Better Homes & Gardens: 501 Decorating Ideas Under $100 (Better Homes & Gardens Decorating)
RSMeans and Lexicon Consulting, Inc.: Universal Design Ideas for Style, Comfort & Safety
Editors of Creative Homeowner: The New Smart Approach to Home Decorating
Crissy Trask: It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
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Lexicon Consulting, Inc. is licensed under a
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We at The Home Know-It-All wish you a joyous holiday season!
As we all depart for our own holiday adventures, we leave you with a few of our favorite links:
The website Craigslist has gained a reputation for being one of the most useful instruments for selling anything from garage sale leftovers to autos and boats, as well as finding or marketing jobs and housing. It has also been shrouded in controversy and tainted by shocking reports of theft, scandal, and violence. Here are some tips for using Craigslist safely and to your greatest advantage.
When Selling
When Buying
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
For years, my Dad has had a holiday tradition all his own—he thrives on last minute, down-to-the-wire gift shopping. If you prefer not to run a gauntlet of procrastinating shoppers desperately searching the picked-over remains of store shelves, start early with these gift ideas.
Flip UltraHD Video Camera: $199.99 — If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words can you fit into two hours of HD video recording? With no need for additional memory cards or tapes, the Flip UltraHD can plug into PC or Macs via USB with no additional software.
L'Occitane Shea Embrace Gift Set: $65 — Show that special lady in your life that you care about her moisture levels with the L'Occitane Shea Embrace Gift Set. It's filled with a plethora of pleasing lotions and creams—all infused with rich Shea butter to hydrate and protect against cold winter weather.
Rubik's TouchCube: $50 — A new twist on a classic favorite that would be great fun for any age. It's played like the original, but you slide your finger across the lighted squares to move them. If you should need a hint, the TouchCube comes with a built-in solver to guide you to completion. The pulsating light show as the TouchCube recharges on its stand should fit right in with the lights on the tree, too.
Kindle Wireless Reading Device: $139 — It's like giving someone a veritable library. The Kindle is capable of holding up to 3,500 books within its pencil-thin frame. Shop and download books wirelessly using the Kindle's built in Wi-Fi, and enjoy reading on a no-glare, high-contrast screen designed for crisp and easy reading. Because the Kindle is one of the hottest technological finds of this year, you may find that there aren't many left as the holidays approach.
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
Safeguard yourself and your family from the flu. Here's how.
Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm. You're told to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, but if you do that with your hand, you'll only spread germs the next time you touch something.
Wash your hands regularly using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. These areas are freeways for the flu virus to get into your body.
Get adequate sleep and maintain a healthy diet. This is a good mantra even outside of flu season, but getting enough rest and eating well will keep your body's immune system fighting fit.
Get the flu vaccine. On February 24, 2010, vaccine experts voted that everyone older than six months should get the flu vaccine each year. The flu vaccine protects you from three influenza viruses chosen yearly based on what researchers believe will be the most common influenza viruses during the upcoming season. It comes in two forms: a shot and a nasal spray. Ask your physician or pharmacist which form they recommend for you. And if you want to know more about the vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
When Fido or Mittens is assaulted by fleas, it's easy to run to the pet store and grab the first anti-flea treatment you can find. However, many commercial pest solutions are pumped so full of chemicals that they may do more harm than good. Why not try putting nature to work against nature instead? Here are some natural, healthy ways to eliminate or prevent pet pests.
Fleas
To get rid of fleas, try sprinkling diatomaceous earth on your pet's coat, bedding, and even the floors of your home. Diatomaceous earth, a natural rock dust consisting of fossilized algae, contains microscopic particles that are sharp enough to penetrate a flea's exoskeleton and dehydrate it until it dies. The product is widely available at lawn-and-garden centers. As a preventive measure, try sprinkling your pet's coat with brewer's yeast. It's disagreeable to fleas and harmless if your pet licks it off.
Ticks
Many of the same tricks that work with fleas can be used against ticks, since both pests feed on your pet's blood. For example, adding a little apple-cider vinegar to your pet's water helps make the animal less appealing to the unpleasant arachnids from the inside out. You can also try making an anti-tick citrus solution by placing a sliced lemon in boiling water and letting it steep overnight. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to your pet's body. Be sure to spray in problem areas—behind your pet's ears, around the head, at the base of the tail, and in the armpits.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes pose a two-part problem: their bites not only leave an unpleasant itch but can also infect your pet with heartworm. Though you should keep your pet on a regular regimen of heartworm medication as prescribed by your vet, some additional topical solutions can help. For example, the vapors from Vicks VapoRub, when applied to your pet's coat, tend to keep mosquitoes at bay. There are also cedar oil sprays and shampoos sold in pet stores that function as natural insect repellents. Just be sure to use only the varieties designed for use on pets. Cedar insecticides intended for garden or outdoor use can be hazardous to your pet's health.
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
Recently, a reader asked the Home Know-It-All if we had any suggestions or explanation for the crumbling wood window frames on her 1887 home. Though we can't promise an easy fix to the problem, we can offer an idea of what is causing it, and what it will take to address the underlying issues that are causing those window frames to fall apart.
First, wood window frames suffer a constant barrage of changing humidity and moisture levels. In our reader's case, her home's frames have held up for well over 100 years—an impressive feat. Though those window frames may have faithfully kept moisture from entering when they were new, time has a way of breaking down those defenses. If the moisture levels in your window frames reach 20% or higher, they become a prime environment for the fungus that causes wood rot—characterized by discolored or crumbling surfaces. This is probably our reader's culprit, though any signs of insect damage from termites, carpenter ants, or powderpost beetles should be taken into consideration as a possible contributing factor.
If the rot is contained in one area, you may only need to remove the rotted portion (and a little of the healthy wood, just to be sure you got it all), and replace it. Cut a piece of wood to fit the void (try to use the same wood species used in the existing frame) and apply construction adhesive to lock it into place. A little putty, sanding, and paint will make the old and new areas appear uniform. If you have stained window frames, matching the patch to the original frame will be more difficult.
Unfortunately, when you remove the rotting portions of your frame, you may find that the rot extends into the surrounding wall. If that's the case, you could be looking at significant repair and replacement costs. It also means that you have underlying moisture issues that need to be addressed before you repair or replace the window frame.
Wood treatments available at home and garden centers can help prevent and solve future rot problems. Try to use products formulated with propylene and polyethylene glycol, as they work well and are believed to be safer to use than typical rot-prevention products.
It might be time to replace your windows entirely. If you do purchase new windows, be sure to buy ENERGY STAR qualified windows—they can save you energy and money, and might make you eligible for additional federal tax credits.
We certainly hope this helps!
