Home Renovation/Repair
- Hurricanes and the Summer Olympics
- Bathroom Remodeling
- Antique or Old Furniture?
- DIY Green Energy Options
- 7-Day Programmable Thermostats
- Residential Energy Independence
- Reel Lawnmower Update
- Landscaping and Lawn Tools
- DIY French Drain Systems
- Choose Your Kitchen Countertop
Hurricanes and the Summer Olympics
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Summer winding down means cooler weather. That means it's time to roll up the sleeves and do some outside DIY projects, removing stumps and house painting.
Well, here we are smack-dab in the middle of hurricane season and the Summer Olympics. Those of us not in the path of a hurricane, tropical storm, or a tropical depression might be easily distracted by Michael Phelps' stellar performance.
Being prepared for a hurricane or other disaster is always important. I keep saying that one day I'll get an emergency generator. I'm certainly not going to evacuate if I can help it. Not that I'm foolhardy, but living south of Houston doesn't lend itself to getting out of town.
We are getting some good steady rain. And that's a fortunate thing because I've got to remove a tree stump. When we have a dry spell around here you have to use dynamite to shovel dirt.
Other than the Summer Olympics, one thing I look forward to at this time of the year is the prospect of cooling weather here in South Texas. Don't get me wrong, cooler doesn't mean cold, but just not stifling. It makes it possible to begin ramping up training for a fall marathon.
I can also get on some outdoor DIY projects. I've got a bit of exterior house painting to do. Not too much, thank goodness, because my home is brick. But I still have to paint the facia boards and soffit. Another thing I want to do is install radiant barrier foil in the attic. In fact, I've been thinking of taking up doing it for other people as a sideline.
But enough of this. It's time to open the windows and enjoy the rainy day. This is one day that the air conditioner won't be going full blast.
Being prepared for a hurricane or other disaster is always important. I keep saying that one day I'll get an emergency generator. I'm certainly not going to evacuate if I can help it. Not that I'm foolhardy, but living south of Houston doesn't lend itself to getting out of town.
We are getting some good steady rain. And that's a fortunate thing because I've got to remove a tree stump. When we have a dry spell around here you have to use dynamite to shovel dirt.
Other than the Summer Olympics, one thing I look forward to at this time of the year is the prospect of cooling weather here in South Texas. Don't get me wrong, cooler doesn't mean cold, but just not stifling. It makes it possible to begin ramping up training for a fall marathon.
I can also get on some outdoor DIY projects. I've got a bit of exterior house painting to do. Not too much, thank goodness, because my home is brick. But I still have to paint the facia boards and soffit. Another thing I want to do is install radiant barrier foil in the attic. In fact, I've been thinking of taking up doing it for other people as a sideline.
But enough of this. It's time to open the windows and enjoy the rainy day. This is one day that the air conditioner won't be going full blast.
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Your bathroom is one of the prime rooms for home equity and resale value. Why not remodel it now to enjoy your home and increase its value?
I recently, (well, OK, I'm not completely done...) remodeled a bathroom in my home. It's a pretty interesting experience because you get so much input (unsolicited advice) and helpful feedback (criticisms) from loving family members.
Have a Gameplan
Yeah, know what you're getting into before you start a bathroom remodeling project. This is not something to be taken lightly. Your bedroom can handle some down-time; after all, we've all crashed on the couch. But the bath? Nah, when you've gotta go, you've gotta go!
Your bathroom is probably small but you'd be surprised at how much work is crammed into that little space. Fixtures? Yeah. Floors? You bet. Electrical? What bath would be without it?
Don't Expect it to be Like a TV Show
My spousal unit (loving wife) watches a boatload of those home improvement shows. They always wrap it up in a half hour. Believe me, they never had to work on a real house. How do they get things to fit the first time around?
And don't get me started with what they do at "bargain stores". I guess I need to check more of those spots for some cool stuff!
