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Category: Home Improvements

  • Best Power Tools for DIYers

    Now more than ever, DIY projects are everywhere you look. It seems like everyone is trying to be productive with the little extra free time on their hands, and hardware stores still have lines out the door. If you are just getting into the DIY world and are realizing some of the basic hand tools just aren’t cutting it anymore, it may be time to invest in some smaller power tools that work best for the do-it-yourself enthusiast.

    1. 10” Sliding Miter Saw

    With this tool, you can cut baseboards, frame out a door, and even more. Getting the saw with the slide allows you to cut more significant pieces.

    2. Nail Gun

    While a hammer and nail approach can work for most DIY projects, you will save yourself time and energy when you invest in a nail gun and air compressor. If you are into reupholstering, you may also want to consider a staple gun.

    3. Rotary Sander

    If you plan to strip any word surface, invest in a rotary sander. There are plenty of models available under $50 that will save you more time than you could have imagined.

    4. Jigsaw

    If you love making or updating wood furniture, a jigsaw may be a great addition to your tool bag. The jigsaw allows for cutting various shapes and detailed cutting.

    5. Cordless Drill

    The cordless drill should be one of your very first DIY tool purchases. You can use the drill for just about everything, from hanging shelves to drilling holes.

    6. Air Wrench

    The air or impact wrench is essentially a power socket wrench. This wrench is great when you are dealing with tight lug nuts and bolts or stripped screws. They give a high degree of torque without a lot of exertion on your end.

    7. Circular Saw

    If you need a fast and efficient way to make straight and bevel cuts, you will want to add the circular saw to your list of tools. They can be used by hand or mounted.

  • Choosing The Best Bathroom Tile

    If it is time for your bathroom to get a renovation, you are likely already thinking of what style you have in mind for the update. One of the major parts of that design is your tile. Here is a quick guide to choosing the best tile!

    1. Pick Out Your Favorite First.

    When looking at tile options, you will likely find one that you immediately fall in love with. If you find yourself picturing the rest of your bathroom based off a tile, choose that tile and use it as your starting point.

    2. Keep It Simple.

    Depending on your bathroom, you might have floor tile, wall/accent tile, and bath tile. Try to use no more than 3 different types of tile, and do your best to keep it to 2. You will have trouble matching tiles the more you choose and tiles that differ too much in a small space can make it feel cluttered. If you ever plan to resell your home, choosing too many tile options or choosing extremely decorative tile can date your bathroom quickly and might end up costing you during the selling process.

    3. Consider Maintenance.

    Have you ever had a bathroom where it felt impossible to clean certain parts? Keep that in mind when choosing your tile. Consider the amount of maintenance it will require. If you prefer little to no maintenance, choose either a porcelain or ceramic option. If upkeep isn’t a big deal to you, natural stone is an option for you as well.

    4. Choose!

    The hardest part is choosing. Instead of doubting yourself, take that tile you first fell in love with and see if you can imagine a bathroom styled around that tile. If you can, go for it!

  • 5 Home Projects You Should Consider Outsourcing

    We live in a DIY world. If there is a video online for how to do something, there’s a good chance you can figure out how to do it. While saving money by doing certain projects yourself can be rewarding in many different ways, there are some projects that should be left to the professionals. Unless you have training in specific fields, these 5 things usually require a professional contractor:

    Electrical Wiring

    Without any electrical experience, you run the risk of causing damage to both yourself and your entire electrical system. Even if you do shut off the power before messing with any wiring, there can still be many issues that arise afterwards – including electrical fire. Avoid the danger and call an electrician!

    Wall Removal

    Knocking down a wall can sound like a fun idea. Even if you were getting excited to release any anger on that wall in your home, this is a time when it is best to call a professional. Walls are a key component in maintaining the integrity of your home and it’s structure. If you accidentally knock down a load-bearing wall, you could cause catastrophic damage.

    Foundation Alteration

    The name of the structure itself should already make you proceed with caution. Your foundation is the most integral part of your home, and messing with it without experience could land you in a very tough spot.

    Flooring

    While some flooring can easily be done alone, some of the bigger projects should be left to the professionals. If leveling the floor is part of the project, it may be time to call someone in. Having a floor that isn’t level can cause you headaches for years to come.

