Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Let Your Kitchen Shine With Fabulous Kitchen Tiles

By Ricky Manty

Cooking something in a well designed kitchen gives a unique experience to the women. A neat and clean environment compels them to prepare more nutritional food for their family. That's the reason that a large number of women today are tending towards the decoration of their counter tops, back splashes, floors and walls of the kitchen with beautiful kitchen tiles.

Today market is flooded with a wide variety of kitchen tiles that can also be purchased through the Internet. These tiles come for renovating various places of the kitchen whether it is wall, floor, counter top or back splash. Ceramic, glass, porcelain, quartz, limestone, granite and marble are the materials in which these tiles are available. One can buy them according to one's taste for designs, shapes and colour.

A wide collection of designed tiles is available in the market today providing a variety of tiles which has the ability to make one's kitchen modular and stylish. One can also find there printed or glass tiles that can easily add a unique elegance to one's kitchen. The choice will be depend on how one would want one's kitchen to look like.

Gone are the days when one had to go to one's nearest tiles outlet to purchase tiles. But now, one can buy the desired tiles by just a click away from one's mouse and the selected kitchen tile would be delivered at one's doorsteps.

Resistant to stain, kitchen tiles are long lasting and also give an exceptional and amazing look to one's kitchen. The maintenance of these tiles is very easy and trouble-free, hence do not lose their charm easily and maintain it for a long time. These tiles have the ability to make the kitchen surroundings more pleasant providing them a unique and eye-appealing appearance.

Kitchen tiles come in various shapes, textures and colours that make them look worthy enough to leave one awed. Advice is quite a useful thing and, therefore following certain instructions like the usage of bigger tiles to cover the surface, using of hand sprayed tiles that are interminable at rates and looks apart from being stylish, prove to be quite economical.

Kitchen tiles come at a little bit expensive prices when compared to other tiles but they make one's kitchen look unique and graceful.

About the Author
Ricky Manty is the owner of a major tile installation company in UK. He has made significant contribution in pro-viding tile installation and maintenance tips for the buyers of Kitchen tiles, natural stone and granite tiles. Read his expert articles to get easy and afford-able solutions for your tiling projects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Manty

For help with your kitchen DIY project contact Ken at
http://knkhomeimprovements.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Creating a Outdoors Cold Weather Retreat

By Maria Polidoro

As the weather cools, many families are forced indoors during chilly evenings, which is a shame because fall is a beautiful season that should be enjoyed. There are a few fairly fast and easy ways to make your outdoor area more hospitable in the cooler months. All you need to do is organize the yard so that wind and moisture are minimized, and extra warmth is provided. Here are a few tips to make the most of your yard during the cooler seasons and well into spring.


-- Create a shelter belt. If your outdoor space or patio is highly exposed, determine where most of your frosty winds are blowing from and build a barrier in that vicinity. The most effective barrier is a fence, but if this is a view you do not want to obstruct, small hedges, open-weave fences, and tough trees can help reduce the wind's severity without blocking the landscape. This barrier will not only make outdoor activities more comfortable, but it can also reduce home heating costs.

-- Install a heating device. Patio heaters, chimineas, fire pits, or fireplaces are all excellent options for adding a bit of heat to the vicinity. If you have a large area, you may want to use more than one. While they take a little more effort to install, a fire pit or place is a fantastic edition that creates ambiance and allows your family to enjoy activities like roasting marshmallows or just gathering around the fire, which are fun activities year round.

-- Get the right gear. The right patio furniture will make being outside a pleasure. Look for cushions and pillows that are plush. Have several "outdoor blankets" handy (i.e. blankets clearly designated as appropriate for outdoors use.) Store these inside and wash them once a week or as appropriate for your family's use.

-- Consider awnings or canopies. If your outdoor space is exposed, you may want to consider adding a "roof" over the gathering area. This can help minimize moisture. This certainly isn't necessary for all yards, but can increase the social areas usability in some climate zones. A retractable canopy will allow you to keep the area dry and also view the stars on clear nights.

-- Now that you have the space, use it! Plan activities, invite over friends, and keep extra marshmallows or hot beverages handy for spontaneous evenings. A nice outdoor gathering area will give your family a delightful place to socialize without the distractions of TV or modern life.

Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading dealer and service center for electrical power tools. Headquartered in Wantagh, New York, Ace Tool offers over 70 major brands of hand and power tools and is also home to a full service center.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Polidoro

For help with your DIY Home Improvement project check out knkhomeimprovements.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Updating Your Kitchen on a Tight Budget

By Aja Klenna

Full blown kitchen remodels can cost thousands of dollars, and you may feel you are going to be stuck with an ugly kitchen for years. But simple changes can make a powerful impact and go a long way towards bringing new life to a run-down look, while remaining budget friendly.

Renovate Outdated Surfaces
Due to the upgrades the design world has made to paint and painting effects, it is now possible to use faux-painting techniques to clean up and mirror higher end counter top surfaces. Your local home decor or arts and crafts store has books and videos and even live classes on different painting techniques that will create the layered look you need, so take advantage of this expertise and get a whole new look.

Out With the Old, In with the New: Window Treatments
If you have become numb to the out of date, tea pot print fabric you have adorning your kitchen window, wake up and take them down so you can replace them with a new window treatment that is more in tune with your new style. A general rule is to keep it simple. Let in as much sunlight as possible by using light airy fabric, and stay away from heavy material or conflicting color schemes.

Reinvent the Walls with Color
One of the fastest ways to achieve a new look is to paint the surface of the walls and or the back-splash. This applies to using the same color you already have, or trading up to a new shade you may have never tried before. Choose a color pallet that is in keeping with the counters and cabinets you will ultimately end up with, and experiment with different techniques till you achieve a look that makes you happy.

Change out the Kitchen Jewelry (Knobs, Fixtures, and Hinges)
This very easy, cost effective way to update the kitchen is still the most overlooked, underused technique around. Take all knobs and hinges on the cabinets and change them out in keeping with your new style choice, as well updating the faucet, plug, and light switches.

Dress It Up (A Look at Accessories)
What you choose to display on your counter-tops can go a long way towards enhancing a worn out, tired look. Place colorful, pleasing accessories such green plants or jars filled with items that are kitchen specific (sugar, pasta, cookies) to spruce up the surface area. Home decor stores have come out with beautiful kitchenware lines that offer painted cutting boards that might add a nice accent while still remaining functional. Display what resonates with you.

Flooring
If you can not afford to replace your existing flooring, give it a good cleaning and dress it up with the use of a new kitchen area rug to pull in additional colors and themes. Make sure that it can be laundered if necessary, and enjoy the extra cushion while cooking.

Resurface the Kitchen Cabinets
In much the same way that paint can fix any of the design problems you may be facing if you do not have a lot of money to put into decorating your kitchen, it can also be turned towards the kitchen cabinets. Just be sure to take the cabinet doors off the hinges before you start, create a system for marking which cabinets go back up and where, and prep by cleaning and sanding. Preferably you want to stay away from an ordinary paint brush and sick with the roller or spray gun to obtain a high end effect.

Shelving Presentation
Instead of focusing on painting and maintaining all of your cabinets, choose a well placed area to remove one of the cabinet doors all together in order to act as an open exhibit. You may use dramatic paint color in this area to draw the eye in, or you can paper the area instead to accomplish the same purpose. Display plates and cups or well chosen keepsakes that match your individual style.

Aja Klenna is a prominent online author and the senior staff writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com - a distinctive wall art store specializing in contemporary wall art and wall art metal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aja_Klenna

For help with any do-it-yourself home improvement project check us out at:
knkhomeimprovements.com

Friday, September 25, 2009

Winter-Proofing Your Home

By Mike Ciucci

With the weather in many parts of the country cooling down and sliding us into fall, it's getting to be time to think about ways to prepare your home for upcoming winter weather. While it is far too early in most places to be worried about the winter weather, it's not too early to get a head start on being prepared.

Probably the biggest job-with the potential to take the longest time-in preparing for winter is household repairs. You need to ensure that your roof has no leaks, your siding is firmly attached to the house, and that the gutters are properly attached and functioning properly. Take some time to check the weather stripping around any windows and outside doors and replace it if it doesn't seal well, keeping cold air and driving rain outside where it belongs. If needed in your area, install storm windows for the wet season; it's also a good idea to seal the concrete in your basement with a sealer to help keep moisture out. Any repair jobs that require you to hire construction or repair workers to accomplish will be done faster and possibly cheaper when done well before it is an urgent matter.

