Saturday, May 19, 2012
   
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Easy DIY chair re-upholstery

Many times, a homeowner may find a chair that has upholstery that has seen better days. However, if you are in this position, there is no need to get rid of your chair, as an easy DIY fix is available.

With the old upholstery on the chair, it is important to not damage the wood when starting to take it off. The best way you can do this is to carefully remove the staples - which may be easier with a staple remover - and take off the upholstery. The foam (or cotton) padding inside will also need to be removed and thrown away. The seat's center, which consists of woven material to sit someone comfortably, will likely need to be replaced.

 

Clearing out your bathroom before a remodel

When planning a bathroom remodeling project, it is important to not just run in there with a sledgehammer and start swinging. Some important precautions need to be taken care of in order to make sure a DIY demolition job is safe and clean.

It is important to remove anything that can be removed without demolition, as this will save a lot of time and energy in the long run. Before anything else, it is important to get rid of the mirror. Mirrors have a tendency to shatter and can be dangerous later on. By carefully removing it, the project will go much more smoothly and safely. The removal process depends on the mirror, but if it is stuck to the wall, use a tool to slowly pry it off evenly.

   

What should I do before starting a home remodel or addition?

If you are interested in making some big additions to your home this year, or just want to remodel a part of it, it is important to take the proper precautions before commencing any major projects. This will ensure that what is done is not only safe but legal as well.

Keeping a house "up to code" is important. This doesn't mean that you should tear your home down and rebuild every time the code changes, but you should be mindful for safety's sake. If your home was built before the turn of the century, it may need an upgrade. Some projects you could undertake at your residence include adding railings to all stairs, updating the home's electrical system and putting in permanent smoke alarms. Another project that could be good to improve the energy efficiency in your home is replacing dated toilets that use substantial amounts of water. Older models typically use more water than is necessary, so newer items could help your home conserve more H2O.

   

Creaky floors an easy DIY fix

If your home is older, it is certainly possible that some issues are arising, even if they are minor. One of those minor annoyances is often found in hardwood floors that develop squeaks. This can be problematic, but not as difficult as you may think to fix.

To eliminate the squeakiness, grab a stud sensor and find out where the joist lies. If you can find it, grab a hammer and a finishing nail and nail down the spot that is making noise.

   

DIY home wallpaper removal simplified

If you live in an old home, there are usually substantial remodeling or improvement projects that need to be undertaken to keep the residence in quality shape. However, sometimes these projects are more cosmetic and involve making the home look more modern - or, in other words, not like something not out of an episode of "All in the Family."  Regardless of the reason for tearing down wallpaper in an old home, you should be able to complete the task in a few hours, with the right tools.

The project can get messy, so it is important to remove anything from the room that you don't want in the way, or don't want getting covered in wallpaper. If you have large pieces of furniture, drape drop cloths over them. The rest of the room should have a drop cloth over the floor, as it will make clean-up much easier for you.

   

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