Home / All Post

Drywall Guide 101


Drywall Guide 101 


Drywall is used as a modern building material that is available in large panels such as 4 feet by 8 feet. The standard drywall panel has a gypsum core which has been sandwiched between two faces of heavy paper. These heavy paper faces are commonly constructed from recycled paper products. One of the faces is very smooth and the other is rougher like Kraft paper. The smooth face is the surfacing face. The purpose of drywall was to replace older types of processes for interior finishing that required lath and plaster and were significantly more labor intensive.

Drywall is aptly named as it goes on dry rather than wet like some materials such as plaster. There are a number of different proprietary names that are used to describe Drywall, including Sheetrock, Gyp Board, Plaster Board, Gypsum Board and Wallboard though many of these names refer to specific brands and types of Drywall and not to Drywall in general.

Read Also : Creating a Pastoral Feel in Your Back Forty


There are numerous benefits associated with Drywall, including that it is generally inexpensive, can be used in a wide variety of different applications, is easy to work with and is also capable of being used in place of plaster walls. Drywall is capable of readily accepting a wide range of different finishes and paints and it is also easily cut into the right shape using a sharp knife. Once it has been taped in and sanded down, Drywall allows for near immediate painting and finishing. Another important benefit of Drywall is that it is a non combustible material.

Drywall has a unique shape and unique construction. It has recycled face paper around its edges, protecting and reinforcing the core. The short edges are smooth and square cut. The long panel edges have special shaping that involves tapering, allowing for joints to be properly reinforced with the use of special tape and then properly concealed using special finishing compounds. Once the joints have been properly taped and then finished, an installation that is well done will be nearly invisible.

For most typical residential applications, drywall is capable of being used on ceilings and walls. Drywall also comes in many other different types, different thicknesses and also different sheet sizes depending on what type of application you have in mind for it. The most common panel size for residential dry wall is 4 feet by 8 feet and ½ inch thick although there are other thicknesses and other panel sizes as well for residential construction, to repair severely cracked plaster ceilings, for door frames and window frames, for one-hour fire rated walls, and for purposes where walls need to be water resistant. There are special types of water resistant as well as mold resistant drywall boards that can be used for wet applications such as bathrooms and kitchens, and these boards and panels have green paper faces.

Read Also : Keeping your Closet Clean

Creating a Pastoral Feel in Your Back Forty

Creating a Pastoral Feel in Your Back Forty

Creating a Pastoral Feel in Your Back Forty 


When you have a large plot of land, keeping a perfectly manicured lawn can turning into a full time job. Instead of having acres of turf to mow, consider creating a pastoral wildflower patch. It is one of lowest maintenance landscapes to install, and after two years it becomes self sustaining. The keys to creating a beautiful wildflower patch on your property begin with choosing the right wild flower seed mixes. There are mixes designed for specific regions, specific soil types and for specific looks. And, even though most wildflowers require 6 or more hours of sunlight a day, there are shade mixtures that need only 3 to 4 hours. No matter which seed mix you choose, the planting and maintenance are the same.

Preparing for Wildflowers:
Setting up for a wildflower garden doesn't require a lot of prep work. The area will need to be ploughed and any existing vegetation tilled under. Then you have one of two choices – you can either apply a herbicide to the freshly tilled area to prevent weed growth or wait two weeks for weeds to germinate and then till them under a second time.

Once the area is ready to be seeded there are a few tricks that can help. Cultivating wildflower seeds requires just three things, contact with the soil, the right temperature and adequate moisture. To achieve these things you must:

  • Seed after the last frost of the season
  • Spread the seed evenly
  • Lightly compress the soil to assure seed to soil contact

Read Also : Keeping your Closet Clean

Spreading the Seed:
The last frost date of the year is usually published on your local government website in the agriculture section. It can also be found on local television station sites under the weather tab or at Dave's Garden's frost date by zipcode site.

Getting an even seed spread on your wildflower seed can be done by mixing one part seed mix with 10 parts sand and then either hand spreading or using a seed spreader. The addition of and allows a more diverse spread of seed while also creating a track of where you've already spread seed and where you haven't. If you are looking for an intense flower garden, use a 2 to 1 mix instead of the ten to one.

After you have spread the seed, use either a lawn roller to roll the area or walk gently cover every inch of the seeded ground. This will assure that the seeds are pressed into the soil, but not covered so deeply that they will not germinate.

You will have to be patient when waiting for your seeds to germinate. Some flower will do it in 8 to 10 days, while others may take up to two months. This can leave a significant bare spot in raised beds that will be the wildflower home.

Yearly Maintenance:
Don't expect many flowers the first year of planting. Most wildflowers take at least one full year to reach maturity and establish enough roots to flower. At the end of the first growing season, mow the wildflower field. Remove the thatch from the area to prevent over-seeding the next year. It will also help prevent an incubation area for any weeds that have taken root. The strength of wildflowers is that they grow well in low nutrient soil and out compete weeds. After the first year, you'll only have to mow back the area in the fall. You don't have to remove the thatch. The area will then become self sustaining.

