DIY Home Improvement Tips » sink

Home Renovation

SuCasa — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:57:22 +0000

Home renovation is a process of restructuring or making improvements in your old house. It involves either complete makeover or adding a few things for a better looking house. Most often than not, the homeowners design and implement the changes on their own (Do It Yourself); and sometimes defined by the complexity of the job involved and the budget, c ontractors are also contacted to accomplish the task. There are many warehouses that not only supply the necessary material for but also help the homeowners with DIY ideas and educate them in handling the complexities of the work. DIY may appear to be palatable idea which also radically cuts down the cost of renovation however it is advisable to go for a professional help when the task requires technical expertise and task-specific artistry. The general contractor oversees and manages the entire gamut of renovation work ranging from designing to the work of laying down the electric cables, roofing and removing the debris once the task is complete.

‘Home renovation’ can include anything from mechanical work like wall makeover, that is wall papering, painting walls or installing wooden panels, floor improvement involving new flooring like wood flooring, carpeting etc., roof replacement, upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), water proofing basements, reducing utility costs with methods like energy-efficient insulation, wood burning stoves, solar panels etc, installing emergency preparedness safety measures etc to decorate the house which includes landscape construction like improvement of lawns, pools, attic etc.

Home improvement can be considered for the economy purpose, making provisions for water storage or installing gadgets that are power efficient or just work efficient like electronic chimney etc. Home remodeling can be simply for comfort reasons too like making arrangements for keeping the house warm in the winters, redesigning in a manner that allows for more sun shine, or making a swimming pool, or gym, or library, or laying gravel in the lawn, recontouring the patio or garden and so on. The extent to which improvement is carried out defines the type of remodeling, which can be partial improvement when instead of the entire home only a certain sections like just the bedroom(s), living room, kitchen, patio, garden and bathroom are being remodeled or damaged or worn out items are replaced with a new or just repaired. Home renovation infuses new life giving a completely different and better look to the house. This kind of man’s desire to combat the ravages of time and taste on the basic lifestyle of man with or without professional guidance come under home renovation.

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With the right prep work and painting techniques, you can do your own interior paint jobs and make it look like they were professionally done. Learn DIY home painting tips on how to paint interior walls from a professional handyman in thisfree online home improvement video. Expert: Greg Lim Bio: Greg Lim is a professional handyman and residential property manager. In the seven years hes been a contractor, he has fully renovated two houses.

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I have some DIY home improvement construction debris. How should I get rid of it?
I've got some destroyed cabinets, an old door, some pipes, some scrap lumber, and some scrap plywood. This is all the result of a few home improvement projects. It's all too big to fit in my normal trash can. My trash company won't pick up anything that isn't in their trash can. I called a dumpster service, and they will drop off a dumpster for $80. A trash hauler will come by for $120. I was hoping for something a lot cheaper. Any ideas?
Thanks for the replies so far. Some more details:

- I live in a beach town in Los Angeles county. The houses are very close to each other and yards are very small. So burning is not possible in my area.

- I looked into driving my trash to the dump myself. LA is a big place, and the only public "dump" I could find was 40 miles away. And they charge by the pound. And I don't have a pickup or trailer. So after renting a pickup or trailer, then driving 40 miles, and paying to drop it off, this would be a huge hassle and expense.

Right now, renting a dumpster is looking like the best option. Or finding a community dumpster (even if it isn't my community!) and tossing this stuff in.

Bathroom Vanity Cabinets Installation: DIY Remodeling Ideas

SuCasa — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:57:24 +0000

Changing the look of your bathroom from dated to timeless involves a little bit of planning and effort, but it will increase the resale value of your home. New bathroom vanities make a big difference, and you will enjoy your new bathroom every day. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you revamp your bathroom.

Bathroom sink vanities are a key part of the overall look of your bathroom. Choose a modern and elegant design, but don’t get too trendy. Otherwise the vanity will look outdated and garish in a few short years. Pick a style that complements your personal tastes. For instance, an antique vanity would look fabulous in a French country-inspired house. If your taste is more simple and refined, a glass vanity with clean lines and sleek design or dark wood cabinetry with marble will match the decor in the rest of your house.

Just because you have a light wood in your kitchen does not mean you must have the same color wood in your bathroom. Experiment with different color combinations at a local home improvement store or browse different websites for ideas. You can often find great deals online on the same remodeling supplies you find in retail stores, and the online prices are almost always much lower.

