Home Improvement: Tips for Renovating your Older Home

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Evaluate your Home for Home Improvement Ideas:

Investigate and measure out what type of construction went into your older home. Such as the electrical and homing systems that it may have, what previous home renovations were done, what materials were actually used in the beginning construction of the home. See if you can get into contact with the previous owners and see how much information they may be able to give you about the home.  The more research and background information about the home you can get, the better you can understand how to go about the renovation process.

Set Practical Home Remodeling Plans

When renovating any home, especially those who have been built in early times, you want to narrow down the needs versus the wants. Some practical areas would be re-doing the electrical and plumbing systems or even perhaps knocking out a wall to add more space to a kitchen. This would be a great time to call in a contracting professional to focus in on what the real needs are of the home. Then you will be better off in deciding how to renovate from there. Try getting inspiration from others older home improvement projects on Pinterest.

Set a Home Improvement Budget and Time Schedule

You always want to set a renovation budget and time frame that you want for your remodeling ideas to be completed. Now if you think that your budget won’t be able to cover all that you may want then not to fear, decide the areas that are in a critical condition that need to be fixed immediately versus the ones that you can set aside for now. When you do get a general contractor to look over the home ask them to give you an estimate on the total costs that it will take for the renovations and what time schedule you want the remodeling to be finished.

Older homes help to remind us of the beautiful history that occurred. But sometimes with older homes, things become so outdated and worn down that renovations need to happen. Get to know your older home, set a budget and time schedule to follow for the renovation, and be realistic about what should be done. Also, welcome the process of renovation. If you get yourself prepared for the renovation set up, (costs, time, energy etc.) then you will be better to handle it. So Stagetecture readers, can you think of any other remodeling ideas to help others through this process, we’d love to hear them.

For more home improvement tips on Stagetecture, click here.

How to Increase Home Efficiency with Energy Savings Tips

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Home Efficiency: Consider Getting an Energy Audit 

You can’t address problems you don’t know exist. That’s why the first thing you should do when looking for ways to increase the efficiency of your household is to get an energy audit for your home. Many local utilities offer homeowners audits at no cost. Having a professional assess your house for wasteful conditions caused by things such as bad or degraded insulation and window leaks could help you identify areas for improvement that the U.S. Department of Energy says could save you up to $600 in a year. If you would prefer to have a do-it-yourself home energy audit, the U.S. Dept. of Energy show you how in this article.

Homeowners who want more in-depth audits can opt to pay for a more rigorous check that usually costs between $300 and $500. The added expense covers more specific testing using specialized equipment and typically lasts several hours. Tax credits are often available as incentives for pursuing energy-efficient home improvements. Brian Castelli of the nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy points out that the cost is further justified by energy savings that could exceed 30 percent.

Energy Efficient Appliances Could Save Money & Help Home Efficiency

Appliances are big energy hogs that are often overlooked. Perhaps it’s because they’re designed to work without being thought about much. Whatever the reason, paying special attention to your home appliances is an important step to decreasing your carbon footprint.

Helpful Ways to Save Energy & Appliance Power Consumption:

• Look for appliances that have been tested for energy efficiency and rated under the Energy Star program.
• Set your freezer’s temperature between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-17.7 and -15 degrees Celsius) and your refrigerator’s temperature between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit (3.3 and 5.5 degrees Celsius).
• Keep oven and refrigerator doors closed when in operation, opening them only when necessary.
• Check seals for refrigerators, freezers, and ovens to make sure they work properly.
• Use power strips that can be switched off to provide power to multiple devices that don’t need to remain on.
• If you’re not using a device or appliance, unplug it, especially if you won’t use it for a long period.
• Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine for partial loads.
• Keep your dryer’s lint filter clear.

