Home Improvement Blog

build your own wood scaffolding

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:07:48 +0000

If you do not like the metal scaffolding, you can always build your own scaffolding out of wood. Many people do this because they feel that is safer and is more efficient because they can use the building materials that are already on the job site. build your own wood scaffolding is very easy to do as long as you know what you’re doing and where the pressure points are so that you can reinforce them before people start climbing up. The same thing goes for this type of scaffolding as the metal, you need to make sure that is safe for everybody to climb up plus hold the materials that you need so that nobody gets hurt on the job site. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when you are building your own scaffolding out of wood.

You want to check the wood for any blemishes or soft spots before you start constructing your scaffolding. You do not want to use rotten wood to construct a scaffolding because it does not have no strength to hold anything and you’ll soon find itself on the ground in a world of hurt. If you are building a scaffolding out of wood, you need to make sure that the fasteners you are using go completely through and have a good bite on the other side so that it does not collapse the first time you put anything on it. You want to make sure that it is solid enough to hold the people and the materials during the building process because the people that you have upon that scaffolding will be moving around. Depending on the situation, a wood scaffolding might be better off to use them at all because you do not want to scuff the sides of the house you’re working on.

Taking all of the safety measures into consideration, sometimes making a wood scaffolding is your best option. The great thing about making a will scaffolding out of wood is that it does not take much time to construct and you can keep adding on to it if you need to go higher. All you have to do is keep building on so that you can reach the peak of the house. The only thing that you have to remember when you are doing this is that you are a safe and secure on the scaffolding you’re making.

The Perfect Student’s Crib : Small But Well Organized Abode

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:26:21 +0000

When you are a student, accommodation is not the first of your worries. But with time comes a job and the need for a little more space than the college dorm room offers. We consider this small apartment perfect for having friends over which is what led us to believe it was especially designed for students. This one bedroom crib measures just 50 square meters, but it very well organized. The large room includes a sofa and a bed which makes it a living-room and a bedroom as well. The colorful paintings cheer up the whole space and add a little youthfulness. The apartment also houses a large kitchen, a renovated bathroom with tub and a spacious hall with space for working area. Large windows ensure a good illumination throughout the day. Do you think the designers did a good job optimizing this small student’s crib? – via – Alvhem Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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The Perfect Student’s Crib : Small But Well Organized Abode

10 Must-Do Maintenance Tips For Your Summer Cottage

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:00:22 +0000

Sadly, Labor Day weekend is almost at an end. It’s time to bid the Summer goodbye, and with it, perhaps a Summer getaway. If you’re ready to close up your Summer cottage or cabin for the season, make sure to follow these tips to ensure that everything will be in shipshape the coming season. Seal your Summer cottage for the season. Cover windows with plywood to protect it from inclement weather, as well as to make it more difficult for intruders to break in. Get rid of all food that might spoil and give your fridge a thorough cleaning before unplugging it. Make sure to get all the crevices thoroughly scrubbed to prevent mold buildup. Make sure that any food left in the cupboards is mouseproof. If you’re leaving the heat on, keep the thermostat set at a temperature recommended by the manufacturer. One advantage of leaving the heat on low is that it will help keep dampness and mildew down. And if you do decide to turn the heat off, make sure a plumber drains the water lines! Cover furniture with sheets and clean out living areas and bedrooms. Make sure linens are stored in sealed plastic tubs or in another manner that will prevent little furry creatures from using them as a Winter home. Keep reading for more tips!

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10 Must-Do Maintenance Tips For Your Summer Cottage

Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:37:17 +0000

Filed under: Living Rooms , Bedrooms , Small Spaces , Essential Skills , Know-How , Living Spaces Getty Images Feeling headache-y, nauseous, tired and confused? You might suspect a case of the flu. But it could also be the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless fume that can be impossible to detect, which is why it’s earned the ominous nickname “the silent killer.” Carbon monoxide is emitted by the burning of fuel — things like gas, wood, and charcoal. Gas-burning appliances, such as water heaters and furnaces and furnaces, give off carbon monoxide — but if the appliances are functioning correctly, the carbon monoxide is vented to the outdoors. On the other hand, if the appliance is not burning cleanly, and/or is not vented to the outside, you and your family could be slowly poisoned over time as you breathe in unhealthy doses of carbon monoxide. Every year, about 200 people in the United States die from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating appliances, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that carbon monoxide poisoning causes 430 non-intentional and non-fire-related deaths per year. And thousands more victims are treated in emergency rooms. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In addition to the flu-like symptoms listed above, carbon monoxide poisoning may cause vomiting, chest pains and even hallucinations. In one famous case documented by The American Journal of Emergency Medicine (AJEM) a terrified 23-year-old woman was found delirious and hyperventilating after she thought she saw a ghost in the shower. In reality, a new water heater nearby had been improperly installed, causing it to put off the carbon monoxide that poisoned her. Causes of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning According to the CPSC, carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by these conditions: — Malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters. — Engine-powered appliances, such as generators used inside. Generators should only be used outside and at least 15 feet from the house. o. Charcoal that is burned inside. o. Automobile exhaust from a car running in an attached garage. According to AJEM, elderly people are much more likely to die from carbon monoxide poisoning after leaving a car running in an attached garage. A large number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases take place after weather and disasters knock out power and residents use carbon monoxide-emitting devices, such as charcoal grills, to keep warm. Also, if fireplaces chimneys become blocked (this sometimes happens during remodeling projects), dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up. How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The first line of defense is to take measure to make sure all appliances are in good repair and burning cleanly. Keep the chimney inspected and cleaned. Never leave the car running inside the garage. And never use camp stoves, charcoal stoves or generators inside an enclosed space like a house, cabin or tent. A combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector, like this model by First Alert, is a sound investment. Photo: Smarthome Next, buy and install carbon monoxide alarms inside your house. These devices will detect elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air and sound a loud alarm. According to a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association , carbon monoxide detectors could have prevented half the fatalities in a New Mexico study group. Carbon monoxide detectors can be hard-wired into the house, plugged into an outlet, or run by battery power. The idea is that detector will run on electricity and have a battery backup when the power goes out. And indeed, it’s during those times when the power goes out that many carbon monoxide tragedies occur. You can also buy a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm. Place a carbon monoxide detector low on the wall; this makes plugging them into an outlet an ideal situation. The CPSC recommends placing one in the hallway outside each sleeping area. Prevent false alarms by not installing the device in the kitchen or directly above gas-powered appliances. (As we all know, when an alarm is so touchy that it goes off all the time and with little provocation, eventually we’re going to disable it and leave ourselves and our families at risk.) In the market for a carbon monoxide detector. Read consumer reviews online, like those from Consumer Reports . Depending on the model and source of power (AC or DC) , your detector should be checked weekly or monthly (following manufacturer’s instructions) to make sure it’s working. Considering all the other ways we protect ourselves and our families — from seat belts to burglar alarms to eating right — it only makes sense to invest some time and money into fighting and disarming the silent killer. Tweet Home Improvement | DIY | Linking Blogs | Comments

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Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

