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Ways To Winterize Your Home

Saturday, August 15th, 2009

It won’t be long and winter will be upon us.  However, now is the best time to start to think about winterizing your home.  If you get a few of these projects done while its still warm outside, it will make them easier to do.  There are a lot of different things you can do in order to start getting your home ready for the colder weather, and here are just a few.

1.) Check and Change Your Heater Filters
Before you crank up the furnace in your home, it’s a good idea to see if it needs to be cleaned or simply replaced.  First of all, it depends on the types of materials used to make the filters.  If it’s a cardboard filter, it was made to be disposable and will need to be replaced.  However, if your filter is reusable, you can clean it and replace it.  Start out by vacuuming out the dust and debris from the previous year.  Next, wash it warm water, then allow to dry.  Sitting it outside in the sun is the best option.  Finally, vacuum up any debris inside the furnace and around the base.  Now, your furnace is ready for another long winter.

2.) Wrap Your Water Pipes
One of the biggest problems with cold weather is bursting pipes.  In areas where the night-time temperatures can fall well below freezing, wrapping your water pipes is a must.  Some people leave a small trickle of water running at night to keep the water from freezing, but this just wastes water.  You can buy foam wrapping for your pipes from any home improvement store, for almost nothing.  If you’d rather use things around your home, wrap your pipes in old rages or mismatched socks, then apply a healthy amount of duct tape to keep them in place.  This will help keep your pipes warm, and your basement dry.

3.) Check Water Heater Insulation
Another item in your home that needs to be winterized is your hot water heater.  Though all modern heaters are insulated on the inside, finding ways of keeping the cold off the outside is important.  If your hot water heater is in a drafty basement, you can purchase hot water heater wraps from your local hardware store.  Those that live in mobile homes will want to go the extra mile and add an extra layer of insulation to the door housing, as the heater is usually exposed to an exterior wall and only accessible from the outside.

4.) Check For Drafts
It’s never too early to think about sealing up leaks and drafts in your home.  They may not be as noticeable in the summer months, but in the winter, they can cause your heating bills to skyrocket.  Adding a bead of caulking around windows and faucets will keep drafts from entering your home.  Adding a door sweep to all your external doors will keep the cold air out in the winter, and adding foam insulators to your external electrical sockets will help save you a ton of money.

5.) Installing a Programmable Thermostat
Replacing your current thermostat with a digitally programmable one will help keep your home’s temperature at a constant rate.  It’s best to keep your thermostat set at about 68* in the winter time, as this will still allow you to feel warm indoors and keep your heating bills down.  They also give you the power of keeping other family members from cranking up the heat and forgetting to turn it back down.

Electric bills are always at their highest in the winter months, but getting ready ahead of time will help save you and your family a lot of money.  It’s never too early to get ready for winter, and it’s never been easier to stay ahead of the game.

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How To Install A Ceiling Fan With Light Fixture

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Ceiling fans are a wonderful accent to any room decor.  These days, most come complete with attached light fixture, making it both attractive and practical.  And though they’re known for helping to keep your house cool in the summertime, they can also help circulate the warm air in the winter.  Today, we’re going to talk about how to install a ceiling fan with light fixture into you home.

First of all, you’ll notice that all ceiling fans come with complete instructions and parts list.  Run through your list and ensure that all the pieces are accounted for.  This is also a good time to decide whether you want your fan set directly against the ceiling, or if you’d rather use the extension rod.  These rods are a great asset for larger rooms.

Next, you’ll need to remove the existing light fixture.  The safest way to do this, is by turning on the light then shutting off the power from the electrical box.  Even after you’ve shut off the power, it’s a good idea to test the wires with a voltage tester.  Once you’ve completed this, disconnect your wires.  Take stock in which colored wires go where.  Most wires will already be color coded.  However, if they’re not, you can use colored tape or even nail polish to differentiate your wires.

