March 06, 2006
Lumber Choices
Lumber is scored like diamonds and comes in varying grades based on flaws. knots, splits, and sap pockets that will all downgrade a lumbers score. That doesn't mean it's useless, as the cheaper grade of lumber is great for use below your deck or behind the walls. But don't go too cheap or you will jeopardize the integrity and strength of your floor or wall. Lumber Choices
Should You DIY?
You fancy yourself a do-it-yourselfer but should you really tackle that fireplace demolition or breaker box rewire? Ask yourself these questions before you do-it-yourself.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)March 05, 2006
Built-In Cabinet Installation
Built-in cabinets and bookshelves save floorspace which is vital in small homes. Here are some links to installing your own and what you should consider before designing and purchasing your cabinets.
About.com (how-to install kitchen cabinets)
Bob Vila (installation video)
Hammerzone (installing kitchen cabinets)
Budget Kitchens (installing kitchen cabinets)
On The House (choosing cabinets)
About.com (how-to install kitchen cabinets)
March 04, 2006
Geothermal Energy for Your Home
The California Energy Commission has a straightforward explanation of what geothermal heating is, how much it costs (short and long term), and what the advantages are. It truly is an under-used technology that can provide you with year-round comfort. Consider geothermal energy for your new build or renovation and you may save money while feeling good about it. Read on...
California Energy Commission (great graphic)
Geothermal Manhattan Townhouse (it's for sale)
Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple Goes Geothermal
Heat from the Earth to Warm Your Hearth
Geoexchange
Small Bathroom Tips
"Standard vanities are 21 inches deep, but if you order them at 18 inches instead you’ll gain floor space without losing too much storage." More bathroom tips from United Building Centers.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)March 02, 2006
Remodeling Industry Sees Gains
According to Remodeling Online, Americans spent $150 million on home improvement and remodeling their homes last year which was up 4.3% from 2004. The real estate market may have cooled in some areas but current and new homeowners will continue to work towards increasing the value of their home as well as creating a better space to live in.
March 01, 2006
Kitchen Islands
A properly designed kitchen island can won't make your food taste any better but it can make preparing that food much more enjoyable and your cooking workflow more efficient. Here's an ezine article about what to consider when planning and building a kitchen island.
February 28, 2006
Home Sprinklers
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends home sprinklers be installed in all new home builds as well as retrofitted to existing homes. They cite the cost of installing sprinklers in a new home is approximately 1 percent of the total cost of the home. "Home sprinklers are smaller than commercial and industrial sprinklers, and they can be aesthetically coordinated with any room décor".
Moisture Control and Ventilation
A well insulated home in the winter is a must, but you don't want to just seal yourself in your home. You also need open-ventilation which prevents mold, controls moisture, and is energy efficient.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)Height Restrictions
This information comes from New Zealand but it's very relevant to American home renovators. Before you remodel or renovate the exterior of your home and plan to change the footprint or build up, you must first check the local codes. Failing an inspection costs time and money.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)February 26, 2006
Hearth Improvement
The fireplace is making a comeback thanks to better construction through the use of safer materials as well as more energy efficient models. Gas options have expanded and wood burning fireplaces no longer have to be as dirty or dangerous.
February 25, 2006
Toekick Drawers
Make use of the extra space below your cabinets. Toekick drawers are perfect for pans, untensils or linens.
February 23, 2006
PreFabulous
Prefabs are all the rage and for good reason. "The promise of affordable modern housing through prefab design. It’s a concept that is cost-efficient, often environmentally sensitive, and likely to offer practically instant gratification." - GQ
Wired
Time Magazine
GQ does prefab
Washington Post
Treehugger: Push-button prefab
Brownstone Renovation
For all the remodel and renovation geeks out there who can't get enough, here's a peek inside a New York brownstone during mid-renovation.
Vintage Trough Sink
Bathrooms are tough enough for adults to keep clean and for kids...fugghedaboutit! Brownstoner installed a vintage trough sink for the kids bathroom that is both fun and functional. All surface areas to clean are inside the sink and when the kids get dirty (as kids sometimes do), they can easily wash all the way up to their shoulders.
February 21, 2006
Freestanding Room Divider
Creating cozy spaces is difficult to do in large open rooms or small studio apartments but the project files on the Trading Spaces website shows you how to build a freestanding room divider from start to finish that can even support lighting and artwork.
February 19, 2006
Helpful Links
Please refer to the many links along the right side of this page. You can search the categories to help you find exactly what you're looking for. The ten most recent postings are also easily viewed. And our evolving blogroll contains helpful links to msm (mainstream media), design, remodeling, and renovation websites. We've also included some individual blogs to some great projects that are well documented and may help you with your own remodel or renovation.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 08:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)February 17, 2006
Interior House Painting
One of the least expensive ways to change the look and feel of a room is to paint it. But what is often overlooked is the prep time to prepare a wall or surface for paint. The proper pre-paint prep will ensure your paint adheres correctly and you'll enjoy the full life-span of the paint. Please follow the links below for prepping and painting interiors.
DoItYourself.com
Hometime
Benjamin Moore
The Secrets of Pro Painters
MyGreatHome
House Styles
If you've always been curious about the differences between Victorians, Colonials, and Federal styles, About.com has a brief description as well as photo gallery of 22 different American home styles.
February 16, 2006
Modern Sources
We love modern design and one of the current print vanguards is Dwell magazine. Not to be overlooked but their sparse online component is buoyed by excellent forums where you can discuss the latest beds from Flou, to building "green". The forums are also divided geographically so you can find and share with local modernists.
Wood Floors...aaah
Hardwood floors can boost a homes selling price by at least 6%. That may be enough for you to consider pulling up that 80's shag that should probably be replaced anyway. Who knows - you might already have that oak floor you've been coveting.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)How to Hire Contractors
After you've decided to build that addition or finally remodel the kitchen, one of the biggest hurdles is finding the right help. Aside from going over bids and selecting the contractor you feel presents the most desirable cost to quality ratio, eHow takes you through this process step by step. Please use only bonded and licensed contractors, and as the saying goes, "Pay more now or pay a lot more later".
Posted by ChuckandHud at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)Dream Kitchens
These days you've got no excuse not to have the kitchen of your dreams. Check out these Dream Kitchens from DIYnet.com, HGTV.com, AOL Home, and IKEA.
February 15, 2006
Bathroom Designer
HGTV.com has a new interactive tool that makes choosing a new bathroom design both fun and interesting. It's advertiser heavy but beyond that it get's a thumbs up from us.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)December 16, 2005
Addition is sometimes better than demolition
The temptation to buy and breakdown is always the most tempting and usually the most financially beneficial route to go. But even when the original structure isn't the most classic or beautiful, there's something to be said for letting it live and improving on it. That's what Charles Rose did with this 1940's colonial. Well done.
June 07, 2005
On Deck
Build a deck that’s ready for the rigors of summer It all starts with the footing and materials.
Posted by ChuckandHud at 12:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