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
On Sunday, September 12, the Home Know-It-All gained national exposure when it was featured on the radio talk show Home Improvement USA. According to the show's website, the program "focuses on renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly products for powering the home," which corresponds closely with our message here at the Home Know-It-All.
Give the podcast of the show a listen!
With everyone here at the office coping with the recent glut of Iowa rainstorms in one way or another—driving delays, power outages, or basement flooding—I thought it would be appropriate to provide some tips on preparing for and preventing flood damage to your home.
Go to Higher Ground
When it comes to flooding, low ground is the enemy. Move possessions and your family to higher ground. Appliances too large to move to another floor—washers and dryers for instance—should be put securely up on blocks.
Know Your Electricity Plan
We all know water and electricity don't mix. So when water is encroaching on places with electrical appliances or, as is often the case, getting near your water heater or furnace, unplug, disconnect, and shut off everything. Just don't try to unplug an appliance or device if you have to stand in water to do it! If you hear buzzing or popping noises, or see sparks, stay away and call an electrician or emergency personnel. It might also be wise to make sure your circuit breakers and fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home before flooding occurs to facilitate easy shutoff in an emergency.
Take Long-Term Action
Applying a waterproofing compound to your basement walls, or having a basement waterproofing contractor install a sump pump system are both long-term, preventive efforts that may seem inconvenient during the dry season, but are real life-savers when rain hits hard. Keeping an emergency kit on hand is always a good plan regardless of how prepared you think you are.
Reduce Water Usage
When water is everywhere, the last thing you want is to contribute to the mess by producing additional wastewater. Don't flush toilets or take showers unless absolutely necessary. You may even want to go so far as to plug plumbing receptacles to prevent wastewater backup.
Stay dry!
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
As you know, our 15-year-old furnace recently developed a hole in the combustion chamber, which left us scrambling to answer this question: Do we repair it or replace it?
Luckily, the decision was easier than we thought. Most gas furnaces have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. For us, it didn’t make sense to spend $600 when the furnace would most likely last another 3 to 5 years before we would need to replace it.
Get a second opinion. Not sure what move is best for you? Talk to your heating and cooling contractor, who can assess the condition of your furnace and give you advice on how to proceed. Don’t be afraid to ask their opinion, as they are motivated to keep you as a satisfied client.
Consider overall costs. Furnace repair and replacement is rarely a planned expense, but you may qualify for incentives. Knowing what you qualify for in rebates and tax credits is important when making your decision. It may make up the difference in being able to justify the more expensive yet more energy-efficient product. The result is the potential of reduced monthly energy costs. Just be aware that you will have to pay the purchase and installation costs upfront and wait for the rebate and tax credit.
Research incentives. Many utilities are encouraged to offer incentives to customers who purchase energy-efficient appliances. Start your search by visiting the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. Also contact your local utility or visit their website for additional information, or talk to your heating and cooling contractor.
Some local utilities partner with lending institutions to provide competitive loan interest rates to purchase eligible equipment. These plans vary and may include a six-month same-as-cash option. Be aware that by committing to special finance assistance, you may be sacrificing rebate incentives. Call your local utility to find out what options are available and what restrictions apply.
The Federal Government offers tax incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. In 2008, Energy Star delivered cost and energy savings estimated at $19 billion. If you're considering the purchase of a major appliance or home upgrade, visit their website to determine what meets qualification for federal tax credit. Tax credit amounts vary, but can be as much as 30 percent of the cost up to $1,500.00. The current program expires December 31, 2010. You must be in an existing home to qualify and it must be your primary place of residence.
After exploring all our options, we decided to install a new system. Thanks to the rebate and tax incentives, we were able to select a 95 percent energy-efficient, variable-speed furnace and air conditioning system (it made financial sense to invest in and install a new air conditioner at the same time, because our old one was installed at the same time as the spent furnace). Our gas usage has noticeably dropped on our monthly utility bill, so we are satisfied with the choices we made.
Until later…
The Home Know-It-All The furnace we've had for 15 years has a hole in the combustion chamber. So, what happens next?
The Home Know-It-All
Our furnace of 15 years has been just diagnosed has having a
hole in the combustion chamber. So, what happens next?
Our furnace contractor turned on the furnace and showed me what a hole or crack in the combustion chamber does to the furnace. He explained that the hole allows a back-draft of air into the furnace. The back-draft is exhaust, which is supposed to vent outside through the chimney. With nowhere to go, the exhaust is forced down into the furnace. Depending on the size of the hole or crack, the flames from the burner can be forced out of the burner chamber. This can be bad for a number of reasons. The flames are forced into the area where the wiring may be located creating a fire hazard. A hazard equally as great is that the exhaust air from the back-draft may have high levels of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas has no odor, taste and is colorless. It is a natural by-product of incomplete combustion. Small amounts of it can cause severe illness or death. Symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide are very similar to flu symptoms: headaches, dizziness, faintness, drowsiness, pain in the ears and seeing spots (for more information on symptoms, visit WebMd. Furnace contractors have devices that can detect the amount of carbon monoxide in the air. Our contractor sampled the air near the furnace and found that the levels were not hazardous to our health.
Even though the levels of carbon monoxide were not a health hazard, the furnace needed to be turned off until either the chamber or the furnace was replaced. The furnace still presented a fire hazard, as the flames were being forced out of the burner chamber into the area where the wiring was located. A health hazard from carbon monoxide was still present as the hole or crack will expand over time.
How do we survive in a home without heat from a furnace in the winter?
Until later…
The Home Know-It-All
So, what to do?
Does the furnace need to be shutdown completely?
Of course, this never occurs anytime of the year but on the coldest days of winter. How do we keep the house warm?
Over the next few articles I will address what we decided and how we handled the “Chamber of Horrors” experience.
Until later...
The Home Know-It-All
All good times come to an end. Unfortunately, that includes the end of the holidays and enjoyment of your tree. Your tree has most likely started to have a brown tint to it and the fragrance isn't as noticeable as it was when you first set it up. You begin wondering if there might be more needles on the floor than on the tree.
Well, it is time to take off the lights and decorations.
But what to do with the tree?
Many communities have disposal programs. Some offer curbside pick for a short period. Other communities have drop-off locations for disposal or recycling. Recycling programs will involve 'chipping' the trees for use as mulch or compost.
If you just don't want to part with the tree, you can set it up in your yard as a combination feeder/shelter for birds and other wildlife. Eventually you are going to have to let go and dispose of it, though.
Until later...
The Home Know-It-All
Follow the above suggestions
and you should be able to enjoy your tree for the duration of the holidays. Now
get those lights and decorations! Once decorated, make your favorite warm
beverage, sit back and enjoy your beautiful tree.
