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2 - Fall Home Improvement

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September 20, 2014

The dos and don’ts of basement finishing

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emodeling a basement is a popular home improvement project. A finished basement makes the space more functional and, when done correctly, can add a considerable amount of living space to a home.

Finishing a basement pays dividends in additional space in a home that doesnÕ t require the same level of investment as putting an addition on the house. Also, the groundwork for a finished room is already there, as most basements are already set up with a poured concrete floor and some walls, usually cinder blocks. Some electrical components, plumbing and the creature comforts of drywall and a more inviting floor might be all that’s necessary to finish a basement. The process can be labor-intensive, and many people prefer to leave it to a professional contractor.

Whatever finishing method is chosen, homeowners should follow the proper procedures when doing the work.

DO start with a detailed plan. Measure out the basement and mark any items that cannot be moved, such as a furnace, water heater or pipes.

Create a design board that showcases the materials you plan to use on the project. Think about ways you plan to arrange furniture and consider all of the possible uses for the room. Will it be a home theater? Will someone be sleeping down there? Each scenario will require certain amenities and safety requirements.

DON’T plan to finish the entire basement. Doing so will leave you without a storage or utility area where you house holiday decorations, tools, luggage and similar items.

DO get the scoop on building codes. Knowing what the municipality allows in basement remodeling will help you to customize a plan that is functional, safe and legal. No one wants to be slapped with fines for failing to follow the rules.

Plus, failure to meet building codes could mean the work that has been done must be torn out and redone. It pays to follow the chain of command and secure permits while having all work inspected.

DON’T overlook adequate lighting in your refinishing plan. A basement is likely one area of the house that has limited natural light pouring in. With traditionally small windows, or no windows at all, a basement needs ample lighting in its design scheme. This may include a combination of overhead and task lighting. Ample light-

ing will help the room feel like part of the house and not just a forgotten storage area.

DO take into consideration moisture issues in the basement. Many basements are plagued by moisture issues ranging from water seepage to condensation forming on walls. These situations may vary depending on the weather throughout the year. Certain materials may need to be used to mitigate water issues before finishing can take place. The installation of water-barrier systems, drainage, sump pumps, or encapsulation products could drive up the cost of a basement renovation. It is essential to have a professional assess the basement water issues prior to starting any finishing work.

DON’T simply cover up potential hazards, such as mold or mildew. Have them treated instead. Otherwise, you could have a breeding ground behind drywall that could lead to unsafe conditions in the home.

DO have a radon test. Radon is a hidden killer that can cause lung cancer. Because it occurs naturally in the soil and water surrounding a home and is impossible to detect without a specialized test, many people are unaware of the presence of radon until it is too late. Radon may be more concentrated in the basement, where the foundation is touching the soil. Therefore, rule out radon before considering renovation of a basement area.

DON’T limit furniture choices to one type. You may need to be flexible in your furniture choices, even selecting modular pieces, like sectionals, because entryways to basements may have small doorways or obstructions that make adding furniture more challenging.

DO keep the possibility of flooding in the back of your head. Homes that are near waterways or at low elevation may be at risk of flooding. Basements are especially susceptible to flood damage.

Therefore, think about the practicality of finishing a basement if you are prone to flooding. If you decide to move ahead, take certain precautionary measures, such as keeping electrical wiring up higher and using a more water-resistant flooring material, like tile or vinyl. House important electronics and items on shelves so they are not at ground-level.

Finishing a basement is a job that can add a lot of usable space to a home. Go about the project in the right way to keep within budget and have a room that is safe and functional.

An unfinished basement allows homeowners to transform the room into anything they desire. But there are some dos and don’ts to finishing a basement, including ensuring the project adheres to local building codes.

September 20, 2014

www.addison-eagle.com

Fall Home Improvement - 3

Creating more usable space in your home

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marter use of existing space can transform a home into a more pleasant living area. Combining smaller rooms or areas, dividing larger rooms, finishing an attic or basement, converting one room into a yearround Ò indoor porchÓ -- all are possible projects to improve your homeÕ s comfort level and value. And Woodcraft has a few suggestions about products that will help you work smarter and easier on your Ò space additions.Ó

Working Safely

Ò When working indoors, it is important to take steps to keep the air free of dust and debris for the health and safety of those breathing it,Ó Woodcraft product manager Peter Collins said.

