Home And Garden Improvements Online » Home Improvements

The Benefits of Plank Floors

Randy — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:56:07 +0000

Plank flooring is one of the most popular trends in wood flooring. They are perfect for homes with pets, children and people with an active lifestyle. Because they are designed to look distressed, and flaws are preferred in them they camouflage scrapes and scratches well. But do not get the wrong idea about them. They can fill an elegant space just as nicely.

There are several qualities that separate plank floors from standard wood floors. The first is in the width: a plank floor is defined as wooden planks that have a greater than six inch width. The second is installation: a plank floor is purposefully laid down with small gaps between planks. The last is material: they are crafted from only solid wood, never composites. Most of the time a plank floor will have exposed nails or screws that are driven directly into the sub-floor, but some people prefer them to be puttied and covered over.

Pine and oak floors are the most popular material for planks because of their durability. Pine is soft and endures scrapes without gashing. Oak is a hard wood and resists deep scratches. Either wood is perfect for a busy household and most people who choose planks prefer that rugs not cover them.

Unlike traditional wood floors that are designed with slats, a male and female connection point, and are only nailed in near the baseboards, planks are individually secured to the floor. When they are installed they should run counter to the grain of the house’s framing. That way each plank can be nailed into the frame. By installing them in such a fashion, your floors will not squeak and creak. With appropriate installation, plank floors can be the best material for any home, especially high traffic houses for lasting appeal and enduring function. Make this your next home improvement project!

Stress-Free Building with 3D Deck Design Software

Randy — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:47:03 +0000

Whether you are building a new house, adding a deck, or simply looking to replace an old deck, you will need a blueprint or design plan. Hiring someone to design your dream deck can be expensive and attempting to design it yourself can be frustrating. By using 3D deck design software you are able to design, adjust, and see the deck of your dreams before a nail is ever hammered.

Decking design software is easy to use and gives you the ability to see the finished product before production starts. You can upload an image of your house to complete the full effect. By using this tool, consumers can plan out all their deck, patio, and landscaping areas. This includes adding an in deck pool or hot tub as well as integrating benches or tables into the design. It is even possible to choose the appropriate wood stain choices and see how they will blend with your homes colors. After you have taken advantage of the designing aspect of the software, you are able to print a blueprint and instructions to create your home deck designs. Additionally, many people appreciate that using decking design software takes the guess work out shopping for supplies. Additionally, all necessary measurements and equipment needed are listed so that in one trip to the hardware store you will have everything you need. This saves time and money that is unnecessarily spent on extra materials that are not needed.

Using 3D deck design software is similar to “try it before you buy it” in that you are able to design and alter a deck design before construction starts. This tool is useful for homeowners looking to make improvements as well as for contractors who want to give existing or potential clients a better image of what the final result will look like. No matter what your need may be, deck software can be the answer to taking the stress out of building your deck.

The Cost of Grout Cleaning

Randy — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:04:05 +0000

When it comes time to sell your home, there are ways for you to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers that you might not even think about under normal circumstances. One of those things is to have clean tile grout. Clean grout is a sign that you have taken care of your home. If something visible like that was left undone, it would tell the prospective buyers that there are probably other things that are not so visible left undone. Plus, clean grout makes an entire room seem more bright and larger. Dirty grout could be the difference between a sale and your house staying on the market.

When you think about it that way, you might think that no expense is too much and that you would pay anything to have clean tile grout. The truth is that you can keep your grout clean for very little out of pocket expense. All you really need are some cotton towels, a good medium hard bristled brush, grout cleaners, and time. Really the most expensive thing on that list is your time. However, if you are smart about it, the time will not be too much of a factor. For example, I spend about five minutes every day cleaning grout in my shower. I do a small section every day and then the mildew growth never gets out of control. The other areas of my bathroom that need grout cleaning are attended to on the weekends every so often.

If you decide that your time is too valuable, then the grout cleaning cost can go up when you hire professional grout cleaners. Professionals often charge based on the size of the room and how dirty the grout is. Never trust an estimate that is given without finding out any information about the size or condition of the room. If you decide to hire a professional, make sure you have a detailed written contract that clearly states your expectations and the promises made by the cleaning company. That way, you can get your money back if the job is not done to your satisfaction.

Great Weekend Home Improvement Job

Randy — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:47:03 +0000

Improving our home is a never-ending task.

Whether you have a large house or a tiny apartment, you will agree that my favorite weekend home improvement job is one which you will enjoy, too. No matter what size home you live in, unnecessary extra stuff has a way of building up, creating clutter, and making messes. Getting rid of these items does not need to be difficult, if you have a plan in mind.

