Easy Home Maintenance Tips for the New Year

OUTDOOR HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS

Do you still have summer patio furniture on the patio, collecting snow? Did you ditch your home fix-it list as soon as the holiday season kicked in? Now that the busiest time of last year is over, start the new year by taking care of those home maintenance projects that shouldn't wait until the summer.

Store summer furnishings and outdoor equipment

Lisa Singer, product manager at Elmer's Products, based in Columbus, Ohio, says the opposite of spring-cleaning is "fall fix-it." However, if you missed the fall window to put away your summer furnishings and outdoor equipment, do it now. Consumers should "scour summer toys, furniture and outdoor equipment for wear and tear before packing them away for the winter," Singer suggests. "This will help avoid additional damage that can happen in storage and save you time and hassle come spring."

>>5 Steps to winterize your home

Check home and outdoor items for damage

As you pack away summer toys and outdoor furniture, here are a few things to look for. "Conduct a quick inspection to make sure all sections are intact, screws and nuts are still tight and there are minimal signs of wear," says Singer. "Look for cracks, tears or scrapes that can become worse during storage or create sharp edges."

>>How to organize your garage

Keep outdoor items organized

Isn't it the pits when spring arrives and you pull out your patio furniture, only to find that the hardware needed to put your furniture together is MIA? Singer recommends you not only check to see if you have all the pieces, you also organize them. "For toys with small parts or furniture that gets taken apart for storage, consider using plastic bags, bins, old glass or plastic food containers so these pieces don't get lost or separated during the winter," she adds.

>>Home organization tips for the new year

Empower yourself by making small repairs

Now that you've inspected and put aside broken outdoor items, the next step is to assess the scope of the repair. Common repairs include squeaky or loose joints, cracks or missing pieces. Sure, you can throw away broken items, but according to Singer, for small to medium repairs, the solution can be as easy as tightening screws or using a bottle of multi-purpose glue.

"The Internet can be a great source for tips and advice because you can look up how-to instructions or find electronic user manuals," explains Singer. "Elmer's [of Elmer's Glue fame] has posted a variety of how-to videos at www.elmers.com/about/video-library." And before tackling any repair project, be sure to read the instructions and wear the appropriate safety equipment.

>>How to repair 10 common household hassles

Safety tip: Discard outdoor items broken beyond repair

If you find outdoor furnishings, equipment and toys that are broken and can't be repaired, discard them to keep you and your family safe from injury. Before putting them in the trash can, check to see if the materials can be recycled, suggests Singer — most types of glass, aluminum and plastic can be recycled. "However, it is always a good practice to check with your local recycling provider or check the bottom for the recycling emblem."

To find your nearest recycling center, visitwww.1800recycling.com.

>>Recycling chart

Donate or sell unwanted outdoor goods

If the item is new or gently used and you've decided you no longer want or need it, look for ways to donate it before simply adding it to the trash pile. "Garage sales, sharing websites like Craigslist or auction sites like eBay are great for selling unwanted items," Singer says, "or consider donating the items to non-profit organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army."

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Resource:  Sheknows.com, Michele Borboa, MS 

Four 2013 Home Improvement Trends to Watch

Prior to the decline in the housing market, homeowners were focused on supersizing their homes and installing over-the-top upgrades fit for shows like the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” While homeowners have not completely fallen out of love with McMansions, they have turned their attention more to function (how they really live in their homes) by asking themselves: “Do we really need more space, or do we need to reconfigure our existing space?”

These home improvement trends for 2013 continue on this path to practicality:

Open Floor Plans: With the average home in the United States at least 30 years old, there are many floor plans that need updating to align with how homeowners actually live in their homes in the 21st century.  Homeowners are aligning form and function by connecting the kitchen (what has become the heart of the home) to adjoining eating, drinking, and socializing areas. They are also modernizing other areas of the home and making changes that accommodate multigenerational households.

Energy Efficient Upgrades: Instead of making a series of energy efficient upgrades one at a time, homeowners are taking a ‘wholistic’ approach and making them at the same time so these upgrades can work together to provide the most benefit.  This ‘wholistic’ approach allows homeowners to increase their home’s performance and comfort while maximizing their energy and financial savings.

