Handyman in Phoenix: December 2014

Friday, December 26, 2014

Fixer-Uppers: What To Fix

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Fixer-Uppers: What To Fix

By Steven Gillman

You've bought a house, a fixer-upper you can make some money on. What improvements and repairs should you make? First of all, you need to know this before you buy, as I explained in another article. Before and after you buy, though, you need to have some simple rules with which to start analyzing possible fixes.
Return On Investment
A young couple was very disappointed when I told them there house was worth $110,000. "We just put $40,000 into remodeling the kitchen!" they told me. I looked at the kitchen. It was nice. They had added $10,000 in value to the house by spending $40,000. This is a classic example of a bad return on investment.
With fixer-uppers, you have do things which give the most "bang for the buck." Aim for a three-to-one return on improvements. If you're going to resurface the driveway for $1000, it better raise the value of the home by $3,000. Even when you're just guessing, keep this three-to-one formula in your head, if you want to invest safely.
How To Fix A Fixer-Upper
With things like new curtains, you can't really estimate the increase in value. What you can do, though, is group together the many small repairs and improvements you are considering, and imagine how the house will look when you are done. Then you can estimate whether you will have increased the value enough to justify the cost.
It often is in the small details that you'll get the best return on investment, so look at these first. A new mailbox, flowers on the porch, a raked yard and trimmed trees - $30 total if you do the work yourself - can make a big difference in the first impression potential buyers have. First impressions are important.
Other small investments that pay big include shiny new switch covers (less than $1 each), shelves, a birdhouse, new doorknobs, new light fixtures, curtains, new rocks or wood chips on outdoor paths, new faucets, new woodstain on decks, and general cleaning. Stand in front of the house and imagine what it might look like with various small improvements (flowers, wood-rail fence, birdbath, etc.).
The Big Fixes
Obviously, there are things that just have to be repaired. The basic systems must function. Improvements, though, should be subject to the three-to-one rule. You may have to get creative here. An investor friend of mine once had a wall put up, and for less than $1000 created a new bedroom, probably raising the value of the house by $8,000. Now that's a good return on investment.
Bathrooms and kitchens are important. A $1000 updating of a bathroom can add $4000 in value to a home. Spend $2000 wisely in the kitchen (New fridge, re-finish the cupboards, add a garbage disposal, etc.), and you can add $8000 to the sales price of the house. Look for changes which are most universally valued (don't paint the kitchen pink because YOU like that color), and be sure you get a decent return on investment.
Depending on the fixer-upper, there are many potential improvements that can be worth doing. These include adding a carport, new doors, fences, gazebos, sheds, painting, carpet, benches, a new closet, a new toilet, a new stove, a shower/tub surround, and trees or bushes. The bottom line is the bottom line: be sure anything you do returns more than you spend, preferably three times as much.

How to Care for Your Hardwood Floors

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How to Care for Your Hardwood Floors

By Thad Pickering

A beautiful hardwood floor is an asset to almost any home, and more and more homeowners are using hardwood floors to bring warmth and style to their home. But once you have a beautiful wood floor installed, what can you do to make sure that it stays looking gorgeous for years to come?
The very first thing you should know about hardwood floors is that water is one of its worst enemies. So if any spills take place, be sure to clean them up as soon as you possibly can. In fact, it may be a good idea not only to wipe out the spill, but also use a wet/dry vacuum to make sure that you get all of the moisture out of the floor.
That also means that when you are cleaning your floor with a mop, it's best to use a very dry damp mop that will not leave any excess water on the floor that can seep into the seams and cause problems.
To avoid the moisture problem, most often it's best to either sweep your wood floors or vacuum them instead. Sweeping should always be done with a very soft bristle broom, and whenever you vacuum be sure that it is set properly for use on would floors. Do not try to use the same setting for your carpet on your wood floors too.
Much damage can also be inflicted on a wood floor from moving objects across the floor. From time to time we all move furniture around, but on a wood floor you have to think very carefully before making the move. You never want to drag furniture across the floor, as this is an excellent way to badly damage and mar your floor. If you have to move furniture in the room where your wood floor is located, be sure to take the furniture up off the floor when moving, or use special furniture pads that will allow you to glide the furniture across the floor without leaving a mark.
Keeping dirt, sand, and grit off your floor will be very important. So the proper use of carpeting can really help extend the life of a wood floor. Using a floor mat at each entrance will help catch dirt and grit as a person walks into the room instead of depositing it on the hardwood floor. In addition, using area rugs and runners can be another very effective first line of defense against harmful abrasive materials that can wear down the beauty and shine of even the best wood floor. And be sure to keep your rugs and runners well vacuumed.
If at all possible, try to keep family and visitors from wearing shoes, or especially high heels on hardwood floors, as these can easily do damage and cause dents.
Finally, a good practice is to install furniture pads underneath the legs of any chairs or tables that are placed on your wood floor. They are usually readily available at most home improvement stores or hardware stores and are very inexpensive. That they can go a long way toward protecting your wood floors from unnecessary damage.
None of these suggestions are hard to follow, or will cost very much to implement. But if you put them in practice on a regular basis, you can expect to see your wood floors continue to look bright, shiny, and beautiful for many years to come.
Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including home improvement. You can find the best laminate flooring and cheap laminate flooring by visiting our Home Improvement website.

