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Posts Tagged ‘home improvement’

There’s nothing quite so satisfying as being able to immerse yourself in total darkness before seeing a crystal clear studio logo pop onto the big screen while a blast of 5.1 digital surround sound overtakes your senses and rumbles beneath you. You are experiencing the rush of watching a movie in a theater. But not just any theater, it’s your home theater.

That’s right. No one kicking the seat behind you, throwing candy at your head or talking on the phone during the best scenes; if they do you can kick them out yourself!

In many ways the home theater experience far surpasses the big screens of movie theater chains. Not only the annoyances listed previously, but there’s also the factors of cost and convenience.

With the price of a movie ticket running somewhere around $10, plus the cost of snacks, you could easily afford your own home theater just by skipping those evenings out for a year or two. Depending on how expensive your tastes are possibly even sooner than that. And there’s no need to wait for the 7 o’clock showing or stand in line; you can start, stop and schedule your movie showings whenever it’s convenient for you.

As true home theater enthusiasts we’d been designing our perfect escape since before we bought our house. We were just looking for the perfect house to fit our dreams. We found it a few years ago and proceeded to design our dream theater with gusto. We had most of our cinema equipment (just needing a few finishing touches like the 5.1 digital surround and more monster cables) so we dug into planning everything from seating arrangement and style, to carpet color and decor, to the large hinged wall with secret escape route (doesn’t every kid want one?)

By doing most of it ourselves we saved thousands of dollars but it also took about a year to “finish.” Well, it’s finished enough for us to enjoy, we are always working on the little touches here and there. Many people hire professionals to design and build their theater’s, which saves a lot of time (but not always money.)

After a long hard day at work, or an evening of frustrating parenting, the need to escape reality can become overwhelming. Being able to drop ourselves into complete darkness and seclusion and then immerse ourselves in a full senses banquet of sights and sounds from Hollywood we can quickly forget our own headaches and get wrapped up in the big screen. Those two hours are sanity savers without ever needing to leave the house (or get candy thrown at our heads).

If you love to cook or if you just love gadgets, there are plenty of kitchen gadgets that you should look at. No matter what the kitchen task, there is a very cool kitchen gadget available. Here are some samples.

If you love mixed drinks, lattes or hot chocolate, then you need to purchase a power mixer. These small but powerful mixers will mix the best frozen drinks, froth up milk so your latte is perfect and whip hot chocolate into a tasty treat. Most power mixers are super small and run on batteries so you can mix either in the kitchen or on the patio.

If fried chicken or French fries are your specialty, then a deep fat fryer is the perfect gadget. Now you can prepare great tasting fried chicken, battered shrimp or fries in just minutes. These cool deep fat fryers are all automated, making frying super simple and without the normal mess of a frying pan.

If you love fresh bread, then you will love a bread maker. There is nothing better to start your dinner off then fresh baked bread. Breadmakers make your fresh bread from scratch, just add the ingredients and push a few buttons. An hour later or so, you have delicious piping hot fresh bread. So no matter your cooking style, check out these super cool kitchen gadgets.

More information can be found in http://www.home-00.info

Want to impress family, friends, and visitors when they come to your home? Do you know how to make a good first impression with your home? Windows and doors make the first statement when someone visits your home. When visitors come to your door, they will notice the windows and doors and judge your personality type accordingly. If you have antique doors and windows, your visitors may think of you as a traditionalist. On the other hand, if you have Victorian-style doors and windows you may be viewed as a traditionalist as well.

Therefore, when considering home improvement think about the type of person you are. What is it that you like over other designs that will setoff your personality type? If you like, the wood appeal thus, it may set the example that you are a fashionable person, especially if the wood is clean and newly oriented.

If you are considering remodeling your windows, it is important to know what materials, tools and so forth is necessary to get the job done. To get started we are going to learn a few steps to installing new windows. New windows can be one of your homes most attractive features. New windows can provide convenient ventilation, ease of use, superior natural light and cleaning convenience. There are a variety of windows to choose from and you will need to decide which is best for you. For instance there are casement windows, skylights, sliders, single hung windows, double hung windows, vinyl windows, and bay windows just to name a few.

When looking for windows remember to look for a quality product. Look for specifics like the IG units, Low-G, U-factor, VT, SHGC Factor, etc. within the window. Understanding these different qualities for your window will help you get the correct windows and improve your home immensely.

If you want customary made replacement windows then realize that the materials must be pre-ordered in most instances and this will cost a bit more than other types of window framings. Therefore, you will have time to frame the windows before the material is delivered.

