DIY

Amazing Wood Projects You Can Create For Your Pet

Angela Manning DIY , ,
Amazing Wood Projects You Can Create For Your Pet

Nothing says “I love you more” than a handmade present. And no family member could be less fussy about a handmade present’s size, shape, color (and accepting of mistakes!) than a dog. This is why getting creative with woodworking projects for dogs is a fun, easy, and immensely therapeutic activity you can partake in over a long weekend or the holidays. 

If you want to create something for your pet, maybe for their birthday or as a surprise gesture, we have a list of some wood project ideas that are easy to execute. 

Collapsible Dog Ramp

Whether you have a miniature or toy breed at home or a senior dog, there will be concerns about their inability to access high areas like beds, couches, cars, even stairs. Eliminate the risk of injury by crafting a gorgeous dog ramp. 

A collapsible dog ramp can be one of the most functional DIY things to make for your dog. It works as a pathway for your dog to climb on to reach high or difficult to access areas without falling or injuring themselves. 

Ramps are also terrifically handy if your pet is a giant breed with limited mobility.

You can start using the ramp right from the puppy stage of your dog so that they are well adept with the ramp when they are into their old age. 

Pet Bowl Stand

Most people feel that pet bowl stands are overrated. After all, dogs have been eating from bowls placed on floors for centuries. However, the truth is that pet bowl stands are essential as they can positively affect your pet’s quality of life. 

When the food or water bowls are placed on an elevated surface such as a stand, eating and drinking put less strain on your pet’s back and neck. If you have a senior dog, they’re less likely to suffer from gastro disorders if you elevate their food and water bowls. The best part? The bowl stays in one position without risk of being knocked over, and nearby places remain clean, meaning fewer clean-up chores for you. 

Since you’re reconsidering how to feed your pet, don’t forget to set a feeding schedule for your dog.

Classic Doghouse

If you want to treat your dog, create a space that they can call their own! That’s right. We’re recommending a personal doghouse. You can get your creativity flowing and personalize the doghouse according to your preference—house size, shape, color, with or without windows, and so much more! 

Before you get started, though, ensure that the size of the doghouse is appropriate for your pet. They should be able to comfortably nest inside the doghouse and have enough space to turn and toss around without injuring themselves.

Pro tip: Build a house with a slight elevation. This will provide temperature comfort—during winters, the house remains warm, and in summers, there is enough ventilation to keep it cool.

ALSO READ: Easy DIY lawn mower maintenance

Chain Link Outdoor Dog Kennels

If you don’t want to fence in your yard or front porch but are worried about your pet’s safety, then the ideal solution is a chain-link outdoor kennel. 

As the name suggests, the chain-link fencing is attached to the wooden kennel, adding security to your dog’s home. This kind of kennel is also much larger than a typical doghouse, giving your pet a comfortable play area as well. 

A chain link outdoor kennel protects dogs from accidents and savory characters. 

A lockable door can be attached to the kennel for added security. One significant benefit of an outdoor kennel is that if you have an urgent meeting to attend to and have to leave your dog alone for a couple of hours, a kennel can make your job easier.

Pet Food Dispenser

A pet food dispenser is a wonderful woodworking project for you and your dog. The benefits include having a dedicated storage space for dog food and no messes. It will also be a rustic and creative focal point of any room and a conversation starter. The best part? It reduces the hassle of pouring food out of a heavy bag.

A food dispenser can be made with a combination of lumber pieces, a few woodworking tools, patience, and commitment. You need to create the body, the handle, the top, and the bottoms and include suitable mechanisms, all using high-quality wood. 

If you’re really good with crafts, you could experiment with the food dispenser by automating it.

Build A Giant Bed For Your Puppies To Share

If you have multiple pets who like to snuggle and cuddle or are a breeder, you’ll love this project idea! A giant wooden bed is an ideal option when several pets or repeat litters are involved. Wondering why? Firstly, using wood increases the shelf-life of the bed. They are also elegant, easy to maintain, and add a factor of elegance to your space. Not to mention they’re incredibly easy to make! 

And you can be as creative (or not!) as you like with a giant dog bed. Need plain black or grey cushions that can survive multiple frequent washes? Check. Want a plush pillow with lace and delicate bedding for miniature or toy breeds like dachshunds or poodles? Check! See what we mean? You just can’t go wrong with beds.

Make A Gate 

Whether you have just welcomed a puppy into your home or have a mischievous adult dog, you’ll need a barrier of sorts to keep them away from non-pet designated areas. 

