Chip Wade - Expert Craftsman

I had a blast taking part in a live chat on Twitter for HGTV Magazine yesterday. I got to answer DIY and home repair questions in addition to sharing about projects around my house. Here’s a glimpse into some of the topics we covered in the chat, cleaned up for grammar and spelling since we’re typing on the fly!

We want to know what’s the most common home repair question you get?
Most of the questions I get revolve around getting the most out of your main living spaces. Like your master bedroom and kitchen.

@JaySaint Question for Chip: I’m new in town. How do I know if my contractor is any good?
Don’t hire a contractor that has only done additions to build your deck… Etc. Find someone who has built many decks you like. You always have to see work done previously by a contractor.

@sgbarber How do you recommend storing a dual cartridge respirator and after a single use?
You want to clean them and let them dry. Store in a cool dry place away from contaminants. You can even keep them in a plastic bag.
@sgbarber At 3M, we like to help remind consumers to change their furnace filters before they get too loaded.
Agreed! Changing your filter regularly helps not only your air quality but helps extend the life of your furnace.

@blueeyedrj What’s the best way to unclog the kitchen sink drain?
To unclog I always check the trap first by disconnecting it. If not blocked there, I will go do a solution…If all else fails I go to mechanical means… A plumbing snake.
@blueeyedrj same thing for toilet and tub clogs?
It’s sometimes too difficult to get to a tub trap. So I often start with the snake in the tub as it is usually hair. For the toilet, the plunger is king, then you move to the snake…. But try to sucker your spouse into doing that one!

How do you get windows open that are painted shut?
You first want to wait for a low humidity day so the windows are contracted. Relieve all perimeter paint with a razor and gently tap till open.

What are the 5 tools no homeowner can be without?
Loaded question… I love tools, but every home owner should have a quality cordless drill set, tape measure, circ saw, Sander, set of pliers.

It’s been a very eventful month to say the least. I think I set the record for the most flights between San Francisco & Atlanta and I was involved in an accident on the freeway that thankfully brought no injury- praise God!

Between the traveling and surviving the roads, I’ve managed to sneak my way inside the sixth and current season of HGTV Design Star. My episode airs in a few weeks, but start watching now to have a frame of reference for the show. New episodes of Design Star air every Monday at 9:00 PM Eastern time.

To provide a little background, HGTV Design Star is where 12 contestants, who are talented interior designers, contractor, stylists and artists, fight to win their own show on HGTV. They have to impress the judges throughout the competition in some pretty difficult challenges in order to claim the victory.

What am I doing on my episode? I don’t want to give away any of the details, but let’s just say I don’t envy the pressure that these contestants face. Make sure to visit the official Design Star page on the HGTV website for more details and schedules- and let me know what you think when my episode airs!