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Great solution to an annoying problem!

Posted Wed, 07/01/2009 - 12:56 by mrdifi2009

If you have spotty or cloudy looking dishes coming out of your dishwasher and were as frustrated as I was you have got to check out this new product. It is called the dishwasher filtration system and you can get it at www.dishwasherfilter.com and you will be amazed at the results. it is very affordable(like 70 bucks) and it is guaranteed to work. If you want to have sparkling dishes and are sick of hand wiping them before guests come over this is the product for you. It will also help build up in your dishwasher that can lead to costly repairs.

What Is All This U-Factor Business?

Posted Mon, 06/29/2009 - 18:23 by Total Home of Kansas

As a replacement window shopper, you’re expected to be somewhat of an expert in the field in order to make a qualified, appropriate decision. But I happen to think this expectation is just a little unfair.

Have you ever talked to a salesman who promoted his product by telling you that his product was the best (fill in the blank) ever. And although you were pleased to find out that you were learning about an awesomely (fill in the blank) product, you had no clue what relevance that (fill in the blank) rating/fact/measurement really meant?

U-Factor, for example. This is one of those items that tends to confuse and clutter the decision making process for most consumers.

The U-Factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. It is the inverse of the R-Value (1/R Value). U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20.

The lower the U-Factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value will be.

In terms of energy efficiency, the U-Factor is included in the energy performance rating offered by the NFRC.

In short, the lower the U-Factor, the better.

This entry excerpted from http://totalhomeblog.com/blog/u-factor-101/

Why Replace Your Windows and Doors?

Posted Mon, 06/29/2009 - 14:32 by arttofimpactwindows

You walk or look through them every single day. But how often do you really think about the impact your home''s doors and windows have on its value, beauty and livability? Home improvement experts agree that updating your windows and doors can help you save on energy bills, improve the look and infrastructure of your home and add long-lasting value.

"One of the most valuable investments you can make in your home is window and door replacement," says Lou "Mr. Fix It" Manfredini, home improvement editor for the Today Show and "USA Today Weekend Magazine."

Replacing your windows can mean making many decisions: Is it time to replace? And if so, how do you go about choosing the best replacement windows?

"There are four main reasons why a homeowner might need to replace windows or doors: performance, energy efficiency, maintenance and aesthetics," Manfredini says. To receive information on window and door replacement in Florida, visit http://www.arttofimpactwindows.com

Performance

This is the most compelling reason to change a door or window, Manfredini says. On top of testing your patience, windows and doors that stick aren''t giving you the optimum benefit in terms of convenience and efficiency. Performance is also tied to safety-if doors are windows are not opening properly they can be a safety hazard.

Energy Efficiency

Check for drafts around doors and windows by moving a lit candle slowly around the edges. If the flame flickers, you have a draft -- one of the biggest drains on the energy efficiency of your home. Drafts add up to real dollars on your heating and cooling bills, so this is, for many people, the impetus to replace their windows or doors.

Maintenance

How To Build Kitchen Cabinets

Posted Thu, 06/25/2009 - 02:22 by How To Build Cu...

How To Build Kitchen Cabinets

Saving money on kitchen remodeling/updating is important to majority of homeowners. Kitchen cabinets set the entire mood of a room, since they take up most of the kitchen space. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on custom made kitchen cabinets, one option is making your own. If you are handy and you enjoy home improvement projects this may be something you might want to look into.

Whenever taking on a home improvement project you will find that making a plan will help you envision the final product..

Start by measuring out your kitchen and drawing out what your new cabinets will look like as where as any appliances will be placed. Visit local home centers and cabinet showrooms will give you a lot of great ideas. It can also be a great resource to determine the wood and finish you will want. This will you decide what is best for your kitchen and your needs. Also you may want to find a local hardwood supplier where you can find lumber and sheet materials and a decent price. A lot of these places sell additional accessories such as hinges, drawer guides, lazy susans, etc. You will also want to make sure you have the right tools and equipment to cut and mill, fasten the materials for your new cabinets.

