How to save the kitchen cabinets you have now

You can save thousands on a kitchen remodel by refurbishing your cabinets and it's the green way to go. To be fit for reuse, the cabinets must work with your layout, and the units must be plumb, square, and sturdy. Delamination, either from peeling veneers or plywood layers coming apart, is a sign that the cabinets are too far gone. Assuming the cabinets are structurally sound, they can be refinished or refaced. Here's how.

Refinishing or painting costs less, especially if you do the work yourself. But the process is messy and time consuming. It involves removing the doors and drawers, cleaning them with a degreasing agent, sanding them, and applying a primer, multiple top coats, and often a sealer. Paying a pro will cost $50 or more per door opening.

Note that if your home was built before 1978, the pro will have to be certified under provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule that took effect in April 2010.< /p>

Refacing is more expensive, but it lets you change the style of the cabinets by replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts and applying veneers to the face frames and ends. That solution works best for cabinets with visible face frames, though it is possible with full-overlay units. Peel-and-stick kits are available at home centers, or you can pay a cabinet-refacing pro $150 and up per door opening to do the job. New hardware, including hinges and drawer slides, can make your cabinets function like new. You can also make old cabinets work better by adding pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, retractable trash and recycling bins, and other inexpensive upgrades.

If you need new cabinets
If you're opting for new cabinets, quality construction is key. Features that held up best in our cabinet tests include solid-wood or plywood doors; boxes made of ½- to ¾-inch plywood; solid-wood drawer sides with dovetail joints, full-extension glides, and a plywood bottom; adjustable, ¾-inch plywood or medium-density fiberboard shelving; and ¾-inch hardwood or metal mounting strips. Lesser-quality ⅝- and ½-inch particleboard shelves are likelier to sag. We didn't find any differences among door-hinge types.

Stock units start between $250 and $350 for a typical 21-inch-wide base and 30-inch-tall wall cabinet. You can find solid construction at that entry-level price, though style and trim options will be limited, and the units only come in 3-inch increments. Semi-custom units offer more choices in sizes, styles, finishes, and interior storage accessories but cost around $400 per unit and up. If you're after a built-in look with your pick of material, finish, and hardware, expect to pay $600 per unit or more.

For more on kitchen remodeling, check our new report, "Get the kitchen you've always wanted" and see the cabinet choices three homeowners made in "Magnificent kitchen makeovers."

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Flexible garden hoses get mixed reviews from our readers

When Consumer Reports put three flexible garden hoses to the test, it didn't treat them like shrinking violets. We kinked, twisted, slashed and froze the hoses and applied a lot of water pressure. For the most part they lived up to their infomercial promises even though the so-called pocket hoses don't really fit in your pocket. But a number of visitors to our website and Facebook page have taken us to task with complaints that their hoses leaked, burst, broke and had to be returned, sometimes more than once.

This spring we tested 50-foot models of the Pocket Hose, $20, FlexAbleHose, $30, and DAP XHose, $43. In our tests, the hoses resisted kinking and bursting and none lost flow when folded, twisted or knotted. And none burst until we boosted water pressure to more than 200 pounds per square inch (psi), much more than the 40 to 80 psi that's usual in most homes. We also made small nicks in the hoses to create weak spots and they held together until the cuts reac hed about one inch in length.

But shortly after we posted our report, we starting hearing from our readers. "I would like to find out why my pocket hose keeps splitting ... I have tried three and all three keep splitting during use or right after use," came the first comment. Then, "this hose is a sure rip-off ... it sure was disappointing."

So we asked our Facebook followers about their experiences and that opened the spigot. While the comments skewed toward the negative side, not all were bad. Many readers like the hoses because they're small and lightweight. But others complained that they leaked at the faucet connection, burst under water pressure and did not shrink back to their original size. And what really irked them is that they had similar problems with a second and third hose.

