November 18th, 2008 — Curb Appeal, Handy Man, Landscape, Light Fixtures, Outside, Yard
When it comes to focusing on curb appeal, many homeowners get caught up with plantings and fixtures, but fail to find ways to highlight all of their hard work. Whenever you add something new to the outside of your home, you’re going to want to show it off! Simple lighting fixtures can add a lot of nighttime drama to your home and make it look like a million bucks. This greatly enhances your home’s curb appeal and adds to the overall value of the home.
If you’re completely new to landscaping, it can be a little tough to decide where to put these lights. Instead of just buying a few and placing them willy-nilly, we’re going to show you how to design and implement an exterior lighting plan. It’s well worth the time and effort and you’ll be amazed by the results. Let’s get started!
First, you’ll need to work out a budget for how much you want to spend on your lights. This can dramatically impact your overall design, so this is the best place to start. Keep in mind that if you are installing hard wired lights you’re going to need to spend extra money having an electrician hook them up unless you are comfortable doing it yourself.
Once you have your budget figured out, you can move to the next step. Go outside and take a photo of your house. Sounds silly, but it’s a lot easier to work from a photo. The camera will pick up on things you may miss with the naked eye. If you’re using a digital camera, you can use your computer to help you with light placement. Either way, either get your film developed or print out your picture so that you have a hard copy to work from.
Figure out which areas you want to highlight and which areas may need camouflaging. If you’ve got some nice plants alongside the front of your home, but the paint is peeling, it’s not a good idea to throw a spotlight on them so the world can see that your house needs a coat of paint. Likewise, if you’ve got a spectacular flower garden, you need to show it off!
Once you have an idea of the areas that you want to highlight, you can fill in the rest of your idea with secondary lights. For example, if you have a walkway up to your front door, it is a very nice tough to line it with small lights that make it easier to see at night. This gives your home a very cozy and welcoming feel. Several homeowners also like to put a light fixture at the entrance of their drive. There are some fabulous old style lanterns that are perfect for this use.
Draw everything out on paper first. Once this is done, you can purchase your lights and install them according to your notes. While you can install lights without having an idea of where they should go, you’ll get a much nicer end product when you take the time to plan everything out.
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November 14th, 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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October 15th, 2008 — Fix, Flooring, Handy Man, Wood Floors
Warped flooring is a major problem for many homeowners. First, it is typically caused by water damage, and can be indicative of a major leak, but it can also be caused by excessive wear, poor original materials or even chance. Warped floors are a bit of a hazard around the house and should be fixed as soon as possible. Let’s go over a few easy ways that you can get this job done.
Small Warps
These are tiny little warps that are usually barely noticeable. Commonly, if you found a leak in time, or are paying attention, you can spot this type of warp while it is still small and easy to fix. If the average area is less than six inches in diameter, and the boards affected are not numerous, you can try a very easy fix.
Get a cinderblock, or something similar that is very heavy. Wet the area where the warping occurred slightly and then place your heavy object over the warp. Give it a few days and check to see if the warp is gone. If you are using something heavy enough and the floor is still pliable, chances are your warp will be gone. This is a great fix if you are on a budget.
Medium to Large Warps
This is a little more serious and may require spot fixing. In a perfect world, only one flooring board will be warped, but often, it will usually effect more than one. Locate the area where the warping occurred and if necessary, fix the problem that caused it in the first place. Locate replacement boards that are the exact size and length of your existing flooring.
Take up the existing boards and if necessary, fix any underlying problems that may have been caused by a water leak. Get your replacement boards and lay them down, lining them up carefully. Using the appropriate sized screws, attach them to the floor joists one by one until the area has been completely fixed. You may need to either paint or stain them to match your other flooring.
Massive Warps
This is a serious issue, and may require the help of a professional. Massive warping is usually caused either by extreme neglect, bad water damage or age. This will typically require replacing the entire floor, especially if numerous boards are affected. Locate any boards that may be saved, but check them for structural integrity. It is best to err on the side of caution when dealing with massive floor warps since it may be an indication that the wood is rotten.
Rip out the flooring. If you are replacing the entire floor, you have some options as to what materials you will use for the replacement, either new wooden floors, or a subfloor with carpeting. Fix any underlying damage and then install your new flooring option. Again, you may need to either paint or stain it to match, depending on how much of the original floor you were able to keep.
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September 23rd, 2008 — Low Budget, Refresh, Renovate
If you are thinking about completely remodeling your home, but your budget is pretty small, you may want to think about refreshing it instead. There are some definite benefits to both types of home renewal, but there are some downsides as well. Let’s take a closer look at both types of renovation and see what you can expect.
Refreshing
Pros – This is a very cheap alternative to completely remodeling your home. It will allow you to retain certain features such as built-ins or other permanent fixtures in your home. With the right techniques, refreshing can be done in as little as a week and often gives similar results.
This is perfect for homeowners that need to sell their properties quickly and do not have the time to do a complete remodel. You can essentially make the home look almost brand new and you won’t have to worry about it taking months to get to completion. This is also a good alternative for those who prefer to do the work on their own, but may not have the time to dedicate to a complete remodel.
The main benefit is of course the price. Refreshing a home will cost thousands less than a remodel, and can produce almost comparable results in many cases.