The Residential Steam Shower

Posted Wed, 06/24/2009 - 14:27 by terry

It does not matter how old or young you are the new range of steam showers available on today's market accommodate us all.

The steam shower is a relatively new concept to the UK but within the last year or so it has become more and more popular with the homeowner. Not only does the steam shower provide excellent designer attributes to a bathroom but the facilities it offers are truly outstanding. You are provided with a wealth of technical features including hands free telephone, radio, stereo, iPod, television alongside a massive array of health giving attributes. This is all encompassed within a self contained pod that can be easily assembled on delivery. The systems are relatively cheap with prices ranging from £500 upwards. So why not transform your bathroom and invigorate your body with one of the latest steam showers from Indigo Showers.

The RTA Store

Posted Fri, 06/19/2009 - 21:20 by The RTA Store

Friday, June 19, 2009

WWW.THERTASTORE.COM

Hello All,

My name is Tyler and I work for The RTA Store. For those of you who do not know, "RTA" stands for Ready to Assemble. The RTA Store sells RTA Kitchen Cabinets, RTA Dining Room Furniture, and RTA Living Room Tables (we are constantly looking for additional high quality RTA manufacturers to add).

For my first post I thought I would let you know my thoughts on RTA kitchen cabinets; from high quality to mid-grade to low quality.

I do not consider myself to be an absolute expert on RTA kitchen cabinets but from what I do know there is definietly a distinct difference between high quality and low quality RTA cabinets. Now a days, all RTA kitchen cabinets should come with easy installation directions, all pre-drilled, and really the only tool you should need is a screwdriver (for CAM lock systems*). If you are looking at RTA cabinets that do not have those features than you are wasting your time (in my opinion). People who buy RTA kitchen cabinets know that they will have to do work to assemble the product and should be looking for high quality easy to assemble kitchen cabinets.

Construction of ready to assemble kitchen cabinets should be the most important thing to consider when purchasing your new kitchen. For starters, do not ever buy anything that has particle board or 'fake' wood in its construction, you are asking for a problem if you do. Particle board is constructed of wood chips, saw dust, and other wood particles and is less dense. It can mold, warp, break, and is a huge no-no when considering what RTA cabinets to purchase. Solid wood cabinets are your best bet. Now, if you want complete solid wood cabinets you may have to get them custom built and as far as I know they are not available as RTA. You should be looking to purchase 100% solid wood fronts and sides (door frames) with plywood backs and bottoms. The thicker the plywood, the better. A good thickness is about 1/2" for both.

A Quick Countertop 411

Posted Fri, 06/12/2009 - 18:58 by Total Home of Kansas

We abuse them - We clutter them - We sometimes sit on them … sometimes.

Think of countertops as little workbenches of life. They are probably one of the most necessary items in a kitchen or bathroom - and if you don’t have an adequate amount of them, you’ll really feel it.

Standard kitchen countertops run 24″ deep and 36″ from the floor.

Bathroom counters are typically shorter. They tend to run 18″ deep and 30″ from the floor.

Some countertops have backsplashes but some do not. All countertops are made with (or, are supposed to be made with) durable, long-lasting materials.

Most are made of a combination of plywood, particle board, mastic, glue, mortar and grout. This combination of materials not only provides durability, but they also keep the countertops protected from water and stains.

The most common surfaces are ceramic tile, wood, high-pressure laminate, solid surfacing and natural stone. These surfaces range very wide in price.

Stone and Granite countertops are all the rave right now. They’re very sexy and sleek. But they’re also very pricey. The going rate around my neck of the woods STARTS at about $39 /ft. I’m not sure how up to par you are on countertop pricing - But that’s a good 3 times the price of a “regular” countertop.

Another differential to consider is edging. Depending upon the materials used to make your countertops, you may have several options to choose from.

This entry excerpted from: http://totalhomeblog.com/blog/a-quick-countertop-411/

Seal Coating Asphalt Driveway

Posted Wed, 06/10/2009 - 23:14 by yellowstripe

Does your asphalt driveway need sealcoating? Why does it need sealcoating?

