Posts by Brian Schnee
Baron Of Whitfield’s DIY Story
“Greetings Brian, I need your advice on how do I determine if the switch is faulty? I get a short in power when I turn on the switch the light…
Read MoreAre Your Sprinkler System and Outside Spigots Ready for Winter?
Every year before the first freeze, you should perform the “blowout” ritual. Blowout is the process of…
Read MoreAre Your Heating, Hot Water Systems and Their Components Ready For Winter?
Maintaining the mechanical systems in your house is very important, especially with winter upon us. To keep your system running and keep utilities costs down, take some time to learn…
Read MoreIs Your House Ready For Winter?
Insulation Insulation Insulation Student question to me: ” how do you know if you are in need of insulation in your attic. I answered ” do you have insulation in your…
Read MoreMy Wife’s Hot Water Problem
Last Friday while I was enjoying my morning cup of coffee, Hope came into the dining room and asked me why her shower water was cold? Well, I kinda stared…
Read MoreA Call for Help- Mary’s Electrical Nightmare
The Story- Mary’s daughter, Annette, did the right thing for her mom. She installed a new window air conditioning unit, because the old one no longer worked. The entire installation…
Read MoreWell, It’s Just Something I Love to Do!
In August, it will be 39 years that Hope and I started our own vegetable garden. Growing your own vegetables and fruit, getting your hands dirty with Our Earth, using…
Read MoreMy Battle With Termite Damage Comes to A Close- Chapter 6 “Installing the New Floor Joist”
Man oh man, this was one of the hardest projects that I have undertaken. Every step of the way, a new challenge presented itself. Almost done! One more step to…
Read MoreMy Battle With Termite Damage Continues Chapter 5- “Removing the Damaged Floor Joist”
The Big Question: How do you remove a 12′ long damaged floor joist, in the basement, that has: wires, gas pipes, heating pipes, hot and cold water pipes, in the…
Read MoreA Student Takes The DIY Challenge
Every so often, one of my students takes the DIY Challenge; calls me for advise, and shares their experience with me. It is so rewarding, as your Home Improvement Teacher,…
Read MoreMy DIY Battle With Termite Damage-Chapter 1
Look What I Found! Why did I not see this 35 years ago? When you buy a house, a mandatory part of the mortgage application is a termite inspection, which…
Read MoreCall for Help, My Toilet Bowl Is Leaking!
Brian, I need your help! I received a call from Don, one of my students. He had water leaking from one of the toilets in his house. He needed a…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter 11 “WHAT I LEARNED”
Organization, planning, thinking out of the box, hard work, dedication, communication, and companionship helped Pamela and me accomplish an unbelievable amount of work in three weeks. Pamela and I worked…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter 10 “Stairway To Heaven”
Liliane’s Post and Beam house has two levels. On the first floor is the kitchen, living room, bathroom (not really), master bedroom, wood burning stove, and dining area. Upstairs is…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter Nine “Face Lift”
I could’t believe it, just a few years ago Hope and I spent two weeks taking care of the exterior of Liliane’s house. We pressure washed, repaired damaged trim, painted,…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter Eight “Really X 2”
We have to be proactive in taking care of our homes. As we saw in chapter six, this did not happen; we had to rebuild the rear staircase and landing.…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter Seven: “A True Wilderness Experience”
A True Wilderness Experience Many of you asked, what it was like to live off the grid in the wilderness of Moosehead Lake. Well, not too bad. Challenges: If it…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter Six “A Time To Flop”
It is now June: We usually entered Lil’s house using the steps in the rear, as this led to a mud room. Suitcase in hand, I started up the stairs.…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter Four “Kerb Appeal”
The stakes just got higher, and the family was raising the ante. Prior to our departure the decision was made to put the house and property on the market. Not…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter Three “Getting My Ducks In A Row”
Chapter Three is all about getting the project organized. I had to create a to-do list for simple projects and a project planner for more extensive challenges. Did I have…
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