Halloween Woodcarving: 10 Frightfully Fun Projects for the Beginner

From learning how to use and maintain basic woodcarving tools such as knives and chisels to understanding the benefits and drawbacks of working with various types of wood, this spook-tacular carving guide will delight crafters. Novice carvers can take their turn with 10 detailed patterns of popular Halloween-themed figures, including a mummy, a witch, ghastly ornaments, a black cat, and a ghost trick-or-treater. Instructional chapters also explain how to transfer patterns and provide a presentation of painting and finishing pieces to add creativity and color to carvings.

Available at Amazon.com.

How To Set A Timber Post

Cement Australia shows you how to set a timber post.

Unclog a Toilet

Have you ever had a toilet get stopped up very late at night? YouToo Can Do host Karen Schmidt shows how you too can clear any clog in a toilet with an inexpensive toilet auger.

Molding and Trim: The Crowning Glory of Any Room

If you’re like most homeowners you probably don’t think much about trim and crown molding. But walk into a room with crown molding and you will immediately feel you are somewhere special. Trim and crown molding really complete a room that may otherwise seem dull and lackluster.

Baseboards and doorway trim are essential to give a room a finished look. And upscale touches like crown molding can add to the elegance of almost any room. In fact, trim and crown molding is so important that finish carpenters – craftsmen who specialize in making and/or installing room trim – can command high prices for their work.

“The good news is that thanks to some innovative new products, and readily available advice and education, you can fire your finish carpenter,” says trim expert Mike Denny of So-Simple Crown Molding. “It’s easier and more affordable than ever for do-it-yourselfers to install trim, even crown molding.”

Here are facts you should know about trimming a room:

* Trim types include baseboards, molding around doors and windows, ceiling trims and crown moldings. They can all be as elaborate or simple as your taste dictates. Most home builders install basic base moldings and door and window trim.

* Baseboards or floor trim is both decorative and functional. Installed where the bottom of the wall meets the floor, base moldings anchor a room visually and also protect walls from damage by feet, vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops or other cleaning tools.

* The wider the trim, the greater its visual impact on a room. If you are trimming a grand, open space, wide, highly detailed moldings can add depth and interest to the room. Keep scale in mind when choosing the size and complexity of trim.

* Crown moldings have long been considered the hallmarks of upscale homes. Historically, builders have marketed these moldings as expensive upgrades and finish carpenters have charged handsomely to install these trims in existing homes.

“Until recently, most homeowners would have hesitated to tackle installation of crown molding on their own,” Denny says. “Thanks to the growth of the do-it-yourself market, manufacturers, such as SoSimpleCrown, have created beautiful and affordable crown molding that makes it easy for virtually anyone to trim a room themselves.”

Crown molding has entered the realm of the do-it-yourselfers thanks to pre-cut corners. “Traditional wood crown molding has a reputation as a difficult home improvement project for the do-it-yourselfer,” Denny says. “Most people are intimidated by the angled cuts required and the tools such as the, nail gun, needed to install traditional crown molding.”

Enter products like So-Simple Crown Molding, a light weight, easy to handle foam crown molding product that looks exactly like real wood crown molding. Much less expensive than wood crown, this innovative molding eliminates two of the biggest challenges of crown molding installation – corner cuts and nailing. With a simple online ordering process, homeowners specify the number of corners in their room and the company pre-cuts the moldings for the proper fit. Precut corners and the molding’s light weight means one person can easily install the molding.

Additionally, this product installs with caulk. No nails are required. For more information about crown molding visit, www.SoSimpleCrown.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How To Repair Brickwork

Cement Australia shows the home handyman some tips on how to repair brickwork.

Applying Caulk around a Bathtub

Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com demonstrates the process of removing old caulk, and installing new caulk around a bathtub.

Choosing a Kitchen Sink

Don walks you through what to consider when shopping for a new kitchen sink.

Removing Water Stains from Wood

Almost everyone has had to clean up a water ring on a wooden coffee table. Learn the best way to remove water stains from wood.

Angie's List Offers Homeowners 9 Home Maintenance Tips for Fall

Angie's List (www.angieslist.com), a consumer organization that helps homeowners nationwide find reliable help in more than 280 categories of service, conducted a poll of its members and found that nearly a quarter of them don't keep up on routine home maintenance. Of those that don't keep up, 44 percent say they just don't know what to check and when. Of those that do keep up, nearly 70 percent say their efforts save them money.

