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Moving to a New Home – DIY Home Improvement Tips

November 26th, 2012

Moving can be stressful for you, but it can be hard on your property too. Along with the looking for movers, packing and paperwork jobs, you have to make sure that you leave your current property in an appropriate condition. The property owner might refuse giving your security deposit back if there are any issues. And if you are selling your house, you should also take care of its appearance.

Protect your home on the moving day:

 

  • ·         Place doormats in front of the doorsteps in your home
    To protect your floors on moving day, use doormats as they catch most of the dirt that comes in from movers.
  • ·         Use rosin paper
    Tape the rosin paper on all of the hallways in your property through which your belongings and furniture will be carried.
  • Use plywood to protect floors in case of moving large and heavy items.
    The plywood will protect floors from damages since paper will be too thin to count on when it comes to heavy items. Sharp edges can cause severe ruining. Before moving any furniture that has sharp legs, wrap the legs with towels or cloth to prevent scratches. Be careful when moving bulky furnishing and avoid damages.
  • To protect carpets when moving, use carpet film protector, or at least - put some old blankets or cloth. Do not forget to fixate the protective covering to prevent injuries. Safety is a top priority when moving.

Professional movers

If you are too busy to take care of the “protect-house-when-moving” job, use the service of a professional moving provider. Professional movers can arrange it for you as they have the needed tools to move all your bulky and fragile items without casing damages.

When choosing movers; look through at least three binding written estimates. Don’t rush to pick the movers with the lowest quote. It’s a common practice for rogue movers to give low-ball estimates, and then after loading all of your items double or triple your bill. Avoid scam movers, do your homework – run an extensive research on the potential moving companies. Check for safety violations on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database, read reviews, check for affiliations with associations – AMSA, BBB. Learn more on how to choose movers here.

 

The clean up

After movers leave your property, you have to clean the mess. Remove the plywood, the rosin paper and the cloth. Use a floor brush to weep the dirt from the floors and then a vacuum cleaner for the small particles. Clean the floors with a mop for a better result.

 

Buy all of the cleaning detergents a couple of days before the moving day. This way you will be able to start with the cleaning right after the movers load your items and head up to the new location. Buy only high quality products, otherwise you are risking to spend money on cleaning without achieving results. Mind that different surfaces require different cleaning materials – degreaser, bleach, mold and mildew cleaning agents.

Remodeling tips for an updated look

Next, consider some renovation. I am not talking about major construction, every bit helps, but the more you put in to a house going on the market the better your return will be. If you want to get a top-notch deal when your buyers come to see your property, potential buyers should see the best version of your house.

 

A modern look can be achieved in a moderately older house by improving the kitchen and bathroom, and these are two areas of the house that are sort of a sanctuary in a way.  Price out some granite countertops for the kitchen, and also look into refacing your cabinets, which will save you money and breathe new life into something that may have been dragging aesthetically.

Granite has a sleek modern look that instantly improves the value of your home.  It is a sought after material that is aesthetically pleasing, highly durable, and easy to maintain.  For the cabinet refacing, you can go simple and leave the natural wood, which has a rustic and environmentally friendly look.  Or you can use eco-friendly paint and highlight that as a selling point. If you decide to replace countertops and reface cabinets, even better!

Author Bio: Manuella Irwin is a relocation professional, one of the esteemed contributors to MyMovingReviews.com blog.

Make it look cozy and spacious. Repair broken items, trim garden, paint walls. You don’t have to break the bank. Nowadays you can find cost-effective solutions, for example check Home Depot. Remember, keep it simple, and choose light and warm colors. Too much decoration will make your property too posh. Cut clutter and make your home look organized, neat and tidy.

 


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Introducing Metropolis

November 1st, 2012

   

Granite Transformations is excited to announce its new Metropolis glass tile collection.  Granite Transformations specializes in designing and installing custom glass tile and this is a perfect addition to our collection.  This versatile hand cut tile includes an assortment of colors and textures  to coordinate or contrast beautifully within any environment.

Aesthetics aside, Granite Transformations’ glass-cut tiles contain up to 72 percent post-consumer recycled glass and are perfect for homeowners or businesses interested in adding an eclectic touch to any room.  With eight color options, the Metropolis is a one of a kind look that stands out on any backsplash, wall or even a shower.


