Shelterpop

How to Keep Your Home Secure During Travel

Timothy Dahl — 2009-12-30T08:49:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Photo: Timothy Dahl

In the craziness of planning for our holiday travel and vacations, we often forget to take the necessary steps to safeguard our home from intruders. It's not necessary to have a home security system such as a home alarm or security camera, although those types of precautions are a great deterrent. Here are some tips for homeowners who don't have home security systems but want some piece of mind before locking up.

1. Talk to your neighbors
It's always good to get to know your neighbors as it not only provides another set of eyes throughout the year that can watch over your property, it's also great to build your community. Before traveling, let a neighbor you trust know that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye on your property. That may mean taking out and bringing in the garbage, checking the mail, grabbing the newspaper and safekeeping packages that are delivered in your absence. If you don't have a neighbor you trust, talk to a friend or family member who can stop by.

2. Put your lights on a timer
This is a simple but necessary tip. Most robbers will "case" a target before making a move and a home that looks empty is a prime target. It's not necessary to keep a light on in a main room but rather an upstairs or side room that isn't easy to see from the street or yard. If you can set timers in different rooms for different times that's even better.

3. Close your shades
Use your window treatments to cover your windows so it's not easy for robbers to peek in. Without drapes someone can see into your home from a car in the street but with light window coverings it's not so easy.

4. Lock everything
Double check that all doors and windows are closed and secure. Use a wood dowel to secure sliding glass doors. Close up doggy doors. Lock outside gates and interior doors such as one from the garage. You've quickly and easily deterred lazy burglars.

5. Clear your yard of clutter
Make sure all leaves are picked up and your lawn is freshly mowed before you leave. It's another way to signal your occupancy.

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Prepping Your House for Snow

Timothy Dahl — 2009-12-30T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Photo: quauntumdtell

Many people have already gotten the season's first snowfall. Whether you're among them, or still waiting for the first powdering, an ounce of preparation now will make a huge difference to the health of your home this winter and beyond.

Go through this easy checklist to prepare your home for snow before the white stuff ever hits the ground.

1. Check your gutters
You've probably already checked them since the leaves started falling but check again. Are they secure? Clean? Connected?

2. Tune up the heating system
If your pilot light was out for the summer or your thermostat isn't working, get your system up and running. It's smarter to take care of this sooner rather than later.

3. Remove screens and install storm windows
This is much easier to do before it gets too cold.

4. Replace worn weather stripping
Check for drafts around doors and windows. Fill any leaks with caulk--the cheapest way to save money on your utility bills and stay warm.

5. Clear your yard
Safeguard anything you don't want getting wet or rusting out. Cover or bring in appliances such as BBQ grills and swingsets.

6. Locate snow clearing equipment
Make sure all shovels and snowblowers are easy to access and in working condition. If the garage door is likely to have a foot of snow in front of it, move the snow supplies to the mudroom or somewhere else within easy reach.

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Tips to Keep Mud and Dirt From Tracking Inside

Timothy Dahl — 2009-12-29T10:11:00 00:00

Filed under: Cleaning & Storage, Storage & Cleaning, Cleaning

Robert Daly, Getty Images

Here's a common complaint: My kids bring the outside in and there's dirt in the house! How do I keep my carpets and floors clean?

This isn't an issue just with kids but pets as well and anyone who isn't diligent about wiping their feet on a mat outside. The way it's done in Hawaii is everyone removes their "slippas" at the door and nobody walks inside with shoes on. This is a Hawaiian/Japanese cultural habit with obvious benefits that has spread to the mainland. I've got quite a few friends in New York City that also adhere to this rule and wish that their guests would do the same.

If you'd like to try the shoe removal technique in your home then make sure all shoes are first wiped on the mat and that there is an easy-to-use shoe shelf or receptacle at each door. This is the number one solution for keeping mud and dirt outside but for some families it's just not going to happen.

If the shoes have to stay on then consider where the mud and dirt is coming from. Proper landscaping and irrigation will help a yard dry quickly after a rain and not allow water to settle in dirt spots. Walkways should be routinely swept and lawns should be maintained so that mud and dirt patches don't appear.

Some homes are built with mudrooms, small entry ways that are typically tiled. Taking advantage of these rooms and setting up an area to remove dirty shoes and put on "house" shoes is another solution. This room is also the perfect place to store coats, umbrellas and sports equipment.