Generally, a wooden gate is used to confine a pet to a particular part of the house. And like with childproofing, you can use the wooden gate to dog-proof your home. They’re also incredibly useful if you frequently leave your dog home alone.

If you have a staircase inside your house, you can make it pet-friendly by installing a gate near the staircase’s opening. This will prevent puppies and senior dogs from falling and getting injured. 

Ensure to create a sturdy gate that remains secure even if your pet tries to push its way through.

Play Area For Cats 

Everyone knows that cats love little hideouts and corners. They also love to climb. So if you’re looking for inspiration for a cat play area, consider floating shelves and drawers as potential woodworking projects. 

Drawers: you can fix them directly to the wall (you don’t need a complete cabinet!) and use them to store cat toys, food, and grooming equipment. They can also double as climbing areas for your cats. 

Shelves: You can add fun features to shelves like scratch posts and hanging toys. Even turn a few into beds (depending on how many cats you have!) Don’t forget to experiment with shapes, colors, designs. Your cats will love them!

Build A Crate For Your Pet

Need to crate train your dog but hate metal crates? We couldn’t agree more! That’s why we’re recommending wooden crates. What’s the difference, you ask? For starters, wooden crates are elegant. They also don’t resemble animal shelter enclosures. And you can take any old cupboard, shoe stand, or rectangular furniture piece and refurbish it into a dog crate. 

For added comfort, you can add a blanket inside the crate. You can also help your dog feel at home and at ease by tossing in a few of their favorite toys. If your house has multiple pets and you need a separate area for feeding, you can attach a pet food and water bowl stand inside the crate as well.

ALSO READ: 5 Ways to Furnish Your Outdoor Event

Playground Equipment

Do you have an over-energetic pet? Perhaps you love the idea of training and getting hands-on with your dog. If so, then consider making playground equipment for your pet. A climbing ramp with or without a slide, tunnels, and a see-saw are some of the simplest equipment you can make. If you’ve got plenty of crafting experience, consider more complicated designs like a playhouse that combines them all.

Use lightweight, but good quality wood, so that the equipment is sturdy, and yet, it can be moved should the need arise.

Final Thoughts 

Woodworking projects are a great way to explore a new hobby interest or hone your existing woodworking skills. You get to work with your hands, play around with designs, seamlessly blend your dog furniture with your home decor, and of course, you can drive sustainability by reusing or refurbishing furniture. 

We hope our DIY projects for dog lovers inspired you to get creative! Don’t forget to drop by and share photos of your DIY projects.

How to Fix a Leaky Laundry Tap or Mixer

Angela Manning DIY , , ,
How to Fix a Leaky Laundry Tap or Mixer

Leaky laundry taps are a common issue that can lead to a large amount of water over time, while also driving your utilities bills up. Fixing this can be easier than you think, avoiding the costs of hiring a plumber. See below a couple of tips of what you can do to fix it by yourself.

Step One:

You should turn off the valves to your sink. Usually the handles can be under the sink, but if you are unable to find it or properly shut it off, then you’ll have to turn off the entire water supply to your home. After this, you should reopen your laundry mixer valves to relieve pressure and any excess water still in it.

Step Two: Identification and disassembly

Before you start disassembling your tap, plug your drain to avoid having any parts falling down it. Then, you should be able to identify what kind of laundry tap mechanism you have. There are three main types of tap mechanisms:

1- Pillar taps have separate valves for hot and cold. These can also have a cartridge or washer mechanism inside

2- Mixer taps, that have two valves joined in a single tap, mixing the water in between (hence the name)

3- Monobloc taps have a single valve that turns left and right to mix from cold to hot water. These can also have a ball or ceramic disk mechanism inside.

After identifying your laundry tap mechanism, you should then proceed to picking the correct tools to disassemble it. There are many detailed instructions on how each mechanism works and it can make it easier to specifically research it online.

For most laundry taps you will need a wrench, Phillips-Head and Flat head screw drivers, penetrating oil (for stuck parts) and thread seal tape (a.k.a. plumber’s tape). Start by removing the decorative caps if there are any, then remove the handle and the retaining nuts. Remember to take pictures with your cellphone as you take it apart to make the reassembly easier later on.

Check for any clearly cracked or broken parts, like washers, gaskets or o-rings. If you are in doubt or unable to disassemble a stuck piece, you can simply remove it entirely and take it to the nearest hardware store, along with any broken part you have found to get a replacement.

