According to Wikipedia, “Scaffolding is a temporary frame used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures.”
In modern countries, metal pipes or tubes are used in constructing scaffoldings but in third world countries, they are comfortable with Bamboo scaffoldings. I bowled over this idea as I did not – ever in my wildest dreams thought of bamboo scaffolding used in building structures especially skyscrapers. It is too difficult and risky! But that’s the way it is. This has been used for hundred of years throughout history, especially in Asia.
This type of scaffolding is widely used in China to build apartments, high-rise buildings, houses, walls, etc. Just as I have indicated above, this type is cheaper, lighter, more flexible and takes less time to erect and dismantle. This conclusion can be related to the fact that bamboo is common in Asian countries and scarcity will never be an issue. Provided that bamboo scaffolding is erected and installed properly, there wouldn’t be any problem. Bamboos are known to possess enough strength not only to be used as scaffolding but also as a permanent member of structures.
Nowadays, there are studies and practices wherein both the metal and the bamboo are used together to get the perfect scaffolding because of bamboo’s versatility and the metal’s safety. Using both elements in equal proportions, it is quite possible to tie up the flexibility of bamboo and strength of metal. The metal scaffolding is used in the primary stages of the construction to allow the workers to carry equipments and materials with ease. Once this is done and the correct framework has been established, sections can be added to extend areas using the bamboo scaffolding. This method is the solution wanted to adapt to the different requirements in a construction site.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
HOUSE REFURBISHMENT
The ancestral house of my grandparents was built around 1903. Needless to say it is now old and dilapidated having withstood all the typhoons as it proudly stands at the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This year we are planning to give it a massive refurbishment because we just can’t see it decaying each day – we have lots of childhood memories in that house. It saw us grow and witnessed all our childhood expeditions.
From an old Spanish house, plans are already made to turn it into a very modern, not state of the art, just modern piece of art. The galvanized iron roofs will be replaced by slates, the capiz (a type of shell used largely in interior decorating and for decorative purposes and accessories) windows will be reinstated using alloy metal sheets instead of wood. The original plan was to refurbish it without damaging the Spanish aesthetics of the house.
We will maintain the openness of the ground floor because it’s the trademark of most Spanish houses. They are also known for large, open living rooms and dining rooms so we will maintain it probably. A little tweak on the interior design will be done, replacing the buri walls with wooden slabs and replacing the incandescent and fluorescent lights with moderns ones. The kitchen opens onto a patio with space for recreation and family gatherings, pool and beautiful garden. Divider walls will be substituted with glass for more daylight. The windows of the bedrooms will not be touched but the floor needs major replacement.
Back in early 90’s carpets were installed in most rooms in that house but it really isn’t a good idea to install carpet in open windowed houses such as ours as dust creeps in almost every minute. Vacuuming the carpet daily to keep the dust away is a tough job! With this, carpets will be removed and shiny floors will be used again.
In this type of job DIY is not so feasible as this would require lots of planning, organizing and work to maintain the aesthetics of the house and to work within the allotted budget.
From an old Spanish house, plans are already made to turn it into a very modern, not state of the art, just modern piece of art. The galvanized iron roofs will be replaced by slates, the capiz (a type of shell used largely in interior decorating and for decorative purposes and accessories) windows will be reinstated using alloy metal sheets instead of wood. The original plan was to refurbish it without damaging the Spanish aesthetics of the house.
We will maintain the openness of the ground floor because it’s the trademark of most Spanish houses. They are also known for large, open living rooms and dining rooms so we will maintain it probably. A little tweak on the interior design will be done, replacing the buri walls with wooden slabs and replacing the incandescent and fluorescent lights with moderns ones. The kitchen opens onto a patio with space for recreation and family gatherings, pool and beautiful garden. Divider walls will be substituted with glass for more daylight. The windows of the bedrooms will not be touched but the floor needs major replacement.
Back in early 90’s carpets were installed in most rooms in that house but it really isn’t a good idea to install carpet in open windowed houses such as ours as dust creeps in almost every minute. Vacuuming the carpet daily to keep the dust away is a tough job! With this, carpets will be removed and shiny floors will be used again.
In this type of job DIY is not so feasible as this would require lots of planning, organizing and work to maintain the aesthetics of the house and to work within the allotted budget.
STAIRS CARPET FITTING
You now have a toddler and the least that you want to see is him rolling down the stairs from the loft or your second floor. So what do you do? Install a carpet in your stairs. This job may not sound as a good idea to some but for a mother who is flabbergasted with the idea above – it’s a savior.
Stair carpet fitting will not require you to buy new carpet from the hardware instead you can use the carpet previously fitted somewhere. This can be easily cut up and used to cover the stairs.
Now here are some general rules in fixing that carpet:
• Stair carpets should have much protection on the nosing of the stairs. This is possible by using a good contract quality underlay that will provide protection.
• Consider a smooth and rounded stair nosing because sharp angled ones may cause unnecessary rapid wear.
• Stair carpets should be cleaned, lifted and moved periodically to even out the point of wear.
• Winding steps in staircases should be fitted beginning at the bottom of each flight – not at the top, working upwards.
Now if you’re not on a tight budget and is willing to shed a few bucks for a new carpet, I’d say go for the handmade ones – they’re definitely beautiful. These handmade stair runners are available in various natural fibers and borders. You can create your own or order the standard size staircase based on 13 stairs. This type of carpet runners do not require professional fitting as this can be placed onto existing gripper rods. Underlay is not necessary unless you want a smoother and softer finish; it isn’t inexpensive anyway so I highly recommend you to add it on. Another thing, with this kind – cutting is no longer needed for that beautiful and professional finish.
The choice is really yours, depending on your budget.
Stair carpet fitting will not require you to buy new carpet from the hardware instead you can use the carpet previously fitted somewhere. This can be easily cut up and used to cover the stairs.
Now here are some general rules in fixing that carpet:
• Stair carpets should have much protection on the nosing of the stairs. This is possible by using a good contract quality underlay that will provide protection.
• Consider a smooth and rounded stair nosing because sharp angled ones may cause unnecessary rapid wear.
• Stair carpets should be cleaned, lifted and moved periodically to even out the point of wear.
• Winding steps in staircases should be fitted beginning at the bottom of each flight – not at the top, working upwards.
Now if you’re not on a tight budget and is willing to shed a few bucks for a new carpet, I’d say go for the handmade ones – they’re definitely beautiful. These handmade stair runners are available in various natural fibers and borders. You can create your own or order the standard size staircase based on 13 stairs. This type of carpet runners do not require professional fitting as this can be placed onto existing gripper rods. Underlay is not necessary unless you want a smoother and softer finish; it isn’t inexpensive anyway so I highly recommend you to add it on. Another thing, with this kind – cutting is no longer needed for that beautiful and professional finish.
The choice is really yours, depending on your budget.
WOMEN ARCHITECTS
According to Wikipedia, an architect is “trained and licensed in planning and designing buildings, and participates in supervising the construction of a building”. Nothing much has been said on the gender inequality in architecture but what I don’t understand is the way how women architectural students are being treated by their professors in the university. This is one reason why less and less women are taking up architecture.
