By Deborah M
After you labor for hours planting, weeding, watering and waiting you are ready to sit and enjoy the garden you so carefully tended. You can use a few pieces of scrap lumber, a well placed log, or cinderblocks and an old plank for a place to sit, or you could build a bench. If you're after that "rustic" look, then making a bench out of scraps, logs and old stuff should do just fine. If you're looking for something a little more polished and eye-catching, then consider building it yourself and tweak the design as you like it. It only takes a few basic tools and a little time. The cost is minimal.
Instead of dragging one of those tacky lawn chairs from the shed or garage or sitting on the ground, consider taking on a weekend project of constructing your own garden bench. There are different varieties to suit your needs. There are also numerous types of wood to choose from. You could choose to stain your bench or add some character with paint or even a mural.
You can build your own garden bench very easily with very little help, unless you want it. If you have a formal garden and a need for something with an "air" about it, you may need to spend a little bit longer on the design and extra features. However, you are less concerned with impressing people and just want a basic bench for functionality, you could build something very classy and simple. You can produce a comfortable area for you and others to sit and enjoy your garden.
No matter whether you're a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, whether you're building your first wooden bench or you've built many, whether you DO or DO NOT have the skills or knowledge for building, or however many instructional books or blueprints you've ever bought...you can build your own bench.
These plans have illustrations and easy-to-read language. The process is outlined step-by-step, so virtually anyone can do it. You can also download a simple basic 12' x 18' storage shed plan free, so you can see first hand how the plans are laid out.
http://www.woodenshedplans.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_M
It's time to start thinking of warm weather and your garden. What a wonderful idea this is! Please check this out and for help check us out at knkhomeimprovements.com
We offer a bit of free advice. Thank you for your interest.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Finding and Utilizing Used Kitchen Cabinets
By Kristie Brown
Are your old kitchen cabinets looking outdated and tacky? Worse than that, are they battered beyond repair? You probably already know that it's going to be necessary to rip out the old cabinets and replace them with something more sturdy, but you just can't justify the high cost of brand new cabinets. It could be that you're looking to replace cabinets in a rental property or at a lake home and don't want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on fancy cabinets, too. You'll find that even open stock models don't come cheap. You can, however, look for used kitchen cabinets which can be refinished and hung for a fraction of the cost.
You might wonder where you can find used cabinets, and the answer is everywhere. If you have a salvage yard nearby, they are sure to get in used cabinets that people have removed from their kitchens. Since their inventory will change all the time, you'll probably have to keep watch until the type of cabinets you're looking for come in. There are times when you'll be able to purchase high-end cabinetry in like-new condition that someone has removed from their home in order to redecorate. If you can find their old cabinets, you're really in luck, because you may be able to install them in your own house without any refinishing being necessary.
Craigslist is another place where you can sometimes find used kitchen cabinets. When people remodel, they would rather not pay the cost for having their old cabinets hauled away. Instead, they stick them in the garage or basement and then advertise them for sale, either really cheap, or even free if all they're looking for is someone to haul them away. The great thing about Craigslist is that you can find listings in nearby areas, so you won't have to drive a long way to pick up anything you find. In addition, you can look farther away if you like and check into having the cabinets shipped to you. Naturally, the most cost effective way to get new cabinets is by finding them free and hauling them yourself.
Online auction sites, such as eBay, are also places where you can look for used kitchen replacement cabinets. Once again, people are just looking to have someone take them off of their hands, so prices will be minimal. You may even be able to negotiate and strike a price that's good for both of you. Some sellers will ship large items to you, and others will require that you pick them up. Either way, you can end up getting a really great deal.
It may be that you'll have to reconfigure your kitchen plans a bit in order to accommodate the layout of the cabinets you find, so make sure to purchase your used kitchen cabinets prior to starting your remodel. By looking locally and online, you'll find great used kitchen cabinets at super discount prices.
"For more tips and information on kitchen cabinet designs, visit DiscoverKitchenCabinets.com to discover tips on refinishing kitchen cabinets, painting kitchen cabinets and more. "
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_Brown
For help with your DIY kitchen remodel check out knkhomeimprovements.com
Are your old kitchen cabinets looking outdated and tacky? Worse than that, are they battered beyond repair? You probably already know that it's going to be necessary to rip out the old cabinets and replace them with something more sturdy, but you just can't justify the high cost of brand new cabinets. It could be that you're looking to replace cabinets in a rental property or at a lake home and don't want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on fancy cabinets, too. You'll find that even open stock models don't come cheap. You can, however, look for used kitchen cabinets which can be refinished and hung for a fraction of the cost.
You might wonder where you can find used cabinets, and the answer is everywhere. If you have a salvage yard nearby, they are sure to get in used cabinets that people have removed from their kitchens. Since their inventory will change all the time, you'll probably have to keep watch until the type of cabinets you're looking for come in. There are times when you'll be able to purchase high-end cabinetry in like-new condition that someone has removed from their home in order to redecorate. If you can find their old cabinets, you're really in luck, because you may be able to install them in your own house without any refinishing being necessary.
Craigslist is another place where you can sometimes find used kitchen cabinets. When people remodel, they would rather not pay the cost for having their old cabinets hauled away. Instead, they stick them in the garage or basement and then advertise them for sale, either really cheap, or even free if all they're looking for is someone to haul them away. The great thing about Craigslist is that you can find listings in nearby areas, so you won't have to drive a long way to pick up anything you find. In addition, you can look farther away if you like and check into having the cabinets shipped to you. Naturally, the most cost effective way to get new cabinets is by finding them free and hauling them yourself.
Online auction sites, such as eBay, are also places where you can look for used kitchen replacement cabinets. Once again, people are just looking to have someone take them off of their hands, so prices will be minimal. You may even be able to negotiate and strike a price that's good for both of you. Some sellers will ship large items to you, and others will require that you pick them up. Either way, you can end up getting a really great deal.
It may be that you'll have to reconfigure your kitchen plans a bit in order to accommodate the layout of the cabinets you find, so make sure to purchase your used kitchen cabinets prior to starting your remodel. By looking locally and online, you'll find great used kitchen cabinets at super discount prices.
"For more tips and information on kitchen cabinet designs, visit DiscoverKitchenCabinets.com to discover tips on refinishing kitchen cabinets, painting kitchen cabinets and more. "
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_Brown
For help with your DIY kitchen remodel check out knkhomeimprovements.com
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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