The next biggest step in your project will be any upgrades that will help you survive the winter with more comfort. One of the biggest ways you can do that is by adding an extra layer of insulation to your attic or crawl space. Unless your house is quite new, it may well have sub-ideal levels of insulation keeping the cold out and expensive heat in. If your hot water tank is older, you will want to add an insulating wrap to it as well, though don't bother if when you touch the tank it feels room temperature. New hot water tanks have a lot of insulation in them and a wrap will not add any benefit.

Next comes household maintenance, starting with your furnace. Have your furnace cleaned and inspected for ideal heating power. Likewise, your chimney should be cleaned and inspected to ward against chimney fires. Drain outdoor taps to prevent freezing and insulate any pipes that could freeze when the chilly weather hits. Clean your gutters so that any heavy rainfall or melting snow can be removed efficiently.

In your yard trim back branches and foliage from your house; this will keep them from falling on your roof in a storm or due to the heavy weight of snow. This also protects the plants and trees from breaking if you have a heavy snowfall.

Make sure that well in advance of the cold weather that you purchase as much salt and de-icer that you think that you will need for the winter as well as snow shovels. As soon as the snowy weather threatens, you can be sure that everyone will be running to the store to buy these items which makes them very hard to find then. Don't leave anything until the last minute and you will enjoy the winter much more!

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for yourMount Pleasant real estate purchase. Find the ideal Charleston S.C. home at BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Ciucci

For help with DIY Home repairs before those cold months ahead, check out
knkhomeimprovements.com.
You can get a bit of free advice.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

The Classic Renovations Mistakes That DIY Enthusiasts Make

By Gemma Clarke

It is possible when to save money whilst tackling a large improvement project. One good way to save money is to avoid costly mistakes and to do as much of the work as possible by yourself however this can be a very daunting thing to consider.

A lot of people have a hard time deciding whether to a job on their own or whether to hire in a professional to do it. The amount of work that you are actually able to do will depend on the amount of experience you have and also what skills you have. It is worth remember that a lot of projects that look very easy actually turn out to be very awkward and time consuming. It is very important to weigh up the various pros and cons when you are trying to decide whether or not to hire a professional.

It is very important to remember that home renovations can lead to a lot more expense that you previously calculated there for it a very good idea to underestimate the budget. It is a very good idea to set aside some funds just in case anything should lead to more expense than was originally calculated for it.

It is very important to conduct a reasonable amount of research prior to starting the renovation project. This way you get to know the layout of the house such, as where the electrical wiring is located.
When you are thinking about renovating a house it is very important to shop around prior to starting in order to see how much things are. This way you can work out a realistic budget. Some things are commonly overlooked by the DIY enthusiast, the favourites being skip hire and a contingency budget. When deciding on a budget it is also very important to take into consideration the amount of money that you can realistically spend on the renovation project, as there is no point spending more than you are able to afford.

When you are planning a renovation project it is essential to know if any permits are required for the work that you plan to undertake. The permit requirements will depend on the type of work that you wish to undertake and you may even need a permit for things like skip hire or material removal. It is important to check the situations with regards to permits as this can help you to avoid a costly mistake.

It is very important not to sacrificing the quality of the work. A lot of the home improvement project requires the quality of the work to be of the utmost importance. In order to have a high quality of work it is very important to use the best quality of materials and also a high level of workmanship.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gemma_Clarke

We suggest any DIY project requires research and an expert on your side.
knkhomeimprovements.com We give advice from an expert in the field of contruction and home repair.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Subfloor Damage From Poor Bathtub Installation - Read Bath Tub Fixture Manuals

By Greg Vandenberge

You should never under estimate the amount of damage that water can do to your wood subfloor. Especially if this wood is underneath your bathtub. If the bathtub is not installed properly, you could find yourself replacing the wood underneath, within a short period of time. This repair is not uncommon and as more homeowners and handyman seemed to be doing projects like these, without the proper experience, it's becoming even more common.

I wish I had a solution to the problem, however, I don't. The best advice I could give anyone who is going to be involved in any home remodeling project, would be to get some books on what ever task you are about to undertake and read all of the information that you possibly can about the products you are going to be installing. This is extremely helpful for anyone who has never installed a bathtub or any bathtub fixtures.

If the product fails and was installed properly, the manufacturer should be responsible for the water damage. I have been reading the manufacturer's installation manuals for quite some time now and every once in a while, I find something that is of great value to me and I get to pass it on to my readers. That's what I'm doing right now.

Whether you want to remodel your bathroom to save money or you want to accomplish a task that you haven't done yet. I would recommend, taking the time to understand, exactly how the water flows off of and on to another section of the bath tub or shower on its way to the drain. Understanding the basics of bathroom remodeling can save you big money in the future.

Save yourself some money and make sure that you install your bathtubs properly. Taking a little time before you start to read the bath tub fixture manuals, can save you some money and grief in the future.

Find More Facts On Home Water Damage.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Check out These Amazing Home Damage Videos.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

knkhomeimprovements.com is a website that specializes in helping do-it-yourselfers with home improvement projects. We're here to help.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Let's get that DIY home improvement done.

Now is a good time to start (or finish) that project that's been sitting and looking at you, begging to be completed.

What is it you are doing(or want to do?)

Do you feel unable to get started or have you reached a roadblock and can't finish?
Some times it is hard when you're close to a project to see what actually needs to be done.
Some times you feel overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be done.
Some times it's hard to get a starting point or have a good direction to get the job done.

It seems a good idea to have an expert on your side.
One you can talk to with a problem.
One you can ask an opinion of.
One you can be assured will give you an honest and specific answer to what you need.

Whatever the DIY home improvement project, a kitchen remodel, the bathroom, the roof, the basement, an addition or your own specific project, our expert can help.
For over thirty years he has been in construction and home repair.
He's built houses, business buildings, done concrete work, roofs, kitchen remodeling and more....

He's also done small repairs like ceiling fans, stool repairs, door locks, painting and driveways resurfacing, to name a few.

So it' time now for you to get up and get your DIY home improvement and repairs done.

We'll give you a bit of free advice to get you started.

Then check out our service to keep you going and get that job DONE.

knkhomemprovements.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

DIY Concrete Resurfacing and Concrete Finishing Tools

By Dave Ray

Are you thinking about adding on a new patio to your home for those back-yard barbeques? How about running a sidewalk or path around the side of your home? Having the proper concrete finishing tools for the job should certainly be considered before you begin. Weather you are a concrete newbie or a seasoned handy-man here are the hard facts about DIY concrete resurfacing projects.

Probably the biggest factor in deciding if you should do-it-yourself or outsource to a professional crew is the size of the job. A new driveway for example would be quite a task for even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfer! Especially if you must first tear out the old driveway and if there is rebar (steel) in the old driveway the difficulty level and expense just got much higher. The reason you should outsource this type of job is because the concrete should all be poured at once if not separated by expansion joint material. Also, it will take the efforts of a full crew and many concrete hand tools as well as other equipment to remove the old materials and get the new concrete in place before it sets up. As they say on the job-site "wet concrete doesn't wait on anyone! "

On the other hand, smaller concrete projects and DIY concrete resurfacing can be accomplished with just a little planning and effort. Also you don't have to break the bank with a complete set of tools. A float and a trowel are a couple of specialty tools you need for the finishing. Concrete projects like patios and sidewalks need to be properly finished. For example, just before the concrete dries a light sweeping with a broom to give some anti slipping texture should be done. Another option would be DIY concrete resurfacing kit for the trendy new decorative concrete styles. Keep in mind that for larger patio projects many concrete finishing tools are available for rental.
So when planning a DIY concrete resurfacing project or adding a new patio and sidewalk addition around the house here are the basic concrete finishing tools needed for the job and there uses:


The Jointer or Groover: The purpose of this tool is to control the location of the cracks that "will" occur in the concrete.
The Edger: The edger produces a radius along the "edge" of the concrete so it is safer and more resistant to chipping.
The Float: Floating should be done after edging and jointing to work the concrete into place and push the rough aggregate into the mix to leave a smoother finish.
The Trowel: The trowel should be the last concrete hand tool to be used besides brooming. Most concrete will require more than one troweling. Also the angle of the trowel should be higher each time you go over the surface to produce a hard finish.
The Broom: This can be difficult. Broom too soon and it will leave an unsightly finish and you have to trowel again. Broom too late and you cannot get the anti-slip finish desired.

