DIY Life

Kitchen Flooring Buying Guide: Linoleum

Allegra Muzzillo — 2011-09-14T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Products & Materials

Thinking of installing new kitchen flooring in time for spring? In this five-part kitchen flooring series, we'll lay the groundwork -- and you make the decision. In this second installment we take a closer look the DIYer's kitchen flooring material of choice: Linoleum.

Linoleum flooring. Photo: tuchodi, Flickr

How It's Made: Linoleum is a mixture of cork dust, ground limestone, linseed oil, mineral pigments, recycled wood flour and tree resins -- all pressed together and mounted onto jute backing. Interestingly, its name is a combination of the Latin words for flax (linum) and oil (oleum).

How It's Sold: Linoleum kitchen flooring is available as tile, sheeting and even cutout pieces that look similar to area rugs. It sticks to the floor with adhesive. Tile is sold in all sizes and sheeting is typically sold in 6-foot x 7-inch widths and multiple thicknesses.

Pros: Linoleum is considered a green material because no hazardous chemicals are associated with its creation or disposal. It's also naturally antibacterial and biodegradable, easy to clean, comfortable to stand on and scratch- and gouge-resistant -- excellent for high-traffic areas just like the kitchen. Linoleum can last 40 years or more.

Cons: Although it's rugged and easy to work with, linoleum just doesn't have the same appeal to some consumers as higher end materials.

DIY Degree of Difficulty: Very Easy (Tiles) to Tough (Sheeting)
While any eager 8-year-old assistant could help you lay a linoleum tile kitchen floor (just spread out latex adhesive, place tiles on it, then set with a roller), laying sheet linoleum is another story. The adhesive makes linoleum sheeting shrink in length and expand in width, which adds up to a potential nightmare situation. So it's wise to leave the sheeting installation to the pros, and take on tile installation yourself.

Care & Maintenance: Dust mop and/or sweep regularly with a soft-bristled broom. Vacuum with the soft floor attachment (careful: the ends of certain attachments can scratch delicate finishes). Remove stubborn scuff marks with a clean rag dipped in undiluted linoleum cleaner. Wash by hand with a natural vinegar-based solution or use a damp mop as needed. Recoat floors once per year with acrylic sealer to maintain performance and luster.

Cost (per square foot)
Linoleum tile is typically priced from $2 to $7. Sheet linoleum costs $3 to $4 installed.

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Could You Get Paid to DIY?

Amy Preiser — 2011-08-25T14:07:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

In England, two landlords are testing a system that pays tenants to do their own routine repairs. Will it catch on?

If you're going it anyways, shouldn't you get the cash? Photo: Getty

Ever find yourself unclogging your drain or repairing a chipped tile and grumbling "I should really be paid for this"?

England's National Housing Federation feels your pain. The BBC reports that housing associations and councils spend about $1,633 on repairs per property, per year. So doesn't it make sense to put the money in the hands of the renters, rather than the contractors?

No, that doesn't mean renters will be in charge of everything that goes wrong -- just the little things. Landlords will still be responsible for uneven floorboards, where-did-those-come-from ceiling leaks and complicated plumbing issues.

And for the truly anti-DIY crowd, fear not: Tenants are allowed to use the cash for hiring help on their own...or perhaps buying dinner for a particularly handy friend. And while some skeptics might argue that simply paying tenants to take on a landlord's duties makes things more difficult for the renter, consider this: With the easier stuff pushed off their plates, wouldn't landlords be better equipped to handle major repairs? After all, if my landlord didn't have to deal with every one of my 29 building-mates calling to get a fix for their chipped sink, maybe he'd have time to tackle that weird water sound happening in all of our bathrooms. Or get the washing machine to stop eating my quarters.

And he's not the only person to benefit -- if I knew I could get paid for painting over the spackle he placed after a minor leak, I'd get around to it much sooner. Housing Minister Grant Shapps says it best: "When residents take pride in their homes it saves their landlords cash, so I think it's right that tenants should benefit too."

What do you think: Would you welcome cash-for-DIYing? Or do you want all home repair issues off your to-do list?

What about you?

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Green Kitchen Countertops, 5 Different Ways

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-23T14:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects

It's not just sustainably-harvested wood. The newest eco-countertops are made of everything from bamboo and junk mail.

Glass is upcycled into gorgeous countertops from EnviroGlas in a rainbow of colors. Photo: Jason Woelfel, EnviroGlas

Recycled countertops have come a long way: The latest design options seamlessly incorporate recycled glass, concrete, bamboo, paper and more. In fact, these materials are so handsome, they're as much a design element as they are a green-lifestyle statement. The new eco-friendly options also offer a lot of flexibility with many manufacturers offering a handful of options to select from.

Whether you reside in a downtown high-rise or suburban bungalow, there is probably more than one option to fit your home's decor. Here are five of our favorites green countertops for the kitchen:

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #1: EnviroGLAS terrazzo countertops (above) are right at home in a contemporary-style kitchen. Glass that's been recycled from consumers and industrial companies is converted into these stunning pieces of art. "Fire Engine Red" (left) would compliment a hip loft whereas a style like the blue and white "EnviroMODE" design might play off of a home's waterfront setting.

IceStone's countertops, which contain recycled glass and concrete, come in an array of colors, including this classic gray shade. Photo: IceStone

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #2: Created out of recycled glass and concrete, IceStone Durable Surfaces are built in a Brooklyn, NY, factory. These eco coutners are VOC-free and come in 29 different colors, which range from a funky mustard yellow to a calming "cobalt ice," which merges pearl-white and cobalt-blue. More traditional gray and white shades - but with a little bit of color "pop" - are also available.

Inside the U.S. Green Building Council's Washington, DC headquarters, where a lot of innovation and planning about eco-friendly design occurs, are these bamboo countertops from Smith & Fong. Photo: Smith & Fong

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #3: For a more rustic look, turn to Smith & Fong Plyboo bamboo countertops. Not only is bamboo a 100-percent renewable material, it's also FSC-certified - and better still the company's Plyboo is the world's only formaldehyde-free FSC-certified bamboo. PlybooSquared, shown above, is available in amber, natural, Sahara or Havana shades. To install, use the same materials and fasteners for wood products by either gluing or mechanically fastening.

The PolarCap style, from Eco by Cosentino, contains 75-percent post-consumer/post-industrial materials. Photo: Eco by Cosentino

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #4: Eco by Cosentino countertops are sold at Lowe's stores around the country. Containing 75-percent post-consumer or post-industrial raw materials -- all at the end of their life cycles -- these counters are bound together by corn oil. The company draws from a variety of suppliers to come up with the raw-material mix, so that it includes porcelain, mirror, glass, scraps of stone and corn. Within the 'Green' and 'Revive' collections are three distinct stylee; the PolarCap style (above), is a stark-white beauty with barely noticeable flecks of gray and black. Yet it's those flecks that introduce a unique, hand-crafted look.

