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October, 2016

  1. Simplify Home Improvement With These Great Tips

    October 31, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvement can have a big impact on your home. That can cover your outdoor structures and landscaping too. This article is chock full of tips you can use to help you make your home look like a dream.

    Keep an eye on the major home improvement chain stores and wait for a carpet sale that includes discounted installation. These kinds of stores like to boost carpet sales by offering significant savings on the installation costs. It is the best time to invest in new flooring for your home because the cost of installation can be more than the materials themselves.

    Aluminum Tape

    If you need to patch some small cracks in your roof, a roll of three-inch wide aluminum tape can take care of the job. Aluminum tape requires application to a surface that is clean once you’ve removed the backing. This will help cover those cracks and keep water out.

    When replacing a lock in your home, you have the choice of removing the whole assembly, or just the cylinder. If you don’t know, the piece that actually locks the door is the cylinder. If you have lost your house key, you can change the cylinder without having to change whole lock. If you want to install an upgrade, then revamp the entire unit.

    Motion Detectors

    Make a point of installing motion detectors on your porch or entrance to your house. You can lower your electric bill by using the lights only when necessary. A lighting system that uses motion detectors to illuminate the exterior of your home can be a useful theft-deterrent.

    To give your house more curb appeal, you can try to paint the doors for your garage. Most garage doors look worn out because of constant exposure to the elements. A new coat of paint will change the look of your home. Rather than choosing a predictable color, try an eye-catching hue for the garage door.

    TIP! When considering home improvement projects, choose one room to tackle first. If you improve your rooms one-by-one, you can better manage your budget and your time.

    Prior to starting an interior painting project, be sure and run a damp cloth on all walls and baseboards to get rid of dirt, grime and dust. The paint will better adhere to the cleaned wall, helping you steer clear of splotches and multiple coats.

    Now that you know what home improvement is, you will know how to go about it. No matter what sort of home improvement project you choose, we hope you’ll have a great deal of fun with it. By improving the appearance of your home, it will be more pleasant to come home at the end of the day.


  2. Home Improvement Advice For The Modern Homeowner

    October 29, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    While there are jobs that might need more experience, and are too hard for the average homeowner to accomplish, there are also many home improvement tasks you can tackle on your own. The tips and advice given in this article should help you figure out what you can do around your house, as well as what might be better left to a professional.

    If you are considering major remodeling, engage a professional to design the work or draw up the plans. If you do it yourself, you may not have the right plans, technically, and fail. Professional contractors and designers are able to construct and implement efficient plans that also abide by any restrictions.

    TIP! It’s a good idea to use many fans during the summer months. Ceiling fans are great for air circulation as well, and they also cool a room.

    Always keep your air filter clean. When a filter is clogged, the air conditioner necessarily has to work much harder, requiring more energy. And it’ll need a lot more time to do the work it once did. Change the filter often to save time and money.

    If you want just a small improvement, go and buy a gallon of paint. It is amazing the difference that a little paint can make, and it doesn’t cost a lot to do. If you want to sell your home, then adding new paint to your home can improve your home’s appearance to potential buyers.

    If you are renovating tile floors, consider radiant heat tiles. These tiles give off heat as well as providing a great looking floor. Fortunately, you can install them on your own by following the directions. You can add onto this project by doing it yourself or hiring a contractor. You will be happy you did when you go into your bathroom on that first day of winter.

    TIP! Adding weather stripping to both doors and windows can really help your home become more energy efficient. Hardware stores feature this fix relatively cheap, and it seals air in and out, thus boosting the effectiveness of your home’s heating and cooling.

    Home improvement projects include a wide spectrum of things, so set your priorities. With the correct amount of preparation, planning and understanding, you will be able to complete the project successfully. Make better decisions by following the advice in this article.


  3. Making Easy Child Friendly Home Improvements

    October 27, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    You might have heard horrible stories from people about do it yourself home improvements. If these people did a bit of research, they would not have faced any problems. Sound advice will be found in this article, so pay attention to it.

    When improving your home, take the character of the neighborhood into consideration. A Victorian home on a block of saltbox cottages is going to stand out like a sore thumb. A remodel that blends seamlessly into the existing neighborhood has a greater chance of selling when it’s time to move.