The value of your asphalt pavement has skyrocketed right along with the price of oil.

It makes sense now, more than ever, to protect your pavement from the elements that will destroy it over time.

What does sealcoating do?

1. STOPS WEATHER DAMAGE
Sealcoating prevents the damaging effects of oxidation and water penetration.

2. PREVENTS OXIDATION
The sun's ultraviolet rays harden and dry out the asphalt pavement surface. This accelerates raveling and erosion and can reduce asphalt thickness in just a few years. Sealcoating helps prevent this.

3. BEAUTIFIES PAVEMENT
Sealcoating restores original black color to asphalt and greatly enhances the overall appearance of property. The smooth even surface of sealed pavement makes sweeping, snow removal, and maintenance easier and less costly.

4. RESISTS GAS, OIL, AND SALT
Sealcoating resists the highly damaging effects of gas and oil seepage and all other road chemicals including alkalies and winter salt.

You have two ways to do this. You can do it yourself or hire a professional.

Doing it yourself:

1. Clean all debris from your driveway.
2. Treat all oil or gas stains
3. Repair all Cracks
4. Apply Coal Tar by brush and squeegee
5. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Sounds easy..... maybe not. You have to buy the Coal tar. To be honest. The 5 gallon buckets you buy at your local home improvement store doesn't work. Why? It is watered down and doesn't have sand in it. It will not protect your driveway the way professional coal tar will. My advice is go to a Sealcoating manufacturer. (www.sealmaster.net). It might cost more but it works.

Hire a professional:

1. Look for local Sealcoating companies (Internet, Ads, Signs, and Newspaper).
2. Get 2 or 3 quotes.
3. Ask questions

It should only cost around $20 to $30 more to hire a professional to do the job.

Gutter Replacement FAQ - Fire Away!

Posted Tue, 06/09/2009 - 22:03 by Total Home of Kansas

You may be well aware that the Guttering situation at your house is far from ideal - But do you have the first clue how to go about remedying the situation? I read a blog entry the other day whereabouts a lady stated, “I was hoping I could just call Lowe’s and ask them to send over one of their installation guys to install new gutters for me, but I just talked to Lowe’s and they don’t do gutter installation unless they are also installing a new roof.” This poor gal tackled this predicament completely bass-ackwards. Calling in the little, red aprons?!? Come on, now!

Here is a list of common homeowner questions, associated with Gutter replacement:

How do I know if my gutters are bad?

If your gutters are falling off of the house, they’re probably in need of attention. Other suspicious signs of guttering malfunction include: leaky gutters, rusty gutters, water in the basement or a funny dirt line around house (from poor drainage/runoff).

What size guttering will I need for my house?

This depends on the pitch of your roof and the type of shingles you have. 5″ used to be the most common of the two residential sizes. But more and more, 6″ gutters are used on homes with steeper roofs, shake shingles, slate roofs or tile roofs. Your estimator will be able to professionally advise you on this one.

Do I need to purchase some sort of leaf cover?

Well, if you’re sick of cleaning your gutters out, then yes. The market offers a variety of leaf barriers that can be added to your new guttering system. Your estimator can assist you with this selection, as well. These, I highly recommend. (And special note, when purchasing at the time of new gutter replacement- the price is really not bad - Go for it. You’ll thank me in the long run).

Do I have to be home for my estimate?

Nope.

Do I have to be home for my installation?

Nope.

Does it cost more money for a color other than white?

Nope.

Lower Energy Cost

Posted Thu, 06/04/2009 - 18:44 by jammiek

For the do it your self homeowners i found this and my husband and i are trying this out will keep u up dated

Click Here!

Home Energy Bills Unmanageable? Get A New Paint Job!

Posted Thu, 06/04/2009 - 18:34 by Total Home of Kansas

As one of my Facebook Fans recently pointed out, "Going Green" can often be combined with "Going Practical." Some do choose to take the extremist route, but for people like me, we'd just assume ease into this one. Here's a very good example of how Green can equal Practical.

Here's the 411 on home insulation:

The actual material that makes up an insulation product is not what provides the heat/cold barrier. In fact, it is the air that is trapped in the insulation that provides the actual thermal barrier. This barrier, in turn, cools your home in the summer and heats it in the winter.

Different types of insulation offer different varieties, sizes and numbers of air pockets within them. The number of air pockets in a foaming product will differ from the number of pockets in foam batt, for example. But since the pockets are what allow for the thermal barrier, you can see why it would be counterproductive to stuff or crush insulation into a crevice or space.

Now that you've got a general grasp on the whole insulation equation, allow me to stretch your thought process a little bit further into the world of insulated paint.

Based on the same concept as described above, a relatively new product is now available for homes. The product provides air pockets within the actual paint and the paint can be applied to either the interior or the exterior of the home.

The gist of the product is this: A complex blend of microscopic, hollow, ceramic spheres exist within the paint formula - and each sphere has a vacuum inside of it (Think miniature Thermos bottles). These little Thermos bottles, when mixed into the paint, offer outstanding insulation properties, thus saving energy and money. The little, ceramic vacuums retract, reflect and dissipate heat. Summer heat gain through a home's exterior walls can be reduced by more than 20%.

Going to Remodel? Get In, Sit Down, Buckle Up!

Posted Tue, 06/02/2009 - 22:01 by Total Home of Kansas

So you’re gonna remodel the interior of your home, eh? This experience can be an adventure or it can be a disaster. The process is, for the most part, up to you. I am offering you my advice that will allow you to place as much positive influence into your remodeling project as possible.

1. News Flash! Your house is about to become a construction site. Accept it. Prepare for it. Work with it.
2. Discuss details and variables with contractor prior to beginning of project. (i.e. Where will trash be stowed? Which bathroom will crew be able to use? How will floors/carpets be protected?)
3. Consider the pets. Do not assume that your dog will appreciate the workers’ presence. Also keep in mind, the workers cannot carry heavy materials through gates and doors without propping them open. Moral of the story: Fefee needs to be contained and quarantined away from the construction.
4. Live like simpletons for a few weeks. It will be fun! Eat soups, sandwiches, take-out. Use disposable plates. (This will apply mostly for any of you who are either remodeling your kitchen or who are utilizing your kitchen as a work zone during another remodeling project).
5. Number 5 to stay alive: Keep a sense of humor. Trust that you did ample and adequate research to hire an accredited and talented contractor who has probably done this many more times than you. This will be messy but it will be well worth it.

( This blog excerpted from http://totalhomeblog.com/blog/going-to-remodel-get-in-sit-down-buckle-up/ )

Guidelines for a Proper Flagstone Installation

Posted Mon, 06/01/2009 - 21:37 by eugeneslist

Flagstone is a very popular paving and landscaping material in Tucson. It is commonly used for walkways, exterior stairways, patios and pool decks. Since it is so popular, there are many contractors, masons, handymen, and laborers that will install it. However, not all installations turn out well, and the quality depends on the skill of the installer. Here are some things to look for/ask to ensure a high quality and aesthetic flagstone installation.

* All the pieces are roughly the same size and have rounded edges. Flagstone that is scored and broken will usually have sharp jagged corners. Flagstone that is cut with a cutting tool will have smooth rounded edges and corners.
* All the pieces need to be level. Since some flagstone pieces are thicker than others, the flagstone installation needs to sit on top of a bed of sand and the thicker pieces need to have sand removed underneath in order to be level with the thinner pieces.
* The gap between the flagstone pieces needs to be uniform. The pieces need to be cut and laid out in such a way that the gap stays uniform. This is where most of the skill of the installer comes in.
* The mortar in the gaps needs to be level with the flagstone and smooth with a slight indentation towards the middle. Masonry tools and a float are used to achieve this effect.
* The edges of the flagstone installation need to be smoothly lined with mortar to prevent degradation.
* If desired, the flagstone can then be sealed for a more aesthetic look.

The homeowner can either see the installers other flagstone jobs or agree that the above will be done for the installation.

