How to tips brought to you by Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.
Home
- build-home-building-house.com
Solving Condensation Problems - Unlike
old, drafty houses, today's super-sealed, insulated homes are often virtually airtight.
This can create condensation problems by reducing air exchange. Providing adequate
ventilation becomes a priority in situations that generate moisture.
Finding Studs and Joists in Your Walls - Hidden
studs and joists can be located in several ways. The easiest way is often to look
for visible signs of the nails that hold wallboard to the studs–small dents
or nail heads.
Weatherstripping a Door - Doors require
two different kinds of weatherstripping: one for the top and sides and another for
the bottom. Both types must be used for the best energy efficiency.
Circular Saw Blades - One of the most important
parts of a circular saw is the blade. Different blades are available for different
applications. Here are a few common blade types and their uses:
Circular Saws - Circular saws are one of the most
common power tools in use today. With the appropriate blade, circular saws are capable
of cutting wood, steel, masonry and ceramic tile.
Power Sanders - Power sanders are essential for
all sorts of do-it-yourself projects. They can remove large amounts of stock or
finishing material quickly and put a glass-smooth surface on your projects.
Living Air Cleaners - Many houseplants actually
clean pollutants out of the air. Basically, these plants work as nature's air filters
by adding oxygen and humidity to your indoor environment.
Creating a Color Scheme - Take a look in your closet.
Is there a theme in your wardrobe colors? As a rule, the colors one prefers for
clothing may translate to room decoration.
Decorating with Art - Whatever your
artwork includes — valuable prints, family photographs or originals from your
kids — you want it to capture people's attention.
The Effects of Light on Color - Light has a major
impact on the way we perceive color. Natural light in a room with a southern or
western exposure will be warm and golden and impart that feel.
Wire Shelving Organizers - Want to add space to your closet or pantry without
the expense of a complete overhaul of your wire shelving system? Use accessories
to maximize space and still keep to a budget. Here are a few ideas:
Old Wallpaper
- To save time and effort in redecorating, you might be tempted to put new wallpaper
directly over old. You can safely paper over a single layer of smooth, well-adhered
wallpaper if it is free of bubbles, buckles and wrinkles.
Deadbolt Locks - Thieves usually look for easy
access into potential targets. You can make your home much less attractive to thieves
with a few simple tools and minimum effort.
Chemical Strippers - Chemical strippers are
great aids for most refinishing projects, just remember they can be bad news if
used improperly. Treat them with care. After all, they are designed to soften, peel
or blister paint and varnish.
Skylights - If you had to choose one word to describe
a room with a skylight, a good word would be dramatic. The benefits of natural light
to people and houseplants are well known.
Texture in Your Decor - You can have too much of
a good thing. Imagine, for instance, a room where all the surfaces looked the same
- whether they're all smooth, all shiny or all nubby, too much of the same thing
is nothing short of boring.
Bathroom Surfaces and Countertops - Surfaces
and countertops are important components in bath design. They must be durable and
water-resistant. Because this aspect can become quite expensive, be sure to consider
all of your options and choose for permanency. Paint can always be re-done, but
tile may not be so easy or economical to change.
Brick Paver Pathways - Brick is a common
and inexpensive choice for a pathway. Available in numerous colors and glazes, it
can be laid in a variety of patterns. Brick comes in three types:
Using Accessories in Your Home - Accessories, more
than anything else, add personality to a home. Your accessories tell a story about
you to guests. Plus, they make your home more inviting and comfortable for you and
your family.
Interior Rugs - Do you want to add a little flair
to your floor? Perhaps your intent is simpler–you just want to cover up the
distracting pattern of spots and spills on your carpet, compliments of your 3-year-old.
An area rug may be the answer.
Lighting - There are three basic types of lighting:
ambient, task and decorative. Although each option can be used alone, combining
all three makes a room more comfortable and functional.
Creating Multipurpose Spaces - Many of us
need to use an area in our homes for more than one purpose. For example, the living
room often acts as an everyday gathering spot for family, a place to entertain guests,
a space to watch television, an area for the kids to play, and even a room in which
guests can sleep in a crunch.
Laying a Bead of Caulk - Caulking is vital for sealing off areas from moisture
or temperature extremes. Creating an attractive bead of caulk is a useful and easy
skill to master. The applicator tip should be smoothly cut at a 45-degree angle.
Your Shower Curtain - Even the most relaxing
shower can be spoiled when the shower curtain sucks inward and sticks to your arms
and legs. You can reduce this problem by making the shower curtain heavier and harder
for the air to move.
Exterior Doors - You can revitalize your home's
appearance quickly and easily with something as simple as a new door. Your entry
door is the first thing people notice when they come to your home.
Energy Efficient Lighting - Saving
money is usually pretty high on everyone's to-do list, and conserving energy is
a good way to accomplish that goal. Reassessing how you light your home is an easy
way to reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly power bill.