Collins suggests two products that will help manage air quality: * OneidaÕ s 5-Gallon Molded Dust Deputy Kit works with a shop vacuum to capture 99 percent of the dust. * The Shop-Vac(R) Portable Air Cleaner keeps fine airborne dust from migrating all through the house when projects are underway.

Transforming Your Spaces

* For framing in a basement or attic space, the Kreg Jig(R) HD will speed up this otherwise complex and time-consuming project. The jig allows you to drill 25 percent larger holes to accept the larger HD pocket screws and to work with 2x material. * FeinÕ s MultiMaster Start is a great tool for cutting, sanding or scraping, as well as hard-

wood floor repair or installation, paint removal, and refinishing. * The versatile Jorgensen ISD3 Expandable Clamp (6”, 12”, 18”, 24” 36”) can be used as a clamp, spreader, or a larger clamp (two clamps joined). * JessEmÕ s Rout-R-Lift II Complete System will add speed and precision to a 3.5 diameter router motor for fabricating window frames and balusters and adding molding details. * A Kreg Rip-CutTM Circular Saw Guide and a circular saw make quick work of reducing large sheet goods to smaller panels for wainscoting a divider or hallway. * The Festool Domino XL Joiner DF700 makes it easy to use mortise-and-tenon joinery for indoor/outdoor projects. * FastCap’s 3rd Hand is a versatile helper for tasks like supporting crown molding during the nailing process.

Painting & Finishing

* For surfaces that require fine finishes or paint, make the process easy and successful with the Earlex SprayStation Gemini(R) HVLP Spray System. The Gemini offers two methods of application: a cup fed gun to spray a wide variety of finishes and paints and a pump that pushes water-based paint/stain directly from the can through a feeder hose into the gun for walls, fences and other large projects to eliminate frequent cup refills. * Protect exterior wood surfaces with OneTIMETM Wood Protector, a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates wood to be-

The Kreg Jig(R) HD (right) quickly creates large pocket holes for #14 pocket screws that are needed for joining 2x material in jobs like framing. come part of the cellular structure and cures by exposure to UV radiation. Available in natural and five colors, it is guaranteed to protect new wood, old wood, pressure-treated wood, or wood that has had the previous coating re-

moved for seven years.

To learn more about these products and others that can help you transform your home space, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.

Spray foam insulation helps combat mold in your home

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f you worry about mold in your home and are trying to find solutions, you can take one simple step to help prevent it from happening.

Mold is commonly found in houses that have poor wall insulation. As moisture builds up, the interior of the walls can slowly rot. This gives

off a foul smell and reduces the overall stability and quality of a property. You may need to completely strip your walls to effectively repair them.

Such a repair can be expensive, but in order to prevent this situation from occurring, you can choose an alternate kind of insulation for

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your home. Spray foam insulation, like Icynene, is a good choice, especially for preventing mold. Unlike other insulation, spray foam protects your walls against moisture by forming an air barrier.

Prevention of mold, dust, dust mites and oth-

er common airborne irritants will improve the quality of the air in your home and ultimately the investment value of your house.

More information on this topic is available online at icynene.com.

4 - Fall Home Improvement

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September 20, 2014

Woodcraft suggests plan for year of ‘Dream Home Projects’

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pend some quality time with your house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to buy it. Use this list to develop projects that will create your “dream home” over a year’s time. To help you, Woodcraft offers some ideas for projects and products.

Project Ideas

* Use paints, stains, dyes, finishes, and related products to reinvigorate the wood throughout your home, including doors, shutters, walls and furniture. * Add molding or other trim to give walls an upscale look.

* Expand storage space with wall-hung or free-standing shelving in as many rooms and areas as possible, matching shapes, hardware and color to each roomÕ s decor. * Replace or upcycle kitchen, bathroom or garage cabinets, as well as outdated bathroom vanities. * Add a wood deck, patio or porch to your outdoor area, and repair/revive or build outdoor benches and other furniture. Ò If the changes you envision involve unfamiliar tasks, do some research,Ó says Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice. Ò We offer books about home improvement topics, as well as Ô Woodcraft MagazineÕ technique downloads and how-to videos for many products online. Or get some expert advice at your nearest Woodcraft store.Ó

Helpful Products

Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice applies finish to a cabinet door, using a single QuikBENCH. The bench’s built-in power strip and uses for multiple benches are also pictured.

