Everybody Wants To Find A Secret
Tales From The Field, Episode 2: Everybody Wants To Find A Secret
https://honesthome.libsyn.com/tales-from-the-field-episode-2Christopher’s keen eye leads him to discover a surprise for the new homeowner!
An Issue of Utility
Tales From The Field, Episode 1: An Issue of Utility
This first episode of Season 2 follows Christopher through searching for and discovering a utility room that wasn’t quite up to snuff.
Storage
Storage
Most of us have a lot of stuff. A great deal of that stuff is useful, but that doesn’t mean it has to be immediately accessible at all times. In this episode we take a verbal stroll through the home and discuss the many storage options available for the variety of room types and needs most homeowners have.
Radon 101
Radon 101
This week we talk about radon – what it is, where it comes from, how to measure it, and how to mitigate. The State of Minnesota recently enacted a law requiring licensure for radon measurement professionals, and as a part of that licensure, Christopher has to complete several hours of continuing education a year. In this episode he shares some of the things he learned at his last class.
Additional resources:
CDC Radon Facts
State of Minnesota Radon Resources
Our Radon Facts Page
Rachel Malmberg and A Breath of Hope
Central Air Unit Maintenance
Central Air Unit Maintenance
Hey, guess what? It’s hot and humid in Minnesota during the summer! Crazy, right?! Anyway, we know that routine cleaning and maintenance of things that we operate by pushing a magic button on the wall are tasks that slip by us all too easily, so we’re here to remind you of what you need to do to ensure your AC unit is in tip-top shape this summer.
For those of you who also appreciate visuals, we found a rather straight-forward video that covers some of what we discuss in the episode.
Painting 101
Painting 101
Painting is something most homeowners feel they can tackle on their own. If you’ve never painted before, or you just want to get some tips from an expert, we’ll talk you through tools and technique in this week’s episode. Also: Theresa has a revelation that emphasizes the value of enunciation!
Tools
- Brush for cutting – anywhere between 2 1/2″ – 3″ – really depends on your hand size and strength
- Drops – plastic or canvas, but try to get at least one drop that is “paint proof” – plastic that won’t let spilled paint seep through to the floor. Accidents happen!
- Roller frame for holding the paint roller
- Handle for the roller frame – you can even get extendable ones that let you adjust to the amount of space you’re working in and the wall height
- Roller – reusable or single-use. Christopher’s preferred single-use are Contractor First 3/8″ nap for most wall types.
- Tray and tray liners
- Paint cup – this style will save your hand a lot of pain!
- Step stool
- Paint tool – we said 5-in-1 but they have up to 14-in-1!!
- Edger tool and pads
Process
- Clean – wipe down walls and woodwork with TSP
- Spackle! (no toothpaste!)
- Remove all switch plates and outlet covers. Tape over switches and outlet faces for added security. Tip: tape screws to the plate so they don’t get lost!
- Tape – remember to tape as much as you feel necessary in order to paint with confidence.
- Cut around all edges, frame around outlets and switches, windows, doors, etc.
- Paint! Roll the paint on using the N method – from left to right you apply the paint up, diagonal down, then up again. And then you fill in right to left, and run across once more left to right!
- Cut again using the edger pad to ensure a good solid line. Don’t let the edging dry down too much before applying the final coat of paint or you’ll end up with a distinct line.
We’ll be doing some painting in our home soon, so we’ll try getting some video of the process to add to this page! When we get that video, we’ll post it here and to our Facebook feed!