The architecture profession is being dominated by the male specie and women likewise don’t get recognized by prestigious awarding bodies for reasons nobody understands or even knew about. So here are some reasons why we are not seeing women architects lately:
• Women are sensitive Women gets offended easily, a trait that isn’t good in this field. Working on a place dominated by men requires toughness for you to earn their respect and appreciation.
• Natural Calling. Women who pursues this career most of the time ends up doing interior design because it’s their natural calling, not to design buildings but to design the interior of the homes or building.
• Family and Work Pressures. Women deal a lot of issues from themselves and the people around them so putting on additional pressure from the male dominated population is such a burden to them.
• Personal Obligations. Women prioritize their family over their careers. Their family is their pride making them better persons in the long run so they fit better at home rather than designing building and working long hours in the construction area.
I know that these are not the only reasons but for me there’s nothing wrong in pursuing that career, as long as you can stand the pressure - go for it. Being in a male dominated facility doesn’t have to be an issue, as long as you can do whatever you’re asked to do, there would be no problem.
The architecture profession is being dominated by the male specie and women likewise don’t get recognized by prestigious awarding bodies for reasons nobody understands or even knew about. So here are some reasons why we are not seeing women architects lately:
• Women are sensitive Women gets offended easily, a trait that isn’t good in this field. Working on a place dominated by men requires toughness for you to earn their respect and appreciation.
• Natural Calling. Women who pursues this career most of the time ends up doing interior design because it’s their natural calling, not to design buildings but to design the interior of the homes or building.
• Family and Work Pressures. Women deal a lot of issues from themselves and the people around them so putting on additional pressure from the male dominated population is such a burden to them.
• Personal Obligations. Women prioritize their family over their careers. Their family is their pride making them better persons in the long run so they fit better at home rather than designing building and working long hours in the construction area.
I know that these are not the only reasons but for me there’s nothing wrong in pursuing that career, as long as you can stand the pressure - go for it. Being in a male dominated facility doesn’t have to be an issue, as long as you can do whatever you’re asked to do, there would be no problem.
LOFT CONVERSION
My children are growing so basically I am in dire need of an extra room for another kid. She’s entering her teens and that spells P-R-I-V-A-C-Y. She has asked us to convert the loft into a bedroom which she can call as hers but renovation during crisis is not a great idea. My husband and I made a great heart to heart talk about it and eventually decided to give in. We did a research on how we can have an economy loft conversion because we really can’t splurge much cash during recession.
We saved a large sum of money from the architectural services, so that’s the first rule: Find an architect you know and ask him or her to do some service for you. This way you’ll save a lot and you’re helping your friend at the same time.
It took a while for the project to materialize because first, we have to put into consideration the amount of cash that we’re willing to shed. It was our first concern, my daughter’s wrath second because aside from this we still have to save for their education, mortgage, insurance and other necessities. Upon completion of the plan and agreed amount, we started the project right away.
To save on materials, my husband went to and through a lot of thrift shops to get good bargains on scraps and furniture. We saved almost 40% of our budget just by doing that, not bad huh? Everything doesn’t have to be new, just use the magic of remodeling. Aside from this, he made use of the materials available at home – he didn’t buy everything, he maximized what we’ve got and saved a lot!
To contribute to the economical conversion, I made use of old pillows, bed sheets, comforters and curtains to beautify the interior of the loft. My daughter was so pleased with her new comforters which I made from old ones. I rummage through our storage area and found vintage knick-knacks that I displayed in her remodeled wall display cabinet.
You see, renovation doesn’t have to be expensive. It just requires budget, proper planning and a little imagination.
We saved a large sum of money from the architectural services, so that’s the first rule: Find an architect you know and ask him or her to do some service for you. This way you’ll save a lot and you’re helping your friend at the same time.
It took a while for the project to materialize because first, we have to put into consideration the amount of cash that we’re willing to shed. It was our first concern, my daughter’s wrath second because aside from this we still have to save for their education, mortgage, insurance and other necessities. Upon completion of the plan and agreed amount, we started the project right away.
To save on materials, my husband went to and through a lot of thrift shops to get good bargains on scraps and furniture. We saved almost 40% of our budget just by doing that, not bad huh? Everything doesn’t have to be new, just use the magic of remodeling. Aside from this, he made use of the materials available at home – he didn’t buy everything, he maximized what we’ve got and saved a lot!
To contribute to the economical conversion, I made use of old pillows, bed sheets, comforters and curtains to beautify the interior of the loft. My daughter was so pleased with her new comforters which I made from old ones. I rummage through our storage area and found vintage knick-knacks that I displayed in her remodeled wall display cabinet.
You see, renovation doesn’t have to be expensive. It just requires budget, proper planning and a little imagination.
FLOOR LAYING
As a child I grew up in an old Spanish house built before the Japanese war in the Philippines. The house made in paramount details by Spanish Engineers was just so amazing. One thing the visitors will notice is the shiny wood made of mahogany and narra planks lined alternately. It’s so classic that it adds beauty to its aesthetics.
Deciding for the floor details of our house was no easy task. We were contemplating whether to stick with the vinyl tiles as the kids were growing or think long term and consider wood boards instead. After several days of decision making comes the verdict – laminated wood boards. This type of flooring is very popular because it looks good, needs minimal maintenance and durable. This is one great alternative to my mahogany and narra dream floor.
We were all set to finding that laminated wood board type but was flabbergasted to know that we could not find it at our local builders shop! It was so disappointing that at some point I wanted to stick with vinyl tiles! Good thing my husband found a very reliable resource community which offered us laminated flattened boards made of bamboo. The species used for this were Bambusa Blumeana and Dendrocalamus Asper.
There are two types of laminated bamboo flattened boards: bamboo parquet blocks/laminated floor boards and laminated boards for walling, headboards, tabletops and any other uses that you can think of.
So there, my husband and his builder partner have had a grand time working with the floor boards because it’s flexible and lightweight because it’s made of composite material of wood veneer and bamboo slats.
Fancying the floor of your dreams doesn’t have to be very expensive. Just picture the kind of floor that you want to have, check if it would work well on your house and come up with the right flooring.
Deciding for the floor details of our house was no easy task. We were contemplating whether to stick with the vinyl tiles as the kids were growing or think long term and consider wood boards instead. After several days of decision making comes the verdict – laminated wood boards. This type of flooring is very popular because it looks good, needs minimal maintenance and durable. This is one great alternative to my mahogany and narra dream floor.
We were all set to finding that laminated wood board type but was flabbergasted to know that we could not find it at our local builders shop! It was so disappointing that at some point I wanted to stick with vinyl tiles! Good thing my husband found a very reliable resource community which offered us laminated flattened boards made of bamboo. The species used for this were Bambusa Blumeana and Dendrocalamus Asper.
There are two types of laminated bamboo flattened boards: bamboo parquet blocks/laminated floor boards and laminated boards for walling, headboards, tabletops and any other uses that you can think of.