Putting off routine home maintenance nearly always results in headaches, wasted time and sometimes major expenses. While it's called "routine" maintenance, many homeowners don't know where to start when trying to plot a home maintenance course.

"Making a list of items to check around the home each month or season can really benefit homeowners," says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. "Our poll found 78 percent of respondents take steps to maintain their home. Of those respondents, 68 percent say it's helped them save a few bucks down the road on repairs."

Angie's List went to the experts to develop a fall home maintenance checklist to help homeowners do what it takes to keep those home-related headaches at bay.

• Continue to mow your lawn until the first frost. Remove the leaves when your grass has stopped growing.
• Those falling leaves will eventually clog your gutters and downspouts. Not cleaning your gutters can damage your homes foundation. Schedule gutter cleaning with a professional before winter arrives.
• Clean your outdoor furniture, and refinish it if necessary, to prevent rust and damage from freezing. If you store your outdoor furniture inside for the winter (which is recommended, if at all possible) allow for some airflow. Encasing the furniture tightly in plastic could lead to moisture damage.
• Schedule any indoor painting you need done. The weather is usually ideal for leaving windows open for ventilation.
• Properly discard or store paint, caulk or adhesives in a heated area to prevent them from freezing. Call your local hazardous material removal service for instructions on discarding products that could be toxic. Drain all gasoline containers, including lawn mowers and other gasoline-powered tools.
• Check insulation in your attic, basement and other areas for any dirty spots, which often indicate air leaks into or out of your home. If you find any holes, seal them with caulk.
• You can save 10 percent or more on your energy bill by reducing air leaks in your home, so take a look around for drafts around doors and windows and seal those you find. One easy way to test for air leaks is to hold a lit stick of incense around windows and doors. Drafts will cause the smoke to drift with the current. Pay special attention to any airflow beneath your doors, as opening and closing often causes door sweeps to wear out.
• With dark days ahead, exterior lighting is very important. Check all your bulbs and consider using timers to turn lights on at dusk and off in the morning.
• Before you light the first log, get your chimney cleaned and make any necessary repairs. Fireplaces that are used regularly during the season should have an annual cleaning to prevent chimney fires.

*1,334, Angie's List members took our poll. Responses are representative of Angie's List members, but not the general public.

Angie's List is where consumers turn to get the real scoop on local contractors and companies in more than 280 different categories. Currently, more than 600,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie's List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the Angie's List magazine, which includes articles on home maintenance and improvement, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie's List complaint resolution service. Get more home maintenance information and consumer tips at www.angieslist.com. Learn more about Angie's List founder, Angie Hicks, at www.angiehicksbowman.com

Source: PRWeb

How to Repair a Downspout

Knowing how to repair a downspout can save you a lot of money. AsktheBuilder.com host Tim Carter shows you how to repair your downspouts without paying a professional by getting professional results yourself.

Seven Tips to Slash Soaring Home Heating Bills

Consumers will likely pay record prices to heat their homes this winter, up an average of 10.5 percent from last winter, says NEADA, a group of state energy aid officials. Now is the time to give your home a “check-up.” Here are seven tips from the Comfort Institute to make your home an energy sipper instead of a gas guzzler.

1. Ask your HVAC contractor to test your duct system for air leaks. Many assume that windows and doors are the major cause of a home’s energy wasting air leaks. But according to recent research by the Department of Energy (DOE), gaps, joints and disconnections in the typical home’s duct system are much more significant. The DOE states that the typical duct system loses 25 to 40 percent of the energy put out by the central furnace or heat pump. Authorities recommend sealing ducts with a brushed on fiber-reinforced elastomeric sealant. Duct tape usually dries out and fails. It turns out duct tape is great for many things, but sealing ducts isn’t one of them.

2. Ask your contractor to perform an Infiltrometer “blower door” test. The blower door is a computerized instrument originally invented by the Department of Energy. It pinpoints where your home’s worst air leaks are, such as duct leaks, and also measures how leaky the overall house is. Most homes have the equivalent of an open window in combined air leaks. Many heating contractors offer an Infiltrometer test as part of a “Home & Duct Performance Checkup” that also checks insulation levels and overall duct performance.

