Tips: March 2006 Monthly archive
The burst in home construction and remodeling has also provided a sister industry of crooks that rely on the trustworthiness of homeowners to open up their homes for any "expert" that can help them create the house of their dreams. Prepare yourself by reading these tips.
Tips to avoid home improvement scams [Tampabay]
March 29, 2006 | Comments ()
Houseblogs.net is just over a year old and has become the mothership for anyone who is chronicaling the restoration or renovation of their home. Created by Aaron & Jeannie of HouseinProgress.net who own and restore their own 1914 Craftsman-style bungalow, Houseblogs is a community-driven site that allows members to share their DIY experiences and learn from others. One of the most helpful features of Houseblogs is the Ask Houseblogs section where readers can submit their own DIY challenges for other readers to answer. Next time you're in a quandry look here.
Ask Houseblogs
HouseinProgress.net
March 21, 2006 | Comments (1)Today is the first official day of Spring and we've compiled a list of some great resources that will help you break out of the winter funk and prepare your home and household for warmer weather and a fresh start.
Spring Cleaning A Complete Checklist [About.com]
Quick tricks to help conquer spring cleaning [MSNBC]
Clean for Spring [The Olympian]
Versatile baking soda helps with spring cleaning [Arizona Republic]
Outside of house needs spring cleaning too [Orlando Sentinel]
Your computer needs spring cleaning, too [Union Democrat]
Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Finances, Not Just Your Home [Chron.com]
March 21, 2006 | Comments ()
We are staying with the Spring clean this week and moving on to one of the most important rooms in your house - the garage. Garages many times end up as catch-alls for anything that you want out of site and not in your house. This creates much more of a headache when the cordless drill you so desperately need is piled under the Halloween decorations. Reclaim your garage this weekend.
Organize a Family Garage Cleanup [About.com]
Tips for Cleaning [Suite101]
Clean Out Your Inner Garage [iVillage]
Garage Makeover [DIYnet]
Garage Plan [Polarweasel]
March 17, 2006 | Comments ()Before inviting potential buyers into your home, one of the least expensive and easiest ways to boost your chances of selling your home is to "stage" it. Staging a home is more than just throwing the clothes in the closet and shoving magazines under the bed. In this era of real-estate frenzy a sub-industry of staging professionals has emerged and the best remain in high demand. Follow these tips to accentuate the best qualities of your home.
March 12, 2006 | Comments ()The cement found in most pre-war and pre-turn of the century homes is a basic mix of sand and lime. Over time this compound begins to deteriorate mainly due to moisture and the freeze/thaw cycle. Repointing brick is a tremendous job and not always necessary for an entire structure or wall. There may be only a few bricks that need repair but the old cement next to the new, will stand out more than Paris Hilton at a truck pull. Tom of The Home Improvement Ninja breaks down the technique used to create old "looking" cement from new.
March 10, 2006 | Comments ()The Cleaning Center sells cleaning tools and products but they also provide a handy guide to removing stains, ANY STAIN. Oil, coffee, blood, grease, milk, wax, paint, etc...
Tags: cleaning, stain removal
March 9, 2006 | Comments (1)
The cardboard drink holders DJay used to soundproof his "studio" in Hustle and Flow may have worked for him but eHow.com provides a more effective way to keep noise from bleeding from one room to the next, sans drink holders. Readers also list some other great tips like building a room within a room.
March 8, 2006 | Comments ()
In college my friend Luke (not pictured) made a suit of duct tape for halloween and I now realize he was a pioneer in duct tape fashion. I've wrapped my foot in duct tape to protect a blister during lacrosse practice (not recommended). I suggest you use duct tape on your home and not on yourself. Here are some better uses for the magic tape.
March 8, 2006 | Comments (1)"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.
March 4, 2006 | Comments ()
You can hide them (here's how), or you can embrace the unique features of the twisted iron and metal and make them work for you in more ways than one. Old House Journal explains two techniques that will beautify your radiator.
March 3, 2006 | Comments ()Readymade found a great draft stopper that will keep you warmer and save on your energy bill.
March 1, 2006 | Comments ()
One of life's little annoyances can be sticky wood drawers. With a bit of lubrication you should have smooth gliding drawers in no time. And as a last resort you can try sanding the drawer until it fits evenly, but remember it's permanent.
eHow.com states "Excess moisture due to rain or humidity makes wood swell and often causes the drawers to stick. Application of wax, such as beeswax or paraffin, seals the wood and helps prevent moisture-induced swelling."
March 1, 2006 | Comments ()
