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Posts Tagged ‘hardwood flooring’

  1. Tips And Tricks On How To Efficiently Improve Your House

    July 2, 2022 by Thomas Herr

    You may think that they could never improve your own home. Be aware that even beginners can make certain improvements. Home improvements are often quite beneficial to your home’s value, and this article can help provide you with some great ideas for your own do-it-yourself project.

    There are a couple of simple tricks you can use to give your ceiling the appearance of being higher than it actually is. Paint a striped pattern on the wall or get a very tall floor lamp. This will make a optical illusion that makes the room seem bigger. Your ceilings will look higher and your rooms will look bigger.

    Painted Ones

    If you are replacing your baseboards, consider using stained boards, which are more appealing than painted ones. This classic look blends naturally in with almost any style of decor. Also, dings and scuffs are not as noticeable on stained baseboards as they are on the painted ones. You will have the option to choose from many, many colors of stain that will match decor of any color.

    Eliminate the sound of floor squeaks with construction adhesive. You’ll have to work from the basement or in the crawlspace but the effort will be worth it. What you do is use a caulking gun, then run a line down every floor joist. That way, your floor all sticks together.

    TIP! Use nails to drill some holes in your paint can’s rim. Your paint can contains a rim that the lid fits into.

    Water damage is readily apparent when looking at a home for sale. However, issues such as structural problems, bad wiring, and lousy ventilation can only be discovered by a professional home inspector. Investing a little money before buying a home could end up saving you a lot more in repairs down the road.

    Hardwood Flooring

    Before paying for brand new hardwood, talk to a professional about your current floors. In many cases, there is hardwood flooring hidden under existing carpeting or linoleum. Existing hardwood flooring looks beautiful with a new finish. If this is the case, you’ll just need to strip the old carpet or flooring and refinish the natural floor underneath.

    TIP! If you are redoing your tile floors, look into radiant heat tiles. These tiles use electricity to produce enough heat to warm your feet.

    Like we said earlier, just because you are a novice does not mean that there are not a lot of projects you can do on your home. After reading this article, hopefully you have a new-found confidence in your abilities to tackle some home-improvement projects on your own. Seeing your own work is sure to make you feel good about yourself.

    There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses and social entrepreneurs to support their communities through community foundations, donor advised funds and other means of giving back. Find the neighborhoods in
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    where you can make the most impact on children in the community.


  2. How To Make Your Home Improvement Project Divine

    April 25, 2020 by Thomas Herr

    If you like being hands on about things, then home improvement is right up your alley. The following tips are for people who want to do their projects themselves.

    Sometimes, you only need one little improvement to raise a home’s value. If you want to sell your home, think about doing some small home-improvement projects. For example, paint the walls inside and outside your house. This is simple, inexpensive and can greatly add to your home’s value.

    TIP! As far as making home improvements goes, make a plan ahead of time. The more original it is, the more excited you’ll be about it.

    If you can afford it, get wood flooring rather than laminate. Even though laminate does look like real wood, and in many cases it can be simpler to clean and take care of, but you cannot refinish these floors. Choosing the cheaper option will mean that it will have to be replaced sooner, whereas quality materials can last for decades.

    Many lampshades are plain and boring. A basic and available source for personalizing your shades is a combination of stencils and paint; use them in a creative way to make your own designs directly onto the shade. Spicing up your lamp shades will make a surprising difference in the personality of a room.

    Work on the most obvious areas when doing home improvements. If you are trying to sell your home you do not want people to be put off by unattractive features. There are other aspects that are just as important when selling your house, but the visual aspects are the catalyst of getting that sale.

    TIP! Keep safety first as you go about the tasks necessary to improve your home. There is a level of risk in any project that you work on, so make sure to read the instructions on power tools and ask for help from store associates if you need it.

    It is possible to update the appearance of your refrigerator and other appliances without spending a bundle. Although stainless steel is popular these days, it’s pointless to get rid of a working refrigerator just because you don’t like the color. A simple spray paint application will allow you to make your appliances look however you want. You can make your room look better immediately.

