Whoa, where was this before I started on my weekend projects this week!
A new guide by do-it-yourself expert Andrea Ridout, on bookstore shelves this month, provides even the most repair-challenged with an easy-to-follow blueprint for tackling home-improvement projects around the house.
Looks like Bob Vila has a semi-annual checklist that’s very similar to the one we’re going to be promoting on this site. Good for everyone, go check it out.
BobVila.com: Home Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a simple bi-annual “Top to Bottom” checklist to keep your home in shape year round.
1. Roof: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
2. Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
3. Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
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by Smith Chen
Over the years the kitchen has gained popularity as the central, most important room in any home. It enjoys, in most cases a round the clock patronage, starting from a very early morning breakfast to a late night snack. The kitchen is a loyal witness to any drama in life that unfolds in every home whether preparing an important meal for a client or surprising a loved one on a special occasion; or a weekend dinner specially made for the grandchildren. So when it comes to planning for a kitchen renovation, there are a lot of things to do and consider so that it will become a room where everybody will feel comfortable and welcome.
First and foremost, set a budget. Decide how much money you are going to spend on your project. To have a budget already set for a specific project will help you decide more easily how far you will go in terms of choosing the materials and design for your kitchen renovation. If possible, price out every item you want to include in your new kitchen, like new appliances, fixtures and accessories. Do not leave anything off your list; as much as possible include even the smallest detail like paints and brushes. There are wide ranges of materials available so you can choose from whichever price range you can afford. Once everything is priced, add 20% onto the cost of the job because you never know when things will go wrong and you suddenly find yourself out of budget.
After all the financing is thought about then you are set to start. Try to have a look at your own existing kitchen. How well do you like it? Is there any part of it that you love and want to retain? Or any part of it that you hate and want to change? Or is there something that you want to add or wish you have? Is the size sufficient enough for your family needs? Or do you need to have a bigger space and more storage? Then think of a style you want for your new kitchen. Taking into consideration the style of your own house and of course your sense of taste. If budget permits you can hire a kitchen design expert who can help you draw out all these things. While still in the planning process it is always necessary to define the space available.
Author: water damage team
1. Do not put water down the drain when there might be an alternative use for it such as cleaning, or watering a plant.
2. By adding food coloring to the tank you can check for leaks. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within a 30-minute period. Check the toilet for corroded, worn out or bent parts.
3. After you wet your toothbrush, turn off the water. It is unnecessary to keep the water running while brushing your teeth.
Author: Stephanie Larkin
When you purchased your current home, it was most likely inspected for termites. You would have received a document from an inspection company to certify that no active infestations were present when you bought the home. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean your home doesn’t have termites. If you haven’t kept up termite treatments, it’s always possible that they might have entered your home.
Spotting a termite infestation isn’t difficult, if you know what you look for. And of course, sometimes the signs are unmistakable: an indoor swarm is perhaps the most definite sign that an active infestation is present in your home.
Author: allphaserenovation
For most of the people home remodeling is a dream, so eventually it needs to be done carefully. There are certain things have to consider if you are hiring home remodeling contractor and if you are not doing it yourself. You could start by asking your friends or family member and also check with (NARI) National Association of Remodeling Industry for obtaining the list of members available in your area. In addition to locating a good contractor you could ask your building inspector who would certainly know which one to choose.
Once you have gathered the list make a phone call to every prospects of your and ask them some routine questions such as whether they take projects which you desire, will they offer financial reference if you require, will they offer references of previous people they have worked with, and how long they have been in the industry. Analysis the answers you receive for such questions, so that you would land up to an conclusion of whether they are reliable and smooth to work with.
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