Get A New Look In Your Kitchen By Resurfacing Your Kitchen Cabinets

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Get A New Look In Your Kitchen By Resurfacing Your Kitchen Cabinets

By Lee Dobbins

If you are looking for a less expensive way to give your tired old kitchen cabinets a new look then resurfacing them can be a great way to add some zip to your kitchen.

Resurfacing your kitchen cabinets means simply to give a new surface to them. This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways - and not all of them have to cost a lot of money!

Typical cabinet refacing or resurfacing needs to be done by a professional. This means replacing cabinets drawer fronts and doors and adding a new veneer to the base cabinet. The choices for refaced cabinets are many - actually you can get any type of wood you want but it can be rather expensive ranging anywhere from $4000 to over $10,000. Refacing your kitchen cabinets can take 2 days to a week depending on how big your kitchen is.

Resurfacing your kitchen cabinets by a professional might seem expensive but it will still save you a bundle over replacing the cabinets. It is a good way to go if your base cabinets are in good condition and very solid and you also don’t want to change the layout. On the other hand, if your existing cabinets are of low quality or are not in good condition, this is probably not your best choice.

But what if you don’t have $10,000 for cabinet refacing?

Don’t worry, there are still several things you can do to make your kitchen cabinets more attractive without spending thousands!

Perhaps the easiest and least expensive way to perk up your old cabinets is to simply paint them. Paint can add a huge change to the look of your kitchen, especially if you are gutsy enough to cover them in a bright splash of color! If you are artistic, you can even paint a design on the cabinet - either freehand or by using stencils. Wouldn’t your retro 50’s kitchen look cool with aqua cabinets? How about some roosters stenciled on your painted and antiqued cabinets in your country kitchen? Just add some coordinating drawer pulls and knobs and you’ve got a whole new kitchen for under $500!

Another idea to consider is to remove the cabinet doors. This would look great in a casual cottage style kitchen or even an old fashioned Victorian style. Try lining the shelves with fabric or lace that hangs over the edge. Or you can make curtains to hang instead of the doors or even try to find an old window that might make an interesting door.

If your cabinets aren’t organized and you don’t want everyone looking at your mess, it’s probably best to leave the doors and if you don’t want to paint, you could even try wallpapering them. Can’t find any wallpaper that suits? Then try applying contact paper. It might be best to stick to a plain pattern and make sure it is washable or you will be sorry later. Remember to prepare the cabinets as you would a wall. You don’t have to wallpaper the whole door either, use your imagination and cut out shapes or patterns from the wallpaper and paste it on.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give your cabinets a whole new look - even simply changing the hardware can do wonders. Just use your own creativity and you’ll be sure to have a unique kitchen that fits your own unique style!

How to Remove Crayon From Carpet and Walls

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How to Remove Crayon From Carpet and Walls

