Clik here to view.
Total Kitchen Remodel, Day 1 : Demo
I’m excited to announce that Joe Bianco, professional contractor and president of SDG Home Solutions, is kicking off a new project, and that means we’re starting a new Pro-Follow! This is our first...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Back in the Basement, Installing the Custom Bookshelves
Joe Bianco is a general contractor with a real passion for woodworking. He’s shown me pictures of built-in cabinets and fireplace mantles he has completed in the past, and they all looked very...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Even Out a Floor in Preparation for Tile
I’ve spent the past few days with Jim from Diamond Tile located here in Maryland, and if you remember, I’ve partnered with Jim and his brother Rich before to cover topics like How to Grout a Tile Floor...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Install Schluter DITRA Tile Underlayment
If you saw yesterday’s article on How to Even a Floor to Prepare for Tile, you know that I’ve been shadowing Jim from Diamond Tile, and the next step for tiling this kitchen is to install Schluter...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Back in the Basement Remodel Completed
It’s time to close the book on another successful basement remodel. Final inspection has come and gone, and Joe and his crews are just adding the finishing touches. Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner are really...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Total Kitchen Remodel: Tile, Grout, Cabinets and Countertops
I hope you all had a great, relaxing holiday and a happy new year. I enjoyed the hiatus from OPC and The Better Half, and now I’m eager to get back to business. I’m excited for what 2013 holds and to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Painting New Construction
Some of the oldest articles on One Project Closer focus on painting (like this paint comparison), and after publishing, we quickly learned that people have very strong feelings about paint. Brand...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Total Kitchen Remodel Completed
With the break for the holidays, this kitchen remodel took several weeks to complete. However, it feels like it moved much quicker, and now Joe and his crews are adding the final touches before this...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Paint (Like a Pro)
It’s good to be back on a Pro-Follow, and I’m pleased to introduce you to Larry Smith. Larry is a professional painter, and his company also installs wall coverings (wall paper, fabrics, etc.). Larry...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Hang Wallpaper
You all met Larry last week in our article about Painting Like a Pro, and I mentioned that Larry and his company also hang wall coverings. For today’s Pro-Follow I was back on a job site with Larry and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fred & Kim’s Basement, Part 1
Between traveling and coordinating schedules, our Pro-Follows have slowed down a little so I’m glad to finally be back on a job site with Joe Bianco. We’re kicking off another Pro-Follow series, and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Detect Mold in Your House
Welcome back to our latest Pro-Follow update! If you’re a regular reader, you know that Fred and Kim have hired Joe Bianco to finish their basement, and one aspect of this remodel includes permanently...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Install or Replace an Exterior Door
It’s time for another Pro-Follow update! If you’ve been following along, you know that Joe Bianco is in the process of remodeling Fred and Kim’s basement. Last time we left off, Joe brought in Dave and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Fred & Kim’s Basement, Quick Update
Progress in Fred & Kim’s basement is moving along. If you keep up with OPC on Facebook, you’ve probably seen the pictures of Jim and Rich from Diamond Tile. They are here and working on getting the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Level a Concrete Slab or Basement Floor for Tile
Before laying tile or installing a tile underlayment like Schluter DITRA, it’s important to check the subfloor to ensure a flat, even surface. At its worst, a very uneven floor will result in broken or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Install Schluter DITRA Tile Underlayment
Even a perfectly level subfloor won’t guarantee a beautiful, long-lasting tile floor. Stresses between the concrete or wood subfloor can still cause tiles to crack and delaminate and for grout joints...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tile Subfloor: Deflection, Thickness, Common Substrates
There’s a lot of information (and mis-information) online about what constitutes a suitable subfloor for tile, and it’s tough to find a clear answer. The difficulty is that tile can be installed over a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Install Cement Board (CBU) for Floor Tile
Cement board replaces the old plaster and lathe underlayment for tile. It’s a lot easier to work with preformed cement board rather than laying a bed of mortar on the job site, and it still carries the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Mark Guidelines for Installing Tile
Welcome back to another Pro-Follow. I’ve been working with Jim and Rich from Diamond Tile as they tile Fred & Kim’s basement floor, and it’s been great to see how professional tile contractors...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to Lay Tile
If you’re just joining us, we’ve been working through a series of articles all about installing a tile floor, and I’ve partnered Jim and Rich from Diamond Tile here in Maryland. Jim and Rich are expert...
View Article