This how-to guide is a compilation of several articles from 2010 when we were going through the process of removing a load bearing wall. It was a big project that took place over the course of several days and required the help of professional contractors and engineers. This article will walk you through the process, step-by-step so you can see how the pros completed the job. For any of you who weren’t with us in January 2010, this was the last wall to be removed in the conversion to an open floor plan in our home, as indicated by... 

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If you’re a regular reader, you’ll recognize this is the part of our Pro-Follow series with expert general contractor Steve Wartman. We’re following Steve as he and his crew remodel an unfinished basement. For any of our readers in the greater Baltimore area looking to hire a contractor, I highly recommend Wartman Home Improvements. To see more of Steve’s work, take a look at our how-to articles for building a deck and building a shed. Now that the walls have been framed, the electric and plumbing are roughed... 

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When Ethan and I set out to convert my garage into the OPC workshop, I knew from the start that I wanted the large back wall to be donned with two 4×8 sheets of pegboard. When I was growing up, my father’s workshop had sported a large sheet of pegboard, and I remember how cool it was that dad could find just about anything he needed on his pegs or inside one of his two large tool chests. Since Ethan and I knew we’d be using the shop as a backdrop for our blog photography, we thought we needed to make our pegboard a bit... 

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Many of you have expressed how much you enjoy the Pro-Follow articles, and I’m excited to kick-off another series. If you’re a subscriber or regular reader, you know that every Pro-Follow is the product of shadowing a licensed contractor on an actual job site. Seeing the pros in action, getting expert tips and being able to ask questions is the best way to learn how to accomplish your next home improvement project, and I hope you take advantage of all of our Project Guides. I’ve partnered with contractor and carpenter... 

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Welcome back to our latest Pro-Follow. If you read yesterday’s Pro-Follow update about replacing a door header, you’ll recognize this is the second part of that project. Steve and his crew discovered a poorly built header and replaced it before continuing on to replace the patio doors. Today’s article shares how to install a new patio door, including the steps necessary to waterproof and level the door. If you’d like to learn more about our Pro-Follows and the contractors with whom we’ve partnered, check out... 

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Contractors can’t always foresee every possible scenario when they bid a job, and they often have to assume that previous tradesmen have done their work appropriately. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and even simple jobs became much more involved. Professional contractor and carpenter Steve Wartman and his crew began the process of replacing a patio door when they uncovered a poorly built header. Steve couldn’t in good conscience continue with the project until they replaced the header, and here’s how... 

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Repairing drywall is a great do-it-yourselfer task because tools and materials are cheap, and there’s very little risk (to you or the house). Plus, if you can master the repair, it’s a skill that will serve you well no matter if you own or rent. So before you call the local handyman next time, give yourself a chance to tackle this basic, home improvement project. Materials List Drywall (see below) Mesh tape (see below) Setting compound (see below) Backer boards (see below) 1-1/4″ Drywall screws Drywall: Also called... 

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We are back with professional contractor Joe Bianco as he walks us through the process of remodeling a basement. Just like our latest series for building a deck, these Pro-Follows will (eventually) wrap up with an all-encompasing guide. It’ll be a great resource for anyone looking to finish their basement. So far we’ve covered: Day 1: Framing the basement Day 2: Rough-in plumbing Day 3: Rough-in electric Today’s update focuses on hanging drywall as two separate subcontractors work to get everything ready for painting... 

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A lot of the popular design sites like to give you a tour of their house as an example of their creative talent. Well, I’m not going to do that. Instead, I’d like to show-off the official OPC workshop, because it’s awesome. Plus, it’s been a few months since we gave you an update. If you’re a regular reader, you’ve probably already seen elements of our shop like these hardcore workbenches, the wall-mounted lumber storage rack, and the epoxy paint floor coating. If you’re not a regular reader,... 

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Today’s article takes us back to our deck building Pro-Follow! I’ve been shadowing general contractor and carpenter Steve Wartman and his crew as they construct a 12 x 24′, composite deck. If you’re just joining us, I’d suggest taking a look at these previous articles to get up to speed on the project before starting below. Day 1: Pouring concrete footers, and securing the ledger board Day 2: Installing the support posts, beams and joists Day 3: Adding the band board, blocking between joists and building... 

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