Tag / smooth finish

by Ted

How To Increase The Value Of Your Home With Home Improvement

Making improvements to your home can be a difficult process, if you let it. Learning all you can on how to improve your home, can make this process easier and quicker. This article will get you started.

Unless you can afford a designer or a contractor, you need to start learning how to do certain things. Pick up books, look through magazines and visits blogs to help you. You might get just the inspiration you need from a picture in a magazine. In addition, these resources can inform you on how to perform cheaper renovation projects.

Find your true style before you start your customizations to your home. The decorating style that you choose should serve as the catalyst for your project. You may accidentally change your decorating style midway through without realizing it. Starting over again may cost you thousands of dollars and add weeks to the completion date.

TIP! Identify your style prior to getting started on customizing your home. Your personal decorating style is going to play a serious role in the decisions you will face.

Use bleach to sanitize your commode. Although you may dislike the smell of the bleach, you can rest assured the toxic chemical is killing germs and leaving you with a shiny clean toilet. You can use scented bleach for a nicer smell.

Make a bookcase unique by applying some wallpaper to it. Choose a design that is unusual and interesting. Apply the chosen wallpaper inside of the bookcase. This way, the design will be visible behind the books. Not only will this bring an old bookcase back to life, it will be a signature piece in your room.

When replacing a floor, consider using vinyl to save money. Not only is vinyl durable and water resistant, it also has an adhesive backing which makes it easy to install. Although you can purchase this in sheet form, it is most commonly sold by the square foot in boxes.

TIP! If you prefer an inexpensive type of flooring, you will prefer vinyl over stone or ceramic tile. This peel-and-stick brand of flooring comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.

When placing screws and nuts into storage containers, use hot glue. Even the most organized system of supplies can be an issue when you’re searching for that one elusive piece of hardware. Written labels do not as easily convey the contents of a container like the actual hardware itself.

Damp Rag

One simple home improvement that is often neglected is gutter and chimney maintenance. 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 presents a very real fire hazard, and letting your downspouts and gutters get clogged can cause water intrusion and serious structural problems.

TIP! Located above eye level and therefore out of mind, gutters, chimneys, and downspouts are often ignored during home improvement and maintenance projects. It is critical to inspect these items regularly to see if you need to make repairs.

If you want to paint or stain wood, use a piece of sandpaper to make the surface smoother and humidify the wood by using a damp rag. You will get a smooth finish by using fine-grit sandpaper to sand the item. Afterwards, use that damp rag to rid the object of dust which helps to give it that nice smooth finish.

Give your porch an “up” as well. This is one of the first areas of the home that people notice when approaching your home. Keep it tidy and make it interesting with unique lights, or beautiful flower arrangements. You can add value to the property of your home when your porch is nice and inviting.

Natural materials are a great choice for home interiors whenever the budget allows for them. Natural building products like wood, stone and ceramic are almost always much better to their synthetic counterparts. The natural versions of these materials are better looking and may last longer too. You may have to shell out more money at the inception, but natural materials will save you money over time, because they don’t need to be replaced as often.

TIP! If you have the money to do so, get natural materials for your home improvement projects. Wood, ceramic, stone and other real materials are usually superior to synthetic substitutes.

Install a peephole on your doors. You should know who is at your door before you open it! Peepholes are easy to install and are one of the least expensive home improvements you can make. All you will need is a power drill and some extra time. Along with the added sense of security you’ll gain from this, a peephole also makes the door look more attractive.

The wall-to-wall carpeting found in some older homes can be stained and outdated. Hardwood floors have their own appeal, and are far more durable than even high-quality carpeting.

If you have chosen to do something major to your house, make sure it complements the construction and style of your entire house. Integrating the look of the exterior of your home with the new landscaping project will ensure a pleasant result that you will be happy to live with over time.

TIP! When planning a landscaping project, you should take the style of your home into consideration. Hardscapes and plantings that blend with the exterior of your home present a cohesive and attractive look.

No longer are chandeliers found only in mansions. A classy-looking chandelier that can pull together an elegant living or dining room can be yours for less than five hundred dollars. Total wattage of 200-400 adds extra sparkle and shine.

