwed by my contractor", looking for advice. Not necessarily a "give me legal counsel" kind of question. – Nathan DeWitt Jun 2 '10 at 12:17
Not a good example because it pre-loads the question by suggesting the contractor did something wrong, without being unbiased. – JYelton Jun 10 '10 at 16:11
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