Now the list of concrete finishing tools above is just going to give you a basic understanding of the DIY concrete resurfacing and finishing. Please do as much research as possible before you order or mix the concrete because there is a lot more to this task yet to learn and this stuff sets up really quick on a hot day. Although, on cooler days you have much more time to work your material as long as the temperature doesn't drop below freezing. There are a lot of good information sources available such as books online to learn more before you start.

Also keep in mind that DIY concrete resurfacing and decorative concrete applications are quite a different process so research these as well before you begin.

So before you begin to tackle a concrete project yourself be sure to do your homework and properly assess the tools and labor required. That is probably the most important aspect of any job. Research!

DIY Concrete Resurfacing Secrets and other information to assist in your research on decorative concrete overlays and other concrete finishing tool techniques in much more details.

I am Dave Ray, a concrete contractor that have used the information above in my own concrete finishing jobs. I also have a Website that I'm working on that goes into more detail of some of the concrete finishing tools and their uses. The site is online but still being re-designed and constantly updated but available now at http//:myconcretetools.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Ray

knkhomeimprovements helps with free advice for any DIY home improvement project. Our expert has been in the profession for over 30 years and has completed many concrete projects. Contact us at knkhomeimprovements.com

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Need help with your roof?

If you want to look up, but you're afraid of what that roof looks like. It is showing signs of deterioration. Your home needs help. You're unsure what to do next. Just a little help from someone whose been there would be the answer. Some free advice. It is here. Contact us at our website. Our expert has done many roofs and has the advice you want. We're here to help. knkhomeimprovements.com

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Making the Most Out of Kitchen Home Improvement

By Alexander Fishback

So, you've just bought your first home. Congratulations! You got a great deal (it is a buyers' market after all) and it's well located. There's just one little problem...the kitchen. We've all heard of somebody, maybe a relative or friend, who has undergone the long and arduous process of remodeling their home. Sometimes these are horror stories, full of delays, ridiculous labor and material costs, and of course disagreements within the household regarding what floors or cabinets to install. Then there are other, perhaps more promising tales involving good and honest contractors, amazing outlet prices for the fixtures and speedy installation time - possibly a week - which gives you hope. There are a couple concerns that should be addressed before starting the process of spending both your time and money on remodeling this most vital part of your home.

You should ask yourself:
How extensive should the kitchen renovation be?

This is perhaps the most pressing question to ask and answer before you start demolishing that old leaky sink with a sledgehammer. You should consider several factors here: what is my budget, do I want to keep any of the old appliances, and will this include painting/fixtures/moldings as well? The reason that you want to decide all these things - even what may appear to be minor details - beforehand is so that the process may run more smoothly. If you can decide on a budget you can then move on to deciding what myriad items to include or exclude in the renovation. The budget will dictate whether you can splurge on a new flat-top stove or if you will have to make do with the one currently at your disposal.

You don't want to be halfway through the process only to realize that you only have a hundred dollars left and you've already donated the fridge to that cousin who lives upstate. Deciding what exactly the re-modeling will consist of will spare you the confusion and delays that may plague the attempts of others. Don't install all your appliances and then have the inspired idea to paint the entire kitchen a lovely shade of mauve. A clear and specific list of items, timed appropriately, can make your project downright simple. How will it match with the rest of the home?

The concern presented appears almost laughably trivial at first, but it is in fact one that should be given appropriate consideration. Depending on the age and style of your new home, you may have to reconsider the stainless steel cocoon you envisioned to invade your otherwise staid and homely residence. This is not to say that the kitchen can't stand out and be the focal point of your home, only that the transition should not be too radical.

The color scheme for example can be preserved; the colors can be maintained neutral, pastel, hot or cold, or however else the case may dictate. The building/fixture material, such as wood, glass or metal, can be used consistently as well, matching what is found around the rest of the home.

Sears Home Improvement specialists can provide useful advice. Trained professionals offer they offer Home Pro Improvement Consultation for a reasonable price.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Fishback

KNKHOMEIMPROVEMENTS.COM will help you with the renovation of your kitchen.
Contact us now for more information and a bit of free advice. Thank you.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Painting - One of the Easiest Ways to Update a Home

By Eugene R. Makeev

Painting, in the interior or exterior, is undoubtedly one of the easiest as well as cheapest ways to update your New York home. It serves as an ideal task to undertake whether you are sprucing your home up for a sale or just wants to add a splash of cool change and heighten the quality of everyday living for the family. Though easy, it does not come risk-free. To avoid the pitfalls, this article lays out things you need to know about home painting ideal whether you are in Manhattan, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn or Staten Island.

A quick project with a great impact, home painting is among the most popular improvements that many homeowners do themselves. But unfortunately, not all end up with results to envy. Some might need to do a back job immediately or issues might arise some days or weeks after the project has been finished. Then they wonder, "How did that guy on the Internet make it look so easy?" The answer: he is an expert on what he is doing and he has been doing this for a living.

Looks can truly be deceiving, and this cliché goes well with home improvements. Painting is not merely applying paint to the walls. The job involves thorough preparation of the walls and putting the color on is just a small part of the project. And if you decide to be more stylish, various techniques and methods will be used. When deliberating on going DIY versus hiring a qualified painter, never underestimate what the project requires. Do you have the knowledge, right skills and experience to do the job right the first time?

As was said, painting is the one of the cheapest home improvements there is. Would stretching that budget a bit to accommodate labor costs really hurt? Think about the money you'd have to spend on quality rollers, brushes and other supplies. Add the time and effort you would have to allot to research, buy supplies, try to learn things, finish the project up and clean all the mess. These and a lot more are the real costs of the project. Now, would you rather get a high quality job done in the most timely and efficient manner courtesy of a hired painter, or would you rather pinch those dollars and do all the work all the while praying that the results would be satisfactory?

To get the most value for your hard-earned money, you also have to do your part and go through the contractor selection carefully. Hire a painter with the right set of qualifications to do the home painting for you. Check for membership standing and any unresolved issues reflected at your local Better Business Bureau. Know how long the painter has been in the business and take the time to visit references to see how well the painted walls stood the test of time and how satisfied the homeowners were. Choose a painter with a good reputation to back up the quality of painting work he delivers and the proper professional ethics that he adheres to.

Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid contractors NYC pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened painting contractors New York.

Avail of our free painting project estimate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugene_R._Makeev

For free home improvement advice visit us at http://knkhomeimprovements.com/services

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

HELP with your DO-IT-YOURSELF home improvements

Yes, this is where you will get some free advice.
it is specific to what your need is and it is personal,
not a computer generated answer.
If you have hit a roadblock.
If the instructions are unclear.
If you just need to talk to someone about it.
If whatever, we are here to help.
Contact us for that free bit of advice and then let's get it done.
knkhomeimprovements.com

Help for your DIY home improvement projects!!!!

Don't look any further for HELP, we'll be here for you.
If there's a roadblock.
If it's hard to get started.
If you want to scream because it's hard to complete.
If you don't understand the instructions.
Or whatever stops you from your do-it-yourself project.
Let's get it done NOW!
We look forwarding to working with you.
First check out our free bit of advice.
Then see what we can do for you.
knkhomeimprovements.com

Monday, August 3, 2009

Signs of the Water Damaged Ceiling and It's Still Leaking

By Greg Vandenberge

I would like most homeowners and contractors to keep something in mind here, your ceiling is usually located directly underneath your roof and if you have any water damage on your ceiling, it's probably going to be a direct result of a roof leak.

This isn't going to be the case all the time, if you have any plumbing, heating or air-conditioning systems directly above your ceiling, this could also be the problem, but your roof is usually going to be the culprit.

You will be looking for any discoloration in your ceiling. This could be small spots or large spots but one thing is for sure it will usually be a different color than your original ceiling. Normally, these spots will be orange or light brown and easy to spot.

They will be even easier to spot if water is leaking from.

What if your water damaged ceiling looks like it's about ready to fall down and is still leaking water from it. I would advise you to find something to catch the water in, first and if possible, try to cover the floor with a thick plastic to prevent the floor from further damage. Then I would try to locate, what is causing the water damage in the first place.

