Tags » ‘home maintenance’
April 27th, 2010 by admin
Small homes can be charming, but all that charm can offer unique challenges, especially in the storage department. That’s why those who love small houses have to get creative! These ideas can help you find the hidden storage options in your home:
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Build a storage area underneath the stairs.
That dead space underneath the stairs would make a great bookcase, built-in chest of drawers, and even a wine rack.
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Long sitting benches in the hallway double as great storage units.
A long, high bench can offer deep storage options while adding space to sit and rest a spell.
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The large bookcase offers not only great storage, but a nice way to showcase your favorite things.
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Consider a “through the wall” bookcase.
A bookcase that fits into the middle of a wall, with sides open to two rooms instead of one, turns your actual wall into unexpected storage space.
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Lift up your beds!
Put your beds on 12-inch risers, then use the space underneath for handy clothes trunks and rolling storage bins. You can have plenty of extra space without doing any construction on your home.
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Look up at the ceilings.
A long shelf about a foot below the ceiling, or a shelf tucked right over a door can make for great storage of those little things you like to display, but really can’t find the room for elsewhere.
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Make space do double-duty.
Does that breakfast nook fit the kitchen perfectly, but your office area is a bit too close for comfort? Consider moving breakfast to the eat-in kitchen and turning that area into your office. It might not be the most conventional plan, but it’s a creative option!
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Opt for cabinets with built-in storage features.
That lazy susan in the corner cabinet or that fold-out pantry beside the sink are all unexpected ways to make unused kitchen spaces work for your storage needs.
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Make creative use of your attic.
Create a small playroom, office area, or built-in bookcases that fill the entire attic knee space.
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Look inside your closets.
Do you have space for shelves above the clothes racks? Consider installing shelves, boxes, and other storage options to your closets to hold the odds-and-ends that don’t seem to fit in well anywhere else.
Make creative use of your small house by incorporating storage into the most unlikely of places. When it comes to small houses and lots of stuff, don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
About the author: Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas
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10 Interesting Ideas for New Storage Areas
April 16th, 2010 by admin
If you’re looking for a new home, you know that home buying is exciting and stressful in equal measures. A property purchase might be the largest investment you ever make, so it is important to invest wisely. One advantage of buying a newly built property is that the wiring should meet the electrical, communication, and entertainment needs of today’s lifestyles, as well as being adaptable to future developments.
Before buying a new home, ask for details of the home wiring infrastructure.
- Wiring configuration. “Daisy-chain” wiring, where the wiring is run from one room to the next, is not appropriate for modern home wiring. All outlets should be wired directly from a centrally located structured wiring box.
- Electrical wiring coverage. Check how many electrical outlets the property has and where they are located.
- Surge protection. New homes should have a whole house surge protection network that includes transient voltage surge suppression (TVSS) devices at the service entrance as well as point-of-use TVSS devices located behind major appliances, PCs, and entertainment centers. This is critical to prevent damage caused by surges in power such as those from lightning or from a faulty component on the circuit.
- Home telephone wiring. Each telephone outlet should be connected to the central panel by a unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable. All telephone wiring should be Category 5e (Cat5e) cable comprised of 4 twisted pairs of “solid” copper cable. The structured wiring panel inside the house should be connected to the Demarc box outside the property by a Cat5e cable. Each telephone outlet should be connected to the structured wiring panel with a 4-pair Cat5e cable.
- Home data wiring. A modern home needs a local area network (LAN), which enables all computers in the network to share other devices such as a printer, and allows data to be stored centrally so that each workstation does not necessarily need its own hard disk, and stored data and application packages can be retrieved from any workstation. Wireless offers convenience but does not have the same level of speed, security, or reliability offered by wired home data networks.
- Video distribution. Any TV source should be viewable in any room of the house. RG6 coaxial cable should connect all video sources to the central structured wiring panel and two RG6 cables should connect to each TV location. TV and Internet outlets should also be available at the video locations to allow for pay-per-view or other services.
Remember, even if you do not have a high-tech lifestyle, you may want to sell your home one day. Having a full structured wiring package makes your home much more marketable in the future because the home wiring can be adapted to incorporate new technologies with minimal disruption.
About the author: Karin has worked as a freelancer for over ten years, writing informatively about a wide range of subjects. She has a PhD and a background in education and research.
Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas
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Home Wiring: Top Tips on What to Look for In a New Home
April 13th, 2010 by admin
People often assume that home room additions require lots of space and a large budget; however, adding a mudroom won’t eat up your yard or empty your yearly vacation budget. Creating mudrooms can be economical home room additions.