A New Medicine Cabinet
This is the next thing I need to build for the bathroom. The wall-inset one I saw on the TV show was a nice metal one, but I really don't want that. Wood (especially home-crafted) is more attractive, warmer, and custom.
So I'll replace the original one with mine, plus improvements, and let you know how it comes out, with pics!
Have a Gameplan
Yeah, know what you're getting into before you start a bathroom remodeling project. This is not something to be taken lightly. Your bedroom can handle some down-time; after all, we've all crashed on the couch. But the bath? Nah, when you've gotta go, you've gotta go!
Your bathroom is probably small but you'd be surprised at how much work is crammed into that little space. Fixtures? Yeah. Floors? You bet. Electrical? What bath would be without it?
Don't Expect it to be Like a TV Show
My spousal unit (loving wife) watches a boatload of those home improvement shows. They always wrap it up in a half hour. Believe me, they never had to work on a real house. How do they get things to fit the first time around?
And don't get me started with what they do at "bargain stores". I guess I need to check more of those spots for some cool stuff!
A New Medicine Cabinet
This is the next thing I need to build for the bathroom. The wall-inset one I saw on the TV show was a nice metal one, but I really don't want that. Wood (especially home-crafted) is more attractive, warmer, and custom.
So I'll replace the original one with mine, plus improvements, and let you know how it comes out, with pics!
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Restoring antique furniture just makes sense. Newer pieces are overly expensive and are usually of lesser quality. Why settle for Ikea when you can have the real thing?
Some people consider antiques to be "old furniture". Granted, there is some junk out there, but for the most part, antiques are made of much better materials than you can find in modern pieces. Unless you've got very deep pockets.
Why not Refinish Rather than Buy New Furniture?
Seems like a no-brainer to me. If you've got a great hand-me-down dining table or bed, why not indulge in a little antique refinishing as a weekend project?
You do have to take some precautions if you want to preserve the antique status, but basically, refinishing is refinishing. I like using citrus-based strippers. They smell great, are non-toxic, and won't set you back too bad financially.
I've even seen it take off a vinyl tile mastic that other chemicals couldn't even make a dent in.
So What Makes an Antique an Antique?
Age, basically. According to the TV show Antiques Roadshow, "Generally speaking, an object of considerable age valued for its aesthetic or historical significance. In the antiques trade, the term refers to objects more than 100 years old."
So there you have it. Most likely, it's older than you are. Have a little respect.
Hide Glue is the Thing
Carpenters and cabinet makers of old didn't have access to all the engineered glues of today. So to preserve your piece's antique status you must use hide glue, if it was assembled that way. PETA won't like it.
Like the name implies, it's made from animal hides. You'll have to order the powder and mix it. By hand. The old fashioned way.
Why not Refinish Rather than Buy New Furniture?
Seems like a no-brainer to me. If you've got a great hand-me-down dining table or bed, why not indulge in a little antique refinishing as a weekend project?
You do have to take some precautions if you want to preserve the antique status, but basically, refinishing is refinishing. I like using citrus-based strippers. They smell great, are non-toxic, and won't set you back too bad financially.
I've even seen it take off a vinyl tile mastic that other chemicals couldn't even make a dent in.
So What Makes an Antique an Antique?
Age, basically. According to the TV show Antiques Roadshow, "Generally speaking, an object of considerable age valued for its aesthetic or historical significance. In the antiques trade, the term refers to objects more than 100 years old."
So there you have it. Most likely, it's older than you are. Have a little respect.
Hide Glue is the Thing
Carpenters and cabinet makers of old didn't have access to all the engineered glues of today. So to preserve your piece's antique status you must use hide glue, if it was assembled that way. PETA won't like it.
Like the name implies, it's made from animal hides. You'll have to order the powder and mix it. By hand. The old fashioned way.
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
The high cost of fossil fuels and natural gas raise the price of power generation. This impacts the charges the utility company passes on. Try solar and wind power today.
