Tricks On How To Efficiently Improve Your House

Home improvement projects can be a simple paint job or a complicated house renovation. It doesn't matter the scope of your project, this article will show you some tips to help you get it done.

Use old baby food jars to add organization to your workspace. You should screw or glue the lids under a wall shelf. Put smaller items in the jars, including parts, nails and screws. Then, simply twist your jars into their new home. This maximizes the usage of your shelf and makes great use of little jars that are not used for anything else.

Don't forget to put sealant over your grout after laying new tile work. Grout has a consistency that is quite porous. These pores allow water to seep in, promoting the growth of mold and mildew. You also run the risk of staining your new floors more easily. By sealing grout, you will save on cleaning time, and also keep you from having to do frequent repairs and replacements due to mold.

Should the time come when you want to replace your bedroom furniture, consider building your own! The task may not be simple, but with hard work, you can have a custom set.

Turn the gas off before doing any work near those pipes. Just because you aren't a smoker does not mean you won't accidentally cause a spark. Even though you may not have disconnected the gas line, you still may have let gas loose while moving things.

Homes that are updated sell quicker than those that are outdated. Your kitchen is the best place to start when it comes to increasing value. It will also allow you to get the most back from the investment you made.

You should check your chimney, wall steps, skylights and low spots if there is a leak in your roof. Then, check the gutters. Some damaged gutters could be responsible for the leak since the water might run directly inside your home.

When your driveway cracks, fix it immediately. The initial step in any good driveway maintenance regimen is keeping it clear of debris.

Certain major home improvements can actually require particular permits and licenses. If you are having a hard time figuring out exactly what you need to do, consider hiring a professional that can help guide you through the maze of paperwork.

Take a walk around your house, looking for home improvements you can make quickly and easily. For example, you could identify sources of air leaks. After discovering the leak, you could quickly install insulation to solve the problem and in doing so, cut your utility bills.

Painting the outside of your home can make your home look brand new. You could definitely repaint it or refinish it. Repair all of the damages so that your home looks contemporary.

You don't need to become overwhelmed with your home improvement projects. You'll make better home improvement choices the more well-informed you are. You can do a lot by yourself, but you should not hesitate to get some help from a professional if you need to.



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The Red Cross Round-up

                                     

IRAN: On April 9, a powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck south-west Iran. The exact death toll is not yet clear butIranregional authorities say at least 37 people have been killed and as many as 850 injured. Over 70 rescue and assessment teams from the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been deployed to the affected area. In addition, three helicopters, 60 ambulances, ten rescue vehicles and four specialized emergency health and sanitation teams have been mobilized. The organization said immediate rescue operations had been completed and it was now focused on providing relief to the thousands of families affected.


CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: When fighting between rebels and the military in CAR intensified earlier this year, the influx of people into DRC spiked, from 4,000 in January to nearly 22,000 in March. After the government of CAR was overthrown on March 24, an estimated 5,000 people ran to DRC in the days that followed. UNHCR has opened one refugee camp in Worobé, not far from the border with CAR, and plans to open a second one, further inland. The Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross is encouraging refugees to move to these camps, however, few want to go. They prefer to remain near the river which offers an opportunity to live their traditional lifestyle. The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal and, working through the Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross and its network of volunteers, activities will focus on the provision of life-sustaining items. This includes mobile health clinics visiting various sites along the river, and the distribution of supplies such as mosquito nets, shelter kits, soap and buckets.



SOUTH SUDAN: Violence has forced thousands of people to abandon their homes in several remote areas over the past few months. The ICRC has recently provided them with vital aid. In Jonglei state, it has distributed fishing tackle to 12,000 needy residents and displaced people.

By : redcrosstalks

Planning A Home Improvement Project? Try These Great Tips!

Would you like to feel better about making home improvements yourself? Perhaps you are looking to save some money, or maybe you want to make certain changes to your home without using a professional? You rationale doesn't matter; if you want to handle your next home improvement project on your own, you'll find the advice provided below to be a big help.

If you want to redo your bathroom, do it small at first. A small budget can still mean a big impact, that looks much more expensive than it actually was. Little things like replacing lights and towel racks can make a big difference. Add a coat of paint to really spruce things up. For a small price, your bathroom can be transformed into something new and fresh.

If you notice any rust and mold in your home, regardless of how small, you shouldn't neglect it. They are common in a lot of older houses, and can lead to a bigger issue rather quickly. Catching them as small problems enables you to make quick work of the repair. Waiting until things get worse will only cost you more time and money. A bit of bleach can work miracles on little mold issues. Minor rust issues may generally be sanded off.

