Community » CP White Pages » Amy Whittle
SUBSCRIBE
PROMOTE
FAVORITE
COMMENT
RSS
Amy Whittle

Amy Whittle

living in Reno, NV
   
CLOUT INDEX
TOTAL VIEWS: 723,835|PUBLISHED CONTENT: 385|FAVORITED BY: 7|CONTENT PRODUCER SINCE: 12/04/2006

Amy Whittle is a freelance writer that focuses on home improvement and DIY articles. She is available for writing assignments and can be contacted at amywhittlefreelance@gmail.com.

Education/Experience: BA

Interests: home improvement, architecture, DIY, sustainable design, interior design, green building

URL
RSS
Amy Whittle's Favorite Content Producers
None yet.
Send Amy Whittle a Message
More about Amy Whittle
 
Showing Results 1 - 200 of 385
A good Irish gift can be a great way to honor someone's heritage or expose the recipient to a different culture. While Ireland might be known for their Celtic heritage, there are many other Irish gifts that are not Claddagh rings or crosses.
While gourmet gifts may be perfect for the dedicated foodie, plenty of other people enjoy a chance to eat something that they would not ordinarily try, or be able to afford.
Knowing how to clean a whirlpool tub can extend the useful life of your jets. It will also insure that residue that is caught within the jets is not recirculated within the whirlpool tub.
Knowing how to fix a leaking shower head can prevent a visit from the plumber as well as save on water bills. Although there are several possible causes for leaking shower head, most can be identified and fixed by a careful homeowner.
Corner bead repair is an easy technique to repair damage to the corner of a wall. Follow this tutorial to evaluate the repair your wall will need and the steps required to complete the job.
Brick veneer, or brick facing as it is also called, is inexpensive when compared to real brick and can be easily installed by a homeowner with an eye for detail.
A few damaged bricks can greatly impact the overall appearance of a brick wall. If you can find appropriately matched bricks, consider replacing them yourself.
Installing a pedestal sink where one already exists is an easy job for almost any homeowner. Although slightly more intimidating than installing a vanity, installing a pedestal sink is still an task that is within the skill set of many do it yourselfers.
A broken fluorescent light ballast often gives itself away by leaking an oily dark substance or making a large humming noise. If you notice any of these problems with your fluorescent light, consider replacing the ballast rather than replacing the entire light fixture.
If you have aluminum siding on your home chances are it has a few dings or an end cap missing. Because aluminum siding is so delicate, it is not unusual to need repairs, and most homeowners can save several hundred dollars by doing these repairs themselves.
Baseboard heaters are often found in older homes because installing them is often simpler than installing the extensive ductwork that other systems require. If one of your baseboard heaters goes out, you may want to consider replacing it yourself.
Knowing how to bleach wood can save a piece of furniture that is too dark, stained, or just needs an update. If you are comfortable with basic finishing techniques, you should have little difficulty bleaching wood yourself.
Baffles are used in an attic to properly ventilate your roof, preventing moisture from becoming trapped and causing rot.
Acoustical ceiling tiles are often difficult to replace because of the grooves that are used to fit each individual tile together. This makes replacing a single ceiling tile a more difficult job than replacing a floor tile.
An attic blanket is an easy way to add more insulation to an attic, therefore preventing heat from escaping your house during the winter.
By removing stained grout and re-grouting your floor you can be assured that your ceramic tile floor will look cleaner in the future. This job is an easy one for many homeowners, provided they have a steady hand and some patience.
Replacing your old or damaged sheet vinyl floors with new vinyl is an easy way to update a kitchen or bathroom. Most sheet vinyl products are made with the homeowner in mind, therefore they are easy to use and inexpensive.
Because the handrail is often the most difficult part to paint and stain regularly, many homeowners choose to only install a composite handrail, which can greatly reduce the time spent preserving the deck at minimal cost.
While many professionals will charge hundreds of dollars to patch and seal an asphalt driveway, the careful homeowner can do the work himself.
Installing a roof using corrugated roofing panels is an easy way for a homeowner to quickly cover a patio without the help of a contractor.
Installing extruded composite decking is more difficult than installing a typical deck, but still a doable project for many homeowners.
While you can hire someone for resurfacing concrete projects, consider doing it yourself. Not only is this an easy project to tackle for many homeowners, but you also can get some experience working with concrete that can be applied to other projects.