    TIP! As you begin your home improvement project, take care not to demolish too quickly. Before removing anything, be sure to check the wall structure behind it.

    Without spending too much money, you can make freshen the appearance of kitchen appliances. While stainless steel is popular, there’s no reason to toss your fridge because you don’t care for the color. You can purchase affordable appliance paint and spray them any color your heart desires. This can quickly update your kitchen’s look.

    Avoid any furniture that contains busy upholstery. Bold geometrics, loud florals and colorful patterns will limit your decorating choices. Buy solid colored furniture like blue, brown, beige and black, then use accessories to spruce things up. Add pillows and throw blankets in a variety of patterns and colors for an interesting mix and match effect.

    You can store your supplies between floor joists or ceiling rafters. Molding and pieces of wood can be conveniently hidden out of eyesight. Just put some furring strips across rafters or exposed joists and store the material beneath them.

    TIP! Whenever you need to go the home improvement store, it is best that you have a checklist of all the things you have to use. Having this list of items will allow you to visit the store just one time and will help you be organized.

    The sharp edges of furniture can be a hazard for younger children. Pad the corners to prevent any injuries. Corner protectors are available for this purpose at any home improvement center, or you can purchase foam tape to cushion corners. Make sure, too, that you remove a potential tripping and strangling hazard for your children by taping down all loose wires.

    If possible, you should tackle home repairs right when you realize there’s a problem. A lot of minor repairs can easily be ignored but they can lead to bigger issues in the future. You must resist this impulse! When one thing goes wrong, something else is sure to follow. A tiny problem can eventually become a huge one if left to fester.

    Family Member

    TIP! Replacing a roof is costly. Solicit price quotes from no less than three contractors and make sure you have verified their references.

    If you live with an elderly family member, it is imperative your home improvement projects keep their mobility, safety and other needs in mind. A step-in shower stall, for example, is much easier to access and reduces the risk of slipping. Grab bars are easily installed and will make your home a much safer environment for the family member as well.

    You can prevent many of the mishaps that can occur during home improvements simply by doing some research prior to beginning. Since reading this article, you can make any home repair successfully if you use the included advice.


  4. How To Get Home Improvement Jobs Done Correctly

    October 25, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    It’s time for you to enjoy what home improvement has to offer. The world of home improvement is vast and there are projects for every type of skill and interest. Since home improvement varies with each individual’s personal tastes, it can seem difficult to find a project that is perfect for you. The article below has some great tips for you.

    Think about the value of the home and the effects of personalization when you are doing renovations. Buyers may not want to invest their money in your home if it is too individualized.

    TIP! When managing your home in the summer months, make use of as many fans as you can. Ceiling fans are great for increased circulation and cooling.

    One good home improvement tip is to make sure that you keep your personal style in mind when making changes. A home improvement project gives you a great opportunity to add personal flair to your living space.

    Consider using radiant heat tiles when redoing any tile floors. Not only do they look great, but they are the best for giving off heat. They’re also quite simple to install on your own. If you don’t have the time to commit to the project, you can also hire someone to install the tiles for you. The first steps inside a winter bathroom will leave your feet grateful for all of the hard work.

    Dressing up some pillows for a teen’s room can be easy. Grab some clothes such as jeans that no longer fit or old band shirts; cut up your pieces to fit the desired pillows and sew the pieces together. This will help dress up your teen’s room and add a splash of personality.

    Smooth Finish

    Sand and wipe off any wood surface that you will be staining or painting. The smooth finish can be achieved by using a fine grit sandpaper. The damp rag removes the dust and will also help create your desired smooth finish.

    Have you considered making the outside of your home an improvement project? Extend your living space by designating a section of your backyard. This creates an idyllic outdoor environment for relaxing or cooking out with the family.

    TIP! Use a sponge to do your drywall. You should use a sponge rather than sand.

    If you are doing any brick work, it is smart to buy extras. It can be very difficult to find matching pieces at a later date when repairs need to be done. Brick styles can change over time. By purchasing extra bricks, you will ensure that you can match the bricks in the future.

    When you want to replace your flooring, remember that it’s very expensive to replace the entire floor throughout the home. An optional approach might be to take up any current flooring and stain the stripped concrete underneath. The look is modern and industrial, and the color possibilities are nearly endless.