Here's a simple home repair tip, if water is still leaking through your damaged ceiling. You can always poke a hole in the ceiling with a sharp object, usually the ceiling will be so soft at this time, you can simply use a pen or pencil to poke a hole into it.

This will help the water drain into one area normally. If you have water leaking in a few spots this could be a big help, especially if you only have one pocket or pan.

Anything that you can protect, while the water is leaking through the ceiling is going to save you money down the road. Move all of your furniture and any other item that you have away from this water leak. Try to save as much as you can and if you can't do anything about the flooring or the carpeting, make sure that you try it out as soon as possible after the water stops leaking.

Wet carpet will often mildew and spread a horrible smell throughout your house. Wood flooring however will warp and buckle, needing to be repaired by a professional after it is damaged and water.

Great Pictures On Ceiling Water Damage

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your having problems with water leaks, click here Roofing Repair Ideas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_Vandenberge

See Ken for some free advice on roofing and water leaks or another diy home improvementsknkhomeimprovements.com
And thanks for viewing us.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Suitable Home Make-Up Plan

By Lee Laz

Home make-up plans will vary from one person to the other as people have different tastes and preferences. Since you cannot have the same plan for your home as that of someone else, it is important to just have a suitable plan fitting your home design and your budget. A home make-up plan will involve a lot of things and for each of the rooms; the plan will depend on the requirements as well as the occupant.

When getting a new home, you can get professional home improvement companies to design a suitable home make-up plan for you. The plan will always consider the space available, the money you have, and your preferred style of home accessories among other important factors. You can always have simple make-up plans for all the areas in the home including the kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom and others.

Your home make-up will always portray your taste and this will show whether you are stylish or not. Sometimes the make-up plan may involve rebuilding some parts of the house which may incur some costs. This may be aimed at increasing space to fit in the furniture you want or giving the place a new shape and design. You will need to get in touch with suitable professionals including painters, plumbers and others to do the job for you.

To make a suitable plan, it is important to think of the overall theme you want for the whole home. Then you can now design for each room, choosing accessories that are appropriate to the particular place at the same time conforming to the theme you had chosen. Each part of the home requires it its own make-up plan and the cost of each will be different because of varied requirements.

The people you live with will also determine the kind of home make-up plan you design since they will have to be comfortable with it. Getting ideas from them will help you know their tastes and preference and this way, you come up with something suitable for everyone. You have to make the place appropriate for your young children since they will need a place that is both safe to live and play.

The way you use the home will determine the plan you make since if you stay in the home during holidays only, then you shouldn't include a lot of details. You can just include the basic items you will need when you are there. A home make-up plan generally includes the interior and exterior décor hence you need to think of the outside too. Remember to make plans for the decorative pieces for each part of the home too and get rid of anything making the home dull.

A home make-up may take a long time, from the time you start designing it to the time you finish work on the home but as long as you do it right, you will have something impressive to show for all the time and effort.

Lee Lazarus is an experienced online journalist. He has written this article on behalf of LocalQuoter, a home improvement quote comparison site. Compare quotes on UPVc Windows, Double glazing, and driveways.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Laz

We will help you with the concerns you have with building plans. Contact us for some free advice. http://knkhomeimprovements.com

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Free advice Given Here !!!!!!!

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Design Your Kitchen As Per Your Requirements

By Andrew Stratton



Today, we spend more and more time away from our house. Phones and Internet keep us connected and mobile in ways no one ever could have imagined. Our homes are safe places, to relax and reflect on our lives, a place to spend time with loved ones.

But, where is the heart of the home? There exists within the home a living, breathing room, where people live, and work, and congregate. The kitchen is very important. It only makes sense to spend a little extra time and money on that room. However, there is no reason you need to break the bank when considering a new design.

When thinking about how you will designing it, there are two important factors to consider. The first thing to think about is function. It is the room that probably gets the most actual usage. Also it has a number of different appliances, each with a number of different powers and plumbing needs.

The appliances must be situated in such a way as to allow the most access without interfering with the other appliances. Everything must be accessible, yet still unobtrusive. It must also be designed in a way that can grow and change as your family and needs.

The second feature to consider in your kitchen design is style. What does the style of the kitchen say about you, and your home? Are you trying to create a modern, sophisticated look, or would you rather have a warm, classic feel to your kitchen? Aside from considering how it looks, you must consider how the looks are in relation to the rest of the house. Each room of the house must create a unified theme, reflecting your personality and needs.

Once you have deeply looked at both aspects of the design, it is time to look at your options. For those looking to do a total overhaul, new appliances might be called for. These appliances can create a new look, while offering more powerful and cost conscious alternatives to the appliances already in your kitchen. One might also consider new cabinetry and flooring, to create new and better storage options while completely overhauling the look of the room and home.

For those of us on a budget, there are less obtrusive, expensive ways to change the design. Simple refurnishing of the cabinet doors and hardware may create a whole new looks for pennies on the dollar compared to more invasive redesigns.

The amount of time and thought you put into designing it today may make for a greatly increased home value down the road. In order to get the most change for your money, consult with a trained design expert. They may be able to mold your ideas into a solid and cost effective plan that fits your needs for today and tomorrow.

Planning to remodel your kitchen? For kitchen design, Venice based vendor has immense variety to offer which will give it a brand new look and make it appealing enough for you to work. To know more, visit http://www.eurotechcabinetry.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

For more information on your do-it-yourself home improvement project check us out at http://knkhomeimprovements.com
Thank you.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Handyman Special - Replacing a Door

By Adam Peters


If you have to replace a door, you may have one of two different jobs before you: replacing the door, or replacing the door and the frame. Replacing a door is really easy, and even replacing the frame is doable if you follow instructions.

To replace a door, open it wide enough to show the hinges. Make sure you have enough room to work in. Put a wedge under the door to take pressure off the hinges. If you put a wedge on each side, you won't have to worry about the door falling in either direction after you take it off the hinges. Most doors are attached to the door frame with a two part hinge-the part on the door, and the part on the frame.

With a hammer and a screwdriver, tap the screwdriver onto the pin on the bottom of the lower hinge to push it up.Work it about three quarters of the way only. Do the same to the top pin.

The pins may stick if they haven't been used, or if they are rusty or have been painted. If this is the case, you may have to remove the rust or paint before you can move the pin. Most of the time, tapping persistently will work it free. Be careful not to scrape the frame of the door with the screwdriver.

You will probably need some help in order to make sure the door doesn't fall. While someone holds the door, work the bottom pin the rest of the way out.

Watch your fingers between the door and the frame or you'll get pinched! Now remove the top pin.

Ideally, the door is still balanced on the hinges even though the pins have been removed. You just have to grab the door on its inner edge and pull it away from the hinges.

Unless the old door has warped out of shape, use it to get the correct size for the new door. Door are often sold in standard sizes and you will have to trim the bottom to size, and if you have measured the old door, you can have this trimming done at the store or lumber center where you bought the door.

You may have to replace the hinges. Unscrew them from the frame side and from the door side. If you want to use the old hinges, you may still want to take them off to clean them and oil them with sewing machine oil or some other light grease. The problem with this method is that the oil attracts dust and will cause more squeaking. Instead, use a powder that locksmiths use: it is a very fine carbon or silicone powder that is normally used for inside lock tumblers, but will also keep your hinges moving smoothly. You should also dust the hinge cracks with this carbon or silicon powder for more ease of opening.

Make sure the screw holes on the door frame can take the hinges you are putting back on. You may have to fill them with wood putty before you can screw the hinges on. You have to let the putty dry before you can continue the project.

Now screw the hinges back onto the door frame. Attach your new door to the hinges and set the door onto the hinges by working the top pin in about halfway, then the bottom pin in halfway.

Now, tap them in the rest of hate way, and you have a new door installed.

Adam Peters is the author of more resources published online. Read at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/blog/73/about-doors/ more articles about wood glass doors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Peters

For more handyman jobs check us out. We offer a bit of free advice for that do-it-yourself project.http://knkhomeimprovements.com

Thursday, July 16, 2009

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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Have you got a PROBLEM ?????

Well we’ve got the answer. And it’s free. Yes, a little bit of free advice.
No strings attached. All you have to do is ask.
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*Or just how do I get started to fix up my basement, kitchen, bathroom or whatever

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Thank you and we look forward to answering your do-it-yourself home improvement question.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Why is Moisture - Mold in My Basement?

