Now-You-See-It, Now-You-Don't Pantry

You care about your home. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® cares about homeownership. To help you become the best, most responsible homeowner you aspire to be, we want to provide you with free information and tools you can use to make smart and timely decisions about your home.

From time to time, we may reach out to you to help us support legislation and/or policies that may have an impact on you, the homeowner. You can choose to join our cause. Or you can choose not to. Regardless, your privacy is safe with us.

We'll never share or sell your email address or other personal information you may provide us in the course of using the site with anyone without your explicit consent.

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Should the Energy Department Tell You What Kind of Furnace to Buy?

To curb energy usage, the U.S. Department of Energy wants to mandate your furnace choices.

But the American Public Gas Association sued and got the DOE to back away from rules that would have forced home owners in 29 northern states, as of May 2013, to choose highly efficient HVAC systems if they replace their current furnace.  

APGA said the cost to install high-efficiency furnaces would drive low-income home owners to swap their gas furnaces for electric or kerosene space heaters. (On the bright side, the rules didn’t apply to boiler and hot water systems or heating oil.)

The rules will be remanded to a commenting process, so they’re likely to return in some form later.

What Do You Need to Know?

DOE pushed the new requirements because they have the potential to cut the country’s residential energy use by 20% between 2013 and 2045. Plus, a highly efficient furnace can save an average home owner an estimated $100 a year in energy costs.

But all that efficiency comes with a higher upfront price tag.

The 90% efficient units DOE wants Northerners to install require special vents — one to bring fresh air to the furnace and another to vent flue gases outside.

Tom O’Grady, a spokesperson for the National Association of the Remodeling industry, estimates he spent about $1,000 on new vents when he installed a highly efficient furnace in his own home in 2009.

How much you pay for the new vents depends on how far it is from your furnace to the outdoors and what kind of home exterior you have.

“It’s always more of a problem cutting stone walls for the venting and in homes built in the 1920s through the 1960s because you’re cutting through the historic fabric of the home,” says O’Grady. “But it saves money on the back side on your utility and natural gas bills.”

Other Ways the Furnace Rules Could Cost You

If you live in attached housing: You might have to vent through a chimney rather than a wall, which would require you install a liner to protect the chimney from acidic flue exhaust and a blower to push the exhaust outdoors.

You’ll also need a new drain pipe to carry exhaust liquids into the sewer system. That can be an issue if you have a concrete basement floor and want to install your highly efficient furnace down there.

If your furnace sits in an unheated garage: The new furnace vents work best if they travel through heated rooms. So plan to shell out for new ductwork to install your efficient furnace inside the house, says Steve Porter of the Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International, a trade group for HVAC equipment wholesalers.

And if your furnace is in a utility room or in the middle of your house’s footprint, you’ll need to accommodate the venting, which means potentially moving the furnace.

If you live in a condo: Some condos have bylaws that prohibit punching through to outside walls, The Bergen Record reports.

As the costs add up, you may be thinking, “Gee, I’ll need to get a home equity line to pay for my next furnace.” Good luck with that in today’s tight mortgage lending market.

“I don’t think the average consumer has $5,000 to $8,000 in the bank set aside to replace their furnace,” Porter says. “No one thinks about the furnace until it quits working.”

The furnace rule was just the start of DOE’s reach into home owners’ wallets. In 2015, DOE had planned to raise efficiency standards for air conditioners in the South, and heat pump and oil furnace standards nationally.

The Bottom Line

At some point, DOE is going to finalize some form of furnace and AC efficiency rules. If your furnace is old and you don’t want to pay thousands for new vents, now might be a good time to look into a replacement unit.

Even if your furnace is running fine, start saving for a new one.

To make sure you’re getting the right HVAC product for your state, federal Energy Guide Labels like this one will tell you where it’s appropriate to install the system.

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Worried about Ice this Winter?

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Why We Don’t Always Move Forward with Home Improvements

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What’s New at Moonworks? – A Lot! Homeshows, New Website, and More.

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Winter 2011: Filled with Ice Dams & Leaking Roofs

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Worried about Ice this Winter?

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Remodeling’s ‘Value’ on the Upswing

2013 is shaping up pretty sweetly for home owners.

First, there were the home owner-centric tax benefits (energy tax credits, PMI deduction, mortgage debt forgiveness) that Congress and the President extended through 2013; and now, we’re seeing that our home improvement dollars are working harder.

After several bruising years, spending on remodeling projects is up and so too is your return on your remodeling dollars. The national average percentage recoup on all 35 projects in Remodeling Magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report rose since last year. 

What a different story from 2012, when the ROI dropped in all but three categories.

The annual report is based on a survey that asks REALTORS® around the country to estimate what specific projects, from adding an attic bedroom to installing new windows, would recoup in their market at resale under current conditions.

Of course, what you recoup depends on the specifics of your project, your market, and when you sell. But the report offers a great bird’s-eye view of project costs and returns.

So which projects offer the best value for the money?

Exterior projects like siding, window, and garage door replacements took seven of the top 10 spots in this year’s list.

