Renovations Archives - Page 7 of 11

March 21, 2019

Hammered Dowels | Metal Dowels For Fastening Systems

Hammered dowels, rawlplugs, metal dowels – which to choose for various fastening systems?

Various fastenings are extremely important both during house building work or repair works at a flat. It is not surprising as, sometimes, even several hundred fastenings are needed, using plugs, screws, bolts and anchors of various lengths and made of different materials. This article is dedicated to plugs, as it is worthwhile to have a closer look at them and see which type of plug is used for a given fastening type for a particular project whether it is commercial use or in the home while building or remodeling.

How to choose a dowel and how to fix it?

A number of persons, especially those who begin their adventure with DIY, have difficulties with finding a proper dowel for a given fastening. Rawlplug broadly describes hammered dowels, rawlplugs and metal dowels, as well as their intended applications. It is then worthwhile to get familiar with their types before we start our planned repair works.

As an example of how dowels are used to assemble furniture

Every material requires a different type of dowel to be used, but before we decide to buy a specific type of dowel it is good to first ask a salesman in the shop about the maximum load capacity of a given dowel or plug. Standard plugs, also called universal plugs, are usually made of plastic and differ among one another only by length and colour. A characteristic feature of all plugs is the expansion of their rear part, which may consist of 2, 3 or 4 elements, while we screw in a threaded bolt. Every bolt is first inserted into a hole, and then we screw in a bolt by means of a screwdriver – the head of the screw so we may have a hook so we use pliers during the assembling activity.

What are hammered dowels characterized by?

Hammered dowels are also called fast assembly bolts. They are made of plastic and have a flange at their front part. Their assembly involves the insertion of a dowel with a screw, partially screwed in, into an already drilled hole. When the inserted dowel meets resistance, it is hammered down together with the screw. If everything is well selected and done, the dowel should reach the bottom of the hole. Hammered dowels are most often used in materials such as concrete, natural stone, lightweight concrete blocks, aerated concrete, plasterboard panels and perforated sand-lime bricks. Hammered dowels are used to fasten profiles to walls, skirting boards, foils, metal sheets, beams, cable and pipe brackets, as well as wooden and metal substructures.

Rawlplugs

Plastic rawlplugs are used for construction materials such as concrete, bricks and timber. They can also be used as fastening systems in solid and small-hole elements. A fastening screw makes the rawlplug expand and swell in the course of screwing in. The expansion process creates anchoring humps on the plug walls between empty spaces. It is worth taking into account whether the rawlplug is not rotating in the hole or if the applied core is not too thick. A rawlplug can be used to fix a wall (e.g. a ceiling) to clay blocks or solid bricks.

What are metal dowels used for?

Metal dowels are used to fasten the clips of suspended ceilings. They are made of metal only and have a fully threaded hook on the front of the clip. A fastening element of a suspended ceiling is hung on the hook. After a hole is drilled a dowel is inserted into it. When the metal dowel is pushed into the hole, its wings are expanded and we can then fasten the cap with the washer in the dowel. A metal dowel can also be used to fix walls. The working principle is the same here, except there is no expanding tip with wings. There is a U-shaped piece of the metal sheet instead. After the dowel is inserted into the hole gravity pulls the sheet piece which, while falling down, catches hold of the wall of the hole.

March 18, 2019

Roll up Those Sleeves: 5 Easy DIY Kitchen Projects You Can Do in Your Spare Time

Does your kitchen need a bit of maintenance? No need to spend time hiring someone. Take a look at these 5 easy DIY kitchen projects you can do yourself.

If you are facing a long weekend or maybe a couple of rainy days and want to get a little creative, here are some fun DIY kitchen projects that you can knock out in a flash and still leave your kitchen with an updated look or add a little more pizazz.

Replace a Fixture

Putting in a new faucet is an affordable and quick fix to add shine and function to your kitchen sink area. There are many new sleek design options to fit your lifestyle and budget. With some common household tools and good directions, you will have your new faucet up and running in no time.

Along with your new faucet, you may also want to try your hand at DIY dish detergent. It’s safe, inexpensive and very easy to make.

Try a Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Kit

If your idea of a do-it-yourself kitchen remodeling project doesn’t include grout and sticky cement but you want to add a tile backsplash, then the peel-and-stick version is definitely for you!

Everything is included in your kit, even the tools. There is less mess and it saves so much time. There are color options and styles to fit any decor and in just a few hours your new backsplash can be up as a beautiful addition to your kitchen.

Switch Out the Cabinet Hardware

If you are looking for DIY kitchen ideas on a budget, changing out the cabinet hardware is one of the easiest and least expensive things to try. You will be surprised at how such a small change and make a big impact on the overall look of the space.

Be sure you get the same size knobs and pulls like the ones you have now so there will be no need to re-drill any holes.

Paint The Kitchen Cabinets

This DIY kitchen project may take a little longer than the others, but it can completely change the look of your kitchen area. You do want to make sure you prepare for this job as you want to protect your counters, walls, and floor from paint splashes.