By Jess Alvarez


Do you have water damaged stored items, a musty smell, or a growing stain-like
spot(s)
in your home? These are indicators of moisture intrusion.

The #1 destructive issue to a home and its' contents is moisture intrusion. Excessive moisture in a home creates an atmosphere that promotes wood rot, deterioration of building materials and MOLD (mould) growth! A few facts about mold. Mold spores (seeds) are all around us. In order for a mold seed to grow, it needs the proper environment, such as food, proper temperature, & moisture. Food for some types of mold is cellulose (wood) materials. Most homes are built with wood materials. Temperature ideal for growth of some molds coincide with our comfortable temperature range. The only thing to eliminate or control is MOISTURE, the third element for mold growth. Most mold spores are beneficial to us. We eat them (cheese), breathe them, drink them. Some kinds of mold spores are allergens for some environmentally sensitive people. For people sensitive to molds, it is essential to have a dry home. A home is our refuge, keeping it dry eliminates many, & various issues . Mold is not the problem, moisture intrusion is the problem.

It rains. The ground becomes saturated with rainwater. Your home, with a basement was not intended to be a boat. OK, maybe a leaky one . . . This also applies to crawlspaces! Unless there is flowing spring under your home, there are some simple solutions that may help eliminate moisture problem(s).
The grade or slope of the area near the foundation is critical. A positive slope, by design, will shed rainwater, lawn sprinkler water, or water used for washing your car, away from the foundation. Most soils next to the foundation are settled, covered with mulch or rocks and plants for landscaping. This condition results in a negative slope or grade funneling rainwater toward the foundation which finds its way into your home. I've not yet seen a concrete wall or floor that does not have cracks. This provides a path for moisture intrusion. Solution? Provide a path for water to drain away from the foundation. If required, build up the soil near the foundation to divert moisture away. Typically, a 6 inch of drop at 10 feet from the foundation is recommended. What if the land around the home is flat? A "swale" may be option. A "swale" is a slight depression in the area around the structure, sloped away to provide a drainage system for water. In this situation, a landscape contractor is the best option since specialized tools will be needed to attain the proper drainage slope.

The second most critical item? A properly functioning gutter & downspout system with a minimum 6 foot downspout extension to move rainwater away from the foundation. Properly functioning? Correct slope of the gutters to allow proper drainage. And yes, that also means keeping the gutters clean! When the system does not operate or not properly designed, rainwater from the entire roof can dump near the foundation. Again, this promotes moisture intrusion. In my opinion, keeping moisture/water in its proper place is by far the most important home maintenance consideration.

Homes are complicated. Homes have hundreds of components. When working properly together, they provide a safe, comfortable space to live. Hundreds of home components will wear over time. This is why regular, scheduled maintenance is so important. Just like changing the oil in your cars' engine, this action prolongs the life of the engine, so does proper maintenance of a home. If you do not know, do not want to know, or do not want to do maintenance, have someone do it. Ask for references & hire a qualified handyman. This will save you money, time, & the aggravation of something breaking down at the most inconvenient time.

You do not have to be selling or buying a property for a home inspection. Performed by an experienced, trained, professional home inspector, a home safety/maintenance inspection will provide you with information of the true condition of your home. Of the deficiencies identified, safety items should take priority. Major defects, then small deficiencies that can become major defects, such as a small leak in a drain, are next. With a written home safety/maintenance inspection in hand, it's your call, what gets immediate attention, and what can wait a few weeks. Prioritize your safety deficiencies and maintenance tasks to be completed. Providing a safe, dry, healthy home for you and your family is fundamental.

Jess Alvarez is the owner of "A Plus Home & Building Inspections, Inc."
815-941-2345. An advocate for all clients delivering the best inspection service, period. Provides you peace of mind when buying your home!

Experienced in the building sciences; building, remodeling, inspecting. I invite you to visit the website http://www.aphbi.com for additional information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jess_Alvarez


http://knkhomeimprovements.com
--is the place for help with your do-it-yourself home improvements. Contact us for a bit of free information. at knkhomeimprovements.com/services

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Discover How to Fix Holes in Drywall - Woodworking and DIY

By Ryan Henderson

It doesn't seem to matter how careful we are accidents happen to our walls. Perhaps they were just freshly painted and we end up scuffing them. Worse than this, we end up putting a hole in them. May be from something as simple as moving a piece of furniture that just wouldn't quit fit where you wanted it to go. No need to call a contractor though you can fix it yourself as good as new.

Start by cutting the hole. No this isn't a typing error, you must even off the edges. You need to feel around the inside of the hole to ensure that the plaster is still in tact. If its not then you must cut the hole big enough to get rid of all that cracked stuff. Otherwise, the repair will be weak because the thickness will be uneven. Now once you have done this you should have a fairly clean hole to start working on.

Now you will need to make use of some backer boards. This can just be some lightweight scrap wood lying around and you just screw into the drywall.

Now you need a piece of scrap drywall as well. Don't go and buy a full sheet just for this little repair. Check out at your local hardware store they most likely will have some scraps they will give you. Once again, attach this with drywall screws into the backer board.

Using some self-adhesive fiberglass tape apply it over the area of the patch. Now you are ready to apply the plaster, which is called mud by the way. You don't need a large container of it either. An average size hole can be easily patched with a small container of it. You will need a 6-inch drywall knife to apply the mud properly. Don't put it on too thick. That's the layman's way and you will be sorry because you will have a lot of extra work ahead of you if your. Apply the coat as evenly as possible and extend a little bit beyond the perimeters of the repairs.

Now you can do one of two things. Take a break and let it dry, which will be about eight hours or get the job done and dry it quickly. A hair dryer works perfect for this.

Now comes a little bit of elbow work because you have to sand it. Use a sanding block for this to get an even sand. Now if your first coat was thin you may get away with just doing one more coat and repeat the same procedure. Finally wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth and you are ready to paint it. If you don't have, any of the wall paint on hand then take a sample from the damaged wall piece to the hardware store and they should be able to match it. If you can still see the lines where you applied the mud then you will need to apply more mud and re-sand. Then it should be as good as new.

I hope you've enjoyed this article and learnt something from it.

What to do next:

Visit http://www.MyShedPlans.com download over 12,000 shed plans, woodworking patterns, wood projects.

MyShedPlans makes it easy for you to start building sheds or any woodworking project with step by step guides and blueprints

P.S: Visit MyShedPlans.com now and download a free shed plan. (only for the next 72 hours!)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Henderson

For help and advice with any do-it-yourself homeimprovement job contact us at http://knkhomeimprovements.com Check out our free advice on the services page.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

SIGNUP UP HERE FOR GREAT ADVICE!!!!

Home improvement projects are hard to get started.
The costs can be overwhelming.
Doing it yourself can save money, but what if you have a problem??
What if you made an error in judgment of the item.
How do you repair something that went wrong?
Calling in the professionals does cost a major amount of money.
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How do you value the time to fix a problem or take off a job for the professionals to fix it?
Why not start (or at least start now) with a professional that has been in the business of home repair and renovation for years (too many to count.)
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Thank you, and we look forward to working with you.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

: “Help Me!” you say. We say, “Don’t worry. We’re here.”

Yes, you can get help here for that do-it-yourself project.
If you’re stumped or confused.
If it’s something you’ve never done and want a little advice.
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It’s very easy. Just type in the question.
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Monday, July 6, 2009

Home Renovation Ideas - Enhancements For Your Home

By Thomas B. Chuong

Owning your own home has tremendous benefits to it but it also comes with a great deal of responsibilities. You have to stay on top of the upkeep of the home and garden and look after any major repairs. You should do renovation as required if you want to keep the value of your home comparable to your neighborhood.

Over and above your home, you are going to have your property as well and in most cases, this means some type of gardening and lawn maintenance. During your winter months you have, your outdoor work cut out for you as well. This is even more so if you live in a winter climate where there is snow.

How much renovation and repairs are necessary will depend on the condition the home and garden was in when you bought it and how much you have been able to maintain it. There are some things that are a necessity that has to be handled right away such as the furnace needs and replacing windows if they need replacing. Once the windows deteriorate, you lose a lot of your heat.