Who wouldn't want a countertop made of junk mail? Photo: PaperStone

Green Kitchen Countertop Option #5: Lots of junk mail -- ahem, post-consumer recycled paper -- is set inside a petroleum-free resin base for PaperStone countertops, from a Washington company. Teh usage of 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper products in the 'Certified' line lead these counters to become the only architectural solid surfaces to be certified by the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance to FSC standards.

PaperStone's selection of six fun colors, from a rich plum to an industrial-chic gunmetal, is guaranteed to jazz up any kitchen.

Want more counter intelligence? We tell you what you need to know about all different kinds of countertops:
Laminate
Wood
Soapstone
Concrete
Granite
Stainless Steel

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Window Maintenance

DIY Life Staff — 2011-08-23T13:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Living Rooms, Living Spaces

Windows feeling extra heavy? We swear they're not gaining weight. Replace those window sashes and they'll open and close smoothly.

Photo: Age Fotostock

Maintaining old windows takes time, but it's is worth the effort if you like historical features, prefer wood to the vinyl of most replacement windows or if you simply aren't ready to invest in new windows. Periodically, old windows will need new glazing compound, paint inside and out, and of course cleaning. But there's one repair that comes along so infrequently, you may not be familiar with it.

When an old double-hung window suddenly feels as though it weighs a ton, it's not because you skipped going to the gym for the past month. More likely, a sash cord has broken and you're no longer getting an assist from the weights and pulleys that are hidden behind the window jambs. To fix the problem, assemble the necessary tools and supplies and follow the steps listed below.

Tip: While the sash are removed and you have access to the weights, it's wise to replace all four sash cords so you won't have to face this problem again for many years.

Here's what you'll need for the project:
Tools
-Vacuum
-Screwdriver
-Pry bar
-Utility knife

Supplies
-Sash cord
-String
-Screw or nail

Joe Provey

Step 1: Remove the interior window stops. They are pieces of molding that help form the track in which the lower (inner) window sash slides. Removal involves taking out several screws and using a utility knife to break the layer of paint or varnish that may also be holding the stop in place. In some cases, a pry bar or putty knife may be helpful when removing the stops. Apply pressure carefully, however, so as not to damage the molding.

Joe Provey

Step 2: With the interior stops removed, pull the sash carefully from the window opening and disengage all sash cord, broken or otherwise.

Step 3: To remove the upper sash, pull out the parting stops or strips that separate the two sashes. They fit into a groove in the jamb and held in place by friction. With some windows, there are metal tracks, not parting strips, that you must remove.

Step 4: Make any necessary repairs to the sash while they are out, such as repairing badly cracked or missing glazing compound, repainting and cleaning.

Joe Provey

Step 5: Remove the access cover to the weight pocket. It is a wood panel that's usually held in place with a single screw.

Step 6: Then pull the weights from the pocket. Have a vacuum handy. After years of being enclosed in the wall, there will be some dust.

Step 7: Cut a piece of sash cord to the length of the old sash cords, plus about 6 inches. Use only sash cord; do not substitute clothesline or other rope products.

Step 8: Tie one end of the cord to a piece of string.

Joe Provey

Step 9: Tie the other end to a screw (or nail). It will serve as a weight.

Step 10: Then insert the screw into the opening above the pulley and lower the string. When the screw reaches the weight pocket opening, feed the tied-off end of the sash cord over the pulley and use the string to pull it down into the weight pocket.

Step 11: Remove the weighted string and tie the sash cord to the sash weight. Use a double half-hitch knot; it gets tighter as you pull on it and will prevent the weight from coming loose during operation.

Step 12: Put the weight back into the weight pocket.

Joe Provey

Step 13: Tie an overhand knot at the other end of the sash cord at the same point at which knots are tied for the other sash cords. Cut off excess cord about 1/4-in. from the knot. Replace other sash cords in the manner described above.

Step 14: Fit the knots into the groves and knot holes at the top of each sash edge. Then reinsert the sash into the window opening.

Step 15: Reinstall the parting strips and window stops.

Now that that's taken care of, tackle your other window woes:
Window Insulation Film
Weatherstripping Doors and Windows
The Daily Fix: Clean Mold From Window Tracks

By Joe Provey

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Notes from a Renovation: Bathroom Makeover

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-25T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Makeovers & Inspiration

This guest bathroom renovation took a weekend and totaled $1,000 (all fixtures included). Here's the scoop straight from the handy homeowner, Michael Phillipou.

Michael Phillipou

Overall, how much did the renovation come to?
We spent roughly $1k on the renovation. The expenses were: A new toilet, vanity, sink, faucet, mirror, towel bars, toilet paper holder and light fixture as well as the cost of paint, spackle, tile, grout and thinset. The "day laborers" were compensated in beer, a home cooked meal and MarioKart on the Wii (photographic proof included).

How to save on labor costs: Include XBox privileges. Photo: Michael Phillipou

So, what made you decide to undergo the renovation?
This was the last unrenovated space in our home. We adhere to the "one working bathroom rule" during all renovations, so we left this out of our original renovation scope. The home just didn't feel complete until the last bit of formica was banished. Also, my wife was pregnant with our daughter and this is the bathroom attached to the nursery, so we wanted to freshen it up at the same time we were painting and preparing the nursery.

How long did it take?
We knocked it out in a 3-day weekend. Day 1 was demolition and patching the wall where the old mirror was, then the light fixture and towel bars had to came down. Day two was sanding the patch areas and painting. Day 3 was install. Most of days 1 and 2 consisted of waiting around for paint/spackle to dry.

Michael Phillipou

Any lessons learned during the whole renovation process?
As you can see from the picture, when we removed the old vanity, we discovered that the contractor never tiled under the center of the vanity. We had already decided to keep the existing tiles and had a hard time finding an exact match. Turns out there was a tile border on the wall inside the linen closet and so we canabalized those tiles and used them to fill the gap then patched and painted the closet wall. So our lessons would be: Expect the unexpected and then think outside the box to solve the unexpected.

And also, using your wife's hair dryer to speed up spackle drying will kill the hair dryer, get you in the doghouse, and end up costing you more than just buying a heat gun in the first place.

We should mention that Michael is a renovation junkie (in case you haven't noticed) who refreshed his entire home. And, it's on the market if you're lucky enough to live in the New York metropolitan area. To see more pics, check out the apartment listing.

Feeling inspired to take on your own renovation? Check out...