If you are dealing with an old laundry mixer, there can be dirt, rust and grime inside that reduces the water flow and makes the reassembly harder. This can be easily removed with steel wool or a wire brush.

Step Three: Reassembly

Putting a laundry tap back together shouldn’t be too hard if you have taken pictures of the parts, as you have disassembled them. Install the new parts, add the plumber’s tape to any threads and make sure you don’t have any pieces left before turning it back on. But sure not to overtighten any screws or washers, it should be just enough for it to stay firm.

Reassemble the handles and decorative caps, then turn the water back on very slowly to gradually increase the pressure in the fixed system, then let the water flow for a couple of minutes to see if there are still any leaks or flow issues in your laundry mixer.

Getting Involved with Crafts

Angela Manning DIY ,
Getting Involved with Crafts

You might be looking for a relief from stress, distraction from anxiety or the satisfaction that comes from mastering a new skill. You might want to save money by making decorations for your home yourself, rather than buying them in shops, or create personalised presents for friends rather than the often underwhelming off the shelf options. There’s no bad reason for wanting to start a crafting hobby – simply enjoying the pleasant sensation of working with your hands and watching something take shape is reason enough! Today we’re taking a look at how you can get started with a crafting hobby.

Choosing a Skill

‘Crafting’ isn’t a single discipline or hobby. If you’re thinking starting a crafting project could be what you need, it’s well worth thinking about what kind of craft you should focus on. Each one uses different skills and different equipment, feels different as you work on it and produces very different finished products.

These are just a few of the different kinds of craft and what they require:

Sewing involves using a needle and thread to attach multiple pieces of fabric together to make toys, decorations and accessories and clothes.

Embroidery uses lots of the same skills and equipment as sewing, but is a purely decorative art. You decorate a single piece of fabric (or an existing object) with coloured thread and other items like sequins.

Weaving uses a small loom and needles (when done as a craft in the home, as opposed to the large machines used on the industrial scale) to interlace two strands of fabric, making placemats, blankets and rugs, or even wall decorations.

Papercrafts is a term that covers another whole subset of crafting involving paper, from origami to scrapbooking, to card making to decoupage, but all involve some degree of cutting, folding and gluing.

Sticking With Your Hobby

In the early days it may be difficult for you to stick with your new crafting hobby – in that awkward period when it’s no longer novel, but you haven’t acquired the skills and experience to attempt to larger, more impressive projects.

One of the most important things you can do is structure your time. Work on your craft too little and you’ll drift away from the hobby before achieving anything. Devote yourself to it too much and you’ll burn out. Decide what time commitment works for you, whether it’s an hour a night, or one evening a week, or ten minutes during a tea break, and stick with it.

Something that may help is to look into starting projects on a regular time table. A craft subscription box UK companies can send out may help here, providing one manageable project with instructions and materials every month, which you have to work through before the next one arrives.

How to Add Some Personality to Your Home

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
How to Add Some Personality to Your Home

We all know that our home is a reflection of who we are, and is one of the biggest investments we’ll ever make. If you consider how much time and money we spend transforming our homes, we should take the time to make sure what’s reflected back is a place we want to call “home.”

Let’s start with the areas that mean the most to us and where we spend the most time whether our living room, kitchen, or in our own backyard. Here’s how to get started adding more meaning and personality to your home.

Bring the nightlife home

Instead of meeting up with friends and family at the movies, pub or nightclub, bring the nightlife home. Transform an entire area of your home that caters to nightlife and entertainment. Set up a tiki bar outside under the stars or in your basement and add everything you need to make it your favorite hang out, like beer glasses, a dart board and surround-sound speakers. You can also get innovative and set up a popcorn machine and an outdoor projector for an evening movie. For something more spirited, create an area to dance all night under a disco ball.

Show off your hobbies

Instead of tucking away your artwork or hoarding your travel photos on your smartphone, show them off in style. Create sacred space, whether on a wall or on a dedicated table in your den, to showcase your favorite hobbies. You can also add colorful frames and embellishments to give your hobbies balance with the decor of your home. For example, if your hobby is collecting sea glass or growing beautiful flowers, show it off in a stunning bud vase or dish and add colorful pebbles to tie into the aesthetics of your home.