By Brenda H. Murphy

Crayons are a wonderful tool for little ones to express their creativity, and you'll proudly display their efforts on your refrigerator for years. But accidental artwork on other surfaces around the home are not things you want hanging around.
If you have crayon mashed into the carpet, you can't remove it quite the same way as wax, which is a mistake that many people have made. You should first scrape off all the crayon you can, either with a spoon or dull side of a blade like a butter knife.
A thin piece of cardboard such as part of a cereal box will come in handy. Cut a section and place it behind the clump/spot where the crayon is, then carefully spray the crayon mark with WD-40 oil, making sure to use the "needle nozzle" tube so the oil doesn't get on more than it needs to. Next, take a small, stiff bristle brush and work upwards in the nap, while laying the crayon mark on the cardboard. Wipe with paper towels. Spray on more WD-40, work in some dish detergent with the brush, then wipe off with a damp sponge. Move your cardboard around, so that you're always working against a clean section. If the stain remains, repeat the last oil and soap treatment, then wash the section of carpet with a Shop Vac or other cleaner.
Did someone use the living room wall for their canvas? Just take the same can of WD-40 (a car part lubricant) and spray it on the marks, then wipe off with a soft cloth. Treat again if a stain remains, then wash the wall with warm water and dish detergent.
Visit http://www.LearnHowToRemove.com for a growing library of tips to remove those annoying messes in your life.

How to Get Rid of Roaches

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By Brenda H. Murphy

Just the sight of one of these multi-legged, hard-shelled visitors crawling across the floor is enough to make your toes curl, and your screams can hit high notes you didn't realize were possible. But what are you dealing with?
Roaches are a large, disgusting insect, with six legs, and 18 knee joints. (We were sure you'd want to know that.) There are more than 5,000 species in the world, but the most common are the German cockroach, and the American cockroach.
Initially cockroaches may infest your home from the outside, finding cracks, gaps under doors, and other ways to enter the home, attracted by warmth, darkness, and spoiling food or standing water, in things like open garbage pails, unwashed dishes. As big as they may seem, a cockroach can insinuate itself through an opening as thin as a dime when young, or a quarter as an adult. They don't like light, which is why many homeowners can't believe it when the cat or dog presents them with the remains of their latest victim. But you can't depend on your pets to control the population.
The first measure in getting rid of cockroaches is hygiene. If you have stored vegetables that are rotting, open containers of food in cupboards, or unsecured garbage pails, remove all refuse and replace containers with those that seal tightly. Check under appliances, in cupboards, basement corners, and other dark places for traces of a black gritty dirt that has an oily appearance. This is roach feces and a sign that you do have a problem.
Once your home is cleaned, your choices in removing them are to do it yourself, or to have the home professionally treated by a pest control company. Which you choose, may depend on the severity of the infestation. The primary means of destroying roaches are contact poisons/sprays, and residual sprays which leave time released ingredients in your cupboards and on the surfaces where sprayed, that will work over a period of 2-3 weeks. There are also the infamous "roach motels" that can be placed in your cupboards. Sometimes it may take a combination of several methods, such as an immediate contact kill substance, and then roach motels in places where you have evidence of previous inhabitants. Once your immediate problem is eliminated, you can also take preventative measures, such as sprinkling powdered boric acid in between walls, and around foundations where they may have entered the house. This is generally a safe product, and will be carried on the roaches feet, to wherever they are hiding and breeding.
One note of caution: Pesticides can be highly toxic to humans and pets. Spray treatments should never be carried out without proper respiratory protection, and first removing of all food, pets and dishes or other items that your food may come in contact with.

6 Steps to Get Rid of Ants in Your House

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6 Steps to Get Rid of Ants in Your House

By Jay Banks

For most homeowners, ants can represent a serious problem. While there are many commercial products out there that promise to help you get rid of them, there are more naturals ways that are cheaper and healthier. Follows these steps and ants will vanish.

Locate the place where the ants are entering the house. You can do this if you follow their trails.
Buy Diatomaceous earth at your local hardware store and apply it to the holes or cracks where the ants enter. If you have trouble finding it, get baby powder as some contain this material. Check back regularly and if they're still there, apply some more. Ants will not get close to this place, because they almost immediately die if they touch it.
You can get rid of the remaining ants by spraying baby powder mixed with water on them. Make sure you sweep the floor after you do this.
For a more animal friendly way of getting rid of ants, try to spray them with a peppermint essential oil / water mix. You can also soak a long piece of string in peppers or cinnamon and put it around your home.
Consider planting mint plants along your house. Not only it's useful for other things and gives a nice smell, but it t will keep the ants out forever.
Keep your house clean. If you do your dishes regularly, mop the floor and wipe the kitchen tables every day, there won't be any reason for ants to enter, as they're looking for leftover foods and sugar.