So there, my husband and his builder partner have had a grand time working with the floor boards because it’s flexible and lightweight because it’s made of composite material of wood veneer and bamboo slats.
Fancying the floor of your dreams doesn’t have to be very expensive. Just picture the kind of floor that you want to have, check if it would work well on your house and come up with the right flooring.
CARPENTRY
Our houses are the trophies of the carpenters or builders as we call them. Their job involves a lot of hard work not to mention the time of being away from their families once a project has started. When you’re a carpenter, you’d do so many jobs normal carpenters do but there are some who specializes. These are the types of carpenters who have taken classes in specialization. The thing here is, know and master the base ideas first before taking any specialization classes.
Carpentry is no easy task. This job involves many kind of construction like renovating the kitchens or bedrooms and as hard as building highways and bridges. Carpenters work from blueprints, layouts, measuring, marking and arranging materials according to the local building codes. Aside from this, they also man the preparation of materials to be used on the actual building process according to the specifications of the client.
The ones who perform so many tasks at the same time need a broad range of carpentry skills. They might be required to build a wall, install door and windows, build stairs, do the plastering, etcetera. Different activities require them to be flexible and allow them to switch from doing domestic carpentry jobs or commercial constructions.
Carpenters who work for construction contractors do specialized carpentry. They do a few regular tasks such as building concrete forms for tunnel, bridge or sewer construction projects depending on the task assigned by the Senior Carpenter.
So you’re now decided to try carpentry? Think again. This job is physically draining as it requires prolong standing, bending, climbing walls and most carpenters are in high risk of injuries as the they work with sharp, heavy or rough materials and heavy duty equipments. Aside from these, carpenters who work outdoors are subject to variable weather conditions and may be required to work longer than the standard 40 hour week.
Carpentry is no easy task. This job involves many kind of construction like renovating the kitchens or bedrooms and as hard as building highways and bridges. Carpenters work from blueprints, layouts, measuring, marking and arranging materials according to the local building codes. Aside from this, they also man the preparation of materials to be used on the actual building process according to the specifications of the client.
The ones who perform so many tasks at the same time need a broad range of carpentry skills. They might be required to build a wall, install door and windows, build stairs, do the plastering, etcetera. Different activities require them to be flexible and allow them to switch from doing domestic carpentry jobs or commercial constructions.
Carpenters who work for construction contractors do specialized carpentry. They do a few regular tasks such as building concrete forms for tunnel, bridge or sewer construction projects depending on the task assigned by the Senior Carpenter.
So you’re now decided to try carpentry? Think again. This job is physically draining as it requires prolong standing, bending, climbing walls and most carpenters are in high risk of injuries as the they work with sharp, heavy or rough materials and heavy duty equipments. Aside from these, carpenters who work outdoors are subject to variable weather conditions and may be required to work longer than the standard 40 hour week.
HOUSE EXTENSION
Families who buy houses from sellers deal sometimes deal with the issue of house extension. This is so because the house they have bought was not made according to their needs but of the family who previously owned the house. Whether you require another bedroom or you would like an extra room to be used as an office, adding an extension to your house is dependent on the available land adjacent to your property.
Extending your house could mean additional disturbance to your family as there would be a time when you cannot do just everything that you want to do because people are there – renovating your house. But still this is still a better idea than moving to a larger property. Just imagine the hassle of moving from one property to another plus the stress in looking for that perfect buyer!
The average pricing of house extension in the UK is £1,000 per square meter for a single storey house. There are several factors affecting this price, your location, your preferred materials, the plumbing, electrical, and finishing work should also be considered. You have to talk this costing issue with the planner that you have chosen to work on the project. Just note that their schedule can also affect the price of their services. So better find someone who can do the job best but still within the budget and time frame.
Upon knowing how much the average cost is, work may now begin. Star the project by drawing some designs yourself, this way the architect will have the general picture already and he’ll just be preparing the detailed drawings. Fix the necessary papers or permissions from your local engineering office and agree with the builder. Those with experience working with professional builders suggest that it’s better to break down the payments into different sections based upon completion of each job.
Extending your house could mean additional disturbance to your family as there would be a time when you cannot do just everything that you want to do because people are there – renovating your house. But still this is still a better idea than moving to a larger property. Just imagine the hassle of moving from one property to another plus the stress in looking for that perfect buyer!
The average pricing of house extension in the UK is £1,000 per square meter for a single storey house. There are several factors affecting this price, your location, your preferred materials, the plumbing, electrical, and finishing work should also be considered. You have to talk this costing issue with the planner that you have chosen to work on the project. Just note that their schedule can also affect the price of their services. So better find someone who can do the job best but still within the budget and time frame.
Upon knowing how much the average cost is, work may now begin. Star the project by drawing some designs yourself, this way the architect will have the general picture already and he’ll just be preparing the detailed drawings. Fix the necessary papers or permissions from your local engineering office and agree with the builder. Those with experience working with professional builders suggest that it’s better to break down the payments into different sections based upon completion of each job.
TILING
Economics especially in low and middle-income households matter a lot. So instead of hiring professionals to do the tedious tasks, doing certain tasks on our own becomes a great idea. Now that you have decided to do the tiling on your own, the challenge of choosing the appropriate tile comes next.
This article will definitely help you choose the right tile type for your project. To start with, there are three types of tiles, the Porcelain tile, Natural Stone tile and Vinyl tile. The subsequent individual description will help you understand and choose the right tile for you.
Porcelain Tile
This is the most popular among the three because of its versatility. This type of tile is not just used for kitchens and bathrooms but to entryways as well. The best quality of Porcelain tiles is its durability. It defies stains hence being recommended for use in bathrooms and outdoor spaces. There are an awful lot of designs that you can imagine so it’s such a good choice.
Natural Stone Tile
This one is a great flooring choice but the price may hurt your pockets. A wide selection of marble, slate, granite is available in natural stone. The problem with this high-end floor tile are installation issues, mostly needing hard, firm surfaces or special cement and often needs professional installation. Another thing, you cannot consider this type of tile when you’re working on older homes for it may not withstand the weight of the stone.
Vinyl Tile
This type is used when you’re on a budget. It’s easier to install, too! Vinyl tiles are self-adhesive thus requiring no additional installation issue. It’s the perfect choice when a heavier tile isn’t an option. Vinyl tiles are quite durable because they’re able to resists scuffs, dents and grease but require considerable amount of heavy duty cleaning as their design may also trap dirt.
To wrap it up, the choice which one to use depends on your budget and the type of surface that you’re working with. Make the type choice first because choosing the colors or style.
This article will definitely help you choose the right tile type for your project. To start with, there are three types of tiles, the Porcelain tile, Natural Stone tile and Vinyl tile. The subsequent individual description will help you understand and choose the right tile for you.
Porcelain Tile
This is the most popular among the three because of its versatility. This type of tile is not just used for kitchens and bathrooms but to entryways as well. The best quality of Porcelain tiles is its durability. It defies stains hence being recommended for use in bathrooms and outdoor spaces. There are an awful lot of designs that you can imagine so it’s such a good choice.
