Have you seen homes where the house numbers seem to be such an after thought that they just don’t “go” with the exterior “decor”?

Ever seen house numbers that aren’t installed neatly, so the numbers look strange or downright ugly?

Don’t be one of those homes…

…Spice up the exterior appearance of your home with classy or snazzy address plaques.

Typically, there are 2 types of address plaques:

1. Wall Mounted Address Plaques
2. Lawn Markers

If you’re looking to sell your home, it’s very important to have a well-manicured look on the exterior of your home, or your potential buyers won’t even bother coming inside to check out your beautiful home.

Address plaques give a class and elegance, as well as an easy way to find your home, if you’re selling it, or if you’re awaiting a delivery to your home.

Do you have a historic home? Have you been looking for that “je ne sais quoi” that screams of days of old? I’ve been absolutely loving the Welcome Bell Plaques they have out there…Aren’t they fabulous?

You can even get address plaques that are even more personalized than just your address numbers…You can have your family name, your street name or a heartfelt quote put on your very own, durable, customized plaques.

Commemoration plaques are another great home embellishment that are such a beautiful accent to your home to remember the date you finished building your home, or moved into your home…

Have you been looking for a great wall mounted plaque or lawn marker, but can’t seem to find what you’re envisioning for your home?

No problem…there are numerous places online to check out such as Outdora.com…They have a wide selection of outdoor hardware to choose from to spice up your home’s appearance and make it visible to passersby.

***

I hope you enjoyed this Home Exterior post on the Home Improvement Minute! Until next time…

Spice Up Your Home,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Check out this post to find out How to Install Address Plaques.

Technorati Tags: address plaques, address plaque, home improvement, addresses, address numbers, address signs, home exterior

Trim is what makes a house “pop” on the inside and outside of the property.

Over the years, the trim, often white, becomes dingy, scuffed, dusty, or damaged and you lose that “je ne sais quoi” that once made your home so quaint and pretty.

No problem - easy project - get out that paint brush and put in a little bit of elbow grease.

Be sure to use Exterior paint on the exterior of your home - they make this stuff for a reason - it lasts much longer and won’t run down the brick, siding or wood of your outside walls. You’ll also be surprise how many faults paint will cover up.

Watch that kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or hallway perk right up and remind you why you loved it so much in the first place.

Simple, easy, inexpensive - Just paint the trim - it will take years off your home.

***

I hope you enjoyed this Painting Tip on the Home Improvement Minute! Until next time…

Get Paintin’,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. You’ll want the right tool for the job! A good paint brush:

Weiler Eco 2′ Disposable Chip &oil Brush White Hog B Sold Individually CASE PACK Sold Individually DETAILS Width = 2 in Thickness = 5/16 in Trim Length = 1 3/4 in Bristle Material = White Bristle Bristle Overall Block Bristle Block Brush Handle Material = Wood Handle Type = Curved Type = Paint Brush UPC 012382400682

Technorati Tags: painting, painting trim, how to paint, how to paint trim, exterior paint, interior paint, paint, house trim

Not much, is there?

Yes, fires are fun in the Summer time, but Spring, Fall and even Winter can prove to be enjoyable outside with a fire pit, like a sojoe fire pit.

What a focal point, great fun for family to roast marshmallows or hot dogs on, and a beautiful touch for a patio party under the stars.

Perfect for sitting around after enjoying an evening dip in the pool and a blast for tailgating parties in the fall.

I love the sojoe fire pit style because they come with artistic cutouts with willows, stars and moons, or wildlife that not only glow when the fire’s lit, but provides the fire with needed ventilation, minimizes smoke and improves air flow for better heat production.

They have safety ring encircling the fire pit so you can use it to rest your feet on or to move the fire pit to a different location.

This is not only a beautiful home improvement for your patio, but a functional one too.

Keep warm by the toasty fire in the fall with hot apple cider, and heated through in winter with a hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows.

Each sojoe fire pit comes with a spark screen, fire poker and a vinyl cover to protect it in bad weather.

However, each fire pit from Sojoe is built to last with cold-rolled steel and a rustic finish that is meant to age over time - never needing maintenance or painting.

Watch the flames dance as you enjoy some great relaxation and fun with family and friends for years to come with your very own fire pit on your patio.

***

I hope you enjoyed this Patio Home Improvement post on Home Improvement Minute! Until next time…

Have Fun with Your Fire Pit,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Check out my great Recipe for Hot Toddies!

Technorati Tags: fire pit, Sojoe fire pit, fire pits, fire, patio fire, patio, home improvement

I’ve learned this by experience.