    There are so many techniques in your reach that can help you with home improvement. There are things everyone can do to improve their home, but some projects aren’t for everyone. With luck, the ideas in this article have sparked a thought or two for your next home improvement project.


  5. How To Increase The Value Of Your Home With Home Improvement

    October 23, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvement can personalize your home to fit your needs. That said, you have to protect your loved ones by knowing what you’re doing. These tips should give you a great start.

    There are many small projects that can improve the value of your home. If you want to sell the home, think about making a few small changes. Paint your home’s interior and exterior for a fresh look. This will only cost you about two hundred dollars, but can increase your home’s value significantly.

    TIP! Do not underestimate the amount of work that a project is going to require before you begin. Sit and write down a lost of the things that you must do.

    Never rush headlong into renovations or projects without first creating a plan of action. This is crucial to make sure you stay on budget and within a certain time frame. However, remember should you change any part of your plan, it will increase the cost of your project as well as the completion time of the project. The contractors you hire will be much more satisfied if you have a plan before starting construction and you don’t deviate from that plan.

    Don’t throw out your bedroom doors just because they’re dirty. Remove your door from the frame, and sand it down until the bare wood is exposed. You can then use oil based and a paint roller. For doors that you want to look new, try getting doorknobs that look fancier.

    The right tools can make all the difference when working on a home improvement task. The correct tools will help make the job easier to do and you will better results. It is also important that you know how to ptoperly use the tools your are going to be dealing with.

    TIP! If you have a handyman working for you, get your contract in writing. If you have a clear contract, you won’t be taken advantage of or surprised with unexpected charges.

    Replacing an old roof can prove to be expensive for any homeowner. You should get estimates and references from three or more roofing companies. There are quite a few different things to consider with roofing like getting tile, metal or just a traditional wooden roof. Have your contractor help you make a decision.

    If you’re planning to use conventional wood in heating you house, understand that this might not be a good thing to do. While a traditional fireplace looks great, it is an inefficient heat source. Most of the energy is lost through the chimney. Also, a fireplace require lots of fresh air which basically means it is taking oxygen out of your home.

    Any painting job requires you to estimate the amount of paint you require. Guessing will leave you in trouble in the end. Take your time and be sure to take measurements so you know the exact amount you’re going to paint.

    TIP! Make sure you turn off the right power circuit whenever you work on anything electrical. If you neglect to do this, you increase the risk of sustaining damage, injury or even death.

    A high quality and attractive door and doorway can add up to a 10 percent increase to your home value. Get at least a new knob and a new lock if you cannot afford a door.

    While the reward is high, there is a lot of effort involved with making serious home improvements. You can turn your home into the house of your dreams if you know how to improve your home the right way. Touch up your home improvement projects by using these tried and true tips from the article above.


  6. Advice And Tips For Successful Home Improvement

    October 21, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Are you planning on making some home improvements? That’s fine! You should first get acquainted with the basics of home improvement. If you don’t know enough, the article below can surely help you.

    If you’d like to improve your home’s energy efficiency levels, place weather stripping by your doors and windows. With the materials available at most hardware stores, this is a very easy and inexpensive change you can make to your home that will have a lasting impact on both your cooling and heating bills. You will also realize that you can drastically cut out the drafts on those extremely chilly nights.

    TIP! Turn off the plumbing if any home improvement projects will take place in the bathroom or kitchen. Make sure you know where the shut off valve is before working near the plumbing system.

    Keeping a ceiling looking higher than it actually is, is something very easy to do with two tips. Your walls could be painted with stripes, or maybe you can add a tall lamp. This creates an optical illusion. The lines will actually make the ceiling seem taller than it really is.

    It can be very expensive to purchase new furniture. You can spice up your living space by using previously owned pieces that you have found at a garage sale or similar location. There may be hidden treasure among the used wares. Some things require work, but by investing time, they can become an asset.

    To stop squeaks, use construction adhesive. Although you’ll need to enter your basement or crawl space to apply it, it will still be worth it to stop the squeaks. With a caulking gun, place a line of construction glue along the sides of each floor joist, allowing the glue to secure each adjoining subfloor plank to your joists.