If you feel that the front exterior of your house lacks character or style, consider purchasing and installing a pergola. This beautiful addition to gardens has become very popular with homeowners for its elegant, natural appearance and the shaded charm it brings. You can build a pergola in a few days if you have a few helping hands.

Before you begin to paint the interior of your house, use a damp cloth to remove excess dirt, dust, and oils from the walls and baseboards. This helps the paint stick to the walls and may even save you from having to apply a second coat.

TIP! Always remove any dust, dirt or oily marks from room surface that you are going to paint with a clean wet cloth. This helps the paint stick to the wall better, and may also reduce the amount of paint required.

Get an electrician to install outlets inside cabinets located near your appliances. This will allow you to plug your microwave in without having to see the cord. A simple thing like this is going to avoid an unnecessary cord dangling in your kitchen.

Flowers and fruit can be a great way to make your kitchen more lively. Try arranging fresh cut flowers in a vase for instant appeal. This method is very cheap and can instantly liven up your kitchen. Seeing a vase of fresh flowers on even the dullest of days will instantly improve both the kitchen and your mood!

Make sure to provide adequate lighting when designing your new or updated bathroom. For bathrooms especially, people tend to put all their effort on elements such as the tub or sink and forget about proper lighting. Find lights that you can add around your mirror or medicine cabinet, and add ceiling lights that can easily be replaced should the bulb die out.

TIP! When remodeling your bathroom, make sure you add sufficient lighting. It’s common to think about how the new fixtures will look, while forgetting the light brightness the fixtures allow is just as important.

Smoke Alarms

Installing multiple smoke alarms will reduce your insurance premiums. Newer homes have less fire risk, so your discount will bigger the older your house is. Smoke alarms can not only save you money, but they could save your life.

Replacing any old or torn up window blinds with new ones, can greatly improve the looks around windows. Over time, blinds become faded and shabby from everyday use. New blinds help to add a vibrant look to your home, as you should coordinate them with your home’s style.

TIP! If your window blinds look torn or battered, replacing these can add to the appearance of your home. Over time, blinds become faded by the sun or damaged by little hands and paws or other mishaps.

A great time to take on big home improvement project is while the real estate market is experiencing a housing slump. During this time homeowners can save money. This is due to the fact that most contractors are competing for work. Although the costs of improvements go down, their values do not. Any type of renovation you make now will still be relevant once the market bounces back and people again start to purchase homes.

When installing new kitchen cabinets, it is very important to be sure that each cabinet is screwed securely to a wall stud. Locate and mark all wall studs before beginning the installation so you know exactly where to place your screws. All you need is a cheap stud finder that you can pickup at your local hardware store.

Get your contractor’s attention and make your needs clear. You want a knowledgeable contractor, but you also want a respectful one. If a contractor does not listen, they may do something that you told them not to do. Your contractor should be available to listen to everything you have to say.

TIP! Ensure that you’re being listened to by your contractor. It is important to find a contractor who listens to you and who you can trust.

Home improvements are a great way to have a home you enjoy. Having read this article, you should now know what it takes for a successful home improvement project.

by Ted

Make Your Home Imporvement Projects Easier With This Simple Advice

Home improvement offers a chance for anyone to participate. Home improvement projects are about more than just making your home look better. Good home improvements can really raise your property values. You will be provided with advice in this article that can help you complete your upcoming home improvement.

It may be time to get a new hinge for your door if you can’t find any other way to silence the squeak. Fortunately, these are easily located at most home improvement stores. Remove the current hinge and replace it with the new one that you purchased. After that, just get your hinge pieces aligned and your pins replaced.

Watch for offers from flooring stores and home improvement stores that will save you money on installation fees. Many places will offer free basic installation or discounted installation at certain times of the year. This is a huge savings since installation and labor can often exceed the price of the carpet.

TIP! If there are smaller crack in the roof, you can use aluminum tape to make repairs. Simply apply the tape by removing its backing and placing the sticky side to the surface you desire.

If you have a water leak, do not try to fix it by yourself. Just gather a bit of the dripping liquid in a bucket and call someone who knows what they are doing.

