DIY Toolbox

If you like to repair things around your home or apartment, then you need to have some basic tools available in your toolbox. I’m a DIYer and I have my own DIY toolbox with all the necessities. You don’t need to have everything but having these will make the job much simpler. Even things as simple as Velcro can make a job easier. Lisa Hoover wrote a great article which lists all of the DIY uses for Velcro.

“Velcro is one of the handiest tricks around for home improvement and decorating projects. It’s available at big retail stores, small craft stores, and even at some grocery stores. It’s cheap, comes in several different colors, and is available in sheets, squares, strips, and dots of all sizes. Velcro is very strong, yet removes easily from most surfaces (test first in an inconspicuous area). To use, just cut it to the size you need, peel the paper backing off both sides, and stick in place. ” http://www.diylife.com/2007/06/25/inside-the-diy-toolbox-velcro-is-your-friend/

So let’s go ahead and stock the DIY toolbox and don’t forget the Velcro.

Apollo Precision Tools DT0773N1 - 135 Piece Household Pink Tool Kit

Screwdrivers - a great thing to keep handy is a multi-function screwdriver that has several different tips that are stored in the handle. In addition, you should have a set of Phillips and slotted-head screwdrivers and a set of small screwdrivers. Each set will come with different sizes for different jobs.

Hammer - another necessity for the toolbox. I like to keep a large one, 12 ounce, for heavy jobs and smaller one for simple jobs.

Pliers - adjustable pliers which are great for working on plumbing and in tight spots like under sinks and in cabinets.

Wrench - an adjustable wrench for use with nuts and bolts. This is essential in the toolbox since it is used for tightening and assembling.

Level - at least a 10 inch level, preferably longer, is needed for hanging items on walls in order to determine if they are straight. You will need this to hang things such as curtain rods, pictures, shelving, etc.

Apollo Precision Tools DT9773 53-Piece Household Tool Kit with Tool Box

Ladder - a small utility step ladder is good to keep around but a regular step ladder (8 foot is the preferred) is a necessity in order to reach high places for doing things such as changing light bulbs, painting, even changing curtains. It’s much safe to use a ladder than standing on chairs.

Caulking Gun - this along with a spare tube of caulking is good to have around for those unexpected times when you discover something needs to be sealed such as windows or doors.

Utility Knives - along with extra blades for heavy duty cutting. Make sure to purchase the retracting kind which is much safer.

Hot Glue Gun - great to keep in your toolbox along with glue sticks.

Vise Grips - otherwise known as locking pliers. I use this as a third hand sometimes.

Tape Measure - every home and DIY toolbox needs a good tape measure.

Yard Stick - this is best if it is 36 inch metal yard stick. This will even guide you when cutting a straight line.

Goggles, dust mask and ear protection - always a must for safety and you never know when you may need them.

Drill - this is a must and the cordless are easy to use.

Kawasaki 840056 Black 19.2v 4pc Cordless Combo Kit

Jig Saw - in my toolbox, this is a must. I have made many things using a jig saw and a piece of wood.

Sponge Paint Brushes - cheap, disposable and easy to reach for when needed for touchups..

Cordless Screwdriver - not a necessity but is nice to use as long as you have it charged.

Sand Paper

It a must in my house that I have my own toolbox that no one else touches so that when I find something that needs to be done, I can get right on it. It’s a habit for me to scour the discount stores for tools in search for something new and inexpensive. Many times my husband comes to me for that needed tool that can be only found in my DIY toolbox. Do you like to DIY and have your own toolbox? Go ahead and share it. I might be missing something important.

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One of the most important things to do when purchasing a home is having a home inspection. By doing this, you will not only have peace of mind but will save yourself money by knowing if there are any issues with the home. The cost of the inspection is minimal compared to a major repair that may have to be done. Make sure to use a licensed inspector for this as they are trained to look for things that may not be very noticeable to the untrained eye.. Here are some things that are checked during a home inspection.

If the home is not occupied, make sure that the electric is turned on and active. The inspector needs the electric in order to check the appliances. He will check the heating and cooling systems, the washing machine, the dryer, the stove and any other appliance that is part of the transaction. He will also inspect the plumbing and electrical systems of the home.

