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Stephen Alberts

Seven Home Improvements That Really Pay Off

It can be challenging to decide where to put your money when it comes to improving your home. You need to know which home improvements really pay off and which just aren’t going to add much value to your home.

And you don’t need to do it all by yourself. A licensed contractor can help you with your home improvements and take some of the worries and stress off your shoulders so you can continue to live your life.

Whether you’re thinking about selling or want to add a little bit of charm to your home, here are seven home improvements that really pay off.

1. Repainting

Repainting your house can give it a refreshing new look and make your home look well maintained. Stick to a neutral palette throughout the house to make it look clean and sophisticated, and avoid bright colors on everything but the door. For example, pale yellow is a good color because it evokes happiness.

Repainting is one of the most cost-efficient ways to spruce up your home. It can give it a whole new look for very little expense without any significant construction.

2. Replace the Windows and Doors

Not only do up-to-date windows and doors give your home a stylish look, but it also helps keep the weather and pests outside your house. In addition, new windows and doors keep other costs down—like exterminators and utility costs from losing too much heating or air conditioning to the elements.

You can show your style through uniform windows or change it up by having an eclectic mix. You can have not only a sturdy door but also a bit of a statement piece that makes your front entrance pop.

3. New Lighting

Putting in new lighting may not seem like much, but the benefits are tremendous. Not only does new, more environmentally friendly lighting help you save on your electricity bill, but it also helps with greenhouse gas emissions.

You can also change the atmosphere in your home by switching from a brighter white bulb to a softer yellow glow. With so many ways to light your home, it’s something that you should consider.

4. Retile

The bathroom and kitchen are where quite a bit of a home’s worth is at. If you want to bring value to them but don’t want to do a complete overhaul, a couple of minor changes can make a big difference, such as retiling these areas and the front entranceway.

It gives you a chance to modernize your home without having to rip everything out and start over. It can provide old spaces new life and look like a well-maintained, cohesive part of a whole, which can pay off in the end.

5. Refacing Cabinets

Another way to spruce up the kitchen and bathroom is to reface the cabinets. You don’t need to spend your money on new cabinets, but you can still give a fresh look without too much hassle.

Not only that, but by refacing your existing cabinets, you can significantly change the look of the space. For example, you can brighten up a dark kitchen by going lighter or add a contrasting color to an already bright kitchen by going a little darker.

6. New Fencing

Fencing is a great way to improve privacy, keep wildlife out, and give your pets and kids (if you have any) space to play without you needing to worry. In addition, choosing the right fence can help increase curb appeal.

It not only helps with privacy but also gives purpose, definition, and shape to your property. For example, large properties can have several fences to denote specific things, such as a play area or garden.

7. New Deck

A new deck isn’t just a place to put the barbecue. Instead, it’s a way to transition from inside to outside seamlessly. You also increase curb appeal by adding decorative planters or a raised herb garden to your new deck.

It’s also a place where you can get both sun and moonlight without having to worry about tripping over uneven ground, and it adds class to your home.

Want to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck?

If you’re still thinking about home improvements that add value to your home, and you don’t want to do it yourself, check out the services One Man & A Toolbox can offer you. Call them at (205) 749-7019 if you live in Alabama or reach out through the official contact form.

Five Tips to Protect Your Wood Furniture

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There’s nothing quite as satisfying as the look and feel of genuine wood furniture. In addition to being perennially attractive, common furniture-making woods like oak, maple, hickory, walnut, mahogany, and teak are stout, sturdy, and durable—provided you take proper care of them.

Here are a handful of tips that will help you protect your prized wood furnishings from deterioration and extend your time enjoying them in the process.

Use Coasters

Remember how your mom used to scold you for putting drinks down on the coffee table without a coaster? Well, your mom was onto something.

As ice-cold beverages begin to warm, the difference in temperature causes them to “sweat” or form beads of condensed moisture. Dripping condensation can leave behind unsightly rings of discoloration on wood surfaces or even cause them to swell and eventually split.

As a way to avoid these unfortunate (and not cheaply reparable) outcomes, your best bet is to invest in a dedicated set of coasters. Go with a material like sandstone, cork, unglazed ceramic, or neoprene that will soak up rogue liquids and keep them from coming into contact with the surrounding wood.

Dust Your Furniture Regularly

Dust doesn’t just aggravate allergies and call into question your skills as a housekeeper—if not removed promptly, it can severely damage wood furniture.

