The Property Brothers' Top 15 Home Remodeling Tips

Find out what you missed from the Capital Remodel + Garden Show

by Michelle Goldchain

 

Photo via Shutterstock/Naphat_Jorjee

This past Saturday, the Capital Remodel + Garden Show hosted over 375 companies, more than 4,000 square feet of "dream gardens," and two frontrunners that stole the show, Jonathan and Drew Scott. These real estate and home renovation celebrities, known for their HGTV show, Property Brothers, spoke on everything from when to be bold to where to find home remodeling inspiration.
For those who missed the show or wish to relive it, Curbed listed the top 15 tips and tricks these two brothers discussed below:

1. The home is the largest investment you'll ever make, so surround yourself with people who will help you succeed. Get someone who understands how you work as well.
2. Dream big. For one moment, forget everything about price. After listing everything you truly desire for your abode, narrow it down to the must-haves. These must-haves should be things that will make your life easier and will up the property value.
3. Get a couple of contractors to come through and quote everything. Do your research. Plan ahead. Take your time. Otherwise, you'll likely blow your budget.
4. Do not be afraid to be bold, but you need to think of resale value. Don't do any renovations that may be too specific to your needs or may go out of style soon.
5. You don't need to get rid of everything during a renovation. Repurpose when you can.
6. Do not be in a rush to buy whatever is trendy at the moment. If you want to buy something, know the pros and cons to that product.



Photo courtesy of Dennys Ilic

7. Breaking down a wall or two to make more space can be unnecessary. Sometimes, just changing furniture layout is enough.
8. Do not look at houses until you know what you can afford.
9. When you make your budget, do not base that budget off of your current income situation. For example, are you planning a baby? Expect some changes to that budget.
10. Once you make your budget, stick to it.
11. Do not do renovations on credit cards.
12. When selling your home, take the emotion out of it. Take a step back and look at your home from the eyes of a homebuyer. You need to resolve any issues as you only have one chance at a first impression.
13. Look for inspiration online.
14. Value your time. It can be worth paying someone to do a job if they will do it quicker than you and with less stress.
15. Be careful when you look to the Property Brothers for home remodeling advice. You will never be able to renovate at the same cost as them. Why? They don't charge for their time.

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6 DIY Projects You Should Never Do Yourself

By
Rosie Amodio

sturti/iStock

Whether you’re addicted to watching HGTV or “This Old House,” home improvement shows always make everything look so easy. But before you pick up the drill and sledgehammer, please pause for this public service announcement. “Those TV shows don’t show about 90% of what happens to complete a project,” says Arthur Sadura, owner of T&A Carpentry and Home Renovations.

As contractors know all too well, home improvement shows are more about people than projects; in their pursuit of drama and a compelling narrative, they bypass a whole lot of details about how repairs and renovations actually get done.

So for inspiration, TV or YouTube is a fine start. But beyond that, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Certain jobs are too dangerous, others too complicated, and some too pricey as the equipment will cost as much as hiring a contractor.

“If you don’t know/own 90% of the tools and accessories you need for a project, then pro it,” recommends MyFixItUPLife‘s Mark Clement.

To help you avoid a ton of headaches or worse, here are six DIY projects to avoid like a misfiring nail gun.

Molding

How many inspiring episodes have you seen where a quick addition of crown molding classes up a room? But heed a word of caution here: “No walls in a house are perfectly straight, not even in new houses,” says Sadura. And no amount of caulk will smooth over these imperfections, either. In fact, Sadura says experts who do molding use various techniques such as scribing, which is painstakingly shaping your material with tools so it fits flush, to ensure your moldings are aligned and stay that way. All in all, it’s not for the amateur DIYer. 

Floor refinishing

Renting equipment to refinish your hardwood floors sounds reasonable enough at first glance—after all, you’re just sanding off the top layer of wood. How hard can it be? Yet Sadura, a carpenter by trade, won’t even sand his own floors. Why? Because sanding machines require what he calls, “the right touch” by someone who does this day in and day out.

“No matter how many times you watch the video, you won’t get the feel for the machine unless you do it a bunch.” Sanding one spot a few seconds too long could result in drum marks on the floor that will be extremely difficult to cover up. And you thought you were saving money…

Electrical work

My spouse is actually quite handy. After watching electricians install dimmer switches in our old apartment, he was able to do it in subsequent homes—but it turns out he was lucky he didn’t blow up the place or electrocute himself. Sadura urges homeowners to steer clear of all electric except changing a light bulb.