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How Granite Can Transform Your Home

October 25th, 2012

Granite is a material that many people want to use, and in this article we look at ways that you can make the most of your investment and transform the look of your interior.

Using Granite in Your Home.

Marble and Granite products are in great demand for use in the home and one of the most popular places that you will see granite being used is in the kitchen, however there are many other possible uses for granite around the house. Just remember that to get the best out of your investment, it is not just a case of buying and fitting the product, you have to think carefully about the enhancements you are looking for and how granite can help you achieve the look that you desire.

Suitable Locations.

Flooring is one option with durability and style being two positive attributes when using this material to make a statement. Columns, pillars and indeed spectacular fireplace surrounds can be created to add a touch of class and real style to your home. Kitchens and bathrooms are probably the most used locations for granite surfaces in the house and there is no question that most modern homes can be transformed with a sleek and stylish countertop in the kitchen or a vanity unit in the bathroom.

Various Options.

One of the most effective transformations you can achieve with minimal disruption to your existing installation is to consider the use of granite overlays. You can get a granite countertop for your kitchen that is made to fit over the top of your existing surface; these overlays are stronger than full granite slabs and engineered to be stain resistant. Having a new granite countertop custom made to fit without having to remove your existing finish will save you a lot of time, create minimal disruption and offer a cost effective way of immediately lifting the look in your kitchen with a new quality surface. Also, cracking, staining and porosity are not an issue with an overlay. If you are looking to make a design statement then you could also consider using glass counter-tops. Used in the right location, this unique look will create a beautifully textured finish and add an element of drama and interest for all the visitors in the kitchen.

Why Choose Granite.

The primary reason for many people is the natural beauty of granite but not many people realize the amazing variety of colors that are available with each countertop that is created being almost certainly unique with over 200 color options available and variations within that large range making it more personalized to you and your home. From a practical point of view, granite is very durable and extremely hard wearing, being able to withstand temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit without suffering the damage that other surfaces would when subjected to the same duress. With reasonable care and regular maintenance your granite surface can be used to directly cut meat and vegetables without causing scratching and your surface is almost completely stain proof as well.

There are pros and cons to weigh up when you consider choosing granite as your preferred surface. Granite will almost certainly add value to your home, it is a hygienic solution as bacterial contamination is not a problem due to the surface and it is also very easy to keep clean as well. On the negative side, granite is an expensive outlay so you need to be sure that your choice of colour and finish is absolutely right before buying and you should also bear in mind that with extreme force it can crack as a result of a blow with a sharp object such as a meat cleaver, although it is always advisable to use an additional chopping board anyway. You should also bear in mind that as granite is so heavy, your kitchen units may require additional structural support, which will add to the overall cost of your installation.

Granite is a unique and very versatile material and when you choose to use it in your home you are making a design statement, a commitment to quality and creating a look that will have an aesthetic appeal. Using it in your entrance hallway will create a distinguished look combined with practicality and durability that may other flooring solutions will struggle to compete with.

You could also consider using granite to good effect in your outdoor areas and creating a dining table for your patio area will create a beautiful dining environment and stand up extremely well to the rigours of being exposed to the elements. You do not have to use granite in large quantities to make a design statement and if you have some remnants you can make some coasters or even a cheese board or maybe just use a small amount as a splash back in your kitchen or bathroom sink areas.

Whatever you decide to do in your home, using granite will be an investment that be rewarded in terms of looks and longevity.

Author Bio:

Guest post contributed by Jonathan Azevedo on behalf of Arearugs.com. Jonathan is a freelance writer with extensive experience in interior design. His articles mainly appear on design blogs.

 


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Use Bright and Bold Colors This Summer for a Fresh Look

July 9th, 2012

Summer is here and a perfect time for a new and fresh look. Nature is resplendent in fresh new colors and provides great inspiration for homeowners interested in a new look. Bright colors and bold patterns feature prominently in popular home decor magazines this year.

However, it can be intimidating to bring patterns and colors like these into your home without risking a garish look. So, keep it simple and use inexpensive accents to achieve the look of the season this year.