Tucson Flagstone Installers

How to identify polybutylene plumbing

Posted Mon, 06/01/2009 - 21:10 by eugeneslist

Polybutylene plumbing in homes has proven to be problematic with many thousands of cases of reported leaks and a class action lawsuit. In Tucson, AZ PB pipes were prevalent in new homes constructed from about 1982 to 1996. Many homeowners are concerned about PB piping and want to replace it if they have it in their homes. There are several ways to identify if a home has PB plumbing:

* Climb up in the attic and see if there are light gray plastic pipes running. If you see them, then it’s most likely PB.
* If you have a voltmeter and know how to use it, run a continuity check between the valve under a bathroom or kitchen sink and the ground on a nearby receptacle. If there is none, then it’s likely PB piping.
* Look at the electrical panel and see if there is a warning saying something like “structure contains non metallic water piping, do not bond”. If that’s the case then the house probably has PB plumbing.
* Cut a small hole in the drywall behind the fridge where the ice-maker water valve is, if you see gray plastic piping, then its likely PB.
* Look at your home purchase info in the disclosure section. In Tucson, home inspectors identify PB plumbing when a home is sold.

If any of the above tests come back as positive, call a plumber next to confirm that there is polybutylene.

www.eugeneslist.com

Total Luxury for the Bathroom

Posted Sat, 05/30/2009 - 09:09 by terry

I have been searching high and low for something to enhance my bathroom. For longtime I was attracted to the variety of whirlpool baths on offer but felt that although they looked stylish it still would not enhance my bathroom to the standard I wanted.
So I carried on exploring the many different styles and designs of bathroom suites available. Then I came across one of these high tech steam showers and my search was over.
This stunning system answered all my dreams not only was it truly elegant to look at with its tinted windows and delightfully coloured lighting but it provided my with a built in whirlpool baths alongside a massive selection of showering factors.

If you are looking for a cost effective way to transform your bathroom then check out some of the steam showers, whirlpool baths and stunning bathrooms at http://www.bps-direct.com

What A Deck!

Posted Thu, 05/28/2009 - 20:04 by Total Home of Kansas

Last weekend, my husband and I ventured into the backyard to do a little deck & patio cleanup. We have a very large deck attached to the back of our house (it was there when we moved in), but it is in serious need of a little TLC. The previous owners did not care for the deck as they should have and as a result, our deck now requires a large amount of attention and money.

For example, when we moved into the house, little piles of leaves had been allowed to accumulate in the corners of the deck and remain for months. Without proper drainage for water, ice and snow runoff, these little piles allowed build up and caused the wood underneath to begin to rot away. Unsightly, yes. Potentially unsafe, absolutely.

There are a few things that should be viewed as spring maintenance and done every year. These things will help keep a deck in good shape.

* Clean debris from deck boards and keep an eye out for loose nails/screws. If you find a popped nail, it's best to drive a new screw--Don't re-use the old hole.

* Dingy/Mildewy boards need to be cleaned. Head to the hardware store and pickup a commercial deck cleaner. You can apply with a sprayer, scrub with a long-handled brush (not the same brush you use to wash the car--I got an earful for that one, once), and then rinse with the hose. No need to use a pressure washer for a routine job like this.

* Once completely dried, you can slap on a coat of wood preserver/sealer. Just follow the directions on the can.

* Finally, make sure to examine all the deck's substructure--connectors, posts and metal parts. Be sure there are no signs of rust or failure and make sure the parts are free from cracks and rot.

http://totalhomeblog.com

WHEN TO REPAIR OR REPLACE A BROKEN AIR CONDITIONER

Posted Thu, 05/28/2009 - 17:32 by homeheatingandc...

When an old air conditioning system fails, consumers will be faced with the tough and often expensive decision of whether to repair the existing system or purchase a new one.

Repairs on an existing unit may be the least expensive immediate option, but could cost the consumer more in the long run since older systems tend to break down over and over and consume more energy and drive up cooling bills more than newer systems. However, there are times when simple repairs can prolong the life of an air conditioner, making immediate replacement a less sensible option.