    Hardwood Flooring

    Thinking about installing a beautiful hardwood floor? Have a professional check out the existing floors in your home first. In many cases, there is hardwood flooring hidden under existing carpeting or linoleum. Existing hardwood flooring looks beautiful with a new finish. In many cases you can get a floor that looks even better than a new one while spending much less money.

    TIP! Visit open houses or model homes to get some ideas about your home improvement projects. You can look at the latest colors and styles and get some great ideas.

    As you start out doing your renovations, do not demolish things too fast. Always check the underlying structure that is behind a cabinet or wall before going to tear it down. There could be electrical systems you could damage that would cost quite a bit to fix.

    Before doing any renovations on your home, check out some open houses. It can be a big help to see things actually installed in a home that is similar to yours, rather than viewing colors and hypothetical improvements inside a home improvement center. Lots of model homes have decorators who include furniture and window coverings in order to provide you with a better look. Therefore, you can simply mimic the options you like and skip the ones you don’t.

    With the tips you have learned in this article, you should be better equipped to make improvements in your home. Your home can be more enjoyable to live in, be worth more and be more attractive as you use this advice to complete even the most advanced home improvement project.


  3. Solid Advice When Trying To Improve Your Home

    March 26, 2020 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvement projects don’t need to be any more complicated than a coat of paint, or you could completely knock down a wall. Regardless, these are some tips you may find helpful to avoid unnecessary frustration and/or headaches.

    If you plan to redo your roof, use light colored tile. This will reflect a lot of the heat and will keep your attic cooler. This ensures you’re not spending a lot on air conditioning.

    TIP! Keep your eye out for installation sales on carpeting at both flooring stores and home improvement stores. It can save you quite a bit of money if you can find a good deal on the cost of installation.

    Simple lampshades can be very boring with no personality. Brighten up a lamp shade by using stencils and acrylic paint. This will add a personal touch, making the room reflect your personality. This can take a boring room and make it more exciting.

    When you are considering home improvement, think about your surroundings so your improvements make sense. Things like adding a sun roof in Seattle would make nearly no sense. Go with what is normally desired for the area you live in.

    Don’t dispose of bedroom doors simply due to a dirty appearance. Instead, take your door off of the frame, and then sand it until you can see the bare wood. Then, wipe down your door and paint it with an oil-based paint. For a whole new look, consider changing your doorknobs.

    TIP! Replacing or adding weather stripping is one of the easiest and most affordable ways of creating an energy efficient home. This is an inexpensive material purchased at the home improvement store, and seals out exterior cold and hot air to stabilize inner temperatures so that your heater and cooling systems do not need to work as hard.

    Hot glue your hardware to their respective storage containers. It can be a hassle and cost you a lot of time if you cannot find a piece of hardware. Written labels will get clumped together.

    Insulation is something worth investing in. Weatherstrip your windows and doors, for example. Your cooling and heating systems will operate more efficiently if you can minimize the outside air that enters your home. These energy savings will be significant.

    Hardwood Flooring

    TIP! When you are going to be doing home improvement projects, you should do the ones that you can see first. Potential buyers base their judgment on things they see, and having unsightly things such as cracked and peeling paint or a yard overgrown with weeds can be a cause for them to walk from a good deal.

    Get someone knowledgeable to give your existing flooring the once over before you pay out for brand new hardwood flooring. Sometimes you may have beautiful, natural hardwood hiding underneath layers of carpet or linoleum that is just waiting to be refinished. When you can refinish existing floors instead of laying down new hardwood flooring, you still have higher quality flooring, but without the higher price tag.

    Before you go to the home improvement center, be sure to make a complete list of necessary items. If you make a list of things you need, you will not have to go back.

    When your home has a nice view, it is generally worth more than a similar house without a view. If your home looks out onto the ocean, for example, this may increase its value. You need to think of the future buyers when investing in your property because they might not like your design style and possibly will not pay the additional cost for the home.

    TIP! Once you’ve tried every possible method imaginable to rid yourself of a squeaky door, if it still persists, it might be time for a new door hinge. Most hardware stores sell them.

    If you want a tranquil feeling in a room, select light blues, greens and purples. Think about what type of furniture and other things in your house are going to go good with the colors you choose. Potpourri or scented candles can add an inviting warmth to a home.