Read Also : Bathroom Redo: Painting Ceramic Tile

Keeping your Closet Clean



Keeping your Closet Clean 


The closet is a part of your home that is easily capable of becoming overwhelmingly cluttered and dirty without a lot of work. Keeping your closet completely organized is truly essential to making sure that it stays clean and healthy. Here are some tips that are going to help you keep your closet clean and neat all the time.

Eliminate clothing every single year.
At least once every year you should go through your entire closet and weed out any clothing that has not been worn during that year. If you have not work it in a year, now is the time to get rid of it. Most of us are unaware of the fact that we have closets that are absolutely packed with unnecessary items that simply need to be repurposed, donated or thrown away. Try taking out a piece of clothing every time you add something new if you want to avoid having to completely clean out your closet once every year. This is going to keep your closet free of clothing clutter.

Read Also : How to Be Your Own Plumber The Easy Way

Use Ample Storage Components
There are all kinds of really unique storage units out there that you can take advantage of like hangers that handle multiple items at once and shoe bags that hang from the door or from a regular hanger. These are all relatively cheap and can really work hard to help you keep your closet in good shape.

The Closet Floor 
We all tend to love throwing things into our closet without paying a lot of attention. This is unfortunately going to result in a closet floor that we very rarely see. This is easy to overcome, however: Buy shoe racks and other unique organizational items that you can place on the floor. This way, everything will have a place and this will deter you from feeling tempted to throw things on top of the organizers. There are a lot of really fun organizers out there that take some of the monotony out of organizing your closet. With so many unique options out there, why would you allow your closet to remain a mess?

Seasonal Clothing Removal
One of the easiest ways that you can help to keep your closet clean and neat is to keep the seasonal types of items stored someplace else completely. You can purchase storage boxes that are specifically meant to go under your bed for example, and keep these items tucked away until you need them. Your closet should be reserved for the things that you need to be able to find at a moment's notice like the clothing that you wear all year long rather than just your winter overcoat, mittens and scarf. Then a few weeks before the new season begins you can rotate your seasonal items, tucking your shorts away under the bed and pulling out your winter clothes instead.

Read Also : Bathroom Redo: Painting Ceramic Tile

Bathroom Redo: Painting Ceramic Tile


Bathroom Redo: Painting Ceramic Tile 


Painting ceramic tile is an excellent way to update a bathroom. Older bathrooms especially may have outdated colors and patterns on the walls, but on ceramic tile that's still in good shape. The idea of removing all that tile and starting with a clean slate can quickly make you decide that the ugly tile's not so bad after all! You don't have to compromise anymore. You can change the room by painting ceramic tile a color that you want.

Bear in mind that painting ceramic tile that's on the walls will work fine. But tile in the tub or shower enclosure will have to be replaced if you want to change it. Any area where the tile will be constantly wet won't work for painting. Professionals have special chemicals and supplies that will allow them to essentially refinish tile in those areas. But for the home DIYer, painting ceramic tiles should be limited to those on the regular bathroom walls.

Read Also : How To Selecting the Right Glue

Preparation
No paint will stick to a shiny ceramic tile for very long, so the surface must be roughed. Using a tile cleaner with a tiny bit of abrasive in it, get the tile as sparkling as you possibly can. Make sure all the grout is secure and remove any mildew stains. If a cracked tile is present, now's the time to replace it. With a 200-220 grit sandpaper on an orbital sander (or any sander of your choice), remove the shine from the tile. Be sure to get the corners. If you miss any spots on the tile, the paint won't adhere in those areas. So be thorough with the sanding, and then remove all the dust from the tile.

You'll want paint thinners and rags handy to clean up after yourself, both to fix quick mistakes and to clean your supplies, because you'll be using oil-based paint. Latex is cheaper, easier to work with and less messy, but the finish won't be as durable as it would be with oil-based paint. Unless you're looking forward to painting ceramic tile again in a short amount of time, oil-based paint is well worth the extra cost and hassle.

Read Also : Closing Down a House for the Winter

Priming and Painting Ceramic Tile
Get the best adhesion primer you can afford, and go with oil based. First use a brush for the corners and then a short-nap roller. Take your time and get the smoothest coat you can. Let the coat dry and then prime with a second coat.

After this has dried overnight, use 220 grit sandpaper to lightly go over the surface. The object is to catch anything you created while priming. Don't sand the primer away, just flatten any bumps or lines. Use oil-based semi-gloss or high-gloss paint as your top coat, to get an amazingly durable finish. Several thinner coats are better than one or two thick ones. Be sure to let each coat dry thoroughly before you start the next one. Painting ceramic tile isn't difficult but you do need to follow some basic steps to ensure great results and fantastic new look for your bathroom.


How to Be Your Own Plumber The Easy Way


How to Be Your Own Plumber The Easy Way 

Plumbing problems can be costly, but most of the time, they are relatively easy to fix, especially if you know what you’re doing. You can save thousands of dollars every year by learning how to be your own plumber and you’ll be gaining knowledge that can help you, especially in an emergency. Here are some tips on how to tackle the most common plumbing problems that homeowners experience.

