December 16th, 2008 — Handy Man, Outside, Yard, fence
To help enclose your space and provide some privacy, building a fence around your yard is a good project that doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is careful planning and the proper execution of the following steps.
First, you should find out how tall the fence should be, or even if a fence will provide the privacy you need. With the help of someone else, whom is holding a board of the planned height of your fence, have them walk around the perimeter of the yard while you stand and sit to evaluate the privacy given by your fence. By planning the height of each section independently, you can conserve the amount of material you use to achieve the privacy that you want. If the fence needed will be too tall, then fast growing trees or bushes will provide the best solution.
The next step is to mark the locations of the fence posts which will provide the main support. It is important to know the local laws and rules regarding how far from the property line that you have to build. Before building, you should apply for a fence building permit, which will provide you with the guidelines regarding building your fence. Failing to apply for a permit may result in at worst, your fence being torn down, or at best, being forced to apply for a permit and paying a hefty fine. You should also find out your community rules, as they can prove to be more stringent than county guidelines, and may require that specific materials be used in the construction of the fence.
Once a permit has been obtained and the pertinent laws and rules have been learned, the next step will be to identify the location of the property line. You can typically go down to city hall and obtain a photocopy of the property lot. You can also use a metal detector to locate the iron property posts that border your home. Once one is found, place a stake above it (although you may want to dig a bit to ensure you didn’t find a coin or those keys you’ve been looking for).
Now construction begins. Stake out the location of each of the primary fence posts, ensuring that they remain within less than eight feet. Two gates should be put in, with one at least four to six feet in width to accommodate larger items you may need to bring into the yard. Something that will be helpful is to make a section of the fence removable. Placing it next to a road or access way, this will enable contractors easy access to the back yard when it comes time for the next improvement.
Once the stakes are located, holes should be dug and the stakes placed, ensuring that they are upright. Then cement is poured into holes while using stakes around the post to ensure that it remains upright while the cement cures. Once the cement is cured, the walls of the fence are built and affixed in place. It would be best to use three two by fours or two by sixes to ensure that the sections do not sag. Once completed, you will enjoy the newfound privacy of your yard.
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December 12th, 2008 — Aesthetics, Design, Flooring, Handy Man, House Paint, Light Fixtures, Wallpaper, Walls
If you’re living in a glorified shoebox, it can be pretty depressing after awhile. Not all of us can afford the best apartments or houses and chances are you’re dealing with at least one room that is little more than a closet. While you may not be able to knock down a few walls, there are a few techniques that you can use to make that space feel and look a lot bigger.
1. Use light colors.
Light paint really does make a difference, but don’t stop there. Stick to very pale, neutral colors with furniture and floor coverings as well. This can make a tiny room look quite large when utilized correctly. Think as pale as possible and limit any bright colors to throw pillows or small pictures. Light drapes or window coverings will also help make the room seem bigger.
2. Downsize your decorating.
A small room with a really big couch is going to feel that much smaller. Use a loveseat instead or a double sized chair. The same is true with pictures. Keep your big pictures to the big rooms and use smaller pictures in your smaller rooms. Resist the urge to overdo! Remember, one small painting in the middle of the wall will not only pull the eye, but it will make the space around it seem bigger.
3. Draw the eyes upward.
Although borders are a bit passé, they can be very useful when you’re dealing with a narrow room that has higher ceilings. This trick will not work however if you have low ceilings, it will just make them seem that much lower. In this case, paint the ceiling a very bright white. It will give the illusion that it is taller and that there is more overall space.
4. Use the right kind of lighting.
When light is properly used in a room, it makes it seem bigger. Keep lamps to the perimeter of the room and make sure that they have light shades to minimize shadows. Use your ceiling lights instead to once again draw the eye upward and illuminate the entire space.
5. Make use of the flooring.
Let’s say that you have a very square room that is quite small. In this case, you would want to run your flooring vertically, either with tile or wood. Wood floors are a great choice for a small room. You won’t be spending much money and they have the effect of elongating or widening a room when placed in the right direction. Before you make it permanent, lay down a few boards in the room and see if it makes it feel bigger or smaller. When using throw rugs over your wood floors, go a little bit smaller so that the space on the floor looks bigger.
6. Don’t over accessorize.
A room with clutter instantly feels small. Keep the knick-knacks to a minimum in a small room and use shelves when necessary. Your goal is to create an almost Spartan space, that will feel much more open and airy.
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Originally posted 2008-08-13 05:03:20. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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November 11th, 2008 — Handy Man, Install, Porch, Screen
There is nothing quite like sitting on your porch during a relaxing evening after dinner. Especially if you’re trying to dodge mosquitoes and other nasty little insects. While you may not be able to completely get rid of these insects, there is a way to easily create your own screened in porch and you don’t even need a lot of experience. Most anyone can do this, and it’s well worth the time and effort.
Before you get started, you’re going to need some tools and materials. First, you’ll need enough screening material to completely screen in the porch. Get your square foot measurements and go to your local hardware store for the material. While you’re there it’s also helpful to pick up a utility knife for trimming the screening material.
You’ll Need:
- screening
- framing wood
- chalk
- utility knife
- nails
- hammer
- level
Mark off the area that you want to screen in with your chalk. Try to draw as straight of a line as possible since you will be using this as your guide for your new screens. If your porch already has a roof, you’re already half way done. If not, you’re going to have to add one. Unless you have experience roofing, it is a good idea to call a professional to have this done. This is the only step that requires any professional assistance however.
Once your roof is up, you can begin adding your framing wood. Attach the wood at the top and bottom using screws for a secure fit. Make sure you use that level to plumb and level each piece while you’re at it. Your boards should be placed about four feet apart, or at the most, six feet. When you have the whole perimeter of your porch framed in, you’ll be able to start adding your screening material. Don’t forget you should have a door leading outside for your porch, to make it safe. Frame this in and either make your own screen door, or purchase one from the hardware store.
Cut the material to fit your frames and make sure the edges are nice and neat. You can use the utility knife to get a good, clean edge. Keep in mind you may need to go over it again once it’s installed to clear up any rough edges. Nail in the screening material to the frames, taking special care to avoid any gaps. If you do have an area that has gaps, take some thread that matches the screening material and sew the two pieces together. This is an easy fix that gets quick results.
Once your screening material is in, you’ll want to clean up the rough edges and make sure that everything is secure. You can now sit back and enjoy your time outside without having to swat at bugs. This is an easy project that shouldn’t take more than a weekend to complete if you have basic DIY experience.
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