Five Bathroom Renovations That Help Sell a Home
Notes from a Renovation: Bathroom Makeunder
Notes from a Renovation: Bungalow Kitchen/Dining Makeover
Notes from a Renovation: Build a Patio

And for a few pro tips on how to get the most value from your bathroom renovation, watch this...

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How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies: Testing 8 Odd Methods

Brie Dyas — 2011-07-18T16:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Essential Skills, Know-How

If you've ever accidentally let a bowl of fresh-picked fruit get a little too ripe, then you have one question on your mind: How do you get rid of fruit flies? ("Where are they coming from?" is a close second.) I tested 8 of the most common homemade methods for getting rid of the teeny pests. Here's what worked, and what didn't.

Michael Schmidt, flickr

Here's an equation that you never wanted to learn: Hot Temperatures + A Forgotten Apricot = Fruit Fly Bonanza. The apricot in question had worked its way underneath a loose flap at the bottom of the paper bag. Thinking it was empty, I stowed the paper bag (I like to keep them handy whenever I need paper for transferring clothing patterns) and went away for the weekend.

When I came back, my two cats were both in the kitchen, kind of looking twitchy. I had assumed that they finally went crazy from a weekend without treats, until I saw the cloud of fruit flies around their food dish.

Yep, we had fruit flies.

After cleaning the kitchen, dumping out the cat food and killing many generations of fruit flies with a few disgusting smacks, I decided to get even. Like the other two pest tests, I didn't want to use harsh bug sprays because of the cats. And since I'm gone for about 12 hours a day, the solution had to be one that would work without close supervision.

Enter: The trap method

The internet agrees that the best way to get rid of fruit flies is to start with a trap. Basically, you put some bait inside a tall glass, top it with a funnel and wait for the flies to meet their demise. Why a funnel? Because it creates a small entrance for the fruit flies, while still trapping them inside the glass. (Most fruit flies aren't smart enough to figure out that the entrance can also function as an exit.) Also, it will prevent curious pets from drinking the bait. For my tests, I used a pint glass and an old plastic funnel.

But what's the best bait to use? I found out the top choices (as with the other pest tests, I came upon these solutions with internet research and friend recommendations) and tried them out. Here's how they fared:

- Toothpaste. A friend of mine spent a week on vacation at a lakeside cabin. Unfortunately, the cabin had a fruit fly problem, particularly in the bathroom. She moved cabins within a day, but not before she noticed the flies gathering around the freshly-used toothbrushes. The assumption was that toothpaste attracted the fruit flies. So, I put about a tablespoon in the bottom of the glass. A day later, there were still zero fruit flies in the trap. Bottom line: Does not work.

- Apple Cider Vinegar. This type of vinegar always comes up whenever a discussion of fruit flies occurs. When I worked in a bakery, we used it in our traps (fruit flies are attracted to the fermentation produced when bread rises) but I didn't remember it being successful. So, a friend with a biology background mentioned heating the apple cider vinegar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will release more of the vinegar's fragrance, which fruit flies can't resist. I poured a 1/2 cup of the heated apple cider vinegar into the trap. A day later, there were dozens of fruit flies in the vinegar. Bottom line: It works, especially if you heat it beforehand.

- Wine. This was discovered accidentally. I had abandoned my wine glass at a party, when I came back, there were two fruit flies floating in it. Gross. But when used as a bait, it's exceptionally effective. Pour a 1/2 cup of wine (fresh or old) into the glass, then watch the flies flock to the stuff. Bottom line: It works wonderfully.

- Banana Liqueur. I was given a bottle of this terrible concoction as a gift. I used it exactly once. I figured that if wine worked, maybe a liqueur would, too. And it's sickly-sweet with a banana scent. Sounds like something a fruit fly would like, right? Wrong. Turns out fruit flies are just as grossed out as we are by banana liqueur. They avoided the trap entirely. Bottom line: Does not work. Throw the bottle out.

- Tequila. Another accidental discovery. A guest knocked over a bottle of tequila (why yes, it was a fabulous party) and in the few seconds before the spill was cleaned up, we noticed the fruit flies swarming to the boozy puddle. Inside the trap? It was fruit fly central. Bottom line: Works surprisingly well.

- Rotten fruit. I know, it's disgusting to even read that. But many have praised the power of well, giving the fruit flies what they want. I placed a few slices of overripe peaches into the trap and waited. The next day, there were a considerable amount of fruit flies in the trap, but not as many as in the apple cider vinegar, wine and tequila traps. I was also concerned that this wasn't so much a trap as a breeding ground. Bottom line: It works, but not effectively.

More Immediate Ways To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies

If you want to get rid of fruit flies now, you can do better than standing around smacking the air. Here are a few...creative...approaches to the job.

- Hair dryer. This is a bit gruesome. What you do is turn on your hair dryer so the nozzle faces away from the fruit flies. (So the flat end faces them.) The fruit flies get sucked into the dryer and then will roast to death from the heating mechanism. Does it work? Sort of. The effort to chase the fruit flies with a dryer outweighs the number of flies you actually get. Also, most hair dryers have several guards over the flat end anyway, reducing your overall fruit-fly-catching ability anyway. Also, you'll have dead fruit flies in your hair dryer. Bottom line: Bad idea and not worth the trouble.

- Incense. You either like the scent of incense, or you don't. I'm in the latter camp, with the rare exception of cedar-scented incense during the wintry months. But in the summer? No thanks. But, it's a recommended tip, so I'll try it anyway. The idea is to essentially smoke the flies out of the room. Their tiny fruit fly lungs can't handle the smoke, so they die. While I absolutely hated the scent, this actually worked pretty well. The counter looked like the Fruit Fly Civil War occurred, though, involving much disinfecting afterwards. Bottom line: Effective, but a nuisance if you dislike the smell of incense.

Want more tips for getting rid of fruit flies? Check out...
Testing: 10 Odd Ways To Get Rid of Flies
Testing: 8 Odd Ways to Get Rid of Ants
Mosquito Prevention: The 10 Most Bizarre Tips

And to see an alternative approach to getting rid of fruit flies, check out...

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Vintage Video Break: A Frost-Free Fridge

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-26T17:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath

In Vintage Video Break, we take a look at the sometimes-hilarious old reels, films or commercials now available to us thanks to the internet.

As you might have seen in last week's Vintage Video Break, filming commercials live could be a gamble. Actresses could forget their lines, cues could be missed and overall, the timing could be way off. But in this live commercial, the actress does a lovely job selling the benefits of the frost-free refrigerator...until she tries to open the fridge. Multiple times. Here's the clip, thanks to YouTube:

Missed out on a previous Vintage Video Break? Then check out...
Vintage Video Break: Flubbed 50's Paint Commercial
Vintage Video Break: The 30's Approach to Washing Dishes

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Fridge Door Won't Close? Check Out This Tip

Brie Dyas — 2011-06-11T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath

What did I do when I discovered that my fridge door wouldn't stay closed? I called upon my handy readers for help. I found a solution that worked and didn't cost me anything.