“Why?”, you say…

Well, because you’ll spend at least 4 times more time trying to pain those crevices. Your brush doesn’t get into those nooks and crannies.

What Should You Use to Paint Wicker?
Go with spray paint all day long!!! This is the easiest way to completely cover wicker and make it look brand new again.

For 1 wicker chair, you’re probably going to need about 2-3 cans of spray paint.

A wicker couch will likely take at least 6 to get a thoroughly finished look. If you have a heavy wicker couch that’s flush with the ground, you won’t even need to worry about painting the underside of it - you’ll never see it!

If you do feel like a champion and just really want a specific color that you’ll need to brush on the wicker, be sure to use some paint thinner for a thinner texture of the paint. Don’t overload your paint on the brush because you’ll clog the wicker and won’t see the detail - the entire reason you have wicker in the first place.

When you paint, you’ll need to dab and squish the paint brush bristles into the crevaces until you’re satisfied with the coverage it provides.

Just know ahead of time, it will be time consuming and a real effort to complete…

How do I know?
Because I just finished painting a wicker chair and couch the same color as our historical house - what a job!!! Worth it in the end, but I wish I could have found a spray paint the right color to match the home! Ugh! I guess I could’ve gone with white…

***

I hope you enjoyed this Home Improvement  Tip on Home Improvement Minute! Until next time…

Spray Paint Your Wicker,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. If you have regular wicker you’re painting, you can use regular spray paint, but if you’re wicker is plastic or a resin, you may want to use a Fusion spray paint that will actually bind with plastics:

Spray Paint Interior-Exterior Flat White 12 Ounce Flat white - FLAT WHITE SPRAY PAINT: Decorator paint is a fast drying lacquer spray that creates a smooth, professional gloss finish on metal or wood objects. Krylon offers several color categories to satisfy all painting needs. Excellent durable weatherability for indoor/outdoor use. Great for use on fences, furniture, cabinets, bicycles, doors, planters, and shutters. Also available in flat white and black. Net weight 12 oz. Coverage: 20 to 25 sq. ft. on solid surface. Refer to model

Technorati Tags: wicker, painting wicker, spray paint, paint, spray painting wicker, spray painting, how to paint wicker

Well, at Home Depot this week, I saw them for $18 for one door, non-locking.

Want a cheaper fix?

Whilst fixing up one of our rehab houses this week, we bought all of the doorknobs that we actually brass in color…

I went to the Paint section and got the new American Accents Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint. I sprayed the hardware carefully, gingerly, sparingly and from a distance, so as not to cause bubbling and unevenness. 2 coats later, and 2 matte coats of finish, they are AMAZING!!!

They look beautiful! Not only that, try buying the style of vanity lights or chandelier you like, especially if it is cheaper. Just spray the fixture with the oil rubbed bronze spray paint, and cover with matte coat finish…Voila!

Don’t think we didn’t do that too, along with the existing door hinges (with a savings on hinges alone of around $100)!

The house is now very “custom” looking, and we have accomplished a dramatic and contrasting look with the white trim and doors.

* Tip: When you install the newly painted hardware, ensure it has had ample time to dry completely. Also, be prepared with an artist’s paint brush to touch up any places they may have chipped from an overzealous driller! Just spray some of the paint into the paint lid and carefully paint the chipped areas. You may want to complete your work with a final coat of Matte Finish Spray Paint.

Just beautiful and fitting of a century-old home that is in a historical district in Dallas.

***

I hope you enjoyed this…post on Home Improvement Today! Until next time…

Use Your Noggin’,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. To go along with all of your hard work, check out this gorgeous fixture for your bathrooms:

Fontaine NF-EUC6-ORB - Fontaine Centerset Bathroom Sink Faucet OIL RUB BRONZE Update the look in your bathroom with this European influenced Oil Rubbed Bronze 4-inch centerset faucet with matching drain from the brand new Riviera Collection by Fontaine. Fits 4 in. centerset holes or single hole; 7 inch overall height; 1.75 inch spout height; 5 inch spout reach. This is our most versatile centerset faucet. This faucet comes with an optional deck plate (not shown) for use in 4-inch 3 hole sinks, or can be installed without deck plate in single hole applications. The Riviera is Fontaine’s answer to Europe’s growing influence in American faucet style trends. With simple clean lines, the Riviera is ideal for any modern decor. Fontaine proves yet again that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the quality and style you deserve. Featuring a single post design with optional deck plate, the Riviera will transform your bathroom with simplistic style and class. Nothing will transform your bathroom for less investment than our new Riviera series faucets and accessories. Features include: Solid brass construction 4-inch centerset fits standard 4 inch spread installations Elegant design with single post spout. Optional deck plate allows single or 3 hole installations. Matching finish 50/50 pop-up drain assembly included Solid forged brass underbody Precision Machined (Brass Material) lever handles Single control ceramic disk valve Easy to follow installation instructions This genuine Fontaine product is IAPMO certified and meets or exceeds all regulatory body requirements. Warranty includes free replacement parts and a Limited Lifetime Finish Guarantee. Toll Free Technical Support is included with purchase.