Have Your Heating and Cooling System or HVAC Checked:

As the temperatures get hotter or colder, your resolve not to use your heat or air conditioning is likely to be tested severely. Even the notorious HVAC system can be coaxed into providing greater energy efficiency, so you can stay comfortable with minimal impact on the environment. Having heating and cooling experts check your system for proper performance and give it a tune-up could help keep it running as efficiently as possible. They may also be able to recommend more efficient options for your space that take advantage of modern home improvements. If you need guidance for looking at your HVAC system, DIY Network gives you some HVAC tips.

Every extra watt your home draws as a result of inefficiency puts a little more carbon into the environment. Doing your part to control your energy waste not only helps the planet, but also your wallet. For better home efficiency use these helpful tips throughout your home.

For more energy savings tips on Stagetecture, click here.

The warmer weather is here and home improvement is perfect during the warmer months! Whether you’re looking to add new color and mouldings to your dining room walls or your ceiling in your master bedroom could use some pizzazz, there’s no better way than with finished trim work. It’s always exciting to see what interior finishing manufacturers feature in their lines to take your flat walls to dynamic with the addition of baseboards, crown molding, casings and more. I’m excited to pair with Metrie Interior Finishing to show you how creative home renovation for your bathroom remodel, kitchen remodeling project or any room in your home can be reinvented using their versatile finishes.

Creative Home Improvement Ideas with Metrie Interior Finishing

How to reinvent your home improvement project with interior mouldings

I remember 15-20 years ago in interior design crown molding, wainscoting, chair rails and using extensive trim was reserved for affluent homes. Dining rooms, grand foyers, and elaborate bedrooms with coffered ceilings would offer gorgeous trim details with a hefty price tag as well. Today, trim interior finishings have become a great way to add on to the ROI (return on investment) of your home if you’re considering selling it, or it’s a nice way to upgrade your interior walls without having to perform an entire home renovation.

Take a look at these creative Metrie lines to help you discover your architectural style

(Click on each to explore the profiles available for each)

French Curves – If you’re drawn to sculptural curves and glamour, or you’re inspired by the classic forms of the Baroque and Empire periods, this line is for you.

Very Square – Art Deco meets Asian Zen. If you’re drawn to strong, crisp lines and precise geometry, this collection is a great place to start.

Fashion Forward – Each of the three scenes in this collection are transitional, melding traditional and modern – leaving enough room for next year’s hottest trend.

Pretty Simple – Are you attracted to symmetry, but don’t consider yourself a true minimalist? Then you’ll want to explore this collection, inspired by the charming aesthetic and decorative detail of the Colonial period.

True Craft – There’s nothing quite like the aesthetic created by the Craftsman, Mission and Prairie Style movements. Simple, linear, direct. Use these elements as the setting to create a Southwest Style with sun-washed tones.

Bring emphasis to your walls and don’t forget the ceiling:

What I love about the different Metrie lines are the ability to transform your interiors based on your home’s design style, your taste, or whatever trends fit your mood. Adding ceiling details are perfect for low or high ceilings and sloped ceilings get a whole new ambiance when trim mouldings are added. Metrie has a line called Ikons that feature interior trim detail rosettes to transform your ceilings, fireplace, at the top of door trim and more.

Isn’t this rosette Ikons gorgeous on this fireplace detail?

Need help designing your room before you buy? Metrie’s Room Styler is for you:

Try out Metrie crown molding, baseboards, interior finishes virtually to see how the finished look will resonate with you.

Click here to try out the Room Styler – virtual room planner.

Try home improvement before you spend any money! Here’s what you can do with the Room Styler:

• Digitally customize the look of a room using moulding and interior doors from our Then & Now Finishing Collections
• Design professionals can share with clients
• Homeowners can share with family members and friends by email or social media.
• You can even print out a shopping list of the products you selected to create your room.

We’d love to hear how you plan on reinventing your interior walls and ceilings with Metrie interior finishings.

Join the conversation with Metrie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!