Get creative

If you want to set your home apart from the rest, add more creativity to your favorite spaces. Paint a wall of your den matte black or cobalt blue to show off your favorite style. If you love to entertain at home, purchase a ping-pong table that doubles as a dining room table with the help of a quick cover. You can also store board games in an ottoman that doubles as storage space and hang plenty of unique artwork to show-off your creative eye.

Keep it cozy

A home full of warmth and personality needs a cozy touch to transform it into a place you love. Add impossibly plush throw pillows and blankets around your home so you can warm up whether you’re relaxing in a living room or den. And remember, you can transform your fireplace for year-round warmth. Just add pillar candles to a non-working fireplace to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. During winter months, move the pillar candles to the mantle and dim the lights to showcase a roaring fire with a magical glow.

Make it personal

At the end of the day, a home with personality requires a personal touch. Fire up your smartphone and print out those photos of family and friends, find your grandmother’s old quilts to add to your bedding rotation and show off your keepsakes on end tables and shadow box frames. The more you can bring yourself into your home, the more personality you’ll see.

Your home is an extension of yourself and should be celebrated and honored. Get to work showing off your signature style and personal touches from a new entertainment area to your personal keepsakes. The concept of “home is where your heart is” will take on a whole new meaning.

Sandy Petrocelli: Call a Professional Electrician for These Electrical Issues

Angela Manning DIY, Finance , , , ,
Sandy Petrocelli: Call a Professional Electrician for These Electrical Issues

Your home’s electrical system is like the body’s circulatory system. It has a controller that sits at the heart of the system all an electrical panel, it has wires instead of veins and arteries running through the entire length of your home, and although it does not have blood, it has electricity that runs through those wires feeding every part of your home.

Although electricity is not as vital to you as blood, in terms of keeping your house running, electricity is probably the most important thing. Nearly every Appliance in every home in the United States depends on electricity therefore having a fully functioning electrical system in your home is very important.

The do-it-yourself craze has taken over the country and gotten homeowners to take on many jobs around their home that were previously done by professionals. Everything from small redecorating and remodeling jobs, to building a backyard deck, and even installing a new sink and vanity are now more likely to be done by the homeowner then a licensed professional. This DIY approach as also filtered into electrical areas of the home. Homeowners are now putting in new light fixtures, and even adding electrical boxes in rooms throughout their homes.

DIY Projects

The goal is simple, do it yourself and save money. It is definitely true that doing your own minor electrical fixes and upgrades can save you lots of money. A license electrician will charge anywhere from $75 to $150 an hour for even the smallest job. But homeowners must be cautious about what they take on and what they actually call The Professional to handle.

This is because electricity is dangerous and there is always a chance that the homeowner being a novice, might get injured. With this being said there are some jobs the homeowner can definitely do. But electrical contractors like Sandy Petrocelli on New York, NY ward that there are some jobs that the homeowner should never undertake and instead should call a professional electrician immediately.

Here’s a list of some of the electrical issues that may occur in the home where homeowners should immediately call a licensed electrician

Electric Surges or Power Loss

The electricity flowing through your home should be continuous and steady. You should never have surges when you notice lights and other appliances are fed more and then less electricity.  If this happens it could be a number of issues that are causing it. If it’s occurring throughout your home it could be a major problem in the wiring or with your electric panel.  Either problem can turn into a fire without notice. So don’t delay, get an electrician out to your home and have him check both to determine where the problem is coming from.

Circuit Breakers Will Not Stay Engaged

Which part of your home has a circuit breaker install that will trip and immediately cut electricity, if there’s a problem somewhere along that circuit. The circuit breaker will trip for many reasons some of which are benign while others are dangerous.  Benign reasons include if there is an electrical surge, or you plug-in add electrical and appliance that has a short.

If this is the case, by unplugging electrical Appliance and giving the system a minute, the circuit will no longer trip. It can also be tripped if there’s a wiring problem in the system. This is a dangerous problem because it can lead to a fire. A quick examination of that circuit and testing it a few times will tell you if it is a benign issue or dangerous one. If it is dangerous you should call a licensed electrician immediately.

5 Eye-Catching Centerpieces You Need for Your Living Room

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
5 Eye-Catching Centerpieces You Need for Your Living Room

Spicing up your living room can be quite a conundrum to figure out, especially if you’re not someone well-versed in the complicated art of interior design. However, anyone can improve the appearance and feel of their living room with a few simple touches, one of which is by installing a strong and striking centerpiece into the room. By doing so, not only will your living room have a strong and visual focal point – one that ties its many disparate elements together – but you also get a great conversation starter with your visitors and guests.

With that said, here are some ideas for centerpieces that are guaranteed to catch the eye of the company you’re having over.

  1. An indoor water fountain. One of the latest trends in interior design is adding an indoor water fountain into your living room. It sounds excessive, but it really isn’t, as there are now many miniature and downsized models that can be installed no matter how tight your space constraints or budget is. There are also models that can be integrated into a living room wall (i.e. a wall fountain) to save even more space. Having a water fountain as your centerpiece gives your living room not just a calming effect, but it also freshens up the air inside due to the flowing water’s air purifying and humidifying qualities.
  2. A fireplace. If you’ve got a fireplace in your living room or you’re planning to have one installed very soon, then it can definitely serve as a very captivating centerpiece. Fire not only gives you a great way to naturally illuminate your living room, but it also helps keep things feel more cozy especially in cold winter nights due to its ability to give off heat. Just make sure that it’s properly cleaned and maintained, as you don’t want a filthy fireplace to be the thing your guests can focus on when they’re over.
  3. A sofa. Sofas are one of the modern living room’s staples, and chances are you already have one installed. Why not make it the centerpiece? If you’re willing to replace what you have now, then opt for a bigger and more brightly-colored couch. You can also pair it with a glass center table with some heavy but tasteful ornaments such as a vase or a stone statue bust. If you’re not willing to part with your original sofa, then simply draping a richly-colored blanket over it can suffice.
  4. Something personal. Another great idea for a living room centerpiece is to feature something that’s a part of your personality or family. It’s your own living room, after all, so you want to make sure it has your own personal touch. If you’re a collector, you can feature one of your prized collectibles as a centerpiece, like perhaps a model or a poster or even a painting. If you’d rather make it a bit more family-oriented, have properly-framed family pictures be the centerpiece. Whatever you choose, it’ll make your living room feel a bit more lived-in and personable, which is always a good thing.
  5. Who doesn’t like flowers? They add a splash of color in any room as well as give off a light and appealing scent, so having a bunch of artfully arranged flowers would make for a great centerpiece. Just be sure to replace them regularly, as wilting or dead flowers will definitely be an eyesore. If you’re not up for that kind of expense, however, then imitation flowers or even flower sculptures will suffice.

An eye-catching centerpiece can really tie a living room together, and you don’t even have to spend all that much to get that very same effect. Just be sure to pick something that not only fits your budget and space constraints, but also something that you yourself can show off and display with pride.

Ways to Tweak Your Home to Help You to Get Mobile Again

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Ways to Tweak Your Home to Help You to Get Mobile Again

If you are facing mobility issues either through age, an illness or an injury, you will no doubt be struggling to move around your home like you used to. This can be quite a shock to the system for anyone who is used to whizzing about the house, and it can be very painful in many cases too.

In this situation it is vitally important that you make changes to your home, which will allow you to move around more freely.  Struggling around the home is not just frustrating, it could lead to more damage being done, and so it is crucial that you do make some changes. There are all kinds of gadgets which you can add and tweaks which you can make to the home, and here are just a few ideas for you.

Stairlift

The stairs can pose a real issue if you have mobility problems and can cause you to put a great deal of pressure on yourself as you try to get up and down them. If this is the case for you, then a stairlift solution could help to change your life and make it easy for you to get up and down the stairs like you used to. Stairlifts are simply installed, and very easy to use, just sit down, press a button and up – or down – you go.

In-House Railing

If you have carpets in your home then getting around on a zimmer is practically impossible, with the wheels getting stuck in the carpet. If you don’t use a zimmer, then regardless of whether or not you have a carpet, getting around can be troublesome. A quick fix for this is to have some rails installed around the home, which you can use to keep your steadiness as you move throughout the house.

Bathroom Tweaks

Mobility problems affect even the most simple things in life, activities such as bathing for example can be very problematic. There are however, many changes which you can make in the bathroom to ensure an easier experience. You could look to create a wetroom with a seat fitted, so that you can simply walk in and out of the shower without having to clamber over anything, it will also give you plenty of space.

Another addition which you can make would be a bathtub which has a door to access it, rather than climbing in and out. Finally you should look into getting a raised toilet seat, which means that you won’t have to sit down as far when you need the bathroom, alleviating pressure on your joints.