Until Later
The Home Know-It-All
Whether you are selecting a
farm-cut tree or a pre-cut tree you want to choose a tree that will last
through the holidays. Here are some tips for choosing the right tree:
Let there be light!
Buying your tree
off a lot? If you are shopping for one after work, make sure the lot is well lit.
The delivery date
Ask when the tree was
delivered to the lot. Where the tree was delivered from will tell a lot about
the freshness. A locally grown tree is going to be fresher than a tree hauled
from a distant tree farm.
Make sure the needles are
resilient.
Using your thumb and
forefinger, take hold of a branch approximately 6-inches from the tip. Pull
your fingers toward you so the branch slips through your fingers. The needles
should slide between your fingers and not fall from the branch. The needles
should be flexible and not brittle.
Are the needles firmly attached to the tree?
Bump the base of the tree
lightly against the ground. There should be a very small amount of fall-off
from a fresh tree.
Give it the color and
fragrance test.
The tree should have a fresh
fragrance and look attractive. A fresh, moist tree retains water, which means
the tree has good moisture content. Moisture content helps a tree retain good
color and fragrance. Avoid tree with a musty odor of discolored foliage.
Strong limbs.
Make sure the limbs are
strong enough to hold your ornaments and lights.
If the tree you like meets
the above criteria, you have found a tree that should remain beautiful and fresh throughout the holiday.
Until Later
The Home Know-It-All
Scared of that real Christmas Tree? Not able to sleep at night because of what you heard about the fresh tree you are thinking of purchasing? You shouldn't be. Many people have misconceptions about troubles Christmas Trees can pose. Here are some of the Urban Myths that have been flying around:
The National Christmas Tree Association has worked hard to bust these urban myths. To find out their responses, visit their website.
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
I don't recall the
first year when we decided to purchase a live tree. I do know that it is now
central to our holiday celebration, as the selection of a tree has become a
family tradition.
The prep process we use
is not quite 'by guess and by golly', but pretty darn close. We know where we
are placing the tree (we have a 1-1/2 story entryway). The location requires the
tree to be narrow, about 5-feet in diameter.
When we went looking for
a tree last year, we found the perfect one or so we thought. The diameter
turned out okay and the height was ok, but the 10-feet of tree was a challenge to
unload and setup. It did work and looked great once it was set in place.
There are better ways to
prepare for the tree than our method. Here is one I recommend:
After you determine where in your home you wish to display your tree, go grab a tape measure. Measure how wide the tree should be to fit the location. Remember that not only will you need to get the tree into the house and at the location (the tree will probably be wrapped, making this an easy task) you will also need to remove it. Getting a tree through the house and out the door after it has bushed out is not an easy chore.
Determining the height of your
tree.
There are many things to consider when determining the maximum height of
the tree you are selecting. I think pickyourownchristmastree.org does an
excellent job explaining this.
Example: 10-foot
ceiling, minus 1-foot for top ornament, minus 6-inches for tree stand, no base
or table for our tree just the stand, our tree is cut fresh at the farm so no
need to cut off an additional 6-inches = Total maximum height of our tree is
8.5 feet
Hopefully you found this helpful. Next I will
discuss what to look for when picking out the tree.
The Home Know-It-All
Here we are entering the Holiday Season (If you are like me, you just can't seem to remember where the summer went.). Some of you will be heading somewhere for the Thanksgiving, others will be hosting the dinner. Once the table is cleared, guests leave, and cleanup has been completed, it is time to start prepping for the next holiday event. For many of us, this includes getting a tree. The next few blogs will discuss the selection process we go through for finding the right tree for us. After that it is on to the care and feeding of the tree so it will last through the holiday.
Enjoy the Holiday and see you soon!
The Home Know-It-All
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends found herself in quite the predicament when trying to come up with the perfect birthday present for her honey. You see, he happens to be a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, and already had more than enough shirts, jerseys, and other memorabilia. The one thing he didn't have? A frame to proudly flaunt his favorite jersey—and he was pleasantly surprised when he unwrapped it.
Hanging pennants, framing jerseys and posters, and displaying autographed footballs and helmets are all classic ways to show off your team spirit. Get even more fired up for football with these items:
Best seat in the house. Every wet bar, breakfast bar, and man cave needs bar stools with your favorite team's logo emblazoned across the seat. You can order them from Wal-Mart.com for $124.95 a pop, or, if you'd rather dress up existing stools on game day, you can find bar stool covers at Amazon.com for $24.95 each. If you'd rather kick back and lounge during the game, stock up on these collapsible video chairs from Sports Authority ($99.99), which fold in half for easy storage.
Cozy up. Chase chills away with a throw in your team's colors, such as this loom-woven jacquard blanket from Fan's Edge ($38.99) that's just as decorative and spirited as it is functional. If you're lucky enough to score tickets to see your favorite team in action, use it to warm up in the stands.
What's cookin'. The next time you're whipping up wings and other goodies for the big game, avoid getting sauce all over your game-day gear by wearing an apron covered in your team's logo. Being a big Green Bay Packers fan myself, I can't help but be a fan of this BBQ apron from Etsy ($15.00).
Spirited snacks. Serve game-day munchies in style with this helmet snack container ($54.99) from Fan's Edge. There's a large container in the helmet as well as a small tray with two compartments in the face mask. Or arrange snacks and drinks on this melamine serving tray ($24.99) from Sky Mall.
Paws applause. Let Fido in on the football fun by getting your paws on a jersey made especially for him. DoggieNation sells them in four sizes for $29.99. You can also get team T-shirts for $19.95 a pop.
Until next time,
The Home Know-it-All
Today we celebrate the end of summer—which, truthfully, brings a tear to my eye. But that doesn't mean I'm not excited for autumn weather. In fact, all of us at the Home Know-It-All are taking today off to gear up for fall fun.
The Home Know-It-All is taking today off to prep for a big Independence Day celebration tomorrow—and we hope you're doing the same. If you're still scrambling to come up with dinner options, check out our suggestions here. And for a few decorating tips, visit this previous post.
Whether he was rooting you on at your big choir concert or patiently pushing you as you took those first shaky bike rides, your dear old dad has always been there for you. There’s no question that dad’s are looked up to and respected, but all too often they don’t receive the recognition they deserve; Father’s Day often stands in the shadow of its flower-and-card-filled counterpart. (When I serve my mom breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day and it spills all over the linens, who’s the first one on the scene to clean it up? Dad!) So let him know this Father’s Day how grateful you are for everything he’s done for you, and get him a great and affordable gift that he’ll cherish forever.
