Mike McClintock

When the temperature finally rises along with the grass, optimists drag the lawn mower out of cold storage, pull the cord, and expect it to start. You might get lucky,...

Ceramic tile is supposed to be the ultimate sanitary system—a floor you could turn a hose on. But every grout seam between tiles is a potential weak link where the...

Houses have thousands of parts, typically including 60 cubic yards of concrete, 10,000 board feet of lumber, and 300 pounds of nails and screws. At first it all fits seamlessly....

Most building materials eventually wear out. But before they fail completely, you have two choices: cover them or remove them when you install replacements. Burying problems is tempting because it...

Sturdy building block and fragile glass make an unlikely combination. But that's what you get with glass block -- the strength of masonry and the light of a window. It's...

It's smart to comparison shop before you buy, and easy enough on basic products. Comparing contractors' estimates is more difficult because there are so many variables -- in materials and...

Winter weather can find every weak link in a house to create drafts and raise utility bills. So how dumb is it to purposely let cold air into an attic...

Two layers of glass, insulating air spaces and high-tech reflective films can make top-line windows almost as warm as insulated walls. But whether you're considering replacements on an older home...