Entries Tagged 'Low Budget' ↓
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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August 7th, 2008 — Flooring, Handy Man, Hardware, Low Budget, Renovate, Sink, Tile
If your kitchen is looking a little worse for the wear, but a huge renovation isn’t in your budget, it’s time to do a makeover. You can set whatever budget you’d like, but most of these tips can be achieved for less than a total of $1000, even if you use them all. Feel free to add anything your own kitchen may need, but these are some general makeover tips that will leave your kitchen looking and feeling like new.
1. Replace all your hardware.
Most of us are dealing with the stock knobs and drawer pulls that came with our homes. Depending on how old your house is, this probably means they are pretty dated. A simple change of some hardware can make your whole kitchen feel like it’s brand new and it will look much more current. Look for brushed nickel finishes for an edgy look, or go with black iron for a more traditional and country approach.
The sky is really the limit with today’s hardware and you’ll have a lot of options. If you can’t decide which one works for you, get one of each of the styles you like (keep the receipt) and try them out live in your own kitchen. Return the ones you don’t like and get the rest of the hardware to complete your kitchen.
2. Replace aging fixtures and/or sinks.
Again, we’re dealing with something that came stock with your home and since our faucets get so much wear, it’s probably past time to get it replaced. There are so many new options out there that it may be a little overwhelming.
Try to stick with a finish that matches your new hardware, or have some fun with some copper fixtures. Just remember to buy the fixtures that will fit your existing sink, unless you are planning on replacing that too. A new sink is cheaper than you might think and this can really change up the whole kitchen. Look for one that solves your existing problems (not enough room, too shallow, etc…) while still fitting in your existing cabinet.
3. Put in a new floor.
With today’s new laminate flooring or peel and stick tiles, it is a lot easier and more economical to get an entirely new kitchen floor. Stay away from dated floral and marble prints and feel free to get a little edgier with your design. A dark floor gives a kitchen a very dramatic look, but if your kitchen is on the small side, look for a light colored material.
Since the goal is a cheap makeover, we really recommend going with a flooring that is easy to install on your own. For example, laminate flooring can just click together over your existing floor and doesn’t require a lot of labor or know-how to get the job done. If you’ve got the skills and the budget, we really recommend ceramic tiles for a modern and fresh look.
These are just three simple ideas that can dramatically change your kitchen in just a few hours. See what you can come up with and then get that makeover started!
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August 4th, 2008 — Air Conditioning, Handy Man, Low Budget
Summer is usually synonymous with high electricity costs and as our cities become more overloaded, there has never been a better time to start saving power during these months. It’s actually quite easy to start cutting your power costs, and it only takes a few minutes to implement some changes that can drastically reduce how much money you spend each month on energy costs. Let’s look at just a few changes you can start right now.
1. Only run your air conditioning when you are home.
No one likes coming home to a stuffy house, but there is really no need to run your air conditioner all day when you are not home. Turn that unit off and you’ll see a big change in your power bills. It will take a few minutes to cool off a room or the whole house, but you’ll be saving so much money it won’t seem as painful.
2. Open the windows at night.
Most places are lucky enough to have a pretty cool breeze during the night. One great trick you can try is opening up the windows when you go to bed and then closing them when you get up. The whole house will remain a lot cooler and you’ll be able to get away with using your air conditioning a lot less. This is a method that was used before air conditioning even existed and it still works today.
3. Utilize less air conditioning by using more fans.
A simple fan can do a great job of keeping a room cool, and it can help you circulate more cool air throughout your home. Try to find a model that sits on the floor, as well as one that is a bit higher up. Put them in rooms with air conditioning and face them out so that they can pull that cold air to other parts of your home. Fans costs much less than an air conditioning unit to run as well.
4. Consider adding awnings to the southern windows in your home.
This can reduce your home cooling costs by as much as 30 to 40%, especially if you have a lot of southward facing windows. The initial investment will really pay off. If you can’t afford an awning, consider getting insulated drapes that will accomplish a similar task. Once again, you can really make a difference in how much you’re paying for energy with this little technique.
Crazy Bonus Tip:
If you live in an area that has a lot of high winds, it can feel as though you are trapped in a blast furnace. Find the prevailing direction of the winds and then seal the windows on that side of your house with the same sealer you would use in the winter. It sounds crazy, but it really does work. Older homes that do not have new windows can really benefit from this tip. By limiting how much hot air you have in your home, it will feel a lot cooler.