    TIP! Ask for references from any contractor you hire. Think of it as if you were hiring any other employee.

    If you door still squeaks despite your best efforts to remedy the situation, it may just need a new hinge. You can find hinges at different hardware stores. Simply disassemble the hinge and attach each side of it to the door and wall frame. Lastly, line up the hinge and slip the pins inside.

    If you have some wallpaper, you can make a nice looking bookcase. A design that is unique but visually pleasing can go a long way. If you apply wallpaper to a bookcase’s back, when books are stacked the wallpaper design will appear behind the books. This will not only give your old bookcase a design boost, but give a focal point to your room.

    There are two ways to replace or change a lock: replacing the assembly itself, or only the cylinder. The lock component that does the actual locking is called the cylinder. If your key has been lost and you would like to change out the lock to ensure you’re protected, you can replace the cylinder. Replace the whole lock set if you are looking to change the appearance of your door.

    TIP! Add exhaust fans to high moisture areas, such as bathrooms, cooking areas, and laundry rooms. Venting this air will drastically reduce the probability of mildew and mold invading your home.

    You’ve made it this far, which means that you are ready to get started. Nicely done! This article has provided a good foundation for making some changes in your home. Read this article once more if any new questions pop up.


  7. Save Money And Build A Better Place To Live Thanks To Home Improvement

    October 18, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    So, you desire to improve your house in order for it to look beautiful? This is good! The first thing you need is some good information. In addition, the tips presented in the following article may be of use to you.

    It’s a good idea to clean your air conditioner filter regularly. The more clogged the filter is, the harder the unit has to work to cool down your home. In addition, this can even cause damage to your unit because it’s running longer than necessary. You need to change the filter once a month.

    TIP! When it comes to high-impact updates, few things are more gratifying than new flooring in your home. You can check out the do-it-yourself options at a hardware store, or you can contract with professionals to get new laminate, carpet, tile, or wood flooring put down quickly and reliably.

    It’s expensive to refurnish a home. Add a little extra flare to any apartment or room by shopping at local stores and thrift-markets that offer killer deals. You might uncover some true gems among the used furniture items. Some pieces will be in great condition, while others may require a little work and elbow grease to make them just right for you house.

    You should never allow a contractor to begin work on your project without a signed contract. If it’s possible, have a lawyer review the contract. Start and finish dates, warranty information, the work to be performed and the total cost should all be clearly spelled out in the contract.

    Keep your floors protected while painting. If you don’t, you will have quite a mess on your wood floors or carpeting. An inexpensive way to do this is to use old newspaper in layers. Plastic sheeting or purpose-made drop cloths can also be used to keep paint off your floors.

    TIP! Though it is always rewarding to fix a problem such as a squeaky door, there will come a time when you just need to replace the hinge with a new one. You can find hinges at most hardware stores.

    It’s easy to organize items in your garage using clear plastic totes. Just sort your items by type for quick and easy retrieval. Write on the bins to indicate what is inside them. Also, get stackable ones if possible. This will not only make your garage nice and tidy, but it will also keep pests out of your stuff.

    You could make a unique choice in coffee tables rather than settling for something ready-made. You can get not only a unique conversation piece by using something like a chest or an old trunk but also some extra storage space. To create some definition on your coffee table, throw some books, magazines and accessories on it. If you would like a country look, add a tablecloth and perhaps some teacups.

    It’s great that you have stuck with this article to get some advice for home improvement. You are one step closer to realizing your goals! You should now have a pretty good idea of what home improvement entails. Get started with your planning and fix up your home.


  8. Great Home Improvment Tips For Your Little Corner Of The World

    October 16, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Even if you are unsure of your ability, you can find home improvement projects that are safe for you and even fun! Just make sure you have the correct information when tackling your dream home improvement project. Try some of the tried and true home improvement ideas below.

    When you make improvements, think about the rest of the neighborhood too. A Victorian-styled home amongst a row of small, cute saltbox cottages stands out, and not in a good way. On the other hand, a remodeled home that includes design-appropriate details will be more likely to sell.

    TIP! Go with a light tile when re-doing your roof. Having a light colored roof will help keep your attic cool by deflecting the sun’s rays.

