Tag / based paints

by Ted

Creative And Interesting Ideas For Home Improvement Projects

Performing a home improvement project properly is a must. But, that’s not all you have to think about. Safety first is the most important thing of all. Don’t know where to start with a home improvement project? This article will give you a lot of tips to help!

You can handle repainting your porch on your own. If so, lean on a quality exterior paint. Make sure the bases of the old and new paints match. That means using oil-based paint if the existing paint is oil-based, and the same for water-based paints. 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.

If you want an inexpensive method of tiling a floor, try using vinyl as opposed to ceramic or stone tiles. Vinyl is very durable and strong. It is resistant to water and easy to put in. You have the option of buying vinyl flooring in tile or sheet format.

TIP! Consider updating the insulation of your house for your next energy saving home improvement project. Place weather-stripping on all your doors and windows.

If you door still squeaks despite your best efforts to remedy the situation, it may just need a new hinge. Every hardware store has them. Take the old hinge off, and follow the directions to put your new one on. The final step is to align the hinges so that you can change the pins.

Take your time when doing demolition during a home renovation. Do not tear a wall or cabinet down before checking what is in the supporting structure. Avoid expensive repair bills from damaged electrical wiring by carefully examining the area first.

A wood fireplace is not the best way to heat your home. Although it looks great, a lot of the heat escapes through the chimney, so it is not very practical. Fireplaces can also deplete the oxygen level within your home since the fire uses oxygen to keep itself burning.

TIP! Most basements have very little, if any, natural lighting. To ensure your basement is more livable, plan your artificial lighting layout carefully.

Before you go shopping for home improvement supplies, write down all of the things you will need. Having a comprehensive list makes it easier to stay organized, saving you trips and money.

Putting on a new roof is often among a homeowner’s most significant expenses. You should get estimates and references from three or more roofing companies. There are numerous new options in roofing such as new materials and new styles of shingles, as well as metal roofs, which are making a comeback. Have your contractor help you make a decision.

Do you need to make your home safer or more accessible? Installing a step-in shower can be easier access and provides a safer place to shower without fear of being slippery. Installing bars for holding onto when walking around are also a great idea.

TIP! Clogged gutters can cause serious water damage to a home. In fact, if you have a leaky basement, the most likely culprit is rainwater running down the outside of your home after overspilling clogged gutters.

If your next project involves lighting or other electrical components, you must cut power to that area before you begin. Touching live wires when the power is on is a serious mistake that can lead to electrocution and even death.

Sand wooden objects before staining to make sure the wood is smooth. Follow up by wiping with a damp cloth. Using fine grit paper can impart a nice, smooth look. Wiping it off removes dust which could leave bumps behind.

An excellent method of making your front lawn more attractive is to use outdoor accent lighting that is facing downward. When positioning large tree branches, this lighting can appear like natural lighting similar to the sun or moon on a darker day. This lighting can also showcase any lawn furniture or garden statues that you have.

TIP! Prior to any interior painting, wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth to get rid of dust, dirt and oils that may be sitting on your walls. That helps the paint to stick to the walls that much more, and will help you avoid the hassle of frequent touch-ups or more coats of paint.

Never forget the value in owning high quality doors. Your guests will be seeing your door whenever they enter and leave your home. If your door doesn’t fit well or is badly insulated, you can also lose a lot of heat. Also, upgrade your locks for a better appearance.

Older homes might have stained, outdated carpeting that show the signs of the wear and tear they have endured. While plush carpeting feels nice under the feet, it doesn’t hold up as long as the classic wooden floor.

If your suburban tract housing lacks distinction or visual interest, why not add a pergola? A pergola offers a natural look while creating shading with a romantic feel or a feeling of tranquility. If a few friends pitch in to help you out, the entire kit can be finished before the weekend is over.

TIP! If you will be cluttering up the street during your project, tell your neighbors about it before it happens. Sometimes renovations can lead to blocked streets, which can interrupt traffic.

You can buy solar lights by themselves and there are tons of styles to choose from. If you really want to light up your paths and walkways, you will probably need hard-wired electric lights. These may cost more but they work better.

If you have low ceilings you might feel claustrophobic, think about changing your windows so it makes your room feel bigger. Position your drapes and valances higher on the wall to elevate the look of your ceilings.