Living with Color

In the living room, try using bright solid colored throw pillows paired with a couple of patterned pillows. This will give your living room a pop of color without overtaking the entire room. Replace old, outdated lampshades with a patterned shade that complements your new colors. Updating doesn’t always require spending a lot of money, and sometimes the simple, inexpensive ideas are just what your home needs.

Often times, small tweaks in home decor can make a big impact. New slipcovers, lampshades or pillows might have the desired effect. New wall hangings or pieces of art can introduce bold themes without the expense of purchasing new furniture. A fresh coat of paint in a room can instantly transform a space at a low cost. Rearranging the room is another easy (and free) way to gain a new view.

Color Your Kitchen

Antique shops are great places to find items with which to redecorate, especially if you are redecorating your kitchen. A quick look at chain stores and catalogs reveals that the retro look is very popular right now. Shopping at an antique store for the real thing might save you some money and give you an even more unique look. Once again, don’t overdo it, just a few key pieces will completely change your home. New canisters or a new table cloth can bring fresh color to your kitchen, and are an easy way to update your look.

Bold Beds & Baths

Bedrooms and bathrooms can easily receive the same treatment. Add a few brightly colored items or a vase of fresh flowers in the room. New towels in the bathroom or a new duvet cover and pillow shams in the bedroom may be all you need. These items are fairly inexpensive, but will brighten your space for the spring season.

Outdoor Color

If you are looking to update the outside of your home, you’ll find a huge selection of outdoor home decor items in the market. If you’d like a small change, try planting a few new flowers and plants. Update or re-cover your patio chair cushions. A birdbath will bring new life to your yard, and complement the new statuary you’ve chosen for spring. If yard gnomes aren’t your favorite thing, there are many contemporary yard decorations that are unique and different. Artists are creating interesting outdoor accents all the time that may be more to your taste.

Get Organized

Do some research to discover what suits you best and of course to find the best deal. Create an idea book or use Pinterest to keep track of what you would like most for your home. You’ll be more prepared while shopping, making it easier to compare prices. Take a photo of each room that you want to redecorate and take pictures of the different items you would like to replace. Staying focused on what you are searching for is sometimes difficult, so when you find something you like, take a picture and then go home and compare choices.

A bit of color can make all the difference!

Kiersten Gurry is an expert on home decor and works for FirstImpressionSecurityDoors.com


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Posted in Home Improvement, Interior Design, Remodeling

Bringing Today’s Runway Trends into Your Home

July 5th, 2012

The 2012 runways have been packed with exciting trends. Luxury is the name of the game, from lush faux furs to clothing encrusted with beading. If you’re a fashion aficionado, but you want to get a jump on these new trends before their commercial counterparts hit the overpriced shelves, you’re in luck. We’ll walk you through the top runway trends and discuss how you can apply them to your interior design.

Faux fur is everywhere. There are heavy coats, floppy hats, collars and cuffs of the stuff. Steer clear of the bright artificial colors in your home if you don’t want to feel like you’re cuddling up to a Muppet. Lush throw pillows are the easiest way to bring this trend into a living room or bedroom. Faux throws are great but can be too warm to leave out for the summer. If you’re feeling dramatic, find a wool flokati rug. Although white is the most common color, these rugs are available in pastels or other natural fur colors. If you’re feeling even more dramatic, find a furry rug cut in the shape of a bear skin. Enterprising decorators can play off the extreme fur trend to cut an unnatural color into an animal outline.

Speaking of surprises, the runways were full of sweaters with cheesy or funky details. Designers combined sleek and classy skirts or pants with a baggy sweater adorned with a landscape or bright animals. Instead of raiding your grandmother’s closet, take kitsch into your home in other ways. Subversive needlepoints have been making ripples in the craft world, but if you’ve been hesitant, now’s the time to put one in a pretty frame to surprise visitors. If your kitchen is already spotless and fashionable, mix it up with a cheesy cookie jar. If fashion designers aren’t afraid to mix high style with a little humor, you shouldn’t be afraid either.

With fur, opulence was also evoked with heavy beading and brocades. The beading is one trend you want to leave on the runway, especially if you have children or pets. Instead, heavy brocade curtains are an old standby that are easy to find. While some models called to mind Marie Antoinette, you can use her bedroom as an inspiration. Go over the top with rich fabrics and laces.