Flickr user emsef, who has my dream fridge

Last week, I discovered that my fridge door wouldn't stay closed. I cleaned everything out, wiped down the gaskets and still, the fridge door would pop right open. I'd come home to find condensation all over the interior shelves and a puddle of water on the floor. Not good.

Since I'm in a rental, replacing the refrigerator wasn't an option. And while I could've just replaced the gasket around the fridge door, I wasn't feeling up to the task if I didn't absolutely have to do it.

So, I took to twitter (find me @DIYLife). Many readers walked me through some troubleshooting, making sure that the fridge door hadn't shifted (@DoverProjects) or that the gasket didn't have a hole in it (@simplifybysara).

But ultimately the winning solution came from @RichardDavies, who suggested that I close the door and use a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the gasket, so it reattaches to the frame. I went the hair dryer route (I'm still afraid of my heat gun) and focused the heat on the gasket troublespot for about 20 minutes. Then, I left the closed door alone and went on some errands. When I came back two hours later, the fridge door was functioning normally again.

Want more tricks for keeping your refrigerator in good shape? Then check out...
How to Extend the Life of Your Refrigerator
The Daily Fix: Cleaning Dirty Refrigerator Coils
Clean Your Refrigerator in Under an Hour

And for an unusual tip for keeping your fridge door clean, check out...

How to Wax on Your Refrigerator

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How I Snaked a Drain and Got My Security Deposit Back

Brie Dyas — 2011-05-03T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

Faced with a monster sink clog, I learned to snake a drain and fight a disgusting clump to the death.

Brie's sink. Yuck! Photo: Brie Dyas.

If I fixed this, I'd get my security deposit back. That's really the only thought that would motivate me as my boyfriend Chris and I took apart the sink drain pipes in my ancient apartment, then peered into the hole where the mother of all clogs resided. Deal with whatever was in there and I would get 2,000 much-needed dollars back. And probably a tetanus shot from handling the decades-old pipes. But that's OK.

Just why we resorted to the DIY route instead of calling my landlord was another thing. Well, two things: My cats Cookie and Roscoe. Not recognizing that unmarried women are compulsory given a cat to care for upon signing their first solo lease, the building management was decidedly less than enthused at the idea of feline occupants. So whenever something happened, which was frequently in the 90-year-old house, I had little choice but to roll up my sleeves and do it myself. (Alright alright, usually with the help of Chris.) And now that the building was being sold, it was high time to fix all of the "little things" that would take a big chunk out of my security deposit had I continued to ignore them.

First came the slow bathtub drain, which had been an ongoing problem that I had pretended didn't exist. (If you take to showering on top of a naturally-waterproof teak step stool, it's easy to ignore the rising water line.) It took about two hours to fix, using a trusty hand-cranked augur that's freed countless hairballs that were mere moments away from evolving and gaining the ability to talk.

Brie Dyas

Almost immediately after I pulled up the terrible treasure from the underworld, Chris discovered that the bathroom sink wasn't draining. Working quickly, we tackled it with the surprisingly effective "As Seen on TV" Turbo Snake. Enjoying the post-repair high, I went to the kitchen for a celebratory cocktail. As I rinsed out a glass, I watched with horror as the sink quickly filled with water.

Yep, it was clogged.

We overconfidently tried the Turbo Snake, which did absolutely nothing. Then the auger, which was about as effective as wishing the clog away. Even less effective: Calling Chris unprintable names as he splashed the standing water all over me.

At this point, late into the evening, reeking of sink water and bad attitudes, we decided to take a chemical approach with a liquid drain opener. I can hear what you're saying, so I'll address it now. Is it bad for the environment? Yeah. Bad for the pipes? Uh-huh. Does it make the whole house smell like a newly-cleaned locker room? You bet. But when you're inventing new insults, it's time to try anything.

Over the course of the next day, we tried two different openers to no real avail. My heart sunk as it became more apparent that we'd have to open up the pipes ourselves. Releasing the trapped water and drain openers through the clean-out plug, we then braced ourselves as we exposed the drain stubout.

It wasn't the overflowing grossness we expected but rather a yawning hole, or maybe a gateway to Narnia. The flimsy beam of a flashlight couldn't brighten the abyss. We blindly cast the snake in, like Captain Ahab trying to capture the whale. Nothing.

That's when it occurred to me: Take a photo of the hole. Not to preserve the terrible ordeal for posterity, but because the super-bright flash will flood the space with light. And once uploaded, we could lighten the photo further to see what exactly was clogging the drain.

Sounds crazy and impossibly nerdy but it worked. This was what was living in the drain, a half-hidden mass of unidentifiable grossness that yielded to the Turbo Snake minutes after this photo was taken.

And yes, I did get my security deposit back.

Still have more things to unclog? Check out...
Unclog a Drain: Baking Soda Vs. Drano
The Daily Fix: How to Unclog a Toilet
Tips for Unclogging A Dirty Drain

Want to be 100% sure that you get your security deposit back? Read up...
Renters: Get Your Security Deposit Back
Six Ways to Make Sure You Get Back Your Security Deposit

And if you want to see exactly how it's done, watch this video.

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KBIS 2011: What's New, Who's There and What It Means For Your Kitchen

Amy Preiser — 2011-04-28T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Products & Materials

Today marks the last day of the 2011 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, where builders, designers and home enthusiasts take to Las Vegas to preview everything you'll want for your home in the next few months.

KBIS, for the uninitiated, is like Fashion Week for kitchens and bathrooms. Companies are presenting their new and best wares, looking to impress and inspire designers and design fiends alike. But while Fashion Week is all form, KBIS is heavy on the function. Every year, the companies introduce products that aim to make your life easier through Jetsons-style technology. Here's what's happening so far:

The Builder Buzz

At KBIS 2011... The winners are announced! The winners of the "Best-Of" awards, that is. 500 entries came in across 19 categories, ranging from the simple "Best Kitchen" to more specific ones like "Small Bathroom." That's one of the winners in the above photo -- Best Bathroom by Holly Rickert of Ulrich, Inc. in Ridgewood, NJ.

