|
|
 SIGN
UP FOR FREE |
|
|
|
Sign Up for a free account or
learn more. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
Most Recent Articles
|
- Stuck On Scrapbooking? Host A Party
If you're stuck on scrapbooking, you have lots of company. More than 26 million Americans are snipping, trimming and gluing along with you. And why not? Scrapbooking is a great way of preserving cherished moments for future generations-whether it's that great family vacation to Hawaii, a best friend's beautiful wedding or even your beloved pet.
Hosting a scrapbooking party is a new way to create lasting memories and offer a fun activity at your next get-together. Here are some easy ideas to get you started: - Trend Of Power (tools) To The People Grows
While power tools have been around since the Industrial Revolution, the Do-It-Yourself Revolution may have had an even greater impact on power tool ownership.
According to a recent survey, a majority of Americans (55 percent) own at least five power tools and 23 percent own 10 or more. In addition to power tool ownership, the survey revealed that nearly 46 percent of people have increased their power tool collections in the last decade. As well, 86 percent use a power tool to accomplish everyday household projects, with one in five (22 percent) of them reporting they use a power tool for every household project. - Building An Emergency Preparedness Kit
If you don't think it's important to be ready for a disaster before it strikes, you may want to check out FEMA's Web site. It reads: "You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer."
Fortunately, being ready "to survive on your own" can be as simple as stockpiling some food, water (plan on a gallon per person per day) and other important items in an emergency kit. Here's a look at what else you might need: - Building A Better Toolbox
Whether you've built a reputation as a handyman or you're new to the do-it-yourself world, the right tools can keep small jobs from turning into big projects. But what kind of tools are best for you? It depends on the work you plan to do. Here's a guide to filling your toolbox:
The High-Tech Handyman - Handy Gifts For Do-it-yourselfers
If you can't seem to nail down the perfect gift for your do-it-yourselfer, you may want to take a bit of advice: Check out power drills.
Do-it-yourselfers consider drills to be a universal power tool, meaning just about any handy person could probably use one in the toolbox. They come in many different sizes, both corded and cordless, and are among the best-selling power tools on the market. Keep in mind, cordless drills have many different power source options and come in varying power levels. Here's a quick overview: - Build Your Own Cedar Closet Without Breaking The Bank
If you're thinking about updating your closet space, you have plenty of company. Closet organization is a booming $3 billion industry. Homeowners can spend as much as $30,000 on organized closet systems that can turn those ho-hum, stuffed-to-the-gills wasted spaces into stress-free, spalike quiet rooms.
"Closet renovations are hot right now," says Pat Simpson, home improvement expert and host of HGTV's "Before & After," "Fix It Up!" and "Room To Improve." "But many closet systems you see in magazines and on TV are out of the financial reach of most Americans." - Tips To Minimize Drywall Project Messes
Whether you've hired a professional to complete your drywall installation or are a do-it-yourselfer, the mess that comes along with this type of project is all but inevitable. But it doesn't have to be as bad as you think. There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the dust that results from installing drywall, so you're not still cleaning up for weeks after the project is completed.
First, mark where the construction zone begins and ends so that the mess doesn't migrate into the rest of the home. Put up plastic sheeting in doorways or over vents in the area where you will be working. Move whatever belongings that you can out of the room or drape them with cloths. Also, cover the floors in and leading to and from your renovation area. Use plastic or heavy drop cloths, and tape them down if necessary. - Electrical 101
A house's electrical power needs to be maintained just like any other part of a home.
A good place to start is with the service cable-or where power enters your home from the street. Of course, rule number one is to never touch exposed cables and to never get near a power line with a ladder. In fact, most issues with service cables should be addressed by the utility company. But there are still steps homeowners can take to keep power flowing. - Wall Repair 101: Mending A Crack
With a little preparation and the right equipment, most cracks in plaster and drywall can be easily repaired. Plus, the project should take most do-it-yourself enthusiasts only a few hours and the materials are relatively inexpensive.
Try these tips for patching small to medium-sized cracks in plaster and drywall. They come from experts at United States Gypsum Company, a leading manufacturer of gypsum board and plaster products. - Switching Switches
For years, switches and outlets were chosen more for function than for form. Not any more. Elegance and function now meet in a way that deserves to be admired! - Ordinary/extraordinary
You may be surprised to discover that some of the most ordinary items in your home can have extraordinary uses.
Polish your rings with toothpaste? Why not. Kill weeds and clean your iron with salt? Of course. - Operate Chain Saws Properly During Storm Cleanup
In the aftermath of severe weather, homeowners and professionals alike reach for labor-saving tools-and often that includes a chain saw.
"When cleaning up after a storm, a chain saw is often in the hands of an inexperienced operator due to necessity," said Andy Stanush, product manager for Husqvarna. "Especially in those extreme conditions, it's crucial for anyone operating a saw to carefully review the owner's manual and follow all recommended guidelines." - Making The Call For Safe Digging Projects
Whether you're planting shrubs or adding a new swimming pool, it's important to know that being aware of the location of your yard's underground utility lines can help keep you safe.
Now a new national Call Before You Dig phone number can help. Homeowners and professional excavators can call the number-811-to have underground utility lines quickly marked for free. To use the ser-vice, just call 811 a few days before beginning a digging project. Then an area One Call center will notify crews that will mark the approximate location of underground utilities. - Are America's Communities Ready For An Aging Population?
A new study, the most comprehensive report ever on the aging-readiness of America, finds that less than half of American cities and counties have plans in place to meet the needs of aging baby boomers. The baby boom generation-born between 1946 and 1964-is rapidly approaching retirement age.
The study, called "The Maturing of America: Getting Communities on Track for an Aging Population," was conducted through a partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the International City/County Management Association, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, and Partners for Livable Communities, and funded by MetLife Foundation. The results show that although many communities have some programs to address the needs of older adults, very few have fully assessed what it would take to make their community "elder friendly."
|
|
|