If the high fashion feels too rich for your home, don’t worry. Military looks also made a splash, most notably as a sensible, simple foil to the other trends. Campaign furniture is an easy way to bring an efficient sensibility into the home. Use neutrals like olives or tans to simplify elements of your home. Using the iconically sparse lines of military furniture will give your rooms a clean feeling amidst clutter.

The most popular colors on the runway were white and oxblood red. If your home already has a clean, Scandinavian feel, then you know how amazing an all-white color palette can be. If you’ve been seeing the white trend for a while, now’s the time to try it. Wood floors painted white and over saturated, airy rooms are still in. But consider the deep, rich red of oxblood as a way to add drama and warmth. Oxblood is great if you want leather furniture that goes a little beyond a traditional brown.

Fashion and interior design have always taken cues from one another. While some trends, like peplums, simply won’t translate, with a little work, you can find the trends that will. Use the runways as a source of fresh ideas for your home, and your friends will be astounded at your originality and foresight.

About the Author: Scott, a writer at www.HireAHelper.com, is always rearranging and redecorating the rooms in his house, trying to get the right feel. Just when he gets a room to give off the perfect vibe, he tends to stumble upon a new furniture piece to bring home and starts the process over.


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Do It Yourself Interior Design Trends for 2012

June 27th, 2012

New Year’s may have come and gone, but there’s still plenty of time to turn over a new leaf and spruce up your space in 2012. You can use these innovative DIY design tips to get the ball rolling and makeover your home, even on a limited budget.

Reinvent old furniture.

Instead of splurging to buy a new couch, buy a stylish couch cover or consider making your own. This is one of the quickest, smartest ways to turn something old into something new that will better match the existing decor of your living room.

Or, if you want a DIY project that you can sink your teeth into, why not try reupholstering your couch yourself? Reupholstering furniture is one excellent way to save money and can be mastered by anyone who has basic sewing skills. You will only need a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and a staple gun to get the job done – with the guidance from a helpful online tutorial.

Make trash into treasure.

The next time that you’re at a thrift store or yard sale, lower your standards just a little. If you see an interesting coffee table, wall hanging, or cake stand that has seen better days, consider taking it home with you at an unbeatably low price.

You can use wood varnish or paint to makeover old furniture, turning someone’s trash into an interesting piece that will balance the decor of a room. As an example, why not paint old wooden candlesticks a bright shade, like pink or sky blue? If you’re looking for an interesting way to spice up the color scheme in a room, adding an item in a bold hue will immediately liven up a space and draw attention to your revamped treasure.

Add hanging planters.

Installing hanging planters in any room in the house is an easy DIY project that almost anyone can do. The benefit of hanging plants in a room is that they will immediately create a serene environment that promotes relaxation. On top of that, you can add your own creative touch to a hanging pot by painting it or using decoupage to decorate it in a unique style.

This is a quick, clever way to fill up empty airspace in a room and to draw attention upward so that a room naturally appears larger. As an added bonus, you get the opportunity to cultivate beautiful plants as a natural, botanical decoration to liven up even the drabbest room.

 

Bethany Ramos is a full-time freelance writer that co-owns her own e-commerce website , The Coffee Bump.


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Granite Home Innovations: 6 Classy and Simple Home Transformation Ideas

June 19th, 2012

Whether you own a single family home, townhouse, villa, or condo, the appearance of your residence is something that you probably take pride in. Nobody wants to walk into their kitchen and see old cabinets and countertops. Or head into the bathroom and see a grimy shower area. But there are plenty of things you can do to improve the look of your home. Here are 6 classy and simple home transformation ideas.

1. Engineered Granite Kitchen Countertops

One of the best ways to transform the look of your home is by installing engineered granite kitchen countertops. These beautiful counters come in all colors to fit any look and feel that you could imagine for your home. They are resistant to wear and tear, can handle heat and cold, are almost impossible to scratch, and are virtually maintenance free. And the beauty is, installing engineered granite countertops will actually add value to your home!

Why engineered granite? There are a few reasons. First and foremost, it is extremely quick and clean to install. It fits right over your existing countertops, so there is no need for any demolition in your home. The counters are measured specifically for your kitchen, but manufactured off site and brought to your home to install. This means that a standard installation only takes one day, which saves you a lot of money. Another advantage of engineered granite is that it does not have the flaws of regular granite, while still having all the beauty.

