Home-Improve

Hiring a Contractor List Hiring a contractor for a home improvement project can be overwhelming, esp ecially if it's the first big project you've ever done. If you're not sure where to start, we've got a handy checklist full of tips for finding a good contractor, including questions to ask and how to protect yourself during the process. Hiring a Contractor: Checklist Start with Refer rals The first step to finding a good contractor is to start with referrals from family, friends and neighbors. In addition to word of mouth recommendations, it is important to research directories, references and reviews from professional organizations from previous clients. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is a great resource for finding reputable remodelers near you. Additionally, most reputable businesses have review listings that you can find with a simple online search of the business name on Google, Yelp, or Angie's List. Ask the right questions Renov...

5 Steps If Your Basement Floods Every homeowner would be horrified to find a flooded basement.  Most people don't plan for this unwanted surprise, but when it happens, you need to act quickly to limit the damage. If you currently have water in your basement, use extreme caution and follow the first step before proceeding. Then follow these steps to find the source of the flood, get the water out of the basement and start cleaning. Dry and clean the basement under water 1. Make sure your basement is safe to enter The first thing you should do in the event of a basement flood is to assess the situation. If the water is high enough to contact the outlet or electrical wires, there is a risk of electric shock. Check for these signs to determine if it is safe to enter a flooded basement: 1. Water depth: If the water is more than 2 inches deep through the basement, do not enter the water - you may be shocked. Call a professional plumber or water damage expert to pump out the water as qui...

Stop basement leaks Replace window wells : Replacing old or rusted window wells will reduce water ingress and keep soil away from window openings.  Cracks in the wall are one of the most important causes of basement leaks and often become visible during rain. In unfinished basements they are quite noticeable, but in unfinished basements you should check for cracks through the wall from the outside of the foundation.  There are few things worse for a homeowner than finding water in their basement, especially if it's not entirely clear where it's coming from. Fortunately, water seeping through basement walls is not always a cause for concern. Basement leaks have several possible causes, some of which have simple and relatively inexpensive solutions. Wall-to-floor junctions , also known as bays, are one of the most common culprits for basement  leaks due to the gap  between the wall and the floor. As groundwater rises, such as during. Use the instructions below to loca...

Garage Ideas for Organizing Things Do you have more storage space in your garage than a parking space? Are tools, extension cords, party decorations and ladders checked? To restore the stable, you need to clean, organize and add a lot of storage. For inexpensive solutions to your clutter problem, use these DIY ideas to create garage organization on a budget. Choose a project that fits your needs, budget and bricklayer skills. 5 Affordable Garage Ideas 1. Build Your Own Garage Shelf Experience Level: Advanced Cost: $150-$350, Depending on the Number of Shelves You Choose The best way to keep your garage organized is to keep things off the floor. Custom garage build-ins can cost thousands of dollars, but building your own shelving is a quick way to improve garage organization on a budget. Open shelving in the garage allows items to be easily seen and accessed, keeping them away from people and cars. These plans from DIY blogger Ana White provide instructions for building a 20-foot garage...

Garage Cleaning Imagine a world where you can park in your garage. What if we told you that a dream can come true with just a weekend of work? We've collected expert garage cleaning tips and turned them into a five-step plan to help you clean out your garag e quickly and painlessly. Step Guide to Cleaning Out Your Garage Get Everything Out The first step to cleaning out your Garage is figuring out what's in it. First, select a section of your garage and drag everything onto the driveway to figure it out. This garage cleaning tip will not only make your job easier, but it will also help you see what space you need while you're working and what storage space might work best when it's time to organize your storage space. Decide on your  criteria Once you've set everything up, it's time to establish some ground rules for deciding what to keep. This garage cleaning tool speeds up the process by preventing you from agonizing over each individual item. When decidi...

DIY Laundry Room Ideas We spend a lot of time washing, drying and folding, but most homeowners wouldn't say they enjoy spending time in the laundry room. Updating this space to be more functional and visually appealing is easier than you think. We've compiled some laundry room storage and decorating ideas to make this daily chore less of a chore. How much does it cost to renovate the entire laundry room? If you're on a budget, you can have your laundry room professionally renovated, but it's not cheap. A laundry room renovation costs between $1,300 and $12,000 depending on what you want done. For example, it costs about $400 to add 5-foot cabinets, up to $2,000 to install custom cabinets. A standard utility sink costs about $560 to install, and a high-end sink costs about $1,000. But let's face it, unless your laundry room is livable, your home improvement budget is probably better spent elsewhere. Consider the smaller laundry room ideas below for DIY-friendly solut...

Build a Mud Room Entryways often become storage areas for shoes, umbrellas and outerwear. It is also the first room that guests encounter when they visit your home. Tired of tripping over clutter when you walk in the door? A mudroom may be the solution you are looking for. Learn how to create a mudroom and declutter with these helpful tips. What is Mudroom? A mudroom can be as simple as a floor mat and a clothes rack near the main entrance of your home, but it can be so much more. There are countless ways to use storage space in a small mudroom, such as installing shoe racks, shoe racks, or closets. It is important to carefully choose the design and storage elements that suit the needs of your home. Consider factors such as: 1. Number of people in your home 2. Frequent family activities 3. Amount of usable space 4. Pet accommodation Once you've determined your needs, it's time to get started. Building a Mud Room 1. Room Selection and Preparation Bedroom rooms are flexible space...

  About 18 percent of the U.S. population lives in a multigenerational household, meaning three or more generations share the same household. As housing costs continue to rise, older Americans are choosing to move in with their children and grandchildren.  But instead of taking an extra bedroom upstairs, they move into their private in-laws. What is a Spouse Suite or Apartment? An in-law room is a private space for parents and in-laws, usually attached to their grown child's house or located on the same lot. Many marital suites are custom-built home additions, but converted garages, basements and detached homes are also common. Such apartments are also called "mother-in-law suites" or granny flats. How much does it cost to create  The cost of building a mother-in-law depends on the type of room and the work required to live in it. Ideally, your in-laws' apartment should have everything you need for independent living, such as a separate bedroom, living room, bathroom ...

4 Steps to the Perfect DIY Garage Conversion Maybe you've been here: It's midsummer, you're in your garage, looking for who knows what. You will have a hard time finding a relevant item in all the confusion. You haven't used this "stuff" in years either. You know what? It's time to do something. It's time to clean out your garage, and with that, it's time to redo the floors. The backyard has a full DIY garage. Are you ready to redo your garage? Renovating a garage is not always an easy process, but it is often a priority when renovating a home. Clearing out clutter, adding flooring and storage can even create a space you want to hang out in. At least you can find that auger or snow plow. Throughout this post, we'll consider the pros and cons of DIY and calling in a professional for each task. To determine the best practice, we considered price, efficiency and the possibility of high-quality work. You also need to consider your DIY experience. S...

  Basement Flooring Waterproof The basement holds a lot of everything from entertainment centres and washing machines to winter clothes and holiday decorations. But one thing no one wants in their basement is standing water. If you haven't waterproofed your basement, rain and groundwater can enter your home in a number of ways and cause damage to your building and property. In the basement, it is worth observing the symptoms of excessive humidity and knowing how to stop it. Signs Your Basement Needs Waterproofing The first step in basement waterproofing is knowing what to look for. Here are some common signs that it may be time to check basement moisture:  Mold or Mildew: This can be caused by excess moisture in the air, even if there is no standing water in the basement. . If left untreated, mold can also be a health hazard. Using a dehumidifier is a great way to reduce mold.  Peeling paint: Paint can peel off walls for a number of reasons; maybe it was the wrong color o...