First, you will need to get some solid plumbing books or DVDs that will walk you through the most common jobs. You can refer to these if you get stuck during a project. Having these books on hand can really make a difference, especially when you are under the wire. If you already know how to do basic plumbing, you’re just one step ahead. Try to get a variety of different books that cover not only basic pipe and drain issues, but also how to fix toilets and fixtures to make sure you have a well rounded library.

Next, you will need to make sure that you have the right tools on hand for the job. Here’s what we recommend: a variety of different pipe wrenches, appropriately sized for your house’s plumbing. It sounds simple, but many people find out too late that they don’t have the right wrench on hand during an emergency. It is also a good idea to purchase what is called a plumber’s snake. These are tools that can be used to quickly unclog a drain and they are very helpful.

Read Also : Review of Ty’s Tricks by Ty Pennington

It is also a good idea to have a variety of caulks, sealants and silicone on hand. These are very helpful when it comes to fixing a leak, or putting in new tile. Make sure that they are all properly closed so that you don’t end up with a bunch of dried out tubes when you really need them. Next, you should have a good supply of pipe fittings for your different pipes throughout the house. The hardware store will have a variety of elbow joints, end caps and other things that you will need. Measure your pipes and get everything that you need.

You should also keep a supply of drain cleaner, empty buckets, gloves and other small items that are usually required during a repair session. Make sure your tool box contains a propane blow torch, a variety of pliers and wrenches and anything else that your house may require. Keep all of your tools in a safe, dry place where they can be easily accessed. That way, when something does happen, you’ll be able to grab your stuff and get right to work.

Read Also : How To Selecting the Right Glue

Finally, it is a good idea to practice your skills from time to time, so that they don’t get rusty. If you have an extra bathroom, you can use this to try fixing a leak, cleaning out a drain or replacing the workings of your toilet. You’ll stay fresh and you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way.


Review of Ty’s Tricks by Ty Pennington


Review of Ty’s Tricks by Ty Pennington 


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.

Read Also : How To Selecting the Right Glue

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.

Read Also : Green Flooring For Your Home

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.



How To Selecting the Right Glue


How To Selecting the Right Glue 

Here are some of the glues that work best for certain tasks and their drying times and setting times and any important application procedures as well. Still, you should prepare to look at the label for the glue product that you choose to make sure that you are choosing the proper glue for the intended application process and purpose.

Tasks Requiring Strong Bonding
For the strongest bonding needs, you are going to want to make use of epoxy glue. There are a number of indoor as well as outdoor products that work well with this particular type of glue including metal, wood, glass and also plastic. Depending on what surface area you are working with, the glue is capable if setting in as little as five minutes or as many as ten hours. It is capable of curing completely in between 3 and 48 hours from when it was initially applied.
This is a type of glue that is somewhat trickier than the others. You are going to need to be wearing protective gloves, and you are going to need to work quickly using a disposable applicator. You are going to want to mix the two different ingredients together and it will need to be applied to the surfaces immediately. If you end up spilling, you need to clean it up as soon as humanly possible using an acetone product. This is a glue that is extremely strong, rigid and waterproof.


Read Also : Green Flooring For Your Home


Tasks Requiring Instant Bonding
On occasion you may find yourself dealing with an immediate fixing need. If your item is a nonpourous material such as metal, rubber or plastic, then you can use super glue in order to achieve a quick level of bonding. This glue is capable of setting in between 10 seconds and 30 seconds, meaning that it is essential that you move quickly when you are using it. It is capable of curing in half an hour up to about 12 hours depending on what surface area you are working with. You can apply a single drop or two and you should be wearing gloves when you are using this type of glue. Press the two surfaces together for a period of approximately 30 seconds. If clean up is necessary, then you are going to require acetone to get the glue out. Super glue is not only really strong, but it also happens to be water resistant.

Gluing Wood
Plastic laminate products and wood veneers both require a special type of product for binding, which is contact cement. This product sets nearly instantly and it is capable of curing in a matter of mere minutes. You should apply the contact cement to both of the surfaces and then allow it to dry completely. Now place both of the surfaces together and press them together completely and thoroughly for the contact cement to bond.


Read Also : Fixing a Leaky Faucet


Green Flooring For Your Home

Green Flooring For Your Home
Green Flooring For Your Home

Green Flooring For Your Home


If you are considering installing new flooring for your home, now is the time to consider reducing your carbon imprint. There are many new choices for flooring that are not only eco-friendly but also beautiful, economical and long lasting. Let’s go over some of the most popular choices for green flooring that are currently on the market.

Bamboo –
This is one of the most popular forms of flooring and it is incredibly green. Bamboo grows quickly and does not need to be replanted. It is not as hard as some woods, however, bamboo floors are usually quite durable. They add a unique look to your home’s flooring system and you can find this flooring in many finishes and colors.

Concrete –
A lot of new homes feature poured concrete floors, especially in the kitchen. While they are very hard and a little expensive, you can’t ask for a more durable and eco-friendly floor. You can have it cast in patterns, stamped with designs and even stained to the perfect color. Adding throw rugs is recommended, especially for rooms where you will be doing a lot of standing. When it comes to cleaning, concrete floors are probably the easiest to maintain and they should last for many years to come.

