Fixing Damaged Screens

Once winter passes it is time to start opening the doors and windows to let in the fresh air. Ripped screens, though, can let in more than fresh air. Holes or rips in screens are easy to fix. You can either patch the damaged area or replace the whole screen in a matter of minutes.

When your screen has a rip or small hole you can sew it up, just as you would a tear in fabric. There are special repair kits you can buy or you can use a strong sewing thread. All you need to do is sew up the area. For a hole, you may need to add in a piece of patch screen. Make sure you use secure, tight stitches, so the repair is permanent.

If you have multiple holes, rips or large holes you may want to replace the screen instead of sewing or patching it. To do this you need a new piece of screen, a new seal, called spline, and a special tool that allow you to push the seal into the window base. The tool, called a convex roller, usually has a wooden or plastic handle and two rollers on either end. You need to position the screen on the window and the slowly use the toll to push the seal into the window to secure the screen in place. It may take a few tries to get the process right, but once you get started you should be able to replace a screen quickly.

Before starting any repair job you should gather all of your supplies. You will need the following so that you can be prepared to repair or replace your screens:

• Needle
• Thread
• Extra screen
• Patch pieces
• Convex Roller
• Spline
  

You should also examine all your frames to make sure that they are in good condition and fix anything that needs it.

Repairing and replacing window screens will allow you to enjoy the fresh air without having your home filled with flies and other bugs. It is a simple process to fix a screen and you should have no trouble repairing and replacing all your damaged screens in less than a day.

Choosing Light Fixtures

When replacing or improving lighting in your home you will have to decide what type of lighting fixture you want to use. There are three types of lighting fixtures - surface, recessed and track. Each type of fixture serves a different purpose. It is very important to consider the whole home improvement project when choosing the type of lighting fixture so that the finished project and lighting type work together.

Surface fixtures are mounted to the wall, ceiling or other fixed object. Many light fixtures are considered surface fixtures, like chandeliers. Basically, any lighting fixture that is not mounted on a track or inside the wall or ceiling is considered a surface fixture. They usually come with a housing unit that is secured in place first and then the lighting unit goes inside. This type of fixture offer bright light, depending on the bulbs chosen. It is very good for lighting a large area.

Recessed fixtures are installed inside the ceiling, wall or other surface. They are usually flush with the surface in which they are mounted, so they need space inside the area where the housing unit can set. These fixtures offer lighting without having to be obvious. They work well for smaller areas where space is a consideration. They also are best for lower wattage bulbs because they do get quite hot.

Track fixtures are individual surface fixtures mounted on a track. They are usually able to be moved and aimed in the intended direction. They can be hung on any permanent surface area. Track fixtures offer a range of lighting possibilities. They can be soft or bright and are very diverse. They are good for areas where extra light is needed in certain areas. They do have a visible track system, so this may be something to think about when considering this type of fixture.

These three different types of lighting fixtures are great for a range of home improvement projects. Each has its own style that makes it ideal for certain situations and areas. Choosing a light fixture style should be based upon the final lighting desired, the space and the look desired.

Tackling a Leaky Roof

Leaky roofs are a headache for homeowners. If your roof springs a leak you should fix it as soon as possible. A leaky roof can quickly turn into a major catastrophe if left unfixed. Repairing a single leak is easy enough that you should be able to do it yourself. All you need to know are a few tips and tricks.

One of the reason that a leaky roof can be a major problem is that by the time you have realized the leak, water has already seeped down through your roof and ceiling. You may have to repair both the roof and the interior ceiling. Yu should carefully examine the area to see exactly how much work you will have to do. Start on the roof because that is the source of the problem. Once that is fixed you can proceed to fix anything inside.

Repairing a roof should be done on a dry and calm sunny day. Wet roofs are dangerous and even windy conditions may present a problem. It helps if it is warm outside because that will make the roofing materials easier to work with. Also be sure to use ropes and secured ladders to ensure safety. Wear rubber soled shoes and ask someone else to help you just to ensure you are working as safe as possible.

Once you get onto the roof you should look around for other spots that may need repaired also. You can prevent future leaks and problems by repairing every spot that needs it right now. If you find that the roof is in poor all over shape you may want to get a whole new roof. You should probably contact a professional if this is the case.

