Tag / combo unit

by Ted

Home Improvement Advice You Are Sure To Love

An essential part of taking care of your house is to understand what you need to buy to get it done. There are a lot of things you need to consider like the tools you need, plans you need to make, and local regulations. You will find some great safety precautions you can take as you work to improve your home.

When it comes to managing your home during the summer, use all of the fans that you can. Ceiling fans can be particularly great at cooling down a room because they improve a room’s circulation. Try to avoid using the air conditioner unless absolutely necessary.

If you are thinking of purchasing a home, hire a professional inspector to check it out. By doing this, you will know exactly what needs to be replaced or fixed. A professional provides an objective opinion, and that can keep discussion of any issues he or she finds civil.

TIP! Always have a professional inspect your potential new home. It is always good to have a professional and neutral opinion on the home you are interested in buying.

Combo Unit

A washer and dryer combo unit should be considered if space is limited at your home. You can fit lots of combo washer-dryers in a small space. The benefit of a combo unit is that it both washes and dries clothes within the single appliance.

Spend time once a week to dust all home accessories. It only takes a few days for dust to accumulate and for allergens to wreak havoc in your life. When you dust your accessories, you clear away dirt and check for fleas, spiders and ants.

TIP! Once a week, at least, dust your home. It only takes a few days for dust to accumulate and for allergens to wreak havoc in your life.

Spend time once a week to dust all home accessories. Dust and debris can build up with shocking rapidity; this not only makes your home less attractive but also introduces allergens into your air. Cleaning your home thoroughly once a week is also a good way to get rid of parasites and to keep everything looking nice.

Get great looking drywall with a simple sponge! Instead of sanding seams in drywall, use a sponge. It will take some practice to learn this new technique, but you’ll get it. Plus, less dust is created with the sponge.

Sometimes the only solution to a squeaky door is to replace the actual door hinge. Most hardware stores sell them. Removing the old hinge and installing the new one is an easy project. Make sure the hinges line up and slip in the pins.

TIP! Change your door hinge if its creaking. Of course, you can find them at any store that sells home hardware.

Attaching one of the pieces of hardware or fastenings you are storing to the lid of its container makes it easy to know what is inside. It can be a hassle and cost you a lot of time if you cannot find a piece of hardware. Even clear labels can seem like a blur when you are frantically searching multiple containers for a small part.

Enjoying the project is important to any successful home improvement project. Safety and quality should always be at the forefront; however, you should try to have fun with the project. If you aren’t enjoying the process, mistakes are more likely. If this describes you, think about hiring a professional.

If you want to install a new screen for your window but are unable to find one the right size, it is simple to make one yourself. You can buy a frame kit that you cut to fit any window. Then, all you do is attach the screen using the cording that is provided and some tools you probably have around the house. Although certain windows requite a certain screen, you can easily put in external screen that fit all windows.

TIP! You can make your own window screen if you are having a hard time finding the right size. All window sizes can be cut via frame kits and then you just have use cording to actual attach the screen.

If you’re doing any work in the bathroom or kitchen, turn the water off. Using shutoff valves is an important step in any project that involves plumbing. This step will help you prevent a flood.

Keep any small jars (like baby food jars) for use in organizing your space. Secure the lids to the undersides of wall shelves with screws or glue. You can use these jars to store different items like nails and screws. Then, twist these jars into their lids under the shelf. As a result, your wall shelf’s space will be utilized by using small jars that you thought were junk.

It is common for gutters, eaves and chimneys to be neglected when home improvement tasks are planned. Inspect your gutters and chimneys at least once a year, and make repairs if you need to. Chimneys are more prone to fires when they are not cleaned at regular intervals. Likewise, debris often clogs gutters and downspouts, and this can cause water damage if it is not taken care of regularly.

TIP! It is common for gutters, eaves and chimneys to be neglected when home improvement tasks are planned. These elements of the house must be examined often to ensure they are always in good working order.

When you are thinking about tackling a paint job project in your house, it is crucial that you know how much paint will be needed to get everything done. 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.