For the direct ceiling mounted option, attach the ceiling mount to the fan motor.  It’s a good idea to make sure that the ceiling trusses are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the fan.  Now it’s time to reattach your wires.  Your instructions will tell you which colored wire runs which option.  The wires with your fan may not be the same colors as those coming from your ceiling, so you’ve got to know which is which.

Once your wires are reconnected, you should test them to make sure that they’re sending power to the right place.  Be sure to cap all your wires before tucking them into the housing unit.  Your kit should come with wire caps, but if not, they can be purchased for next to nothing at any local hardware store.

Once the mount is in place, it’s time to add your fan blades.  Many fans come with dual-sided blades, giving you and option in decor.  Choose which side you want to use, then mount the blades to the arm extensions provided in the kit.  Each blade will attach to the arm with two or three small bolts.  Now, add them to your fan, ensuring that the bolts are secured.

Finally, add your light bulbs and check to see that all is in place.  Make sure to use the proper bulbs in your ceiling fan light fixture, as the wrong wattage can cause safety issues.  If you go through your directions carefully, and take the time to make sure all your components are in order, this should be a relatively easy project.

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How To Install A Dimmer Switch

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Many homeowners are always looking for ways to improve their property values, while still saving money. One simple way to do both is by installing a dimmer switch in place of your typical light switches. It’s a relatively easy task, but there are a few things to remember when taking on the job. It’s always a good idea to contact your local building inspector to see if you’ll need a permit before starting.

Once you’re ready to begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’re going to need a pair of needle nose pliers, electrical tape, a screwdriver, and a voltage tester. The most important part of the entire job is in making sure to shut off power to switch. The easiest way to determine which circuit to shut off is by turning on the light you intend to work with and shut each circuit off and on until you come across the correct one. If you’re circuit board runs on fuses, apply the same method.

Next, you’ll need to remove the switch plate from the wall. Remove the plate, then gently remove the switch. This is where you’ll want to use your voltage tester. Make sure your wires are dead before moving on. Once you’ve determined this, disconnect the switch wires from the wall wires. Check to make sure that the wires coming from the wall are still in good shape, and make sure that there is a ground wire.

Add you new dimmer switch and reconnect the wires. Add plastic wire caps to all your connection, then add your cover plate. You should have gotten one that fits correctly with you dimmer switch kit. Screw in place and add the dimmer knob. Now, it’s time to turn the circuit back on to see if everything works correctly.

Before starting this, or any home improvement project, you should check to see if there are any codes that need to be met. Your local building inspector will know everything that needs to be updated, and will be more than happy to help out. Also, if during this procedure, you notice that you have aluminum wires instead of copper wires, call a professional immediately.

If done correctly, this project will add a touch of class to your home decor and will help you save money on your electrical bills. And, in the long run, you can say that you did your part for the environment by saving energy.

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Replacing The Wax Ring In Your Toilet

Monday, July 27th, 2009

A leaking toilet isn’t something to be taken lightly. It can cause significant damage to your bathroom floor, and maybe even the sub-flooring beneath. In some cases, you might have to completely replace the toilet. However, the problem may only need an easy fix by replacing the wax ring underneath the stool.

The wax ring keeps noxious fumes from entering your home, and helps seal the toilet to the drainage pipes. Water leaks and a toilet that becomes loose, are only a couple of the reasons that a new wax ring needs to be implemented. It causes the ring to break away, and can also allow mold to grow in this area. Replacing the ring is a simple fix and only requires a few tools and an inexpensive replacement ring.

Before getting too far into the project, you’ve got to shut off the water and empty the bowl and tank of the toilet. There should be a shut-off valve behind your toilet. Once this is done, flush your stool to empty out the water. Once this is done, you can move on to the rest of your project. Disconnect the water lines to the toilet, and remove the nuts attached to the bolt that hold the stool in place. These may be a little rusted and hard to loosen. If so, simply add a little W-D 40. This should take care of the problem.