As a hint, it is also a good idea to label your cabinet doors as you remove them so you will know exactly where everything goes when it’s time to put them back on. Make sure you use the right kind of paint for cabinets and invest in good brushes.

If you decide that painting may not quite do the trick for the look you want, there is always the option for cabinet resurfacing.

Add a Herb Garden

This last project will not only make your kitchen look and smell great, but it is also very helpful when you actually use your kitchen. With just a little time you can be on your way to producing oregano, rosemary, mint, sage or thyme. These herbs are easy to grow, maintain and add fresh delicious flavor to your meals.

An indoor herb garden for your kitchen is a great addition for visual and culinary appeal.

Which of These DIY Kitchen Projects Will You Try

It doesn’t take much time or money to try these DIY kitchen projects. In fact, you could probably fit in more than one during a weekend, or choose to do one at a time until soon you have almost a brand new kitchen with added value and style.

For more tips or hints on DIY projects, please reach out. I’d love to share more ideas with you!
*I’m sharing a few products I buy and use in my kitchen and I might receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a link
Related:
5 Ways to Update Your Kitchen on a Budget
5 Things You Should Not Forget In a New Kitchen
Reduce Waste By Organizing Your Kitchen So You Know Exactly Where Everything Is

February 21, 2019September 6, 2020

Essential Tips for Bathroom Plumbing Maintenance

If you want to ensure the efficiency of the plumbing system in your bathroom, then you have to read this article and find out essential tips to follow!

We all know that the bathroom is considered as one of the most frequently used rooms at home. And with that, it should be a room that must be well-maintained too. Why? Well, you don’t want an emergency plumbing service right? Indeed, plumbing maintenance is vital to keep your home run efficiently.

Now, here are some tips that could help you maintain the bathroom and avoid disrepair and other plumbing emergencies.

Maintaining the Faucet

It is important to keep the source of water running like the faucet to achieve a successful bathroom experience. To do that, consider the following tips:

The moving parts of the faucet could wear down quickly over a period of time and might require to be tightened or might be replaced more often than other parts. You can have professional help from JH Fox Plumbing to truly understand how often you need to replace the said parts.
You have to repair leaky faucets instantly to avoid further damage to the faucets and fixtures.
There is also a need to clean the faucet aerators. This low water pressure or water leaks might be due to buildup as well as sediment that block the small openings inside the aerator.

Maintaining the Showerhead

Once the holes become clogged with mineral deposits coming from the water, showerheads could develop uneven spray. That’s why there is a need for you to clean it. Here are the steps to follow:

Unscrew the swivel ball but using channel-type pliers or adjustable wrench.
Unscrew the collar nut from showerhead and gently clean the inlet and outlet holes using a thin wire.
Now, flush the head with clean water and reassemble the showerhead.
And finally, soak it in vinegar to remove the mineral deposits. To be more particular, put a cup of vinegar in the plastic bag and allow it to stand for a night. And in the morning, just remove the bag and wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Maintaining Toilet and Finding the Leaks

Are you aware that the toilet is a primary source of bathroom leaks? You should inspect the water level in the tank of the toilet to ensure that the water is not overflowing by way of the overflow pipe. To correct the problem, here’s what you need to do:

Once water is running to the overflow pipe, you have to modify the fill valve up until the water discontinues at about one inch below the top of an overflow tube.
You should also check the flush valve mechanism through putting at least a few drops of food coloring to the tank.
And of course, after fifteen minutes, check the bowl. Once the water changed its color, the flapper or ball is leaking and must be replaced.
You should not use the toilet as your wastebasket. Don’t flush facial tissue, make-up pads, cotton balls, diapers, and sanitary products as they don’t dissolve and could clog the lines. You have to keep a trash container in every bathroom and those the items away.

How to Avoid and Fix Bathroom Clogs?
According to Four Seasons Plumbers in Asheville, older toilets are prone to clogging. If your toilet is a first generation low flow toilet, it lacks the pressure to clear the drain. Thus, this results in regular clogs.

You don’t want to experience bathroom clogs, right? So, here are some ways to prevent them along with ways to fix them:

Run hot water down the drain to help keep it free-flowing at least once a week.
Fix tubs as well as showers with strainers which catch hair and soap chips. And you also need to regularly clean the strainers.
Avoid putting things down the sink or the toilet which don’t belong there.
And finally, just call a professional once you need any assistance with unclogging a drain or toilet.

Well, these are just some of the essential tips that you should not ignore in order to ensure that your plumbing system in the bathroom will not give you any trouble. If you can’t do things alone, professional plumbers can always be considered. However, it is indeed your responsibility to maintain the plumbing of your bathroom, and your entire home as well.

How to Repair Your Leaking Bathtub

Leave your comments below and don’t forget to hit like and share now!

