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Easily find any home improvement resource to meet your need. Learn "how to" and "do it yourself" tips on renovation and remodeling for your kitchen, bathroom, basement, bedrooms and more. You can also find LOCAL, QUALIFIED contractors, use helpful project management and estimating tools, ask experts questions, get a loan, and so much more. Whether it's your kitchen backsplash that needs upgrading, a room addition, driveway repairs or any home improvement need, you can find it by starting here.
Helpful Articles, Tips and Tricks...
Interiors
Additions
- Home
Additions: What You Should
Know
By building an addition, you can make your home more liveable, while increasing its value. It also allows you to stay in a home and neighborhood you like without incurring the expenses and inconvenience of moving. But before you start, there are many things you should know.
» read more - Why are Sunrooms and Patio Enclosures so Popular?
If you're thinking of adding a sunroom or enclosed patio onto your home, join the half million Americans who are discovering the benefits of 3- and 4-season enclosures each year. According to the U.S. Census, about half of the 1.27 million new, single-family homes built in 2001 had some kind of attached porch or sunroom.
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Basement
- Basement Remodel
A basement remodeling project is an easy and cost-effective way to add living space to your home without cutting into your yard or garden. A basement remodel usually costs about a third as much as an addition, and can be completed much faster because the mechanicals, foundation, and outside walls are already in place - and there's no need for re-landscaping.
» read more - How to Finish your Basement and Basement Remodeling
Finishing your basement can almost double the square foot living space of your home. A finished basement can include new living space such as a recreation room, a game room, a bar and even bedrooms and bathrooms. Finishing a basement or remodeling a basement is also a relatively inexpensive remodeling job as frequently outside construction is not required. And since it is not a critical living area it can be completed at a leisurely pace. Consequently finishing a basement is a project that do it yourself homeowners can tackle.
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Bathroom
- Bathroom Remodeling
One of the most popular home improvement projects in the U.S. is bathroom remodeling. A remodeled bathroom will surely provide increased enjoyment of your home, and it is among the home improvements with the highest return on investment. Adding a new bathroom will often recoup at least 90% of your investment when you sell your house, while remodeling an existing bathroom will usually pay back around 80-90%. But as good as these returns are, think about the pleasures you'll get from your remodeled bathroom until the time comes to sell.
» read more - Design
Bathrooms on a Budget
Are you ready to redesign your bathroom but the cost is hindering your plans? This article will explain how you can achieve this on a budget. If you're a do-it-yourself person you can save a lot of money by refurbishing items like cabinets and vanities with paint, varnish or wood lacquer. Space is another important factor and rearranging the layout of your bathroom is an option to consider.
» read more - A
Guide to Bathroom Remodeling
If you're looking at remodeling your bathroom this article will give you ideas to get the most out of your project. Things discussed in this article are assessing your current bathroom and considering the number of persons that use it, the bathroom's current condition, the amount of money you're willing to spend on renovations, how much work you can do on your own, how much space you have and how long you will be using this bathroom.
» read more - Installing a Bathroom Vanity and Countertop
This article will explain the steps involved in installing a bathroom vanity and countertop and how it will transform your bathroom into a beautiful contemporary room. Steps include removing your old bathroom vanity to installing and leveling your new countertop and faucet plumbing requirements. The installation of a new bathroom vanity and countertop can transform an outdated bathroom into a contemporary one. Installing a vanity and countertop is simple to do and can be purchased from any home improvement store for less than $500.
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Kitchen
- The Increased Popularity of Granite Kitchen Countertops
This article reviews the increased popularity of kitchen granite countertops with their beauty and warmth making it a hit with homeowners and interior designers. Prices, durability and different colors of these kitchen countertops are also discussed.The popularity of granite kitchen countertops has increased dramatically in recent years, with the media focus on kitchen remodeling and personal incomes rising. Originally the choice for granite countertops was limited to wealthy individuals. Today, homeowners of moderate means choose granite countertops for their durability as well as beauty.
» read more - Kitchen
Island Ideas for Great Custom
Kitchen Islands
This article is about getting ideas for choosing the best custom kitchen island based on your space and needs. The kitchen island can serve as an additional eating area and can also be used for food preparation. The working triangle (sink, refrigerator and range or cooktop) is explained in relation to an island and how it can shorten distances between them.
» read more - Kitchen Remodeling Home Improvement Project
This article will give you cost saving tips on remodeling your kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances and wet bar. A well thought out kitchen will bring years of memorable experiences so the planning stage is explained in this article with the "work-triangle" being the focal point connecting the refrigerator to the cooking area to the sink.
» read more - How to Install a Ceramic Tile Backsplash
This article explains how to install a ceramic tile backsplash in your kitchen. Choosing your tiles, colors, patterns and preperations are described along with tools that will required. Also covered in this article are procedures involved in cuting tiles, adhesives, applying the tiles and grout application.
» read more - Granite Countertops - an Overview
Granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms are becoming more popular with homeowners who are looking for beauty and warmth. This article explains the advantages of granite countertops and why they are in such high demand.
» read more - Saving Money with Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
This article will save you time and money and give a new look to your kitchen by just refacing your existing cabinets and drawer fronts and updating hardware. Stripping cabinet doors and applying veneer or other decorative elements is also discussed along with completely replacing cabinet doors in a new style using new materials.
