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There are several different types of Minwax polyurethane that you can choose from to complete your home improvement project. For example, some Minwax polyurethane is recommended for use on wood surfaces only, while others can be used on both wood and metal surfaces. Whatever type you choose, you need to take some extra measures when applying the Minwax polyurethane in temperatures that are below 40 degrees.
Basic stair construction requires math skills to complete the calculations for the stair stringer, the underlying support for the stairs. Each stair tread must be equal in height and stair depth, known as rise and run with a maximum variance under Uniform Building Code of 3/8 inches. Built from wood, the most common type of stair starts with calculating the height the stair needs to climb and matching each stair step to this height within local building codes.
You can get beautiful dark chocolate wood floors using Minwax wood floor finishing products. When you apply the products correctly, your wood floors can have a high-end, professionally finished look for a fraction of the cost. Minwax, sold in most hardware stores and many mass retailers, has products for every stage of refinishing your floors, from conditioning the woods to a protective topcoat. The process is straightforward and not difficult for the average do-it-yourself enthusiast.
Marble is a beautiful stone that is traditionally used for carving sculptures. It is soft and can be carved by hand using a variety of stone sculpting tools. Stone is carved in a similar manner to other materials. The process involves roughing out the shape, refining the carving and finishing it. It is important to take your time and plan out your carving before you start. Remember to take small chips of stone away from the carving at a time to prevent taking too much of the stone away all at once.
Polycrylic Minwax is a protective finish with a fast-drying topcoat that can be used over bare wood, wallpaper, oil and water-based stains and paint. It will help protect your wood from scratches, scuffing, chipping, alcohol and other household chemicals. Polycrylic Mixwax is applied just like most paints are applied. It is brushed on with a paint brush and can be applied in just minutes.
The support poles in a basement can cause a problem when it is time to design and decorate the room. While you may not be able to move the poles, you can decorate them and incorporate them into the décor of the room. The design you choose for your support poles can blend in with the room and appear as though it is a planned architectural element of your room décor.
Many eager to harness the potentially positive power of teamwork attempt to organize their employees into productive groups and allow them to work cooperatively to achieve business-related goals. If you plan to take this course of action, spend some time prior to starting your teamwork to craft strong teams. By creating teams that are unified and strong, you can increase their chances of success and potentially boost productivity.
On the face of it, looking at the voltages between 110 volts and 220 volts may seem as if they are completely incompatible. Certainly, any electrical item that is rated at 110 volts cannot be plugged into a 220 volt socket. Besides the fact that the actual plugs themselves are completely different, a 220-volt input into a 110-volt device would literally overload it to the point of immediate failure. But that problem can be solved by using a simple little device that will allow any 110 voltage electrical item to be used with a 220 voltage socket.
Concrete is a mixture of portland cement, aggregates, and water. The amounts of each one will affect the formulation of the concrete. This is why concrete is available in different grades. To pour a concrete sidewalk, you should aim for a 4,000 psi formula. Psi stands for pounds per square inch. This is not the weight of the concrete, but how much weight a square inch of that concrete can withstand. Concrete surfaces such as sidewalks, patios, and porches require much heavier concrete compositions than structures not subjected to foot traffic.
An efficiency apartment, or studio apartment, is a one-room apartment that contains a kitchen, living area and sleeping area. Organizing and decorating a small room for both living and sleeping quarters poses some special challenges. The key to living in an efficiency apartment is to be organized and carefully plan where the furniture will go and how it will be used.
One way to bring out a rich color in your wood is to stain it with a wood stain. It used to be that these stains were oil based, making clean up messy and difficult, but now Minwax offers a water-based finish that needs nothing more than soap and water to clean up. Application is similar to other stains, and it should take just a few hours to stain your wood and improve its overall look.
Expatriates or long-term visitors to the United States, Canada and parts of Latin America who arrive with 220-volt appliances cannot use them with 110-volt local current unless they are converted. Rewiring an appliance or device or installing an internal transformer is almost impossible. Therefore, the most practical option is to convert them using a step-up AC power transformer. Such transformers usually have European style two-prong round or British style three-prong flat outlets for plugging in appliances, and a standard US style power cord that you plug into the wall outlet.
If you have teenagers in your home, you have likely spent many mornings waiting for them to vacate the bathroom so you can have your turn. Designating a bathroom specifically for their use can help save time and help keep the peace in your family. If you are thinking of redesigning a bathroom for your teens, there are several improvements that you may want to consider to make the space more convenient and functional for your kids.
Anyone who enjoys a good book would love to be given a handmade bookmark as a gift. Whether you need something for a holiday, a special occasion or a thank you gift, there are many ways you can use beads to create a beautiful bookmark. From fast and easy to artistic and involved, beads will give a touch of sparkle to a bookshelf while keeping your place in the story.
While most of the world uses 220-volt electricity, the United States uses a combination of 220v and 110v appliances. The lower 110v wiring is used for most standard appliances and devices, such as computers, TVs and table lamps. The 220v wiring is used for some refrigerators, washers and dryers. These appliances also often use an outlet plug configuration that is different than standard plugs. It is possible to use a 220v machine on a 110v line, however; all you need is a voltage converter.
No do-it-yourselfer should start a building project without an impact drill. A cordless impact drill is surprisingly light for the power it packs. Though these tools may look like standard drills at first glance, impact drills generate more torque (turning force) than standard drills, thus making masonry drilling much easier while reducing operator fatigue and kickback. Use an impact drill once and you will wonder how you ever lived without it.
Minwax polyurethane is used to finish interior wood on cabinets, moldings, and doors. If you would like to put a new finish on your wood, you can use the polyurethane to protect the wood. The fumes coming off of the polyurethane can be dangerous, especially for children or pregnant women. You don't have to be a carpenter to apply Minwax polyurethane to your wood. You can do it yourself with little hassle and minimal construction knowledge.
Making improvements to your garage can help increase its functionality and add value to your property. Use creative ideas to make your garage a part of family entertaining. Garage improvements will allow you to get more use out of what is commonly looked at as a building used primarily for storage.
Bringing your own style to living areas is as important outdoors as it is indoors. A new yard can be whipped into shape in no time. Planning around what already exists and how you want to use the space can save time and money and result in a yard to be proud of.
Minwax has provided builders with wood finishing products since the early years of the 20th century. Do-it-yourself enthusiasts often choose Minwax products for their minimal levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their easy application methods. Among the variety of wood finishing products, Minwax offers a low-toxicity, water-based formula specially designed for wood floors.
Endurance athletes are interested in improving their cardiorespiratory endurance to improve their athletic performance, but developing the cardiorespiratory system is beneficial for everyone. When the heart and lungs are strengthened and improved, you have a lower risk for chronic and cardiovascular diseases. To improve your cardiorespiratory system, participate in the appropriate workouts and exercise for the right duration and at the correct intensity.
As you mature, your decorating style and décor changes and so should your lampshades. Give a new style to an existing lampshade. The procedure takes less than a couple of hours as you add decorative beaded effects to the shade, and the cost is minimal, especially when compared to a new shade.
Around the world, electricity operates at different voltages. Therefore, electronic apparatuses such as lighting equipment may require a converter to function properly in other countries. If you have a light such as a lamp that operates at 220 volts, you can determine if the light will require a power converter or an adapter to function in a country with 110-volt electricity.
With all of the toys and games that children have in their rooms, storage and space-saving ideas are necessary for small and shared bedrooms. You can opt to make or purchase space-saving children's furniture. In a small bedroom, items can cause clutter and the room can look like a disorganized mess. This can be remedied when every item has its place.
While stairs can be necessary, buildings often still use them because they require no electricity and often less maintenance. However, these stairs can be more dangerous than elevators and must be constructed so they do not break and so those who travel up and down the stairs will not fall off at any point. According to the National Safety Council, 12,000 individuals die from stair-related deaths every year.
A wood chipper/shredder converts your cut trees or shrubs into usable mulch, which is a green alternative to throwing away or burning the wood. This process also saves you money on mulching material for your garden. The MTD 241-645-000 shredder is an example of a chipper/shredder, and this piece of equipment was first released in 1991. You can still purchase this chipper from third-party vendors.
"Michigan basement" refers to a primitive space with simple cement or cinder block walls about 5 to 7 feet high, and a dirt or cement floor. The ceiling is generally the exposed wood beams of the floor above. The area often houses the furnace and water heater for the home above. The atmosphere in a basement is usually cool and somewhat damp, generating a musty, earthy odor. A Michigan basement space can be excavated so the walls are at least 8 feet high. The walls and floors can be waterproofed and sealed to provide extra living space for a relatively…
Hanging Christmas lights on a brick wall can be a challenge. You could drill an anchor screw but this results in long term damage to the brick. By using a brick clip, it is possible to hang Christmas lights without causing damage to the brick. Brick clips attach securely with a spring loaded mechanism that has an easy release to prevent damage.
While most renters are provided by law with new carpeting, steam-cleaned tile or laminate flooring, home and business owners often have the responsibility of replacing and maintaining their floors themselves. Covering an old floor offers its share of challenges. Buyers must first assess the kind of floor they will be covering. Carpet has to be pulled while old tile or plywood that is level may be covered without any prerequisites. Flooring buyers must then budget the cost and make a choice based on the uses of the room.
When you have an oven, fireplace or other heater that burns wood, any damage to the glass faceplate or door can be extremely dangerous. Modern wood burners actually don't use glass; it is technically a transparent ceramic built to hold up in very high temperatures. Thus, it's unlikely that the plate will break due to heat, but as with any glass or glass-like material, it can easily be damaged if it is hit. If you need to replace your glass, or if you would like to change the look of your wood burner, you can start shopping around to compare…
Whether you live in a house or apartment, it's a good idea to have a basic toolbox on hand to help with minor repairs. You don't have to be a home improvement hobbyist to need tools -- little problems happen all the time, both with your residence and the items inside it. A little preparation can ensure you have the right tools for any job, at least until the professionals arrive.
Echo weedeaters, called trimmers by the manufacturer, are designed to let you cut grass and weeds in areas that are inaccessible by a lawnmower. The trimmers work by spinning a nylon line at high speed, and the line will cut any small plants that it comes into contact with. Over time, the nylon line gets destroyed and needs to be replaced. Unlike other weedeaters where you need to purchase a replacement spool, Echo models let you remove the damaged line and replace it with replacement line.
Sometimes a door will not stay open on its own. Therefore, you may opt for a door holder. A door holder prevents a door from closing and holds the door open without manually hold the door with your hand. Hardware or home improvement stores carry a variety of door holders, such as overhead, foot-bolt and magnetic door holders.
If you have a pond, particularly one that contains fish, you must deal with the amount of ammonia that builds up over time, as fish continuously excrete ammonia as part of their metabolism. Ammonia also builds up from wastes and decaying food and is often found naturally occurring in water too. Ammonia can cause sickness and be fatal to fish and other living organisms, so it must be controlled. It's best to keep your ammonia levels at zero for the health of the pond.
Before you can start any home improvement project, you need the right tools. While you don't need every tool that you find at a hardware store, there are tools that you will use often for different projects around your house. Create your first home improvement tool kit with the basic tools, and then buy specialty accessories as you need them.
Efficiency apartments are by nature small and cramped. The idea is similar to a studio apartment in that the apartment consists of a single room. The kitchen, living room, dining room and even bedroom are all visible from the front door. The only thing kept separate is the bathroom. Despite its small size, using home improvement ideas for an efficiency apartment will open up the space and make it feel like a real home.
Saving space is always a concern for those living in small homes and apartments. Improvement projects can help to make any size home less cluttered and more efficient. Space-saving furnishings and closet systems can help you find a place for everything in your home and clear out the living areas in the home.
Home improvement assistance programs vary in the types of work a homeowner can do on his home; however, many governmental and private agencies help low to moderate income homeowners improve their homes.
Jerky is a snack made by dehydrating meat, instead of cooking it. Although it can be made from many different meats, including deer, turkey and pork, the most common type of jerky is beef. You can purchase premade beef jerky from your local grocery store; however, it is usually expensive. The other option is to make your own. To do so, you will need a way to dehydrate your meat. Making your own beef jerky maker is inexpensive and takes little time to complete.
Algae growing on the side of a house is an unsightly nuisance. Airborne sugars from trees, bushes and other plants that settle on the side of a home can provide the perfect environment for algae growth. Some types of dust and dirt also encourage these microscopic plants to grow on the side of a house. Unfortunately, they are difficult to clean off, especially on homes with wood siding. Knowing a few basic tips can make the process easier.
