Entries Tagged 'Kitchen' ↓
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 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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August 12th, 2008 — Cabinets, Handy Man, Install, Kitchen, Walls
Installing new kitchen cabinets is a great way to give an old kitchen a facelift. In addition to being more useful, new kitchen cabinets can add value to your home and make it look a lot nicer. Before we get started, let’s make sure you have all the tools you’ll need for this project. You’ll need the following tools:
- a level
- a hacksaw (just in case)
- screwdrivers of various sizes
- plenty of screws
- wood glue (in some cases)
- a sander or rough grade sandpaper
- vise grips
- a crowbar
- measuring tape
- a sledgehammer
- a power drill
Before you can install your new cabinets, you’re going to have to rip out the old ones. This can actually be quite fun and it’s a great way to get out some frustrations. Remove everything in the cabinets, and then take off the doors. If they are screwed into the wall, carefully remove the screws. If you are working with big cabinets, it’s really helpful to have someone else on hand to help take it down from the wall. If not, make sure you have some way to catch those cabinets if they should come down when you are unscrewing them.
If you cannot remove the old cabinets easily, you may need to use that crowbar. Place the end of the bar behind the cabinets and lever outwards. It may take a few tries. If worse comes to worse, grab a sledgehammer and start pounding. Completely remove all the wood and any fittings for the old cabinetry before proceeding. If the wall looks a bit rough, you may want to sand it down to make sure that your new cabinets will sit flush.
Now that you have completely removed the old cabinetry, you’re ready to get started with the new. Place them where you think they should go and then get out your level to make sure that they are even. Using your measuring tape so that you have the exact measurements before you start drilling. It is a lot easier to fix something during this stage than it is to try to fix crooked cabinets.
Take your time and make sure that everything is level. Once you’re satisfied, you can start drilling. If your cabinetry came with any special installation instructions, please refer to these now. For your screws, you’re going to want to make sure that they are rated to hold the weight of the cabinets. Most people prefer to countersink their screws for safety. Line up where you will need to drill and create holes in both the cabinetry and the wall to make it easier.
Then, attach your screws, countersinking if necessary and assemble your cabinetry. The whole process should take only a few hours, and less if you have help. There are several schools of thought if you’re working with unfinished cabinetry. Many people prefer to sand, stain and varnish before installing. Others prefer to do this later, or sand and stain, then varnish after they’re installed. It’s up to you, but keep in mind that installation can cause nicks in your varnish.
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July 21st, 2008 — Handy Man, Install, Kitchen, Sink, filtration unit
No matter where you live, there is a chance that you may be dealing with some contaminants in your water. Many of us have trace amounts of lead in our drinking water and this can be harmful to your health over time. It is a good idea to have your drinking water checked for any contaminants, especially if you live in a rural area and use your own well.
One of the easiest solutions to getting clean water is to install a filter at the tap level. However, this can get pretty old since you can’t run hot water through it and the filters can be expensive over time. If you want an easier solution, there is a type of permanent water filter that can be installed under your sink or even at the source of your water, to filter everything that goes through the faucet.
Whole house filters are an excellent investment and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you are bathing and drinking in clean water. However, if this is out of your price range, a simple filter that is installed under your sink can be a great alternative. Your number one priority is making sure that your drinking water is clean, so let’s look at how to install one of these filters under your sink.
Most of today’s newer filters may include a special faucet, but these can be pretty complicated to install. It is easier to pick a filter that will just use your existing fixtures. First, you’re going to need to turn off the water supply to your sink. If you don’t have a shut off valve there, you may need to turn off the water supply to your home instead. This can usually be found near your water pump.
Once the water supply is turned off, get under your sink (removing anything that may be under there) and locate the saddle valve. This is a small valve that should be located under the shut off valve. Open this up and get your filtration unit ready. It is a good idea to follow the unique instructions that come with your filter, but this is a general guideline for most filter installation procedures.
Attach the filter in between the saddle valve and the main valve. Make sure that it is located on the cold water valve since you don’t want to run hot water through the unit. Once the unit is in place, close off the valve again and install the carbon filter. These units typically have a much longer lifespan than the smaller faucet based filters, so even though you are using a carbon filter, you won’t have to change it as often.
Make sure that all of your connections are tight and turn the water supply back on. Depending on the unit, you’ll want to run at least two gallons of cold water through your tap before it is safe to drink. This is due to the little bits of carbon that can come through when it is brand new.
