How To Use A Transit Level For Grading
Using a transit level involves setting it up level, establishing a reference point, and taking a series of measurements, which, when compared, give the grade.
Read MoreKeith Allen
Hunker Editorial Policies
Hunker uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding home improvement and design, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Keith Allen
-
-
How To Jack Up A Shed
Storage sheds built on skids sometimes require leveling if the ground settles or shifts. This requires lifting the shed or jacking up the shed. The process is relatively straightforward and can be accomplished using automobile jacks and other standard tools.
Read More -
How To Fix Rotted Studs In A Outside Load-Bearing Wall
Studs of a load-bearing wall support the roof and are among the most important structural components of the home. Rotten studs compromise the ability of these pieces of lumber to maintain the structural integrity of the wall and home.
Read More -
What Glue To Repair A Fraying Carpet?
The appearance of an entire room can be adversely affected by fraying carpet. Additionally, the loose carpet fibers can continue to fray and unravel enlarging the deteriorated area. The best time to deal with a fraying carpet is immediately upon noticing the problem.
Read More -
What Kind Of Rope Do I Use To Build A Tree Swing?
You can build a tree swing in a number of different configurations: a double or single rope, a tire swing, or even a chair swing. The type of tree swing determines the kind of rope that will best support and distribute the weight of the person and the swing.
Read More -
What Does Bleach Do To Copper?
Copper reacts when exposed to the chemicals found in bleach. This reaction can be intentional and used to produce a desired appearance for the copper. In other cases, the reaction can produce adverse affects and cause problems.
Read More -
Can I Run A Dishwasher And A Washing Machine At The Same Time?
Running the two appliances that use the most water at the same time may seem risky but actually may hold some advantages. The water use of the two appliances falls within the capabilities of most water delivery systems, and combining the two chores may improve the efficiency of the hot water system.
Read More -
Natural Gas Pressure In A House
The pressure of natural gas delivered to the home is typically 1/4 lb. per square inch. The natural gas must first be transported at higher pressures through large pipelines that connect the well field to the local supplier.
Read More -
How Pilotless Water Heaters Work
Natural gas water heaters that do not have a continuously burning flame or pilot light are said to be pilotless. This reduces the amount of energy needed by the appliance, conserving fuel and reducing emissions. The technology is limited to on-demand water heaters.
Read More -
Is The Dishwasher Hooked Up To Hot Or Cold Water?
Dishwashers are connected to the hot water line, which allows the dishwasher to wash with the hottest possible water. Hot water commonly is more effective for cleaning the dishes and, coupled with the heat cycle of the dishwasher, can sanitize the dishes.
Read More -
What Is Shop Grade Plywood?
Plywood is available in four common grades. Grades AA through E represent the quality of each side of the sheet of plywood, with grade AA being the highest quality with no defects in the visible veneer.
Read More -
When Do I Harvest Walla Walla Onions?
The Walla Walla onion is a sweet white onion identified with the Pacific Northwest and the Walla Walla, Washington, area in particular. The onion is a bulb onion bred for use as a diced or sliced product rather than for use fresh as a green onion or as a small bulb for pickling.
Read More -
What Is The Standard Drywall Thickness For Interior Walls?
Drywall, also known as plaster board, comes in a variety of thicknesses. Drywall that's thicker or thinner than standard drywall can be used in special situations around the home. Installing drywall can be a do-it-yourself project with the proper equipment and materials.
Read More -
How Long After A Foundation Is Poured Can You Build?
Poured concrete foundations are an alternative to block or treated wood foundations. The process involves building a form to hold the concrete in place, installing reinforcing rods and then pouring the concrete. Once cured the concrete provides a secure and stable foundation for the home that will be built above.
Read More -
How To Remove Forms After Pouring Concrete
Concrete forms provide shape to the concrete slab or structure. Remove the forms after the concrete pour is complete, the slab is finished and the process of curing the cement has started. Many concrete professionals remove the forms the day after the pour is completed.
Read More -
The Proper Shelf Height For Closets
Closets are critical in a well-organized home. Proper shelving makes the closet more efficient and adds to storage space. Shelf height is critical to maximizing storage space while still utilizing the vertical area within the closet.
Read More -
How To Make A Curved Fence
A curved fence may be a bit of a misnomer. The segment of fence between each post is always a straight line no matter what the building materials. If the posts are set following an arc or curve, the series of straight lines formed by each fence segment forms a curve.
Read More -
How To Clean Selenite
Selenite takes its name from the Greek word for the moon. Also known as moon stone, selenite is a form of gypsum. The stones are commonly clear to translucent but may contain light tints of various colors. Selenite has been found on every continent except Africa and Antarctica.
Read More -
Make Your Own Gray Water Dry Well 55-Gallon Drum
Utilizing a 55-gallon drum as part of a dry well allows wastewater generated from sinks and laundry appliances to be disposed without impacting the sanitary sewer. The dry well is a simple structure designed to allow water to soak away below ground level.
Read More -
How To Make Rock & Gravel Driveways
Gravel driveways are common in rural America. The roads often contain a mix of small stones, clay, sand and other materials. Pit gravel, gravel material as it is removed from the pit or quarry, is usually crushed to a consistent size before use.
Read More -
How To Use 3-Tab Shingles For Ridge Cap
The ridge cap, the course of shingles on the very ridge of the roof, can be made from available 3-tab shingles. Two simple cuts create three pieces that can be used to finish the shingle project. There are some simple techniques to follow when attempting this project.
Read More -
Do-It-Yourself Bar Plans
Building a bar is great addition to a family or recreation room. A bar can be built in a variety of designs. The finished product is only limited by the space available and the skills and imagination of the builder.
Read More -
How Much Paint Is Needed For A Two Car Garage?
The amount of paint needed to cover a two-car garage will vary based on several factors. The homeowner will need to calculate the square footage of the surface that will be painted and research the covering capacity of the paint being chosen.
Read More -
What To Do If You Spill Gasoline On The Engine Of The Lawnmower
Small spills of gasoline are common when filling lawnmowers and other small engine yard and garden machines. Spills on lawnmower engines can be a safety issue. The spills also can create an environmental hazard.
Read More -
What Are Alternatives To String Trimmers?
String trimmers, sometimes call weed whackers or weed eaters, use an electric or gasoline engine to spin a hub which holds a piece of string. When the string rotates at a high speed, it cuts grass or other plant materials around trees, foundations and other obstacles in lawns and yards.
Read More -
How To Get Rid Of Black Ground Beetles
The ground beetle family is made up of about 3,000 species worldwide of which 2,200 species occur in North America. Ground beetles are often black in color and have small heads and large bodies with hard wings. Cockroaches look similar but differ because they either have no wings or soft wings.
Read More