    Give your home furnishings and accessories a thorough dusting weekly. The accumulating dust is a potential allergy hazard that can easily be prevented. Dusting gets rid of stray dust particles, as well as spiders, ants, and other living invaders.

    Update your flooring and replace old carpet. You can do the work yourself by visiting a DIY store in your area. Otherwise, the work can be completed in 24 hours or less if you find a reliable flooring company that specializes in carpet, tile, laminate and hardwood.

    Change your door hinge if its creaking. You can find hinges at most hardware stores. Remove the current hinge and replace it with the new one that you purchased. Align up the hinges and place the pins.

    TIP! When it comes time to purchase furnishings, shy away from living room pieces that have active patterns in the upholstery. Your whole home gets decorated around that busy pattern.

    If an interior designer is too expensive for you, do some research to do the job yourself. The Internet, library, home improvement store and bookstores are great tools for increasing your knowledge. A single idea from a picture in a home magazine can inspire the look you want for your home. Use these resources to your advantage when remodeling your home.

    Putting bleach inside your toilet is a great way to clean them. Sure, bleach has a strong odor, but it’s worth it to reduce disease causing germs and to have a shiny toilet. Finally, scented bleach helps eliminate odor.

    Now, with a better understanding of some of the information involved, you are that much closer to a completed home improvement dream. The confidence that you need to transform your home should now be something that you have.


  9. Home Improvement Tips To Make Life At Home More Comfortable And Convenient

    October 14, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    The person doing home improvement tasks can easily be discouraged. Poor planning, hiring the wrong contractor and tackling jobs that you’re not prepared for are all reasons for this. This article goes over some ideas that can help you find success rather than failure in home improvement. Read on below for more information!

    Construction adhesives are great at stopping floor squeaks. You’ll have to work from the basement or in the crawlspace but the effort will be worth it. Apply some glue to each floor joist with the aid of a caulking gun to secure them to the floor planks.

    TIP! Fans are great for cooling your home. Circulating the air around the room will make it feel cooler.

    It is important that you focus your improvement work on the visible portions of your home. Whoever looks at your house is going to go off of what they see, so the last thing you want to present to them is peeling paint or some untrimmed hedges, which can cause them to not buy the house. While it is true that some of the most important improvements are not obvious, for the selling of your house you need to focus on the obvious visual ones.

    If you want a simple home improvement, go buy some paint. Adding new paint to your home can make it seem new again. Best of all, adding a new coat of paint does not take much time, and it is very cheap. Painting your home adds to the beauty and making it much more attractive to a potential buyer.

    Create a visually pleasing bookcase with the use of some wallpaper. Pick a unique and interesting design. Then you simply fix the wallpaper into the rear of the bookcase, so that it will be visible behind your books. Adding a little bit of edginess to you bookshelf will create a more modern look for not only the bookshelf, but the room that it is in.

    TIP! Consider your home and your neighborhood’s character when deciding on updates and improvements. An overly modern home would appear at odds with its arts-and-crafts-style bungalow neighbors.

    You need PVC cement and PVC primer to attach a pair of PVC pipes. Without these items, the pipes won’t stay together and liquids may leak from them. Make sure the pipes have no water on their surfaces.

    Ask family and friends for help with your home improvement project. If you delay asking for help until the project has already begun, it might be hard to get someone to help. You also might have problems finishing your work, which adds stress.

    Projects around the house may easily come to a fault if you don’t take the time to handle them with care. This article was full of tips on planning and managing a well-done home improvement project. Apply what you’ve learned here, and you won’t go wrong.


  10. A Home You Can Relax In: Finishing Your Home Improvement Projects

    October 12, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Every homeowner will have a different reaction to doing a home improvement project. Even if you may feel excited about home improvement, at times it can seem overwhelming to take on a new project. The contents of this article can help you figure out how to learn how to improve your home.

    If there are smaller crack in the roof, you can use aluminum tape to make repairs. Simply apply the tape by removing its backing and placing the sticky side to the surface you desire. This will help cover those cracks and keep water out.

    Based Paint

    It may be necessary to repaint your porch. If you do, take care to use a high-quality exterior paint. The new paint should have the same base, be it oil or latex, that the existing paint does. An oil-based paint is better for trims and will last a long time but you should use a water-based paint for decks or floors since oil-based paint can become slippery in the winter.

