Tag / based paint

by Ted

Incredible Ideas For Your Next Home Improvement Project

With the right information, you can make all of your home improvement projects a success. The following article has advice that will assist you in making the most of home improvement projects. Take this advice seriously, and you will see a difference in your home in no time!

Carpet Installation

Purchase new metal fixtures for your bathroom. You can buy bathroom fixtures such as towel racks and cabinet knobs in all kinds of different styles. A lot of places will put these together in a package so you can put them in quickly and efficently.

TIP! Buy metal fixtures that complement your bathrooms; that is a cheap and quick way to modernize. You can buy bathroom fixtures such as towel racks and cabinet knobs in all kinds of different styles.

Thinking about replacing your outdated, faded or stained carpet? Keep an eye out for carpet installation promotions from retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. They quite often offer carpet installation at a much lower cost to encourage the purchase of their carpeting. These offers are well worth taking advantage of; depending on the details of your home, you may find that the labor that goes into installing new carpet is more expensive than the carpet itself.

It may be necessary for you to give a porch a fresh coat of paint. Use a good quality exterior paint. Make sure to paint using a base of the same type as the old kind; use oil for oil or water for water. Since oil-based paint generally lasts longer, it is great for trim. However, since snow and water make it extremely slippery, you should not use oil-based paint on any outside surface that is walked on.

Don’t get too carried away demolishing everything in your path when you begin a project. Always check the underlying structure that is behind a cabinet or wall before going to tear it down. If you mess up any electrical components, you will have to pay dearly to fix the damage.

TIP! When you start a home renovation, take great care when it comes to demolition. Always check structural integrity behind walls, cabinets and other places well before you tear them down.

Update your flooring and replace old carpet. You have a choice of coverings to chose from these days with carpet, hardwood and tile all being viable options. Have a chat with a well-known flooring firm to ascertain what would work best for you.

Why settle on traditional tables for your living area when you can create something distinctive and creative? One alternative is to use vintage luggage in lieu of a coffee table. As a bonus, this option also adds extra storage. If you want to improve the look of your coffee table, make sure that you top it off with some three-dimensional items that are strategically placed. You can even add a tablecloth and some decorative teacups if you want a more country look.

Find out where the gas shut off is is you are going to do some work in a kitchen. You also need to be extra careful with these types of projects. Safety is the number one priority in these situations and you don’t want anything bad to happen.

TIP! Locate your gas shutoff valve before beginning a project that involves your fireplace, kitchen appliances or anything else related to your gas line. It is critical that you take extreme caution in these types of repairs.

Write down all the items that you need prior to shopping from a home improvement project. This will make ensure you don’t have to go back in case you missed something.

You do not need to live in a mansion these days to install a chandelier. For less than $500, you can get a beautiful lighting piece to enhance your room. Total wattage of 200-400 adds extra sparkle and shine.

It is important to develop a plan before beginning any home improvement project. If you wait until the project begins to make decisions, you may not be able to make up your mind or you may make bad decisions. By planning what you want ahead of time, getting the work done will be much easier.

TIP! Plan your next home improvement project. Flying by the seat of your pants can be a disaster, whether you make bad choices or take too long to make a decision.

An air conditioner may stick out like a sore thumb in your garden decor, but it is a much needed appliance in many climate regions. Trellises or lattices are some nice ways to disguise your air conditioner to look more aesthetic. You can also try planting ornamental grasses, such as pampas grass, in the area, as long as you maintain 12 inches between the unit and the roots.

A fence keeps the good yard in and the bad animals out. It prevents wild or stray animals from entering one’s yard. It will also prevent your dog from roaming around. There are many options available in fencing, so it can look however you want it to.

You needn’t rely on artwork to improve the decor of your home, rather you can try installing three dimensional tile. Choose a couple of 3D tile colors and arrange them decoratively for a creative artistic presentation.

TIP! Expensive artwork is unnecessary when a little imagination will suffice. For example, create your own art with some simple tiles.

Are you sick of an old dresser in your bedroom? You don’t need a new dresser, why not makeover the one you have? By refinishing furniture you already have, not only do you save money, but you get a great looking piece of furniture and the satisfaction of knowing that you made it look great. There are many different colors you can stain your furniture.