6 Strange Things Found in Homeowners’ Drains

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:37:16 +0000

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath , Small Projects , Makeovers & Inspiration We asked a professional plumber to tell us some of the oddest things he’s ever found in his clients’ pipes. What’s most surprising is that most of these things are fairly ordinary; we should know better! Corbis DIYers see the darnedest things — especially when they do their own plumbing. And if you don’t do your own plumbing… well, after you read this story you just might start — out of pure shame! As any DIYer knows, If there’s a clog jamming the flow going down a pipe, there’s only one way for everything to go: back out the same way it went in. We talked to general contractor Paul Matthias, who’s been dealing with clogged drains in New York City for years. Turns out, some of the worst plumbing disasters are caused by some of the most simple, careless mistakes. Feel free to ask the question, “how could that end up down the drain?” when you read these stories. We sure did. This Situation Really Stinks “There was a big rooftop party at an apartment building in Brooklyn. The building has vent pipes on the roof that are connected to the main sewer line. People got really drunk and threw beer cans and Gatorade bottles through the roof vent pipe. It got into the main sewer lines for the building and clogged everything up. One poor guy’s apartment is at the bottom of the sewer line so everyone’s sewage was coming out of his shower and bathroom sink. (We’re talking poop here.) The building had to add caps to the vent pipes after that incident.” Ladies, Beware… “We had a call for a building in Manhattan. A couple had just moved into together. The boyfriend called me and said the toilet is clogged. I tried plunging it; didn’t work. Then I tried snaking it; didn’t work at all. So I had to take the entire toilet off the base. There was a mesh of dirty tampons and applicators stuck in the base of the toilet. I called her in to see what the problem was and she was mortified. Her boyfriend was so grossed out, he almost threw up. You can’t throw your tampons in the toilet.” A Hairy Dilemma “A woman complained that her shower wasn’t working. The water wouldn’t drain so she would wind up standing in several inches of water when she took a shower. I went over and poured a few bottles of Drano first. That didn’t help the problem very much. So I removed the drain cap and pulled out the largest hairball I’d ever seen. We’re talking seriously two feet long!” The Opposite of Clean “Somebody once threw a mop head in the toilet. It was one of those string mops. The entire basement was flooded with sewage and water. It was a mess. That was a bad job: imagine a puddle of poop, and the (plumbing) snake kicks up dirty water as it works.” Practice Safe Toilet Use “The toilet was clogged. Apparently, these guys were throwing their used condoms down the toilet. One condom had inflated like a balloon when they flushed the toilet. The toilet paper (and everything else) had gotten jammed against it. When I snaked the toilet, it popped the condom and I could clear the toilet out. We’re Baffled “I once found a thong (panties) in the toilet. The girl pretended they weren’t hers.” Do you have any crazy clogged drain stories? Share them here! (Don’t worry, you can blame it on someone else.) Tweet Home Improvement | DIY | Linking Blogs | Comments

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6 Strange Things Found in Homeowners’ Drains

Tea Table That Creates ‘Ripple Effect’

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:16:47 +0000

Inspired by the idea that small changes of individual objects can be a big impact on the whole, Korean designers Seo Jeonghwa and Hanna Chung have collaborated the ‘ripple effect’ tea table that features a water layer on the top to make ripples when the users move cups on it. This table is a graduation project for IM masters design academy eindhoven . There is a belief by Asian people that small changes in an individual’s life can have an impact and have a certain effect to the whole community, which in a psychological term is called a “ripple effect”. The designers then translated this intangible term into their design by creating this tea table. Its basically looks like a common tea table but with the addition of a water layer on top. Tea plates are afloat on this water layer while drinking tea. Ripples from the top water layer then forms every time the tea drinkers interact with their tea cups or their tea plates. – Via – DB Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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Tea Table That Creates ‘Ripple Effect’

Plush iMac by Kerry Hughes

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:02:23 +0000

Remeber iCushion, the Iphone 3GS Shaped Pillow that we presented a few months ago ? Today here is another another “Apple product” made from plush. Just like that computer on your desk, this 17-inch tall, one-of-a-kind plush iMac comes with a matching wireless keyboard and mouse. Unlike your computer, it’s made from felt with polyester stuffing. Created by textile artist Kerry Hughes , the plush iMac appears to be running Logic Pro 8, so it’s perfect for iMac fans who are also musicians. If you are an Apple fan and love Apple and their products as much as you say you do, then you will welcome the Plush iMac into your house with arms wide open. Finally we think that this Plush iMac would look great on a piece of furniture and we’re pretty sure that it can get a lot of attention. You can get one iMac like this from Etsy . – Via – FreshBump Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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Plush iMac by Kerry Hughes

