10 of the Best DIY Projects for under $50

10 Best DIY projects for under $50 There is nothing better than great DIY projects for the house. Here are a few of the best DIY projects for under $50.

1. DIY Macramé Curtain.  This easy curtain can be made with under $50 material and only a few hours’ time. This is perfect for sprucing up a closet that may be lacking a door, or a groovy entry way into a room.  Check out A Beautiful Mess for full instructions and tips on this Bohemian DIY Home décor.

http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/make-your-own-macrame-curtain.html

2. Chevron Lamp Makeover. Got an ugly lamp shade? There is nothing a little tape and paint can’t fix. Take any old lamp shade and add paint for a new updated look. Try using tape as a guide for chevron stripes or design. Coco 29 did a great yellow chevron rendition.

http://www.coco29.com/diy-home-decor-ideas-on-a-budget/

3. DIY Magnetic Knife Board. This space saver is great for those small kitchens that do not have ample counter space. By creating your very own magnetic knife board you get those knifes off the counter, and out of the reach of little hands. DIY Magnetic Knife Boards can be mounted anywhere, high or low, and can be tailored to any décor style.

http://hobbylesson.com/diy-magnetic-board-for-knife-with-tutorial/

4. DIY Closet Kit. I don’t know many people whom were born with the ability to keep their closet organized, but this DIY Closet Kit is perfect at helping those, and especially if you have kids. Find socks and underwear in little time, and possible even get rid of your old dresser that is taking up space. I personally love this idea and want one in the kids’ bedroom. Premade closet kits can cost you anywhere from $200+ dollars, make this one for $50.

http://www.hometalk.com/585492/diy-closet-kit-for-under-50

5. Concrete DIY Fire Pit. Perfect for those nights where a bon fire just is the right thing to do. The DIY Concrete Fire Pit can be made in only a few hours, and is ready to use when you are. Its sleek look will have every one asking where they can purchase one for themselves.

http://www.manmadediy.com/users/chris/posts/2618-how-to-make-a-diy-modern-concrete-fire-pit-from-scratch

6. Farmhouse Coffee Table DIY. Caution this table requires some pretty awesome power tools! It’s cool what a few scrap pieces of wood and some wheels can do for your living room. You can even skip the wheels if you have young kids that would turn this table into a sled, with or without the wheels it would make a great DIY Coffee Table.

http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/03/coffee-table-diy.html

7. Staircase DIY Update. Get rid of the old carpeted staircase and in with the new sleek look. Demo, stain and paint, and you have a whole new house. Ok, you don’t have a whole new house, but you created a grand staircase with little effort.

http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/01/my-foyer-staircase-reveal.html

8. DIY Industrial Tables. Sometimes time is money. In this case this day project may not be for you, but it looks so cool. You can make end tables, or even a coffee table to match. This is for those whom love exposed brick and HVAC ducts, the Industrial lovers table this is.

http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/other-areas/industrial-side-tables/project?cm_mmc=sm_pi-_-lci-_-project-_-industrialsidetables

9. DIY Wine Rack. This is super chic and adds a spark to any décor. The best part of this is DIY Wine Rack project is the fact that it looks expensive. Don’t purchase one from the store, build your own and have something to be proud of in your kitchen.

http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/kitchen-and-dining/fine-lines-wine-rack/project?cm_mmc=sm_pi-_-lci-_-project-_-finelineswinerack

10. Kids Room DIY Crate Seats. You can find these plastic baskets in most stores, and kids usually use them to stand on anyways. Why not turn them into cute seats for the kids room, heck possibly even the living room. Crates, foam, fabric and wood – there you have DIY Crate Seats.

http://tupelohoneycaro.blogspot.com/2011/08/crate-seats-my-way.html

We love to see your completed DIY remodel projects. Comment with your best DIY to date and pictures.

Budgeting Your Remodel: What You Need to Consider

Budgeting Your Remodel: What You Need to Consider During the spring and summer months, many home owners decide it's time for a remodel. Starting a remodel is a big decision as it can shut down a portion of your home for several days, or weeks. There is much to consider when beginning a remodel, including budgeting. Knowing the proper way to budget will help you stay on task as well as not go overboard with the changes to your home. Read on for top tips on how to budget your remodel and how to stay on track, avoiding spending more than you bargained for.

Consider Every Element

To begin, you will need to consider every element of the remodel. Let’s say that you have decided to remodel your bathroom. You are going for a complete overhaul. So, you will need drywall, new toilet, bathtub, faucets, vanity, light fixtures, etc. You will need to make a list of every item that you will be replacing and then go price out these items. This will give you an idea of material cost.