Home stereo amplifiers have a simple job: they take incoming audio signals and boost them before sending the signals on to the speakers. By boosting the signals, the amp is able to improve overall sound quality and allow for a greater range in volume. However, home stereo amps have to work with at least two speakers and often multiple sources of signals, which can create some problems in signal transition and amplifier operation.
Pouring a concrete sidewalk is not nearly as difficult as it might appear. It's hard work, make no mistake, but a DIY concrete sidewalk is a home improvement that can improve the looks and value of your home for the cost of a couple of afternoon's labor and a few hundred dollars in material. Here's how to do it without renting a lot of equipment.
You don't need to spend a lot of money to improve the appearance and value of your home. Make a checklist of several small, inexpensive tasks that can be easily completed, and work on one project at a time. With a little time and effort, your home can be better than ever without a big financial investment.
Make improvements to your mobile home just as you would a standard house. Whether you can afford to spend $100 or $1,000, create a budget and stick with it. Regardless of the money involved, there are several ways to make your mobile home a comfortable place to live. If you want to make large changes, such as building on sizable porches or rooms, purchase materials you can easily store while you slowly purchase more and begin construction when you have enough. If purchased over a long period, even large remodels can be budget friendly.
Home-improvement projects can improve living conditions or make your house easier to sell, but can often be expensive and time-consuming. For the least-expensive home improvements, find projects that you can complete without hiring outside help. With a bit of research and a lot of hands-on work, you can make your home a safer, more enjoyable place for your family.
Crystal glasses can be an elegant and beautiful addition to any dinner party. Your sparkling, flawless glasses can impress even the wealthiest of guests. However, your glasses won't be very impressive if one of your guests finds a chip--or worse, cuts a lip on a dinner glass. If you find a chip on one of your glasses, don't throw it away just yet. You may be able to fix the chip, or at least round it out so no one can get cut on it.
Family room additions add appeal and space to the room and also boost the home's value when done correctly. Before starting a family room addition, you likely need to secure a work permit for the project, especially if you are changing the structure of your house by removing or adding walls. Consult a contractor if you are not familiar with this kind of project.
Storing camping equipment in your garage can be difficult, especially if your garage is already cluttered with a bunch of stored items. However, with some clever storage ideas, you can keep all of your camping gear in optimum shape and make it easy to retrieve the next time you want to camp out in the great outdoors.
Unfinished basements are cold, dank, unwelcoming and unfriendly. Even finished basements may share some of these tendencies, especially if you haven’t added any decorations. The basement of your home has dozens of possibilities and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of at least one. Designing for Michigan basements requires a little more preparation, if only to protect the space from the cold temperatures and wet conditions that come in winter.
Polyurethane is a hard, glossy and transparent finish commonly used for hardwood flooring. To protect new wood and to update the look of kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors and other wood surfaces, old finish can be removed and polyurethane applied. The Minwax Company produces its Fast-Drying Polyurethane for cabinets and other wood surfaces. It also makes Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for floors. Both products require essentially the same application procedures, though the Super-Fast Drying type takes, as its name implies, less time to dry.
There are lots of reasons to spruce up your home -- to upgrade, to use space more efficiently, to update or change decor. But it's important to think in the long-term about this valuable possession. Will you be able to recoup the money you spent on improvements when you sell the house? How much will your home increase in value if you make the improvements? There is a wide range of answers, depending on what you do.
Carving letters into stone is fun and might produce a beautiful product, but it requires an investment of time. Stones with names or addresses carefully chiseled into them make welcome gifts. While challenging, carving letters in stone has the potential for reward and appreciation.
A tension rod is a quick and easy way to hang curtains across any size window. Most shower curtains are also held in place by a tension rod that expands to fit between the walls. Assembling a tension rod can be especially useful if you live in an apartment where there are restrictions on the type of hardware you can affix to the wall.
Bathroom improvement ideas can run the gamut from replacing worn or dated fixtures to a full-scale renovation that revamps the entire appearance of the room. The concept of improving your bathroom may mean an updating fixtures to make the room more functional or it may mean improving only the appearance to make those functions more appealing. Considerations to keep in mind are whether the bathroom is used for other purposes, how much storage space can be added or removed and whether special provisions must be made for children or the disabled.
