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April 28, 2007
Rainwater Collection System
This family in Portland, Oregon decided to take advantage of their abundant rainfall and they began collecting rainwater for household use. They built this system themselves and have a great how-to accompanied by photos.
April 27, 2007
Call 811 Before You Dig
Matt Navitsky of the Common Ground Alliance has informed us of a new nationwide phone number, 811. This number has been established by the FCC to protect underground utilities as well as DIY homeowners and professional excavators.
Before any excavation project you are required to contact your local one-call center to come out and mark out the underground utility lines, cables, and pipes. But as of May 1st you just have to dial 811 anywhere in the country to reach your local one-call center.
We are behind anything that promotes homeowner safety and 811 is as close to an ounce of prevention that you can get.
April 26, 2007
Selecting Tiles
Choosing the right tile can be an arduous and painful process, but it doesn't have to be. Instead visualize how your ideal tile will look in your home before setting foot into any tile shop or speaking to a tile setter. Your gut feelings should guide you towards colors that you feel work well and textures that are comfortable.
After you have a fairly solid idea about what you want, start exploring materials and possibly consulting with designers and tile setters. It will help most designers if you have a direction and feel for what you want and they can help fine tune your selection based on budget, use, and material availability.
April 25, 2007
Label Your Circuit Breaker
We all know how important circuit breakers are to keeping your appliances and lighting safe from surges, but with a bit of foresight you can make sure that the next time the power goes and you suspect it's the breaker box you'll know exactly what to do.
It's important that you map out and label each circuit breaker. When a breaker trips you won't need to fumble with the main switch or each breaker because you'll be able to isolate the breaker for each room or section of your home. You can then determine what caused the breaker to trip. Did you just plug in an appliance? Turn on the dishwasher? Was the microwave on at the same time as the blender? Before resetting the breaker, identify and turn off the offending appliance then switch the breaker off and then back on. The circuit should now be restored.
If your breaker keeps tripping or you hear a buzzing noise coming from the breaker it's time to call in an electrician. There could be a direct short in the wiring.
Posted by at 8:00 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 24, 2007
Pool to Pond Conversion
Swimming pools are great fun but if the kids have moved out or you find yourself sunbathing less and less, you may want to consider turning the pool into another type of water fixture, a http://kilk.com/pond/. This homeowner didn't need a "natural" swimming pool but rather a minimum-maintenance pond that added value to his house. He's provided a great step-by-step as well as a basic budget.
Pond photo after the jump.
Isn't it lovely?! Well done Erik.
Posted by at 12:41 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 23, 2007
Closet Designer
Designing a closet should be a well-thought out process that includes more than just slapping an interior door on a small room. EasyClosets.com has an online layout that helps you visualize exactly what you want with the space that you have.
Posted by at 2:41 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usRoom Color and Your Mood
Are you feeling blue? It may be the color of your room that is contributing to your sour attitude or conversely the reason why you can't relax or sleep. Room color effects your mood much more than you think.
Posted by at 2:34 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 20, 2007
Copper Trellis
With some straight copper pipe, copper connectors, and two part epoxy, you can build your own trellis that will take nicely to roses or vines. The copper will age nicely and oxidize to a nice brown patina. This trellis won't rot or need painting and should withstand the elements of any climate.
April 19, 2007
Invisible Bookshelf
Give your living space a sci-fi look and build an invisible bookshelf. You're books will look as if they are floating against the wall.
Loft Living
In the shadow of the Staples center in downtown Los Angeles there has been an infusion of residential buildings that are reshaping the atmosphere of downtown. Many of these new buildings are positioned as "uptown" style lofts with high ceilings, wood floors, and lots of amenities.
This shift towards urban downtown living is nothing new and has taken hold in cities across the country, many of which have suffered from the "white flight" of the 60's.
Merchants Row - Detroit
St. Louis Lofts
Loft Living - Phoenix
The Edge Loft Condos - Cincinnati
Atlanta Loft Living
Vacation Homes
If you really covet that beachside cottage or serene lakehouse, there are smart ways to make it happen. Vacation home ownership is on the rise and many dual-homeowners don't want fixer-uppers but solid and care-free homes in relaxing locales.