Then wiring is extremely important as well as in older homes the wiring may not be up to standards. The same thing is going to apply with the plumbing as well. These are all areas that can cause a great deal of damage and they are safety issues as well.

When it comes to your outdoor work you can be a bit more flexible as to how much more time you want to put into this area. Most likely if you have some property you are going to want to put in a garden but if time is limited then you can put in a simple wildflower garden and it will pretty well look after itself.

You must remember that everything that you do to your home and garden is increasing your equity. When it comes time to resell your home the best shape it can be in means the more money it is going to bring you. This applies to your outside anesthetics as well. You can have a great home on the inside but if the outside is not in good condition, it is going to take away from anything that the inside has to offer.

Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of home decor as opposed to doing major renovation. In many cases, a good paint job will do wonders to brighten up a room and then a little bit of innovative decorating and you really are going to have quite a pleasant area of your home that has done. If you can do this with every room in your home then its going to look like it's been properly maintained and will certainly show better when and if you decide to sell.

Thomas B. Chuong is currently writing about topics related to home improvement & decor, personal fitness, and home & garden. Find out more by visiting these sites Bar Stool, and Bunk Bed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_B._Chuong

Contact http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com for help with your do-it-yourself home repair and renovation. We are here to help you.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Buy Tools

By Wesley C Clarke

If you work in a trade or even for domestic DIY use, you are likely going to need to buy tools; there are so many companies that offer tool to buy that it can be slightly overwhelming to find the right one. If you are looking for a shop I recommend just staying local as there really won't be too much difference in stores, if you are looking online I would however recommend looking around as prices and products can vary greatly between online shops and because most companies deliver world wide you have a wide range of options.

Due to the magnitude of available tools I am going to list some of the most common and regularly used by tradesmen and DIY users:


Drills - Power, Cordless and Bench are the most common ones purchased you also have a range of drill bits available: HSS, Masonry, Diamond Core and Wood.
Fixing Tools - Glue Guns, Staple Nailers / Tackers
General Tools - Angle Grinders, Bench Grinders, Multitools and Cordless Screwdrivers.
Saws - Band / Fret, Circular, Jigsaw, Mitre, table, specialist and cutting discs.
Wood Working - Biscuit Jointers, Power Planers, Routers, Sanders, Sanding Sheets and Woodturning.
Workshop Tools - Air Compressors, Spray Guns, Air Brushes, Dust Extractors and Transformers.
Miscellaneous - Water Pumps, Extension Reels / Sockets and Submersible Pumps.

As you can imagine there are a lot more different tools available and a lot of different stores that offer them, if you are looking to Buy Tools and have a specific one in mind, there are a lot of companies that specialise in certain tools, they may have more variations of the one you are looking for.

If you are in need of this service check out our product pages, they contain many companies that specialise in this. Wesley Clarke writes about Buy Tools. Visit the Businessmagnet product page for details and suppliers of Buy Tools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wesley_C_Clarke

Contact us at http://knkhomeimprovements.com/toolville for the basic tools we feel you need to start out with.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Home Improvement advice is HERE

Questions are all over the place.
My house needs help! How do I fix it? What do I need to fix it?
The directions on this kit are confusing. Do you feel overwhelmed?
Take a look at some new information. This is the answer to your problems.
Click here for help. http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com

Monday, June 29, 2009

Kitchens Beware! Watch out you’re about to feel like Cinderella.

A kitchen is the center of most households.
An uncomfortable kitchen can make a family miserable.
Cooking, eating, playing and homework or business work takes place in that kitchen.
Adults many times reminisce about the times in the kitchen.
Smelling the baking.
Playing games at the table.
Babies playing in the cookware.
Doing dishes together.
Want some information on making your kitchen just as wonderful as your Mom’s.
Check out the info at: http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com

Friday, June 26, 2009

What Needs to Happen in Your Head to Keep Momentum on Your Projects?

By Dr Debi Warner

Recognizing your scattered efforts will help you to make more of your opportunities for building within a busy schedule. Most folks do not realize that the Mental Game is just as important as swinging a hammer to get a project done. Let's look at what you will need in your mind to succeed.

It can be hard to live in a house while you renovate, but often that is the story for careful spending. So, some things will need to be faced - the clean up at the end of work time so that life can go on. Routine maintenance tasks will creep in. Materials need to be handy but not hamper daily life. And your time will be split in two. This affects the whole Home Team and so should be subject of some pow-wow time to determine together what the important priorities are.

Talking with your Home Team on a quiet evening can help you all face your expectations about routines, cosmetic accommodations, and even gain a little more help in handling these tasks. Surely something may need to give, if you are to get your project done within the building season. Perhaps your teen children or grandchildren might mow. Maybe a neighbor could help. Or you might let the grass go, knowing that recovery will be an extra effort when you do address it again. You will need your Team's input on how your decide to handle these, as their pride may be offended if suddenly they feel your house is a neighborhood eyesore. They may be determined to pitch in more to prevent that.

The Mental Game is also important in your own planning. Building is not just swinging hammers and cutting boards. There is much planning that happens before the first cut. Your mind builds the house many times through before you grab the tools and get into a sweat. That mental time is serious building time that is worth counting toward your project. It is also good to do your thinking on evenings when you might need to sit and relax after exertion of the workday.

The Mental Game is not day dreaming, but careful walk-throughs on your project in your mind that let you lay plans, list materials, and sequence your steps for successful work days ahead. The Mental Game also has rules; it really is not day dreaming in this sense, because you carefully follow a set of reviews in order for your plans to make sense.

1. Visualize the completed structure in your mind. Walk around in it and see how it fits with the rest of the house, the yard, the view. Imagine living in it and how the flow of family traffic will go. Consider storage and future uses, when the kids leave home.

2. Now, as if watching a movie in your head, visualize the construction, starting with the digging, leveling and pouring, and all the steps along the way, even up to the roofing. You can make notes; many folks blaze this in their minds. Many To-Do lists fall out of this step and are very valuable in the overall project.

3. Sit with your Home Team and review your vision and the steps that will build the project. Their input is so important to the success of the project, that skipping it has been the demise of many promising additions. Count their input as positive points in your Mental Game.

4. Go back to your To-Do lists. You will see that some can be done out of sequence, but just need to be done during a certain phase of building. If you have an organizer on your team, roll them in now, as they will be a super help. Mark your lists for their sequence position. Now go back and see which of them can be done in any weather, and which need special conditions or long preparation time. From this, you will have a set of tasks for rainy days, and preparations you can make ahead in any weather, for special steps in your project.

5. During the week, plan certain evenings for the Mental Game and perhaps a few times for some active hands-on. Both parts of the project are important and will advance you ahead. Be sure to give yourself credit for the Mental Game activities because if you don't, you will discount it as not getting anything done, whereby demoralizing your motivation, and then shun it, when it is exactly how to move forward successfully.

6. To stay on track, ask the organizer on your team to get involved in the up coming plans for the next week. Ask for reminders, lists, weather reports, and even signage to help everyone focus on the chosen tasks that fit into your sequence.

Finally, be sure to plan rewards that will acknowledge everyone's contributions of effort, patience, organization and labor in to the project; their contributions are indeed true home improvement.
Happy Home Team from Dr. Debi

Dr Debi Warner is a Clinical Psychologist with a lifetime of home renovating in her toolbelt. Dr Warner invented Renovation Psychology® to help people gain skills and improve domestic harmony while involved in building projects. With three decades of family practice, Dr Debi saw many situations gone awry, so she focused her expertise on developing the skills and teamwork that will help people fully enjoy their home projects, for true home improvement. See how to gain harmony on your home team while doing home projects at http://www.RenovationPsychology.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Debi_Warner


For more information and/or help with your do-it-yourself home improvements contact us at: http://knkhomeimprovements.com
Thank you.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Do-It-Yourself Home Repairs - Four Important Reasons to Do it Yourself!

By Benjamin Afolabi


As a home owner, there will come a time when you will feel that your house needs some tender loving care. Maybe it's the garage door hanging off its hinges, or it's the living room window that was broken by your nine year old tarzan or it's the shower that has stopped working for some mysterious reason. At this point in time, you have an important choice to make. The two choices open to you is either to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself or call in a contractor to fix the problem for you.

Although there is nothing wrong with asking for another person's help to carry out your home repairs, especially if you feel you don't have the necessary DIY skills, there are some really good reasons why you should consider doing the job yourself if this is possible.

