Friday 24 December 2010

How to do Basic Home Repairs : How to Repair Holes in Drywall for Home Improvement

Read Ahead to Get Your DIY Home Improvement Repair Done at Zero Cost

Home improvement sounds exciting and brings up images of a swanky looking home with great interior designs, furniture and furnishings. However, the image will become a reality only if you prepare a budget, plan your expenses and search for home remodeling discounts.

Where can you find discounts and special offers?

Search:

o Local hardware stores
o Home decorating stores
o Online stores
o Competitions and other events

Note, before you begin the actual work, it is imperative that you know what you want. It could be easy to spent a fortune on improvements, yet ended up with feeling dissatisfied. So the first thing to do is not prepare a list of your desires and expectations.

The next thing to do is to prepare a budget to determine the expenditure involved in the whole process. If you cannot afford the expenditure, it is advisable to tone down your plans.

No Progress Without A Budget

When preparing the budget, consider the various discounts and promotional offers available in different stores. This will bring down your expenditure and a previously unaffordable wish list may fit your budget after considering the discounts.

Check out the internet for home improvement discounts. Shopping online always fetches you a good deal as goods are cheaper when purchased from online stores. If you manage to find discounts when shopping online, you can drastically cut down your expenditure.

Another good way to find home improvement discounts is to join a sweepstakes. Large electrical stores and mortgage companies organize these competitions and offer home DIY repair and other packages as prizes.

Home repair stores also organize such sweepstakes as well. So don't hesitate to try your luck. With a new and improved home as the prize, what is the harm in trying?

Many stores, online and off, are keen on organizing these events and this gives them a lot of publicity. If you win a prize in such a sweepstakes, there is no doubt that you will be loyal to that particular store only.

Home Depot, America's biggest online store dealing in home remodeling goods, is famous for organizing such sweepstakes. The events have been structured to give maximum people a chance to win a prize.

Some prizes are coupled with other tickets and the right combination can get you even a bigger prize. All you need to do is join the sweepstakes and wait for lady luck to smile on you. The best part is that the Home improvement sweepstakes is open for any and every visitor of the store.

These and other competitions are popular as everyone has an equal chance of winning. It is just a matter of being at the right place at the right time. People enjoy such participating because they do not stand to lose anything.

The rules and regulations governing the sweepstakes are purposefully designed to give all the participants a fair chance. When planning your home improvement, do not forget to explore this option to get your home improvement done for free or at very low cost.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Ames

Tuesday 21 December 2010

What Are Some Simple DIY Home Improvement Ideas For Beginners?

If you are a home owner, with a certain amount of involvement, patience and creativity doing DIY projects for your house can be a very rewarding and cost effective experience. One of the most exciting aspects of owning a home are the vast number of changes that you can keep incorporating in your house to increase its value and looks. And when it comes to home improvement projects, it is not always essential to hand over every task to a professional.

So if you are a home owner and are thinking of simple and easy ways to begin DIY projects the following list of ideas will be surely helpful to get you going:

o Indoor and outdoor painting - One of the most easiest and effective way to give your house an instant facelift is to paint it yourself. Painting a home is one of the simplest DIY tasks as well as an inexpensive one. All you have to do is to choose colors that complement your rooms as well as the exteriors of your home. An important point to keep in mind while painting your home is to keep all the flooring, woodwork, switchboards well covered before starting your task.

o Creative woodwork - Though woodwork and carpentry requires practice as well as skill one can always begin with a simple task such as building a bird house in the garden or your porch area. You can look up a simple birdhouse design and include a bird bath as well as a feeder which will be sufficient to keep your home bright and chirpy with your winged guests.

o DIY garden projects - Your garden area is one the best places to do home improvement tasks which can give your whole residence a beautiful look. From mowing your lawns to pruning and weeding you can include a fountain, tree benches, hammocks as well as wind chimes and gravel paths.

o Exterior lighting - Lighting can beautifully enhance the exterior appearance of your home. You can experiment in diverse ways like putting up Victorian style lamp posts at the entrance or creating beautifully lit corners in your garden area.

o Repair work - Another great way to begin DIY home projects is to take up minor repair works such as electrical repairs and plumbing. For this you would need to invest in a good tool box as well as read up about home repair basics in order to perform your task safely and successfully.