Natural Stone Tile
This one is a great flooring choice but the price may hurt your pockets. A wide selection of marble, slate, granite is available in natural stone. The problem with this high-end floor tile are installation issues, mostly needing hard, firm surfaces or special cement and often needs professional installation. Another thing, you cannot consider this type of tile when you’re working on older homes for it may not withstand the weight of the stone.
Vinyl Tile
This type is used when you’re on a budget. It’s easier to install, too! Vinyl tiles are self-adhesive thus requiring no additional installation issue. It’s the perfect choice when a heavier tile isn’t an option. Vinyl tiles are quite durable because they’re able to resists scuffs, dents and grease but require considerable amount of heavy duty cleaning as their design may also trap dirt.
To wrap it up, the choice which one to use depends on your budget and the type of surface that you’re working with. Make the type choice first because choosing the colors or style.
PLASTERING
The renovation of your house is almost finished, the doors and windows have been latched, and furniture is now installed at its rightful places. But husband has assigned you to do the plastering of the walls and you have zero ideas on what plastering is. Fret no more because this article will discuss the basics in wall plastering.
Plastering itself is not a tiresome task. With the right materials and knowledge, you’re on your way to polishing that plaster wall.
Plastering Tools
1. A large flexible mixing bucket is essential for mixing plaster or dry wall adhesive.
2. A featheredge to be used in the direct bond method of plaster boarding. This is also used to achieve straight plasterboard application.
3. Plasterers Darby to be used in applying a backing coat of plaster such as bonding or browning.
4. A plasterer’s trowel to be used in applying all types of plaster and Dry wall adhesive.
5. A hawk to be used alongside the float.
6. A plasterer’s float made of polycarbonate to be used in rendering.
Now that you have the tools, let’s move on to the plastering process itself.
1. Mixing the plaster can be done by hand using a suitable bucket and a piece of wood. A mixing machine with a suitable drill with matching paddle can do the job easier, though. Put the water in the bucket before adding the plaster, doing it in reverse could make the mixture lumpy and unusable. Mix the plaster until the right consistency is met and it’s completely lump-free.
2. Ensure that the room is kept cool or else the plaster will dry off too quickly making it difficult to apply and may crack upon application. Load the hawk with plaster and use the float to load the hawk. Spread the plaster onto the wall using the float ensuring that it is on a correct angle otherwise it will not work. The smaller the angle between the hawk and the wall, the better. Allow the plaster to dry a little but not too much, 20 minutes on a bright day will do. Now use your float to fix problems on the wall. Give it another 30 minutes to completely dry off then you can now polish the wall. Polishing is done by wetting the wall using a brush and water. After that you can now polish the wall by trowelling the surface.
3. Leave the wall to dry in a day or so for it to dry out fully.
There, now you can tell your husband that you can do the job!
Plastering itself is not a tiresome task. With the right materials and knowledge, you’re on your way to polishing that plaster wall.
Plastering Tools
1. A large flexible mixing bucket is essential for mixing plaster or dry wall adhesive.
2. A featheredge to be used in the direct bond method of plaster boarding. This is also used to achieve straight plasterboard application.
3. Plasterers Darby to be used in applying a backing coat of plaster such as bonding or browning.
4. A plasterer’s trowel to be used in applying all types of plaster and Dry wall adhesive.
5. A hawk to be used alongside the float.
6. A plasterer’s float made of polycarbonate to be used in rendering.
Now that you have the tools, let’s move on to the plastering process itself.
1. Mixing the plaster can be done by hand using a suitable bucket and a piece of wood. A mixing machine with a suitable drill with matching paddle can do the job easier, though. Put the water in the bucket before adding the plaster, doing it in reverse could make the mixture lumpy and unusable. Mix the plaster until the right consistency is met and it’s completely lump-free.
2. Ensure that the room is kept cool or else the plaster will dry off too quickly making it difficult to apply and may crack upon application. Load the hawk with plaster and use the float to load the hawk. Spread the plaster onto the wall using the float ensuring that it is on a correct angle otherwise it will not work. The smaller the angle between the hawk and the wall, the better. Allow the plaster to dry a little but not too much, 20 minutes on a bright day will do. Now use your float to fix problems on the wall. Give it another 30 minutes to completely dry off then you can now polish the wall. Polishing is done by wetting the wall using a brush and water. After that you can now polish the wall by trowelling the surface.
3. Leave the wall to dry in a day or so for it to dry out fully.
There, now you can tell your husband that you can do the job!
MOMMY: THE HANDYMAN
You’re alone and the pipes on your kitchen sink broke, worst your husband won’t be home until dinner. So what will a stay at home do? Call the neighborhood repairman, of course! There goes your hard earned cash. To avoid this incident in the future, moms should learn the ropes in basic in home repair especially plumbing.
Plumbing is one simple problem that we can address if we know what to do and how to do it. A lot of companies offer seminars and work shops for the technical know-how’s, one good investment, don’t you think so?
The leaky faucet problem can be very intimidating but if we just know hot to identify the problem and take into actions the following steps, then good. This would help you save much from your water bill and the environment from water wastage.
1. First is to look closely where the leak is centralized, is it on the faucet itself or just in the handle?
2. Find out first which type of faucet you have before dismantling the faucet for repair or replacement.
3. Turn off the water valve so you can start working on the pipes without water flowing through them.
4. Check the washer or O-ring if it’s already wearing out, common faucet leaks are often due to this. To replace the washer, remove the decorative cap by screwing it off or pulling it depending on the design.
5. Unscrew the packing nut that holds the valve in place by turning it counterclockwise. These valve washers come in many various sizes and shapes so a trip to the hardware store is needed to get the exact washer size.
So there, in case another booboo comes up, you know what to do. No need to panic as you now know how to.
Plumbing is one simple problem that we can address if we know what to do and how to do it. A lot of companies offer seminars and work shops for the technical know-how’s, one good investment, don’t you think so?
The leaky faucet problem can be very intimidating but if we just know hot to identify the problem and take into actions the following steps, then good. This would help you save much from your water bill and the environment from water wastage.
1. First is to look closely where the leak is centralized, is it on the faucet itself or just in the handle?
2. Find out first which type of faucet you have before dismantling the faucet for repair or replacement.
3. Turn off the water valve so you can start working on the pipes without water flowing through them.
4. Check the washer or O-ring if it’s already wearing out, common faucet leaks are often due to this. To replace the washer, remove the decorative cap by screwing it off or pulling it depending on the design.
5. Unscrew the packing nut that holds the valve in place by turning it counterclockwise. These valve washers come in many various sizes and shapes so a trip to the hardware store is needed to get the exact washer size.
So there, in case another booboo comes up, you know what to do. No need to panic as you now know how to.
LANDSCAPE GARDENING
Landscaping your front yard and your back yard are two different things. If you think that you can do what you just did to your front on your back yard, think again. The front yard is the façade of your beautiful home where aesthetics matter above everything else but the back yard? It’s the place where you want to relax so it should be cozy and comfort should be highly considered.