It's difficult to keep a dog's feet clean but as I mentioned above, keeping a yard properly maintained will help a lot. My family also keeps a rag near the door in an easy to reach place that is used to wipe our dogs' feet before they come into the house after a dirty walk. If the rag is easy to access then you'll use it.

When all else fails, and dirt creeps in, look into stain-resistant carpet brands, like Stainmaster, and easy-to-clean flooring options.

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Closet Clutter Solutions

Timothy Dahl — 2009-12-29T09:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Cleaning & Storage, Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization

Photo: peyri

We've all faced a closet that somehow ended up being the catch-all for everything we needed to store right away, get off the floor or pick up quickly before guests arrived. But there comes a time to face the ugly reality and we've got some tips for setting up your closet storage.

1. Purge the closet
Get rid of clutter by donating or throwing away anything that you won't be using in the next year, or haven't used in the past 12 months. Of course keep everything of sentimental value but if it's that old sweater you haven't touched in five years or some hockey sticks that are in better shape than you are, get rid of them. You won't miss them --we promise.

2. Evaluate shelving
After purging the closet you may have more space now than you realize. By getting stuff off the closet floor and up on shelves where you can see it and use it, you'll be winning the war on clutter.

3. Use low-profile hangers
Now sold at most home furnishing stores, these low-profile hangers are the same dimensions as regular hangers but cut a much more narrow profile which allows you to store more clothes in the same amount of space that typically would be filled up by wide wood or plastic hangers.

4. Label everything
Invariably stuff gets stored in old shoe boxes and you forget where and what things are. Treat yourself to a labeling machine. By labeling everything you'll have a quick closet reference and only need a glance to see what something is. Another favorite tip is to take a photo of the enclosed items (this works great with pairs of shoes) and stick the photo on the outside of the box.

5. Use common sense
When storing items keep the most used things within easy reach. In irregular-shaped closets with space behind walls or with hard to reach shelves, keep only sentimental storage and photos, not shoes or jewelry. If you don't you'll forget what you have and never wear it! Out of sight, out of mind (which, by the way, is not a technique we recommend for clutter).

Turn to ShelterPop for more organization tips!

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It's Easy to Calculate How Much Paint You Need for a Room

Timothy Dahl — 2009-12-28T15:41:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Photo: chris.corwin

Before painting a room or a wall you need to determine how much paint you will need. It's smart to buy just a bit more than you think you'll use as it's always frustrating to return to the hardware store praying they still have your hue. It's also handy to have a little extra paint to cover drywall patches or nail holes when the inevitable wear-and-tear occurs. Luckily, it's easy to calculate how much paint you'll need for any given project.

1. Measure the length of the wall in feet.

2. Measure the height of the wall in feet.

3. Multiply the length times the height to get the square footage of wall area.

A gallon of paint will cover roughly 400 square feet. Make note that if you need two coats then double the amount of paint needed.

You should also take into account windows and doors and determine their square footage and subtract that from your total. If you don't want to do the math, check out this paint calculator from True Value and just enter your specs and hit go. If only the painting was so easy!

Be sure to check out ShelterPop's other helpful how-tos here and here!

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Bathroom Hardware 101

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-30T00:45:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Bathroom

Photo: Getty

Bathroom hardware can be a quick and easy way to update your bathroom. Here's a look at the many components and options you have when choosing your bathroom hardware. No matter the style of your bathroom, whether it is traditional, contemporary, nautical, modern, vintage, rustic or anything else, there is a complimentary bathroom hardware for you. Choose from designers that specialize in stainless steel, bronze, pewter ceramic or even hand forged wrought iron.

Towel bars are a great way to keep towels from taking up valuable counter space. Choose from single towel bars, double towel bars, towel hooks or towel rings, depending on how much space you have in the bathroom. For safety in the shower, if you have elderly folks or small children, a grab bar is a great option to keep them steady.

Coordinate the finish on the grab bar with your towel bar to help it blend in seamlessly with the rest of your décor. Many small bathrooms don't offer a lot of space for a mirror. Consider using the door to hang a full-length mirror or use a long or wide shape over the sink for convenience.

If you are really pressed for space, a medicine cabinet with a mirrored door is great way to add storage for small items, while still giving you the convenience of a mirror. Also don't forget the shower curtain. A curved rod can give a little more space in a cramped shower stall, but it may take up bathroom space if hung incorrectly.

A bathroom looks its best when the hardware is coordinated, including: towel bars, toilet paper holders, faucets, shower rods and everything else you need to make an elegant throne room.