A cordless impact driver provides more torque than a regular drill/driver combination. This makes it ideally suited for sinking large fasteners without having to first drill pilot holes. The driver's 1/4-inch hexagonal chuck can be fitted with screwdriver bits, sockets and a limited range of drill bits with hexagonal shanks. Additionally, by inserting a quick-change conversion chuck, an impact driver can be converted into a regular very fast drill that accepts a wide range of twist drill sizes.
Home improvement does not need to be limited to updating the bathroom with a whirlpool tub or expanding the kitchen to include an island station. Look around your house and determine where you can make some truly innovative and create changes that provide your home with a "wow" factor that was lacking.
Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to freshen up your home and improve its value. Select universal paint shades including off-white, light green, brown or taupe for high traffic areas. Unusual textures and paint styles bring interest and depth to your walls, giving your rooms a warm, rich atmosphere.
Adding moulding and trim to a home is a quick way to make the space look updated and inviting. Home renovations can be costly and time consuming, but adding a bit of trim or moulding to areas like cupboards or counters is a cost-effective way to make an immediate improvement to a space. There are many trim ideas homeowners can pursue, and some tips can make choosing the right project an easy process.
A chipper shredder is a handy tool. It takes branches, logs or any other wood, chops it into small pieces and expels the finished product into a pile in front of the shredder. This wood is the right size for mulch. If you don't own a chipper shredder there are multiple locations nearby where you can rent one.
Installing a corner shower is quite a simple task when using a prefabricated and molded kit that contains all pieces needed. These shower kits are available at most home improvement or bath stores and come in a variety of colors, sizes, styles and finishes. The hardest part of the whole process is the drain and plumbing connections, but even then, with patience and a firm hold on the instructions, the task can be done in a few hours.
You can check whether a construction company or an individual contractor in New Jersey has an active license by going to the website of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The license information, which is updated monthly, shows whether a license is active, inactive, expired, withdrawn or deleted. It also lists the expiration date and the license number of each business. You can search for a specific company or check a list of all contractors listed in a given city.
The effects of home improvement on appraisals vary widely depending on your geographic location, type and quality of improvement, and relevance. The most common improvements are remodeling and additions.
Micra scissors are small scissors that come in the Micra Leatherman Tool-set. These small scissors can be used to cut string, fishing line, fabric, etc. To ensure that these small scissors work properly, they need to be sharpened at least once a year. Sharpening the little scissors is just the same as sharpening larger scissors, except that you 'll need a smaller sharpening stone. Once the blades are sharpened, they will work like they're brand new.
When finding equipment rentals, comparison shopping is key. Depending on the size and type of equipment you need, you might also want to get quotes for equipment delivery and removal. Consider asking your neighbors whether you can borrow inexpensive equipment, such as a leaf blower, chainsaw or landscaping tools.
Starboard is a popular building material for ships and other marine uses because of its durability. It's also specially designed not to get damaged by water. However, the same materials that keep Starboard from letting water from damaging it are also the materials that make it hard to glue. While it may be possible to use a welding rod in certain circumstances, there are other times when glue will be the only option. When this is the case, you'll need the right kind of glue and the right technique.
A lawn roller helps get your lawn in good condition when you need to sow new grass seed. If you have bumpy, uneven terrain or patchy grass, a lawn roller can help you correct these problems. After you remove any debris from your lawn, roll over the lawn with the lawn roller as if you were operating a push lawn mower.
A staircase not only serves a functional purpose, with the right design choices it can be the focal point of your home. A grand stairway sweeping through your home creates a sense of opulence. Humble wooden balusters can add authenticity to a rustic home. Consider materials, style and your space before settling on a design or redesign for your staircase.
Canopies are structures that hang over an entrance or window. They are also free-standing structures that are used for entertaining or as summer gathering spots. Most canopies are used to protect people from the elements or are used to keep out direct sunlight and insects.
Kitchen towels can look downright unattractive in the kitchen. Tossed aside or hung haphazardly, towels have a way of multiplying and taking up unnecessary space. Curb the clutter with some creative solutions to this ever-present storage problem, and while you are at it, you just might add some decorative flair to your kitchen.