Crown Molding

Focus on your entryway or porch for a bit when making improvements to your home. When someone comes to your house it will be the first thing they see, giving them an impression of what lays inside. Remove all debris and clutter and add some decorations, such as furniture, lights, or flowers. Having a nice porch will improve your home’s value.

TIP! Consider your porch when deciding what areas of your home to improve. This is where you make your initial impression to your guests.

Crown molding makes a huge difference to your walls. Plain, boring walls can be spiced up with the addition of some crown molding. Crown molding is cheap, easy to install and the possibilities are endless.

Legitimate contractors have insurance – avoid any that do not. If they cause damage to your house without having insurance, you must take them to court in order to get your money. Ask your contractor to show you proof of insurance.

Whilst undertaking home renovations in your kitchen or bathroom, it is a good idea to install new water-resistant wall board in place of the existing ordinary wall board. Water resistant wall board, also referred to as “green board” to contractors, is better able to withstand wetness and humidity. Additionally, the material is treated with a special chemical that can inhibit the growth of mold, a common household allergen and toxin.

TIP! If you plan on doing home improvements in the areas of you house that house heavy plumbing, like bathrooms and kitchens, install water-resistant walls to replace the ordinary ones. This type of wall board is generally called “green board” by insiders.

Put up some new trim and art to update your bathroom. Wallpaper trim or borders can be affordable and has so many options for colors and styles. It’s also simple to install. Add to it a few pieces of art, and you can completely transform your bathroom.

Old toothbrushes can be used for cleaning. Old toothbrushes work wonders for a variety of different home improvement projects. Best of all, they’re free! No need to buy something new; utilize what yo have available. You can spend the money you save on something else.

When you see something that’s broken, fix it immediately. Most damage that often happens to your home you may just forget about. You don’t want to give into this impulse. Your home’s systems are interconnected, so damage can travel rapidly. A tiny problem can eventually become a huge one if left to fester.

TIP! If possible, you should perform renovations immediately whenever a problem arises. In many cases, when you first notice damage, it’s minor enough that you can just forget about it and keep living with it.

Now that your mind has the knowledge it needs for home improvement, give your hands the tools. If you get stuck in the middle of a project, try reading this information again to figure out the solution.

by Ted

Practical Tips For Successful Home Improvement Projects

Whether you have a lot of experience or not, doing repairs to a home can make your life improved. Your house reflects who you are. The information in this article will help you improve your life by improving your home.

Use fans as much as possible to keep your home cool and comfortable in the summer. You can cool a room by utilizing ceiling fans as these will keep the air moving. If you use a combination of ceiling fans and room fans in place of an air conditioner, you can cut down on both your energy usage and your electric bill.

A crazy addition will add some pizazz to your house. Consider installing a wine cellar or library. It will impress your guests and anyone that is interested in purchasing your property.

TIP! When you are doing home improvements, think about your surroundings. For instance, choosing a Victorian style may stick out in a row of homes with a cottage look.

You might have to repaint your porch. If you do, take care to use a high-quality exterior paint. Make certain to use paint of an identical base to the prior paint used. An oil-based paint is better for trims and will last a long time but you should use a water-based paint for decks or floors since oil-based paint can become slippery in the winter.

To keep your yard lit after dark and still save on electricity, switch out your regular light for one with a motion sensor. You can turn the light on manually, and on many models, you can also adjust its sensitivity.

Try keeping your building materials up between the ceiling rafters. You can put up your big pieces of molding or wood in these areas. Just hammer some furring strips in place across a pair of exposed joists and slide in what you want to store.

TIP! A good way to save on money and heating costs in the winter is to insulate your attic. Heat rises and, over time, a lot of it is lost during the colder seasons in houses that have poor insulation in the attic.

When paintings or decorations have left holes in your walls from hanging, paint and spackle can clear them up. All home improvement stores sell spackle. Assuming the holes aren’t terribly large, it shouldn’t take much spackle. For tiny holes, apply the spackle with the point on a bobby pin. After the spackle has dried, use something stiff, such as a credit card, to smooth the hole until your wall looks smooth. Roll or brush on paint. The hole in the wall should disappear.

Fix any faucets that might be leaking, this is an easy fix. If you are able to find and repair these items quickly, it will minimize the amount of water that is wasted in your home each day. This can keep you within even a tight budget.

