Archive for the ‘Home Maintenance’ Category

As any weekend warrior and DIY builder knows – sometimes the greatest enemy can be time.

While many home renovation projects are quick to finish in a weekend, often that seemingly simple project turns into a much bigger one that has more components and steps than you initially expected. Suddenly, it’s 10 o’clock on Sunday night, you haven’t eaten dinner and you’re no closer to being done than when you started. 

Now you have to decide what to do next: you could wait until the next weekend to start where you left off, or maybe work during the week once you clock out from your day job, but how much is your time really worth?

For finishing off projects you suddenly don’t have time to finish, or to hand off something that you realize is bigger than you can handle, consider hiring a handyman. Many homeowners have a handyman that they trust and use over and over again for little projects. It pays to do research and pick someone you like who you can come back to. You’ll be surprised, especially if you’re always on a busy schedule, how much easier life is if you know you always have a backup plan for finishing household projects.

If you don’t already have a handyman, start looking. Use the samecare, and  guidelines you would for hiring a contractor. Use this list for help: Guide to Hiring Contractors. Once you have the right person for the job on hand, keep his number to call back for seasonal maintenance and other periodic jobs.

The more time you save, the more time you can spend working on other parts of your home, or just relaxing.

I’m not great with tools. I’m awkward with a hammer, I can never get the pliers to stay in the right setting, and ask me to use the cordless drill without supervision – well, I’m hopeless.

But the more home improvement projects I work on, the more I realize how important it is to have an arsenal of quality tools on hand.  If you have a home that you plan on doing lots of updated on, having the right tools is even more important.  So, here are some tools I’m learning I can’t live without, and some recommendations on how you can round out your own DIY tool box:

Stud Finder - I think I’ve mentioned this one before, but I really really love stud finders. They make hanging pictures, shelves, and whatever so much easier. All you have to do is drag the flat tool across the wall until it beeps, that’s where your stud is.

I’m sad to have just found out that the house I just moved in to, a house from the early 1900’s, is not stud finder friendly. It’s an older lath and plaster constructed home, which according to my smart builder friends, won’t allow you to use a stud finder. Total bummer!

Staple Gun – Just got my first staple gun, and it’s already coming to good use.  I reupholstered a small stool I salvaged from the thrift store with a great new fabric. It also comes in handy for lots of other little jobs around the house.

Cordless Drill -  Whether you are framing a wall, building furniture, or, like I once used it for, creating drainage holes in the bottom of some pots, you’re going to be so happy to have a cordless drill. You have to make sure you have one battery charging while you are using the other, but the convenience of this tool is unparalleled.
Along with the drill, I also recommend getting a good set of bits for your drill, that way you’ll be set for any project that comes you way.

A Great Pair of Gloves –Don’t be afraid to spend a few more dollars the next time you’re at a hardware store to outfit yourself with some quality hand protection. A good pair of gloves will help you through gardening, demolition, framing, and just about any other house project you can think of.

Some other tools you might want to consider are torpedo levels for projects involving leveling awkward small spaces (plus this small level will fit in your pocket), a jig saw, a ratcheting screwdriver, and you’d be surprised how often you might need a rubber mallet.

Another smart option for investing in more expensive tools is to consider buying reconditioned tools. The team over at OneProject Closer .com has done a good job of putting together links to many different tool companies that provide this option. Often refurbished tools are just as good as brand new ones, they just have a lower price.

And, as I mentioned in an older post about renting tools, you may be lucky enough to live near a tool library where you can rent tools for free. Or at least a Home Depot where you can pay to rent tools.

With all the right home improvement tools, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way this spring during your remodeling adventures.

It’s Earth Day today, and in fact, it’s the 40th Earth Day to be celebrated since its inception.

In the past forty years we’ve come a long way in changing our ways to protect the earth, but as much progress as we’ve made we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Remember Al Gore on the scissor lift pointing out the spike in data? We need to make sure he doesn’t have to reach any higher than he already is to show our impact.

The inconvenient truth about getting on board with greener practices is just that, it can be slightly inconvenient to abandon our old routine and commit to a new one. It can be inconvenient to buy products that may cost more money. It can be inconvenient to actually think through all of our actions beforehand. But, in the end, if everyone took more time to consider their actions, maybe the end result would be a healthier planet for us and for our future.

Here are some of my resolutions for the coming year to help out the Earth, maybe you’ll want to add these resolutions to your list too:

1. Avoid “hypernesting”:  Hypernesting is a term I recently read about from the Apartment Therapy book The 8 Step Home Cure by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. It’s the perfect name for the increased interest homeowners have of buying more and more things to outfit their home. With all the buying going on, and not a lot of getting rid of anything we are faced with an overload of “stuff,” hence, a constant need to “organize”.  But, as Gillingham-Ryan suggests, it’s not so much that homeowners “are in need of more organizing; we need to manage our consumption, let go of our stuff, and learn how to restore life to our homes.”