3. Have your heating system cleaned and tuned. A pre-season tune up is a great investment. It reduces the chances of breakdowns on cold winter nights, improves safety and more than pays for itself through more energy efficient operation. For a free report: “How to Identify a Good Heating and Cooling Contractor,” go to www.comfortinstitute.org.

4. Replace your furnace or heat pump air filter (or clean it if it is an electronic unit). Most systems need this done every month to ensure safe and efficient operation. Keep forgetting to do it? Ask your contractor for an extended surface area central air filter that only needs to be replaced once a year. It also does a far better job of keeping your equipment and the air in your home clean.

5. Close your fireplace damper. Did you remember to close it last time you used the fireplace? Shut it now or waste precious warm air all winter long.

6. Install a programmable set-back thermostat. Turning down the thermostat eight degrees for eight hours a day will save 8 percent on home heating costs. An easy way to take advantage of these savings is to lower the thermostat temperature while away from home or sleeping. Ask your heating contractor about new models which are much easier to program.

7. Consider replacing your old furnace or heat pump. Just like a car, heating and cooling equipment doesn’t last forever. Is your system more than 12 years old? Planning to stay in your home more than a few years? Many authorities recommend replacing it before it fails permanently. New units can pay for themselves over time as they are up to twice as energy efficient. However, government and utility research has found that over 90 percent of newly installed high efficiency systems have energy wasting mistakes. Today’s new equipment is drastically compromised if it is hooked up to bad ducts.

Do some homework before talking to contractors. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov and www.comfortinstitute.org. Print out the free Comfort Institute report “Tips and Secrets to Buying A New Heating and Cooling System.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How To Hang A Door

VideoJug: How To Hang A Door
In this video, watch an expert hangs a new door onto a new frame.

ENERGY STAR Qualified Replacement Windows and Doors May Earn Homeowners Up to $500 Tax Credit

Homeowners may be eligible to receive a one-time credit of up to $500 on their 2007 federal income tax if they purchase and install ENERGY STAR® qualified windows and doors before December 31, 2007 .

In addition to the tax savings, energy efficient replacement windows can also significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. With rising energy costs and the return of cooler weather fast approaching, many homeowners are actively looking for ways to reduce their monthly heating bills.

According to ENERGY STAR, the average American household spends $1,900 annually on energy bills and as much as half of that energy cost goes to heating and cooling your home.

Homeowners who want to make a big impact on reducing their energy bills can start by looking out the window. Or rather, at the window. Traditionally, poor performing windows and doors have been the weak energy link in homes, often accounting for up to 40 percent of a home's heat loss during the winter.

Craig Evanich, president of Renewal by Andersen, suggests homeowners look at key energy efficiency designations from their replacement windows such as product certification and labeling via the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and qualification by ENERGY STAR, a voluntary program issued by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

NFRC's goal is to provide a credible certification and labeling program providing consumers a reliable way to make product comparisons. NFRC ratings are provided for the entire product (glass, frame and sash/panel) and not just glass only. Evanich says, "When comparing windows, be sure to check a window's U-Factor on the NFRC label. A window with a lower U-Factor has better insulation properties, reduces heat loss during the heating season and provides more comfort. U-Factors can range from 0.15 to 1.20. In colder climates, a factor of 0.35 or lower is recommended."

The ENERGY STAR program sets energy efficiency requirements for heat loss and heat gain based on different climate zones. The ENERGY STAR label is designed to help homeowners make energy efficient choices and achieve substantial savings in heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing inefficient single pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows could save up to 15 percent on your energy bills.

Homeowners are increasingly seeking products that not only help reduce their energy consumption, but do so in an environmentally responsible manner. This means taking into consideration the full product life-cycle, from materials to manufacturing and use to recycling and disposal.

According to Evanich, every Renewal by Andersen® window frame is manufactured using a patented composite material that is a blend of 40 percent reclaimed wood fiber and 60 percent thermoplastic polymers by volume. This low-maintenance framing material never needs painting or scraping, reducing waste created by ongoing maintenance.*

Wood fibers used in this composite material are reclaimed directly from manufacturing processes, helping to minimize the overall impact on the environment. In fact, in 2001 Renewal by Andersen became the first replacement window manufacturer to earn Green Seal certification, and continues to be the only replacement window manufacturer to be Green Seal certified today. This designation identifies a product as environmentally preferable, demonstrating it meets energy efficiency requirements and is manufactured in an environmentally conscious manner.