So how should you start beautifying your back yard? Start with a theme first, you can choose from beach, Zen, etcetera. The list is endless depending on your type. The web will offer you several ideas to choose from. Just for example you have chosen Zen and have that little sanctuary in your back yard. You might want to wall it with bamboo or Japanese shrubs to enclose your space, to give your privacy from the rest of the world.
If it is a huge back yard that you’re renovating, you might want to sectionalize it into smaller rooms so different activities can be done simultaneously at different sections. You can use Hokongo-in, a Japanese shrub to divide the sections. A tiny pond can also be installed in the area where you can put Koi fishes. Make sure that the Japanese varieties I’ve mentioned are available in your area before laying-out the plans. If the tiny pond is not possible, opt to install an outdoor Zen fountain which is readily available in stores. These fountains are said to create a feeling of well being and peace. Aside from its decorative features, these are believed to help balance energy and foster harmony in the area. With a properly sectionalized back yard, a few Japanese shrubs and a tiny pond or Zen fountain, you’re on your way to relaxation sanctuary.
Who wouldn’t want a back yard like this? But then again don’t stress out yourself too much. These are just mere suggestions to beautify your back yard. Enjoy your back yard as you beautify it.
So how should you start beautifying your back yard? Start with a theme first, you can choose from beach, Zen, etcetera. The list is endless depending on your type. The web will offer you several ideas to choose from. Just for example you have chosen Zen and have that little sanctuary in your back yard. You might want to wall it with bamboo or Japanese shrubs to enclose your space, to give your privacy from the rest of the world.
If it is a huge back yard that you’re renovating, you might want to sectionalize it into smaller rooms so different activities can be done simultaneously at different sections. You can use Hokongo-in, a Japanese shrub to divide the sections. A tiny pond can also be installed in the area where you can put Koi fishes. Make sure that the Japanese varieties I’ve mentioned are available in your area before laying-out the plans. If the tiny pond is not possible, opt to install an outdoor Zen fountain which is readily available in stores. These fountains are said to create a feeling of well being and peace. Aside from its decorative features, these are believed to help balance energy and foster harmony in the area. With a properly sectionalized back yard, a few Japanese shrubs and a tiny pond or Zen fountain, you’re on your way to relaxation sanctuary.
Who wouldn’t want a back yard like this? But then again don’t stress out yourself too much. These are just mere suggestions to beautify your back yard. Enjoy your back yard as you beautify it.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
ROOFING CHOICES
Every family who plans to build or renovate their houses has thought of changing their roofs to keep up with the current standards. Roofs need to be changed or repaired at least every 10 years adhering to the safety standards issued by the government. Homeowners desire a roof that’s inexpensive, maintenance-free, and something that would last a long time. So one has to choose a roof with materials that would save them cost of replacement.
By choosing the right roof for your house, you’ll also save more in the long run. One good example is choosing a light-colored roof that doesn’t absorb heat from the sun – this kind will keep your attic cooler and therefore electricity bills will go down.
Here’s a list of the most popular types of roofing. Carefully read each description and see which one answers the needs of your home. Always remember that cost doesn’t guarantee quality so choose the right material, have it installed, and cautiously maintain it to ensure life-long functional roofing.
Composition Shingles are today’s hottest choice. Being the most popular and trendy one, these shingles are made of substances like tar, thick felt, crushed rock and other suitable materials formed together into a 2 – 3 feet slate. Higher quality of these is made up of asphalt or fiberglass which is more durable.
Wood Shakes are made of Western red cedar – a long lasting, straight-grained wood which gives the wood surprising strength regardless of the cut. Wood resists heat transmission twice as well as composition shingles, too.
Downside of wood shakes is that it requires more maintenance especially if you live in places with harsh climate. The best option here is to perform preventive maintenance and cleaning every 5 years or so. Another thing, wood shakes are not fire-resistant and may be required to be pressure-treated.
Clay Tile is the roofing solution if you want your house to spell elegance. These provide the house elegant architectural designs and the thickest textures. They are one of the most decorative historic roofing materials since they come with a variety of shapes, colors, patterns, and textures.
If properly installed, tiles will last for years. These will resist fire, hail and strong winds and considered as environment-friendly due to its heat-reflectivity and overall durability making it a popular choice world-wide.
Slate is one expensive choice. Its benefits include very long life-span, excellent fire protection, low maintenance and invulnerability to rots and insects.
Concrete Tile like shakes, shingles and light-weight tiles are manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Like slate, you will also benefit a very long life-span, excellent fire protection, low maintenance and invulnerability to rots and insects when you choose concrete tile as your roofing preference.
Aside from the choices above, metal roofs and hot mops can also be considered a roofing option. There are a lot of options but your decision will depend on your budget and the needs of your home.
By choosing the right roof for your house, you’ll also save more in the long run. One good example is choosing a light-colored roof that doesn’t absorb heat from the sun – this kind will keep your attic cooler and therefore electricity bills will go down.
Here’s a list of the most popular types of roofing. Carefully read each description and see which one answers the needs of your home. Always remember that cost doesn’t guarantee quality so choose the right material, have it installed, and cautiously maintain it to ensure life-long functional roofing.
Composition Shingles are today’s hottest choice. Being the most popular and trendy one, these shingles are made of substances like tar, thick felt, crushed rock and other suitable materials formed together into a 2 – 3 feet slate. Higher quality of these is made up of asphalt or fiberglass which is more durable.
Wood Shakes are made of Western red cedar – a long lasting, straight-grained wood which gives the wood surprising strength regardless of the cut. Wood resists heat transmission twice as well as composition shingles, too.
Downside of wood shakes is that it requires more maintenance especially if you live in places with harsh climate. The best option here is to perform preventive maintenance and cleaning every 5 years or so. Another thing, wood shakes are not fire-resistant and may be required to be pressure-treated.
Clay Tile is the roofing solution if you want your house to spell elegance. These provide the house elegant architectural designs and the thickest textures. They are one of the most decorative historic roofing materials since they come with a variety of shapes, colors, patterns, and textures.
If properly installed, tiles will last for years. These will resist fire, hail and strong winds and considered as environment-friendly due to its heat-reflectivity and overall durability making it a popular choice world-wide.
Slate is one expensive choice. Its benefits include very long life-span, excellent fire protection, low maintenance and invulnerability to rots and insects.
Concrete Tile like shakes, shingles and light-weight tiles are manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Like slate, you will also benefit a very long life-span, excellent fire protection, low maintenance and invulnerability to rots and insects when you choose concrete tile as your roofing preference.
Aside from the choices above, metal roofs and hot mops can also be considered a roofing option. There are a lot of options but your decision will depend on your budget and the needs of your home.
BASEMENT CONVERSION
Have you been in a situation when there is a need for another room and yet all you have is a dusty basement? We just did so we converted the basement or cellar into a cozy and stay-worthy entertainment room for the entire family. Since our house is a semi-detached property, we thought of investing a considerable amount not just for the aesthetics and functionality of the house itself but we also put into consideration the home value which could increase by 30 – 50%.