Read Also : Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Cork –
This is a nice soft flooring that will actually feel warm under you feet. It is quite popular and although cork comes from the bark of the tree, it is a renewable resource. Cork trees reproduce bark within a few years of having it removed and the removal process does not harm the tree. This is a great solution for areas that have a lot of foot traffic, since cork is pretty durable when it is installed correctly.

Cork flooring is highly recommended for those that are allergic to mold or other common allergens. The flooring is resistant to moisture and will actually repel insects. You can find this flooring in natural colors or you can have it dyed to match the color of your choice.

Linoleum –
You wouldn’t think of linoleum as being a green flooring, but it actually is. It is actually made up of several natural ingredients, and when removed, it does not take up a lot of space in a landfill, since it will easily degrade. This is probably the most cost effective eco-friendly flooring that you can find and it is incredibly easy to maintain. You can find linoleum in just about any color or pattern and installing it is also very easy.

Last but not least, if you already have wood floors, you may want to consider refinishing them before ripping them out. You can add rugs made of natural materials to hide trouble spots and you’ll be adding to the value of your home since natural wood floors are always preferable to many home buyers. It’s a great link to the past and if you already have them, you should try to get as much use out of them as possible.

Read Also : How to Do Home Window Installation


Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Fixing a Leaky Faucet 

At best, a leaking faucet is more than capable of being annoying. At worst, a leaking faucet is capable of being extremely wasteful. The sound of water as it continuously drips into a sink can be completely maddening over time. Luckily, the fix required for repairing a leaky faucet is relatively simple as a DIY home repair project. With a few simple tools and some basic DIY know how, there is no reason why you cannot learn what it takes to fix a leaky faucet all on your own.



First and foremost, before you attempt this fix you need to make sure that the water has been turned off. Look under the offending sink and you should find a shut off valve that will allow you to turn the water off. Older homes may not have this shut off valve beneath the sink, meaning that you would need to go into the basement to turn the water off. Once the water has been turned off, you should open up both faucets so that any water that is still in the pipes can be let out. You need to take care to make sure that a drain stopper is put down so that if you drop a loose part, you do not end up losing it down the drain while you are working on the repair process.


Read Also : How to Do Home Window Installation


If you happen to have an old lever handle faucet, then it is going to require that you use a screwdriver in order to remove the screw from the top of the faucet. Newer faucet handles are not going to have any visible hardware in the top but rather you will need to undo the set screw using a standard Allen wrench. Once the screw has been removed from the faucet handle, the handle can be removed.

If you have a knob handle, then you should remove the knob from the fixture so that you can gain access to your screw. Use an adjustable type of wrench to take apart the handle's inner workings. Make sure that the pieces are lined up as they are removed so that you can replace them in the right order. Keeping them in the right order will make reassembly easier when you are done.

Remove the washer and prepare to replace it. Bring it to the hardware store as a reference when you are buying a replacement. If you use the old washer as a guide, you will make sure to buy the proper new washer. Set the newly purchased washer in, and then replace the rest of the hardware to reassemble the faucet. If you have a double handled sink and it is still leaking, then you are going to have to repeat this same process for the other faucet in order to address the problem completely and fully.


Read Also : The Basics of Drilling How To Operate The Drill



How to Do Home Window Installation



How to Do Home Window Installation 

Replacing and installing windows can seem like a daunting and expensive task, but it can actually be incredibly simple to do yourself. When you do your own home window installation, you’ll be greatly cutting down on the costs since most of the cost of having windows installed is the labor. If you have a basic toolbox, you can easily replace windows, or install brand new windows if you can cut out a rough opening.

If you want to replace your windows, the easiest way to go about it would be to get the model of the windows you currently have installed. If you can, also be write down the measurements of the window and get them to be as accurate as possible. Any home window installation place or home improvement store will have information about your window and can help you find another window that will fit in the same space. If for any reason they don’t have your window model in their registry, the measurements you took will be able to help them find the right window for you. To install brand new windows, you might find it easier to buy the window you are interested in first and then measure out what you are cutting based on the measurements of the window.


Read Also : Closing Down a House for the Winter

Either way, you’ll need moisture seal to place around the edges of where you will be mounting the new window. Make sure the seal goes all the way around the edges and goes right up against the inside edge near the opening. You’ll then want to install shims at the base of where the window will go. They must be level and cut to be even with the opening. If there are already shims in place, you should examine how they look before removing them so you know what yours should look like. Even if there are already window seals and shims in place, you will want to replace them with new ones each time you do a home window installation.

Once you’ve got your foundations laid out, it’s time to put in the window. Place the window in the certain of the opening. Make sure it is as even as possible on all sides and use a nail in one corner of the trim to help keep it in place. When you have the nail in, you can take the time to see if the window is level. Your home window installation should be as accurate as possible so you don’t need to redo it later on.

When the window is level, you can continue nailing the trim. You will want to use caulk around the edges to fill in any holes or cracks that might be left between the siding and the window. Every window is slightly different and there may be special instructions for your window and how to properly caulk it. After the caulk is dry, go back through one more time to ensure that there is no air getting through the window when it is closed. If there isn’t you can remove any protective coverings your window might have had because you have successfully installed your window.