You will also need to consider if you will be using the services of a Los Angeles remodeling company or if you will be doing the project yourself. Hiring a company will have an added cost but can be well worth the price as you do not have to do the work yourself, the timeline is much shorter and you know there will be no mistakes in the process of the remodel. Have a company come out and price the job so you can have an idea as to how much the project will cost.

Once you have an idea of how much the project will cost see if you can cover the price. If not, take a little more time to save money so you do not end up charging the project on credit cards or taking out a loan.

Contingency Plan

It is always smart to plan on a contingency plan. With remodels, you never know what might be hiding behind the walls or for this instance, behind the tub. Have a little money set aside in case an unexpected need arises. In bathroom remodels, sometimes there is water damage or the need for re-piping. By having a contingency plan, you have money set aside that can pay for such needs, helping you to stay on budget. It is good to have at least 10 to 20 percent of your overall budget set aside as a contingency plan. This gives you a nice cushion if problems arise during the project.

Overall, if you plan out your remodeling project, you will be able to stay on task and on budget. Without proper planning, you can end up spending more money than you bargained for which can lead to further problems. You will also be able to stay on time with the completion of the project, able to enjoy your new space in no time. Plan accordingly and you will have a completed new space in your home that was finished on time and maybe even under budget!

Common Backsplash issues that will make you glad you hired a contractor

Common Backsplash issues that will make you glad you hired a contractor

Your kitchen backsplash may be just one of the simplest parts or your home. However, you could have so many dilemmas when it comes to the installation and probably with remodeling in the future. When you look at a backsplash area, it seems so simple being a rectangular space on your kitchen wall. When you try to work on it and improve it the way you like, you come to find that it is not that easy to handle the job. Working on any vertical surface can be challenging. You may need to find a contractor for your Los Angeles Kitchen remodel to assist you and take some work off your hands.

Why hire a contractor to work on your backsplash project?

Here are some common problems about kitchen backsplash that would require help from a professional contractor, and make you thankful that you have some professional help.

1. Timing in placing the backsplash – everything should start with planning, most especially when it comes to the kitchen backsplash. What most people have dilemmas about is when to fix the backsplash. Do you install backsplash before the cabinets go in? Do you do the backsplash last? The say of a professional contractor is needed in this case. The experts will know when to take care of the backsplash, appropriately, to make sure that everything will turn out with the best quality. For example you won’t ruin a new countertop by dropping grout.

2. Right height for backsplash – this is a common problem for most homeowners. They end up doing the backsplash themselves but are not sure about the right height for it. Would it be alright to keep it low or high? Should the height be dependent with the width of the kitchen counter? A contractor will be able to measure the perfect height for it, and make sure that the wall is ready for any height and weight you choose.

3. Tiling process – it could be easy to place the tile on the wall, but which tile should be used for the backsplash purposes? You may need to contact a professional to help you in choosing the right type of tile to use. You can let them do the installation as well for better results. Although you can install the tiles yourself, a professional contractor can do it expertly in a timely manner. Get the best results for your money, after all this is an investment.

4.  Backsplash design – how should a backsplash look like? Is it a must for it to match the tiles with the designs on the kitchen floor? What material should you use? What angle should the backsplash be installed?  Your contractor can answer all these and more questions about back splashes and remodels.   

A good contractor can help you fix your kitchen backsplash in Los Angeles homes or even your business. If you have any more problems with installation and maintenance of backsplash for your kitchen you could always ask your contractor. Look for the right contractor to help you expertly with your project. Make sure all your kitchen backsplash dilemmas are resolved by hiring a professional contractor

Increase property value when remodeling

Increase property value when remodeling Remodeling a home takes time, energy and most of all, money. Homeowners often focus on funding projects that add value to the price of the home. Generally speaking, a home addition that increases the functional space of a house -- such as adding another bathroom -- is more valuable than a project that makes the house look better aesthetically. The return-on-investment estimates include the cost of professional labor, which can vary based on company and region.

Adding a Bathroom

Installing an additional bathroom, particularly if your home only has one, is a cost-conscious investment. Find the space for a second bathroom by scrutinizing under-used spaces in your home, such as guest rooms or large closets. Half-baths require at least 18 square feet of space, according to MoneyCrashers.com, while a full bath with a stand-up shower needs at least 30 square feet. Adding a full bathroom with a tub requires at least 35 square feet. You’ll recoup nearly 55 percent of the cost of adding a mid-range bathroom and add more than $20,000 to the value of the home.

