Installing new windows is a great way to improve the look of your home and also lower your heating bill in the process, if you life in a cold climate.  Another point to ponder is that in order to improve you homes energy consumption you need to install energy efficient replacement windows.

How to Install Replacement Windows

Here are some steps that should be good general guidelines for installing windows yourself.  Some replacements will have nailing flanges especially if they are new. If your installing used replacement windows they may have the nailing flages cut off.  This is usually not a problem.  You will need to nail or screw through the jamb, much like installing a door.

Step 1 – Double check your measurements to make sure the window you intend to replace is the same size.

Step 2 – Caulk the inside edge of the outside window stops, and along the windowsill. Just a thin bead of caulking will do.

Step 3 – Place the window in the rough opening after you have caulked the nailing flange. If there is no nailing flange simpley set the window in place. I’ve found it works good to set it on shims so there is an equal gap around the entire window.

Step 4 – You should save the trim from the old windows. You will need to refinish by installing the inside stops and trim.

Step 5 – Caulk where the trim meets the window fram both inside and out.

Step 6 – Go outside and examine your handiwork. The window should have a sloped frame that matches the slope of the sill. If not, it should come with an insert that can be used to cover the gap. If there’s a gap but you don’t have an insert, you can cover it with a piece of wood. Caulk the seams where the insert (or your piece of wood) goes against the frame.

Step 7 – Good Job!

Here is a video that shows the steps in replacing a window. Both taking out an old window and installing the new one.

DIY Video on Installing a Replacement Window.

Real Granite counter tops can really be difficult to work with and lets face it, granite counter tops are not the most budget friendly product for your do it yourself kitchen counter tops.

Best DIY Counter top?

I like granite and besides the durability, which usually is not an issue with counter tops, a really like the look.

This Giani granite paint is  a way to do it yourself granite counter tops without actually using granite at all.  The product applies over most any existing counter top material. It is actually a granite paint.  I think this is a new product but don’t quote me on that.

I think this looks like one of the best diy counter top ideas I’ve seen and I can’t wait for feedback from our readers.

Do you know of any similar products you can share with us?

• Shovel, Small Excavating Equipment, or Hire an Excavator.
• Sand. Approx 6′ to 8″ sand cushion.
• Level or Laser.
• Compactor.
• Gravel for Sub grade. (Optional)
• 2×4 for a Screed Board.

Step by Step Guide to Constructing your concrete paver patio.

• Remove sod and black dirt and remove it from site. You may want to save a little for back fill once the paver patio is installed.
• Install Sand or gravel for a subase. Whether your using sand or gravel it is imperative that the sub grade is compacted properly. I recommend renting a compactor if you don’t own one.  Hand compacting could work if the patio area is small enough.
• Once the sub grade is installed and compacted you will need to use the 2×4 to screed off the surface making it consistent and even. Establish where you want the water to shed if the situation requires that to happen.
• Now your ready to install your brick pavers.  I wont go into depth on installing concrete patio pavers in this article if you have questions, ask in the forum.

How to Install a Concrete Paver Patio Video.

Well I hope this answers any questions you had or at least gives you a good idea of what is involved with a do it yourself concrete patio block patio. Thanks for visiting.