The first reason is an opportunity to actually fix your home the way you really want it. All of us have an idea how we want our house to look and feel. Even if the job is given to a contractor, most people will still find themselves following the hired worker around the house in order to make sure they are not messing their home up. Opting to do the home repairs yourself will remove this problem by giving you the opportunity or power to make the final repair work look exactly the way you want.

The second reason has to do with the huge savings you will make carrying out the repairs yourself. The cost of labour takes up most of the home remodeling expenses and by doing your home improvement yourself, you won't have the need of paying any huge labour cost. In this economic climate, that alone is a huge incentive to consider handling your house repair yourself.

The third reason is that you can actually be more creative with your material selection than any third party would probably be. Some unscrupulous contractors can actually cause more damage on the long run to your home by buying sub-standard materials to use in the repairs. If you were to select the building materials you will use, you would probably put more thought into this selection and choose what is best, in the long term, for you and your home.

The fourth and final reason why you should do the work yourself comes from the sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from the realization that you have done a really good repair work on your home single-handed! When the job is finally completed and you stand back and look with pride at your handy work, there is usually a glow of pride welling up within you when you see how well everything has turned out in the end. The proud feeling of a job well done is something no amount of money can buy and it still remain one of the stongest reasons for tackling your home repair work yourself.

For more DIY home remodeling and repairs advice, and more comprehensive home improvement guides, visit http://www.homediyrepair.com and download my free report: Creative Home Lighting.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Afolabi

Contact us at: http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com We'll help you with your do-it-yourself jobs.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Hammers and Tape Measures Alert

You always need these basic tools.
A Stanley 25 foot tape measure.
A Plumb hammer.
A place to put them--a Grizzly workbench.
Drill Doctor drill bits.
Stanley levels.
Contact us for more.
http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com/toolville.html
We offer what you need to do-it-yourself.
Thank you.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

A Breakthrough Idea for Do-It-Yourselfers’

The hardest part of renovation seems to be getting started for many people.
When you have never tackled a project, the planning is difficult.
Then staying on track and finishing.
You need a helper, a guide, a coach, an expect in the field.
Someone who has been there.
Someone who has already made the mistakes so you won’t have to.
That is what our purpose is.
Check us out if you are unsure of your project,
if you’re new to home improvement,
if you are stuck and need help,
or if you’d like another opinion on you’re job.
To get more information on this new service:
click here: http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com/services.html
And now let's get that job done. We look forward to working with you.
Thanks for checking us out.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Creating a Green Home - 7 Tips For Making Your Home Greener

By Debbie Davis

Creating a home that is environmentally friendly not only helps you, but helps the environment both now and in the future. "Green" has become the buzz word for making decisions in your home that make it a healthier place to be. Here are 5 ways to get the most for the money you will spend when creating a green home.

1. Using double or triple pane windows, and thermal doors with tight seals mean you keep out the heat and the cold more efficiently which means you use less energy to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.

2. Look for appliances that are energy star rated. The Energy Star is awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and holds manufacturers and their products to a high standard in terms of its consumption of energy. And although these products sometimes cost more up front, they make up for the initial expense with lower power usage.

3. There are many innovative and creative products on the market now which give home owners the option to use earth friendly materials such as floors and furniture that are made from recycled products. Using old flooring, furniture, and architectural pieces that have been salvaged from older homes is also an excellent way to reuse and recycle. These seemingly small touches, when used by enough conservation- minded people, make a big difference to the environment and make an elegant addition to any home.

4. The use of organic fabrics, carpets, and other products mean fewer chemicals to off gas into your air. This means you and your family breathe less chemicals, and healthier air quality which means a healthier lifestyle.

5. Look for alternate sources of energy such as solar panels. Harnessing the sun's energy for heating and cooling is a clean source of fuel and uses less of the earth's resources. Low energy light bulbs, and dimmer switches are additional ways that you can choose to use only the power you need when you need it.

6. Consider using a programmable thermostat for heating and cooling that allows you to use less energy when you are away during the day. These timers will also allow you to set timers to keep the temperature slightly cooler at night during the winter months, and slightly warmer during the day if you work outside your home. This may seem like a lot of trouble, but the saving in costs and the environment add up to a considerable amount over time.

7. Regardless of how green your home is, there are certain indoor air pollutants such as household dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and pet dander that are impossible to keep out. And once they are inside, a green home, because it is so well insulated, unless you do something, getting the pollutants out is all but impossible. Using a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air purifier that has earned the Energy Star Seal will take your indoor air to the next level of healthy.

An excellent HEPA air purifier that has earned the Energy Star Seal is offered by PurerAir.com-- the ECO10 Air Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/blueair_eco10.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Davis

For information on do-it-yourself projects and to keep your home a "green" castle:
http://knkhomeimprovements.com

Monday, June 8, 2009

HOME::Home-Improvement/Remodeling

By Mel Inglima


Some homes are just not worth the trouble. They're old, cut up, and often structurally unsound. Any attempt to modernize would just be a waste of money. On the other hand, a well-built home in a good neighborhood that suffers from poor interior design could be ripe for a major interior make-over.
How do you know? You need some professional help. Structure Soundness and the Built-in Limitations Builders will tell you that pretty much anything can be done, if you want to pay for it! Builders talk about bearing walls and other structural components. Sometimes engineers will have to get involved and certainly experienced builders will have to solve those structural issues when want a major change.
Older homes have more limitations than newer ones. In the past 20 years or so it has become more common to put the structural features on exterior walls leaving interior walls for partitions rather than bearing walls. Yet, even with many current designs, this cannot be accomplished.
Two story homes, stairwells, and other features require support from the roof to the foundation and interior bearing walls often provide the cheapest solutions.
Single Story Homes and Trussed Rafters Provide Flexibility The best candidates for knocking down interior walls and creating bigger rooms and better flow are one story homes. In recent years, roof rafters were likely made as trusses. These are structurally engineered to span from one outer wall to the other (or a limited number of interior walls) to allow interior walls to be non-load bearing. Even the interior walls that are load-bearing, can sometimes be removed without too much expense if the load can be easily transferred to nearby structural components. In these cases, a lot can be done to change the interior of the home for relatively low cost.
Permits, Professionals, and Procedures Never guess. Always get professional help when removing or moving walls. These kinds of remodels usually require permits as well. But whether or not you get permits, you simply must know what you're dealing with. Licensed builders, structural engineers, architects and interior designers are your best bets. The first step is often to hire an interior designer. Many are experienced with structural issues and can point out potential problem areas. They will help you devise a plan and steer you to the other professionals you need. They could even act as your remodeling coach. A great way to get started.
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com. You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.

Check out http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com for more information on do-it-yourself projects and help to get it done.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

NOW ! Do It Yourself, But With Our Help.

Guides, Projects, Tools-- What else do you need??
A kind listening shoulder. Some sound knowledgeable advice.
Maybe some hands-on help. Let us be that for you. It's here.
For more information, click here: http://knkhomeimprovements.com
And thanks for thinking of us.
Home improvement made easier.

Friday, June 5, 2009

The truth is YOU can do it yourself

What do we mean by YOU. We mean all of you that think you don’t have the knowledge, the tools, the guiding help, the instructions, the courage to tackle that home improvement needed to make your home into your castle. Can we lend a hand to get it done? Do we have the right guide for you? We have information to get you started. We have information to finish the job. Tell us what you want. We offer honest answers and the encouragement to do it yourself. For more information: http://.knkhomeimprovements.com Thanks for viewing us.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Home Improvement & Remodels - Discover the Ten Top Home Remodeling Ideas Today

By Mel Inglima

You know you want to do something to your home, but what? What makes sense in today's economy? What would have the biggest benefit and perhaps create the most extra value?

In good economies or poor, the types of home improvements people make change very little. What does change is whether or not they move ahead and how many of the projects they decide to do.

What is a Home Improvement?

I focus on remodels or home improvements in this article rather than a home addition. While all home additions are home improvements, not all home improvements are home additions. That's an important distinction.

With a home improvement or remodel, we're typically not talking about adding square footage, foundation, or roofline to the home. You would be working within the confines of the existing exterior walls and under the same roof. I discuss home additions in other articles.