Checking the roof for damage is another thing the inspector will do. He will also check the fascia and soffits and gutters. He will be looking at the foundation and structure of the house for cracks that may cause problems or need to be repaired. He will make note of any rotten or deteriorated wood around the home. If there is a sprinkler system attached to a well, he will put the pump on to make sure that it is working properly and will check the pressure of the well pump. He will also check to see if the sprinkler heads are in place. If there is a pool, he will check the condition of the pool along with the pool pump. Again, he will put the pump on to make sure that it has enough pressure and is working properly.

One of the most important parts of an inspection is checking for termites and other wood destroying organisms. What may look like old wood to you may really be termites. If this is discovered, it should be taken care of prior to the final transaction of purchasing the home. After all, this is not something you will want to be responsible for as soon as you buy a home. It can be an very costly endeavor. If it is wood destroying organisms such as ants, you can possibly replace the wood yourself.

Any mold found on the interior of the home also can become an issue. Mold can be very dangerous to your health. If mold is found, your inspector can advise you on what the next step is to take in order to make certain that it can be removed and will not come back.

The inspector will look at the walls, ceilings and floors. He will also look at any visible insulation, windows and doors. If there is an attic and basement, he will also check those areas along with heating and cooling ducts.

This is why it is vital to have a home inspection done by a licensed inspector. It will give you peace of mind and can prevent you from making a very costly mistake.

Did you or did you not have a home inspection? Go ahead and reply in the comment section below.

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When doing my routine cleaning or maintenance around the house, I always make sure that home security is my main priority. It is really important to consider safety around the home at all times whether there are children, pets or no one around. We, as adults, may think that we are accident proof only to find out the hard way that we are not. Practicing safety in the home extends to everyone who lives there, everyone who visits and also for those who trespass. Here are some general home security and safety tips and reminders for you to consider practicing around your home at all times. Some are very common and some you may not have even thought of.

Here is an excerpt from http://www.homesecurityblog.com

“Unfortunately, most people don’t think or do anything about home security until they or someone they know has had a break-in. Burglars look at homes they think are easy targets. There’s many things you can do to make your home less likely to be burglarized.”

• smoke alarms - for every bedroom and hallway; make sure batteries are always fresh. Install a battery operated alarm in addition to any electric alarms you may have.

• fire extinguishers - you should have at least one or two in the house and one in the garage. It is important to make sure that they are full at all times.

• carbon monoxide alarms - always important in order to detect high carbon monoxide levels especially in winter months when we are heating our homes.

• windows - in addition to latches on windows, there should be locks on each window. These are easily installed and removed to open the window. You can even open the window a few inches and reinstall the lock so that the window cannot be opened further.

• doors- all entry doors should have a deadbolt lock. In some cases, you may also want to install a chain lock. Installing a peephole in each door, especially the front entrance door, is another very good idea. It is advisable to have a lock on screen doors. Some even come with dead bolt locks nowadays. Sliding glass doors have locks but an additional safety measure is to put a rod or piece of wood inside the track.

• garage doors - this is a common place for burglars to enter a home. Make sure that the garage door locks when closed. If you use an electronic garage door opener, make sure that you have programmed it; never leave it with a factory programming.

• motion detector lights - another home safety measure to deter intruders is to install lights that go on when motion is detected outside at night.

• security camera - you can now purchase security cameras and security systems in any large department store or home improvement store. They can be easily hooked up to a television set.

• fence - yard fences should always be locked especially if you have a pool. It is important to prevent wandering children who can fall into the pool or get hurt on backyard toys.

• shrubs - keep all greenery trimmed and away from the house. Do not block windows. This not only will eliminate a hideout for intruders but will also protect the house in case of fire.

• first aid kit - always keep one handy in the home, garage and also in the car.

It is up to us to be proactive to create a safe environment in our homes. What other things do you do in regards to home security? Please share your thoughts and ideas below.