"Loved this concept," wrote Kelly on Facebook. "Bought one on Saturday, used on Sunday. The connection wasn't a problem at all. However the minute I turned it on, spr ung two leaks!" Harry reported that his hose "exploded" within five minutes. Other readers had better experiences. "It's fine as an extra hose," wrote Karen. "Not heavy duty but not designed for that anyway."

And the small hose's easy storage has big appeal. "I just wrap it up and store it in a small Rubbermaid tote," wrote Kimberly. Sharon agreed. "I too like that I can keep it in a small pot when not in use." And one enterprising reader fixed his leaky hose with an Allen wrench and a Dremel tool and said it "works great now with no leaks!"

Wayne seemed to sum it all up: "Mixed reviews would be a good assessment. Works fine, is lightweight, but doesn't stretch as much as advertised or shrink down like they would have you believe."

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The Power of Smell

This post brought to you by Air Wick. All opinions are 100% mine.

In our everyday, busy lives, most of us dont often think about how essential the five senses are to our existence. Without even thinking about it, we go through the daily moments in our lives seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing, and touching. Everything that surrounds us affects our senses, with or without us realizing it.

Specifically, the power of smell is amazing. Varying scents and smells can evoke a memory of time or an emotion moment. Even more so, everyone wants a home that smells as inviting as possible! Think about how our homes smell during the Holiday season versus how they smell on the first days of Spring.

I was recently asked by Airwick to try some of their new scented Airwick products. Ill be honest, I dont usually use air fresheners or plug-ins, but will light an occasional candle when Im home (and only when I plan on staying home because one time I lit a candle and forgot to blow it out very scary moment and thank goodness nothing happened.)

They sent me a variety of scents including Ocean Spray & Sparkling Sea Minerals, Bright Citrus Splash, Island Paradise, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Sweet Coconut & Island Palms, and Lavendar & Chamomile. Of all my favorite was definitely their new fragrance, Ocean Spray & Sparkling Sea Minerals. It was light and refreshing. For me, I dont like scents (including candles and colognes) that are intense and strong. I like more light and airy smells. For some reason, heavy smells (especially in mens cologne) bother me. And I really dislike when smells get trapped in your mouth Have you ever had that?! Thankful ly, I didnt feel that way with the Airwick scents. The only one that I was on the fence about and kinda smelt like cologne and not a room refresher was the lavendar & chamomile. That being said, smells are SO subjective. Even though I may like something or not like something, you can feel different. Overall though, the Airwick scented oils have a pleasant, welcoming, and fresh scent that will make a home smell wonderfully inviting &

they also look great around the home. If you see them since they kind of just blend in

Airwick products are available at Walmart, as well as Sams Club. SC have exclusive scents and a bonus oil or warmer, so if you have one in your area, then definitely pick them up! When you get the oils home all you have to do is plug-in the warmer and walk away Set it and Forget it! Then over time, you can easily see when the scent needs to be refilled.

Take a look at this video

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An Easy Upgrade for a Small Space

Large mudrooms with a plethora of storage and plenty of seating are desired by most, but not a reality for many (myself included). When I was in need of more storage in my small entryway, I decided to take advantage of the 30 wide wall behind the front door to create more space for coats and our everyday wares.

When we first moved into our home, I had made the front closet a dual pantry / coat closet, which provided more shelf storage but cut the coat space (especially during the winter months) in half. And even with the addition of my updated vintage cabinet, which holds most of the kids shoes, it just wasnt enough.

As a growing family, we needed more space for coats, backpacks, and the every day stuff, so using the wall behind the entry door was the ideal spot for adding built-in coat hooks and wooden crates.

Before adding the built-in coat hooks, I had hung a decorative coat hanger for the kids coats. With only two hooks, it just wasnt enough. There was so much potential for this 30 wide wall

This is the wall before (and another peak at the after)

The supplies I used for this project were:

Duration of Project: 4 hours (1-2 days because of drying time for paint)
Project Diffic ulty: Easy to Medium
How Many People Needed: 1

To get started, I cut (2) MDF boards to size to fit the wall. I had a few pieces leftover from a previous project, which I trimmed to fit snug on the wall from the wall edge to the door moulding. If youre starting the project from scratch and purchasing the boards from a home improvement store, then bring the measurements of your wall to the store and they will custom cut your pieces this will definitely save you time and a few headaches!