 

 

2. Engineered Granite Bathroom Countertops

Everyone wants their bathroom to be clean and sterile, while still feeling sleek and stylish. There is no better way to accomplish these goals than to remodel your bathroom by installing engineered granite countertops. Whether you want to modernize your vanity counters or the area around your bath tub, engineered granite will give you everything you need. These countertops are heat, mold, stain, mildew, and scratch resistant. And again, the ease of installation and lack of demolition needed to install engineered granite countertops will save you both time and money, with the added convenience that your bathroom will only take one day to remodel.

3. Recycled Glass Countertops

Do you consider yourself a “green” person? If so, recycled glass countertops are the perfect way to give your home the sleek, smooth, and modern feel that you are looking for. The product is called Trend Glass, and it combines post-consumer recycled glass, tempered glass, and man-made stones to give you a perfect countertop finish. It is resistant to heat, cold, stains, and scratches. It is also very easy to clean, and comes in all different colors, matching your home perfectly.

Just like with the engineered granite, the installation of recycled glass countertops does not require any demolition in your home, saving you a lot of money and offering you the convenience you deserve.

4. Mosaic Tiles

These beautiful tiles can be used to remodel many areas in your home. Your kitchen counter. Your kitchen backsplash. The area around your bath tub. Your bathroom vanity mirror. All of these places are perfect fit for mosaic tiles, which give you the added benefits of a surface that is stain resistant, will never crack, and will never need sealing. They come in many colors and patterns to match the design and color of your home. Also, the ability to install them over existing surfaces will cut down on the installation time significantly, while still offering you the craftsmanship you desire.

5. Acrylic Bath Surfaces

Is your bath tub or shower getting old? Are you tired of the little bits of grime between the tiles? If so, then acrylic bath surfaces are the perfect way to remodel your bathroom. Just like with the engineered granite, acrylic bath surfaces are installed directly over your old bathroom surfaces, which makes installation much quicker and easier than other bathroom remodeling jobs. You will have almost no down time. These acrylic surfaces are easy to clean and do not allow mold or mildew to grow on them, which is perfect for your shower or bath tub. They are also very strong, and will not chip or crack. You can even cover your walls with this product!

6. Cabinet Refacing

Why deal with ripping out and replacing your cabinets when you can reface them and make them look completely new? With traditional cabinet replacement, you could be without the use of your kitchen for a month. But refacing can take as little as two days, and for a fraction of the cost. There are many styles and colors to choose from, and when the refacing job is complete, you won’t even be able to tell that they are the same cabinets. They will look completely new!

 

Aileen Pablo is part of the team behind Open Colleges, one of Australia’s leading providers of TAFE courses equivalent and interior design courses. When not working, Aileen blogs about travel, lifestyle, home improvement, and beauty tips. She is also often invited as a speaker in Personality Development Seminars in the Philippines.


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Posted in Bathroom Remodeling, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodeling, Remodeling

Should You Remodel Your Bathroom before Selling Your House?

May 24th, 2012

Remodeling and updating bathrooms can do a lot for your home, especially if you are considering selling it. While remodeling a bath can improve your home’s resale value, you must take into consideration the pros and cons of remodeling before tackling such a project.

When you decide to sell your home, one of the best steps you can take is to remodel your bathroom. Taking a bathroom that was designed in the 1980s or, worse yet, in the 1970s and bringing it into the new millennium will double your investment. There are many good reasons to consider remodeling your bathroom and very few reasons not to.

Remodeling your bath will increase the value of your home, especially its resale value. The good news is that you do not have to spend a lot of money and use the most expensive products to make the bathroom look great. Even mid-range modern fixtures and paint look much better than anything two decades old.

For most people, the bathroom is the smallest functional room in the house and consequently remodeling this smaller room takes a smaller budget than other rooms like the kitchen, and for the same price for a kitchen sink and counter space, you can replace all the fixtures, the floor covering, the sink, and paint.

As the old fixtures are removed, plumbing problems can be found and repaired. Most fixtures and electrical receptacles from the 1980s are not up to current code and can be repaired and replaced during a remodel for no additional cost, so essentially you will get a free inspection of your bathroom. This will prevent headaches during the sale or refinance as well as years after.