Aging in Place: There is no place like home for vibrant older homeowners who want to maintain their independence and stay in their homes instead of going to a nursing or retirement home. In anticipation of potential decreased mobility, these homeowners are making the appropriate alterations to their homes for increased safety and accessibility.  A few examples of these alterations include, but are not limited to:
*    Barrier-free entryways that help eliminate tripping and make it easier to gain access to your home if confined to a wheelchair, crutches or a walker
*    Roll-in showers with height adjustable handheld and fixed showerheads
*    Ample clearance beneath bathroom and kitchen counters

Low Maintenance Yards: The reality is that lawns require a lot of care.  Water-wise homeowners are eliminating their lawns altogether and replacing them with plants native to their region.  Or, for those not ready to eliminate their lawn, they are maintaining a small lawn as an accent area, instead of having a lawn that dominates the yard. By doing so, they’re saying good-bye to high water bills.

Resource: eHow.com

January Home Improvement: Weekend Projects

Tips to get your home in tip top shape for the season

The holidays are over and the New Year has begun. January is the time to get cracking on lots of little winter home improvement projects, avoiding big winter woes later on. Here's where to start.

WEEKEND #1: Put Away Holiday Decorations

The holidays are officially over, so January's first weekend is the perfect time for a home improvement project: putting away those sparkly decorations. Remove all of your holiday decorations and while you are taking them down, examine them for any damages. Check to make sure all the lights are working, replace any burned out bulbs and make certain the holiday season has not caused wires to fray. This January weekend is the best time to make sure your lights will be in good working order next season. Plus if any damage is found, you can replace them while they are still 50% off!

To store your holiday lights, cut some cardboard into 12 by 9 pieces and wrap the lights around it to keep them tidy and at the ready for next year. Be sure to store decorative items in clear plastic bins so you know exactly what is in there, and to be sure moisture does not deteriorate any of the cheer. Place all stored items at the back of your storage area to allow the current seasonal items to be accessible.

WEEKEND #2: Fix Unsightly Wall or Ceiling Cracks

By now you have spent some time indoors due to the wintry weather, and you have no doubt noticed a few cracks here and there. This January weekend is a good time to repair them. Here are a couple of tips to help. If you see cracks where your walls meet the ceiling, don't worry.  While unsightly, they pose no structural risk. These cracks are just from the normal expansion and contraction of your house where two pieces of drywall meet. You might notice cracks in either ceiling or wall seams. This cracking can happen anywhere pieces of drywall meet and is normally caused by the joint compound over the seam drying out.

To fix these unsightly cracks, start by removing the old piece of drywall tape. This is going to cause some damage to the surrounding area but will ultimately allow you to make a repair that will stand the test of time. Next, apply a continuous piece of meshy fiberglass drywall tape over the joint.  Then apply a thin layer of joint compound using a wide spackle knife and let dry. Continue to apply layers, allowing each to set before applying the next. You can apply three layers, and on your last layers, use a narrow spackle knife. Once the tape is fully covered, sand the area using a fine sand sponge or paper to smooth the texture of the wall or ceiling, and then repaint.

If you see cracks along your crown moulding and the ceiling, you can easily fix those cracks with a latex paintable caulk. Be sure to smooth the bead of caulk with your finger. Once dry, you can paint the caulk to match the trim if necessary.

WEEKEND #3: Clean Tile And Grout

Whether it is used for floors, backsplashes or walls, grout is possibly everywhere in your home. Grout does not have to be darker than it was when first applied. Here are some home improvement tips to get dirty grout clean and bright once more and do a little something to help it stay that way.

The type of tile you have and the amount of discoloration on your grout is going to determine how you clean it. If you have an unglazed tile, you want to always use a natural cleanser; glazed tiles allow you to work with a stronger chemical cleanser. You can use a homemade solution of baking soda and a bit of water. Make a paste of the baking soda and water and apply with a toothbrush, working in small areas so the baking soda doesn't dissolve and loose its abrasiveness. Rinse the area with water once you are done cleaning the grout. 

For more stubborn stains on your grout, use diluted bleach before bringing in chemical striper for the most difficult projects. Once the grout is clean and thoroughly dried, apply a grout sealer, epoxy or acrylic, which is going to help the grout to not absorb any dirt and stains. Do it once, do it right, and your grout will look as nice as your tile for the long haul.

WEEKEND #4: Lubricate and Eliminate Squeaks and Creaks

Does old man winter have your joints aching this January? No doubt it has the joints of your home aching and creaking as well. If you notice any doors that are not opening as smoothly or sliding the way they used to, that is an easy fix. Grab some WD-40 and attack the working parts of those creaky doors. Lubricate the hinges and the sliding tracks to help smooth out the sticky situation.

You can also lubricate the hinges on medicine cabinets and kitchen cabinets with WD-40. Also, every so often, place WD-40 on your key and slide it into the lock to keep those parts working. Once you start you will find yourself working to lubricate just about anything that opens. That's okay, home improvement addictions are perfectly allowed!