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Types of Finishes for Kitchen Cabinets

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-30T00:43:00 00:00

Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home

Photo: Getty

Choosing a finish for your kitchen cabinet can be tricky, as there are seemingly endless arrays of choices. By understanding some of the more popular options, as well as your personal kitchen habits and needs, you may be able to pick a finish with as little hassle as possible.

Conversion finishes have become popular for kitchen cabinets as well as industry finishes because they offer a protective coat that is resistant to heat, wear, water, and solvents. However, conversion finishes are also highly toxic and can be difficult to strip and remove and cannot be used over certain sealers.

Painting is another popular way to finish kitchen cabinets. Painting gives you the option of matching your cabinets to the color of the kitchen. You can also use a stain on your kitchen cabinets, which is a relative to paint and therefore retain the natural grain of the wood. Paint can also help make kitchen cabinets more durable and stain resistant.

There are a wide variety of kitchen cabinet finishes, and the best way to find the right one is to consider your needs as to how you use the kitchen and how important it is to find a water-resistant or heat-resistant seal.

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Painting Hardwood Floors

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-26T00:46:00 00:00

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Your Home, Projects, Design, etc

Photo: Flickr user: ambery

Painting a hardwood floor is a lot easier than most people think.

Painting is a great way to rejuvenate floors that have been scarred and damaged, without having to go to the expense of replacing hardwood.

The only problem with painting a hardwood floor is if the floor has suffered water damage or is in a basement or other moist area. The paint won't adhere as well and may end up peeling rather than providing the protective barrier it should. However, many floors installed after the 1970s have been sealed to prevent moisture vapor.

To begin painting a hardwood floor, sweep or clean the area of any dust and debris. Then, fill in any holes, gaps, dents, large seams, etc., with a plastic-type wood filler (which can be found in a hardwood store).

Once the gaps have been filled, you can then begin to prime for painting. If your hardwood floor has a varnish or urethane finish, it must be sanded before being primed.

After priming, you can begin painting. Oil based paints are best for floors because they are most resistant to foot traffic and also dry more quickly than water-based counterparts. Feel free to get creative with your painting and create a faux finish, using stenciling, borders or pinstriping to get the look you want.

Once the paint has been allowed to dry, apply three coats of non-yellowing urethane.

For maintenance, apply a coat of urethane to floors every couple of years.

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How To Hang Wall Plates Safely

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-25T00:44:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, DIY: Done in a Day, Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects

Photo: Flickr user: shareski

Plates hung on a wall provide a 3-D visual impact that a photograph can't match. It is important to hang plates properly, so that they don't become a safety hazard.

One of the easiest ways to hang plates is to purchase a plate hanger. You can find them at craft and hardware stores for just a few dollars. Generally these come in several different materials to coordinate with the hardware in your home, including: brass, lucite and wire. Some have springs and some don't.

Another way to hang plates is with double-sided stickers or tape that are designed just for hanging things. Depending on the weight of the plate and the strength of the wall, these sticky devices can be either a good or bad option.

Another option is to make a wire plate hanger yourself. Many do-it-yourself gurus, including Martha Stewart, offer advice on how to make wire plate hangers. Depending on the size and weight of your plate, you may find that making your own wire plate hanger is a better option because it can be customized to fit any size or weight plate. Making your own plate hanger is especially nice if you are planning to arrange plates that are different sizes.

To make sure your plate is safe, use the same guidelines as you would to hang an especially large painting: a stud finder and a nail or picture hanger for stability.

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Eco-Paints

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-20T12:47:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Shopping, Your Home, Projects

Photo: Benjamin Moore

You may think that choosing a paint is only as complicated as picking out a color, but you'd be wrong. Choosing a paint has become a lot more complicated, thanks to new information that has found that traditional paints "off-gas," creating toxic fumes that have been found to harm and create health problems in the environment, humans and animals. To prevent these problems, choose an eco-paint.

An eco-paint is non-petroleum based paint. These paints often come with an eco-conscious label, unlike a standard latex-based paint. Eco paints don't have the unpleasant odor or the possible health hazards of chemical or biological pollutants found in paints. Eco-paints are labeled with a non-voc label. (VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound).

While eco-paints were once hard to find and only available from select manufactures, primarily online, many bigger brands and companies have gone green, making finding an eco-paint as easy as going to your local paint supplier or hardware store. Some of the more accessible eco-paint brands include Benjamin Moore's Green Promise line of eco paints, Natura Paint, which are produced with industry standards and no VOC's.

Hardware store giant, Home Depot, now carries Eco Options, including a range of non-VOC paints. FreshAire paints and primers are designed to make the air inside easier to breathe.

