Categories
Home

How to Re-Upholster Furniture

Transforming the look of your furniture through re-upholstering is an achievable DIY project, and here’s a step-by-step guide to help you refresh dining chairs. Start by gathering essential materials: upholstery fabric, Cambric dust cover fabric (optional), a staple gun, a C.S. Osborne combination tool, and scissors or a rotary cutter. If you’re replacing the cushion, include a serrated or electric knife, Dacron upholstery deck padding, and 2-inch upholstery foam.


Video Source

Begin by detaching the cushion and carefully removing old fabric and staples using a C.S. Osborne combination tool. Replace outdated cushions with foam, ensuring a solid foundation for comfort. Cut the foam, attach Dacron padding, and secure it with a staple gun. When selecting your upholstery fabric, consider the chair’s usage; a medium-weight drapery fabric may suffice for less frequently used furniture.

Position the fabric to allow an extra 3-4 inches for wrapping around the back of the cushion. Employ a staple gun to affix the fabric, starting from the center and working toward the corners. For a polished finish, create pleats at the corners, trimming off excess fabric. Optionally, add a Cambric dust cover for a refined look.

This accessible DIY re-upholstery process empowers individuals to breathe new life into their furniture without the need for professional re-upholstery services. The satisfaction of giving your dining chairs a fresh and stylish appearance is not only cost-effective but also a creative and rewarding endeavor. Enjoy the process and admire the revitalized look of your re-upholstered furniture.

Transforming the look of your furniture through re-upholstering is an achievable DIY project, and here’s a step-by-step guide to help you refresh dining chairs. Start by gathering essential materials: upholstery fabric, Cambric dust cover fabric (optional), a staple gun, a C.S. Osborne combination tool, and scissors or a rotary cutter. If you’re replacing the cushion, include a serrated or electric knife, Dacron upholstery deck padding, and 2-inch upholstery foam.


Video Source

Begin by detaching the cushion and carefully removing old fabric and staples using a C.S. Osborne combination tool. Replace outdated cushions with foam, ensuring a solid foundation for comfort. Cut the foam, attach Dacron padding, and secure it with a staple gun. When selecting your upholstery fabric, consider the chair’s usage; a medium-weight drapery fabric may suffice for less frequently used furniture.

Position the fabric to allow an extra 3-4 inches for wrapping around the back of the cushion. Employ a staple gun to affix the fabric, starting from the center and working toward the corners. For a polished finish, create pleats at the corners, trimming off excess fabric. Optionally, add a Cambric dust cover for a refined look.

This accessible DIY re-upholstery process empowers individuals to breathe new life into their furniture without the need for professional re-upholstery services. The satisfaction of giving your dining chairs a fresh and stylish appearance is not only cost-effective but also a creative and rewarding endeavor. Enjoy the process and admire the revitalized look of your re-upholstered furniture.

Categories
Home

How to Make Your Home the Envy of the Neighborhood

Moving into a new neighborhood can be a very daunting and nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re eager to make a good first impression. But, alongside all of your other commitments such as work and parenting, you’re probably still expected to maintain the house. Not only can this add to your ever-growing list of stressors, but it can also make you feel incompetent, compared to your neighborhood peers. Therefore, this article will offer a range of useful tips and tricks to help you increase your curb appeal without the stress.

1. Upgrade Your Security System

You may believe that you reside in the safest neighborhood on earth. But, in reality, criminal activity is rampant on every street, so it’s imperative that homeowners work to keep their properties as safe and secure as possible. You could begin by installing a high-tech security system, complete with motion-detection cameras and video doorbells. Although these systems can offer you a lot of peace of mind, they don’t actually deter criminals from trespassing on your property. If you’re eager to reduce your street’s crime rate whilst still working to upgrade your curb appeal, consider installing a high fence instead. These structures can easily be installed by a local fence company, meaning that you can choose from a number of different styles and shapes to ensure that they best suit your property. Thus, by implementing a high fence, you can rest assured that your family is safe from potential predators and that your home still looks fantastic. Angi also informs us that this service normally costs an average of $3,149, making it a relatively affordable way to improve your exterior.

2. Revel in the Beauty of Nature

There are a multitude of benefits associated with spending time in nature, including increased activity, reduced frustration, and better cardiovascular performance. Though many of us can enjoy a quick stroll around the park a few times a week, some homeowners are stuck in the confines of a concrete jungle. As such, these individuals may not get to experience the wonders of nature, leaving them feeling defeated and trapped. But, you also have the prime opportunity to bring the nuances of nature into your own space, especially in the form of backyard fish ponds. These assets are usually created by professional gardeners or specialist builders, meaning that you can enjoy a quaint structure, whilst also working to upgrade your overall curb appeal. Obviously, you would be expected to purchase and care for the fish themselves, but the actual pond itself is quite easy to obtain. Depending on the size of the pool and its materials, Lawn Love states that this service can cost anywhere between $3,675 to $14,500. However, the average price is a lot more affordable at just $7,400. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for families to enjoy an unusual pet as they continue to immerse themselves in the wonders of their native ecosystems.