* General Finishes Water-Based Milk Paints include a 28-color base selection of premixed acrylic paints that can be combined to create even more colors suitable for indoor or outdoor projects.

Use the milk paint with the six translucent Glaze Effects to create eye-catching decorative finishes, such as distressing, antiquing or shabby chic. * General Finishes Gel Stains and Topcoat are easy to use -simply wipe on with a rag and wipe off the excess. Stains are available in 12 shades, including the popular Java and Georgian Cherry. A perfect solution for attractive redesigns at an affordable price. * OneTime Wood Protector is a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates woodÕ s cellular structure and cures it by exposure to UV radiation. It protects new wood, old wood, pressure treated wood, or wood that has had the previous coating removed -- for seven years! Great for outdoor wood projects such as wood shake roof, deck, chairs, picnic tables, fences and more. * Festool’s Rotex RO90 Multi-Purpose Sander switches easily between three sanding modes -- aggressive, random orbital finish sanding, and delta detail sanding -- that will handle a host of tasks from stripping stubborn paint to creating a smooth finish. * Earlex Gemini HVLP Sprayer can be used as a cup fed gun to spray fine finishes and paints, or with a pump to push waterbased paint/stain directly from the can via a 13’ hose to the gun for covering large surfaces. * The QuikBENCH Portable Workbench holds 300 pounds alone; add another to form a sawhorse to hold 2,000 pounds. Or connect several for a larger workstation. If you need a scaffold, choose the portable Vika Twofold Workbench and Scaffold. Both benches include power strips. * The EZ Pro Crown King Crown Molding Jig from General Tools works with a mitersaw to cut crown molding joints precisely without difficult angle calculations and compound angle cuts. * 3M PSA-Backed Veneer is real wood veneer permanently bonded to 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. It can be applied to MDF, particleboard, plywood, and drywall with excellent results. The veneer is used for furniture repair, countertops, shelves, and architectural applications. * Fein’s MultiMaster Q Start Kit is equipped for sawing, rasping, scraping, removing grout, sanding, polishing, and cutting, all powered by a 250-watt, variable-speed motor. * “Transforming Your Kitchen with Stock Cabinetry” is a 160page softcover book by cabinetmaker Jonathan Benson and his wife, Sherry Benson, a chef, that shows how to transform a kitchen using money-saving stock cabinetry and a well-thought-out plan. * Grex 18-Gauge 2” Nailer -- Green Buddy is a precision nailer that fires 1/2” to 2” 18-gauge nails for trim and moldings, cabinet assembly, furniture and cabinet finish work, jig fixtures, light wood assembly and more. * The Kreg Jig(R) K5 Pocket Hole System offers an easy way to use pocket hole joints in your furniture and home projects, such as decks and porches. * M1 Tape Measure features patented Sight Scribe that allows you to measure and mark without a pencil. Lock your measurement with the M1 blade lock, and take it wherever you need to mark.

To learn more about these products and others that can help you update your home, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.

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September 20, 2014

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Fall Home Improvement - 5

How to repair and replace window screens W

indow screens can let fresh air into a home while preventing insects and outdoor critters from making their way inside. But screens are far less effective at keeping critters out of a home when theyÕ re damaged.

Addressing such damage is typically an easy do-it-yourself project, one that begins with gathering the right materials, including: * new screening, either synthetic or aluminum * a rubber spline * a screen rolling tool * a razor knife or sharp scissor * measuring tape * masking tape * a screwdriver or an awl Once those materials have been gathered, the process of replacing or repairing damaged screens is rather simple.

1. Measure the area of the window to determine how much replacement screening you will need. Remember to leave extra room in your measurements so you have slack to make the new screen fit taut. The measurement will also help you determine how much spline you will need.

2. Remove the screen from the window frame. Some windows do not have removable screen frames, and you will have to work on the screen in its upright position.

3. Use the screwdriver or awl to pry the edge of the existing spline that holds the screening material in the frame. Pull out the old spline and remove the damaged screening.

4. Measure the new screening from a replacement roll. Lay the screening down on the frame, ensuring there is overhang on all sides. If necessary, use masking tape to temporarily secure the screening to the frame while freeing up your hands. This also works if you must replace screening vertically and cannot remove the window frame and make repairs on a flat surface.

5. Take a new piece of rubber spline and push it into the edge of the screen frame, securing a corner of the new screening to the frame. Continue to press the spline around the perimeter of the screen frame firmly into the groove with the screen rolling tool, which looks like a small pizza cutter. This effectively secures the screen into the frame.