Dust is composed of microscopic particles of skin, hair, clothing fibers, soil, pollen, living and dead organisms, and in some cases, bits of plastic, wood, metal, and glass. The softer of these substances combine to form a filmy residue that can rob wooden surfaces of their luster. The harder ones can create hundreds or even thousands of tiny scratches when they’re allowed to accumulate on wood surfaces.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of dusting your wood furniture at least once or twice a month. Use a damp microfiber cloth or soft cotton hand towel to pick up as much dust as possible without being too rough on the wood.

Polish Heavily Used Pieces as Needed

Generally speaking, wood furniture doesn’t require much in the way of cleaning and polishing, which is just another of its many charms. That said, an occasional once-over with an all-natural wood polish or furniture wax can help preserve a piece’s original finish and keep the wood beneath strong, supple, and vibrant.

Here’s how to achieve dazzling results in just a few minutes:

Use a clean, dry, nonabrasive cloth to apply a conservative amount of polish or wax to the piece you want to pep up. Then, work the product into the wood using smooth, circular motions. When you’re satisfied with your coverage, grab a clean, dry, nonabrasive cloth and wipe off any excess product.

You can repeat this process as many times as it takes to get a nice even coat. Whatever you do, though, don’t skip that last step—it’s essential for preventing spots and streaks.

Minimize Environmental Stressors

Everybody loves a bright, sunshiny day. Over time, however, sunlight can bleach wood, leaving it with a dull, dehydrated, uneven appearance. Similarly, heat causes wood to expand, potentially leading to warping, cracking, and shrinkage.

Therefore, intense light and extreme temperatures are two things from which you want to keep your wood furniture off-limits.

If at all possible, situate genuine wood pieces away from uncovered windows, patio doors, skylights, and other areas where they may be directly exposed to UV rays. While you’re at it, make sure you’re not positioning them too close to fireplaces, wall or floor vents, or hot-running appliances. 

Revitalize Aging Furniture by Restoring the Finish

Just because a particular piece is beginning to show signs of deterioration doesn’t mean it can’t continue providing comfort and stylish utility for many more years to come.

Many homeowners are eager to get rid of wood furniture when the finish begins to fade, even though the underlying material is still in excellent condition. More often than not, a simple refinishing is all it takes to get wood furniture looking as good as new again.

While it’s possible to refinish furniture yourself using DIY methods, it’s a pretty involved project, and there are lots of ways it can go awry. We recommend leaving this job to a professional.

The experienced craftsmen at One Man & A Toolbox have the skills and know-how needed to breathe new life into classic pieces without risking further damage. Give us a call today and see for yourself what a difference the right touch can make.

Six Home Repair Projects You Can Do Yourself

Home maintenance and repair is an unending process. It can be overwhelming and expensive to keep track of repairs. Sometimes, there are simple home repairs you can handle on your own. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time on some basic home repair projects.

For a DIY repair project, you need to get suitable materials and basic knowledge to do a good job. Homeowners cannot fix all home repairs without help. However, here are six home repair projects you can do yourself:

DIY Paint Repair Project

You don’t have to call professional painters to put in a fresh coat of paint for some areas in the home. You can effectively remedy walls with fading paints or slightly peeling walls by yourself. You can also change paint colors to fit into your current interior decoration project.

Firstly, you need to draw out a plan. Your plan should include the paint color, proposed design, materials, and method.

Here are the tools you need for a DIY painting project:

  • Paint

  • Rollers

  • Brushes

  • Tape

  • Knife

  • Tray

  • Containers

  • Wipe cloths

  • Ladder

After getting your tools, ensure you prepare the worksite by covering furniture and other belongings around. With this in place, you can easily touch up the areas needing fresh paint. For exterior paint or high spots, you may need professional painters.

Wallpaper Repair

If you are replacing wallpapers in only small areas, you can do the repairs by yourself. Hanging wallpapers usually look complicated, but with the suitable materials and fundamental knowledge, you are good to go. It would help if you got the right tools for the job. Some essential tools include wallpaper, a pair of scissors, paste, a knife, a ladder, a smoother, and a ruler.

After getting the tools, you need first to remove the existing wallpaper. You can use an electric wallpaper stripper or chemical stripping solution. You can also remove the wallpaper manually with a knife, depending on the wallpaper.

After stripping the wall, you can measure and cut the wallpaper. There are easy-to-install wallpapers called “paste the wall.” You can then hang wallpaper easily and smoothen them.

Plumbing Home Repair Project

Plumbing issues are a constant in almost every home. It can be minor or complicated. You can fix minor plumbing faults, such as:

Leaky Pipes

You can fix minor leaks in your bathroom or kitchen by yourself. Check the pipes for holes. If you find the leaking spot directly on the pipe, you can remedy it with clamps. If you can’t find the leak’s source, or you think it’s inside the walls, you may need professional help.