Prior to going to the home improvement store, create a list of what you are going to need. This will make ensure you don’t have to go back in case you missed something.

TIP! Sit your family down and talk about the safety escapes in your house. In an emergency, it is easy to panic.

You should store building material stacked in between floor joints or your ceiling rafters. Long or large pieces of material or molding like two-by-fours can placed somewhere inconspicuous with little effort. You can easily hammer in furring strips across a couple of exposed rafters or floor joists and put in the material that needs to be stored.

Turn off any water supply before you start any bathroom or kitchen project. Make sure you know where the shutoff valve is for your water pipes so you don’t have a flooding problem once you start the project. Taking this step helps to prevent flooding.

If you decide to remodel your bathroom, it’s a good idea to make sure that it is handicap-accessible. You don’t have to do a conversion right away, but prepping bathrooms for that eventuality saves time and money if you plan on growing old in that house. These improvements will increase your home’s value.

TIP! You might want to update the window treatments in your home, so that you can make it fit with the season. You can make ceilings appear taller by simply re-positioning the curtain rod higher up above the window frame.

Downspouts, gutters and chimneys often do not get the attention they deserve in an annual maintenance schedule. It is important to inspect these aspects of your home to make sure they are functioning properly, and to make any necessary repairs. A dirty chimney is more likely to catch fire and clogged gutters can cause water damage.

Drain Snake

Take a look at the existing furnishings in a room for hints about a new color scheme. You could look to a rug, drapes or upholstery fabric for clues about the colors that will work well in the room you have in mind. For example, if you have a rug featuring green, red and yellow shades, choose a dominant color out of the three that should be used in 60% of the room. The other hues can be utilized as accent colors.

TIP! Mold and rust should never be overlooked and ignored. These can quickly develop into much bigger problems for the homeowner, especially in older houses.

Keep a drain snake on hand to save yourself money. This will prevent you from buying drain cleaners. Using a drain snake can be difficult the first time. You might need a plumber to show you how before you try yourself. Do not buy a drain snake that will not fit the pipe or you could damage it.

Try shifting your furniture away from your walls as a means to make your room appear larger. No mater what sort of decor the room features, this simple alteration will make it appear more contemporary and give the impression of a larger space.

Keep your focus tight and your pennies pinched when you’re remodeling a bathroom. Just because you are not spending a lot does not mean your bathroom has to look cheap. All you need to do is replace the mirror, light fixtures, toilet roll holders, and towel bars. Add a coat of paint to really spruce things up. These are cheap fixes, but it can make a huge difference.

TIP! A good way to have a better looking yard is to put in some full grown flowers. The mature flowers will add more color to the exterior of your home, and will fill gaps that are in your landscaping instantly.

Using bowls of lemons or a bouquet of flowers are simple ways to spruce up a kitchen. Arrange some flowers into an classy vase or place some colorful fruits in a bowl. This is cheap to do and will improve the look of the kitchen instantly. Looking at those beautiful flowers can lift your spirits as soon as you see them.

Are you looking for a way to reduce your summer heating bill? Why not tint your windows? You can probably manage this easy project on your own. You’ll save on your energy bill by tinting your windows, too.

A great time to take on big home improvement project is while the real estate market is experiencing a housing slump. Homeowners will save a lot of money on big projects during times like this, since contractors are desperate for the work. Home improvements generally last for a long time. When you renovate your home during a slump, you save money and your home’s worth will grow in the future.

TIP! Think about whether or not you want your security alarm set while you are showing your home. Of course, it may be necessary if the home is in a bad neighborhood and no one is living there consistently to watch over it.

Do not ignore leaky faucets. This issue can quickly turn into a big problem, and it can get costly. In addition, those water drops will often stain the sink or tub and can damage your cabinetry over time. Repairing or replacing a faucet can be a cheap and easy project. Repairing or replacing items that are damaged by faucet leaks might not be.

Pay attention to the reputation of any contractor you intend to hire, not how cheap they promise to do the work. A contractor who has a bad reputation may offer lower prices, but he or she may use inferior materials and do poor work. When they are done you might find some things that still need fixed! Along with added repair costs, when projects are done carelessly, it could create an unsafe environment inside your house. It is important to be able to trust the contractor that you select.

