Entries Tagged 'Handy Man' ↓
September 15th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Basement, Countertops, Curb Appeal, Handy Man, House Value, Kitchen, Landscape, Outside, Yard
If you’re trying to sell your home in today’s market, you may be faced with a lowball appraisal that could threaten a loan. Even the nicest houses are being downgraded, and if your area has had a lot of foreclosures, getting a good appraisal may be next to impossible. However, there are some great techniques that you can employ that can affect your appraisal value by more than 15%.
First, it is important to know where to start in your home. If you have a basement that is not yet finished, you may think that adding some rooms and living space down there will help your appraisal. In actuality, it is the above ground living space that is worth more, so you will want to focus your efforts on the first floor.
While painting, cleaning and generally keeping the house tidy can affect an appraisal, it won’t do much good if you’re looking for a big jump in the amount. What you need to do on the inside of your home is work on bringing in appliances and fixtures that are valuable, both in perception and in use. For example, adding a marble countertop to your kitchen will add more value than covering an old one with contact paper (and yes, that is pretty common.)
Likewise, completely redoing and remodeling your kitchen to include brand new stainless steel appliances will also bump your appraisal up. When you’re looking at the interior of your home, the focus needs to be on items that matter, such as those mentioned above. However, the interior is secondary to the exterior when it comes to a high appraisal value.
By focusing on the exterior of your property you can see a huge improvement in the overall appraisal amount. Landscaping alone can be responsible for a low or a high appraisal, depending on how it is done. According to a Gallup poll, landscaping can increase the overall value of a home by 7 to 15%. Let’s say your home is worth $250,000. The right landscaping has the potential to change that to $375,000.
One tree can be worth anywhere from $1000 to $10,000, once it is mature. If you think about how little it takes to plant one tree, that is very impressive. So, your first focus should be on the yard area and your overall landscaping. Hiring a professional company can help, but most of these tasks can be completed on your own.
How your house looks will also have a big impact on the appraisal value. If it has been a few years since you painted, or your yard is full of junk, this will result in a lower appraisal. Your goal is to make your house look like a million bucks from the street, and this will help you get a higher appraisal. In addition, by focusing on that curb appeal, you’ll be much more likely to sell the home for the full amount that you need.
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September 14th, 2008 — Basement, Handy Man, House Damage, Landscape, Mold, Safety, Walls
A leaky basement is a nightmare. Mold and mildew build up and can be hazardous to your health. In addition, many of us store things in the basement and we don’t want to risk having them ruined. There are a few techniques that you can use to make sure that your basement stays dry throughout the year.
1. Install eaves/gutters.
The best way to make sure that you don’t have excess moisture running into your basement is to install gutters or eaves on your home. This makes a big difference and you can even utilize rain barrels at the ends to conserve water. These are not that difficult to install and can mean the difference between a basement that is nice and dry and one that has a foot of standing water. This is the first step that you should take.
2. Pour rocks along the side of your home.
Rocks absorb some moisture and after you’ve got your eaves up, you can line the sides of your home with a rock bed. On the plus side, not only will it help prevent excess moisture from building up, but it will also look very nice. Add in some plantings and you’ll be all set.
3. Make sure outdoor faucets don’t leak.
Many of us have outdoor faucets that are situated right next to basement exterior walls. Even a small leak on one of these faucets can mean big water damage over time. Make sure that your faucets are not leaking and line the area where they are with plastic so that when you are using them, the excess water does not drip down into your basement.
4. Use water blocker paint on basement walls.
Sometimes, and in certain climates, moisture builds up on the concrete blocks that are used to make basements, causing them to weep. There are several different types of paint that can be used to seal these up so that they don’t cause water damage in your basement. Make sure that you open up any windows downstairs or use a fan for ventilation when painting since these paints can be very fumey.
5. Keep a sump pump on hand.
When all else fails and you’ve had a ton of rain or flooding, getting that water out as quickly as possible is vital. Invest in a good sump pump if you have had flooding before. This can make all the difference when it comes to the amount of water damage you have after a flood.
6. Try re-landscaping.
If you are frequently having to deal with water in your basement, your landscaping may be to blame. Find out if there are any slopes that are diverting water towards your house instead of away from it. You may need to hire a professional to help you correct any of these issues unless you already have landscaping experience.
These tips make it easy to keep your basement dry and your storage items free of water damage.