Make sure you never underestimate a home improvement project. While you can't ever be certain as to what to expect, you should prepare yourself for the worst. If you are prepared, you can handle things that might go wrong.

Astonishingly enough, many homeowners are content to live for years with the same interior paint schemes that were in place when they moved in. If they do choose their own scheme, they usually settle for something bland and uninspired. Put some thought into your next paint job and make choices that will enhance your home's appeal as well as its resale value.

If your roof is starting to leak, you should start by checking near the chimney, around your skylights, in any low spots, and near your wall step flashing. Finally, check out the gutters. Damaged gutters can cause leaks because they allow water to run down the outside of your house.

If your driveway is asphalt keep an eye on it for cracks. Driveway maintenance includes removing debris and keeping it clean.

Shorten dryer hoses to boost energy savings and dryer power. First take the hose off and then use your vacuum to clean it out. Next, cut your dryer hose down so that it's just a couple of feet in length. This should only be long enough so that your dryer can be pulled out so that you can clean up behind it because the shorter hose helps it run better.

Try planting a tree as an inexpensive way to improve the curb appeal of your home. Future landscaping will help maximize the value of your home. You need to plan for a tree to get bigger. It can also reduce your cooling costs.

The information can embolden you to do things on your own, replace whatever needs replacing and remodel areas throughout your house. You will have a great house and be able to do more than you ever imagined.

Home Improvement Tips To Impress!

If selling your home is in the future, or even if you will be residing there for years, your home's appearance is perfect for improvement. Even small projects have the potential to bring big dividends. The article below has some great home improvement tips and tricks for you to follow.

Water damage is readily apparent when looking at a home for sale. However, issues such as structural problems, bad wiring, and lousy ventilation can only be discovered by a professional home inspector. You'll save money in the long run by taking this important precaution.

If you hire a handyman, do not forget to write up a legal contract addressing your concerns and how he will help you to rectify them. Having that solid contract can help you avoid worrying about extra charges and costs. Without this contract, you might find yourself left in the dust while the handyman walks away with your hard earned money.

Visit open houses before engaging in a renovation project. This will show you what others are doing in modern decor. Lots of model homes are decorated by professionals and include window treatments and custom furniture that can serve as useful examples for your house.

Your old luggage rack can be turned into an interesting side table for your living room. Remove the glass from one very large picture frame, and use adhesive to secure it to your rack. Add interesting items and a good source of light for a unique item of furniture.

Have you thought about putting vinyl siding on your home? Vinyl siding is an excellent home improvement project that will surely increase the resale value of your home. On average, homeowners usually recoup about 80 percent of the costs spent on this project.

An insulated water heater blanket will make your water heater more efficient. This wrap will trap the heat in and reduce the loss of energy.

Home improvement is a great way to have fun while making your home more valuable. Staying positive will make them even more so. Take before and after photos to show your friends and family what you did as the job progressed and feel the pride of doing it yourself.

Ziploc bags are very handy for keeping your paint brushes and other equipment from drying out during breaks or even overnight. Seal the heads of your brushes and rollers in the plastic bags. This prevents paint from drying on your brush before you use it again.

Use baby food jars for organizing your office. Glue the screw tops underneath some shelving. Put small items like jewelry, screws, nails, or jewelry parts into the jars. Then, simply twist the jars into the lids to hold them under the shelf. As a result, your wall shelf's space will be utilized by using small jars that you thought were junk.

Never underestimate the impact of properly done home improvements. One weekend can make a huge change. Now that you've read this article, you've got lots of ideas on where you can start improving your home. You just simply need to get started!

Avoid Home Improvement Pitfalls With These Tips

There are a lot of homeowners who would never consider doing their own home improvements. People sometimes fail, it is true. However, home improvement shouldn't be a difficult concept. The following information will help you update and fix your home.

Put a couple of coats of glossy paint on your shutters and doors to dress up your home. Brick houses and those with vinyl siding look great when painted in brighter colors.

Talk to your neighbors regarding drainage for a big landscaping project. Landscaping plans that are ideal must drain water from the property. Be that as it may, you must be careful that all your excess water doesn't end up in your neighbor's yard. You could coordinate mutually some great drainage plans, but you need clear communication.

Do you have bald patches on your lawn? If that's the case, buy some grass seeds to revitalize your lawn. Uneven lawns are sure to harm the appearance of your home. Revive your lawn all on your own.

A new sink is a great way to do a simple update to your aging kitchen. This will create a modernized look to your kitchen. Sinks are available in all sorts of colors, bringing a freshness to any kitchen,

Your homeowner insurance will go down if you put smoke alarms in your home. This effect is greater with older homes since insurance companies tend to assume that more recent homes are more fire-resistant. And of course, besides saving you a few bucks, smoke alarms might just save your life.