    Home improvement doesn’t have to be daunting and frustrating! You can make good decisions when you have good information. Whether it’s a DIY project or a work-for-hire one, a bit of effort can go a long way.


  4. How To Effectively Plan In Remodeling Your Home

    July 21, 2019 by Thomas Herr

    Honing your home improvement abilities will help you save money and it will also help to minimize any problems in your house. Use the information in this article to help you know what projects you can do yourself, and what projects are best done by a professional. However, when in doubt, it is best to call for help.

    Keep your air conditioner’s filter clean. If the filter is clogged, it will make it hard for the unit to cool your home. You may also be using way more electricity than necessary. To prevent buildup, think of changing the filter monthly.

    TIP! It is extremely important to change your air filters. It is healthy for the inside of your home and will get more life from your furnace and AC unit.

    Do some research on your own if you can’t pay a designer. Review online resources, books and magazines to get ideas. Something you see on a magazine page can inspire your home improvement project. Use these resources to your advantage when remodeling your home.

    Solar Panels

    Try adding some solar panels to the outside of your home for a home improvement project. Although you will have to make an upfront investment, you will probably find that the cost is worth it. This helps save money on your power bill because a majority of the energy comes from what you have stored. Solar panels are an excellent, natural solution for providing energy to your home.

    TIP! There are two easy things you can do if you would like your ceiling to look higher than it truly is. Either use a floor lamp that is tall or paint stripes.

    You can drastically increase your home’s value by putting in another bathroom. Second bathrooms can be extremely advantageous, especially if the new bathroom is on a different floor. There will always be times when more than one person has to use your bathroom, and additional bathrooms will make things better for everyone.

    Hardwood Flooring

    Before paying for brand new hardwood, talk to a professional about your current floors. In many cases, there is hardwood flooring hidden under existing carpeting or linoleum. Existing hardwood flooring looks beautiful with a new finish. If that’s the case, you can save money and have better flooring this way.

    TIP! Small rooms can seem dreary but that can be changed. You can invite the light inside.

    Every bathroom, kitchen and laundry area needs an exhaust fan. By getting this type of air up and away from the inside of your home, you make it much less likely that you will eventually have mildew or mold. Not only that, but lowering indoor humidity can also prevent condensation from becoming trapped inside your walls, where it could eventually lead to rot.

    When planning home improvement projects, don’t forget about your front porch. When you have a guest over, the first thing they will see will be your porch. Throw away any junk lying around and beautify it with plants, furniture, and new lighting. This is a great way to increase the value of your home.

    As this article said before, be sure you know the limits of what you can do when repairing your home. If you follow the rules contained here, you can ensure you are making the right choices. It is always better to ask for help than to live with your regret.


  5. How To Maximize Your Home Improvement Efforts

    May 31, 2019 by Thomas Herr

    Making home improvements not only beautifies your home, but it can save to a lot of money over time. There may be a lot you have to remember about correctly doing these projects, here is some information to help you keep these in mind.

    Do not sink a whole lot of money into new hardwood flooring, unless you have already consulted with a professional about the condition of existing flooring in your home. In many cases, there is hardwood flooring hidden under existing carpeting or linoleum. Existing hardwood flooring looks beautiful with a new finish. In many cases you can get a floor that looks even better than a new one while spending much less money.

    TIP! If you are renovating your home, consider whether the cost of adding your personal touch will be recouped when you sell it. Buyers may not want to invest their money in your home if it is too individualized.

    Never underestimate the amount of work involved in a particular home improvement project. Sit down and take the time to figure out everything that needs to get done. You should also not discount the value of second opinions in evaluating your needs and plans. Picturing a clear idea of the whole job in your head before you start will make the work much faster and more affordable.

    Make sure you’re working with a legitimate company when doing home improvement. Look for a real address and in-person meetings. Choose a company with a great reputation.

    Traditional fireplaces are not an ideal solution for heating your house during the winter months. Much of the heat from the fire gets lost through the chimney, resulting in poor heating of your home. Also, a wood fire needs a lot of oxygen to burn, depleting your home of fresh air.