When the day comes for your next home improvement projects, consider any “age-in-place” steps you can take. Age-in-place is a design philosophy which considers the homeowner’s age over the amount of time they own the home. Whether you plan or selling the house or keeping it for the foreseeable future, age-in-place is always a worthwhile thing to consider.

Homes that have a nice view tend to sell for a lot more than similar houses without a view. If your home looks out onto the ocean, for example, this may increase its value. Future home buyers might not be as impressed by the view and might not be interested in paying a higher price for it.

TIP! Homes with an appealing view can sell for much more than like houses on the market. Keep in mind, though, that the extra cost of the view may not be looked at as an investment, but as an extra charge for your pleasure.

Facing your outside lights downward can accent your lawn and show its attractive elements. Try placing accent lighting in a tree for a unusual effect on the surrounding area. You can also use this magnificent lighting effect to highlight lawn furniture or statues.

Have a qualified electrician do work such as installing the electrical outlet for microwaves that are above stoves if you want to get the best results. This will allow you to plug your microwave in without having to see the cord. This relatively simple step makes a big difference in the way your kitchen looks.

A lot of people may want to install a wood fireplace in the home, but this might not be your best option for a slew of different reasons. Aside from the looks, the heat created by a wood fire mostly escapes through the chimney. Also, a wood fire needs a lot of oxygen to burn, depleting your home of fresh air.

TIP! Although many homeowners use an ordinary word stove or fireplace to heat their homes, you should give the drawbacks of such a system some thought before employing it yourself. Compared with other systems, a wood-burning fireplace retains heat far less efficiently.

A level is key to installing new cabinets. Pick the highest spot on the floor, then mark a level line across the wall. This ensures that your cabinets and counters are level when you install them.

When you first discover leaks on your ceiling, it is probably time for a new roof. If you ignore it, mayhem could ensue. Find a trustworthy roof specialist in your area and ask them to come take a look at your roof. Be sure that the contractor is fully qualified.

Your old luggage rack can be turned into an interesting side table for your living room. Recycle the glass from an old picture and attach it to your luggage rack with some adhesive. Stack a few books and a lamp, and you have yourself a nice side table.

TIP! An outdated luggage rack can add an interesting twist to a room if you turn it into a fun, new side table. Remove the glass from one very large picture frame, and use adhesive to secure it to your rack.

Smoke Alarms

One home improvement project that can make your house less expensive to insure is installing (and properly maintaining) good smoke alarms. This works out best on older homes because the insurance companies know that modern homes are usually built using materials that are more fire-resistant. Needless to say, in addition to saving you money, smoke alarms can save your life.

If you want a tranquil feeling in a room, select light blues, greens and purples. Stick to airy fabrics, like linen and cotton, instead of heavy brocades and dark patterns. Complete the atmosphere with potpourri and a scented candle in a prominent place in the room.

TIP! If you want to inject tranquility into your home, use light, calming colors in shades of green and blue. Think about what type of furniture and other things in your house are going to go good with the colors you choose.

Home improvement can help you keep your home looking great for years to come, so it is crucial that you know what you are doing. This article makes understanding what you need easier. Following the above tips is a very good starting place.

by Ted

Tips And Tricks To Rejuvenate Your Home

There are many reasons you may want to begin home improvement jobs. Projects are available in all shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size and scope of the project, intelligent planning and execution will result in cost savings. You may even find that it is fun! You will learn some great things about home improvements if you keep reading.

A washer and dryer combo unit should be considered if space is limited at your home. Many combined washer-dryer models can fit in compact spaces or under counters. The combo unit is really convenient, as it combines the wash and dry cycle into one.

Clean your air conditioner’s filter frequently. If the filter is clogged, it will force your air condition to work harder and use more energy. Additionally, it may cause the AC to run for extended and unnecessary periods of time. Change your filter on a regular basis; monthly is ideal.

TIP! It’s a good idea to clean your air conditioner filter regularly. If the filter is dirty or clogged, your AC unity will have to compensate by working harder and using more power.

When it comes to home improvement, get creative and figure out what you are looking to accomplish ahead of time. Once you have started the project, you need to focus on finishing the job rather than deciding on the details. Figure out what you want to do by visiting neighbors’ homes and checking out media that deals with home improvement.