Leaky Faucets

It is straightforward to fix a leaky faucet. You only need to buy a new rubber washer. To install the washer, disconnect the tap from the water source. Remove the faulty washer and carefully replace it. You can also replace the entire faucet in situations where you are not satisfied with the results of the washer replacement.

Electrical Home Repair Project

Generally, only electricians should fix electrical repairs. However, there are minor electrical-related repairs you can do. When doing any form of electrical-related repair, ensure you observe strict precautionary measures. Always switch off the electricity or electrical source. Purchase the right DIY tools and use personal protective equipment. Here is a repair you can do:

Fixing a Faulty Doorbell

Sometimes, the accumulation of dirt and other particles can affect the proper functioning of your doorbell. This clogging may affect the button or transformer. To fix the problem,

  • unscrew the button from the wall;

  • take a look at the wiring and check for dirt, loose screws, or rust;

  • carefully clean out dirt, and screw properly.

Roof Inspection and Repair

After a storm, you can inspect your roof for damages. Sometimes, your roofs suffer minor cracks, and timely sealing of such cracks will prevent any significant damage. You can deal with minor cracks on your own. You can also clear out items that may damage the roof in the long run, such as sticks.

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is one home repair almost every homeowner can do and should do. If you have trees and shrubs around, you can trim them when they extend to your building. Trees branches, when left unchecked, can damage your roofs and windows.

Although there are tree experts that handle complicated tree issues, you can address minor problems. You can cut down stubborn branches and trim the leaves.

Conclusion

DIY repairs help to reduce the cost of hiring help. There are, however, some repairs that professionals should do. Your home is your safe place.

It is essential to preserve the safety and comfortability of your home and surroundings. For more complex projects and to guarantee security, know when to get help from experts.

Six Home Repair Projects You Can Do Yourself

pexels ksenia chernaya 5767931 768x768 1

Home maintenance and repair is an unending process. It can be overwhelming and expensive to keep track of repairs. Sometimes, there are simple home repairs you can handle on your own. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time on some basic home repair projects.

For a DIY repair project, you need to get suitable materials and basic knowledge to do a good job. Homeowners cannot fix all home repairs without help. However, here are six home repair projects you can do yourself:

DIY Paint Repair Project

You don’t have to call professional painters to put in a fresh coat of paint for some areas in the home. You can effectively remedy walls with fading paints or slightly peeling walls by yourself. You can also change paint colors to fit into your current interior decoration project.

Firstly, you need to draw out a plan. Your plan should include the paint color, proposed design, materials, and method.

Here are the tools you need for a DIY painting project:

  • Paint

  • Rollers

  • Brushes

  • Tape

  • Knife

  • Tray

  • Containers

  • Wipe cloths

  • Ladder

After getting your tools, ensure you prepare the worksite by covering furniture and other belongings around. With this in place, you can easily touch up the areas needing fresh paint. For exterior paint or high spots, you may need professional painters.

Wallpaper Repair

If you are replacing wallpapers in only small areas, you can do the repairs by yourself. Hanging wallpapers usually look complicated, but with the suitable materials and fundamental knowledge, you are good to go. It would help if you got the right tools for the job. Some essential tools include wallpaper, a pair of scissors, paste, a knife, a ladder, a smoother, and a ruler.

After getting the tools, you need first to remove the existing wallpaper. You can use an electric wallpaper stripper or chemical stripping solution. You can also remove the wallpaper manually with a knife, depending on the wallpaper.

After stripping the wall, you can measure and cut the wallpaper. There are easy-to-install wallpapers called “paste the wall.” You can then hang wallpaper easily and smoothen them.

Plumbing Home Repair Project

Plumbing issues are a constant in almost every home. It can be minor or complicated. You can fix minor plumbing faults, such as:

Leaky Pipes

You can fix minor leaks in your bathroom or kitchen by yourself. Check the pipes for holes. If you find the leaking spot directly on the pipe, you can remedy it with clamps. If you can’t find the leak’s source, or you think it’s inside the walls, you may need professional help.

Leaky Faucets

It is straightforward to fix a leaky faucet. You only need to buy a new rubber washer. To install the washer, disconnect the tap from the water source. Remove the faulty washer and carefully replace it. You can also replace the entire faucet in situations where you are not satisfied with the results of the washer replacement.