See a slideshow with the cost-vs-value details on exterior remodels.

Makes sense since REALTORS® always say curb appeal is half the battle when you’re trying to sell.

Although it’s not in the top 10, I was gratified to see that the backup generator project is up about 5 percentage points since 2012. One of our bloggers, Lisa Kaplan Gordon, invested in a portable generator last year after one too many storms and power outages, and despite the learning curve, she was glad she did. She had power when a lot of her neighbors didn’t; she even shared power.

Indoors, the top-10 projects include a minor kitchen remodel (involving cabinet refacing and new countertops and appliances), which recouped 75.4% nationally.

Kitchen redo aside, replacement projects, such as installing an entry door or new siding, tend to have a higher cost-to-value ratio than remodeling projects. But now that housing has turned a corner, home owners are stepping up their remodeling plans.

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies saw 9% growth in remodeling in 2012 and predicts that trend will continue as more and more distressed properties are bought and rehabbed.

The housing group says interest in energy-efficiency updates will keep on trucking, too. It’s the one area where spending on remodeling projects rose during the recession.

I’m betting the revived energy tax credit will add fuel to that trend.

Learn more: About Cost vs. Value projects | About the extended energy tax credit

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Reimagining the Kitchen: Trends for 2013

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, we’ve got good news and bad news.

First, the good stuff. According to trend experts Lita Dirks and Dominick Tringali, you don’t have to shell out major cash to add space. Instead, look to expand what you already have. Vault your ceiling, add windows, squeeze in clever storage ideas. Make the space work harder, not bigger.

Plus, relax. Casual kitchens are trending, with doo-dads and gee-gaws (think elaborate trim and vent hoods that look like medieval castles) going away, and simpler, sleeker designs coming on strong.

Speaking on kitchen trends at the 2013 International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas, interior designer Dirks and architect Tringali teamed up to describe the new American kitchen as one piece of a larger, open floor plan.
It’s all part of a new kitchen gestalt that Dirks describes as the “prep-eat-play” triangle, with flexibility and casual living as key ingredients. The notion tosses the kitchen into a design blender along with living, dining, and family rooms, and frappes everything into communal happiness.

Example: You can eat at a comfy banquette, or in front of the TV (don’t tell your child-development counselor), or in the breakfast nook, or you can belly up to the island. No rules!

The bad news (OK, it’s not that bad) is that we’ve heard some of this before. Open floor plans have been around since the moon landing and yes, we like them. A lot. What we really have here is affirmation — and freedom to create kitchens that are less ornate and yet have more personality.

Just like you.

Of course, Dirks and Trengali definitely have the pulse of today’s home owner and offer some great takeaways. We’ve combined their goodies with our own kitchen trendspotting for 2013. If you’re planning a kitchen redo, here’s what you need to know:

Contemporary kitchens are In. Specifically, they’re getting simpler and more modern, with less elaborate detail and trim. In fact, the National Kitchen and Bath Association reports that in its annual survey of kitchen designers, “transitional” design — meaning a simple, more modern aesthetic — has surpassed “traditional” as the preferred design for the first time in the association’s history.

Kitchen cabinets are dark, or white. Darker, furniture-like finishes are popular, but so is pure white. The middle ground — think natural oak — is going away. Dark finishes help the kitchen integrate into the overall scheme; pure white is the ultimate accent color that readily complements the rest of the living area.

Islands rule. Kitchen islands are becoming more multi-dimensional, serving as food-prep areas, snack stations, wine storage, and display cabinets for objets d’art. Also, they’re essential for directing traffic flow within an open floor plan, channeling guests toward comfy seating areas, for example. Small kitchen? Go with a rolling cart that’s there when you need it.

Countertop revolution. Say hi to porcelain and ceramic slabs that look like stone, wood, and fabric, says Jamie Gold, a California designer. The product is made from clay, quartz, and feldspar that’s subjected to high heat — just like regular tile. Unlike other engineered countertops, this product doesn’t use cements or resin binders. It’s not readily available in the U.S. yet.

Appliances are disappearing. In the past, we loved our commercial-style kitchen appliances that made us look like we really knew how to cook. Now, appliances are hiding behind wood panels and faux veneers so they integrate better with the overall living space. New finishes, such as GE’s slate and Whirlpool’s Ice White, are bucking the stainless steel trend, but don’t bet on stainless going away anytime soon — it’s still hot.

Espresso yourself. An eye-catching extra gives a kitchen a blast of personality. Cool sinks and high-tech faucets are au courant. Other possibilities include:

Glass finishes. Glistening glass is popping up everywhere in the kitchen, especially glass tiles installed as backsplashes. Applying clear glass panels over walls painted soft colors gives a deep sheen that harmonizes with today’s contemporary looks. Bonus: It’s easy to clean.

Grab some fresh air. Outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas are hot. Your indoor kitchen should have an outdoor doppelganger close by, available through wide glass doors.

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3 Cool Must-Have Home Gadgets

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Keeping Warm in Winter, Safely

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How to Care for Your Lawn Safely

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Are Mosquitos Breeding In Your Gutters?

