10 Steps to Successful DIY Kitchen Fitting

The kitchen is the soul of a house, so it makes sense to start in that room when renovating a home. Many kitchen manufacturers offer prefabricated kitchen designs that are flat-packed and easy to install with some basic preparation and the right tools.

Thanks to our years of experience, we have put together this list of 10 tips that you may not have considered when fitting your first DIY kitchen.

Keep it Simple
At the very least, try to keep the basic layout the same for your new kitchen. This will save a lot of money because you won’t need to hire a plumber or electrician to re-route pipes or electricity to new points in the room.

If you are stuck for ideas, there are many websites that feature kitchen remodeling ideas.

Be Prepared
At the bare minimum, you will need the following tools on hand: Drill with drill bits, Hammer, Carpenter’s level, Tape measure, Step ladder, Screw driver set, Allen key set.

Free White Wooden Cupboards Stock Photo

[Photo courtesy of Mark McCammon/pexels.com]

Set Up a Mini Kitchen
Choose another room of the house to set up the bare necessities in a mini kitchen. A hot water jug, microwave and fridge will be enough to get you through until the new kitchen is ready.

Drop Cloths
If you don’t have any dedicated drop cloths in your DIY supplies, consider using shower curtains or bedding that may be a little old and need replacing.

Removing the Old Cabinets
Take care when removing the old kitchen fittings. If you damage the walls or floor when tearing out old cabinets, this will add extra work to the project when you need to repair any holes or scrapes.

If it’s a larger kitchen and you have flooring to remove as well, consider hiring a man and van to help with the removals. There are many dedicated businesses that specialise in this service.

Choosing Paint
There’s nothing better to finish off a new room than a new coat of paint. For kitchens, pick a latex semigloss paint. This is perfect for the kitchen because you will be able to wipe off splashes and food easily.

Prepping the Room
You may be surprised how much grime has built up on the kitchen walls, so make sure to wash the walls and ceiling with a trisodium phosphate based washing solution.

Another tip is to lay down your base coat before fitting any new cabinets, and then painting the top coat carefully after everything is installed.

Locate Wall Studs
Use a wall stud locator to mark out any studs before you start installing the cabinets. Don’t rely on the previous layout when hanging cabinets, because the previous installer may have placed them without stud support.

Assembling the Cabinets
Leave any doors or other extra components out of the cabinets until after they have been hung on the wall. This will greatly reduce the weight of the unit and make the fitting much easier.

Many DIY supply stores have online guides with advice and tips for cabinet installation.

Recycle the Old Cabinets
Don’t throw out the old cabinets because they can be used in other areas of your home. They make a great storage solution for the garage or tool shed, or you could repaint them and create a play kitchen for a children’s cubby house.

If the cabinets are beyond repair, use a man and van rubbish clearance service to take away the mess.

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Get Back to Nature With a New Vacation Destination

There are so many places to choose from when deciding where to take your next vacation. Are you looking for something different from the typical destination spot? Maybe you should consider checking out the accommodations around Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma. The area has numerous activities on water and land, plus an array of beaver bend lodging choices. You can stay in a secluded cabin tucked away in the forest while still enjoying the comforts of home, including HD TV’s, hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens and more.

Activities in the Area

Taking in the breathtaking surroundings is entertainment enough, however, if you’re looking for some more activities there are plenty of things to do around Beavers Bend State Park. If you fancy spending a day with your favorite golf clubs, you can visit the highly-rated eighteen-hole, par seventy-two course. If you’re not interested in a serious game of golf, there is a mini-course you may enjoy instead. Tennis courts are also available for those who want a more intense activity to start the day. Of course, you may decide to take advantage of all three.

House Near Body of Water

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

The Sights You’ll See

If you’ve got an explorer’s soul, there are extensive trails to traverse in the park for hikers of every skill level. Perhaps spending the day at Broken Bow Lake is the type of adventure that interests you. Boats, jet skis, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes are all available to rent. You can even take a ride through the area on horseback or by miniature train. Fly fishing for trout on the Lower Mountain Fork River may be your chosen method of relaxation. If you prefer bass or catfish, you can try fishing on the lake. All these experiences come with a wilderness view.