When starting a new renovation, make sure you’re honest with your contractor about any budget limitations you may have. If your contractor knows your budget up front, he can use the best materials that fall within your price range. The workers will also get a better value on the materials. The great thing about this is both parties win.

TIP! Put up some new trim and art to update your bathroom. Using wallpaper trim is cost-effective and has lots of different styles to choose from, making it a nice compliment to any room decor.

Making your home a better place will help you have pride in it and yourself. Nobody wants to live in a dilapidated home. The information above can help you to bring your home back to its original glory, so you can love living in it again.

by Ted

How To Create A Home Contactor Agreement On Your Terms

Do you not know where to begin when you are thinking of home improvement projects? Most people feel lost when it comes to home improvement and it is important to know that you’re not alone. Although the feelings are natural, you can find the solution below. Find out how to begin your home improvement projects by reading these tips.

It may be necessary for you to give a porch a fresh coat of paint. Make sure to use quality outdoor paint. Make sure that you use similarly based paints together, such as putting a new oil-based paint over an old one. Likewise, match water-based or latex paints together when putting a new coat over an old one. Since oil-based paint generally lasts longer, it is great for trim. However, since snow and water make it extremely slippery, you should not use oil-based paint on any outside surface that is walked on.

If you refinish your existing cabinets, rather than buying new ones, you can save a lot on your kitchen remodel. You could paint and place new doors to get a new look. These changes should not cost you a lot, but they should make your kitchen look like a new room.

TIP! Use these two steps to make your ceiling look higher. Think about painting stripes on the wall or adding tall lamps.

Lampshades are not typically very interesting. Brighten up the room by making your own personal designs on your lamp shades and adding a bit of color. This will add some style and personality to you rooms and take away the drab look from a cheep looking lamp shade.

Think about insulating your home for your next big project. You could use weather-stripping on your windows and doors. If you are able to minimize the amount of air getting into your home, your heating and cooling systems will run better. These small measures will add up to big savings in the long run.

You can use old shoe boxes to add additional storage space. Use any wallpaper you have left, or any fabric, to cover the boxes with. This project adds visual interest as well as much-needed storage.

TIP! Always keep safety at the front of your mind when you’re completing a home improvement task. Keep in mind that you are taking risk by making major changes to your home or by using certain dangerous tools.

Maintain good records of contracts and agreements with any professionals you hire. You cannot leave this responsibility up to the contractor. Save all invoices and contracts for your projects. If you do this, you can focus on the project rather than fighting over procedural details.

Today, there is a new danger to look out for during home improvement projects. Avoid buying drywall (i.e. wall board, sheet rock) manufactured in China. China has met more and more of the United States’s drywall needs in the years since 2005. Most of this drywall hasn’t undergone a rigorous quality assurance process. There have been extreme situations in which the drywall has released harmful gases that have a drastic, negative impact on wiring in walls.

During your next home improvement project, make sure to allocate a space to put all the debris that is generated from your work. Removal of debris can be expensive; however, with proper planning, your project can stay on budget.

TIP! Before attempting a serious repair job, seek the aid of a professional. An expert can point out how to get past stumbling blocks you may not realize will appear.

If your home is in a dry area that is prone to fires, you should consider buying white or red cedar fences. Cedar wood has a great reputation for lasting a long time, and it is noted for its safety in fire prone areas.

Pick a color scheme to use for the room. A complementary scheme of colors works great in an area that’s for formal activities, like your dining room. A color wheel displays color choices that complement one another in opposite positions on the wheel; such as red and green, or yellow and blue. That scheme separates colors and and is challenging to the eye yet very effective.

Prior to staining or painting any wooden items, always use sandpaper in order to smooth out the wood’s surface. Once you do this, wipe off the item with a wet rag. The smooth finish can be achieved by using a fine grit sandpaper. Using a wet rag to wipe off the item will eliminate dust and ensure the finish remains smooth.

TIP! Your home’s value can be increased by as much as 10 percent if you have a well-made, clean front door. It is possible to freshen the appearance of your entry door by purchasing one of the many styles of knob and lock combinations available on the market.

Motion Detecting

When improving your home’s exterior, you could save money by adding motion detecting lights. Motion detecting light are more energy efficient than conventional fixtures. Of course, if an intruder is trying to sneak onto your property, being hit with the sudden burst of light will send them running away.