Ok, a huge number of folks are taking a "staycation" this summer; fuel is too costly to take a proper vacation. Even if you're not driving, planes, trains, busses, and boats are feeling the pinch. They have to pass energy costs on to the traveler. That's you, loyal reader!
Another Way You Shoulder High Energy Costs
Who else is affected? Your electricity provider. Since Congress (thanks, Nancy Pelosi) won't let us drill domestically or expand coal or nuclear power generation, they rely on fossil fuels and gas. This is a USA-centric observation; I don't know enough about other nation's policies to comment universally - sorry.
These prices are also passed on to the consumer, which makes even staycations expensive. But if you explore DIY alternative green energy options, you might find some way to relieve the bite in the long run. Such as:
Another Way You Shoulder High Energy Costs
Who else is affected? Your electricity provider. Since Congress (thanks, Nancy Pelosi) won't let us drill domestically or expand coal or nuclear power generation, they rely on fossil fuels and gas. This is a USA-centric observation; I don't know enough about other nation's policies to comment universally - sorry.
These prices are also passed on to the consumer, which makes even staycations expensive. But if you explore DIY alternative green energy options, you might find some way to relieve the bite in the long run. Such as:
- Residential solar panels - These PV (photovotaic) arrays capture the sun's radiant energy, and OPEC can't get their boney hands around your throat there!
- Wind turbines - You don't have to install a wind farm like the one on the Texas plains or the propsed floating ones in the Gulf of Mexico. A single "windmill" in your backyard can take advantage of nature's bounty. Once again, I say, "Ha, OPEC!"
- A paddlewheel and running water - You're saying, "Huh?" And you would be correct. This option isn't viable for most of us. But if it is, why not use it?
7-Day Programmable Thermostats
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Honeywell touch-screen programmable thermostats bear the Energy Star label. This way you know it'll save money on your utility bills. It's a green technology. Get it.
I wrote an article some time ago about troubleshooting and tuning up your thermostat. Proper operation is always important. But sometimes you can do much better than just having proper operation. I always say that lowering energy bills isn't one big thing, it's a grab bag of a lot of little things.
Menu-Driven Touch Screens
Installing a 7-day programmable thermostat is a prime example. Using the menu-driven touch screen makes it a snap to control your central air conditioner and heater, four periods a day, seven days a week. Different days, different settings.
The ones I looked at were Honeywell thermostats. For one thing, that's the kind I have and it's operated flawlessly for over ten years. Secondly, they're the leader in the industry. Can't argue with success.
Thermostat Pricing
One thing, they ain't cheap. But at $120 or so they're still a bargain. You'll be saving on your utility bills beginning right away, and from here on out you'll be money ahead.
Cheaper models are available. Hunter makes one without all the bells and whistles for around half of what the Honeywell runs.
Look for the Energy Star
Ah yes, you knew it was coming. If you want to save money in the long run, it's got to be Energy Star appliances. Whether you buy into the global warming thing and spend your spare time camping out in the tree tops or not, saving money is still saving money.
And What'll you do with all that extra cash? As Tim Allen would say, "More tools, more tools!"
Menu-Driven Touch Screens
Installing a 7-day programmable thermostat is a prime example. Using the menu-driven touch screen makes it a snap to control your central air conditioner and heater, four periods a day, seven days a week. Different days, different settings.
The ones I looked at were Honeywell thermostats. For one thing, that's the kind I have and it's operated flawlessly for over ten years. Secondly, they're the leader in the industry. Can't argue with success.
Thermostat Pricing
One thing, they ain't cheap. But at $120 or so they're still a bargain. You'll be saving on your utility bills beginning right away, and from here on out you'll be money ahead.
Cheaper models are available. Hunter makes one without all the bells and whistles for around half of what the Honeywell runs.
Look for the Energy Star
Ah yes, you knew it was coming. If you want to save money in the long run, it's got to be Energy Star appliances. Whether you buy into the global warming thing and spend your spare time camping out in the tree tops or not, saving money is still saving money.