Two-liter bottles can be used as containers in your kitchen. You can use these to protect any dry goods like flour, sugar or corn meal. You can put them in the freezer or even in the fridge. To use the contents of the containers, simply take of the cap and then pour.

Try painting stripes on the walls prior to panel installation. It doesn’t matter how well you try to install the paneling, the old wall seems to want to peek through. To cut down on that, measure where the panels are going to meet. Try to select a color of paint that matches as closely as possible.

TIP! Paint stripes on walls in the color of your paneling before the paneling is installed. Even the most meticulously installed paneling tends to show small areas of the old wall beneath.

You’ll want to be sure that your bathroom has a window in it. The humidity created by hot showers can create very fertile grounds for mold to breed. Even with repeated coats of paint on your bathroom wall, you cannot sufficiently kill the mold. It is better to make a change to prevent it from forming in the first place. Try putting in ventilation or a window in order to dehumidify the area.

Old chair or couch cushions tend to get flat or lumpy. Place your cushions outside in the sun once in a while. The sun causes trapped moisture in the cushions to evaporate, enabling them to spring back to life. Be aware that fabric color is subject to fading in the sun, so make sure to give those cushions a flip periodically.

The kitchen is a great place to start a new home improvement project. If you are planning to repaint the walls, mix a solution of TSP cleaner with water (2:1 ratio) and rub down the walls. It will get rid of the grease and also remove much of the paint. Re-paint the kitchen in tan colors; you will be amazed at how much different your room will look as soon as you are done.

TIP! Consider starting your projects in the kitchen. Begin with the walls and remove any grease stains with grease cutter.

If you want to inject tranquility into your home, use light, calming colors in shades of green and blue. Use cottons and linens instead of dark brocades and heavy patterns. Use candles, diffusers, potpourri and other home fragrance products to create an atmosphere that enhances your tranquility.

A good quality door should not be underestimated. It creates a great first impression. If your door doesn’t have good insulation and a proper fit, you’re wasting a lot of energy. And if you’ve got older locks or frames, these could be a security risk.

It is inevitable that chair cushions will flatten with use. Set them in some sun if you want to bring back their shape. This will help dry out any moisture that is flattening them. Make sure to flip the sides of the cushion, and don’t leave it out too long, as the sun can make the fabric colors fade.

TIP! Your sofa cushions flatten over time. Sitting chair cushions in the sun helps them fluff back up to life.

Consider “age-in-place” improvements you can make. Age-in-place is simply a design philosophy which takes into account how homeowners age while they own the house. No matter if you are improving your forever home or just working on a property you are likely to sell, these types of design decisions can enhance the value and utility of your house.

You need to be aware of a modern danger when doing home improvement projects. It is not a good idea to purchase drywall (also called sheetrock or wall board) from China. China exports a great abundance of drywall to the US and has been since 2005. A lot of it is exposed to unacceptable quality control. It’s not only the crumbling and buckling you have to worry about. Some Chinese drywall can actually emit harmful gases.

When cleaning stubborn clogs, make sure you are knowledgeable on the product that’s being used. Some cleaners are caustic chemicals. Don’t use drain cleaners that are crystallized because they will stick to the inside of the pipes and damage them. Be sure that the drain cleaner you use can work with the septic tank you have.

TIP! Take a moment to review the ingredients of your cleansers before you try to flush out a clogged drain. Not every cleaner is like the other, and some are very harsh.

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. Although you don’t want to include anyone else, this is necessary, because if a crucial step is omitted, you may end up spending more than necessary or even cause damage to your home.

When you replace your windows with energy efficient ones, you are conserving energy as well as money. This is a great home improvement project, because it adds so much value in so many ways.

If you plan on renovating your bathroom, consider making it handicap accessible. Although it is not necessary to completely convert the bathroom now, preparing it for future adaptations as you grow older will be very convenient. The market value of your home will be significantly increased by improvements to the bathroom.

TIP! Including handicap-friendly features in your bathroom is a great idea whenever you’re doing significant renovation work in that particular area. If you are planning to remain in your home until old age, attending to this change within the bathroom earlier rather than later can save hassles in the long run.

