Tag / drain cleaners

by Ted

Home Improvement Tips And Tricks Made Easy

Home improvement jobs can feel like a hobby or like a total obsession. Home improvement work can add significant value to your home. Sometimes, it can be a home disaster as well. You can make the best choices if you take your time and follow this advice.

Your porch might be in need of a fresh coat of paint. If you do, take care to use a high-quality exterior paint. When you are painting you have to use the same kind of paint to go over the old. Be careful with oil based paint on surfaces that have foot traffic because it become slippery when wet. However, oil based paint is fine on house trim.

If you can afford purchasing real wood floors rather than laminate, then do so. Although laminate looks like the real thing, you can refinish it. This means they’ll have to be completely redone if a new look is desired.

TIP! It is vital that you always change the air filters. It is healthier for breathing inside the house, but it also conserves your air conditioner and heating units.

Recycling shoe boxes is an excellent way to add storage to a room. Use old wallpaper on the shoe boxes to give them a modern design. They make terrific storage containers, and they can even give your room a little extra drama.

Acrylic Paint

Small rooms can look dark and dull, but this can be changed. Light can be the answer! Clean the windows and open up the curtains to let in as much light as possible. Rooms appear much larger and more open with good natural lighting. Keep clutter to a minimum and stick with light, subdued paint colors. This simple change can make your room seem larger.

TIP! Substituting vinyl tiles for stone or ceramic ones is a way to save a lot of money when you’re installing a new floor surface. This peel-and-stick brand of flooring comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Anything simple, like a lampshade, can look and be boring. Go to your local arts and crafts store, and pick up some stencils and acrylic paint. With the acrylic paint, create some interesting designs on your lamp shade. Not only can you match the color or theme of the room, but you can even match the design of rugs or other aspects to tie the room together.

Believe it or not, you can actually fix the bubbles in the old vinyl tiles in your floor. If these bubbles exist, it is a simple fix to just cut into the bubble and release the excess air that has been trapped. The bubble will collapse in the short term. You need to inject it with some new glue though to keep the section held down to the ground. Use glue that you buy in syringes to do the job.

Attaching PVC pipes to each another is easy, and requires just a bit of PVC primer and cement. If you don’t use this stuff, your pipes could leak. Also, make sure there is no moisture on the pipes.

TIP! You can greatly enhance your home’s value by adding another bathroom. Two bathrooms can be very useful if they are connected to different bedrooms, for instance.

If you should happen to spot a water leaking from below the sink or under the tap, it is best that you do not try to patch up the leak yourself. Place a big container under the leak and call a plumber.

If you have building materials to store, put them between your floor joints or ceiling rafters. It is fairly easy to store a lengthy piece of molding or even a two by four in this fashion. Nail some furring strips to two exposed rafters or floor joists, and place the material in there.

Use two-liter bottles that are empty to store things in your kitchen. You can see what is inside them, and can store and protect dry goods like flour or sugar. You can put them into a fridge, freezer or cabinet easily. Simply take of the top and pour it when you need it.

TIP! When employing a contractor for your project, it’s important to maintain your own records. Don’t just assume the contractor will do this for you.

A way you can rid yourself from insects is to caulk holes and cracks. Apply the caulk around windows, baseboards and doorways to seal any cracks. Once the caulk dries, bugs won’t get in and air won’t leave.

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. One of the things that you need to do when taking on a home improvement project is to fasten down loose wiring when working, to make sure your children are safe from a potential strangling hazard.

Old chair or couch cushions tend to get flat or lumpy. A good way to restore such cushions is to place them outdoors in the sunshine. The sun evaporates the moisture from the filling, and they bounce right back to their original shape. Ensure that you flip over your cushions and do not leave them out in the sun for extended periods of time.

TIP! Include peepholes on your outside doors. You should know who is at your door before you open it! This easy-to-install project is an inexpensive home improvement.

Escape Plan

Be sure to set up an emergency escape plan and familiarize everyone in the household with it. It is normal to panic when the unexpected happens. Some of this panic can be lessened with the help of an escape plan. So have a family meeting to make escape plans, and consider all the ramifications of each.

Tie or cut dangling blind cords. It is possible for kids and pets to get tangled in long cords and strangle. Do not cut them too short, you will need enough length to still use the blinds. You can tie it up or cut it off so you can avoid an accident.

TIP! Get an electrician to install an outlet inside the cabinet that is above your microwave. When your microwave’s plug is tucked away, it’ll look great.

Your old luggage rack can be turned into an interesting side table for your living room. Just add a large piece of glass to the top and use some permanent adhesive to secure it. Add a lamp and some books and you have a perfectly good side table.

Actually spend some time reading the bottle before purchasing drain cleaner. Not every cleaner is made of the same ingredients, and some can be very harsh. Avoid using crystallized drain cleaners as they can stick to your pipes and cause continuous damage. Use a cleaner that works with the septic tank you have, too.