Evanich says that a window's durability is key to making energy efficient windows an investment for the long term, and avoiding future waste. He suggests shopping for quality windows that are supported by a strong warranty and that shoppers look for long-term value over price. "Saving a few dollars now could mean another replacement project just a few years down the road," said Evanich.

About Renewal by Andersen
Renewal by Andersen is the start-to-finish replacement window division of Andersen Corporation. The company offers homeowners a replacement process that includes in-home consultation, manufacturing, and installation through one of the largest nationwide networks of window replacement specialists spanning coast to coast.

For a complimentary in-home consultation, or to view more information about Renewal by Andersen, visit http://www.renewalbyandersen.com

** Most Renewal by Andersne windows and doors with High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass will qualify when used for remodeling or home improvement. Please consult your tax planner and review all IRS guidelines. Rnewal by Andersen is not a tax advistor and bears no responsibility in the validation of obtaining the tax credit
*See the Renewal by Andersen limited warranty."ENERGY STAR" is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted, are trademarks of Andersen Corporation.
©2007 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

Source: PRWeb

Gutter Maintenance

Gutters and downspouts are your first line of defense against water damage. Learn how to keep them working right.

Replace Your Home’s Biggest Water Waster

Ready to make your home more environmentally friendly? If you’re planning to join the ranks of those who want to do their part for Planet Earth, the bathroom is a good place to start.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets, showers and faucets combined represent two-thirds of all indoor water use, with toilets being the biggest water guzzler of all. It’s a good time to replace older models with the new efficient ones. Here are five things to keep in mind as you shop for a new one:

1. Educate yourself on High Efficiency Toilets (HETs).

A HET is defined as a fixture that uses 20 percent less water than the 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) requirement set by the government. Though still voluntary, HETs are becoming a significant part of the marketplace as manufacturers recognize the compelling need for water conservation and water authorities incorporate them into their toilet replacement programs. You’ll save the most water with an HET.

2. Consider dual flush technology.

A dual-flush toilet offers two different flush volumes: a little flush and a big flush. Popular in Europe and Asia, and even mandated in Australia, dual flush toilets are increasingly recognized for their common sense approach to water conservation as well as their effectiveness. While many manufacturers offer them, none has more than Caroma, the Australian company that invented the technology 25 years ago, with 30 models now available.

A family of four can save 13,000 gallons of water per year by using a dual-flush toilet instead of a single flush model installed after 1994, and 52,000 gallons of water compared to the older toilets that still exist in many homes. If every home replaced their single flush toilets with dual flush ones, 3.9 trillion gallons of water per year could be saved.

3. Look for the Water Sense Label.

The EPA’s new labeling program, called WaterSense, guides consumers to the most water efficient products. Only HETs qualify for WaterSense; and only those certified in independent laboratory testing to meet rigorous criteria for both performance and water efficiency are awarded the label. Caroma now has 29 WaterSense toilets available.

4. Choose an Easy Installation Solution.

Select a new toilet that will cover the footprint of your old unit to avoid the need to replace or repair the floor. For example, Caroma models are designed to fit over most other footprints making them an ideal choice for retrofitting as well as saving water.

5. Check for replacement programs.

Many local water authorities offer significant rebates, sometimes even free toilets, to customers who trade in their old toilets for more environmentally friendly models. Check your local water authority website.

In addition to replacing an older toilet with a newer, more efficient one, other environmentally friendly improvements you can make in the bathroom include switching to a low flow showerhead, which according to the EPA will save 18,250 gallons of water a year; and switching out standard aerators for reduce-flow ones. You should also check your faucets for leaks. Just one drippy faucet can waste up to 13 gallons each day. And you might not even hear it draining your wallet until it's too late. The best way to catch sneaky leaks is to check your water meter. Make sure all the water is off in the house, then look at the meter to make sure the needle isn't moving.

To learn more about dual flush technology, how to save water and to find a store close to you, log on to http://www.caromausa.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent