Painting Rooms

Painting a room is one of the staples of home repair projects. We've all done it or will do it. However there is a bit of a process that should be followed to make the painting task come out looking its best. Following these tips will also save you time in having to repaint areas of drip marks, roller splatter and excessive cutting in.

First, prepare the room to be painted as follows:

• Remove electrical cover plates on switches and outlets
• Remove window hardware (if they are to be painted) such as sash locks and handles
• Protect wall lighting fixtures or better yet, remove them
• Remove door knob and strike plate at the latch.
• Tape off the lock at the edge of the door;
• Protect furniture from paint and roller splatter with a plastic drop cloth;
• Protect the floor with a cloth or plastic drop cloth.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is no longer a gathering place like it was before when most country kitchens were the focal point of the family. Now they are designed to be efficient and time saving. Very few families eat in the kitchen any longer. Those that do will wisely chose the proper remodeling scheme when they redo the kitchen.

• Be sure to match your décor. Nothing sticks out more than an ultra modern kitchen in a shabby chic setting. Plan the kitchen around the theme of your home.
• Countertops are the most regarded item in a kitchen. Gone are the days when Formica would do. Upscale homes generally have granite or marble counter tops.
• Let lighting be the focus of your kitchen. In a lot of kitchens, a single overhead light serves purpose. A kitchen needs to be well lit, yet have a homey atmosphere.
  
  A smaller kitchen can benefit from correct overhead lighting and task specific lighting such as under cabinets, lighting the prep area. In larger kitchens lighting needs to be more functional, with areas such as cupboards and drawers well lit. Flooring in the kitchen is essential for a well designed room. Try to apply flooring that contrasts with the appliances and setting instead of matching it.
• Flooring in the kitchen is essential for a well designed room. Try to apply flooring that contrasts with the appliances and setting instead of matching it.


Energy Efficient Home
• An energy efficient home can help save on heating and cooling costs, and protect your health as well as the environment. Air leaking out of your home is a drain on the energy operating your heating and cooling equipment,