It is always wise to draw up an estimate of the costs involved with any home improvement project. Homeowners can realize terrific savings by buying materials in large quantities. It is also true that various equipment and materials for home renovation projects come with lengthy wait times. If they are not ordered in advance they can hold up the entire project.

TIP! You can do most home improvement projects on your own. You can always hire a contractor, this is something that should be done by a professional.

Drain Snake

If you want to save money, then consider getting a drain snake. This will reduce the need for buying drain cleaners. You might want to ask a professional to demonstrate how to operate a drain snake before you try using it. Ensure that you purchase a snake that properly fits your drain.

Give any room a new look easily by changing the window treatments. They are usually inexpensive and can add character to any room. You could even get different curtains for different seasons if you want.

TIP! Pressure on the bristles causes them to bend, which will wear them out quicker. Rather, try storing your broom with the bristles facing up.

As this article stated, home improvement may be a good or bad thing. Some home improvement are worth it and can make your home tougher to sell. Follow these simple ideas to avoid creating a white-elephant home improvement project.

by Ted

How To Maximize Your Home Improvement Efforts

It can be exciting and difficult to do your own home improvements. Anyone who doesn’t know what they’re doing will after reading the above article. Continue ahead to some tips that will get your home improvement skills up to par.

Consider putting on a unique addition to make your home more classy. For example, a library with custom built shelves or a basement converted to a wine cellar may add a useful and classy touch. These impressive additions will not only please you, but they will substantially increase the value of your home.

Use a sponge to help install drywall. Don’t sand your drywall seams, sponge them. Using a wet sponge can do as good of a job as sanding can. The good thing about it is that you do not create dust with the sanding.

TIP! A decent drill is a critical tool that you’ll need for almost any sort of home improvement work. You can make holes and even attach screws.

Decide on your main style theme before you start to add customizing features onto your home. Identifying your decorating style will have a serious impact on the choices that you make. Many times people change decorating styles without realizing it. The time you then spend making necessary changes will be quite costly.

When you start a project, ensure you know the scope of the work involved. Sit down and make a list of everything you have to do. You should also not discount the value of second opinions in evaluating your needs and plans. You can save a lot of money just by keeping to a plan that includes everything you will need to do.

It is vital to get an expert’s advice for big home improvement tasks. Advice from a professional can ultimately save you thousands of dollars and hours of frustration. If you fail to talk to the professionals, you might just end up messing things up badly.

TIP! In some houses, basements often lack natural lighting. Your basement can look better will well-placed artificial lighting.

Make sure that you seal cracks in your home to eliminate infestation of bugs. Seal any holes around windows, baseboards and other areas using caulk. Caulking these areas helps to keep cool air and heat from getting out.

Draft Excluders

Install peepholes in all of your outside doors. Know who’s out there when you open your door. You can also put in a peephole, which is very easily accomplished. It only takes your time and a drill. The security this improvement offers is well worth it.

TIP! Contractors that are not licensed should never get hired by a homeowner for a project of any kind. Every state requires you to possess some kind of certification if you’re a general contractor or a sub-contractor.

To stop air from going through your door, buy sealant strips and draft excluders. Draft excluders slide beneath the door to prevent hot air inside from leaking out during the winter, as well as keeping warm air in the summer. There are also strips of sealant you can use for the same purpose. They can be bought at all hardware stores.

When cleaning stubborn clogs, make sure you are knowledgeable on the product that’s being used. Cleaners can differ a great deal, and many of them are quite harsh. Drain cleaners with active ingredients that are crystallized, for instance, may adhere to the interior of pipes, causing long-term damage. Be sure to select drain cleaners that work well with the type of septic tank you have.

If you are considering a bathroom remodeling job, consider making the room handicap accessible. It’s not necessary to fully convert the bathroom, but having a bathroom that later on can be converted fully is a major selling point. Or if you stay in your home for your entire life, it can be a big boon in your later years. When the time comes to put your home on the market, these renovations can add value to your home.

TIP! Most building supplies are expensive and prone to theft. You should keep those supplies secure and locked up when you are not working.

When you are about to make some renovations to your home, look for age-in-place methods that can be applied to a home. 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.

Start planning your DIY projects well before you start them. If you immediately start exploring all of your options, you will be able to build up a wider and more carefully chosen array of possibilities. Your home improvement agenda will be easier to accomplish if you are not exasperated by time limitations.

If you are caring for an older relative, think about what they will need when renovating your home. For instance, a shower stall that is step-in is easier for them to get into and diminishes the chance of slipping. Grab bars and hand rails can add ease and comfort for anyone that needs it.

TIP! Individual solar lights may not be the best possible investment for your home. If you need good outdoor lighting for your walkway, you need to get electric models.