To help consumers make an educated decision, consider the following tips from Bill Cunningham, a home cooling and energy efficiency expert with Lennox – a leading provider of home comfort systems. He suggests homeowners ask the following five questions before making the decision whether to repair or replace:

1. Is the air conditioner on its last leg? Excessive energy consumption and frequent repairs are the trademarks of a worn-out system. If the air conditioner is more than 10 years old, replacing the aging system with a new ENERGY STAR-qualified system can save time, money, and headaches – and keep you cooler and more comfortable in the long run. If the system is less than 10 years old, routine maintenance is almost always the way to go. In fact, an annual check-up can significantly increase the air conditioner’s performance and extend the life of the unit.

2. Are your energy bills going up, up and up? While the cost of electricity is on the rise, an older, less efficient air conditioner may also be the culprit when it comes to high energy bills. By replacing an 8 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) cooling system, which is much less efficient than the current SEER level allowed by law, with a 15 SEER system, homeowners can save approximately 47 percent on energy bills and up to $3,095 over a five-year period.

DIY Methods To Save on Utilities

Posted Mon, 05/25/2009 - 14:38 by DIYProjects

If your utility bill is out of control, you need to consider ways to tame the beast. There are plenty of do it yourself [DIY] ways to save on utilities.
DIY Methods to Save on Utilities
Utility costs for heating, cooling and electricity are near record highs. Worse, they are expected to rise fairly dramatically over the next few years. Since you will live in a residence for the rest of your life, making small changes to save money on utilities will save you tens of thousands of dollars if not more. Here are some areas to check out and fix to start saving some bucks.
Leaks and drafts from the interior of your home to the exterior can easily double your utility bill. There are a couple of obvious areas to check out such as windows, frames around doors, fireplaces and entrances to attics. Less obvious spots to check include gaps around electric outlets, mail slots, pipes, spaces around baseboards and gaps around air conditioners where the interface with the exterior. If you find gaps, caulking can often take care of the problem or you can pursue a weekend DIY repair.
Insulation in a home can be a real problem when it comes to utilities. Since I hope to avoid getting sued, let me just suggest builders tend to use the minimum amount and grade of insulation required by regulations when building homes. If you live in a tract home, this may be all the more true.
If you seal the areas where you have drafts, but the heater or air conditioner is still turning on every few minutes, insulation may be a problem. Inspecting insulation isn’t the easiest or most comfortable task. The easiest method is to first climb into the attic and see if there is any exposed insulation. Unfortunately, the grade of insulation in the ceiling may not match the grade in the walls.

A Great Product for Spotty Dishes

Posted Sun, 05/24/2009 - 16:16 by mrdifi2009

A great new product has hit the market by storm. If anyone(which most do) has a problem with dishes coming out of their dishwashers spotty and cloudy looking you have got to check this product out. Its called The Dishwasher Filtration System and works fantastic. It fits under the sink and reduces hard minerals that cause these spots. You can read more about it at www.dishwasherfilter.com.

How to inspect Hot Water heaters

Posted Thu, 05/21/2009 - 13:24 by terry

When plumbing your oil-fired water heater, it is good to:

• Check the pressure and temperature relief valve for corrosion, leaks or improper installation. Missing, modified, blocked, or leaking pressure relief valve is very dangerous and can lead to boiling liquid vapour explosion that may result in property destruction or even fatal accidents
• Leaks in the hot water tank - Mechanical damage or improper installation can cause leaks in the water and drainage system. Leaks can lead to flooding, accidents or damage to the water system components. A leakage once detected must be sealed immediately.
• Draft regulator/barometric damper - If the oil fired water heater does not have a draft regulator fitted, it will not be possible for the heater to perform at its best and this will lead to a waste of money and heating oil.
• Unnecessary insulation in the water tank may be unsafe and causes waste of heat, check for any wrong insulation and take appropriate measures.
• Wrong oil burner operation like soot, draft problems, or back-pressure burns in the oil burner or around the combustion chamber must be inspected.
• Check for leaks at the water heater drain valve. An oil fired boiler must be drained periodically during plumbing. This will help remove mineral, debris or sludge deposits at the bottom of the water heater tank and as a result help extend the life of the hot water tank and increase efficiency.