Electrical Home Repair Project

Generally, only electricians should fix electrical repairs. However, there are minor electrical-related repairs you can do. When doing any form of electrical-related repair, ensure you observe strict precautionary measures. Always switch off the electricity or electrical source. Purchase the right DIY tools and use personal protective equipment. Here is a repair you can do:

Fixing a Faulty Doorbell

Sometimes, the accumulation of dirt and other particles can affect the proper functioning of your doorbell. This clogging may affect the button or transformer. To fix the problem,

  • unscrew the button from the wall;

  • take a look at the wiring and check for dirt, loose screws, or rust;

  • carefully clean out dirt, and screw properly.

Roof Inspection and Repair

After a storm, you can inspect your roof for damages. Sometimes, your roofs suffer minor cracks, and timely sealing of such cracks will prevent any significant damage. You can deal with minor cracks on your own. You can also clear out items that may damage the roof in the long run, such as sticks.

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is one home repair almost every homeowner can do and should do. If you have trees and shrubs around, you can trim them when they extend to your building. Trees branches, when left unchecked, can damage your roofs and windows.

Although there are tree experts that handle complicated tree issues, you can address minor problems. You can cut down stubborn branches and trim the leaves.

Conclusion

DIY repairs help to reduce the cost of hiring help. There are, however, some repairs that professionals should do. Your home is your safe place.

It is essential to preserve the safety and comfortability of your home and surroundings. For more complex projects and to guarantee security, know when to get help from experts.

Six Huge Benefits of Professional Caulking for Your Home or Business

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Professional caulking can have profound effects on both the aesthetics and sanitation of your home or business. Caulking can also help retain the property’s structural value and even save you money on energy costs. These are the six huge benefits of professional caulking that most people don’t even consider that can have tremendous positive results.

Fewer Infestations

Since caulking seals up holes and small cracks, it can ward off pesky intruders, especially during rainy or summer seasons. Caulking can take care of insidious infestations that are very difficult to spot and get rid of, like bed bugs. It can also keep out spiders, ants, cockroaches, and virtually any other type of pest that you don’t want in your home.

Professional caulking gives you a certain peace of mind. You know that your home is expertly sealed and protected, and you also won’t have to spend a lot of money on costly infestations or exterminations. Professionally caulk your home to make it a hard target, and those bugs will almost certainly go elsewhere. 

Less Water Damage

There’s nothing that can disrupt the integrity of your home’s foundation quite like water damage. Any crack or gap, no matter how small, can become a conduit for unwanted water. Often, water tends to pool around the floor or sides of the walls of a building or home. If not addressed, this can result in damage to the inside and outside of the structure.

Professional waterproof caulking can take care of this particular problem. If you’re worried about structural damage outside, consider having the more vulnerable areas of your home or business caulked by professionals. This is even more important if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain or snow.

Fewer Problems with Mold and Mildew

Water damage can seriously harm the structure of your home and cause additional health-related problems too. More water means more mold growth. If you’re a homeowner, mold issues can pose severe respiratory threats to your family. If you own a business, mold and mildew are considered health hazards and could even get you shut down.

Black mold is a severe problem that can cause long-term respiratory effects on people exposed to it regularly. Generally, if you get black mold, you will need to hire a professional company to get rid of it. This process is costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, you can minimize your contact with black mold and mildew by simply having your home professionally caulked. 

More Structural Value

Professional caulking can increase the structural value of your home because it prevents water damage and keeps mold and mildew at bay. If you want to keep the structural value of your home as high as possible, it’s a good idea to have your caulking checked annually. This way, a professional team can apply new caulk as deemed necessary.

More Energy Efficiency

Since professional caulking keeps your home or business from leaking out air, it can also help you be more energy efficient. Professional caulking will help you heat and cool your home or business more effectively, cutting back drastically on your energy bills. What you invest in professional caulking will almost certainly come back to you with energy cost cuts.

Having your home or business professionally caulked is also an excellent way to help the planet. You use less energy and reduce your environmental footprint. If saving some money on your energy bills and being eco-friendly is important to you, consider getting professional caulking.

Professional caulkers will know which areas are most vulnerable to air leaks and address them appropriately.

Your Space Will Look Better

Cracks and gaps in your walls, floorboards, or corners can look shabby and unkempt. If you want your home or business to look its best without having a complete renovation, professional caulking is a great way to shape it up. Professional caulking tends to be much quicker than a complete renovation, and you’ll get all of the benefits outlined here in addition to a brand new look.

Certain rooms like kitchens and bathrooms benefit aesthetically from professional caulking. The caulk in these rooms tends to undergo a lot of wear and tear. Freshening it up with a professional service is a cost-effective way to help these rooms shine.

If you want to safeguard and beautify your home or business, professional caulking is a great way to do it. You’ll have fewer infestations, less water damage and mold, and your space will look better. Plus, you’ll increase your home or businesses’ value and save money on your energy bills!