Cons – The biggest con for refreshing is that you are not really addressing problem areas in the home. For example, you are not replacing older appliances that may be past their prime, nor are you fixing issues regarding flow, fixtures that no longer work or areas that are completely rundown. Basically, refreshing is best for homes that still have a lot of life in them and only need cosmetic assistance.
Remodeling
Pros – Remodeling your home can greatly increase its overall value. This is vital if you are trying to recoup equity in your home or sell it in a down market. The results are usually more dramatic and can make the entire home feel like new. Problem areas can be addressed and newer features can be added that will make the home more workable.
If you have been considering moving, but aren’t really committed to it, remodeling your home can make it feel brand new. Whether you are creating larger rooms, making your kitchen more functional or just improving the existing space, remodeling is usually the best answer.
Remodeling may be necessary in many cases, especially if a home is severely dilapidated to the point where refreshing will not help.
Cons – The cost of remodeling makes it prohibitive for many homeowners. It can easily run into the tens of thousands, especially if your home needs a lot of help. This may require a home improvement loan, which can eat into your home’s equity.
Another major obstacle is the fact that a remodel can take months to complete. If you are remodeling areas such as the kitchen or bedrooms, this can significantly impact the way you live for a long period of time. You may need to stay in a hotel or with friends, and costs can really mount up over time.
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September 18th, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man
We loved the subtitle of this book, Respectful Rehabilitation, and this convinced us to give the book a try. There are more than enough wreckovating books out there, and for those that are interested in maintaining the charm of older homes, a book like this is a rare find indeed. If you are living in an older home that has seen better days, or considering purchasing a fixer upper, this is truly a vital book that belongs on your bookshelf.
While this book does not go in depth on many actual projects, it does offer key advice that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. The book starts off with the reasoning behind restoring an old home to its former glory and offers some great consideration points when it comes to making a decision on whether a renovation is actually worth it. There are no pie-in-the-sky ideals here, and the author is not afraid to discuss whether or not it is feasible to restore an old home. Not every property can be helped, and you can save a lot of money by figuring this out early on in the process.
The next two chapters deal with learning more about older homes and how to start the process of actually fixing them up. You’ll also learn about safeguarding older properties and some considerations that need to be taken into account before you even begin. By simply reading this book before starting a renovation, a homeowner could easily save thousands of dollars, even if they only read the first three chapters.
The section on cost is by far the best and can be used to get a better idea of how much you are going to need to spend to fix your older home. Contractors and DIY angles are discussed as well as what to expect when your budget gets out of control, as it often can with an older home. Remember, once you start one project on an old house, there are tons of chances you’ll be dealing with five more as a result.
The actual renovating process is broken down into the exterior and interior of the home. Some great advice can be found in these two chapters, especially if you are trying to maintain the character of your older home and restore it properly. We can’t always rely on old photographs, and these chapters will help with some of the bigger decisions on what to do during your renovations.
The last chapters go over learning more about older homes and how to find resources that will help with your renovation project. If you are committed to respectful renovation, these resources are incredibly helpful, especially if you are in the dark on your home’s previous history.
We loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone that is trying to fix up an old home. You’ll be able to save money and get the benefit of some great advice along the way.
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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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August 25th, 2008 — Contractor, Handy Man, Renovate, Repair
There are times when even the best of us may not have the qualifications needed to fix something around the house. Every year, there are thousands of disaster stories where homeowners thought they could do the job on their own, only to end up causing costly damage to their property. If you are not certain that you can handle the job on your own, you may want to consider hiring a contractor to help you. However, before you do, there are a few questions that you will need to ask.
1. Are they licensed?
The average handyman won’t have a license, but commonly, contractors will need to be licensed and certified. It is a good idea to ask them for their qualifications and find out if they are licensed in your state. This can be very helpful when you are trying to pass an inspection after the work is done. A qualified contractor will already know everything that needs to be completed to pass that inspection.
2. How do they calculate pricing?
Most contractors should offer you a free estimate of the work that will need to be done. However, this estimate may be completely off depending on the availability of materials or if anything goes wrong. It is important to find a contractor that will offer you a guarantee of some sort, or at least some sort of pricing threshold. If they won’t you will need to make sure that they come to you for approval for anything that will put you over your budget. Staying on budget isn’t easy, but it helps when the contractor is working in your corner.
3. Do they have a particular specialty?
General contractors can usually do a variety of different tasks, but that doesn’t mean that they should. For example, if you need help with your wiring, it may be best to hire an electrician, rather than a general contractor. It is a good idea to make sure that they are qualified to handle the exact job you need done. You can save a lot of time and heartache by going through this step first.
4. How do they plan to stay on schedule?
Repairs and renovations can take months to complete and it is vital to find a contractor that can stay on schedule. Try to get as firm of a completion date is possible and then ask them what they will do if they go over on that time period. These extra days, weeks or months can completely destroy your budget, so it is very important to find out how well they work on a schedule.
5. Do they have references?
A good contractor will be more than willing to provide you with references. You need to follow up on these and make sure that the homeowners are happy and satisfied with the work. Some may even allow you to see the work that was done so you can form your own opinion on the quality of the job.
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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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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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Read more tips and advice on home cleaning at Merry Maids.
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