One good option is to have a yard sale. You can make some money, while making your home look nicer at the same time. Books, toys, household products, and clothing are amongst the nearly limitless items you can sell at your yard sale. This option also creates fun for the entire neighborhood, as everyone loves a weekend lawn sale.

A second option is to donate it all to a good charity. While most cities have thrift shops to raise money, some items can be donated to charities themselves. Your family will be doing their part to help a worthwhile cause, while improving the looks of your own home. People who are experiencing difficulties in their own lives can greatly benefit from the items you no longer need.

Spring cleaning is a wonderful time of year to take on this task. Whichever option you choose, your entire family may want to pitch in and help. Everyone will be surprised with how spacious and lovely your apartment or house looks when floors, desks, and closets are free of clutter. Whether you decide to hold a sale to make some extra money for yourself, or donate to help the less fortunate, it is a great sense of satisfaction and an excellent way to put a weekend to good use.

The nice thing about removing unneeded items is that it allows room for you to purchase new home accessories while still having everything in its proper place.

Tips For New Fireplace Owner

Randy — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 14:23:04 +0000

If you have a fireplace, you have a lot to think about. You can’t just forget about a fire once it burns out. Having a fireplace requires a fair amount of maintenance and a good set of accessories to keep it working well without becoming dangerous. Here are just a few considerations for new fireplace owners.

First, there is the matter of the chimney liner. This aspect comes before anything else because you shouldn’t even light your first fire until you ensure that the liner is fully intact, positioned properly, and not leaking. Otherwise toxic gases could enter your home and sicken your family or even lead to death. An inspection is the best way to get peace of mind about the condition of your liner.

Next, there are other safety aspects. You should make sure that you know how to open and close the flue. You should also equip your home with carbon monoxide detectors because improperly vented fires can cause a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. This gas is colorless and odorless so the only way to know if it is reaching dangerous levels is by using carbon monoxide detectors and checking their battery levels regularly.

You will also need some accessories to keep your fireplace in good shape. Doors or screens can help keep flying embers retained so they don’t fly out of the fireplace and ignite the items in your living room. A fireproof rug can protect wood floors from stray sparks. Fire bellows blow air onto the fire to keep it burning longer. Tongs with long handles enable you to rearrange logs without getting your arms too close to the fire, and shovels are the ideal way to scoop ash out of the bottom of your fireplace once it has cooled completely.

Having a fireplace can be very rewarding. Reduced energy bills, a cozy atmosphere, and a great looking living room are just a few of the benefits. By addressing these safety concerns, you can light fires all winter long without worry. With just a few important accessories, you can keep the fireplace running smoothly year.

Working on your home improvement projects

Randy — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:25:03 +0000

There are a lot of people that want to have home improvement projects done fast. They might think it’s hard to do these repairs on their own, but it doesn’t have to be. If they know to look for, they might be able to get what they want without worry.

What to Think About
There are some things that a buyer should think about when they are working on remodeling their home. One of the most important things is to find out what it is they need. They should research the remodel they could be doing so they know what they need to get and what it is they should be thinking about with their remodel.

Another thing to think about is how much they might be willing to spend on the remodel. This can be a big deal because they need as much money as possible to get a good remodel within their home. This can important should they be planning on purchasing more than one product or if they are planning on purchasing fixtures and such for the home they are remodeling.

Where to Get Remodel Ideas
There are places that can help them come up with great ideas for their home. They may be able to look in magazines for ideas that can help them when they could be looking for an idea of how to remodel the home they could be living in.

Another idea is to check out DIY web sites for info on how to tackle problem projects such as cement floors using concrete anchor bolts. A few minutes of talk with experienced construction workers can help you know what will look good and fit well in the area the remodel is taking place. They may have to pay the construction professional, but in the end it may be well worth it.

When looking at a home improvement project, they may want to really think of the amount they want to spend and the best way to spend that money. Anytime they take part of the home apart, they should know what they plan to do with it.

Creative Shelving for the Home

Randy — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:14:04 +0000

Cleaning the closet, packing boxes for charitable donations, clearing an attic or garage is not a favorite job, but there are times when it must be done. When that time comes storage is needed and ideas must flow when trying to create storage space without spending a fortune. No one likes to think there abode has become cluttered and unorganized but when you start to look in corners and find things put there for lack of a better place it becomes clear, there is a storage problem.

Now the time to become really creative can no longer be brushed aside. Finding a place to put all of all of those precious things too wonderful to discard is not going to be an easy task.

There are great ways to create storage with plastic bins that fit into the closet as wall shelves. Rubbermaid developed wonderful storage units many years ago, organizers for the kitchen and the closet. Adding stackable shelving to cabinets and drawers gives extra storage and clears away clutter. A child’s bedroom is an especially hard area to maintain proper storage but there is hope. Your local home and garden improvements store carries small square plastic shelving great for small toys, dolls, letters, practically any item imaginable and the shelves stand neatly along the wall with no installation.