At KBIS 2011... The stars are out: Great kitchens deserve great chefs, right? The Food Network's "Cooking for Real" host Sunny Anderson and "Top Chef Masters" winner Rick Bayless are at the show, along with celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Yum! Also attending: Designer Jeff Lewis of "Interior Therapy With Jeff Lewis", "celebrity carpenter" (who knew that was a title?) Ed Sanders of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and the always charming Eric Stromer. Lastly (and perhaps, most surprisingly): Mariel Hemingway, who will present on keeping families healthy through the best local food and products.

At KBIS 2011... New product introductions, galore. There's the NanaWall Kitchen Transition, a custom window-door combo that has the ability to turn your kitchen into an indoor-outdoor paradise.

NanaWall

Also new, Dacor's new Distinctive Series, which focuses on affordable luxury in appliances. LG also has announced the new Studio Series a line of energy efficient appliances, from microwaves to dishwashers. And Arne, over at Useful Spaces, has been blown away by a SileStone sink made of a single piece of quartz and the new Hybrid line of outdoor grills from Kalamazoo. Grill with gas, charcoal or wood and have designated areas for fish, beef, chicken and pork. Genius! And just in time for good weather...

Want more? Keep checking in on KBIS's Twitter.
And if you want more kitchen trends, check out...
2011 Kitchen Trends - Shelterpop
5 Kitchen Trends We're Pretty Sure You'll Regret

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How to Disguise Glass-Front Kitchen Cabinets

Francesca Clarke — 2011-04-22T08:03:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects

If you, like our writer despise your glass-fronted kitchen cabinets but aren't ready to bring in new doors, here's a few ways to give them a new look.

We didn't agonize over cabinet choices. We loved the house, and I never gave the kitchen cupboards much thought - until I moved in that is. Photo: Getty

I'm just going to come right out and say it: My glass front kitchen cabinets are just plain stupid. Seriously. This isn't a china cabinet or a living room display case, this is a kitchen cabinet, and in my kitchen I need function.

I know that in theory, the glass makes a small kitchen feel larger. But the result in my home is the opposite: It looks crammed, messy and pretty much the opposite of spacious.

But maybe it's just me: I've seen glass front cabinets work in some homes. If you have an abundance of cupboard space, go ahead -- display a few pottery dishes, decorative plates or wine glasses. When we first moved in, I had my best dishes in the display cupboard. But as our need for functional space expanded, my growing collection of mix-matched dishes migrated into that glass front cupboard for everyone to see. Now, there's a teetering stack of bowls, cups of every size, tacky coffee mugs and various dinner plates in there. Does it sound attractive? It is not.

And say you're a better person than me and your matchy-matchy dishes are always display-ready. Even if you manage to keep the inside of your cupboard clean, the outside will still be plagued with finger prints and will serious dust. Hardly appealing.

For now, I'm stuck with my glass front cabinets. And if you're in the same boat, join me in trying out these makeover ideas to make them easier to live with.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Here are a few simple ways to convert the see-through front and achieve a bit more privacy:

Glass Cabinet Rescue #1: Apply a Stained Glass Applique
This solution couldn't be more simple. Stained glass appliques are available at most hardware stores and come in a huge variety of colors and patterns -- including a frosted glass look, if you're into that. Buy a standard size or trim it to fit, stick it on and you're done.

Glass Cabinet Rescue #2: Paint a Functional Finish
If you're feeling a little funky, try chalkboard or whiteboard paint and use your cupboard front as a message board. Just make sure to include a cute message in there every once in awhile along with the standard "Buy milk!"

Glass Cabinet Rescue #3: Cover it With Fabric or Wallpaper
This is an interesting choice because it lets you change your kitchen's look with the seasons (or your mood!). Simply tape the fabric or wallpaper to the inside of the glass cupboard door and play with new color and pattern themes.

Are you in a small space with glass cupboards doors? How do you manage?

And check out these other kitchen makeover ideas!
Family Kitchen Makeover: From "Ugliest" to Unbelievable
Painting Furniture: 3 Kitchen Tables Get a Makeover
Modern Kitchen Makeover

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Sorting Paper Before Recycling: Do I REALLY Have to Do This?

Nikki Pepper — 2011-04-21T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Storage & Organization, Essential Skills, Know-How

There are so many ways to go green for Earth Day. But that includes a lot of things that eco-skeptics can whine about. In our new series, we ask experts to weigh in on the most annoying, hotly debated eco-tasks. This week: Separating different papers before recycling.

Gary Chun's Album, Flickr

We'll admit -- at times, we're lazy enough to be bothered by separating glass from plastic from paper. So when it comes to taking it a step further band separating newspaper from wrapping paper from printer paper...it sounds hugely overwhelming. Do we need a filing cabinet just for recycling?

We turned to Michelle Drenckhahn from Spacial Adaption and asked: Do I REALLY have to do this?

Michelle Drenckhahn: It depends. I recommend checking with your local recycling pick-up company. Each city/county will have different rules depending on the facilities they own or access.

DIY Life: Are there any general rules for paper recycling?

MIchelle Drenckhahn: Well, my city, for example, uses a private service which only requires two bins, one for all papers and cardboards and one for all glass and plastics. They have high-tech machines that do the separating at their facility. They even send us a spreadsheet to remind us of how and what we can recycle.

DIY Life: What about in the office?

Michelle Drenckhahn: As a general rule, household paper trash is together. Offices, on the other hand, may require more strict rules due to the volume.

Thanks, Michelle! Looks like this is one step we may have the luxury of skipping.
Any other eco-chorse driving you crazy? We want to know! Share them on Facebook.

Want more "Do I REALLY Have to Do This?"? -- check out our feature on unplugging appliances!

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Carter Oosterhouse's Top 5 Manly Things You Need to Know

Colleen Oakley — 2011-04-08T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

There are some jobs around the house that you can get away with outsourcing. But these five should be all you.

No, changing a shower head isn't one of the things. But we love Carter Oosterhouse's confident attitude while doing it! Photo: Ketchum.

We don't mean to enforce stereotypes here: We believe that "manly things" can and should be tackled by both men and women. So read up, friends. If you already know how to do these, why not email this article to someone who could take the hint? (Or, check out ShelterPop for how to take your spouse from husband to handyman!)

For this, we checked with Carter Oosterhouse, the very manly carpenter from the HGTV series Carter Can.

Manly Thing #1: Know Where the Breaker Box is
Once you've located it, learn what to do when the power goes out, says Oosterhouse. Squealing is not the answer.

Manly Thing #2: Put a Ceiling Fan Where a Light Fixture Used to Be
"I think everybody -- guys and girls -- should know how to do that," he says. "When you get into electrical stuff, people think that it's tough, but it's really not." A ceiling fan can add value to your home and help save on your air conditioning costs in the summer.

