Tags » ‘work’
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 5th, 2009 by admin
by Roger Diez
You may need some extra space because your family is growing or a relative needs to move in with you. Or maybe you need a place to entertain? You can’t add a second story and moving is out of the question, so what do you do? Well, with a little imagination and some ingenuity and hard work, finishing your basement can transform that dark, dank junk storage space into something usable and even elegant. And when you are ready to sell your home, a finished basement can add to its value.
Basement Remodeling Ideas You Can Use
A remodeled basement has many potential uses. You can make it a recreation/play room with a pool table or ping-pong table. If you work out of your home, basement remodeling can provide you with a home office or a craft room. Do you want to get in shape? A home gym is another excellent use for the space. You can also remodel your basement into an extra bedroom for your growing family or for in-law quarters, complete with bath and cooking facilities. If you have separate access to the basement, you could even create an apartment for rental.
Plan Your Basement Remodel
Now that you have decided on finishing your basement, you don’t want to head downstairs with a load of lumber, some nails, a hammer, and a bucket of paint. If you want your project to succeed, a little planning goes a long way. First, take measurements so you know the space you are dealing with. Then lay out what you have and what you want the finished product to look like. You can use graph paper and pencil for the layout, or you can use basement remodeling software for a more sophisticated plan.
How About a Basement Remodeling Contractor?
If you are good at home improvement projects, you might want to try finishing your basement by yourself. But there are many facets to consider, particularly if your basement is damp. Are you skilled in the use of special coatings used to keep basements dry? Do you know about using specially treated lumber? How do you block off your furnace and water heater from view, but still have easy access? Can you get the proper permits and install plumbing and electrical systems that meet building codes? If not, you may want to bring in a specialized basement remodeling contractor. The contractor can determine whether or not you need exterior grading or a sump pump to keep your basement dry. They will be able to advise you on materials such as flooring and paint, and help design a proper heating and ventilation system. Make sure you select a basement remodeling contractor who has references. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau and your state contractors’ board. A good contractor can save you time and money in the long run.
Enjoy Your New Space
Once the work is done, you will wonder why finishing your basement didn’t occur to you sooner. Now you can have fun furnishing it. Whether you put in bedroom furniture for guests or in-laws, a poker table or pool table for recreation, a stair-climber for exercise or a computer desk for work, your remodeled basement is likely to get a lot of use and give you a lot of pleasure.
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Gain Livable Space with Basement Remodeling
December 5th, 2009 by admin
When you’re planning a remodel, no matter whether your job is small or large in scope, no detail is insignificant. That’s why, before you start knocking down walls or wielding a paint brush, you should consider all of your options, including whether or not it makes financial sense to remodel at all.
Start with a simple list. Prioritize your needs and wants. Collect photographs from magazines and Web sites illustrating examples of what you’re seeking in a home. Consider how you use your home and how you expect to grow in your home, as well as the furnishings you have. Ask: how energy efficient is my home and will I need to upgrade windows, doors, insulation and appliances?
These steps will help you envision exactly what you want–and determine whether the costs of remodeling your home will exceed what it would cost to move to a home that better fits your needs.
Budgeting Basics
Budgeting is a key factor in successful home improvement. Without a remodeling budget, it’s easy to get carried away with projects that, in the end, will improve neither the quality of your life nor value of your home. In fact, spending too much can put a real damper on what should be a positive event in your life. To determine a remodeling budget, begin seeking estimates for your remodel. Ask friends and family members for recommendations for local contractors. Contact at least three.
Contractors ought to be able to give you a high-end estimate that lays out how much it would cost to complete every item on your dream list, as well as middle and low cost options. Be sure to request that each item be listed a la carte to give a sense of possible add-ons down the road.
Do You Need Financing?
Once you have a grasp on the price tag, start crunching the numbers. A number of financing options are available through banks, including home equity lines of credit and fixed-interest home improvement loans.
If you’re handy, perhaps you’ll be completing some, or all, of the work yourself, which is not only satisfying, but also great for your bottom-line. Keep in mind your time constraints and the fact that about 30 percent of contractors’ remodeling jobs result from failed do-it-yourselfers, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Getting a job done professionally is often cost effective simply because it’s done quickly–and right–the first time.