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September 12th, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man
Regular maintenance is vital for any homeowner, especially if you want to reduce your chances for having a major problem down the road. But for first time homeowners, or even homeowners that have been down the road before, it’s tough to know when to schedule all of those little maintenance tasks. This book, The Home Repair Almanac is essential for any homeowner, and provides an incredible amount of advice to keep your home running smoothly.
The book breaks down all of the information into seasons, so that you can start with whatever season you’re currently in. Even though it’s not really intended to be read as a regular book, we still found it fascinating and engaging. The author has a true talent for description when it comes to handling different tasks and they did a spectacular job of conveying the tasks to be done without going over someone’s head.
Each season begins with an inspection and the book includes a handy checklist to make it easier. You’ll be going through everything in your house, but it really doesn’t take that much time to complete the inspection. As you go, you need to fill out that checklist since you’ll be relying on it later to see if anything needs to be fixed.
Everything is covered, from making sure your chainsaw is running properly to handling common summer pests. This really is a comprehensive guide to managing your home as well as learning how to fix minor problems. While some tasks may require the help of a professional, depending on the state of your property, most of them can easily be completed, even by those that have minimal fix-it experience.
A helpful glossary is included in the back in case you don’t understand any of the terms. There are also many different diagrams that illustrate important points and tasks. We really appreciated that the book was dedicated to homeowner safety and pointed out some dangerous tasks and what you need to have on hand to protect yourself. Overall, it would be hard to find all of these resources on your own, and it was incredible to find everything packaged together in one book.
If you buy only one home repair book in your lifetime, it should be this one. It’s hard to find another title that offers this much common sense advice, coupled with a schedule that is easy to keep when it comes to maintaining your home. We highly recommend this book to any homeowner and especially to those that are just starting out on their journey of buying and maintaining their first home. There is also some great advice in here for landlords and tenants, especially if you end up responsible for repairs, or just want to keep the place looking and running well. We can’t think of a better housewarming present for someone, or a gift for anyone that owns a home and wants some help keeping it nice.
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September 11th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Create, Curb Appeal, Deck, Handy Man, House Value, Kitchen, Landscape, Outside, Yard
If you are looking for new ways to increase the overall value of your home, there are numerous projects that you can tackle on your own. Whether you are an experienced DIY’er, or just starting out, these projects are fun and add more than just monetary value to your home.
1. Go Green.
Installing energy efficient appliances is perhaps the easiest way to increase the value of your home. Look for the Energy Star label since you may be eligible for special cash back rewards. These new appliances are remarkably different from older models and many of the new refrigerators will use about the same amount of energy as a light bulb.
There are many other ways to go green with your home. Try installing a new “green” flooring system, such as bamboo or cork. These floors will add beauty to your home and you’ll feel good about your choice. You can also install energy efficient windows and more to your home to save on your energy bills.
2. Landscape Your Yard.
One of the best ways to installing increase your curb appeal is by landscaping your yard. Whether it’s a single shade tree or an elaborate garden, landscaping gives you the opportunity to have fun and improve your yard. Anyone can landscape, and with the right tools, you’ll get professional results.
3. Refresh Your Kitchen.
The kitchen is the heart of your home and for many DIY’ers, this is the place to start. From replacing cabinet doors, to adding new fixtures, there are many ways that you can make that old kitchen look brand new. If you’ve got the budget, you can tear out your old cabinets and completely overhaul the space.
Today’s kitchens are more efficient and easier to keep up, thanks to new materials and designs that make the most out of the space in your kitchen.
4. Add a Room.
Whether it’s a brand new addition, or a new way to use an old space, there are plenty of ways that you can get more out of your home and make it worth more money. Building on to your home is a great way to save money and get more space, without having to purchase a new house. Your new addition can even be something as simple as a converted garage or basement.
5. Add a Deck, or Screen in a Porch.
Looking to take advantage of outdoor space? Adding on a deck or a patio gives you a whole other room and plenty of chances for fun. Anyone with basic building experience can make a deck, and this is a great addition to any home.
A screened in porch can also be very useful, especially as a three season room. If you’re not quite ready to build on, but you still need some extra space, this is a great solution and it’s easy to do!
These are just a few ways that you can add to the value of your home and get more use out of it.
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September 10th, 2008 — Handy Man, House Damage, Project
Every year, thousand of homeowners pick up their tools and go to work on their homes. Unfortunately, many are not prepared for the projects they are facing and they may end up causing more damage.