Try staining the floors of your basement. Staining is a less expensive way to greatly improve the look of your concrete floors. Staining the floors also makes it much more durable and cleaning is a breeze. There are many stains on the market, so find one that suits your style. Your floor will look classier than ever.

As you consider replacement cabinetry, take a look at wood models. In addition to be being durable, they are able to survive pretty much anything. Cherry, oak and maple are common woods that are used for cabinets. If you want a different color, they are all easily stained.

It can be costly to replace flooring. Instead, consider removing the current flooring material and applying a stain to the concrete underneath. This type of look isn’t for everyone, but in terms of a money-saving way to make home improvements, you can’t beat it.

TIP! If you intend to improve your home quickly, it’s going to be more expensive. If you speak with the contractor and workers, they will be very eager to have work more quickly.

If you’re in a fire-prone area and worry about fencing materials, try white or red cedar fences. Cedar wood is well-loved for its durability and distinctive fragrance; it is also rated highly for safety in areas that are potentially threatened by wildfires.

If you mount your TV using a wall bracket, you’ll be able to free up a great deal of space. Even if you still need a TV stand, you’ll be able to store something else on the surface you’ve cleared. This project does not take much time, either.

Do you have many repairs that should be done to your home prior to moving in? If so, then make sure you do the large repairs first. Less challenging projects like bathroom updates and basement renovations can wait until a while after you have settled in.

TIP! Be mindful of weather conditions. If you live in an area that is known for strong winds and heavy rains, a patio or barbecue might not be the best investment.

If you have a leak in the roof, fix it right away. Neglecting it could cause bad problems. Locate a company with a great reputation to check it out. A skilled specialist will give you the best chance at a quality improvement.

Make sure you get your plumbing and electric squared away before anything else. These projects often require you to work with wires or pipes inside your walls; finish these repairs before you tackle any other jobs. In addition, it is generally easier to have needed maintenance on your wiring and plumbing done if you have walls torn open for renovations anyway.

If you install new cabinetry in the kitchen, make sure all cabinets are firmly attached to the walls. Find and mark your wall studs prior to installation so that you know where all screws should go. This process can be simplified with a simple and affordable stud finder from your local hardware store.

TIP! Don’t start your home improvement undertakings without a good, written estimate of the total cost. Many novice homeowners make the mistake of underestimating the cost of their improvements.

Crown Molding

Crown molding makes a huge difference to the appearance of your walls. Plain walls can be brightened up with crown molding. Crown molding is an inexpensive but effective room project, and you can attend to the installation yourself.

More and more homeowners have put in vinyl decks. It’s crucial that you wash your deck twice yearly to help it remain in good condition so that you can enjoy it for many years to come. The seasons of fall and spring are the ideal times for vinyl deck cleanings.

TIP! Make sure that you paint when the air is dry. This is important in painting successfully.

Making home improvements now only boosts your home’s value, but it also boosts your confidence. If you don’t have a lot of experience in home improvement projects, you are going to need the help this article provides.

by Ted

Home Improvement Made Easy. Tips For Anyone!

Maybe you need to make home repairs, but are clueless as to where to begin. Is this what you’ve been thinking lately? Many people choose not to improve their home because they are unsure of where to begin. This article will provide you with some great information that can help you to get your house updated and feeling new again.

If you have tried everything you can to stop your door from squeaky, you may need a new hinge. Of course, you can find them at any store that sells home hardware. Disassemble the hinge. Then attach the new one to your door and wall. Put the hinge together by sliding in the pin.

When you are replacing the baseboards, opt for stained wood over painted for more appeal. This classic look blends naturally in with almost any style of decor. They also are better at hiding minor scuffs and dents than painted, and are easier to touch up should damage occur. You will have the option to choose from many, many colors of stain that will match decor of any color.

TIP! When replacing a floor, consider using vinyl to save money. This peel-and-stick brand of flooring comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.

If you’d like to make an old bathroom look modern and new, look into buying matching metal fixtures. There are many varieties of bathroom hardware available, such as cabinet knobs and toilet paper holders. It is common for home improvement outlets to carry such items in groups in order to facilitate simple installation.

Be sure to protect your flooring when you paint. Taking this precaution will save you from wet paint staining carpets or floors. A cheaper way to get this done is to layer old newspapers. Plastic sheets and paint cloths may be used as well.

Even novices can repair leaky faucets. If you can locate the leaks yourself and quickly fix them, you can save yourself some money and a whole lot of water. Your water bill will reflect the savings.

TIP! When you are involved in a home improvement project, be certain to allot a specific spot for the resulting debris and trash. Removal of debris can be expensive; however, with proper planning, your project can stay on budget.

The bathroom is another vital part of the house when you’re trying to flip it. Living rooms and bedrooms are quite changeable by the new occupants of the home, but a bathroom is far more costly to update, so it needs to be in good shape from the start. If your shower and sink aren’t in good condition, you should replace them. Put in tile flooring instead of linoleum.