    TIP! If you have some wiggle room in your budget, spring for real wood flooring, as opposed to laminate. Although laminate looks like the real thing, you can refinish it.

    Your family will be safer if you create escape routes that they are aware of. When an emergency occurs, people are likely to panic. Having a safe escape route from your house during a disaster will ensure you that everyone will be safe. These simple improvements can increase your homes value, as well as help protect your family.

    Be sure to include a window or other ventilation mechanism with any improvements to your bathroom. Humidity from taking showers can create environments where mold can spread and grow. Painting over mold will not totally kill it off. You need to find a way to get rid of the mold for good. The best way to do this is to dehumidify the room, either by installing a window or providing more ventilation.

    A coat rack mounted to the wall can be an elegant way to display your jewelry. Because this design element will likely be near a door, use only inexpensive jewelry. Your jewelry will bring class and style to your room and you will enjoy being able to quickly select what you want to wear. Keep your most commonly worn jewelry easy to get to.

    TIP! Lampshades with simple designs give no life to the room. By using stencils, creativity, and paint, you will be able to transform your boring lampshade into a masterpiece.

    When you have mastered these tips, you will have no problems with home improvement. That will help you create a home that suits your needs, looks amazing, and functions perfectly. With effort, it is only going to get better; as long as you use the advice laid out here to do it!


  6. Nervous About Home Improvement? Try These Tips!

    April 21, 2018 by Thomas Herr

    Home renovation is becoming a very popular subject. The world of home improvement is vast and there are projects for every type of skill and interest. Your home can be a very personal extension of your taste and your style. The following tips will be able to help you get started.

    As you plan a home renovation, think about the difference in value between something you personally like and something that will appeal to potential future buyers. If the value of your renovation is entirely intrinsic, one that is valuable only to you, it will not add much value to the sale price of your home.

    TIP! Vinyl flooring is an affordable alternative to more expensive materials like stone or ceramic. Vinyl has several things going for it.

    Think about what you’re going to do before you do it. Planning is essential if you want to complete your project in a timely manner while staying within your budget. The cost of any job will increase if you make any changes that are outside of the original plan. Contractors will also be happier if you already have a good idea of what it is you want.

    Attaching two PVC pipes is a simple process that requires PVC primer and PVC cement. It is important that you use these specific products as your pipe will not hold with any other glues or cements and it may be prone to leaking if you avoid a coat of primer. Furthermore, the pipe surfaces must be completely dry.

    Hardwood Flooring

    TIP! One way you can improve your home is by installing solar panels. This may cost you a lot of money at first, but with electricity costs going up, you may discover it saves you a pretty penny in the long run.

    Get someone knowledgeable to give your existing flooring the once over before you pay out for brand new hardwood flooring. You might just have some very nice hardwood flooring way underneath whatever has been layered onto your floors, such as carpeting or linoleum. You can end up with a high-quality floor that costs much less.

    Whatever your home improvement project, you need a designated space for all waste and debris that piles up as a result of your projects. It can be expensive to remove all that rubbish, so having a plan ahead of time is essential to saving you money and ensuring that your project continues as scheduled.

    There are many different ways to improve a home. There are things everyone can do to improve their home, but some projects aren’t for everyone. These tips are a great place to start when it comes to your home.


  7. Channel Your Knowledge With These Home Improvement Tips

    December 1, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    Now, your mind is made up. You are now ready to tackle that next renovation project, correct? There is no better time than right now. You might have a variety of questions, but you do not need to worry because this article is going to be your guide. This article contains tips that can help you begin your home improvement projects.

    Before paying for brand new hardwood, talk to a professional about your current floors. In many cases, there is hardwood flooring hidden under existing carpeting or linoleum. Existing hardwood flooring looks beautiful with a new finish. In many cases you can get a floor that looks even better than a new one while spending much less money.

    TIP! Replace your standard porch light with a motion sensor porch light, as this will reduce electricity costs. You can manually turn the light on and adjust sensitivity most of the time.

    Do not underestimate the amount of effort that your project will require. Take the time to write out all the things you need to do. A second opinion may help you avoid making any mistakes during your first assessment. You can reduce costs if you start a project with full knowledge of its scope.