Transitional plumbing fittings create an easy way for the homeowner to connect different types of pipes made of different materials. PVC, copper, even galvanized iron can be connected to one another with the use of the proper fitting.
Replacing a faulty dishwasher gasket can remove the need to replace the entire appliance. The rubber of the dishwasher gasket often wears away or becomes stiff, preventing it from making an appropriate seal with the surrounding appliance.
Oil stains on your concrete garage floor or driveway are easily removed if they are new and even older stains can at least be partially removed with some elbow grease.
A railing planter is an easy way to add plants to a deck or porch and increase the attractiveness of the exterior of your home. While there are many railing planters on the market today, you can build your own custom planter and install it in a few hours.
A deck cover is an easy way to update the look of an unattractive, but still structurally sound structure. Far less than the cost of a new deck, an ambitious homeowner can choose to install a deck cover himself, saving even more money.
A set a bathroom safety bars can provide needed stability for an elderly person stepping in and out of the bathtub. These are easy to install if you can use an electric drill.
A refrigerator gasket often needs to be changed long before the appliance must be replaced. Luckily, replacement refrigerator gaskets can be found and with a few basic hand tools and some patience a gasket can easily be replaced.
Old drain cleanout covers can be very difficult to remove even in the best of circumstances, so if you have an older home with drain cleanout plugs that are stuck, remove the offending covers and replace them with more modern fittings.
Track lighting is incredibly hardy, so if your lights stop working and replacing the bulb doesn't help, chances are the lighting contacts are dirty or a socket has burnt out.
Inexpensive and easy to install, you can add greater functionality to your bathroom shower with a simple flexible shower head adapter kit and some basic tools.
Gaps in between hardwood floorboards are almost always a problem with the moisture levels of the materials or the air inside your house. For this reason gaps can be difficult to fix once the floors are installed, but there are some remedies you can try.
Laminate flooring is supposed to be a low maintenance option for residential floors, but it can scratch and splinter just like any other type of flooring. Fortunately, quick and easy fixes can repair most damage without replacing the entire laminate flooring panel.
Because of the multiple layers used to create laminate flooring, it can be difficult to remove difficult stains such as wine, ink, and paint from laminate floors without damaging the layers.
The National Electrical code specifies that all splices and connections between wires must occur in a box that passes the code requirements, making it particularly important that you know which one is right for the job.
Replacing a blown cartridge fuse or a blown plug fuse can be a confusing task if you've only lived in newer homes that have a circuit breaker. Luckily, replacement fuses are inexpensive and replacing a blown fuse is an easy job once you know what to do.
Installing an attic fan can drastically lower the temperature of your home during hot summer months. Energy efficient and inexpensive, installing an attic fan is a good project for homeowners with some do it yourself experience and an asphalt roof or a gable vent.
Installing a new kitchen sink is often an integral part of any do it yourself kitchen remodeling project. For the careful homeowner this is an excellent way to save money rather than calling a plumber to do the work.
Finishing a basement with paneling requires only basic skills and is inexpensive for a home owner content to do the project himself.
Radiator covers allow you to integrate your heating system with the rest of the room. A well made radiator cover can offer a shelf to display items as well as visual interest to the room.
Sanding sealer is a good product to consider using when you are refinishing furniture. Essential when using a water based stain while refinishing, a sanding sealer is also a good idea to fill in naturally occurring pits and grooves in some furniture wood grains.
If your frozen pipes have already burst, follow these easy steps to patch the plumbing until a permanent fix or a call to a plumber can be made.
Layering asphalt shingles over an existing roof is a good way to replace a roof quickly but is not always the best roofing solution.
A vent hood keeps the moisture and heat from becoming overwhelming in your kitchen while cooking. If you don't already have this useful device, consider installing one.
Installing kitchen island cabinets can be an easy way to add both counter and additional storage space to a kitchen. This type of kitchen island often comes in one large unit that can easily be installed by most homeowners.
A sillcock is an exterior faucet to which garden hoses are often attached. If your home does not have one, consider installing a sillcock to aid you in getting the water that you need for your yard.
Refacing cabinets allows you to completely change the appearance of your cabinetry without replacing it. Kitchen cabinets that are refaced are covered with veneer and the hardware and doors are replaced to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Replacing your shower doors is an easy way to update your bathroom and can be completed by most home owners without outside help. With a few basic tools and some silicone caulk you can easily install new shower doors in your bathroom in a single afternoon.