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Are Mosquitos Breeding In Your Gutters?

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10 Free Home Improvement Resources

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10 Easy Holiday Home Improvement Projects

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4 Clever Pantry Makeovers: Which One’s Your Favorite?

You care about your home. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® cares about homeownership. To help you become the best, most responsible homeowner you aspire to be, we want to provide you with free information and tools you can use to make smart and timely decisions about your home.

From time to time, we may reach out to you to help us support legislation and/or policies that may have an impact on you, the homeowner. You can choose to join our cause. Or you can choose not to. Regardless, your privacy is safe with us.

We'll never share or sell your email address or other personal information you may provide us in the course of using the site with anyone without your explicit consent.

View the original article here

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A Musical Bathtub and 5 Other Smart Home Products

After hiking miles of aisles past thousands of products (you’re welcome!) displayed at the 2013 International Builders Show in Las Vegas, I found a few designed to make your life easier, cooler, more efficient, and more fun. (Of course, many come with a steep price.) Come on, wouldn’t you want these?

Music in Your Showerhead

Credit: Kohler

Closet crooners, rejoice! Kohler’s Moxie shower head features a Bluetooth-enabled speaker so you can pipe your favorite playlist directly into your morning shower. The waterproof (obviously) wireless speaker attaches with a magnet to the shower head so that — even if you can’t carry a tune — you can detach it post-shower and carry the little speaker with you while you decide which socks to wear. The lithium-ion battery gives 7 hours of play and is rechargeable via USB. List price is $199.

Music Inside Your Bathtub

Can’t help but give innovative Kohler another shout-out for its VibrAcoustic hydrotherapy technology that lets you transfer your music directly into your tub via an MP3 device. Plug in your iPod, pick some mood music, and VibrAcoustic makes the walls of your tub — and the surrounding water — gently vibrate to the rhythms of your tunes. Talk about an immersive musical experience!

VibrAcoustic technology adds $2,400 to the price of your tub. Need even more fun? Include chromatherapy (colored lights) for another $600.

Solar-Ready-or-Not HVAC

Credit: John Riha for HouseLogic

Sure, you’d like to go solar, but maybe you’re not sure how to go about it. No worries — Lennox SunSource solar-ready air conditioners and heat pumps are ready when you are. When you decide to go solar and save on your utility bills, an HVAC pro simply plugs compatible solar panels into the unit — there’s no need to fool around with your breaker box or add a power converter.

If you’re not using your HVAC, the unit simply routes the juice from your solar panels into your home to power your appliances, lights, and other electrical goodies.

A high-efficiency unit runs $2,500 to $3,500 installed, depending on its capacity. Solar panels available through Lennox are $1,200-$1,500 per; a typical house uses at least eight.

You may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 9% of the cost of “solar-ready equipment.” If you also invest in solar panels, then you may be able to claim a federal tax credit of up to 30% for the whole kit and kaboodle. Check with your tax pro.

Don’t forget: Many states offer additional credits and rebates for solar installations.

Is Your Refrigerator in Hot Water?

Credit: John Riha for HouseLogic

Your refrigerator wants to be so much more to you than cold. The GE Café series has a touch-control, on-demand hot water dispenser that serves up H2O at four pre-set heat settings. You can get warm water for baking or piping hot water for instant oatmeal. Yup, you can get chilled water and ice cubes from the door-mounted dispenser, too. The sleek fridge retails for $3,299.

Even More Keyless

Credit: John Riha for HouseLogic

Biometric locks have been on the market for a while now, but Simplicikey takes high-tech security one step further: a handheld key fob locks and unlocks your door from up to 50 feet away.

Add the new Keycloud technology and you’ll be able to lock your door using your smartphone, tablet, and laptop. Use the Keycloud app to check the status of any of your exterior doors, even at a second house or rental property. Cost: $199-$279 (the app is free).

Private Screening

Credit: John Riha for HouseLogic

On the low-tech end of things, I saw this at a booth and thought it was pretty clever. No, it’s not an actual product, but part of a booth design. Take a large planter, fill it with polished rocks, and stick some bamboo stalks in it to create a tres modern fence. Use it as an indoor partition or outdoor privacy screen.

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4 Clever Pantry Makeovers: Which One’s Your Favorite?

You care about your home. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® cares about homeownership. To help you become the best, most responsible homeowner you aspire to be, we want to provide you with free information and tools you can use to make smart and timely decisions about your home.

From time to time, we may reach out to you to help us support legislation and/or policies that may have an impact on you, the homeowner. You can choose to join our cause. Or you can choose not to. Regardless, your privacy is safe with us.

We'll never share or sell your email address or other personal information you may provide us in the course of using the site with anyone without your explicit consent.

View the original article here

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Perfect for Organizing Laundry: A Dresser Made of Laundry Baskets

We’re psyched to show you the basket dresser that Brook, goddess of the Being Brook blog, built for her laundry room to corral her family’s Mount Kilimanjaro of clean clothes.

“This might be my favorite thing I’ve ever made,” Brook raved after using the dresser, which consists of a wood frame and 12 plastic laundry baskets.

Look at how simple yet functional it is. And I love the Tiffany-esque blue paint (actually Behr’s Teal Zeal) — a classy touch.

Build It and the Clothes Will Come

This dresser is a snap to build from plans drawn up by Ana White (plans are her thing). It consists of three rectangular boxes with slats that support the baskets and let them slide in and out. You can make more or fewer boxes, depending on how much laundry storage you want and stuff you need to sort.

Brook used white 17-by-24-inch baskets (about $3 each). I like the all-white look with nameplates for each child. If your kids are young, buy baskets in different colors, so little ones easily know which is theirs.

Brook gives some super-helpful advice on working with local lumber yards that will cut the wood for you.

Bring your plans, so associates can advise on types of wood that would be best.Double-check all your measurements before heading to the store. Save your back and ask salespeople to load the wood into your car.

Brook’s Construction Tips

Prime (always prime!) and paint the wood before assembly — it’s a lot easier than after. Then touch up as needed.

Invest in a Kreg Jig ($100), which makes drilling pocket holes and assembling furniture a snap.

Build with a buddy: You’ll need someone to hold heavy pieces while you screw them together.

And Now, the Numbers

Total: $196 for three dressers. Figure $50-$75 for one.

Next week, we’ll spotlight a DIY laundry rack in an elegant laundry room. At the end of the month, you can vote for your favorite laundry room project.

More Great Projects

In case you missed our amazing pantry series, check out these projects and vote for your favorite makeover:

Whimsy Meets Function in This $50 Pantry Redo
A Pantry Rescued by Lazy Susans
A Perfect Walk-In Pantry Makeover
Now-You-See-It, Now-You-Don’t Pantry

The vote tally is neck and neck! The $50 pantry redo is nosing out the lazy Susan project by a hair, but voting remains open.

$50 Blackboard Pantry Redo — 38.3%

Send us your laundry room projects and tips. Include them in the comments section.

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Are Your Neighbors Friend or Foe?

If you live in a neighborhood, you'll have to interact with your neighbors at some point. How do you keep the peace? Image: JJRD/iStockphoto

File this under No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: A Buffalo home owner sued her neighbors for cleaning up her littered patio without her permission. She said they trespassed and discriminated against her. A federal judge disagreed, and forced her to pay $107,000 in attorney fees.

Think I’ll skip that neighborhood’s next block party.

I’ve been a home owner for 27 years and can think of no greater hell than waging war with neighbors. The idea of scurrying to collect my mail so I’ll avoid an angry couple next door makes me want to down a Xanax.

So what do I do? I usually bend over backwards to keep the peace.

Once, I hacked off the tops of my sunflowers because my neighbor complained they blocked the sun from shining on her tomatoes.

For the past two summers, I’ve allowed a twangy lute to drown out summer crickets because another neighbor adds a mid-eastern soundtrack to his nightly pool parties.

And I let it go when the couple across the street snuck into my yard and pruned my willow because they thought it blocked traffic sight lines around the corner.

But I may be in the minority. These days, it seems like neighbor feuds are the rule, not the exception.

Former Seattle Mariners first basemen John Olerud finally won a long, unhappy battle with the minister next door to remove a Chinese pine that obstructed Olerud’s lake and mountain views. The neighbors had been great friends, and it seems a crying shame they let a pine tree rip them apart.Sick of escalating fights over loud reggae music, a Tampa judge sentenced two feuding neighbors to monthly potluck dinners together. Maybe breaking bread will stop the fights: If it were me, I’d bring a taste tester before I bit into the tuna casserole.Neighbors complained when a “starving artist” in East Hampton, N.Y., invited any and all to throw a pint of paint on his house. The artist wanted a free paint job: What he got was angry neighbors worried about property values.

Can’t we all just get along, or at least get some perspective?

I’m not saying hack off sunflowers to avoid a fight — that just worked for me, and my flower-loving neighbor felt guilty for years. But some honest communication, or perhaps a little mediation, could keep your front yard from becoming a battleground.

Have you ever confronted a neighbor? How’d it turn out?

Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a HouseLogic contributor and builder of luxury homes in McLean, Va. She’s been a Homes editor for Gannett News Service and has reviewed home improvement products for AOL.

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Why Your Roof is More Than Just Shingles

Posted by Rebecca McKinnon on Thu, Oct 04, 2012

If you have ever replaced your home’s roof, you know how much quotes can vary.  Company A can do it for 40% of the price of Company B and you begin to wonder, why would I ever pay Company B’s price?  How can the same roof vary so much company to company?  The answer really depends on what you are looking for.  Any old roofing company can come in and add a layer of shingles over whatever is there.  But, is that what you really want?    

Homeowners need to realize that there is more to their roof than just shingles.  Your home’s roof is a system of components that work together to protect your home against whatever Mother Nature brings your way, which in New England can be snow, hail, rain, wind, sun, and maybe even a hurricane.

Roofing shingles are much more durable and attractive than they were even 10 years ago.  So, it is easy to get fooled when looking at the product only.  The real difference in price lies in the quality of workmanship and the correct balance of roofing components used to create your home’s roofing system.