With the help of my husband’s colleague, they were able to come up with a floor plan within a week. The thorough planning saved us from a lot of unnecessary expenses such as overspending on materials. So make sure to have that plan before starting the project. Include in the plans the doorways, staircases and walls that you want to add to the existing space. It wasn’t easy though as we still need planning permission and approval of the city engineer in our locality and there was also a need to pay construction bonds though we were only renovating the cellar.
One challenge we have cited was the heat and air ventilation, probably the most crucial in the entire project. Air bricks and extractor fans were installed to ensure adequate ventilation in the entertainment room. There was also a need to waterproof the walls by lining the basement with waterproof membranes. It’s not as expensive as you might think. The hired professionals used cavity drain membranes. These created an envelope within the walls allowing the natural drainage of the ground water to enter and be collected behind the system. Cavity membranes are lightweight, quick to install, non-destructive to the structure, insulative and sound absorbing and conducive to a dry, high quality environment. This is probably the best solution to basement conversion.
With the help of my husband’s colleague, they were able to come up with a floor plan within a week. The thorough planning saved us from a lot of unnecessary expenses such as overspending on materials. So make sure to have that plan before starting the project. Include in the plans the doorways, staircases and walls that you want to add to the existing space. It wasn’t easy though as we still need planning permission and approval of the city engineer in our locality and there was also a need to pay construction bonds though we were only renovating the cellar.
One challenge we have cited was the heat and air ventilation, probably the most crucial in the entire project. Air bricks and extractor fans were installed to ensure adequate ventilation in the entertainment room. There was also a need to waterproof the walls by lining the basement with waterproof membranes. It’s not as expensive as you might think. The hired professionals used cavity drain membranes. These created an envelope within the walls allowing the natural drainage of the ground water to enter and be collected behind the system. Cavity membranes are lightweight, quick to install, non-destructive to the structure, insulative and sound absorbing and conducive to a dry, high quality environment. This is probably the best solution to basement conversion.
Friday, May 8, 2009
KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT
Any refurbishment or restoration spells huge expenses so careful budget planning is really important. So how do you materialize this plan at a fraction of a cost? It’s easy.
First thing to do is plan the budget, how much is the maximum amount that you’re willing to spend on the entire refurbishment. Gather all the necessary details on the items and materials before doing that purchase. It is best to canvass prices from shop to shop to get the cheapest prices but remember not to scrimp on everything. Quality and the longevity of the item is still your priority concern.
Now put your refurbishment into action.
The following sections are probable targets for replacement:
1. The worktops
2. The carcase doors
3. The sink
4. The décor, paint work, floor tiles
5. The kitchen appliances
6. The kitchen lighting
Worktops – Consider granite for it is fashionable and hardwearing. It goes well with anything and lasts for years.
Doors – One can change doors easily with the massive choice of colors, style and type - you’ll sure find one that would fit your taste and budget. Want to add some class and vintage taste on your kitchen? Go for wooden ones.
Sink – With the wide array of choices and numerous variations of sizes, prices and type one can choose from, you’ll have a hard time choosing the right sink for your kitchen. But if you’re opting for a granite worktop, under-mounted sinks with draining grooves cut into the surface are still the best option against the cheaper, over-mounted ones.
Décor, Paint Work and Floor Tiles – Choose a paint color that would go well with colors of the appliances, granite worktops and floor tiles. Decorating can be a DIY project because you’ll only be needing decors that you already have at home.
You have an option whether to change your tiles or not as choosing the recommended stone tiles can be a bit pricey. You can delay this option and by doing so, decorating and paint works can also be delayed.
Appliances – Sort and let the unnecessary ones go. You don’t want all of your appliances cramped in your new kitchen, right?
Lighting – Think about all the planning you did for your entire kitchen and how happy you were with the outcome but poor lighting could spell disaster to your carefully planned restoration. Modern lighting system could give your new kitchen an extra lift!
So there, start that kitchen refurbishment now!
First thing to do is plan the budget, how much is the maximum amount that you’re willing to spend on the entire refurbishment. Gather all the necessary details on the items and materials before doing that purchase. It is best to canvass prices from shop to shop to get the cheapest prices but remember not to scrimp on everything. Quality and the longevity of the item is still your priority concern.
Now put your refurbishment into action.
The following sections are probable targets for replacement:
1. The worktops
2. The carcase doors
3. The sink
4. The décor, paint work, floor tiles
5. The kitchen appliances
6. The kitchen lighting
Worktops – Consider granite for it is fashionable and hardwearing. It goes well with anything and lasts for years.
Doors – One can change doors easily with the massive choice of colors, style and type - you’ll sure find one that would fit your taste and budget. Want to add some class and vintage taste on your kitchen? Go for wooden ones.
Sink – With the wide array of choices and numerous variations of sizes, prices and type one can choose from, you’ll have a hard time choosing the right sink for your kitchen. But if you’re opting for a granite worktop, under-mounted sinks with draining grooves cut into the surface are still the best option against the cheaper, over-mounted ones.
Décor, Paint Work and Floor Tiles – Choose a paint color that would go well with colors of the appliances, granite worktops and floor tiles. Decorating can be a DIY project because you’ll only be needing decors that you already have at home.
You have an option whether to change your tiles or not as choosing the recommended stone tiles can be a bit pricey. You can delay this option and by doing so, decorating and paint works can also be delayed.
Appliances – Sort and let the unnecessary ones go. You don’t want all of your appliances cramped in your new kitchen, right?
Lighting – Think about all the planning you did for your entire kitchen and how happy you were with the outcome but poor lighting could spell disaster to your carefully planned restoration. Modern lighting system could give your new kitchen an extra lift!
So there, start that kitchen refurbishment now!
CARPET FITTING A-B-C
A tiled kitchen and living room seemed okay but things will change if you have babies and hyperactive toddlers at home. Their safety is now your first priority. So what could a mother do? Have the whole living room carpeted to ensure a no-slip floor. Fitting a carpet requires expertise from professionals and several additional accessories are needed to properly fit it thus a separate budget for these is needed.
There are two types of carpet, the rolled one and the tiled one. The latter is easier to fit as they are usually self-adhesive, sticking directly to the sub-floor surface. The former requires underlay that would serve as shock absorbers, extending the life of your carpet. Aside from being a shock absorber, it also helps withstand the wear of foot traffic, makes the carpet more comfortable underfoot, adds sound-proofing and heat insulation. An underlay may add to the cost of the carpet but the investment would be all worth it given the above functions.
To fit a carpet you will need the following:
1. Hammer
2. Saw
3. Scissors
4. Carpet Stretcher
5. Bolster Chisel
6. Carpet Knife
The first step is to strip the floor back so it shows the floor substrate and vacuum thoroughly.
Second is to nail or glue the gripper strip to the perimeter of the room and place the underlay inside the boundary of the gripping strip, make sure to tape any seams together.
Now roll out the carpet and fix one edge to the gripper strip along the wall. Stretch the rest of the carpet working from the center outwards and cut a notch at each corner so the carpet lays flat.