Replacing your kitchen cabinets is one of the largest expenses that you will incur remodeling your home. Knowing whether stock cabinets or custom cabinetry is best for your space and budget can save you a lot of frustration and time during your remodeling project.
If you are adding ceramic tile to any surface in your home, consider installing backer board to provide a solid foundation for the tile.
Due to their location and length, a roof ridge vent is often considered one of the best roof vents. These roof vents are also easy to install for the homeowner that already has some experience laying or repairing roofing.
A soffit prevents unwanted insects and birds from creating a home in your eaves as well as giving your home a more finished look. To install or replace soffits and fascias is an easy task that is within the skill set of many homeowners.
Replacing a few damaged asphalt roofing shingles doesn't necessarily require a roofer if you have the necessarily home improvement skills.
Roll roofing is one of the few roofing materials that can easily be installed by the novice. Usually used on flat roofs or roofs with a slight slope, this is an excellent way to finish a garage or shed.
This is a primer on choosing mortar as well as the five most common mix types you will encounter at your local home improvement store.
Adding surface bonding cement to CMU walls is an easy way to add water resistance as well as durability to your walls. Available in a wide variety of colors, applying surface bonding cement to a concrete wall can greatly impact the appearance of your wall.
De-icing cables lower the risk of your roof leaking in the winter. Controlled by a thermostat, de-icing cables make use of heating wires to stop any ice from forming in between your shingles, preserving the functionality of your roof.
A leaky garbage disposal is not only unpleasant, but can be a nuisance that will cause rot and mildew. Most homeowners can fix leaks in their garbage disposal with a few basic tools and a couple of hours.
To avoid any problems, fix any leaks coming from your kitchen sink strainer as soon as you notice them. This is a simple job that can be completed by a careful homeowner with a few common tools.
Replacing a two handled faucet in your kitchen or bathroom is an easy way to update the overall appearance of the room or rid yourself of a leak for good. While a plumber could do the job for you, there are many faucet sets that can be installed by a homeowner.
Electric radiant heat systems are easily installed if you plan on installing new flooring, but you can also use this heating method by installing it under the entire floor and retain your flooring.
With eight common options that can be applied to almost any pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses, it's hard to know which are really beneficial and which options for your lenses are a waste of money.
A relief valve in your hot water heater insures that it the pressure within the tank will never be too great. For this reason, you should check your relief valve in your hot water heater to make sure that it is working properly.
Normally inexpensive, a thermocouple is standard on hot water tanks. If your thermocouple breaks or you feel it is not working properly, consider replacing it rather than installing a new gas hot water heater.
Used to adjust as well as turn on and off the water with a single handle, a ball joint faucet often gets a lot of use and is particularly vulnerable to leaks. If your ball faucet begins to leak, you can fix the problem yourself with a few new parts and some basic tools.
If your bathtub stopper isn't working or is outdated, replace it with a new one. Drain assemblies are available in many different styles with one that would compliment almost any style of bathroom.
While many homeowners may feel more comfortable calling an electrician to make such a large change in a room, a homeowner with some electrical knowledge should be able to install recessed lighting on his own.
Replacing shingles is an easy job for a homeowner with some basic hand tools and some general repair knowledge. This tutorial will detail how to replace cedar shingles on a roof, but the same techniques can be used for almost any repair situation involving wood shingles.
When the flush mechanism of your toilet breaks and cannot be repaired, don't assume you must replace the entire toilet. Instead save time and money by replacing the flush mechanism.
The best thing to do if you have a serious problem with your roof is to call an experienced roofer who can make necessary repairs. However, sometimes a roofer is not available to immediately fix the problem. This is when a DIY roof repair can be justified.
Before replacing your roof, the careful homeowner should be aware that there are eight types of roofing that are commonly used in residential construction and all can be added to an existing home.
A squeaky stair tread is an annoyance that can easily be fixed with a few basic tools and materials.
Fingerless gloves are a popular way to keep your hand warm while still leaving the tips of your fingers exposed to text and use other electronic devices. Below are five fingerless gloves options that cover any almost any activity you'll try this winter.
How best to remove a stain from concrete or brick depends on the type of stain. This article includes some of the most common stains found on masonry and how best to remove them.
This article features three companies that offer wide calf boots in larger sizes than can typically be found at the standard retailer. Ranging from completely customizable to outstanding off the rack options, there is something here to fit your budget and calves.