Let’s take a look at what makes up your home’s roofing system:

Deck Protection:  This is the layer of underlayment that goes over your home’s wooden deck to protect it from moisture.  It also allows your roof to lay flatter, reducing blow off in the future.  This is one area that the contractors can really cut corners.  Don’t let any contractor tell you that they can reuse your existing deck protection.  Take a look at the material they want to put down.  It should be tough yet breathable.Ice and Water Barrier:  This protects the most vulnerable areas of your roof- valleys, eaves and overhangs and other problem areas (skylights, dormers, vent pipes, chimneys, etc).  Many of us have had family members or friends that have the ceiling stains from water damage cause by ice dams or wind driven rain.  The ice and water barrier helps protect against this costly damage.  Some contractors skip this step all together.  With the kind of weather we get in New England, the ice and water barrier really is a critical component.Shingles:  Shingles are the one part of a roof that people pay the most attention to.  Over the last decade, shingles have come a long way.  The focus currently is on designer shingles.  Not only do they look great but they are more durable than the shingles of the past.  We will go into more detail on the shingles in next week’s blog.Hip and Ridge Shingles:  These really finish off the look of your roof and give it a clean look.  But, these shingles are not just superficial; they make your roof weather tight by bringing the two slopes of the roof together.  These shingles are different from the shingles that make up the majority of the roof and are designed specifically for this purpose.   Contractors looking to cut corners may try to convince you otherwise.Ventilation:  This is THE most important part of your roofing system.  If your home is not well ventilated, it can cause heat and moisture to build up in your attic.  This heat and moisture not only can cause you to spend more on your heating and cooling bills but it can also cause further damage to your home’s walls and ceilings by creating conditions for ice dams to form. Many roofing manufacturers will not warranty a roof that is not properly ventilated.

A new roofing system is not protects your home from Mother Nature but it also can improve the function of your home through ventilation.  This is one home improvement project that you don’t want to cut corners on.  The quality of installation on your new roofing system is really the key factor to getting an effective and efficient lifetime roof.  Moonworks is a GAF certified Master Elite installer, a designation earned by only 3% of all roofing contractors.  This means that you can be confident that the roof on your home is impeccably installed.    

Don’t wait for your roof to start leaking before you replace it.  Be proactive and replace your roof before it fails.  This will save you money in the long run and allow you to really go over all of your options rather than having to make a rash decision.

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20 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

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Posted by Rebecca McKinnon on Tue, May 15, 2012 Whether you are really into DIY projects or just starting out, here are some tools that every homeowner should have.  You can complete about 90% of all home maintenance with just a handful of tools.  Tools really are an investment so be sure to buy good quality basics as they will last you a lifetime.  While you don’t need a toolbox per say, having a container or heavy duty canvas bag to organize all of the tools is a good idea.
Here are the basic tools that every homeowners needs to own: Hammer.  Seems simple enough but the one that is most versatile is a steel 16-ounce rip hammer.  With the straight claw, you can use it to pull out nails or rip out a wall.Screwdriver.  A 4 in 1 screwdriver is preferable as you can switch between a small and large Philips-head and a small and large flat-head bit.Tape Measure.  Go for the 25 footer as it is the perfect length when you’re measuring solo.Level.  Because sometimes eyeballing it isn’t the best option.Cordless drill with bits.  We use this all the time.  Whether you are hanging pictures, curtain rods or putting together furniture, this is a must for all homeowners.  Some more experienced DIY’ers may prefer a corded drill since it never loses its charge.  We just have a spare battery so if it cops out mid job, you just snap the replacement in and keep going.Pliers.  Channel-lock, lineman’s, vise-grips (locking pliers) and needle-nose are 4 most used.  The channel-lock pliers are adjustable and good for gripping nuts.  Lineman pliers cut and twist wires.  Needle-nose pliers are great for those hard to reach areas while many people find vise-grips helpful for clamping.  Just be careful with the vise-grips as they can cause you to mangle nuts and bolts if you aren’t careful.  Grab a pair of needle-nose pliers with a wire cutting blade near the hinge for more bang for your buck.Utility Knife.  You know, the one with the retractable blade that goes into the handle.Adjustable crescent wrenches.  If you get them in 6 and 14 inch sizes, you should be all set for most household jobs.Hex key.  Otherwise known as an Allen wrench.  I have sort of a love/hate relationship with this tool.  Can't live with it, can't live without it.  If you have ever put together furniture, you know why.Staple Gun.  The quickest way to reupholster anything.Handsaw.  Even if you own a circular saw, there may be instances where you need a handsaw. Electronic stud finder.  Takes the guess work out of hanging heavy objects.Protective eyewear and gloves.  For safety sake.Electrical tester.  Again, for safety sake.Caulking gun.  A great way to save money and upgrade your home’s efficiency is by caulking the areas around windows and doors.Ladder.  Great for indoor and outdoor use.  Can be used to clean the gutters (unless you have Gutter Helmet, then you Never Have to Clean your Gutters Again).Drywall knife and a putty knife.  To do all of the patch work necessary prior to painting a room.9 inch roller frame and roller brushes.  I like the one where the handle comes off so you can use it in high areas and then remove the handle for places within your reach.Assorted paint brushes.  Get a 2 ½ inch angled brush for interior cutting and trim and a 3 inch rectangular or oval brush for exterior cutting and trim.  We buy good quality brushes, wash and reuse.Paint tray with liners.  Liners make clean up quick and less messy.Did we miss any tool essentials?  What tool can’t you live without?
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5 Ways to Save Money on your Next Home Improvement Project