You should drain all of the water out of the hot water heater once every six months. By keeping your hot water heater drained regularly, it will run much more efficiently and last longer. This process couldn’t be simpler. Your water heater has a drain valve that operates just like a garden spigot; all you need to do is locate it and attach a hose.

When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, think small. It doesn’t really take much to make a big difference to the appearance of a bathroom. You should replace mirrors, toilet roll holders, towel bars and light fixtures. A new coat of paint could make a big difference too. Your bathroom will look modern and updated without leaving a dent in your pocketbook.

Create a plan before starting a landscaping project to ensure that fits with the look of your home. A deck or gazebo that complement the style of the home can bring everything together. On the other hand, mismatched styles can seem unplanned and unattractive.

TIP! When planning a landscaping project, you should take the style of your home into consideration. Whether you are installing a patio or plants, it is important to use products which complement your existing landscape.

These are some great ways you can add value to your home and make it a better place to live. Just know that you could easily get addicted to improving your home when you are doing it the right way. This advice will make it easy for you to accomplish home improvement the right way. Once you get your first few small projects done, you will find yourself eager for a new challenge.

by Ted

Incorporate Your Own Ideas Into Your Home With These Home Improvement Tips And Tricks

Getting information about home projects, with all the information out there, can be overwhelming. Without proper information, home improvement can become a large and tedious task when it doesn’t need to be. The advice you will glean from the article here will help you tackle the improvement projects you have been putting off.

It may be necessary to repaint your porch. The paint you use should be high-quality and formulated for exterior use. But be sure to use a paint with the same base as the old paint, i.e. oil over oil-based, and water (latex) over water-based paint. Use oil paint on trim; it will last for a long time but you should not use it outdoors on flooring.

Don’t make foolish improvements. It might not make any sense to put a pool in Alaska, etc. Do what you like, but make sure to keep the climate of the area in mind.

TIP! When planning a landscaping project, you should take the style of your home into consideration. A patio and garden that match your house’s style will be a coherent, integrated overall look, but when you clash styles, it may look unplanned and unattractive.

Think about getting a combo washer-dryer unit if you are limited on space in your laundry area. A combo unit will take up about the same amount of space that a dishwasher would. It is possible to wash and dry clothes in a combo unit.

You should consider new floor covering if you are looking to update a room in your home, it is an easy way to quickly change the look. Many contractors can install new flooring in a day. Alternately, you could visit your local hardware store, pick up what you need, and do it yourself.

Individual solar lights can be obtained cheaply, and come in a number of different styles, but they won’t do much apart from look pretty. If you need lights in your hallway or outside try electric ones. Although these lights are more costly, they will last longer and are more reliable than solar models.

TIP! If the front of your home does not have much character, a pergola may be the fix. This is popular and gives your home a natural look.

If you want just a small improvement, go and buy a gallon of paint. Adding some new paint to a home can give it a new appearance, which doesn’t really cost you a whole lot of money or time. A brand new coat of paint can also make your home more attractive to those that may be buying it if you put it up for sale.

It’s important to have fun when doing any type of home improvement. Even though you should use care when doing a project, it’s important to enjoy it as well. If you don’t like what you are working on, it is more likely you will make a mistake. If you feel you need to, hire a contractor.

It’s a good idea to have an outlet put in the cabinets above where your microwave will go. It gives you easy access to plug the microwave in and not have the cord visible. A small project such as this will keep you from having a cord dangling overhead.

TIP! Analogous color schemes could be used in your home to create a restful feel. Analogous means the colors are harmonious on the color wheel, one next to the other, like violet to blue and red to orange.

You can use a coat rack that is mounted on your wall for a place to hang and display any of your bracelets or necklaces. You should only display costume jewelry, not anything valuable. Displaying your jewelry can make a nice statement in a room and keep it all tangle free. To make jewelry selection easy in the morning it’s best to put your favorite items in an easily accessible spot.

If you can, try to fix an issue as soon as it pops up. If you wait it will cause more damage. You must resist this impulse! The different systems of your home are closely connected and damage can spread with shocking speed. A little issue can blossom into a huge problem.