Sporting a sturdy exterior aluminum frame and able to easily carry a child up to 50 lbs, the Kelty FC3.0 is one of the best child carriers available.
If your sink is slow to drain, you may have the beginnings of a clog. Rather than waiting until you really have a problem, take the time to clean out the sink trap and tailpiece. It should take less then an hour to complete with the correct tools.
Dry ready mix concrete is easy to use, but sometimes is simply to expensive to use for a larger project. In this case, you might be considering mixing your own concrete.
Brickwork is considered an art by many craftsman, and choosing the appropriate mortar joint for the type of wall you will be building is part of the craft.
If you plan on working on your plumbing system, chances are you will be using PVC. PVC has become standard in residential construction and is very easy to work with when a few standards are observed so your work meets code, safety, and functionality requirements.
There are four different types of concrete, each of which are used for specific types of projects. Some types are seldom used by the do it yourselfer, while others are formulated specifically with the weekend contractor in mind.
Depending on what part of the country you live in, a water filter may be an excellent way to increase the quality of the water in your home. Problems with ground water vary greatly, so before buying anything you should always check with a professional in your area.
Concrete finishes greatly affect the overall look of your concrete pour. Choosing the right on for the job will depend on your skill level, the function of the concrete, and the aesthetic you wish to create. Here are some of the main finishes and how they are created.
Anode rods in a hot water heater prevent the inside of the tank from corroding. By replacing an anode rod, you can extend the useful life of your tank and prevent the need for replacing the whole unit.
Hydration is important to any cyclist, but for those that needed electrolyte replacement for punishing rides the options were fairly limited. Even more limited were the hydration options for cyclists who used a CamelBak to carry water.
Phil's tenacious oil is billed as the perfect oil for any area with metal to metal contact on your bike. Manufactured at an independent California refinery since 1971, Phil's tenacious oil has both rust inhibitors and additives for extreme wear.
If you live too far away to have public wastewater disposal, you must have another method of disposing of wastewater. Currently there are three code approved methods of disposing of wastewater; the septic system, lagoon, and hybrid.
Knowing how to cut cast iron pipe is an essential skill if you plan on doing any plumbing work on an older home. There are three basic methods for cutting cast iron pipes, one of which can be used for almost any plumbing situation.
If you have a problem with sediment, you're probably already aware of it. Luckily, sediment in your hot water tank can easily be flushed out, maintaining the functionality of your heater.
Chemical drain cleaners can accomplish a variety of tasks but only if you have the right one for the job. Knowing which type of drain cleaner you require will help you address any plumbing problem correctly the first time.
Applying window film can increase your privacy, block UV rays, even act as extra decoration. Current window films come with a variety of different options and are easy to install. Buy a film that suits your needs and then use this tutorial to install it right the first time.
Sinks, dishwashers, and toilets are just a few of the common items in a home that are attached through mechanical means. Fittings vary depending on the age of your home and the local building codes.
Natural gas and propane pipes are normally only installed by professional plumbers. However, knowing something about these types of pipes are important so you can easily detect any problems and know when it is time for some repairs.
While many homeowners may assume that there are only a few different types of water supply pipes, there are eight that are used regularly in residential construction. Knowing which types are in your home is essential if you plan on doing even minor plumbing repair work.
Rain rot is a common horse affliction that causes unsightly hair loss and scabbing of the skin. Also called rain scald and streptothricosis, rain rot cannot always be prevented. However understanding how the disease spreads and grows can help you protect your horses.
If you have traditional plaster walls, you may be reluctant to any work on your house. However, removing a section of a plaster wall to add a window or door is easy work that can be completed by most homeowners.
Patching stucco is an easy job as long as you have the patience to do it correctly. The finish work for stucco patching takes a week to complete, so be sure that you'll have some time each day to finish the stucco.
While most people have a passing familiarity with feng shui, they may not be familiar with symbolic baguas. Baguas allow someone to focus their energy to improve a specific area of their life.
A broken electrical circuit is the common cause of many home appliance problems. By understanding how circuits work and the components they are composed of, you should be able to spot problems and complete minor repairs around the house.
A glass block window is an excellent way of letting in light but not allowing visibility in spaces where privacy is paramount, such as a bathroom. Installing a glass block window is easy if you have any previous experience with laying brick or other masonry.
