Thursday 6 January 2011

HELLO HICKS :-)

Remodeling : How to Construct an Attic Bedroom

DIY Home Improvement Difficulties

Owning and maintaining a home is hard work. Things wear out and break down. Getting them fixed is sometimes difficult, especially for people who are not comfortable with a hammer and nails, plumbing or putty. Home improvements can be pushed to the back burner for years until someone gets hurt or it is time to sell the house. Rather than letting the house fall into disrepair, a logical alternative is to hire a handyman service or discount home improvement company.

Wood
Working with wood is difficult if someone does not have the proper tools and know-how. Trim and other exterior wood on the outside of a house can be fixed rather easily by someone familiar with this type of project experience. Rotten wood must be removed and replaced to prevent damage to the home's structure on the front entrance, porch or siding. A professional carpenter is frequently employed by a handyman service and is able to fashion, repair or install kitchen countertops, cabinets and even put in new shelving. Custom-built bookcases and closet organizers can also be created to help with organization and reduce clutter.

Plumbing
Leaky pipes and clogged drains keep a handyman service busy as well. Rather than calling a plumber, these are the types of jobs that will likely result in replacing parts and fixtures that have been around for years with little to no maintenance. Replacing a sink or toilet requires no only familiarity with how the process works, but someone who has the right tools and is physically able to lift the fixtures to do the installation. After all of the proper plumbing connections are made, the apparatus device still needs caulking. This is another project that many people are leery about tackling. Rather than doing it improperly and making a mess that does not provide the proper seal needed around sinks, bathtubs and toilets, it is practical to call a professional to handle the installation.

Odds and Ends
Living comfortably is one of the advantages to owning a home, but DIY home improvement projects can become overwhelming. Having a reliable professional who is handy at many tasks and enjoys repairing and refurbishing things is a help for those who are unable to do it themselves. This works well for little repairs like fixing a broken handle or bent hinges on cabinets and doors. Cleaning the gutters can be a time consuming task for people on the go. Unclogging downspouts and reconnecting drainpipes can be dirty and physically taxing work that is often ignored until it creates drainage problems and water damage. Calling a professional will keep the home in good repair and improve safety for everyone who lives there.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Diy home improvement, please visit http://www.fosterremodeling.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_P_Stanfords

Wednesday 5 January 2011

How to do Basic Home Repairs : How to Adjust European Cabinet Door Hinges for Home Improvement

Remodelling Tips for Your Home

The housing market still seems a little shaky; many people are making the decision to stay in their current homes instead of selling and buying a new one. This of course means that more and more people are deciding to remodel their homes to improve their current home's livability. The underlying goal of course should still be the overall value of the home. Just because you invest $50,000 on remodelling that does not mean you will see that money realized in a profit when you do finally sell it. There is a cap to your home's value and you should be aware of that before you begin.

Once you have made the decision to start a remodelling project you should clearly map out the process. First, think about your remodelling goals. Are you planning to do some needed repairs or add a hot tub to the enclosed porch? Make sure you have written goals of your plan before you start. Included in the plan should be an overall budget. Always pad the budget for those unexpected costs - there are always unexpected costs!

Next, you need to determine who will do the work. If your project will require a building permit, you might want to make sure it also does not require an expert. Check your city building codes before you begin to ensure you are in compliance to avoid heavy fines. In addition, if you are not a plumber or an electrician you might want to consider hiring an expert even if city building codes do not require it. Your budget can quickly go out the window if you make a novice's mistake and then end up needing an expert anyway.

If you decide to hire an expert, make sure you have a home improvement contract. You can find samples online as well as at your local office supply store. Making sure that each party is aware of their rights and responsibilities can ward off unnecessary problems. You should also check the reputation of the contractor before signing the contract. Ask friends, neighbors and co-workers for recommendations of a reliable builder.

Any projects that will be extremely noisy should be discussed with your neighbors. Not that it determines whether you start the project, the courtesy extended to your neighbors will be well worth it to all parties. In this way, you will know the best times to conduct the work. If any of your work will be encroaching upon your neighbor's property while working on your project, i.e., ladders in the neighbor's yard to reach your roof, prior approval is always appreciated.

Kentley Hills Homes
Denver Real Estate

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Swedal