Do it yourself fix it

Archive for the ‘Remodel Projects’ Category

A kitchen is the heart of any home. As such, building a kitchen requires the same amount of planning and effort as would the other rooms in the house. An ideal kitchen is one with both functionality and style.

Some kitchen design ideas

In general, there are five types of kitchen layouts, namely, the U-Shaped kitchen, L-shaped kitchen, Island kitchen, Single Line kitchen and the Galley kitchen.

1. U-Shaped Kitchen. This layout allows for maximum bench space, work counter space and storage space. The U-shaped kitchen utilizes three full walls of the room and this creates the most systematic kitchen setup because everything is within an arms reach.

2. L-Shaped Kitchen. This type is perfect for a family kitchen because it allows space for eating . The L-shaped kitchen can accommodate a table and chairs within the room. It makes use of two adjacent walls of the kitchen.

3. Island Kitchen. This layout is ideal for entertaining. With the island functioning as additional workspace, it can be strategically located in front of a dining or living area, where the cook can exchange stories with guests while engaged in food preparation.

4. Single Line Kitchen. This type of kitchen layout requires a wall with a minimum measurement of three meters. With a limited area, overhead storage and under-bench appliances are installed for maximum space utility. A single line kitchen, however, entails long “journeys” around the kitchen because you need to walk from one end to the other and vice versa to switch from one kitchen activity to the next.

5. Galley Kitchen. This layout is most preferred by professional chefs because it allows them maximum space for food preparation. With one quick turn, you can instantly shift to a different work area. In addition, cabinets are strategically installed on both sides of the galley kitchen. The galley kitchen layout, however, is not suitable for kitchens that are accessible on both ends, as it may cause traffic obstruction.

Considerations for a DIY kitchen

Where to place the sink, the refrigerator and other appliances are important considerations in a DIY kitchen. An imaginary triangle helps demonstrate the different activity areas — preparation, cooking and storage.

* The dishwasher should be beside the sink, as well as the range top, underbench or stand alone oven, and the garbage bin.

* Ample space next to the cooking area should be allotted for food preparation.

* The microwave oven may either be situated above or below the bench.

When you have everything in place in your mind, you can then begin to avail of the DIY kitchen with its accompanying tools to give a professional touch to your kitchen at less than half the price.

Adjustable do it yourself shelves

For wood shelves that are adjustable, use a simple dado for side support. Make deep cuts on the dado at your desired intervals where you want the shelves to be inserted. Notch the shelves to conceal the dado cuts. If you are planning on having long shelves, using removable pinned joints can add strength and stability to the shelves.

Another way you can make adjustable shelves is to make 90-degree and 45-degree cuts on the dado and the shelves, such that they fit together exactly on the slots. However, this kind of shelving is not strong enough to hold heavy loads. The use of notches is still the recommended kind, which, aside from functionality and utility, adds to the improved appearance and aesthetic appeal of the shelves.

Making your own shelves

To create your own shelves, you will need a 1′ x 4′ board for the base. Drill holes on the board at 3/4-inch intervals, then cut down the board in the middle to make two end supports for shelves Make sure that holes are drilled exactly the same for both pieces so that they will attach well to the wall. To make a neat finish, carefully sand the boards. This same procedure can also be applied when making deep, sliding shelves in closets. The end of each shelf is curved and sanded so that it fits snugly into the shelf support.

The bathroom is the best-loved private room in any home, and with a little planning and research plus some wise additions, this washroom can be given a new style.

Fixing bathroom problems

A common problem in most bathrooms is the white crust layer that is formed on shower doors. Spraying them with a kitchen cleaner and CLR (Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover) and wiping them off immediately will do the trick.

Over time, the shower head gets obstructed with scale deposits. To remedy this, soak the shower head for a few minutes in an equal mixture of CLR, bathroom cleaner, and warm water, and then wash it well. The shower head will then be restored to its original look.

Faucets and tiles should be scrubbed regularly. If stubborn dirt still persists, you may opt to re-grout the tiles to give it a new, clean look. It is easier and less costly to re-grout than to install new tiles.

On the aesthetic side, matching soap dish, toothbrush caddy and cosmetic bowls can give your bathroom a charming look.

There are countless other things that can do wonders for your bathroom, but the best part of it is the satisfaction you get out of having done it yourself.

Do it yourself replacement windows serve a double purpose. First, do it yourself replacement windows lessen your energy consumption costs. The second purpose is do it yourself replacement windows are installed for decorative reasons. Points of consideration in this undertaking are the material type (whether wood or vinyl), window type (double hung or fixed form) and house necessities.

Things to be considered in do it yourself replacement windows

Before buying a do it yourself replacement window kit, you need to determine where the new windows are to be placed. Your new windows should coordinate with the existing ones. The do it yourself replacement windows must project a good visual appeal, which is determined by the fabrics to be used. It must also answer to your call for energy efficiency.

Types of do it yourself replacement window projects

You can select from a wide array of do it yourself replacement windows in all imaginable sizes to satisfy your needs and project requirements. Casement windows have vertical hinges that open/close in a swinging motion by turning the handle. Double- or single-hung ones are composed of two cases, wherein one or both can slide up or down and fresh air can come in. A similar type is the sliding window, except that this one moves horizontally. Last but not the least is the plain fixed form which does not open at all, but filters light very well.

Other replacement window options

A well-liked kind of do it yourself replacement window nowadays is that of fiberglass, which provides the home with high insulation. Another popular do it yourself replacement windows are those that combine vinyl for the window exterior and wood for the interior.

If you are conscious of the energy-efficiency factor, the triple-pane window is recommended. This type of do it yourself replacement window has three pieces of glass with layers of air in between them for more effective heat absorption. Air absorbs heat or cold better than glass. If you still wish for additional savings in heating and air-conditioning costs, opt for a triple-pane window with a gas called argon in between the glass pieces, instead of just air.

Designing your own garage is now a dream come true since you can easily avail of garage building plans out in the market at less cost, effort and time. For instance, there are plans for a dry parking spot, a tool shed or a rehearsal space. These garage plans come with special software so that you can make your own modifications or alterations on the computer to suit your taste as well as your budget.

Designs and skills for a do it yourself garage

In practically designing and building your own garage, a little planning and some physical labor is required. Kits for do it yourself garage buildings are complete with data on the foundation and tools needed, construction tips and customer care. They also include some other details such as supplier lists for your needed materials and manufacturing instructions on how to assemble the parts.

Video instructions prove to be most helpful for beginners, as garage building is not a small project. If your proposed garage measures more than 110 sq. ft., you need to secure structure approval from your municipality by submitting detailed drawings for zoning purposes.

Equipped with the proper tools, coupled with the skill, patience and drive, you may now embark on your garage-building task. Giving yourself a timetable for the project through proper work organization may lessen construction time.

Essential details in garage building

Basically, homeowners can completely rely on the do it yourself garage kits for a successful project because of the user-friendly instruction guides that come with them. However, manufacturers also offer extended service like phone call or e-mail assistance. On the part of the homeowner, obtaining the required building approval from the municipality should the garage exceed 100 sq. feet is the most important thing.