Manly Thing #3: Install Crown Molding
"We always talk about how paint is and inexpensive way to transform a room and anybody can do it" he says. "I feel that way about crown molding too. It's not difficult to put up and it makes a room look 20 times bigger." Plus, a carpenter will charge you double the price you could do it for yourself.

Manly Thing #4: Use a Snake to Unclog a Drain
If you think this is referring to a live animal, you have a long way to go.

Manly Thing #5: Change a Sprinkler Head
"Sprinkler heads can get clogged up over the winter time or crack if the lawnmower goes over them," he says. "This is really simple to do, but shockingly not everyone knows how to do it."

For more great home repair and do-it-yourself tips, check out Carter's latest Green It Yourself webisodes.

And make sure to see...
Looking for Cheap Tools? A New Way to Get a Bargain
DIY Solar Projects You Can Do Today
Renewing Butcher Block Countertop

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Unusual Uses for Cork

Nikki Pepper — 2011-04-04T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Crafts, Unusual Uses, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Crafts & Celebrations

You know we're obsessed with finding out-of-the-ordinary ways to utilize everyday materials. Today: Cork!

Whether you polish off a bottle of wine a week, a month or a year, you'll still left with any number of corks that you have no idea what to do with. But who knew you could be saving those babies up for a bathmat, a wreath or any number of creative ideas we found?

craftynest.com

Cork Use #1: Bath Mat
We found this creative bath mat on Craftynest.com. It's composed of corks that were sliced lengthwise. Check out the step-by-step to construct one for your bathroom.

Design*Sponge

Cork Use #2: Lamp
Cork can be at your bedside with this unusual use. Design*Sponge posts the complete instructions for making a cork lamp. We love how you can just post your after-hours thoughts on your lamp, alongside inspirational photos.

Lovely Indeed!

Cork Use #3: Trivets
Keep this DIY in mind for when you need a housewarming gift! The blog Lovely Indeed! posts the easy how-to for this trivet. We like this idea as cork coasters too!

Elaine with Grey Cats, Flickr

Cork Use #4: Stamps
Carve shapes and symbols on the flat end of a cork for homemade stampers!

And even more uses for corks....

-Pin Cushion: You'll never have to search for your pin cushion when you can just grab a cork and use one to secure pins and needles while sewing.

-Furniture Covering: ReadyMade posted a DIY filing cabinet makeover. Instead of living with the vile green, the reader used piece of cork to cover the cabinet. Genius!

-Wreaths: We've seen a number of wreaths constructed of corks. And don't forget that you can dye the corks colors for holiday decor!

-Place Card Holder: If you score the cork -- creating a narrow slit -- you can rest a place card in the cork. This is a cute way to decorate a dinner party...especially one with plenty of wine on hand!

We have more unusual uses too! Check out uses for phone books and egg cartons!

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3 Creative Ways to Store Knives

Nikki Pepper — 2011-03-31T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: organization and storage, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Storage & Organization, Know-How

With these three ideas, you can store knives efficiently and creatively. (And we promise, your knife block will look nothing like your neighbors'.)

Knife blocks generally fall into two categories: Super high-design/super expensive and super basic/regular price. Instead of scouting out the few pieces out there that are attractive and affordable, we've got three of the best DIYs out there.

Shelterrific

Think popcorn is just for the movies? No way. You can bring kernals to the kitchen in a calorie-free way: Just choose any ceramic vase you wish, then just fill with popcorn! (Un-popped, of course.) We love how you can customize this idea to fit as many knives as you need -- and yes, that the kernals work in separating the knives and keeping them sharp. Check out Shelterrific for the details.

DIYLife

Another creative way to store knives? Why not build a wooden box and fill it with skewers! (And you thought they were just for shish kabobs!) Get the step-by-step to make this knife block in your home.

2Modern Blog

No room on your counter? No problem! Check out this magnetic block that mounts on the wall. We came across the idea on the 2Modern blog. Learn how to make this happen in your kitchen by following the instructions listed there.

Want more DIY ideas? Check out:
Make a Jewelry Holder
Uses for Old Phone Books

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13 Things You Can Clean With a Toothbrush

Kristine Hansen — 2011-03-29T08:10:00+00:00

Filed under: in the kitchen, organization and storage, cleaning, Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Living Spaces

One of the cheapest cleaning tools is also one of the most versatile. Do you know all the things your toothbrush is capable of?

Mary Findley ("Mary Moppins" of GoClean.com) has been a career housekeeper for at least a dozen years. She's also the co-author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cleaning" (2005) and wrote a follow-up four years later ("The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning"). It's the move-outs for private residences that allow her to do the best work -- and remove every single speck of dirt. About every four to five months at each of her client's homes she arms herself with a toothbrush and does a deep clean.

Photo: Getty Images

Here's are some areas of your home -- make that, 13 -- where a toothbrush will come in handy. In most cases, your favorite cleaning products or simply warm, soapy water over the toothbrush bristles will be enough to do the job.

1. Edges of the kitchen and bathroom sinks
"It's those little crevices where dirt goes. Toothbrushes work a lot better than toothpicks, which break off all the time and then get stuck," says Findley.

2. Sink drain
To clean out the drain in your bathroom or kitchen sink, simply pour vinegar (which Findley likes as it's less toxic than most other options) down the drain. Next, take your toothbrush and scrub, scrub, scrub until you don't see any more grime lining the drain.

Photo: Jolie Novak, AOL

3. Stove and dishwasher knobs
If you've ever tried to take a sponge and swipe it over the knobs on your kitchen appliances, then you know this just does not work. The goal is to remove all of the dirt, not just some of it. That's where a toothbrush is your friend. It allows you to get under and behind those pesky little knobs, which is actually where dirt builds up, yes?

Photo: Jolie Novak, AOL

4. Faucet base
Mold and mildew can easily collect on the base of a faucet, says Findley. Gently brush the wet bristles of a toothbrush over the base and more will come off than you could have removed using a rag or a sponge.

5. Linoleum flooring
Put a blob of toothpaste onto a moist toothbrush and get down on all fours to get stubborn stains out, especially marks made from boots or high heels. "That's the only way I get heel marks off my client's floor," says Findley. Note: Do not try this with hardwood or ceramic-tile flooring, however. The toothpaste could stain and the scrubbing leave nasty-looking marks on the floor.

6. Lampshade
Getting dust off a lampshade might require just a swipe with a microfiber cloth, but what about keeping the color pristine? Grab a children's soft toothbrush and gently rub it against the lampshade. "They are wonderful for cleaning the pleats in a pleated lampshade," says Findley.

7. Framed pictures or art
Take a small piece of gauze and cover the bristles, says Findley. "That does a good job of cleaning the corners of framed pictures." If you don't cover the bristles you run the risk of scratching -- and forever damaging -- a beautiful frame.