Posted by Rebecca McKinnon on Tue, May 01, 2012

Spring marks the beginning of many things, including the home improvement season.  Like any homeowner, I have a list of projects that I hope to finish for 2012 and now is the perfect time to start checking off that list! 

Whether your next project is big or small, outdoors or inside, we are all looking for ways to make our money stretch a little further. 

Here are a few tips to help you save money on whatever project you are hoping to accomplish in 2012:

Plan ahead

No matter what type of project you are thinking of doing, planning ahead always results in a more cost effective (and usually faster) end result.  Knowing exactly what you want and how you want it to look are extremely important because they allow you to convey your vision more clearly to your contractor, minimizing changes.  Changes impact time and money!  If you are DIY, it can also save money because you can get everything you need at once rather than having to make several (costly) trips to the store to fix your mistakes or re-work your vision. 

Do your homework

Choosing the right contractor can be tough.  While price and craftsmanship certainly make a difference, be sure to include checking their insurance and licensing credentials as well.  Did you know that you could be liable for a contractor who is injured while at your home?  That is why it is so important to be certain that the person you hire to perform work around your home is properly insured.  Check your state’s licensing board for information on any contractor you are considering.

Be realistic

There is a difference between being handy and being a contractor.  Be honest about your home improvement limitations.  Paying someone to come in a fix your DIY nightmare could end up costing more than if you had just hired someone from the beginning.  Beyond money, taking on a bigger project than your skills can also be a safety issue.  The old saying, “better safe than sorry” also applies to home improvement.

Re-Purpose

When it comes time to get creative, yard sales, antique stores and even your basement are great places to look for inspiration.  Yard sales and antique stores are great places to find great things for a lot less money.  Not exactly what you’re looking for?  Don’t be afraid to get creative.  A can of spray paint, a can of stain and/or some new hardware can really bring an old piece new life.  If you are looking for something more in the free price range, check out your basement or attic.  You may discover items you didn’t even know you had.  Thinking outside the box allows you to find new uses for old items.

Add a little sweat equity

Even if your next project is beyond your expertise, there may be little ways for you to save money.  You may be able to help during certain stages of the process, saving you some money.  Some contractors may even give you a discount if you pay in cash.  If this is the case, just be sure to document this in your agreement and ask for a receipt after each payment.  Remember- you should never give all of the money upfront.  Most ask for half upfront and the other half upon completion.

What projects are you planning this spring?  Do you have a tip on how to save money on a project?  Share it with us below!

Whether you are looking to replace your old windows or that leaky roof, be sure to contact Moonworks for an estimate on your next home improvement project.

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A Perfect Walk-In Pantry Makeover

Adjustable shelves maximize this pantry's storage space. All images in this post: Honey + Fitz

Our third pantry transformation is the handiwork of Dina at the Honey & Fitz home organization and design blog. It’s functional, whimsical, beautiful, and we love it! Who could ask more from the place you store paper towels and bottles of Diet Coke?

Pantry Problems

Like most of us, Dina likes every space in her home to be pretty and organized. But her walk-in pantry was neither, something that grated on her nerves every time she walked into it.

Here’s what Dina hated about her old pantry:

Four stationary, plastic-coated wire shelves — who wants shelves you can’t adjust? Super-tall items, such as her KitchenAid mixer, could live only on the floor.Wasted vertical space, because shelves fell 3 feet short of her 9-foot ceiling. Ever try to store and retrieve something 6 feet in the air? Not fun.

So, stealing a little renovation time when she could (while baby was napping), she began to plan storage solutions for her dream pantry.

Shelves on the Move

Dina’s top priority was having adjustable shelves. That meant installing tracks that let her move shelves up or down according to the size of tomato sauce jars and cereal boxes.

When Dina feels a cookie-baking urge coming on, she only has to pull the cart into the

When Dina feels a cookie-baking urge coming on, she only has to pull the cart into the kitchen; when she’s finished, she pushes the cart back into its spot — it makes her “insanely happy.”

More Touches We Love

IKEA towel, tablecloth, and bib holder that folds flat against the wall, taking up very little space.Carpet tiles that make the space look cozy and finished.Using the pantry as a display space for Dina’s collection of milk glass cake pedestals.Pull-out wire bins that corral small items.Tiffany blue(ish) paint on the walls, which makes the pantry look special.

To see more inspiring pantry storage ideas, visit our Perfect Pantry Projects Pinterest page.