Cost Saving Tips
Green remodeling is all the rage and for good reason. It’s good for the planet, good for your well-being and good for your wallet. New windows and doors, added insulation and energy efficient appliances can reduce your carbon footprint significantly and save you hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of dollars in heating and cooling expenses every year.
Yet another way to be green is to offset construction waste and save money by reusing and recycling building materials. Building material salvage yards offer a treasure trove of bath tubs, solid wood doors, hardware and wood flooring, among other items, all at a considerable discount. Avoid landfill fees and recycle your own construction waste by dissembling rather than destroying items you no longer want. Your trash may be someone else’s gold mine.
And for everything you need to buy new, remember that the current economic recession means you may be able to find excellent bargains. Beyond basic homeowner tax credits for energy efficency updgrades, many home improvement retailers are offering zero-percent financing for a year or more for customers making significant purchases. Some contractors might even be willing to trade services if you can offer something that’s valuable to them, i.e. an accountant might offer tax services or a veterinarian may swap animal care.
Remodeling is expensive and time-consuming. But it can also be highly rewarding: living in a beautiful and comfortable space is a priceless luxury. Avoid headaches and heartaches and make your remodel a good experience by doing your homework and taking time to plan and budget.
If you do these things, not only can your remodel be affordable, it’ll be some of the best money you’ve ever spent.
Thinking about Remodeling, Start With These Resources
Request Free Estimates from Local Contractors
National Association of Home Builders
December 5th, 2009 by admin
If you have an unfinished basement, think about all that space under your home just sitting there, unused. Why not turn it into a new room and increase your living space? A good basement remodeling job can give your home a revitalizing lift.
Five Steps to Basement Remodeling
Be careful to select a qualified basement remodeling contractor. Only someone who understands the intricate details of moisture, concrete, and basement-related issues can help you create a room that will last the lifetime of the house.
- Make the basement waterproof. Even if you don’t have any current concerns with water in the basement, why take a chance? Before you start turning that old basement into a brand new room, use a good concrete sealant to keep the mold at bay and the dangerous radon out. It also helps prevent the “musty” smell some basements emit. Choose a concrete sealant specifically made for use in older buildings to get the most heavy-duty coating.
- Examine the reasonable requirements for your basement. Most finished basements need an additional source of heat, as they tend to be cooler than the rest of the house. What type of flooring will you choose? The lumber you use for the walls should be treated to prevent rot in the event moisture rises up from the basement floor. Much of this work is best left to a reliable basement remodeling contractor.
- Take steps for clean air. Moisture is a common concern in basements, and mold can be a major health issue for your family. Electric floor heating is a great way to help alleviate moisture in this part of the home. Other techniques to reduce moisture include directing water away from the foundation, using heavy-duty mold fighters like RadonSeal, or choosing materials that resist mold.
- Design your space. Now it’s time to have some fun! Design your space to meet all the needs and preferences of your family. Will the room be used for recreational fun or for relaxation? After you choose a direction for the room, decorate it with furnishings that suit your style.
- Turn on the lights. Basements are naturally dark and they often have low ceilings, which can make you feel like you are in a cave. Make the best use of natural lighting by installing glass blocks or window wells. Use mirrors and strategically placed artificial light to make the room feel bigger and brighter.
Your hard work will pay off in a beautiful basement space. Now take the time to enjoy it!
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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5 Great Tips for Basement Remodeling
December 5th, 2009 by admin
By Roger Diez
Now is an excellent time to tackle that home improvement project you have been considering. Due to the slow economy, cost of materials and labor are down from just two years ago. But if you have several projects under consideration, you might want to concentrate on those that will give you the best return on investment (ROI).
Remodeling Costs and Average Returns
Remodeling Magazine’s most recent survey of remodeling costs indicates that projects that enhance the exterior of your home are generally less costly and yield a greater return on investment than interior improvements. Projects like an outside deck addition, window replacement, and vinyl siding cost on average between $10,000 and $15,000, and return 76 percent to 81 percent of their cost on resale. Higher cost projects typically yield a smaller return. A master suite addition, second story addition, or major kitchen remodel have an average cost of over $100,000 and generally return between between 61 percent and 70 percent of their cost.
