Spruce Up The Kitchen!

Written by Anita Bates
May 9, 2012 12:56 pm

Want a new look without spending a lot of cash?  Here are affordable ideas to spruce up your kitchen without a total remodel:

1.    Paint – always freshens the look and can easily be changed without too much expense

2.    Hardware – replacing the knobs and handles on cabinets is quick and relatively cheap.  The average kitchen has about 30 linear feet of cabinet space which equates to about 40 handles and knobs.  With an average price of $3 to $5 per piece, you can spruce up the cabinets for around $120 to $200.  Don’t forget to figure in hinges, if they are visibly mounted on the outside of the cabinets.

3.    Kitchen Faucet – Lots of options to look at here, including height, spout style, pull out hoses and folding necks.  Expect to spend upwards of $200 for a good quality faucet.

4.    Lighting – A popular feature is under-cabinet LED lighting.  The amount you spend will depend on type, quality and method of installation

5.    Countertops – Granite is beautiful but cost prohibitive for many so laminate is a great option and can look surprisingly like its more expensive counter cousins.  Many large “box stores” carry a good selection and can even help with kitchen design if you get carried away and want to replace your cabinets.

Color You Trendy!

Written by Anita Bates
12:55 pm

The Pantone Color Institute has proclaimed Tangerine Tango as the 2012 color of the year.  (think sunset orange J).    Consider these suggestions for incorporating the latest color trend in your home.

Bring color and light into a room with a minimum of work and expense by accessorizing.   Think pillows, throws, vases or other table top accessories, art, and flowers. 

Kitchens can be brightened up with linens, canisters, utensil holders, and appliances.

Finally, if you are brave enough, consider an accent wall in the entry, kitchen, or hallway to create an eye-popping burst of energy!

Life Expectancy

Written by Anita Bates
May 11, 2011 1:44 pm

Spring is the time when we think of home improvement projects.   Sometimes it is out of necessity and sometimes we just want to give the place a fresh look.  Renovation can take many forms, whether it is painting and cleaning, remodeling or adding on, or simply replacing items that might be close to the end of their economic life.  If you are considering replacement of some of the components in your home, it helps to know what their average life expectancy might be.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) periodically publishes a report that provides this information which can be useful in planning and budgeting for renovation.

Here is a sample of typical “life expectancies” for different items found in a home.

Appliances                                                   Life Span (in years)

Compactor                                                                6

Dishwasher                                                              9

Garbage Disposal                                                 12

Microwave Oven                                                  7-9

Range (gas or electric)                                    13-15

Freezer                                                                    11

Washer                                                                    10

Dryer (gas or electric)                                            13

Water Heater (gas or electric                           10-12

Furnace (forced air gas or electric)                15-18

Boiler (gas)                                                               21

Garage Door Opener                                         10-15

For a more complete list and to see the entire report, National Association of Home Builders/ Bank of America Home Equity Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, February, 2007, log on to www.nahb.org   and type Life Expectancy of Home Components in the search window.

Home Security

Written by Anita Bates
October 19, 2010 2:23 pm

We all agree that home security is a major concern, but are you taking the basic precautions with your keys and locks?  A recent survey by Kwikset, which manufactures locks and hardware for residential homes, finds that 47 percent of homeowners did not change or re-key their locks when they first moved in to their home, and nearly one-third have never changed or rekeyed their locks. More than half of homeowners surveyed also say they routinely loan house keys to friends or contractors, increasing the chance that the keys could fall into the wrong hands and be copied.

 A few additional tips:

• Don’t hide keys in obvious places, such as under an exterior floor mat or a planter. Most burglars know the most common places to hide keys. If you must hide them, keep keys stored in a secured key box.
• Don’t label keys with your address, so if they are ever lost or stolen, no one can identify where they belong.
• Immediately change or re-key the locks when you move to a new home. A locksmith may charge $40 to $100 or more to re-key locks or, if you prefer to do it yourself, re-key kits are available at hardware stores.
• Keep garage doors locked and secure, especially those that connect to the house from inside the garage and doors leading to the garage from outside.
• Keep windows locked, especially on your home’s lower level where they can be an attractive target for criminals. 
• Seriously consider installing a security system and if you do, check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible for a discounted rate.

Use Me….

Written by Anita Bates
July 19, 2010 2:38 pm

 As a resource.  With summer well underway, many of us are involved in, or contemplating, home improvement projects.  I have a number of licensed professionals that I can recommend for handyman services, electrical, roofing, painting, etc.  If you need a contractor, call or e-mail me.  I might be able to help.