If you are planning on going the DIY route, be sure to shut off the water and disconnect the supply lines before you get started. Place a bucket under your pipes to ensure you catch any dripping water. Then, loosen the caulk on your old vanity with a putty knife or screwdriver. Carefully remove the old vanity, being extra careful not to damage the wall.

If you can find a helper to assist you with the removal of your old vanity, the task is much easier. Be patient, work slowly, and be sure to loosen all the caulk and remove any screws holding the vanity in place before you attempt to move it.

Once the old vanity is out of the way, bring the new vanity into the bathroom. Locate the studs in the wall, using a stud finder. Using shims and a level, position the vanity so it is flush with the wall. Then attach it to the wall with wallboard screws. It is very important to make sure the vanity is flush before screwing it to the wall.

Installing the new faucet before installing the vanity makes the whole process easier. Then, you avoid having to get up and under your new vanity during the installation process.

Secure the vanity top to the base with caulk, reconnect the plumbing, and caulk the countertop to the wall as neatly as possible. Wipe off any excess caulk or fingerprints and enjoy your beautiful new bathroom sink.

Bathroom sink vanities are a great way to change the whole look of your house. If you have had the same bathroom decor for 5 years or more, it is time to consider some new bathroom remodeling ideas. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a modern, contemporary design, a new vanity makes the room look clean and new. When you sell your house, you are sure to make back the money you invest on a bathroom remodel and then some, especially if you DIY.

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Learn what kind of equipment is needed for installing ceramic flooring to your basement floor in this free instructional DIY home improvement video.

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Which home improvement businesses are in South Africa?
I am doing a project for UNI and I am interested in the number of large home improvement / DIY companies in South Africa – are there big outlets like IKEA or B&Q or just small local stores under the Mica Hardware group?

Any help would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks

Six Easy DIY Steps

SuCasa — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:56:58 +0000

Six Easy Steps to Becoming a

Genuine Mr. or Ms. Fix-it

Lesson one:

It’s never a good time for things to go “clunk…” in the night, but, they do. The costs of living: gasoline, groceries and utilities have risen dramatically. Service calls are unbelievably high. During this recession keeping the money in our pocket, and our house in good running order, has never been so important.

Our disposable income is shrinking rapidly. Job security is a thing of the past. If ever there was a time when the average homeowner needed to learn how to “Fix-it” and reduce costs; it is now.

There are three basic components to every house which are: mechanical, electrical or hydraulic (plumbing) in nature. Understanding the mechanical, electrical and plumbing around your home is a major key to keeping your costs low. Contrary to popular belief, it is not at all difficult and you actually save thousands of dollars by doing the work yourself.

It is always less expensive for you to make repairs around the house. Example: The wall switch stops working. A quality UL listed single pole switch will cost you between three and five dollars at your local home and garden center. However, hiring a licensed electrician to install that $3.00 switch can run anywhere from $125.00 to $150.00. Save yourself a lot of money. For only ten minutes of your time you can install the switch yourself. It’s legal, it’s clean, it’s educational and most importantly, It’s not expensive!

When something fails to work as it was designed you begin by asking two very basic questions: what “is” wrong and what “isn’t” wrong with the device.

The answer to these questions is very valuable indeed. The answer to the first question obviously identifies the problem. The answer to the second question hopefully stops an over zealous “Mr. Fix-it” from ripping apart a portion of the device that wasn’t broken to begin with. Nothing is more discouraging than having completely dismantled something only to learn the problem is elsewhere.

When troubleshooting, a step by step procedure for locating, identifying and solving problems is a valuable resource. A methodical and systematic approach is an absolute time saver. If it is an electrical or a plumbing problem always start at the source. If it is a construction related problem, start at the base and work your way up.

For grins and giggles let’s troubleshoot a malfunctioning table lamp. Just as a side bar keep in mind that table lamps generally come in pairs. If we can’t fix this one lamp, then we may need to buy two lamps to maintain the balance of the room. Let’s proceed.

The following 6 step procedure takes less than five minutes and is the same troubleshooting procedure for most electrical devices.

1) Disconnect the source. Unplug it! Inspect the cord for obvious breaks. Pets are notorious for chewing cords.