Managing our consumption is the key. Stop buying simply to buy. Just live simply. The less you consume, the less waste you’ll produce and the less waste that will go to landfills. Every time I go to Target or Ikea, I’m going to re-think my impulse purchases to make sure they are actually things I really need.

2. Make My Home More Energy Efficient: While my home could do with a new set of windows, I’m not sure my budget is going to allow for it. But there are other smaller things I plan on doing like lessen my use of vampire power, run of all of my laundry on cold, turn of lights when I’m not using them, and researching other tricks for reducing my energy use little by little.

3. Start Composting : Ok, all I have to do for this one is get the appropriate receptacles and convince the people I live with that it won’t smell. I grew up with a compost heap and have always felt guilty living life without one ever since. I think this year it’s time to get back into the habit, especially since I’ve been working more on gardening than ever before.

Composting is a great way to keep bio-degradable waste such as fruit and veggie scarps out of the landfill and back into the earth. Here’s a helpful government website to get you started.

4. Use Green Cleaning Products: I’ve already started purchasing greener products such as Seventh Generation cleaning supplies for my home. But, I really want to look into more options, Such as baking soda as an all purpose cleaner, and a lemon slice as an anti-bacterial agent for cleaning cutting boards.  I’m sure there are so many more of these eco-cleaning tips that are just as easy and affordable.

5. Consider a Rain Catchment System: I would love to be able to set up a rain catchment system at my house to have a water source for gardening, or even washing my car. Check out my previous post on these cool systems.

6. When Doing Home Improvements Use Eco or Recycled Products: If you’re going to be remodeling, think about the impact of your materials. While there is an array of beautiful, new recycled and sustainable materials, you may also want to consider re-using older materials. At the Rebuilding Center in Portland you can find hundreds of reusable windows, doors, and even sinks and bathtubs. Instead of adding to the landfill, why not re-purpose something so it never becomes junk in the first place.

For more about green building and an eco lifestyle check out our Green Living Section.

The season is starting to shift. The cherry blossoms are blooming, Farmer’s Markers are opening again and it’s getting slightly warmer. That can only mean one thing: Spring is on the way!

Or maybe two things. This shift also usually means homeowners are done hibernating through the windy, cold and rainy months, and they are again ready to tackle their list of home improvements.

But those projects often require tools you might not have, and you most likely won’t want to invest in
So, what’s an enthusiastic DIY-er to do?

If you’re lucky, you may have a tool lending library near your home which you can sign up for and “rent” from their warehouse of tools on hand.  Community based tool libraries are a great asset to neighborhoods and the people that live in them.  The North Portland tool library is the nearest to my home, and all I have to do is fill out a sign-up form and bring a utility bill proving I live within the neighborhood. Then I can start borrowing from a list of over 500 tools for projects large and small.  Look at this Wikipedia entry on neighborhood tool libraries to see if there is one near your home.

No neighborhood tool library? The Home Depot has tool rental services. A quick google search will also lead you to other independent tool rental companies. The one downfall is you’ll have to pay to use these tools. But if you’re looking for a one time use of something like a nail gun or a dovetail jig, then it’s still a good option.

Another smart choice is always to hire a local contractor to do the job. They’ve likely already invested in the tools for the project, and they’ll have the expereince to get the job done quickly and correctly.

What projects are you looking forward to this spring and summer to spruce up your home?.

October’s falling leaves, cold nights and daylight savings time alerts homeowners that winter is around the corner. This means it’s time to de-summerize your home by covering the patio furniture and cleaning door and window screens. Yes, even screens need fall maintenance.

We advise homeowners to clean screens at least once a year. Some professional window washers offer screen cleaning with their services, but homeowners can easily do this themselves. Most people don’t realize that the screening material has four sides. The best way to clean screens is to lay them flat on a porch or driveway, use mild soap and water and scrub on both sides with a soft brush. Rinse from top down with clean water, and then “snap” the screen to knock off most of the water so it dries clean.

Most screens today are vinyl coated fiberglass so homeowners can use a vinyl protectant to extend the life of the screens. However, most vinyl protectants will attract dust and dirt, and it’s hard to evenly cover the entire screen. For sliding screen doors, we recommend using a furniture polish, such as Pledge. It’s a silicon-based lubricant that doesn’t attract dirt like oil-based lubricants, and furniture polish can also be used to clean the tracks of the sliding doors. It makes the doors work great!

Fall is a great time to take a close look ar your entire home, and that does not exclude your screens. If some do not fit or are bent, then they need to be replaced. If they fit correctly, then just clean them with the above steps. And if white strands are apparent, then it’s time to re-screen.

About the Author: Scott Walker is the president of Screenmobile, the national at-home screen installation company, For more information about Screenmobile and their locations, visit www.screenmobile.com.

I’m in the process of moving. Again.  Its easy to get stressed out when your home is in boxes, and having moved my fair share of times throughout the years (twice since I’ve been authoring this blog alone), I’m more than willing to admit it does not get any easier. 