3. Improve Your Garden

Our backyards are a key part of our overall curb appeal, so it’s imperative that homeowners keep these spaces in the best condition possible. Though mowing the lawn a few times a week can keep the area looking neat and tidy, if you’re looking to really upgrade your appearance, you should reach out to a range of landscaper services. These contractors are trained to take your humble backyard to the next level, installing a number of quaint pathways, adorable flower beds, and small structures. Therefore, this is an immense resource for homeowners who are looking to make their exterior seem more functional and inviting, especially if they’re keen to host neighborhood barbecues in the future. The cost of hiring a landscaper can vary from project to project, but The Spruce estimates that homeowners are expected to pay around $4-$17 per square foot. Though this may seem like an extortionate cost to some property owners, it can help to increase the overall value of your home, which is ideal for those looking to enter the property market in the next few years.

4. Use Smart Technology

Smart technology has managed to infiltrate every part of our daily lives. Not only can this type of technology improve our overall quality of life, but it can also give us a boost in curb appeal. Whether you decide to ask Alexa to turn on the lights or question Google about the weather, these devices help to bring even the most decrepit homes back into the 21st century. Although they’re normally used for leisure, these products can also support disabled people or elderly citizens in living a normal life. So, if you want to use a plethora of smart technology on every aspect of your property, consider recruiting a local electrician service. This is particularly aimed at those who want to improve their lighting system but are too intimidated to replace the switches themselves. Admittedly, many property owners could set these devices up by themselves, so this is definitely a useful resource for those who live on their own and don’t consider themselves to be very tech-savvy. This Old House explains that the average electrician tends to charge $40-$120 per hour, so this process could be quite affordable for most people.

5. Ensure Your Electrical System is Up to Date

If you’ve lived in the same home for many years, you may have noticed that your home is showing glaring signs of wear and tear. Although this is fairly common in traditional houses, if left untreated, these problems could lead to a series of hazardous risks. For example, if you’ve experienced frequent blackouts, shocks, or even just a poor performance from your most reliable appliances, it could be a sign that there is a fault in your electrical wiring. These concerns must be dealt with by a professional, so try to reach out to an electrician as soon as possible. These contractors will help to repair and restore your entire electrical network, which, as you can imagine, is a pretty pricey service. As such, Forbes highlights that this job can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $13,000, but usually costs an average of $7,000. This can be seen as a very costly process for most people, but it can help to extend the longevity of your home for many years to come. As a result, you can enjoy your home for much longer and spend this extra time working on its overall curb appeal.

6. Turn Your Bedroom Into a Sanctuary

According to FACES Magazine, the average American will spend a total of 33 years in bed. Though it may feel like we don’t get nearly enough sleep, it seems that we spend the vast majority of our lives in our humble bedrooms. But, if this space doesn’t evoke a sense of tranquility and peace, you may spend half of your life tossing and turning. One of the best ways to create a more productive sleeping environment is to block out any source of light during the nighttime. This not only includes natural light sources but also the light that’s emitted from our smartphones or tablets. In turn, you may benefit from discussing the prospect of adding blackout blinds to your bedroom with your local blind company. These blinds work to create an entirely dark environment for sleep, allowing you to drift off a lot easier than usual. Home Guide states that the average homeowner spends $30-$200 per window, which makes this a useful service for those who want to refine their curb appeal strategy as well as wake up feeling rejuvenated each morning. In addition, a set of high-quality blinds can also offer you a keen sense of privacy, which is useful when you’re looking to create cherished memories together as a family.

7. Check for Leaks

Even though our roofs are incredibly strong and sturdy, they are still vulnerable to a plethora of damage. As our roofs continue to age, they become prone to leaks and other faults, which can damage the entirety of our home. Plus, broken roofs can allow essential heat sources to escape, leading homeowners to crank up the heating during the colder months. Not only will this cause your heating bill to increase, but it’ll also make your home hotter during the summer months, making you uncomfortable all year round. Thus, if you’re looking to eliminate any signs of water damage and make your home seem more inviting, be sure to book a roofing service. This usually involves a set of roofing contractors visiting your home to survey the overall condition and performance of your roof. Therefore, whether your roof is in need of a few minor repairs or a complete replacement, these workers will be able to identify any glaring faults before they worsen. Although NerdWallet warns that the average roof replacement can cost up to $11,000, this service can be a great way to protect your home and your curb appeal. As such, by purchasing a new roof, you can better insulate your home and defend it against large levels of moisture build-up.