Grabber

One gadget which I would most definitely recommend that you invest in is a grabber which is similar to the devices which are used for litter picking. With this handy device you can pick things up from the floor, open and close curtains or grab things that are out of reach. The key is to put as little pressure on your body as possible, and this grabber ensures that you can avoid any undue stretching or straining.

7 Remodels You Always See on HGTV (and Why)

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
7 Remodels You Always See on HGTV (and Why)

Source

The home improvement revolution is here, and so it the desire to do things yourself, flip houses, and more. Entire television networks are dedicated to home improvement and beautification, and we watch religiously both to share in the success of others and to get ideas of our own.

To gather those ideas, here are seven of the most common remodels you see on HGTV and why.

Minor Bathroom Remodel

One of the primary reasons you often see a bathroom remodel on HGTV is the return you see on your investment. On average you recoup 103% of the cost of a bathroom remodel at the time of sale, and even if you are not selling, you see an great increase in livability.

How do you get even more return on your investment? Do the work yourself, reglaze or refinish your old tub, and use spray on texture to cover old wall damage before you paint.

A minor bathroom remodel is quite common and can quite simply transform your home.

Landscaping

Curb appeal is everything when it comes to selling your home, and even just making it look great from the outside. At the time of sale, most owners recoup 100% or more of their investment in landscaping, and are more likely to get full-price offers and sell quickly if they have great landscaping.

This can be as simple as hiring a lawn service and adding flowers, plants, and a few trees or trimming the bushes and trees you have now, weeding the flower beds and putting down fresh mulch, and fertilizing and aerating your lawn. Either way, landscaping is a common remodel that truly pays off.

Minor Kitchen Remodel

Fairly often, the only thing your kitchen really needs is a simple cosmetic refresh, not a drastic change to the floor plan. This type of remodel makes it easy to recoup the cost. What is involved in this type of remodel?

  • Counter Tops: Old counters can easily be replaced with more modern ones that are also more sanitary and better for your health.
  • Door and drawer fronts: These are also easily replaced, and refreshing the knobs and hardware often changes the look of your kitchen entirely.
  • Appliances and fixtures: replace that fridge from 1995, or that range with a much better gas one, and you will easily recoup the cost if you are selling, and have a much more comfortable home if you are staying.

This type of remodel can be done at a fairly low cost, and will totally change the way you look at your cooking space.

Exterior Improvements

There are a ton of improvements you can do to the exterior of your home to update the look. On many home improvement shows, they kick in the old door, and take it out. A new door is the first step to a more inviting entry. The second is to dress up the porch with plants or add a pergola.

Painting, new siding, and new shutters and trim also add a value you can easily get back out of the home if you sell it. Removing old awnings and other outdated items works well also. The more you upgrade siding or paint, the more likely you will get the best return for the home improvements you make.

Deck, Patio, or Porch Additions

If your back yard is not an appealing space, you may have more trouble selling your home, and it may just be a less comfortable place to live. Adding on a porch, deck or patio can transform that space from a useless one to a place you can use all the time.

This may mean adding a grill, a bar, and exploring creative seating options. This is one of the most common remodels you see on HGTV.

Replacement Windows

While there might be some debate about how much energy replacement windows will really save you, there is no doubt they add value to your home. The average homeowner gets all of the money they invested in the windows back at sale.

This project can be as simple as replacing the old windows with new ones of the same style or replacing a small window and wall with a patio sliding door or even a bay window. This is also a common remodel project on HGTV because it pays off and it is one of the easiest ways to transform your home with natural light.

Living Room Décor Updates

While it is easy to say you should not live in the past, there is a certain nostalgia associated with certain furniture, rugs, or décor.

Almost every time you see a show on HGTV, they work on changing the décor of the home. It is most often outdated or does not fit with the new look the homeowner is going for. This not only pays off when you are selling your home (a part of staging) but it can make your home feel fresh and new.

You see a ton of different remodels on HGTV, but these are seven of the most common, simply because they pay off and are affordable compared to major home restructures.

Tips to Ensure a Successful DIY Remodel

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
Tips to Ensure a Successful DIY Remodel

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

When a homeowner decides to tackle a remodeling project, it’s understandable that he or she wants to start right away. However, failing to plan for the entire project often means disappointing results and spending much more than anticipated. Proper planning requires homeowners to create the following types of documentation:

  • Budget
  • Drawings
  • Materials list
  • Price quotes from several contractors
  • Proposed schedule

The next step is to ensure the availability of all items he or she wishes to use. It’s important to order them as soon as possible to prevent delays later if the items are no longer available. Homeowners should also plan to inspect all materials when they arrive.