Think about getting water-resistant wall panels for your kitchen and bathroom, especially if you are going to work on the plumbing. Green board resists the growth of mold and mildew, and is better suited to withstand dampness.

TIP! Flooring replacement can be very expensive. Applying a stain to the concrete after removing the flooring can be a cheaper solution.

Adding a new sink can really change the appearance of your kitchen. You will be amazed at the difference. A new sink in a bold color or unusual finish can really perk up your kitchen.

Pay attention to mold and rust issues. This problem, common to older homes, can quickly spread and become a large problem. Repairing the problem when it is small is easy. If you hold off until the problem’s huge, it can take a lot of time and money to fix it. Beach is effective at removing mold. You can sand away minor rust issues.

Is there an old dresser or bedside table in the bedroom that you are sick of looking at? You can rejuvenate old furniture by simply sanding and refinishing it. By refinishing, you’ll save money and end up with a great-looking piece of furniture. There are a variety of staining options available for any type of furniture.

TIP! Don’t just go to a contractor who has a better price. It might be tempting, but some people quote cheap prices to secure a job, and once they have it, start raising prices.

Paint your shutters and door with high gloss paint. If your home is light-colored, use bright blue or red. A darker home will look great with some deeper colors such as jade green or possibly a rich eggplant.

Security System

If you use a contractor for your home improvement projects, be aware that his reputation is more important than the discounts he offers. Low bids from a contractor who does not have a good reputation often lead to poor workmanship. You may have to spend more money to fix the work that the lower cost contractor performed. Not only will you pay more for repairs, but poor workmanship may create a home environment that is dangerous. It is important to be able to trust the contractor that you select.

TIP! Your bathroom can be redecorated quickly and on the cheap. A new shower curtain, bath mat and towels are probably the simplest way to remake your bathroom.

It’s important to weigh out the positives and negatives of turning on your security system while your house is being shown. If you spend a lot of time away from home or reside in an unsafe neighborhood, a security system is a good idea.

It is not as hard as it seems to start out on a home renovation. Yes, it can potentially be lots of work, but with proper research you can make your projects quite manageable. There are easier, small jobs as well. Hopefully, you’ve found a point or two in this article that inspires you you to do a little improvement on your own home.

A home with renovations will sell better than one without it. Bringing some light and fresh looks to your kitchen is a valuable addition to your home. It will also allow you to get the most back from the investment you made.

TIP! If you invest in insulation now you will save a lot of money on energy bills. Older homes tend to have less insulation than they should.

by Ted

Sensational Ideas For Your Next Home Improvement Project

No matter the reason you are doing the renovations, you will get something out of the deal. Consider the tips in this article before you begin your next home improvement.

Porches need repainting at times. Make sure to use quality outdoor paint. It’s important that you select paint that has the same base. For example, you want to use oil paint over oil-based paint or latex paint (water) over paint with a water base. While oil-based paints are great for trim due to their durability, they generally shouldn’t be used on outdoor floors or decks, because they can become very slippery when it snows.

You can decrease energy costs and still have a well-lit exterior by switching out your always-on lighting system for one that is motion-activated. There are options as far as sensitivity and turning on the light manually if those options are important to you.

TIP! New furniture may be costly to purchase. Instead of buying new you can get creative by finding unique pieces that are gently used.

Sometimes small rooms may be gloomy, but it does not need to be like that. Incorporate light into this room to add a vibrant atmosphere and positive feel. Do some window cleaning so they sparkle, then open your drapes. It’s amazing how much bigger a room looks when you take advantage of natural light. Avoid clutter, and use muted colors on the walls. Suddenly, your room that previously seemed small will open up and feel more spacious.

Take note of easily noticeable improvements when making home changes. Potential buyers will make their judgments based on their first impressions. If your paint is peeling or your hedges are unruly, you will have a hard time selling your home. While there is a lot to do in terms of improvements that people cannot see, you have to work on the most obvious ones first and foremost.

When you select furnishings, don’t tie yourself down to pieces that have busy upholstery patterns. Buying items with floral print, geometric shapes and patterns can pre-determine what your home decor must look like. Purchase furniture in solid colors and dress them up with your accessories. If you want patterns, use pillows and throw blankets to have patterns but also design control.