Installing a property lined fence can have many beneficial effects to your home. You will be protected from stray animals in the neighborhood. It stops pets and kids from running away, too. There are many styles of fence to suit one’s particular needs.

TIP! One way you can improve the look of your home is to replace your blinds. The crisp, clean look of the new blinds is very attractive, and it also makes the windows look a lot newer.

Work from the inside out when improving your home. Since most of these repairs need to be done by going into your walls, you should take care of them first. If you already have your walls opened up for other repairs, why not take care of plumbing and wiring at the same time?

Safety is vital when you are thinking about improving your home. Do plenty of research before you get started. What’s holding you back? Take advantage of what you’ve learned here, roll up your sleeves, and get to work!

Don’t overload a room with too much furniture. The more you have, the smaller the room appears. Buyers are looking to get the most space for their money, so keep that in mind when staging your rooms. The smaller amount of furniture will create an illusion that the space is much bigger.

TIP! You may be surprised to learn just how many home improvements you can do on your own without the help of a contractor. Hiring a contractor is important if it is an extensive job that takes professional experience.

by Ted

Don’t Know What To Do This Weekend? Why Not Home Improvement?

It can be hard to find the motivation to start a new project no matter how good you are at it. Here, you will find advice that can help prepare you to start a new project.

Your porch might be in need of a fresh coat of paint. Your paint should be a quality exterior variety. Make sure the paint you choose has the same type of base as the previous paint; you should use oil over oil and latex over latex- or water-based paints. 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.

Use a sponge on your drywall. By sponging your drywall, you avoid the dust of sanding. After a few tries, you will find a wet sponge to be just as successful in smoothing the seams of your drywall as light sanding is. However, a sponge lets you avoid the biggest drawback of sanding – dust.

TIP! If you are remodeling your tile floors, think about using radiant heat tiles. Not only do they look great, but they are the best for giving off heat.

Looking for a way to add counter space? Why not install a microwave that can be installed over the oven range? These microwave ovens are installed where the range hood normally goes. They offer various features, including convection cooking, and prices range widely. Due to the fact that most units use a recirculating filter, they are suited best for people who don’t need strong vents.

If you want to make improvements to a home, one thing you really must have is some kind of drill. You can make holes of all sizes for different screws, and you can drill in the screws using various bits. Choose at least a nine-volt drill with a variety of attachments.

You should think about solar panels as far as projects for your home. This may cost you a lot of money at first, but with electricity costs going up, you may discover it saves you a pretty penny in the long run. You will be drawing from the electricity that is stored by your solar system and lower every electric bill. It is the natural, planet-friendly way to power your home.

TIP! Even your kitchen appliances can get a facelift without ruining your budget. Stainless steel is popular right now, but that doesn’t mean you should replace all of your appliances.

A huge expense can be that of replacing a home roof. Get a few estimates prior to getting a new roof and check all references for the companies you look at. There are a lot of choices available for roofing, from metal to lightweight tile, although there are still the traditional choices like composite shingles and wood shake. A contractor can help you make the right decision.

Take advantage of your outdoor space. Treat your backyard as a natural extension of your home by making it a more enjoyable place to spend time. Take advantage of your outdoor living space by having friends over for a barbecue, or just relaxing.

When storing items in containers, glue one of them to the outside part of the container. No matter how organized you are, it can be difficult to locate a small piece of hardware in your shop. Written labels tend to merge together when you’re searching for the parts that you need.

TIP! Do not forget your chimneys, downspouts and gutters. These elements of the house must be examined often to ensure they are always in good working order.

Use affordable motion detection lights in important spots around the house. You will reduce your electric bill because your lights will only be on when they are needed. Motion detector lights can help you stay safe in your home by deterring thieves.

You can improve your basement by staining the floor. It can make the space look fresh and updated without the headache and costs associated with a replacement floor. The stain will also help the floors last longer and you won’t have as much trouble wiping them down. Look for concrete stains which promote shine. It can give the floors a nice richness and give off the appearance that they are really expensive.