    You should dust your entire home once a week. It only takes a few days for dust to accumulate and for allergens to wreak havoc in your life. Dusting gets rid of stray dust particles, as well as spiders, ants, and other living invaders.

    TIP! A drill comes in handy for many projects. You can make holes and even attach screws.

    Use aluminum foil to cover your outlet covers and switch plates before you paint. Tin foil is more easily applied than tape and can protect outlet covers from accidental paint splatters. Cleanup is easy! Just be sure to let the paint dry before you carefully remove the foil and recycle it.

    Talk to your friends and family and ask them for help before starting your home improvement project. If you wait till the project has begun to ask, you might have a difficult time finding the help. Completing the project can also be a hassle and create more stress.

    Damp Rag

    TIP! Visit open houses to find ideas of what may look in your home. Styles and colors that appeal to you will be used, and give a better sense of how they look in application.

    If you want to paint or stain wood, use a piece of sandpaper to make the surface smoother and humidify the wood by using a damp rag. Using fine sandpaper will help create a smooth finish. The damp rag removes the dust and will also help create your desired smooth finish.

    As you may now be aware, home improvement projects are not as daunting as they may seem at first. By proceeding in a project, you are not only improving your home, you are gaining experience to use in future projects. You’ll be prepared to start down the road to a long and successful home improvement career if you make use of the advice you’ve just received.


  11. The Best Tips Available Today For Home Improvement

    October 10, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Owning a house entails a great many responsibilities, so it is natural that homeowners may find themselves thinking about home improvement constantly. Even if you’ve had disappointing experiences before, these tips will help you do things right this time.

    Stained Wood

    TIP! A crazy addition will add some pizazz to your house. Something like a built in book shelf for the library, or a wine cellar are great ideas.

    When baseboards are on the agenda for replacement, consider a stained wood look instead of painted. The warmth of stained wood will add value to your home. Stained backboards also serve the benefit of defending against stains and marks, which can increase its longevity. The numerous colors of stain available ensure that you will find the right color for your home.

    You can store your supplies between floor joists or ceiling rafters. Even large supplies can be tucked away. Simply place a couple furring strips across a couple exposed floor joists and place your material.

    Your old luggage rack can be turned into an interesting side table for your living room. Using photo frame glass, make a top for the used luggage rack by attaching it with sturdy adhesive. Add interesting items and a good source of light for a unique item of furniture.

    TIP! Most lampshades are actually quite boring. Get cheap stencils at the crafts store, an ink pad or acrylic paint, and try dabbing the designs around the shade.

    If you have a parent that’s elderly living with you, you have to make improvements that focus on safety, mobility and accessibility. For instance, adding step-in showers can make showers much easier for them to access, which will dramatically decrease the risk that they’ll slip. Installing simple grab bars can also provide comfort and safety for someone elderly.

    Get an electrical outlet put into the cabinet on top of the microwave’s future home. It will make for an easy way to plug in your microwave without having a cord that is visible. This simple project will help you avoid having any cords dangling around in the kitchen.

    Improvement Project

    TIP! When planning your home improvements, it is important to pinpoint which room you want to start on. It is much easier to begin in one room and complete it before beginning the next project.

    You should remember to not be fearful of new things and to tackle it one piece of the home improvement project at a time. Other people have succeeded, and there is no reason you can’t as well. The techniques in this article will show you how to effectively do any home improvement project.


  12. Bigger, Better, And More Beautiful: Home Improvement Advice

    October 8, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    So, now is the time. Are you really committed to making a change and sprucing up your home? There is no better time to get started. You likely want a short primer that describes key points for beginners. If so, then this article is for you. Here is a great list of tips to help you with home improvement.

    Make your home look classy and sophisticated by adding an unconventional new addition. For example, a wall-to-wall library or wine cellar. You will impress guest and potential home buyers.

    A beginner’s tip for home improvement is to think about what you personally want to accomplish. Give a personalized touch to each of your projects that reflect your personality.

    Changing your air filters is really essential. This will bring in healthier air and keep your air conditioners and heaters running efficiently. Many service calls are placed each year because of dirty filters.