    If you’re doing any work in the bathroom or kitchen, turn the water off. Any time your work involves the pipes or water supply in your home, you need to locate the shutoff before starting your work. This tip will help stop flooding.

    One way to get bugs not to come into your home is by sealing any openings or cracks in your house. Caulk the baseboards, areas around windows and any other areas that require it. Once the caulk is dry, bugs have a much more difficult time getting inside, and the air doesn’t escape as easy.

    TIP! Sometimes a small room can seem very gloomy, but it doesn’t need to be that way. Just let a little sunshine in! Clean the windows and open up the curtains to let in as much light as possible.

    When replacing locks, you have two options. You can only replace the cylinder or you can replace the whole assembly. The cylinder being the lock’s mechanism that completes the lock action. If you don’t have a key and you need your lock to be changed to be more safe, you can replace the cylinder. If you are replacing a lock for cosmetic purposes, you will need to replace the whole unit.

    Buying Thomas Kinkaid paintings isn’t your only art option. Three-dimension tiles can look really nice, as well. For example, you can use multicolored tiles to form a pattern or mosaic on a focal wall.

    You are now better prepared, with regards to home improvement. If you believed you were ready then, you are certainly ready now! Whether you are a complete novice or have some experience with these types of projects, this article has made you a more prepared and informed renter or homeowner.


  8. Home Improvement Tips To Assist You When You Need Help

    November 27, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    If you’re going to attempt a home improvement project, you need to make sure you are well-prepared. The piece below is meant to give you the facts you need as you embark on your home improvement journey. This is a great resource for pros and novices alike.

    A certain addition to your home can add style and class to it. Try putting in a wine cellar or a library with some book shelves. You and your guests will enjoy these touches, as may future potential buyers.

    TIP! If you are choosing a major renovation, look to hire a professional designer or architect to help develop the plans. Without specialized training in designing living spaces, your own ideas may lack the necessary details to allow your home to function optimally.

    Once a week, at least, dust your home. It only takes a few days for dust to accumulate and for allergens to wreak havoc in your life. Cleaning your accessories frequently makes you aware of any pest invasions right away, in addition to keeping the dust at bay.

    Ceramic tile tends to dull after a while. Combine vinegar and water; this solution will help you clean the tile without harming it. Simply fill a bucket or bin with vinegar and water, and mop away. This helps get the dirt off your floor and allows it to look new again.

    Coffee Table

    TIP! If you desire to replace your window screen but you could not find a window that fits, it is easy to make one. It’s easy to cut frame kits to fit a particular window size.

    Instead of choosing a pre-made coffee table, choose something unique. Old chests can add a nice rustic appeal to your home’s design. Place magazines and books on top of your coffee table to give it definition. If you would like a country look, add a tablecloth and perhaps some teacups.

    Do not sink a whole lot of money into new hardwood flooring, unless you have already consulted with a professional about the condition of existing flooring in your home. You may find a lovely, natural hardwood floor buried beneath layers of linoleum or carpet. When you can refinish existing floors instead of laying down new hardwood flooring, you still have higher quality flooring, but without the higher price tag.

    As you can now see, you must know what you’re doing when making improvements to your home. The information in the article you just read can be for professionals or for people that are just starting out. Use these tips when you figure out what you want to work on.


  9. Need Help On Your Home Improvement Project? Try These Tips!

    December 6, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvement is tough, particularly for novices. But, if you own a home, it is a necessary evil. Here you will find some great suggestions in your home improvement endeavors.

    Paint stripes on your old walls before installing paneling! Regardless of the quality of the panels you use, the old walls sometimes remain visible. In an effort to lessen the effect, first measure where the panels will join. Match the paint to the paneling color.

    Coffee Table

    Use a unique container for a coffee table instead of a regular table. An old storage chest can actually be an attractive coffee table. Put some reading material on your coffee table for added flair. You can even use a tablecloth and perhaps a tea set to create a country feel.

    Chipping paint and ceilings, and rotting decks with water damage can be seen easily when checking home you wish to buy. However, electrical issues, roof damage, foundation damage and other issues require an inspector to notice. You will very likely save money in the long run if you hire a qualified inspector before buying a house.

