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Mike Klimek

Home repair columnist

Mike Klimek is a licensed contractor and owner of Las Vegas Handyman. Questions may be sent by email to handymanoflasvegas@msn.com. Or, mail to 4710 W. Dewey Drive, No. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89118. His web address is www.handymanoflasvegas.com.

The Latest
Test fence’s strength before replacing it.

Before deciding whether to repair the fence or replace it, test its strength. If most of the framework feels solid, I would repair it. If most of the posts are falling down, it’s probably best to rebuild.

Don’t neglect routine shower maintenance

Homeowners often neglect to repair cracked or missing tile grout and to replace the old caulking. Grout will crack and chip out creating a void where water can enter.

No change in cabinetry to install microwave range hood

Q: I have a cheap range hood that is permanently stained and, as a bonus, it stinks. I want to replace it with a microwave oven/range hood combination, but I don’t see any ductwork in the cabinet above the hood. Do I need to change the cabinetry?

Optical sensors probably causing garage door problem

Q: I have a problem with my garage door opener. When I push the button, it goes up with no problem. However, when I push the button for the door to go down, it comes down about a foot and then goes back up. If I hold the button down though, the door will close. I hope this won’t be an expensive repair.

Installing ceiling fan is straightforward

Once you buy a ceiling fan, follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions. With some fans, you attach the blades to the motor housing and then hang the completed fan, while with others, you secure the motor to the ceiling first and then attach the blades.

Security doors run gamut of cost, appearance

There are security doors available to fit every taste and budget. You can get a basic door with steel bars and a screen for about $150 or pay as much as $300 for a fancy model.

Buying expensive toilet isn’t always worth extra price

You can get a cheap toilet for around $100, and you can spend several hundred dollars for the high-end models. Spending more doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting a better toilet. What it usually means is that it’s more decorative.

Replacing screens on windows takes only 30 minutes each

A kit for a 4-by-4-foot window, which will allow you to replace the screen’s frame and rescreen the window, will cost about $35. The kits come in different colors and finishes, but they are all easy to assemble.

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