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July 29th, 2008 — Air Conditioning, Handy Man, Install, Low Budget
As summer approaches, those of us without central air are getting ready to go through the annual ritual of installing our window air conditioners. However, were you aware that a bad installation can actually raise your electricity costs and make it harder to say cool? Here are some tips to help you put your air conditioner in the right way.
1. Always make sure that the air conditioner is sized appropriately for your window.
It sounds overly simplistic, but air conditioners really only come in a few widths, and windows are very different. If you have an older house, you may have very narrow windows, while newer homes may have wider windows. Although many air conditioners do come with little plastic curtains that can stretch to either side, this is not a very effective means of keeping the heat out.
Try to find an air conditioner that is as close as possible to the width of your window. If you can’t find the perfect fit, consider using a more substantial material to provide a closer fit between the window and the air conditioning unit. Plywood painted to match your house is a great and easy fix for this problem.
2. Always make sure that you use a foam strip above and below the unit.
This is something that many people forget when they are installing their window air conditioners. That strip is going to help block out hot air from coming into your house and it is important to make sure that it is the right size for your window. It is a good idea to put it on the bottom and top of the unit for the best results.
In addition to helping with energy savings, that foam strip will also help your air conditioner run a lot quieter. The vibration from the unit can be pretty irritating when it is rattling a double pane window. By installing the foam, you’re cutting down on how much vibration will actually reach the glass.
3. If you have an old unit, it’s time to upgrade.
Today’s air conditioners are much more energy efficient and easier to install than the units of old. Gone are the clunky boxes that take two people to heft into the window and gone are the sky high electric bills. Many of today’s air conditioners can be run for about the same cost as a lamp, while the older models are closer to a chest freezer.
It is also a good idea to replace an air conditioner that is more than ten years old. The parts on these models do wear out and the Freon will not be as effective as it once was. The result is that the unit has to work harder to make it cooler in your home and you end up spending a lot more money.
Lastly, always make sure that your air conditioner is not on the side of the house where it will be exposed to constant sun. It makes it harder for the unit to run and it will not be able to keep your room cool.
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July 28th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Clean, Flooring, Grout, Handy Man, Low Budget, Refresh
Tile floors can be gorgeous and they are great in climates where it gets a little hot. However, the one main downside of tile floors is that the grout can get pretty yucky after a few years. No amount of scrubbing can return it to its previously pristine state and after awhile, it can make the whole floor look badly. There are a few tricks that you can use to make that grout look a lot better, and thankfully, they are all pretty easy.
One of the best ways to get rid of yucky colored grout is to stain it.
If you go to your hardware store, you should find several different types of grout stain available. The colors range from different shades of white to colors that will blend in with your tile. If you have a tile flour in a high traffic area, it is best to try to match the grout to the color of the tile. This will give you several more years of wear and it will not look so run down.
Once you pick your stain, you’ll need to prep the grout before you get started. We recommend inspecting each tile square and looking for any holes or divots that may be present in the grout. If you find any, patch them up and let them dry before proceeding. This will help extend the life of your grout and the stain will look a lot better.
Different grout stains will have different directions, and it is important to make sure that you follow them to the letter. However, there are some general guidelines that can help make the application process a lot easier. After you’ve fixed any grout that needed repairs, completely clean the floor. Little bits of dust and grit will make the stain appear uneven and it is vital to really polish that floor until it shines. We recommend getting a soft cloth and buffing each tile area before you apply the stain for the best results.
Once the floor is completely clean, you’ll be ready to get started. Since you’ll be kneeling for this process, it’s a good idea to have a mat or some kneepads to take the stress off your knees. You’ll need to find a paint brush that is sized correctly for your grout. If in doubt, go a bit smaller to avoid getting the stain on the tile. Empty out a little of the stain into another container to make it easier to get to.
Start brushing the stain on using even strokes. If you overlap a little, use that soft cloth to wipe away any excess before continuing. Make sure that you don’t smear the stain as you move to the next few squares. This is a time consuming process, but it is well worth it. To speed up the drying time, you can put a large fan on the floor. If necessary, you can use more than one coat until the stain reaches your desired color.