Yesterday’s topic was about hurricane preparedness (http://her-home-blog.com/2008/05/hurricane-preparedness-tips-1/ )but more related to everyday preparedness. The list that I described were things that we should do and have ready in the event of any type of emergency. That will be one less thing to worry about if a hurricane is approaching. Today I will cover what you need and how to prepare when a hurricane is approaching. It is advisable to put your hurricane preparedness plan into action now when the supplies are easily available at the store. Each person should go over the list to individualize it to their needs. Here is an example of a hurricane preparedness list.

FOOD
Non-perishable foods (soups, canned food and vegetables, breads and crackers, snacks)
Juice boxes and bottled water

HOME SUPPLIES
Ice chests, water, water jugs
Camping stove; propane; charcoal
Disposable plates, utensils, napkins
Storage bags
Toilet paper, paper towels
Diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, ointments
Prescriptions, copies of prescriptions and over the counter meds
Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant
Clothing, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
First aid kit

Bug repellant

Eyeglasses, contact, hearing aids and batteries
Pet supplies, food, litter, pet carrier, medications
Identification
Cash, credit cards
List of phone number of family and friends
Important Documents, insurance policies
Photos, videos, cameras, film, memory cards, batteries
Battery powered radio
Flashlights
Extension cords
Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers

PREPARING YOUR HOME

Keep trees trimmed at all times in preparation for unpredictable weather.

Probably the most important thing you can do in preparation for a hurricane is protect your windows and doors. It is so vital to put up shutters. Whether they are commercial, store bought or plywood, it is vital to get them on the windows and doors prior to a hurricane.

Also remove anything that is outside and bring it in. Things such are yard decorations, chairs, tables, umbrellas should all be brought in. If you have an outdoor living space, you should pack up and remove everything that you can. Anything left outside becomes a potential projectile.

Make sure you fill up your vehicles with gas prior to the hurricane. It is wise to do this several days in advance since the closer the hurricane gets, the more likely the gas stations will run out of gas. The same goes for cash. Get your necessary cash a few days ahead of time.

So start now and be prepared. The last thing anyone wants or needs is a natural disaster or storm but none of us have control over mother nature. Hurricane preparedness is a responsibility to yourself and your family. Most of the items will last for many years to come. Important - don’t dispose of plywood shutters after the season. Place them in the garage or attic for future years (so many times I’ve seen the plywood from windows at curb for garbage. So much money wasted.) Go ahead and add to this list below in the comment section.

http://www.redcross.org/news/ds/0305hurricane/
http://www.hhs.gov/news/facts/hurricane.html

Smith & Wesson Galaxy 3 LED Flashlight (Red with 3 Red LEDs)

Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural Or Unnatural Disaster

Bayou Classic SQ14 Single Burner Outdoor Patio Stove

“Hurricane hazards come in many forms: storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards”

http://www.wunderground.com/blog/Patrap/comment.html?entrynum=116&tstamp=200805

As June 1st approaches we are heading into the official 2008 Hurricane season and the time of year to review our hurricane preparedness. Living in Florida and having been through the numerous storms of 2004, I guess I can officially say that I’ve learned a few important things. Since no one knows what type of season it is going to be, there are things that you should do to prepare now so that you are ready at any time. Hurricane preparedness is not just for hurricanes. These things are simple and should be done in order to be ready for any type of emergency.

Photos and Videos
Take photos of your home, both interior and exterior including photos of valuables. It is also a good idea to take a video of your home from room to room with narrating to point out special things or features. Keep these and all photos or memorabilia in a plastic, waterproof container. These will be needed in case of an insurance claim.

Important Documents
Place all important documents such as insurance papers, titles, deeds, diplomas, bank papers, birth certificates, social security papers, tax papers, auto documents, marriage or divorce papers, etc. all in a plastic, waterproof container. Include important telephone numbers and addresses. Some of these papers can be difficult to replace.

Supplies
Always have available batteries, flashlights, battery operated radio or television, non-perishable food, bottled water, manual can opener, cooler, first aid kit, candles, fire extinguisher. Some of these items can always be kept together in one place for easy access.

Always on a daily basis keep a supply of necessary over the counter and prescription medications in one easily accessible area.

If you have young children, make sure you keep a supply of diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula. Keep boards games, coloring books, crayons, puzzles in one place for easy access.