Fixing a stuck window is a simple process that requires very few outside tools or materials. Considering the hassle that a sticking window creates every time you wish to use it, follow these steps to eliminate the problem and restore your stuck window to good working order.
It's easy to repair the opener crank that moves most casement windows. Although most cranks can be repaired sometimes they must be replaced if they are particularly worn. Here are easy steps to fix or replace your window crank.
Growing in popularity in the United States, Lipodissolve is a technique that helps dissolve small pockets of unwanted fat, allowing you to lose inches in the process.
Smartlipo and liposuction are two body shaping procedures that can both yield excellent results, but which one is right for you?
Lipodissolve and liposuction are two popular methods for reducing unwanted body fat. But while Lipodissolve works by delivering a series of small injections to problem areas, liposuction is surgery that requires anesthetic and significant recovery time.
Smartlipo is a new technique that uses a laser to remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
While regular exercise has been linked to better immune systems to brain function, now scientists believe it is connected to how quickly skin heals. Research conducted indicates that that inflamed skin heals better when the patient engages in regular exercise.
Radiant barriers are materials that work in conjunction with insulation to prevent heat gain and loss and keep the inside temperature of your home at a constant. Because the attic can be a large source of heat loss, consider adding a radiant barrier to your attic.
Knocking water pipes seem to be a mystery to many homeowners. One day the knocking sound may occur, but each day the knocking will get louder. The fix for knocking water pipes is so easy that you'll want to try it right away.
For people who are connected to the city sewer system, the biggest problems with plumbing occur when tree roots grow into a pipe. Now, by using a sewer pipe camera, a homeowner can see what's really going on and if a pipe is cracked and should be replaced.
If you find out you have lead pipes in your home, your first inclination may be to replace them. However, replacing any type of plumbing is expensive and your lead pipes may not expose you to enough lead to be dangerous.
If you're thinking of replacing your windows, you may be surprised at the options available. Double hung, casement, awning, fixed, or bays, each window provides a different set of aesthetic and functional benefits and concerns.
The development of angular contact bearings allow better functioning of engines, turbines, machinery, even the common bicycle. An angular contact bearing consists of a single shouldered ball groove in one race and a two shouldered ball groove in the other race.
If you are considering adding extra insulation to your house, you may be surprised at all of the options available. Ranging from blankets to boards, choosing the right insulation for the job can be a frustrating endeavor.
Although concrete has some insulating properties, a concrete floor that is not insulated allows heat to escape from your house. Insulating your floor can save you on heating and cooling costs, as well as cut down on the coolness of the floor during the winter months.
Concrete overlays are a relatively new material that has been heavily used by the construction industry in the last twenty years. Developed to fix cracks on concrete surfaces, overlays are now being used for aesthetic reasons alone.
Although most sump pumps require little maintenance, there are a few things you should check each year. By conducting an annual check up you should be able to catch most problems before you come home to a flooded basement.
While many homeowners find wireless routers attractive, many aren't sure exactly what wireless router will work best in there home.
Many people choose ceramic tile for its beauty and longevity. However, when the grout starts to crumble or the seals start to discolor, many think that the whole wall must be replaced. If you have old ceramic tile, consider renovating the area instead of installing new tile.
Buying a sump pump can save the contents of your basement if you experience modest flooding. However, very few homeowners think about protecting the sump pump from potential hazards so it can do its job when it is needed.
Concrete or asphalt are the most common materials used to pave driveways. While both have distinct advantages, in general your climate will dictate which driveway is the best choice for you.
Adding a tiled shower stall or prefab shower stall to a half bath increases both value and utility in a home. Which form of shower stall you should choose will depend on your space and budget.
By gaining only nine pounds, blood vessel functioning could be impaired according to new research by the Mayo Clinic. Impaired function of the blood vessels is a disorder known as endothelial dysfunction, which can be a predictor a stroke or heart attack.
With unpredictable asthma symptoms on the rise among young children, city dwellers should be even more diligent in getting regular check ups. Researchers suggest as many as four or more check ups in a year may be appropriate for young children living in urban areas.
Rain gutter guards are supposed to prevent a homeowner from having to clean out his rain gutters. Made out of aluminum or vinyl, these guards fit over the rain gutter and in theory should prevent solid material from clogging your gutters.
A new poll conducted for the BBC World Service indicates that people might be willing to make personal changes, including paying more taxes on energy, in order to prevent further global warming.