And What'll you do with all that extra cash? As Tim Allen would say, "More tools, more tools!"
Residential Energy Independence
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Discover three steps homeowners can take to reduce utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their carbon footprint. Capture renewable energy sources.
Residential energy independence. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Easy to contemplate, a cash outlay to get started; but oh, the long-time returns in energy savings!
Residential Wind Turbines (Try to Catch the Wind...)
This type of technology goes way, way back. What would our concept of the Dutch be without windmills slowly spinning in the breeze? Generally speaking, windmills use the wind's kinetic energy to perform work such as grinding grain.
A residential wind turbine usually refers to a triple-blade mounted on a horizontal axis that generates electricity. Comercial power generating plants construct wind farms for large scale electrical production. Homeowners can install a small turbine to generate from 50% to 90% of the home's energy consumption. Not too shabby.
Solar Panels Have a Smaller Footprint
This is one reason to choose Solar panels over wind power. Wind towers are best suited to lots of at least one acre; photovotaic (solar) panels can be mounted on the roof or right out in the yard (neighborhood associations permitting).
Green Lawns with Reel Lawnmowers
Yeah, you're getting sick of me going on about reel (push) lawnmowers, but I'll just include a blurb for the sake of rounding out today's topic. Not having to drive to the store to fill up that 5 gallon gasoline can is a relief. Financially and time-wise.
Be as Environmentally-Friend as You Want to Be
You might not be able to implement all these things to get off commercial power crack, but the more I research the subject, the more I realize it's not doing one big thing but as many small things as possible to save on utility bills.
Residential Wind Turbines (Try to Catch the Wind...)
This type of technology goes way, way back. What would our concept of the Dutch be without windmills slowly spinning in the breeze? Generally speaking, windmills use the wind's kinetic energy to perform work such as grinding grain.
A residential wind turbine usually refers to a triple-blade mounted on a horizontal axis that generates electricity. Comercial power generating plants construct wind farms for large scale electrical production. Homeowners can install a small turbine to generate from 50% to 90% of the home's energy consumption. Not too shabby.
Solar Panels Have a Smaller Footprint
This is one reason to choose Solar panels over wind power. Wind towers are best suited to lots of at least one acre; photovotaic (solar) panels can be mounted on the roof or right out in the yard (neighborhood associations permitting).
Green Lawns with Reel Lawnmowers
Yeah, you're getting sick of me going on about reel (push) lawnmowers, but I'll just include a blurb for the sake of rounding out today's topic. Not having to drive to the store to fill up that 5 gallon gasoline can is a relief. Financially and time-wise.
Be as Environmentally-Friend as You Want to Be
You might not be able to implement all these things to get off commercial power crack, but the more I research the subject, the more I realize it's not doing one big thing but as many small things as possible to save on utility bills.
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
Modern push mowers are easy and inexpensive to operate. What's harder is finding compact fluorescent bulbs for a ceiling fan.
In the last blog entry I talked about ordering a Brill Razorcut 38 reel lawnmower. After much anticipation it arrived in the mail. Actually, by DHL. To their credit, they delivered it by the promised time even after seending it to the wrong hub city first.
The Mower Assembly was Reel Easy
It only took about five minutes to put the whole thing together. Weighing in at only 17 pounds it was a breeze to carry outside to try out. Easy to use too. I'm sure I looked just like Beaver Cleaver - he used to use one of these type of push lawnmowers.
The key, as I found out, was to walk at a steady pace. Nevertheless, just as I had read in a review on this model, those cute red hubcaps wouldn't stay on. Into the trash they went. Ironic; here I was doing my green lawn care while sending two plastic hubcaps to the landfill.
Just kidding - I recycled them!
On to Looking for CFL's for the Ceiling Fans
Almost all the light's in my house have been the lucky recipients of compact fluorescent bulbs. All, save the ones in the fans. I first shopped in Home Depo for CFL ceiling fan bulbs. I thought I had the correct ones, but the size of the base was wrong.
