Tag / steel wool

by Ted

Home Improvement Can Be Easy With This Advice

You naturally want your home to look good. The best way to achieve this is to educate yourself on home imporovement. Start with this article and grow from there.

Increase your home’s energy efficiency by adding weather stripping to your doors and windows. This fix costs next to nothing, and it makes your home much more comfortable. Not to mention, it saves you money. You may also notice that you don’t feel as many drafts in your home.

A great tip for home improvement is to personalize any project you undertake. While this is a good idea, you should also make sure that each improvement is practical.

TIP! If you refinish your existing cabinets, rather than buying new ones, you can save a lot on your kitchen remodel. You can give them a completely new look by painting the bases and changing the doors.

Seal cracks and openings that exist around your home, as this keeps bugs out and your warm or cool air in. Apply caulking around windows, baseboards and other places that need it. After your caulk is dry, bugs will not longer be able to get in, and your home will also be better insulated.

Draft Excluders

Instead of choosing a pre-made coffee table, choose something unique. Luggage that is old or old checks are great places to store things and use as a coffee table. Put some reading material on your coffee table for added flair. If you are going for a rustic feel, you can complete the look with some teacups and a tablecloth.

TIP! It’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your existing floors before you commit yourself to the expensive proposition of installing all-new hardwood. Your home might be one of the many that has potentially-attractive original hardwood lurking beneath multiple layers of tile, linoleum, vinyl, or carpet.

To help stop air from getting through the doors, you can purchase 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. Placing sealant strips around the frames can also help. You can purchase these at most hardware stores.

The reasons for why you are replacing a lock determines whether you have to replace all or part of it. The locking action is accomplished by the cylinder. If you lose keys or want to change locks, it is possible; just replace the cylinder. If you are adding a lock and there is one there already, you should replace the whole thing.

One of the most expensive things a homeowner can do is to replace the roof. If is something that you can not avoid you should be sure to get a fee quotes before choosing a roofer. When it comes to the material used on a roof, there are tons of choices, such as metal, wood shake, composite shingles, and lightweight tiles. You can get help choosing from a roofing contractor.

TIP! Clogged gutters can lead to serious drainage issues during a rainy summer. Clogged gutters causing rainwater to leak down the side of a house is actually one of the main causes of leaks in the basement.

It is not necessary to buy art at the store, try something different like some tiles. Three dimensional tiles set in two different colors is wall art within itself.

Drain Snake

Those who live in a dry climate are better off with white or red cedar fences. Cedar is durable and provides a great fragrance, while also providing terrific fire safety.

TIP! If you require your improvements done quickly, you’ll need to pay up. You will often find that your contractor is more than happy to do extra work.

Buy yourself a tool called a drain snake for do-it-yourself clearing of plumbing pipes. One of the biggest advantages is the lower frequency with which you need to purchase drain cleaners. If you have not used a drain snake before, ask a professional to show you how on your first project. Research how big or small the drain snake needs to be to avoid harming your pipes.

No matter what size area you are painting in your home, you should figure out your paint needs before you begin. Simply guessing could cost you a lot of money. The time you invest on properly assessing the job will be time and money that you save in the end.

Do you hate that old dresser in the corner of your bedroom? Give your old furniture a new look with a little sanding and refinishing. Refinishing your furniture means you have to buy new furniture less often. There are many different colors you can stain your furniture.

TIP! Play up your home’s best features. For example, if you have a wonderful view, leave your windows uncovered so that the view can be enjoyed.

If you feel you want to take on major landscaping projects, make sure to plan your style in accordance with what will best complement your home. 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.

Outdoor lighting emphasize’s unique garden features or your walkway. If you situate the lighting in branches of tall trees, it will mimic natural light from the sun or the moon. You can also use this magnificent lighting effect to highlight lawn furniture or statues.

Make a budget, and include every detail you can. When faced with unexpected expenses, your budget can take a critical hit as these pile up. By planning properly, you can stop this from happening and you are much more prepared for anything that may occur.

TIP! If you put new cabinets in your kitchen you should be sure they are securely screwed in the wall. You should mark every stud before you begin the project.

Your home will be more valuable with refinished hardwood floors. Re-finishing floors is time-consuming. It isn’t terribly difficult, though. Classes that teach you how to do this can be found at hardware stores sometimes, and these stores also allow you to rent equipment. Refinishing offers you a way to make your floors look great, and it’s thousands of dollars cheaper than installing an all-new floor.

