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 17th, 2008 — Create, Handy Man, Maintain, Project, Walls
If you have a problem with drainage, or you would like to keep a hill where it belongs, a retaining wall is the perfect solution. There are many different options and materials that you can use when you need to build a retaining wall. Let’s look at some of the most popular solutions that are currently available.
Rock Wall –
This is probably the most common solution when you need to build a retaining wall quickly. This method is inexpensive and installation can usually be done on your own, even if you don’t have much experience. You can use regular rocks, bricks or any combination there of to build this type of wall. If you are looking for an organic solution for a retaining wall, this is a very good choice and one that will hold up for many years to come.
The main downside with a rock retaining wall is that it will tend to crumble if it is not maintained or if the force of the earth behind it is too strong. However, with care and by selecting the right kind of rocks, you can ensure that your rock wall will be able to withstand the test of time.
Metal Wall –
This is a solution that is commonly used if there is a great deal of earth that you need to keep from eroding. Commercial buildings and sites will typically use this type of wall simply because it is among the cheapest to install and maintenance is minimal. It can be used for homes as well, particularly when the situation calls for a very strong measure.
Metal walls should be made of weather resistant metal that will not corrode or discolor over time. Otherwise, the effect may be less than welcoming and may devalue your property, or at the very least, reduce the overall curb appeal.
Wood Wall –
This option works well for small areas that need to be retained. However, there is an issue with warping, especially in areas that get a lot of snow or rainfall. For those looking for a quick and easy solution, this is one that fits the bill. Most people that need to create a retaining wall on their own will use wood and with good results.
PVC Wall –
This is a newer material that is being used with great success by many contractors. It doesn’t have the same issues as wood, stone or metal and can be very durable. However, this type of material is not well suited for areas that are very cold, since PVC can crack on impact.
Before you build your retaining wall, it’s a great idea to get at least a consultation from a professional contractor to see what options will work best for you. This will save you time and money, especially if you find out that a specific type of retaining wall is not suited for your area. Most contractors will offer a free consultation or at least a low cost one that you can take advantage of.
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November 12th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Curb Appeal, Handy Man
Whether you are selling your home, or you just want it to look its best, curb appeal is something that must be focused on. You can add quite a bit of value to your home with just a few simple fixes, but before you start, it is important to think about what your home’s curb appeal currently says, and what you would like it to say.
We all make assumptions based on what we visually perceive. If that weren’t the case, you wouldn’t be told not to judge a book by its cover. But the truth is, we do judge by exterior appearances, whether we realize it or not, and if your home is sending the wrong message, you may be driving off potential buyers. In order to get started, it’s a good idea to get in front of your house and take a picture.
We recommend this step because you may be missing things when you’re just looking at your house normally. We get inured to certain details, like that coil of hose you’ve been meaning to put away for three months, and we start to block out areas that may need a little help. By taking a photograph of your home from your curb, you’ll be getting a fresh perspective. You may also want to drive around and look for homes that evoke the response you’re looking for from your own home. Take pictures of them (if the owners don’t mind) and compare them.
Once you have your picture in front of you, write down your instant impression of your home. Is it welcoming, junky, a bit run down, elegant, happy….etc… Find the emotion that comes to mind first and this will be your starting point for making improvements. At this stage, it is a good idea to write down your goals so that you can keep them in front of you when you begin implementing the changes.
Now that you know what your home’s curb appeal says, it’s time to find out if you need to change that, and how to go about it. For example, if your first reaction was “wow, that is one messy yard,” you can start to take the steps to clean it up. Try focusing on one area at a time and take a picture each time your tasks are completed. This helps you keep a running log of your progress and will allow you to see what is changing from a different perspective.
It may take a few tweaks to get your home to the point where the first impression is where you want it to be. Just be patient and take your time. If you are under the wire and need to sell your house quickly, you may need to move a little faster and try to get more done at once until you have your desired result.
With a little effort and the right perspective, your home’s curb appeal can say exactly what you want it to.
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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 6th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Handy Man, Outside, Porch, Refresh, concrete
Concrete normally comes in one color – grey – and after awhile, it can get pretty boring looking at the same old thing. If you want to increase the curb appeal of your home, or you just want something new to look at, staining concrete is one of the easiest solutions that you can implement. You won’t have to rip the concrete out and the staining process is actually pretty easy. Let’s get started!
Marble Effects
If you are looking for a marbled effect on your concrete and you don’t want a big change, one of the best ways to achieve this is with an acid based stain. These can be found at your hardware store, and are a little expensive. They can be very dangerous to use if you are not following the directions properly. If you do not have a lot of DIY experience or you tend to go your own way and then read the directions after the fact, this is not a good stain to use. However, if you are experienced and careful, this can be used to achieve a very subtle and nice effect for your concrete.
Basic Staining
Water based stains are highly recommended if you just want to refresh the look of your concrete and subtly change the color. These can be used by just about anyone and they are very safe. If you are looking for a quick change that is relatively inexpensive, these water based stains are very useful and easy to apply. Keep in mind however that the effect will not be very dramatic.