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July 15th, 2008 — Air Conditioning, Cheap Alternative, Handy Man, Low Budget
Thankfully, today we have many options when it comes to cooling our homes. If you are wondering if it is time to upgrade to a new kind of cooling system, you’re going to have a lot of options. However, they may not all be as effective for your particular needs. Let’s take a look at a few tips that will make it a lot easier to keep cool this summer.
Central Air Conditioning –
If you already have central heating, or your house has ducts, this is a great choice, especially if you live in a very hot area. Window air conditioners are typically overwhelmed by these conditions and you have to run multiple units instead of just one to keep your whole house cool. A unit may cost a lot at the beginning, but you will be saving more money over time in energy costs and your house will be a lot cooler.
Window Air Conditioning –
If you have a very small space to cool, or you live in an area that is not terribly hot, this is a great solution. In this case, central air may be a bit of overkill, while a simple window unit that you can turn on and off as needed may work a lot better. Just make sure that the unit is properly fitted to your windows for the best energy efficiency.
Swamp Coolers –
These units have been around for awhile, but there were not always as popular in some parts of the country as others. They are a bit more eco-friendly, since they function by sucking in the warm humid air and condensing it into vapor which then cools the house or room. They do not work very well in dry climates, and when compared to central air, they certainly don’t match up. However, if you live in a very humid area, or you only occasionally need cooling, this can be a great choice.
Unico System –
This is a fairly new type of air conditioning system that is commonly used in older homes or homes that do not have any duct work. They are pretty expensive, but they are also very effective. Typically, you have the main unit installed in an attic and properly vented. Then, pipes are run through the home and placed in strategic spots around the room. The cold air is filtered through the pipes and cools the house. If you are really wanting to get central air, but you don’t want to have to install duct work throughout, this is a great solution.
Fans –
The old tried and true still works pretty well, especially if you can put a bowl of ice in front of it. If you are trying to save on money, or your area doesn’t get very hot a simple fan may be all that you need. When coupled with the right kind of exhaust system, they can also be placed in windows to suck in cool night air to cool your house down.
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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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July 3rd, 2008 — Book Review, Low Budget
Since tomorrow is July 4th, I’ve decided to take it off. There will be no blog post tomorrow which is why the book review is today instead of Friday. Have a great weekend everyone!
If you’re into do it yourself television, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Ty Pennington. He’s been on Trading Spaces as well as Extreme Makeover Home Edition and has become a national phenomenon, thanks to his quirky style and ease with tools. If you’re looking to improve your home the easy way, this book offers some great advice and, much like Ty, it’s a little quiry and a lot of fun.
First off, if you’re looking for blueprints, exact specs and technical information, this is the not the book for you. The book covers the renovations that Ty made to his own home and while it does get into how to do things, it is more of a reflection of his techniques and tricks for working on a limited budget to get the best results. However, even if you are a seasoned pro, it’s still well worth the read.
As we mentioned earlier, the book covers the projects that Ty completed in his own home, from remodeling the kitchen to adding a koi pond in the back yard. He goes into great details on the kinds of materials that he used as well as the ways he was able to cut corners. He managed to remodel his entire kitchen for less than $3,000 and the whole house for less than $15,000.
In this vein, the book is packed with incredible money saving tips that will help anyone find ways to make their house look great for less money. Best case in point: for his kitchen, Ty chose flooring to redo the ceiling and used tile for the flooring. The finished result was surprisingly well put together and gave the room a lot of warmth.
If you’re looking for tips on how to work inside the space you already have and get it done on a budget, this is a terrific book. It’s got plenty of pictures (many of them including Ty) and it is a very quick and fun read. While it’s not the most technical of tomes, it does cover basic design principles and can help the reader come up with their own ideas to make their home their own unique extension of their personality.
While the average person may not need a koi pond in their backyard, this book serves as a great jumping off point that is very inspirational. When you’re done with this book, you’ll feel able to take on the world, or at the very least, your own home with plenty of confidence. It’s great for beginners, but like we said before, even professionals can get some tips that are useful.
Overall, we recommend this book, but with a caveat. Read it with the right mindset and you’ll walk away with a feeling that you can tackle your home. Read it with the wrong mindset and you’ll most likely be disappointed that it didn’t include more exact specs and technical information. At face value however, this is a book that has a place in most DIY bookshelves.
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