Once I had the MDF boards cut, it was time to attach them to the wall. My plan of action?? Determine the placement of the boards. Add liquid nails to the back of each board to hold it in place, then

fuzzy pic not so pretty, sorry. You get the picture though

making sure they were level and plumb, I was ready to

DRILL! Once the placement of the boards was determined, I found the locations of the studs and drilled 4 holes through the board into the wall. If you cant find a stud, then use anchors so the boards are securely attached.

I didnt mention this earlier, but I installed 2 boards at different heights One board was set lower for the kids coats and one board was set higher for the adult coats.

Once both boards were in place, I wanted to achieve a seamless look at the edges where the board meets the wall, so I used wood filled to fill in the gaps and holes.

Then it was time to paint the boards. This step was probably the hardest because as much as I wanted to make this a fun and funky spot, I also didnt want to draw any more attention than needed. After much thought, I decided to simply paint the boards the same color as the existing w all, so it would blend in, but also provide the function that our family needed.

To add the finishing and most important touches, I completed my built-in coat rack with hooks.

Installing the hooks was real easy!

And my newly created coat hooks were complete!

Since this project was completed, the remainder of the space got a makeover too, including a new floor and freshly painted mouldings.

Once those DIY projects were complete, I wanted to make the space even more functional so I added wooden crates. I purchased the already stained wood crates from a local thrift store, but Ive seen similar unfinished styles at AC Moore and Micheals.

I stacked 2 wood crates in the corner and one to the right to create a stepped effect. The crates are ideal for holding / storing bins, baskets, boots, bookbags, and last minute run-out-the-door essentials.

What I love about the wooden crates is that they can be moved, rearranged, or simply taken away in no time. But right now, they are the perfect addition for our newly well-functioning entry!

Even though its essentially a small space at 30 wide, its SO USEFUL!

I also added this cute sign that I found at Hobby Lobby and thought it had such a darling saying, Do the kindest things in the kindest ways something we strive for everyday!

This spot has really been a great addition to our front entry.

Do you have a large mudroom? If not, how have you maximized your front entry space? Do you have any built-ins or do you have built-in coat hangers?

Disclosure: I am part of the Lowes Creative Team and was provided with a Lowes gift card to purchase items for my project. I was also compensated for my time to use the products. No one told me what to create, what to buy, how to use the product, or what to write. All opinions are 100% mine!

Via: An Easy Upgrade for a Small Space

5 Upgrades for a Killer Kitchen

I have been crazy about kitchens lately. Last week I had the unbelievable opportunity to meet the Editor, Marie McCartan, and Associate Editor, Maria Charbonneaux, of Kitchen + Bath Makeovers (a BHG specialty magazine). They both came to my home (to look at the powder room for an upcoming feature) and were two of the friendliest people I have ever met.

From photographing mine to designing and renovating two client kitchens, as of late, I simply have kitchens on the brain. With my passion for creating the ultimate kitchen space, there are a few techniques to upgrading and/or creating a budget-friendly Killer Kitchen!

Having an educational and professional background in architecture and interior design, I go gah-gah over cabinetry, millwork, and everything in between. I love how all the components come together and interlink to create an incredible result. Even more so, I love all the layers of a kitchen and how even on a small budget the hub of the home can go from drab to fab.

Because of time and budget, the kitchen is often the last room of the house to get design attention, yet for many its the room thats most used by the family and its the 1 space in a home that will increase the homes value. Renovating a kitchen can be daunting and many think its not within their budgetary means to tackle. Ditch the apprehensive thoughts and let me share my top 5 upgrades to achieving a killer kitchen!

1. Paint

There is nothing like a fresh coat of paint. Painting the walls of a kitchen is doable in a day. Okay maybe a weekend. But step it up a notch by painting the cabinets. Determine if the existing cabinets are worth keeping by looking at their structurally stability and overall look. If theyre sturdy and look good, then go for it.

