Today we feature an infographic about the importance of curb appeal created by Door Emporium:
Category: Home Maintenance Tips
5 Ways to Remodel a Kitchen on a Shoestring Budget
When the time comes to make changes to a kitchen, some people may not be aware of all their options. This is especially the case when a homeowner has a small shoestring budget.
Here are a few ways to remodel a kitchen on a shoestring budget:
1. Paint The Cabinets
If a person wishes to make a change to a kitchen without spending a lot of money, it is a good idea to consider painting the cabinets. If your cabinets are decades old; they may cause you to feel frustrated or outdated. A person can add a coat of paint over the cabinets in one weekend. This is really easy to do if the cabinets have never been painted before. However, it may be necessary to provide several coats in order to cover an older color. A person should think about the overall theme of the kitchen when selecting a color.
2. Add Decorative Tiles
It may not be enough to change the color of the cabinets. If this is the case, a person may wish to add some decorative tiles as a backsplash in the kitchen. This is an excellent way to add a touch of color or personality to the room. It may also make it easier to clean the wall after a messy cooking session. There are many tiles to choose from, and a person does not have to look far to find something suitable.
3. Add A Few Accessories
Many people make changes to a kitchen by adding new accessories. This does not take up a lot of time, and a person does not have to spend a lot of money in order to make a dramatic change in the room. For example, a person may choose to add a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit to the kitchen table. If this is not what a person wants, he or she may wish to add some colorful pictures to the wall. Buying a couple nice accessories will help you keep the space current as your tastes change.
4. Change Drawer Pulls
If you still have brass drawer pulls it me be time to upgrade them to something like stainless steel or brushed aluminum. This is one of the fastest ways to get an updated feeling into the kitchen. Stores like IKEA or Restoration Hardware have tons of different drawer pulls to choose from.
5. Change Out The Appliances
New appliances add a sense of freshness to a kitchen. While this can be one of the pricier ways to update your space, these changes last for years and years. Look for a scratch and dent place near you for some of the best deals.
The information above should give you some ideas on how to remodel a kitchen on a shoestring budget.
7 Fall Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Fall is the perfect time to get all of your home maintenance and winter preparation projects done. It is the time of year when things cool off and it gives you the best opportunity for accomplishing all you need to before the cold winter months.
Help get your home ready for winter with these fall maintenance tips:
1. Check windows and doors.
This is one of the easiest ways to save on winter energy bills and keep your house from getting cold. Make sure there are not cracks, leaks or air coming through the window sills or door frames.
2. Clean you heating and air conditioning.
Having your air conditioner and heater units cleaned twice a year- spring and fall- will help your family stay healthier and expand the life of your units. A professional cleaning is inexpensive and takes a very short amount of time.
3. Check your fireplace.
Many people still use wood burning or gas fireplaces in the winter. Do a visual inspection of your fireplace to make sure that it is in good working order. Give it a test run at some point in the fall, before it gets too cold, to make sure that it will be functioning in the winter.
4. Clean your water heater.
You can clean your water heater by simply draining it. Allow all of the water in the tank to come out. This will get rid of any buildup that is in the heater due to sediment and will help prevent it from building up during the winter.
5. Protect your hose.
To keep your garden hose from freezing and cracking empty it completely and disconnect it from the spigot. Moving it inside is also a good idea to help prevent your hose from freezing and getting destroyed.
6. Check your roof.
When prepping maintaining your home it is important to start from the bottom up. Take a look at your roof- even from the ground- and see if there are any missing shingles or holes in the roof. Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves, sticks and debris.
7. Clean out the garage.
Make sure that any unused gas in equipment is removed and stored properly. Allowing the gas to sit in the fuel tanks can cause sediment in the tank and can potentially ruin the equipment. Since it may be out of use for months, fall is a good time to do this.
7 Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Summer home maintenance tips to keep your home in top condition:
1. The laundry room
These summer home maintenance tips are often neglected and skipping them leads to increased power usage from dirty filters and possible damage from water or fire.
– Washer
- Check hoses for cracks or bubbles
- Clean filters and door gaskets
- Look for any signs of leakage around the base of the washer
– Dryer
- Clean accumulated lint from duct
- Remove lint from under and around dryer
- Clean vent
- Remove filter and wash with dish soap to remove build up
2. Gas Grills
- Check for damaged lines or fittings
- Ensure there are no leaks
- Examine the burners for rust or damage
3. Exterior surfaces
– Driveway and patio
- Look for signs of deterioration
- Clean and fill in any cracks in concrete or asphalt
– Deck and porch
- Check for rot or damage
- Replace or repair any damaged wood
- Tighten loose planks
- Check for loose or missing screws or bolts
- Stain or seal exposed wood
4. Security
- Examine locks on windows and doors for proper functioning
- Replace missing or damaged keys
5. Roof
- Inspect from ground
- Look for branches or other debris that need removal
- If necessary, contact a professional to inspect or repair
6. Weatherproofing
- Inspect and clean caulk around doors and windows
- Repair or replace as necessary
7. Gutters
These summer home maintenance tips protect your roof and walls from water damage caused by overflowing gutters.
- Inspect from ground for damage
- Remove accumulated debris
- Check downspouts for blockages
- Be sure water moves freely through gutters and downspouts, check for leaks
Use these summer home maintenance tips to keep your home safe and in good condition all year round.