    When paintings or decorations have left holes in your walls from hanging, paint and spackle can clear them up. Pick up some spackle first. If the holes aren’t too large, you will just need a small amount of spackle. You can fill the small holes by applying the spackle with the end part of any bobby pin. When the spackle is dry, you should use a rigid object such as a credit card to smooth the hole. Then add paint. Now you have no holes in the wall.

    TIP! Lampshades with simple designs give no life to the room. Brighten up the room by making your own personal designs on your lamp shades and adding a bit of color.

    If you are working in the kitchen and bathroom during your home improvement project, make sure to turn off the water. The first step in working on water pipes in your home is locating the shutoff valves. These suggestions can help you prevent the flooding of your home.

    Now, you are all set to tackle those home-improvement projects. While you may feel you know a lot, there is always more to learn. Hopefully, the advice you’ve seen here will help you when it comes to home improvement that you may be able to improve your house like a pro.


  13. Home Improvement And You: Tips For A Better Home

    October 6, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    No matter if you want to sell your house or are going to stay, you should always want to make it better. The simplest home improvement projects will increase the value of your home. This article goes into the different techniques used to upgrade your home.

    When choosing home improvements, balance your need for personalized touches versus the boost to your home value. When your changes are very personal, others may not appreciate them.

    TIP! Fix bubbling vinyl flooring with a slit and a shot. Simply cut a small slit in the bubble to release the air pocket.

    Repainting the porch may be necessary in your home improvement efforts. It is important that you do not scrimp on quality when purchasing this exterior paint. Choose a paint similar to the old one; do not apply an oil-based paint over a water based-one or the other way around. Oil paints work work well for trim because of its durability. However, oil-based paints are slick and slippery, so they are not good for walking areas.

    To stop squeaks, use construction adhesive. You will need to work out of your basement or a crawlspace, but it would be worth the effort. You just need to run a bead of glue down the floor joist seams to help secure the sub-flooring.

    Luggage Rack

    TIP! Spackle and paint can repair wall holes made by paintings. First, go to a home improvement center and buy spackle.

    If you’d like to re-purpose a luggage rack, try transforming it into a side table! Using photo frame glass, make a top for the used luggage rack by attaching it with sturdy adhesive. Place a lamp and some magazines on top of it, and you have a beautiful, usable new side table.

    Install a lighting system that is enabled by motion detectors. You can save on your electric bill since the lights only turn on when you need them. You can take your home’s safety up a notch by installing motion detectors that cause lights to turn on when a thief is present.

    If you want to paint your house, use no-VOC paints. No-Voc paints are free of harmful chemicals: this is better for the environment and for your health. These paints are a little more expensive than other products, but you will be satisfied with them.

    TIP! Don’t dispose of bedroom doors simply due to a dirty appearance. Instead, remove them from their frame and sand them down.

    Never lose sight of how important good home improvements can be. A simple weekend of projects can change your home’s appearance. Use the ideas you have encountered here to make some excellent home improvements. Choose a project and begin today!


  14. Starting A Home Improvement Project? Learn Some Tricks

    October 4, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Renovating a current home, as opposed to moving, is a prudent option that many are pursuing in this unfriendly real estate market. The information in this article will help you tackle your next home improvement project. The more you know, the better the decisions you can make.

    You could make a unique choice in coffee tables rather than settling for something ready-made. An old chest or piece of luggage used as a coffee table can double as storage space. Put some high-brow magazines, coffee table books, and interesting decorations like geodes on the table to spice it up. For a country look arrange teacups on a tablecloth.

    TIP! If you are installing new baseboards, think about using stained wood baseboards opposed to painted baseboards. This classic look blends naturally in with almost any style of decor.

    To add a unique touch to a bookcase, invest in the help of some wallpaper. First, choose a design that you like. By applying wallpaper to the very back of your bookcase, it will simply peek over the top of your books and be very aesthetically pleasing. This will not only give your old bookcase a design boost, but give a focal point to your room.

    Remember to always keep safety foremost in your mind as you complete home improvement projects. There is some danger in any home improvement project you do, so read all the power tools instructions carefully and ask store associates for help if necessary. You should use online tutorials or have some friends show you how to perform certain tasks.