While wood fireplaces can keep your house toasty warm, consider other heating sources first. Wood stoves are not an efficient heating source due to the fact that a good amount of heat will end up drifting up the chimney instead of going into your home. What’s more, fire is oxygen hungry, which means the amount and quality of breathable air in your home will be diminished.

If you lack experience and skill in home repairs, do not hesitate to seek advice from a professional contractor beforehand. Advice from a professional can ultimately save you thousands of dollars and hours of frustration. If you do not ask a professional to begin with, you may screw up.

TIP! If you want to change the design of your kitchen, try out new handles and knobs on your cabinetry. An old kitchen can be brightened up by using cabinet knobs, which are easy to change.

Drain Cleaners

Take a moment to review the ingredients of your cleansers before you try to flush out a clogged drain. Some cleaners are caustic chemicals. Drain cleaners with active ingredients that are crystallized, for instance, may adhere to the interior of pipes, causing long-term damage. Be sure to select drain cleaners that work well with the type of septic tank you have.

One thing you must do when tackling home improvement projects is allocating a specific budget. A person that sets aside a yearly budget for home repairs and improvement will definitely keep a home in much better shape. Any money leftover after repairs can go into savings for large home improvements the following year.

TIP! Whenever you are redesigning your room, you should make sure you select the right color scheme. A complementary color scheme works well in a formal area of your house, such as a dining room.

Many people that build homes don’t spend too much money because they use solid wood cabinets or particleboard ones that don’t have any kind of hardware. It is easy to find the knobs, pulls or handles you need at any good hardware store. Choose hardware that has a vintage appearance or an Op Art look, whatever matches your decor.

Are you finding that your home is too hot or too bright for you? If that is the case, you should consider tinting your windows. People of all ability levels can complete this project. Also, your cooling bills will likely shrink.

Choose one piece of decor in your room and build your color palette off it. Be it the upholstery, or a rug, any item will do as a base for your color scheme. For instance, if your rug has yellow, red and green in it, select one of the three hues to be used to color 60 percent of the room. The other hues can be utilized as accent colors.

TIP! When taking on an involved home improvement project, start with electrical and plumbing projects first. Since most of these repairs need to be done by going into your walls, you should take care of them first.

Drain hot water heaters about every six months. When you take good care of your water heater, it will run better and last longer. All you need to do to drain it is find your drain valve, attach it to a hose, and then turn your valve exactly the same direction you’d turn a spigot in.

If your home requires major repairs, it is best to consult a professional. Building specialists, such as architects and contractors, exist for a reason. These people are professionals, who are highly skilled at their jobs. Hiring a pro with a good reputation is the best way to ensure a job well done.

A great method of transforming a room in a hurry is to add wall paneling. This is a cheap and effective way to help your home appear like new, and you can easily change or remove them with little damage if you like.

TIP! Begin the installation of your new kitchen cabinets by drawing a horizontal benchmark line around the perimeter of your entire kitchen. Use this line as a point of reference when measuring for the installation of the base cabinets and wall cabinets.

Install double-paned windows. Although these windows can cost more, they help decrease energy costs as well as outside noise considerably. Think of getting these kinds of windows if you want to save some time and money later on. These windows are not only energy efficient enough to assist in heating and cooling, they help keep the noise of the outside world from entering your home.

Taping Knife

To make attic space more usable, purchase a dormer window. Dormers are able to provide enhanced character to the house as well as a significant amount of additional interior space. A dormer window will increase the value of your home, and you will have more space to live in.

TIP! If you’d like to create a simple, but elegant back-splash with your kitchen without spending much money, use wallpaper and varnish. Use a wallpaper you like.

If you’re working with sheetrock, buy a stainless steel taping knife. A high-quality taping knife lasts longer than cheap varieties and is easier to keep clean. Provided it is cleaned and stored correctly, you will only need to buy one, and that will last for the years to come.

Devise a plan for managing and eliminating debris. Particularly if you are going to be demolishing part of your home, you will have a lot of trash that is generated. This debris will be a hassle to you if you don’t know where to put it. Be sure that there’s a dumpster rented or you have a big truck that’s able to hold debris as you work on a home improvement project.

Have to ever taken a good look at your home’s door handles? By cleaning or changing the door handles, you can easily change up the look in your home. You can really enhance the look of your doors by purchasing new brass handles to replace your old ones.

TIP! When you’re replacing your home’s siding you have an excellent opportunity to improve or replace the insulation in your walls. Some of the kinds of siding you can use is foam, house wrap, or whole wall protection.

In conclusion, anyone can do home improvements. If you do not know what you are doing, here is some great info to help. Hopefully the article above has provided you with just that type of good information. If you follow this advice you will can do it all by yourself.