Tag / luggage rack

by Ted

Home Improvement Tips That Can Add To Your House

A little bit of effort can change your home for the better. You can actually raise the selling price of your home by quite a bit just by working around the house. These are some remodeling tips to get your feet wet.

Acrylic Paint

Use a wet sponge on your drywall. Rather than sanding drywall seams, just sponge them. A wet sponge can be as effective as careful sanding when it comes to smoothing out seams. One great thing is that sponging isn’t as dusty as sanding.

TIP! If you are looking to tile a floor on the cheap, pass on stone or ceramic tiles, and use vinyl instead. Vinyl is durable, water resistant and strong.

Boring, simple lampshades have no personality. 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. This livens up the room without having to buy new lamp shades.

When it comes to home improvement, be sure to pay attention to the most visible improvements. Your buyers are going to judge your home by what is visible and things like an overgrown garden or paint that is peeling can lose a sale in no time. While true that may improvements are not usually the most obvious ones, when you are selling the home it is the ones you can see which are most important.

If you want a project that takes minimal effort and makes full impact, grab a fresh bucket of paint. A house that is newly painted looks brand new, and does not require a lot of cash or time. A fresh coat of paint is also attractive to new buyers if you think you may sell your home any time soon.

TIP! Never waste your money on materials that do not meet quality standards or pose a risk to yourself and your family. It costs a lot of money to install new flooring, and if you compare prices, you can keep your expenses to a minimum.

If you are looking for a cheap method when it comes to floor tiles, try using vinyl tiles rather than using stone or ceramic tiles. Vinyl has several things going for it. It is durable, installs easily with an adhesive backing, and resists water damage. Vinyl flooring could be purchased as a set or even as one single sheet if you want to cover bigger areas at once.

Beautiful Hardwood

Try to add uniqueness to your home if you want to keep it personalized. Luggage that is old or old checks are great places to store things and use as a coffee table. Place some accessories and books on the top and it will make your coffee table stand out. If you want a country style, add a tablecloth and a tea set.

TIP! Use two-liter empty bottles as containers for kitchen storage. They are transparent and will preserve your dry goods.

Thinking about installing a beautiful hardwood floor? Have a professional check out the existing floors in your home first. Often, there are beautiful hardwood floors hidden under layers of old linoleum and carpet. The result will be a high quality, nicer looking floor with less expense.

Have your list ready before you go shopping for home improvement items. List the things you will need so you will not have to go to the store too many times.

Expensive artwork is unnecessary when a little imagination will suffice. For example, create your own art with some simple tiles. Use multi-colored 3D tiles for a striking effect. Match them to your room’s furnishings for a interesting look.

TIP! You need to be aware of a modern danger when doing home improvement projects. Do not buy drywall, sheet rock, or wall board that is made in China.

Exhaust fans should be put in the laundry room, bathroom, and near cooking surfaces. Venting this humid, warm air prevents mold and mildew from forming. This stops wood rot in your walls and ceilings, too.

If your living room seems plain and boring, add an adventurous print to the room to liven it up. Zebra and leopard prints can be great accessories to add to a boring room, including cushions, pillows, and rugs.

If you are starting an improvement job in your bathroom or kitchen, turn off your water supply before starting plumbing or fixture work. It may seem obvious, but a lot of homeowners forget this step and end up with a huge mess.

TIP! Start your project by writing a list of steps you need to take, and then get this list looked over by someone in the know. 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.

Luggage Rack

Use your old luggage rack to make a unique side table. Simply place a piece of glass on top of the luggage rack for an instant side table. Add a lamp and some books and you have a perfectly good side table.

If you’re living in an area that’s fire-prone and you’re considering fencing, opt for white or red cedar. It is durable, smells great, and is safe in places with wildfires.

TIP! Although there’s a great selection of solar-powered outdoor lights available out there, they’re really not appropriate for anything beyond providing decorative accents. If you need lights in your hallway or outside try electric ones.

Stain basement floors for a better look. Staining concrete floors is less costly than replacing them, and it looks very stylish. Staining adds durability to the floor and keeps it easy to clean. Try to find a stain that adds luster and shine. It can give the floors a nice richness and give off the appearance that they are really expensive.

White or red cedar fences can be great if you are in a fire-prone area. This is recommended because it is durable and it has a distinctive aroma. It is safe for areas that may be plagued by wildfires.

If you aren’t happy with your home’s low ceilings, you can strategically position certain window treatments to make the ceilings seem higher while making an area a bit more colorful in the process. To visually make your ceilings look higher, place your drapes right at your ceiling height.