XM Radio If your old man enjoys tinkering in the garage with his favorite baseball team blasting in the background, XM Radio is right up his alley. With crystal clear reception and sound quality, you can get him an XpressEZ satellite radio for as little as $69.95. XM radio subscriptions run about $16 a month, with a full music and sports package included. Your pops can finally put those rabbit-ear antennas away and stop worrying about missing the big game.
Stanley® 100 Watt Power Converter
It can be a hassle to keep all of our modern gadgets charged up and ready to go when we’re motoring around town, but the Stanley® 100 Watt Power Converter can help. It plugs into your car’s DC accessory outlet and instantly offers power through a household outlet and a USB port. It can charge and power your dad’s laptop, cell phone, or MP3 player whenever he’s on the go. If you want a chance to win one of these nifty gizmos, register in our very own Home Know-it-All Father’s Day Giveaway by June 15th, 9 a.m. Central Time.
Golf & Wine Legends So you want to introduce Dad to some of the finer things in life, but he’s having a hard time adjusting to the whole wine and cheese scene. With the Golf & Wine Legends series of wine from Wine.com ($49.99), you’ll hit a hole in one. Golfers and wine aficionados Arnold Palmer, Ernie Els, and Nick Faldo have put out a series of premium wines that your dad will be sure to be raving about next time he hits the links with his golf buddies.
Digital Meat Thermometer
Dad may be proud of how well he can eyeball a steak and tell if it’s cooked through, but save him the trouble and get him a digital meat thermometer such as this one from Brookstone ($29.95). Digital thermometers can precisely measure a meat’s temperature and doneness and feature settings for as many as nine different types of food. So tie on the “kiss the cook” apron and get grillin’.
Stanley® 300 Amp Instant Battery Jump Starter
Make sure Dad doesn’t wind up stranded on the side of the road waiting for a Good Samaritan to lend a helping hand; get him the Stanley 300 Amp Instant Battery Jump Starter for his car. This reliable, rechargeable, and easily portable battery can travel with him wherever he goes and provide enough punch to jumpstart cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and more. It also includes a built-in compressor to inflate tires, and a USB port to charge small electronics. This invaluable tool is up for grabs in our giveaway this week, so register to win!
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
Perspiration stains. They’re the nemesis of white shirts everywhere. And with summer kicking into full swing, you’ll likely be sweating more and more and wreaking havoc on those white tops. (Pleasant thought, eh?)
In fact, just the other day we received a message from a “Helpless in Colorado,” who has yet to find a good strategy for removing underarm stains from men’s white T-shirts. As “Helpless in Colorado” puts it, “It is becoming too expensive to continue to throw them out! Especially in this economy!” We hear you, and we are ready to help! After all, why waste otherwise good shirts?
I don’t know what techniques you’ve already tried, but I did some digging and, luckily, there are multiple ways to remove those pesky armpit stains once and for all.
In fact, this Reader’s Digest article presents seven simple, natural solutions for removing perspiration stains using common household essentials you’ve likely got on hand. One of the ideas, for instance, is to crush two aspirins, then mix the powder in a half-cup of warm water. Immerse the stained parts in this solution for a few hours and voilà—you’ve got yourself an all-white shirt again.
Or you could take Heloise’s helpful approach. As soon as you shed your shirt for the day, she recommends pretreating fresh spots with undiluted liquid laundry detergent so that the sweat rinses away better. If you’re battling stubborn existing stains, however, pretreat the armpit areas with household vinegar to dissolve the perspiration. And when laundry day rolls around, wash your whites in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric.
The folks over at Real Simple say that pretreating your shirt with OxiClean does the trick, if you do so soon after you take your shirt off for the day. Another idea? Mix one part water with four parts dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle and spritz the underarm areas. Rubbing the areas with a toothbrush should break up the stain; after letting it sit a few minutes, toss it in the washing machine.
That should hopefully solve your white T-shirt dilemma for good. But wait—there’s even more handy advice. According to the aforementioned Real Simple story, it’s easy to prevent perspiration stains. First of all, wait until your deodorant dries before dressing. Should you find yourself sweating bullets in your white shirt, don’t panic. Instead, make a beeline to the bathroom and dab your underarms with a paper towel.
Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All
Thank you for all of your entries. This contest is now closed. You can check out who won here.
It’s time for another The Home Know-It-All giveaway! Last time, one lucky winner received a Black & Decker Pivot Floor Vac. Now we’re giving away another great Black & Decker product to one lucky winner: a ScumBuster® Xtreme Cordless Power Scrubber.
This week at The Home Know-It-All, we’re in the middle of sharing our terrific $200 DIY Bathroom Makeover, so it seems like the perfect time to give away a product that can help your bathroom shine in no time.
If you’ve ever battled soap scum and mildew in your bathroom (and who hasn’t?), the ScumBuster Xtreme just may be your new best friend. Why? Because this cordless, rechargeable scrubber features a three-dimensional rolling brush for quick cleaning and easy scrubbing of corners and crevices. An extension handle even allows you to reach up high or down low without bending. Plus, the handle includes a refillable reservoir for holding your favorite bathroom cleaner (or water when it’s time to rinse). Easy as can be.
The ScumBuster Xtreme sells for $39.99 and is available at Blackanddecker.com.
Wanna enter to win one right now? Just leave a comment in this post that briefly describes what you’d do to make over your bathroom if you had the cash right now. (To comment, scroll down to the end of the post and click the link that says “comments.”) It might be as simple as “swap out my faucet” or as complex as gutting and redoing the whole space. The post is up to you, as long as it involves making over your bath!
This contest will end on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 9:00 AM Central time. One entry per person. You must be a resident of the Continental United States and use a valid email address (that you actually check!) to win. The winner of the Black & Decker ScumBuster Xtreme will be selected at random and will be announced on the morning of May 7.
If you have questions about this giveaway, please check out our Giveaway FAQ page. Still have questions? Email us.
Happy scum busting—and good luck!
The Home Know-It-All
I’ve mentioned the BHG.com 48-Hour Blog Challenge before (we’ve been working on it behind the scenes). If you haven’t taken a look yet, now’s the time to head over there and see what the bloggers came up with—on Friday we revealed the final projects!
If you’re looking for outdoor design inspiration, you’ll find plenty of it from the talented participants. The projects include two front porch makeovers, a potting bench, the ultimate grill cart, and an arbor. But don’t listen to me—see for yourself!
More to come later today,
The Home Know-It-All
Truth be told, I’m terrible at cross-stitching. Give me a needle and thread, and I’ll surely make a mess. But this is so unfortunate because I truly want to be good at it. I want to be able to make this and this and maybe even this. (That last one seems like a doozey, huh?)