It may be getting harder in fact, as I find I’m accumulating more and more stuff.  I was lucky enough to have friends to recruit to help me face the daunting task of getting my drawers and closets and bookshelves into boxes.  Sometimes you need an outsider’s opinion to help you through the purging process, so you don’t convince yourself everything you own has sentimental value and is worth keeping (my preferred approach). 

Practice Purging

Photo Credit: OneClick

Since I find myself too close to the situation, often without even realizing it, an impartial observer can be crucial to help you evaluate what is junk and what is not. After all, who wants to waste time and energy moving junk from place to place?  The Unclutterer suggests that moving is a great opportunity to prioritize your belongings and get organized. 

Organization is not my strong suit, but using some simple guidelines, I was able to feel a little bit like I could take control of the situation.  Unclutterers suggest asking yourself simple questions like:

• Have I used or worn this in the past year?
• Do I absolutely need this item in my new home?
• Do I really like this item?
• Does this item work as intended?

(If the answer is no, that’s your cue to junk it.) 

Take Things One Step at a Time

I’m proud to report I purged a lot over the eventful moving weekend.  And I’m not ashamed to admit it felt good. Really good.  Make it feel even better by taking advantage of craigslist: list items on there and you might even find you make some extra spending cash.  And if you’ve got the time and the ambition, a yard sale is an equally feel good approach. 

Moving your home can be stressful, but it dosen’t have be if you invest the time to get yourself organized, get some unbiased help, make a plan, and stick to the plan.  Deep breaths can do wonders too.

Helpful Resources If You’re Moving

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Resources to help homeowners avoid problems, such as fraud, during the moving process.
MyMovingQuote.com: Website that offers free estimates from movers in your area.
American Moving and Storage Association: Helpful resources on planning your move.

Ah Halloween: it’s the season of sugar rushes, repurposed white sheets, and humiliated pumpkins.  Aside from all the fun things there are to do to get ready for the spookiest night of the year, it’s a good idea to take quick stock of your home’s porch and walkway areas. 

If you’re expecting little goblins and Bob-the-Builders to arrive at your door come the evening of the 31st, you’d better be ready to receive them in safety, and style.  If you’ve ever been a kid, you remember how excited you got at Halloween, and having to scramble around in a floor length sheet? Add to the mix that you were probably already a little bit clumsy, and then add large amounts of sugar… forget about it…it was a small miracle I managed to get anywhere on Halloween as a kid. 

Photo Credit: Superstock.com

When Your Porch Takes Center Stage

Parents and kids alike are sure to be appreciative if you’ve spent just a little time clearing your walk of fall leaves, and any other debris that could potentially prove slippery.  Also double check for cracks in the pavement or cement and patch them if you can.  If you’ve got steps up to your door, clear and inspect these as well so the sugared-up little Cinderellas and Spidermen don’t wipe out on your doorstep. 

Remember also that lighting is crucial to make your home’s exterior inviting and safe.  (It’s also a good way to improve curb appeal so you can enjoy the benefits long after the toilet paper has been removed from your trees.)  Line your walk and porch in solar powered garden lights, and you’ll be ready to warmly welcome family and friends for all the coming holidays.

It’s starting to get colder, and there might be less sunshine, but it’s still a great time for remodeling projects. Here are my top picks for Fall Home Improvement and Remodeling Projects.

1. Window Replacement
Do you know how old your windows are? Old windows can be a big energy waster in your home. In the fall and winter, when keeping warm air in is important, having old windows that don’t do their job can cause your home to be less than efficient, and definitely not as warm. So why not update your windows before the cold really comes in this winter and keep your house cozy all year long.

2. Kitchen Remodel
With all the cooking and baking that goes on during the holidays, why not spend some time sprucing your kitchen space up. No matter your budget, there are options for making your kitchen feel warmer and more inviting. Try installing new countertops, refacing your cabinets, or adding a kitchen island to create more workspace.

3. Roof Replacement
Fall maintenance is an important part of the season. Having your roof inspected should be one of your top maintenance priorities. The last thing you want going into the colder months is a roof that’s not in perfect shape. If your roof is older, you may find that it lets cold air, or worse, the other elements, leak into your home. If this is the case, it might be time to start a roof replacement before you encounter bigger roofing problems in the winter.

4. Window Seat Addition
One of my favorite ways of enjoying the sun in winter, is to enjoy it from the indoors. Adding a window seat in front of a window that gets lots of sunshine is a great way to still get some sun while staying warm. Any carpenter should be able to create an area for you however you imagine it. Perhaps a bench with built in storage would fit perfectly in your living room.

5. Fireplace Remodel
If you have a fireplace, you’ll likely start using it this winter. Using your fireplace creates warmth, and encourages the family to gather around it. To get your fireplace spruced up for winter, think about giving it a little love this fall. Add a new coat of paint, hire a carpenter to create a custom mantle, or maybe install some interesting tile work around your fireplace. Whatever you choose, adding new life to your fireplace will make it a space to enjoy all winter.

Does anyone else have any winter projects lined up?