There are also many smaller eco paint brands include BioShield, Yolo Colorhouse, The Old-Fashioned Milk Paint Company's Safepaint and others.

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How to Change a Doorknob

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-19T00:48:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Photo: Getty Images

Whether it's broken or you want to freshen up the look of your home, changing a doorknob is a simple process that can be done easily. First, you most likely must remove the old doorknob.

To do this, remove the screws that hold the doorknob in place. The screws are usually found on the interior side of the door. The doorknob may also have screws on the coverplate, which must first be removed in order to loosen the knob. If there are no screws, there is likely a slot on the side of the knob. To loosen this, use a paper clip or key to push in until you hear a pop from the inside, letting you know the doorknob is now loose.

To remove the underlying plate, use a screwdriver and carefully wedge it between the door and the plate and apply gentle pressure until it pops off. Then to remove the old screws and latch, use a power drill or screwdriver. Once the old knob is off, you can replace it with a new one.

Be sure to check and see if you need to readjust the "backset," the space between the center of the doorknob and the edge of the door. Then follow the removal directions in reverse. First installing the new screws and latch, then setting the doorknob in place, setting the screws in and then tightening. Make sure not to over-tighten the screws.

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Tricks to Remove Wallpaper

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-18T00:38:00 00:00

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Your Home, Projects

Removing old wallpaper can be a hassle, especially if you're a first-timer. Luckily, there is plenty of information available so that you can learn from other people's mistakes. While wallpaper removal is inherently messy, it doesn't have to be difficult. It does require a lot of patience, especially if you are removing old wallpaper from a large area. Before you begin removing wallpaper, it can be useful to determine what lies beneath the paper, whether you have drywall or plaster. You can tell which type of wall you have by feel and sound: Plaster feels hard, cold and smooth and doesn't sound hollow, whereas drywall sounds hollow and isn't as smooth feeling as plaster.

If wallpaper is literally peeling itself off the walls, you might be able to remove using nothing more than your hands and a putty knife. When the wallpaper is this easy to get rid of, all that remains is some glue, which can be easily gotten rid of with some wallpaper stripper and a sponge.

Steaming off wallpaper using a rented steamer apparatus is a common wallpaper removal technique, but it can damage older walls that are constructed with paper-faced wallboards.

Instead, consider using a chemical agent combined with hot water. After allowing it to soak on walls that have been perforated using a "Paper Tiger" tool, wallpaper and glue should come off easily, leaving a surface that can be lightly sanded before being re-papered or painted.

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5 Steps to Prep Your Wall for Paint

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-17T02:28:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Your Home, Projects

Photo: Flickr user irrezolut

The most important part of painting is prepping your wall and work area. If your paint surface isn't clean and the surrounding areas aren't taped properly, you'll have a bigger mess than what you started with.

Here are 5 steps to prep your wall for paint.

1. Clean your work area - Make sure all trash and garbage is removed as well as anything that can get in your way while painting. Every square inch of your wall should be easily accessible. Move plants and furniture away from the wall to be painted.

2. Remove hardware - Light switch plates, door knobs, drape rods and any other hardware should be removed and organized so it is easy to install after the paint drys.

3. Fix holes - Repair any damage to the wall. Use a drywall patch compound to fill in holes and make sure the compound is smooth and fully dry before painting over. Fill in all nail holes and remove any tape, nails or irregular items from the wall.

4. Clean the walls - Use a damp sponge and go over every inch of the wall to be cleaned. There is a layer of dust that you don't see on all walls and this dust must be removed if you want the paint to adhere properly.

5. Tape it off - Don't be afraid to use your tape liberally and be patient and precise when covering a window frame or glass. An exacto knife or box cutter will also help you make precision cuts. Use tape to secure plastic coverings over any furniture that can't be moved and tape down drop clothes so they don't scrunch up.

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How To Change a Lock

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-17T00:49:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Photo by Flickr user: 19.Ramses

Changing a lock doesn't have to be complicated. Using the same lock brand makes it easier, so that you don't have to make too many modifications, or alter the door.
Before heading to the hardware store for a new lock, check the backset of your door. The backset is the measurement from the center of the doorknob to the edge of the door. Most backsets are either 2 3/8 inch (6 cm) or 2 3/4 inch ( 6.5 cm). Newer locks usually come with a backset that is adjustable for either measurement, but check your new lock before you bring it home.