6. Continue around the edge of the frame, pulling the new screening taut as you go. This helps to keep it free of wrinkles.

7. Once you have inserted the spline all the way around, cut it off from the spline spool and push in the edge.

8. Use a razor knife or sharp scissor to cut off the excess screening, being careful not to dislodge it from behind the spline when cutting.

9. Replace the screen in the window.

In the case of small tears in a screen, a complete replacement

may not be necessary. Home improvement stores sell screen patch kits. Some work by cutting out a piece of patch that is attached to an adhesive backing and sticking it over the hole. Other patches are small, woven wires that can be threaded through the hole in the screen. A really small hole can be mended with a

drop of clear-drying glue.

The same method of screen replacement can be used to replace screens on screened-in porches, aluminum doors or sliding patio doors. Just be sure to purchase replacement screening that will fit the dimensions.

6 - Fall Home Improvement

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September 20, 2014

Practice garage and workshop smarts

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ompleting home improvement projects on your own can be both rewarding and financially responsible. A growing number of homeowners are dabbling in doit-yourself projects, recognizing both the personal and financial rewards of such undertakings. As more and more homeowners perform their own renovations and other improvement projects, many are outfitting their homes with state-of-the-art workshops and transforming garages into a do-it-yourselferÕ s paradise.

Safety is vital in any workshop. During a typical home renovation, homeowners will use all sorts of dangerous tools and chemicals, and even the simplest mishap can result in a serious injury.

Following safety rules can reduce the risk of injury.

Know your tools

Before novice do-it-yourselfers begin working with power tools, they should familiarize themselves with their ownersÕ manuals and the operating instructions. Some home-improvement retailers offer classes in various home renovation projects and may be able to teach tool usage. Do-it-yourselfers should consult professionals with regard to proper tool use and safety.

Do not use tools for purposes other than what the tool was intended to do. If machine guards are provided, they should be used and never removed.

Wear safety gear

Eye, ear and breathing protection are key in any workshop environment. Dust and chemical gases may be present when working with certain products, and debris can be kicked up and enter the eyes, causing irritation or even blindness. Loud power tools can damage sensitive ears, especially when used in a contained room. Always wear goggles, sound-muffling earphones and dust masks when working.

Assess physical well-being

Do-it-yourselfers should never work with machinery if they are feeling sick or fatigued or while taking medication that can affect concentration or alertness. All it takes is a moment of distraction to cause an injury.

Never surprise anyone who is working with power tools and keep unnecessary people out of the workshop, where they might chat and distract others from the tasks at hand.

Factor in ergonomics

Failure to work in comfortable conditions can result in repetition injuries or muscle strain. Make the workshop as comfortable

as possible. Ensure the work table is at the right height. Use a rubber mat on the floor to reduce standing fatigue. Have a stool or chair available for taking breaks.

Keep a clean shop

Power cords strewn around the workshop present a tripping hazard. They also make it possible to drag sharp or heavy tools off of tables and workbenches if the cords are pulled or tripped over. A neat workshop is a safer workshop. Pay attention to where tools are kept and keep cords manageable.

Dress appropriately

Loose clothing and hair can become tangled or lodged in

equipment. Do not wear jewelry. Dress comfortably but appropriately for the workshop, being sure to wear sturdy shoes.

Lock it up

Children and pets are curious and may wander into a workshop to explore. They can become seriously ill or injured by the bevy of chemicals and tools used for common projects. Some items are flammable and sharp and should always be out of reach. Locking cabinets and drawers can keep tools inaccessible.

Also warn youngsters against entering the workshop unattended.

As more people engage in do-it-yourself projects, homeowners should reacquaint themselves with safety procedures.

September 20, 2014

www.addison-eagle.com

Fall Home Improvement - 7

How to cut costs on your home improvement project O

ver the last several decades, more and more homeowners have embraced the notion that homes need not all be alike, and that an individualÕ s home can cater to his or her personal tastes and needs. The trend of modeling a home after one’s own tastes has extended beyond choosing furniture or other replaceable elements to structural changes and full-scale renovations, thus upping the financial ante for homeowners who want to turn their homes into places more in tune with their own personalities.