If you have pets, make sure to always keep a supply of food and meds.

This is a general list of things that we can do to prepare in advance for any type of emergency. There may be more things that you have to add to this list. More important is strategically placing these items in an area, such as a hall closet, that is easy to get to. If they are all in one place, it will eliminate the need to be searching all over the house for something that is necessary. Since the hurricanes of 2004, we use a closet near our entry way for these items. They are packed in boxes and on the floor. In case of an emergency, everything is right there where we can just grab it and run. Of course I can’t keep everything on this list in the closet (food and meds just won’t do) but I’ve learned to become much more organized and keep these items together (one shelf just for meds) so that with a scoop of the hand, they are all in a bag.

Part of hurricane preparedness is becoming more organized so that you are prepared for all emergencies. Now is a good time to take a look at your plan of action in case something happens. Being always ready for hurricane season or any emergency is something everyone should do and reevaluate every year.

If you prepare for hurricanes or other emergencies, please let us know. Do you have your own plan to follow?

GRAB-and-GO 2 PERSON 3-DAY Emergency Kit

Your Survival: Protect Your Family and Your Home from Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods, Wildfires, Earthquakes and other Natural and Man-Made Disasters

Vector Stormtracker Lantern & Radio (VEC1198)

Bathrooms are the one room of the house that not only has a tendency to become cluttered but also boring in a short period of time. I have found that the best time to spruce up the looks of the bathroom is when I am cleaning out the cabinets and de-cluttering. For a small amount of money, you can easily change the bathroom. Keep reading for bathroom ideas for a new look.

The Aquasana AQ4100 Shower Filter/ W extra head

• De-Clutter

The first thing you need to do is clean everything out. Bathroom cabinets tend to become over stuffed with all types of items. The body cream you didn’t like, the latest and greatest razor that cut your legs, the shampoo that made your hair flat. This is probably something a lot of us do. We store these things and then never use them. So it’s time to get rid of it and give yourself more storage space for the next round of never-to-use products.

• Remove All Accessories

Once you have de-cluttered, it is time to remove everything from the bathroom. Give yourself a blank slate to work with. This includes, towels and shower curtains and any other accessories placed around.

• Paint

Nothing perks a room up like giving it a new color. I am a great fan of paint. The most inexpensive decorating item around. Go ahead and paint the bathroom any color that you want. It can be soft or bold. This is a great place to try out sponge painting. Make your own statement or create your own mood. Here’s a link to my post about creative painting:

http://her-home-blog.com/2008/04/creative-interior-painting/

• Now Clean

After the painting is done, it is time to give the place a good cleaning. Scrub the shower, the bathtub, the toilet, the sink and the floors. Don’t forget the light fixture and bathroom fan when cleaning. The bathroom will look sparkle like it is new and will smell great too.

• Time To Accessorize

Here comes the fun part. Use items you already have that match your new color or buy inexpensive items within your budget to accessorize. Most of us already have different colored towels and face clothes. Go ahead and use them. Instead of buying expensive vanity items, use baskets. They will go with any color that you have chosen to paint your bathroom. Use clear glass accessories that you can use again with any color you decide to change to in the future.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleytheartist2002/

• Hardware

If you haven’t blown the budget on accessories, go ahead and get new hardware. A newer modern towel rack, toilet paper holder and cabinet door knobs will add detail to your new look. You can also purchase a can of spray paint and paint your old hardware to match your new color.

• Lighting

If the light fixture is old, you can opt for purchasing a new one or just change the covering. Sometimes just giving the light fixture a good cleaning will do the trick and make it shine like new. Placing some scented candles in the bathroom will give it a softer look and add a fragrant smell.

It doesn’t take much to redesign and give a bathroom a new look. Most of it is your time and energy. In the end, it is really enjoyable to see what you have done without breaking your budget. By doing it this way, you can change it often to go with the most recent trends in colors.

Do you have other easy bathroom ideas? Go ahead and share them with everyone.

