Redefining An Old Space For The New Year

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Final Product from dat_asthma

I hope you all having been having a lovely holiday season! I know I have. But after all the holiday celebrations and visits, you might have found a room or two that is just not suiting your needs. Or maybe you got uber jealous of a cool friend’s super updated place. So I’ve decided to post a great DIY room repurposing from Reddit user, dat_asthma. This DIY-er turned a bland guest bedroom into a combined bedroom/office space, and you can too!

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Before from dat_asthma

Initially, you will need to measure out the space in which you will put your frame for the elevated office area. Once you measure the area, cut your boards to size. Screw them together in the shape of your frame.

Then you need to attach simple brackets to the wall and short wooden supports to your desired height. Place the frame on the brackets and bolt it into the brick wall. Next you should add two square shaped supports to the front of the frame. Make sure to screw these square supports into the floor to sustain the weight of the office space.

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Completed frame by dat_asthma

 

For further support, add vertical beams for the floor board to sit on. For the retractable bed, install a simple bed frame on locked castor wheels underneath the office area. With all the supportive materials in place, it’s time to add the decorative features.

With the floor board and foot boards in, you can now start adding paneling. You will add handles for the pull-out bed and leave an area to add stairs. Paneling should be screwed to the front of both of these areas. Then add 20mm chipboard for the subfloor beneath the laminate you are about to install.

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Adding paneling to the frame by dat_asthma

Installing the laminate flooring is incredibly simple after attaching a plastic foam layer to the chipboard. After the laminate floor is installed, add trim to the office area and skirting to the bottom area. With the basics completed, you should paint a layer of wood primer and then several coats of white enamel paint.

Your last step is to fit the mattress into the pull out space. With that installed, you now have a convertible home office and bedroom that you and your guests will love.

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After from dat_asthma

The Most Important $12 Door Update To Do

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Doors are often ignored in a renovation. Countertops, walls, appliances, all of these updates are fair game. But think about all the time guests spend looking at the doors of a home. This $12 update will add glamour to any doorway.

And the process? Couldn’t be simpler. Purchase a 1/4″ piece of plywood. Then measure out the spaces needed between the panels. Once all the horizontal spaces are even, secure the plywood to the door with a nail gun. Repeat the steps on the other side.

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Once all the pieces are attached, sand down any rough edges present. Once all is smooth, install the door. This can be done before or after painting or staining the door.

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When the paint or stain has dried, this new door can completely transform the way a room looks. Try adding this paneling to all doors of a home for a consistent look.

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For a step-by-step guide, check out Jenna Sue Design!

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Once you’re done with the doors in your home, call Chicago Handyman and renovate the spaces within the doors!

 

Renters Rejoice! Pay Only $65 For A Custom Closet

 

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Some closets in an apartment just aren’t large enough to fit a full wardrobe. So create one! With a few simple tools and a day of work, a hidden custom closet is possible on a budget.

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Here are the materials required:

  • A drill and drill bit
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Pencil or pen
  • Three pieces of plumbing pipe sized to fit the space
  • Two flanges
  • Two pipe elbows
  • Spray paint
  • Curtain rings
  • Curtain

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Start by measuring the height and width necessary to cover the area. For more space in the actual closet, add a foot above or below for more shelving. Attain pre-cut pipes or ask the hardware store to cut them to the required size.

Spray paint the pipes the desired color before attaching them together. This will look more seamless and be easier to disassemble if the closet needs to change. Once the pieces are dry, screw them together and slide the curtain rings on.

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Here comes the parts needing more elbow grease. Level the frame area and mark it with a pen or pencil. Once level, drill four holes into either sides of the wall and then insert anchors. Assure the frame is level, line it up with the anchors and then screw in the screws so they are secure.

After that is done, here comes the easy part. Slide on the curtain! Now a new closet awaits to be filled with all the new purchases possible to buy with the money saved on a custom closet.

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Old Home? These Quick, Easy Updates Will Blow Your Mind!

Sometimes a vintage touch brings interest to a home. However, if every room in a home is a remnant of the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s, it might be time for a remodel. If there’s time or no money for a full-blown renovation, check out these fixes to revamp a space provided by Kim Anderson!

Painting 

A new paint job can revitalize any room. Paint can be costly, but here’s a tip: check out the “Oops!” painting section. These paint cans were returned by customers, not because they didn’t work, but because they didn’t work for them. Pick up a few of these cans for less than $5 and watch the room transform.

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Counter Tops

A new paint color on the walls not enough? For kitchens and baths, consider painting the countertops! There are products  made for painting countertops & Anderson says her countertop has lasted 3 years with barely any chipping.

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Lighting

This last update will be the most expensive, but possibly the most rewarding. For between $40 & $150, new lighting in any room can change the brightness and sight lines of a room. Try a dome light in eating areas, new vanity lighting in bathrooms and updated ceiling fans in bedrooms.

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So don’t stress about renovation budgets or hiring a construction crew, try these simple fixes to restyle a home!

 

Ready for a large scale renovation? Call Chicago Handyman today! 

 

Feeling The Chicago Freeze? Check Out The Nest Labs Thermostat

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Ever wish your home knew when to heat up and cool down depending on the intense weather outside? Well with Nest Labs Thermostat, developers are getting pretty close!

This thermostat uses Wi-Fi and sensors to remember the temperatures you prefer at home. It is compatible with a majority of HVAC systems and turns the temperature down when you're not home.

Want to adjust the temperature remotely? No problem! Access the system with your smart phone, tablet or even your laptop on the go.

So don't suffer through waiting for the heat to turn on coming in from the Chicago cold. Check out Nest Labs Thermostat and keep comfortable.