Press the toothed head of the knee kicker into the pile of the carpet while pushing the other end with a knee to stretch the carpet into the corners of the room.
Press the carpet into the join of the skirting and floor with a bolster chisel. Use a carpet knife to cut the trim along this join.
Final step would be pressing any loose ends into the gripper strip using the bolster chisel.
Seems easy, huh? But put into consideration the huge investment you’ve placed in these carpets so it’s better to hire a professional when you’re unsure that you can do well in the above given steps.
There are two types of carpet, the rolled one and the tiled one. The latter is easier to fit as they are usually self-adhesive, sticking directly to the sub-floor surface. The former requires underlay that would serve as shock absorbers, extending the life of your carpet. Aside from being a shock absorber, it also helps withstand the wear of foot traffic, makes the carpet more comfortable underfoot, adds sound-proofing and heat insulation. An underlay may add to the cost of the carpet but the investment would be all worth it given the above functions.
To fit a carpet you will need the following:
1. Hammer
2. Saw
3. Scissors
4. Carpet Stretcher
5. Bolster Chisel
6. Carpet Knife
The first step is to strip the floor back so it shows the floor substrate and vacuum thoroughly.
Second is to nail or glue the gripper strip to the perimeter of the room and place the underlay inside the boundary of the gripping strip, make sure to tape any seams together.
Now roll out the carpet and fix one edge to the gripper strip along the wall. Stretch the rest of the carpet working from the center outwards and cut a notch at each corner so the carpet lays flat.
Press the toothed head of the knee kicker into the pile of the carpet while pushing the other end with a knee to stretch the carpet into the corners of the room.
Press the carpet into the join of the skirting and floor with a bolster chisel. Use a carpet knife to cut the trim along this join.
Final step would be pressing any loose ends into the gripper strip using the bolster chisel.
Seems easy, huh? But put into consideration the huge investment you’ve placed in these carpets so it’s better to hire a professional when you’re unsure that you can do well in the above given steps.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
EXTERIOR PAINTING MADE EASY
The outside looks of your home should be as pleasant as the interior so painting the exterior is the first step that you have to do toward making it your home.
Your friendly paint shop staff can help you in choosing the right paint for your house. Discuss with him the materials in your home – whether its drywall, plaster, stucco, brick or wood because different surfaces require different preparations and coatings. Preparation and choosing a quality coating are two basic steps in achieving a durable and long-lasting paint job.
Now that you have everything on hand, let the painting start!
Check the temperature. It is best to work with a temperature higher than 50 degrees. Also check for the dampness of the surfaces, it should not be damp otherwise paint will form bubbles and chip off. Also avoid painting during foggy weather.
Clean the surfaces. Remove dust and dirt, old chipping paint, rough spots and protruding nail heads before filling putty when it’s dry.
Mix paint thoroughly by stirring well before and during use to ensure color uniformity.
Painting tips: always paint from the top down to avoid drips and spatters, brushing and rolling is the best choice in painting methods. Spraying is also but it requires more skills and practice to achieve the desired results. The method you choose will depend mainly on the chosen paint and construction of your home. Some requires a combination of both, some don’t.
Consider that in this activity, you are required to be physically fit and capable of hard work. Another thing, exterior painting is a dirty job especially if your house is really in a bad shape.
Exterior painting is hard work and by doing it yourself, you may or may not achieve the results that you’ve been wanting. Planning exterior painting means a lot of things and thinking to do so you really need to carefully plan it otherwise you’ll end up wasting the paint you’ve purchased. So give effort in planning and understanding the steps and work before starting the project.
Your friendly paint shop staff can help you in choosing the right paint for your house. Discuss with him the materials in your home – whether its drywall, plaster, stucco, brick or wood because different surfaces require different preparations and coatings. Preparation and choosing a quality coating are two basic steps in achieving a durable and long-lasting paint job.
Now that you have everything on hand, let the painting start!
Check the temperature. It is best to work with a temperature higher than 50 degrees. Also check for the dampness of the surfaces, it should not be damp otherwise paint will form bubbles and chip off. Also avoid painting during foggy weather.
Clean the surfaces. Remove dust and dirt, old chipping paint, rough spots and protruding nail heads before filling putty when it’s dry.
Mix paint thoroughly by stirring well before and during use to ensure color uniformity.
Painting tips: always paint from the top down to avoid drips and spatters, brushing and rolling is the best choice in painting methods. Spraying is also but it requires more skills and practice to achieve the desired results. The method you choose will depend mainly on the chosen paint and construction of your home. Some requires a combination of both, some don’t.
Consider that in this activity, you are required to be physically fit and capable of hard work. Another thing, exterior painting is a dirty job especially if your house is really in a bad shape.
Exterior painting is hard work and by doing it yourself, you may or may not achieve the results that you’ve been wanting. Planning exterior painting means a lot of things and thinking to do so you really need to carefully plan it otherwise you’ll end up wasting the paint you’ve purchased. So give effort in planning and understanding the steps and work before starting the project.
PAINTING AND DECORATING YOUR HOME
A lot of people may say that moving to a new home or refurbishing the old one could cost one family a fortune because they have to set aside a budget for painting and decorating. Just think about selecting the right colors of paint to go well with the colors of the furniture. It’s like selecting shoes for a new dress. But like choosing shoes, one can buy a neutral color one to maximize its mileage so she doesn’t have to buy another pair when the need arises, right?
So before you swipe that credit card or open that wallet, here are some suggestions that you can follow before selecting the right color.
Be advised that it is best to check your surroundings and see if the style or color that you like compliments with that of the surroundings. I know that some people want their house to be unique but unless you want to be radical, it is best to check if the chosen color is in-sync with that of your environment.
Consider the colors of your ceiling and window panes before rushing to the paint shop. The ceiling, walls and window panes should harmonize with each other to create the desired appearance.
Another thing to consider is the color of your furniture. Both the paint and the furniture should compliment each other. So if you already have chosen the furniture or will use the old ones, choose paints compatible to the colors of the furniture.
Is the room you’re painting too big? Choose dark colors. In contrast to this, you need to choose bright colors for small rooms so as to make it appear bigger. You can select several different compatible colors and use them to give depth and contrast to selected areas but the thing is, you have to do it at a minimum so as not to over do it. You don’t want a rainbow colored room, do you?
Always remember that it is still best to hire a professional for this activity but we also have to consider the price that go with it, right? In these trying times, tips such as these come in a handy. Keep in mind that less is more and you can do it right.
So before you swipe that credit card or open that wallet, here are some suggestions that you can follow before selecting the right color.
Be advised that it is best to check your surroundings and see if the style or color that you like compliments with that of the surroundings. I know that some people want their house to be unique but unless you want to be radical, it is best to check if the chosen color is in-sync with that of your environment.
Consider the colors of your ceiling and window panes before rushing to the paint shop. The ceiling, walls and window panes should harmonize with each other to create the desired appearance.
Another thing to consider is the color of your furniture. Both the paint and the furniture should compliment each other. So if you already have chosen the furniture or will use the old ones, choose paints compatible to the colors of the furniture.