When it comes to improving their homes, many homeowners associate cutting costs with cutting corners, which can put residentsÕ safety at risk. But there are ways for homeowners to save money on home improvement projects while still ensuring their homes are safe and sound. * Work with recycled materials. Homeowners about to undertake small-scale do-it-yourself projects can often save money by using recycled materials. Many homeowners do not go the DIY route when making larger renovations, but those that do also can save money by using recycled materials. However, homeowners should know that many contractors do not work with recycled materials in an effort to avoid liability should something go awry during the project or after it is completed. But DIYers can benefit from using recycled materials, which can be purchased at various locations. For example, Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization devoted to building homes for the less fortunate, operates its own ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores that sell recycled building materials at a steep discount.

ReStore locations can be found by visiting www.habitat.org. * Get your hands dirty. Labor costs on home improvement projects are considerable, but homeowners can cut these costs by doing some of the labor themselves. Even those men and women with little or no DIY experience can still chip in and save some money. Homeowners about to embark on a rebuilding project can chip in and do some of the demolition on their own. For example, when replacing sidewalks, homeowners can simply break up and remove the existing sidewalk on their own rather than paying their contractors to do such work for them. ItÕ s best for homeowners to leave interior labor to the professionals, as they are more knowledgeable about how to find load-bearing walls and plumbing fixtures than the average weekend warrior homeowner. Homeowners who mistakenly take out fixtures inside their homes in an attempt to cut down on labor costs might find such miscues are far more costly than simply paying for the labor from the get-go. * Remember how flattering imitation can be. As the old adage goes, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Homeowners working on tight budgets can opt for imitation materials that appear and feel just like more costly authentic materials. When opting for imitation materials, homeowners should know that they or their representatives cannot falsely represent the materials as

Homeowners willing and able to chip in on home improvement projects can bring the costs of labor down considerably. authentic when selling the home, no matter how much materials look and feel like the real thing. * Schedule projects during the offseason. Like many professionals, contractors have busy seasons and seasons that tend to be slow. These seasons can change depending on geography, but homeowners can save money by postponing projects until the slow season, when contractors are more likely to offer discounts in an attempt to stay busy and continue to generate income. Savings will vary depending on a variety of factors, but itÕ s not unlikely that patient homeowners willing to wait until the offseason to renovate their homes can save as much as 5 percent on the overall cost of the project.

* Try not to customize. Though the driving force behind many home improvement projects is to create a dream home that caters to homeownersÕ individual needs, going overboard with customizing is expensive. Larger-than-normal dimensions may seem like a great idea, but unless theyÕ re absolutely necessary, theyÕ re best avoided by budget-conscious homeowners. Building supplies are sold at certain dimensions because those dimensions are the most common. Altering these dimensions unnecessarily is only driving up the cost of the project, so itÕ s best to stick with stock sizes when money is tight.

Home improvement projects are often expensive undertakings. But such endeavors need not break the bank.

8 - Fall Home Improvement

Improving attic ventilation benefits the roof and more

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omeowners are often interested in projects to improve the aesthetic appeal of their homes, particularly those that may increase the curb appeal of their properties.

But some projects, including improving attic ventilation, can benefit a home even when they aren’t especially eye-catching.

Attic venting preserves the life of a roof while improving the energy efficiency of a home. Although it may seem counterproductive to let air into the attic when you are sealing drafts elsewhere in the home, there is rhyme and reason to venting an attic throughout the year.

What is attic ventilation?

Attic ventilation is a system of air intake and exhaust that creates a flow of air through the attic. In the summertime, air flowing through the attic will cool temperatures within the attic, preventing damage to the underside of roofing shingles and preventing ambient heat from traveling inside of a home. In the winter, air flow helps to keep the attic cool and dry. This prevents moisture that can lead to mold and rot issues from building up inside of the attic. Attic ventilation also prevents warm indoor temperatures and rising heat from warming up roofs during the winter, creating the freeze-thaw pattern that results in ice dams.

Improving attic air flow

Many attics already contain passive ventilation in the form of vents or ventilation strips built into the edge of the roof. Other

www.addison-eagle.com vents may appear in gables or eaves. Some homeowners prefer the addition of an attic fan to work in concert with existing venting. The spring season is an ideal time to have an attic fan installed because the weather is temperate, making it easier to work up in the attic.