TIP! Pay attention to mold and rust issues. This problem, common to older homes, can quickly spread and become a large problem.

Do not try to cram too much furniture into one room. Too much furniture can make a room look much tinier. Although certain pieces might strike your fancy, possible buyers might want to see open concept. Fewer furnishings and more space will provide the room with a larger, more open feel.

Never ignore mold or rust. They appear often in older houses, and it doesn’t take long for them to spread. It is easier to deal with the issue when it is likely to be simple and quick. Delaying until the problems get bigger can cost lots of time and money. Mold can be tackled with some bleach. Sand down areas that have just a little rust.

If you do not want to spend the time or money maintaining your lawn, think about putting in a yard that is low maintenance. Usually these lawns have rock beds and plants that don’t require a lot of care. This will eliminate a lot of time and money used.

TIP! Pay attention to the climate in which you live. If your climate isn’t accommodating, a patio may not be a great addition.

When designing a large home renovation project, you should be honest about your budget to your contractor. Contractors will probably use higher quality renovation materials if they know you have a smaller budget. Additionally, the contractor gets more value on their investment too. The great thing about this is both parties win.

Make sure you fix leaky faucets. A little leak will quickly turn into a big leak and greatly increase your water bill. Not only that, but dripping water can cause stains on your tub or sink and damage your cabinets and counters. Replacing an old faucet isn’t difficult or expensive. Having to fix the problems caused by a leaky faucet can be much more costly.

Change window treatments to most rooms a new and fresh look. Window curtains are generally affordable and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. By selecting certain fabrics, you can significantly improve your room’s character. You could even change your drapes or window treatments with the changing of the seasons to keep your rooms looking fresh.

TIP! Inside projects can be overwhelming. It’s best if you can work on your projects when everyone else is out of the house.

Working on your property can be easy. Your tasks will go more smoothly if you take some time to make a list of the steps necessary to complete the job. Attempt using the ideas and pointers from this article, and you can start increasing your home’s value.

by Ted

These Startling Home Improvement Project Ideas Will Amaze You!

If you’re a die hard do-it-yourself person you will love the tips in this article. They will give some great ideas for projects you can do in your home. The following tips are for people who want to do their projects themselves.

What is your style? The decorating theme you choose will narrow down your choices in several different areas. It is not hard to alter your style halfway through your project without realizing you have done so. Avoid extra expenses by mapping out your style and plan before you begin your home improvement project.

If you plan to lay new tile flooring, consider radiant heat tiles. These tiles give off heat as well as providing a great looking floor. Luckily, they are also easy to install yourself if you can follow the directions. Therefore, you can do this project regardless of whether you hire anyone or not. You will be happy you did when you go into your bathroom on that first day of winter.

TIP! If you are updating or improving your kitchen and will be working in the vicinity of a fireplace or gas line, it is extremely important that you shut off the gas before starting your project. The utmost care must be taken in these situations.

Paint your old walls with coordinating stripes before installing paneling. Regardless of your skill, it seems inevitable that some of the old wall will show through. It is possible to reduce this by determining where the panels meet prior to installing them. Paint strips of the wall with a paint color that will better match the color of the paneling.

Make nail holes along the rim of the paint can! The lid on most paint cans fits into a groove on the can. While you paint, this groove usually gets filled with paint; when you put the lid back on spills and splatters are commonplace. By making holes around the top of your paint can you can avoid this issue.

Compile a list of all the things you need before going to the tool store. Having a comprehensive list makes it easier to stay organized, saving you trips and money.

TIP! A great home improvement to undertake is installing motion-sensitive lighting on the outside of your home. When you are only turning on the light when required, you are saving a lot of money on electricity.

If you are switching out your floor tiles, look to purchase radiant heat tiles. These tiles use heat via electricity and are very interesting. If you follow the instructions, you could even do it yourself. So, this type of project is one that you can expand upon, regardless of whether you try it yourself or get professional assistance. You will be happy in the winter when you are going to the bathroom.

If you plan to hire a professional to work on your home, always get references. Make sure you treat this as you are the employer and they are the employee of your business. Do your homework and check all of their references.

Nobody should ever even consider hiring a contractor for home improvement jobs who is not licensed by a certified board or body. Every state requires some form of certification for general contractors and sub-contractors. The certification doesn’t guarantee satisfaction, but they are an added assurance. If a contractor isn’t adequately licensed, you don’t want to hire him.

TIP! If you will be embarking on a DYI renovation, write a list with steps needed to complete the project, then have a builder or contractor review it. When they correct you, you’ll save time AND money.