If I’m ever going to be able to whip up creations like that, I’ve got some serious learning to do. So far in my quest to become the cross-stitch queen, I’ve learned these tricks:
If you need to start with the basics, here are a few of my favorite tutorials:
Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All
Let’s face it: Squeezing fitness into your already-packed daily grind is challenging. Waking up two hours early to drive to the gym, work out, shower, and drive home—all before work? Personally, I’d rather hide out under the covers.
That’s where a home gym comes in handy. Carving out a space devoted to exercise is convenient, it allows you to work out on your own schedule, and you can customize it to your liking. If you’re devoted to regular physical activity, it might be less expensive than your gym membership. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me. You with me? Here’s what you need to know about setting up your gym:
Select a space. Break out the tape measure. You can put a home gym almost anywhere, so long as you have adequate space for your equipment and ample room to move about comfortably. Most people convert unused spaces, such as a garage, basement, or spare bedroom, into gyms. To ensure your room has enough square footage to accommodate your equipment, check out this American Council on Exercise guide, which estimates how much room you’ll need for treadmills, rowing machines, and more.
You’ll also want to consider what type of flooring you have. Concrete-slab flooring can easily support heavy equipment. But if you’ve got hardwood planks, vinyl tile, carpet, or another flooring material covering this concrete slab, it’s a good idea to install rubber padding or a thick mat such as this one from American Fitness.net to protect your floors from constant movement, falling objects, and sweat.
Invest in equipment. How exactly you equip your home gym depends on your personal preferences, of course. Only invest in pieces that you’ll actually use. If, for example, you despise cycling, nix the stationary bike idea. Because as personal trainer Nick Irons so aptly puts it, “This will save you from having an expensive clothes hanger.”
Ideally, you’ll have two basic types of equipment, according to this Washingtonian article: something for cardio workouts, such as a treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bike, and something for strength-building activities, such as a weight-lifting station. CBS News outlines other possible workout essentials here.
Because exercise equipment is pricey—and a long-term investment—purchase good-quality, safe pieces. If others in your household will be using the home gym too, make sure the pieces accommodate their abilities and fitness goals. This requires you to do your homework. For example, see how Consumer Reports rates items. Visit sporting-good stores and specialty fitness retailers to examine all the options—and test the equipment out before you bring it home. For more specific tips and tricks on selecting the right equipment, read this Diabetic Living Online story.
Add extras. There’s more to a home gym than just fitness equipment, of course. Floor-length mirrors allow you to watch your form. Adding a sound system or TV (with a DVD player or VCR so you can watch fitness videos) banishes boredom, as does keeping a steady supply of magazines and other reading material nearby. For further stimulation, consider painting the walls an energizing color such as red or yellow. And if you want to rev up your workouts with new activities, follow the lead of this Taste of Home reader, who cut out examples of various exercises from her favorite magazines and glued them onto cardboard, which she attached to the walls.
Comfort is also important. Bring in a fan or simply open a window or two so cool breeze can circulate. Overhead, fluorescent lights keep temperatures down and provide necessary illumination. And consider purchasing a mini fridge to keep cold water in close proximity.
Work out for free. Lacking the space—and the budget—for a home gym? Don’t break a sweat worrying about it. I’m right there with you. After all, I’m not about to plunk an elliptical machine in the center of my dining nook (the only place it would fit). Rather, I’m investing in the basics—dumbbells, resistance bands, an exercise mat, even a stability ball. These versatile workout staples are inexpensive and easy to store—just stash ’em in a closet when you’re not using them.
And remember: Some of the best full-body workout moves—pushups, jumping jacks, sit-ups, and lunges—are free. Have stairs? Yes, climbing them regularly totally counts as exercise. And take advantage of an empty wall for wall sits. There are plenty of other ideas out there too, so get creative!
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
It’s no secret that I love stationery and cards (read about my slight obsession with thank-you notes here). And the next time a birthday or holiday comes up—or I just want to drop someone a line for the heck of it—I think I’ll buy custom-designed letterpress cards from Egg Press.
Why? Egg Press cards are playful, and they feature a variety of fresh geometric patterns, bold colors, and fun themes that are sure to elicit a smile. Every card has a distinct, quirky personality. Case in point: There’s one card with a bunch of different-size stone outlines on the front that says “You Rock.” (It just happens to be their top seller.) And then there’s one covered in hot air balloons that says “You’re Tops.” Love, love, love it!
Recently, Egg Press unveiled a new Moms, Dads, and Grads collection in time for spring. And as you’d expect, they’re all clever. The “Mom” repeat pattern card you see was actually inspired by the owner’s son’s quest for her attention. And then there’s the “Daddi-o” card with, you guessed it, a bunch of blue “O’s” throughout. Fun!
Basically, you’ll find cards for every situation. But Egg Press sells more than cards … you’ll also find paper dolls, children’s apparel, calendars, and stitch kits on their website—and these offerings regularly change.
So now that you know my Egg Press card picks, tell me: What’s your favorite card?
Until Tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
I’ve been pinching my pennies a little tighter for the last year or so, and in my quest to be as frugal as possible, I’ve discovered a few secrets that have kept me well within my budget. Take a crack at them yourself, and if you have any inside tips of your own, by all means, share!
4. Get to know the sales associates. The friendlier you are, the more likely the sales associate is to let you know the $150 lamp you’re about to purchase is going on sale next week for $50. So remember your Ps and Qs, and always smile like you mean it. Don’t be afraid to ask—in the most polite voice you can muster—if the clerk knows of any upcoming sales or if that curtain rod is the cheapest you’re going to find it. And to thank the worker for all the helpful advice, purchase something small once and awhile.
3. Sign up for email alerts. I’ll admit it—I hate having needless emails clog my inbox. Every so often, however, messages from retailers boast great insider tips or offers. (Extra 30% off anyone? Yes, please!) Stores like J.Crew.com and UrbanOutfitters.com all send out these e-newsletters, so subscribe now by setting up an account with your favorites. Just don’t get too carried away, or you’ll never see the bottom of your inbox again.
2. Etsy. It’s my new favorite obsession, and it should be yours too! According to the website, “Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade,” so it’s kind of like eBay for crafty people. And it’s a great place for frugal buyers like myself to visit. You can often find handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces at great prices, and if you enjoy buying locally, Etsy will even narrow down retailers in your region.
1. Keep an open mind. There’s some sort of cosmic curse that makes it virtually impossible to find what you’re looking for right when you need it. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect end table, realize that you may have to settle for the not-so-perfect version if you’re working with limited funds. In the end, what you thought was the bee’s knees in a catalog may be just so-so in your actual home anyway.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
I don’t know if the weather where you live is anything like what we’ve been experiencing lately, but if it is, I feel your pain. I’ve about had enough of this bitter cold, and truthfully, I just want to hibernate until springtime.