Owning Your First Vacation Home
Buying Second Home Within Reach For Many
Vacation Home to Tax Haven
Tax Implications of Your Vacation Home
Renting a Vacation Home
April 18, 2007
Monolithic Dome Homes
As opposed to yurts, these dome homes are super-insulated, steel reinforced concrete structures. They do share a similar shape to yurts but these buildings can be used as homes, schools, gymnasiums, or storage facilities. The home living plans are unique and we'd be curious to hear from someone who has lived in one.
Check out the residential online evaluator to calculate how much your dream dome would cost.
Posted by at 12:00 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 17, 2007
House Restoration Tips
Check out the Country Living 2007 House of the Year. It's an 1890's farmhouse in the Dutch country of southeastern Pennsylvania. During the restoration they incorporated many different techniques that you may want to keep in mind during your own renovation. Tips include: pliable plumbing, prefab wainscoting, retaining historical details such as door hinges, lockets, soffits, and decorative brackets.
Country Living 2007 House of the Year
April 16, 2007
Green Building 101 from Inhabitat
Time for a lesson in Green Building from Inhabitat. Read on for one of the best online tutorials of green building from a site that is "devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future".
Green Building 101
Location and Community
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Materials and Resources Part I and Part II
Indoor Environmental Quality
Energy and Atmosphere
Environmentally Friendly Lighting
Eco-Power
Appliances, Electronics, and Energy Use
Design Innovation
The Conclusion
Tom Friedman also believes that the green movement may be the key to restoring America to its natural place in the global order—as the beacon of progress, hope and inspiration. That sounds good to us!
Posted by at 10:57 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usCreate Floorplans
No drafting or architectural experience? No worries... There are now a multitude of DIY floorplan designers available online. All you need is a vision and some time.
SketchUp - A free app from Google that is very powerful and will have you designing 3-D plans in no time.
Floorplanner - Free version builds and designs rooms as well as shares your plans with others.
Dream Home Sources - No time to make your own, then select from over 17,000 available plans.
HGTV Room Planner - Design your floorplan and see what it would like look accessorized.
April 14, 2007
Compact Driver
No we're not talking about Danny Devito behind the wheel. This compact driver comes from Black and Decker and will save your wrists when you've got the mundane task of building that IKEA dresser or tightening that hard to reach screw in a light fixture. It stays charged for 18 months but you'll probably leave it in the handy wall-mounted charger.
Posted by at 7:58 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 13, 2007
Nail Gun Safety
Pneumatic nail guns are expert level tools even though any Joe Schmo can buy them off the rack at the hardware store. Hence the uptick in nail gun accidents.
As with any high-powered tool, respect its abilities, and you'll stay out of trouble.
More tips:
Pneumatic Nailer Safety [Ask the Builder]
Nail Gun Basics [DIY Network]
Tips and Techniques for Using a Framing Nailer [Expert Village]
Nail Gun Safety Tips [essortment]
April 12, 2007
Indoor Air Quality
We spend most of our lives indoors so we should give more thought to the air quality in our sheltered environment. There are gases and fumes that we can't see or smell but are extremely toxic. This includes radon, carbon monoxide, mold, and VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds). Early detection and prevention after the jump.
Check out the EPA's recommendations for indoor air quality. There is also the Indoor Air Quality Association which is a non-profit group that is focused on indoor air quality education.
Here are some other resources:
OSHA
Healthy House Institute
American Lung Association
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (interesting publications)
April 11, 2007
Garage Sales
Finish off your spring cleaning and hold a garage sale. Here are some tips for setting up a garage sale and maximizing your earning potential.