According to Natural Light Energy Systems, attic temperatures can exceed 160 F on hot summer days. Proper attic ventilation can reduce those temperatures by up to 40 F, prolonging the life of the roof. Attic ventilation also reduces the load on heating and cooling systems. No matter how much insulation is in an attic, some transfer of attic air will occur between the home and the attic, and that transfer makes heating and air conditioning systems run longer and harder to compensate.

Homeowners who notice their HVAC systems running endlessly to keep the home comfortable can benefit from improved attic ventilation, as can those homeowners whose attics feature moisture damage in the way of rusty nails or moldy wood framing. An attic fan is often an effective remedy to these issues.

Attic fan 101

The installation of an attic fan is best left to a professional, as it requires running wiring to the fan and it may necessitate cutting into the roof for venting. Many fans work with a thermostat and will turn on when the air temperature in the attic reaches a certain temperature. The fan will circulate the air, helping to keep the attic cooler and dryer. Also, the fan can help expel fumes from cooking or appliances from the home.

Canada Go Green notes that attic fans can reduce energy bills considerably by making HVAC systems work more efficiently.

Keeping attics cool and dry may also reduce how frequently HVAC systems need to be turned on or at which temperatures thermostats in the home are set.

Improving attic ventilation may not add much to a homeÕ s curb appeal, but such a project can save homeowners money and provide year-round benefits.

Pictured at right: Passive and active venting systems for attics help keep homes comfortable and energy-efficient all year long.

September 20, 2014

September 20, 2014

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Fall Home Improvement - 9

Home improvement tips learned the hard way

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is the season for home improvement projects, and weekend warriors will soon be visiting home supply retailers to buy everything from paint to plywood.

There are many advantages to making home improvements on your own, including the opportunity to test your mettle at projects big and small.

Many a novice DIYer has learned the ups and downs of home improvement through trial and error. But the following are a handful of lessons first-timers can heed before beginning their maiden voyages into the world of DIY home improvements. * Measure twice, cut once. Perhaps this is the best-known mantra of home improvement, yet many still ignore it. Whether you’re anxious to get started or simply because you still cannot convert metric to standard formula, you must take the time to measure twice before cutting. Learning that youÕ re a hair too short later will be prove frustrating and time-consuming and often necessitates a last-minute run to the store for more materials. Always measure multiple times before making cuts. * Enlist a helper. Having a partner helping with the work is the most efficient way to tackle a project. This person can assist you with heavy lifting or moving things or by holding the ladder or simply passing tools your way. He or she also can manage work while you make another run to the home center for more supplies. Having a helper around also provides companionship during tedious projects. * Lighten the load. You run the risk of injury, both to yourself and your belongings, if you attempt to move heavy items on your own. When moving heavy items, take steps to lighten your load. For example, empty or remove drawers from desks and dressers before moving them. Rely on sliding pads when moving furniture so items can be slid into place instead of lifted. Always ask a buddy to help move especially heavy items. * Prime before painting. Painting can be a time-consuming task. In an effort to save time, some people will look for painting shortcuts, and these may include skipping the priming portion of painting. Priming helps to cover existing paint color and prevent bleed-through of stains or darker hues to the next coat of paint. Failure to use a primer could mean having to paint coat after coat, which can become costly and take up a significant amount of time. Always rely on a priming product, or look for a paint that blends a primer within to achieve better coverage. And while you are ensuring a proper paint job, remember to use painterÕ s tape or an edging product to help keep paint off of moldings and trim. * Use the right tools. The right tools make work safer and easier. Think about how much faster you can cut through a tree trunk with a chainsaw rather than a handsaw.

Improvising or using the wrong tools for the job can cost you time and increase your risk of injury. * Turn electricity off at the panel box. Be especially cautious when working with electricity, turning off the current. This means shutting down the power on the breaker box. A live wire can provide a minor shock or lead to serious injury. Take the extra time to ensure the power is off before working with any exposed wiring. * Expect the unexpected. Although many renovation projects go off without a hitch, you never know what you might uncover when you embark on repairs or remodels. Homeowners have come across all sorts of hidden problems when doing seemingly minor repairs. Removal of drywall may uncover insect damage in beams or indications of water infiltration. Some people take down old paneling, only to discover it was covering heavily damaged walls beneath. One repair project can run into another when home improvements are being made. Always leave breathing room in your budget and schedule extra time for unforeseen tasks as well.

Double-checking measurements is one way to avoid potentially costly home improvement project mistakes.