But that’s no way to treat Mother Nature. This weekend I’ve vowed to get out there and enjoy the mounds of snow hovering at my doorstep—no matter if that means six layers of socks, four scarves, and two hats. So I’m building a snowman, and you can bet that if I must be out in the cold I’m going to build the best looking snowman this side of the Mississippi.
Here’s how I plan to do it:
1. Test the snow for “packability.” No, that’s not a legitimate word, but it’s crucial when it comes to constructing Frosty. The snow must clump together without falling apart and without forming an ice cube. You’ll know if you have good snow the second you feel it.
2. Start rolling. Grab a clump of the white stuff and form a small ball in your hand. Keep adding snow to your ball, being mindful to keep it as round as possible. (This is an essential step. You must keep the ball round, or your snowman will look lopsided when finished.)
3. Keep it tight. As you’re rolling along, pack the snow very firmly. This way your guy—or girl—will bravely face the world for a long time to come. Pack it too loosely, and it’ll fall apart as soon as the wind blows.
4. Get ready for the belly. Once you’ve formed the base—or as I like to think of it, the legs—you’re ready to move to the belly. You’ll follow the same steps with this one, but obviously, you’ll make it a little smaller. Before you roll it on top of your first mound, sprinkle loose snow on the base, so the belly has something to grab onto and hold it in place.
5. Repeat step four for the head.
6. Make him shine. This is where you get creative. I’m a big fan of grabbing whatever’s in your house to create the face, but you can purchase snowman kits—like this one ($21 on sale) from Duluth Trading Company—if that bogs you down.
The carrot is the obvious choice for the nose, but have fun with it. A spoon, cup, or even a cucumber could work nicely. And the same goes for the rest of the body. I say the more original the snowman the better. Need a muse? Go here or here. And, as always, you better not forget to let me know how it goes.
Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All
It’s New Year’s Eve, and all of us at The Home Know-It-All are sneaking away again for the rest of the week so we can ring in the New Year with the people we love the most. You’re doing the same, right? We thought so.
But stay tuned. We’ll be back on Monday to usher in a great 2009 with some posts sure to get you in the DIY spirit. And until then, why not take a peek at some of our most popular posts?
(You’re also big fans of our Decorating and Cleaning & Organizing categories, which we love to see!)
Until next year,
The Home Know-It-All
The folks here at The Home Know-It-All are taking the rest of the week off to enjoy time with family and friends. We hope you’ll do the same.
But don’t worry. We’re still here to help in the last-minute rush to Christmas. In case you missed them, these posts will have you checking things off the to-do list in no time—so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Here’s how to:
Prepare for overnight guests
Wrap baked goods for tasty gifts
Tackle some last-minute shopping with $20 gift ideas from the Helpful Hardware Man
Buy gifts for the baking fan in your life (or make your last-minute baking easier)
Decorate for the season without breaking your budget
Stay safe while decorating
Oh, and one last tip: If you’re looking for a clever way to wish family and friends Merry Christmas, just go Elf Yourself. You’ll have your loved ones laughing in no time!
Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All
Just a little under a year ago, I posted about smart snow removal methods, giving you a brief rundown of the three most common types of snow removal: shoveling, snow throwers, and radiant heating. But since Mother Nature is threatening some serious snow here in the Midwest, I thought I’d focus on snow throwers (also known as snow blowers) in particular—especially since my parents just invested in their first one.
You have lots of decisions to make when choosing a snow thrower. Does a single-stage or two-stage make more sense for your climate? If you opt for a single-stage, should you go gas or electric? How much do you want to pay? Luckily, choosing the right model isn’t as tricky as you may think:
Single-stage. Here’s the basic gist of how they work: They have a spinning auger that comes in direct contact with the pavement to scoop up snow and propel it out of a discharge shoot. Their clearing path ranges from 11 inches to 24 inches. And like I mentioned above, single-stage snow throwers come in two general models: electric and gas.
If you’ve got a short, flat driveway and typically receive less than 4 inches of snowfall on average, a single-stage electric is the way to go. They’re compact, light, and have a lesser environmental impact than other snow throwers (and they’re generally the least expensive, too, costing you anywhere from $100 to $300, Consumer Reports says.).
But if you’ve got a mid-size driveway and receive 8 inches or less of the fluffy white stuff, you’ll need something with a bit more gusto—a single-stage gas model. Comparable to a lawnmower in size, these snow throwers usually come with electric starting and will run you approximately $300 to $750 on average, according to Consumer Reports.
Two-stage. Have a long, hilly driveway—and a heavy average annual snowfall to boot? You’ll probably want to consider a two-stage snow thrower, which is primed to clear away deep, wet snow. With these powerful machines, more snow is moved at a farther distance because they have a spinning impeller that collects the snow from the auger and propels it at increased speed. (Some models can clear as much as 45 inches, depending on the model!) Two-stage snow throwers are also a good choice if you’ve got a gravel driveway, since the auger doesn’t touch the ground. Because these models are larger and more powerful than their one-stage counterparts, you can expect to shell out more money for ’em (anywhere from $600 to $2,000-plus, according to Consumer Reports).
Quality and cost should both play a big role in your buying decision. So before you head to the store, you’ll definitely want to consult this Lowe’s snow thrower buying guide first. And then hop on over to this super-handy Consumer Reports blog where, in addition to info about the different types of throwers, you’ll find a list of buying considerations and features to look for.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
The day after Thanksgiving, I didn’t go shopping. Instead, I slept in and spent the afternoon digging through box after box of my mom’s Christmas decorations for items that I could use to get my apartment in the holiday spirit. And yes—I had permission to snag some sweet holiday gear such as a miniature Christmas tree, Peanuts-gang ornaments, and more.
But I didn’t stop there. When I got home, I headed to the local crafts store for some inexpensive red and green pillar candles in varying heights and put them on a large silver candle saucer for an easy and inexpensive centerpiece on my coffee table.
The key to holiday decorating on the cheap? Use your imagination—and items you already have around the house. Take those old glass jars that sit unused in your kitchen cabinets for instance. Now’s the time to put them to good use. Place a tealight inside and tie a festive ribbon around the neck of a jar. Group several jars together for a dazzling display of lights.
As for those old gift boxes you’ve got laying around? Real Simple has the perfect solution: Tie a ribbon around them, as if you were wrapping a present, and display your “gifts” on the mantel or another shelf.