Carpet Damage: How to Repair a Burn or Permanent Stain

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Carpet Damage: How to Repair a Burn or Permanent Stain
Discovering a permanent stain or a burn on a carpet is a nightmare, especially if the carpeting is new, but it is possible to repair without seeking the assistance of a professional. Call out a professional carpet repair company and you will pay through the nose, and when you discover how they repair the damage you will wish you had completed the repair yourself. The following easy instructions will help you repair carpet damage, and when patched correctly the repair will be virtually invisible. Whether the damage is a burn, a stain, or something else, no one will know it was ever there.

Necessary Supplies to Repair the Damage

To fix a burn or a permanent stain on carpeting you will need a section of matching carpeting to use for a patch. If you did not keep excess carpeting after installation, consider removing a section from the inside of a closet or another inconspicuous area. This is a better alternative to the eyesore of a burn or stain in the center of the room. You will also need a sharp utility knife, a fine-tip black marker, sharp scissors, carpet cement, or for a larger repair carpet tape is also necessary. This is a quick and easy repair, and it will save a considerable amount of money over hiring a professional.

How to Repair Small Burns or Carpet Stains

Begin by cutting out the stain or burn with a sharp utility knife. Be careful not to cut all the way into the padding. Once the area has been cut away, examine the extra piece of carpeting that will be used to make the patch, and look for the direction of the nap. Place the carpet patch on the backside of the extra piece while making sure it is facing the right direction so the nap will be the same when the repair is complete. Trace around the cutout on the backside of the carpet with a fine-tip marker, and cut it out using a sharp utility knife. The newly cutout section of carpet should fit the hole like a puzzle piece, and once it is glued in place it should blend in seamlessly. Apply the cement, and firmly press it into place. After the cement has dried, brush the nap of the carpet with a hand to blend it with the surrounding carpeting. Trim the fibers if necessary.

How to Repair Large Burns or Carpeting Stains

Large burns or carpeting stains can be repaired much in the same way as smaller ones. Cut out a patch as directed above while being careful to match the nap of the carpeting. Instead of just using carpet cement, apply double-sided carpet tape to the patch and padding beneath. Apply half of the tape beneath the edges of the hole, and apply carpet cement around the edges of the patch. Carefully put it in place and set something heavy over the repair for at least eight hours. If the finished patch matches the nap of the carpeting it should blend in, and no one will know the area was patched.

Author Jessica Ackerman offers a wealth of creative tips on home decorating. She writes for Wall Decor and Home Accents - an unique store specializing in metal wall decorations, wrought iron wall grilles and wall candle holders.

10 Tips For a Mold Free House

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10 Tips For a Mold Free House

'Tis the season to start sealing the hatches in our homes, but before you do, it's good to think about exactly what you might be trapping inside to keep you company all winter long. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold growth can exist practically anywhere. Whether you are inside or outside, mold spores are there. They can enter your home through openings as large as doors or windows, or as small as the tiniest gap you ever chased with a caulk gun. Once in your home, the spores can grow on clothes, shoes, toys or even pets. Worse yet, mold is almost certain to release clouds of potentially harmful spores that, once airborne, can take the shortest path to your lungs.
Some molds are harmful, others are benign. And, how mold affects you can depend on your own personal sensitivity. Mold expert Jeff May learned this first hand. The Johns Hopkins University Press author of three books (My House is Killing Me, My Office is Killing Me and the Mold Survival Guide), wasn't always such an accomplished expert on how mold can make you really sick.
"For years, I had an office air conditioner that was probably too big for the space. As a result, my office as always damp and I would cough whenever the AC came on. Then one day I opened it up and found that everything inside had turned black with Cladosporium mold. That was the defining moment when I put two and two together," said Jeff May.
According to May, the first step to avoiding mold is to understand what makes it tick. Mold needs three things to grow: moisture, air and food, and this combination can be found just about anywhere in your home. "Mold grows where it can find food: the dust on a bathroom ceiling, the starch paste on the back of wallpaper, or the plant fibers that make up the jute pad under a carpet. Add moisture, and mold growth begins," said May.
Here's what you need to know to keep your home mold-free:

MIND THE MOISTURE Keep humidity below 50% in basements. Improve outside grading and drainage by keeping gutters clean and soil always sloping away from your home. Cover dirt crawlspace floors with plastic to reduce moisture.