Read Also : The Basics of Drilling How To Operate The Drill


The Basics of Drilling How To Operate The Drill

The Basics of Drilling How To Operate The Drill

The Basics of Drilling How To Operate The Drill 

Hold the drill properly! If you want to drill a much straighter hole and to avoid breaking your drill bits, you need to hold the drill in such a way that the force you are exerting is going to help you push the bit directly straight into the wall. You should be placing the palm of your hand so that it is line with the drill chuck and you should be extending your index finger so that it is along the length of the body of the drill. You should pull the trigger using your second finger rather than your first.

Keep the drill level! You will find that newer power drills often come equipped with between one and two levels built in, in order to help you drill holes that are straight and perpendicular. To upgrade a drill that is older, simply cut the hooks off of a mason's line level and then attach it right to the top of your older drill using common every day duct tape.

Read Also : The Basics of Drilling: Buying A Drill


Hole Starters: In order for you to keep the bit from skating all over the place when you are starting a hole in most types of materials including wood, you can draw your cross marks where you are planning on drilling. Now use a center punch to create a dimple right where the cross marks intersect. Now you can use a star drill if you are dealing with masonry building or any other drill to suit your needs. If you are working with ceramic tile on the other hand then what you are going to want to do is to use a carbide masonry drill bit to scratch an x where you want the drill to create a hole.

How deep to go? When you are drilling to a specific precise depth, you should be marking the depth on the actual Drill Bits">drill bit using a small piece of masking tape. You can cut the piece long and then stick the overlapping ends to one another in order to create a little flag. When you have reached the right depth with your drill, the flag will automatically brush the debris away for you, serving two purposes at once.

Choosing the right sized bit. If you need to drill a clearance hole to suit a bolt or a screw, but you do not have a drill gauge at hand, what do you do? You can use the fastener itself along with the chuck of the drill in order to gauge the right diameter for the bit that you need. Chuck the fastener just lightly into the drill that you will be using, and then remove the fastener without making any adjustments to the chuck's setting. You can dry shanks of different bits until you find the bit that fits in snugly and securely.

Read Also : Closing Down a House for the Winter

Closing Down a House for the Winter

Closing Down a House for the Winter


Whether you have a vacation home that will not be in use for the winter, or you will be gone from your home for an extended period of time this season, it is a good idea to properly close up your home for the winter. This is not difficult and the steps you take here can save you thousands of dollars by preventing burst pipes, water damage and other damage. Here is a quick checklist to help you get prepared.

1. Drain the water heater and the pipes.
This is something that many homeowners forget, but it is the most important step to take and should be done before anything else. If you don’t get rid of excess water in your pipes, plumbing and water heater, there is a chance that they could freeze. Since you won’t be at the home, you may never know what happened until it is too late. If you are not used to flushing your home’s plumbing system, you can easily hire a plumber to help with this job. Once everything has been flushed, double check to make sure that the main water line to the house has been shut off.

Some people recommend adding antifreeze to toilet water, but this is a hazard, particularly if you have pets and small children. It is best simply to flush the house system and close down the water line for the winter.


Read Also : The Basics of Drilling: Buying A Drill

2. Seal all the windows.
In order to keep the temperature at a constant level, it’s a good idea to seal up and winterize all of your windows and doors. This can save you money on heating an extra home throughout the winter and will help keep the interior less dusty. You can purchase window and door sealing kits at your local hardware store and do this on your own.

3. Set your furnace to the desired level.
If you don’t mind heating the house all winter long, or if you haven’t completely flushed the house water system, you will need to make sure that you leave the heat on. Most people prefer to set the heat at about 50 to 60 degrees to keep it above freezing. This should reduce the cost for heating the house throughout the winter. If you prefer to just turn everything off, double check and make sure that no water is left in the pipes before you do.

Turn off the electricity.
If you will not be using the heating system, you can simply turn off the electricity for this portion of the year. Many people feel more comfortable doing this, since they won’t have to worry about electrical fires if something happens when they are not at the house. Talk with your power company about shutting down for the winter. If you have propane or natural gas lines in the home, you should also have those shut down for the winter.

These easy steps will help you make sure that your house is safe and sound for the winter and will be ready for you next spring.

Read Also : 6 Inexpensive Ideas for Living Rooms


The Basics of Drilling: Buying A Drill


The Basics of Drilling: Buying A Drill

DIY Home Repair. A good basic style electric drill is going to have a 3/8 inch chuck and VSR or variable speed reversing capabilities. Such a drill should be able to accept bits that have shanks up to the 3/8 inch point, and it should also allow you to control how fast you are going to drill things with. You should be buying the best and the most powerful model that you can reasonably afford at the time of purchase. Make sure that the drill you choose is capable of fitting comfortable within your hand. Another handy feature that you may want to consider is a drill that has a level built in.