Is the room you’re painting too big? Choose dark colors. In contrast to this, you need to choose bright colors for small rooms so as to make it appear bigger. You can select several different compatible colors and use them to give depth and contrast to selected areas but the thing is, you have to do it at a minimum so as not to over do it. You don’t want a rainbow colored room, do you?
Always remember that it is still best to hire a professional for this activity but we also have to consider the price that go with it, right? In these trying times, tips such as these come in a handy. Keep in mind that less is more and you can do it right.
Tips and Tricks to a Clean and Clutter-Free Home
Cleaning is such a gruesome activity especially to busy moms like me. One thing I learned as I go through this whole SAHMhood (Stay at Home Mom) process is to clean as I go. I pick up mess little by little for it not to accumulate otherwise I would end up cleaning heaps of junk that would take me forever to finish.
Make a schedule and stick to it. Spending too much time in a room will definitely sidetrack your cleaning strategy. Just note the portions that would need major cleaning or fixation and do it some other time. Don’t go from one room to another, start at one spot and finish the cleaning at another. This would save you from bringing dirty stuff in a room that you’ve already cleaned.
If you don’t have that much time everyday, pick at least two jobs, like dusting the bedrooms and doing the laundry. Vacuum those dusts away as the washing machine is doing its job. This way you have saved precious time and lessened your laundry and dust piles a bit. My mom taught me to “dust away everyday” to avoid build up. It’s true.
Keep stacks of toys in covered bins. This would not only save your house from clutter, you’re also saving the toys from dust and germs. One thing though – as much as possible avoid buying those crappy toys in fast foods, not only that it’s impractical, it also adds to the heap.
Wipe it down. Use a damp cloth and a cleaner to clean those surfaces, door knobs and handles. Perhaps if you have Clorox wipes - the better.
Use your nose. Does your kitchen smell like rotten cabbage? Open the windows and spray some air freshener! Refrigerator stinks? Leave an open pack of charcoal or baking soda so it would absorb the unwanted smell. And please – don’t leave any rubber shoes on the shoe compartment! Let it breathe first before putting it there. Save yourself from the unbearable foul smell.
Keep those magazines in a rack and books on the shelves. With several monthly magazine subscriptions, I would understand that you have barely read most of it, so instead of letting it go, why not buy a rack especially for your magazines instead of leaving them on the floor? Arranged your books according to author or publisher for organization, it’s easy to get it that way.
Always remind yourself with these tips and tricks. Happy cleaning!
Make a schedule and stick to it. Spending too much time in a room will definitely sidetrack your cleaning strategy. Just note the portions that would need major cleaning or fixation and do it some other time. Don’t go from one room to another, start at one spot and finish the cleaning at another. This would save you from bringing dirty stuff in a room that you’ve already cleaned.
If you don’t have that much time everyday, pick at least two jobs, like dusting the bedrooms and doing the laundry. Vacuum those dusts away as the washing machine is doing its job. This way you have saved precious time and lessened your laundry and dust piles a bit. My mom taught me to “dust away everyday” to avoid build up. It’s true.
Keep stacks of toys in covered bins. This would not only save your house from clutter, you’re also saving the toys from dust and germs. One thing though – as much as possible avoid buying those crappy toys in fast foods, not only that it’s impractical, it also adds to the heap.
Wipe it down. Use a damp cloth and a cleaner to clean those surfaces, door knobs and handles. Perhaps if you have Clorox wipes - the better.
Use your nose. Does your kitchen smell like rotten cabbage? Open the windows and spray some air freshener! Refrigerator stinks? Leave an open pack of charcoal or baking soda so it would absorb the unwanted smell. And please – don’t leave any rubber shoes on the shoe compartment! Let it breathe first before putting it there. Save yourself from the unbearable foul smell.
Keep those magazines in a rack and books on the shelves. With several monthly magazine subscriptions, I would understand that you have barely read most of it, so instead of letting it go, why not buy a rack especially for your magazines instead of leaving them on the floor? Arranged your books according to author or publisher for organization, it’s easy to get it that way.
Always remind yourself with these tips and tricks. Happy cleaning!
SPRING CLEANING: An Easy Task
Spring cleaning is a tradition dreaded by people attached to sentimental values. They wouldn’t want to part with the items such as clothes and things not necessary for the coming months. What they don’t know is that by spring cleaning, they’re giving their homes a fresh start for the hectic spring and summer seasons. Think of giving your home a space to respire.
So how should we go about it?
First is to de-clutter and organize. Throw away those things that you don’t actually need. Perhaps hold a profitable garage sale to clear out this stuff and earn a few bucks at the same time. It would be easier to clean with lesser things to organize.
Toss out the following:
1. Old magazines and newspapers – you wouldn’t need these in the future. News change everyday, so does articles.
2. Medicines and cosmetics – check for the expiration dates, it’s there.
3. Damaged items
4. Out of style clothes or shoes – please. The same style will come back in two decades and you wouldn’t want to keep those items in your closet that long right?
5. Party favors, decorative items and trinkets which are all by the way, collecting unnecessary dust mites. Keep the love and warmth that goes with the gift but you can toss away the symbol.
Organization can be very exigent because if you’re like me, you’ll probably end up with a lapful of organized junk instead.
Second is to pack and label. Pack away those things that you abhor to part with and make sure to organize and label it according to the contents. This way you won’t have to go through each carton when looking for something. Invest in good organizers like clear carton boxes for easy storage and access.
Third is to scrub, vacuum and scrub again. Scrub those unwanted marks on the floors, cabinets and carpet. This is the hardest part as you would be dealing with dust and more dust but all efforts will pay off once polishing is done. Your house is now clutter free, organized and sparkling, ready to face the new season – spring!
So how should we go about it?
First is to de-clutter and organize. Throw away those things that you don’t actually need. Perhaps hold a profitable garage sale to clear out this stuff and earn a few bucks at the same time. It would be easier to clean with lesser things to organize.
Toss out the following:
1. Old magazines and newspapers – you wouldn’t need these in the future. News change everyday, so does articles.
2. Medicines and cosmetics – check for the expiration dates, it’s there.
3. Damaged items
4. Out of style clothes or shoes – please. The same style will come back in two decades and you wouldn’t want to keep those items in your closet that long right?
5. Party favors, decorative items and trinkets which are all by the way, collecting unnecessary dust mites. Keep the love and warmth that goes with the gift but you can toss away the symbol.
Organization can be very exigent because if you’re like me, you’ll probably end up with a lapful of organized junk instead.
Second is to pack and label. Pack away those things that you abhor to part with and make sure to organize and label it according to the contents. This way you won’t have to go through each carton when looking for something. Invest in good organizers like clear carton boxes for easy storage and access.
Third is to scrub, vacuum and scrub again. Scrub those unwanted marks on the floors, cabinets and carpet. This is the hardest part as you would be dealing with dust and more dust but all efforts will pay off once polishing is done. Your house is now clutter free, organized and sparkling, ready to face the new season – spring!
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