TIP! Remember to always keep safety foremost in your mind as you complete home improvement projects. Every project has risks, so read the instructions for power tools and make sure to ask store associates for assistance if it’s necessary.

Get new metal fixtures for your bathroom. There are many new looks and options for towel racks, curtain rods and other bathroom fixtures. Some home improvement stores sell these items as a package; this is a good way to save money.

Just because your bedroom doors are dirty, don’t throw them out. Remove the door from its frame, then sand it until its bare wood is visible. Next, purchase whichever oil-based paint you like and use a paint roller to paint the door. In order to create a fresher look, consider changing your doorknobs.

It’s important to have fun when doing any type of home improvement. While you should be careful, you should also enjoy yourself. If you don’t like what you are working on, it is more likely you will make a mistake. If you do not enjoy doing your home improvement project, hiring a professional might be the best alternative.

TIP! If you discuss routes you will take in your home in case of an emergency, it can help the safety of your family when in the house. People are likely to panic in the event of a traumatic incident.

Before you hire anyone to do home improvement work on your house, carefully check their references. In essence you are hiring an employee to do a job for you. Do a background check and make certain they have good references from former clients.

If one of your windows requires a new screen, but you are unable to locate a replacement that fits, consider how simple it is to just make one of your own. Frame kits allow you to cut the frame to any size, and the screen can be attached using an inexpensive too and cording. Some windows require special screens, but you could add external screens to a window with the use of adapters.

Smart homeowners invest their home improvement money in solid improvements to the home itself rather than decorative items and furniture. The reason is fairly straightforward–furnishings and decor move with the homeowner after a home is sold. Fixtures, on the other hand, are durable and stay in the home, adding to its value and commanding a greater sale price.

TIP! If you have a leak in the roof, fix it right away. Letting it go could lead to disastrous consequences.

You can use a luggage rack as an end table for your living room. Simply secure a sheet of glass to the top of the rack using permanent adhesive. Place a lamp and some magazines on top of it, and you have a beautiful, usable new side table.

Cabinet Knobs

When you are remodeling in the bathroom, you should have good lights. Individuals mostly focus on the fixtures when doing bathroom remodeling and forget about how important lighting is. Lights are important to incorporate near a medicine cabinet or on the ceiling.

TIP! Fruits and flowers can freshen up the look of your kitchen. Also, beautiful flowers and a bowl of fruit can help to rejuvenate your kitchen.

Brighten up your house’s kitchen by adding new cabinet handles and knobs! To give your kitchen a quick pick me up, simply install new cabinet knobs. Remember to clean your cabinet doors, both on the exterior and interior, after you remove the old cabinet knobs. You can do a really thorough cleaning with nothing in the way. All you have to do is screw the knobs onto the cabinets.

When your home improvement plans call for major bathroom renovations, do yourself a favor and make plans to make your bathrooms handicap-accessible. You can do this step-by-step, but it’s a good idea to be prepared, just in case you need it when you get older. If you are planning to sell in the future, all these items will increase the sale price.

Your homeowner insurance will go down if you put smoke alarms in your home. This will save you even more money if your home is older because newer homes are usually constructed with materials that are more fire-resistant. This addition can also help save lives.

TIP! Your contractor should be one with whom you have a good rapport. It’s important to find a contractor who understands what you want and has your best interests in mind.

If you have an elderly parent living in your home, you need to plan home improvements and renovations with an eye to mobility, safety, and accessibility. One good example of this is a shower stall that can simply be stepped into or rolled into with a shower chair. Other things that can be incorporated include 36-inch doors and grab bars in the bathroom.

Home improvement is not just for the professionals on TV. It is something for everyone. From remodeling a kitchen or bath, to applying a new coat of paint to the family room, your project can increase the worth of your home and provide you with a more comfortable living space. Apply the information from this article above and get started with your home improvement project planning today.

Look online for videos demonstrating the project you are planning. Use specific model numbers if you wish. You may be surprised at the number of videos there are that will help you figure things out. By watching the video, you will be able to stand on the shoulders of people that came before you.

TIP! One way to spruce up your home, and increase the resell value, is to add attractive landscaping features. You can improve the appearance of your landscape with the incorporation of stonework, mulches and plants from flowers to trees.