2) Verify the source. That is, use a basic two wire voltage tester and test for currant in the receptacle. We don’t want to dismantle the lamp only to learn the receptacle was bad. If you have a Receptacle circuit tester (An inexpensive device that, by a pattern of lights, indicates wiring errors in receptacles) simply plug it into the receptacle. The code on the device will inform you as to what, if any, problem there may be.

3) Next, using your continuity tester remove and check the bulb by touching one probe to the tip at the base and the other probe to the threaded side. It is not uncommon for the tungsten filament to be broken in a new bulb. If the bulb is good the tester will beep or buzz.

4) Using a jumper, connect an end to each spade on the plug. Again, with your continuity tester probe the inside wall of the threaded socket and then touch the other probe to the center where the bulb tip would make contact. If the tester does not sound off (make a buzz or continuous beep) turn or press the on/off button a few times. If the continuity tester still fails to make a sound you have just narrowed the problem down to just one of two problems.

5) Now we can start taking things apart. A) Gently remove the outer shell of the socket from the base cap. B) remove the insulating sleeve from the socket thus exposing where the two wires from the cord attach to the socket and visually inspect the connections. C) Clamp the continuity tester to the large spade on the plug and then touch the other probe to the silver screw at the base of the socket. The tester will beep or buzz if the integrity of that side of the cord is good and has no internal breaks. Now do the same with the small spade of the plug and the brass screw at the bottom of the socket base.

6) Using the jumper again jump a connection to both spades of the plug. Again use the continuity tester and touch one probe to the threaded side of the socket and the other probe to the center of the socket and activate the switch until the continuity tester sounds off. If there is no sound, you have just located a bad switch. The switch/socket assembly can be purchased at any home improvement center for less than 5 dollars.

Any one of these six steps will locate and identify an electrical problem. With the exception of step 3 this procedure can be followed to troubleshoot just about any electrical appliance or device.

In lesson two we will put together an inexpensive household electrical tool kit.

About the Author

Brian Pacatte is a light commercial/residential builder of 18 years.

Entertaining, down to earth and easy to read information and/or instructions are offered for the homeowner wanting to stretch their remodeling budget.

If you are selling your home and wish to get the highest return for your investment, his articles are a Must Read.

Brian heads up a 24/7 forum where you are invited to ask questions regarding ‘How To’ projects. Questions are typically answered in 24 to 48 hours.

They also manage Creative Building Solutions where the DIY novice is guided through various home improvement projects.

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Many times sinks are clogged in the P trap that hangs beneath the sink. This means the P trap must be removed. Watch as a professional home repairman unclogs a kitchen sink in this free video on home improvement.Expert: James Drew Contact: www.jnchomerepair.com Bio: James Drew is the owner and president of JNC Home Repair in Austin, TX. Drew is also an HVAC certified tech with more than two decades experience in plumbing, masonry, and carpentry. Filmmaker: Todd Green

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Tv show for DIY home improvement?
i remeber a show that was diy and told you how to make tv cabinets and such. does anybody know the show?

Home Insurance: There Goes the Neighbourhood

SuCasa — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 08:57:01 +0000

The home insurance market is competitive, with many companies now offering dedicated insurance policies to cover both your home and the contents within it. While insurance isn’t a legal requirement for your home, it’s certainly a good idea to take out a policy…particularly if your neighbours are DIY enthusiasts.

A survey carried out in 2007 revealed that almost 600,000 homes were damaged in the UK as a direct result of renovations or other work carried out in a neighbour’s property. The damages ranged from broken garden ornaments to water damage caused by pierced pipes, and even a few cases of walls being ‘accidentally’ demolished. It’s estimated that in 2007 alone, the costs of these damages totalled over £173 million.

The worrying thing is, the majority of homeowners affected by their neighbour’s errant DIY skills aren’t aware that they can actually claim for the damages on their neighbour’s insurance, if they have any. Instead, they prefer to split the cost of repairs with their neighbour. Of course, if neither they nor the neighbour have home insurance, there’s no other choice, which is why home insurance is especially important in this, the age of home improvements.

If you’re planning on doing some DIY yourself, and you’re worried about causing damage to your neighbour’s property, it may be worth looking into hiring a professional to carry out the work for you. Despite the fact that approximately 1 in 10 incidents are caused by workmen, it may still be cheaper than something going wrong from you carrying out the work yourself. Any legitimate professional will have their own insurance which will cover any damages caused by them, thus providing extra peace of mind.