With the large number of user friendly tools and DIY [http://www.diyrepairhomes.com/] books as well as websites like [http://www.diyrepairhomes.com/] on the internet, improving your home has never been so convenient, enjoyable and economical. So go ahead and take up simple projects and you will soon be an expert at home improvement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fiona_Livnat

Monday 20 December 2010

Home Improvement - The Pros and Cons

Even non do it yourselfers today are considering the idea of DIY home improvement. Certainly the idea is appealing for a number of reasons. Doing the work yourself will cut down on the cost, and the thought of improving your living situation is also a nice draw. But the fact remains that if the work is not done correctly it will be an exercise in frustration and stress, and that's not to mention a complete waste of money. So let's take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros

1. There is certainly a cost savings. And that's just not on home improvement but on anything you may want to build. Perhaps you want to build a new table and chairs. You better be certain you have both the skill and the patience or you will become frustrated and the end result will not be to your liking.

2. Rather than talk about home improvement here, let's talk about home repairs. Is your sink clogged? Again, you can save a lot of money and it's not all that difficult to do this basic job yourself. You can find "how to" information all over the Internet and most hardware stores will gladly walk you through the project or at least give you a brochure showing you how. With the right tools you should do this easily. But of course the risk is the off chance that you can't. Stick with it though and you'll save a lot of money over calling a plumber.

3. Another DIY project is painting. You can save a lot of money here as well. All you need is some paint, the right tools, and some basic understanding of how to do the work properly.

Naturally the biggest pro to any do it yourself project is the money you will save. But don't underestimate the amount of pride you will feel when you accomplish something that looks great and will last for years.

Cons

1. If this is your first time trying a do it yourself project, you will need plenty of tools, materials and designs that you may not have around the home. They can be costly and may end up costing you more than having someone else do the project. But the tools will still be there for any subsequent projects and won't cost you a dime then.

2. Whether you want to believe it or not, failure can and does happen. Even to you. You need to accept the fact that some projects may not turn out exactly as you planned. This can be in terms of quality or in terms of money. That's just part of the do it yourself experience.

Certainly the pros of DIY home improvement out number and out weight the cons. If you like a challenge and don't mind getting your hands dirty, the money you save and the pride you feel will more than make the project worth your time.

The one must have tool for any do it yourself project is a portable work bench. It can make your jobs both easier and safer. And if you get a folding work bench you won't have storage problems either. Just fold it and slide it away when you are done working.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ned_D'Agostino

Sunday 19 December 2010

Do-It-Yourself Home Improvements

So we you want to make improvements on your home. Well, think about it there are many things that you might not consider for a Do-It-Yourself project, one being permits. Permits are required for projects that alter the structure of your house. You may also need permits for plumbing, electrical and even landscaping.

To top that off, because Townships are out to make a buck, along with the cost of the permit, you may have to pay for application fees. Permit costs are generally based on the size of the project. Make sure you do obtain permits, if you do not, it will cost you more in the long run with all the fines.

If you decide to do-it-yourself, you may not have all the equipment or tools needed to complete your job, then you may have to rent. You may be lucky and have a friend with the equipment needed, just be careful so you can return it in the same condition.

Always be ready to find more problems as you begin to tear things down. You could find that something simple as installing insulation you may need to replace a significant amount of electrical wiring. When you start a small project it can turn into a major project. It can however, be beneficial, because you can discover any small problems before they turn into serious ones.

If you do decide to hire someone to do your renovations, make sure that you are on the same level. Make sure they know you must approve of all the work as it takes place. Any changes in materials or blueprints can alter the price, so be sure it is approved first.

Although, you may be very handy, just remember it is no easy task, so take advantage of free tutorial seminars. Many major hardware stores hold weekend demonstrations on do-it-yourself projects. These are free and very informative. You also have the option of watching and reading do-it-yourself video's online or from the library.

You can look into recruiting some quality, reasonably priced labor. You may have friends and family who are handy with a hammer and it will cut the time it takes to get the project done. Never turn down help, even if the person is not the best around tools, they can always help clean up, or be the one to run out to the store for any more needed items. Offering them food and drink will generally work and you can always offer to help when they are doing their own home project.

Although, one of the decisions to do it yourself is to save money, you definitely do not want to use cheap materials that are not going to hold up over time. Use the right materials the first time and you won't have to do it again, or at least for several years.

Make sure you have a detailed list of supplies and materials, it will help you put some numbers to a project. Add an extra 10% to your budget to account for any problems or mistakes. When you account for all expenses you will protect savings and you will not have to abandon the project half way through it. When you go ahead and thoroughly plan and budget for a do-it-yourself project, you will take advantage of the money-saving benefits and have a beautifully improved home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_G._Huertas

Saturday 18 December 2010

DOOR RATTLING A SIMPLE HOME IMPROVEMENT DIY

Home Improvement

In case you are interested in changing the appearance of your home or create more space so that you can make your home livable, you need to implement some of the home improvement project. You can decide to have a DIY home improvement project that will be very convenient for you. All that you need to do is to come up with a plan on what you need to do so that your home can look better. Do it yourself home improvement project can be very effective and usually help you to save a lot. You can come up with projects that will fit your requirements and desires.

