My Idea Notebook goes everywhere that I go! It usually stays in the car, but I always have it handy should I need a measurement, a color, or a description for someone who’s helping us make this home a reality — such as a bank lender, blueprint designer, or cabinet installer. Or, if my friends & relatives have a question or make a suggestion on the fly, then I just grab the Idea Notebook and add it to my collection of great ideas.
Main Content
Remodeling, Maintenance, and Home Decor
DIY PVC Pipe Repair: See How To Fix A Broken PVC Water Pipe Yourself Using A Slip Pipe That Costs Less Than $3
Need to do some PVC pipe repair? A $2.87 slip pipe fixed my broken PVC water pipe and saved me hundreds of dollars in plumbing repair bills. If I can do it, you can too! Here’s how to fix a broken water pipe yourself using a slip pipe.
A Simple Wainscoting DIY Project: How To Build And Install Picture Frame Molding On Walls
Installing picture frame moulding or shadow box molding is easier than you might think. I did it myself… and you can too! Here are my step-by-step instructions for this simple wainscotting DIY project. It’s is a cheap project with big results.
Jack And Jill Bathroom Doors Require Space
A word of advice to all DIY home builders, contractors, and home architects… be sure to make enough room so both of the Jack and Jill bathroom doors can be opened at the same time without banging into one another.
Homebuilding Basics
Where Do Granite Slabs For Countertops Come From? How Is Granite Made? I’ve Seen The Process Firsthand!
Where does granite come from? How is granite made? The process of bringing Mother Nature’s art to market is complex — and I’ve seen it firsthand. Here’s what I’ve learned about the process of mining granite slabs and preparing granite slabs for sale in stores. You’ll never look at granite kitchen countertops the same way again!
10 Easy Steps For DIY Roll Roofing Installation
Roll roofing is the perfect material choice for the DIYer interested in tackling small roofing projects — like a shed or porch roof that has a slight sloped roof or a flat roof. I’m a true DIYer when it comes to house projects and I’ve learned a thing or two that could help with your DIY project. Here are my easy to follow step-by-step instructions for DIY rolled roofing installation.
Cork Flooring Durability & Eco-Friendliness Are This Interior Designer’s Top Reasons For Choosing Cork Floors
As an interior designer, one of my favorite materials to use inside a home is cork. Cork flooring has many advantages over other popular materials — including hardwood, tile, and concrete. Two of the biggest reasons I encourage clients to choose cork flooring are: its durability and eco-friendliness. Here are some good things to know before installing cork flooring.
Home Styles & Trends
Building A New House? Never Want To Move Again? A List Of Universal Design Features Your Home Needs! [Must-Haves For Aging In Place]
A list of Universal Design new home features you should consider BEFORE building or remodeling your house. Plus reasons to consider “aging in place” in the home of your dreams! I encourage you to give these Universal Design principles a lot of thought before building or remodeling your house!
Pros & Cons Of A Shower-Only Bathroom: Do You Really Need A Bathtub For Resale Purposes?
Trying to decide if you could live in a house without a tub? And if a shower-only bathroom will hurt your home’s resale value? A list of pros & cons. Plus thoughts from someone who’s been in your shoes and currently lives in a house that has a bathroom with shower only.
Outdoors / Landscaping
Save Money By Installing Better Home Siding: The Best Low-Maintenance Energy-Efficient House Siding Options
The most energy-efficient, low-maintenance house siding options — according to a home siding expert. Here’s how to weigh your options before residing a house to improve the look, improve energy savings, and increase resale value.
Before You Buy Trees Online: My Experience Planting Bare Root Trees vs. Potted Trees In Containers + Why I’ll Be Buying From The ‘Fast Growing Trees’ Site Again
I wanted to buy an affordable potted tree for my backyard, so I turned to a site called Fast Growing Trees. Here’s why I’d buy trees online from them again.
Green Homebuilding
Pros and Cons of Ceramic Coatings (Paint) For Your Home
Is there such thing as an ecofriendly permanent exterior paint? Maybe. But if you’re thinking of adding a ceramic coating to your home or using a ceramic house paint, here’s what I now know about ceramic paint that I wish I’d known sooner!
Your Green Insulation Options: The 7 Most Eco-Friendly Types Of Home Insulation
Green home insulation materials are ones that are manufactured from renewable resources & recycled materials with fewer chemicals. Which type of insulation is best for your home depends on where you live. Here’s how to choose a green insulation material with a high R-value for where you live. We’ll cover these: cellulose insulation, cotton insulation, mineral wool insulation / rock wool insulation, sheep wool insulation, straw bale insulation, soy foam insulation, and recycled plastic insulation.
Reflective Roofing vs. Dark Roof Colors: See How Roof Shingle Colors Affect Your Energy Costs
I’m a roofer and I’m here to tell you that roof colors matter. It depends on where you live. See when you’d want to choose reflective roof shingles and when you’d want to choose dark asphalt shingles for your house. And see how your energy bills will be different, based on the roof shingle colors you choose.