You can convert space you already have to build a mudroom, or add on a small additional room to create it. Then, after playing or working in your backyard, you can tidy up in your new mudroom. Keep in mind the following five elements as you make your room addition plans and while you interview remodeling contractors.
The Perfect Mudroom Location
A mudroom is all about location. Think about the most-used entryway in your house. This is where most people choose to place a mudroom. You can convert a small front porch into a mudroom or turn part of any existing room into a mudroom. It’s best to enclose the room–having four walls securely surround the area ensures less chance of tracking in outdoor messes to the rest of your house.
Ideal Mudroom Flooring Choices
Choose a slip-resistant, durable floor that can be exposed to the outdoor elements without showing wear and tear. Good options include textured rubber, ceramic tile, and unpolished stone tile. Choosing a dark floor color helps hide the dirt. The ultimate mudroom accessory is a floor drain, making cleaning an easy chore. Or, station your room addition near an outdoor hose, so people can wash off before coming into the mudroom.
Mudroom Storage Options
Who is likely to use the room and what do you plan to store in it? If you have children, make the storage area user-friendly for them, with coat and backpack pegs at kid-level and color-coded bins for each family member. If you want to store sports equipment, plan ahead to make sure it all fits. Think about designing custom-made storage bins and shelving, or peruse container stores for items that may fit your needs. Shoes and boots need a place to dry and be stored, as well.
Mudroom Furnishings and Wall Decor
Include a bench or a few sturdy stools in your room addition plans so you can sit down while you pull off your rain boots. When pondering wall coverings, think about easy-to-clean options, such as vinyl wall paper, high gloss paint, or wainscoting.
You get a lot of bang for your buck with a mudroom addition. The rest of your house can stay clean and perhaps your family can enjoy being more organized, too.
April 1st, 2010 by admin
How often have you seen a small repair problem around your house and made a mental note to do something about it, but never got around to it? The longer you hold off on those minor home repairs, the bigger they could become, and then you have a serious financial issue.
Small Repairs to Make Right Now!
Don’t fall into the trap of paying big bucks for a major repair that would have cost only a few dollars if you caught the problem in time. Here are a few repairs that require your quick attention:
- Dry and splintering wood floors. Over time, your wood floors can weather to a mellow patina–but without proper care, that handsome look can turn to splinters and dry, cracking wood. Avoid this with regular sanding and coats of polyurethane to protect the floor.
- Soft deck boards. Soft and bowed deck boards are a first sign of rot and instability. Inspect your deck by walking on every board, and if you feel one of them “give” a bit more than others, it’s time to replace it before the minor problem becomes a major hazard.
- Bowed or damaged clapboard. Clapboard that does not fit properly can let water in, leading to decay and insect damage. Inspect your clapboard regularly and replace any boards that are bowed or damaged.
- Peeling paint. Blistered or peeling paint can cause the wood underneath it to rot. Remedy this situation by putting a fresh coat of paint on all the areas that seem to be deteriorating.
- Gutter clogs. Clogged gutters can’t channel water away from your home like they should, and the result is often water damage to your foundation and exterior walls. Empty out your gutters every year during the spring and fall.
- Old caulking and grout. Old caulking might allow water in to the area around your tub and shower, leading to serious mold problems. Old grout can lead to water damage under your carefully-laid tiles. Avoid this by keeping your grout and caulk fresh and new.
- Unruly trees. If tree branches hang over your home, they can lead to significant damage during a storm. They also provide ample opportunity for squirrels, rats, and the like to invade your home. Avoid this major problem by trimming the trees that are a potential hazard.
Check every spring and fall for these minor repairs, and make them as quickly as you can. The sooner you follow up, the easier it is to keep your home looking beautiful.
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March 11th, 2010 by admin
Storm doors offer many benefits for your home. They improve security and offer a nice view, while optional screens allow fresh air to circulate. In addition, storm doors with the Energy Star label might help lower your energy bills and qualify for a tax credit or rebate.
Choosing the Best Storm Door
Not sure where to start when choosing a screen door? This quick primer can help:
- The vast majority of storm doors are sold as pre-hung units. Someone handy with a screwdriver could install a new storm door in an afternoon, though more expensive or heavy doors might need professional installation. Measure your door before you go shopping; most pre-hung doors are available in 30-, 32-, 34-, and 36-inch sizes.