Home Improvement: Energy Saving Tips for the Cold

Image Via: Crisp Architects

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Thick Curtains & Sunlight

Sounds ironical! Doesn’t it? Well, it isn’t! What I mean to say is that one must let in lots of sun during the day and then trap the heat for the evening. Heavy curtains can help you achieve this  as they prevent heat loss through the windows and help in energy saving. If you do not wish to invest in new curtains, you can just add a layer of thermal lining to your existing curtains.  Also using curtains in door openings in addition to the windows can help a lot to trap the heat in. By the way, rugs also form very interesting door layers!

Image Via: Musso Design Group

Double Glazing

Double glazing is perhaps one of the most energy efficient ways to winterize your home. It can be expensive but is very effective in keeping the heat in. One cheap DIY technique involves sticking a film with the help of a double sided tape on your existing windows. Of course, it prevents you from opening the windows without taking off the film but who wants to open the windows in winters anyway!

Image Via: Merricks

Air Draught Excluders

Little air draughts from here and there can undo all your house warming efforts. Seal the window gaps using special sealant tapes, use keyhole covers for the little holes in the doors and use innovative ‘door snakes’ to keep the rooms warm. You will be amazed at how much heat loss you can prevent and the amount of energy saving you can do by filling in these small holes and gaps.

Image Via: Adrienne Chinn Design

Floor Layering

Adding layers has long been an effective way to trap in the warmth. We do that all the time with our clothing too! That thin layer of trapped air in between two layers of coverings can work wonders. It works great especially with the floors. Rugs and carpets were made to do just that – Keep your feet cosy in the cold winter months and by the way keep the room warmer too.

Image Via: AMW Design Studio

Prevent Chimney Leaks

Your fireplace might be keeping you warm when in use but it is bringing in the cold outside air when not in use. The colder air is heavier and finds a way into your home via the chimney vents. Chimney balloons are a very effective way of preventing cold air from coming inside but you have to be very careful about taking them off when wanting to use your fireplace. Another effective way is to install fireplace shutters that prevent the cold air from barging in.

Image Via: Elizabeth Dinkel

Winterizing your home means keeping your home warm using energy saving techniques and home decor ideas. Besides the ones mentioned above there are a few more that can come in handy. Simple ideas like keeping your furniture away from vents, keeping unused rooms locked during winters, using tin foil behind the radiators, changing your ceiling fan settings to winter settings etc can contribute in a big way. It would be nice to hear from you, as to how you winterize your home!

Click here for more Energy Saving Tips for your home.

Home Improvement: Organizing Your Small Bathroom

Image Via: Studio Frank

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Bathroom Organization In Narrow Spaces-The Linear Method

Well yes, I do agree that there are basic spacial parameters that need to be followed while designing a space but in case you bring in some ingenuity you can be given room to cheat. The WC and the washbasin can easily be accommodated on the smaller wall of the bathroom. One can choose to use a slightly smaller vanity and place the mirror in the center for a more symmetrical look. And who says that it will lead to a cluttered look. Just have a look at the image below:)

Image Via: Amory Brown Interior Designers & Decorators 

Under Counter Storage As A Part Of Bathroom Organization

I would categorize under counter storage as a must-have in any compact bathroom space. Not only it helps conceal the revolting plumbing but it also provides you with some precious storage space. So in go the bathroom cleaning supplies or even your bathroom linen if you please!

Image Via: Wolf & Wing Interior Design

Over Head Storage Becomes Quintessential Too

All the wall area above your head is space calling out loud to be used! Why not install some hardware that enables you to store your essential stuff overhead. And the best part is that it is just a hands reach away.

Image Via: Becki Peckham

Attics Are Best Used For Bathtubs

Most of us go frenzy thinking about how to organize a bathroom in case it falls in the attic area. Attic slopes can generate the most romantic bathroom spaces ever. Install a neat bathtub beneath the attic window and you will never complain about your bathroom being a compact one.

Image Via: Colin Cadle Photography

Bathroom Organization With Utility Center

The space opposite the wash basin usually goes waste. What if you incorporate the depth of the bathing space to create a small utility center. Confused about it? Have a look at the image below and see how the depth of the bathing space has been used creatively.