To remove the stool, pick it straight up from the floor so as not to damage the bolts still placed within the floor. If these are severely damaged, you may have to replace them along with the wax ring. Lay the stool upside down on a piece of carpeting to catch any lingering water. Next, use a putty knife or something similar to scrape away the old wax ring. Chances are that it will have become stuck to the bottom of the stool.

Some wax rings come with a plastic funnel attached. Check to make sure the old ring either didn’t have one of these, or that you remove it before going on. In some cases, this may be stuck to the flange, which will also need to be cleaned before adding the new ring. Once both the bottom of the stool and the flange are cleaned, you’re ready to put your new wax ring in place.

Put the ring around the bottom of the stool’s discharge outlet. Be sure to press it into place, as it may fall off once you pick up the toilet. Check the washers around the floor bolts before replacing the stool, and replace if needed. Next, slowly replace the toilet back to its original position. Tighten down the nuts to the floor bolts and replace the water lines. Make sure everything fits well before turning the water back on.

Once you’ve taken care of everything else, turn on the water and your toilet should be ready to go for another few years. Make sure to check for leaks before calling the project complete. If done properly, this entire project should only take about an hour of so to finish.

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How To Install Linoleum Flooring

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Millions of homes have linoleum floors in their kitchens and bathrooms. However, after a while, the linoleum begins to crack and pieces can break off leaving unsightly holes in the room. Because of this, many people decide to add new flooring to the rooms, but need to know how to install linoleum. There are two different types of linoleum, tiles and rolled. Rolled linoleum comes in one large sheet and can be a little difficult to work with. Tiles are just what they sound like and a bit easier to work with.

Before starting the project, you need to remove all furniture and appliances. Next, remove baseboards so your linoleum will lay flush against the walls. The next step is to pull up the existing linoleum and clean up any debris left behind. Make sure there are no staples or nails sticking up and that your sub-flooring is in good condition. Once this is complete, you’re ready to put in your new flooring.

If you’ve decided to go with tiled linoleum, you again have two options. You can either use the regular tiles that require an adhesive to be applied to the floor, or tiles that come with a self-adhesive backing. Either way, you’ll need to find the center of your room and work out from there. Use a chalk line to center your tiles, and a carpenter’s square to make sure all your angles are precise. For the outer tiles, you may have to cut a few down to fit. This can easily be done with any utility knife.

When using the rolled linoleum, there are a couple ways in which to determine your flooring space. Some experts say that the best way to get an exact fitting it to lay out the linoleum and cut around obstacles such as center islands. Others claim that it’s better to create a template from butcher’s paper. Either way, be sure to leave a little extra on all sides in case of errors. Once you’ve cut your flooring, add your adhesive with a notched trowel, rolling the linoleum along as you work. Make sure to remove any air bubbles that may occur during installation. As you work your way across the room, make sure to slowly cut away any excess.

After your flooring is in place, allow it time to set before replacing appliances and furniture. A good linoleum flooring can last years and will give your kitchens and bathrooms a look of elegance, as well as an easy material to clean. Ask your dealer about different the best options for your home, and the region you live. When it’s all said and done with, you’ll have a room you’ll be proud to show to the world.

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How To Fix Your Roofing Shingles

Monday, July 13th, 2009

One of the largest costs applied to homeowners is in roofing repairs. Either because of age or damaging weather, there comes a time when you’ve got to have your roofing shingles replaced in order to keep your roof from becoming rotted. However, rather than have to your roof reshingled on a regular basis, you can do some of the repairs yourself.

First thing you’ll need to assess is whether or not your roof is safe enough to begin repairs. Steep angles, moisture, and weather conditions are all safety issues you’ll need to address up front. You’ll also need to check to see if you have left over shingles from the last time you had your roof done, or if you need to get some new one. If so, take one of your damaged tiles with you in order to get the right color and texture.

Next, what types of repairs need to be done? If you have shingles that are cracked or broken, you’ll need to completely replace them. Remember that shingles overlap in a downward motion, so you may have to replace a couple surrounding shingles as well. Also, it’s a good idea to purchase new tar paper to go beneath your shingles for added protection.