U.S. residents planning to travel abroad will discover that the electrical outlets in many other countries supply 220 volts of AC power, rather than the 110 volts common in the United States. Because the circuitry of U.S. electronic devices and other appliances is designed for 110 volts, it's necessary to purchase a step-up/down AC voltage converter (also known as a "transformer") to use those devices in countries that use the 220-volt standard. In addition, travelers will need to attach a plug to the transformer. Plugs are different from one country to another.
Hanging lights for holidays or parties can really brighten up the occasion. Inside the house, this can be a relatively easy process; some tape or tacks will stick those lights to the walls inconspicuously, and they are easy to remove. Outside the house can be a bit trickier, with housing exteriors being more sensitive and sturdy than plaster walls. Most stubborn among these surfaces is brick; obviously tape won't stick for long, tacks won't penetrate the tough material and drilling holes for nails can splinter or break the brick. Thankfully, materials are available that can help you hang lights on…
Adding vintage elements to your home can give it a retro feel even if it's newly built. The larger the element, the more design impact it will have - replacing all your interior doors with vintage split stable doors, for example, will completely change the look of your space. You don't have to go with authentic vintage if it proves too expensive: Plenty of companies specialize in producing new furniture, fittings, fixtures, wallpaper and floor treatments that resemble beloved products of years past.
The cooler weather of fall makes home improvement projects more tolerable. Many fall home improvement projects focus on preparing the home for winter weather. This includes sealing, protecting and repairing areas of the home that may leak cold air. These preparations keep the home warmer, saving on energy usage during the coldest months of the year. Prioritize your fall home projects to ensure the most important tasks are completed before the snow falls.
Home improvement television shows bring professional designers and decorators into your home to record the redecorating process and air it on television for all to see. The series pays for the renovation work and supplies, so getting your home redecorated by a professional team for free is something you want to look into.
Purchasing a wooden swingset can be a major investment in both time and money, and once it's up, it becomes something of a permanent fixture in your backyard. Before you commit, it pays off to consider various options relating to price, safety, maintainability, and the ages of your children.
Although bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, chances are you do not want to see one flying around your house. Bats typically cause problems for humans when they colonize in the attics of people's homes. Contrary to popular belief, bats are not aggressive and do not want to be in your living space any more than you want them to be. Your home is usually their last resort for colonization, only moving in when their natural roosts are not available. Occasionally, a single bat may find its way into your home by mistake.
A contract is an important element of any home improvement project. The level of detail required depends on the size and scope of the job, but even simple repair work should be governed by a contract. While scrupulous contractors strive to create contracts that are fair to both parties, homeowners are responsible for reading and understanding the contract before signing.
What to do with the ceiling is often a perplexing problem when remodeling a room. You don't usually want darker colors on it because that tends to close in the room. Flat white or off-white paint is a standard choice, but it tends to highlight imperfections in the ceiling, and is about as boring an approach as you can take. There are other options, including stucco, wood beams and even wood paneling. When deciding, consider how the room will be used. Wood, for example, is generally a bad choice for high-moisture environments such as bathrooms.
Burglaries happen every single day in the United States. Home safety is important. There are things you can do to deter and prevent burglaries in your home and make it safer. Prevention is the best medicine. Prevent burglaries from occurring in your home by installing a home alarm system and much more. Keep reading for more home safety tips.
Moving can be quite expensive, so you'll want to cut corners where you can. Instead of purchasing boxes through storage or moving companies, there are ways to find boxes through cheaper resources.
Lampshades should be the crowning glory of a lamp. You can take the most basic lamp and turn it into art by putting a little faith into creating your version of how a lampshade should look. Don't be afraid to try new lampshade ideas in your home. Change your mind and you can simply change the look.
When you have room over your sink to place a shelf, getting the best deal on a shelf is important. Spending the least amount of money possible is always the best plan. A good over the sink shelf should have room to store the things that you need stored, and should be securely attached to the wall. When buying an over the sink shelf, it is important to find the right shelf at the cheapest price.
From shades to appliances, carpeting to countertops, Lowe's Home Improvement Services can install just about anything you will need for your next remodeling or repair project. Lowe's screens its subcontractors and checks for proper licensing, so you can be sure the technician is qualified for the job. Lowe's offers more than 40 different services so, with a bit of preparation and planning, even the most novice homeowner can get that special look she wants in her home.