“You shouldn’t fool around with electric,” says Sadura. If you do want to DIY a dimmer switch, “YouTube is a good source of electrical tutorials,” he admits. “But a good rule of thumb is if your wires look different from what you are watching, abandon the project to avoid having to guess.”

With more than 400 deaths per year resulting from faulty electricity, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation, this isn’t worth the risk.

Tiling

This one is not an absolute don’t, but a great-looking tile job does require a lot more planning than just slapping squares on the floor or wall, then admiring your work. Even if you lay out the tile, measure and measure again, you will need to cut edges and around things such as faucets—and prepare to scale a steep learning curve cutting tile. Glass mosaic tiles are among the toughest to cut. You’re probably thinking, I’ll get big tiles so there are fewer to install. Not so fast: Large format tiles are even harder to cut than tiny glass mosaic ones, according to Sadura, and there’s lots of waste. Which is why it pays to save yourself the trouble and hire a professional already.

Roofing

Both Clement and Sadura agree: Steer clear of the roof. Did you get that?

“It’s not that roofing is too hard,” explains Clement. “Often it’s just a matter of scale.” And something else: danger. In fact, Sadura goes further, recommending that regular folk avoid any exterior projects that involve scaffolding “for obvious reasons.”

According to the National Safety Council, more than 6,000 Americans die each year from falls, mostly from roofs or ladders while cleaning gutters or fixing roofing. 

‘Permit needed’ work

If you don’t really understand how to get the permit—or if or why you need one in the first place—avoid the project. You need to fully understand what’s entailed in a DIY that requires getting a permit in the first place. Many DIYers skip permits altogether, but they risk being shut down if spotted by an inspector or if a neighbor seeking revenge narcs on them.

To order your copy of Remodeling Hell, CLICK HERE

For more information about Remodeling Hell, CLICK HERE

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Jennie Garth's Four Easy Tips to Decorate Your Home

Jennie Garth attends Watch What Happens Live, June 28, 2014. 

Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

 

Actress Jennie Garth is best known for having starred in the iconic “Beverly Hills, 902010,” but now she’s taking on home improvement. 

In “The Jennie Garth Project,” a series on HGTV, viewers follow along as the 42-year-old actress purchases a dated Hollywood Hills home and renovates it for herself and her three children.

 Garth appeared on “Good Morning America” on Thursday to share the knowledge she’s gained while remodeling her home. 

Here are some of her suggestions for sprucing up a home: 

Jennie’s Tips

1. Barn Doors. Interior barn doors add privacy without taking up floor space. They’re easy to install and can be done in just one weekend. You can use recycled or new doors to suit your budget, and you can choose traditional, rustic or contemporary hardware finishes to complement your style. You can chose either a single door that slides from one side to the other; a bi-parting door, consisting of two doors that meet in the middle; or a bypassing door, in which two doors are mounted inside a frame and slide one behind the other. 

2. DIY Medicine Cabinet. Medicine cabinets are a great way to solve storage situations in the bathroom, and they are easily installed, simple do-it-yourself projects. Choose a medicine cabinet that stands out in the same way that a piece of art does – especially if you consider adding a fun graphic pattern to the cabinet. Adding wallpaper inside a medicine cabinet also adds character and style. Check flea markets and garage sales for old medicine cabinets and spruce them up, then install them to enhance your space with vintage charm. You can also buy new medicine cabinets at a local home improvement or bath and bed specialty stores. 

3. Tile, tile, tile. Adding a glass tile backsplash to your bathroom is easier than you think, and it provides a way to bring contemporary class to any bathroom remodeling project. Consider using a laser level to save time on large tile projects, and, to personalize your project, add a tile border to complete the look. You can also revamp your existing tiles with tile paint and a grout pen. 

4. Custom Artwork. Create meaningful artwork that reflects your personality and life, and make sure to get your family involved so they can put their stamp on the space as well. Creating your own artwork is much cheaper than purchasing works from a gallery. Another idea is to get out some of your children’s old artwork, copy and enlarge it, and then frame it or decoupage it onto a canvas and display it in your home. 