Read More : 6 Inexpensive Ideas for Living Rooms

Cordless drills tend to be extremely convenient, but they also tend to be slower in nature and less powerful in comparison to the types of drills that plug into the wall. Additionally, cordless drills are going to require recharging which can take as little as fifteen minutes or as many as several hours. As a result, the best thing that you can do is have a plug in drill as well as a cordless drill so that you have the right drill to meet different purposes. This way, when you need portability, the cordless drill will steer you in the right direction, but when you need power or speed, the plug in drill will give you what you need.

There are three different categories that cordless drills are available in, which are light drills, screw drivers and full sized drills or drivers. Screwdriver drills live up to their name, but they do not do much more than that unfortunately. Then you have light drills, and they tend to be more powerful and more capable of being handled overhead, but unfortunately a charge is only going to power approximately 10 to 15 minutes worth of drilling time, and most light drills have slow recharges as well. The full sized drills and drivers on the other hand are going to offer more features in comparison to the light drills, including typically the presence of a detachable battery, and they also tend to be powerful enough that they can handle most of the drilling jobs that you would need to contend with. They are also excellent at driving screws, as well. If you want to buy a second battery pack, then having a full sized drill / driver cordless drill is going to be even more useful since you will be able to charge one of your battery packs while you are putting the other one to good use, and that means that you can drill as long as you need to or whenever you need to without worrying about the integrity of the battery.

Read More : How to Lay A Tile Floor


6 Inexpensive Ideas for Living Rooms


Many ideas for living rooms involve changing the walls from paint to a textured look to wallpaper, or remodeling a fireplace. Most of the remodeling options for living rooms are large and expensive, like new flooring, windows or even new wall framing. But there are several things you can do in your living room to give it a new, updated look without spending very much money. Here are 7 ideas for living rooms that are inexpensive or free, that can give the room a remodeled look.

Furniture Arrangement
Moving the furniture to create a conversation grouping, especially if you've had furniture lining the walls, will make a big difference. Get the furniture away from the walls and set it on the diagonal in a group. One of the most simple and free ideas for living rooms involves just turning everything around to face the opposite direction. This will instantly change the look of the room, and might make you see some things you didn't before.

Read More : How to Lay A Tile Floor

Add Mirrors
Mirrors are a decorator's trick to make a room look much bigger than it is. If you've got a spot of blank wall, hang a pretty mirror. Even a small space can made to look roomier. The mirror doesn't have to be huge and hanging over a mantel. The smallest spot of wall can benefit from a mirror. One of the best ideas for living rooms is to arrange a mirror where it reflects the outdoors through a window, the room will feel even more open.

Paint One Wall
If your walls are off-white or any neutral color, pick one wall and go wild. This is one of the most popular ideas for living rooms today. A contrasting color, particularly a bright one, will give the whole room a fresh, new look. Don't leave the wall bare, or it will look like an anomaly. Hang mirrors, artwork or photographs.

Change Your Curtains
If you have dark curtains up, go with light sheers. Go from light sheers to a colorful pattern or a floral. This one change can make a huge difference because it changes the quality of light in a room and makes the windows disappear a little or stand out.

Use Slipcovers
A new couch is expensive. But you can get a "new" couch by using a slipcover for a fraction of the cost. The more different the slipcover is from your actual couch, obviously the bigger the difference in the room will be. Slipcover chairs with complimentary colors and patterns for a coordinated look.

Use Throws and Accent Pillows
Throws and accent pillows in contrasting colors will update the look of your couch and chairs. This works best if you have neutral colored furniture. Choosing bright or contrasting colors, even a few different colors, will make your furniture pop out. It's a little more expensive, but choosing artwork that incorporates the colors in your furniture and/or rug will give the room a pulled-together look. These ideas for living rooms are great inexpensive options when you don't have a large remodeling budget.


Read More : Add Paint or Wallpaper to your home’s walls?  


How to Lay A Tile Floor

How to Lay A Tile Floor

There is nothing quite like a tile floor. They look nice, they're pretty easy to maintain and they are reasonably easy to install. You need only a basic amount of do it yourself experience to lay your own floor and it can give you a great feeling of accomplishment when you're done. You will need a few tools and materials to get started. They include:
  • caulk
  • floor cement
  • lathe
  • scraper
  • the tiles
  • a wetsaw or tile snipper
  • some gloves
After the essentials above you should also consider a couple of other items.  Knee pads since you will be spending a lot of time kneeling on the floor and since tiles are hard, this can get pretty painful after awhile. DIY is fun and rewarding, but professional design can improve the outcome of your DIY project, for professional help with floor plans, try Donald Gardner

You'll need to decide whether to rip out your old floor or put your tile above it. We recommend completely removing the old floor for the best results. If it is an old tile floor, you'll need to spend some time chipping and chiseling away. For carpet, pull up the carpet and pad, to reveal the subfloor underneath. Sweep up any debris and sand down any rough spots. For floors with linoleum or peel and paste tiles, you'll need to rip all of these up. It's actually more work to remove the old flooring than it is to lay the new one, so don't worry, it gets easier from here.

Read Another Article: Add Paint or Wallpaper to your home’s walls?


