DIY Home Repairs at WomanTalkLive
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ToolBox TomGirl: Fake It Til You Make It
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Jo Ellen Soesbee“Fake it til you make it.” I have no idea who said those words to me first. I remember hearing them when I was a kid and thinking they were so stupid. Some adult must have made them up to make me feel better about some sport I was trying to play. I always sucked at sports. I had no skill and was the sister of the captain of the football team. That should tell you enough.
When I became an adult and wanted to become part of the man’s world of construction those words were REALLY important to me. I had to fake it because I had a lot to learn and I didn’t want to look like an idiot. I knew I had to at least “look” like I knew what I was doing. A lot of times it came back to haunt me because it took me hours, and hours, and hours (or so it seemed) to do a job that took them an hour to do. I took the words way too seriously. I should have asked for help instead of “faking” it. Somewhere along the line I realized that even though I am in a man’s world, I don’t have to be like the man. I can be ME and do it MY way. And, I now know that it’s okay to ask for help without looking stupid or like an idiot. Being REAL is a good thing.
I think that is why I LOVE being the ToolBox TomGirl. I am learning something new every day AND I am teaching something new every day. I don’t have to “fake it” to “make it” any more. If I screw up – I say so. I can laugh about it, I correct the mistake, and I move on. Oh – the power of being a woman. If I was a man – well, you know – I might not admit I made the mistake. They have been taught that they can’t make mistakes. Whew – glad I don’t have that pressure on me.
So my advice to you, is this: DIY is NOT about “faking it til you make it.” It’s about practice, practice, practice. It doesn’t cost much to do a job – Even if you have to do it a couple of times. With the right tools, and sometimes the written instructions, or a phone call to someone who has some experience (man or woman), you can accomplish your DIY project. YES – you may have to ask someone for help the first time. SO WHAT????? Does it matter that you asked for help? Really, does it matter? No – it does not. In the end – YOU still accomplished the task.
Again – DO NOT FAKE IT……Practice til you make it. Do it til you make it. Laugh til you make it. SMILE – you MADE it!!!
To women holding hammers,
Jo Ellen Soesbee
The ToolBox TomGirl, LLC***
Do you want to learn home repairs and perhaps become a ToolBox TomGirl? Do you have a nagging home repair you want done and you DON’T want to mess with it? Do you have a need for a facility maintenance person on site at your place of business? Do you need a guest speaker or presenter? If the answer to any of those questions is “YES” you are going to enjoy speaking with us.
Call for details. The ToolBox TomGirl is available to help you around your house, business, or social event. Contact Jo Ellen at 443-286-6923 or [email protected].
Sign up for Jo Ellen’s eNewsletter and educate yourself one home repair at a time.
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ToolBox TomGirl: Staying Warm Safely
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Jo Ellen SoesbeeAlthough I personally have converted my wood burning fireplace to a pellet stove to supplement my electric heat, I want to offer some safety tips to those of you that are still using wood stoves and fireplaces. Because more than one-third of us are using wood burning stoves, fireplaces and other fuel burning appliances as a primary heat source, I feel it important to know some basic rules. Also, statistics show that heating fires account for 36 percent of residential home fires in rural areas every year.
With that said, please consider the following:
- Have your chimney, wood stove (and pellet stove) heating flues inspected and cleaned annually by a certified and licensed chimney professional (you all know how I feel about licensing<span). You can check for a licensed chimney professional at www.csia.com and then check their license status at www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic.
- Remember to only use seasoned wood (hardwood) in your fireplace. According to AARP, when wood isn’t properly seasoned (ideally for 2 years) the heat producing efficiency is reduced as much as 30%. Dry wood has cracks on the ends of the logs and running through each piece. Wood that has been split for a while should be gray, and the logs should feel dry and produce a hollow should when banged together. And, soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup which is harmful to your lungs. NEVER burn trash, paper, cardboard boxes, etc. in your fireplace (I remember as a kid when my Dad would burn different color coated wiring to make the flames different colors – yikes).
- Stack your firewood away from your house at least 30 feet away and keep it covered so it can season well. This also keeps termites away from any wood structures near your house. I learned about the termites the hard way when I had my fireplace.
- Keep your roof and gutters clear of leaves, pine needles, etc. so if sparks do come out of the chimney and land on the roof there is nothing for them to catch fire.
- This is something I hope you already do but it is worth repeating. Have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and be sure you have them inside and outside the sleeping areas if you keep the doors shut on those rooms at night. CHANGE the batteries at the same time you change the time on the clocks; you did it this past weekend – right?
- Finally, yet another vent to keep clean. I know, I know, you just love me when I find ANOTHER vent for you to have to remember. However, this one is a major vent and should be properly maintained. Everyone who has a gas or oil heat system has a vent that goes with that system. They must be kept properly cleaned and maintained. Ask your chimney service professional to care for this for you.
Before I leave you with all this warming knowledge I want to thank James Horne, Owner of Old Line Chimney Sweeps, in Pasadena, MD for some of the information provided in this article. Check them out at www.oldlinechimney.com.