Remember that if you are planning any major DIY or renovation work, you need to inform your home insurance provider. Failure to do so may result in any subsequent damage claim being rejected. You will also need to inform your neighbours if you plan to carry out any major work on a party wall they share with you, and wait for written consent from them before starting the work. This is according to the Party Wall Act of 1996. Of course, if you want to remain on good terms with your neighbours, it’s always a good idea to inform them of planned work anyway, especially if you anticipate the work to be noisy or cause any other type of disturbance to them.

Be prepared – take out home insurance. Be covered for any eventualities with house insurance. It needn’t break the bank, cheap home insurance is available online.

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What DIY home improvement project are you most proud of yourself for doing?

Don’t Involve yourself in Diy, Britons are Warned

SuCasa — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 08:56:56 +0000

As well as introducing the nation to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, it seems that DIY makeover programme Changing Rooms has a lot to answer for. A new survey conducted by Halifax suggests that Britons cause £350 million worth of damage to their homes as they attempt to copy DIY makeover programmes. Indeed, given the extent of the damage some DIY enthusiasts are responsible for, it is likely that many will need to take a homeowner loan out to cover the repair costs – presuming, that is, they are sensible enough to let a professional take over after making such a botched attempt of things themselves the first time round.

Researchers found that the popularity of makeover shows has led 12 million people in England, Scotland and Wales to embark on a home improvement project in the last five years alone. The most popular DIY programme was found to be the now defunct Changing Rooms – the final edition of which was broadcast on November 22, 2004 – with Property Ladder, DIY SOS, House Doctor and Grand Designs completing the top five.

Meanwhile, a list of Britain’s most influential TV designers has also been revealed, with Nick Knowles of DIY SOS fame coming out on top. Property Ladder’s Sarah Beeney came in second, Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud was third, House Doctor’s Ann Maurice fourth and Laurence came in fifth.

Worryingly, though, 750,000 Brits who have attempted something special after being inspired by a celebrity designer have ended up causing significant damage to their properties rather than improving them. With the cost of rectifying the damage caused estimated to be £484 on average, some Britons may be left struggling financially.

Indeed, given the fact that the average cost of each initiative runs to £4,880 – regardless of whether it is successful or not – many will need to take out a homeowner loan if they want things to return to the way they were before that first fated trip to B&Q. As a result, the importance of choosing the right homeowner loan to ensure costs are kept to a minimum is essential.

However, it is not only that amateurs who have problems – one memorable episode of Changing Rooms saw a team led by designer Linda Barker erect some shelves to house a valuable collection of teapots. Unfortunately, the shelf fell down overnight – and the teapots were demolished.

It is no wonder that many people believe DIY stands for Don’t Involve Yourself.

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If you need to replace the tank bolts in your toilet because of a rusty bolt or corroded washer, learn how in this free online home improvement and DIY home repairvideo. Expert: Greg Lim Bio: Greg Lim is a professional handyman and residential property manager. In the seven years hes been a contractor, he has fully renovated two houses.

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Who are your favorite home improvement bloggers?
Who are your favorite DIY home improvement bloggers? Who do you trust for info about sprucing up your home? Thanks!

You Can Do It Yourself! Tackling Diy Bathroom Plumbing

SuCasa — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:56:59 +0000

Do it yourself. A generational catch phrase born from the crop of reality-based television programming that has captured an audience with extravagant remodels accomplished over a weekend and elaborate decorating on a budget. Do it yourself – or DIY – always existed as concept – budget-conscious homeowners pulling up their sleeves to tackle a project armed with tools and the ability to think on their feet. But the phrase do it yourself has produced a whole new harvest of weekend warriors filled with newfound confidence and eager to experience the self-satisfaction of a job well done.

Nothing seems to urge on do-it-yourselfers like a DIY bathroom plumbing project. The evidence lays in the community of homeowners who have dug in their heels, refusing to shell out hard earned dollars to a plumber simply to rectify a leaky faucet. The DIY bathroom plumbing project runs the gamut from drippy faucets and running commodes to noisy nozzles and flooding floors. But even more diverse are the extended projects that result from this initial foray into DIY-land. Suddenly, a DIY bathroom plumbing project becomes a full-blown remodel – vanities replaced; showers re-tiled; original floors swapped for their newer counterparts.

