We've presented some techniques for building interior walls but overwhelmingly the material of choice is now metal/steel studs. Besides saving trees, metal studs have many advantages over traditional lumber. They don’t shrink or split and are always perfectly straight. They’re also light and easy to store; they resist fire, insects and rot; and they are about 30% cheaper then wood. Plus you'll only need tin snips and a screw gun or a drill with a bit-holder. But remember, metal stud walls should only be considered for non-load bearing use.
Steel Studs aka Light Guage Metal Framing [Remodeling for Geeks]
Whole-House Remodeling with Steel Studs and Joists [Housing Zone]
How to Build with Steel Studs [WikiHow]
Modular Metal Stud Framing [PortaFab]
How to Cut Metal Studs [Bob Vila]
Residential Steel Studs and Joists [CSSBI]
If you aren't satisfied with your formica countertops you can give them a fresh look. With a little effort and creativity, who knew granite could be this easy and while you're at it, upgrade your fixtures.
Formica Countertop Repair [Bob Vila]
This homeowner shares his DIY basement remodel and here are a few other resources for basement renovation.
Upgrading Below Grade [PATH]
Basement Remodel [ Contractor.com]
Top 5 Things You Should Consider when you remodel your basement [Basement Remodeler]
Basement Remodeling [DoItYourself.com]
Applying for building permits are often the bane of many general contractors and often times work that has already begun must stop until permits are secured and the work order is approved. This wastes time and money for the homeowner but procuring all of the necessary permits before construction helps to ease this process. Here's some advice for gaining permit approval quickly and with the least amount of hassle.
A new addition to our blogroll is the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). They have a long-standing history and their core purpose is "to advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, product and vital public purpose."
As a homeowner you can use their site to search for remodelers in your area and they give you tips for what questions to ask and what warning signs to be wary of when choosing your contractor.
Professionals are also encouraged to join NARI which they feel will give you more exposure and help in networking. You'll also be eligible to be considered as for the Contractor of the Year (COTY) award.
After watching the Money Pit for the first time in about 10 years time we decided to compile our "Top 10 Home Improvement Movies". Remodeling may not be the central theme but the home definitely plays a role in these films (kinda). Here we go...
10. Made ~ This film is a reach for this list - in fact it shouldn't really be on this list but we were having a hard time coming up with 10. But the movie starts with one of our all-time favorite scenes as Favre and Vaughn work as part of a construction crew and negotiate taking "breaks" and take lip from an snooty interior designer. If you like these two you'll love this scene.
9. Poltergeist ~ I only moved once as a child and after watching this film I never wanted to move again.
8. House of Sand and Fog ~ By far the most dramatic film on this list. The passion portrayed by two parties fighting for a home they believe is rightfully theirs is gut-wrenching.
7. Under the Tuscan Sun/A Good Year ~ Who wouldn't' want to take time out from their life to enjoy renovating a villa in the South of France or Italy???
6. Home Alone ~ Mac turns his house into a pranksters dream and we still don't know how Daniel Stern survived the paint bucket to the face.
We've long been a fan of the Motley Fool and consider their financial advice to be sound and reasonable (and sometimes amusing). They even saved us a few thousand dollars on a new car purchase we made a few years ago.
They've got a fairly active message board with topics such as Building/Maintaining a Home and Buying or Selling a Home. Another great way to communicate with homeowners who may be facing a similar situation.
Maintaining and Remodeling Your Home [The Motley Fool]
July 30, 2007 | Comments ()