To women holding hammers,
Jo Ellen Soesbee
The ToolBox TomGirl, LLC***
Do you want to learn home repairs and perhaps become a ToolBox TomGirl? Do you have a nagging home repair you want done and you DON’T want to mess with it? Do you have a need for a facility maintenance person on site at your place of business? Do you need a guest speaker or presenter? If the answer to any of those questions is “YES” you are going to enjoy speaking with us.
Call for details. The ToolBox TomGirl is available to help you around your house, business, or social event. Contact Jo Ellen at 443-286-6923 or [email protected].
Sign up for Jo Ellen’s eNewsletter and educate yourself one home repair at a time.
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ToolBox TomGirl: Are You Winterized?
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Jo Ellen SoesbeeHave you given any thought to the upcoming winter weather? I know that I have heard rumors that the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a bad winter for us. Who knows, it could be a rumor, but then again, it could be the truth. Either way, a smart woman wants to be prepared.
So, besides getting your best boots, coat, gloves and hat ready, I want you to winterize your home. You need to be able to snuggle up inside when you have to. I want you safe and warm. I also want you to save money so that you can afford those awesome new boots. So, here are some things I want you to do around your house to make it draft-free, more economical, (saving on your BGE bill so you can buy that awesome pair of winter boots), or that are just plain necessary in the long run.
- Participate in the $100 energy audit by BGE is a deal. Go online and sign up. You get some $300-$400 worth of freebies in the end so you actually save money and you learn what needs to be improved around your house. It is worth it! http://www.bgesmartenergy.com/residential/home-performance-energy-star
- Install a programmable thermostat to save on energy at night and when you are not home during the day.
- Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
- Caulk and seal leaks around plumbing, duct work, electrical wires coming through walls, floors, ceilings and any outside-to-inside areas.
- Install foam gaskets behind outlet covers and switch plates. (they come precut to fit each size outlet)
- During the winter, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to let the sunlight into your house and close them at night.
- Check for open fireplace dampers.
- Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes to save on energy.
- Air-dry your dishes in the dishwasher instead of using the drying cycle.
- Turn off the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bath 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing.
- Clean snow off overhangs so that it does not accumulate and cause too much weight on the structure.
- Shovel walkways and steps frequently so the snow does not pile up and become too heavy for you to work with. Waiting too long puts a strain on your heart and back.
- Check now to be sure your window ice scraper, generator, snow blower, shovel, ice melt, salt, etc. are all there and are all in working condition and easy accessible. Do NOT wait for the first snow to arrive.
- Check to be sure your hat, gloves, boots, scarf, and coat are the latest style and fit properly. A DIY woman wants to be well-prepared as she is shoveling her walkway and talking to the news media about why she was the ONLY one in the neighborhood so prepared. (smile)
To women holding hammers,
Jo Ellen Soesbee
The ToolBox TomGirl, LLC***
Do you want to learn home repairs and perhaps become a ToolBox TomGirl? Do you have a nagging home repair you want done and you DON’T want to mess with it? Do you have a need for a facility maintenance person on site at your place of business? Do you need a guest speaker or presenter? If the answer to any of those questions is “YES” you are going to enjoy speaking with us.
Call for details. The ToolBox TomGirl is available to help you around your house, business, or social event. Contact Jo Ellen at 443-286-6923 or [email protected].
Sign up for Jo Ellen’s eNewsletter and educate yourself one home repair at a time.
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ToolBox TomGirl: Made in the USA
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Jo Ellen SoesbeeAs a handywoman I am always reading various magazines on new products and trends in building and construction. Recently I was surprised to read in my Green Builder magazine about how rare it is to find a green building material made in America.
Green Builder magazine sent out an invitation to over 2,000 companies encouraging them to share information about their American-made green products, receiving only a few dozen submissions. The conclusion is that U.S. made green products are a rare and special breed, even though they are making use of the triple advantage of creating domestic jobs, reducing the impact of overseas shipping and making use of locally sourced raw materials.
Because I found this so interesting and because I do have a few customers who ask me about USA made products I decided to share with you a list of the companies and what they offer. Some of these names you may already know but you might also be happily surprised to know you have been buying an American made product. I personally do not mind foreign products or some non-green products but when my customer asks – I deliver on their requests. Happy shopping.