Consider Getting a Professional Opinion

Even homeowners who intend to complete the project themselves can benefit from the expertise of a professional designer or home inspector. A design consultant can point out potential issues with the homeowner’s plan while a home inspector can uncover safety issues that he or she might have overlooked.

Estimate Time to Complete the Home Improvement Project

While it can be challenging to know exactly how long each part of the project will take, creating a rough estimate is essential. Most homeowners, especially those with little or no experience with home improvement projects, tend to underestimate project length. A good rule is to add 20 percent to his or her best estimate. It’s also a good idea to add 20 percent to the budget. The danger of a project taking much longer than expected is that the homeowner may give up on it halfway through.

Don’t Forget About Safety

Some homeowners get so excited about tackling the project that they forget to invest in safety gear. This should include steel-toed boots, a hard hat, goggles, and work gloves at a minimum. Additionally, it’s important to avoid wearing baggy clothes that could become stuck in moving parts or tools and to make sure the work area remains free of clutter.

Avoid Fines for Building Violations

Homeowners sometimes feel tempted to skip applying for permits to save money and because they figure no one will know about their home improvement project. While it might seem like unnecessary bureaucracy and expense, safety is the real reason behind the permit requirements. A city building inspector will make sure the project meets compliance and that the homeowner and his or her family remain safe. Here are three common violations that anyone considering a do-it-yourself project should avoid:

  • Incorrect venting in the bathroom: Building codes require bathroom fans to vent humid air outside through a vent pipe four inches in diameter. Failing to follow this code results in rotting wood and mold in the attic.
  • Handrails at the wrong degree: When installing a wall-side handrail, it must create a 90-degree turn and a dead-end leading to a wall. This helps to prevent purses and clothing from snagging on the handrail and causing a fall.
  • Out-of-code junction boxes: All junction boxes for electrical outlets must be accessible and visible with a minimum wire length of six inches inside of the box. The wires entering a box must be clamped to prevent it from moving.

Additionally, taking care of construction debris removal on a regular basis will help prevent unwanted attention from neighbors. An unsightly pile of old drywall and/or appliances in the front yard is a sure-fire way to generate calls to the local building department.

As long as homeowners take the time to plan their project and learn local building codes, everything should go just fine.

Dressing Up Your Home For Autumn

Angela Manning DIY , , , ,
Dressing Up Your Home For Autumn

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If you’re getting bored of your current home, there are so many ways you can take advantage of awesome opportunities to get your home winter ready and they don’t have to break the bank, either! It can be a bit overwhelming at times to come up with the best way to do up a room or the whole house without blowing your budget, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to inject some new life into a tired, old room.

Find That Statement Piece

Head out on a hunt for that one great piece – an antique chest or sideboard. Something that really catches the eye of everyone in the room as soon as they walk in. It doesn’t have to be overly elaborate or expensive – quite often something like a colourful antique footstool, table, statue or more can add a serious conversation starter to  a room. Antique stores are a great place to find all manner of interesting thing to add to a space – especially front rooms and living or entertaining spaces.

Second hand or charity shops as well are great places to find gently used and sometimes brand new pieces of furniture that just ended up not being needed in a space and often for seriously discounted prices than buying brand new from a furniture shop. But what about delivery? Not many of these types of places offer delivery of their furniture or other items. Luckily with websites like Shiply though you can arrange pick up and delivery of your item by comparing costs and services right on their website, saving you tons of time and money by being able to find a number of quotes in one place.

Feature Walls

Feature walls have become one of the best and most enjoyable ways to do up a space mainly because they can be done in as little as a day and for a low price, depending on what you’re after. Feature walls can be done as big or as small as you like – from highlighting an area around a fireplace to doing an entire side of a room in the same theme or colour. Many feature walls are one solid colour which act as a stark contrast to more subdued hues in the rest of the room. Wallpaper can likewise be employed to create a fantastic feature wall and can come in a variety of shades, styles, patterns and colours. Regardless of which way you create a feature wall, the result is the same – a stunning eye catching point in any room you want! So check out your local home hardware department for colours and styles that suit your needs!

So there you have two easy ways to start doing up your spaces, especially before the Christmas season gets into full swing. If you’re planning to host visitors over the holidays, now is a great time to inject some new life into your home. From cushions to walls to all new furniture, the world is your oyster when sprucing up your home.