Don’t forget to check out our other pantry makeover contenders:

A Pantry Rescued by Lazy Susans 
$50 Pantry Redo
A Pantry that Rolls Into Tiny Spaces

Now, vote for your favorite!

Share your pantry project tips and photos in the comments field.

Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a HouseLogic contributor and builder of luxury homes in McLean, Va. She’s been a Homes editor for Gannett News Service and has reviewed home improvement products for AOL.

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Cara Mengatasi Blackberry yang Lemot

 Pada kesempatan ini ada artikel yang membahas Cara Mengatasi Blackberry yang Lemot. Pengguna BB di Indonesia saat ini telah mencapi jutaan dan termasuk pengguna Handphone Blackberry terbanyak.

Tentunya jika anda juga pemakai HP BB pernah mengalami yang namanya loading blackberry anda lemot banget. Dan berikut tips trik cara mengatasi BB yang lemot.

Tips Atasi BlackBerry Lemot

Install aplikasi yang penting : Jika kita terlalu banyak menginstall aplikasi dan mendownload theme maka akan cukup menguras kemampuan dari memori. Cek kembali aplikasi-aplikasi apa saja yang kita biasa gunakan dan delete aplikasi atau theme yang menurut Anda sudah jarang dipakai.Batasi group BBM : Group BBM adalah penyumbang terbesar ‘sampah’ yang membuat BlackBerry Anda menjadi lemot. Carilah group BBM yang memang benar-benar berguna, karena teman-teman kita yang lain masih bisa dihubungi melalui BBM pribadi, email, Twitter atau media lainnya.Tutup chat di BBM yang sudah selesai : Jika Anda merasa bahwa percakapan dengan seseorang itu penting, Anda dapat menyimpan percakapan tersebut di media card dengan melakukan setting di BBM – Options – Cari Save Chat History lalu pilih media card. Namun jangan sampai, aktivitas percakapan yang sudah selesai jauh-jauh hari tetap Anda biarkan. Bijaklah dalam menggunakan BBM, dimana salah satu caranya adalah dengan menutup aktivitas chat BBM setiap obrolan selesai.Hapus email yang tidak diperlukan : Ini juga menjadi salah satu penyebab BlackBerry Anda menjadi lemot, terutama email yang memiliki attachment file yang cukup besar. Saat anda melakukan delete biasanya akan muncul pilihan On Mailbox & Handheld (email di BlackBerry dan di Mailbox Server akan dihapus) atau On Handheld (hanya email di BlackBerry saja yang dihapus). Kalau email yang akan anda hapus itu dirasa masih cukup penting, cukup pilih On Handheld saja karena Email aslinya akan tetap tersimpan di Mailbox (Yahoo, Google, atau klien email Anda lainnya).Biasakan lakukan clear log dengan cara: tekan alt + LG + LG -> Menu BlackBerry -> Clear LogJika Anda sering melakukan Browsing, maka hapus cache memory di browser : Caranya: Menu BlackBerry -> Browser -> Options -> Cache Operations -> clear historyRajin-rajinlah melakukan pembersihan terhadap memori : Caranya : Menu BlackBerry -> Options -> Security Options -> Memory Cleaning -> Ubah status ke posisi ENABLE -> Menu BB -> Clean Now.Maksimalkan penggunaan memori eksternal. Penyimpanan foto, lagu, video dan lainnya sebaiknya Anda simpan ke dalam memori eksternal atau media card. Caranya setting: Menu BlackBerry -> Options -> Memory -> Ganti status media Card Support menjadi ON.Tips yang paling ampuh saat BlackBerry Anda lemot adalah : Soft Reset: Tekan bersamaan tombol Alt – Caps/tombol aA (sebelah kanan dekat tombol sym) – tombol del — selesai (Khusus BlackBerry yang menggunakan keyboard)

Nah itulah tadi beberapa Tips Atasi BlackBerry Lemot. Jika anda masih bingung dengan cara mengatasi Blackberry lemot di atas, baca dan langsung praktekkan satu persatu.

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DIY Project: Creating a Vegetable Garden

Posted by Rebecca McKinnon on Mon, May 07, 2012

This year I plan on starting a vegetable garden at my home.  I love the idea of having fresh vegetables to use when cooking (not to mention the cost savings).  Now is the perfect time of the year in New England to begin preparing the garden for the summer and fall harvest.  I am planning on planting tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and maybe some green beans and/or broccoli.  I plan on getting the plants from a local farm and maybe starting a few from seed in my garden.  I will see what they recommend for the New England area and a gardening beginner like me and update you on the specific plants used.

Here are the steps needed in order to create your own vegetable garden:

Scope out your yard      

When planning a vegetable garden from scratch there are a few things to consider: location, sunlight and convenience.  The area you choose to plant your garden should get about 6 hours of full sunlight a day.  Ideally, this sunny location is close to your home and a water supply for optimum convenience.   Finding a spot close to the house not only makes it easier to grab the vegetables and bring them into the house, it also allows you to keep a good eye on the garden. 

