by Debra on Thursday, May 28, 2009
There is a lot of information available about home renovation projects. From popular television shows to in-depth how-to videos and training manuals, there are a lot of ways to learn how to take on a home improvement project. The question is then, is the information right?
Keep reading for suggestions on sources of different home improvement how-to resources as well as info on how to assess their reliability.
Sources of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Improvement Info:
1. Television and DVD
Television is great because it lets you see each step as the project unfolds. However to get the most out of a video how-to experience, your best bet is to actually purchase a specific DVD that relates directly to the project you’re taking on.
For example, if you’re planning to install laminate flooring, look for a DVD specifically on how to install laminate flooring, not some other type of flooring.
You can find many of these instructional DVD’s either online or right in your hardware store. Most are hosted by trusted experts or popular home improvement celebrities.
2. Books
How-To books are a great way to build a small home library with a lot of information right at your fingertips. The benefits of a few, well-chosen home improvement books are that they’re always accessible, often well-researched and you can take them with you from project-to-project.
3. Internet
The Internet has millions of pages about home improvement. The problem is finding the right information. Look for reliable sources like trusted web pages or active web communities that self-edit.
Look at a web site, including the resource it offers and how updated it is, and ask yourself if you would risk the cost of your home improvement project on its advice.
For specific questions, try forums or message boards where active users can often help you with a number of home improvement conundrums. Remember that unlike a book, you can’t always take the Internet with you, so print off or write down the information you need.
4. Your Local Hardware Store
You’d be amazed by how many questions can get answered at your local hardware store. Ask your store clerk or even fellow handyman and you’ll get all sorts of free advice for your home improvement need.
Finally, despite all the free advice available on DIY home improvement, that doesn’t mean you can get away with never consulting a professional. For major projects, especially those involving your gas, electricity, or costs sufficiently high requiring you to finance your home improvement project, always consult a qualified professional.
What Your Contractor Can’t Tell You: The Essential Guide to Building and Renovating
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by Debra on Thursday, May 21, 2009
photo credit: MNgilen
When you are contemplating home upgrade through add ons, you should look beyond your attic and your backyard. Your home improvement project must start at the bottom. Your custom home builder Cincinnati is the best and most practical home improvement design. You can get more out of the space right beneath your home. It can add value to your home property by not just being a veritable storage space. The basement is actually a prime spot for your home improvement project.
Let us try to dig in with some hard facts about custom basement remodeling Cincinnati . A basement remodel is a cost effective and fairly simple home upgrade that will result to value added space to a home property. Theexpense of remodeling the basement with all the requisite add-ons would to deliver not a straight up remodeled space but a fully-functional andattractive addition is only about 25% of what you will actually spend if you work for an built-up expansion in order to have the same addition to your home property.
Here are some practical tips that you may adopt in your home basement remodeling development project. Your basement is one of the most ideal spot of your home property. It is that special spot in your home where the temperature remains constant all year round. The basement is naturally cooler during summer and warmer during winter. The full masonry foundation of the home body is a natural insulation from outside noise which makes the basement as an perfect multi-function addition to your home. It can be changed as a playroom for your children, as your private den, a guest room, or even as special place for your favorite home theater system. You can accessorize these perfect spots of your home by adding a wet bar or even a kitchenette.
You can also convert this great spot in your home as a practical party place that affords the privacy and leverage for whatever activities you are contemplating without worrying about prying eyes of neighbors and interruptions from uninvited guests.
Another upside of this type of custom home builder Cincinnati is that it normally does not require major work and alteration to the overall structure of your property. This is basically a “built-into” project as opposed to common additions which are categorized as “built-out” or “built-up.” The obvious result of this kind of home improvement project is that it will not lead to monumental hassles and difficulties of the work significantly getting into your domestic daily routine. This is an “out-of-the-way” project stuck in an area which is not really extensively used beyond being your storage area.
However, make no quandary about it. This home improvement project has its share of major challenges that need the expertise of specially trained home improvement professionals. Special conditions of this part of the home include small windows, presence of structural columns and lowered ceiling. This overall condition of the basement requires special home improvement solutions to ensure that you get maximum benefit from such kind of home addition.
Ultimate Guide to Basements, Attics & Garages: Plan, Design, Remodel
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by Debra on Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Home makeovers don’t need to cost a fortune. There are ways to redecorate and rejuvenate your home without going into debt or breaking the bank. Keep reading for simple tips on how you can update your home for less.
1. Always have a plan.
Before you even step foot inside a Home Depot or local department store, you should come prepared with a full plan of what you’re going to do.
By identifying exactly where you want to make changes and how you want to decorate your house, you’ll save money in the long run. Start by visualizing the style you want, along with the overall theme, and then figure out exactly where you want to make structural or major changes. For inspiration, try browsing decorating magazines and manuals at your local library.
The most critical component of any project is a detailed plan. Without one, you will likely make a number of purchases you’ll later regret – or get part way through the project and wind up starting all over.
Remember, just because you have a plan doesn’t mean you can’t buy a great light fixture that’s on sale. Rather, it just means that light fixture needs to fit into your overall plan.
2. Highlight your focal points.
Redecorating doesn’t mean you have to overhaul the entire house. By focusing on one particular area, you can concentrate more of your efforts and budget on major renovations that can make a big impact on its attractiveness.
One of the best returns on any home decorating investment is a kitchen project. By updating your countertops, appliances and cabinets, you’ll not only be highlighting a major focal point, but also investing in the future value of your home.
3. Identify your needs.
Are you redecorating because you want a new look or because you need to create extra space for a new child or a home business? Do you hope to make it more attractive to guests, or more functional for young children? By identifying the “why” behind your choice to decorate, you’re less likely to steer off track.
If your goal is to create new space, then you’ll stay focused on space-saving, multi-functional pieces. But, if your goal is a contemporary, new look then you’ll know to stay away from those adorable country kitchen chairs that don’t really fit your plan.
4. Measure twice, buy once.
Especially if you’re buying wholesale or on sale, it’s extremely important to know all your measurements. Heavily discounted furniture is often not returnable, meaning if you accidentally buy a couch that’s too big for your living room, you may have to buy an axe to cut it down to size. Even if you are able to return mis-measured furniture, it results in a waste of time and certainly unrefundable delivery expenses.
5. Save money where it counts.
Just as you should spend money on high-quality items like flooring, you should always save money where it counts too. One of the easiest places to save money is on accessories and fabrics – so when it comes to accent pillows and upholsteries, be ready to hunt down a bargain. You can find them at specialty stores, thrift shops, and through acasual search online.
Elegant and Easy Rooms: 250 Trade Secrets for Decorating Your Home
photo credit: khrawlings
photo credit: Robert Zolkos
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