This can be a very easy task especially if you are committed to it. However, making some changes in the house can be very challenging at times and you might need some professional advice. You may also need to follow some procedures in order to be successful in trying to improve the condition of your home. This may make work easier for you if you follow the instructions carefully.

When deciding on the project you want to undertake, you need to make some planning and preparation. They are various things that you ought to consider before embarking on DIY home improvement project. These might include the material you may require, the time spent on the project and the effort that is required. If you can find the required materials you can plan a timetable that you will follow to complete your project.

Doing home improvement by yourself can be fun, but caution need to be taken to avoid the occurrence of any possible accident. This will help you on improving your house condition, but your own safety need to come first. You need to keep a first aid kit in the house so that you can use it in case of an accident. When undertaking the project it is also important that you dress appropriately. You can dress comfortably but it is very necessary that you protect yourself from any possible injury. Consider putting on safety goggles to protect your eyes and also wear closed shoes. In case you are working using the electricity, it is important that you notify others so that they can keep on checking the equipments for any sign of danger.

If the project you want to implement in your house involves using complex machines, it is important that you learn how to operate them first. Reading the manual will help you understand the risk of using these machines so that you can be careful. Making sure that you are familiar with all the tools will help you to avoid any possible accidents.

If done well DIY home improvement project can be very successful and cost saving. This project can help to give your home a new enormous look. The amount of effort and commitment together with adequate planning will lead to better result. It is possible to make your home look decent by implementing DIY home improvement projects appropriately.

Bill Thompson has many hobbies and interests. As well being a keen blogger and article writer for many sites, his has also recently created a site focusing on Chiming Clocks. The site is constantly being updated and has articles such as Chiming Mantle Clocks to read.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_J._Thompson

Thursday 16 December 2010

Remodeling - Why You Should Hire a Contractor

General Contractors

Residential remodeling projects are a great way not only to add value and a personal touch to your house, but they are also a great way to make some much needed improvements that your house has needed for quite some time. Although it is easy to come up with the ideas, a professional contractor is recommended for the actual work because of the scheduling and hiring of the right subs to get the job done properly and in a timely manner.

All the things that could possibly be completed during a home remodeling project can be overwhelming to a working and active family. It is also important to do the responsible thing and not try to bite of more than you can chew. For instance, a remodeling project that is not properly planned out could effect your personal life by causing unneeded stress between spouses. Some contractors also burden homeowners with unexpected change orders therefore increasing the final project costs. That makes it all the more important to hire an experienced general contractor.

Using good judgment should lead homeowners directly to looking for the right residential contractor. Here are several criteria for consideration when planning a project. There may be many improvements that you'd like to make, but it may simply not be feasible to do it all do to budget reasons. Make a wish list for sure, but having a face to face meeting with an experienced contractor and real estate investor can place your remodeling needs into perspective. Leave large jobs to professionals. For example, finishing out that media room can be quite a large job to take over and not everyone may be up to the challenge. Big remodeling jobs that require multiple skill sets, proper process, and the right connections to keep costs to a minimum are important factors to consider.

A great general contractors should be able to help you clarify what you want to see happen to your home.

The Work Will Get Done

Another reason why hiring home remodeling professionals is a good idea is to ensure that the work actually gets done. If you have undertaken the job of a detailed full kitchen remodel and its been incomplete for several years because you haven't quite gotten around to completing it, then you may never finish the job. On the other hand, home contractors will be at the job site every business day until the residential remodeling job gets done. Furthermore, as the homeowner you are still in the mix so your stamp will be on the finished project as well. There may be one central person that you talk to during the entire project, but it is still a team effort. In this way homeowners are able to make sure that nothing is done without their approval and that things are being done right! Home remodeling contractors are definitely the best way to complete a project one time by having the work done in a timely, efficient manner. This may be the most cost-efficient way to get things done also.

Homeowners should ask for daily updates about the project before the project begins. It is easy for a general contractor to work this communication process into the workflow. This can insure that nothing gets completed improperly. As mentioned, individual homeowners may like to do things themselves, but they may actually be spending more money in the long run if they run into trouble or snags while remodeling their houses all by themselves. A contractor is not only a good way to ensure quality service is performed, but home contractors and remodelers are great tools to use when you need them the most!