Here are the top ten mistakes that DIY’ers make when fixing or renovating their home.
1. Failing to make a budget.
Every project you do, from wallpapering to installing a new roof needs to have a budget. Set how much money you’re going to spend and then stick to it. Otherwise you may find that your costs are spiraling out of control.
2. Overestimating their abilities.
We all wish we were Bob Vila, but many of us just don’t have the skills necessary for some jobs. There are
times when you will need to call in a professional. Otherwise, you can end up injured, or you may irreparably damage your home.
3. Not having the right tools.
There is a tool for every job, and most homeowners have the garden variety tools necessary for every day projects. However, some home improvement projects will require special tools. Never try to make do wit substandard equipment.
4. Failing to take proper safety precautions.
If ending up in the emergency room doesn’t sound like a great way to spend a weekend, it is vital to make sure that you take safety precautions for every project. From turning off the electricity to wearing safety goggles, safety must come first.
5. Failing to recognize the scope of a project.
Ripping out your cabinetry and putting new ones in sounds pretty easy, but there is a lot of work involved, especially when it come to hanging the new cabinets. Instead of getting stuck with a half done project, make sure you understand every part of the process and that you have the skills necessary to get it done.
6. Not having enough help.
There are jobs that will require more than one person. While many of us like to think we can do it ourselves, there will be times when you need assistance. Make sure that you have enough friends or family lined up for the job before you start.
7. Failing to read directions properly.
Putting together a bike without instructions is one thing. Using acid on your masonry without reading the
instructions could be fatal. Never start a project without first reading the directions for everything you will be using.
8. Using the wrong materials.
If you have ever made the mistake of using the wrong kind of paint or glue, you know how frustrating it can be. Before you begin every project, make sure that you have the exact materials you need to complete it successfully. Scrimping is not allowed in DIY.
9. Failure to get the necessary permits.
While small home improvement projects may not need a permit, most will. It is far better to err on the
side of caution and ask than it is to face a hefty fine. In the case of additions, you may even be forced to tear down what you just built. Always get the right permits before starting any project.
10. Not being careful enough.
When you’re tackling a project, it’s easy to want to get it done and hurry through. However, you’ve got to make sure to take the time that it takes. The old adage “measure twice, cut once” certainly applies here. Always make sure that you are doing everything properly, using the right materials, and measurements.
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September 9th, 2008 — Attic, Handy Man, insulation
If you have found that your heating costs are going through the roof, chances are they literally are. If you do not have a properly insulated attic, all that heat is just going to escape through your roof. It’s actually pretty easy to install insulation in an attic, but we do recommend having someone help you for safety reasons.
Picking the Insulation –
You’ll need to find out what the insulation rating is for your home and what is recommended for your area. Basically, you really can’t have insulation that is too strong, so go a little higher than normal if necessary. For most attics, we recommend the batting type of insulation, simply because if you ever plan on renovating your attic in the future, it will be a lot easier than having to deal with blown in insulation. However, if your attic space is very small and not conducive to fixing up, blow in insulation will be the easiest.
It is important to select an insulation that comes with a vapor barrier. Humidity gets into insulation and ruins it, so you want to do all that you can to prevent it. Even the driest climates still have some moisture in the air, so it is best to err on the side of caution and get the insulation with the vapor barrier. It is a bit more expensive, but you won’t need to replace it as often since it will hold up better.
Installing the Insulation –
Once you’ve picked out the insulation you’re going to use, you’ll need to prep the attic. If it doesn’t have a finished floor and most don’t, we recommend carting plywood sheets up there to lay across the beams. It is simply too difficult and dangerous to try to straddle and balance on those beams while you’re working. If you can’t find plywood that can withstand your weight, go with a nice thick board that can be easily moved around.
Once you have that board or plywood in place, you can begin bringing up the insulation. If you’re using batting, start unrolling it and tucking it into place between the beams. Make sure that all of the empty spaces are completely covered. If your attic does not have insulate walls, you’re going to want to take care of those as well. Some prefer to use strips of insulation padding for both floors and walls in attics, but the choice is up to you.
Make sure that you wear the proper safety equipment, such as goggles and gloves while you are installing your insulation. It contains tiny fiberglass fibers that can cut you and hurt your eyes if it gets in there. If you are using blow in insulation, we recommend goggles, a mask and gloves.