20 Ways to Get the Best Use of Space in your Bathroom

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:47:37 +0000

Except for closets, your bathrooms are the smallest rooms of your home that you occupy several times a day. For it being the smallest room, unfortunately you have dozens of tasks to accomplish in the space and it still feels too small! To make your bathroom feel larger and to maximize every square inch, here is a list of 20 ways to get the best use of space. Best in this article refers to tips that are easy to accomplish and fun to do in the process. See how your bathroom will soon become the most LOVED room to use in the house. 1.) Use a monochromatic color scheme in a small bathroom: Depending on the color you choose and how much natural light illuminates your space, one color can make your bathroom feel larger. Remember one color doesn’t mean you can’t use hues of one color. A bathroom with varying shades of one color will accomplish the same goal. Soft, neutral tones are perfect for this eye fooling trick. If you are able to keep it clean, white will make your bathroom feel the largest! 2.) Choose smaller fixtures: Believe it or not they make all size sinks, toilets, bathtubs and shower/enclosures. If space is inadequate in your small bathroom, consider replacing a few of your fixtures with smaller ones to gain more space to maneuver. In a small half bathroom, instead of using a vanity sink with cabinet below, opt for a pedestal sink. They look gorgeous and take up half the space 3.) Adjustable lighting will create a multifunctional bathroom: When a space is limited to only one function it can feel smaller than it is. For example if you only have one overhead light in the bathroom you will find only utilitarian tasks to occupy your time and then leave. Add a dimmer switch to that same lighting fixture and now you can get ready for work in the morning, and in the evening relax in the tub or shower. Your small bathroom just got a lot larger! 4.) Use space above the doorway for storage: The next time you are in your bathroom observe how much vertical space in your bathroom isn’t being used. Typically, the space above a doorway is vacant. Especially, if you have higher ceilings than the minimum clearance you can install decorative storage shelves to house bath tub salts, scrubs etc… in a decorative basket. If you aren’t concerned about décor, use the shelf for storing extra toilet paper and cleaners to free up valuable storage area below the sink 5.) Use a glass enclosure at bathtub/shower area: Shower curtains can be used at your bathroom/shower but will separate your bathroom visually. Opt for a glass enclosure that creates a subtle and visual divider between your main area and your shower/tub. For added privacy many glass enclosures can have a frosted pattern applied to them to give privacy and not get in the way of your illusion of space. 6.) Update your small bathroom with modern fixtures: Even though your bathroom is small it can still look like a bigger than life space. Bathrooms have huge resale value when selling your home and updating your fixtures is a worthy investment. If your bathroom feels small due to out-of-date and boring fixtures, opt for brushed chrome, bronze or copper fixtures. For a wow factor, consider vessel sinks placed on top of granite countertops. You will love to spend time in your small bathroom when it feels luxurious! 7.) Opt for larger floor tile in a small bathroom: When selecting floor tile, choose larger units and patterns that are subtle rather than busy. Less breaking up of the floor lines equates to less visual chopping with your eyes. Flooring should compliment your bathroom and by using small floor tile, you will detract from your goal of enlarging the space. 8.) Don’t forget the ceiling: Many bathrooms have gorgeous tray or vaulted ceilings that add volume and depth to a small bathroom. If you are one of these fortunate people, add lighting above to bring emphasis to this architectural feature. If your ceiling is low, you still have great color options. Consider painting it a light complimentary color to the rest of the bathroom to bring the walls visually higher. Are you talented with a painting a mural? A light blue background and subtle clouds will give the illusion that the sky is above… very serene when executed properly. There isn’t any bathroom that will feel small when the sky is open above them! 9.) Use mirrors to reflect light and add space: Vanity mirrors can take up the entire wall or hang in decorative frames to resemble artwork. When using mirrors in bathrooms, consider the subject that will be reflected. Mirrors across from a window will reflect light and scenery, while a mirror across from a bathroom linen closet may not give you the impact you were looking for. Mirrors also come in etched versions to add visual interest. 10.) Maximize vertical space: If your bathroom offers you the luxury of adding vertical storage and display, then go for it! Your walls above 7 feet are usually wasted with empty area. This is a gold mine for storage of toiletries, and bathroom cleaners and sprays. Consider having cabinetry built to extend up to the ceiling. If you would prefer, decorations and splashes of color can also be added above mirrors and cabinetry. Adding color at a vertical height will cause the eye to go up and therefore enlarge the bathroom space and feel. 11.) Install brighter lights to avoid dark areas: In some bathrooms the lighting is sufficient for looking in the mirror but other parts of the bathroom cast shadows. To eliminate dark corners of your bathroom install brighter bulbs. Consider switching to CFL light bulbs to save money on energy consumption and they emit a whiter, brighter light. 