With the old windows in place you will need to clean, remove peeling paint, and smooth out the surface, prepping for new windows. You will need to clean the window frames and trimmings again when the new windows arrive.

The new replacement windows will come with systematic instructions, thus following these steps will help you to do a good job. Windows hardware include insulation, king studs, headers, angled studs, jambs, double rough sills, cripple studs, jack studs, shims, and so forth in some instances.

When the new replacement windows arrive, you will need to prepare the window for installation. You will need to mark the studs to determine where everything falls back in to place as well. Thus, you will need measuring tapes and cutters to cut out the “king studs’ making the studs fitting for the new windows and fitting between the plates. You will need to level the ‘king studs’ plumbing the studs and fitting them into the new window, toe nailing the studs to fit the plates.

Again, before getting started read and follow the new window instructions to get the best results, because you will need to know what inches apart are needed to separate the studs and openings from the new window. Most windows require half-inch openings for the best effect.

The header opening differs as well and will require an opening between stud and header?you will need a leveler to measure and line the re[placement window for fitting.

If removing an older window, you will need to remove the window sash, remove window jambs, remove nails securing the jambs to the framing by cutting them with a reciprocating saw or mini hack saw and prying the jambs loose. You should try to remove the older window as a whole unit.

Once you finish the task, you can look back over your work to make sure that everything is in place, still if you read and followed the window instructions, the window should go up fine.

Again, it makes sense to have the tools and materials in front of you when making home improvements. If you start the job and realize you do not have all the materials and tools needed to do the job, you will have already made an error especially if you have opened the old window already.

This article is not a systematic guide for installing windows, thus the new replacement window instructions would benefit you more. The article is merely intended to help you have an understanding as to how easy it can be to install new windows, while letting you know that your personality is defined by the appeal of your home.

A home owner can recoup about 70% upon sale of a home by replacing older windows. Therefore, home improvement not only increases the equity of your home, it also compliments your personality and can even lead others to determine your personality type.

Insulating your home is pure and simple the number one way to save money on energy costs. In the old days floors and walls were lined with just about anything to keep the moisture and cold air out of home. Renovations have revealed that even old newspapers were found packed into wall and floor boards.

Today insulating is a science all its own. There are R-factors assigned to different material and methods of insulating that give homes and buildings an appropriate amount of protection for their geographic region. The higher the R rating, the better insulated the home.

One of the top rated insulations is relatively new to the industry ? probably no more than a couple of decades old ? and that is blow in insulation.

The Benefits of Blow In Insulation

There are several benefits to blow in insulation over rolls of fibreglass insulation. The benefits include the method of installing it, its energy efficiency and where it can be used. Here are the top 5 reasons to consider using blow in insulation:

1. Blow in insulation is adjustable. Depending on how much material is used, it can create a protection with an R value of 15-38.

2. Only virgin materials are used to create most blow-in varieties of insulation. This means there a reduced chance of allergies.

3. Blowing the material into the crevices allows for a tighter fit and seal. It can be directed around corners, beams, or wiring that may already be in the walls.

4. Installing blow in insulation is fast. A barrier, referred to as a blanket is stapled to all of the 2x4s to keep the material from floating away and adhering where it isn’t wanted. Then a small slit is cut into the blanket. A hose is inserted and measured amounts of the insulation are blown into place.

5. This type of insulation is extremely energy efficient. As it is blown in it expands and adheres to the surrounding surfaces. It fills even the tiniest of cracks as it does this.

The Complete Installation Process

After attaching the blanket to the surrounding boards, the small opening cut into it allows the hose to be pointed in all directions around the wall or ceiling. After the material is in place the blanket’s slit is closed and taped. This blanket does not act as a moisture barrier, it just control the spray. The material itself resists moisture.

Drywall or other wall materials are then installed right over the insulation blanket. In a renovation project this means that an entire wall would not have to be removed in order to insulation. Take an extremely old home for example. There may be no insulation at all. Instead of removing layers of plaster wall, you could simply make a hole, position the hose and fill the walls will energy efficient insulation. Then patch the wall and the job is complete.

The blow in insulation is more expensive than traditional insulation. However, experts estimate that energy savings is so great that within 2 to 4 years those costs are recovered.

Before a buyer considers your home seriously, it must meet his needs in many ways. It must be a suitable neighborhood, commuting distance, size, layout, etc. If most of these needs are met, the buyer will move toward making an offer for your home. The purchase decision is an emotional and intellectual response, based on a level of trust in your home. So, it is logical that in preparing your home for sale your goal should be to enable the buyer to build trust in your home as quickly as possible. Your first step should be to address apparent and hidden repair issues.

