Painting a bathroom is a little different from painting other rooms in your home. Bathrooms are subject to moisture, as well as residue on the walls from soap and products like deodorant, hair spray or perfumes. Because of the high levels of moisture, specially formulated bathroom paint should be used, but before you get to applying the paint, it’s important to clean the walls to remove any residues that would prevent the paint from adhering properly.
You’ll want to remove switch plates, towel bars, toilet paper holder and spring-fitted shower curtain rod. It will be easier to paint behind the toilet if you also remove the tank cover. Next, use a good quality, paintable caulk for bathrooms. Look for places that could use fresh caulk around the tub or shower enclosure, where the countertop and vanity cabinet meet the wall, and along baseboards.
Darker colors can be intense in bathrooms, since they are generally smaller rooms. Also, you’ll need to allow darker colors longer to cure, because steam and moisture can cause darker colors to run in spots and create an uneven look. Look for a durable paint with a satin or gloss finish that can be wiped down and is recommended for bathrooms.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Home Office Tips from Gale Steves
The New Year may bring changes in career or the option of telecommuting, since more and more of us are working from home these days. Or, if you are already working from home, you may want to reorganize and improve your home office space. Gale Steves offers the following things to think about as you plan your new space.
You’ll want to give consideration to storage space – Do you need to keep files locked away? Do you need to be able to leave active projects out in the open? Does your office space do double duty as family or guest room space when not in use? If you are a neat person you may do fine with using your office space for other functions; otherwise, you may need a space where you can close the door behind you.
Steves suggests that if you are self employed you will need to create space for creativity and have a fashionable office with light and noise control. If your home office is more of a family communications center for catching up on work, bills or email, it can be more centrally located and not a dedicated space.
The former editor-in-chief of Home magazine, Steves specializes in making homes more livable through her concept of Right-Sizing, which helps make the most of smaller spaces.
You’ll want to give consideration to storage space – Do you need to keep files locked away? Do you need to be able to leave active projects out in the open? Does your office space do double duty as family or guest room space when not in use? If you are a neat person you may do fine with using your office space for other functions; otherwise, you may need a space where you can close the door behind you.
Steves suggests that if you are self employed you will need to create space for creativity and have a fashionable office with light and noise control. If your home office is more of a family communications center for catching up on work, bills or email, it can be more centrally located and not a dedicated space.
The former editor-in-chief of Home magazine, Steves specializes in making homes more livable through her concept of Right-Sizing, which helps make the most of smaller spaces.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
What is the NFRC?
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was formed in 1989 as an independent agency that rates fenestration energy performance. So what exactly is fenestration? NFRC defines it as “products that fill openings in a building envelope, including windows, doors, skylights and curtain walls designed to permit the passage of air, light, vehicles or people.” The agency allows consumers to compare the performance of various products accurately and evaluate their effectiveness for a particular project.
The NFRC has developed a uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, etc. This allows architects and builders, along with homeowners, to easily compare products and decide which is best for their project. Through NFRC ratings, building and government officials can determine if products meet building codes.
Over 500 manufacturers participate in the NFRC rating program, which gives them a consistent and accurate way to show the energy benefits of over 1.67 million products, as well as giving consumers a way to compare products fairly. So, the next time you are considering using energy efficient fenestration, take a look at the NFRC rating on the products, or visit the NFRC website for a wealth of information.
The NFRC has developed a uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, etc. This allows architects and builders, along with homeowners, to easily compare products and decide which is best for their project. Through NFRC ratings, building and government officials can determine if products meet building codes.
Over 500 manufacturers participate in the NFRC rating program, which gives them a consistent and accurate way to show the energy benefits of over 1.67 million products, as well as giving consumers a way to compare products fairly. So, the next time you are considering using energy efficient fenestration, take a look at the NFRC rating on the products, or visit the NFRC website for a wealth of information.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Hot Water Recirculation Pumps Save Water and Time
Did you know that just waiting for hot water to reach your tap results in gallons of wasted water each day? In the 60 seconds it takes for hot water to actually come out of the faucet, unused water in the supply line is evacuated and wasted. In order to save water and save time is a hot water recirculation pump.
New homes can be constructed with a dedicated return line that is installed between the water heater and the end of the hot water supply line, and a pump that pushes heated water through the supply line from the heater and back through the return line. Existing homes can be retrofitted with a circulation pump that allows the cold water supply line to act as the return line.