A great way to improve your households safety is to discuss with the entire family the different escape routes available if needed. In an emergency, it is easy to panic. Working out a safe way to escape from your home during a fire or disaster can ensure that you will all be safe. Planning this in advance allows you to model the home in such a way that you won’t meet obstructions in the escape.

TIP! If you have cane-bottomed chairs, you can expect to see some sagging as they get older. It is relatively simple to restore form to your caning.

Finishing a basement is perhaps one of the best investments one can make. Finished basements add square footage as well as extra enjoyment. Tools and materials needed to finish the job can easily be purchased from a discount retailer or supplier. Many contractors estimate that a finished basement may boost the property value of a home as much as 30 percent.

If your house has no shower, you should think about installing one. Not only can a shower offer more accessibility and ease of use, your water usage can be reduced significantly. You can save 75% of your normal bathtub water by taking a five minute shower instead.

Expensive artwork is unnecessary when a little imagination will suffice. For example, create your own art with some simple tiles. Use three dimensional tiles in two colors such as green and white and arrange them on the wall (rotating colors) behind your couch for an original kind of art.

TIP! When improving your home, you can personalize but you don’t want to differ too much from neighboring properties. You don’t want the house to stand out so much that it becomes awkward.

If you’re looking for decor, solar lights are a good option. If you need effective outdoor lighting, electric is the way to go. Though they tend to cost more, they are also quite durable and probably longer lasting than solar versions.

No matter how much experience you have, home improvement projects are not always easy. Use what you’ve learned here to take the stress out of completing your projects, and get started today.

Don’t ignore small rust and mold problems. They are common in a lot of older houses, and can lead to a bigger issue rather quickly. Tackling them when they are small is quick and easy. It will end up costing you both time and money if you let a small problem escalate. Use bleach to get rid of mold. Rust can be sanded off.

TIP! Use mature flowers and plants instead of seedlings for landscaping that looks great right away. Mature flowers and plants add a quick pop of color and texture to the exterior of your home and boost curb appeal instantly.

by Ted

Solid Ideas For A Superior Home Improvement Project

Home improvement projects are many and armed with the right source of information, homeowners can easily take on many projects themselves. If you are planning on making improvements to your home, follow the helpful tips in this article.

Applying a new coat of paint to your porch may be needed. Utilize exterior paint that is of high quality. Make sure the bases of the old and new paints match. That means using oil-based paint if the existing paint is oil-based, and the same for water-based paints. It’s best to use oil-based paints for trim, since it’s more durable. It should not, however, be used on decks or other outdoor flooring, as it tends to become very slippery when it snows.

Make your house energy efficient by using weather stripping for your doors and windows. It’s easy to add weather stripping. You just purchase it at your local hardware store and follow the package directions. Once you are finished, you will notice the improvement in the efficiency of your heat and A/C. It can even reduce those drafts that always seem to appear on chilly nights.

TIP! Use a unique container for a coffee table instead of a regular table. You can use an older chest or something else as a coffee table, and sometimes they can work out great.

A kitchen remodel is less expensive if you refinsh existing cabinets. A fresh stain or coat of paint, combined with a new style of hardware, can change the overall look and feel of the entire kitchen. This is an inexpensive task that can be done in a weekend, and it will give your home a fresh, new feel.

It’s time to pop those flooring bubbles! Simply cut a small slit in the bubble to release the air pocket. This will deflate the bubble temporarily. To mitigate the problem long-term, you will need to attach the section you just repaired to the floor with some fresh glue. Syringe-based applicators that are already filled with glue do the best job.

Don’t toss out dirty bedroom doors. Just take it off, and sand it until the wood shows through. Get some oil-based paint and apply with a roller. If you want a different look, try changing the knobs out for something a bit fancier.

TIP! As you begin your home improvement project, take care not to demolish too quickly. Always check the underlying structure that is behind a cabinet or wall before going to tear it down.

If you’re planning to use conventional wood in heating you house, understand that this might not be a good thing to do. In terms of heating the home, the fire creates heat that goes up through your chimney and little goes into the home. It might look great, but it doesn’t work all that well. These types of fireplace also require fresh air, which is provided by your home. This means that there will be less breathable oxygen in the air.

Identifying the volume of paint you need is essential to do before you start painting anything. If you just guess how much is required, you may end up buying too much or too little. Figuring out how much paint you will need can save you time and money.