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July 14th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Countertops, Design, Handy Man, Kitchen, Tile, marble
When it comes to renovating your kitchen, there are so many new options when it comes to counter tops that it can be a little intimidating to pick one. We’re going to cover some of the most popular counter top surfaces to help make that decision a lot easier. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it should give you a jumping off point. We’ll cover what makes that surface worthwhile as well as some downsides that could mean a deal breaker.
Tile -
This is an old standby when it comes to a countertop surface, but it is still quite popular. You’ll be able to match just about any décor and they’re very easy to install. On the plus side, tiles are usually quite economical, unless you’re getting them specially made or designed. You can make your own mosaics and get crazy with colors or you can keep it simple. The overall finished look is completely determined by you, so this is a great surface if you really want a custom feel to your kitchen.
The main downside of tile is that there are some health risks involved if you don’t keep it clean enough. Tile caulk or grout can catch food debris and bacteria and they are unfortunately pretty good breeding grounds for diseases. If you do pick tile, make sure that you thoroughly clean not only the tiles, but the grout or caulk in between them. Tile can also crack if you place something heavy or hot on it, so you will need to use extra care with it.
Marble -
This is such a stunning surface and it can add a touch of class to any kitchen. It’s moderately expensive, but you’ll have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the color scheme and even the design of the marble. These counters are incredibly durable and usually quite scratch resistant. If you do a lot of food prep, this is a very nice material to work on.
The main downside of marble is that it will require some special cleaners to keep it looking nice. These should be used in addition to your regular cleaners. This adds a second step to the whole process and if you’re very busy, it can be a bit of a drag. Marble can crack if you place something that is too heavy on it, but overall it is pretty durable if you take the right precautions.
Poured Counters -
This is a relatively new surface that has caught on quickly. By far it is the most durable surface and it’s easy to clean. You’ll be able to have it poured in any design, so it’s perfect for odd shaped kitchens or high design ideas. It takes a lot of effort to damage a poured counter and overall, even though they are the most expensive, they are the easiest to keep up.
Every once in awhile, they do crack and this usually means replacing the entire surface since it is one large piece. Unlike tiles where you can fix the one trouble spot, you’ll have to have the entire surface repaired, which is costly and time consuming.
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July 9th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Countertops, Create, Design, Handy Man, Kitchen, Mosaic
Mosaic countertops are incredibly beautiful and they are a lot of fun to make. If you’d like to make your kitchen stand out from the crowd, it’s actually quite easy to design your own mosaic masterpiece. We’ll show you how to do it in just a few hours and get some great results. Before you get started, you’ll need a few tools and some materials. First, you’ll need:
- a screwdriver
- a crowbar (to remove the old countertop if necessary)
- your tiles
- your design idea
- a lathe
- tile caulk
- some tile cement
We also recommend gloves if you don’t want to get messy. A soft, wet rag is also necessary near the end of the project.
Before you progress any further, you’re going to need to have your design planned out. Some places offer idea templates for stock designs, or you can make your own. It’s completely up to you. We recommend the following technique to make it really easy. Go to a countertop that you will not be using and lay out all of the tiles in the design you want. You can play around with it here, before they are set in stone so to speak, to work out any design flaws or make any changes. Once you’re done, leave this design intact with all of the tiles in place.
Now, go to the surface where you will be adding your tiles. The great thing about mosaic countertop tiles is that you can simply put them over your old counter if you prefer. If not, you’ll need to rip out that counter and make sure that the surface below is ready to be tiled. This means sanding it out until it is completely smooth, washing it to remove any debris and letting it thoroughly dry.
Once your surface is ready, you’re ready to start adding your tile cement. You may need to mix it depending on the type of cement you’re using, so make sure that you follow the instructions on the container. We recommend doing only one row of cement at a time just in case you need to make changes. You won’t run the risk of having the whole thing dry out if you’re doing only one row at a time.
Grab your lathe and apply a thin coat of the cement for the first row. Here’s the fun part (and it’s incredibly easy!) Go over to the counter where you laid out your design and take the first tile out. Put it in the cement, pressing it down firmly but gently. Go back to the design and grab the next tiles, repeating until your first row is done. This makes it super easy to put together your new design.
Once all of your tiles are in place, you’ll need to fill in the gaps with special tile caulk. Spread the caulk all over the tiles. It will look messy, but you’re going to wipe that off of the tiles in a second. Don’t let it dry once you’ve spread the caulk, but go back and gently wipe off the caulk from the tiles, but not from the gaps. You’re done!