There are many options that you have when replacing a lock. The part of the lock called the cylinder is a piece that does the locking action. If you lose keys or want to change locks, it is possible; just replace the cylinder. If, however, you are wanting to improve your home’s security or change the look, you will need to replace the whole locking unit.

Escape Plan

Should you find your ceiling has begun leaking, you might need new roofing. Do not neglect your roof, as this can be dangerous. Hire a specialist to help you out by analyzing the roof’s damage and give you an estimate for repairs. The roofer should have plenty of experience.

TIP! If you’d like to make your dining room feel fresh and new, try sanding down your current table and giving it a new finish. While this is not an easy task, your old table will look brand new.

Be sure to set up an emergency escape plan and familiarize everyone in the household with it. When things go wrong, people can panic easily, and end up injured because of not doing anything. Having an escape plan well in advance can help everyone to stay calm. Have regular family meetings to review escape routes and discuss possible outcomes in the event of emergency.

If you sit on your chair cushions long enough, eventually they flatten. Sitting chair cushions in the sun helps them fluff back up to life. Sun exposure gets rid of the moisture trapped in the cushion’s fillings, which in turn makes them nice and bouncy. Flip the cushions over after a while, but be careful not to leave them outside too long, since the sun may fade the fabric.

You should not fill a room with too much furniture. Having too much furniture will cause any room to appear small. Even though the furniture is part of your lifestyle, buyers probably prefer more open space in the room. When you make a point to pack less furniture items into a room, your space will look much larger.

TIP! You need to find your house’s best points and make sure to showcase them. Never block an attractive window view.

Luggage Rack

Your old luggage rack can be turned into an interesting side table for your living room. Remove the glass portion of a big picture frame and attach it to your luggage rack by using a strong adhesive. This will give you a beautiful table at no cost.

Before beginning any home improvement project, develop a plan. Major decisions such as work to be done, materials and budget should be made ahead of time.

TIP! If there is a lot of space in the attic, you should install a dormer window to make the area more usable. This window will look great from the outside and could double the square feet of your home.

Be aware of the type of product you are using to clean out stubborn clogs. 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. Be sure to use drain cleaning products intended for use with the septic tank you have.

When you’re making major renovations in your bathroom, plan ahead and make 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. The market value of your home will be significantly increased by improvements to the bathroom.

Before beginning any work on home improvements involving gas, turn the source of the gas off first. Sparks can happen at any time. There may still have been some gas in the lines when you moved your appliance.

TIP! Think about what you need to do with any leftover materials you will no longer need during and after home improvement projects. When you demolish, you are going to have to store and get rid of the refuse and garbage in the right way.

You can turn your house into a home by choosing to use the tips you have just read. Your home can be more enjoyable to live in, be worth more and be more attractive as you use this advice to complete even the most advanced home improvement project.

by Ted

Looking For Home Improvement Tips?

New homeowners should try doing a home improvement project after becoming settled in their new home. Not only does it improve the way your house looks but it can also boost the resale price of the home. Getting into home improvement can be a fun and profitable process. Read the below article in order to get some advice about how to maximize the value of your home improvement.

There are a few simple ways to give the appearance of a higher ceiling in your home. Stripes painted on a wall or a tall lamp can make a huge difference. This will make an optical illusion that any eyes will follow. The eyes will naturally focus on following all lines upward towards the ceiling, which will seem higher as a result.

Get a motion activated light for your front porch to help you keep your energy costs low, while keeping your yard safely lit. It is still possible to turn the light on manually, and the sensitivity is adjustable.

TIP! There are two easy things you can do if you would like your ceiling to look higher than it truly is. You could paint vertical stripes on a wall or just put a big floor lamp in the room.

Spackle and paint can repair wall holes made by paintings. First, buy spackle at a home improvement store. You don’t need much for small holes. For tiny holes, apply the spackle with the point on a bobby pin. After your spackle has dried, use some sandpaper or even a credit card to smooth everything out and make the wall look new again. Paint the walls. This will completely transform the look of your wall.

Difficulty Getting

When you are considering home improvement, be creative and decide what you want to accomplish before you start. After you have started the project, you’ll be free to focus on what it takes to accomplish it rather than elements of design. There are many places out there to draw inspiration from. Your friends’ homes, design TV shows, books and magazines and much more. You can certainly find it if you’re looking.

TIP! Confirm the credibility of a business before you give your money to them. Disreputable companies that only do business by phone or on the Internet and provide no physical address should be avoided.

