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.
Home & Garden
First Time Home Buyer? 8 Do’s & Don’ts If You’re Thinking Of Buying A House For The First Time!
Buying a house for the first time? These are the most important things that a first time home buyer needs to be aware of BEFORE beginning the process of buying your first home. 8 important Do’s and Don’ts you need to know!
Are Extended Stay Motels A Good Option For Temporary Housing? (Hint: YES!)
Whether it be because of employment circumstances, moving, or another personal situation, living in extended stay motels could be the affordable housing solution you’re looking for! Cheap extended stay hotels can be comfortable and practical — for yourself or your entire family — as temporary housing for a few months. Here’s what it’s like living in a motel, how much it costs, and how to find monthly hotel rentals that meet your needs best.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Pros And Cons: See How Vinyl Tile & Vinyl Planks Compare To Natural Stone & Wood Floors [My Experience As A Flooring Installer]
Without question, the one part of your house that gets beat up every single day is your floor! Shoes, boots, heels, and cleats are just a few of the menaces that torture your flooring. Moving chairs and other furniture also add their fair share of damage. When you consider these factors, combined with damage from moisture getting on the floors from spills, stains, rain, mud, and snow days… eventually you’re going to be faced with replacing your old flooring. But what type of flooring should you put down? As a flooring installer, I have some thoughts about luxury vinyl flooring including — 1) How durable, waterproof, and scratch-proof vinyl tile and vinyl plank flooring is, 2) How to install luxury vinyl as a DIY project, 3) How to clean vinyl plank flooring, and 4) How vinyl tile & plank flooring compare to natural stone and wood flooring.
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!
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.
Bathroom Design Tools, Standard Sizes, And Measurements For Bathroom Items
See standard Shower sizes & dimensions, Toilet sizes & space requirements, bathroom Sink spacing issues, Tub placement & sizes, and overall Bathroom Room Sizes for a full bath, small bath, half bath, and water closet / powder room. Plus, ADA bathroom requirements and online tools to save time & money designing a bathroom.
DIY Roof Inspection Tips: How To Inspect The Roof & Gutters On A New House Before You Buy It
Before you buy a new house, you need to do a roof inspection and look closely at the gutters. Here’s what you should look for now… to avoid costly repairs later!
Things You Should Know Before Converting Your Swimming Pool From Chlorine To A Salt Water System
See how a swimming pool that’s been converted to a salt water system, rather than a chlorinated system, fares after 3 years. You might be surprised! If you’re thinking of converting to a salt water swimming pool, read this first to see a list of pros & cons that you probably haven’t thought about!
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.
What Is A 2-10 Home Warranty… And Is It Worth The Cost? Here’s My Experience With A 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty
I bought a 2-10 home warranty when I bought my first (used) home… in addition to regular homeowners insurance. I definitely think a 2-10 home buyers warranty is worth the money! See how I’ve used it so far, and how much it costs.
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.
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.
Bathroom Design Tools, Standard Sizes, And Measurements For Bathroom Items
See standard Shower sizes & dimensions, Toilet sizes & space requirements, bathroom Sink spacing issues, Tub placement & sizes, and overall Bathroom Room Sizes for a full bath, small bath, half bath, and water closet / powder room. Plus, ADA bathroom requirements and online tools to save time & money designing a bathroom.
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.
Before & After Photos Of My DIY Laundry Room Makeover With Lots Of Added Storage Space And Organization Cubbies
One of our first to-do projects in our new house was to create a happy laundry room. Yes, a laundry room which inspires one to want to “happily” do laundry. My new laundry room is 5×9.5 feet, has a great washer/dryer configuration, lots of storage for household cleaning items, a place to hang freshly laundered clothes, a big table area to fold clothes, and some music! See before & after photos + the details of how we tackled this DIY laundry room makeover.
Floratam Grass 101: See If This Pest-Resistant Variety Of St. Augustine Grass Is Right For Your Yard
Floratam grass is perfect for many homeowners in Florida, southern Texas, Louisiana, and other parts of the United States. But is it the right type of grass for YOUR yard? Here are the pros & cons of Floratam + Tips on growing a beautiful Floratam lawn — including how to mow, water, and fertilize Floratam properly.
10 Reasons You’ll Probably Want To Get A Central Vacuum System
Portable vacuum cleaners are better than ever these days, but a central vacuum system has the winning edge! See why… Here’s what I’ve learned about central vacs, including the cost and DIY installation info too.
Derek Jeter’s Tampa Mansion: Home Run or Foul Ball?