Lodging Options

Winding Road Beside White Houses

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Arranging lodging is sometimes the hardest part of any vacation, but it doesn’t have to be at Beavers Bend. There are several options for accommodations. From lodges and cabins to houseboats and campgrounds, you can find whatever works best for your needs. If you want a night off from kitchen duty, there are plenty of fabulous restaurants within 10 miles of the park.

Take in the sights. Connect with nature. Look into Beavers Bend. Experience a vacation you can enjoy with the whole family, your significant other, a group of girlfriends or hunting buddies or your co-workers. You can make new memories in Beaver’s Bend or even start a new tradition.

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Three Popular Colour Combinations for Tranquil Modern Bedrooms

You spend a third of your life sleeping, and even more than that physically in your bedroom. While many of us keep a desk in our bedrooms for space-saving reasons, it’s still best to keep your bedroom as comfortable and tranquil as possible, so that it can help you get a healthy, rejuvenating night’s sleep.  Many people ignore the colours of their walls, perceiving them as permanent or hard to change, whilst some people aren’t allowed to because of their contracts with landlords.  However, the colours of your walls can play a vital role in the atmosphere your room provides and the resulting level of rest you can obtain in it.

Imagine if the walls of your room were painted bright red.  You would probably have a hard time falling asleep, knowing such a shocking colour was waiting to assault your opening eyes.  While neutral colours won’t have the same effect as bright red, they don’t help calm you like some other colour combinations can.  Read on to see how these different colour combinations can create a tranquil yet modern atmosphere, providing you with the best night’s sleep you can get.

Browns and Greens – Deep Forest Relaxation

Imagine chocolate brown walls, cream-coloured trim, and emerald-green accent furniture. Sounds bold, but people often feel most comfortable in nature, and using browns and greens to mimic nature’s most common colour combination is one way to bring the wild inside.  Line the windowsill with plants and put a ficus tree in the opposite corner, and voila, your bedroom has been transformed from a drab cube to a tranquil, natural sanctuary, where even the most unsettled mind can enjoy deep rest.

Hotel, Room, Curtain, Green, Furniture, Bed, Hotel Room

[Photo courtesy of bottlein/pixabay.com]

Light Blues and Pastel Greens – Ocean Breeze Tranquillity

Some people may not want bold colours like chocolate brown and emerald green, but that doesn’t mean nature doesn’t have a palette to fit.  While not everyone has a sea-facing, wall-sized window, you can appreciate the calming effect of sea can have on the mind and harness that effect in your own bedroom.  Light sea-green walls with white trim (imagine cresting waves), with light blue furniture and sheets can provide a calming, oceanic atmosphere.

20 Shades of Grey – The Colours of Night Itself

Really only two or three shades will do the trick – a light shade of grey around the entire room, with one accent wall deep and luxurious, opposite the bed, and a large black and white print of a calm empty street at night.  Grey can be very calming and accenting it with a light green can bring in a little more nature as well.  Such dark colours wouldn’t be recommended for a home office, for example, but in the room in which you sleep, muting sources of background light can help you rest and even be good for your health.

Whatever colour combination you choose, be sure it is one that fits you. Searching online can help you get the right furniture, accents, and accessories to make your tranquil natural bedroom come to life.

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Is Your Two Story Home a Good Candidate for Accessibility Upgrades?

The choice between selling and renovating the home is a decision that stops many homeowners in their tracks. An injury, disability, or progressive mobility-related condition can change the way you view you view your two story property – the once tolerable flight of stairs can stand in the way when all factors are considered.

Whether your mobility concerns are simple or complex, this guide will cover a few of the most popular accessibility modifications and their ideal applications so you can gauge the complexity of your own renovation goals. It’s always nice to know (in general terms) how well your home is suited to the necessary adaptations.

Adaptations to Address the Stairs

A two story home might be ideal if it were not for the staircase. There are definitely a few workable options available for homeowners who are looking to cut down on necessary trips up and down the stairs and homeowners who want to eliminate the need to use the stairs altogether.