Smooth Finish

When you are doing home improvements, think about your surroundings. Make sure your home coordinates well with the others on the block. A remodel that blends seamlessly into the existing neighborhood has a greater chance of selling when it’s time to move.

TIP! Use a sponge to help your drywall instead of sanding. Rather than sanding drywall seams, just sponge them.

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. Using sandpaper with a fine grit helps to give it a nice smooth finish. Using a damp cloth to wipe the surface helps get rid of dust and provide a smooth finish.

You can greatly improve the safety in your home by gathering your family members and discussing safety escape routes. Most people tend to panic when faced with abnormally tragic or harmful circumstances. However, working on a safe route and practicing this route can really help to alleviate the panic involved in escaping. Have a catch up and think of the best way to get out in case this happens.

Consider using radiant heat tiles when redoing any tile floors. These tiles give heat by using electricity and can be very breathtaking. There are luckily some easy ways to do it yourself. Whether you hire someone, or do it by yourself, you can make this project an extra one. You are going to be happy that you installed these heating tiles whenever winter hits.

TIP! Be sure to lay down a tarp to protect the floor while you paint. Doing so can prevent paint from staining floors or carpets.

Natural Materials

If you can afford it, purchase natural materials for use with indoor projects. They provide great value and good looks, too. They are not only more attractive, but they also last much longer. Expensive natural materials can end up being cheaper due to their longevity.

Before buying “quality” supplies, see to it that you shop around for the best deals possible. Flooring is one area where it’s all too easy to spend more than you need to; comparison shopping will help you zero in on the best deals. There are places you can buy construction and remodeling supplies at a discount.

TIP! Prior to working with wood, take sandpaper and smooth everything down. After that, take a slightly wet cloth and wipe it off.

Besides adding easily-changeable color to a room’s decor, the right window treatments can help to make a room more spacious. This can be a huge asset when dealing with rooms that have cramped-feeling low ceilings. Your ceilings will seem taller if you put your window treatments higher.

There are simple steps you can take to figure out what’s wrong when your water pressure falls. Ask the people who live near you if they have the same issue. If not, then the problem is in your home. Next, you want to check every faucet throughout your home in order to determine if the problem is with one faucet or one that affects your entire home. A single faucet with poor pressure may only need an aerator adjustment; a house-wide problem may require professional assistance.

When you are making home improvements, spend some time on your porch. It’s the first thing your visitors see and it gives them a good impression of your house. Keep your porch clean and add tasteful enhancements. Flowers, nice furniture and great lighting can be used to dress up an otherwise boring and bland porch. This can increase the property value of your home.

TIP! If your home has stained outdated carpet, you should consider updating with wood flooring. Hardwood floors always look fresh and are far more durable than carpeting.

If your window blinds look torn or battered, replacing these can add to the appearance of your home. Often the sun will fade blinds and curtains. Sometimes pets, children and/or time can wreak havoc. By adding new blinds, you will be making a huge improvement.

Don’t clutter up a single room with too many furnishings. A lot of furniture makes the room look smaller. While you may like them, a buyer will want to see how much space there actually is. When you have less furniture, the room appears larger.

There are many types of materials you have to avoid while making home improvements, and certain types of drywall now fit this bill. Avoid the purchase of Chinese manufactured drywall. Almost all of the dry wall sold here in the US since 2005 has been made in China. Much of it suffers from unacceptable quality control. Drywall from China can, in the worst-case scenario, exude gases that damage the electrical wiring in the wall behind it.

TIP! Try adding a pergola to your home if you think the exterior looks bland. This is popular and gives your home a natural look.

You should drain all of the water out of the hot water heater once every six months. Well-maintained water heaters can last much longer and run better. Just find the drain valve, put a hose on it and turn the valve.

Give your door and shutters a couple coats of glossy paint to spruce up its curb appeal. Homes with light-colored brick or vinyl siding look especially attractive with bright red or blue paint; a darkly colored home exterior looks great with a deep, cool color like eggplant or jade green.

Always shop for low or no-VOC paints for interior use. These paints are environmentally friendly and don’t contain the harsh chemical ingredients found in traditional house paints. They are just as effective as regular paints are, and are priced just a bit higher than traditional paints.