Refinishing the hardwood floors in your home can increase the value. It is not very hard to do. You can often take a quick class on the subject at local hardware stores, where you can also rent necessary equipment. This improvement can save you so much money because you're not purchasing a new floor.

Insulate your siding to protect it from the external environment. Good insulation will cut down energy costs and boost your home's value. In the long run, you will save money.

Before summer starts and outdoor barbecues begin, take a good look at your deck. Fix or replace any holes or rotten areas. It will be easier to enjoy the summer knowing that your money and time will be saved.

Want your walls to have a designer look? Try using flat, glossy paints that are tinted with the same shade. You should use two coats of the flat paint and create some designs with the glossy paint on top of these two coats. Glossy paint is going to reflect light, giving it visual interest that's subtle.

A good home improvement project is to check your air conditioner filters. Having a dirty filter causes your unit to work harder than it needs to. If your air conditioning system is working too hard, it is going to be using much more energy. This means higher electric bills.

As previously stated, many people see home improvement as impossible. Many do-it-yourself projects are commenced but not completed. Even failing, doing a home improvement project is easier than people think. Just keep the advice you've read here in mind, and you can succeed in your home-improvement projects.

Preparing a First Aid Kit for an Earthquake | More

 
Make sure to store your first aid kit in a secure location that will be accessible after an earthquake. You must rotate all supplies in your kit to keep them fresh, especially if it’s kept in a vehicle – exposure to heat can shorten the shelf life of your supplies. It’s recommended that you update your first aid supplies twice a year. A good rule of thumb is to refresh them when you change your clocks for daylight savings time, or when you check smoke detector batteries.






Essential medications and supplies:

• Antibiotic ointment
• Extra prescriptions for all family members, as well as children’s aspirin and other age-specific over the counter medications
• Diarrhea medication
• Eye drops
• Cold/Cough medicine
• Benadryl
• Insect repellent
• Ear and nose drops
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Skin disinfectant spray
• Old pairs of prescription eyeglasses

Also include these medical materials in your kit:

• Band-Aids
• Latex gloves
• Surgical mask
• Instant heat and cold packs
• Ace bandages
• Butterfly bandages
• Gauze pads
• Cotton swabs
• Adhesive tape
• Sterile bandage rolls
• Triangular bandage for a sling
• Tongue depressors
• Splint material
• Spray bottle with 10% bleach solution for disinfecting

Remember that you need to be able to get to these supplies after an earthquake, so store them in an area that has minimal chance of being buried under debris. A good receptacle for storing these items is a large, weatherproof trash can. The following items are essential to earthquake survival and recovery.



By : foremost

My Survival Kit

My survival kit philosophy is this: Confident, not comfortable. Take care of your basic needs. Attract attention. Forget the Four Seasons. And don’t wait until you need your survival gear to use it. Go in the backyard and test it.


1. Shelter
I routinely carry 25 feet of parachute cord, a plastic drop cloth, and six titanium tent stakes (you can carve your own wooden tent stakes if you like). Stretch the cord between two trees, drape the plastic over it, and stake it down. Instant tent. Use slipknots that are easily untied when wet.

2. Fire
Fire may not be absolutely necessary, but for more than a million years of human history, it sure has been useful. Fuel + air + heat is the formula for fire. Any petroleum product will do for a starting fuel. Knead Vaseline into cotton balls and pull the fibers apart to let air in. Burns like a blowtorch. My theory of fire lighting is to start with flint and steel and work up to matches and lighters. I carry a BIC lighter, and I waterproof wooden strike-anywhere kitchen matches by dipping them in paraffin.

3. Water
I carry a plastic trowel for digging in places where water will collect beneath the surface, such as dry streambeds that show green plant life. Plastic sheeting can be used to line a hole to collect rainwater. An ordinary plastic grocery bag tied around a leafy branch will gather the moisture given off by the plant. Birds and animals can also be used to find water. Animals such as deer will make trails that converge near water. Birds whose diet consists of grains will skim along in a straight line at a low altitude when heading for water.

4. Food
In theory, food is not necessary. In practice, it’s awfully nice to have. Honey can be crystallized, gives instant energy, and will not spoil. I also carry tea bags (with caffeine), dried cocoa mix, and a powdered electrolyte replacement. But remember: Insects are probably the most reliable form of sustenance in a survival situation.

5. Must-Haves
- Bandages
- Blaze orange surveyor’s tape (marking trail, attracting attention)
- Compass
- Fishing hooks and line
- Folding knife
- LED headlamp
- Neosporin
- Painkillers
- Police whistle
- Scalpel blades (X-Acto knife blades will do)
- Sewing needles and thread
- Small notebook and pencil (keep a diary)
- Space blanket
- Water-purification tablets

By : Laurence Gonzales 

Stuck In A Project? Try These Home Improvement Tips

There are many ways that you can improve the quality of your home. The tips here can really help you whether you are just beginning or even partially through a project.