Burnley Plumbing Supplies offer all aspects of plumbing supplies from luxury shower enclosures bathrooms, kitchens,combi boilers and heating supplies.

Increasing the Value of Your Property

Posted Thu, 05/21/2009 - 09:09 by terry

Due to the increasing interest rates and the drop in property prices it is becoming very difficult to gain a good sale on your property.

Although many homeowners are now facing uncertainty as to the value of their properties there is help at hand at adding value to your home. By improving décor and giving your property a face lift can be all in needs to ensure a good sale and gain back some of its value.

One of the best factors for helping adding value is by installing wooden flooring. Wooden flooring comes in a delightful array of stunning colours and textures which in turn enhances your interior and more importantly adds that important value to your home. One of the more popular ranges of wooden floorings is the hardwood flooring selection. These are a mixture of hard wearing surfaces that actually improve with age and come in some of the most stunning colours available.

If you are looking to sell your property and would like further details on wooden floorings go direct to http://www.heritageflooringuk.com

Win a $25,000 Home Makeover!

Posted Thu, 05/14/2009 - 17:44 by Give Your Home ...

Give Your Home a Pick-Me-Up at Carpet One!

You could win a $25,000 Home Makeover or instant prizes every day!

Log-on to www.CarpetOne.com/up
to play the instant win game and get your Match & Win game code.
Then visit your local Carpet One Floor & Home
and match it to the display in store to see if you've won.

It's all part of the campaign to celebrate
Disney•Pixar UP, in theaters May 29!

Don't miss out. Promotion ends June 14th!

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Posted Thu, 05/14/2009 - 04:09 by AMZCabinetDoors

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is an excellent alternative to purchasing new cabinets. Not only is it much cheaper, but you can achieve your finished project much faster.

Is this something you can do yourself? Absolutely, having some prior remodeling experience is helpful but not necessary, if your willing to take your time you can easily have professional results.

Even if you are experienced it will take a fair amount of your time. However, the financial savings can definitely make this project more than worth it.

The best thing about refinishing your kitchen cabinets is that you can still have a functional kitchen. The counters do not need to be removed and typically the appliances can stay in place as well.

It's no secret that replacing your cabinets with new kitchen cabinets can be very expensive and many people are simply unable to do so for financial reasons. This makes refinishing, refacing/redooring a great option..

There is one requirement to kitchen cabinet refinishing is that your cabinets need to be in serviceable shape. If they are falling apart, you may consider to either repair the damaged cabinets or replace them with new ones.

The truth is, most of the time they are still going into be in decent enough condition in terms of their construction. Very seldom do you need to replace them because they are falling apart at the seams, because for the most part they just sit there.

It's not like kitchen cabinets go through a lot of abuse. They do take a beating in terms of paint and finish. Typically cabinet doors and end panels take the most punishment. This is why refinishing your kitchen cabinets may be the answer.

How To Build Kitchen Cabinets

Posted Thu, 05/14/2009 - 04:08 by AMZCabinetDoors

How To Build Kitchen Cabinets

Saving money on kitchen remodeling/updating is important to majority of homeowners. Kitchen cabinets set the entire mood of a room, since they take up most of the kitchen space. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on custom made kitchen cabinets, one option is making your own. If you are handy and you enjoy home improvement projects this may be something you might want to look into.

Whenever taking on a home improvement project you will find that making a plan will help you envision the final product..

Start by measuring out your kitchen and drawing out what your new cabinets will look like as where as any appliances will be placed. Visit local home centers and cabinet showrooms will give you a lot of great ideas. It can also be a great resource to determine the wood and finish you will want. This will you decide what is best for your kitchen and your needs. Also you may want to find a local hardwood supplier where you can find lumber and sheet materials and a decent price. A lot of these places sell additional accessories such as hinges, drawer guides, lazy susans, etc. You will also want to make sure you have the right tools and equipment to cut and mill, fasten the materials for your new cabinets.