TIP! Does your floor need some work? If you want to be adventurous, pull your own floors up and put down adhesive wood products. This might seem like cheap flooring, but it is actually quite nice.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans should be considered as a home improvement project. Anyone can install a ceiling fan easily and cheaply. Ceiling fans can help you save money by circulating air so you don’t have to run your air conditioner as much.

Before you try to remove an older popcorn ceiling, test it for asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that needs to be removed and disposed of with care. However, the only time it causes issues is when it’s disturbed. A ceiling that contains asbestos should be removed by professionals with special equipment for doing so.

TIP! It can be inconvenient to live in a home that is undergoing a home improvement project. To do this effectively, do the tasks when nobody is around.

Doing home improvements can seem like a burden to people that live there. Try to schedule work sessions during times when no one is home. That ensures stress levels stay low.

There are many more home improvement projects you should look into. Always be willing to learn more about home improvement projects. Prior research can make a difference between completing a successful improvement project or having a poor result. Before you begin your project, familiarize yourself with every aspect of it.

If you have cabinets that need to be redone and you do not have a lot of money, think about just redoing the surface instead. It can be very expensive to actually replace every cabinet in the kitchen. You can just reface your cabinets, and spend much less money. You will get a fresh look and it will not cost as much.

TIP! You have many different types of stains to choose from when you’re considering re-staining your deck. Some available options are semi-transparent stains, clear, oil-based, solid color and toners.

by Ted

Small Changes Can Add Up. These Ideas Will Improve Your Home Value

There’s probably not a homeowner out there who wouldn’t love to make some improvements. However, before anyone takes a hammer to the walls, you should first start by learning about home improvement. The following tips will also help you discriminate between projects you can take on yourself and which ones will require a consultation with a professional. As you read on, you will find a slew of helpful tips and tricks to help you out along the way.

If you need to patch some small cracks in your roof, a roll of three-inch wide aluminum tape can take care of the job. Take off the paper backing before applying the tape to a smooth and clean surface. The aluminum provides a long-lasting, waterproof seal that will surely hold up for years with any type of small hole or crack.

Take the time to make every project your own, instead of simply copying what someone else has done. You will enjoy your home much more if it reflects who you are.

TIP! When it comes to successfully completing your next project, few things are as helpful as having the proper tools for the job. The right tools ensure the job is done right and done well.

Choose a white tile or any other light colored substance when re-doing your roof. The lighter color will reflect the suns rays instead of absorbing them, reducing the heat build up in your attic. You may save a lot of money on your cooling and heating bills.

You should consider having a combo unit if you reside in a small place without the space to have a washer and dryer. Many of these units are as small as a dishwasher, so the room necessary to incorporate one is not substantial. You can use the machine to both wash and dry your clothes.

Make sure you have a good place for all leftover debris when you start your next big home improvement project. Planning in advance what you are going to do with rubbish can save you time and money during the construction.

TIP! When employing a contractor for your project, it’s important to maintain your own records. Contractors may not always do this for you, so don’t assume that they will.

Change your door hinge if its creaking. You can buy one at a hardware store. Just take apart the hinge and simply attach every side to the frame and door. Then, just line up the hinge pieces and place in the pins.

Put some foil on your outlets if you are going to be painting. The foil is much simpler to apply than tape and protects the entire cover from splatters and drips. It is quick and easy to remove, too. Before you take the foil off, the paint should be dry.

Houses that have an inviting view often sell for more than comparable house without such a view. This extra cost, though, should not be considered an investment, but more of a charge for your viewing pleasure. Future buyers may not find the view as pleasant as you do and may not be willing to pay the higher price simply because of it.

TIP! If you decide to renovate a kitchen or bath, be sure to substitute old sheet rock with drywall specifically made to resist water. These products, also called “green board,” have been treated to keep them resistant to moisture, and to help prevent mold growth.

Even one with little do it yourself knowledge can repair a leaking faucet. If you can easily find the leaks, you can save quite a bit of water – and money – each day. Your monthly water utility will show the savings.

Turn off the plumbing if any home improvement projects will take place in the bathroom or kitchen. Whenever you are dealing with pipes, fittings, or fixtures, finding and turning the shutoff valve should be step number one. This step will help you prevent a flood.

