Simple Painting Project

Ready to Paint!

Painting is absolutely the easiest and cheapest of any home improvement project.  You can update the interior design of a tired room or add curb appeal to your home’s exterior at a fraction of the cost of most home improvement projects.

Choosing the right colors for you, your room and your furniture is the most difficult aspect of interior design.  The color choices today are endless, but thankfully experimenting with color is relatively easy with paint.  If you want to try something different, just buy a half-gallon and see how it looks.  Express yourself in your interior design.

After your color decisions are made, it’s time to get down to work.  The most important, and least appealing, part of painting is the prep-work.  These steps are time-consuming, but will pay off in the end:

• Remove switch and outlet covers.
• Spackle nail holes.
• Tape off windows and other areas difficult to paint around.
• Cover furniture.

Another time-saving up front step you can take is to make sure you have all the proper home improvement and painting tools at hand:

• Brushes (at least one smaller one with an angle tip for cutting in molding)
• Rollers
• Roller pans
• Edgers
• Rags for spills and drips

Edgers are great time-savers for painting up against ceilings or up to door trim.  As long as the wall texture is not too thick, an edger will help you make a clean line transition, a hallmark of excellent interior design.

Remember, paint top to bottom.  Paint the ceiling first, then all of the trim, finally the walls.  After all of the preparation is done and the right tools are available, the actual painting goes very quickly and the look of your room transforms in front of your eyes.  A simple coat of paint, done well, could be just the right home improvement project for your house.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/booleansplit/3366476478/)

Small Bathroom Remodeling, Pedestal Sink

Stylish Pedestal Sink

It’s time to think about opening up some room in that bathroom by doing some small bathroom remodeling.  But will a pedestal sink really meet your needs?  Pedestal sinks are very stylish and can be an integral part of small bathroom remodeling, by making the room appear larger.  The downside of a pedestal sink is that you will need to figure out where you are going to put items that are currently stored in your vanity.

Some pedestal sinks only have a sink top, while others do have a small shelf of space for a bar of soap or possibly a toothbrush canister.  What they don’t provide is a cabinet in your bathroom to store toilet paper, towels, wash cloths, brushes, combs, etc.  So, if you are considering installing a pedestal sink, you need to add storage as part of your small bathroom remodeling project.  Look around your bathroom or the adjacent hallway to find storage options.  You may be able to create storage in your bathroom with baskets or overhead cabinets, depending on the layout of your small bathroom.  Remodeling these spaces is always a challenge for the imagination.

The other things to think about when making a decision to install a pedestal sink, are what the wall finish behind your current vanity looks like and will you be able to blend it into the rest of the wall.  Also, you may need a plumber in order to move the drain and supply lines to fit within the pedestal part of your new sink.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/26106530@N06/2498726503/)

Hiring a Handyman: The Remodeling Contract

Now that you’ve gone through the process to find a good, reputable handyman, it’s time to consider a written remodeling contract.  Sometimes it seems that a remodeling contract may be overkill for your situation.  It’s not.  A remodeling contract will prevent misunderstandings during the job and will help you enforce your verbal agreements.  The complexity and amount of detail in the remodeling contract will depend on your comfort level with the handyman, and the complexity and dollar value of the job.

A remodeling contract should, at the minimum, contain:

• What is expected of each party
• Who is responsible for acquiring any necessary permits
• A statement affirming that appropriate insurances and licenses are held by the handyman
• Price and payment schedule
• Detailed list of materials (if the handyman is supplying them)
• Timetable for completion

Some experts say that you should never give a handyman a down-payment, however it may be acceptable if the handyman is purchasing the materials.  A handyman is different from a contractor and may not have all the credit accounts needed for your job.  Another alternative would be to set up an account at a lumberyard against which the handyman can charge.  If you do this, be sure to carefully monitor receipts.

Many nightmare remodeling stories can be averted by having a good understanding with your handyman and then entering into a written remodeling contract.  It makes sense for you and is also good business for any handyman.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/30157413@N08/3567036023/

A Contract Will Help Make Sure this gets Finished

Hiring a Handyman: The Search

You’ve decided your remodeling project is more than you can handle alone and you want to hire a handyman.  This decision will lead you to many questions about who to hire and why.  In a later post, I will talk about the need for the remodeling contract itself.  Before you get to the remodeling contract phase, you need to decide who to hire.

