Remodeling your Floors by Being Your Own Handyman: Sticky Tiles

Sticky Tiled Floor

Sticky tiles, or self-adhesive floor tiles, offer an economical alternative to other floor remodeling options.  One immediately obvious benefit is that you can do it yourself and be your own handyman.  Self-adhesive tiles usually come in a box of 20 and are significantly cheaper than other floor remodeling options such as ceramic tile or hardwood.  The sticky tiles are also slightly cheaper than sheet linoleum, but they are much easier to install for even the novice handyman.  No need for a contractor, means a less expensive remodeling project.

There are different qualities of sticky tile.  In a room that gets moderate use, the tiles will last from three to five years.  Manufacturers promise an optimistic 20 years.  The better the initial product the longer the life of the flooring.  Look for a thicker tile that is more pliable with a thick top sealant coat.  As with linoleum, any texture to the surface will tend to hold dirt.

To install sticky tiles like a handyman:

• Make sure the floor surface is clean, dry, and even.
• Measure to the center of  the room from each wall.  Make an L shaped square to line up your first tile.
• Lay out the tiles for a “dry-run”.
• Adjust the tiles so that you do not have just a sliver of a tile left at the doorways.
• Go back to the middle and begin peeling the backing and sticking the tiles down.
• Use a rolling pin and press hard to make sure that the tile is completely glued to the floor.
• Cut tiles as necessary with a standard utility knife or box cutter.
• Keep an eye on your lines to make sure they are straight.
• Wait one day before moving furniture onto the tile.

When cleaning your handyman installed flooring, be sure to not use too much water.  Too much water can get in between the tiles, loosen the adhesive, and ruin your remodeling project.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/younghouselove/3760323392/)

Kitchen Remodeling: Adding an Island

Kitchen remodeling by adding an island can be a valuable upgrade and allow you to enjoy your kitchen.  Remodeling can be as extensive as you have the time and budget for.  This kitchen remodel did not require additional electrical or plumbing work to be done, but added great usable space in the kitchen.

Simple Island

High-End Island

Sell Your Home Faster with these Small Remodeling Ideas

If you are remodeling to help sell your home, you need to pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms.  These are the most expensive remodeling projects, but if you plan to sell your home, they will be the most important to do right.

There are smaller remodeling projects that can improve your bathroom, add style and help you sell your home.  A few inexpensive improvements include changing the knobs or pulls on the vanity or installing a new and updated light fixture.  If your vanity is really outdated, painting it could be the remodeling trick that can bring it back to life.  All of these simple improvements can be done by yourself, further reducing your investment.

A good way to find new looks for an older bathroom is to attend a home improvement show, look in magazines, or tour model homes in your area.  If you’re only planning minor remodeling, don’t get worked up about the amazing spa tub in that model home.  Instead, use your time to look at the smaller items such as lights, pulls, and faucets.  All of these smaller things will also help you sell your home.

In remodeling in an effort to sell your home, it’s really important to pay attention to detail and to put your money into the rooms that matter to buyer most.  With a couple hundred dollars, you can’t add square footage to your master bedroom or add a bathroom, but you can update the look and feel of your house.

Sweaty Toilet in the Bathroom: a Plumber isn't Needed to Fix it!

Sweaty Toilet

A sweaty toilet is a common bathroom problem for many homeowners.  Fortunately, a plumber is not needed to remedy this bathroom problem.

Moisture on the outside of a toilet tank is formed by condensation from warm air that forms on the water-cooled tank. To correct this bathroom problem you will need to insulate the inside tank walls of your bathroom toilet.  Then follow these steps:

• Shut off the water supply,
• Drain and dry the inside of the tank, 
• Cut ½-inch-thick foam rubber to line the insides and bottom of the tank,
• Don’t let the foam interfere with moving parts or you will end up needing a plumber.
• Use silicone glue or rubber cement to hold the foam rubber in place.
• Do not refill the tank for 24 hours.

By following these simple steps, you should be able to cure the bathroom problem of having a sweaty toilet without the help of a plumber.

If in your area water is delivered at less than 50 degrees, you may have to install a tempering valve to mix hot water with the cold that flows into the tank.  Installation of a tempering valve may require that you hire a plumber, depending on your skill and confidence level.  Most people only find this problem to plague their bathroom in the winter months.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/68414952@N00/187813791/)

Remodeling by Adding and Staining a Deck

Beautiful Deck Addition

Adding a deck onto your house is an excellent remodeling idea.  It will add usable living space and value to your home.  There are endless deck designs ranging from square or rectangular with rails to octagonal and open.  Some people build in seating or hot tubs and decks can even surround trees which add shade and privacy to your new outdoor space.  Staining a deck protects it and adds beauty to the wood.

Choosing a decking material may be the least thought about aspect of deck remodeling, but you live with your choice for  a long time.  There are basically three types of materials for use as a deck that is not covered by a roof: 

• Synthetic composite materials,
• Natural wood, or
• Pressure treated wood.

Pressure treated wood is the least expensive choice.  Staining a deck made of this wood will require a lot of pigmentation to make it look good and frequent care and remodeling will require a lot of pigmentation to make it look good.  Natural wood for decks is usually redwood.  It will naturally resist rot and and insects, but it will still require sealing and staining.  A deck made of redwood can be lightly stained to reveal its natural beauty and remodeling chores will be less frequent than with pressure treated lumber.

Synthetic materials are a newer choice and require no staining.  A deck made of these materials will last a lifetime and beyond.  It will require virtually no maintenance or remodeling beyond washing.

(Photo Credit:  www.flickr.com/photos/fuzzygalore/769119277/)