For roofing shingles that are bent or beginning to curl, you may only need to apply some adhesive to keep them in place. You can purchase roofing sealant at any hardware or home improvement store. Simply apply with a caulking gun and hold in place with something heavy such as box of nails. It usually take about 24 hours for the adhesive to completely dry.

In some instances, you may be able to repair a shingle rather than replace it. If you have a torn shingle on your roof, apply some of the roofing sealant beneath both sides of the tear and weight down. The glue will not only hold the shingle in place, but will form a seal within the tear. For added effect, scrape some of the roofing granules from either a shingle you’ve removed or a less noticeable place, and sprinkle over the seam. The glue will help keep the granules in place, and no one will notice the tear.

Having your entire roof reshingled can cost you a small fortune. But, for minor damage, you can replace and repair your shingles on your own. It will save you a lot of time and money, and will give your home that sparkling new look once again.

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Creating extra storage space

Monday, July 6th, 2009

There is more to home improvement than just fixing up the walls. Many homeowners realize that they need more space over time. Creating extra storage space doesn’t mean having to knock out any walls. You can add extra storage space with a few simple steps, and maybe a few pieces you’ve already got lying around the house.

Shelving is the most obvious choice for adding extra space. You can purchase pre-made shelving at just about any home improvement store, or even your local discount center. However, you can make your own shelves out of just about anything. For example, an old fireplace mantel can be cut down and repainted for an attractive accent piece for any room.

Creating extra storage space in your closets is a big issue. With a larger closet, there are several ways to add extra storage. One option is to place a small dresser inside. These can be found at second hand stores or garage sales. But, with a small closet, you’ve got to be a little more creative. The trick is to remember that even though you can’t go out, you can go up. An old bookshelf attached to the closet wall will give you separate spaces for shoes, sweaters, and whatever else you can dream of.

In the garage, shelving is essential. The best option here is to add wire racks and shelves. Also, if you have a large workbench, add shelving below as an easy access point for all your tools. Want an easy way to store small objects like nails? Add a wooden shelf over your work area and attach lids from baby food or any other small jar. Fill the jar with your nails, then simply screw onto the lid. It’s an easy way to create store small items without taking up valuable space.

You can add a lot of extra storage space in your home, without spending a lot of money. Second hand stores, garage sales, and even auctions are great places to find workable materials. With a few nails and some corner supports, you can add shelves to every room of your house and create more storage space than you ever thought possible.

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How To Replace A Kitchen Faucet

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Sometimes, fixing a leaky faucet is as easy as tightening a couple of screws. However, there may come a time when you have to replace the entire faucet, and possibly some of the pipes. Though it might sound like a lot of work, in reality it’s pretty simple. The biggest trick is making sure you’ve got all the right tools and replacement parts before starting your project.

First of all, make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job. You’re going to need a pipe wrench, pliers, a Phillips screwdriver, and a roll of plumber’s tape, and maybe even some new replacement washers. Another thing to remember is to measure the size of your existing faucet, to ensure your replacement fits properly. You might also need a tube of caulking on hand in case you need to remove the entire sink to reach some of the hardware.

Before you do anything else, make sure to shut the water off to the sink. Most homes have a shut-off valve right under the sink in question, but not all. If not, this would be the perfect time to add one for future use. Once you’ve turned off the water, you’re ready to get started. Begin by loosening and removing the water lines. Mark the hot water line for future reference.

Next, loosen and remove the nuts from underneath the existing faucet. This is where you might need to remove the entire sink. If the nuts and bolts are too tight, or haven’t been moved in quite awhile, it might be easier to get to them after taking out the sink. Either way, once the hardware is removed you can take out the old faucet.