Many people buy things, including houses, based on emotion and nothing tugs at the heartstrings more than a comfortable and welcoming bathroom. Often times your remodel may make the difference of a prospective buyer choosing your house over another. It also will make the difference in the amount the buyer tries to talk down the price.

Of course, there are a few disadvantages to remodeling your bathroom. Often times the problems you see are just a veneer and as your contractor starts removing things the repair costs will rise. It is an old adage known by most homeowners that when you look for problems you find them and more. Also, it never fails that you must repair the underlying problems before you repair and replace what will be visible. Of course, any inspector worth his salt will recognize when the underlying wear and tear has been replaced and when it has been ignored.

Less a disadvantage than something to be avoided it the innate desire to remodel your bathroom yourself. It is a small room, after all, and should be easy. Nothing could be further from the truth and doing a bathroom remodel yourself will cost three times as much as planned and take three times as long. If your contractor gives you an estimate that is twice what you think you can do it yourself then you will actually save money giving the job to him. Also, because the bathroom is a small room, a shoddy remodel job will be that more obvious and will actually diminish the value of your home as opposed to increase it.

There are many good reasons to remodel your bathroom really no good reasons not to remodel it. The risk of finding more things that need to be fixed is a good thing because the bathroom will become a better room and a better selling feature. Of course, using a qualified contractor to remodel your bathroom is actually a good idea and nor a disadvantage. Let a pro do the work and you can sit back and reap the rewards.

Jacob Pettit is a residential property manager and a loving father. After getting his degree he started working with Your Local Movers in Melbourne, advising them on how to do the job better and provide more professional service to become the best removalists in Melbourne. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and he likes to write articles on various topics related to his expertise.


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Posted in Bathroom Remodeling

Trash to Treasure: Repurpose instead of Toss!

May 22nd, 2012

Trash to Treasure: Repurpose instead of Toss!

Ever since they had us plant trees for Arbor Tree in the elementary school parking lot when I was in second grade, I have been interested in conserving. I will not tell you long ago that was, but I will just mention those little saplings are now beautiful mighty oaks! Yes, I confess that I am a tree hugger. I just feel that there is so much more we can do to conserve the limited natural resources that we have on this planet and that every can or bottle recycled helps.

I recently discovered Pinterest, and I have been thrilled with some of the cool recycled and repurposed projects on the site. Rather than toss things in the trash that they no longer use, people have found some of the niftiest ways to reuse things creatively.

Pallets

Instead of busting these up and throwing them in a bonfire, use them to make all sorts of stuff. Check out these cute ideas.

This first one is a little accent fence—nothing but a pallet and a coat of paint, but simply adorable.  You can adorn it as you see fit to mix or match the décor in your yard.

Another twist is to use it as a vertical garden, like this. For this project, the pallet is used as is, with all of dings and scratches. In fact, that is what gives it character.

Check out this cool and trendy mobile coffee table made of a pallet, with sturdy wheels to move it wherever you want or need it.

Cute Recycled Outdoor Accents

Now let’s take a peek at some outdoor accents you can make with castoff materials.

First, a pretty planter that is made out of a broken floor lamp. Just add flowers and bedding material that you like best.

How about a nice white arbor made with materials that you would otherwise put on the curb? This creative way to use castoff doors would make a pretty accent in your yard.

In need of some candles for your deck or patio? Why not use some Mason jars, a little sand, and some tealights to fashion these whimsical candle lamps?

Adorable Repurposed Indoor Pieces

If you have a faux fireplace that is rarely used, transform it into something that gives you more use, like this bookshelf.

Simple and whimsical storage for your kitchen. This kitchen trellis can hold any sort of things you’d like; just add pegboard hooks, baskets, and small shelves.

Here is another awesome way to use a repurposed Mason jar. Just put up a hook next to your kitchen window and add flowers!

As you can see, just being a little creative can turn your trash into a new treasure. Look at everything with an eye toward repurposing it and you will amaze even yourself with things that you come up with.

This guest post was written by Denise Gabbard, a blogger who writes for Tomorrow Finance about home loans.