Technorati Tags: oil rubbed bronze, bronze hardware, oiled bronze, doorknobs, hinges

Photo left: Before

There was no cleaning it, and we really didn’t want to use up the budget on a new tub. So, we got it glazed.

Keep in mind that the person that is going to glaze your tub will not glaze any jets or drains, etc. that are part of the jacuzzi system. You must replace those yourself afterward.

The tub needs to be stripped of jacuzzi hardware, and the drain kit removed if you are going to replace it.

The glazer will come and typically finish in 1 work day. You will be unable to use that room for a few days to ensure that no dust will be disturbed and settle on the new glazed finish.

We left the new faucets on and the glazer taped them up.

Voila!!! Brand new, beautiful tub.

Photo Right: After Glazing - In this photo, the faucets are still taped…

Having this tub glazed saved us in excess of $1000.00! Yup…Have it glazed!!!

I hope you enjoyed this installment of the Home Improvement Minute! Until next time…

Happy Renovating,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Check out this Step-by-step System For Creating Wealth From Real Estate:

Learn How to Make Money Fixing Up Houses

Technorati Tags: home improvement, home renovation, bathtub, garden tub, jacuzzi tub, glazing, glaze, tub, bathtub glazing

Home improvement has now become an important process for all homeowners, especially those who have budget, time and patience to improve the look and feel of their home. Home improvement has now also become an elaborate process, with many things concerned with home improvement being incorporated into the process.

Home improvement is not just about walls and paints anymore. It’s about giving your home a certain flavor that complements the ambience of your home and also makes you feel good. Homeowners now take care of every aspect while home improvement (not ignoring Feng Shui and co. here!). Style, furniture, functionality are major components of home improvement. Although home improvement largely depends on individual taste and style, there are some things that need to be taken care of while going for extensive home improvement. Home improvement also incorporates kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, flooring, roofing, basement remodeling and more – all depends on your requirements and the structure of your house.

Home improvement is a specialized task, and homeowners often hire contractors for the job, unless the task is very miniscule. However, it is recommended whatever be the task, it is better to hire professional contractors for home improvement. First, they are experts in their work and second, they provide with a professional package. There are specialized and general contractors available. It depends on your requirements that you want to hire.

Home improvement is not something that is done everyday. It is a specific task that is undertaken once in years, and that’s how it should be done. Consult a good designer to get the best for your home now!

For more tips and details please visit www.allremodel.com.

Natasha

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Started-with-Home-improvement-Ideas—Part-2&id=235461

***

I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Home Improvement Minute! Until next time…

Happy Improvement,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Are you improving to increase the value of your home? If so, check out this neat book:

10-Minute Home Improvement Hundreds of Fast Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home (Paperback (Trade Paper))10-Minute Home Improvement Hundreds of Fast Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home Hundreds of ways to increase the value of your home in just 10 minutes, from trimming the shrubs to painting the front door to replacing the mailbox. There are a lot of things you can do to improve the look of your home and increase its value without spending a lot of time or money, and this book gives the how-to secrets of simple home improvement. Packed with hundreds of ways to increase the value of your home in just ten minutes, from trimming the shrubs to painting the front door to replacing the letterbox. There are a lot of things you can do to improve the look of your home and increase its value without spending a lot of time or money - and this book gives the how-to secrets of simple home improvement. A few ideas from the book Replace dated lighting with new, modern sconces Add an automatic garage door opener Make a colourful container garden to put at your front entryway Hang a porch swing Put dimmers on your light switches in gathering rooms like the dining room and living room Replace a dusty old lampshade with one with a more modern feel Caulk a window to prevent heat loss.

Technorati Tags: Home improvement, all remodel, home renovation

It’s come time to make some improvements on your house and the prospect seems daunting. However, there is some light in the darkness, a home improvement tax deduction is available in the right instance.

One of the first and most important things to know before trying to qualify for a house improvement tax deduction is the difference between repairs and improvement. The reason being is that repairs will not help you at all when it comes to the tax reduction.