To install blow in insulation (see picture), rent a blower, and get a secure spot where you can stand in the attic without being covered in insulation. Start in the far corner and keep blowing it in until the floor is completely covered. You should now find that your heating costs are greatly reduced and your house will feel a lot warmer.
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September 8th, 2008 — Handy Man, Heating, Low Budget, insulation, pipes
Winter may be a few months away, but now is a great time to start getting ready for it. With energy prices on the rise, it is important to find ways to cut costs and reduce the amount of energy you use in the winter. Let’s go over a few quick ways to help lower your energy costs and get ready for winter.
First, one of the easiest ways to dramatically reduce your home heating costs is by sealing your windows. There are many different kinds of window kits available that will completely seal off any gaps or drafts. Summertime is a great time to purchase these kits since they will typically be marked down by 50% or more. This means instead of spending $5 or more per window, you can do it for about $2.50 a window. If you’ve got a lot of windows in your home, this can really add up.
Summer is also a good time to start thinking about your insulation and the shape it may be in. If your home is fairly new, you should not have to worry about this. However, if you have noticed that no matter what you do your house still feels pretty cold, poor insulation may be the culprit. Look at the R rating on your current insulation and double check to make sure that it is meant for your area. If it is, it may have degraded, or you may need a little more to make your house feel cozy.
If you have a forced air heating system, it’s time to get those filters out and replaced. Having a clean filter in your furnace can reduce your heating costs significantly. Once again, you can take advantage of summer discounts and stock up on filters for the entire year. You should be replacing them at least every month, or more if you live in a particularly dusty area.
For those with wood or pellet stoves stocking up on fuel now can make a big difference in how much you spend. If you’re trying to scramble to find pellets or wood during the peak periods, you’re definitely going to be paying more money. If you’ve got the space, start stocking up now. If you have a propane furnace, you can do almost the same thing.
Many gas companies are now offering propane contracts for the winter. What this means is that you agree to purchase a set amount of propane over the winter, usually around 1000 gallons, and they will offer you a lower price. You’ll also get the benefit of locking that price in, so that no matter how high it goes through the winter, you’ll still be paying that initial price. As gas prices continue to go up, this is a great way to save money.
Last but not least, start checking your pipes for leaks. If you live in an area that gets very cold, you may want to consider adding pipe insulation to avoid having to deal with frozen pipes in the future.
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September 5th, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man
Ever sat up half the night worried about what the heck was making that noise? Need quick help in figuring out what is wrong with your home? This book from Ortho isn’t the newest one on the market, but that doesn’t make it any less important. In fact, if you have only one home improvement book in your library, this may be the one to buy.
The first section covers home safety and features some life saving tips on fires, and emergencies that can crop up in the home. The section on diagnosing odors is vital for anyone to read. Next up, the book moves into fixing common interior problems. Everything from the ceiling down to the floor is covered, and covered well. The authors excel at giving advice that is easy to understand and implement. This is an area where a lot of DIY books fall down and we were very pleased that they did such a good job with this.
Windows and Doors are next, followed by common exterior problems. Virtually anything that could go wrong with either topic is covered. We really enjoyed the section on plumbing problems since this is an area that costs home owners a fortune. For example, you’ll learn the difference between what causes a leaking sink and a running sink – as well as how to fix either one. Since plumbers are so expensive, this section is absolutely vital.
Solving electrical problems was a fascinating chapter and covered once again, life saving tips. While we don’t recommend that anyone without experience fix their home’s electrical system, this chapter will help you figure out what is wrong and help you locate someone that can get it fixed for you.
Last but not least, the section on mechanical problems was incredible. From fixing your stove, to handling strange refrigerator noises and balancing your washing machine, you’ll get plenty of tips on how to do it all. Heating and cooling systems are also covered in this chapter, as well as some great tips on home humidifiers. At the end, you’ll find a very helpful glossary of all the terms discussed in the book.
Overall, we are huge fans of this book. It is truly essential reading, even if you don’t have anything wrong with your home – yet. Chances are, over time, something is going to go wrong. With this book, you’ll have everything you need to know to fix it yourself and save money. We can’t say enough nice things about this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in home repair and especially to new homeowners that are just getting started.
The project tips and diagnostic advice make the book more than worth the cover price. This is the perfect housewarming gift, and chances are, you’ll end up buying it for more than just one person. It’s really that good and one of the best home improvement books we have ever seen. Highly recommended!