Giving your home a makeover doesn't have to cost a lot. Through your own efforts and help from friends, you can make a striking impact on how your house looks inside and out while sticking to a tight budget.
Home improvement ideas don't have to be massive, time-consuming or expensive. And letting your home or yard go to pot is not the way to maintain the equity or the appearance of your home. Making improvements is a great way to increase your home's worth, and an added benefit is the intense feeling of pride and ownership you get when you do it yourself.
When you think of home improvement, you might think of big projects, such as major kitchen or bathroom remodeling. Simple, small projects, however, can be done inexpensively, and yet make a big difference in the appearance, comfort, utility, curb appeal and energy efficiency of a home. Many low-cost home improvements can be done in a short amount of time and will yield dazzling results.
How to Inexpensively Improve Your Home. Whether you're thinking about selling your home or just want to make it nicer for you and your family--there are a number of things you can do to make it a more attractive and appealing place. Depending on your personal skill set you can do most of them yourself--and there are always alternatives for the things you don't want to do yourself. Here's how you can inexpensively improve your home's appearance.
A carcase joint can be used in a variety of ways, but the easiest carcase joint is a 45-degree miter joint that is hidden. Learn about dovetail or finger joints, and how carcase joints are used, with help from a professional carpenter in this free video on home improvement.
A casement window is a window that swings out on a hinge, which is on a frame, and casement windows come in several different forms. Learn about single-frame and French casement windows with help from a professional carpenter, woodworker and handyman in this free video on home improvement and casement windows.
Smart houses use a number of new technologies, including automatic floodlights, and smart houses operate on a central nervous system. Discover how smart houses can run refrigerators and televisions with help from a professional carpenter, woodworker and handyman in this free video on smart houses and home improvement.
Full-spectrum lighting refers to a light source that essentially covers all of the color temperature spectrum, from infrared to ultraviolet. Discover why sunlight can be considered a form of full-spectrum lighting with help from a professional carpenter, woodworker and handyman in this free video on home improvement and lighting.
When purchasing a home that has undergone a remodeling process, it’s easy to miss structural problems during the initial walk through if you don’t know what to look for. Because home improvement projects can either add or detract from the value of the home, it’s imperative to know the difference between quality work and shoddy work.
Your family is quickly growing and the starter home you have lived in all these years is running out of space. It's time to decide whether you need to expand or simply put the house on the market and move into a bigger place.But your family loves this house and no one wants to leave. Besides, it's located near all the right attractions and has an excellent school system. Therefore, since moving is not an option, you might consider converting that old unused loft into an extra bedroom, bathroom or storage space in order to meet your immediate needs. (Definition…
Tips on finishing touches when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to align top garage weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to nail the top garage weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to apply sealant to top weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn about nailing and Silicon for installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to apply adhesive to weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to load an adhesive gun to install weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to add nails to weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to cut weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to measure to cut weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn all about weatherstripping material from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to caulk to install weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to clean corners when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to prep to install weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to stay clean when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to use a small scraper to smooth out area from old paint, plaster, etc. when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn what materials you'll need to install weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to remove old weatherstripping when installing weatherstripping on a garage from a professional contractor in this free home improvement video.
Get tips on how to fix a window jam, or a stuck window that won't open, plus learn how a candle can help keep your window from getting stuck in the future, in this free online home improvement video.
Learn the basics of how to fix mortar around the bricks of your house by filling gaps from a home repair professional in this free online DIY home improvement video.
Learn what an I-Joist is and what it is used for in this free home improvement video.
Learn some tips on onsite solutions for construction problems in this free home improvement video.
Learn how to install a toilet, including unpacking a new toilet from a professional plumber in this free home improvement and repair video tutorial.
A door lock that has become sticky, due to exposure to weather elements or it's just not been used in a long time, can be very frustrating. Follow the suggestions in the steps below to learn how to fix that sticky lock without calling a locksmith.
For home improvement projects or even building from the ground up, Lowe's Home Improvement is a good place to start. You can shop online or in person, but not all items are available online. Lowe's website will inform you on price and availability of items and help you find the nearest store.
Do you want to renovate or update your home, but can't afford the costs? Fortunately, there are many ways to pay for home improvements, which can make over a house, and increase the property value.
