Q. I am remodeling my bathroom and decided to go with Loose Lay Sheet Vinyl Flooring, I have 3/4" subfloor and am going to install 1/4" 5-ply Birch Underlayment on top of this, however, I need a way to fasten this to the subfloor, I have seen Chisel Staples, Ring-Shank Nails, and Underlayment Screws. My problem is deciding which to use, but also, I have been told that you do not want to have the fastener break through the subfloor, meaning I need a fastener < 1" long. Assuming 3/4" is what I need, I cannot for the life of me find 3/4" nails or screws, but I would rather use these then staples. Is there any way I can get 3/4" nails or screws for underlayment installation?

A. Underlayment is normally installed with staples. They are normally 1/4 inch wide and 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches long. Directions call for a staple every six inches on the entire underlayment. These staples will shoot into the top layer of the underlayment. Once fastened, floor leveler is used to fill the dents and joints of the underlayment. This is then sanded lightly to remove excess floor leveler, and make the surface smooth and ready to install the vinyl. Screws or nails will work, but the finished product will look much better if staples are used according to the directions for the underlayment.

Q. I was thinking at most 36" with for the hallway (pre-drywall width). Is this too narrow? Can I go smaller? The hallway leads to a bathroom and a bedroom.

A. TOOOOO SMALLL.. Nat. building code would put 36" pre dry wall as too skinny. I would go with a 42" min. so casing trim can be easily installed without riping it down. Good luck.

A. Saniflo is a gray water pumping system like bathroom macerators....Saniflo products are not much good try another system....Contact with professional plumbers....

Q. I'm thinking of renting a friends basement. It needs a lot of work though, I'm a very organized, neat freak person and the basement is a train wreck. The bathroom doesn't work, there's a couple doors missing, everything needs painting, tiled, and carpeted. It needs also needs new cabniets. Plus the BIGGEST problem is, we seen a snake down there a couple weeks ago, and I have no idea how to get it out. So all in all, what i need to know is how much/how long do you think it will take to get this place ready to live in?? Should I ask her if I can get months free for fixing it up?? How do i get rid of the snake? PLEASE HELP ME..I'm going crazy.

A. The first thing you need to determine is if there are any local codes that prevent a basement being used as a habitat. The next important thing is to have some sort of written agreement covering the cost of making it livable and, or, a lease agreement. Next, I would hire an exterminator to get rid of the snake, mice, and other critters. When that is done, clean out anything you don't want or plan on replacing. Now, get prices from contractors to do any of the work you don't plan on doing yourself. Remember that it is not your house, so any investment you make belongs to the owner. Check to see if you can get renters insurance. Better talk to an accountant, as your friend will have to pay income tax on earned income. That's enough for now, from me. Good luck and I hope your wish can become a reality.

Q. I wnat to start make some designs for remodeling project , what progam are the best, i want to be 3d be able to see the plase from diferent angles, to be able to use existing products ( like furniture and tiles and sink ) on market .. thank you

A. Try Sketchup: http://sketchup.google.com/ Easy to learn--I've used it for deck design and planning remodeling projects at my house. You can view the house from any angle, including beneath and above. My son used it to try out various ways of rearranging the furniture in his dorm room.

Q. I am just now starting to finish my basement. When we built 2 yrs ago we had it prepped for a bathroom and a wet bar. We are starting at the bathroom, do we put the walls up first and have the plumber out before the walls go up? Do we want the sink/tub/toilet there for him or is that not necessary? I guess my question is what steps do I take and in what order? Thanks in Advance!!

A. Do your framing for the walls, then call the plumber to have him install the pipes that will be hidden inside the wall. The bathtub etc can also be installed at the same time. Install the water faucets after the room is finished/walls installed so they will not be accidentally damaged during construction. Hint: Tape the drains & cover the toilet while you work so construction material, nails etc won't fall into the drain. 1 nail lodged in the drain, add some hair/sludge equals a real problem to fix later.

Q. I am asking for any creative and inexpensive ideas for remodeling our basement bathroom. Its a small 8'x9' full bath that I want to make feel like the infamous Playboy mansion grotto, without all the craziness. Please help! Thanks!!!

A. If you have a company in your area that sells styrafoam 4x8s for home walls--they are several inches thick--get a few and cut cavelike stalagmites and stalagmites. Foam is usually blue unfortunately. You will probably have to glue it to the walls but use a minimum of construction glue--just enough to hold it--like liquid nails. Then paint it with art gesso or a stucco paint. For a final application of color, use several shades of greys or tans. You can cut the foam with a foam saw or ask what is recommended. I used a sharp electric knife and a saw. You can also gouge out veins and crannies with scoops etc. if you just have large pieces in places. I did this for an exhibit and it worked pretty well.

Q. Hi I am an 18 year old female. I am going to college an hour away from home and want to transfer to my same school but in a closer campus so I can live at home. Basically in order to do that, I want to fix up my basement (I gave my sister my room when I decided to dorm here) I was wondering if anyone knows general price ranges of fixing up a basement. Its a very small room (enough for one person though) with a kitchen and bathroom. I would need to remove mold, (its not a big mold problem but because of a flood we had in the basement its very damp) Also, re-do the carpet, repaint the walls. If I want the bathroom I think I think the shower needs to be re-tiled--but thats not a big deal I could always use the one upstairs. And I would also need to buy a bed and maybe a mini-fridge, everything else I have from when I dormed. I have about $600 in a check, and get paid about $140 every two weeks. I can save my money, but I would like to know if anyone has expierences with this, they can share their story. In order to get this done I want to show my parents that I am serious about it and did some research. Thank you for your help.

A. Ok like with most renovations the kitchen and bathroom are going to be the most expensive thing to do so if they are useable for now then maybe forget them and focus on the rest of the room. so first thing youll need to do is clean and prepare the site for your work so as you suggested getting rid of the mould is very important, its very important to find where the moisture is coming from and then fix that to prevent any further leakage, if you can or can not fix it an important thing is ventilation, just make sure fresh air is circulating through the room, even use normal house fans to keep things fresh. to save money on the carpet i would suggest getting an overall measurement of the room and look on ebay to find a roll that will fit the room, often people sell their used carpet when their renovating their house, you will also need carpet spikes which are nailed around the edge of the room and then the carpet grips to that lastly youll need under lay as well which goes on the concrete slab and then the carpet is rolled out on top of that, sadly youll need a carpet layer to do the final cut and install but by purchasing everything he needs youll save money. as for painting ill leave that to you as it doesnt take a genius to figure that one out, $600 isnt much to work with but with the right preparation and doing as much yourself youll save alot. the bathroom and kitchen are a little more difficult but if you have some spare cash to throw at them you can email me at cheerscraigo@yahoo.com and ill tell you about tiling and replacing the shower head and taps.