For those who have strapped on their tool belt and begun their journey into their DIY bathroom plumbing project, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is imperative that before beginning any repairs of sinks, toilets, and showers to turn off the water to that location. Nothing ends a DIY bathroom plumbing project quicker than a surprise flood. Further, any project involving electricity should be handled with extreme caution. Just as you turned off the water – turn off the electric power in the bathroom before tackling any projects.

Secondly, be sure that you have the appropriate parts to complete the DIY bathroom plumbing project. Parts that don’t fit will elongate the project and can easily end with disastrous results.

Finally, do your homework. Be sure to research the DIY bathroom plumbing project prior to starting. The Internet can be an enormous source of information as can your local home improvement store. And remember, you may be doing it yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t call in a professional if you get in over your head. Sometimes a pro can actually wind up saving you money in the end.

If you are well-researched, organized, and on your toes, your DIY bathroom plumbing project can pay dividends. Not only will you have the bathroom you want, but you’ll have the unrivalled satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself.

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Learn how to test the electrical wiring connection when installing ceiling fans in this day home improvement video on ceiling fan installation. Expert: Adolph Ramirez Bio: Adolph Ramirez has over 40 years experience in home improvement, electronics, and construction. Filmmaker: Adolph Ramirez

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DIY Home improvement?
I made improvements to my house without getting any permits. Am I in deep doo-doo now?

Home Decorating On A Budget: 6 Fantastic Tips

SuCasa — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:57:32 +0000

If only decorating your home comes without a cost, you would probably have a new theme and design for your home many times every year. But just like most people, you shy away from home decorating and home improvement activities because you do not want to spend a lot of money on this.

The truth is decorating your home does not need to hurt your pockets. In fact, there are many practical home decorating suggestions and ideas that can be worked out even with a small budget. Here is a list of six fantastic tips that will help you achieve just that.

Tip 1: Form a plan

Planning is a crucial step in home decoration so that you will be able to accomplish it effectively and successfully. More importantly, this ensures that you do not end up wasting money or spending more than what you can afford.

Before you start writing down your plans, visualize how you want your home to look. Decide on the theme and color style you want to adapt and from here, start planning the things that you will need for your home decoration project.

List the things you need and determine which ones you can make yourself or create from the things that you already have, and the ones that you really need to buy. Formulate a realistic budget allocation for your expenditures to avoid overspending.

Tip 2: Adapt a theme

Having a theme for your home does not only make the decorating project easier but if you choose a practical theme, you will be able to save a lot of money at the same time. For example, a tropical interior design theme can save you money because you can get some tropical decorative accessories for free if you go to the beach. This include seashells, corals, starfish, leaves, and driftwood. You can even use what you have collected to make tropical wall hangings.

Tip 3: Invest wisely

Just because you are on a budget does not mean that you have to get every cheap thing you can get your hands on. Sometimes spending more will save you in the long run. For example, if you want to repaint the walls in your home, it would make sense to buy a high quality paint that would last a long time rather than to go for cheap paints that are also cheap in quality.

Tip 4: Watch out for discount sales

Discount sales provide a good opportunity to get hold of home accessories at a low price so keep your eyes peeled for these events. You can also try checking out online stores because there are many excellent deals that will enable you to find nice and good quality products without having to spend much.

Tip 5: Shop around

If you want to find great deals on products you can use for your home decoration, you should not stop at the first shop that you see. Shop around widely so you will be able to compare products and prices, and find the best deals at the most affordable prices.

Tip 6: DIY projects

You do not always have to buy everything. Some of the things you need you can make yourself. For example, create your own tropical wall hangings or wall sculpture art by framing a nice coastal photograph scene or by doing your own metal or clay sculpture.

If you have the patience, talent and imagination, you can make excellent decorating choices that will not only improve the overall style of your home but also be practical and realistic for the budget of your family.

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Alumawood Patio Covers are the name brand for aluminum awnings, patio covers and arbors. Living In Style does a great job of showing the different styles and options available. Alumawood Patios are pre-fabricated, engineered and easy to install. Cool off your patio by up to 15 degrees, Alumawood truly is a great Home Improvement Product. Visit our site www.try-tech.com to view more information about Alumawood Patio Covers. Try-Tech Industries http sales@try-tech.com

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What is the best magazine for home improvement to increase the value of your house?
Looking for a magazine that gives ideas for DIY improvements to increase the value of your house in various rooms

10 Tips to Home Repair

SuCasa — Tue, 18 May 2010 08:57:29 +0000

Owning a home is just the beginning. There are regular upkeeps and maintenance that ensure that your home not only looks beautiful all the time but is also secure from internal damage and external weathering. Home repair is an exhausting and challenging proposition for homeowners. Especially if you are totally new to the task.

