Kathleen's Homeowner Tips

Home Improvement Basics

Before you begin any home improvement projects, it is important to get organized. Be sure that you know what you would like to accomplish before you begin the process of hiring a contractor, or purchasing any materials.

The Home Services Directory is a great place to visit for information on any home improvement project.  This informative "quick guide" to getting your project started can help ease a lot of the headaches that come along with home improvements. Throughout the year we can explore a number of topics and resources to help you as a home owner.

Here are some highlights from the HSD Home Improvement Checklist:

Before selecting a remodeling contractor, you should do the following:

Plan your project from start to finish.
Be specific in explaining exactly what you want.
Be sure to approve any architectural plans that are involved before the contract work begins.
Compare costs before making a financial commitment.
Discuss bids in detail with each contractor.
Ask the contractor for local references and find out if he or she is a member of a professional remodelers association.
Contact your Better Business Bureau to learn how long a contractor has been in business.
Find out if a contractor is insured against claims covering worker's compensation, property damage, and personal liability.
Check with state, county, or city housing authorities to be sure that a contractor meets all area licensing/bonding requirements.

Be sure to visit their website for details on each item on the checklist. When it comes to home improvements, you can never be too prepared.

Some remodeling projects will add to the value of your home, but some won't. For example, on kitchen remodeling projects and bathroom additions you can get back up to 90 percent or more of the cost. However, finishing a basement usually pays back less than 50 percent of the money you've invested.

The local real estate market and current property values are what determine if your remodeling project will increase the value of your home. If the market is slow, you'll see less of a payback than you would in a fast market. Also, if you remodel your house until it's twice as big as the other homes on the block, it won't necessarily double in value.

The price of home improvements fluctuates depending on economic conditions and region. If remodeling costs are particularly high, or home sale prices particularly low, you may not recover as much of your investment as you would if costs were proportionate with sales prices.

Makeover Your Old Tub and Tile for a Fraction of the Cost of Buying New

Makeovers are the rage today. Dozens of home improvement television shows, magazines, and even cable networks are devoted to redecorating and remodeling. Experts tell us what we should have, what color to make it and how to do it. Unfortunately for many, the money for makeovers doesnt come as easily, especially for a bathroom remodel. The cost of removing and replacing the avocado green bathtub and pink tile surround can cost several thousand dollars, not to mention the time it takes.

Do You Need to Save Money?

If you want a new look for your bathroom, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars remodeling, then refinishing is your best value. Removing and replacing a bathtub can cost as much as $3,000. With refinishing, you only pay about 15 percent of the cost of replacement. And anyone who has ever replaced the tiles or sink in their bathroom knows the mess and hassle of demolition, as well as the hole it can put in their wallet.

Do You Need to Save Time?

Refinishing a tub can take as little as four hours. You can shower or bathe the very next day. Replacing a tub, however, can take weeks, when you factor in the time to rip out your old tub, tear out walls and plumbing, and install the new tub, plumbing and fixtures.

Is a Refinished Tub Durable?

Refinished tubs or ceramic tiles can easily last 10 to 15 years or more when the right process and bonding is used. A new porcelain bathtub may last a few years longer, but the cost of a new tub alone can be nearly triple the cost of refinishing. Not only is it more cost-effective, many refinishers are also able to provide extras, like slip-resistant surfaces and custom colors.

Below are some web sites you might find useful if you are thinking about making home improvements:

Improve Net gives design ideas and helps you plan your project.
Michigan State University Extension offers an online encyclopedia of topics related to home maintenance.
The Federal Trade Commission has warnings and advice on how to find a contractor.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers tips on obtaining financing.



Tips for Making Decorating Choices You'll Love to Live With

We've all heard the tips on how to decorate to sell your house -- keep colors neutral, get rid of clutter, and arrange furniture to make rooms appear more spacious. But what if you don't want to sell your home -- you want to stay? How do you decorate with that in mind? Luckily, there are no rules when it comes to decorating your own home.

Do Your Homework

The first step to successful design is figuring out what you like in dcor. Flip through design books and magazines and pay attention to which types of styles you enjoy, cutting out pictures of things you like. Watch the wide variety of design shows on television and visit model homes. Jot down lots of descriptive notes to help you capture everything you like. Ask yourself questions like: "Is this room too formal or casual for me? Are the colors too light or too dark? Is it too busy or is there too much empty space?" These are great ways to figure out what sorts of design elements you enjoy.

Use the Web for Resources

The Internet has made research and planning easier than ever -- and it is right at your fingertips! If you're not sure whether you are more casual or formal in your decorating tastes, you can take quizzes online to find out. Visit "Better Homes and Gardens" to take their decorating attitude quiz and hone in on your personal style. Also check out their "Arrange-a-Room" page to use their home designer software. This program allows you to redecorate without ever leaving your chair! You can lay out rooms and decide how many pieces of furniture you can fit and try different ways of arranging them.

To learn about color choices and what works best for your space, visit Glidden Paints online and use their Color@Home Paint Visualizer to see what various colors will look like in a room.

Also try Lowe's How To Library  for project ideas and strategies and HGTV to learn more about the projects you see on their shows.