Image Via: Archipelago Hawaii Luxury Home Designs

Storage Above The Bathtub

The area opposite the shower installation in the bathtub space can provide some precious storage space too. Since the plumbing requirements in that part of the wall are nonexistent one can think of making the walls thinner in some parts so as to give rise to shallow niches that can store bathroom essentials.

Image Via: Martin Hulala

Bathroom organization, besides solving the space problems can give rise to very interesting and intriguing bathroom interiors. You will be amazed at how spacious and indulgent your compact bathroom can feel. The idea here is to look for dead unused spaces in the bathroom with a creative eye and then turn these unused spaces into useful ones. Do share your thoughts on bathroom organization for smaller spaces and pour in some useful ideas that will help us enrich our knowledge banks!

Click here for more Bathroom Organization Ideas!

One major question most homeowners ask themselves is whether their home improvements will pay off. If you’re looking to sell your home now or in the future, note that the renovations you make will determine how much it sells for. While all renovations are important, some pay off more than others. It is therefore important to focus your efforts on those that pay off. Here are a few of the major home improvement projects to ensure you get the most ROI or return on your investment!

Home Improvement Projects: How to Get the Most ROI

Image via: D Magazine

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Replacing the Front Door

A new front door not only improves your home’s curb appeal, it pays back well. It makes a great first impression on all who pass by. A 20-gauge steel door doesn’t cost much and requires less maintenance than a wood door. When buying a door, choose one based on aesthetics and not energy-efficiency. Studies have shown that doors actually lose less heat than the cracks around their frames.

Minor Kitchen Refurbishments

Image via: Eat Well 101

When remodeling your kitchen, restrain yourself. Avoid cabinets and choose laminate countertops instead of granite. Get a new kitchen sink, faucets, and appliances. The secret is to give the existing elements a facelift. Most kitchens can be renovated for less than $20,000 which is less than what most people pay for their cars. Many homebuyers are turning away from costly chef’s kitchens with top-of-the-range appliances.

Adding New Windows

New windows pay back handsomely. However, the ROI depends on the specific type of windows. If you are undecided between wood and vinyl, go for the one that is most common in your neighborhood. When buying energy-efficient windows, choose those recommended for your climate in order to optimize energy savings. Energy-efficient windows also qualify for federal tax credit.

Converting the Attic into a Bedroom

Image via: Skonahem

Converting your unused attic into an extra bedroom is one of the best home improvements you can make. While it is an expensive undertaking, it has a good return on investment. MSN Real Estate states that you can recoup up to 72.5 percent of your money. This project involves insulating the ceiling and walls, improving lighting and wiring, extending the air conditioning and heating, and adding a dormer, shower, and windows.

What home improvement projects can you think of starting this season?

For more home improvement ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The average person can do a decent paint job, provided they have the right equipment. However, who wants to settle for decent when you can have spectacular? There are many trade secrets that professional painters use that will not only make painting easier, but also result in beautiful work:

Use Canvas Drop Cloths, Not Plastic:

Purchase high-quality, canvas drop cloths instead of plastic. Canvas drop cloths are superior for a number of reasons. For one, they’re much more durable then plastic. They also absorb spilled paint, unlike plastic which becomes slippery and you run the risk of getting it on your shoes and then tracking it across your floor. It’s also more environmentally-friendly, as canvas can be reused over and over again (unlike plastic, which you generally discard after each job). Never use sheets, as the paint color can easily bleed through this onto your floor.

Image via: A-Interiors, LLC

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Pour Paint into a Bucket:

You may have purchased four gallons of what you thought was the same color of paint, but came to realize when you opened up your second gallon that it was a slightly different shade than the first. Pro painters eliminate this problem by taking a five-gallon bucket and pouring all of the paint into this bucket and mixing them all together. Then, instead of using a roller tray, use a paint grid. This rectangular, metal screen hooks onto the rim of the bucket. When you’re done painting, you can simply drop the grid back into the bucket and then snap a lid onto the bucket.

