Use a pre-screened Contractor
June 26th, 2009
Archive
Archive for the ‘General Improvment’ Category
Lancaster renovation before and after pictures
October 29th, 2008
It seems like everyone loves a makeover. We renovated a home in Lancaster NY and never posted the before/after shots. The difference is pretty dramatic. The project seemed to take forever, but we didn’t have the man hours to commit to getting it done quickly. .
Take a look at the before and after photos:
Lancaster NY Renovation.
Garfield before and after photos
We took this chopped up floor plan and opened it up to give it a modern feel. We had to move some windows and add others to make the kitchen functional. Overall, it turned out great. Take a peek.
Covering plastic wall tile
March 1st, 2006
In the 50′s plastic wall tile was used in a lot of homes. If you want to get rid of it, you might be considering removing the tile. That probably isn’t the best idea. The adhesive that was used in a lot of these installations is very tough, and you might even find that it is still not completely cured behind the tile.
A good option to address the old plastic wall tile is to cover it with decorative panels. Not necessarily panelling, but panels that are current and attractive.
In our case, we used beadboard panels from Georgia Pacific (the brand name is PlyBead. The panels are 3/8″ thick and installed easily by using a construction adhesive along with some finish nails to hold in place until the adhesive set. We didn’t do anything to prepare the plastic tile other than cleaning the surface. Since the panels were only 3/8″ thick, we did not have to replace the window or door trim near the panels. In many cases, you can find decorative wall panels that are from 1/8″ to 3/8″.
Another nice product option is called “Styleline” (again from GP). There are many decorative options for this product such as a leather look, or a linen look. I know that Lowe’s carries the product but I am not sure about Home Depot. The cost can add up if you hare a large area to cover, but the time to complete the project will be short.
Your only other feasible option is probably going to be to tear out the existing plaster or drywall behind the tile. The adhesive isn’t going to want to come off cleanly, so a complete demo is probably called for. If you choose this option take the opportunity to update wiring, plumbing and to insulate the walls that you demolish.
Good luck.
Alternative spacers when working on a home project
February 18th, 2006
If you need a uniquely sized shim, or spacer, that is rather thin, you should consider some items that you might have laying around and will give you the uniform thickness that you need.
Consider the following to use as a uniform thickness shim. They are inexpensvie items and things that you might have around your garage, workshop, basement or attic.
- Formica
- Laminate Flooring
- Pegboard or Hardboard
- Paneling
- Vinyl Tile
One of my favorites is Linoleum or vinyl tile (the 12″ x 12″ stick on variety). If you have a couple of peel and sticks around, you can cut them to size and layer as needed. The best part here is that you can use the peel and stick backing to hold it in place.
Lowe’s 10% discount coupon
February 7th, 2006
Hey, a 10% Lowe’s discount.
Ok, I have blasted Lowe’s in the past, but that had to do with a rebate that wasn’t processed efficiently. The Lowe’s website won me back with some great information and articles. In fact, “Lowe’s creative ideas” is a free publication with some great projects and tips. Obviously, they are trying to sell you product, but the shopping list feature within the projects makes the process of purchasing all of your materials in one fell swoop pretty easy.
Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine (off site link)
Here is where the discount comes from. When I subscribed to the free Lowe’s creative ideas magazine they asked if I would be moving soon. Well, I just purchased a property, so I answered that I would. After subscribing, they e-mailed me a 10% off coupon (same day). Pretty nice discount, especailly if you are working on a good size project.
Very nice Lowe’s.
Home improvement – Make a List, Stick to It.
December 21st, 2005
When working on any home improvement project, you should make a list of all of the work that needs to be accomplished to complete the project. Keep this list handy during the job. Add to it, cross of the jobs that are done, and continually reference it to stay on task.
It is very easy to veer from the list especially when the next task in line is a difficult or messy one. We all have a tendency to take the path of least resistance from time to time. I sometimes find myself doing a small project that can be done by any person with no home improvement skills at all.
These jobs are generally the punch list items that come at, or near, the end of a project. Obviously they have to get done, but if they don’t move the project along and it doesn’t take any level of skill to complete, you should really question the need for that project… at that time.
If your improvement, or handyman project, is at the stage that all of the jobs are the easy ones, well then congratulations, you are obviously near the end. However, if you are working on this job when there is a door to frame, sanding to be done, a ceiling to repair, etc… your resources are probably not being utilized properly.
Make your list, Stick to it.