    Plumbing

    Just like electrical projects, plumbing projects can be extremely complicated. When not done correctly, you can end up with burst pipes, flooding, and interior water damage. Save the stress and call a plumber!

  • 5 Painting Mistakes to Avoid

    DIY interior painting can be a money-saver if you know what you’re doing. While saving a few dollars is definitely worth trying out painting yourself, it is important to avoid mistakes often made in the process. Here is how to avoid them!

    Mistake #1: Not Using The Correct Applicator

    If you are willing to pay for premium paint, you should be willing to invest in a good applicator. Invest in good brushes or rollers up front to avoid hair on the wall or lumps of roller lint under the paint.

    Mistake #2: Not Preparing Correctly

    You always want to do repair work first so that your walls are smooth, clean, dry and free of loose debris before you begin painting. A repair will be much less obvious if it is done before a new coat of paint!

    Mistake #3: Overextending Your Brush Dips

    One of the most frequently made mistakes by DIYers is that they often continue applying a dip of paint until the brush or roller is dry. When you overextend each dip, the paint can dry in the brush bristles, and the fabric on rollers can mat down. You want to maintain a smooth line of paint. Once you can see the paint starting to break up, it’s time to re-dip.

    Mistake #4: Breath Interference

    Your breathe when painting can impact the steadiness of your hand. When cutting in near edges or other times when you need to be precise, you should hold your breath or breathe out to limit your movement as much as possible.

    Mistake #5: Allowing Paint To Dry Out

    Touch-ups are not ideal if your paint has dried out. To extend the life of water-based paint, place a piece of clear plastic wrap directly on the surface of the paint, then reseal the container. For oil-based paint, add about a half-inch of water on the surface before resealing.

  • Essential Home Repairs: A Guide for Homeowners

    Keeping a home in good condition requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. As a homeowner, understanding the essential home repairs can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road. In this blog post, we will explore some common home repairs that every homeowner should be familiar with.

    1. Plumbing Repairs: A leaky faucet, clogged drain, or running toilet are common plumbing issues that homeowners encounter. Knowing how to fix these minor plumbing problems can prevent water wastage and avoid costly repairs. We will discuss simple solutions and when to call a professional plumber.
    2. Electrical Repairs: Faulty wiring or malfunctioning electrical fixtures can be dangerous and should be addressed promptly. We will provide guidance on basic electrical repairs, such as replacing a light switch or installing a ceiling fan. However, it’s important to emphasize the importance of hiring a licensed electrician for complex electrical work.
    3. Roof Repairs: A well-maintained roof is crucial for protecting your home from the elements. From replacing damaged shingles to fixing leaks, we will discuss some common roof repairs that homeowners may encounter. We will also highlight the importance of regular roof inspections to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
    4. HVAC Repairs: A properly functioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. We will provide tips on troubleshooting common HVAC problems, such as uneven cooling or heating issues. However, it’s important to note that complex HVAC repairs should be left to certified technicians.
    5. Structural Repairs: Over time, homes may experience structural issues, such as foundation cracks or sagging floors. We will discuss signs of potential structural problems and provide guidance on when to seek professional help. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your home.

    Bottom Line
    By familiarizing yourself with essential home repairs, you can become a proactive homeowner and tackle minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Remember, while some repairs can be handled independently, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to call in a professional. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs will not only keep your home in good condition but also help preserve its value in the long run.

  • Home Renovations on a Budget

    If you took a peek at a new homeowner’s search history, you’d likely find key terms like, “Home renovations on a budget,” “How much does it cost on average to do A, B, C,” or “Cheap hacks to fix blah, blah, blah…” New homeowner or not, it’s safe to say that anyone who’s has taken a trip to their local Lowes or Home Depot as of late, has had to pick their jaw up off the floor when faced with the monumental price increases of everything from lumber to plumbing and even the snack size can of Pringles you have to have while standing in line for the self-checkout. “I can store nails or something in the can afterward,” you tell yourself. Yeah, sure…

    So, is renovating on a budget even possible these days? Well, yes. After all, a budget is going to vary from person to person. Even in a general sense, there are decisions you can make to cut corners and save cash without compromising the quality or safety of your project.

    DIY
    If you can do it, save money by foregoing professional installation. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to install a wall outlet, fix a sink trap, tile a mudroom, or replace the crumbling drywall in the den, there are pages of YouTube videos explaining how to do just that. Also, if you visit the website of your favorite hardware or big box store and search for some of the materials needed to complete your project, you can occasionally find installation tutorials right on the product page.