With the door open, remove the old doorknob and lockset. If you have purchased the same brand as your old lock, you shouldn't have to remove the screws that secure the doorknob. Once the old lock is out, simply install the new lock by following the reverse directions of removal.

If you forget a step, or have a problem, simply consulting the package of the new lock should help. It is common to have problems inserting new screws. If this happens, either use longer screws or insert small pieces of wood too. If you are not great at do-it-yourself projects, you can also find kits that may help make changing a lock easier.

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How To: Winterize Your Doors and Windows

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-16T11:57:00 00:00

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Your Home, Projects

Photo: Timothy Dahl

Preparing your home for the cooler months is an easy process that can be done whenever you have some down time. Doors and windows are the primary culprits for heat loss so its best to start there. It's easier to wait until the weather cools so you can feel if there are any drafts before making changes or sealing and applying weather stripping.

Doors

1. Check to see if your door is out of alignment. If it's uneven at the bottom or along the side then you'll have gaps that allow cool air in. You also won't get a good seal if you apply weatherstripping. Check the hinges and adjust the strike plates and latches to bring your door back to alignment.

2. If your door doesn't have a bristle sweep at the bottom, consider adding one. It will help insulate and keep the floors cleaner.

3. Check the door threshold and replace it if it's worn.

4. If the rubber sweep at the base of your garage door is worn or too compressed, replace it.

5. Rubber compression strips are great for patio and sliding glass doors.

6. Replace screens on storm doors with plastic or glass fill-ins.

Windows

1. Apply neoprene strips or rubber compression strips to the base of window sashes as well as along the side of sliding windows.

2. Use clear silicone caulk to seal around the interior and exterior casing.

3. Use basement window well covers to prevent heat loss.

4. Check for broken or cracked panes and replace them. The will break even more in the winter once moisture freezes.

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How to Pull Up Carpet

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-16T00:41:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Flickr user: monsterpants

Pulling up carpet is a labor-intensive activity, so while you can do it by yourself, it's a lot easier and a lot less heavy, if you bring in at least one other person to help out. Because there are going to be exposed nails, wear thick-soled shoes and tread carefully. Underneath the carpet, there could be old flooring or there could just be a collection of junk, dustmites, bugs and other creepy crawly dirt covered items, so you may also want to wear a mask to prevent inhalation of dust.

For the same reason, people who have asthma or breathing problems should leave the area to prevent complications. Start in a corner. Using pliers, begin to lift the carpet in a corner; this will start the removal in two directions. Continue pulling up the carpet in the same manner but stop every 2-3 feet. Most waste collectors will accept old carpeting, but only in rolls that are small enough to carry, which range from 2-4 feet.

As you pull up the carpet, also remember to remove any carpet tacks and strips that stick to the underside of the carpet or stay in the floor. Pulling them up as you go will prevent injuries and make clean up easier. After the carpet has been removed, you can then remove the padding in the same manner, also cutting it into strips. Clean the subfloor of all tacks and nails, using a shop vacuum to suck up the dust and debris that remain.

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Basic Childproofing Tips in Your Home

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-12T00:50:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Getty

The following are tips to use around your home to protect your child safe from common household dangers that adults aren't always in tune with.

1. Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone.

2. Never hold a child while cooking in the kitchen.

3. Remove window cranks from casement windows as they are very appealing for kids.

4. Move furniture away from windows including stools and tables as they allow a child easy access to the window.

5. Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub for even a second.

6. Always fully empty the bathtub or sink. It only takes a couple of inches of water to pose a drowning risk.

7. Use a cord control kit to keep electrical cables, cords and extension wires tucked away.

8. Outlet plugs are a must throughout the house.

9. Keep stairways free of clutter.

10. Use safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairways. They should lock and be easy for an adult to operate but not a child.

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How To: Clean Kitchen and Bathtub Grout the Non-Toxic Way

Timothy Dahl — 2009-11-03T12:58:00 00:00

Filed under: Cleaning & Storage, Bathroom, Storage & Cleaning, Cleaning

Timothy Dahl

Kitchen and bath tile and grout cleaners are notoriously toxic and full of chemicals that you don't want near food or your body, which is hard to avoid in a kitchen and bath. Green cleaning solutions are becoming more plentiful and many homeowners swear by baking soda and vinegar, but if that was effective, you'd no longer have shelves full of chemical cleaners. Chlorine bleach is another alternative but it is corrosive even in diluted forms.

Oxygen bleach may sound kind of nasty, but it's actually environmentally safe and breaks down mold and mildew from an organic level without corroding the tile and grout underneath. It often comes in a powder form that should be mixed with water according to the manufacturers suggestions.