 

 

 


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Posted in DIY, Home Improvement

DIY Home Security – 8 Proven Tips That Will Improve the Security of Your Home

May 22nd, 2012

It’s that time!  Flowers are blooming, trees are coming back to life, and the warmer weather is upon us.  This means it’s time to start working on those projects you have been neglecting since winter.  Cleaning the gutters, prepping your landscape, and even cleaning the garage your better half has been telling you to do for months now.  One thing that never comes to mind however is prepping the security of your home.  With spring here, the number of home burglaries skyrocket due to the ideal weather conditions.  So what if you don’t have a burglar alarm? Don’t worry, the added expense of a home security system can be overwhelming to some people, so I drafted up some DIY tips you can do around your home to beef up your security and ultimately keep your family safe.

Burglars are very opportunistic criminals, so they’ll look for a home with the most vulnerability.  This means anything from unlocked doors and windows, to the absence of a home security system.  Burglars are very quick. It usually takes them under two minutes to gain entry into your home, and under 12 minutes to burglarize it.  Burglars who can’t break into a home in less than two minutes will just move onto the next defenseless target.  So what’s the goal here?  The goal is to beef up your security measures so a burglar can’t make it into your home in less than two minutes, essentially forcing the burglar to move onto the next target.

Here are 8 tips that you can take to boost your home’s security:

The most common entryway a burglar is uses is either the front or back door.  If you have the door unlocked they’ll be sure to check, as it’s a lot easier than prying it open.  However, the familiar method a burglar uses is by plainly kicking the door in, allowing for easy entry.

Here’s what you can do to strengthen your exterior doors:

Reinforced Locking Mechanisms – Installing a 1-inch-long deadbolt lock, and a reinforced metal strike plate.

Burglar-Proof Hinges – Doors with exposed hinges are exposed to having the pins in the hinges removed which eventually causes the door to open.   Re-hang your door to make certain the hinges are installed on the inside.  You can always hammer a nail through the midsection of the door hinge to make sure it’s hinges are never removed.

Strengthen Your Door Frame – Even if you had the strongest door in the world, and the most durable lock, having a weak door frame will still allow a burglar to pry or kick that door down.   You can secure your door frame to the wall by mounting a few 3-inch screws along the frame and door stop.  You want to make sure the screws reach the wall stud.

When it’s not a door, everyone knows an unlocked or broken window is another way in for burglars.  So what can you do to prevent a burglar from coming in your window?

Protect Glass Areas – 3M manufactures security or safety window film that can resist blows of up to 400 foot-pounds.  This can cost you anywhere in the ballpark of $100-$150 dollars depending on the size of your windows.

Window Locks – You can increase the security of your window locks by inserting detachable eye-bolts in holes that you can drill into the sash where they both overlap.  Worst case, you can add locking scissor gates, or even metal grills.

*Quick Tip – Air conditioners are vital in the hotter months, however burglars thrive on homes with AC’s in the in windows.  Burglars can easily push an air conditioner inside the home to gain easy entry.  Secure your AC with sturdy screws through a wooden or metal frame.

It doesn’t end there! There are steps outside of your home you can take to better secure your home.  Check out the added security measures you can take outside of your home:

Trim the Hedges – If you have high hedges surrounding your property, you may be inviting a burglar to choose your home.   Burglars will hide behind hedges to get a better look into your home.  They can also break a window undetected by a neighbor.   Trim them down to a point where it’s possible to see your neighbors, and anyone passing your home from the street.

Security Landscaping – Another good way to deter burglars from breaking or entering your windows is to plant any type of thorny bush.  Roses are great and aesthetically pleasing.

Lay the Groundwork – Another good tip is to lay gravel under windows, or even as a surface treatment for a driveway.  A burglar’s footsteps can be heard in advance with these security measures in place.

Using the tips provided above will help deter a burglar from choosing your home, and also slows down a burglar from entering your home.  Remember, if a burglar can’t make it into your home in less than two minutes, they’ll just move onto the next home.  Burglars are always going to be out there.  The only thing that you can do to prepare yourself is to take proper steps in securing your home.  Unfortunately, no home is burglar-proof but there are always steps you can take to be one step ahead of the bad guys.

This guest post was written by Kevin Raposo, a blogger for SimpliSafe.  Kevin covers issues related to home security, crime, safety, and consumer issues.  SimpliSafe is a leader in the wireless home security field.

Photo by Duncan Walker (iStockphoto)


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