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Paul Cummins
Aug 31 min read
Back to the Future: Old Staple Comes Through!
I first used this rock-hard putty at age 10 in my neighbor's wood shop. I have recommended other putties for different purposes in...
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Paul Cummins
Jul 41 min read
Spackling that Makes you Look Like a Pro
Really respect those that can mud a seam perfectly the first time. This new product makes it look easy. It's lightweight but has more...
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Paul Cummins
Sep 18, 20221 min read
Wood windows in showers don't hold up well. Check out this beautiful option!
Click on image for link.
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Paul Cummins
Apr 16, 20221 min read
Sleeping in an Efficiency
Murphy beds have at most a six-inch foam mattress; they take up a whole wall or fold into a cumbersome cabinet and have to be completely...
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Paul Cummins
Jun 13, 20201 min read
Lighted Picture Rail: Just like the MOMA!
Just did a basement condo with a long hallway covered in fabric wallpaper. Client wanted to hang a bunch of photos. Putting a bunch of...
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Paul Cummins
Aug 11, 20191 min read
Updates for those clumsy folding closet doors
Bifold doors get off track and bang into things. Here are some other options. Click on images for links. Barn doors are really cool...
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Paul Cummins
Feb 26, 20191 min read
Renting Basement in DC
Need two means of egress, 7 foot ceilings in main living area, a separate "metering device" which I assume means also a thermostat, and I...
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Paul Cummins
Oct 18, 20181 min read
New slim fridges good for small kitchens!
Just saw one of these in SE DC. Sleek design: plenty of room in here! Click on image for link. #remodel
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Paul Cummins
Apr 7, 20181 min read
Load bearing walls: can't be sure until the wall is opened up but...
Here's a primer. Photo of a load bearing wall with 4 by 12 header. Scan from my radar device that shows the stud spacing (also detects...
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Paul Cummins
May 10, 20171 min read
I shudder to think what your house looks like with big-box-bought plastic shutters!
The plastic ones don't do your older home justice and they are too short for your vintage windows...wooden replacement ones are available...
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Paul Cummins
Feb 25, 20171 min read
Great Under-Cabinet Hood!
Just inspected a new condo in DC. Really modern and bright. However, they had installed a draft hood that fit between the cabinet...
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Paul Cummins
Oct 20, 20161 min read
Under cabinet fridge (way-way) under $2000!
You need to be able to move in your kitchen! You live in a nice neighborhood. Take a walk and go buy that ice cream! Click on image...
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Paul Cummins
Jul 28, 20161 min read
Could be the best vent-less washer/dryer!
This is called a condensing model, as opposed to a centrifuge where you have to empty a water collection pan after every use. So we're...
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Paul Cummins
Jul 17, 20161 min read
High Pressure Laminate Flooring (Pergo)
This flooring is inexpensive, quite durable and provides some cushioning. However, the old product does not survive flooding and can be...
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Paul Cummins
May 2, 20161 min read
Sunlight Anywhere!
Just inspected a 70 year old basement. Leaky walls, leaky plumbing, dank and dark, a huge neglected space. Any unused space is...
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Paul Cummins
Apr 17, 20161 min read
Got a small kitchen? I mean really small?
Kitchens and bathrooms...kinda opposite ends of our bodies and lives, so we like them to work for us. I always view saving space in my...
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Paul Cummins
Dec 14, 20151 min read
Great look, great price, easy install!
This "Stikwood" is real, reclaimed lumber that comes in individual boards and just sticks onto any well finished smooth surface to add...
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Paul Cummins
Jul 1, 20151 min read
Go ahead, lose those keys! Keyless door locks.
Click on image for Wired's take on five new kinds of smart locks, so you can key in on other, more important things in your life. Here's...
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Paul Cummins
May 8, 20151 min read
Rehab those old cabinets!
Click on image for link. Those old, dark, greasy cabinets sucking the light out of your morning? Paint them as brightly as you wish. ...
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