Or you could do what my good friend Katie does: Arrange multicolor glass ball ornaments in bowls and glass hurricanes. (The folks at Better Homes and Gardens recommend using a clear martini glass for a sophisticated touch. Love, love, love it!)
If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll enjoy these candy topiaries, made by hot glue-ing Christmas-theme candies to foam topiary trees, found at crafts stores. Display your trees on a large candle stand.
Of course, there are tons of other ideas to get your home ready for the holidays in no time—and keep your hard-earned dollars where they belong: your wallet. What budget-friendly holiday ideas do you recommend?
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
Photo courtesy of
Crane & Co.
I had a birthday not too long ago, and once the presents were unwrapped, the cards opened, and the cake eaten (okay, devoured), I went to my desk and pulled out my favorite thank-you stationery.
That’s right. From an early age my mother ingrained in me the importance of writing thank you cards. And while I can’t say I always agreed with her on this topic, I appreciate her influence.
So now I have one cubbyhole in my desk hutch dedicated to thank-you stationery (every time I see some on sale, I pick up a pack). And while I have several varieties, these colorful cards from Target ($15.99 for a set of 48) are my favorites, because I love the fun hues and the chic yet simple design.
For other cool thank-you card options, look no further than Crane & Co., where you’ll find appropriate thank-you notes for every purpose—business, sympathy acknowledgements, baby, and holiday. Another bonus: Crane & Co. cards are made from recovered cotton fibers, and they’re printed with low-VOC water-based engraving inks. Since the holidays are coming up, I might have to order these awesome Letterpress Deer Thank You Notes ($14.00 for a pack of 10).
Then hop on over to Egg Press, which specializes in bold, funky stationery. I especially love their letterpress stationery. The Thanks Alligator card ($4.50 a piece) could be a fun option for kids. (Maybe if I had stationery like this growing up, my mother wouldn’t have had to plead with me to finish my thank-yous in a timely manner.)
I also love the thank-you cards featured in this Washington Post article on the topic, especially the whimsical “You Rock” card from Paper + Cup. Which ones are your favorites?
If you want to nix the paper idea all together, you could send an especially eco-friendly (and equally fun) e-card instead. Some are free, others come with a nominal fee. Try Hallmark, Blue Mountain, or Evite to get started.
Happy thank-you note writing!
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
Hello, wonderful reader. As you learned recently, this blog recently reached its one-year anniversary. It’s an exciting milestone and what will hopefully be only the first of many birthdays you’ll celebrate with the folks who make The Home Know-It-All possible.
But all that blog posting can be time-consuming, which leaves little time for The Home Know-It-All to make improvements to her own home! (Or, as is the case with some of our know-it-alls, her own apartment.) That’s why, for the next couple of weeks, you might not see The Home Know-It-All every day. You’ll still get a couple of posts each week loaded with the know-it-all information you’ve come to trust. But for a few days here and there until the beginning of October, the Home Know-It-All will be taking some time off to relax, refresh, refinish some floors—and come up with some ideas for great new info to share with you!
Until tomorrow (yep, you will see me tomorrow!),
The Home Know-It-All
Guess who’s turning one year old today?
Yep, that’s right. It’s The Home Know-It-All’s birthday. Crazy as it seems, the crew here has written at least one post every day Monday through Friday for the past year on all things home—264 posts total, to be exact—and man, what a variety of topics we’ve covered. Don’t believe me? Just use the handy Google search box that shows up on the right side of each page and you’ll see that we’ve touched on everything from DIY home repair and inspirational decorating ideas to great home and garden products and more.
And just wait—we have plenty more posts in store for you in the next year. So check back often!
Now, in honor of our one-year anniversary, who wants to play a little The Home Know-It-All trivia game to celebrate?
I do. So here we go … (I’ll include the answers at the bottom of this post—don’t cheat!)
OK. So it wasn’t a very long trivia game. But that’s all I have. Ready for the answers? Take a peek at the bottom, just past the signature.
But wait—before you leave, I have to ask. What types of posts would you like to see more of? What could you do without? What burning question would you like answered? Send us an email or leave a comment at the end of this post about what you like, don’t like, and want to learn more about. Your feedback matters—because without you, dear readers, why the heck have we been researching and writing every weekday for the last year?
Thanks for reading!
Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All
Trivia Answers.
What was the topic of our first post? It’s a trick question! Our first post was actually just a welcome. Our first content post was on xeriscaping—and it’s particularly relevant this time of year, so you better check it out!
What topic has generated the most press for The Home Know-It-All? Our coverage of green topics—and the green cleaning post in particular. That one even landed us some coverage in the national media—including an article in The Los Angeles Times.
What is our most-visited post of all-time? DIY Headboards. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check it out.
Planning a remodeling project? Once you hire reliable pros, you’ll want to get right down to business. The first step? Making a good contract. The contract is one of the most important elements of your remodeling job, because it clearly states the scope of the project and explains who’s doing what.
A successful contract should be as specific and thorough as possible, spelling out exact dates, monetary amounts, materials, and much more. Many contractors have prepared forms ready, but it may be smart to consult an attorney before signing one—especially if you have any questions or need clarification.
As you carefully review the contract, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends making absolutely sure it contains these elements:
In addition to making sure the aforementioned items are in the contract, NARI also recommends doing the following:
In addition, you’ll want to verify the schedule of payments you’ll make to the contractor. For example, if you’re asked to make large upfront payments before the work begins, be wary. Also check for a certificate of insurance to ensure the contractor has the right insurance and a release of liens, so you won’t be held accountable for legal issues filed against the contractor.
Once you’ve got your contract in order, you’ll be well on your way to tackling your remodeling project!
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
Photo by James A. Stepp,
Lexicon Media
Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All
Refinishing wood floors is backbreaking work—and that’s no understatement. I spent an entire summer helping refinish the floors in my parents’ 100-year-old house. And let me tell you, after one day of pulling staples, sanding, and re-sanding, I was about to throw in the towel. All that bending, kneeling, stretching—not to mention, sweating—seemed hardly worth it at the time, but boy did those floors look nice when we were finally done. Not only did it restore the home’s original glory, it also increased its value when they were ready to sell it. In the end, I’d have to admit the pain was well worth the results.
Today, I’d refinish another floor in a heartbeat. So if you have a beautiful wood floor hidden beneath grungy carpet or layers of poorly applied stain, I’d urge you to take these steps to refinish it. (Your back will only hurt for a little while.)
Clean
This—I assure you—is the hardest step, especially if you have to pull up carpet or resilient flooring. If you’re dealing with carpet, you’ll have to pull up hundreds of staples. Use diagonal pliers and a crow bar to do this. If you have to remove resilient flooring, be sure to remove the adhesive as well. Use adhesive remover to get the best results and save time later on. Once you’ve removed the extra flooring, sweep the room and cover all light fixtures with trash bags. To keep the rest of your house dust-free, hang a sheet or plastic covering from all doorways.