 Image via: Stone Ridge Custom Homes

Make life Easier with an Extension Pole:

If you a painting a ceiling, buy an extension pole for your paint roller instead of climbing ladders. Look for one that has a rubber grip and a metal core, and the end of the pole should be metal, as well. Don’t buy one with a plastic handle because the flexibility makes them harder to control. If you aren’t sure how to attach it to the paint roller, there are plenty of tutorials available online.

For more professional painting tips, contact Las Vegas painters.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Today I have a great opportunity for you to win a home resource that will be invaluable to you and your family. If there was one place that you could organize your:

• Organize home improvement projects – ( Choosing products, finishes, organizing contractors, schedules & more)
• Document your household possessions – (In case of a disaster, burglary, would you have a record of your home’s items?)
• Maintain & organize your seasonal maintenance – (When did you last fertilize the lawn, or change your air filter?)

..wouldn’t you love it? Even better – if it was all mobile so you can access it anywhere?

HomeZada is Online and Mobile Software to Organize and Manage Your Home and here’s your chance to try it out for free and then win 1 year free membership (a $99.00 value!)

Hear testimonials from other HomeZada customers here.

Win One Year Free Membership with Home Zada

Here’s your chance to win:

HomeZada is Online and Mobile Software to Organize and Manage Your Home and here’s your chance to try it out for free and then win 1 year free membership (a $99.00 value!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about HomeZada – read below:

Image via

HomeZada can help you with: Link to Home Improvement Video

How can HomeZada help you?

A new online home organizing application that saves homeowners money maintaining and improving their homes while being better prepared for fires, floods, and disasters.

The solution combines three key parts of home organization on one online and secure place.

• A home inventory of pictures, estimated values, receipts, and owner’s manuals that prepares people in case of insurance claim due to damages or losses to the home.
• Over 150 home maintenance best practices that you can add to a personalized property calendar that automatically reminds you of important seasonal tasks to keep the home running smoothly and safely.
• Manage the budgets, cash flow, photos and documents for all your home improvement projects.  You can bookmark all your online shopping research of various products and brands you are considering purchasing for your projects.

Good luck on the giveaway! – Winners will be chosen Thursday, October 11th!

For more home organization ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Choosing power tools can seem like a daunting task. There are a bewildering variety of different tools available, each with its own specialised function, strengths and weaknesses. In fact, if you’re just buying a core set of power tools for doing some DIY work around the home, you’ll find that you can accomplish many tasks with a relatively simple group of four tools.

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Power drill

The first acquisition for your tool set should be a power drill. In fact, “drill” is something of a misnomer, since these versatile pieces of equipment can also drive screws and perform a number of other tasks. A cordless model is best, particularly if you intend to do any work outdoors.

When choosing a cordless power drill, there are a number of factors to consider. Cost is an obvious consideration, as is power. High-end cordless drills have 18v motors, capable of drilling through very tough surfaces. However, high-powered motors have some downsides. For one thing, they tend to be heavier, which can make long periods of use more difficult. Battery life is also an important thing to consider. If you need to use your drill for time-consuming jobs without recharging, you’ll need to make sure you have the battery life you need.

Circular saw

A circular saw is another useful tool for a wide variety of jobs, particularly in woodworking. As with drills, power is a major consideration when buying a circular saw. Powerful worm-drive saws can cut through almost anything, including wet wood and concrete. For lighter jobs, simpler sidewinder saws, where the motor sits alongside the blade, are perfectly adequate. Sidewinders also have the advantage of being smaller, lighter and less expensive than their worm-drive counterparts. Again, battery life is an important consideration. Corded models are a more realistic option for saws, since many users will be sawing only in a workshop or shed.

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Reciprocating Saw

Reciprocating saws are used for smaller, more precise tasks than circular saws, or for jobs where the item needing to be cut cannot be moved. Pipes The most popular brand of reciprocating saw is Sawzall, so much so that many people use the term to mean all reciprocating saws. Just as with drills, both cordless and corded varieties are available. A cordless reciprocating saw is probably not necessary unless you intend to do a lot of fine sawing outside the home, such as trimming branches.