If you're looking to make product choices, turn to the online world and spend your time making decisions from the comfort of your own couch instead of spending hours debating in the aisles. Many manufacturers have put their entire product offerings online for customer viewing.

Whatever your choices, don't be concerned with what's trendy at the moment or what seems to please others. If you're planning to live there for a good amount of time, make decorating choices that will make you happy for years to come!

The "Fifth Wall"

You've hung pictures on the wall, painted and faux-finished, and added all those special touches to make your room unique. But have you forgotten something? One of the easiest ways to add a touch of elegance, whimsy or style to a room is just above you: the ceiling.

The so-called "fifth wall" is an often-forgotten element in decorating, but taking advantage of that wide expanse can give drab rooms a shot of personality. A hint of color or visual interest can open up a small room, bring a lofty space down to size or capture a mood. All it takes is a few simple tools and a bit of imagination.

Add drama or whimsy to a room by incorporating unique visual elements. Murals, often thought of only for walls, can work beautifully on ceilings. Images of ethereal clouds drifting across a clear blue sky can transform a bedroom into a haven for rest and relaxation. Or give the feel of European elegance to dining rooms, hallways and foyers with frescos of the Old Masters.

Adding visual interest can be a painless project that transforms a room into a showplace. Ceiling medallions and molding, available at many home improvement stores, install quickly and give a dramatic flair. Most common in dinning rooms and entryways, ceiling medallions give the look of hand-made plaster ornamentation around chandeliers and other fixtures. Moldings can be custom-cut to create a casual or formal feel depending on your choice of design. Tongue-and-groove panels -- often called beadboard -- quickly add a relaxed cottage style to rooms. Readily available at most lumberyards, the boards come in easy-to-install sheets.

Everything in its Place

Stuff. You've got a lot of it. You've been meaning to get organized since your last new-year's resolution.

You've tried to squeeze everything you can into closets. You've even considered lugging your stuff down to the basement so that you can make more room -- for more stuff. Instead, try clutter-reducing shelves that won't cost you a fortune in cash -- and 20 or 30 trips to the basement.

Organize your child's bedroom and study space by adding shelves to store books, CDs and magazines. Think you can't possibly fit all of your child's clothing and accessories into that room? Think vertical instead: wall space can be more valuable as storage than a place to exhibit posters of the latest pop stars. Don't forget to treat Mom or Dad by organizing that guest bedroom, den or home office by adding shelving above desks and computers.

Keep cleaning supplies and household chemicals out of reach of small hands with alternative wood shelving. Children are always ready and willing to explore all that your home has to offer. Linen closets, laundry rooms, walk-in pantries, bathrooms, and garages can now all have space to put those items we want to "keep out of reach of children" if you install wood-alternative shelving.

Basement and attics can be valuable real estate when considering home storage options. Instead of wrestling with heavy boxes and packing tape, go for simplified, easily installed storage solutions for your family heirlooms, out-of-season clothing, tools, gardening supplies, and of course, holiday decorations. Shelve them and you'll always know where your treasures are when you need them.

Adding cost-effective shelving options to your home not only helps you stay organized, but can add appeal to your home, as well. According to the National Association of Home Builders, potential homebuyers consistently rank storage -- and the need for a lot of it -- as a high priority when it comes to selecting a home. Shelving can provide a cost-efficient investment into your home.

Whether you are looking to improve your decor or just get your home organized, shelving is the way to go. It's cost effective, easy to install, and comes in a variety of colors, styles and finishes.

When is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

Most experts agree that one of the best ways to avoid roof trouble is to inspect your roof twice a year: In the Fall, for sun damage and in the Spring for Winter damage. By doing this, you will be able to identify any problems early, before you start having leaks. Use binoculars from the ground to check for problems.

If you have asphalt shingles (petroleum based material covered with sand-like granule), look out for a roof surface that is not smooth and edges of the shingles that are curled and warped. Check for crooked shingles. Scan the roof for any shingles that may have been lifted by the wind or are missing altogether. Bumps can indicate that the roofing nails below have become loose. Look for bald spots where the mineral granules have worn away

With wood shingles, check for curled, broken, and split shingles and for spots where nails have become loose or rusted.

With tile or slate, individual tiles can chip and break and require replacement.

In valleys and in flashings around the chimney and vents, check for broken seals along the flashing's edges and for rust spots in the metal.

Check rafters and the underside of the roof for dark wet spots. These are signs of rot and will need to be replaced.

Climbing into your attic or onto your roof to inspect your home can be very dangerous. For that reason, we urge you to use the services of a professional contractor to conduct a close-up roof inspection.

Related Links:
Do-it-yourself.com has a whole roofing section for do-it-yourselfers that is great information.
ImproveNet has a calculator to help you determine the cost of a new roof.


National Crime Prevention Month

October is National Crime Prevention Month. This is a wonderful opportunity to take your home's security up a notch. Most security related companies and many communities have various programs for crime prevention and home security. During October, look for the displays in your local home centers and hardware stores.

Here are some security tips from Master Lock Company

Make sure all outside doors to your house have keyed knobsets and deadbolt locks.