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The 10 Best Renovation Websites

 Hi Everyone!  Thank you for reading my blog!  Did you know that I'm the author of not just one, but thirteen books?  For more information, please visit www.charlesirion.com, www.irionbooks.com and/or www.summitmurdermystery.com 

 

The 10 Best Renovation Websites For Living Out Your Dream Home Fantasies

Any HGTV viewer knows that renovating is far easier said than done. That doesn't stop any of us from mentally making a few changes to our homes -- whether we own them or not -- even though we don't intend to hire a contractor anytime soon. Or, perhaps a renovation is actually within reach, but you're not pleased with the generic inspiration found at your local home superstore. No matter which camp you're in, you're bound to love these 10 websites that are for anyone who has ever looked at a wall...and thought about moving it.
Retro Renovation 


Best for: Anyone who doesn't think of a 1960s living room as a bad thing. Whether you're looking for resources for restoring your old home, adding retro flair to a newer place or just looking for the best midcentury inspired sofa, this is your heaven. I visit it daily.
Porch.com



Best for: Actually committing to the whole renovation thing. Here, you can easily find professionals in your area and look over their best work.
Houzz.com

Best for: Getting inspired to make changes big (overhauled kitchen) to small (paint color ideas) -- and seeing how hundreds of other people have done those very things.
Remodelista
Best for: Plotting your new, high-end dream home. Though the site has broadened its mission away from simply providing remodeling ideas (who would of thought?), you can still find great images waiting to be added to your "Dream Life" pinboard.
DIY Network
Best for: Finding practical advice and finding projects by budget. The network that brought you multiple Vanilla Ice-pegged reality shows has an exhaustive website that borders on overwhelming at times -- but they know their stuff.
This Old House
Best for: Fantasizing about a simpler, self-reliant life in a meticulously restored Victorian that was once nearly uninhabitable. It's specific, but you know what we mean. We imagine the editors finding their bliss at salvage yards, or trading recommendations about screwdrivers all while turning an old found door into a stately table. And we look up to them for that.
Dwell

Best for: Imagining an impeccably tasteful life filled with ridiculously functional (but incredibly designed) surroundings, alongside men with architectural glasses and women with indie-chic short haircuts.
Remodelaholic
Best for: Seeing how a real family renovated (and continues to renovate) on a tight budget. While the blog can be a little wonky at times, the content is good.
HGTV Remodels
Best for: Figuring out what's actually doable versus what projects will have a bigger commitment. You'll see ideas ranging from clever storage tricks and closet ideas all the way to choosing a new addition's foundation.

Young House Love

Best for: Those with more traditional design tastes, especially those in need of family-friendly advice. The couple behind this blog has made a mini-empire based around their love of remodeling homes. We recommend taking a peek through their archives -- their first home remodeling project is a tad more accessible to the average homeowner than their current (though incredibly gorgeous) big house project.

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Article source: Huffington Post 

DIY Project - Making an old brass chandelier look new again!

How to Modernize a Traditional Brass Chandelier

With a few simple steps, take an old brass chandelier from old, fussy and formal to functional, fun and fresh.

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Materials Needed:

• brass chandelier
• painters' tape
• can of spray primer
• 3 cans of spray paint
• snap-on spray paint can handle
• sheet plastic
• globe chandelier bulbs

 

 

 

 

Prep for Paint

Protect floor and surrounding areas with plastic sheeting. Use a damp cloth to wipe dust from chandelier, remove socket sleeves then cover sockets with painters' tape.

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Prime Surface

Shake can of spray primer for one minute then attach snap-on handle to can's top. With can six inches from surface, lightly pull spray handle back and prime chandelier using controlled pressure on handle. Prevent drips by covering areas to be painted with an even coat of primer, being careful not to spray one area for too long. Allow primer to fully dry for approximately one hour.

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Add Finish Coat

Shake can of spray paint for one minute, then attach spray handle to top. With can six inches from surface, lightly pull spray handle back creating controlled, overlapping strokes. Allow up to an hour for first coat to dry, then apply final coat.

Insert Globe Bulbs

Remove painters' tape from sockets, slide sleeves into place then screw in globe bulbs.

To order your copy of Remodeling Hell, CLICK HERE!

*DIY project from HGTV.com

DIY Project - How to Make Chalkboard Kitchen Canisters

DIY (do it yourself) projects are very popular.  Along with informative home remodeling posts, I thought it would be fun to start including some popular DIY projects for your home.  Today's post is making chalkboard canisters.

Glass canisters are practical, inexpensive and readily available, but can be a bit boring. Chalkboard paint and an easy-to-apply stenciled detail will transform them into a unique accessory for any kitchen.

