DIY Home Renovation

Kitchen Renovation

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:45:42 +0100

Because you probably will only buy a new kitchen once or twice in your life, you will need all the help you can get. Especially with the ever changing trends and the home improvement and cookery programmes on television it becomes more and more difficult to make a sound choice. This step-by-step decision planner will help you on your way to your dream kitchen.

Kitchen Plan

First it is important to choose whether you want a fitted kitchen or a freestanding kitchen. If you choose for a fitted kitchen, you will make the most of your space, as all the difficult corners can be hidden and used for storage. You can choose for flat pack, rigid or custom built to suit your needs and budget.

Choose a freestanding and you will get that individual and informal look you might have been looking for. You can use all kinds of furniture to create the ambiance you prefer. You will have to choose your furniture well though to create as much storage space as in a fitted kitchen.

Different people have different lifestyles. It is obvious that a single person or a couple will have different expectations from their kitchen than families with growing up children. Make sure the kitchen will fulfil all your needs.

Sink, preparation area and hob should never be too far apart and that the fridge should be near the entrance of the kitchen. This all will have effect on where you will plan to put your basic equipment and where the service points for water, electricity and gas will be. Keep the existing service points in mind when planning your new kitchen as rewiring and re-plumbing your kitchen will take a lot of time and money.

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

How to change taps

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:42:04 +0100

SKILL LEVEL 2/5

Basic plumbing skills would be useful. Good agility and dexterity are essential to work in cramped conditions.

SAFETY FIRST

Ensure all metal pipes and the bath (if metal) are bonded to a common earth. Take care when using a blowlamp. Keep naked flames away from flammable material. Make sure that the water is off and well drained before placing a lead lamp near the underside of the taps. If possible, use a water-resistant double-insulated lamp. When working upside down, wear eye protection.

INTRODUCTION

Changing taps can give a new lease of life to a bathroom suite or kitchen, and modern fittings make the job a lot easier than it used to be.

The most difficult part is removing old taps which, in bathrooms, may be puttied in. On a workbench it would be a fairly easy job but the inaccessibility makes it awkward, so don't rush into it. Invest a little time in getting comfortable, and you will work faster with less strain. Get a good light so you can see exactly what you are doing and, if you have to lie on your back, use a cushion for your head.

How to fit a bath and wash basin

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:39:12 +0100

SKILL LEVEL 5/5

A good knowledge of plumbing techniques and some understanding of building construction would be an

advantage.

SAFETY FIRST

Be careful not to strain yourself whilst manoeuvring the appliances. Ensure that all metal pipes and fittings are cross-bonded with 6mm squared sheathed earthing wire. Protective goggles, gloves and ear defenders may be needed for some operations.

INTRODUCTION

Changing your bath and washbasin gives you the ideal opportunity to re-style your whole bathroom.

Plan your new installation thoroughly. If you only have one bathroom in the house, the work must be carried out efficiently to minimise the time that the amenities are unavailable. If you have any concerns, ask professionals to carry out the work. The methods described here refer to the separate removal and installation of each fitting. However, in practice it is more convenient to strip out the room first, then carry out the new installation.

2 - Preparing the room

Clear the room of all storage units and fixtures, such as towel rails and blinds. If the bath has a shower screen, remove it. Take up carpeting, but leave sheet vinyl in place until all the fittings have been removed. If you plan to install new lighting or an extractor fan, make the alterations at this stage.

The bath and basin are connected to the plumbing by water-supply pipes and wastepipes. These pipes must be disconnected before the fittings can be removed. First shut off the hot and cold supply.

If your house has old lead pipes, make the most of this opportunity and ask a plumber to replace them with copper or plastic plumbing.

DIY Bathrooms

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:04:40 +0100

About bathrooms

Because replacing your bathroom is an operation that will have a lot of influence in your daily live for a few weeks, it is probably not something you will do for pleasure. But think of the result, and it will all be worthwhile. This article will guide you to a relaxing and refreshing bathroom!

Bathroom Planning

It makes a lot of sense to assess the needs of you and your family before you start planning your bathroom. Are you single, living together or having a family with different age groups? All these things matter when you choose your fixtures, storage, flooring and wall coverings.

Families will use a bathroom very intensely at all times of the day. Especially in the morning members of the family might need to use the bathroom at the same time. Young children will appreciate toys they can play with in the bath and stools to stand on when brushing their teeth and all these things will need storage, so plan this carefully.

When you're single or living together, you don't need to worry about storage that much. Get a few smart storage boxes for your toiletries and even the most compact bathroom will look clean and uncluttered. You can opt for more luxurious wall coverings and flooring, because it will get less wear and tear.

Bathroom Design

There are a lot of different styles to be found in bathroom fixtures, so that you can choose the style that reflects the rest your house. In bathrooms, everything is possible, so let your fantasy loose on gleaming taps, funky toilet seats and tiles that make a statement.

Colour is a keynote in the design of your bathroom. Fixtures are available in a lot of colours. Although white goes with most of the styles, if you really want something different, a coloured fixture might be something for you. How about a frosted glass basin with a chrome pedestal or a shower enclosure made of glass bricks? Wood is also a successful material to use in the bathroom.

