Home Remodeling - Home Improvement Center

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Installing Your Closet ...

by Ann Martin

As homeowners, we are always trying to improve the quality of our home. Either through updates, renovations, or a complete overhaul, we are just trying to make our living space that much better.

For those that have not yet stepped into the world of "do-it-yourself" projects, do not feel intimated by the size or unfamiliarity of some home projects. Remember you are improving and adding value to your home.

Most homeowners are in a constant need of storage space. The longer you stay in a house, the more stuff seems to accumulate, from extra pieces of dinnerware to extra holiday decorations.

More and more items take up more and more space. What's the solution? Designing and installing your own closet or storage system. Believe me, it is not as difficult as it may sound. As I always say, if I can do it, anybody can do it!

Looking at my master closet and seeing how much space was not actually being used, I decided we needed to have a closet system in order to maximize and utilize the space of the closet. Originally, we had a wire rack that ran the perimeter of the closet. There was nothing above or below this wire rack, just empty space.

We needed a plan, but where do I even start? I began by researching various storage systems online. There were so many choices - from closet companies that can custom design whatever you need, to more basic wire rack storage systems. I wanted something that would add value to our house and for a closet system to be an extension of my bedroom. Essentially, I was looking for a system that was functioning, yet appealing to the eye.

After comparing and contrasting many different options, I decided that I would use the products and designs from a company called Closet Maid. They have multiple products to choose from and you can customize your closet system by deciding which products would suite your needs best.

What I found extremely helpful on their site, is their virtual storage planner. Here you can insert your room's measurements and see if the products you selected from their line would fit in the needed area. Since my closet was deep, but yet short across, this tool came in handy. After I virtually planned my closet, I knew which parts and products I needed to complete this do-it-yourself project. It was even possible to print out the list of everything I needed to pick up at local Closet maid retailer. It was that simple!

Now that I had the plan, products and parts, I needed to prepare the room. After taking down the previous wire rack, I needed to patch and spackle the walls. Afterwards, I painted the closet. Next, following the easy-to-read instructions and my custom design, I began building my closet storage system.

It did not take anytime at all to assemble, and there was no guess work as to where each shelf or each drawer was going to be placed. This project took about one weekend to complete and it was so worth to see the finish product in the end! I could hang my dresses in one section of the closet, while having an upper and lower rack for pants and shirts. My closet turned out to be functional, yet beautiful!

Now that you have the confidence to complete your first do-it-yourself home project, maybe you could try and tackle a kitchen renovation and create some additional storage space in the most highly used room in your house. Everything from your fine china to your square dinnerware, everything deserves a special place in your home.

Home Improvement Tip

for the week: July 25

Home Cooling and Heating

New HVAC technologies can help reduce cooling costs and keep your home comfortable for all seasons. Plus automated control systems will help comfort your home at the times you need it.

Weekly Tip:
see what's new in HVAC technologies

Wall-Mounted Fountain

by Garth Earp

Unfortunately, while many people have been extremely impressed with the beauty and impact of indoor wall water fountains, they believe the installation will be complex and difficult and therefore do not pursue purchasing one.

The truth is that in some cases, this is a project that most ‘do it yourselfers’ handle it on their own with the help of a friend.

Although the task of installing wall hanging fountains is typically a project most can do without professional help, in some cases assistance from an electrician may be considered. Because the fountain requires electricity to operate the lighted feature and pump there will need to be a power outlet. It is commonly known that water and electricity do not mix, so for safety reasons this outlet should be a GFI outlet to eliminate potential incidents.

Another consideration is to have an outlet directly behind the hanging feature. By having the outlet directly behind the feature all electrical cords can be unconsciously hidden from view. Because most of these features re-circulate water from within the feature itself, special plumbing is not required. However, because these units are often made from limestone, slate, granite, and sometimes, glass they are typically fairly heavy and will require 2 or more people to lift and hang.

Of course, once you have the hanging wall fountain home, you will need to open the box to ensure all of the required parts are there. Once you have confirmed this, take time to read the instructions carefully. These instructions will vary slightly depending on the type of wall fountain and the manufacturer but most are hung in the same manner. Therefore, we have provided specific instruction based on the majority of wall fountains sold.

You want to start by pulling together the tools needed for the job, which include:

Pencil
Measuring tape
Stud finder
Level
Drill with Phillips head driver and screws
Pair of pliers
Piece of 2x4 wood

First, organize the materials that came with the fountain so they are easily accessible. Next, you will need to look around the room, determining the exact wall and placement for the hanging fountain. Again, if you want to hide the electrical outlet, which looks much better, you should consider having an additional outlet installed directly behind the fountain. Again make sure it is a GFI plug for safety reasons. With this completed, you need to find the studs on the wall, marking them with the pencil. To support the fountain best, we suggest you use these studs, especially if the fountain were heavy.

The installation brackets would be mounted next, placing them where the fountain will be hung. To ensure you do this properly for the fountain purchased, be sure to refer to the enclosed instructions. Then, depending on the style of indoor wall fountain you purchased, you may need to make sure the water distribution unit at the top of the unit is secure. Additionally, be sure this unit is conformed to the front of the unit, which will improve water flow.

The water line is now secured to the top of the distribution unit. We strongly recommend that you use a clamp for the best security of this connection and if the line is copper, use a special cleaning pad once the installation is complete to make it shine and remove any fingerprints or dirt. The electrical cord to the fountain would now be connected prior to hanging the main unit itself. From there, you would place the unit on the 2x4 piece of wood while on the floor but directly in front of the bracket you attached to the wall. Now is the time you will need your family member or friend to help list the heavy part of the fountain into place. The purpose of using the 2x4 is better grip when living the actual fountain.

Now, the water hose that supplies water from the pump to the fountain is attached at the bottom. Once that step is completed, fill the fountain, using only distilled water, which will stop any clogging or calcium buildup caused by tap water. Recheck all of your connections and then turn the water element on. You should notice the water flowing softly and naturally down the front of the fountain. If water flow is too fast or hard, or it is not flowing very well, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on adjustment.

The last steps involve securing the hood component to the top of the fountain, plugging it in, and making sure any lighting feature is securely in place. Most units include pebbles, river rock, or some other substance to the basin or trough, and adding and arranging these items is typically your last step.

With the fountain installation complete, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the beautiful natural sights and sounds of cascading water within your home.

About the Author:

Garth Epp has been intrigued by how moving water can be used to create a unique, stunning and relaxing atmosphere within one’s living spaces. Through his fascination with the allure of water, Premium Indoor Fountains.com, an information based website introducing visitors to the wonder of indoor fountains, was born.

Make Room for the ...

by Ann Martin

New furniture, different color schemes, tearing down a wall and a new carpet are just some elements associated with home remodeling. There are other things to consider when remodeling or renovating, such as making room for your Oneida flatware in the new kitchen or using the right cabinet hardware.

When a remodeling project is being planned often the small things are forgotten. It doesn't matter if it is a big or small project. Renovators are overwhelmed with a budget, decisions and schedules, leading to fine details being overlooked. It is important to make room for the small things.

Consider every element of the remodel throughout the design and planning process. The focus should not just be on picking out cabinets and lights. If you are remodeling a kitchen make the space as workable as possible. Do not overlook the importance of function. Look for the small details that come from everyday experiences. Find the most efficient way to design the kitchen by placing vital areas close together such as the refrigerator, stove and sink.

Nevertheless, creating a functional work space is just part of the efficacy. A workable space will not work if storage is not incorporated into the design. It is easier to find a place for everything and make the area efficient during the design stage. Take inventory of the items in your kitchen - skillets, pans, flatware, dishes, glasses, mugs, etc. Will you be using items already in your kitchen or buying new equipment? Take a pantry area into account, as well, for storing food and other kitchen items. Measure everything you will be using and storing. Research different cabinets, counters and drawers that are available to find measurements that will accommodate your supplies. Pick out items that take up less space and serve multiple functions. Incorporate cabinets that use all the space you can from floor to ceiling. Suggestions include putting in a cutting board that slides out to save space, add a roll out trash can enclosed out of the way in a cabinet and put a drawer near the sink for easier access for cleaning supplies, such as brushes and sponges.

Will there be more than one cook in the kitchen? Then look into having several meal preparation areas. When you have designed the kitchen and it looks good consider clean up as well. Does the design make it easy to clean? Add a backsplash to help make clean up easier around the stove while adding a hint of style to the kitchen. Cabinet hardware is another element to remember that brings style together, but one type of hardware might be easier for someone to use than others. If a person has difficulty gripping a certain cabinet handle finding another type that is easier to use would be helpful.

If you consider everything upfront you can plan for it. Then if you find you've forgotten along the way it might be easier to incorporate a special storage place for the flatware, for instance.