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Do It Yourself or Not: Build a reindeer
You're sure to be the envy of your neighborhood with this charming log reindeer on the front porch to welcome guests. Or position him in your garden or on a deck looking inside. Wherever the reindeer resides, he’ll be a popular addition to your holiday tradition. We’ve been reusing our Rudolph for years by dismantling and carefully storing ...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Install a bath light/fan
Good lighting in a bathroom is essential, and a light/fan combination is even better. A fan with a sensor that detects a rise in humidity and helps prevent the growth of mildew makes the bathroom more usable, and safe for everyone who uses it. Add a motion sensor so the light turns on when someone enters and leaves, and you’ve got a nice smart...Read more
Do It Yourself Or Not: Replace a vanity
The vanity is the main focus of many bathrooms and sets the style for the room. Shopping for one in a home center or bathroom showroom, you’ll find a staggering variety of vanity styles, often sold as a vanity cabinet set, which usually include the cabinet, sink and countertop, and is ready to install. The cost of the faucet is additional. A ...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Build a scratching post
If you have an indoor cat (or cats) who can’t use a tree to relieve their anxiety with a good scratch, consider making or buying a scratching post to prevent them from ruining your upholstered furniture, draperies or carpeting. It’s more than a good investment, plus it’s fun to watch a cat release their inner turmoil by scratching and ...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Install a garden window
No matter what the temperature is outside, a garden window creates a year-round growing season. It’s especially handy and attractive for growing fresh herbs or special flowering plants. A basic garden window is a bump-out unit with a shelf and features insulated glass on top and on the sides, and allows light, air and sunshine inside. The unit...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Paint kitchen cabinets
Painting is one of the biggest bangs for your buck, but preparing and painting cabinets is a time-consuming job. It can be a dramatic facelift, especially when you give a fresh new look to cabinets with a dark finish. After the cabinet and drawer fronts and hardware are removed, the real work begins with sanding, deglossing and priming the ...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Install a gas wall heater
If your home has inadequate heating or a poor heat distribution system, consider installing a built-in, vent-free natural gas space heater. That will give a room a constant source of heat providing a warm, safe environment.
Connected to a permanent gas line, these mini-units work just like a home's full-size gas furnace. They are energy-...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Install a glass shelf
To call attention to a collection of colorful ceramics or pottery, consider installing glass shelves that appear to float on a wall. The clear surface of tempered glass makes it an attractive display to showcase what it’s holding without being a distraction. And for a more utilitarian use, glass shelves provide storage that’s clearly visible...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Paint a metal railing
A metal railing provides a sturdy barrier and firm gripping surface that assures safe footing on the exterior entry stairs to a home. Over time the effects of weather can chip and corrode the railing, especially in high-use areas, so a fresh coat of primer and paint is needed to restore its appearance. A thorough scraping, priming and fresh ...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Install a fireplace
A fireplace adds character and ambiance to any room, making it an undeniable improvement. And on a cold night the appeal of a crackling fire goes a long way as an upgrade that can add value to the home. A prefabricated metal zero-clearance fireplace is a popular choice, because it takes a minimum amount of space and can be safely placed near ...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Hang a plank ceiling
The ceiling, which some designers say is the fifth wall of a room, can be the center of attention. When the ceiling is made of laminate wood planks, also called panels, it can be a striking addition and transform an ordinary room to extraordinary. A wood plank ceiling can add a charming contrast in a stark contemporary setting, or complete the ...Read more
Do It Yourself or Not: Edge trim a lawn
To give a neat and manicured look to your lawn use an edge trimmer to outline flower beds, trees, clusters of shrubs and walkways. It’s a finishing touch that defines the landscape with a tidy and manicured appearance. Every time the lawn is mowed the edging emphasizes the perimeter and line separating grass and the other elements of the ...Read more