Home improvement as defined to qualify for the home improvement tax reduction is any addition that improves life and quality to your home. Some examples include, adding a fence, driveway, swimming pool, new heating or cooling systems, adding a room, building a garage, adding insulation, a new roof or new landscaping.

While repairs on the other hand is something to slow down or stop any depreciation that may be occurring on your home or property.

This does not qualify you for the tax reduction. Just so you know, some examples of home repair that do not qualify you include, repainting, any fixing, plumbing or leaks or fixing any broken items. Of course there is one thing that may make you exempt in regards to home repairs and them not qualifying you for a home improvement tax reduction, and that is in the case of remodeling.

In this instance you can include anything under a general improvement of the home to qualify you for the deduction. Just make sure the expenses are closely related.

Something else that can be done when qualifying for a tax deduction involves your interest rate on any loan you may receive to make the improvements.

By deducting any loan points in the year you got the loan you can benefit even more. In addition, if you decide to refinance your house to improve it you can deduct the loan points that year. The amount that you use is proportional to the amount of loan points that may be deducted and proportional when calculating the house enahncement tax reduction.

Therefore, now that you are aware what qualifies as improvement and what does not you are all set in qualifying for a home improvement tax deduction.

In addition, by knowing what exactly to do to benefit the most from the house enhancement tax deduction you are on your way to saving money, and who doesn’t like to do that?

Check out http://www.easy-tax-deductions.com/ for more articles on self employed tax deductions and payroll tax deductions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh

Technorati Tags: home improvement tax deduction, home improvement

When home owners do home improvements they are known as amateurs and it is no longer called home improvement, it is know as DIY (Do it yourself).

Bob Villa is one of the most well known authors and televisions hosts when it comes to home improvement books and television shows; there is also a television show called “Home improvement” which uses this theme for humour, the show stars Tim Allen.

There are lots of different types of home improvement, wallpapering, upgrading units, laying new carpets, transforming cellars and attics into other rooms and adding new extensions on to the house are just some of the types of home improvement that you can do.

Many people often get confused between home improvement and home repair; they are both different from each other. Home repair is basically finding problems then fixing them.

Most repairs are do it yourself kind of things but sometimes, just occasionally may be your pipes will burst and you will need to call in the professionals! Home improvement on the other hand is bettering your home, adding new things to it, changing the style of it or just adding a bit of a theme to it.

When people embark on a home improvement project they more often than not draw up a financial plan of some sort, basically this is to save them money. If you don’t have a budget then you are likely to spend much, much more than you need to! Often money can be saved by purchasing things that have promotional offers on them such as half price offers or buy one get one frees. These are the best things you can do to save you some money!

Before starting out on any home improvement project make sure that you have the basics covered; you know what you want done! You can afford to have it done! And it’s going to be done in a set amount of time!

These points are essential in an project, but most of all make sure at the end of it you have the home that you want, not someone else’s idea! Make your home suit you!

To Your Immediate and Lasting Home Improvement Success,

Kenney Jr.
Blog-n-Butter
Director

Technorati Tags: home improvement, home improvement tips, home repair tips, what is home improvement

People are always striving for better and there is no reason why their home should be left behind. Many people want the best car, the best children, the best job and the best house is no different!

Discounts in anything related to home improvement is brilliant if you can find them. Local hardware and home decorating stores often have promotions and discounts available, for example buy one get one free, or three for the price of two; these types of offers are very common in most stores.

Discounts are also available through competitions, you have to win of course but you don’t always have to come first, usually second and third get a prize too.

When improving your home you have to keep in mind a set amount that you are willing to pay to get what you want, there is no point spending a fortune and still not having everything that you need or that you would have liked in your house so a plan of action would be a great idea!

When writing your budget take into consideration the problems that could arise money wise so put more in your budget but also be aware that there are discounts and promotions available in many stores so you will definitely save some money somewhere along the way!

Don’t always think that you have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to get what you need because that is not the case!

Home improvements discounts are even easier to find on the internet so don’t forget to give that a shot as well! Discounts as I said can be anything but the discounts you are more than likely to be free postage and packaging, most items are cheaper on the internet than if you were purchasing in a local store so you are saving on costs straight away!

If you can’t be bothered visiting the shops and standing around for ages waiting on the wife choosing the perfect tiles, sit her in front of the computer and leave her to it.

Always be on the look out for discounts, there’s nothing better than a good bit of bargain hunting now is there?!

To Your Home Improvement Success!

Kenneth of Edwards
Blog-n-Butter
Director

Technorati Tags: home improvement, home repair, discount home improvement