Seal grout after you lay tile. Moisture can infiltrate grout if not sealed. If you leave it unsealed, you may find that moisture seeps inside the grout, which can lead to mildew and mold. Grout without sealant is easier to stain, too. By sealing the grout, it will be easier to clean the tiles and you are less likely to battle mildew.

When deciding between multiple home improvement projects, select the one that will yield the highest return. Conversions of attics into bedrooms are terrific home improvement projects and add immense value. When you resell your home, this is an excellent selling point.

You don't want to toss bedroom doors out just because they need cleaned. The first step is taking them out of their frames so they're easier to sand. You want to strip them down to bare wood. Then buy some oil based paint of your choice and paint your door with a paint roller. For a whole new look, consider changing your doorknobs.

Make sure you really understand the costs or a project. Don't underestimate it. You can never know how the project will go, and it's good to be aware of any potential problems that may crop up. The better prepared you are, the less likely surprises will occur to hinder your progress.

Make a custom grout color yourself if you are unable to find the one you want pre-made. Acrylic paint from the local craft store is a simple way to get fantastic color. Experiment with a small amount of dry grout. Use paint instead of water when you mix it, spread it on a paper plate and allow it to dry. This is a fast way to find the perfect grout shade.

You can do most home improvement projects on your own. However, there are times when hiring a professional may be warranted. Butm with a quick look on the Internet, it's easy to see that there are some plumbing repairs, drywalling and other things that can be carried out without help. By doing the work yourself, you can save quite a bit of money.

A new sink can revamp the look of a tired kitchen. It'll give your kitchen an instant makeover. Newer sinks in fresh colors can help you add some color to the kitchen.

Ceramic tiles will lose their luster after some time has passed and they may start to look grungy. A safe, but effective method is by mixing vinegar and water together. With a bucket in hand, pour your solution and start mopping. Your floors will look fresh and clean when you are done.

There is a lot of information on how to renovate your home. This information can help you improve your skills as a handyman. Your success or degree of challenge is only dependent on what you're willing to learn, and the commitment you put into it.

Make Your Home A Better Place With These Home Improvement Tips

No matter what your budget may be, the idea of home improvement is an exciting prospect. All of the following tips can help you begin an improvement project.

When painting, be sure the floor is covered. It can be hard to remove paint from your hardwood or carpeted flooring. Use old sheets to keep paint off your flooring.

Purchase some plastic bins, and start sorting things in your garage. Write on the bins to indicate what is inside them. Also, get stackable ones if possible. This is an inexpensive way to clean the garage and prevent bugs and rodents from damaging your belongings.

You should use cedar fences if you are located in a dry and fire-prone area. Cedar wood has a great reputation for lasting a long time, and it is noted for its safety in fire prone areas.

Boost the power of your clothes dryer by shortening the hose. First take the hose off and then use your vacuum to clean it out. Snip the hose down so that it's length is no more than a couple feet. It should be long enough to remove the dryer cleanly behind it. Shorter hoses run better.

You should not underestimate the importance of a nice door. The door will be seen by every visitor you have. Insulate your door properly to save on energy bills. If your door or its lock is old or not solid, your security and your peace of mind is compromised.

You should increase your living area if your house has space constraints. A new living room or den is a great idea. This will increase the value of your home, and it will improve your living environment. Save up for something like this, though, so you don't get in over your head.

If you don't care to do a lot of landscaping yourself and you'd prefer not to spend money on professional maintenance, one alternative is to put together a yard that requires minimal maintenance. You can use plants that have low water requirements and use a lot of rock bed landscaping to fill the space. This will save you both time and money.

Homes that have recently been updated will usually sell quicker and for a higher price than homes that haven't. If you update your kitchen it will up the value more than anything else. This is an excellent method of earning back your investment.

To keep your painting equipment from crusting up or getting dry when you take a break, keep Ziploc baggies handy. Seal the paint rollers when you take a break from painting. The paint will not dry this way.

If your next project involves doing major renovation work in the kitchen, plan ahead and establish a temporary area to use for preparing food. Keep in mind that you may not be able to use your kitchen for several weeks. Therefore, you need a refrigerator, microwave, and other small appliances in another location in order to create small meals and store your food.

Apply these tips and do more research on home improvement so you can start working on the projects you care about. No matter the size or challenge of the an upcoming project, this article has given you some ways to cut the stress and increase the ease.