The deadbolt locks on your doors should have high-security features such as interlocking chassis and full one-inch throws.

Always lock the doors when you leave the house and when you return.

Use security bars for added security on sliding patio doors and entry doors.

Secure garage and shed doors, and gate latches, with pin-tumbler, laminated padlocks.

Make sure padlocks are highly resistant to weather and the elements.

Always lock gate, garage, shed and storage warehouse doors.

If you're not sure which home security products are right for you, consult your local retailer or crime prevention officer.

Research has shown that most burglaries happen in residential areas. Be sure to protect your family and home with the solution that works best for you in your area.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

At home, at work, or in the community, saving energy is becoming an important topic, because of economic factors and because of concerns about the environment. Buildings that incorporate energy efficiency technologies are typically more comfortable, have lower utility bills, and have minimal impact on the environment.

Insulation is one of the most important ways to save energy in your home. According to the Department of Energy, 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home goes toward heating and cooling. Properly installed insulation keeps your house more comfortable, saves energy and money, and cuts down on noise from outside.

The U.S. Dept. of Energy says you should consider insulating your home if:

You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot during the summer. Adding insulation can create a more uniform temperature inside your house.
Your energy bills are high. Typically, more than half your energy costs are for heating and cooling your home. By adding insulation, you can lower your energy bills. In a nationwide survey of building improvements, adding ceiling insulation reduced heating bills by 10 to 20 percent.
You are building an addition, or installing new siding or roofing. It's easier and cheaper to install insulation now than to add it later.
You have an older home and haven't added insulation. In a recent survey, only 20% of homes built before 1980 were well insulated.
You are bothered by noise from outside. Insulation can help to muffle sounds from outdoors.

Here are some websites you will find helpful:

The EPA website provides useful information on insulating your home, including industry associations, facts sheets, and frequently asked questions about insulation.

The Alliance to Save Energy tells you how you can get financing for energy efficiency improvements.

The Home Energy Saver website (sponsored by the EPA and the DOE) shows you how much you can reduce your energy bills by incorporating their energy efficiency suggestions, specific to your zip code.

Annual Walk-around Home Check

Do an Annual Walk-around Home Check, and Don't Forget the Windows and Doors

Your home -- like your body and your car -- needs a regular checkup to run smoothly. An annual, fall walk-around home check is a great way to find any potential maintenance issues before winter arrives.

"It is important to periodically monitor the overall condition of a home," says John Ghent, president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, a non-profit professional organization for home inspectors. "Simple wear and tear from weather and age occurs in every home. It is wise to fix any problems before they lead to extensive and costly repairs."

Your inspection should include all of the major systems that protect your home, including the windows, doors, roof, gutters, exterior finish, foundation, and steps; plus the interior systems such as heating, cooling, chimney, and electrical, says Pella Corporation's Gary Mathes, manager, residential architectural services. Look for obvious signs of deterioration, damage or potential problems. Check for conditions that may allow moisture to enter your home -- from plants and sprinkler systems too close to the house to low-lying areas that direct water toward the home. Likewise, watch for any deteriorating wood, cracks, damaged caulk, old weather stripping, and other potential sources of leaks, says Mathes.

The following 10 items cover common maintenance issues with windows and doors and should be included in your walk-around check:

1. Inspect the interior and exterior finishes around windows and doors. Is the paint or stain in good condition? Signs of flaking and peeling may mean that it's time to refinish the unit.

2. Look closely at all exterior surfaces for cracking, deteriorated wood and other damage that might be caused by condensation or other water penetration. Are any interior surfaces such as walls, floors or ceilings discolored or showing the effects of moisture?

3. If you spot a problem, try to find its source. For example, discolored wood around a window might actually be caused by moisture entering the house some distance away. With a roof leak, for example, it is not uncommon for water to run down the inside of the wall and show up at the window. Contact an expert to obtain help if needed.

4. Check window sills and tracks for dirt and other debris such as sand, leaves, insects, and pine needles. Open the windows and clean out the area with a soft brush. Do the same for sliding patio doors. Debris can hamper the air-tight effectiveness and overall performance of doors and windows.

5. Feel for uneven sliding and sticking when you open and close a window or door. If windows or doors stick, try using a non-oily lubricant on the opposing finishes, such as Paraffin wax, which does not attract as much dust and grime.

6. Look at the weather stripping around all doors and windows. Re-attach any loose portions and replace portions that are ripped or torn.

7. Operate locking mechanisms and make adjustments if they feel loose or don't work smoothly. Locks not only help keep out potential intruders, but they hold doors and windows tightly in place to lock out rain, wind, snow, and insects.

8. Inspect any weep holes and breather holes if your windows or sliding patio doors have them. Weep holes allow excess moisture to escape and breather holes allow air exchange within certain components. Clear blocked holes with a small wire, toothpick or similar device, being careful not to expand the holes.

9. Check all exterior sealants and caulking on and around all windows and doors. Pay particular attention to areas susceptible to punishment from rain, water and extreme sunlight. Remove damaged material and reapply sealant.

10. In coastal locations, rinse all exterior metal components and cladding to minimize the corrosive effects of salt spray and fog damage. This should be done at least quarterly.