STORE SAFELY Keep all storage at least several inches up off concrete floors and away from foundations where dampness can easily seep in. This is especially important with organic material like cardboard boxes. Avoid using wooden shelves; metal or plastic shelves are preferable.

HEAT FINISHED BASEMENTS Below grade spaces like finished basements are more likely to become infested and should always be heated to at least 60 degrees, even when not being used. The warmer the space, the less the chance that condensation will form and feed a mold problem.

BUILD MOLD RESISTANT When choosing building materials, use materials that won't feed the mold. Tom Combs took this option when remodeling the bathroom in his family's 1990 lake house outside of Atlanta, Georgia. "The ceiling was covered with mold and I wanted to take immediate action before the situation worsened," said Combs. His solution was the Dens Armor Plus, a wallboard made by Georgia Pacific that is specifically designed to prevent mold growth. Unlike regular drywall that has a paper face, Dens Armor Plus has a fiberglass face that cannot feed a mold problem.

VENTILATE VIGOROUSLY Poor or missing ventilation fans in damp spaces like baths and kitchens can leave enough moisture behind to sustain a mold problem. Make sure all baths and kitchens are vented by properly sized fans that take moisture outside and NOT into attics. Keep the bathroom door open after bathing to speed drying of surfaces.

AVOID BASEMENT CARPETS More than almost any other material in a house, carpets can be incredibly effective havens for mold. Even non-organic carpets can collect dirt, dust and moisture that combine to provide mold a fertile ground in which to grow, especially in below-grade spaces where relative humidity tends to be higher. Hard surface products like laminate flooring or engineered hardwoods are always a better choice for basement spaces.

FILTER THE AIR If your home has a forced-air heating and cooling system, using a top quality air filter is a must. May recommends pleated filters with a MERV rating of at least 6-8, or 11 if the family is prone to allergies. Another option is a whole house electronic air cleaner. Mounted permanently to the home's HVAC system, a whole house air cleaner uses ionization technology to charge particles making them stick to filters like a magnet. According to Consumer Reports, the most effective unit is the Aprilaire Model 5000, which can trap virus-sized particles as small as one micron (one millionth of a meter) and needs just yearly filter replacement.

INSULATE DUCTS Duct systems that carry heated or cooled air throughout your house must be insulated whenever they pass through unheated or uncooled spaces like attics or basements. If not, condensation can form inside the ducts and, when combined with dust in the air, can allow mold to grow in the ducts, and then spores can easily circulate throughout your entire house.

CLEAN CAREFULLY Use mold-inhibiting cleaners in bathrooms and kitchens. Portable air conditioning units should be taken apart and cleaned at the start of every season. When painting damp spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, use paint with a mold inhibitor EPA-approved for indoor use.

FIX FLOODS FAST f you do have a major leak or flood, quick action can stop mold before it starts. Thoroughly dry soaked carpets and padding, and remove any wet upholstery. Then wash and disinfect all surfaces before the carpet and pad are replaced.

You can also do mold testing to help narrow down the cause of the mold. Hiring someone who understands buildings before you do a mold test, such as home inspector who is trained in mold and a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), can help you find the problem and change the conditions, so the mold won't return.
Mold may be a part of Mother Nature's plans, but following these tips will make sure recovering from the mold allergies it can cause doesn't ever have to become part of your plans. For more information on mold, visit the web site for the Centers for Disease Control and the EPA's Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.

Mold Remediation - Tips and Techniques to Get Rid of the Culprit

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Mold Remediation - Tips and Techniques to Get Rid of the Culprit