8. Remove Any Unruly Trees

Although a collection of looming trees can help to accentuate any backyard if they’re not maintained on a regular basis, they can actually disturb your next-door neighbors. When these branches become overgrown, they can potentially find their way into the opposite garden, reducing your curb appeal and placing a great strain on your relationship with your peers. In addition, damaged and disorderly trees can also be a prominent safety hazard, putting your life and others in grave danger. Even though you may not want to get rid of your glorious foliage, you should still consider reaching out to a local tree removal company to help get your garden back on track. These experts can help to identify any faulty trees and eliminate them in an orderly and safe fashion. Thus, you can be rid of these structures without having to worry about cleaning up the mess. US News Real Estate explains that it tends to cost $200 to $2,000 to remove an individual tree, depending on its size and stubbornness. In turn, this is a fantastic service for homeowners looking to form stronger bonds with their neighbors, whilst still striving to make their exteriors look as good as possible.

9. Restore Out-Dated Appliances

Although you may not think that restoring your old appliances will help upsurge your curb appeal, it can actually make you seem more resourceful and sustainable. This is especially important for those who live in particularly environmentally-conscious communities and are eager to fit in. So, instead of throwing away your decrepit kettle or toaster, try reaching out to some local general contractors to see if any of your items are still salvageable. Though many homeowners would prefer to replace their old appliances with a series of shiny new kitchen gadgets, your items probably still have a lot of value, especially if they’re considered to be vintage or family heirlooms. Some general contractors also work to oversee much larger projects, so they may be a fantastic resource for those looking to enjoy a complete home renovation process. So, depending on what you desire, you could see these types of workers as generic handymen or much more imperative managers. Thumbtack suggests that the national average cost to hire a general contractor is around $1,500, but small jobs could cost as little as just $50. Therefore, this is an excellent asset for those looking to extend their curb appeal whilst maintaining some of their most favored appliances.

Curb appeal is a very touchy subject and can make many homeowners feel very insecure about the overall appearance and atmosphere of their properties. Though it’s not the most integral aspect of owning a home, a good maintenance routine ensures that your property is kept in good condition and your neighbors are pleased. Therefore, you can continue to feel safe on your street and rest assured that your home is admired and well-loved by passers-by.

Categories
Home

Repair and Remodel 9 Home Improvement Projects That Transform!

At some point, you’d want to revitalize your living space, perhaps because its functionality has gone out of vogue, and you want to upgrade with current realities in mind. Or maybe your evolved taste demands better form and function. Or perhaps you’ve just purchased a house that needs modern updates to make it more competitive in the marketplace. A repair & remodel is what you need to boost your home value. Below are nine home improvement projects that will enhance the value of your property.

1. Garage Door Makeover: Boosting Curb Appeal

A neglected, old garage door sticks out like a sore thumb and has the potential to ruin the curb appeal of your home, especially when it faces the street. It’s, therefore, crucial to take the necessary measures to ensure it doesn’t sabotage the value of your home. Contact your local garage door service to get any of the following services.

Get the easy-to-fix decorative garage skin to revamp your old garage door. It’ll give it a new look and a chance to blend the garage door with the overall house theme while removing the drab, repulsive look. In case your garage door isn’t too damaged, attaching these wooden-themed skins allows you to create realistic-looking wooden panels that match your wooden doors and give your home a fresh look.

Installing a garage door arbor onto your garage helps emphasize your garage door as an exterior feature of your home while enhancing its curb appeal. It takes a few hours to install a ready-made arbor, and the results are remarkable since a well-constructed arbor automatically increases a home’s curb appeal. If you want a custom-made arbor, your local garage door arbor supplier can make recommendations based on your garage door’s current condition and size. Other garage door repair & remodel makeovers include installing arcs and glass panel doors, getting faux wood overlays, which are durable and resistant to termites, and installing decorative fake garage door windows. In all this, your budget, time, and style are the key determinants.

2. Roof Repair for a Solid Foundation

The roof can make or break your home. Other than being a thing of beauty against the elements, it’s undoubtedly your first line of defense. A reputable roofing contractor can advise whether a roof needs replacement or repair. They can also help choose appropriate flashing, style, skylight, ridges, and venting, among other roofing necessities.