After you have repaired the leaky spot on the roof you should head inside and do any repairs to the ceiling area that was damaged. Once this is all finished you can rest assured that your leaky roof problem will not spread to bigger problems within your ceiling or walls. Remember, though, always keep safety in mind and if the job becomes too big for you to handle you should call a professional.

Keeping Kitchen Home Improvement Cheap

The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in the house. They are also one that sees the most problems. Home improvement in the kitchen is something that involves a lot of planning and a lot of work. It is also one of the most expensive areas to remodel. Remodeling a kitchen is something that needs to be done quickly, since this room will most likely need to be used again fairly quickly. That is why planning is so important.

When starting to plan a kitchen remodeling project, you should write down everything you would like to do. Then you should write down what you can afford to do. You may not be able to replace all the appliances or add that pantry. It is good to know this up front. This way you can create the design around what you will be doing.

Some remodeling tips can really help you out to reduce costs. The following list is some of the best tips for kitchen improvements on a budget.

• Paint cabinets instead of replacing them. If your cabinets are in good structural shape there is really no need to replace them. Try painting them instead.
• Replace the hardware on cabinets and drawers. Changing the hardware is a good way to bring new life to old cabinets and drawers. This trick is very cost efficient, too.
• Give the stove and refrigerator a deep cleaning. Many times a good cleaning can make something look brand new. Cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer can actually make it more efficient, too. You may find you do not need to replace them after all.
• Replace individual tiles. If your floor is tiled and there are only a handful of chipped tiles, you might want to think about just replacing the bad ones instead of getting a whole new flooring type.
  

When undertaking a kitchen project it is easy to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, it is also easy to save a little money. The tips above, along with good planning will help you complete this project quickly and within your budget.

Common Toilet Problems You Can Fix Without a Plummer

One of the most used rooms in the house, the bathroom, is also home to one of the most problematic fixtures in the house, the toilet. Many problems that you may experience with your toilet are quite easy to fix yourself. So, put down the phone and check the list below to see if you can forego the Plummer and fix the toilet yourself.

• The toilet is clogged. A clogged toilet is, perhaps, the biggest issue you will run across. To unclog a toilet you need a plunger. The plunger must form a seal around the drain opening in order to make that vacuum effect that frees the clog. If the plunger slips or does not spring back up after you push it down then the seal has not been formed. Try repositioning it and plunging again. For most clogs this should work and the toilet should drain.
• The toilet will not flush completely. This problem is usually due to the lift chain not being tight enough. Open up the back of your toilet and look for the little arm that runs horizontally. Attached to the arm is the lift chain. It should be rather tight. If it is hanging loosely then adjust it to tighten it up.
• Toilet keeps running. If your toilet keeps running then you are going to be paying for it on your next water bill, so this is a problem that needs solved right away. If you can jiggle the handle and the running stops then you should adjust the lift chain. If that didn’t help then make sure the float ball is not touching the tank and is resting on top of the water. If this does not help then make sure the float ball is not filled with water. If it is then replace it.
  

This is a list of the most common toilet problems that you can easily fix yourself. If you try the suggestions above and they do not fix your problem then you should give the Plummer a call, but if they work then you can be happy knowing you just saved yourself a bunch of money.

Organization Home Improvement Project Basics

If you keep finding your house all cluttered up, perhaps it is time to think about an organization home improvement project. Organizing your home is a good way to avoid clutter and messy rooms. By adding storage around the house you will be making a places for everything that keeps ending up cluttered around the house. This is one home improvement project that actually helps to create less work for you because it controls the clutter instead of you.

One of the first things to do is to analyze the problem areas. You should aim to add storage to the areas that need it the most. If one of the problems is that your children leave their coats on the kitchen chairs, then perhaps you should add a coat rack by the door. If your bathroom seems to be a mecca for all kinds of beauty products then you should think about a storage system to organize everything under the cabinet. Once you identify what needs organized you can easily figure out a solution.