February 5, 2019April 29, 2021

7 Strategies To Follow Your Budget During A Home Renovation

7 Strategies To Follow Your Budget During A Home Renovation

A home renovation can be a refreshing and stressful activity as well. It can help you get your mind off things, but it can also expose you to immense pressure if you do not plan well for it. It is ideal to have a budget for all the expenditures so that you do not spend more than what you have. But just having a budget is not enough to ensure you don’t spend more. Here are seven strategies to follow your budget during a home renovation.

Do It Yourself

An exceptionally effective way of saving money during a home renovation is doing it yourself. If you are handy, you can even do everything yourself. But if you lack some of the required skills, you might need a crew to help put up drywall and lay the tiles. However, you could still reduce their hours, and hence the cost, by demolishing the space, cleaning up the place, painting, and preparing the surface.

If your DIY skills are moderate, and you want to improve them for your renovation, you can always use YouTube. If you are determined, be available to learn the needed skills and take time to do it right. If you lack the required tools, you can rent them from a local hardware store. Additionally, the rental due dates will motivate you to complete the upgrade.

In case you decide to do the upgrade yourself, beware that there are things you can’t do without a license, including moving utility lines and electrical work. If you have the required skills for jobs like setting up load-bearing beams and tearing down walls, ensure you obtain the necessary permit. In addition to protecting you from potential problems, the future inhabitants of your house will be safe.

Reuse Materials

During renovations, you can save money and stick to the budget by reusing materials. For instance, when upgrading the kitchen, you can reuse cabinetry and appliances. If you require more than new hardware and paint to be pleased with your kitchen cabinet doors, you can reface doors to adjust the style or replace them while maintaining the cabinet body and save plenty of money. Be sure to check uniquedesign.net.au/alfresco-kitchens-brisbane for amazing kitchen designs that you can implement with your reused materials.

Even though you are unable to reuse any existing materials in your house, you can purchase fixtures and materials from salvage yards, building material auctions, and e-commerce sites. At times, people are moving and require selling appliances that are in perfect condition quickly. You can also find plenty of lumber remaining from a person’s project. In addition to saving money, the search for salvage materials saves the environment from waste and adds some character to your renovation.

Be Smart When Hiring

Prior to hiring professionals for your upgrade, be sure to look around. Beware not to use a general contractor since they can be stressful and costly. This is due to the plenty of organization needed when various skilled workers are involved. When hiring professional help, be sure to use personal recommendations and user reviews so that you can get someone trustworthy.

Be careful when hiring a friend of your friend, unless you have heard from a client who is pleased with their work. Also be careful about hiring family and friends for assistance. They could be great friends but bad contractors, which would ruin your relationship if the renovation turns out bad. But they can be significant assets if they are good at the job.

Moreover, be sure to schedule the project for the off-season. This period follows the holidays just before summer. However, it changes with the region. During the summer, professionals are generally busy with big projects, and the majority of them are unwilling or unable to take on smaller jobs. In addition to getting professionals who are available, off-seasons will also allow you to negotiate for reasonable rates.

Maintain the Home’s Footprint

The most expensive renovations include moving the windows, walls, sinks, and bathtubs. At times, moving a wall entails installation of costly load-bearing beams. However, sometimes it is cheaper to remove a wall than to relocate ventilation for a stove or a gas line. The cost will involve materials costs of cabinets, beams, conduits, counter tops, wiring, plumbing, and more, as well as labor costs for hiring a professional. If the functionality of the space is excellent, making these significant adjustments is not worth it.

Sell Old Fixtures

If there are things that do not make you happy, like ceiling lights, replace them. But ensure you sell the old fixtures instead of disposing of them as garbage. To finance some parts of the renovations, you can sell these old fixtures and materials on sites like OfferUp, Craiglist, or Facebook Marketplace. Old appliances, hardware, kitchen cabinets, doors, and other materials could appeal to someone else who is looking to reuse old materials. Also, you can sell metal junk to scrapyards.

Balance Low-End and High-End Materials

Get the most value out of your money by buying statement items, like a statement stove or quartz counter tops. However, save money when it comes to other places that have less impact. Style inclinations and the project will determine this balance. You can choose to spend more cash on hardware and less on cabinets and doors. But be sure to avoid extremes and not go too fancy and lose money by setting up cheap Formica counter tops.

Earn Rewards

Utilize reward credit cards to cater for the budgeted expenditure and immediately pay off the card with the budgeted cash. This will allow you to earn rewards with your card and even go on a free vacation with your family. What could be better after working hard on your renovation? Another ideal way of earning rewards is to buy gift cards from grocery stores that provide benefits for spending money, like savings on future grocery or fuel buys.

Conclusion

However hectic a renovation can be, these seven strategies will make things easier. You will not only save a lot of money and stick to the budget, but you will also create something that is worthwhile.

This post may contain affiliate links and I might receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on a link.

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Related:
4 Home Improvements To Prioritize This Year