    Before you think about making a renovation to your house, you should go to open houses in newer buildings. Experience the very newest in options for decorating and see what the outcome of a home improvement project may look like before you get started. Many homes like this get a decorator to do furniture and window treatments to complete the look, so you are able to recreate the looks you like most and not have to make a lot of mistakes when you do your house.

    TIP! If you use drywall mud to texture your walls, it can improve their appearance and disguise blemishes. It is quite easy to do.

    Put exhaust fans in any area of your house where hot air is frequently present. These would includes areas like the kitchen and your bathrooms. This keeps moist air headed outside and stops mold growth indoors. This stops wood rot in your walls and ceilings, too.

    Jewelry Display

    For an elegant jewelry display, put up a wall-mounted coat rack with no curves. It is important to keep your valuable jewelry out of sight and only hang jewelry on the rack that is not of the highest value. A jewelry display will help to avoid tangles in your collection. Choose a few of your favorites that are worn often, and keep those accessible.

    TIP! Get great looking drywall with a simple sponge! Use the sponge instead of sandpaper. Using a wet sponge can do as good of a job as sanding can.

    Having a house is a good opportunity to make your personality shine. Many people are choosing to improve their home, rather than buying a new one. The tips in this article are a great way to get you started on your remodel.


  15. Home Improvement Tips All Homeowners Should Know

    October 2, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvements can not only improve the look of your home, but its value, too. Here is some good information for you to use for general home improvements.

    When trying to choose a project, consider whether you plan on selling or staying and then decide on how customized your project should be. The more personal your renovations, the less likely you will have buyers that wish to purchase it for the price of your work.

    TIP! You can realize great savings on your kitchen remodel by simply refinishing existing cabinetry, rather than buying new cabinets. It is possible to paint the baseboards and add new doors and pulls in order to transform them.

    If you’re out of space in the kitchen, try a microwave which goes over the stove range. An over-the-range microwave replaces the range hood. This type of microwave is available in many prices with a wide variety of options. This type of microwave does not have a vent. Instead, it circulates air. If you’re a cook who tends to set things on fire, this is not a good idea.

    If you are looking for issues, rotting wood, peeling paint, and water damage are all tip offs that a house has not been properly maintained. Things like roof defects, bad ventilation, or other hidden problems can be located by professional inspectors. Put a little money in before you buy, and you won’t have to worry as much about repairs later on.

    Any bedroom can look better through the use of throw pillows. Use some old clothing, such as t-shirts or jeans and cut the fabric to make custom covers for your existing pillows. This is a fun way to decorate with panache.

    TIP! Paint stripes on your old walls before installing paneling! No matter how carefully you install paneling, it seems the old wall sometimes peeks through. This can be prevented by taking a few minutes to measure the area in which the panels will adjoin.

    If you are considering the use of a conventional wood fireplace for heating your home, understand that this may not be the best route. Wood fireplaces are not very efficient; even though, they’re quite attractive. Unfortunately, the majority of the heat goes up the chimney. Not only that, but you may also experienced unusual air circulation with a chimney in place.

    Take advantage of your outdoor space. Backyards and outdoor areas can be converted into an extended part of your overall living space. This creates an idyllic outdoor environment for relaxing or cooking out with the family.

    You can use a coat rack that is mounted on your wall for a place to hang and display any of your bracelets or necklaces. But do not hang real jewelry on the rack, just costume jewelry. Not only will your jewelry be displayed like the art that it is, but it will also stay neat and tidy. Display the items that you wear frequently, so they’ll be at your fingertips when you’re getting dressed.

    TIP! Remember your environment whenever you are making improvements to your home. Having nonsensical improvements such as a sun room without insulation in Michigan, or an uncovered deck in Arizona would make your potential buyer wonder what other odd choices you might have made with the house upkeep.

    If you’re going to take on a home improvement project by yourself, you should write down the plan you’re hoping to follow, then have a professional look it over for you. If you forget to perform a critical piece of work, fixing the problem could wind up costing more than your entire project was supposed to.

    Home improvements are a part of owning a home. The only real issue is whether they are successful projects. Many houses have horrible renovations today. Don’t be someone in the status quo. It’s time for you to make good changes for the future.