Some simple tricks to help you stay organized and reduce clutter are adding a storage system to bedrooms, as well as the kitchen and bathroom. Closet space is usually not utilized as good as it could be. Most closets have one rack and usually a high shelf. There are now hanging units that can be hung from the rack that offer different compartments. These compartments can hold clothes, shoes, toys or other items. There are also containers that fit easily in cabinets or on shelves. There are larger storage units that fix to the wall. A person should even use a basket as a catch-all in each room where random items are put so they are not randomly laying about the room. There are many storage units on the market that are easy to install and provide valuable storage.

Many people do not think of getting organized as a home improvement project, but it is when you are adding storage units that will improve the look of your home. There are permanent storage units and those that are not permanent. There are so many options that once you finish you will have solved all your storage problems.

Outside Project Overview

Many home improvement projects focus of the outside of the home. The exterior of a house is the first thing people see and when it is looking out of shape it reflects badly on the whole house. Besides just looking bad, an exterior that needs some attention can effect insurance rates. This is why many people decide to improve the outside of their home first.

One of the biggest improvements to the exterior of a home is to fix or paint the exterior walls. Many people have vinyl siding on their home which usually stays in good shape for many years. Sometimes, though, it can be broken or otherwise damaged and need repair. It also needs a good power washing on occasion. If the home is sided with wood siding, then it needs to be painted on a regular basis. Stucco or brick exteriors need regular cleaning and may occasionally need some repair. All of these tasks are time consuming and are a large undertaking. Improving the exterior walls goes a long way towards making a house look better.

Another common exterior improvement project is the gutters. Gutters require regular cleaning, unless gutter guards are installed. They are also prone to damage and occasionally need replaced. Gutter are an important project because if they are broken, damaged or full of leaves and debris then they can not do their job and water damage could occur to the home.

There are other outside projects that help to add style and functionality to a home. A person may add on a deck, pave their driveway or design landscaping. Projects like these add value to the home and, generally, just make it look better.

Whatever outside home improvement project you decide to take on, it is important to plan. Being outside makes you a slave to the weather. A project started too late in the year could end up having to wait for the Spring to be finished. These are usually the most physically demanding of all home improvement projects, too. If you are going to start an outside home improvement project then it is very important to understand all aspects, so you can get help, if needed.

Fixing Squeaky Stairs

Squeaky stairs can drive any homeowner crazy. They also reflect badly on the house if you are tying to sell. Fortunately, fixing a squeaky step is not a huge undertaking. You can easily fix one in a matter of minutes, if the situation is not too complex. A simple fix for a squeaky step is something almost every homeowner can do on their own, so it is an inexpensive home improvement project.

The first step in fixing a problem is identifying the cause of the problem. With a squeaky step the cause is the tread rubbing on its supports. The tread is the actual step, the part you walk on. When it comes loose and is no longer secured against its support pieces, called risers, it rubs against them and produces a squeak. The solution is to simply secure the pieces together again.

Ideally, stairs should be fixed from the bottom. If you can not get to the bottom you can fix them from above. You will need to remove the tread if you are working from above so you can fix the risers. By using nails and glue you can add small pieces of wood boards to secure the treads and risers back into place. You may need to add wood pieces to secure the risers back into place. Sometimes it is simple enough that all you need to do is nail the tread back to the riser. You do not simply want to nail through the tread form above. First, you may not actually be putting the nail through the riser below. Second, that will probably not fix the problem, since the riser is most likely loose which is causing the problem. This is why it is ideal to work form below, but, once again, if you are working from above, remove the tread first.

Fixing that squeaky step will be a big relief. It also will help prevent future structural problems in your stairway. This quick fix is something you should do once you notice the squeaky step. All it takes is a little time and effort to save your stairs and your sanity.

Deck Care

A deck is a great outdoor space to hang out, relax and throw a backyard party for friends. Decks come in all shapes, sizes and designs. Many homes have them and for those that don’t you can bet the homeowner has at least considered adding one. They are so useful, but can be quite expensive to build, so it is essential for you to learn how to maintain your deck so it lasts a long time.

The first key to deck maintenance is cleaning it. With a deck being outside it often gets neglected when it comes to keeping it clean. However, keeping it free of debris and dirt will help to prolong its life. You should sweep it regularly and twice a year scrub it down to remove mold and debris. Be sure to clean in the cracks, too. They easily collect dirt and can rot away quickly.