    TIP! When it comes to home improvement, be sure to pay attention to the most visible improvements. Your potential buyers have no choice but to judge your house by what they see, and having things such as peeling paint and overgrown hedges may cause you to lose the sale.

    Kitchen storage is simple when you have two-liter bottles around. They are transparent and are great for storing sugar, flour and similar staples. You can keep them in the freezer, on your shelf or in the refrigerator. To use the contents of the containers, simply take of the cap and then pour.

    Existing Floors

    It’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your existing floors before you commit yourself to the expensive proposition of installing all-new hardwood. Sometimes you might have natural and beautiful hardwood flooring under your current old flooring that just needs to be refinished. When you can refinish existing floors instead of laying down new hardwood flooring, you still have higher quality flooring, but without the higher price tag.

    TIP! Be creative with regards to home improvement and make sure you develop a solid plan. After you have started the project, you’ll be free to focus on what it takes to accomplish it rather than elements of design.

    Remember to take safety precautions when you are working on home improvement projects. Home improvement projects can be hazardous if you don’t take the proper precautions. There are also a good number of online tutorials that can assist you with your project.

    If your home has any cracks, seal them as quickly as possible in order to reduce your energy bill and avoid insect and vermin infestations. Add caulk to your floor boards, on windows or doors. As the caulk dries, it creates an almost impenetrable barrier against bugs; it also locks in cool and hot air.

    Purchase sealant strips and draft excluders in order to prevent your air from exiting out of the doors. Draft excluders slide under the door to keep air in and out. There is sealant stripping that can fit around a door frame, which will accomplish the same thing. You can find these in hardware and home improvement stores.

    TIP! Get your garage organized by arranging your items by their type and the amount of time you use them. Once you’ve done this, put them into clear plastic boxes.

    Now that you’ve read this article, you should realize that improving your home is simple. Therefore, don’t wait in getting started. Begin now and apply the tips you found. You will likely have a great time improving your house. When you know how to do what needs doing, it is easy.


  10. Ready To Start Your Home Improvement? Try These Great Tips

    September 16, 2016 by Thomas Herr

    Even people that are not experienced will be able to do home improvement projects. Home improvements can increase your home’s value while making it more comfortable and attractive to live in. This article will give you some easy to do home improvement projects that won’t leave you overwhelmed.

    If you are purchasing a home, hire an inspector. By doing this, you do not have to look for everything that needs to be replaced or fixed. A third party professional is objective and can keep the process civil.

    TIP! Repainting a porch may be necessary. Use paint that is specified for exteriors and is of good quality.

    Keep your AC unit running great by cleaning your filter. If your filter is clogged your air conditioner will not be as efficient. Additionally, it may cause the AC to run for extended and unnecessary periods of time. To prevent buildup, think of changing the filter monthly.

    One good home improvement tip is to make sure that you keep your personal style in mind when making changes. Choose home improvement projects that really reflect your own personality and sense of style.

    When replacing your baseboards, try to use stained wood because it is a lot more appealing than painted baseboards. Not only are stained baseboards more classic, the warm wood tones complement any decor. Also, unlike painted wood, the stain is able to hide a lot more in terms of scuffs and other imperfections. The numerous colors of stain available ensure that you will find the right color for your home.

    TIP! Think about using stain instead of paint on your baseboards for your next home improvement. This look is considered classic, and most homes can benefit from the more natural appeal.

    Fix any faucets that might be leaking, this is an easy fix. When you can deal with the issue quickly, you’ll save on your water bill. The savings alone will add up quite nicely if you tackle this problem right away.

    Hardwood Flooring

    Check out the floors underneath any rugs or coverings before spending money on new flooring. In many cases, there is hardwood flooring hidden under existing carpeting or linoleum. Existing hardwood flooring looks beautiful with a new finish. You will wind up with a nicer looking, higher-quality floor for less money.

    TIP! Use common sense when deciding what home improvement projects are right for you. Making strange changes to your home that do not take its setting into consideration can cause problems when you want to sell.

    In the start of the article you read that there are a lot of different home improvements you can do by yourself. It can be very hard to fix things around the house, and you are proud of it. This article shared advice that should be instrumental in helping you get started.