The Most Popular Home Remodeling Projects

To help you decide, here is a list of the ten most widely popular home improvements today. Ultimately, you will decide based upon your specific needs. Use this list for ideas and inspiration. Please note that they are in no specific order. You should base your decisions on your own personal desires and needs.

1) To modernize your home for your enjoyment or resale: Homes become out of date in a few years. Carpeting, wallpaper, countertops, fixtures, appliances, cabinets, lighting, and other finishing materials can become old and outdated.

2) To improve the looks and functionality of the kitchen: This very popular remodel is a very practical one. Kitchens are central to the home and it's more about creating conveniences than adding luxury.

3) To revitalize a tired old bathroom: Often bathrooms are too small for the latest styles of tubs and showers. Bathrooms (as well as kitchens) tend to provide the biggest bang for your buck when trying to build equity in your home.

4) To improve the feel and flow of the home: Many older and smaller homes are too cut up and crowded. Eliminating rooms and hallways and conjoining popular living areas can really add to the livability of a home.

5) Convert a home for handicap accessibility: More people are doing this as the population ages. Making homes accessible to the handicap will make the home more marketable and potentially worth more.

6) Energy efficiency, insulation, and greening up the home: Lowering your recurring energy bill expenses add to your comfort, peace of mind, and your homes value.

7) Adding curb appeal with an exterior make-over: This can be a more expensive project but by changing the siding, window framings, roofline, and landscaping, you can make a dramatic and profitable upgrade to the look of your home.

8) Restoring historical homes to their original look: There are times when government grants can help with this project. This project can be very rewarding and offer a uniqueness that you may not otherwise be able to achieve.

9) Remodeling and finishing off the basement: Often this is a pretty cost effective way to add square footage to your home. It doesn't require more foundation or roofline. It's a very popular remodel in certain areas and markets.

10) To improve the quality and luxury of the home: This is similar to the first item concerning modernizing the home. The difference here is that with this reason for remodeling, you're looking more for specific design and taste to move into something spectacular rather than away from something unsatisfactory.

Get Professional Help & Don't Overdo It

Remember, it's all your goals. Why do *you* want to remodel? What's in if for you? Any of these ideas could be reason enough move forward in today's economy. Home building and remodeling coaches and other professionals can help you with the costs of your project. Know why you want to complete the project and stick with your plan. Don't be frivolous in a tougher economy.

The most beneficial advice I can give is to keep informed, improve your knowledge, seek out good professionals and ask a ton of questions.

You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* eCourse that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Inglima

Contact http://knkhomeimprovements.com

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Kitchen Makeover - Do I Need a Modern Kitchen Design?

By Felicity Lightbody

Redesigning one of the places in your house can be very taxing and although the kitchen is one of the most frequently done, it can still be puzzling to know where to begin at the start. With many out there and traditional styles to select with plenty of good choices, often a modern kitchen is selected as it is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing, 2 items which are hard to ignore.

A modern design is mostly thought of as a simple, uncluttered and clean look with the use of simple lines in the design and some geometric themes. Many designers find balance in contemporary design along with a minimalist style, because of the clean and uncluttered look that modern design gives. These two styles often live alongside each other as they complement each other very well.

The equipment used in contemporary design are not just restricted to man made items such as chrome and glass (as is traditional), resources such as granite and stone can also be used to complementthe clean angles with some shapes and curves.

In terms of design specifications, frameless cabinets with frosted class cabinetry panels, metallic chrome elements or even stainless steel are specifically the 'in' things. Although geometric themes are mandatory in modern kitchen design, work tops or cabinets can still give that ideal curve here or there to give a balance to your specific requirements, after all, you will be living in it.

The next key thing a contemporary kitchen should have is outstanding lighting, track lights is very well liked but so is spot lighting in light clusters or all over the kitchen, as it helps to give light and a shimmer to the clean, counter tops and the shiny stainless steel or chrome features. Whilst wood is sometimes used, it is mainly only light coloured wood from ash and birch being used.

Make your existing kitchen more contemporary without remodeling


With the philosophy of modern design being the functionality, clean and uncluttered feel, you can for yourself put in storage cabinets with sliders, pullout shelves or any space saving gizmos that really helps to give function and to keep a tidy space! Lighting under cabinet bottoms, can help when working in the kitchen as well as giving a beautiful romantic, homely feeling.

I want a Green kitchen

Lots of people often enquire as to, if they may be able to have a kitchen that is at the same time earth sustainable as well as modern. The reply is always yes, even if this comes at extra charge. LED spot lights for example is very cost effective and great as it uses little energy, flooring can be purchased from places where they sustain the forests that the wood has been taken from and a design can always incorporate your readiness to reprocess materials such as paper.

A up to date or contemporary kitchen can reliably provide a home proud person with a smart, fresh, crisp look that will remain the quo and desirable for several years, whilst at the same time being able to be scalable for when you may have children for example.

Felicity is a intermittent columnist, writing infrequent columns on designer kitchens birmingham, who specialise in tailor made kitchens. You can even get a free design experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felicity_Lightbody

For help with your do-it-yourself home improvement check us out at knkhomeimprovements.com

Monday, June 1, 2009

Love Your Tools

Power tools for home repair are great. They make the task quicker. It takes less physical labor on your part. Even so much that you can do a job by yourself.

And isn’t nice to be able to finish it without waiting for Tom or Joe to help you. It keeps the “honey-do” list to a minimum. And that keeps your wife happy.

So why aren’t you buying them? Cost too high. Don’t know what I need. Too confused. Whatever the reason, we’ve got a list of good basic tools to start with.

Come on over and browse awhile.Click here: http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com/toolville

Thanks so much for checking us out.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Home Improvement advice is HERE

Questions are all over the place. My house needs help! How do I fix it? What do I need to fix it? The directions on this kit are confusing. Do you feel overwhelmed? Take a look at some new information. This is the answer to your problems.
Click here for help. http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com/moreinfo.html

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Get Quality Home Improvement Results

By Sturat Mitchel

One very common type of roofing that is seen all across North America is Asphalt Shingles. One main advantage with this type of roofing is that it can be implemented quickly and so the installation process happens fast. Furthermore, this roofing material is lightweight and also very durable. With maintenance it can last for up to 40 years.
Today you get Asphalt Shingles in many different textures, grades and designs and so the options for roofing style and looks are wide and very appealing. You can get one that has a typical traditional appearance or something that looks ultra modern and sleek.

In order to get a range of Asphalt Singles type of roofing you need to check out experienced roofing contractors in your area. For example, if you live in Brooklyn look into experienced Roofing Brooklyn NY contractors so that you get a variety on the many types of Asphalt Shingles available in the market and that too at a reasonable rate. This enables you to have a wide selection options and you are free to choose something that most suits your home's exterior style and architecture.

The Roofing Brooklyn NY contractor, you select must be able to show you work results so that you can see for yourself what the output is like. Choose someone who has a license and is well-known for giving quality output in roofing so that you can be sure that your money is well spent.

Often there are times when you might have to implement a new siding in your building. Make a list of experienced home improvement service providers in your area and check out which ones have the most experience. For example, if you live in Queens, look into professional Commercial Siding Queens NY Services to get the new siding job done in the most cost-effective manner and with the best results.

This may be your home or even your office. In such situations the repair work must be done after careful assessment and it is a must to seek the right professionals on this, as otherwise your repair costs will just shoot up.

Sturat enjoys writing and sharing articles on topics like Roofing Brooklyn NY and Commercial Siding Queens NY.

For information on doing it yourself contact http://knkhomeimprovements

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Roofers Beware!!! We want you to do it yourself.

Why pay for those high prices for shingles and nails. Buy your own and get those fancy tools out and here we go. Sound like fun? Maybe or maybe not. BUT doesn’t saving money sound good. Well that is what we want you to do. First check the book we have “Roofing, Flashing and Waterproofing”. Then get up on that roof. OH-don’t forget the ladder. For more information click here: http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com/homeimprovementguides.html

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Dry Walling Done Easy

You've seen walls that look sooo good, and you've seen those that looked like a kid played in the walls. You probably think if you do it yourself your walls would look like the later example. BUT we're here. Read this guide. You can look like the professionals. "Drywall: Hanging and Taping" is a great help. To view this other great guides click here: http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com/homeimprovementguides.html
We will be soon offering coaching and questions. Check us out!!!! Thank you for visiting. Hope to see you soon.