Handyman Life

March 27, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Plumbing Handyman 101: Pipe Insulation

plumbing pipes insulation Home ownership can make you a plumbing handyman, you just need a few tricks up your sleeve. Want hotter water for longer? Want to save on energy bills? Want to spend less time adjusting the temperature of the water heater? By insulating pipes in a simple, inexpensive process, all of this and more is possible.

Plumbing handyman: pipe insulation tools and materials

Begin by acquiring these materials:

Pipe insulation (foil or fiberglass)
Mild cleanser
Rag
Duct Tape
Plastic Wrap

The first step, as in most projects, is making sure the pipe surfaces are completely free of debris and dust. Using the mild cleanser, clean the pipes thoroughly and allow drying time before installing the selected insulation.

Once clean, start to wrap the insulation around the pipes fully, allowing a 1/2″ overlap for foil or fiberglass insulation. For an easier (but honestly unnecessarily expensive) option, get tubular-sleeve insulation which only requires cutting to size and sliding on.

If using fiberglass insulation, make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap to avoid any dripping condensation.

Once all the pipe surfaces are covered, secure the corners and bends with copious amounts of duct tape. Take special precaution with T-Joints, which may require slits in the insulation for a proper fit.

This project may not be very glamorous, guest won’t even notice it, but could save anywhere from $400-$600 on energy bills and result in warmer, longer showers needed after a hard day’s work.

For a step-by-step guide, check out DIY Network’s instructions.

Have more plumbing needs or need a plumbing handyman? Contact us for a quote today!

March 25, 2015 in Idea Corner

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Garden Containers

What could be more eco-friendly than a garden? A garden full of recyclable garden containers! These simple, easy projects will add visual interest, color and layers to an already wonderful home garden.

Want to add an industrial edge to a natural garden? Check out this garden container from Eclectically Vintage!

Don’t throw out an old pair of shoes! Repurpose them to hold all the best plants.

Have old parts from a car or an already intact tire swing? Add cute color flowers to any garden!

Does a toolbox really need to be packed into the back of a garage? Use it in the garden instead!

Make rusted tin cans like new again! Grow any plant possible in these old gems.

For more ideas, check out The Garden Glove.

March 20, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

The Easiest Way To Improve A Mirror: Add A Frame

A remnant of home decoration past, for some reason, many bathrooms have a frameless mirror. This style is not just ugly, but it can make even the best remodeled bathroom look unfinished. With just a few supplies and tools, turn any half-remodel into a full one with time and money to spare.

Visit a local hardware store and pick up these items:

Prime case moulding
Liquid glue
Paint

First, measure the length and width of the mirror and cut the moulding to size. Lay it out on the floor to gauge what the final arrangement will look like.

This next step isn’t necessary, but can add another element of class to any bathroom. Depending on the style of bathroom, neo-Victorian or country classic, paint the trim to match its overall decor. Shaunna from hometalk settled on black for a timeless appearance.

Lastly, attach the moulding to the mirror with liquid glue. Directions should be on the packaging and make sure to not use too much. Globs of glue are even less attractive than no framing at all. Use painters tape to keep it secure until the glue dries.

And that’s it! A combination of moulding and adhesive brings any bathroom remodel from ordinary to exceptional in just a few steps.

Need more ideas for remodeling? Check out Idea Corner weekly for home renovation ideas.

March 18, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Concrete Countertops: Get The Popular Look On A Budget

Concrete countertops are all the rage in home renovation. Not only is the style industrial, but easier to clean than the more expensive granite or marble. Despite being seemingly cheaper, concrete countertops can run pretty steep. So instead of getting a slab professionally installed or taking the copious amount of time to create concrete forms, get the same aesthetic by applying concrete over pre-existing countertops.

Here are the needed supplies:

10-pound bag of Ardex Feather Finish
Course-grit sandpaper
Drywall knife
Putty knife
Finish sealer
Paint brush

To start the process, sand down the previous counters with the course-grit sandpaper to create a perfect surface for the concrete to settle on. Following this, mix the Ardex Feather Finish and water until it reaches a semi-thick consistency.

Once the mixture is prepared, apply multiple thin layers to the countertop’s surface. For 100 percent coverage, 3 or 4 layers will most likely be required. To ensure a durable surface, sand thoroughly between each application.

When these layers are dry, use the putty knife to clean up any mixture that splattered onto walls and create natural texture in the surface. Depending on the desired look, feel free to sand the surface until trowel marks show through or until a smooth concrete look is achieved.

Finally, pour the sealer over the concrete making sure it soaks through thoroughly before using a paint brush to remove any residue.

So for just $15 and a few hours, concrete countertops aren’t only affordable but achievable without any back breaking hard work.

Get the detailed tutorial from The Little Green Notebook.

In search of quality service for more kitchen remodels? Contact Chicago Handyman today!

March 13, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

The Very Best Wall Improvement: A DIY Wall Niche

Want to add texture to a wall? Don’t want to use simple wallpaper or paneling? Try embellishing with a wall niche. Display pictures, knick knacks, even the 3rd grade soccer trophy that never got thrown out.

Begin by choosing a wall for the niche, noting that the niche must be installed over one wall stud and between two other wall studs.

After marking out the area, utilize a hammer to knock out the drywall. Once the drywall is removed, level cut of all the wall studs and then nail 2X4 blocks on either side of where the niche box will be.

Now it’s time to create the box. Measure the dimensions of the wall cavity and length and width of where it will be installed. Secure the pieces together with wood glue, making sure to wipe away any remaining glue. After priming the box, paint it in the chosen color and caulk all the joints.

Place the box in the wall and then nail it into the wall with a nail gun. Once it is secure, attach trim and rosettes around the border of the niche. Finally cover up any cracks or joints with caulk.

When completed, this niche adds classic charm to any wall.

For more information on this project, check out DIY network.