The Derek Jeter mansion in Tampa, Florida has 32,000 sq. ft. of living space. The master suite alone covers over 2,500 sq.ft.. The sprawling, eclectic English manor on the waterfront is the largest house in Tampa, by far! Here are photos and videos of Derek Jeter’s Tampa home, what it’s worth today, and a little about what the retired New York Yankees shortstop is doing today.
Thinking Of Putting A Hot Tub Inside Your House? Pros & Cons Of Indoor Hot Tub Installation
Thinking of installing an indoor hot tub? At the very least, don’t do it yourself! Although an indoor hot tub gives you more privacy and fewer maintenance issues, you have to think about mold inside, weight capacities on your flooring, and the multitude of electrical and plumbing issues that could arise. Here are the pros and cons of indoor hot tub installation.
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!
Sealing Granite Countertops 101: How To Tell If Granite Has Been Sealed, How To Remove Granite Stains, And How To Seal Granite
Wondering if you should use a granite sealer on your countertops? The short answer is: Yes! I’ll help you determine if your countertops need sealed right now or if you can wait awhile, whether to use a topical sealer or an impregnator sealer, how to seal granite countertops yourself, and how to remove stains from granite.
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!
Choosing The Best Driveway Gate + Tips For Installing Driveway Gates Yourself
Considering automatic driveway gates? Here are the different types of driveway gates, materials that you can choose from, maintenance issues for each type of entry gate, and how to ultimately choose the best driveway gate for your residence.
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.
Toilet Flush Ratings: Making Sense Of Maximum Performance (MaP) Toilet Ratings
Toilet flush ratings are no laughing matter. They really are important when choosing the best toilet that is energy-efficient and flushes (your business) like nobody’s business! Here’s what to look for in Maximum Performance (MaP) toilet flush ratings. I’ll explain how a MaP rating is verified and how they put toilets to the test.
RV Communities: These Neighborhoods Have RV Garage Home Plans For RVers Who Want A Nice Home Too
Want to see what it’s like living in a house with RV garage? Browse through the RV garage homes in these RV communities! RV retirement communities that have homes with RV garage plans are popular among those who want to incorporate their lifelong dreams of being a road warrior while still having a permanent home base.
Choosing A Farmhouse Sink: 5 Important Things To Think About Before You Buy An Apron Front Sink
Buying a new kitchen sink? If you have a little bit of flexibility in the dimensions, capacity, and cost, then you might want to consider a farmhouse sink (aka an apron front sink). But before you do, here are the 5 most important things to think about when choosing a farmhouse kitchen sink.
How To Keep Your Condensate Line Flowing Freely: Easy Steps To Clean & Clear A Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Save money by reading this before you call an HVAC professional — because keeping your condensate drain line clean and clog-free is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to maintain your HVAC system’s condensate line — whether you have a gravity flow line (like most people do – including myself) or an a/c condensate pump (like I recently installed).
Eze-Breeze Vinyl Screened Porch Windows: A Clear Alternative To Glass Porch Windows
When it comes to choosing screened in porch windows for screen porch enclosures, there are many options. My parents proved that Eze Breeze windows are a smart alternative to plastic sheeting for screened porches — theirs even survived a tornado! Here are some reasons to choose vinyl glazing over glass windows — plus photos.
What You Need To Know About Impact Resistant Windows Before Buying Hurricane Windows For Your House
Impact resistant windows are a coastal homeowner’s best friend — especially during hurricane season! If you’re thinking of retrofitting your home with hurricane windows, here’s what you need to know before you begin the process of replacing your regular windows with impact resistant glass.
Installing A Gas Range Where An Electric Range Once Stood Can Be Challenging! (Trust Me… I Did It)
Converting a 220V hardwired connection into a 110V standard plug when you install a gas stove is best left to a trained professional, but you can see here how it’s done first. Here’s my gas stove installation story — including 3 setbacks that I encountered while installing a gas range in my kitchen.
Using A Sanding Sponge For DIY Home Projects – Here’s How & When To Use A Sandpaper Sponge
If you typically tackle DIY projects around the house such as painting and woodwork, I’ll show you why you should make a (really) small investment in a sanding sponge. It’s an invaluable little tool that lives up to its reputation as a “can’t do without” item that a DIY homeowner shouldn’t be without. See how to use a sandpaper sponge for sanding wood, paint, metal, and drywall.