A way to stop bugs from getting into your home, and saving money while you’re at it, is to simply seal openings or cracks. Use caulk to seal up window frames, baseboards and any other areas where you see gaps. Once the caulk is dry, air will have difficulty getting out, and bugs and other pests will have difficulty getting in.

If you want to use a wood fireplace to heat your home, you should understand that it is not the best idea. While a traditional fireplace looks great, it is an inefficient heat source. Most of the energy is lost through the chimney. In addition to this, the fire requires plenty of fresh air, which will be provided from within your house, essentially eating up much of the oxygen inside your home.

Downspouts, gutters and chimneys often do not get the attention they deserve in an annual maintenance schedule. Inspect your gutters and chimneys at least once a year, and make repairs if you need to. 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! It is important to turn the breaker off when doing any electrical work. Failing to do so can lead to serious injury or even death.

If you aren’t installing a window in your bathroom, make sure it is at least properly ventilated. When you shower using hot water, humidity forms, which makes it more likely for mold to form. Painting the bathroom is a good way to hide the mold but it will not treat the problem. The correct answer is to prevent the problem from starting. Try putting in ventilation or a window in order to dehumidify the area.

Luggage Rack

Furniture cushions will, unfortunately, flatten out with repeated use. Set them out in the sun to bring them back to life. The sun will get the moisture out of them and have them looking bouncy again. The sun can fade fabrics, so be sure to turn the cushions and do not leave them in the sun for too long.

TIP! Glass jars like baby food jars make great organizers in your workspace. Screw the jar lids into the bottom of a shelf.

Get creative and use recycled items such as a previously used luggage rack to make a side table. Secure glass from a big picture frame onto your luggage rack by using permanent adhesive. Add some books, a pretty lamp, and your side table is complete.

You can update your kitchen by simply replacing your kitchen’s cabinet knobs. Cabinet knobs are both easy to install as well as inexpensive. They can be used to instantly update a kitchen or bathroom. Before installing the new knobs, thoroughly clean your cabinets. Once they’re clean, add your new knobs.

For those with elderly individuals living with them, home improvements that add mobility and accessibility may be needed. A shower stall that you can step into is much safer than a bathtub with a shower. Installing bars for holding onto when walking around are also a great idea.

TIP! Preparation is the key prior to house painting. It needs to be cleaned first to remove any excess grime and grit for the paint to be effective.

Wood Cabinets

Look into wood cabinets if you are considering replacing your cabinetry. They wear well and are quite strong. Wood that is often used in cabinetry is maple, oak, or cherry. Although wood can be stripped and stained different colors, it’s best to choose a stain color you like because stripping and re-staining wood cabinets can be an expensive and time-consuming task.

You might want to update the window treatments in your home, so that you can make it fit with the season. Position your drapes and valances higher on the wall to elevate the look of your ceilings.

TIP! Take some safety steps before you go into a home improvement project. These safety measures will help protect both you and your home from injury.

If your home seems small, try this professional interior decorating tip. Move the furnishings away from the walls. Additionally, this gives your home a contemporary look.

You should make sure your plumbing is insulated, so that you are prepared for the winter or to keep the water warm. It should be no problem to find some weatherizing tape, which you can then secure to the plumbing lines for added precaution. Weatherizing your plumbing pipes will prevent your pipes from freezing and even bursting, saving you costly repair bills.

Installing your kitchen or bathroom with ceramic tile happens to be a popular home improvement project. The tiling can sport unique designs, or it could be all solid for a uniform look. This home improvement project can really increase the decor of your home.

TIP! Placing carpet in areas where there is a lot of traffic such as entryways and hallways will surely cost you a lot more money than what it’s worth. Within the first rainy season, your carpet with high traffic areas show a lot more wear and dirt than other areas of your carpet.

It is very important that the contractor estimates you get are all based on the exact same work to be done. You need to present each potential contractor with the same detailed list of jobs that make up your overall project. If you make changes before you get the quotes, it will be much harder to compare the costs.

Improvement Projects

If you are planning to improve your home, don’t be in too big a rush with the demolition aspect of your project. You may be tempted to just take out the old structure and get to building the new stuff. You should determine whether or not an electrical component is attached before removing wires from a wall.

TIP! If you are considering stucco for your home, be sure that you understand the cost of installation and upkeep. It is important that you understand the investment you’re making when you use stucco.

As you gain more experience doing some beginner home improvement projects, you will gain the confidence to move on to more difficult projects that require greater skill. This can be very rewarding. The opportunities are endless when a homeowner knows what they are doing when it comes to home improvement projects.