Tips For Refinishing Your Kitchen Cabinets

Posted Thu, 05/14/2009 - 04:06 by AMZCabinetDoors

Here are some tips to aid you in the process of refinishing your kitchen cabinets.

Thorough cleaning of cabinet surfaces that will accept paint or finish.
This is one of the most important steps during a kitchen cabinet refinishing project. The very first thing to do is remove all the grease and grime to see what have to work with. Most kitchens have some grease in the air from cooking and it settles on the cabinets. This grease and grime attracts dirt and dust.

Degreasing Solution

There are many cleaners that remove grease and grime, simple green works great.

The first thing that has to be done is remove the cabinet hardware. This includes pulls and hinges. Also remove the drawers, if you are going to refinish the drawer boxes it may be a good idea to remove the drawer guides as well.

Spray all the cabinet surfaces with simple green or your favorite degreasing cleanser. A box of heavy duty paper towels works great, and is much better than a rag that can end up smearing the grime around.

Prep for Painting

Kitchen Cabinet Redooring

Posted Thu, 05/14/2009 - 04:05 by AMZCabinetDoors

Redooring:

Im not sure if the term is used much but its pretty self explanatory and I think worth mentioning. Redooring is replacing the cabinet doors with new ones, but in most cases simply painting the cabinet cases and face frames along with the new doors. This is a great do it yourself project and can be done very cheaply. We here at AMZCabinetDoors.com can make you new cabinet doors and even supply you with new hinges so all you have to do is install the new doors and either hire a painter or paint the doors and cabinets yourself. If you are to paint your kitchen cabinet doors we offer economical MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinet doors, they paint well and are very cost effective. We always recommend using a high quality sandable primer and do a light sanding after the primer dries to ensure a smooth surface as most primers will make the MDF "fuzz" a bit, the sanding helps smooth that out. After priming, top coat with a coat of high quality enamel of your favorite color and voila! your done. This is a bit different from refacing in that your not veneering over the existing cabinet cases and frames, your just painting them. Similar to refacing, new cabinet doors and drawer fronts, hinges, hardware, and accessories can be added to improve the access and use of your cabinets.

http://www.amzcabinetdoors.com

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Posted Thu, 05/14/2009 - 04:04 by AMZCabinetDoors

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing:

Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing your kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones, and either painting or covering the exposed face frames of the cabinets with a wood veneer that is finished to match the new doors. The transformation can be stunning. A few of the advantages are first and always, cost. Refacing is typically cheaper than replacing or remodeling. If you think refacing is for you definitely check out as many options as you can so you can to make the most of your kitchen remodeling budget. http://www.amzcabinetdoors.com

The Revolutionery Range of Steam Showers

Posted Sat, 05/09/2009 - 09:09 by terry

The Steam Shower has brought new meaning to the bathroom. Many homeowners are making the bathroom a more popular retreat due to the wide variety of steam showers and whirlpool baths that have arrived on today's market.

The steam showers and whirlpool baths provide unsurpassed quality and health benefits for the whole family. With additional features including television, radio, stereo, hands free telephone combined with an array of health providing options you will never want to get out of the systems.

Whether it is a steam shower a whirlpool bath or a system with combined features each are easily installed and come in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit any sized bathroom.For further information check out the range at http://www.shower-cubicle.co.uk

Fly Screens for Windows and Doors

Posted Fri, 05/08/2009 - 17:34 by DDI

Easyscreens make fly screens, door screens, window screens and cat screens as well as conservatory screens for homes in the UK. Living in the UK, I found most people don't have screens on their windows or doors. I am glad I found them.

They can be found at http://www.easyscreens.co.uk

Glass Door Inserts

Posted Fri, 05/08/2009 - 17:19 by DDI

Have you ever wanted to have one of those beautiful beveled glass doors but thought you'd have to buy a new door and have it installed?

There is a company that specializes in using your existing doors, cutting out the center and placing a beveled glass door insert into it. I think it's really cool and saves alot of money.

I found these people at http://www.discountdoorinserts.com

So if anyone out there is looking for a great home improvement, check it out.

AJ

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