Image result for two storey home

[Image from Pinterest.com]

Stair lifts, for example, are a common stairway accessory that can transport one person up the stairs at a time. Cost does increase as the complexity of the staircase increases, but perch-style lifts might work for situations where tight spaces are limiting.

Stair lifts are not the ideal choice for people who use wheelchairs but those who don’t mind frequent transfers can make this option work as well. Otherwise, a platform style lift might suit your needs a little better. Platform lifts do take up a lot of space, and if the staircase is particularly complex you might even be able to save money by going with a vertical model instead.

Vertical lifts have a much smaller footprint but do require a strong and dependable structure for installation. The price is reasonable and the ease of use is incredible. The problem is that standing riders will need to upgrade to a full residential elevator and the same goes for people who use wheelchairs and want to ride with a caregiver.

Dealing With the Question of Cargo

Cargo is a whole different matter. Carrying heavy loads of laundry and supplies upstairs is not safe for anybody, regardless of age or physical ability. Stair lifts often come with optional cargo attachments, but the weight limits can be prohibitive.

We suggest installing a dumbwaiter as the ultimate catch-all solution – if your home is arranged in such a way that can accommodate a longer shaft, you can even connect it from the garage up through the main level and then to the second floor. Look for easy to install dumbwaiters to cut down on setup costs.

Is your two-level home worth the modifications that will make it accessible? For those who love where they live, and have built strong memories there, the sentimental loss would be insurmountable. In some cases, the modifications are worth all of the effort in the world. Is your home accessibility makeover material? Consult with a local contractor to see the bottom line and work your way up from there, you might be surprised at the affordability of modern accessibility aids.

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Top Tips To Keep Burglars Away

Your home is your fortress. Make sure no one can break into your house while you’re at work or on vacation. Don’t take your home security for granted. When you buy a new house or an apartment don’t forget about security check. This information will help you in eliminating your weaknesses, thus increasing your home security level. Over time, many people forget to re-evaluate their homes for security flaws. Some people forget to fix their window locks and replace the broken bulb. These little things can compromise your safety when you least expect it.

Re-examine your home security with the following steps:

Secure your entrances

Replace your entrance door with a durable solid core metal or wooden door. Avoid having a front door with a large window, otherwise burglars would break it  in order to get inside. Prefer installing thick bolt locks on all your entrances. Many burglars kick front doors to enter houses. That’s why you need to have a reliable lock to defend your home against any burglar.

christmas, holiday, home

[Photo courtesy of pixabay/pexels.com]

Don’t forget to change the locks when you move to a new apartment. You never know who has a set of spare keys to your new home. This minor investment would help you avoid any major loss.

Windows and glass doors

Deadbolt locks would secure all your windows and sliding glass doors. Sliding doors provide an easy access to burglars; don’t forget to lock them every night and before you leave the house. Burglars love broken window locks. Examine all your windows and change loose or broken locks.

Spare key

Hiding your front door key under the doormat is a cliché. Every burglar would search for the key under the doormat, flower pot or on top of your door frame. These most common hiding spots caused a lot of troubles in the past.

Give your spare key to a trustworthy neighbor or a close friend who would help you when you lock yourself out and water your flowers when you’re away. Even if you think your key is hidden in a secure place, a creative burglar would always find it.

break in, brutal, burglar

[Photo courtesy of Tookapic/pexels.com]

Take care of your garden

Trim the bushes in front of your windows. Burglars can hide behind overgrown trees and bushes; make sure that your garden plants are not blocking your windows. Avoid planting a tree in close proximity to your house. A burglar can climb the tree and enter your house through unlocked sliding door on the upper floor.

If you have a big garden, consider installing motion detectors around your house. Burglars don’t like well-lit places; they prefer hiding in the dark.

Home insurance plan

Home insurance policy would add an extra layer of security for you. Homeowners should get several homeowners insurance quotes before choosing the best option. Comparing the rates and quotes would help you evaluate your options and understand what’s best for you and your family. Keeping aware of security plans makes sense. If you have a home insurance plan you would feel more comfortable leaving your house for several weeks when you travel.