Once you've got the floor bare and prepared (ie: sanded, scrubbed and swept) you're ready to start. Remember, you don't want to cement yourself in a corner. Don't get too carried away - just take it one row at a time. By taking your time and laying each tile carefully, you'll be a lot happier with the results. Measure off each row and determine how many tiles you'll be using. This will change since there will be some space in between, so don't cut any tiles to fit just yet.

Mix your cement and spread it on the subfloor for the first row. Take your first tile and carefully place it into the cement. Press down firmly and move to the next tile. You should leave a little room in between each, but no more than ½ an inch. Put this tile down and continue until you reach the end of row. Ideally, it will be a perfect fit, but this rarely happens. Measure off the space and then either cut the tile in the wetsaw or use your snipper. Place this piece in and move to the next row.

Keep going until you have the whole room finished. If you're going around curves or fixtures, you may want to get a template to make cutting the tile easier. Plan this out ahead of time so you don't end up with any surprises. The amount of time it takes for the tile to set will depend on your cement. Make sure that you follow the instructions and leave the floor alone to cure - no activity on it until it is done! Caulk any sides that may come into contact with water, and if necessary, caulk any gaps in between the tiles.


Read Another Article : How to Keep Home Repair Costs Down



Add Paint or Wallpaper to your home’s walls?

Add Paint or Wallpaper to your home’s walls?

When it’s time to add a new look to your home’s walls, you usually have two choices – paint or wallpaper. This can be pretty depressing, but the good news is there are a lot of new paints and textures you can try to make your home look much more interesting. There are a few guidelines to remember however, as well as some tips that will make the choice a lot easier. Let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of both.

Wallpaper
With today’s new peel and remove wallpaper, the old days of standing with a steamer and a scraper for days are pretty much over. If you haven’t looked at wallpaper in the past few years, take the time to rediscover it. There are so many new textures and options that wallpaper has become fun again.


Read Another Article : Keep Your Home Safe with a Maintenance Check List

The main problem with wallpaper however is that it tends to look dated. It’s really easy to go with a trendy color or pattern and then end up hating it in just a few years. While it’s easier than ever to remove, it’s still a lot of work that can be avoided with the right selections. Pick colors that you know you’re going to like for a long time and avoid the trendy trap. Go with classical textures and patterns, or stick with a solid that will wear for a lot longer.

When it comes to borders, they are pretty much done, unless you’re working on a child’s room. If you plan to sell your home, borders can really throw a buyer off and they just aren’t current enough to warrant the time and money it takes to install them. If you must have a border, go with one in a very timeless pattern that won’t look dated or chintzy.

Paint
Painting your home’s interior has become a lot easier thanks to better paints, and a whole lot more tools. There are new rollers and sprayers that will get the job done in half the time and produce much more professional results. The newer paints also have a lot less odor and you won’t have to worry about passing out on a ladder thanks to the fumes. Low or No VOC paint (Volatile Organic Compound) has little or no volatile organic compounds. VOC's are known carcinogens and cause most of the paint fume smells.

When it comes to picking paint, go with one that is rated for your type of room. That sounds pretty elementary, but many people make the mistake of choosing the wrong kind of paint. Go with a medium gloss finish for walls, and leave the ultra gloss for the trim. Matte tends to look dull and dirty after awhile, so it really is best to have a medium gloss for most walls.

Accent walls are pretty tired now when it comes to design, so if you’re going to have one, use a paint color that is timeless and avoid the bright and bold colors. Again, if you’re planning on selling your home, it’s best to stick with colors that will not turn off your buyers.

As for texture painting – it’s done, dated and completely over. Don’t waste your time.

Keep Your Home Safe with a Maintenance Check List



Every home has certain requirements, and a seasonal maintenance checklist can help you remember when you last did something, and when it needs to be done again. We all know to replace a light bulb when it burns out and to repair grout when it cracks. But those things that need to be done regularly that don't pop up and remind us can fall by the wayside without a regular maintenance checklist.

Once a year maintenance check list:

  • Drain your hot water heater. Clean out any sediment.
  • In the fall, have your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned to avoid buildup that can start a fire.
  • Before the cold weather hits, have your heating system professionally serviced to make sure it's safe and ready to go for winter.
  • If you have a septic tank, have it professionally inspected and pumped out if they recommend it.
  • Check the seal around doors and windows so you can make repairs before the cold weather arrives.
  • Drain your outdoor spigots before the cold weather comes to avoid a frozen and burst pipe.
  • In the spring, clean your air conditioning unit thoroughly before turning it on. If it's central air, make sure there are no tall grasses, leaves or other debris that could block the air flow around the unit.

Read Other Article : How to Keep Home Repair Costs Down

 

Twice a year maintenance check list:

  • Change the batteries in your smoke detectors/and or carbon monoxide detectors. An excellent time to do this so that you don't forget is when you change your clocks each spring and fall for daylight savings time. Be sure to use the built-in tester after replacing the battery, just to make sure they're still working properly.
  • Clean lint from your clothes dryer ducts and other nooks and crannies.
  • Wash your range hood housing and fan to remove build-up.
  • Clean the water inlet filters on your washing machine.
  • Tighten fasteners and drain connections on your garbage disposal.
  • nspect your roof to spot potential problems before they turn into leaks.
  • Clean your gutters and check for leaks or improper drainage.
  • Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer to make sure the appliances are running at top efficiency and not leaking cold air.
  • Unscrew the aerators on your kitchen or bathroom faucets and clean them. Sediment that breaks loose from your pipes can build up and block water flow.

