Ace handyman

We're remodeling our kitchen and want to install a stone-tile floor. Anything we need to you're going directly over subfloor, tiles are likely to crack or pop loose unless you take two extra steps. First, stiffen the subfloor by gluing and screwing a second layer of -inch sheathing to the existing layer. Second, install what's called an uncoupling membrane to isolate the rigid stone or ceramic from the subfloor's flexing joints and seasonal movements. Here, we used Ditra (s...chluter.com), a dimpled plastic sheet that resembles a thin orange waffle. Although many tilers still slap stone directly onto the subfloor, I won't guarantee any of my jobs without the membrane. Once the membrane is cemented in place, the tiling proceeds as usual. Be sure to use unmodified thinset, as the latex-modified kind won't harden properly when sandwiched between the tile and the membrane. See more

1.Not taking out the required permits. 2.Starting a job without the necessary tools and supplies. 3.Inadequate preparation of the job site. 4.Skimping on materials. 5.Using the wrong paint.... 6.Improper preparation of walls for painting. 7.Unsafe job conditions. 8.Inaccuracy. 9.Working beyond your limits. 10.Failure to get a clue. But you can learn a lot from these mistakes. Not taking out the required permits Cheryl Casey/Shutterstock.com Starting a job without the necessary tools and supplies auremar/Shutterstock.com Inadequate preparation of the job site Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock.com Skimping on materials Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock.com Using the wrong paint r.classen/Shutterstock.com Improper preparation of walls for painting thelefty/Shutterstock.com Unsafe job conditions Steven Frame/Shutterstock.com Inaccuracy CandyBox Images/Shutterstock.com Working beyond one's limits digitalreflections/Shutterstock.com Failure to get a clue Milkovasa/Shutterstock.com See what's next 121110987654321 Share this story LinkedIn Delicious Reddit Stumbleupon Email story More On Home Improvement: 6 worst home fixes for the money 4 bloodcurdling home-renovation nightmares 5 tips for saving money on home renovations What it takes to finance a home remodel Create a news alert for "real estate" advertisement Share Show Show Bankrate's community sharing policy Connect with us Mortgage Rates Averages Product Rate Change Last week 30 year fixed, 0 point 4.32% 0.08 4.24% 15 year fixed, 0 point 3.34% 0.07 3.27% 5/1 ARM 3.46% 0.04 3.42% View Rates in your area Search advertisement Most Read 1.5 richest American Olympians at Sochi 2.When you should avoid store brands 3.7 restaurant deals you shouldn't swallow 4.What your car color says about you 5.Celebrity house for sale: Chuck Norris 6.8 top car maintenance myths 7.Celeb house for sale: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill 8.Celebrity house for sale: Shakira 9.Find out your tax bracket 10.4 risky places to swipe your debit card MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER Timely market news and advice for consumers ready to buy, sell or invest in real estate. Delivered weekly. Blog Polyana da Costa You had a house crush, admit it Finding the perfect home can be like trying to find the love of your life. Sometimes it's love at first sight. But often, you have several crushes before you find 'the one.' ... Read more advertisement Partner Center advertisement Read more: http://www.bankrate.com//top-10-diy-mistakes-by-home-handy Follow us: @Bankrate on Twitter | Bankrate on Facebook

A well-designed exterior is a joy to come home to that can earn you major points with your neighborsand attract potential buyers, down the road. This Old House readers have been hard at work fixing up their facades, and on the following pages, we share six of their impressive results with you. Whether you're looking to make a big change (putting on a new front porch) or a small one that yields a big impact (hint: harness the power of paint), you'll find inspiration here, along with tips for making it happen without straining your budget.