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The Most Useful Additions to Your Outdoor Space

Your outdoor space should be somewhere you and your family can spend time and have fun as a family unit. It should have useful features that make your life better and easier. That’s not too much to ask. So, if you’re wondering which changes you should make to your garden next, let the useful ideas below guide you and give you the inspiration you need.

A Decking Area

Without a great decking area on which to put your table and chairs, your home will lack the space for you to gather with friends and family when the weather is good. You won’t have anywhere to eat and entertain outdoors. In the summer especially, that’s a real shame. So, you should definitely think about having a decking area put in place in your garden if you haven’t done so already. When the weather is good, you will get plenty of usage out of it, so it will be worthwhile investment to make.

Herb Plants

Herb plants are great for adding a little something to your cooking, and growing them in your garden is a good way to save yourself some cash. There is no need to pay high prices to get your hands on a small amount of dried herbs when you can grow your own and then use them from fresh. If you’re into cooking and love making meals for your family, this is one great addition to your outdoor space. You’ll get plenty of use out of it, and it’s very simple to do as well.

Herb, Pot, Plant, Grow, Garden, Flower, Spice, Kitchen

[Photo courtesy of Suxu/pixabay.com]

Secure Fencing

Having the right fencing in place in your home can make a big difference. In terms of its use, it’s all about making your garden a safe and enclosed area. If you have a dog or even young children, you don’t want them to be able to get out and get near the road and all the dangers that lurk there. That’s why you need safe and secure fencing that clearly demarcates the area of your garden. Long Fence Chain Link Fencing offers security with a nice design. Browse all the options and see which is for you.

A Shed or Greenhouse

The great thing about having a shed or a greenhouse in your garden is that it gives you an indoor space in your outdoor space. If you enjoy growing fruit and vegetables and things like that, you should certainly opt for a greenhouse. This will allow you to grow strawberries and tomatoes in the summer. A shed is more for the handyman or woman. It gives you the space to carry out minor fixes and DIY jobs away from the main house. You will be free to get messy without having to worry about spilling oil on the carpet.

If your outdoor space has been starting to look and feel a little limp, these additions will do a lot for it. There is nothing better than having a garden with usable and useful features, so start putting them in place.

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The Ups & Downs Of Home Ownership

For the majority of people, home ownership is the goal in life. There is something so very secure about the feeling of being a homeowner, of knowing that you have your own place in the world that is just yours. You don’t have to worry about what your landlord will think if you decide to put up artwork and you can make decisions regarding your own decor like never before. It’s no wonder ownership is the goal for so many people.

Of course… then there’s the downside.

The truth is that home ownership is not a cure-all, a guarantee that life from this point onwards will be simple. There are moments when a homeowner will desperately wish for the freedom of renting again; perhaps even to the point they wish they were back living with their parents.

So if you’re contemplating your first purchase – or have already bought, and just want to know others go through the same range of emotions as you do – then it’s worth taking the time to examine the ups and the downs.

UP: Your Status Is Improved

Checklist, Check, List, Marker, Checked, Mark, Writing

[Photo courtesy of TeroVesalainen/pixabay.com]

There is something about the mere idea of being a homeowner that makes people take you a little bit more seriously. You have proven that you are able to convince a bank to lend you money, so you must be a serious, reliable person. You have undertaken a huge responsibility, and there’s no doubt about it: you will be treated differently – better – because of it.

You’ll find it easier to secure finance in the future, be it for a car or poor credit homeowner loans to spend on household renovations. You will also be offered preferable rates by insurance companies. So yes, there’s definitely a status boost to being a homeowner.

DOWN: You’re Responsible If Something Goes Wrong

If you have a problem with an aspect of a house while renting, it’s not really your problem. If the boiler breaks down or a window needs replacing, your entire involvement is based around calling the landlord and then waiting for them to do the work.

If you’re a homeowner, you have to rectify these – often expensive – problems yourself. It’s not an enjoyable experience. You have to learn to have an emergency fund on hand for those sudden, unavoidable household repairs, as well as the knowledge that you can’t just move out if the problems become intolerable.