Water is circulated back into the hot water storage so that it’s always ready when you turn on the tap. A pump keeps hot water in your supply line, while a valve at the tap creates a by-pass for recirculation. A timer can be installed to provide increased efficiency during low water use periods of the day or night. With this simple retrofit, you’ll enjoy instant hot water throughout your home while eliminating wasted water on a daily basis.
New homes can be constructed with a dedicated return line that is installed between the water heater and the end of the hot water supply line, and a pump that pushes heated water through the supply line from the heater and back through the return line. Existing homes can be retrofitted with a circulation pump that allows the cold water supply line to act as the return line.
Water is circulated back into the hot water storage so that it’s always ready when you turn on the tap. A pump keeps hot water in your supply line, while a valve at the tap creates a by-pass for recirculation. A timer can be installed to provide increased efficiency during low water use periods of the day or night. With this simple retrofit, you’ll enjoy instant hot water throughout your home while eliminating wasted water on a daily basis.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Take a Look at Your Landscape Needs Now
In today’s housing market selling your home may not be an option, so it might be a great time to take stock of your property and make some improvements that will pay off in the future. Winter is a great time to evaluate your landscape and plan for anything from some refreshed plantings to masonry, rock installation, a new water feature or an improved irrigation system. Not only will an improved landscape add value to your property, it is something you and your family can enjoy every day.
Landscape design and installation professionals are accustomed to working with homeowners who may not know exactly what they want –providing creative ideas for your outdoor space based on their own knowledge and experience. On the other hand, you can spend some time this winter familiarizing yourself with the various types of plants, shrubs and trees that thrive in our desert environment. Browse through magazines and tear out pictures of backyard landscapes and features that appeal to you. Now that the weather is gorgeous, get out and walk the neighborhood to look at plantings or visit the Desert Botanical Garden or one of the teaching gardens in the area. Even if everything you like is not feasible for your space, a good landscape designer should be able to incorporate some key elements into your new design. You may even come up with your own design to discuss with a landscaper who can add their professional input. Take a look at your landscape now to enjoy a beautiful yard this spring.
Landscape design and installation professionals are accustomed to working with homeowners who may not know exactly what they want –providing creative ideas for your outdoor space based on their own knowledge and experience. On the other hand, you can spend some time this winter familiarizing yourself with the various types of plants, shrubs and trees that thrive in our desert environment. Browse through magazines and tear out pictures of backyard landscapes and features that appeal to you. Now that the weather is gorgeous, get out and walk the neighborhood to look at plantings or visit the Desert Botanical Garden or one of the teaching gardens in the area. Even if everything you like is not feasible for your space, a good landscape designer should be able to incorporate some key elements into your new design. You may even come up with your own design to discuss with a landscaper who can add their professional input. Take a look at your landscape now to enjoy a beautiful yard this spring.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Oven Cleaning Tips for Holiday Cooks
The holidays are fast approaching and most ovens are going to get a lot of use cooking turkeys, roasts, pies
and cookies. You’ll want to keep your oven clean and in its best working condition in the coming months, so here are some safety tips for cleaning your oven.
and cookies. You’ll want to keep your oven clean and in its best working condition in the coming months, so here are some safety tips for cleaning your oven.
If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, you’ll need to use a cleaning product specially designed for ovens. Be sure to have protective gloves and eyewear on hand before you start your project as well. If you have your oven’s operating manual, it’s a good idea to refer to it for any cleaning specifics. Disconnect your oven from the power supply before you begin, and open windows for adequate ventilation.
The best way to apply your oven cleaner is with a brush (like a dish washing brush), so that you can control which surfaces come in contact with the chemical cleaner. Certain oven cleaners can damage aluminum parts and Teflon coatings in your oven. You can apply a small amount of cleaner to a small area as a test before covering the whole interior.
Remember not to apply the oven cleaner to the wiring or thermostat. Don’t use wire brushes or steel wool on the porcelain finish of your oven, and don’t scrub the rubber oven door seal – just wipe it down with a damp cloth to prevent damage. Follow the instructions for timing and removal of the oven cleaner, and safely dispose of all waste.
If you clean your oven on a regular basis and don’t allow too much buildup of drips and splatters, this is an easy maintenance project that will keep your oven looking like new.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Support Warren & Tim on Super Saturday - November 19th
The HouseTalk Show will match the listener donated turkeys!
You can drop off either a turkey or cash donation. When you drop off your donation, please make sure you register for the US Air tickets and let them know that The HouseTalk Show sent you.
Click here for additional details on this program.
Click here for drop off locations.
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