8. Toilet-seat hinges
Another tight space that a toothbrush has no problem fitting into.

9. Wall sockets for light switches
You're probably already thoroughly cleaning the socket, but what about the little "off" and "on" areas? The bristles on a toothbrush can get the dirt out of those little letters, no problem.

10. Sliding glass doors
You know the runners on a shower area's sliding glass doors? They get pretty grimy and they're a pain to clean. Findley suggests that next time you tackle this task with a toothbrush. "Runners get moldy pretty quickly. A toothbrush gets in the corners," she says. "Man, a toothbrush just zips that stuff out of there."

11. Window frames
Just like the sliding glass doors, the insides of window frames are prime real estate for collecting mold. Take a toothbrush over the cracks and crevices to do a better cleaning job.

12. Microwave or stove vents
Findley takes a rag (she' s really good at chopping up her husband's old T-shirts into 5" by 5" pieces) and gets it slightly wet with a cleaner before throwing it over a toothbrush. This is perfect for cleaning out microwave or stove vents. "You can't spray a cleaner back there because it will burn out the fan," she says.

13. Refrigerator vents and coils
Ideally these should be cleaned twice a year. "With the slats in those vents, it's real hard to get a cloth down there," says Findley.

Read about more surprising ways to clean:
Weekly Cleaning Tips Put to the Test
Mint Robot Cleaner: We Tried It, You Win It

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How to Flush Your Water System

Charles & Hudson — 2011-03-28T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

One spring cleaning task you may not have thought of yet: Cleaning the water. Here's how to flush out your water systems throughout your home.

Check out this story from our friends at Charles & Hudson:

Now that spring is officially here, spring cleaning is definitely in order. You're probably tackling floors, countertops, bedding and other commonly cleaned areas and items, but what about your home's water system?

Get that faucet running. Photo: Getty.

It's a good idea to flush out your water system once or twice a year to ensure any untreated water that may have built up in your pipes or faucets is removed, preventing possible contamination. An annual flushing may also prolong the life of your pipes and faucets. We've compiled some tips for different parts of your water system:

Hot water faucets: Turn on all hot water faucets and allow to run for 15 minutes, unless your hot water tank is larger than 80 gallons--then run for 30 minutes.

Cold water faucets: Turn on the tap and run the water until it feels cold; keep running for at least a minute or two.

Dishwasher: After you've flushed your hot water faucets, run one cycle with an empty dishwasher. (Bonus: Your dishwasher will be cleaner, too!)

Refrigerators: Flush your refrigerator's water dispenser with at least one quart of clean water.

These flushing tips are especially helpful if your area has recently been under a boil order. If you're trying to troubleshoot a noisy faucet, a more thorough faucet line flushing may be in order. And for that, you may want to consult your faucet manufacturer, whether at a retail location or via the Internet. Different faucets will require different flushing procedures, as well as a varying supply list.

What else is on your spring cleaning list?

Now -- check out these other great pieces from Charles & Hudson:
Best Way To Build Custom Window Screens
How To Get Rid Of Ground Moles

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How I Lost Money Painting My House

Diane Petty BA, LLB — 2011-03-25T13:19:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Living Rooms, Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces

Our writer tried to be thrifty and ended up losing $1,000. Here's how to avoid the same fate.

I once had the brilliant idea that I could paint the interior of our rental condo myself. We were between tenants and the walls needed some freshening up before we could rent it again. The place was only 1500 square feet. How hard could it be?

Photo: Alamy

My husband assured me it would be better to hire a painting company to do the job. They have the proper tools and sprayers and ladders. They have experienced painters. They have insurance.

I would have no part of it. I was raised to be self-sufficient and frugal. Why should I pay someone to do something I could do myself?

My husband shook his head at me with a knowing look in his eyes and drove me to the paint store. We bought gallons of white paint, brushes, rollers, pans, tape, drop cloths, rags, spackle and paint remover. Fortunately we already had a ladder.

We started our painting project early one Saturday morning. A small bedroom would be our first room, just to get a feel for what we were doing. We removed all of the window blinds, light switches and outlet covers. We dusted the window sills and door frames. We vacuumed the rug. We took a sponge with soapy water and scrubbed the baseboards and window tracks. We filled in all the picture-hook holes with spackle and waited for them to dry. Finally we were ready to paint!

Well, not exactly. I forgot we still had to tape around the door handles, the door frames, the baseboards and the closet doors. Oops, we needed to remove that closet system too. Taping takes a long time. Just when you think you are making progress, you realize the tape is slightly crooked and you have to start over from scratch.

When we finally started to roll the paint onto the walls, we moved quite quickly. The result looked great and I was proud we had done it ourselves. And it only took four hours. Then, my husband reminded me that we still had to do a second coat. And, we had only painted one small room. And the ceilings in the living room were 25 feet tall. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea?

As we had full-time jobs, we were only able to paint on weekends. It took us three weekends to complete the project. We gave up on the living room ceilings and decided to leave them alone. They were simply too high to reach.

The overall result was pretty good. The condo looked fresh and clean; it rented quickly. Then my wonderful husband gave me that knowing look and told me we had just lost about $1,000 by doing the job ourselves. How could that be?

Apparently a professional painter with sprayers and a couple of helpers could have completed the job in two days at a cost of $1,450. Since it took us three weeks to complete the paint job, those were three weeks we could not collect rent on an empty condo. At $3,200 per month in rent, we lost $2,400 during those three vacant weeks. Add in the $50 we spent on supplies that a professional already has and we were out $1000. $2,400 (lost rent) + $100 (supplies) - $1,500 (hire painters) = $1,000. And this equation assumes our time is worth nothing.

Live and learn. Now we only hire professional painters.

Still have painting on the brain? Check out...
How to Dispose of Leftover Paint
Painting Tips: From Choosing a Color to Tackling the Ceiling

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Marriage Advice for Remodelers

Mark Clement — 2011-03-25T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

You know overhauling your home can take a toll on your wallet and your patience. But it also can affect your marriage, if you let it. Our writer explains how to avoid the traps.

The writer and his wife, hard at work. Photo: Charles & Hudson.

Home improvements -- even small repairs -- can provide us with a sense of achievement, pride, and the beauty or peace of a job well done.

That's the upside. Yes, there's seperate marriage advice for those going through a remodel. Here's how your marriage can survive the overhaul.

But they can also become high-pressure stress machines, especially for spouses working together.

And the higher the stakes (think full kitchen renovation versus a wallpaper border) the higher the fallout when things go wrong. Note: Things always go wrong.

Budgets get blown, timelines tank and communication is chaotic. Sometimes problems escalate into "I'm sleeping on couch" disagreements. That's why Mike Holmes of Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection calls the marital fallout from projects "Divorce Dust."