As a result, the long list of tasks to be delivered within a short span of time can be quite unnerving. Most the times some minor tasks are overlooked leading to further damages. This hampers the job even further. A ready list of ‘KNOW HOW’ before the next session of home repair can act as quick tips to help you get the job done easier and better.

Dos -

1.Go through a quick inspection of your building or apartment. Maintain a checklist of the areas that have to be repaired. Always invite the home inspection officer a few weeks ahead for consulting and thorough inspection. It would help to identify the problems areas before home repair.

2.A lot of time the DIY technique helps to save your valuable resources. It includes activities cleaning, waxing, remodeling of furniture and floors. Even issues like painting, redesigning the rooms and gardening can be accomplished without any professional help.

3.Always check whether your home insurance covers the cost of accidents and home repair costs. Only a few banks and mortgage firms provide additional loans for home repairs. Often the home insurance provider cover gardens as well as your home office contents.

4.It very important to check with the homebuilders and home improvement firms before signing a contract. Consult your real estate attorney regarding the legal details of the working terms and conditions.

5.Always opt for the builders and home repair service providers who cover an annual maintenance and repair. It is done over minimal fees that can be repaid within no time by the home loans. Always remember to renew the service contract with your home improvement firm.

Don’ts -

6.Never assign the task to a home improvement firm outside the territorial or zonal builders. You would be breaking the laws.

7.You must hire professional help for specialized technical home improvement tasks like plumbing, wiring, gas lines, roof repairing and brickwork. When comes to installing your fireplace or repairing the electric geysers never rely solely on that do-it-yourself tendency. Neglecting serious cable wires or that plug on the kitchen sink may cause further accidents.

8.Do not ever tie-up with any contractors or builders outside a working contract. Do check about the background of the company.

9.Never forget to ask your home insurance provider the details of the contents insured. An ideal home insurance would provide the costs of home repair. It should include your house and its fixtures, fittings, garages, bicycles. Some of the companies would even provide you with insurance for the tennis court, swimming pools, bathtubs, gates, walls, patios, driveways, walks and fences. Most often the insurance firms are not willing to cover such objects. But with the monetary funds from mortgage and home loans it becomes convenient to pay for home repair.

10.Never sign any legal documents regarding work contract before scrutinizing.

And most importantly — planning plays a crucial role. It becomes necessary to discuss the details and the schedule with all members of the family before conducting any home repair activity. This will add to the comprehensiveness and reduce the need for change later.

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Installing cedar shingles uses similar tools and methods whether you’re installing to a roof or walls. Nail down cedar shingles in neat rows using galvanized or stainless steel nails without exposing more than five inches per layer withinstruction from an experienced builder in this free video on home repair. Expert: Robert Markey Bio: Robert Markey earned his BS in Physics from MIT in 1969 and his MS in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts in 1982. Filmmaker: EquilibrioFilms Erik

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Where can I find DIY videos on home improvement projects?
I'm looking for some good, detailed instructional videos on home improvement projects, such as electrical, plumbing, ceramic tile, and drywall. I have experience with electrical, so I bought the electrical DVD from the Home Depot to check it out. I didn't learn a thing from it! They show only a few very simple things (replacing switches, outlets, fixtures) that any idiot should be able to do. They didn't show how to run wire, make connections, tap into an existing circuit, or anything.

Are the rest of the Home Depot videos on other trades the same way? Or are there better ones out there? My dad has a VHS electrical video from 1987, and I learned a lot more from that when I watched it a few years ago than I did with the new one from HD.

DIY is Costly to Your Home Insurance

SuCasa — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:56:50 +0000

DIY could have costly effects on your home insurance claims. While bank holiday weekends prompt many proud householders to tackle do-it-yourself home improvements, which can add value to their property, insurers warn that over-ambitious DIY projects can end up causing damage that costs thousands of pounds to put right.

According to insurer Zurich, almost one-in-six homeowners who have done DIY have had to call in the experts to fix their mistakes. A third of those who needed to call in professional help were merely trying to save cash by making home improvements themselves, but their best intentions cost them more in the long run.