Not only bath, shower or toilet design or colour have influence on the atmosphere of your bathroom, taps, shower fittings and levers do too. They will really set off your design and take your bathroom to another level. There are a lot of designs available, from Victorian taps and overhead showers to state-of-the-art chrome shower mixers or levers.

Buying a Bathroom

Set a budget for your bathroom: how much can you spend maximum on your fittings? Bear in mind that when you buy at a DIY-shed but can't install the bathroom yourself, that you have to hire somebody to do it for you. Try to get a few good quotes from recommended plumbers before you start the project.

Also make sure you list the possible redecorating costs. The fittings might be the

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

A Guide to Building Outdoor Stairs

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:58:11 +0100

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

Building a stairway can be one of the most intimidating tasks any builder-amateur or professional-tackles. But an outdoor stairway is generally not a difficult project, as long as it is planned and executed carefully. This document covers building procedures for a straight-run utility stairway, typically used on porches and decks.

Local building codes regulate the width and slope of a staircase, as well as how the assembly is supported and braced, how the landing is built and whether railings are required. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL BUILDING DEPARTMENT BEFORE DESIGNING A STAIRWAY, AND FOLLOW ALL LOCAL CODES.

The following instructions are intended as general guidelines only, and local requirements should be your primary guide.

In this document you will find information about:

* Stair-Building Terms

* Designing Your Stairs

* Building Your Stairs

What to Expect and Prepare for During Your Kitchen Remodel

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:53:54 +0100

Remodeling a kitchen is an incredibly huge undertaking that involves a vast array of details to consider, decide on and oversee their implementation. If you're not prepared it can seem a bit overwhelming but here are some of the things you can expect and prepare for during your kitchen remodel.

Obviously the first step is to decide on the budget for your kitchen remodel. A good rule of thumb is about 15% of your home's current market value. For a more detailed breakdown of this you can check out my blog posting: Estimating Your Kitchen Remodeling Costs.

Complete Bathroom Remodel Guide

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:49:59 +0100

Your bathroom is one place where you are very truthfully yourself and thus you want it to be the most comfortable zone that speaks of your individual style. Bathroom remodel plans are the best way to ensure that your bathroom is what you want it to be. If you want a house that is in-sync with the latest home decor trend but do not have the budget to go for complete home remodeling, you can get the bathroom remodeling done. Bathroom remodeling incorporates the elements of a modern and latest dcor trends in your house without weighing too much on your pocket.

There are several bathroom trends that are in vogue these days. Hire a bathroom remodel contractor to remodel your bathroom. The contractors are more experienced and better aware of the latest inclinations of the market and the styles. Some popular inclinations for bathroom these days include two sinks, tub-cum-shower and more. In the two-sink bathroom remodel plan there are two sinks in the bathroom so that the toilet area is completely separated from the bath area. Then in the tub-cum-shower bathroom remodel style the shower area is fast being replaced by bathtub that doubles up as the shower area.

Expert Tips for Finishing a Basement

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:47:02 +0100

Finishing a basement is a great remodeling project that can add a great deal of value and comfort to your home. If you have never undertaken this kind of project, however, it may seem too daunting for you to attempt. With a bit of planning, organization, and expert advice, though, most homeowners are perfectly capable of completing a basement remodel either themselves or by bringing in a qualified contractor to do some or all of the work.

Autumn Home Maintenance

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:37:10 +0100

The value of your home usually increases over the years, as long as it remains well maintained. Deferred maintenance is a huge detractor from a home's perceived actual value. Whether you try to sell or refinance your home, down the road, the appearance of upkeep will show up in dollars.

Here are ten things you can do, this Fall, to keep and enhance your home's equity.

Interior Design Lighting Tips For A Better Home

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:57:04 +0100

A major element in interior design that most homeowners overlook is lighting. Interior design lighting can spell the difference between a mediocre room and one that is truly impressive and dramatic.

Whether it's intentional or not, some homes retain very dim and somber lighting that does not at all contribute to the attractiveness of living space. These are places where interior design lighting has been taken for granted, and no matter how expensive your furniture or accents may be, they'll lose their appeal when situated in a room that is poorly lit.

Seal air leaks and cut energy bills

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:37:15 +0100

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com
Sealing most air leaks is surprisingly easy and will cut your energy bills. Sealing leaks also reduces drafts, making your home more comfortable, even with your thermostat at a lower temperature setting. And using that lower setting will save you more money. In this article, we'll show you products and techniques for sealing your house against energy loss. You can do all eight of these projects in a single weekend—most take less than an hour and cost less than $20. Considering what you'll save each year in heating and air conditioning costs, you'll see a good return on your investment. Most of the products shown here are available at home centers; the rest can be ordered online

Rotting Sidewalls

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:30:20 +0100

The solution to rotting sidewalls is a small piece of bent metal called a kick-out flashing (S5 at roofing suppliers), which simply directs all that water away from the wall. It installs just like standard step flashing, except that half of it hangs over the edge of the roof. Inspect the sidewail around and underneath the fascia and inside the house for signs of moisture damage, and repair any rotted areas. Add felt, if needed, before nailing the new wood on, and prime the new wood on all four sides before installing it.

