Posts by Brian Schnee
Before the snow comes, let’s get the dryer vent cleaned!
Why should we clean our dryer venting system? In March 2017, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) issued a report on this topic. Below is a summary of the report’s…
Read MoreThe DIY Challenge
Sara – Her Electrical Problem Hi Brian! I took your class at the Lindenhurst library for electrical. Yesterday morning we woke up at like 8:30am and half the power was…
Read MoreThe Challenging Brick Step Repair Project- Chapter 2, “OMG, all the brick bullnose steps were loose”.
Look What I Found After Hope’s Great Fall, my investigation of all the front steps leading into our home uncovered some of the poorest construction practice I have ever seen,…
Read MoreThe Challenging Brick Step Repair Project- Chapter 1, “The Great Fall”
It’s a typical Monday night, BBQ chicken for dinner, finishing up some projects around the house, waiting for Hope to get home from work. Hope works late Monday nights, gets…
Read MoreIs Your House Properly Insulated?
Your home’s insulation- understanding how it works and properly installed, is very important to the comfort your home provides.
Read MoreTIP of the Month: GFCI and Their Importance
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) looks very much like a typical receptacle except that it has a test and reset button. Have you tested yours? To Protect Against Shocks,…
Read MoreMy Battle With Termite Damage Continues Chapter 4- “Constructing and Installing the Temporary Support Wall”
Even though there was no support on the foundation end of the floor joist, due to the TERMITES GRAND DINNER, I felt the joist was still supporting the weight above…
Read MoreMy Battle With Termite Damage- Chapter 3 “Getting My Bolts In Order”
Chapter 3 is all about getting the project organized. Remember in Chapter 2, I disconnected all the pipes and the wires from the damaged joist. Before the removal of the…
Read MoreMy Battle With Termite Damage- Chapter 2 “Time To Get Ready”
Getting the space ready to remove & replace the damaged floor joist is a major challenge. Workspace has to be organized. I developed a Project Planner. You can read more…
Read MoreHelp! My Hot Water Tank is Leaking
It was my late afternoon coffee break, I was sitting in my Tundra enjoying my pumpkin spice latte. As I was turning the key to start the truck, my cell…
Read MoreMy Great Maine Adventure Chapter Five “Worker’s Paradise”
My beloved 2004 Tundra was packed to the gills with hand, battery, and electrical tools. I also brought many different screw types and sizes (not knowing what I was going…
Read MoreDrip System VS Sprinkler! Want to save money and still have a great growing season, keep reading!
Our property measures 55’ X 175’, and believe it or not, I only have a very small area of grass (10’ X 20’), located in the front of our house. …
Read MoreGaining DIY Confidence- The TLC Way “Ms. M’s Story” Part One
Background I met Ms. M at the Freeport Memorial Library in March, 2018. She attended class #3, “Your Home’s Interior”. Ms. M has owned her house for a number of…
Read MoreBuilding a Large Sudoku
It’s not always about building and repairing your house. Sometimes it’s about building things that help improve someone’s quality of life.
Read MoreBuilding a Greenhouse Shelter
Unquestionably, in every class I express my love and determination to maintain what I have worked so hard to renovate and build. This thoughtfulness also includes all the living things…
Read MoreRepairs in accordance with building codes is a matter of safety!
In every class, I teach my students the importance of their localities building codes and how important it is that their home repairs are made in accordance with building codes, because it is a matter of their home’s safety. If they are not sure if a repair was made properly, want to plan future projects and advice on DIY projects, I always offer a Home Examination.
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