    Bargain Shop
    You’ve elected to tackle the project yourself, but the cost of the available materials has you burying your head into a tear-soaked pillow and screaming, “Why me?” not. Just because the last million-dollar home you visited featured imported Italian marble tiles in the entryway doesn’t mean you have to or need to spend that much money. Measure the length and width of the room and multiply those numbers together. That gives you the square footage. See how much square footage each box of hardwood, vinyl, or laminate you intend to buy is supposed to cover. If a box covers 14 sq ft and you have 144 sq ft to cover, you’ll need just 10.2 boxes. So, buy 11. No, buy 12. You see, you should always buy 1 more additional box than accounted for to cover your mistakes.

    Don’t Fall Prey to Brand Names
    You can afford what you can afford. Minimum grade underlayment is the minimum grade, which is to say it will work just fine! It’s perfectly acceptable and will keep you under budget. The last thing you want to do is spend double what you paid for your flooring to lay it. Most vinyl and laminate plank flooring requires nothing more than a circular saw, pencil, straight edge, rubber hammer, and a small block of wood to bump and lock the pieces together. Don’t buy a fancy kit because Chip and Joanna put their faces on it. Oh, and don’t forget to check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for deals on materials someone else is trying to unload for much less than they probably paid for it.

    Defer to the Experts
    You know who I’m talking about. Put that old guy or gal to work. Mine’s pushing 80 and just spent the last 3 days cutting copper pipe, loading plywood into a Lowes rental truck, and maneuvering drywall in an 8×7 bathroom. You can consult someone with a fancy schmancy certificate that allows them to charge you $50 an hour to point a flashlight or you can ask someone you know and trust if they’ll take payment in cheeseburgers or beer. Look, there are times where you should absolutely hire an expert but that comes with a cost. Ask someone older, wiser, or more experienced than you how to install a new lighting fixture before you shell out a house payment for the privilege of playing trivia games on your phone while someone else does it and you learn nothing.

    If you’re a new homeowner, the thought of becoming your own maintenance person, roofer, plumber, electrician, and landscaper can be a little distressing. Just think of the memories you’ll make as your sister shows you how to wallpaper while you’re on an 8-foot ladder with its legs centimeters from the top of the stairs. Priceless.

  • Upgrade Your Dining Room Decor with Simple Elegance

    For many of us, the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life means our houses see more chaos and traffic than a rush-hour train station. The idea of an oft-used space like the dining room looking buttoned-up with sophisticated decor is almost laughable.

    But lately we’ve noticed a return to formality: More homebuyers are seeking out properties with a formal dining room, and current homeowners are warming to the idea of bringing more refined furnishings into their dining area. Some experts chalk it up to a stark reaction to the years we spent being casual and cozy indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    So with the spring season right around the corner, now is a great time to focus on adding a bit of elegance to your dining room decor. To inspire your aesthetic overhaul, here are five trending looks:

    1. Mauve velvet chairs
    J    ewel-tone velvet dining chairs have had a hold on the design world for a while now. The trend toward using velvet dining chairs in shades like mauve is driven by a desire for warmth, coziness, and a touch of glamor. These chairs pair well with a variety of dining tables, from traditional to modern, and work particularly well with brass or gold accents. They also bring sophistication, elegance, and depth to the overall design of the room.
    Get the look: Smarten up your dining room with a few mauve side chairs.

    2. Chinoiserie wall art
    Create an elegant focal point in your dining room by adding some Chinoiserie-style wall art. The trend toward using Chinoiserie wall art is driven by a desire to bring a touch of Eastern-inspired beauty and elegance to the home. These pieces pair well with a variety of decor styles, from classic to contemporary, and work particularly well with light-colored walls. The intricate and colorful designs are inspired by traditional Chinese motifs and provide a timeless and classic style.
    Get the look: Create a classic vibe in your space with framed prints.

    3. Grass-cloth wallpaper
    The dining room is a popular place for homeowners to experiment with wallpaper. And the grass-cloth wallpaper adds visual interest and sophistication to an otherwise dull space. Made from plants dried in the sun, grass-cloth wallpaper surrounds your room in warmth and texture. Its popularity is easy to trace since the biophilic design trend has been going strong for a few years with homeowners seeking out additional ways to bring the outside in. You can achieve the same look for less with a printed wallpaper in a grass-cloth pattern.
    Get the look: Embrace the great outdoors this spring with faux grass-cloth wallpaper.