Dustin Doan is a Dallas area general contractor who has been in business for over 11 years. Having successfully completed hundreds of projects Dustin advises customers on achieving their vision while maintaining a prudent budget. Check out home and apartment remodel projects at http://www.dallascontractor.biz.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dustin_Doan

Tuesday 14 December 2010

Bathroom Remodeling Plans - Your Project's First Step Towards Success or Failure

Bathroom remodeling plans are the cornerstone upon which the rest of your project's fate rests. There is no greater example of how "Prior planning prevents poor performance" is a reality than in remodeling in general and bathroom remodeling in particular.

Bathroom remodeling plans for a residence with only one bathroom present different needs and schedules that need to be accommodated. For instance if the bathroom remodeling plans show that the home's entire water system must be shutdown for 48 hours to allow the plumbers to remove and replace an entirely new drain system, then there is nothing to do but find alternate ways for the family to coexist with the project. Maybe they spend a couple days away at a nice hotel.

Contrast this need for some very close coordination between the plumbers and the family with a remodelling project in a vacant home. There is very little need to coordinate with the owners because they are not living there. But perhaps here, there is a great need to renovate a bathroom within a week to get the unit ready for rental.

A complete bathroom renovation can be done in a week but it requires a different type of bathroom remodeling plans. What is needed here is very close communication between everyone concerned, making sure that one trade will not be hampering another's progress.

So you see there are a number of different bathroom remodeling plans that include much more than a set of blueprints. Bathroom remodeling plans include managing the project, designing the actual bathroom space, specifying the types of fixtures and materials to use.

Bathroom remodeling plans need to include every facet of the particular job.

Don't confuse mere blueprints with bathroom remodeling plans.

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John Mann, "The Electric Mann", has been involved in the residential construction industry for over 25 years. He's worked as an Electrical Contractor and a General Contractor in Residential Remodeling and is an expert on Kitchen and Bathroom Design and Remodeling.

Signup for his "Bathroom Remodeler's Newsletter" and get a FR*EE 7-Part mini-course (Value $67.00 US) called

"How To Avoid the 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Remodeling a Bathroom!" by visiting http://www.TheRemodeledBathroom.com

Click This Link to Learn More About Bathroom Remodeling Plans [http://www.TheRemodeledBathroom.com/bathroom-remodeling-plans.php] - What They Are, How To Make Bathroom Remodeling Plans =================================================

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Monday 13 December 2010

Economical Residential Remodeling Projects Increase In Popularity

During a tough economy, it may not be convenient to undertake a home remodeling project. It is during these tight financial times that contractors find themselves doing many projects that "need" to be done, rather than those that people would "like" to have done. Northern Virginia residential remodeling projects that get the most attention from contractors more recently tend to be maintenance, extensive repairs and upgrades. Some projects are more involved than others, but may be tied to issues of safety or frustration.

One of the most popular targets of recent home improvement attention is the bathroom. When the functionality of an outdated bathroom is questionable, many homeowners are ready to take the plunge. Over the years, Northern Virginia building codes have been changed and upgraded. Homeowners are finding themselves updating many aspects of the bath that are related to health, safety and even energy conservation issues. Some are done to maintain compliance, while others are simply a matter of being environmentally and utility bill conscious. Low flow shower heads, low flush toilets and replacement windows are just a few of the things that people change. Some requirements include a switch that limits how hot the hot water can be and installation of bathroom vents that prevent moisture issues which create mold problems. A Northern Virginia bathroom remodeling project usually includes replacement of moisture damaged wood and subflooring, and worn bathtubs and showers.

A government energy tax credit has encouraged homeowners to use certain items that have been deemed energy efficient while doing a home remodeling project. Many of these items are appliances. One of the most popular is the tankless hot water heater. This can be installed among other remodeling initiatives, such as a new washer and dryer or a new shower. Energy efficient replacement windows are now being installed where painted shut windows with deteriorating glazing once belonged. Modern vinyl windows block the radiant heat energy from the sun, which makes rooms warmer. The newer versions are a tighter fit with fewer drafts and reduce energy bill that way as well. Modern appliances use less energy and also radiate less heat while in use. These appliances are more efficient in time usage, as well. It takes less time or none at all for a cook top or oven to preheat.

Other Northern Virginia home remodeling projects are targeted at discount home improvement. Customers are looking for a better deal on materials, such as those already in stock that were not used for other contracts, or things that just cost less. For example, cosmetic facelifts add curb appeal to the home without spending a lot of money. Deteriorating wood trim may be wrapped with aluminum or vinyl to improve appearance. Rotting wood is being replaced with more durable, water resistant materials on the home's exterior in places like gutters and railings.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about diy remodeling, visit http://www.fosterremodeling.com/.

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