Before adding the new faucet, make sure to thoroughly clean the area of hard water deposits or any other debris that has collected over time. Insert the new faucet, making sure to install all pieces that come with your kit. As you reattach your water lines, gently clean the threads to insure they fit snuggly. Once all is back in place, turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Replacing a new kitchen faucet is a project you can tackle in less than a day. You’ll add a whole new spark to your kitchen decor, and it’s a lot easier than you might think. You’re guests will love the new look, and with the right faucet, you might save money on your future water bills.

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Easy DIY Energy Savers

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

Everyone knows how important it is to save both time and money. The same is true when it comes to improving things around the house. Plus, in this economy, it’s even more important to find ways of saving money anywhere you can. So, with all this in mind, here are a few simple tips you can do around the house that will save you money on your energy bills, as well as making your home a better place to live.

Probably the easiest Do-It-Yourself idea is in changing your current light bulbs to more energy efficient ones. Ordinary incandescent bulbs use quite a bit of wattage, but by switching to a more energy efficient bulb, you’ll get the same amount of light and use less wattage. A typical incandescent bulb uses 40 to 60 watts, where the energy savers only use 10 to 15 watts.

Doors and windows are another area where people tend to lose money. Leaks around windows and drafts around doors cause people to lose hundreds of dollars every year. Replacing the caulking around your windows will help in all seasons. And with your doors, add a door sweep to the bottom to keep out drafts. Also, check the hinged side of the doors to make sure they’re well sealed. This is one of the biggest areas for draft problems.

Another area of the home that can cause drafts is through your electrical sockets. You can buy a package of socket insulators for next to nothing. These insulators are made from a flexible foam material, and will keep drafts out of your home. They look exactly like the socket cover and fit snuggly behind them. They only take a couple minutes to install, and will save you a lot of money in the long run.

A leaky faucet can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Most can be easily fixed simply by tightening a few loose nuts. However, you might have to replace the rubber seals, as they can become hard and crack. You’ll also want to check the pipes under your sinks to make sure that you’re not losing water there. A few turns of the wrench can save you a ton of money.

Not all home improvement projects require your entire weekend to finish. A few simple tweaks around your home will improve your home’s worth, and will save you a lot of money on your energy bills. And, when you’re done, you can tell the world that you’ve done your part to save the planet.

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Replacing The Screens Or Glass To A Storm Door

Saturday, June 13th, 2009

With the changes in the weather, there is going to come a time when you’ll want to replace the existing glass and/or screens in your screen door. Though most people have storm and screen windows that can be switched with little effort, eventually you’re going to have to Replace Screen Door Windows. The design of the door will determine the difficulty of replacement.

Over time, screens can become hardened and may separate, creating holes big enough for bugs to get through. Replacing these screens is relatively easy and you only need a few tools for the job. First of all, make sure the replacement screening you purchase is is sturdy enough to withstand fluctuating outside temperatures. Next, check to see if the rubber molding needs to be replaced, as this can become hard and will easily break.

Next, you’ll need to cut the screening material slightly larger than the size of the window. A good rule of thumb is to leave an inch overhang on all sides. Lay your screen molding around the edge of the window and use a screen and spline installation tool to press the molding and screening material into the window. Once you’ve finished this step, cut away any excess material, and you’re screen window is ready to go.

Replacing glass into a storm door is a little more difficult, as you’ll have to remove the metal encasement from around the existing window. If the window is cracked or broken, you should wear gloves and protective glasses. Remove the entire panel from your screen door and lie on a flat surface. Remove the metal frame from around the glass. You may have to gently pry the from the glass if any rust has formed.

To replace the glass, you can either purchase a larger piece from your local home improvement store, or you can have a custom piece cut at your local glass company. Another material you might find a little more stable is a piece of plexi-glass. Again, you can pick up a piece at any home improvement center. From there, you simply cut the window to the specified size, replace the metal frame, and put the entire thing back into your storm door.

It doesn’t take much to fix your screen or storm door and have it ready for the coming seasons. This is an easy do-it-yourself project and can be finished up in about an hour’s time. Then, it’s only a matter of opening your door and enjoying the great outdoors.

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