Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner install top-down, bottom-up shades to help stop her pint-sized guard dog from barking at every passing distraction while still letting natural light in. Together, they measure the windows, order the shades, and install them. Nathan then shows the homeowner how to adjust the shades from the top to block the dog’s view without darkening the room.
Next, host Kevin O’Connor joins plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to talk toilet tanks. Using both older and modern examples, Richard highlights common points of failure, explains how the components work, and shares tips for troubleshooting and repairs.
Finally, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada helps a homeowner tackle a steep, patchy front yard that’s difficult to mow and prone to erosion. Jenn brings in an excavator to soften the grade and improve water runoff, then works with the homeowner to plant low-maintenance, erosion-resistant greenery that enhances curb appeal.
Install Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades
Traditional shades force you to choose between privacy and daylight. Top-down, bottom-up shades solve that problem by allowing you to lower the shade from the top, blocking outside views while still letting light in. Once ordered correctly, installation is quick and straightforward.
Where to find it?
Shawdes used: SelectBlinds Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Shades
Honeycomb Blackout Cellular Shades, Inside Mounted in Classic White
Measure and order shades: Tape measure
After determining if you would like inside or outside mounts, measure and note the width and height of the shades needed.
Hang shades:
Deep hole marking pencil
Electric or cordless screwdriver w/ ¼” nut driver
To drill pilot holes for mounts. In the segment, Nathan used a discontinued 8V MAX cordless gyroscopic screwdriver.
Installation Brackets: Came with the shades.
Mounting Fasteners: For wood, #6 hex-head screws were provided with the shades for installation. If you’re mounting the shades on metal, drywall, or plaster, you will need different fasteners.
Check that the brackets are level and aligned after fastening them.
Common Toilet Tank Failures
Toilets have come a long way over the last 100 years or so. What were once tanks mounted high on the wall that relied on gravity are now efficient marvels of modern hydraulics. But they still have their issues, and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains the most common problems with modern toilet tanks.
How to Landscape a Steep Front Yard
A steep front yard can be difficult to maintain. Grass is hard to mow, soil washes away during heavy rain, and patchy areas quickly become an eyesore. Instead of fighting the slope, Jenn Nawada’s approach focuses on working with it—softening the grade, improving drainage, and using plants that help stabilize the soil.
Where to find it?
Excavation Digging done by: Frank Walsh Landscape Company, Inc.
Outline Area
Call 811 before digging to check for underground utility lines.
Regrade Slope
- Mini excavator to speed up digging. Available for rent.
- Flat shovels
- Metal rakes
Planting
- Gardening gloves
- Starter fertilizer: Jenn used Roots Healthy Start Advanced 3-4-3.
- Compost: Jenn used organic leaf compost from a local landscape supplier.
- Spade shovel
- Wheelbarrow
Plants
- Switchgrass: Panicum Virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ (1-Gallon)
- Little Lime Hydrangeas
- Limelight Hydrangeas
- Endless Summer Hydrangeas
- Japanese Maple Tree: Green Laceleaf (10-Gallon)
Original Air Date: Apr 16, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 20 23:42
Products and services
- Top-down, bottom-up shade kits:
SelectBlinds Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Shades
Honeycomb Blackout Cellular Shades, Inside Mounted in Classic White
- Excavation digging: Frank Walsh Landscape Company, Inc.
- Plants:
Switchgrass: Panicum Virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’
Japanese Maple Tree: Green Laceleaf - Call 811: Before you dig
All other tools and materials can be found at Home Depot.