How To Cover A Concrete Cinder Block Wall
Concrete cinder block walls are sturdy and easy to build, but can often be unattractive when compared with the rest of your home. By covering a cinder block wall with surface bonding cement, you can increase the water resistance of the wall as well as the durability while creating a uniform surface that will blend with most architectural styles.
House Siding 101: Why I Chose Fiber Cement Siding + Some Things You Probably Don’t Know About Cement Fiber Siding
As a siding contractor, I help homeowners choose the best siding for their homes on a daily basis. But I first became a fan of fiber cement siding as a homeowner myself researching house siding options. Here’s a list of the pros & cons of cement fiber siding, and some things you probably didn’t know about this type of siding. See why it’s so popular.
How To Choose The Right Deck Stains For Your Home And Stain Your Deck Yourself
Knowing which deck stain to choose is only half the battle. I recently refinished my 21 year old deck and I want to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned about finding the best deck stain and how to clean and stain a deck. It’s a great diy project that can be done in one weekend.
Smart Home DIY: How To Install A Keyless Door Lock Yourself + 5 Reasons Your Family Is Going To Love Smart Door Locks
I installed a Kevo smart door lock in my home, and I can tell you it’s been a real game changer for my family! Here are some of the features of smart door locks that could be useful for your family, how to install a smart door lock yourself, and the many ways to unlock a smart lock that you and your kids are going to love.
DIY Garage Door Repair vs. Professional Garage Door Repair: 6 Reasons Why You Probably Won’t Be Able To DIY It
Have a broken garage door? Should you try DIY garage door repair or call a professional? Here are the 10 most common reasons your garage door isn’t working, which ones you can tackle yourself, and when it’s time to call for professional garage door repair. Find out here if you have the right tools, the time, or the knowledge to take on this repair project yourself.
Need A New Water Heater? (Us, Too.) See The Hot Water Heater Rental Cost vs. The Cost Of Buying A New One
Did you know that you can rent a water heater, as opposed to paying full price for the installation of a brand new one? See if renting a water heater is better than buying one – based on the hot water heater rental cost compared to the cost of buying a new water heater. See the pros & cons of each, as well.
8 Super Creative DIY Exterior Home Renovation Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank
Think that exterior home renovations are expensive? They can be — if you’re not careful. But I’ve got some awesome DIY home exterior design ideas to share with you that WON’T break the bank! Pick a weekend and get busy with these exterior home remodel projects: a mailbox makeover, create a natural pathway, spruce up your front door, and other simple ideas that cost next to nothing.
3 Ways To Cut Cast Iron Pipe For DIY Plumbing Repair Projects
Knowing how to cut cast iron pipe is essential for do it yourself plumbing repair projects. There are basically 3 ways to get the job done: a hacksaw, a cold chisel, or a snap cutter. See which one is BEST for cutting cast iron pipe.
Using Tin Ceiling Tiles vs. Tin Roofing Inside Your Home: Tips For Installing Tin Ceiling Tiles Yourself + Tin Ceiling Cost Factors
What you put on the ceiling is just as important as what you put on the walls. Used in the right room with the right accents, things like vinyl, aluminum, Styrofoam, and tin ceiling tiles can add a stunning punch that’s different from the other rooms in your home! Here’s what real ceiling tiles and faux ceiling tiles are like, how much tin ceiling tiles cost, and the steps for installing tin ceiling tiles yourself.
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.
Laminate Wood Flooring Or Hardwood? How I Chose Between Laminate & Hardwood Flooring
What’s better? Hardwood or laminate wood flooring? The flooring debate continues between laminate wood flooring and real hardwood. You’ll want to things like budget, durability, and resale value when weighing the pros & cons of both. I’ll help you decide what’s best for you!
How To Find Appliance Rebates & Home Energy Tax Incentives In Your Area
Finding out if a new appliance has a rebate from a government source is easier than ever. An Energy Star rating doesn’t mean it’s eligible for a rebate, but there is no sense in leaving money on the table, now is there?
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.
Cheap Building Materials: How To Get Contractors Discounts On Building Materials For Your New Home Or Remodeling Project
Wondering how to get your hands on cheap building materials for your home remodel or new home? Construction materials are expensive, but I’ve got a few ways for you to save big bucks when remodeling or building a house on a budget. Hint: You don’t have to be a contractor to get the contractor discount!
Thinking Of Installing A Pocket Door? Here Are The Pros And Cons Of Pocket Doors + Simple Pocket Door Installation Tips
Before installing a pocket door, read these helpful tips. Pocket doors are great, but they have their limitations too. We’re putting some in our home, but we were unable to use a pocket door in the bathroom like we wanted to.