Materials Needed:

• glass canister(s)
• flexible measuring tape
• painters' tape
• glass-etching cream
• 1" paint brush

• chalkboard spray paint
• square or rectangular stencil that fits canister
• 2" foam brush
• latex or acrylic craft paint

Clean Canister

Clean each glass canister with soap and water then thoroughly dry with a clean cloth or towel.

Measure and Tape

Using painters' tape, make a square on the outside of the canister to the dimensions of the stencil. Make sure the taped-off area is level and centered on the canister. Tip: A flexible measuring tape used for sewing will be easier to use on the curved surface of the canister than a metal measuring tape.

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Apply Etching Cream

Brush on a thick coat of etching cream inside the taped area using a one-inch wide paint brush. Etched glass will provide tooth for better paint adhesion. Follow manufacturer's directions for activation time and etching cream removal procedure. Remove painters' tape after rinsing the etching cream. Thoroughly dry canister with a clean towel. Tip: Make sure to use etching cream, not a product that frosts glass or only simulates etching.
 

Spray Chalkboard Paint

Apply clean painters' tape surrounding the etched area and cover the rest of the canister in newspaper to protect it from overspray. Using long, steady strokes, apply the chalkboard spray paint in a thin coat to prevent drips. Allow ample drying time, then apply a second coat in the same manner as the first and repeat a third time if needed for full coverage. Carefully remove paper and painters' tape before the last coat is dry.

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Season Chalkboard

When the chalkboard paint has fully dried, rub a piece of chalk over the entire painted surface to season the chalkboard. This step will prevent writing from being burned into the surface. Clean chalkboard with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

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Paint Decorative Border

Tape stencil into place. Dip a two-inch foam brush into acrylic or latex paint and remove excess on a paper towel, leaving just a small amount on the sponge. Using this dry-brush technique will reduce the risk of paint bleeding under the stencil. Apply paint perpendicular to the stencil surface in a pouncing motion. Carefully remove the stencil, lifting it directly off the canister, so paint doesn't smear. Tip: When using a stencil multiple times, rinse between uses. Allow time for paint to fully dry, then fill canister with kitchen staples and use chalk to label jar's contents.

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*DIY project found on HGTV.com

Making a fabric covered lampshade

Do you have a room that could use a little something extra? Or maybe you have an old lamp in need of a makeover. I found this do-it-yourself tutorial on how to cover a lampshade in a fabric you love. Take a look below, and if you do this, send in your pictures!

Materials Needed:

• lampshade
• 3/4 yard of fabric per shade
• 3 yards of ribbon trim per shade
• fabric glue
• temporary fabric pen
• clean-release tape
• small paintbrush
• scissors

Cut Fabric

Place lampshade on front side of fabric. Roll shade along fabric, cutting two inches above and below edges of shade. Once finished, wrap fabric around shade and trim off excess fabric, leaving two inches for overlap.

Glue Fabric to Shade

Run a line of fabric glue along the shade's existing seam and press one end onto glue. Secure end with clean-release tape and allow glue to fully dry for 1/2 hour. Tip: Place new fabric's seam over existing seam for a clean finished product. Holding the loose end, wrap fabric snugly around shade, overlapping the glued end. Temporarily secure excess fabric with clean-release tape to prevent fabric shifting. Fold excess fabric towards inside of shade and mark top edge with a temporary fabric pen. It's best to work on one end of the shade at a time; start with the top side. Remove excess fabric by cutting roughly 1/2-inch beyond the line drawn with fabric pen.

Tuck Cut Fabric Edges

Create a clean edge by folding cut fabric under 1/2-inch and inserting between fabric and shade. Check finished seam as you go to ensure that the amount folded under is even, creating a consistent edge. Run a thin bead of fabric glue between folded fabric and shade. Firmly press fabric into place. Turn shade over and repeat steps five through eight on bottom side of shade.

Create a Finished Side Seam

Remove tape holding excess fabric in place. Turn cut end under 1/2–inch to create a finished edge and secure with glue. Apply glue to underside of finished edge and firmly press onto shade

Embellish With Ribbon

Beginning at side seam and working in small sections, brush fabric glue onto shade's top and bottom edges. Cover glue with ribbon working your way around shade back to seam. Turn under ribbon ends to create a finished edge and glue onto shade.

Finished Product

I hope you enjoy this tutorial found at HGTV. Have fun creating your new lampshades!