April 10, 2007
Chemical-Free Swimming Pools
Flipping the script on what backyard pools should be, Mick Hilleary of Total Habitat, has introduced America to a more natural way of keeping a pool clean that doesn't involve chemicals. Natural swimming pools originated in Europe about 20 years ago but haven't picked up here in the states. Mick is trying to change that and with the "green" movement gathering momentum his swimming pools may be primed for the big-time.
The construction of these swimming pools represent more of a backyard pond with lush vegetation living near and on the surface of the water. The plants are key to keeping the pool clean and the water is constantly run through regeneration zones that filter using friendly bacteria. The drawback is algae which is harmless but unpleasant. Apparently these pools take a year to normalize and adapt to the environment but until then the color may be a bit green.
Posted by at 3:01 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 9, 2007
Pocket Table
If you are short on space in the kitchen but still need a full-size dining area that can seat at least six, then maybe a pocket table is the answer. These pocket tables are handmade by Pat McGeehan in Waynesville, OH and he can customize them to fit your needs and tastes. Here's an animated graphic showing you how they work.
Posted by at 11:53 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usKitchen Cleaning Tips
Here are more kitchen cleaning tips than you can shake a sponge at (sorry that was bad). From clogged drains, grease build-up, dishwasher cleaning, and dirty oven windows.
Posted by at 12:25 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 6, 2007
Firepit / Coffee Table
Outdoor furniture functionality takes a new spin. This outdoor cast aluminum table from Restoration Hardware doubles as a firepit and coffee table. You can truly have a multi-season centerpiece for your patio that can stay out all year. Coffee table pic after the jump.
Yurt Living
Look familiar? You've probably seen these strange looking homes in National Geographic or on some travel show. They are called Yurts and they have been used in Central Asia for centuries.
Modern day Yurts are self-supporting structures that are heated and cooled with the help of their aerodynamic shape. Modern Yurts are as easy to put up as tents but are structurally much more rigid. The materials are Ash and Oak for the frame and roof and the cover is waterproof, fireproof, and rot proof canvas. We love them...
Posted by at 10:21 PM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 5, 2007
House Plants
The best way to clean your air? Get some houseplants! Forget the expensive air-filters or ugly ionizers. Select a few house plants that will not only improve the look of your room but also up the oxygen and cut down on pollutants.
Fresh Living [Modern Cottage]
Caring for Houseplants [Garden Helper]
House Plants [Smith & Hawken]
Caring for Houseplants [Homeowner.net]
Houseplants [YouGrowGirl]
April 4, 2007
Rejuvenate a Cement Patio
Cement patios are commonplace in homes across the country. In the Southwest they are particularly popular since lawns are hard to manage in the heat and cement patios are easy to clean and maintain. Take a look at your patio this Spring and follow these steps for making it more attractive and useful this summer.
Tidy Up a Cement Patio [MSN]
Repair Patio Cement [Just Umbrellas]
Grease Stain Removal from Patios [Google Answers]
A Step-by-Step for Building a Concrete Patio [Berkshire Eagle]
Handyman Hiring Tips
No time, money, or know-how to fix a household problem? In New York city we have Supers who are on call (usually) and hopefully can fix leaking faucets, broken radiators, or sticky doors, but homeowners are on their own and for smaller household fixes a certified or licensed contractor is overkill. That's where the handyman comes in. Here are some tips for hiring the right one.
April 3, 2007
Gnome Time
Shelterrific has touched on kitsch gold. The venerable gnome. They can bring a touch of humor to any home and also a bit of luck. Get your gnome on here.
Architectural Salvage in Chicago
If you are in the Chicago area you should check out Salvage One. Their website highlights some great finds like this art-deco bar and prairie-style window.
Posted by at 12:33 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.usApril 2, 2007
Carve a Wooden Spoon
The above examples are extreme but the Spoonlady can show you how to carve your own wooden spoons, safely and quickly. Using utensils that you've hand-crafted can be as rewarding as building with your very own tools.
Posted by at 8:58 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.us12 Home Tips
We love lists and lists of home tips are even better. Here are 12 good ones for home repair from Real Simple.
Posted by at 1:16 AM | Permalink | post to del.icio.us