Why can't the fan industry standardize this kind of stuff? Anyhow, they were kind enough to refund my money, so the search continues.
The Mower Assembly was Reel Easy
It only took about five minutes to put the whole thing together. Weighing in at only 17 pounds it was a breeze to carry outside to try out. Easy to use too. I'm sure I looked just like Beaver Cleaver - he used to use one of these type of push lawnmowers.
The key, as I found out, was to walk at a steady pace. Nevertheless, just as I had read in a review on this model, those cute red hubcaps wouldn't stay on. Into the trash they went. Ironic; here I was doing my green lawn care while sending two plastic hubcaps to the landfill.
Just kidding - I recycled them!
On to Looking for CFL's for the Ceiling Fans
Almost all the light's in my house have been the lucky recipients of compact fluorescent bulbs. All, save the ones in the fans. I first shopped in Home Depo for CFL ceiling fan bulbs. I thought I had the correct ones, but the size of the base was wrong.
Why can't the fan industry standardize this kind of stuff? Anyhow, they were kind enough to refund my money, so the search continues.
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
High gas prices and carbon footprint aversion have recently boosted interest and sales of modern reel lawn mowers. They're quiet, green, and provide a killer workout.
Not so long ago, specifically the first time I mowed my lawn this spring, I had lawnmower woes. The chassis had rotted out from rust. I repaired it with steel mending plates and went on about my business.
The problem is that the next time I tried to use it, a week later, it fell apart at another spot. The motor is pristine but the body is shot. Oh well, time for a new lawn mower. This time I decided to go a different route. I ordered a reel lawn mower.
I'm not sure where I stumbled onto this (perhaps when my editor mentioned it a while back), but after some research, I decided to give it a shot. The model I ordered, the German Brill Razorcut 38, ain't cheap, but it dosn't use any gas either. And they claim the blades stay sharp for up to eight years. Heck, my Leatherman can't even do that!
All the hype leads me to believe that this modern version of grandpa's contraption is the bee's knees and the cat's pajamas, as grandpa would have said. Sealed bearings, ninja-grade steel blades, and ergonomic grips! (Can I get that in florescent?)
I read a lot of customer reviews online but I don't put too much credence in them. Nobody was on the fence. On the one hand they seemed to be environmental activists (love it no matter what), and on the other hand, complainers about too much work (most likely the typical obese American that wants an air-conditioned bubble around the mower).
So I guess I'll just have to make up my own mind. Rotary mowers VS reel mowers. I'll be in touch.
The problem is that the next time I tried to use it, a week later, it fell apart at another spot. The motor is pristine but the body is shot. Oh well, time for a new lawn mower. This time I decided to go a different route. I ordered a reel lawn mower.
I'm not sure where I stumbled onto this (perhaps when my editor mentioned it a while back), but after some research, I decided to give it a shot. The model I ordered, the German Brill Razorcut 38, ain't cheap, but it dosn't use any gas either. And they claim the blades stay sharp for up to eight years. Heck, my Leatherman can't even do that!
All the hype leads me to believe that this modern version of grandpa's contraption is the bee's knees and the cat's pajamas, as grandpa would have said. Sealed bearings, ninja-grade steel blades, and ergonomic grips! (Can I get that in florescent?)
I read a lot of customer reviews online but I don't put too much credence in them. Nobody was on the fence. On the one hand they seemed to be environmental activists (love it no matter what), and on the other hand, complainers about too much work (most likely the typical obese American that wants an air-conditioned bubble around the mower).
So I guess I'll just have to make up my own mind. Rotary mowers VS reel mowers. I'll be in touch.
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
How your property is graded can have a major impact on water runoff. Standing water can lead to mosquito breeding and costly foundation repair.
Lots of folks are getting rain lately - buckets of the stuff. It brings spring flowers and who doesn't love that; but it also drags along its own sad luggage. I'm talking about things like standing water in your backyard.