Clogs in gutters can cause damage to your home’s exterior. A clogged gutter is one of the primary causes for flooding basements. Prevent this by keeping the gutters clear of leaves and debris.

TIP! If you have a low water pressure, you should be able to fix this problem easily. Start by consulting with your neighbors and see if they’re experiencing the same problem.

Smooth Finish

Whenever you paint or stain an object made of wood, you should begin by sandpapering the surface in order to smooth it out, then use a damp rag to dust the object off. Using sandpaper with a fine grit helps to give it a nice smooth finish. Then collect the dust with a damp paper towel or rag, preserving the smooth finish.

Though your eye may see your kitchen floor as level, installing cabinets requires using a level. Begin at your kitchen floor’s highest point, and then place a line across the wall’s length where your cabinets are going to be put in. This is needed to ensure that the counters are going to be level.

TIP! Pick out a color for your space. A complementary scheme of colors works great in an area that’s for formal activities, like your dining room.

Using the right type of lighting in any room makes a big difference in how it looks. An adequately bright room will be warm and inviting. Putting in another light fixture will allow for this extra feeling of warmth. By making a dark room more bright, you’ll be able to make the whole home feel improved.

Putting padding on sharp ends of furniture will help prevent any accidents that your children may have. Local retailers should have corner protectors and foam tapes you can use to dull sharp furniture edges or objects that your child is sure to collide with at some point. As well, make sure you tape wires to the floor or wall so young children do not play with them and accidentally strangle themselves.

Installing a new sink is a great way to freshen up a kitchen that’s starting to look old and dingy. Your home will look better right away with a new sink. You can add a splash of color in your kitchen with a bright, colorful new sink.

TIP! It is amazing what a difference crown molding can make on your walls! Transform a boring, plain old wall into an eye catching designer showplace. These dramatic results can be achieved with a minimal expenditure of money and effort.

If you want to improve the look of your home, and do it the smart way, start with the permanent fixtures that need updated first. Buy expensive furnishings later. This is because the furniture will go with the homeowner, if the home is sold. Attractive fixtures are a valuable addition and can add to the price of a home.

When thinking of replacing your cabinets, try using wood cabinets. They are very durable and stand up very well under heavy use. The most common wood types for cabinets are oak, cherry and maple. Feel free to paint your cabinets or stain them if you want a more original color.

If you put new cabinets in your kitchen you should be sure they are securely screwed in the wall. Mark all of the wall studs in the beginning of your installation so that you know where to put the screws. You can find a stud finder that doesn’t cost much at a hardware store.

TIP! If you are thinking about removing a popcorn ceiling, make sure you get tests done on it to check for asbestos first. Asbestos needs special care when removing and disposing of it, as it is a dangerous substance; the only time there is a problem, however, is if it is disturbed.

As you now know, you must be aware of your limits when making home improvements. By using the tips in this article, you are ensuring that your home improvement project is completed without catastrophe. Do not be afraid to look for help; it is the prudent thing to do.

by Ted

Home-Improvement Tips That Will Not Break The Bank

When you lack the proper knowledge, even the simplest home improvement project can seems like an insurmountable challenge. If you do not know exactly where to start on your project, take a look at these tips and see if you can find the assistance you need to get them done right.

Fans are great for cooling your home. A ceiling fan does an excellent job of circulating air, thereby making any room much cooler. You can place some smaller fans around your home as needed. This will help you lower your electric bill during the summer months since fans use less electricity than an AC unit.

Watch for offers from flooring stores and home improvement stores that will save you money on installation fees. They will often offer installation for a low, low cost to encourage carpet purchases. When you see this type of sale, it’s time to move as often full-priced installation can cost more than the carpet itself.

TIP! Consider using light colored tile or shingles if you are redoing your roof. This will reflect a lot of the heat and will keep your attic cooler.

A great way to lower the cost of your electric bill is to use a motion sensor light instead of a regular porch light. You will still be able to turn the light on manually when you need to, and the motion detector can be adjusted for sensitivity.

Drywall Mud

The addition of a bathroom to the home can increase the value of your home. A second bathroom, particularly if it is on a different floor from the first bathroom, is really helpful for family and guests. It is common for more than one person to need in the bathroom at one time.