Regional Return on Investment Differences: Your Return May Vary
The numbers quoted above are national averages, but there are significant differences in costs and returns depending on where you live. Here is what you can expect in various areas of the country.
New England: High Remodeling Costs, Lower Returns
The highest cost of remodeling in the country is in New England, leading to a somewhat lower return on investment in this area of the country. Remodeling costs can range from 2 percent to 10 percent above the national average, but return on investment can be 2 percent to 10 percent lower than the national average. Homeowners in this region may achieve the best payback on remodeling costs by focusing on high yield exterior home improvement projects.
Southeast: Lowest Home Improvement Costs, Good Value
Remodeling costs in the southeast are the lowest in the country, and the return on investment is significantly higher for some projects. Your deck addition may cost almost $1,700 dollars less than the national average, and your return may be
December 5th, 2009 by admin
by Mary Butler
Remodeling materials can make up half the cost of a home improvement project. While you might want to pick trendy flooring or fixtures, be careful to consider what remodeling materials add the most value, comfort, style – and durability to your home.
It’s easy to dream about remodeling your home. Whether you’d love a new kitchen or you simply desire to personalize your space, remodeling is a way to add comfort and style to your home, as well as make your home truly yours. And, depending on where you live, upgrading your home can be a no-brainer investment in the future.
But before you jump into any project, begin with the basics.
Envision Your Remodel
You might know that you want to remodel a room in your house. But do you know how you’d like it to look? Spend some time flipping through magazines and surfing the Internet to find examples of the kinds of remodeling materials and styles that you like. Ask yourself: Do you want a sunken tub in the bathroom? What kind of kitchen countertops appeal to you? Do you want wood floors or would you prefer tile?
Being able to envision your remodel can serve as a helpful touchstone as you begin exploring how to fund and complete the projects you dream about. Knowing what remodeling materials appeal to you can allow you to speak intelligently to designers and contractors about what you want–and it may also give you a head start if you decide you want to do some of the work yourself.
Remodeling Costs
Create a realistic remodeling budget. The average remodeling costs for three popular projects, according to Better Homes and Gardens’ Remodeling Cost Guide, can give you an idea of what to expect: a kitchen project typically begins at $15,000 and goes up to $45,000, with an average remodeling cost of $26,888.
“National averages can’t account for problem plumbing setups or your taste for exotic countertops, but they can tell you that it’s unrealistic to plan on remodeling a whole kitchen for $7,000,” the magazine reports.
Bathroom remodeling generally costs between $7,000 and $20,000, with an average remodeling cost of $11,605. A family room addition may cost a whopping $50,000 to $90,000, with an average remodeling cost of $70,000.
The lesson here is that remodeling is typically expensive. You want to be thoughtful about how you proceed.
The Cost of Remodeling Materials
Next to labor, remodeling materials are traditionally your most expensive budget item.
When remodeling your kitchen, for instance, cabinets can make up half the cost. “Stock cabinets cost $50 to $200 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets with more finish and style options can cost two to three times more, and custom cabinets often cost five times more than stock cabinets,” according to Better Homes and Gardens.
Granite countertops usually cost far more than your standard laminate and a hand-blown glass vessel sink are generally more expensive than standard porcelain. But don’t let cost alone drive your decisions. Think about what materials can add the greatest value to your home. You might have to pay extra for durability and sustainability, for instance, but in the long run, those attributes often can more than pay for themselves.
And, sometimes, choosing high-quality materials that are also good for the earth can actually help your bottom line.
Shopping for Remodeling Materials
There are few more cost effective ways to remodel than by reusing building materials. Reuse construction yards are a terrific place to find porcelain tubs and sinks, solid wood doors, tile flooring, among other materials for a fraction of their original cost.
Be careful choose classic designs and colors when purchasing reused building materials. On that same note, avoid paying a premium for trendy items, too.
Consider the rise and fall of the master bath whirlpool tubs. Trendy items are not only expensive when you buy them, they can also severely date your home (remember orange shag carpeting?), lowering the desirability of your home when you try to sell it.
Mary Butler is Colorado-based freelancer. Mary Butler writes about homes and gardens.
Better Homes and Garden
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