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July 8th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Cabinets, Countertops, Flooring, Handy Man, Kitchen, Low Budget, Project, Renovate, Sink
Remodeling your kitchen can dramatically increase the value of your home. Whether you are trying to sell your home or you just want it to look nicer, there are a lot of options you can use when remodeling your kitchen. Before you get started, you’re going to want to come up with a budget and then determine how you want to spend it. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to discuss some basic options such as replacing countertops, sinks, cabinetry and flooring. The amount of work your kitchen needs is completely up to you and your budget.
First, let’s discuss new countertops.
There are numerous different surfaces out there that range from really cheap (formica) to very expensive (poured slabs). You’ll need to think about how you normally use your countertops before picking the new surface. Formica is pretty durable, but it is easy to stain. Marble looks terrific, but does have some maintenance issues. Poured surfaces are costly, but last the longest and need the least amount of care. Try to get some samples of various surfaces before you decide which one is right for you. For a compromise, try marble tiles. They’re cheaper than marble slabs and easier to install.
For your new sink you’ll also have quite a few options.
Most are easy enough to install, and come in sizes that will fit most existing installations. If you’re completely replacing your countertops, you’ll have more options when it comes to the kind of sink you can use. When picking a surface, remember that stainless steel looks nice but can be hard to keep shiny. Ceramic is a good solution, but make sure that it is properly sealed to reduce the amount of scrapes that can come with normal daily use.
New cabinets can be pretty exciting, and again, you’re going to have a lot of new options here.
Glass doors add a touch of class to any new cabinets, and you can add some variety by having a few with solid doors and a few with glass. If you can’t find the stain or color you like, get some unfinished cabinets and stain or paint them yourself. If your budget won’t allow new cabinetry, you can still overhaul existing cabinets by replacing doors, adding new hardware or simply giving them a fresh coat of paint or a stain.
When it comes to floors, the sky is the limit.
There are so many options right now it can be hard to decide which one is best. Many new kitchens feature poured concrete floors that are then stained to match the décor. However, this is expensive and labor intensive. If you’re remodeling on the cheap, you can find peel and stick tiles that can go on above your existing floor. This is a very easy and economical way to jazz up your kitchen with very little effort.
When remodeling your kitchen, try to figure out how much work you can do on your own. If you’re handy, you can save a lot of money that can be used for better fixtures or options, if you do the work yourself.
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June 11th, 2008 — Handy Man, Install, Kitchen, Sink
If you’re sick and tired of your old kitchen sink, replacing it with a new one is not all that difficult. If you’re working with an entirely new surface, the steps for installation will be the same as provided below, but you will need to add the steps of measuring the sink and cutting in a new hole in your countertop. Most sinks now come with a template to make this easier. For the purpose of this review however, we’re going to stick with working on a replacement sink that is the exact size and shape of the old sink. If you do find that there is a size difference, you can use a saw to cut the countertop to fit.
Before we get started, you’re going to need some basic tools:
- saw (as mentioned above)
- pipe wrenches (appropriately sized for your pipes)
- screwdriver
- crowbar
- power sander or sandpaper
- pliers
- empty bucket
- silicone caulk
- plumber’s putty
- caulk
- clamps
- gloves
Turn off the water supply to the sink before proceeding any further.
Once you’ve got all of your tools organized, you’re ready to get started. Before you begin however, re-measure everything to make sure that the new sink will fit. If you still need to remove the old sink, first you will need to use your wrench to loosen the p-trap. That’s the U shaped pipe under the sink that connects the plumbing to the drain. It’s a good idea to completely remove everything under the sink to ensure that you have enough space to work and that nothing gets ruined. Place your empty bucket under the p-trap to catch any excess water.
Your old sink was most likely installed with putty or adhesive of some sort. Use your crowbar to carefully remove the sink from the counter. Lift it out and place it aside. You may need to get some help since sinks are a bit heavy. Sand any rough areas that are around the hole where the sink used to be. If you are keeping your old faucet and it’s not attached directly to the sink, re-silicone it to make sure you won’t have any leaks. If you’re replacing it, remove the old one by loosening the fittings under the counter with your pipe wrench.
You’re now ready to move to the next step. Unpack your new sink. Place plumber’s putty around the edges of the hole where the sink will go. Lift up the new sink and carefully place it into the hole. Make sure it is completely lined up and fits well before proceeding. Now, clamp it down and give it enough time to dry. If any putty squeezes out, use a damp cloth to wipe it away. Attach your new faucet, or re-attach the old one and caulk around the area. It is also a good idea to caulk around the outside edges of the sink. When it’s dry, you can sand it down to make it look better. Reconnect the p-trap and you’re all done!