Adding a Steel Entry Door

Installing a steel front-entry door is the number one project in the Cost vs. Value report, with homeowners recouping more than 85 percent of the cost. A steel door adds security to the home and increases energy efficiency. It’s also more cost-efficient than adding a fiberglass door. The fiberglass variety adds approximately $1,800 to the home value, while steel doors add around $1,000. A new door also boosts curb appeal, especially a large custom door.

Adding an Outdoor Deck

Installing a deck adds square footage to your home, which increases the value. A wooden deck is more budget-friendly than using composite materials; however, a composite deck adds more value to the home. You’ll regain 77 percent of the cost of a wooden deck and 67 percent of a composite deck, but the latter adds $10,000 of value while the former adds just over $7,000. This not only adds value, but makes better use of your outdoor space. Here is a prime example of functionality adding more value to your property than monetary value.

Adding a Second Story

Building another story on your home is undoubtedly one of the most-expensive additions you can undertake -- an average of $152,000, BUT it also adds nearly $100,000 of value to the home. Before beginning construction, contact the local zoning office to ensure you’re legally allowed to add another story. Some codes have height restrictions. If you can’t build it outward, build it up!

Adding New Windows

Adding new windows to your home does more than update its appearance. New windows make your home more comfortable by eliminating drafts and save you money on energy bills by reducing heating and cooling expenses because of better insulation properties. Ecofriendly Buyers recognize this value and will, on average, increase what they pay for your home by more than 81 percent of the cost of vinyl windows and 79.5 percent of the cost of more expensive wood windows.

Adding To Your Kitchen

Adding more counter space, cabinetry, and appliances to your existing kitchen pays off, but keep in mind that even moderate changes can recoup a majority of your initial expense. While a major remodel pays back almost 76 percent of what you spent, a minor remodeling pays back 91.5 percent of its cost. Adding a center island, upgraded cabinetry and a dishwasher -- when your kitchen never had one -- can make using your kitchen much more enjoyable. Adding only a pantry will create desirable storage. There is much to change when a full kitchen remodel isn’t possible.

Redesigning Attic Space

Turning unused space in your attic into a usable bedroom does more than give you more space to live in; it also makes your house more attractive to buyers who need an additional sleeping area. On average, you will be able to recoup almost 77 percent of what you spent on adding the attic bedroom when you go to sell your home. Additionally, an attic bedroom could serve as a home office if the bedroom was designed for house guests.

Common Backsplash issues that will make you glad you hired a contractor

Common Backsplash issues that will make you glad you hired a contractor

Your kitchen backsplash may be just one of the simplest parts or your home. However, you could have so many dilemmas when it comes to the installation and probably with remodeling in the future. When you look at a backsplash area, it seems so simple being a rectangular space on your kitchen wall. When you try to work on it and improve it the way you like, you come to find that it is not that easy to handle the job. Working on any vertical surface can be challenging. You may need to find a contractor for your Los Angeles Kitchen remodel to assist you and take some work off your hands.

Why hire a contractor to work on your backsplash project?

Here are some common problems about kitchen backsplash that would require help from a professional contractor, and make you thankful that you have some professional help.

1. Timing in placing the backsplash – everything should start with planning, most especially when it comes to the kitchen backsplash. What most people have dilemmas about is when to fix the backsplash. Do you install backsplash before the cabinets go in? Do you do the backsplash last? The say of a professional contractor is needed in this case. The experts will know when to take care of the backsplash, appropriately, to make sure that everything will turn out with the best quality. For example you won’t ruin a new countertop by dropping grout.

2. Right height for backsplash – this is a common problem for most homeowners. They end up doing the backsplash themselves but are not sure about the right height for it. Would it be alright to keep it low or high? Should the height be dependent with the width of the kitchen counter? A contractor will be able to measure the perfect height for it, and make sure that the wall is ready for any height and weight you choose.

3. Tiling process – it could be easy to place the tile on the wall, but which tile should be used for the backsplash purposes? You may need to contact a professional to help you in choosing the right type of tile to use. You can let them do the installation as well for better results. Although you can install the tiles yourself, a professional contractor can do it expertly in a timely manner. Get the best results for your money, after all this is an investment.

4.  Backsplash design – how should a backsplash look like? Is it a must for it to match the tiles with the designs on the kitchen floor? What material should you use? What angle should the backsplash be installed?  Your contractor can answer all these and more questions about back splashes and remodels.   

A good contractor can help you fix your kitchen backsplash in Los Angeles homes or even your business. If you have any more problems with installation and maintenance of backsplash for your kitchen you could always ask your contractor. Look for the right contractor to help you expertly with your project. Make sure all your kitchen backsplash dilemmas are resolved by hiring a professional contractor