Our Home Tools

Posted on July 8, 2011 by admin

DIY projects can be a lot of fun regardless of their size; they can be engrossing and fulfilling as you see a functional and aesthetically pleasing creation come to life.

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DIY Tools

Whether it’s an ambitious project like building a wooden deck for the patio, or just some repair work done on a broken piece of furniture, high quality materials and the right home improvement tools will play an integral role in the success of the project. As a matter of fact, it would be safe to suggest that taking a DIY task or even regular yard work to its completion without the right gardening tools and home improvement supplies would be impossible.

New Year’s Home Checklist

Yes, you will need to work consistently and diligently on the project, however, most people find that there are two distinct advantages of getting the job done without enlisting professional help.

The most obvious benefit is the total cost of the project, which is considerably lower when the homeowner does all the work himself. Sure, the task can be time consuming and carpentry and plumbing can be complicated and arduous, however, with the right home improvement tools in hand, you should be able to complete just about any project in its designated time frame.

The next factor that tips the scales in favor of DIY projects is the impact of the work on the overall cost of your house. Renovation projects like installing a hardwood floor or waterproofing the basement or even making storage shelves for the attic can not only enhance the look of your home but also free up a lot of living space, which can add greatly to the value of your home.

And talking about value, buying reconditioned tools can be real value for money.

So, if you are all set to go shopping at the local hardware store, or online, here is a look at some of the home improvement tools that you must own, including some gardening tools that are needed to give your humble back yard a perfectly manicured look.

Hammers: Never underestimate this humble tool because it can come in handy in a host of jobs around your house. Ideally, you should choose a hammer that is not too light or too heavy, with a solid steel construction. When buying the tool ensure that the neck and head are fused together for strength. A rubber grip is another feature to look for.

Screwdrivers: A set of screwdrivers in varying lengths and head sizes will prove invaluable when taking on a DIY project. The set should have both slotted and Phillips heads along with hex, torx, allen and square screw drivers for specific functions. A cordless screwdriver can also be a good buy (see below).

Power Tools: Investing in a drill, saw and sander can make your do it yourself home improvement tasks a lot less painful and they can help you to finish the job faster.

There’s no need to buy every kind of power tool, just start with the ones you are most likely to use, and are versatile too. When it comes to drills, for example, an impact drill is useful for both drilling into  wood and metal. Then when the impact mechanism is switched on into wall materials as well.

It’s amazing how many screws you’ll come across when doing DIY jobs, and you’ll find a cordless screwdriver very time-saving for fast driving and removing of screws.

When it comes to saws, a jigsaw is a versatile electric saw for the typical DIY task. A jigsaw saws wood, wooden materials such as chipboard, plastics and metals, and with a special blade it can also be used for cutting other types of materials.

Nails, screws, bolts and nuts: No tool box can be complete without an assortment of nails, screws and nuts and bolts in it. Add a tape measure. A simple, inexpensive, all-purpose tape measure should do for your home. Invest in a tape that is no less than 15′-25′, so that it can be used for artwork as well as checking the alignment on a wall.

Wrenches: While not always required, wrenches should definitely form a part of your tool box as they are incredibly useful when handling stubborn nuts and bolts.

And for the garden a spading fork – you will need this tool to break the compact soil in your yard more pliable; it has a short handle that makes it useful for digging and breaking the soil.

Shovel: – A square-headed shovel should also be included in your garden tools, it can be used for larger digging projects and for removing weeds.

Rake: This is another versatile tool that can be used for cleaning the yard and for leveling the garden bed.

These tools should be enough to get you started on any home improvement job. Make sure that you consider the quality of the tools and the warranty/ guarantee offered on the home improvement supplies when buying tools for your DIY projects.

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INTERIORS UK Proves People Still Prepared To Spend On Interiors

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

Despite the state of the economy an exhibition being held in Birmingham, England, proves that some people still have the money to spend on some top end furniture.

The fact that the housing market is in a slump is perhaps one strong reason why some DIY retailers and home furniture stores are doing so well, as property owners choose to stay put rather than sell their homes for rock bottom prices. Remodeling a home adds value to it, can often make it more saleable when the time is right, and makes it a nicer place to live in meanwhile.

The INTERIORS UK is the UK’s largest interiors trade exhibition, taking place at Birmingham NEC from 22 to 25 January 2012. Architects, interior designers, as well as retailers will be able to see items from new and up-and-coming design talent as well as established brands. Products such as fabric, flooring, lighting, occasional and dining furniture, beds and bedding are on display.

So, the products that go down well at this INTERIORS UK trade exhibition should, in time, filter down to a store near you.

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Things To Do Before Selling Your House

Posted on January 5, 2012 by admin

When it comes to getting a home ready for sale, a lot of home owners are not particularly experienced in doing this particular task. If this is you, then it means you may be looking for things to do before selling your house – a wise choice since there are so many mistakes you will want to avoid if you can. One good place to start is how you think about your home. You want to think of it from a business perspective instead of a personal one because, in the end, the transaction involved in selling a home is just that, a transaction. You want to focus on the things to do before selling your house that are going to appeal to the most buyers because you need their interest more than your own. While we all on some level know this, it can be hard to remember in the midst of making repairs. We will start with a look at the front of your home because this is where first impressions are made.