A roof repair & remodel could be necessitated by dry rot, age, typical wear and tear, construction defects, moss growing on the roof, unexpected storms, or mold. Whatever the case, a roofing contractor can advise if you’ll need a total roof replacement or targeted repairs, which are money and time-saving. Although a roof ages, it’s possible to increase its life span through proper maintenance.

If your home is in rain-prone areas, it’s prudent to inspect your roof for leaks occasionally and fix them promptly. A reputable roofing contractor usually checks for loose, cracked, or bent shingles, popping nails, or leaking around chimneys, shingles, vents, flashings, and skylights. They can also inspect your roof for improperly installed or damaged flashing. Identifying poor caulking and poorly finished connections is also within their expertise.

A roof contractor can repair fascia damage caused by rodents and nesting pests, birds and squirrels, lousy weather, and improper maintenance and installations, which could lead to leaks and moisture in the roof substructure while denying proper support to gutters and downspouts. Having well-maintained gutters and downspouts heavily contributes to solid foundations. This is because, when correctly installed, they prevent yard flooding by leading water away from your home’s foundation, roof, and siding. Well-installed gutters and downspouts complement installed soffits, fascia, siding, and trim.

3. Kitchen Renovation: The Heart of Your Home

The kitchen is the heart of the home; therefore, any repair & remodel must address your needs and goals. For example, are you looking to update the esthetics or increase its functionality, or perhaps you want to increase the property value or, better still, a combination of these? Clarity of your needs and goals helps set the tone for your remodeling project, making it possible to decide where to start.

If your primary goal is esthetics, updated fixtures, new flooring, or a fresh coat of paint could do the trick. However, if your target is improved functionality, redesigning the kitchen layout to accommodate entertainment and cooking makes sense. More storage space or smart appliances could necessitate a kitchen renovation. A fire sprinkler system installation is a bonus safety feature in your kitchen. Giving your kitchen a more contemporary design increases its market value, whether you want to live in a revitalized space or put it up for sale.

A kitchen renovation breathes new life into your kitchen. However, the execution and planning can be daunting. Hence, this task is best carried out by kitchen renovation professionals. Let them bring your dream kitchen to life. Their experience and expertise will produce a timely, cost-effective, high-quality kitchen that instantly lifts your home’s value.

4. Energy-Efficient Window Installation

You stand to gain when you repair & remodel your custom windows to revitalize your home. There are telltale signs that you need to repair and remodel your windows. For instance, indoor condensation build-up signals a damp challenge in your home. This could result from low heating levels, inadequate ventilation, high moisture production levels, broken seals, pointing, gutter problems, a damp proof course, or gaps in insulation. It’s critical to note that condensation build-up outside your windows indicates they are effective; therefore, there is no need to replace them.

Energy-efficient window installation has the potential to revitalize your living space when the appropriate five Energy Star performance categories are implemented. These include condensation resistance, visible transmittance, air leakage, solar heat gain coefficient, and the U-factor. Other ways of making your windows, conservatories, and doors more energy-efficient, effectively reducing energy bills, and lowering your carbon footprint are installing triple- and double-energy-efficient glazing covers.

These are sealed window units containing two or more glass panes. You can also use heavy curtains, blinds, and shutters to increase energy efficiency in your home. Other than keeping heat in, other benefits of energy-efficient windows include serenity, peace, and quiet due to the insulation properties leading to external noise cancelation.

5. Bathroom Remodeling for a Spa-Like Retreat

Bathroom repair & remodel come in various formats depending on your need to achieve a spa-like retreat. Water heater installations and adjustments can be part of bathroom renovations that require an experienced plumber for flawless execution, whether for aesthetic or functional purposes. Some minimal bathroom renovations involve the conversion of the bathtub into a shower or bathtub and shower replacement. Other modifications include simple maintenance, accessibility options, custom functionalities, and incorporating different colors.

Bathtub-to-shower conversions could be part of bathroom renovation aimed at an elder-proofing strategy. Showers give all users a safe environment and easy access compared to traditional bathtubs. They also increase bathroom functionality and aesthetics without requiring a full-scale renovation.

A successful transformation of a bathroom into a spa-like retreat results in enhanced self-care and relaxation. You can attain a serene, relaxed atmosphere by using calming color palettes such as earthy tones, soft blues, and shades of white or cream. Also, invest in high-quality materials such as marble or natural stone for your countertops, as they exude durability and elegance combined with indulgence and luxury.

Another option is installing quality fixtures of polished chrome or brushed nickel. Install dimmable and customizable luxurious lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting. Or a statement chandelier over a freestanding bathtub. Remember to have ample storage, such as floating cabinets, and smart technology, such as integrated Bluetooth speakers and intelligent mirrors featuring built-in lighting, to create a spa-like bathroom experience.