UP: The Sense Of Permanence

Real Estate, Mortgage Bond, House Sales, Estate Agent

[Photo courtesy of stevepb/pixabay.com]

Even if you live in a rented home for a long period of time, it is rarely with a feeling of permanence. You are always subject to the whims of the landlord. They might decide to sell, to raise your rent, or just to evict you to use the house for their own purposes.

As a homeowner, providing you pay your mortgage, the only person whose whims you are subject to is you. You can truly put down roots, become a part of the community, become friendly with your neighbors. You know you’re going to be there for awhile, which can be reassuring and help to provide a sense of safety

DOWN: You Can’t Move Quickly

When you rent, the only thing holding you back is the notice period you have to give – other than that, you’re free to move as you please. If you get a job offer that requires a cross-country move, you can take it without a second thought.

As a homeowner, you don’t have that luxury. That same permanence that is such a benefit in some ways, suddenly becomes cloying and restrictive. While there’s always a chance you will be lucky and be able to rush through a quick sale of your home, the reality is that house sales take around six weeks if you’re lucky, as well as the possible delays with the legal side of things. If things don’t progress as quickly as you would hope, there’s a chance you will have to turn down a lucrative job offer solely because your house won’t sell – and that’s no fun at all.

Overall, home-ownership is the goal because of the safety and security it provides – but to pretend it’s all smooth sailing is to misrepresent the reality somewhat. So enjoy the ups and try to survive the downs as best as you can. Keep a small emergency fund for all of those repairs, and ensure you keep the house in good order and condition in case you one day need a quick sale. With these steps, you should be able to ensure you have far more ups than downs.

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Home Improvement Ideas and DIY Tips for Ladies

DIY doesn’t have to be left to the men. In fact, many women who have given it a go have enjoyed it and felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Yes, we may not be as strong as men, but with the know how we can certainly put a few shelves together. So, if you’re determined to show your man how it’s done, here’s what you’ll need to get started.

[Photo courtesy of foto fledgling /flickr.com]

Your Own Tools

Using your husbands drill to get started and practice is fine. However, most drills used by men are heavy and large so you may want to go shopping for your own. Finding the right tools will mean you’re one step closer to becoming a DIY Diva. Having the right size tools for you will make all of the jobs you do much easier to complete. You can find a list of perfect DIY tools for women here.

Safety Equipment

Again, there’s no point in wearing safety gloves that are three times the size of your hand. Firstly, it will your jobs much harder for you and secondly, it’s downright dangerous. Wearing safety equipment that doesn’t fit properly doesn’t make you any safer. In fact, it makes you more susceptible to injury. When you’re attempting a welding job, you’ll find the perfect Miller welding helmets from WeldingOutfitter.com.For anything else, try searching for women’s DIY safety equipment online. There’s a great variety.

[Photo courtesy of Ed Oliver/flickr.com]

Designate a Space

DIY can get messy and if you don’t designate yourself an area to work, that mess will spread quickly. It’s not just a pain to clean up after you’re done; it’s a hazard for anyone that has access to where you’re working. Find somewhere where you can set up your own table so anything that needs to be sawed, drilled or nailed can be carried to and from the working station. Don’t make the mistake of using your kitchen counter top as somewhere to do DIY. You’ll risk ruining your kitchen!

Know What You’re Doing

There are some jobs you can wing and have a go at, but there are others where it’s best to seek advice. Whether you ask your partner to give you a helping hand or you watch some tutorial videos online, it’s always best to know how to do the job properly before you start. You may fail the first time but DIY is often full of trial and error. Be as confident as you can be with what you’re doing. If you’re still squealing every time you use a power tool, you may need more practice.

Quality Over Bargains

You may be tempted to invest in a new tool because it’s on sale, but buying power tools isn’t the same as clothes shopping. You need to know the tools you’re using are safe and reliable. Before adding to your collection, do your research and look at reviews. You may find that the charge doesn’t last on battery powered drill or the plastic handles snap off of screwdrivers. Don’t waste your money on things that won’t last.