Resource: The Money Pit

Checklist: Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

Nothing brings people together like the holiday season. Start preparing now with some easy home improvement projects to welcome your guests in style. 

Whether your guests are staying just for the day or will be overnight visitors, this holiday checklist will help make your home as inviting and comfortable as possible.

Entrance

• Make sure all walkways and porches are free of ice and snow.  Taking someone to the emergency room because of a fall is not the way you want to start the holidays.
• Make sure all outdoor lighting is functioning properly and is turned on when it is dark.  Another important precaution to ensure your guest's safety.
• Establish a place to collect all warm weather apparel, including boots.  Add extra hangers to your coat closet or designate a room to collect these.  You should also consider adding an extra doormat for those wet boots.  If you plan for this ahead of time your entrance won't become a cluttered mess.

Living Area

• If the carpet isn't looking its best, schedule a professional carpet cleaning.
• Clean the windows so that guests can clearly see your outside decorations.
• Add some color to the walls by freshing up your space with a new coat of paint.
• Bring holiday scents to your living space with candles, potpourri, fresh garland or pine cones.

Bathrooms

• If the tile looks dingy, replacing it or even new grout can give a fresh look to a bathroom.
• Make sure the bathroom fan and window are in operating condition.  Ventilation is an important part of keeping your bathroom clean and mildew-free.
• Make sure you have enough guest bath and/or hand towels.  Consider special towels with holiday themes to keep with the spirit of the season.

Kitchen

• The kitchen has become an essential room for entertaining with the popularity and ease of serving food buffet style.  To provide more space, try installing applicances under countertops or consider investing in a kitchen island.
• Check the condition of the countertops, cabinets, and appliances.  Replacing the applicances can make a huge difference when you're preparing meals for large groups.
• Declutter your counter space by removing unsed appliances and other items and store in a place unseen to your guests.

Guest Rooms

• Make sure the guest beds have fresh linens.  Add a nice holiday decoration or treat to the bed welcoming your guests.
• Clear some closet space or a drawer to make your guests feel more at home.  No one likes to live out of a suitcase.
• Provide your guests with a bedside clock and reading lamp.  Not everyone goes to sleep or wakes up at the same time.

In What Order Should I Paint My House?

Are you considering freshening up the exterior of your home this spring?  If so, here are some helpful tips from Glidden® paint on what order you should consider before dipping in!

Paint in the following order overall:

1) Gables
2) Main siding
3) Windows
4) Siding trim
5) Doors

When painting siding, always paint from the top down, and paint next to the trim first, creating a border about two to three inches from the edge of the trim.

Then begin painting the rest of the siding, remembering to paint under the edge.

(Hint: Paint in small sections of three to four clapboards and a few feet at a time, applying a fresh brush full of paint to unpainted areas and working back into the areas you've already done. Be sure to paint in the direction of the siding.)

When the siding is dry, paint the windows, siding trim and doors.

Learn how much fun and easy painting can be. Tomboy Tools and Glidden paint help women gain confidence, motivation and add color to their lives!

Contact your Tomboy Tools Consultant to book your painting party today. Your Consultant will show you how you can beautify your living space or painting project with ergonomically designed painting tools, color selections, techniques and tips. 

Spring Cleaning! March Home Maintenance Tasks

It is March, and spring is about to be sprung.  With warmer weather and longer days, March is a great month to add a few projects to your home improvement to-do list:

1. Daylight Saving Time begins. Honor the occasion by replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.



2. Review the contents of your medicine cabinets and throw away dated prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. Be sure all medicines are out of the reach of children or contained in a cabinet equipped with childproof locks.



3. Celebrate spring by cleaning the garage. Hold a yard sale, or organize a community yard sale with neighbors. Dispose of paint thinners, household cleaners and pesticides properly. Contact your city's department of public works to find out the next scheduled collection of hazardous materials.



4. Clean the refrigerator, inside and out, with mild detergent. Remove all trays and shelves, wash, and allow to dry thoroughly before replacing them. Remove old ice from ice-making tray.



5. After heavy rains, inspect your basement walls for signs of moisture. If you detect wetness, run a portable dehumidifier. If condition persists, consult a waterproofing contractor.



6. Check to make sure your sump pump works properly by pouring water into the pump silo to raise the float and activate the motor.



7. Test the pressure and temperature relief valve on your water heater by opening it and allowing some water to flow out. If little or no water flows out or it doesn't shut off, replace it. Bad valves can cause explosions.



8. Spring is a good time to build a doghouse. Make sure to provide adequate roof ventilation to allow hot air to escape. And don't use pressure-treated wood in any area where your dog might chew it.

Resource:  The Weather Channel