Here's how I clean my bathroom and kitchen:

Apply the oxygen bleach/water mix to dry tile and let sit for 10 minutes. Then take a stiff toothbrush and scrub away. Re-apply the solution as you are scrubbing to work on loosening tougher stains and dirt. Stay away from metal or stiff plastic brushes as they can harm the tile and scrape out the grout.

When you are finished, wipe the floor thoroughly so the dirty water isn't absorbed back into the grout. Enjoy your clean "green" kitchen or bath!

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Home Improvements that Increase Home Value and Those that Don't

Timothy Dahl — 2009-10-20T13:39:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Curb appeal stretches your dollar. Photo by Timothy Dahl

If you're prepping your home to sell or if you just want to boost the long-term value of your property, there are home improvement upgrades that will definitely make a difference. There are others that don't.

Home Upgrades that DON'T Make Cents

1. Installing a pool sounds like a solid investment. Who can't picture themselves lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand? But in reality the enormous cost of installation and maintenance far outweigh the benefits. You will also turn away a large segment of buyers who don't want a pool at all. (Really!)

2. Replacing original wood windows with modern thermal-pane units is not cost-effective. An old window, properly weatherstripped, comes very close to equaling a modern window's energy efficiency. Don't pay to tear one out and replace it with something that is hardly more efficient. It also may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the older windows.

3. A home theater sounds great, but it's another upgrade that many homeowners don't want or care about. They either don't value home theater or will want their own system installed via their specs.

4. New landscaping would help with the curb appeal, but it's not absolutely necessary. In other words, spruce up the yard and the front, but don't invest heavily in expensive landscaping and outdoor remodeling projects.

5. Kitchen and bath remodels are big budget and can help sell the house -- sometimes. The truth is that you won't know the taste of a prospective buyer. They may dislike what you did. Most new homeowners have a budget for making their own changes, and kitchens and baths are usually a priority. If you want to remodel for your own sake then definitely do so. But don't expect to recoup all of your money when you sell.

Home Upgrades that DO Make Cents

1. Curb appeal goes a long way in boosting the value of your home at a minimal cost of time and money. Beyond clearing leaves and mowing the lawn, make sure to cut back tree branches and remove unwanted shrubs and bushes that may be hindering the view of your home from the street. It also helps to clear foliage from around windows to allow more light into the home.

2. Go white when painting a room. If you're not so in love with your lavender or fuchsia bathroom, you can be sure prospective home buyers won't be either. Make it easy for them to picture themselves in the room instead of being distracted by odd colored walls.

3. Clear clutter from not only the main rooms in your home but also your closets. If you are serious about selling your home, consider renting a storage unit instead of having closets that overflow with must-keep junk. Home storage is a big consideration, but if they can't see inside the closets you've got a problem.

4. Remove window treatments unless they let in light. Heavy drapes and rods around windows may create a warm feeling to you but usually they darken a room and give a heavy impression.

5. Finish small projects that you may have been procrastinating such as painting the fence or plastering a hole in the wall. These minor fix-ups make a difference and show how much you care about your home. People want to live in environments that are loved and well cared for, not neglected or unfinished.

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Storage Solutions for Sports Equipment

Timothy Dahl — 2009-10-13T12:23:00 00:00

Filed under: Cleaning & Storage, Your Home, Projects, Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization

Easy ball storage. Photo: Dick's Sporting Goods

Families that play together, stay together and encouraging all members of your family to take up an outdoor activity or team sport is a healthy pursuit. But some sports require a tremendous amount of equipment that takes its toll on your already limited storage space. (Think: garage cluttered with bats, balls, golf clubs, helmets, etc.)

If everyone played soccer or basketball then it would only be a matter of dealing with ball storage. This portable rack from Champion Sports holds 12 balls securely and makes for easy access. If you want to be really organized, then consider this portable ball locker. It will hide those stinky pads and/or helmets.

Athletic endeavors such as hockey, lacrosse and baseball require a storage solution to keep sticks and bats from becoming a tripping hazard.

Sports station. Photo: Rubbermaid

This sports gear station from Rubbermaid holds bats, sticks, helmets and balls with ease. It also contains a mesh bag for ball storage but can be cinched up and removed for easy portability.

The mass of sports gear cluttering your garage may look intimidating, but with the proper storage solution you'll have easy access to the gear. You'll also create a safer environment since there isn't a million things to trip over. You also won't lose as much equipment, which will save you money.

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