That’s right, a potential buyer is going to be forming their first impressions of the house you are offering as they make their way from the curb up to your front door. This is why lists of things to do before selling your house from real pros will focus on making all repairs that need to be made to the walkway, steps if you have them and the area right around the front door. This might mean getting a new doorknob or knocker, putting new paint on and around door or any number of other similar improvements that can make such a big difference to the way your home is perceived. Paint is a big part of the types of changes you are going to need to make, both inside and out, because it has such a big visual impact. Try as we might, we humans are visually oriented creatures and this is not something we can change. Make it look as nice as you can and you will do well.

Finally, be mindful of the fact that small details can make a difference. Does the faucet in any room drip? Does the shower spray as it should? If not, these are part of the things to do before selling your house and they really should be handled before you begin to show it. You want people to feel that you have taken care of all the small details because it will make them much more confident in making a purchasing decision. Once you see just how positively those who come in your home to consider buying it react, you will see why all of this advice is so valuable.

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Kitchen That Costs More Than The Average House

Posted on December 16, 2011 by admin


If anyone is searching for the definition of opulence look no further than the Colosseo Oro kitchen. This state of the art kitchen costs more than the average house.

Colosseo Oro Kitchen

Colosseo Oro Kitchen

How much are you prepared to spend on a new fitted kitchen? £2,000, £5,000, £300,000 (yes, three hundred thousand pounds!)

It’s true, £300,000 is the cost of a kitchen that was revealed at a design show which took place in London on 22nd September 2011. The Colosseo Oro, ‘created’ BY Marazzi Design, is a limited edition kitchen, with just 10 being produced.

Now, bear in mind the average price of a home in December 2011 stands at £159,999.

The design brief was to craft the most exclusive, no expense spared workplace, and it seems to have worked.

The appliances aren’t just high quality, they are ultra-luxurious. In fact the appliances alone cost £55,000. No wonder when the Colosseo Oro is described with this finish – “24 carat gold leafing, crocodile embossed leather, metallic gloss Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances, and Venetian ink- stained gold glass.”

The main design of this kitchen is a completely free standing 4 metre diameter island. Within the working centre of the island everything is at hand – fridge ovens, hobs, sinks and storage.

Who is likely to buy one of these works of art, sorry, kitchens? Ultra-rich Russians, wealthy bankers who’ve just collected their latest bonus, and perhaps a footballer or two. But they’ll need to be quick with only ten being built.

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Snow Throwers Guide

Posted on November 7, 2011 by admin


Snow throwers guide to the types of snow throwers available, and which are the best for individual needs.

One of the easiest ways to clear the snow off your drive is to use a powered snow thrower, or as some term them – snow blower. These take much of the effort out of moving the snow in the shortest time.

The trick is to buy the snow thrower that’s right for your circumstances. Nowadays there are a number of choices available, such as whether to buy an electric or gas driven thrower. Should you go for a single-stage or the two-stage model? Are your walkways or driveways paved, or loose graveled? Are your walkways and driveways level, or is there a slope to them? Is there a small or large surface to clear, and how much snowfall do you normally get where you live?

If you get it wrong you might end up buying a snow thrower that is unsuitable and won’t do the job properly, or worse still  get damaged in use. Better to pay more for the right type that will last.

Generally, for paved areas which aren’t too big, and where there isn’t too much snow, the single-stage snow thrower is perfectly fine. These types are usually smaller and lighter, and more maneuverable than two-stage throwers. Single-stage throwers are ok up to 4 inches of snow.

The reason single-stage throwers aren’t good for use on unpaved areas is because they use the rubber-tipped spinning auger at the front of the machine to break apart snow. The snow is then thrown directly through a chute on the top. Because the auger blades are in direct contact with the ground, helping to propel the machine, single-stage throwers will easily get damaged by loose gravel, so are not recommended for clearing unpaved areas.

Two-stage snow throwers have an auger which doesn’t actually touch the ground. An impeller, which is like a fan, sucks snow out of the auger and throws it through the chute quite forcefully. Many models have driven wheels too, (some have tracks instead), as well as forward gears plus reverse, which will help if you need to clear slopes. They tend to deal with wetter snowfalls where the snow has compacted. For driveways over 40 feet long a two-stage blower is better suited. These machines are usually the most expensive. Beware, they can also be rather heavy, and big.

As mentioned at the outset, there is a choice between electric snow throwers and gas driven kinds, but only for the single-stage type. If you go for the two-stage kind you have to buy gas driven.

Thinking then about someone who wants a single-stage snow thrower, the electric type is ideal for someone who is in an area where there is occasional, light snowfall. The type of smaller property where the places to clear are paths, patios and short driveways. The advantage with electric throwers is that they don’t need much maintenance, and are easy to store. The downside is that you will probably need an electrical cable extension so you can get full use out of it. Single-stage throwers are the least expensive to purchase.

If you select a gas-powered single-stage thrower you will be able to clear moderately heavy snowfalls. As they have larger augers they are also better for clearing larger areas in less time than their electric counterparts. An advantage of this type of thrower is there is no electric cable to worry about, so it is less restricted. These machines are more expensive than electric-powered throwers, but not as expensive as two-stage types. Gas-powered throwers are best for snow up to around 8 inches deep, though for really deep snow two-stage gas-powered snow throwers are best.

The downside to any gas-powered thrower is there will be the need to either mix oil and gas if you buy a 2-cycle engine, or with the 4-cycle change the oil periodically, so more maintenance is required.

Watch a short video by ConsumerReports.org – The Snow Throwers Buyer’s Guide.

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