    4. Large stone vase
    If your dining room is lacking a central statement piece, seek out a stone vase. An oversized textured stone vase works well to create balance with another textured object in the room like a light fixture, furniture, or big spring flowers. It’s a natural look that feels right in a room with other earthy materials like linen, rattan, or even a beige area rug.
    Get the look: Balance out your springtime bouquet with a handcrafted terra-cotta vase.

    5. Blown-glass pendants
    An elegant dining room doesn’t have to be stuffy! Get creative and add an artistic oomph above your dining table with blown-glass pendants. Blown-glass pendant lights are a functional way to bring an artistic element into your home. A homeowner with an eclectic style will be drawn to the opportunity to hang vivid colors and shapes over their dining room table.

    Get the look: Find the perfect expression of your artistic vision by shopping collections of blown-glass pendants on Etsy.

  • Home Projects You Can Tackle in a Weekend

    Looking for something to do this weekend? How about finally tackling one of those home projects you have been putting off? Using this time to cross some of those items off your list will make for a smooth transition into the summer months.  Take a look at some of the easy projects you will be sure to finish in a weekend!

    Start an Herb Garden
    As spring has officially sprung, many of us are looking to start our gardening activities. For those of you who love cooking at home and are avid herb enthusiasts, this is a great time to create your own herb garden and avoid those last-minute trips to the store! Many grocery stores and hardware stores sell herb seeds and small plants that can quickly blossom and thrive. Whether it be a good chunk of square footage in your yard, a nice section in your balcony, or even a collection of small pots on your windowsill, there are tons of ways to get fresh herbs growing in and around your home.

    Deep Clean Your Home
    It’s been ingrained in our minds how important it is these days to keep sanitizing and disinfecting our homes, but you should definitely take the time to move beyond that and dive in deeper. Get into all those spots you’ve frequently missed and scrub down your shower, tub, bathroom and kitchen sinks, drains, toilets, cabinets, and kitchen appliances. Toss those bath and kitchen mats into the washer, shiny up those wood floors, and top it all off with a nice vacuuming.

    Install New Kitchen or Bathroom Hardware
    Are you in need of a quick kitchen fix that will instantly modernize the entire space? Swapping out your old nickel hardware for some chic burnished brass ones is an easy DIY that will make your kitchen feel brand-new.  You can also easily swap out your old shower head for a larger one to create a spa-like experience the next time you shower!

    Clean out the Fridge
    Refrigerators are just one of those not-so-frequently cleaned areas in your home. Really cleaning the fridge is more than just wiping down the shelves. You’ll need to remove all the food. Be sure to pop it into a cooler to keep it chilled for a bit – especially the frozen foods. As you empty the fridge, check expiration dates and throw out any old condiments that you didn’t know were expired. Once your fridge is empty, wipe down every surface with a food-safe cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can make your own.  When your fridge is clean, return the foods to the fridge with the soonest expiration date in the front and the ones not likely to expire soon in the back.

    Paint Interior and Exterior Doors
    One of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh look is by making over the interior doors Update boring, plain doors by adding trim and fresh paint, or refinishing them a new color and style.  This season, painting your outside doors a fun and bright color like a robin’s egg blue or bright yellow is a great way to add color to your home!

    Whether you want to test your gardening skills by making an herb garden or want to put your organizing ability to good use, there are tons of projects around your home that you can get done in just a weekend!

  • 10 Home Renovation Trends That Could Hurt Future Sales

    Spring is the time for many major home remodeling projects. From installing new flooring to upgrading your porch or patio to any other number of home upgrades, warmer weather seems to signal the perfect timing for making renovations.

    We also know that spring is a prime time for selling a home. While many buyers love a few upgrades, it pays to choose carefully when it comes to your renovations. Why? The design choices you make might not align with every buyer’s taste, which could hurt your potential for selling in a competitive market.

    Here are 10 trendy renovation choices to avoid if you’re planning to sell your home in the future:

    1. Overdoing it in the kitchen. Yes, granite countertops are appealing to many buyers. However, high-end appliances might not increase your resale value as you would hope. Sure, they are great if you’re planning to use them for the long term, but they probably won’t give your home an edge over others on the market.