Steve Gilbert, Zurich’s technical underwriting manager, said: “Doing it yourself can be a great achievement but we would like to remind all DIY novices that they can often endanger themselves and their property, so if you are unsure, always call in a professional.

“It is a good idea to call your insurer to check that you are covered in the event of DIY going wrong, and certainly to make sure that any structural changes will not void your policy.

“If you live in a newer home, you should also make sure that any work you carry out, no matter how significant, will not invalidate the building guarantee the property may have.”

The growing popularity of home renovation shows on television misleads some people into believing they can do it all themselves, said Debra Williams, managing director of comparison website Confused.com.

She added: “A beautiful modern bathroom is on the wish-list of many homeowners and can add to the value to you home. However, fitting a bathroom is a complicated job, one that should really be left to a plumber.

“You will need to inform your insurer as any alterations, even minor ones, can compromise a payout from your insurer. For example, adding an en-suite to your bedroom would be considered an extra room – as you would have already informed your insurer about the number of rooms your property has, not telling them about the change would give them grounds to refuse a pay-out. The insurance premium may increase temporarily, but this is a small price to pay for being covered in case an ill-fitted bath leaks.”

Water damage can prove extremely expensive to put right. Leaks in bathrooms and kitchens are one of the biggest areas for household claims, with the average cost coming in at £2,000. With the average home using an amazing half a tonne of water every day, perhaps it is not surprising how much damage can be caused if your en-suite or shower room springs a leak.

According to Norwich Union, the country’s biggest insurer, one of the main areas for concern is failed plumbing joints and homeowners attempting technical plumbing jobs often find themselves to blame. A leak can often remain undiscovered for weeks, until a damp patch appears or water starts seeping into the room. If not dealt with immediately, water can seep through walls and floors, wreaking havoc on a home.

Paul Engledow, household underwriter at Norwich Union, said: “Check the sealant around your bath or shower and inspect the grouting around the tiles, but do not attempt to fix leaky pipes or investigate mysterious wet patches yourself as one wrong move could literally bring the ceiling down. Always call a qualified plumber in to help.”

Water damage is covered as standard in both buildings and contents insurance, but standard household insurance does not cover the cost of repairing the faulty apparatus or pipe or water tank that leaked in the first place. Be aware that some household policies do not cover you for leaks if you leave your home unoccupied for more than 30 or 60 days in a row.

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If your door is rubbing against the door frame, fix it using a power planer or hand planer. Learn DIY home repair tips for fixing stuck doors in thisfree online home improvement video. Expert: Greg Lim Bio: Greg Lim is a professional handyman and residential property manager. In the seven years hes been a contractor, he has fully renovated two houses.

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Since Jesus was a carpenter, can anyone give me bible passages relevant to DIY home improvement?
I'm thinking about adding a deck onto my house and I would like some spiritual guidance on doing it myself.

Add Value For Your Home

SuCasa — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:57:31 +0000

Many of us have often dreamt of having the perfect home – the dream house that draws everyone attention as they cross the street. In a red-hot real estate market, home improvements seem like a smart investment.

Reveal the hottest tips for making the biggest investment of our lives worth even more.Television program producers have been quick to latch on to the mood of the nation for our almost insatiable demand for DIY project ideas. Creating garden space or a sit-out for parties and gatherings, or simply for a little bit of relaxationThe method of how to change the design will depend on your lifestyle and budget. From sports equipment, lawn and gardening tools, seasonal decorations and cherished relics that you can’t part with, a roomful can be overwhelming — especially when considering the decision to toss or keep.

Home improvements can add dramatically to the resale value of a home, The current, low levels of house building mean that the average house will have to last around a thousand years before it is replaced. There are many things that we can do that might make our houses a bit easier to sell, but only a few things will add real value to them. Buyers decide whether to get out of their car and look at a house based on its exterior appearance,

There are also a number of other jobs around the house that will not need the specialised skills of an architect but will add value. common myths about home improvement are debunked, once and for all.

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From www.DoItYourSelfBuilder.com , this is a video overview 1 of 6 from the DIY project titled “How the pros pour concrete”. You’ll learn the home improvement tips and techniques that the pros use to make your projects come out perfectly.

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Good home improvement sites?
Does anyone know of any good sites that show how to DIY with various home improvement projects? Anything from carpet, tile (ceiling and floor), drywall, roofing, and everything in between. Thanks.

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