Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
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Co-authored Articles (55)
How to
Pick a Lock with a Bobby Pin
Nobody likes getting locked out of their home. While locksmiths often do a good job, their services can be pricey and time-consuming. If you’re looking for an alternative solution, you might be able to let yourself in ...
How to
Disconnect a Washing Machine
A washing machine is not an appliance that is often moved around the house. The machine is usually found in the basement, in a dedicated laundry room, or in the garage, and that is where it stays for most of its life. Th...
Building a Shed from Scratch? Follow These Instructions
Learn how to erect a personal woodshed with these design plans and tips Whether you’re an avid gardener who needs somewhere to keep all their tools or you’re an avid outdoorsman running out of basement space for your...
How to
Install a Washing Machine
Having your own washing machine is a great way to save time and money doing laundry. Whether you own your own home or rent an apartment, there may come a time when you need to install a washing machine. However, installi...
How to
Install or Replace Door Hinges
Door hinges play an important role in our everyday lives; they provide all of your doors with support. Hinges on exterior doors provide the first line of safety for the family inside, and offer protection from the elemen...
How to
Paint on Plastic
Plastic is a tricky surface to paint. Unlike wood, plastic is not porous, so the paint has little to stick to. With the right amount of preparation, however, you can paint plastic with success. Keep in mind, however, tha...
Installing Corrugated Roofing Yourself: Everything You Need to Know
Measuring, cutting, and fastening roof panels to a shed, garage, or other structure Corrugated roofing is a great way to top a garden shed, shop, or patio. It's quick, easy, low cost, and, best of all, you can do it your...
How to
Frame a Door Opening
If you want to install a door in your house, you have to first frame the door opening to prepare it for the installation. With a ladder, some nails and a hammer, you're well on your way to outfitting your own rooms at a ...
How to Make Sure a Corner is Square with the 3-4-5 Rule
Line up any project perfectly with this simple formula The 3-4-5 rule is a handy and foolproof way to determine if a corner is perfectly square when doing carpentry or other DIY projects, from building a deck to laying t...
How to Replace Smoke Detectors
A comprehensive guide on replacing hardwired (and battery powered) smoke detectors Functioning smoke detectors are extremely important in maintaining the safety of your home. Smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 ...
How to
Install a Gas Dryer
Gas dryers offer a more energy efficient means of drying clothes than electric dryers, but they are more challenging to install. Knowing the proper tools and connections to use are critical to successfully installing a g...
How to
Replace a Thermostat
A thermostat is a tool that regulates heating and cooling, whether it be in your home or in your car. Replacing inefficient thermostats can help you save money on utility bills or, in your vehicle, keep you safe on the ...
How to
Lay Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a great alternative to wood. Besides looking like wood, termites are not attracted by them, and they are easier to install. The easiest type of laminate floor boards are the type that lock in place...
How to
Remove Rust and Corrosion
Rust is the result of the oxidation of iron. The most common cause is prolonged exposure to water. Any metal that contains iron, including steel, will bond with the oxygen atoms found in water to form a layer of iron o...
How to
Put Anchor Screws in a Wall
Anchor screws allow you to hang heavier items on your walls or hang items where there is no wall stud to support the nail. When they're installed correctly, anchor screws can support pieces that weigh up to 70-pounds, so...
How to
Install Metal Studs
Complete guide to installing metal studs, from hanging the track to padding with dry wall Steel framing is used in most office and commercial construction, and it has several advantages over wood. Steel studs are perfec...
How to
Buy Door Knobs
Finding the right door knob might seem difficult at first. However, your search only requires consideration of a few factors. Most residential doors have a backset of 2 ⅜”, while some commercial doors have a 2 ¾” ...
How to
Fix a Squeaking Bed Frame
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a bad night’s sleep because your bed is squeaking. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a new bed frame to get the squeaking to stop. By pinpointing t...
How to
Stop Squeaky Door Hinges
A squeaky door is enough to drive someone insane. The problem is often caused by wood rubbing against wood. The solution, however, can be as simple as removing your door hinges and coating them in a lubricant. If your hi...
How to
Dispose of Glass
Though we most commonly need to dispose of broken glass, you may also be wondering about what to do with large, intact pieces of glass that you want to get rid of but aren’t entirely sure how. Whether you’re cleaning...