Caution: Older vinyl or linoleum resilient floors produced before the 1980s may contain asbestos. DO NOT REMOVE THIS FLOORING. Hire a professional to safely get rid of the nasty stuff for you. For more information on asbestos in the home go here.
Sand
Before you sand, make any necessary repairs. Fix warped, deeply stained, or squeaky areas, and fill holes and cracks with putty. You’ll also want to scan the room for any nails. If you can’t pull them out, sink them with a nailset and cover the hole with putty. Now’s the time to measure the thickness of your floor as well. If it’s less than 3/4-inch thick, you should probably hire a professional. You’d hate to see through to your basement when you’re done sanding.
Unless you’re a professional, you probably don’t own a floor sander, so you’ll need to rent one from a tool equipment or home improvement store. For a complete tutorial on how to use a clunky drum sander go here. And because it’s extremely easy to gouge the wood with one, it’s vitally important that you understand how to use a drum sander before you turn it on. (But don’t worry; if I successfully used the thing, you can too.) You’ll want to start sanding with rougher sandpaper (20 or 60 grit) and move to smoother sandpaper (120 grit). When you’re finished, sweep the room with a broom and then a damp cloth to pick up any extra debris.
Stain
If you desire a natural look, apply a clear sealer to the floor, and you’re done. But if you want to darken the wood or bring out the grain, choose a stain. Opt for either a water- or oil-based stain—both have their benefits—and follow the directions on the can as specifically as possible. Look for how many coats to apply and drying time between each. It’s also important to note how long you should wait before moving your furniture back on the floor. Many times, it’s as long as two weeks, and it’s often even longer before you can put your area rug back down.
If you start to feel overwhelmed at all with this labor-intense project, take a break for a while. (It took my family an entire summer to complete the project.) You’ll feel much better once you’ve given your aching legs a rest—and ready to pick up where you left off. For more information on how to refinish your wood floor, go here.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
A friendly reader recently asked me an important question I think a lot of you might be wondering about. Here it is: How can I make the bottom of my couch firmer? Do I tighten the springs, or is there some other easy trick?
Great question. And here’s what I could find out about fixing a sagging seat:
Begin by turning the couch over and inspecting the bottom. Is the cloth covering it torn? That’s a relatively easy fix—just purchase new fabric and staple it in place.
If the framing is broken, one DIY message board post recommended cutting plywood to “beef up” any broken pieces. Or cut pieces of wood to fit between the cushions and springs of your couch for extra support.
If you have a couch that’s sagging like crazy and you’re not sure why, another message board visitor recommended tightly wrapping and threading cloth moving van tape through the back and around the bottom of the frame until it’s covered in a web of tape, which will provide additional support. And one suggested purchasing screw-eyes and rope, placing the eyes every foot or so on either side down the length of the couch under the cushions, then lacing the rope through the eyes like you would a shoe.
Some DIYers say that purchasing sofa supports—like the ones shown here—are the way to go. Essentially, they’re vinyl-covered fiberboard accordion-style panels that fit under your cushions to fix a sagging seat. Some people swear by them; others say they’re a waste of money. If you decide to try them out, let me know how they work.
If the springs are a problem, the brilliant ladies at BeJane suggest getting out the pliers. Bent springs can be fixed simply by twisting them to mimic the shape of the other coils. They agree, however, that if your springs are broken, your best bet is to call an upholsterer. If you’re lucky, the pro might be able to give you some advice on fixing the couch based on your particular sofa trouble. Or, if nothing else, you can hire the upholstered to come take care of the problem for you.
I apologize for not being able to provide any definitive advice, but near as I can tell DIY sofa repair is a tricky matter! So, readers, if you have any additional ideas, please share here.
And, while you’re at it, if you want to reupholster your couch too, here’s how, thanks to eHow.
Stay tuned for more answers to your pressing questions,
The Home Know-It-All
The Home Know-It-All is taking today off to grill outdoors (and spend the whole day outdoors, hopefully) with family and friends. Enjoy your day off too! I’ll be back on Tuesday.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
There are plenty of necessary components that comprise the exterior of your house. One of the most important? The roof. That’s why selecting the right roofing for your home is such a vital part of the home-planning process.
Repair or Replace?
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you have two basic options, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. You can tear off your existing roof system and do a complete roof replacement or re-cover your existing roof system. If you’ve already done one re-cover of your roof system, you’ll likely have to go for a complete replacement, as most building codes only allow one roof system re-cover.
If your roof existing roofing has sustained any damage or leaks, you’ll likely want to remove the existing roof and repair the substrate before installing a new roof.
Roof System Components
Even if you plan to hire someone else to handle your roof replacement, it’s a good idea to know the basic components of your roof.
Steep-slope roof systems (those with a slope of 25 percent or more) have five main parts, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association:
1. Roof Covering. This consists of shingles, tile, slate, or metal, as well as an underlayment to protect the sheathing from weathering. (I’ll post more about roofing materials soon!)
2. Sheathing. The boards or sheet material that are fastened to the roof rafters to cover a house or building.
3. Roof Structure. The structure includes the rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.
4. Flashing. To prevent water seepage, this sheet metal or other material is installed into the roof system’s joints and valleys.
5. Drainage. This is the shape, slope, and layout of the roof system, which affects its ability to shed water.
Style Considerations
Your roof not only protects your home from the elements, it’s also a major feature of your exterior. For that reason, you’ll want to consider material selection carefully.
How prominent is your roof? Large, steep roofs will have a much greater visual impact on the exterior home—and may require more careful selection of roofing materials style and color—than smaller, lower-sloped roofs that are less visible.
Use your home’s architecture as a starting point for narrowing down your roofing choices. For instance, tile is commonly found on Mediterranean- or Southwestern-style homes, while standing-seam metal roofing offers a more contemporary touch.
Consider color too. Lighter roofing can make a house appear larger, while darker roofing can make larger houses seem less imposing. On the flip side, however, in an area with a lot of houses close together, light-color roofing may make the lots appear too crowded; and small houses appear even smaller when topped with dark roofs.
Cost
How much your roofing material costs will, of course, be an important consideration. You will want to factor in your budget as well as the quality of materials—installing a quality roof that will last for years without problems or maintenance may be worth a bit of additional upfront cost. Average-quality asphalt shingles generally will be the least expensive option; clay tile and natural slate usually cost the most.
Stay tuned—you’ll learn more about these materials (and more!) in an upcoming post.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
