Top Ten Remodeling Tips
October 31, 2008
My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It was a period renovation of a Victorian Gingerbread Craftsman. (I’m so thrilled I can talk about it in the past tense). We haunted architectural salvage houses for just the right windows, bid on eBay for period-correct light fixtures, spent an entire afternoon driving all over L.A. for a screw that they stopped making in the thirties and generally worked to the point of insanity. Tiptoed up to the line but never crossed it.
So here, ripped from the headlines so to speak, are my Top Ten Tips for Remodeling. Read ‘em and weep.
1. There is a solution to every situation. But it’s not necessarily yours. You go where the solution is - it doesn’t come to you.
2. There is no medicine for whatever ails you quite like hard, exhausting, purposeful work.
3. Chew your own food. Don’t make your problems other peoples. They’ve got their own.
4. I’m not psychic. Maybe you are. Guesstimates of time and money are just that. Reality has a way of intruding. When in doubt - go with Reality. (I don’t know when I’m going to die either).
Home Automation Enhances Your Lifestyle and Saves Money - Exciting Home Automation Applications
October 31, 2008
Wouldn’t it be nice to have your home take care of things for you, automatically, without you having to lift a finger? You bet it would. That is the promise of home automation. There are many different systems, especially in larger homes, that can benefit from being integrated. Some of these systems include security alarm, HVAC, audio / video, and lighting. Home automation integrates these systems together, enabling them to function more efficiently, improve functionality, conserve resources and enhance your lifestyle.
That’s the name of the game; an enhanced lifestyle. Everyone can benefit from a better life and modern electronic systems can help provide it. In addition, as the cost of resources continues to rise and the price of electronics continues to fall, home automation systems will prove to be even more cost effective. The combination of the modern consumer’s thirst for convenience and increasing economic advantages will propel home automation more into the mainstream.
So, what are some of the fun things a home automation system can do for you? Here are some common applications:
Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs
October 30, 2008
Got a room that’s crying out for a bright accent or a face lift? One of the quickest, cheapest ways to perk up your living space is with a new area rug. Not just any area rug, though. Today’s contemporary designs and styles in area rugs can add a bright splash of color to the décor of any room, from a traditional living room to the most contemporary of Danish Modern living rooms.
Choosing a contemporary rug for your home is a matter of taste. In general, contemporary rugs have bright colors, bold patterns and are made of easy-care materials like olefin, polypropylene, wool or cotton. Some things to consider when making a choice are the size of the room, the use it gets, the people who use it, and the mood that you want to set in it.
Living Rooms
Living rooms are the most traditional place to use an area rug. The contemporary design that you choose for your living room can do more than cover your floor. By choosing the right color and design, you can make your room seem larger, brighter, cheerier, darker or more formal. Here are some general rules of thumb to follow:
Making a Pen with Your New Wood Lathe
October 29, 2008
So you just purchased a wood lathe but do not know what kind of project you should start out with. As soon as the right amount of skill is obtained, beautiful pieces of woodwork can be created with a wood lathe. However, before you get too over your head, it is best to start out with a basic woodturning project. My recommendation would be beginning by carving your very own pen.
Pen turning is a common hobby or past time. These homemade pens can make excellent gifts for any event. Pen turning is a fun yet practical project that can help you get a taste of the capabilities of your wood lathe. The following are some tips in preparing your wood for the lathe that will help you make your first wood lathe experience successful.
1. Pick an interesting wood blank. One of the great things about pen turning is you can use any sort of wood you want, including scrap pieces from other projects. Pick out a piece of wood with interesting figuring. Be aware that some wood changes appearance with light and air exposure and will begin to look dull with time, such as Paduak or Purple Heart wood. If you are not comfortable using a scrap piece of wood there are numerous wood blanks that can be purchased in all sorts of exotic woods.
Imported Tools vs. Brand Name - Are They As Good?
October 28, 2008
So you are looking for hand or power tools on the Internet or in a “brick & Mortar” tool store, and you keep running into tools imported from China, Taiwan, Korea, Germany and various other countries. A lot of these tools seem to be priced well under the comparable “name brand” tools you are used to? are they as good or better, or are they just cheap knockoffs.
A larger percentage of these tool deserve a better look, they are in many cases as good as, or better, and usually a very good bargain when compared side by side with their “brand name” counterparts.
In the last few years the quality of tools produced in many of the Asian countries has increased significantly…they are no longer the “knuckle busters” of the past. This is really the same path that the Japanese tool producers followed in the sixty’s and seventies, we all recall the rather poor quality of Japanese products coming to the US…cars, tools, electronics were all of dubious value. As these producers learned more about our market, our expectations and started making money…the quality of what they produced and offered for sale became very good. Today many of the products from Japan rival the quality of anything produced anywhere in the world.