- Most storm doors offer window screens. In some cases, the glass panel can be clipped out and replaced with the screen. Many models offer screens that slide on tracks alongside the glass panels, and can be opened and closed with a simple flick of the wrist. Other versions offer hidden screens, which can be slid into the lower panel of the door for storage.
- When you purchase a screen door, you aren’t limited to what is in the box. Many companies offer mix-and-match purchases. You choose the door, then the glass, and then the hardware–there are several options for each.
- Consider the construction of your storm door. Cheaper models are usually made of vinyl, and though they might look good, they don’t come with promising warranties. A solid wood core with an aluminum coating is a popular and sturdy option. Composite doors are very tough and last for a long time, but come at a higher price.
- Do you want a storm door that adds security to your home? Consider security storm doors with a wood core and heavy-duty aluminum frame. You can also opt for aluminum bars, which are both secure and decorative. A secure storm door should have excellent locking capability, as well.
- Look at the warranty. The best storm doors have a lifetime warranty, and are made by a company that has been around long enough to back it up!
When you choose your storm door, don’t forget to ask about a door kit. Several pre-hung storm doors come with a kit in the box, but if you aren’t sure, ask! Purchasing a door kit from the same manufacturer can ensure your door’s seamless performance.
February 1st, 2010 by admin
Caulking around tubs and sinks is a simple task, but it is one of the most important home repair jobs you could handle. Water seeping into small cracks and crevices can quickly lead to thousands of dollars worth of damage to your home.
Steps for a Successful Caulking Project
Protect your investment with a little time and a good amount of high-quality caulk. Here’s how:
- Remove all the old caulking using a razor scraper and a utility knife, if necessary. Clean the entire area to remove all the old residue. Let it dry thoroughly before applying the caulk.
- Inspect the area where you have removed the caulk. If you see rotting wood or mold, you have a more serious repair job on your hands. Stop your work and call a professional handyman to help. If you don’t see damage, carry on!
- Cut the tip of the caulking tube at an angle, and puncture the nozzle’s seal. Load the tube into the caulking gun and press the plunger forward until it touches the back of the tube.
- Using both hands to keep the line steady, press the tip of the nozzle where you want to begin caulking and gently squeeze the trigger.
- When the caulk begins to flow, guide it along the edge, filling the area with a thick bead of caulk. Use firm, steady pressure.
- When you have filled an area, let go of the trigger. It might take a few seconds for the caulk to stop flowing.
- Now it’s time to shape the caulk. Dip your fingertip into a bit of mineral oil (or baby oil, if that’s what you have on hand) and run your finger over the caulking, smoothing out the bead. Take your time in spreading the caulk, but don’t press too hard–you want a thick seal.
- Wipe off excess caulking with a paper towel and continue along the bead until you have smoothed out the whole section.
- Repeat the process until you’ve caulked along the entire edge. Inspect your work and perform touch-ups if necessary.
- Don’t use any water in the area until the caulking has dried thoroughly. Depending upon the type of caulk used, the drying time could take a few days.
Finally, a bonus tip: If you are caulking a bathtub, fill the tub halfway with water while you work. The weight of the water pulls the tub away from the wall just the slightest bit, and makes for a tighter caulking job.
About the author: Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas
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10 Steps to a Perfect Caulking Repair Job
December 21st, 2009 by admin
When cold weather hits, emergency calls to plumbers skyrocket. Why? Many homeowners neglect simple plumbing protection until it’s too late. Do all you can to prevent frozen or burst pipes by keeping these guidelines in mind:
- Plan ahead! Don’t wait until the last minute to protect your plumbing–by then, it might be too late. Take steps to protect your pipes as soon as colder weather is in the forecast, at least several days in advance.
- Protect pipes where they enter your home. Close your foundation vents, and use simple insulation to prevent cold air from coming in. Don’t forget to open the vents back up in the spring!
- Detach all hoses and outside lines. It might seem like a simple thing, but many homeowners forget this vital step. Drain your water hoses and put them away in winter storage. Turn off or disconnect pipes to outdoor water sources, such as that water garden in the backyard.
- Close off your outside faucets. Most homes have a separate valve for the outside faucets. Turn the valve off, then go outside and run all the water out of the faucets.
- Can’t drain outside faucets? Protect them! Molded foam covers are a great help, as well as fiberglass and plastic insulators. For a quick fix, even newspapers and old rags molded around the faucets and held in place with plastic and duct tape works.
- Drain your sprinklers. Many homeowners forget about the sprinkler system, and that can lead to a plumbing nightmare. Check with the manufacturer to learn how to turn the system off.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Pipes in your basement, attic, crawlspace, and even exterior walls are vulnerable to the elements. Insulate them with molded pipe sleeves or insulating tape.