Often, properties aren't graded so that they get proper drainage. The result can be a mosquito breeding ground (ouch!) and a situation where foundation problems set in. Believe me, you want to avoid foundation repair.
Your slab can crack or your basement can spring leaks. But don't despair, you can make your property drain and you can do it yourself. How, you ask? By installing french drain systems and taking advantage of the force of gravity.
The concept is simple - you dig a trench to lead the water off your property. After digging the trench you have two options, line it with gravel and landscaping fabric or use plastic piping. Once you cover the whole thing with sod, no one will be the wiser.
You can dig the trench by hand, or you can rent a mechanical trenching contraption. The scope of the project and the extent of your sturdy manliness or womanliness will determine the choice you make here.
The beauty of this project is that it solves a very critical and irritating problem at a very economical price. This is the time of year to tackle this job before the heat cranks up too bad. Dig it!
Often, properties aren't graded so that they get proper drainage. The result can be a mosquito breeding ground (ouch!) and a situation where foundation problems set in. Believe me, you want to avoid foundation repair.
Your slab can crack or your basement can spring leaks. But don't despair, you can make your property drain and you can do it yourself. How, you ask? By installing french drain systems and taking advantage of the force of gravity.
The concept is simple - you dig a trench to lead the water off your property. After digging the trench you have two options, line it with gravel and landscaping fabric or use plastic piping. Once you cover the whole thing with sod, no one will be the wiser.
You can dig the trench by hand, or you can rent a mechanical trenching contraption. The scope of the project and the extent of your sturdy manliness or womanliness will determine the choice you make here.
The beauty of this project is that it solves a very critical and irritating problem at a very economical price. This is the time of year to tackle this job before the heat cranks up too bad. Dig it!
Choose Your Kitchen Countertop
Posted by
Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith
A kitchen remodel project takes planning and resources. The kitchen countertop is often the center of attention and can really add to home equity; choose wisely!
With the real estate market slumping as it is, this is not the time to list it with a real estate agent. However, it is a great time for a kitchen makeover. This one act of kindness to your home will really boost your property's equity.
Smart Planning - Building Materials and Your Budget
The key to remodeling is carefull planning and selection of materials. What kind of a decorating theme do you want? How much is in your remodeling budget? And do you really need that new dishwasher?
Choose Your Kitchen Countertop
You've got a lot to choose from today. But keep in mind what's hot today might be flop tomorrow. You might consider:
Whether you go with a wall-touching counter with a splashboard or an Island is a personal call. Part of the choice depends on the kitchen geometry. Island counters are preferable for socializing. A wall-touching counter is more functional for small spaces.
You've got a lot of choices. As Indiana Jones would say, "Choose wisely!"
Smart Planning - Building Materials and Your Budget
The key to remodeling is carefull planning and selection of materials. What kind of a decorating theme do you want? How much is in your remodeling budget? And do you really need that new dishwasher?
Choose Your Kitchen Countertop
You've got a lot to choose from today. But keep in mind what's hot today might be flop tomorrow. You might consider:
- Corian - An excellent synthetic by DuPont, it resembles granite and comes Kosher certified from the factory!
- Granite - A very trendy natural stone countertop. A bit pricey though.
- Marble - Another great choice in natural stone; it's been classy since Caesar's day!
- Concrete - Gaining in popularity, concrete counertops are extremly durable and come in many colors and styles.
- Butcher Block - Usually just a section of the countertop, it's made of hard wood such as maple. It's used as a chopping block.
- Plastic laminate - Usually referred to by the brand name Formica, it's the market standard.
- Ceramic tile counters - A very sturdy surface; it gives your kitchen that cool retro look!
Whether you go with a wall-touching counter with a splashboard or an Island is a personal call. Part of the choice depends on the kitchen geometry. Island counters are preferable for socializing. A wall-touching counter is more functional for small spaces.
You've got a lot of choices. As Indiana Jones would say, "Choose wisely!"