Mark E. Baird

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Articles

Mark Baird: Don’t Get Tripped Up by an Inadequate Circuit Breaker Box

Jan 15, 2025 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: Last night I had way too many electrical things turned on in the bathroom and the power went out for all the plugs and lights in the bathroom, as well as two bedrooms. What can I do? Your Handyman: It sounds like your circuit breaker correctly did one of the jobs it is designed to do, which is to protect your home’s wiring from getting overheated when your appliances are demanding more electricity than the wiring can safely provide.
Mark Baird: Modern LEDs Light the Way From Science Lab to Kitchen Counter

Dec 10, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: My wife and I own a home in the Santa Barbara foothills that was built in the early 1990s. Our kitchen is original to the house, and we are very happy with our cabinets, countertops and appliances. However, we would really like to upgrade the lighting, which has three circuits, all with recessed can lights with older style incandescent flood lights. We would love some advice on how to convert to LED lighting.
Mark Baird: Why That Dream Soaking Tub Might Be More Nightmare Than Spa Retreat

Nov 26, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: My husband and I recently purchased an older Montecito home that has been partially remodeled, and now we want to completely redo the master bathroom. I have seen so many beautiful pictures online of soaking tubs, and I think we have available space for both a walk-in shower and a large tub. What are your thoughts about installing a soaking tub in our new dream bathroom?
Mark Baird: Dream Deck Decisions Framed by Synthetic vs. Redwood Questions

Nov 12, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: My husband and I are planning to finally build our “dream deck” off the back of our home, and want it to be an inviting area for barbecuing and a gathering place for our family — but also want it to add to the value of our home. I’ve been doing a little online research about plastic decking boards. They really are attractive, and the advertising claims synthetic decking doesn’t need any maintenance. What do you think of synthetic decking versus real redwood?
Mark Baird: Over the Counter Tips for Kitchen Surface Success

Oct 23, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: After many years of discussion, I have finally convinced my dear husband that we need to replace the aging countertops in our kitchen. The cabinets are in good shape, the appliances have all been replaced in the past 10 years or so, but the tile looks very dated, the grout is stained, and I just can’t stand looking at it any longer!We have searched online and at local stores for ideas for the new countertop, but all the choices are a little overwhelming for us.
Mark Baird: How Long Does It Really Take to Assemble Home Office Furniture?

Sep 24, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: My husband and I are finally empty nesters, and we are converting one of our children’s old bedrooms into our new office. We ordered two large executive-style desks with hutches, a credenza and two bookcases from an online home office furniture business. The website said that assembly is required but we were shocked when we saw how many parts and pieces were packed in each box. How much time will it take to put together our new office furniture?
Mark Baird: Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring Safe to Upgrade?

Sep 2, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: I live in a beautiful home in San Roque that was built in the late 1920s and it still has the old original knob-and-tube style of electrical wiring. The original fuse box was removed and replaced with a circuit breaker box years ago, and I have not had problems with any of the wiring. I want to add several new electrical outlets and a light fixture, and I have heard and read different takes on the safety of adding any additional load to the old wiring. Do you think this is a good idea?
Mark Baird: How You Can Build a Safe, Affordable Ramp for a Walker

Aug 8, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: My wife recently took a serious fall at our home, she was hospitalized for a while at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and, thankfully, is now back at home, but she needs to use a walker to get around. The front porch of our house has only three steps and it is very difficult for her to get up the steps, even with me helping her. Please tell us what kind of ramp we can build that is not awfully expensive and that will allow her to go to the front door with her walker.
Mark Baird: Pros and Cons of Attic Fans for Energy-Efficient Summer Comfort

Jul 23, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: Our house often gets very hot toward the end of a spring or summer day, and I have heard that an attic fan is an inexpensive way to cool off a house. Our house is a 50-plus-year-old tract home in Goleta. Can you tell me what types of attic fans are available? Your Handyman: An attic fan can be an inexpensive way to help cool off your home in the summer that is not very hard at all to install.
Mark Baird: California’s Push to Electrify Homes Will be Costly

Jul 9, 2024 | noozhawk.com | Mark E. Baird

Question: My husband and I want to replace the old cooktop and wall oven in our kitchen, and prefer a natural gas cooktop and an electric oven. Our concern is that we have read news articles saying that natural gas appliances are on the way out even though it seems like just a few years ago natural gas was being advertised as the clean fuel for cooking and heating.