    2. Being overly bold with your paint choices. Who doesn’t want to follow current trends when it comes to paint colors? But if you’re going bold in a lot of parts in your home, you could be creating more work for yourself when it comes time to sell. Loud paint colors can be covered up, but it can be a time-consuming and costly process.

    3. Forgetting about your curb appeal. Don’t get so caught up in renovating the interior or exterior of your home that you forget about your lawn and landscaping. Remember, your curb appeal is one of the first things that buyers notice about your home. Give it proper attention when you’re making renovations too.

    4. Leaving out lighting. Like finely pruned landscaping, great lighting can be an awesome selling point in a home. So, if you’re doing a major design overhaul in any room, don’t forget about upgrading your lighting. Whether it is a new fixture or adding energy-saving bulbs, good lighting can increase your home’s appeal when it comes time to sell.

    5. Buying on impulse alone. Typically, there are many parts to a remodeling project. Think about a kitchen renovation. You might choose new flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, and hardware. Be sure to coordinate your choices so that you’re creating a fluid look throughout the project. Otherwise, your result could be disjointed and even unappealing to buyers.

    6. Only focusing on appearance. Together with coordinating design choices is making sure that your stylistic upgrades are supported by structural renovations too. It is one thing for your home renovation to look good, but if it negatively affects your home’s structure, it could cost you far more money – and a potential home sale – in the future.

    7. Skimping on good materials. During a home renovation, you want to get the most for your money. But that doesn’t mean you should buy cheap materials simply to achieve a certain look. While they might be appealing at first, lower quality materials probably won’t last, which could cost you more in the long run.

    8. Choosing the cheapest contractor. Like good materials, a good contractor can make your home renovation project last. When you’re ready to renovate, be sure to choose a reputable contractor. Otherwise, you could be paying for repairs – or a total redo – when it comes time to sell.

    9. Thinking you don’t need a permit. This is especially true if you’re completing your spring home renovation projects by yourself. Be sure to check local regulations before demo day. If you make renovations without a needed permit, you could be fined or even asked to tear down your work!

    10. Being the biggest home in the neighborhood. Finally, remember that while your renovations are meant to add beauty and value to your home, they do not need to make it the showiest home in your neighborhood. In fact, if your home is the biggest or most expensive in your neighborhood, you might not recoup your investments when you go to sell.

    The bottom line when it comes to your spring home renovations: be sensible if you’re planning to sell in the future.

  • Solar Panels: Is Your House a Candidate?

    If you’re thinking about going solar, you’re probably wondering: Is solar cost-effective? Is my roof suitable for solar panels? Will solar energy generate enough electricity to power my home? Who makes the best solar panels?  But first, it’s important to explore if solar panels for your home make sense. Here are some key questions to ask yourself if you are interested in buying or leasing a solar energy system to make sure your home is best suited for making power with solar panels.

    Do I Have the Right Roof? The proper installation of solar panels will depend on the type of roof you have. The ideal roof materials are composite, asphalt type shingles, tiles made of concrete or a metal roof. You can still have solar panels installed if you have other materials like tile, wood, or clay, as long as they’re sturdy. It is also important to consider the amount of sunlight you get per day.  South, east or west-facing roofs are the most desirable. The roof should also be free of any obstructions such as vents, antennas, chimneys, or even wooded areas in the parts where your panels are being installed.

    Will it Help Save Money? Having solar panels installed won’t necessarily mean you don’t have to pay an energy bill, but it will certainly lower your monthly costs. Typically, solar panels will decrease your energy bill, but you are also eligible for a tax deduction.  The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit, allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.

    How Many Panels Will I Need? The square feet of suitable roof space you need to install solar panels will vary by the size of the solar system you need. This, in turn, will vary with the amount of power you consume and the utility company. You can work out how many solar panels you need for your home using a solar panel calculator.

    What if my Roof isn’t right for Solar Panels? There are other solar options available if your roof isn’t ideal for installing a solar panel system, including:

    • Installing a ground-mounted solar panel system elsewhere on your property
    • Building a solar panel carport to simultaneously power your house and provide shade for your car
    • Invest in a share of a solar garden, which offers you the benefits of rooftop solar panels sourced from a large solar panel array in your community

    All of this could sum up to a great choice for the environment and an even better choice for your wallet!