Big Changes
If you want to really change the look of your concrete, it will require some additional effort and the costs will be a little bit higher. You’ll have two main options if you really want to alter the appearance of your concrete: Darker stains that are a little more toxic to use, or epoxy coating. The darker stains are a little harder to apply, but give you more color options and a much more dramatic end result. They can be a little expensive, but the finished product is usually quite worth it.
Epoxy coating is another option that is becoming more popular. Most everyone can do this project and the costs are relatively low. It is very similar to painting, and you’ll need to get a sprayer to get the job done. You’ll have a wide selection of colors and finishes and the project can usually be completed in about a weekend. Before you apply epoxy coating, power wash the concrete and give it plenty of time to dry. This will ensure even coverage. If you are using a dark color, it is best to put one coat on, let it dry and then add more coats as necessary. This will help you spot any areas that may not have received enough coverage and you can match the entire surface much better. Remember – take your time and use an even hand for the best results.
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August 5th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Clean, Curb Appeal, Handy Man, Masonry, Outside, Refresh, Safety, Walls
Overtime, our masonry can start to look a bit run down and dirty and can take away from the curb appeal of our homes. Power washing can help, but for those deep down stains, you’re going to need to get some serious help. There are a few main options that you can use to get that masonry looking like new.
Sandblasting -
This is the safest method of cleaning up your masonry and can be used by anyone. The results may not be as good as with other methods, but most home owners prefer to err on the side of caution and use this method if they are doing it themselves. You can rent a sand blaster from a lumber yard or a hardware store. Make sure you get instructions on how to use it properly before you begin. The clean up is a little tough afterward, but you should notice a significant change in the appearance of your masonry when you are done. If you will be sandblasting, it is vital to wear goggles and make sure that all of your limbs are covered. That grit can be very painful and has the potential to blind you if you are not wearing appropriate safety gear.
Phosphoric Acid -
This is a common acid that comes with most over the counter masonry cleaners. It is not as dangerous as some methods, but care should still be used when applying it. Always follow the directions exactly for the cleaner and make sure that you are wearing appropriate safety gear. If you do not feel comfortable messing with acids, and few people do, you may want to get some professional help.
TSP or Trisodium Phosphate -
This is a very good cleaner that does not actually etch the surface, and it can be very effective. However, it is vital that you do NOT mix this cleaner with any acid. The results are deadly. Special care must be used when using TSP to clean your masonry. When used properly and with the right safety gear it is safe, but you must follow the directions to the letter and avoid mixing it with any other chemicals.
Muriatic Acid -
This is the cleaner that is used by professionals and should really never be used by the average homeowner, unless they have prior experience in masonry cleaning. This acid will get the best results as it gets deep down into the “pores” of masonry and etches out all the dirt. It is however incredibly dangerous to use, especially if you do not know what you are doing. We do not recommend this masonry cleaner unless you have prior experience in using it safely. If you have masonry that is very badly stained, have a professional come out to use this product, but do not attempt to do it on your own.
The key to cleaning masonry safely is to use the right products and always follow directions to ensure that safety comes first.
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June 6th, 2008 — Book Review, Repair
Black and Decker are known for the terrific DIY guides and this title is no exception. As the name suggests, you’re getting step by step photo instructions that make it easy for anyone to fix up their own home without having to be a professional handy person. You’ll get plenty of tips and ideas as well, thanks to this incredibly informative and useful book.
There are three main sections of the book and the projects will be broken down according to these sections. The first covers interiors and contains numerous helpful tips and techniques that will allow you to replace your windows, how to fix a hole in the wall and even how to fix those pesky squeaky stairs. Everything is laid out very logically and all of the projects are very easy to follow. You’ll have pretty much everything you need to know about fixing specific issues right in this section.
The second section covers the exterior of your home and this is an area that is forgotten all too frequently when it comes to fixing up your home. Remember, curb appeal is vital if you’re planning on selling your home, so this section is particularly useful to make sure that everything outside your home is as beautiful as the inside. There are some great project tips in this section that can dramatically increase the value of your home.
The next section covers the types of systems that can be found in your home, such as plumbing and electrical. If you’ve got some phantom issues that are plaguing your home, start with this section. You’ll get some great troubleshooting tips as well as advice on how to fix them easily. While some things will need to be handled by professionals, such as rewiring, there are plenty of projects that just about anyone can do in this section.
One of the nicest parts of this book is that it isn’t afraid to go into depth on important subjects. You’ll learn how to replace a garbage disposal, fix a leaky faucet or even how to install a sink. It’s little things like these projects that really improve a home and make it well worth the time and effort that you put into them. The plumbing section is incredibly useful and well worth the entire cost for your copy. Even if you’re not a weekend warrior, there are some great tips here that really come in handy during a plumbing emergency.
There are more than 2000 pictures in this incredibly large and detailed book and they are so useful that anyone, regardless of their previous DIY experience will be able to turn around and put them into action in their own homes. The fact that they take the time to walk you through not only the project itself, but the tools you’ll need and the safety features you need to know, is a rare gift indeed. Overall, this book belongs in anyone’s bookshelf.
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