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September 3rd, 2008 — Basement, Handy Man, House Damage, Install, Mold, ventilation
With black and other forms of mold becoming an enormous problem for Americans, it has never been more important to make sure that your home is not a breeding ground. Mold is very harmful, and black mold in particular can be deadly. No one wants to go around breathing spores all day long, so finding ways to reduce your risk of having mold in your home is very important.
One of the biggest offenders when it comes to mold growth is the basement. Even if you have a finished basement, there are still risks for having excess moisture down there, and as such, the potential for mold. Dirt basements and under home crawlspaces should not be overlooked. Standing water can be a big problem with this type of basement, and you may never even know it is there.
So, what can you do to make sure that you’re not living over a health hazard? First, you will need to determine whether or not you have any damp areas in your basement. The best time to look is right after a rain storm. Go down to the basement and start feeling the walls, stopping every foot and a half or so to check. Don’t just rely on your visual skills, since there may only be slight dampness.
If you feel any sort of water, condensation or you can actually see puddles or water stains, the time to take action is right now. Most homes that are in a flood plain or very wet area come with sump pumps, but this won’t help much for a simple damp area. The first place to start is ventilation.
Proper ventilation reduces condensation and helps water evaporate properly. If you don’t have a big problem with dampness but you do notice a few areas that could use some help, this may be the issue. Consider installing a ventilation system into your basement to solve this problem.
Next, if the area is not bad or if you cannot locate the source of the leak, installing a dehumidifier can be a great and easy fix. Some homes now have whole house dehumidifiers, but even a simple unit can do the trick. Make sure that you place the dehumidifier away from a source the water to avoid electrocution and check to make sure the unit is rated for your space.
If all of this fails, you may need to seal the walls of your basement. Check with a contractor before you start this and make sure that you read the directions carefully before proceeding. While this isn’t the perfect fix, it may be the only solution for chronically damp basements. Typically, using a mix of these techniques is very beneficial and will dramatically reduce the humidity and dampness of your basement.
You may also want to have an air quality test done in your basement if dampness has been a problem for more than a few months. These tests will help determine if mold is already present in your basement.
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September 2nd, 2008 — Aesthetics, Bathroom, Clean, Handy Man, House Paint, Storage, Walls
Most of us go to the bathroom to freshen up, but there are a few easy tips you can use to freshen up the entire room. If your bathroom is getting a little boring, or you’re just sick of how it looks, these tips will help you save money and help transform your bathroom into a calm oasis.
1. Start small.
Sometimes it is the little things that really make a difference. Put all of your typical bathroom clutter away and purchase a few small baskets. Roll up some hand towels or washcloths and place them in the basket. Purchase some scented soaps or bath marbles and fill the other baskets with these. Place the baskets around the room for a spa treatment. Your bathroom will immediately feel bigger and more inviting.
2. Increase the use of your space.
You may not be able to increase the actual space in your bathroom, but you can increase the amount of usable space. First, let’s talk about bathrooms without any linen closets or storage areas. It can be pretty frustrating to try to store all of the stuff you need every day without dealing with clutter. The best solution is to get either an over-the-door organizer, or a sturdy cabinet that will fit behind the toilet area.
These are terrific space savers and will help you get organized in no time at all. We mentioned the cabinet for the toilet area should be sturdy and this is vital. Many people make the mistake of just slapping a cabinet into this area and fail to secure it properly. Their reward is a knock on the head when they sit down or jostle the cabinet.
If you’re going to use this type of cabinet, install a loop on the back of the cabinet. Now, on the wall where the cabinet will be resting, install a hook. When you put the cabinet up, hook the loop. Just make sure that it is sturdy enough to hold the entire cabinet. Even a common hook and catch for a door will work for this, if it is strong enough.
3. Move the hamper.
If you’re dealing with a very small space, adding a hamper will only hamper your movements. Try placing this in your bedroom or even the laundry room. Make the trip to it with your dirty clothes as necessary. While hampers are great organizational tools, they can get in the way.
4. Make it neutral.
If all else fails and you’ve removed everything you can, adding a little light paint and light flooring will make the room feel a lot bigger. You won’t feel as cramped. Adding the right lighting can also be of great assistance for making this small space seem bigger. Experiment with a few options until you find the right lighting for your bathroom.
We may not spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, but the time we do spend should be relaxing. These tips will help you get more use out of your space and help you feel a lot less cramped.
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