You should also seal your deck with a water sealer or stain. This will keep water from seeping into the wood and speeding up decay and rot. You should reapply sealer or stain every two years to maintain a good coating. If it is pealing or water is not beading up then you should reapply even if it has not been two years. Make sure to get every area of the deck, including the sides and cracks between boards. The more protection coverage the less chance of damage from decay.

You should also replace any broken or damaged pieces right away. This is especially important for any rotting wood pieces or loose pieces. Besides keeping you deck looking good, replacing damaged pieces also keeps it safe. A damaged board that is stepped on could send you or someone else falling through, which could result in even worse damage. Do not forget to seal or stain the new pieces.

Doing these few simple things for your deck will keep it looking great. You will be able to enjoy great weather and great times on your deck for years to come. So do not neglect it simply because it is outside and out-of-mind for the bad weather months, keep it clean and in good shape so it is ready when you need it.

Using a Home Improvement Assessment to Help You Finish Projects You Start

Home Improvement projects can get easily out of hand when you just dive into them without assessing your needs first. It is easy to start projects and then never finish them, either because you find a more pressing need or you do not have the money to finish. That is why before you start a home improvement project you really must do a home improvement assessment.

A home improvement assessment is where you look at what home improvement projects you want or need to do and figure out your budget for these projects. By doing this you will prevent many of the common issues a person faces during home improvement that often leads to the project or projects never being completed. You must look at two specific things - types of projects and budget.

There are a few different types of home improvement projects. There are those things that must be done to prevent damage to your home or if they are effecting your family’s comfort or safety. A good example is a broken window. You have to fix it right away or an array of problems and issues will come up. Another type of need are things that need to be done, but are something that can wait. An example of this type of need is siding the house. While old siding is not going to effect your home or family negatively, getting new siding will improve the look of your home and keep your insurance agent happy. Lastly, there are things that you want to do. These home improvement projects are not really going to matter if they are done or not. An example is painting the living room or adding on a deck. Once you categorize your needs you will have a better idea of what you should do first, second and what should wait for last.

Your budget is the bottom line. Once you have your list of projects based on type of need you can begin to see how many of these projects you will be able to do now and what will have to wait for later. All of the needs that must be done are first to be covered by your home improvement budget. If there is any money left over then you can go on down the list through the needs and wants. Budget problems are a top reason many home improvement projects are abandoned, so this is a critical part of a home improvement assessment.

A home improvement assessment will go along ways to ensuring your home improvement projects are a success. By planning and being very organized about the projects you have to do, you will save yourself the frustration of coming in over budget, or worse, not being able to finish because you have no money left.

Home Improvement Before Selling

Many people go into huge home improvement projects once they decide to sell their home. The idea is that they think doing these projects will increase the value of the home. The truth is that many projects are not going to raise the selling price. If you are planning to sell your home and feel you need to make improvements, then you should read below about what types of improvements to do and those to avoid.

The biggest rule when it comes to home improvement before selling is that projects should only be done if they are something that must be done or else the house will not sell. Besides necessary projects, you can also undertake some minor projects that are inexpensive, like painting the walls. Just avoid anything too expensive because it will not pay out in the end. Do not add on things like central air, a swimming pool or anything else that is consider extra because it will not reflect in the selling price.

Another thing to consider when doing improvements before selling is the outside of the house, including walkways, decks and landscaping. If you really want to increase the home’s value this is the place to look. First impressions come when the buyers step onto the property. Whatever is reflected by the exterior of the house will set the tone for their feelings abut the rest of the house. Inexpensive and simple things like, filling in cracks in sidewalks, painting a deck or adding a cheap stepping stone walkway can make a big difference.

When it comes to doing home improvements before selling it is very important for you to make sure they are done well. Shoddy work will not improve the selling price and could actually lower it. Hire a professional instead of trying to do the work yourself unless you are skilled at whatever the project is.

Doing home improvements before selling is very tempting. Often times you think that by doing a few projects you will help the selling price, but many times that is not true. Just remember any project that is too expensive and that is not necessary is just a waste of money.