Make a Complete List

Keep in mind that potential buyers and their real estate agents do not have the fond personal memories and familiarity that you have with your home. They will view it with a critical and discerning eye. Anticipate their concerns before they ever see your home. You may look at the leaky faucet and think of a $10 part at Home Depot. To a buyer this is a $100 plumbing bill. Walk through each room and consider how buyers are going to react to what they see. Make a complete list of all needed repairs. It will be more efficient to have them all done at once. Use a handyman to fix the items quickly. If your house is a fixer-upper, keep in mind that most buyers will expect to make a profit that is substantially above the cost of labor and materials. When a house needs obvious repairs, buyers will assume that there are more problems than meet the eye. Take care of repairs before marketing your home. Your home will sell faster and for a higher price.

Get an Inspection

It is a good idea to have your home inspected by a professional before putting it on the market. Your may discover some issues that will come up later on the buyer’s inspection report. You will be able to address the items on your own time, without the involvement of a prospective buyer. You do not have to repair every item that is written up. For example, due to building code changes, you may not meet code for handrail height, spacing between balusters, stair dimensions, single glazed windows, and other items. You may choose to leave items such as these as they are. Just note on the inspection report which items you have repaired, and which are left as is. Attach the report to your Seller’s Disclosure, along with any repair receipts that you have. A professional inspection answers buyers questions early, reduces re-negotiations after contract, and creates a higher level of trust in your home.

Offer a Service Contract

A home service contract may be offered to the buyer for their first year of ownership. For a fee of about $350 a third party warranty company will provide repair services for certain systems or components in the house for one year after the sale. These policies help to reduce the number of disputes about the condition of the property after the sale. They protect the interests of both buyer and seller.

Should You Remodel?

Our clients often ask if they should remodel their house before marketing. I believe the answer to this is no – major improvements do not make sense just before selling a home. Studies show that remodeling projects do not return 100% of their cost in the sales price. Normally, it does not pay to replace cabinets, re-do kitchens, upgrade bathrooms, or add space prior to selling. There is a fine line between remodeling and making repairs. You will need to draw this line as you review your home.

Repair Decisions

Countertops are outdated: If other components of the house are up to date, the kitchen may be greatly improved by new, modern countertops. Although this is an upgrade, not a repair, it may be worth doing because the kitchen has a significant impact on the value of your home.

Carpet is worn or outdated: Carpet replacement almost always worth doing. Sellers often ask if they should offer an allowance for carpet, and let the buyer choose. Do not take this approach. Choose a neutral shade, and make the change yourself. New carpet makes everything in the house look better.

Wall texture is poor: You may have an outdated texture style or acoustic ceiling. In most cases, it does not make sense to strip and re-texture the walls. Just repair any wall damage or minor texture problems.

Walls need paint: This is a must do! Freshly painted walls greatly improve the perception of your home. Don’t forget the baseboards and trim. Use neutral colors, such as cream, sage green, beige/yellow, or gray/blue. Stark white, primary colors and dark colors do not appeal to a wide market, and may be a negative factor.

Bathroom caulking is dirty: Put this on the must do list. Cracked or stained caulking is a turn-off to buyers. It is easily replaced. Make sure the tile grout does not have voids.

Drainage or leak problems: Address any drainage issues or leaks in plumbing or roof. Use professional help to correct the source of the problem and check for mold. Fully disclose the repair on your sellers disclosure, but avoid giving a personal guarantee of the repair.

Structural and trim repairs: Fix any sheetrock holes, damaged trim, torn vinyl, broken windows, rotten wood or rusty fixtures. Homes sell for more that show a reasonable level of maintenance.

Overgrown shrubs and weedy beds: Repairs to the yard are some of the most cost effective changes you can make. Mow and edge the lawn. Add inexpensive mulch to flower beds. Cut back any shrubs that cover windows. Trim tree branches that rub against the roof. Buy new doormats. Replace dead plants. Remove any trash.

Check HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems: These systems need routine maintenance. Have the heat/AC system serviced and filters changed. Check for plumbing leaks, toilets that rock, corroded water heater valves, and other plumbing problems. Replace burned out bulbs and electrical fixtures that do not work. Check your sprinkler system and pool equipment for problems.

Make Needed Repairs

If you are planning to sell your home, your first step should be to discover and make needed repairs. By making repairs you will answer buyers questions early, build trust in your home more quickly, and proceed through the closing process with fewer surprises. Your home will appeal to more buyers, sell faster, and bring a higher price.