TIP! To keep air from leaving through the doors, get some sealant strips and draft excluders. Draft excluders are made to fit on the bottom side of a door to prevent warm air from escaping and stop cold air from entering.

If you use drywall mud to texture your walls, it can improve their appearance and disguise blemishes. Adding texture to your walls can be so simple. Trowel drywall mud and use a stiff brush or sponge to dab at it and add texture.

Find out where the gas shut off is is you are going to do some work in a kitchen. It is critical that you take extreme caution in these types of repairs. You do not want to start a fire or get hurt during the course of your project.

Write down all the items that you need prior to shopping from a home improvement project. Having a comprehensive list makes it easier to stay organized, saving you trips and money.

TIP! Remember that you’re responsible for keeping records of your home improvement project, even if you have a professional doing the actual work. Avoid thinking the contractor will do that for you.

Choosing to add insulation to your attic can be a smart move, especially in winter, as it saves on heating costs. Because hot air inevitably rises, in the colder months poorly-insulated homes are letting huge amounts of heated air escape wastefully. You should be able to find quality insulation in most hardware stores and installing it yourself should not be too hard.

Smooth Finish

When you are getting ready to sell your home, evaluate your living space to make sure that each area has a separate purpose. Rooms such as the office and family room need the proper furniture to accompany them. This can help buyers imagine what it’s like to live there and give them ideas of how to use the space. Well defined spaces make a house more attractive and set it up to sell faster.

TIP! Landscaping is a home improvement project you should consider. Your yard is the first item people view when they visit your home, so a good landscape can improve the look of any home.

Before applying paint or stain to something made from wood, smooth the surface with sandpaper and wipe the object with a tack cloth or damp rag. The smooth finish can be achieved by using a fine grit sandpaper. Then collect the dust with a damp paper towel or rag, preserving the smooth finish.

After sitting on your chair pads for a long time, they become flat. Rotate them and flip them to keep them from getting excessive wear and put them out in the sun on a pretty day. The sun returns the bounce by evaporating moisture that has accumulated in the fill. 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.

Sprucing up your walls with art is a great improvement idea, but it doesn’t have to be a painting. You can use practically anything for artwork. For example, choose two different colors of 3D tiles to arrange in an artful pattern above your sofa for a unique object of art.

TIP! Invest in a drain snake to save money on plumbing house calls. You will not have the need to purchase drain cleaners a lot.

Look around for home improvement ideas and inspiration well in advance of beginning a project. By compiling a list as you go along you will have a better idea of what you want when the time comes. When trying to decide on the perfect color palette, rushing through your decision is the last thing you want to do.

Soundproofing inside interior walls makes a good investment in any home. Soundproofing the walls may look beautiful and leave a luxurious feel, but not every wall needs such treatment. The best rooms to soundproof are rooms you will be using equipment in and bedrooms. The kitchen can be a nice area to soundproof as well, unless it’s a fairly open kitchen that attaches to a lot of different areas.

A good quality door is a valuable home improvement to make. It creates a great first impression. Keep in mind that poorly insulated or fitted door can let a lot of heat out. If your door frame or locks are old or poorly made, you lose security and peace of mind.

TIP! If your home is located beside a wooded lot, install a wooden fence. The improvements you make should be ones that are going to keep you and everyone in your home comfortable, while at the same time making your home look better.

Follow the colors of an item of furnishing in the room to be painted. Be it the upholstery, or a rug, any item will do as a base for your color scheme. For instance, a rug that has yellow, red, and green can work with the dominant color from that trio for nearly 60% of that room. These shades will be used to accent the room.

Making use of tips like the ones you’ve just read can help you to tackle any home improvement project with a greater sense of confidence. Concurrently, you might also discover that these tips provide you with the information you need to determine whether to do the project yourself or get a pro to help.

Solar powered lights are great, but most will be extremely weak. If you need effective outdoor lighting, electric is the way to go. Although they may cost more upfront, they provide more reliability and longer life than a solar model.

TIP! Paint is the foundation of any room and sets the tone – start there before planning for other elements. It is much more difficult to paint the walls and ceiling after the floor is put in.