Older homes have a lot to recommend them, from their architectural charm to their established landscaping and the welcoming neighborhoods in which they are often found. But old houses can be a lot of work, too. Anyone who owns one can tell you that.

Spring is an ideal time to take stock of things and plan for projects that can be spaced out over the coming months of warm weather. Once you’ve done the annual spring cleaning blitz – inside and out – you’re in a good position to step back and get a fresh perspective on which, of the many potential projects you see, are the ones you want to tackle this year. Here are a few that might be jumping out and shouting, “Do me first! Do me now!”

Inspect Your Deck

Photo credit: Kim Van Wert General Contractor

How has your old deck fared after the long, hard winter? Now’s the time to see if your deck or porch has any rotten planks or steps or railings that need replacing. If you’ve dreamed of tearing down that old deck or porch and adding a new one, this is the perfect time to start moving that dream into reality. With an early enough start, you’ll be able to finish the project in time to enjoy the results for most of the summer and then into the fall. As with roofing contractors, the earlier in the season you can coordinate meetings, estimates, and schedules with your decking contractor of choice, the better off you’ll be.

Treat Yourself to New Screens

There comes a point when simply scrubbing down the old screens is no longer an option. After years of use, they can eventually get so old and beat up by wind and weather that replacing them becomes the obvious option. For windows, it’s likely that you can find standard-sized screen replacements. Think about treating yourself – and your house – to new screen doors, though. There are wonderful ones available that can give your home a whole fresh look and enhance air circulation during the summer months. If you live in an urban area, you’ll want to consider installing safety doors instead of screen doors. And while you’re at it, you may see the wisdom of adding safety bars on the outside of windows that give easy access to your home.

Patch that Old Roof

Photo credit: Element Construction

Did you notice any leaks over the winter months of rain and snow? Or maybe you just know that your roof is so old that it just needs to be replaced. Whether you’ve got patching and repairing in mind or a whole new roof to be applied once the old roofing is removed, now’s the time to get planning. Since you’ll probably be hiring these jobs out, you’ll want to arrange for meetings with roofing contractors and gathering several free estimates for the work. Scheduling these jobs well in advance of the season’s crush will be a boon to both you and the contractor you choose to do the job. (more…)

Please bookmark and share

Walls take some serious abuse. We tend to take for granted how solid they look, when often they are in reality just drywall and paint. Anything from the head of a nail to a child’s dirty hands can do damage to your walls. Taking the time to understand and look out for the many types of wall damage can make a big difference in life (especially for all you renters out there).

1. Nail Holes.

   By the time you’ve hung and rehung all your art, posters, and pictures, the wall starts to look like it has freckles. Oftentimes, just a dab of paintable caulk and a little paint will suffice.

2. Dents from the doorknob.

   A common danger for walls. Dents may be fixed with spackling or putty, sandpaper, and paint. Holes may require more drastic action.

3. Rodentia.

   Mice have been known (personally) to chew through drywall in order to gain access to abundant food supplies within those walls. First catch the little bugger if you can. Then try to find out how he got in and patch the hole in your drywall and the way in.

4. Fingerprints.

   A notorious crime for kids, but don’t be too hard on them, some mild soap and a little scrubbing should do the trick.

5. Smoking.

   Yes smoking. It’s unpopular nowadays but for all you who still enjoy a smoke at home, pull down a picture frame or two and look at the difference. Smoke of any kind can be very damaging to walls. It looks like repainting (and a walk to the patio) may be in your future.

6. Water damage.

   Water is a powerful force, from the smallest drops to the biggest waves. Water inside your walls or ceiling can wreak havoc on your house. Water damage often requires a professional touch and at least the removal and repair of damaged sheetrock or the materials underneath.

7. Wallpaper.

   Removing wall paper can leave some nasty residue behind. To avoid as much hassle as possible follow these easy instructions.

8. A Settling House.

   The house shifting or settling can cause cracks in drywall. Sometimes it’s as simple as a bit of plaster and drywall tape, other times it’s not. (more…)

Please bookmark and share

A lot of the beauty of remodeling and home decor is in illusion. It’s getting a new look with an old material or an old feel with a new paint. The art of vintage or rustic building and design was probably invented around the same time as the words themselves, and still we haven’t grown tired of the luster and longevity of vintage products.

Yet rustic materials, most notably metal, copper, and wood, are not the same as they once were and therefore require a little additional care when being handled. Here are some tips for handling three of our favorite rustic friends.

Rustic Metal

Rustic metal has a list of uses a phone book in thickness, from junk art to roofing. If you have a creative streak and are handy with metals (welding, etc.), your options are nearly infinite. Why rustic? There are a lot of situations that rustic metal fits: fireplace utensils, cabin or cottage decor, kitchen decor, and more.

When working with rustic metal, however, it is important to remember that you are working with rust. Rust, being the result of oxidation of the metal, can be a rather messy subject and wearing gloves and protective eyewear is always recommended.

Patinated Copper

When water and oxidation get to work, steel gets rusty and copper gets patinated. In fact, it is the lustrous green patina of aged copper that lends it much of its appeal. You can even purchase pre-patinated copper roofing and sheet metal these days. While installation of the natural and patinated copper is the same, there is one big difference between handling fresh and patinated copper: dust.

Patina dust can cause rust in iron and steel so tools and equipment must be protected. Any tools used during a day of working with patinated copper should be lightly oiled and wiped down before being stowed for the night. Also, patina dust is not so good for humans either, and gloves and respirators should be worn by anyone working with the material.

When bending or cutting patinated copper, the patina is liable to crack or blemish slightly. Have no fear as the natural elements themselves will mend the break. (more…)

Please bookmark and share