What to Look For in a Drill Press
October 27, 2008
A drill press, also known as a pillar drill, is the stationary form of a hand-held drill. The advantage of the drill-press over the hand drill is the tool’s accuracy and power. A drill press is a very valuable tool with several different types and models of drill presses to choose from. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing your own drill press.
Floor vs. Bench-Top Model
A floor model is set directly on the floor while the bench-top model of a drill press is set on a table top. The floor models are typically better buys with more accessories and attachments and are able to handle larger projects than the bench-top models. The floor model is always a good pick unless you are looking for something that is a bit more compact to save space for a smaller shop.
Multiple Spindle Speeds
If you plan on using your drill press for woodwork and metalwork, it is important that your drill press has several speeds to suit the project you are doing. When working with metal you will want to use lower speeds while wood projects need to be in the medium to high range of speeds. For maximum versatility, look for a drill press that can operate between 500-4,000 RPM (a machine that only reaches to 2,000 is suitable if you will only be using it for drilling and not for other projects).
Tips for Choosing a Safe Paint Color for Your Walls
October 26, 2008
Are you STILL thinking about painting your walls with color?
Many people are afraid to make the leap from ‘builder’s beige’ to a more daring color choice. What holds you back? Are you afraid the color will be too strong? Not match your furniture? Or you’ll become tired of it and have to start over again?
While you’re debating the work involved you are missing out on one of the basic elements of design that can change the entire look of your room for under $50. Your tired furniture can become new again and a mismatched room can have designer flare! So, how do you choose the right color?
The first recommendation is to choose a tinted neutral. Why is that? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.
However, when you go to your local home improvement store you will be faced with a sea of color swatches - hundreds of versions of basic beige and gray to choose from. So before you go, consider these steps to choosing the right color for you.
Choosing a Home Builder
October 26, 2008
So you’ve decided to build a new home. Like many home buyers you realize that buying a new home offers a wide range of advantages over buying an existing home. You are getting exactly what you want, demanding the highest quality construction, as well as learning how to operate and maintain your home’s systems and equipment. You’re also developing a relationship with the builder. Congratulations on making a great choice, however, you still have a big decision left to make.
What kind of home builder is right for you? Should you go with a production builder who builds many homes at a time, or do you want a custom home with a distinctive style and features unique to you?
Production home builders typically tend to use stock plans, but often have a variety of options from which to choose. They will tend to build on land they own and build for a wide range of price points. They are generally high volume builders with many builders completing over 200 homes a year.
Custom home builders typically build fewer than 20 homes a year and work to create one-of-a-kind homes. Many of these homes are site specific on either land owned by the builder or on land you already own. They may offer design/build services and usually build higher end homes.
Homeowners ? Here is a Step by Step Guide to Help You Hire a Quality Home Improvement Contractor
October 25, 2008
Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do is create a budget for the project. Without a budget you will be flying blind and may end up over spending. Having a tight budget will also help you make decisions about what kind of fixtures, and materials to purchase. Most products have a wide price range and having a budget will help keep you in line when making buying decisions.
After you have your budget dialed in get three written estimates from three different contractors. Be sure the estimate is complete; getting a "written" estimate on the back of a business card is not a sign of a good contractor. Getting three estimates will enable you to compare prices from different contractors. Take the time to talk with each contractor and get a feel for which one you will be most comfortable working with and having in your home. Be sure and pay attention to things like who shows up on time and who is prepared to talk about your project. If a contractor shows up late to your appointment chances are they will show up late when working on your project.
Deck Decorating
October 24, 2008
On my blog, I once wrote about life on the Veranda - a favorite Southern, summer pastime.
Picture a Charleston side-porch house, facing the obligatory magnolia tree, refreshing gin and tonics or the standard mint julep.
But Veranda living is more than just a sense of “place”. What really makes it memorable is the company of friends and neighbors, sparkling conversation, or a languid repose with a loved one.
A deck may not technically be a Veranda, but it can, nevertheless, be the perfect gathering spot where memories are made.
The key, however, to great deck entertaining is to have a great deck. Many people don’t believe in decorating their decks but having good seating and some type of a theme can help make your deck the most beloved part of your home.
A favorite theme for a deck is “Outdoor Barbeque.” Though not really an official title, a version of “Outdoor Barbeque” encompasses a nice deck, with a classy set of chairs and a table and a grilling area where your husband and his friends can show their talent on the grill. Sharing hamburgers and margaritas with your friends while you wait for the homemade ice cream to finish running - now that is my idea of putting a deck to good use.