You can find handyman through web searches, recommendations from friends, newspaper ads, or fliers at home improvement stores.  There are some specific things that you need to know about your handyman:

1. If there are employees involved, does the handyman carry worker’s compensation insurance?
2. Does the handyman carry sufficient liability insurance?
3. Is the handyman licensed according to the requirements of your area?

If the handyman has employees and does not carry worker’s compensation insurance (calls the employees independent contractors), any on-the-job injury claims could be filed against you and your homeowner’s insurance.  Liability insurance protects you from negligence on the part of the handyman, and allows you to collect damages.  Knowing that the handyman is running a legitimate business will help keep you out of court if things go wrong.

Proof of all of these should be provided to you with no hassle.  If there are excuses and delays, that might be a red-flag that this particular handyman may not be operating a legitimate business.  Recommendations from friends are a great place to start, as they obviously had a good experience, but be sure to check out the legitimacy of the business before making a deal.  It could save you many head-aches in the future.

Now that you’ve found someone with good recommendations and a solid business, it’s time to put things in writing and enter into a remodeling contract.  Check out tips on this in my next blog entry.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/yes2art/2515713408/)

After Remodeling Your Home, Cleaning the Sheetrock Dust

Sheetrock Dust gets Everywhere

During and after remodeling projects that involve installing or disturbing sheetrock, dust becomes a major problem.  One of the most effective ways of dealing with sheetrock dust cleanup is, of course, to prevent the mess.

As much as possible, control the spread of sheetrock dust by covering flooring, tile, and window treatments.  Try to contain the dust to the remodeling area by hanging plastic sheeting and removing shoes before walking in the “clean area” of your home.  Cleaning during and after remodeling projects is always difficult, but sheetrock dust is especially hard to clean up.

Sheetrock dust is so fine that it can by-pass filters and ruin both vacuum cleaners by getting into the motor.  The best home cleaning tip for getting rid of sheetrock dust is to use wet cleaning methods.  Because of the fineness of the particles, sweeping and dusting move the dust around rather than pick it up.

While remodeling with sheetrock, experts recommend that your forced air furnace or air conditioning be run at a minimum.  The dust particles not only get spread throughout the entire house, making home cleaning more difficult, but they also can get into the fan motors and cause mechanical problems.  It is also important to change the furnace filter after your remodeling project is complete as this will help with your home cleaning.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/22590743@N05/2200514671)

Remodeling Your Electrical Outlets During Home Remodeling

It’s really frustrating to dream up a new furniture arrangement and realize that there are no power outlets where you need them.  That is why you should think of possible future uses of a room and install plenty of outlets when you are remodeling.  In fact, if your home remodeling project includes exposing the studs, you may want to think about running phone, cable, power, and internet wires throughout your home.

Wireless phones are commonplace, but during remodeling the location of the base may need to be reconsidered.  Wireless internet is also more common, but experts agree that activities such as online banking are more secure using a wired connection in your home.  Remodeling gives you a chance to think about more than paint colors, but also about how the house could better serve your needs.

While remodeling, running cable lines and power lines to the same box is just the right thing to do.  Where ever you need cable, you also need power.  Think about all of the potential furniture arrangements for your room and run cable and power to each spot that a television might be located.  Be sure to label the cable runs back at the source so you can easily tell which one(s) to activate.

Most states allow homeowners to do their own electrical work when remodeling.  Check with your local building inspectors to find out if this applies to in your area.  Usually electrical codes are made at the state level.  Remember, electricity wired wrong can damage electronics and cause fires, so if you are unsure of your abilities, this is one home remodeling project that you should leave up to a professional.

(Photo Credit:  http://flickr.com/photos/woods-kimber/109163276/)

Replacing Your Furnace

Home improvement and remodeling projects can save you some green.  Remodeling by replacing an old furnace is one such example.  There are government tax incentives available for installing an energy efficient furnace that meets certain standards.  Green remodeling pays off now with these incentives.  Your state or local utility may also offer incentives for green remodeling projects.

Efficiency ratings need to be considered for remodeling that includes appliance, furnace, or boiler replacement.  For example, a 90 percent efficiency rating means that 90 percent of the fuel converts to heat.  Most 20 year old furnaces are operating at roughly 60 percent efficiency.