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Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Getting Carpets Installed? Here's What You Should Know
Whether you choose your carpet retailer's staff or contract installers, or you go with an independent carpet installer, the retailer should send a professional estimator to your home to measure the floors. The estimator will determine how much carpet you will need and the layout of the carpet in the room - where to place seams, how to match patterns and how to lay the carpet to minimize waste. The installer will then follow these plans on installation day. The estimator may also assess the existing floor to determine whether a new subfloor is required.
» read more - Hardwood Floors 101
This article discusses the hardness, stability, color, and alterations in color which may vary with different wood types. Maintaining your hardwood floors is also illustrated. Proper techniques and tools required for refinishing hardwood is explained in three stages of sanding, staining and finishing.
» read more - Laminate Flooring Installation Guidelines
This article covers laminate flooring installation guidelines by listing the different types of laminate flooring techniques that will work best for you, standard, pre-glued or snap and lock. One way to add value to your home is to consider laminate flooring installation. Laminate floors combine the beauty and elegance of hard wood, or tile floors with the easy maintenance of linoleum or vinyl flooring. Constructed from a high density fiber (HDF) wood board topped with a wood or stone pattern, laminate flooring is incredibly durable.
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INTERIORS - ARCHIVES » read more articles
Exteriors
Garage and Carports
- Asphalt Paving
You're looking at your asphalt driveway and it appears to be in rough shape. What should you do? Will some repair work do the trick? Should the driveway be resurfaced, or does the whole thing need to be ripped up and redone from scratch? Perhaps the best thing to do is to consult a few asphalt paving contractors and get their opinions, and (often free) estimates. This article can give you a general idea of what's going on, what to look for in an asphalt paving contractor, and what to include in your contract.
» read more - Building a Metal or Wood Carport
A carport can be a useful addition to your home. Aside from protecting your car from ultraviolet rays and other elements that can cause damage and shorten its lifespan, a carport also shelters you from the elements when getting into and out of your car. With a carport, you can avoid getting into a car that's been baking in the hot sun all day. And in snowy climates, a carport can save you from having to shovel snow off the driveway and clearing snow and ice off your car.
» read more - Garage Doors
Choosing the right garage door can be a difficult task but this article will explain the things to consider. The different types of garage doors described are, single or double, sectional, roller, side hung and the up and over garage doors.
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Lawn and Garden
- Installing
Brick & Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps
Maybe you've been eyeing your neighbor's new stone walkway or brick patio and you're thinking you'd like to upgrade your own property. Well, improving the look of your front entrance is a good choice for increasing your property value while enhancing the overall appearance of your house. You know what they say about first impressions!
» read more - Outdoor Kitchen Introduction
Outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular and this article will give you ideas on how to enjoy this outdoor experience to the fullest. Spending quality time with your family and friends and enjoying the outdoors, an outdoor kitchen can create the prefect setting for all these things on a regular, everyday basis.
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Roofing
- Installing or Replacing Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Does your roof have several leaks? Are the asphalt shingles starting to break, wrinkle or lift? Does the roof have moisture damage? If so, your roof may be beyond repair, and need to be replaced. Asphalt shingle roofs are by far the most common type of residential roofing in North America. And for good reason. Shingles are easy to install, require little maintenance and are easy to repair. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are very fire resistant. They have a UL Class A fire resistance rating, which is the highest, although organic asphalt shingles have a UL Class C rating, which is the lowest. Asphalt shingles are also quite attractive, and come in a variety of colors and styles.
» read more - Asphalt Shingle Roof Repair
The most obvious sign of a leaky roof is water falling into your house. But you can detect a leak before it becomes that obvious. If you have brown, discolored spots on the drywall ceiling, there is water leaking in. And even if there are no visible signs of a leak, water leakage can rot the roof framing system, compromising its structural integrity, requiring extensive and costly repairs.
» read more - Roofing Inspection: Don't Wait for a Leak
Your roof could be leaking right now, causing hundreds, even thousands of dollars of damage, and you don't even know it. In fact, many roof problems are only discovered after they've reached an advanced stage - after leakage or other serious damage has already occurred.
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Windows
- Stained and Specialty Glass: Many Options to Choose From
Over the past ten years or so, the options for residential glazing have exploded. Where clear glass was the standard used in most applications, now homeowners are able to choose between various types of specialty glass for improved energy efficiency and security, and a huge variety of patterns, shapes, colors, tints and designs.
» read more - Replacing or Installing Windows
By replacing your windows, you can update the look of your house, improve the amount of light and air flow in your home, increase your home's energy efficiency, and provide easier window operation, cleaning and maintenance. But if you're still uncertain about replacing your windows, here are some ways to tell if your current windows are past their useful life:
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EXTERIORS - ARCHIVES » read more articles
UTILITIES
UTILITIES - ARCHIVES » read more articles
HANDYMAN
HANDYMAN - ARCHIVES » read more articles
HOME BUILDERS
HOME BUILDERS - ARCHIVES » read more articles
LIGHT COMMERCIAL
LIGHT COMMERCIAL - ARCHIVES » read more articles
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS - ARCHIVES » read more articles
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