Jay Jackson and Laura Stone are moving into their first home, and we’re helping them tackle needed improvements and repairs to get it ready.
Bathroom Vent Fan Upgrade
Replacing an old, noisy bathroom exhaust fan in the home was simple, thanks to a Bath Fan Upgrade Kit from NuTone (model# 690NT, available at The Home Depot). The upgrade kit uses the existing fan housing for fast and easy installation.
To install a bath fan upgrade kit:
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- Remove Old Fan: Remove the existing fan cover and motor unit.
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- Install Fan Mounting Plate: Choose the fan mounting plate in the kit that matches the old fan, and install it on the new fan motor.
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- Insert New Fan: Install the new fan motor in the existing fan housing.
- Attach Fan Cover: Plug the fan motor in, and install the replacement cover.
Watch Replacing a Bathroom Exhaust Fan to find out more.
Replace Tub Caulking
To remove the old caulking around the bathtub, we used a Homax Caulk Finishing Set (model# 5860), which includes a caulk removal tool and a caulk finishing tool.
Once the old caulk had been removed, the joint was filled with Titebond Ultimate MP Sealant. A light coat of denatured alcohol was misted on the caulk to make it easier to smooth.
Watch How to Caulk Around a Tub to find out more.
If the finish on your bathtub has seen better days, you can give it a brand new look with the Homax Tub & Sink Refinishing Kit.
Watch Refinishing Bathroom Fixtures to find out more.
Install Interior Window Casings
To improve the look of the drywall window returns, we replaced the window stool with one that extended further out on each end.
Next, window casings were mitered, cut to length, and nailed around the opening, leaving a slight revel between the casing and drywall corner.
Watch Installing Wood Window Casing to find out more.
Kitchen Tile Backsplash
To add pizzazz to the kitchen, a tile backsplash was installed behind the stove using SimpleMat peel-and-stick tile setting mat.
Once the adhesive mat was in place, the protective covering was removed, and the mosaic tile (Jeffrey Court French Palace Stone Marble Mosaic Wall Tile, model# 99433) were applied to the wall followed by grout.
Watch Installing a Mosaic Tile Backsplash to find out more.
To give plastic laminate countertops the look of granite, consider refinishing them with a Granite Countertop Paint kit from Giani.
Watch How to Apply Granite Countertop Paint to find out more.
Lawn Care
It’s important for first time homeowners to have a lawn mower that’s easy to use, such as those from Lawn-Boy.
When cutting the grass in your lawn:
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- Mulch Clippings: Mulching grass clippings is both easier and better for your lawn than bagging, since mulched clippings return nutrients back into the soil.
- Cutting Height: When cutting the grass, set the height of the lawn mower blade so it only cuts one-third of the grass height.
Read our article on the Proper Mowing Height for Different Types of Grass to find out more.
Exterior Home Maintenance and Repair
To improve the look of the concrete patio, it was cleaned using a OneWash pressure washer from Generac.
The rotten fascia boards on the eaves were replaced with cellular PVC trim boards from Royal Building Products, which are impervious to both rot and insect damage.
If you’re moving into a new home, check out our First Time Homeowner site for a wealth of articles, videos, and more.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Custom Made Cabinet Bumpers
To keep cabinet doors from slamming, attach a 1/8” thick shim to the cabinet face, put painter’s tape on the corners of the cabinet frame, and spray the tape with cooking oil. Dap silicone caulking on the inside corners of the cabinet door, close the door, and allow the caulk to harden. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Designer Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tiles come in a wide range of styles, sizes, patterns, and materials—including glass, stone, ceramic, and porcelain. The tiles are preassembled in 12” x 12” sheets on a mesh backing to make them easy to cut and install. Designer mosaic tiles are available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)
Ask Danny Lipford:
Installing Tile Over Vinyl Flooring
You can lay ceramic tile directly over a vinyl floor on a concrete slab using thin-set adhesive as long as the vinyl is glued securely to the concrete and in good condition. When laying tile over vinyl on a wood floor, nail or screw a layer of cement backer board over the vinyl before tiling. (Watch Video)