Lots of people have heard that planting trees brings good luck. You can plant trees to grow the value of your property that your home sits on. Some experts believe that a full size tree can give your home an extra $1,000 in value over time.

Gutter guards installed in all the gutters around your home will save you from having to get up on the roof and clean out the gutters. They will keep the debris out of your gutters, keeping the water flowing freely. While you may need to remove build-up from the outside of the shields occasionally, your gutters will not fill up with pounds of dirty, foul debris season after season.

TIP! What you have to think about first when doing a project is how you will get rid of your trash. When you demolish, you are going to have to store and get rid of the refuse and garbage in the right way.

Heating your tile floors is a great addition for not much money. If you are replacing flooring anyway, and considering tile, talk to your sales person about adding radiant heat. This will help you keep your house warmer and save money on your energy bills. This can also improve your home’s value significantly.

There are many paint techniques that can make your room look outstanding. Paints and supplies to paint with don’t really cost a lot of money and they can turn boring walls into great works of art. There are techniques like ragging or fresco that you can use.

You can make a huge difference in the appeal of your home simply by purchasing new appliances. No matter what appliances you choose to replace, installing new ones will really improve your quality of life.

TIP! Consider changing accessories to liven up the look of any room. A small amount of bright pillows could greatly affect a room’s appearance.

Steel Wool

A bundle of steel wool is a great way to seal up a mouse hole. Rodents cannot nibble through the steel wool as easily as they can chew through wood. It will therefore assist you in keeping these pests out of your home until a complete repair can be made.

Do you want new cabinets? Is money an issue? Consider refacing them. Replacing your entire set of kitchen cabinets can cost a fortune. On the other hand, refacing cabinets is actually quite cheap. It will still give you that new modern look you want, but it won’t break your budget in the process.

TIP! To get an effect that’s dramatic anywhere in your home you should think about using a paint technique that is decorative. Paint and the supplies needed are not expensive.

A great way to add value and security to your home is to add aluminum shutters and roller shutters to your home. These are a great way to keep out hurricanes force winds and can protect your home from thieves whilst you are enjoying your vacation.

Make sure you take some time to actually apply one or two of the ideas that you just read about. Write out a plan, get your equipment and supplies, and get started. Home improvement projects can be pretty fun, and appreciating the results of all your hard work is even better.

Increase your available home improvement tools while saving money at the same time, by pooling you resources with neighbors and friends. Borrow and loan the more specialized tools you need for certain projects so that you and your neighbors split up the costs of acquiring them. Sharing tools and knowledge can help both of you achieve more success in your projects.

TIP! Choose tiles over slab when working with granite. Slab countertops can run to more than $5,000.

by Ted

Quick And Easy Home Improvement Projects For You

Learning more about home improvement will save you money and keep your house in good shape. The following information will let you know if it is worth tackling the project on your own or if it is best left to someone that does it for a living. When in doubt, the smart thing to do is call a professional.

There are many boring lampshades with no zest. With stencils, you can brighten them up. Use paint or an ink pad to add designs that be taken from a template, then add them to your boring lampshades. Spicing up your lamp shades will make a surprising difference in the personality of a room.

Go with real floors over laminate if you have the money. Laminate floors may look like real wood and be easier to clean, however they cannot be refinished. Choosing the cheaper option will mean that it will have to be replaced sooner, whereas quality materials can last for decades.

TIP! Brand new furniture, even from department stores, can break the budget. Instead of buying new you can get creative by finding unique pieces that are gently used.

You can easily make your own window screen replacement if you are not able to find one in the right size. All window sizes can be cut via frame kits and then you just have use cording to actual attach the screen. Your window may need a special screen type, but you can still make an external screen using adapters.

Front Door

You can use drywall mud to add texture and visual interest to your walls. This will also cover up any nicks or blemishes. This texturing process isn’t difficult. Just trowel the drywall mud in place and use something like a stiff bristled brush, a sponge, or even a wadded up plastic bag to dab at the drywall mud and add texture.

TIP! Vinyl is one of the best materials that you can use for tiling a floor. Vinyl flooring is simple to put in, durable and water resistant.