1SolTech Reflection Series – 80 Cell (solar panels) www.1Soltech.com
Anderson Windows and Doors 400 Series (windows and doors) www.andersenwindows.com
Bazzeo Marron Glace Cabinets (kitchen cabinets) www.bazzeo.com
Boral Cultured Stone Southern Ledgestone (stone veneer) www.boraina.com
Boral TruExterior Beadboard (beadboard trim) www.boraina.com
California Faucets Aliso 8” Widespread Lavatory Faucet (bathroom faucet) www.calfaucets.com
Cambria Bellingham (countertops, walls, tub/shower surrounds, fireplaces) www.cambriausa.com
CanCoverIt from EcoCycle Solutions (insulation for can lights) www.cancoverit.com
Channellock 440 Straight-Jaw Pliers (12” pliers) www.channellock.com
Crossville Manoir Collection (porcelain tile collection) www.crossvilleinc.com
Earthwise Double-Hung Replacement Windows (windows/patio doors) www.earthwisewindows.com
EcoDomo Recycled Leather Tiles Echelon Collection (recycled leather tiles and sheets for walls/floors) www.ecodomo.com
Fireclay Tile Crush Recycled Glass Tile (interior/exterior floor & submerged surfaces) www.fireclaytile.com
GAF Roofing – Timberline Cool Series Energy-Saving Architectural Shingles (roofing shingles) www.gaf.com
HAI by Leviton RC-1000 and RC 2000 Omnistat2 Thermostats (HVAC thermostats) www.leviton.com
Hansgrohe Croma 100 C100 Green (3 jet handshower) www.hansgrohe-usa.com
Mansfield Plumbing EcoQuantum High Efficiency Toilet (toilet) www.mansfieldplumbing.com
Maze Stormguard “P.T.L.” Nails (pressure-treated lumber nails) www.mazenails.com
Owens Corning EcoTouch Insulation (batt insulation) www.owenscorning.com
Pella Architect Series Wood Windows (wood windows) www.pella.com
Pine Hall Brick RainPave and StormPave Permeable Pavers (pavers) www.pinehallbrick.com
Sloan Solis Solar Powered Flushometer (automatic flush for toilets) www.sloanvalve.com
SMA America Sunny Boy Inverters (automatic grid voltage detection) www.sma-american.com
Taco Variable-Speed Solar X-Pump Block (heat exchanger) www.taco-hvac.com
Toto Eco Guinevere HET (1-piece toilet) www.totousa.com
Uponor Reclaimed Water AquaPEX tubing (reclaimed water tubing) www.uponor-usa.com
Polycor Vetrazzo Recycled Cobalt Skyy Countertops (countertops) www.vetrazzo.com
VT Industries Architectural Wood Doors Artistry Collection (flush wood veneer doors) www.vtindustries.com
Wellborn Cabinet Milan Oak (cabinetry) www.wellborn.com
Whirlpool 4.3 cu. Ft. Duet Steam Front Load Washer with Precision Dispense Ultra (washing machine) www.whirlpool.com
Xero Flor America Green Roof (green roof) www.xeroflora.com
To women holding hammers,
Jo Ellen Soesbee
The ToolBox TomGirl, LLC***
Do you want to learn home repairs and perhaps become a ToolBox TomGirl? Do you have a nagging home repair you want done and you DON’T want to mess with it? Do you have a need for a facility maintenance person on site at your place of business? Do you need a guest speaker or presenter? If the answer to any of those questions is “YES” you are going to enjoy speaking with us.
Call for details. The ToolBox TomGirl is available to help you around your house, business, or social event. Contact Jo Ellen at 443-286-6923 or [email protected].
Sign up for Jo Ellen’s eNewsletter and educate yourself one home repair at a time.
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ToolBox TomGirl: Do-Over for Your Deck
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Jo Ellen SoesbeeKnow how much better you feel and look when you get new makeup and you have it on for the first time? Well, this is how your deck will look and feel with Behr’s DeckOver Premium Wood Coating. And, it will last MUCH, MUCH longer!
Last week I had the opportunity to attend a hands-on demonstration put on by Behr paint about their DeckOver product. Believing fully in hands-on testing before trying a product I want to use, this Home Depot presentation was perfect for me and my fellow DIY’ers.
We were given a chance to ask questions before and after the class about the product (and boy, did we!). This was more beneficial than I expected because I got to hear what my customers wanted to know, not just what I wanted to know as a contractor.
Not only was the paint easy to apply (and no expensive roller was needed), but the double coats were not gloppy or super messy. The dry time between each coat is set between 8-10 hours, which several woman thought was extreme but I figure if you don’t have to do the major work again for 25-30 years, how can you complain about waiting for it to dry in between coats? Exactly. I can wait for that kind of return on my investment of time.
Preparation of the deck is straightforward also. Using Behr’s All-In-On Wood Cleaner, you remove mild stains, mildew, mold, algae, grease, to prepare the wood for better adherence of the product. The wood looks new after that but you will be excited to add the color and the non-slip durable coating with the DeckOver. Once the deck has had several days to cure again, you are on your way!
Another nice feature is that DeckOver comes in over 100 color choices. You can paint the deck and railings in DeckOver or you can use DeckOver on the flooring and top rail only and do the side rails in regular paint to match (a cost savings). It’s nice to have choices.
I know this was not one of my own personal classes where I was the teacher but I had just as much fun and I asked a lot of questions. Who knows, maybe I will teach next time….. (come out, you can help with my deck and I will teach you so you can do it on your own).
P.S. It is reasonably priced…..as a woman, I know you were thinking of asking. No coupons though. Darn it.
To women holding hammers,
Jo Ellen Soesbee
The ToolBox TomGirl***
Are there projects around your house taking you away from the things you would rather be doing? Let US take care of your TO DO list so you can spend time doing what makes you happy. We now offer Stay At Home senior repair services. Call for details. The ToolBox TomGirl is available to help you around the house. Contact Jo Ellen at 443-286-6923 or [email protected].
Sign up for Jo Ellen’s eNewsletter and educate yourself one home repair at a time.