You can really improve the appearance of your windows by simply replacing your window treatments. Over time, blinds become faded by the sun or damaged by little hands and paws or other mishaps. New blinds are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and you will be surprised how much of a positive impact they make.

TIP! The difference that adding crown molding to a room can make can be quite dramatic. Plain, flat walls receive added interest and detail when crown molding is added.

Wall Mount

Using a wall mount for your television is a great way to save floor space. Installing a wall mount is fairly simple, and if you follow the instructions, it generally only takes around 30 minutes or so.

A dormer window in your attic will make it a more functional space. This adds exterior curb appeal and can add additional square footage to the home. In return for a modest cost, dormers make your home more livable and more valuable.

TIP! Tree planting can have several benefits, for you and your property. Planting trees can also make your home worth more.

If your home has low ceilings, you can make them feel higher by changing your window treatments. Do this seasonally to add color and interest to the interior of your home. You can make your ceilings seem higher by raising your drapes and curtains higher.

You will probably require a new roof if you notice your ceiling is leaking. Ignoring the problem can make it worse. Search your area for a high-quality roof specialist, and have them inspect your roof. Make sure the specialist is skilled and experienced.

Before you begin your project, research as much as you can. Although a demolition may appear to be very simple to do, it can cause serious damage to your home if done wrong. Always check your house for any attached electrical wiring and components. You need to double check, especially if it’s too pricey to remove the structure completely.

TIP! Vinyl decks have been increasingly more popular for homeowners. Be sure to clean off the deck at least twice a year so that you can keep getting plenty of enjoyment out of it for years to come.

Installing a property lined fence can have many beneficial effects to your home. A fence will protect your family, pets and guests from any stray animals. It will also prevent your dog from roaming around. There is a fence design for any taste, budget and purpose.

Quality Paint

If you are thinking about renovating your home, then you should consider how long your new appliances will last. A new fridge should last for at least twenty years, and a dryer and washer set should last about ten. So carefully consider your choice of appliances when you do any remodeling project.

TIP! A fast and simple means of improving the outside appearance of your house is to add vibrant plants and flowers. Make the proper choices based off of your current season.

Painting the interior of the house is very important, but it is the exterior that will remain in public view at all periods throughout the day. When you use a quality paint, it will last a lot longer on your home. Even though quality paint has a higher price tag, it will be more durable and it will cover the surface of your house more quickly and easily. It makes more sense to purchase high quality paint than it does to buy cheap paint and have to repaint within five years.

Always consider your climate when thinking of home improvement projects. For instance, a deck may not provide much enjoyment if your area is especially windy. You are unlikely to see a return on your investment if you fail to make renovations that are appropriate for your area.

At least once a year, in the spring, be sure to take a close look at your roof, checking it for signs of damage. You should replace any damaged shingles and check shingles to see if they are blistering or curling. Repairing minor damages when they are first noticed will help prevent having to have major work done later on down the road.

TIP! If you’re doing more than one improvement, prioritize them. For example, if your home improvement project involves replacing the floor and the cabinets in your kitchen, you would want to replace the cabinets first.

Think ahead before tackling a home improvement project. Before starting your project, it is best to have all your costs mapped out along with the time it should take you.

If you are planning to do a DIY plumbing home improvement project, don’t forget to turn the water off. If you don’t, you may have a costly cleanup to deal with.

If you’re upgrading your electrical system, you should have a pro do it. A professional will know what the best options are and the best way to do it. If you know nothing about electric work and try, you may do more harm than good.

TIP! Be careful not to go over budget. Budgets are created to adhere to.

It’s interesting to see what some people settle for when it comes to the paint schemes in their homes. On the other hand, they choose schemes themselves through lack of experience that do basically nothing for the value and feel of their home. Look online for some inspiration.

Home improvement projects do not have to be difficult. Getting good information for your home improvements will be easier if you follow this advice. With this accurate information, you can be appreciating your work much sooner than when given inaccurate information.

If you are making a major home improvement, purchase plans. The blueprints are worth the money. Proper documentation about the quality and legality of the work is important when it comes time to sell or appraise your home.

TIP! When you paint a house, neutral colors should be used. A neutral color can make a home look more spacious.