A new front door could increase significantly the value of your home, sometimes up to 10 percent. If you want to add a bit of pizzazz to your front door, update its knob and lock with one of the dozens of styles on the market.

If there’s no shower in your house, think about putting one in. Showers are more accessible than bathtubs, and they use less water. One five minute shower will use less water than it takes to fill a bath.

Safety is a very important part of any home improvement project. You might be surprised that they are safety risks in projects that seem straightforward, but the instructions for tools and products you use are meant to be followed for a reason. You can turn to online tutorials, if need be, for further information.

TIP! If you have a window screen that needs to be replaced, and are having trouble finding one that will fit your window, it is not hard to make it yourself. Frame kits are customizable to various sizes and are inexpensive to use.

One simple way to improve the look of your windows is by replacing your worn, old blinds. Over time, blinds become faded by the sun or damaged by little hands and paws or other mishaps. New blinds help to add a vibrant look to your home, as you should coordinate them with your home’s style.

Save Money

By repainting your walls, you can transform the look of a dreary, dated house. Changing the paint can change the entire look of the room. It does not cost much to repaint your walls and doing so can increase your home’s value. A good tip is to use light colors that look good with the decor of your home.

TIP! You can easily make your entrance look better and safer by replacing the knob on your door. This project shouldn’t take longer than an hour.

Install smoke alarms in your home to maintain safety and save money on insurance. The older your house, the more you’ll save. Smoke alarms can save money and your life.

Are you one of those people who enjoy the outdoors, but don’t care for the bugs that may come along with that experience? Think about adding screened porch space to your home. A screened enclosure gives your family a nice shaded and protected area that keeps the bugs out but lets the fresh air in. For added comfort you can install a ceiling fan.

Home improvement has much more to do with saving money than it does with spending money. You can save on electricity with newer appliances. Roof repairs and improved insulation also saves energy bills. Careful planning can help in the long run.

TIP! It can be inconvenient to live in a home that is undergoing a home improvement project. To minimize disturbances, work during times when no one is at home.

Install windows that have secondary glazing. They cost a bit more, but they dramatically reduce outside noise and energy costs. These windows will save you money over the life of your windows. They also make it easy to cool and heat your home.

If you hate painting and paneling, try wallpaper. Installing wallpaper is affordable and very easy. Depending on which wallpaper you select, it can be more difficult to take down, or easier, so use caution.

In the rooms with the most traffic, if you want to circulate air, use ceiling fans. You will not need to turn your air conditioner up as high and you will get warm air moving in the winter. Fans, in general, can easily switch directions in order to draw the air upward or downward according to your needs.

TIP! Use wallpaper and varnish to make a backsplash in your kitchen. Purchase a design that you enjoy when picking out wallpaper.

Find out how long you will stay in that house. If you do not plan on living there for very long, it does not really make much sense to spend thousands of dollars on changes. You should however not overlook maintenance, but any major improvements can be left to a long time owner.

Plan everything in advance before starting a home improvement project. The decisions about your budget, timing and the exact projects you want to do much be included in your plan to avoid going over budget and taking too much time on the projects.

Building a bar in your basement can be a home improvement project that you will pursue with joy. Designing a bar or designing anything from scratch can be very exciting. There’s no denying it–a bar of one’s own is an exciting and entertaining project for any home.

TIP! Whenever you consider re-staining your deck, you have many different types of stains to utilize. These stains come in a number of colors and bases.

Don’t forget to take safety into account when doing a home improvement project. You need these precautions so that you or your home are not injured. Make sure you read the manuals and watch tutorials for your power tools before starting any renovation projects.

When you are faced with lots of trees that can clutter your gutters, install a screen over the gutters to slow build-up. A gutter guard keeps leaves, sticks and other debris from filling your gutters needlessly. While you may have to maintain your gutters occasionally, it will greatly reduce the amount of debris that collects.

When woodworking, always use the proper equipment to take measurements or judge whether a surface is level – don’t rely on your eyes. Instead, be sure to use a tool like a measuring tape or a level. A speed square is also great.

TIP! Here is a helpful tip that can help with the problem of water that is too hard. Filter the water you need with a water softener.

Paint a room with decorative paint in order to give a dramatic effect to it without spending lots of money. It’s not expensive to buy paint and the supplies that go with it. There are a number of paint techniques can use, including fresco and ragging, both of which will turn your wall into a piece of art.