10 - Fall Home Improvement

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September 20, 2014

September 20, 2014

Fall Home Improvement - 11

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Recolor your kitchen and make it more efficient

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lot goes on in the kitchen: preparing food, sharing meals, spending time with a friend over a cup of coffee, helping children with homework, baking for holidays -- and much more. If your kitchen could use an update to become an easier-to-use, more pleasant room, Woodcraft has some ideas and products to help you get started. Ò ItÕ s amazing the difference you can make with just a few functional and decorative changes to your homeÕ s kitchen area.

Most of these projects can be completed in a weekend. If you live close to a Woodcraft store, the staff will be happy to help you match products to any home improvement job you plan to do -and offer knowledgeable how-to advice for using the products,Ó Darin Lawrence, Woodcraft director of product development, said. Ò For more project ideas, check out Woodcraft on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/woodcraftsupply. Woodcraft also offers how-to video, articles and instructions at www.woodcraft.com/ search2/learn.aspx.”

Cabinets

If you are not ready to replace kitchen cabinets, consider changing the color and hardware. Since the current trend is for darker cabinets, select an easy-to-use dark General Finishes Gel Stain, such as the popular java or antique walnut. If you choose to remove some doors for an open-shelf look, consider using a General Finishes Milk Paint shade for the interior to complement the exterior color.

For easier door opening and closing, choose a Salice Hinge in a darker titanium finish that will complement the darker cabinets.

Add Hickory Hardware Door Knobs or Pulls that come in several styles and finishes. For kitchen drawers, upgrade the slides, changing from side mounts to undermount slides with Blum Tandem Plus Blumotion Concealed Drawer Runners.

Reface the face frames and cabinet ends with Sauers & Co. Wood Veneer backed with 3M Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) that is pre-sanded and ready to finish to match the cabinet doors.

For cutting, use a Quad Pro Trimmer with tungsten carbide double-edge cutters that trim veneer in either direction. For easy application of this veneer product, the FastCap Speed Roller Pro ensures consistent pressure for good results.

To add or replace decorative molding for your cabinets and/or walls, cut perfectly mitered corner joints with the EZ Pro Crown King Crown Molding Jig. The handy SharkGrip 8” Bar/Nail Puller can pry in a tight spot with little damage to molding and has curved blade that lifts molding easily. To help with molding installation, use the 3rd Hand’s articulating foot to support crown molding at an angle.

Say goodbye to constant searches for items in cabinets with a DIY 22”-24” Pullout Shelf Kit. The shelves are easy to measure,

Save countertop space with an undermount knife block like this one built by Woodcraft product development manager Ben Bice and featured in Issue 60 of Woodcraft Magazine.

Photo by Jim Osborn, Osborn Photographic, Williamstown, WV.

cut, assemble and install. Or custom build your own pullout shelves using the Pre-cut Prefinished Drawer Side and Drawer Bottom material with the easy-to-use KREG Micro Pocket Drill Guide.

Countertop

For cluttered countertops that are home to too many small appliances and other items, consider storing ones used only occasionally elsewhere, perhaps in cabinets.

To protect your valuable kitchen knives and save counter space, follow Woodcraft product development manager Ben Bice’s example and build a knife block to mount underneath the kitchen cabinet. Bice designed the block to hold his high quality ZHEN knives. See Woodcraft Magazine Issue 60 (Aug/Sept 14) for BenÕ s step-by-step directions to make your own knife block -- and knives, if you are interested.

Furniture

General Finishes Gel and Milk Paint are also good choices to

recolor your wood furniture in shades that match or complement the new cabinet look. Milk Paint offers an opportunity to add a splash of color on a small piece of furniture, shelving or a plant stand to brighten the look but not overpower the kitchen.

If your wood cabinets and/or furniture only need a cover-up for nicks, scratches and other damage, Touch-Up Pens, Fill Sticks and Burn-in Sticks from Touch-Up Solutions may be the answer.

They come in 10 colors, ranging from light oak to black.

Lighting

Add subtle lighting with Haefele 12-Volt Loox LED Strip Lights in cool or warm white. Ideal for background lighting, use under or around cabinets, around doorframes, and pretty much anywhere you want. Strips are flexible, easy to install and can be cut to size. LED lighting generates very little heat, uses less energy, and has a long service life.

For more information about Woodcraft products, contact the store nearest you, visit www.woodcraft.com or call (800) 5354482.

12 - Fall Home Improvement

www.addison-eagle.com

September 20, 2014