Before painting there is some prep work Start by removing the upper and lower cabinet doors and give them a good cleaning (diluted all-purpose cleaner, wood cleaner, or white vinegar with a little warm water usually works). Lightly sand the surface using a hand sander is best (I have a similar one to this <= affiliate link). Then add a primer (this is what I use <=affiliate link) to seal the wood underneath and to give a solid base coat for the paint to adhere to. Then using a roller / brush combination or a hand sprayer, apply at least two coats of paint (read all instructions ahead of time and follow the directions on the product). The transformation will be breathtaking. Check out what a simple paint job did to my kitchen

Need a tutorial on painting cabinets, this is the process I used when upgrading my Kitchen.

Introduce a bold color on an open island to add a splash of color

via BHG

2. Tile

Another HUGE upd ate for a kitchen can be the backsplash. Whether your current backsplash is bare or filled with old, outdated tile, you can remove and replace it with something thats more in-trend and fits your design style. Removing tile isnt difficult, but it can be messy. To remove the tile without damaging the drywall, its best to chisel out the grout first, then chip or break the tile pieces. The key is to do it slowly (and have patience that would be difficult for me, lol).

As an alternative, you can remove the tile and drywall, then install new sheetrock as a base for your new tile. There are many styles, colors, and designs to choose from, but its important to choose wisely.

A tip to keep in mind is to make selections that you like today and can live with for at least the next 3 to 5 years (unless you want to remove / install again). Moving forward with a classic, neutral tile with an interesting pattern will allow you to layer in colorful kitchen accessories.

via Young House Love, How To Install Penny Tile

via Infarrantly Creative, Installing Subway Tile Backsplash (in rollers)

Or add a tile backsplash over a typical 3 high laminate backsplash like I did

3. Hardware

Hardware is like jewelry for your cabinets. Would you leave the house without a necklace or earrings?

Cabinetry hardware dresses up the cabinets and adds an interesting architectural element to any kitchen. Whether replacing or adding, hardware is a very inexpe nsive way to update any kitchen space. Instead of introducing all one style, consider using different hardware for the doors and drawers, or mix it up a bit and choose different finishes. Oil rubbed bronze pull cups for the drawers and simple crystal knobs for the doors, are a favorite of mine (at the moment) And dont forget the hinges! If you have exposed hinges, be sure to replace them to coordinate with the cabinet hardware. For around $100 (or less) your kitchen will be dazzling.

via Sarah Sherman Samuel, Smitten Studio Online

via BHG

4. Lighting

Lighting can make (or break) a room. When all else fails, a good light is all you need. Whether a statement piece or an understated beauty, decorative lighting is key in any room to add height and drama. Lighting also doesnt have to be expensive. Heck, I just scored an amazing light for $17 at Lowes last week Yet, youd never know.

Focus on the style instead of the price tag and any space will go from boring to beautiful. Ideas for updating lighting in a kitchen could be over the sink, over the island, or a decorative fixture in the center of the space. If youve got recessed lights (hi-hats), purchase a conversion kit so they can be changed to hanging fixtures.

Check out my tutorial on easily changing a recessed light to a decorative light fixture.

via BHG

via Centsational Girl, Kitchen Lighting

via BHG

5. Window Treatment (fabric)

A window treatment is a great way to add softness, color, and depth to a kitchen. With all the hard surfaces of the cabinets, counter, and floor, a pretty window treatment can be just the added touch to update a kitchen. With a more neutral palette for the cabinets and counter, think color and pattern for your windows. My current favorite style treatment in the kitchen is a relaxed roman in a bold geometric pattern.

featured on Apartment Therapy

via House & Home

Bonus Tip: Countertops are also a great way to update a kitchen. They can often be more costly to change & a professional is usually needed (which is why I didnt include it in the list above), but they make a huge impact! There are a few products out there that are DIY and budget-friendly. In my kitchen, I used the Rust-Oleum Transformations Kit and for $250 it really updated the overall look. Its not a great longterm solution, but for a quick 1-3 year change, its ideal.