Monthly maintenance checklist:

  • Check any fire extinguishers to make sure they're charged properly.
  • Flush your garbage disposal
  • Refresh your sink and tub drains. Clean out any debris and then sprinkle a little baking soda into the drain. Pour a little white vinegar into the drains and wait about 5 minutes before flushing with hot water. When the baking soda and vinegar meet they'll bubble and foam, which cleans your drain and helps eliminate odors.
  • If you have a water softener, check the salt drum.
  • Clean your range hood's grease filter
  • Replace your furnace filter.

Following a regular maintenance checklist will help you remember the little things that are important but easy to forget.


How to Keep Home Repair Costs Down


How to Keep Home Repair Costs Down
There is nothing that hits the wallet as hard as when you have a home improvement project. The most important thing on the home owner's mind is how to minimize the costs of the project. The balance that needs to be maintained is how to reduce the cost of a home improvement project without compromising quality. That balance can be easily maintained, as there are a number of things that you can do to reduce the cost of your project, without cutting into the quality of the project.

Preparations

The first step should be to plan a budget for the project. It is important that every possible expense for the project is planned out, down to every screw and nail. With a plan in mind, make a trip to the hardware store, and price every item that you will need for the project. This step is to give you a rough idea of the costs. At this point, you can start to shop around and see if you can find better prices on items for your project. Once the budget is in place, do not stray from it. Make sure to keep it on hand at all times.

Another way to reduce costs is to look around for different methods of doing your project. You can fix your wall by replacing the whole wall, or you can patch the wall. The true experts will know how to finish a project for the lowest cost. By looking online and asking at the home improvement store, you can find the cheapest way to finish your project.

Finding the Best Deal

With a good idea of what you will need for a given project, the next step is to shop around for the best prices for each component of the project. One important facet to this is to take advertisements for the locations, as well as use a digital camera to take pictures of the price stickers. Not only will this serve as a form of note taking, but many locations will offer some sort of price matching. Being able to get all of your purchases in a single trip will save in gas and time. You should also check out the internet for surplus sites and business websites. There could be many good deals available, able to be delivered right to your door.

Keep your eye out for sales adverts for online retailers as well as for home improvement and hardware stores. It can sometimes be the case that in a week's time, a item you need can go an sale. It can also occur that an item advertised as being on sale will be sold out when you go to shop. Staying on top of sales will allow you to get the bargain before they sell out. By using some planning and timing, and by shopping around, you can easily cut a project's cost in half by shopping around; all it takes is a little time.



How To Dealing with Mildew in Your Home


As the warmer months approach, many of us have to deal with the ugly problem of mildew. From bathrooms, to kitchens to basically anywhere where there is water, mildew can be a health risk and it is incredibly unsightly and in many cases, very smelly. However, there are a few techniques that you can use to stop mildew in its tracks. Let’s look at these simple household products that really work.

1. Bleach.

This is probably the best and easiest way to quickly get rid of existing mildew. While it does smell very strong, it will usually bust through even the worst patches of mildew and help keep the area very clean. This is a very effective method, but not everyone likes to deal with bleach.

2. Antibacterial cleaners.

Any household cleaner that has an antibacterial element is usually very successful at cleaning up a mildew situation. Pinesol works wonders and there are a few other cleaners that can get the job done. You may also be able to find a special cleaner that is specifically made to address a mildew problem quickly.

Now, let’s go over what you shouldn’t use.

First and foremost, steam cleaners are pretty popular for areas that are exposed to a lot of water and humidity. However, when you hit a patch of mildew with a blast of steam, you are actually releasing all of those nasty little spores into the air. You don’t want those in your lungs, and by spreading them around the room, you may actually make the mildew problem worse.

So you know what cleans up mildew – how do you prevent it from happening in the first place?

In bathrooms, or wherever there is a lot of water, you’re running the risk of creating the ideal environment for mildew. These rooms are often quite humid and mildew can happen within a few hours. After your shower, spray down the entire tub or shower surfaces with a spray and leave on cleaner. This should be done every day and it can dramatically reduce mildew.

Next, you’ll want to find someway to vent out that humidity. You can open a window or even get a fan to suck the steam out of the room. Either way, the longer you let humidity hang around in a room, the greater your chances are of fostering mildew. When you get out of the shower, leave the bathroom door open for a few hours to let all of that steam dissipate. That’s one very easy method of preventing mildew.

If you have a room that is particularly bad you may want to consider adding a dehumidifier. This can be very useful in drying up the air so that mildew no longer has a fertile breeding ground. Just remember, if you’re putting it in the bathroom, make sure that it is away from any sources of water to avoid the risk of electrocution. You may also want to consider a whole house dehumidifier if your situation with mildew is particularly bad.



Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)