- Open lower cabinet doors. It might not be the most attractive look, but keeping your cabinet doors open during the coldest weather allows more warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Run the water. When the temperature takes a serious dip, run a bit of cold water out of the tap. A steady drip or small stream of water helps keep the lines open and prevent freezing.
- Make vacation plans for pipes. When you are leaving your home for several days, turn your water system off. Turn off the main valve and run every faucet until the pipes are drained. Don’t forget to do this with your washer, too!
Early preparation is the key to avoiding a plumbing headache. Take these steps now, before Mother Nature gets to your plumbing system!
About the author: Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
Easy Basement Renovations & Other Home Renovation Ideas
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10 Steps to Protect Your Plumbing from the Deep Freeze
December 8th, 2009 by admin
Moist wood is the perfect breeding ground for fungi. As the fungi grow deep in the damaged wood, the tiny spores eat away at the wood and create new spores in the process. The result is wood that is cracked, porous, and unstable. This is known as dry rot.
Steps to Dry Rot Repair
If the dry rot is found in a weight-bearing area, the wood should be torn out and completely replaced. However, dry rot repair can be done in place for areas like baseboards, window frames, and trim. Here’s how:
- Eliminate the source of moisture. There’s no point in repairing an area that will be damaged again. Find the source of the moisture and eliminate it before you proceed.
- Dig it out. Remove as much of the dry rot area as you can, and undercut the area so the filler you use will stay in place.
- Prep the surface. Drill shallow holes around the margin of the wood, creating tiny “cups” that will hold liquid. Then fill the holes with a “wood hardener” liquid that protects the surface and gives the filler something to hold onto. You can choose a one-step treatment or an epoxy blend. If you have trouble getting the liquid into the little cups you drilled, use a turkey baster.
- Fill it up. Choose a high-quality wood filler and carefully mold it to the area, pressing it into place. If the dry rot area is large, cut a piece of wood a bit smaller than the area, embed it in the filler, and nail it in. Fill the space around it with putty until the area looks as it did originally. The putty allows the wood to expand and shrink naturally without forming cracks in the repaired area.
- Sand it. After the filler has had time to cure, sand it smooth. Sand the surrounding wood, as well, to create a smooth, elegant line.
- Prime and Paint. Use a high-quality primer and allow it to dry before brushing on the paint. More than one coat might be necessary to make the area look uniform.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a wide area of dry rot or feel uncomfortable with dry rot repair, stay on the safe side and call a contractor to handle the job for you. If the dry rot is in a weight-bearing area of your home, calling a professional will give you the peace of mind of knowing the job is done, and done well.
About the author: Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee. Her house was built in 1901, so home repair and renovation have become her hobbies.
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6 Easy Steps to Dry Rot Repair
December 5th, 2009 by admin
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Looking over your home insurance policy? The next time you review what your current homeowner’s insurance policy covers, keep some of these extra protection options in mind to make sure you have the best coverage for your needs.
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Homeowner’s Insurance: Know What Your Policy Covers, and What Coverage to Add
December 5th, 2009 by admin
Determining Accuracy in a Home Lead Paint Test
If you’ve been doing your routine fall maintenance, you might want to add one more task to the list. Doing a home lead paint test, if you have never done one before, and especially if you live in an older home, may be a smart way to ensure your home is as safe as you assume it is.
There are a few different techniques on the market to help you do a home lead paint test. The first home lead paint test uses a solution of sodium sulfide to indicate the presence of lead in paint. You simply take your sample, put the solution on it and wait to see if it changes color. You may be more familiar with a swab, which does the same thing. It is rubbed onto the surface of the area in question and changes color once the process is complete.
Another home lead paint test requires special equipment containing radioactive material. It should only be handled by a trained inspector. The equipment is a fluorescence X-ray that will determine whether the paint contains lead.
Home Lead Paint Test Will Keep Your Home Safe
The problem with doing a home lead paint test is that the testing results are inconsistent. Different tests may yield different results making the at home testing products unreliable. The best way to test your home is to have a credible lab check your samples. It may not be the easiest or least expensive alternative but in a laboratory, a technician can do a more thorough search of the samples. If you run a home lead paint test and it is positive, you may want to consider a lab test to make sure you know exactly what you are dealing with.
The walls of your home and drinking water are not the only lead paint hazards you must be aware of in the household. It is also important for your children’s health to keep up with safety recalls in toys. Right now lead paint is being found in various kids’ toys.
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