With a background in architecture and interior design, designing and renovating kitchens (and cabinetry/millwork in general) is where the two collide. More so , I enjoy thinking outside-the-box to create not only a functional space, but one that has character, layers, and architectural intrigue. No matter the budget, any kitchen can be jazzed up and brought to the next level with a few added (and budget-friendly) details.

To see more of my favorite Kitchen spaces, visit my Gorgeous Kitchens pinterest page.

Via: 5 Upgrades for a Killer Kitchen

Asbestos Surveys for Your Home is Mandatory

In earlier days, the commercial as well as residential building used to have an excessive asbestos material in them. If you are planning to buy such old structures or already residing in it, then you should know that the asbestos is risky and dangerous.

Hence; asbestos surveying is essential prior to any renovation, repair, demolition or re-modelling activity in your home. In most of the countries the government have made mandatory to carry on asbestos survey which has to be carried under the licensed professional.

The need of asbestos surveying for your home is very much important as you might want to know under how much risk you are residing in. These asbestos may collapse at any time and might injure you or any of your family member lives. This is also a reason for exposure towards varied illness. If the asbestos surveying is not carried out per its regulations you might come under so me legal repercussions.

Knowing about the different health hazards from asbestos, people have now started taking essential steps by carrying out the asbestos surveys in their houses, building, industrial plants and other commercial buildings. Highly trained professionals are employed to carry out the survey process which makes the hom e a protective place to live in.

The reason for carrying this survey is that asbestos properties carry some serious health problems, if the person comes in direct contact with excess amount of asbestos or when inhales the same. It is therefore mandatory to hire a professional help to get rid of any asbestos that is present in your home.

Getting the Asbestos Survey Help

When it comes to hiring help, you can always ask for recommendations from friends and family. However; it is important that you do a bit of detailed study so that you too are aware of the survey when it happens and verify the same.

It is important for you to know that there are 2 kinds of asbestos surveys that are done. One is Management survey and the other is Demolition or Refurbishment survey. If you are searching to have your home inspected along with all the asbestos to be inspected then the Management survey is what you need. This survey will furnish you the details of the type of the asbestos material and how to deal with it.

For those who are owners of their houses, and is planning to demolish the property, Demolition survey is what they require. It is a mandatory survey which is actually required while demolishing.

During the survey, the surveyor will inspect every inch of your house property and it will cover each space examining the asbestos and its type and condition. As these experts are professional and skilled in their job they very well know where Asbestos can be found. This allows them to make a plan about how they are going to approach the whole survey.

After the samples are taken to lab for further inspecting, the reports are provided to you with all the details about what must be done and how to take care of those asbestos. Since; they are induced when structured we cannot get completely hold and avoid them. But the asbestos surveying professionals let us know on how to smartly deal with it by doing a sbestos survey.

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Planted em anyway

Take it from a gardener whose entire front yard is 100% dry shade for the entire summer; you dont relinquish a reliable source of continuous color without a fight. So when the local botanical gardens offered some old-fashioned semi-double impatiens through their annual plant sale, I ordered a few six-packs for in-ground and containers (below) They later sent an email to all of us saying that the grower was confident these plants would be fine, but we could get a refund if we didnt want to risk it. I riske d it. So, apparently, did my friend Martin, who I visited in Atlanta a couple weeks back (his garden above). Martin has a mainly easy-care green garden these days; I think the impatiens is the only flowering annual he uses. He had not heard of the mildew.

It wont be a huge problem if these fail, as our local nurseries have finally learned that we plant all summer longIll have plenty of replacements to choose from. In fact, Im already using most of the replacements in the rest of my shade and semi-shade; thats why I still plant impatiens. It provides just the light relief needed in a front garden full of ground covers, hackonechloa, hellebore, hosta, polygonatum, tiarella, and other shade stand-bys. In small doses, it works like nothing else.

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