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June 9th, 2008 — Cheap Alternative, Dishwasher, Handy Man, Kitchen, Refresh, Refrigerator, Repair
If you’re stuck with some aging appliances and replacing them isn’t in your budget, there are a few tricks that you can use to give them a facelift and make them more energy efficient, on the cheap. For this article, we’re going to focus on refreshing your refrigerator and dishwasher, but these tips will work for just about any large appliance you have in your home.
Let’s start with the refrigerator. Chances are it could use a top to bottom scrubbing and a defrost if it’s an older model. Completely remove all the food and scrub the entire surface inside and out with a good cleaner that’s safe to use around food. Get into every nook and cranny until it’s sparkling. If you’ve got a common refrigerator, you may be able to find replacement shelves that will make it easier to store your food. Before you shut those doors though, there are two more steps you’re going to need to take.
Grab an old toothbrush and dunk it in your cleaner. Locate the rubber gasket on the inside of the door and get scrubbing. It’s most likely pretty gunky unless you’ve been cleaning it on a regular basis. If your refrigerator is old, you should replace the gasket. This will make your appliance more efficient. These gaskets can be found at any hardware store. Measure the old one or take a section in to help make it easier to find the replacement. Replace both gaskets and shut the door.
Scrub the outside of the doors until they are sparkling clean. Now, you’ve got an option. You can leave it as is, or you can try a technique that will make it look like you’ve spent a couple thousand dollars on a new appliance. Get some stainless steel contact paper – yes, contact paper, and carefully apply it to your door. You’re going to want to make sure that there are no broken or crooked edges. Completely coat the appliance with the contact paper, smoothing out any bubbles as you go. When you’re done, your refrigerator will look fantastic. It’s important to find contact paper that’s meant for this type of use. You can usually find it in most home improvement stores or online.
Now, let’s move onto to the dishwasher. Repeat the same processes above, making sure that it is completely cleaned out. You can also add the same contact paper to this appliance so that you have a uniform look for your appliances. You may need to replace the gasket on the dishwasher if it is old and worn out. These wear out pretty quickly since the area inside is so hot and humid. Again, you’ll be saving money on energy costs by taking the time to install a new gasket.
Make sure that you follow the proper care instructions for your newly contact-papered appliances. Most come with special instructions, but you can use a damp cloth with dish soap to clean it. Make sure that the cloth is not too wet.
Your kitchen should now look brand new and you’ve only spent a few hours and a couple dollars!
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May 28th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Create, Design, Handy Man, Kitchen, Workflow
If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, this is the perfect time to address any problems that you may have with the current design. Not all kitchens are made to be useful and it’s all too common to get stuck with a design that forces you to walk all over the place just to cook dinner. You may also find that there are some elements of your kitchen that just make life a little more difficult than it should be. Instead of replicating these issues with your new kitchen, it’s time to figure out what you can do to make your life easier and your kitchen even better.
Let’s start out with the most basic design principle that is present in all well designed kitchens. Most have what is called The Triangle. This means that should be able to draw a triangle from the stove to the sink to the refrigerator. This makes your workflow a lot easier and cuts down on the amount of time spent walking back and forth. Most kitchens utilize this design principle to some degree, even if it’s a galley or a large space.
It’s best to plan out your new kitchen on paper first so that you can get an idea of where you want to place everything. Try out variations of The Triangle on paper to see what you can come up with. It should be pretty easy to place these three items and then build out the rest of your kitchen from there. Even if you’re working with a center island, this principle is still quite effective.
Now, let’s fill in the rest of your kitchen. If you plan on having a dishwasher, you’re going to want to put it right next to the sink. It sounds like a given, but you would be surprised by how many kitchens have a dishwasher that is too far away. Next, you’ll want to decide where you want to put your cupboards for your dishes. Most people prefer to place them above the dishwasher to make it easier to put everything away.
Let’s move onto the cupboards that you’re going to use for your pots and pans. Again, it’s best to place these close to the stove to make it easier to find what you need. If you’re going to have your stove in a center island, make sure that the island will have plenty of cupboard space. It’s also a good idea to include some drawers for utensils.
The pantry or food cupboards should be located in between the refrigerator and the stove. This makes it easier to grab what you need quickly, on your way back and forth. No matter how big your kitchen may be, when you’re using The Triangle, you’ll be able to cook more effectively.
On a related note, it’s also a good idea to consider how much counter space you’re going to need. You really cannot have too much space, so try to add as much as possible near your sink, near the stove and near the refrigerator to make food prep a lot easier.
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