Buying shelving is not always necessary, things already available can be used, an old dresser in the attic, build shelving into a wall area rarely used. Think creatively, how about using an old fishing tackle box for make up storage, cleaned of course. Pack items and label them carefully. Storage shelves placed in the laundry area take a tremendous amount of pressure off household clutter. There are many items that perhaps should be thrown away but ridding a home or garage of these treasures usually requires thought; sometimes years of thought. But until the items are ready for the trash, stackable shelving, wall shelving, storage bags and Lazy Susan’s are available and affordable to help.

Create An Office With A Basement Conversion

Randy — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:24:03 +0000

For any one who is wanting to set up an office at home so they no longer have to travel to earn a living there can be the problem of not having enough space to do so. At least you might not think you have enough space, but if you have a basement that is lying unused then you have the potential to build a space that will be a great base from which you can work from home.

The advantage of having a basement office is that it is usually out of the way from the rest of the family so you can have your own space where you will not be disturbed, enabling you to get the work done in as little time as possible. Basements also tend to be large so you will have plenty of space rather than if you were to use a pokey spare room.

So if you are tired of traveling to the office, or you want to start up your own business a basement conversion is your ticket to do so on a reasonable budget. Draw some plans up with a decent interior designer and get strated. With the economy the way it is at the moment you should have no problem finding some tradesmen who will do the job for you on the cheap, and since there is so little work around it should be finished in no time.

Remember you will have to bugdet for more than just your new desk and office chair when planning your basement renovations. There are things such as wiring, plumbing and waterproofing that should be taken take of. Do things properly so that you can enjoy the space when it is completed and also so that you are adding some real value to your property so that you can get a higher price for it when it comes time to sell.

Lumber not required for Today’s Electric Fireplaces

Randy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:18:06 +0000

For anyone who wants to snuggle up in front of a roaring fire, a good supply of lumber was always a pre-requisite. That need is rapidly dwindling with the advances in fireplace accessories and selection over the last few years.

An electric fireplace as well as a gas fireplace offer the same sort of comfort and heat as the old reliable wood fireplaces without the need to constantly go out and forage for materials. These fireplaces are also a great deal easier to start. No longer do you have to find just the right kind of kindling and master the art of getting a flame going. Instead a push of a button will start the fire instantly, leaving you more time to cuddle up to that special someone without breaking into a sweat just getting it going.

Even better is that with these newer fireplaces, there are certain types and models that are actually portable. You are no longer limited by where there is a chimney because the gas and electric fireplaces don’t need anything to actually burn. There is no smoke given off without the wood to burn up, and therefore there is no need for the smoke to find somewhere to go. Now a person can have a fireplace in their living room, their dining room, or even their bedroom if they so desire. The essential romanticism of the roaring fire can go everywhere they can dream without much muss or fuss.

A fireplace can make any house or apartment feel like a home, and being able to start that fire with the same ease as one turns on a lamp makes that relaxing feeling settle in that much quicker. There’s very little cleanup compared to the wood burning models, and the upkeep can come at a minimal price as well. Simply follow the instructions to the letter and the user will face few headaches. Doing a search for fireplace accessories online will yield some great ideas and tips. No matter which style or type of fireplace you choose to go, the benefits will be enjoyed for years to come.

Fireplace Surrounds

Randy — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:04:04 +0000

While it is not required to have a fireplace surround, you will find that any fireplace set up is more attractive if you have some kind of surround. The surround and mantel not only add decoration, they are a safety measure as well. There are many different materials to choose from for the construction of your fireplace surround. In addition, there are several different styles.

Some common fireplace surround materials include slate tiles, bricks, marble tiles, and wood. Some of these materials are expensive and some are less so, but they can all be beautiful if they are design the right way. Some fireplace surrounds are ornate and this is most common with wood because it is easily carved. Other ornate fireplace surrounds might be made of marble. Some surrounds are just a few inches around the opening of the hearth while others cover the entire wall with the fireplace opening. The whole wall surrounds are most often made of stone. One way to cut down on the cost of a stone or marble surround is to only use thin tiles over top of drywall. Instead of using slabs or bricks of stone or marble, using thin tiles will cut down on the cost significantly without sacrificing the beauty of you chosen material.

Marble, brick, or stone fireplaces are also a safety measure. If for some reason a fire in your hearth were to get out of hand and start throwing flames out of the fireplace and beyond any fireplace screen, then the stone barrier between your fireplace and the flammable housing materials such as wood, drywall, etc. Is a plus. While the stone surround will not stop the fire, it may give you a little bit of time by slowing things down. It will take longer for the fire to work its way around the surround.