Plan ahead

There are a few things to consider here:  how you will be planting the vegetables and which types of vegetables will you be planting?  The best way to easily answer these two questions is to map out your garden.  Think about the vegetables that your family eats the most and plant those.  Also take the weather into consideration as some vegetables grow better in certain areas than others. 

Variety is key when it comes to choosing your plants.  Make sure you take harvesting into consideration so you have a constant stream of crops throughout the summer.  You can also stagger the planting to achieve this as well.  Remember- taller plants should be towards the back of your garden so they don’t block the sun for the shorter plants.  Depending on the size of your garden, be sure to take pathways and weeding into account so you don’t compact the soil around the plants.

The quickest way to start your garden?  Go to your local store or farm and get vegetable plants.  Chances are, if you planned on starting from a seed, you have already started doing so indoors. 

Prepare the area

Check the ph of your soil and adjust as needed for whatever vegetables you will be planting.  Most vegetables do best in a soil within a ph of 6.2 to 6.8.  You may need to add some lime to acidic soil (under 5.8) or sulfur to alkaline soil (above 7.2) Composting material should also be added.  Dig up the area and/or use a rototiller to break up the soil.  You should go down at least 1 foot deep.  Add about 2 inches of compost matter into the soil and mix it all together.  Your soil should be about 10-15% compost.

Plant those Veggies

Based on the type of vegetable you are growing, you need to be sure you dig the holes deep enough and keep enough space between plants so your garden grows properly.  Here is a great chart from The Garden Helper that shows the different crops and the spacing needed.  It also lets you know when to plant, which is very helpful.

Many crops come with a plastic marker that says what it is and vital planting information.  Stake this into the ground so you know what should be coming up where in the future.

Watch, Water, Weed and Repeat

Be sure to water the plants enough as growing veggies need lots of water.  2-3 times per week should good.  Water until the soil is moist but you do not want to soak the plants.  Using a light misting head is best as it will not damage your fragile crops.  Watch out for leaves that look like they may be getting eaten by animals and/or bugs.  Also, keep an eye our for diseased looking plants as well.  Don't forget to weed the garden.  Weeds take valuable nutrients away from your veggies so stay on top of weeding so they dont have time to grow deep roots.

Are you planting a vegetable garden this year?  If so, what do you intend to plant in your garden?  Share pictures of your garden with us on our Facebook page!

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Lawn Maintenance Blog Series: Part 1- Tune Up Your Lawn Mower

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Lawn Maintenance Blog Series: Part 3 - Accent your Lawn with a Garden

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Lawn Maintenance Blog Series: Part 2- Best Times for Lawn Maintenance

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Make Your Spring Cleaning More Green

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Make Your Spring Cleaning More Green

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13 Lucky Superstitions for Your Home in 2013

1. Never walk under a ladder. This is believed to be the devil’s territory. If there’s no way around it, protect yourself by crossing your fingers or making the fig sign with your hand — closed fist, with the thumb between your index and middle fingers.

2. When you move out of a house, leave the broom behind. Along with the dust and dirt of your old home, old brooms also carry the negative aspects of your life. A new broom signifies a fresh start in your new home.

3. Carry bread and salt with you when you first enter a new home (along with your new broom). After crossing the threshold, sprinkle salt in front of the door to keep evil spirits away.

4. It’s bad luck to carry a hoe into the house. If you do it by mistake, carry it out by walking backwards through the same door — it’ll reverse the bad luck.

5. Stuff fennel, an herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves, into your keyhole or hang it over the door to protect your home from witches.

6. Paint your front porch blue to ward off ghosts. This superstition, which originated in Southern plantation homes, tells us that “haints,” or ghosts, can’t cross water. Painting the porch “haint blue” would confuse ghosts into thinking the porch was made of water, so they wouldn’t enter the home.

7. Never put shoes on a dresser or table. Bad luck will ensue, according to a Jewish superstition.

8. In fung shui architecture, there should be windows on a house’s east side to face the sunrise. A 27-story home in Mumbai, valued at $1 billion, currently sits empty because its owner believes the lack of windows on the east side will bring him bad luck.

9. On Chinese New Year, which will be celebrated on Feb. 10 this year, you should clean your home thoroughly to get rid of bad luck and accept new luck into your home. Also decorate your doors and windows with posters featuring the word “fu,” which means good luck and happiness.

10. According to a Norse superstition, placing an acorn on a windowsill will protect a house from being struck by lightning. Window blind pulls decorated like acorns are still popular.

11. Never open an umbrella inside. Doing so would be an insult to the sun god, as umbrellas are commonly used for protection against the sun.

12. Don’t move into a new place on a Friday, Saturday, or rainy day. These days are unlucky and may prevent you from ever truly settling into your new home. According to Indian superstition, Thursday is the luckiest day to move in.

13. Never pound a nail after sunset, or you’ll wake the tree gods. Wouldn’t want to do that.

Have any superstitions to add to the list?

Courtney Craig

Courtney Craig is an Atlanta-based writer and editor. She believes no effort is too small when it comes to green living, which she tries to keep in mind while renovating her recently purchased first home.

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Winterizing your home

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Your Home's Fall Home Improvement Checklist

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