Steel Wool

In many areas, you’ll need approval from local government agencies or your homeowners’ association to do major home improvement work like putting up additions, adding a pool, or constructing outbuildings. If you do not know which steps you should take before making major changes to your home such as structural changes, it is best to have a professional help you.

TIP! Take a walk around your house, looking for home improvements you can make quickly and easily. Identifying air leaks is one example.

If you find a hole in your home, fill the hole with steel wool to detract mice. Steel wool is not something most rodents can chew through easily, so it gives you a temporary stop gap until schedule permits you a more permanent repair.

Roofs often need repairs, but you need to make sure the roofer you hire to take care of it is a reputable contractor. Ensure you find out if the roofer is reputable before hiring them. In order to find out about any potential problems, you can check online reviews from past clients and search for any complaints with the DCA (Dept. of Consumer Affairs) and the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

Organize your projects if you have a lot of different ones to do. 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. By beginning with the cabinets, any debris that falls down will only land on the floor you’re about to replace. Create a plan and get started today.

TIP! Use a cheque to pay your contractor in case he does a shoddy job, this way you can put a stop on it. By doing this, you can assure you aren’t getting scammed.

As stated earlier, you need to understand your limitations before tackling home improvement projects. If you use the information given in this article, you’re less likely to make costly mistakes. Don’t regret not asking for help if you need it.

by Ted

Top Tips And Advice For Your Next Home Improvement Project

Using a light colored shingle or roofing material will help save you money in energy costs. The lighter tiles will reflect more of the sun’s harmful rays and refrain from the absorption that is characteristic of darker tiles. Therefore, your monthly utility bills can be drastically reduced.

To save space on your kitchen counters, install an overhead microwave oven. Over-the-range microwave ovens offer many features, including convection cooking. The majority of these units feature recirculating filters rather than vents, so they are best for people who do not need powerful venting options.

TIP! You can get rid of that ugly bubble in your vinyl flooring with a shot! It’s simple to slice into these bubbles to let the air out. This gets the floor flat again.

If you are replacing your baseboards, boards which are stained are more visually appealing than those which are painted. The warmth of stained wood will add value to your home. Stained baseboards also do a better job of hiding scuffs and scratches. There are many options available in wood stains.

Sign a contract before a contractor starts working on your home. If it’s possible, have a lawyer review the contract. Start and finish dates, warranty information, the work to be performed and the total cost should all be clearly spelled out in the contract.

If you want to decorate your own home, do your research. Try some websites, books and magazines for some help. Magazines can offer you some ideas for layouts to use in your home. This sort of resource is a good place to turn for affordable DIY home improvement projects.

TIP! Pour bleach into your toilet bowls to keep them clean. Although bleaching toilets might smell bad, it lowers the risk of spreading germs and illnesses.

Prioritize the rooms you plan to improve. Realize you do not have to improve the entire house immediately. You can improve your home room by room, according to your time and budget constraints. Plan ahead for your projects and watch for deals and discounts on the supplies you need. Planning your home improvement projects in advance can help you to save more money in the long run.

It’s vital to have a good drill when you are doing home improvements. You can make holes and drive screws of any size. You should have a cordless, 9-volt power drill that come with a variety of drill bits and bits for Phillips and flat-head screws.

You only need PVC cement and PVC primer to attach two PVC pipes. Without these items, the pipes won’t stay together and liquids may leak from them. Furthermore, the pipe surfaces must be completely dry.

TIP! Putting in another bathroom will add a great deal of value to your home. This is especially useful if you have rooms on a floor that does not currently have a bathroom.

Prior to purchasing brand new hardwood floors, have a pro look at your current floor. You may find a lovely, natural hardwood floor buried beneath layers of linoleum or carpet. If that’s the case, you can save money and have better flooring this way.

Before doing any home improvements, ask your loved ones for help. If you wait till the project has begun to ask, you might have a difficult time finding the help. You might also have a hard time finishing your project in a timely manner, adding stress to the work you do.

Check someone’s references if you’re thinking about hiring them for your remodeling gig. Consider this process as a business hiring an employee. Look closely at their background, and ensure that their past clients have been happy with their work.