Chrome Hotel Towel Rack - 2 Guest Size

6 Ceramic Cabinet Knobs

Having clean windows is one of those things I love to have but I don’t necessarily like to do. Since I have lived in different areas, I have also found that the amount of times you need to clean your windows varies. Since moving to the Southeast along the coast, I’ve notice that the windows get dirty faster. Maybe it’s the wind or maybe it’s the salt and sand in the air. Whatever it is, I find myself cleaning the windows quite a few times a year. By doing it so much, I have discovered some tips for cleaning windows that will make it easier each time you
do it.

Outside

Whether you are using a commercial window cleaner or a homemade natural cleaner, use a lint free cloth. If you don’t have any available, try using newspapers. They are lint free and actually work quite well to clean windows. You may want to wear rubber or latex gloves when using newspaper to keep your hands from turning black from the ink.

The best time to check for problems is when you are cleaning your windows. If you see that the caulking or sealant is cracking or pulling away, now is the time to repair it. Having sealed windows will help keep your fuel bill down.

Newer windows are framed with vinyl while older windows are framed with metal. Some are made of wood. I have older windows framed with black metal that tends to get worn. When I clean the windows, I keep a black paint pen with me so that I can touch up the frames as I’m going along. This keeps the windows always looking new. You can do this for any type of window.

Since you have to remove the screens when cleaning the windows, it is perfect time to wash them. Use your hose and a soft brush to remove dust and dirt buildup. If a screen is really weather beaten, replace it. You can pick these supplies up at your local home improvement store. Repair kits are also available for small tears.

Indoors

Remove any shades or blinds at least twice a year and clean them. Find a place in the yard, maybe on the fence, to hang them. I usually hose them down, scrub them with a brush and then hose them down again. Then just leave them in the sun to dry. This really gets them clean and looking new again.

If you are not changing drapes or curtains when you are washing the interior windows, then vacuum them to remove any dust. While the vacuum is handy, use it to clean the window tracks. Again, you should look for any worn caulking or sealant and repair it at this time.
Clean any window sills or ledges.

By doing a few extra things each time your clean your windows, you’ll be saving time and money in the future by keeping them in good condition. Replacing windows is not only a big job but also a big expense.

Try some of these ideas out and see if it gets easier each time you do a window cleaning. Let me know if it has helped you.

Just last week, I was browsing around our local super home improvement store when I stopped to look at the kitchens that were on display. It caught my eye that the counter tops were no longer granite which is what I had gotten used to seeing in every store and every ad. So I decided to ask a sales person about the current counter top trend. I could not believe that the trend for the modern kitchen was now solid surface counter tops again. What is a homeowner to do!? Styles are constantly changing.

Today’s modern kitchen is all about open wide space. The kitchen has now become a part of the family room and the living room. In some places, it is called a great room. If you have an older kitchen that is cut off from the rest of the rooms, you can remedy this by taking down a connecting wall. It gives the appearance of a much larger room and no longer cuts off the activity of the kitchen. I once owned a home that had a separation wall between the kitchen and living room. The previous owner cut out a portion of the wall creating a large window opening to the living room. This worked great since it opened up the spaces but kept the living room noise out of the kitchen.

Another trend happening today is color. Appliances are being made in different colors while kitchen walls are being painted bright and bold. Even kitchen cabinets are now available in colors for a modern look.

Flat panel televisions are finding their way onto kitchen walls today. Refrigerators are being made with LCD TV’s on the door since 2005. High tech televisions in the kitchen are definitely part of today’s trend.

Some kitchen cabinets are looking more like furniture. Decorative moldings and raised feet on cabinets are the latest choices for remodeling a kitchen.

The one sink kitchen is gone. Any kitchen that has an island is now equipped with an additional sink similar to a wet bar.

I found out when looking around that a lot of today’s trends for the modern kitchen are actually a blast from the past. The bright colors, the decorative moldings and the raised feet have all been around already. They’re just back in style again. So don’t get rid of that granite counter top. It is sure to be tomorrow’s trend.

I think next week I will check out what’s new in small appliances. I wonder if bread makers and pasta machines are on their way back.

If you have seen any new trends out there for the kitchen, let us know so we can keep up to date with what’s going on. Maybe the things we have packed away are in style again.