Most DIY enthusiasts would agree on these three core power tools, but opinions might differ on other necessary tools. Some would advocate a rotary tool, used for very fine sawing or grinding. This type of tool is useful for fine metalwork or other types of cutting or engraving. For general use, though, a cordless handheld oscillating multi-tool is the best all-round item to round out your tool kit. These small devices fit a variety of different heads and can be used for sanding, removing grout or adhesive, and small metal grinding jobs.

With all power tools, ease of use is one of the most important factors. Never buy a power tool without first holding it in your hand to get a feel for its weight and grip. Prolonged work with an uncomfortable tool produces bad results and can be very painful into the bargain. Whether you’re buying a saw, a drill or a multi-tool, the most important factor is how well the tool fits you.

So we presented three essential power tools that every DIY enthusiast should have. Have we missed any essential power tools out? Let us know in the comments section.

 This is a guest post on behalf of HSS who offer power tools as well as other essential DIY products for hire.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! What projects are you getting into this weekend? Don’t know where to start? If you aren’t ready to tackle a large project, what about starting at your lighting? You would be surprised how much lighting can affect the size of your room, the colors that you feel when in the room and the mood.

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Today on Stagetecture watch a video for choosing lighting for your dining room, and my guest blogger gives tips for each room of your home! When it comes to DIY projects, lighting is one of the easiest and will change the entire feel of your home.

Video

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Guest Blogger – How to Choose the Right Lighting for your Home

The kitchen is the room in the house where we spend most of our time, and with the current trend for open plan living, more of us than ever are spending our time in a room which is a kitchen combined with a dining room, playroom or living area. A dual purpose space gives far more flexibility over how it is used, but it can be difficult to decorate and light when taking into account all of the uses for the room.

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Natural

Natural light is always best, and having large windows and doors in a kitchen area makes the space bright and airy. Resist the temptation to hang dark blinds or curtains on kitchen windows as neutral colours will make the kitchen look cleaner and fresher too. Skylights and Velux windows work well in kitchens and if you are creating a kitchen in an extension area, plan in plenty of natural light at the building stage.

Cooking

For kitchens lacking in natural light, bright lighting in the cooking area is essential. Spotlights are ideal as these can be moved to give the best light, as are having lights under the kitchen units which can be used to light up the work surfaces when chopping or slicing. Many cooker hoods perform the dual function of extracting smells and providing light, and where possible, bulbs which give a natural daylight tone should be chosen.

Dining Area

Although strong and bright lighting may be preferred in the cooking area of the room, in the dining area a softer light is often preferred. Many people opt for overhead lights in the dining area, and some cream retro kitchen lights with large shades give both subtle lighting and a café or restaurant feel to the area. Bright overhead lighting can be too harsh when eating, which is why lower lights are often used in restaurants. In cream retro kitchen lights are not your thing, think about having standard lamps or wall lights which can all be controlled individually, allowing you to change the lighting levels as required.

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Play Area

A kitchen often doubles up as a play area for small children and again, bright and simple lighting is more appropriate. Standard lamps or table lamps are not the best choice with small people as they may pull them over, or repeatedly switch on and off, so the best option is to go for either wall or ceiling lights. For a room which has several distinct areas, try to choose similar styles of lighting for all areas, or find a common colour and design for all of the shades.

Fitting New Lights

If your kitchen lighting is really not up to scratch, then fitting new lights may be the only option. Changing lightshades and buying new freestanding lamps is something anyone can do, but new lights fitted into the ceiling or walls is something which should only ever be tackled by a professional electrician. Before doing any work in the house involving power, switch off at the mains.

The Contemporary Home offer a great range of cream retro kitchen lights which are great as lighting shades in contemporary and retro styled kitchens.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

To receive more home inspiration get 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.