Gene and Katie Hamilton
Gene and Katie Hamilton are veteran do-it-yourselfers whose column, "Do It Yourself Or Not," has been in newspaper syndication for 20 years. They've been in the home improvement trenches long enough to know when to hire a contractor and when to do a project yourself and share their sage advice with real life experience and dollar and cents figures.
The award-winning authors have penned 20 home improvement books. Their latest best-seller, "Fix It and Flip It," is a handbook for investors who want to buy, fix and sell houses. The Hamiltons are best known for their quirky, no-nonsense philosophy of home improvement and demystifying a home repair so it's not intimidating. Their offbeat humor can be found in a series of "Dummies" titles including "Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies," "Plumbing for Dummies," "Carpentry for Dummies" and "Home Improvement For Dummies." Gene and Katie are Internet pioneers who founded HouseNet.com, the first home improvement site on the Web. As home improvement experts they are frequent speakers at home shows across the country and have appeared on "The Today Show," "Dateline," "CNN News" and many other television shows.
Gene and Katie Hamilton Samples
Install an Iron Railing
An ornamental iron railing on the entry porch of many older homes has provided sure footing for years. Fence companies sell and install custom ornamental iron fencing, and lumberyards and home centers sell precut railing sections and components.
Hang a Mirror
Judging by the photo spreads in home design magazines, mirrors seem to be very popular wall decorations in today's homes. The weight of a mirror is a concern and should be considered with caution.
Replace a Sliding Patio Door
Typically, a sliding door that leads to a patio or deck will get a rigorous daily workout. When scheduling the replacement of a patio door, consider the weather, because once the old unit is removed the opening is exposed to the elements.
Rebuild a Window
An alternative to replacing a drafty old double-hung window is to rebuild the window with a jamb liner kit made of aluminum replacement channels.
Install an Aluminum Awning
An attractive window awning adds curb appeal to a house and protects it from the sun, blocking annoying glare and reducing summer cooling costs.
Install Landscape Speakers
If you enjoy spending time on the deck or patio, consider bringing your favorite music outside with outdoor speakers. The speakers are designed for permanent outdoor installation to withstand the elements year-round.
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