By Andrew Stratton

Mold can appear in one's home for a variety of reasons. It could be the result of a catastrophe such as a flood, hurricane, or typhoon. It could also result from broken plumbing pipes or simply because of a high humidity and moist region in one's home. Bathrooms and basements tend to be damp spaces where mold shows up.
Whatever the cause and scale of the problem, the homeowner must get rid of it. Health problems including breathing difficulties, infectious skin lesions and allergic reactions may begin to affect the inhabitants of a home infested with mold and mildew.
Four main steps must be taken if this appears to be a problem in your abode.
1) Find it and contain what's already there. Take quick action in order to not let the infestation grow. Sometimes you can see it. It can be green, white or black in color. Other times you can smell it. To find even the hidden areas, use a mold detection kit available at local home building supply warehouses.
2) Destroy the existing mold. Spraying the area with a bleach solution mixed with borax will do the trick. It's important to eradicate it as soon as possible but be sure to wear protective gloves and facial protection such as a mask. Do not touch the mold. Do not attempt to just cover up by painting the problem surfaces as the spores will continue to multiply.
3) Get rid of the recently eradicated areas. You may need to cut away damp and infected wood or plaster in order to completely get rid of it. Repair with fresh materials in order to keep the spores from growing back.
4) Find the source and fix it so that it's no longer a problem. Be proactive in protecting the area from future infestations. Broken or loose plumbing pipes must be repaired or replaced, a leaky roof must be made weather tight, all creaks and crevices must be sealed. If you live in a very humid area, you may need to invest in a humidifier in order to remove moisture from your environment. All bathrooms should be equipped with a venting fan which will help to remove the moisture that remains in the atmosphere after a bath or shower.
If you have a mold problem that seems fairly extensive, it would be a good idea to have the premises inspected by a professional who specializes in these issues. A professional will know the most optimum methods for eradication and removal. Don't take a chance with the health of your family and the investment value of your home.

Granite Counter Top Care - Some Useful Tips

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When I got my new counter top, I was so excited: my kitchen finally didn't look like it was rotting away anymore. I was so excited but the installers immediately told me to be careful: even though granite is a very resilient material, I still need to take proper care of it. If I took care of it properly, it would look beautiful and maintain its magnificent luster. If I chose to maintain it in the wrong way, then the result is obvious: my granite counter top would just became a mess and would begin to cost more money to fix. One of the important things I learned was how to properly clean my counter top; what was the proper way that was effective. I also learned what was ineffective and possibly could damage my beautiful counter top. I hope this information helps you all as much as me to help take good care of your counter tops made of granite.
Cleaning is very important when it comes to the counter top. Let's say your enjoying a nice glass of wine and some spills on the counter. Do not wait: clean it up as soon as possible. It will not damage the granite, but if it is not cleaned immediately, it will stain the counter top and nobody wants to have stained granite. The proper way to clean your granite is actually unbelievably simple. All you need to do is take a cloth or a sponge which is moist with hot water and then rub down the counter top; this will not only keep it clean, but it will properly and effectively sanitize the counters without damaging them. No soap or detergents which makes it even easier to enjoy and clean. A cheap, effective method of cleaning: what more would anyone be able to ask for within reason?
In fact, it is discouraged to use detergent or soaps to use for taking care of your granite counter top; they actually do more harm than benefit the counter. The soap scum will eventually pile up and just make it dirtier, lose its luster and make something that was once beautiful become an eye sore; nobody wants to see that happen. Detergent is even worse: it uses ammonia as the main sanitizer which will only hurt your counter top. Your counter will be cleaned, but it's luster (shine) will be destroyed and the sealant will be damaged; it will no longer be a smooth but coarse and sharp. In the end, this will only cost you more money and destroy the look of your counter tops.
Granite counter top care is very important. It is actually very simple to take care: you just need to know how to properly do so. This way you can always maintain a beautiful granite counter in the kitchen, the bathroom, or anywhere you have one in your home. You paid good money for it to have it installed, you don't want to pay even more to replace or repair it because of some small or silly mistakes. For more information, it's always a good idea to contact those who installed it and ask for more care tips. Remember, if you take good care of it, then it will last longer and you may only need to have it resealed once every five years, but if you choose not to clean it properly and damage it, then it may have to be resealed or repaired every other year. I saw the prices for granite and how much it costs to have repaired and it is not cheap by any means unless you are one who has a very high income.
It surprised me when so little people knew how simple granite counter top care really is and how important it is. I hope this helps those who read this. For those who already know this valuable information, I hope it reminds you how useful and it important it is to have a beautiful looking home.
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Dyer Vent Cleaning - Prevent a Fire by Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

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Did you know--- Only 60% of the lint is captured in the lint trap of residential and commercial clothes dryers. The other 40% is vented outside. Over time, the damp lint accumulates to the inside of the duct. The result is like a clogged pipe that becomes more restricted over time which can cause a fire hazard! According to the National Fire Protection Association, 16,000 fires start in the laundry room each year.
Also, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 84.4 million in property damage annually. This is a reality that needs to be taken seriously. The State Fire Marshal recommends that your dryer vent be cleaned or inspected once a year to ensure your safety.