Check out the credentials of any home improvement company that you are considering. If you can’t get a physical address for a company and can only reach them by phone, they probably aren’t all that big of a company. Look for a company that gives you a physical address and has a good reputation.

TIP! Sharp corners on furniture can be a danger to children and pets, and padding this furniture is a great way to avoid any injuries. Corner protectors are available for this purpose at any home improvement center, or you can purchase foam tape to cushion corners.

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. Commonly known as “green board” in the building industry, water-resistant wall board stands up to increased moisture better than standard board, and most brands are treated to prevent the growth of dangerous mold that can thrive in damp areas.

If you can, fix things as soon as problems are apparent. A good deal of damage results from things that are easy to overlook or postpone. Resist this! Your home’s systems are all connected together. Damage to one system can quickly spread to all of them. This may occur more rapidly than you expect.

Carpet will inevitably show its wear and age. Wooden floors are classic and will last considerably longer than even the most plush carpet.

TIP! Turn off the water prior to renovating a kitchen or bathroom. It seems common sense, however many homeowners often make the error of overlooking this step and end up with major flooding, which actually requires more renovations.

When conducting any home improvement project, wise homeowners invest their money on high-quality material and fixtures before spending a dime on high-end furnishings and decor. Those are the things that add value to the property. Fixtures will often stay where they are and make the home worth more.

Before starting any major landscaping project, make certain the new style will complement everything about your house. Whether you are installing a patio or plants, it is important to use products which complement your existing landscape.

Make sure you create a to-do list for your do-it-yourself project. You can then see if you can get a contractor to look it over for you. This can help you to avoid pitfalls and mistakes, such as skipping a step, that might result in a higher cost or sub-par renovation in the end.

TIP! Add fruit and flowers to your kitchen for a bright, fresh look. It will make any kitchen much more friendly.

Unsightly air conditioning units may not be attractive, but in other regions it could be a necessity. You can hide this with a trellis or latticework if you want to. One other option is to use large, ornamental grass. Remember to leave space for the roots to grow.

Look for paints that are free of VOCs when it’s time to repaint your house. In addition to being good for the environment, they also don’t have deadly chemicals that traditional paints have. These paints give the same performance as ordinary paints at a slight higher price.

Do you think your house is too hot or there is too much sun entering your rooms? If so, you should try tinting the windows in your home. FOrtunately, you should be able to do this yourself. Also, you can decrease cooling costs by having tinted windows.

TIP! Making sure your house has working smoke alarms can reduce the cost of your homeowner’s insurance. This is important for older homes, as they are more at risk of fire.

As you improve your house, be certain to put your personal touch on things while making sure not to diverge too much from your neighbors. You don’t want your property to stick out like a sore thumb! This can make selling your place harder.

Do not ignore rust or mold problems, even if they are small. These are quite common in older homes but can evolve quickly into serious issues. If you catch them early, they are relatively easy to fix. If you wait until they’re huge problems, it can be time intensive and costly. You can use bleach on small areas of mold. A bit of sandpaper and elbow grease is often enough to get rid of small rust patches.

When you go to hang new blinds, be certain to measure carefully prior to purchase and installation. Failure to correctly measure your windows may prevent proper installation. You can easily find different kinds of blinds: some are designed for the interior frame while some go over the exterior of the frame.

TIP! Improve the looks of the kitchen or bathroom by installing ceramic tile. Choose either tiles with unique designs or a solid color scheme for a more elegant, put-together look.

Septic Tank

Make sure you take care of your septic tank. You can easily buy certain chemicals that accelerate decomposition and avoid overflowing. When you are planning your home improvement project, be careful to not mess with the septic tank. You should be sure you know exactly where it is located so you can avoid any issues.

Many different kinds of screws are available for your home improvement ideas. Know what type of screw is required for the different projects around the home. Wood screws are best for wood projects since they can enter wood easily. Sheet metal screws are the best choice for projects involving sheet metal.

TIP! Always consider the longevity of appliances that you will be adding as a result of your home improvement project. Your refrigerator should last up to twenty years.

Now, with these tips in mind, you are prepared to conquer your next home improvement project. These tips can help you turn any home improvement project into smooth sailing.