6. Deck or Patio Expansion for Outdoor Living

Both decks and patios expand your outdoor living space. They differ in elevation; whereas decks are best on uneven terrain, patios are flush with the ground. Most decks are made of composite materials, aluminum, and wood, whereas patios are made of stone, tile, brick, and concrete.

Building patios is more affordable if you only want to expand your outdoor living space on general, even terrain. Both patios and decks can be attached to a freestanding house. If your home is on a highly elevated, uneven terrain, go for decks, as they are constructed above the ground and supported by vertical joists.

A patio with an alfresco glass enclosure allows light to pass, ensuring an unhindered outdoor view. If your home has a scenic view, consider installing alfresco glass doors to take advantage of its transparency and durability while increasing the value of your real estate. Alfresco glass enclosures and doors are biophilic; they bring the outdoors in. Conversely, decks are easy to customize, conducive for uneven yard terrain, and quickly increase a home’s resale value. The downside, however, is that they have a shorter lifespan than patios, have higher maintenance overheads, and are costly to build.

7. Smart Home Integration: Modernize Your Living Space

Smart home integration is an excellent way to revitalize your everyday living space with reliable internet and the appropriate devices. Your living space can be the most secure, efficient, and convenient place to spend time. Smart home integration is more affordable and has various options to indulge your commitment and interest. It’s designed to enhance and simplify your living space. Electricians are crucial in bringing smart home integration to reality since household appliances, alarm systems, thermostats, and refrigerators can be remotely managed and controlled using tablets, smartphones, and laptops.

Transforming your home into a fully automated facility is a gradual process that can start small. It requires one to think big but start small. Begin with what’s dear to you, then move on to other matters. For instance, if turning off lights is tiresome, set up automated timers.

Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, then start with timed lights featuring a smart thermostat before moving to more sophisticated systems, such as intelligent water and security systems. Once you have set up your systems, orientate your family and bring them up to speed on how the integrated smart system works. After the orientation, they’ll appreciate the repair & remodel taking place in your home.

8.HVAC Upgrade for Comfort Year-Round

When considering an HVAC upgrade, remember that heating your home takes four times the energy it takes to cool. An HVAC repair & remodel expert understands that heating is energy-intensive. Hence, an HVAC upgrade offers instant energy savings and comes with the benefit of a comfortable environment all year round.

If you fix the AC unit or furnace more than once a year, it’s time to upgrade. Air conditioning repair should stop once the unit is over a decade old. Similarly, when your boiler or heating system hits fifteen years, do away with it. To revitalize your living space, HVAC must match your needs.

Investing in a variable-speed blower allows you to use less energy. Contrast this with a traditional blower that runs at full speed at all times without variations, translating into significant energy savings. Variable blowers use less electricity and are gentler on the fan and motor than traditional single-speed blowers.

Consider upgrading to smart thermostats if you’re using gas or electric furnaces. Their flexible programming allows one to schedule heating and cooling levels when you’re not at home, saving on energy utility bills. This appliance also generates monthly usage reports to help you analyze usage, leading to necessary adjustments and money savings.

9. Next-Level Entertainment Room

With the pervasive use of technology, a new trend is emerging where people prefer to entertain themselves at home rather than go out with the boys and girls. The need for a next-level entertainment room was more apparent in 2020 and 2021 as the world battled the COVID-19 pandemic that necessitated global lockdowns. With more people working from home, the need for a dedicated room to entertain them is rapidly gaining traction.

As a homeowner, it’s crucial to repair & remodel your media room to make it a comfortable entertainment area for your family. Decide which room additions will make the remodeling worthwhile. A rectangular room is desirable because it transmits the projected sound to the audience. Embedding speakers to the walls enhances the experience, giving the audience a similar surround-sound experience.

A stadium-seating arrangement with screen placement on the shorter walls optimizes sight and sound for the audience. The media room sound quality is superior, courtesy of the heavy drapery on the walls and floor carpets. Choose the appropriate screen size by multiplying the diagonal screen width by 2 to 2.5 to determine the best viewing distance. Give your media room plush, comfortable reclining seats with inbuilt cupholders.

Most home improvement projects have functionality as a priority. However, esthetics and beauty are also important when executing home improvement projects. Besides making a bathroom or kitchen functional, you want to make them appealing and comfortable places. While there’s a place for function, there’s one for form and beauty, which home improvement projects must aim to achieve. Like Steve Jobs once said, ‘Let’s make them beautiful products.’ Likewise, home improvement projects that transform must have both form and function as a goal.