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How to Make Your Home Summer-Ready

Well, we’ve waited for what feels like forever but the summer in very nearly here! After being huddled away from the cold, feeling cozy and warm, it’s time to start getting out into the world and enjoying the sunshine. But one thing that’s important to consider is whether or not your home is actually ready for the summertime. You might think that the only important things are getting your summer body and your summer wardrobe, but you’re going to need different things from your home depending on the season, and it’s much better to sort them out before the summer is fully underway and the heat is too intense.

Let there be light

During the winter months, there’s nothing like a warm, cozy home. Sitting on the couch reading a book by lamplight on a cold night is one of life’s most simple and wonderful pleasures. However, something that might have felt warm and cozy in December is likely to feel dark, stuffy and miserable in the summer. It’s time to make the most of the longer days and start letting in more and more natural light. Throw open your curtains! Arrange your rooms to spread the light as much as possible!

Bring in some air

It’s amazing how fast a home can go from being pleasantly warm to stifling and unbearably hot. The moment you start to feel that way it’s time to open all of your windows wide. In fact, you should open up all of your windows at least a couple of times a week. It will help improve the airflow inside the house and prevent a dank, sweaty atmosphere from setting in.

Get ready for outdoor fun

One part of your home that probably ends up neglected far more than any other during the winter months is your yard. It’s far too cold and wet to go outside, so it ends up going unused and becoming overgrown. Once the sun comes out the first thing to do is to bust out the lawnmower. Then, once the yard is usable again, you can find ways to make it fun, whether it’s by setting up a place for having picnics, or this amazing lounge pool with seats! There’s no better way to spend the summertime than enjoying it in your yard with family and friends.

Change colours

Why not make a big change in your home to match the changing of the seasons? Maybe the colors of the rooms could do with a little revamping? What might have seemed nice and cozy before might make the place seem a little drab and dark now that the sun is shining? Why not go for some bright, vibrant colors to match the weather? Yellows and light blues are fantastic for bringing a sense of life and vibrancy to any home, especially when the sunshine hits them. The right color can make a room feel bigger and brighter all at once.

Luckily, very few of these things will take that much effort, and you’ll be basking in the summer sun and relaxing with a drink before you know it.

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Making Home Dreams Come True

So the time has come to own your own home.  You have had enough of renting and the thought of being able to call a place your own fills you with excitement.  If you are about to embark on the path towards homeownership here are some things you are definitely going to need to know to make sure your first home is a good one.

  1. Know your budget – let’s start with the basics.  How much can you afford to spend on your home?  We all dream of the big beach front property but for most of us this just isn’t a reality.  Be honest with yourself about how much you can afford to borrow based on your earnings and savings and stick to the budget.  Remember your budget needs to include the price of the house, any renovations if you are going for a project buy and of course all the legal fees. Do the math before you even start the search and it will avoid a lot of heartache when the perfect house is outside of your means.
  2. Be needy – really consider what you need from a property. This isn’t just the size but also how your lifestyle will work within the properties you are looking at.  Do you need a spare room for when the family comes to stay? Do you spend more time in the kitchen or living room? Do you need a bath or will just a shower work.  Is a garden a must or can you live with a balcony? All of these and more are valid questions to ask yourself so that you can steer your realtor towards those homes that are going to best suit your needs.
  3. Clean up your act – there are lots of poor credit home loans on the market so don’t let a poor credit history stand in your way of home-ownership.  However if you can clean up your credit score you have more options when it comes to the type of mortgage deal that suits you.  You can dramatically improve your score by paying your bills on time and dealing with bad debt history.  For more information and advice check out Equifax.
  4. Bargain hunt – if you want a bigger house on a budget why not consider a project buy as a way of getting more for your money. Project buys are houses that need a little or a lot of work to them but because of that are sold off at much less than they are worth.  If you have time, patience and some good DIY skills you could save a fortune and add value to your home just by fixing it up.
  5. Plan ahead – unless you have a really good income or family money a mortgage is normally taken over a very long period of time, which means you need to consider your future earnings as well as your cash flow today.  Plan ahead as best you can for a financially sound future.

Home ownership dreams – image from sheknows.com

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