12.) Window treatments can add height: Bathrooms that have windows shouldn’t forget these important features when giving the illusion of space. Windows not only allow natural light, but give the eye a place to wander outside of the small room. To add height, consider adding valances or cornices that make the window feel dramatically adorned. This illusion will draw the eye upward and away from the floor. Use coordinating colors to the palette of the bathroom, and stay away from heavy and dark materials which will give the eye an abrupt place to stop. 13.) Maximize floor space with minimal obstructions: In small bathrooms, scales, trash cans, and laundry hampers utilize valuable floor space that could be used for moving around your bathroom. The key to this is housing these items in another location. If your trashcan is small enough to fit next to the toilet this may solve your issue. While scales and laundry hampers may need to go in a bedroom or adjacent hallway closet. 14.) Change the swing of your door: If your current door swings into your bathroom consider flipping the door around so it swings out of the bathroom. When doing this, ensure that the door is not swinging into a heavily trafficked hallway or space. If you can, consider installing a pocket door that slides into the wall, and doesn’t require a door swing. Pocket doors are also visually appealing because they “hide” inside the wall! 15.) Use lighter wood color for cabinetry: If your bathroom has under counter cabinetry at the sink, consider using lighter woods as opposed to dark colored woods. A light colored wood will allow for more light to reflect off of surfaces and will not make the eye stop abruptly at the dark cabinetry. If you are renovating, consider using a light colored sink to coordinate with the lighter wood. 16.) Use recessed accessories to free up moving around area: Consider using a recessed toilet paper holder, and create niches in the wall for holding towels, toiletries and display items. Niches in the wall will create visual interest and will help avoid objects protruding into valuable floor area. Use this same trick in showers and bathtubs to hold soap and bath accessories. If you’re renovating your bathroom, create niches in the shower wall and use tile inside the niches for a custom look. 17.) Use cabinetry with open storage: Storage under the sink is a plus and if it has open storage it can serve decorative purposes at the same time. Open storage shelves allow towels, baskets and other decorative items to be stored without using up room in a closet. If you decide on open storage for your bathroom be mindful of clutter and adding too many items on the shelves. 18.) Bring in natural light from above: Interior bathrooms don’t always have the opportunity to have a window in the wall. Consider bringing in light with a skylight or a sun lighting tube. A sun lighting tube is installed from the roof down into your bathroom, and utilizes reflective material to bounce light down into the room. You will be surprised how bright your bathroom looks when you add natural light from above. 19.) Use wall mirrors instead of big medicine cabinets: Bulky medicine cabinets visually make your small bathroom feel even smaller. Consider switching out the cabinet for a wall mirror. If you prefer to stick with a medicine cabinet, opt for one that is low profile and doesn’t extend far outside of the wall. 20.) Use a minimum amount of accessories on the floor: Ensure floor space is kept clear and uncluttered. If you choose to use a rug, use 1 large one as opposed to several small ones. The more separate pieces you have, the more the floor space is broken up visually. One rug will unify the floor as one large whole and maximize your bathroom area. Small bathrooms don’t have to be a hard challenge, in fact they can be one you embrace and love. With these 20 tips for making your space feel larger, the cozy charm of your sanctuary can feel even better than a large bathroom. Try them out today and see if you fall in love with your small space all over again! Freshome reader’s do you have a small bathroom that you have made feel bigger? Have any tricks that have worked for you? Share them and see if others have some tricks for you to try! Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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20 Ways to Get the Best Use of Space in your Bathroom

Turn the Rug Season

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:33:09 +0000

Turn the Rug Season is a rug that brings the freshness of green spring even in late autumns, and also the warm colors of autumn in the middle of spring. We are in September right now and the autumn is almost here, but if you want to feel the fresh greens of spring at the end of the autumn simply turn the seasons every time you feel like it with this versatile rug. The rug is made using durable material that promises to keep your door steps alive for years. No matter what the season , you have the season of your choice right at your doorsteps. You can buy this rug from here . – Via – HomeQN Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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Turn the Rug Season

Happy Labor Day!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:00:41 +0000

Happy Labor Day! Whether you’re treating yourself to some fun with friends and family, or using your free time to do home projects, I hope you’re capitalizing on this national holiday! I’ll definitely be doing some cooking today and hopefully getting some long-overdue projects done. Cheers! Have a good one.