Another important consideration, regardless of the type of heating, is that the heat source be adequately sized for the space you are heating.  If you have done some remodeling and added on to your house or have finished your basement, your heated space has increased.  Your furnace or boiler size should be increased, as well.

Due to electricity prices, electric heat is the least desirable form.  But the fuel source for your heat varies in different parts of the country.  Gas, electric, heating oil, wood, and pellets are all common heating fuel sources.  Installing a fireplace to supplement your current system may not be efficient, but it will add value to your home.

Also, remember to regularly maintain your heating system, and have it checked by a heating professional at least once a year.  Regular maintenance will improve the efficiency of your system and prolong its life.

Add a Bathroom Vent Fan during Bathroom Remodeling

Venting your Fan through Insulation and the Roof

Bathroom vent fans can be decorative and should always be functional.  They are certainly necessary to install during any bathroom remodeling project.  Whether you are embarking on an entire bathroom remodeling project, or just looking to spruce up your current bathroom, consider whether your vent fan is adequate for the job.

Bathroom vent fans are categorized by the square footage of your bathroom.  Be sure to choose a vent fan appropriate for your bathroom size, or even a little larger.  Vent fans can be noisy, but peace and quiet can be had at a price.  A quieter fan can be found, but it will cost extra.  The vent fan usually contains a light fixture which can be turned on separately from the fan.

The purpose of a good vent fan is first and foremost to prevent mold in your bathroom.  Remodeling may reveal mold.  If mold is found, follow the proper steps to remove the mold and installing a properly sized vent fan is one step toward preventing mold.  Proper installation of the vent fan means that it vents outside, not just into your attic or wall space.

Installation of a bathroom vent fan requires a knowledge of electrical wiring, the ability to route the vent through an existing vent or the roof, and the ability to repair any plaster or drywall that is disturbed.  Whether you have to hire someone to do the job, or do it yourself, installing a bathroom vent fan should be on your bathroom remodeling list.

Bathroom Remodeling, Start in the Shower

Shower Idea!

Remodeling your bathroom can easily include shower remodeling.  New surrounds and tile are obvious places to start your shower remodeling, but don’t forget the showerhead.  Showerheads don’t have to be merely functional.  They can also be attractive and add to the comfort of your bathroom and the value of your home.  This is one simple and inexpensive improvement that makes sense.

There are a variety of showerheads to choose from which can compliment the style of any bathroom and shower remodeling project.  Most new showerheads require minimal plumbing work, however in order to install some of the high-end fixtures, pipes may need to be extended or moved and a professional plumber may be required.

One popular new showerhead model is often either placed higher on the wall than a standard showerhead, or is mounted on the ceiling.  This showerhead is large and gives a soothing rain-like effect.  Another high-end showerhead includes multiple jets of water placed at different heights to surround your body in water.  Nearly all new showerheads include low-flow technology to conserve water.  Of course, for shower remodeling, you want to choose fixtures with the same finish as the rest of your bathroom fixtures.

Whichever new showerhead is chosen for your bathroom and shower remodeling project, be sure to choose high quality fixtures that you can enjoy for years to come.

Vinyl Replacement Windows

Replacement Window Installation

Replacement windows will save you money on heating and cooling, and are an economical remodeling choice.  There are several reasons to replace your home’s windows.  Older homes may have inefficient windows that provide little insulation.  Some double paned windows may have cracked seals and have “fogged up”.  Hinges or slides may no longer work.  Also, avoiding the yearly painting of window trim may also be a reason to consider replacement windows, especially vinyl windows.

Vinyl replacement windows are sold at most home improvement stores.  They come in standard sizes, but odd sizes can be special ordered.  Be sure to measure your current window as instructed by the replacement window manufacturer.  Windows are generally sized by the “rough opening”, not by the size of the window frame.  If the correct size is ordered, they are easy to install.

1. Remove the old trim (carefully if you are planning to reuse it).
2. Remove the old window.
3. Place the replacement window in the rough opening and nail it to the house using the vinyl phlange.
4. Insulate around the replacement window.
5. Re-install the trim.

Homes with stucco exteriors or plaster interior walls present the biggest challenge in home remodeling.  If the old window is not a standard size, then additional trim-work must be done to cover the old non-standard size hole.  You could also choose a larger replacement window and remove extra plaster and stucco.  Enjoy your new energy efficient and easy to maintain replacement windows.

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/janorbur/4118114307/)