Here are some signs your dryer vent might need cleaning:

If it takes longer than one cycle for your clothes to dry, or the clothes are very hot after drying, this is a good sign your vent needs cleaning.
If the clothes have a musty smell after drying.
If your dryer shuts off or stops during a cycle, the element may be getting too hot from the duct restriction.
If there is a great deal of lint escaping from the back of the dryer.
If the outside vent has lint covering the outside of the vent cover.

Here are the benefits of a clean dryer vent:

Reduce laundry drying times
Avoid dryer element replacement costs
Improve the quality of dried clothes
Save money on utility bills
Prevent a dryer fire!

So, how do you go about cleaning your dryer vent. Here are the steps if you plan to do it yourself.1. Get the right tools. For this job you will need a shop vac and extension hose of at least 10 to 15 feet, depending on the length of the dryer vent outside to your dryer. Next, you will need a flexible cable with a brush on the end (can be found online) to snake through the duct, and finally, a dust mask and gloves to protect yourself from the airborne lint.
2. Disconnect your dryer from the flexible duct and clean the back of the dryer and any lint that has accumulated under the dryer. Check the flexible duct and replace it with a new one if it is damaged or has holes. The first part of the process will involve running the flexible cable and vacuum from the inside of the house by your dryer. The second part of the process involves the same thing only from the outside by your dryer vent that goes to the outside.
3. Run the flexible snake with brush through the dryer vent duct as far as you can go, be careful not to push past any turns or angles that might cause the cable to get stuck in the ductwork, otherwise you will have a difficult time getting it out. Vacuum out the loose lint with the shop vac and hose. Run the hose as far into the duct as you can go.
4. Locate where your dryer vents to the outside of the house. Remove any dryer vent hardware to access the duct.
5. Repeat the process from the outside, running your flexible cable into the duct (toward the dryer) and vacuum out the loose lint. Follow this by hooking the dryer back up to the flexible duct inside the house and turn the dryer on, any remaining lint will blow out of the duct. Finally, replace any hardware on the outside of the house.
You may be surprised by the amount of lint you vacuum out. In some cases you might remove several POUNDS of lint. In any case, you will save yourself the chance of a fire disaster, and keep your dryer running smooth for years to come.

Choosing the Right Picture Frames for Your Home Decor Choosing the Right Picture Frames for Your Home Decor

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Choosing the Right Picture Frames for Your Home Decor Choosing the Right Picture Frames for Your Home Decor

Picture frames are a wonderful way to decorate your home. It can hold precious artwork or a memorable photograph that you would like to cherish. Choosing the right picture frame can be a challenging. Below are a few tips that will help you choose a picture frame that is suitable for your home and enhances its beauty.

The picture frame you choose depends on the type of room you have and the artwork you are going to use it for. It also depends on your personal taste.

Blend into the Setting
Choose a frame that blends in with the theme of the room and complements the upholstery and furniture. The frame should not look out of place. If you have a room painted in neutral colors, you can opt for a wooden frame. Wooden frames blend well in any kind of décor.

Choose a Frame that Contrasts with the Wall
If your room has wallpaper, go for a pastel-colored plain frame. Choosing a heavily-designed frame to hang on a wall covered with printed wallpaper is not a good idea. The frame will lose its charm. A brightly-colored frame or one that is very artistic will draw attention to itself leaving the picture unnoticed.

Catch Attention
A picture frame should blend in with the room, but not to the extent that it becomes inconspicuous. A frame that complements the theme of the room but also stands out will be able to enhance the beauty of the room and catch the attention of the viewer. If your photograph or artwork is very colorful, you should use a thin solid colored frame to go with it.
A frame with artistic and intricately-designed borders will also work well in catching the viewer’s attention. Ensure that such a frame does not dim the appeal of the picture.

Size Matters
Before buying a frame, measure the size of your photograph or artwork. The artwork or photograph should fit the frame correctly. A frame with very thick borders holding a small piece of artwork will look garish and pull attention away from the artwork. Similarly, a very large piece of artwork in a frame having thin borders will look lifeless. The frame should be chosen according to the size of the artwork and should be able to enhance the beauty of the artwork within.

In your Budget
You can find a variety of frames that suit your needs in the market. Ready-made frames are cheap and available in all shapes and sizes. However, if you have a unique piece of art, you can have a frame custom-made according your requirements. It might be a little costly than a ready-made frame but it will add elegance to your artwork and to your house.