For example: When Ken and Melly from Tyngsboro, MA decided to re-do their bathroom, both were excited. The idea was to start by taking apart the linen closet.

Ken, who's handy, got to work on his day off while Melly headed to the office, both unaware of the problem they'd just created.

Melly figured that Ken should remove the shelves and trim. Ken (knowing the bathroom was a full gut) thought they had agreed on deleting every shred of the closet en route to the demolition eventually required. Once he got into it, he realized two things: Once you take the skin off the walls, all the bones are connected. Also, that there was no clean stopping point. And that's how the entire linen closet wound up in trash bags in the driveway.

Imagine Melly's surprise when she got home.

Though trying, projects can also be an opportunity to learn more about each other and explore new ways to get along. My wife Theresa and I have found ways within our own marriage -- and the complete remodel of hundred year old house -- to short circuit these challenges. Call it the guide to avoiding divorce dust, call it marriage advice for remodelers -- either way, I hope it helps.

The Clement family, suited up for work. Photo: MyFixitUpLife

1. Slow Down, Look, Listen
Both of you will approach your projects from different perspectives. Call it Mars-Venus, different life experiences, whatever. The point is slow down --both of you-- and listen to one another. And make lots of eye contact when talking. Even when you don't want to.

2. Manage Expectations
Things go wrong in projects. It's not always someone's fault either. A house is a complicated system and having respect for that going in will serve you as you roadblocks arise.

3. Plan First
Many people suffering from home improvement headaches are in trouble because they got ahead of themselves. They tear down the deck without a detailed plan for the new one. Write an outline of the steps involved. How long you think they'll take and when you'll do them. Make materials lists. (Builders call this a "critical path.") Also plan to be wrong and to improvise.

And for jobs that require them, pull permits. This is so worth it, for a zillion reasons.

4. Budget
Money is a hot-button issue and lots of couples find themselves starting angry sentences with "But you said it would cost...."

What happened is that a realistic budget wasn't written (you didn't include the $800 in tools you'd need along with the materials) or there was an unknown (rotten roof decking under the garage shingles, for example). Or both.

Or, you over-estimated your abilities thinking you could frame a wall/run wire to code. Once you realized it was harder in real life than on TV, the walls started closing in (figuratively, I hope) and you needed to hire a professional.

All this boils down to this: Make a realistic budget. Include everything you can think of, then add 10%. Then, make sure you have some cash reserves beyond that because you'll probably use that 10%. Finally, try really hard to stay on budget.

5. Establish Leadership "Islands"
Theresa and I learned that working in parallel is only effective to a point. She's better at some things, I'm better at others. We call those things our "islands" and we're captains of them. For example, if she designs something, I work out if it can be built within the constraints we have (time, budget, etc.) It's not that we don't visit each other's islands sometimes, but due deference is paid when we're visiting.

6. Get Ready for Dust, Dirt and Inconvenience
The bigger the project, the worse it'll be. Different people have different tolerances for this. Everything from doing dishes in the bathtub to piles of tools in the corner on Christmas Day to dust in a room not being worked on. It gets to you eventually. Our favorite solution to this is to put hiring a maid into the budget. Which brings us to...

7. Schedule Changes
I can't tell you how many DIYers we've seen -- both on TV and in real life -- who don't alter their daily activities to meet the demands of their project. Seriously, their houses are blown apart, they're hemorrhaging money, both parties are furious, and still they take the dog out for a leisurely stroll, start working at 10:30 in the morning, chat with neighbors, or otherwise seem completely unaware that they're burning time. And they wonder why they can't finish?

If there's one bit of advice to take above all others, it's this: You need long swaths of uninterrupted time working to get hands-on projects done. You can't hang crown molding and talk on the phone. Follow this rule and others will fall more easily into place.

Ed Sanders of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition can attest. This woodworker is building the interior doors for his home where he lives with wife and four children. He's milling hardwood using a machine called a shaper, cutting the rails, styles and raised panels. And only after all that can he hang them in the opening. When we talked with him last year, he had the first doors done and was excited to finish. Then he got busy. A year later when we asked how the project turned out he, well, answered: "Oh...yeah...those doors..."

He graciously and hysterically told the whole story about what it's like living without interior doors ("It's amazing what you can do with sheets!"). And his tale is emblematic of what home improvement is and what it really means.

See, once you start, you've begun a journey. One way or the other, whether you come to the end of it or not, you're on it. And the best way to enjoy it -- and improve your home and feel that pride and peace -- is to get along with each other. Let carpentry problems stay carpentry problems; money problems stay money problems (at least try your best to). Journeying the home improvement path together might change some things, but it doesn't change who you are.

So trust each other -- a lot. Give each other reasons to deserve the trust. And work together. It's what marriage -- and home improvement -- is all about.

Still have remodeling issues on the brain? Read about another marriage-meets-DIY situation in New Wife, New Kitchen.

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Renewing Butcher Block Countertop

Mrs. FIXIT — 2011-03-25T08:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

One more thing to love about butcher block countertops? No matter what shape they're in, it's easy to make them look brand new. Here's how.

A butcher block countertop is a hard-working, hard-wearing, long lasting classic choice for your kitchen. The natural wood is treated simply with oil to lock in moisture and to protect the wood. Damage to these counter surfaces can be sanded or scraped away and the surface can be re-oiled to get back to its original beauty.

Photo: David Young-Wolff, Alamy

Over time, the oils in these counters can sometimes build up. But don't worry -- there's a way to bring them back to glory!

Step 1: If the surface seems sticky and oily, run a wide plastic putty knife over the surface to remove as much of the residue as you can.

Step 2: Mask of the remainder of the kitchen with plastic sheeting and pull on a sanding mask and goggles.

Step 3: Use a palm sander and a sixty-grit sandpaper to remove all of the surface scratches and damage. Work slowly and only in the direction of the grain. Going across the grain can cause more damage than good. Also, remember to keep the sander moving so you keep the surface nice and even. (Make sure you change the paper as soon as it gets gummed up with mineral oil.)

Step 4: When the surface is smooth, change to a hundred-grit paper and sand the whole surface again. Then work down to a hundred and fifty grit paper and finish up with a superfine two hundred grit paper for a smooth finish. Remember to clean the surface between each grit.

Step 5: Once all of the sanding is finished and all of the dust has been cleared, treat the surface with plain mineral oil and a soft cloth, which you can pick up at any drugstore, rubbing it well into the surface. Then let the oil soak in completely before you start using your counter again.

A beautiful counter brought back to life in a few easy steps. I'm Mrs. FIXIT and it's just that simple!

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