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

Kitchen - Heart of the home

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:25:48 +0100

ANDEE AND DAVID KIRCHHOFF loved the land but not the house. The '50s ranch the stay-at-home-mom and her business executive husband bought in Darien, Connecticut, sat on a beautiful property'. But the home had to go. Sandee, an avid cook, wanted a great kitchen, so the couple's architect, Kevin Huelster of Westport, Connecticut, positioned the space right smack tn the center of the two-story, five-bedroom cottage-style home he designed for them. "The kitchen didn't need to be fancy," Sandee says. "It just needed to work well." Throughout the planning phase, the homeowner brought folders full of research—on cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and flooring—to her kitchen designer, Briarcliff Manor, New York-based Jason Landau. Sandee had another wish, no less important than efficiency: The room had to be red. "I love that color," she explains, "and I'd had two white kitchens before. To make sure he understood, 1 brought jason a paint chip." "The red she showed me was pretty strong," the designer recalls. "I thought my clients could tire of it easily. So I suggested we use a red stain: Because it's translucent, the quality of the wood shows through and softens the color's impact." Sandee approved: "The color's not jarring; it lives very well."

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

Landscape Lighting

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:13:17 +0100

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

YOU WORK HARD TO MAKE YOUR YARD shine (mow, weed, water), so why keep it in the dark at night? Let there be light—in moderation, says lighting designer Janet Lennox Moyer, author of The Landscape Lighting Book. "A little illumination goes a long way outdoors." It takes just a few strategically placed low-voltage (20 watts or less) or solar-powered fixtures to bring your landscape out of the shadows. Both types come in tier, spread, lantern, spot, and well designs and a range of finishes-including verdigris, black, stainless steel, copper, and brass. Which styles are right for your property depends on personal taste and the location of the fixtures in the yard. To cast trees, garden features, flowers, and pathways in a flattering glow, turn the page, and let our guide shed some light on the options.

Ultimate Bedroom Design

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:53:50 +0100

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com
A bedroom should serve as a peaceful, restful place with warm decor that can be varied depending upon the season. Comfort in a bedroom is a key factor for most people, while others prefer simplicity and functionality as important features. If the room is to be used only for sleeping, obviously a bed and storage space for clothes are needed. It doesn't have to be particularly large. If the room is also to relax and work in, a larger space is needed. If your bedroom space is small, a partition can make the room seem larger and give you room for dressing.

Do It Yourself Home Security

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:48:50 +0100

Proper and safe home security doesn't have to involve hiring a professional to install the most up-to-date security system on the market. There are numerous DIY home security options out there; you just need to be familiar with them and choose what precautions you should take to keep you, your home, and your family safe. DIY home security involves everything from teaching your children what to do when at home alone to installing a state-of-the-art, DIY home security alarm that allows the homeowner to perform the installation and set up.

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

Inground Pools - Tips

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:41:52 +0100

An inground pool can be a great addition to any yard, adding a
great focal point for entertainment. If you are thinking of
adding a pool, there are many different designs for you to choose
from. First of all, you will need to choose a material.

Choices
include concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. The prices for these
materials vary. Where you live will help you narrow down the
material type for you to use. If you live in an area that
freezes in the winter, you will not want to use concrete or
gunite, since it can crack. Instead, fiberglass works the best
for cold climates.

Building, Designing And Installing Swimming Pools

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:16:42 +0100

For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com

Owning a great pool reflects a persons true personality and style. Swimming pools often reflect the mindset of the owner. Todays pools are built with more eye-catching materials to provide greater satisfaction to the whole family for many years to come.

Basically, there are three main factors, which need to be taken care of while adding a pool to a home. These factors are: Design and Features, Location and Cost.

Creating The Perfect Bedroom Interior Design

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:23:15 +0100

A bedroom is a place where we go to unwind and relax away from all the demands that modern life puts upon us. Therefore when looking at a bedroom interior design should take time to careful plan just what you want in order to achieve a tranquil and peaceful haven away from modern living. Remember a bedroom is the most personal room to you in your home as it is a room where you can relax and dream.

A bedroom really is a place where you can rest and relax and to share a few quiet moments with yourself or your loved one as well as being a place where you can sleep away the weariness of a long hard day.

However the bedroom although the most private and personalized space in a home must also reflect the user's lifestyle as well as their practical needs along with their own particular preferences and dreams.

Sunroom Enclosures 101

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:19:53 +0100

If the outdoors calls your name all throughout the year, but it is sometimes uncomfortable to spend time out there, then you will be happy to know that an enclosure can fill your needs and desires. Outdoor living with indoor comfort is the goal of a sun room and you will find that there are many different styles that you can choose from, as well as colors.

Constructing a sunroom can be done for many different reasons. Most people enjoy the fact that a sunroon can help to add valuable square footage to your home, but there are other reasons as well. The natural light that is allowed in is one more reason for building an enclosure.
For more helpful articles visit http://www.diyhomerenovation.com