TIP! Lately, there are certain dangers to be concerned with before starting a home improvement project. Avoid the purchase of Chinese manufactured drywall.

Clogs in gutters can cause damage to your home’s exterior. One of the top causes of basement leaks are gutters clogged that cause run-off on the side of your home. To prevent this, clean your gutters regularly.

When you are doing home improvements, you should ensure you do them your way, but stay with the theme of the neighborhood. You do not want to be the only person on the block that has a tower attached to the top of their property! Having the home look too unusual will make it much more difficult to sell.

A fresh coat of paint, or a new color on your garage door, adds instant curb appeal. Garage doors are exposed to the natural elements, which can cause them to look older than they are. Fresh paint does wonders for the look and value of your home. Instead of a standard color, paint your garage door a complimentary color.

TIP! If you have a low water pressure, you should be able to fix this problem easily. First, ask your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same issue.

You must make an effort to drain the water out of your hot water at least twice per year. If you take care of the unit, it will stay efficient and last longer. All you have to do is attach a hose to the drain valve, turning it on just like a spigot.

Make sure to create an all inclusive budget. There will be a few unexpected expenses, and if you forget to budget for them the burden can be great. If you plan carefully and put some extra in there for a mistake, you will be able to deal with a problem if it comes up.

Hire an electrician to put an electric outlet in your cabinet above the microwave. This will make it easy to plug your microwave in without the cord being visible. This helps to minimize the jumble of electrical cords that plague many kitchen counters.

TIP! Select a color scheme that works best for your room. Complementary colors are especially great in formal rooms of the home, like dining rooms.

Before removing a popcorn ceiling on your own, test it to see if it contains asbestos. 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. If your ceiling does contain asbestos, you may need to hire a crew with special equipment to remove the ceiling.

Steel Wool

Do you want an elegant upgrade to your home that doesn’t break the bank? A terrific way to inexpensively add some elegance is a new door bell. By doing this, your visitors will have a idea of what your home is like.

TIP! Drain the water out of the hot water heater twice a year. This will help your water heater last much longer.

If you notice what seems to be a hole used by mice, fill it with a ball of steel wool. The steel wool provides a barrier that rodents cannot get through, unlike many other items, so it will save you stress until you come up with a more permanent barricade.

If your siding needs to be replaced, you may be thinking about stucco; however, it’s important to remember that this is rather an expensive material. Ascertain that this fits into your budget before you engage in the project. Although you may have a look in mind, you might be able to find something cheaper.

Increase living space if your home lacks function. Consider the benefit of having more space for your family and your favorite activities. This helps make it easier for you to live in your home pleasantly while improving the value as well. Do this when you’ve got the money for home improvement.

TIP! Ensure you are thoroughly taping off the trim whenever you are painting the walls. Paint can get all over the place, even if you’re careful.

Organize your tools according to project type. As an example, you could designate a toolbox for plumbing tasks, and it could hold items such as plumbing fittings and PVC bonding agents. Likewise, anything to do with electrical work should be put into its own toolbox. When you have your supplies organized, you will have no problem finding what you need to complete any home improvement project.

Exterior renovations should stick to the overall decor theme of the neighborhood. If your property sticks out in a bad way, your neighbors won’t like it and it will also be more difficult to sell.

When planning any type of home improvement project, remember to allow room to place any debris you accumulate. Demolition is messy and will have to be dealt with. By planning ahead, you’ll be sure you know exactly where this mess goes, so you don’t have mini trash piles building up all over.

TIP! Keep your balance! Reduce obnoxious noises in your home. If your ceiling fan is wobbly and noisy, it likely needs to be balanced.

Consider taking a class at your neighborhood home improvement store. Giant home improvement retailers often have classes on home improvement projects. Classes can give you the skills and confidence you need to tackle your next project.

Do not set a payment agreement with your contractor that is based on the time line. Instead, set it according to the work being done. In doing so, you give yourself an out in the event that your contractor fails to perform to standards. It also prevents the contractor from tacking on additional charges.

Many people hire a home design specialist before beginning any home improvement projects. They are professionally trained to assist you and to get the most from your investment, but they can also make looks that are stylish and modern. Hiring a professional will take off the burden of going it alone.

TIP! A new paint coat is one of the best exterior improvements around. Not only does it increase your home’s curb appeal, paint is also the first layer of protection your home has against the elements.