Source

https://www.myhomeus.com/work-flow-for-kitchen-renovation/

If you love getting stuck into DIY home improvement projects, find out what the DIY trends are for 2018…

DIY home improvements are increasingly popular, which is something Decorex Cape Town has welcomed with the Builders DIY Theatre.

Three of the country’s leading DIY experts – Tanya Visser, Elle Franco and Ryan Paulsen – will be hosting practical DIY demonstrations at Decorex Cape Town from 27 April to 1 May.

Here are their takes on the top DIY home and garden trends for 2018…

DIY gardening trends

Green-fingered guru, Tanya Visser says that the ‘growing your own’ trend has gained significant momentum and interest this year.

“We’re delighted this trend is expanding and I definitely think it’s one that won’t go away anytime soon,” she says. “Another element at the top of my mind is water – the scarcity has really made us all think, not once but twice, how we can save it.”

Visser will outline some very user-friendly tips on how to save this diminishing resource, one of which is ‘mulching’.

She will feature main gardening projects at the Builders DIY Theatre this year, including step-by-step guidance on sowing seeds that are sure to germinate, as well as how to make more of what gardeners already have.

DIY home décor trends

Elle Franco’s strong background in DIY makes her well-placed to share take-home tips and interesting projects.

“As a DIY presenter, I pay close attention to design and décor trends of the year as DIY projects for the home usually stem from that,” she says, outlining what visitors can expect. “The ‘tropical print’ and ‘metallic’ trends were a hit towards the end of last year and we can see that these trends are still going strong into 2018.”

Franco is featuring three projects at Decorex Cape Town, incorporating an element of home décor. “I really like to present a range of DIY projects suited to all levels of DIY enthusiasts, from beginner to intermediate. I will be showcasing on how to update lamps and lampshades using rope, spray paint and wallpaper. I will also demonstrate how to make a kids’ bathroom step-stool, so the little ones can reach the bathroom sink. Another project I’ll feature is how to build a rustic shelf-ladder for the home.”

Ryan Paulsen has also had an affinity for all things DIY since childhood and is dedicated to sharing his passion with novices and experienced DIYers alike.

“It’s about having fun at the end of the day, so you need to do everything to avoid getting frustrated during a project. Make sure you plan, get yourself the right tools and then, if it doesn’t work, start again! Something as simple as the wrong sized screwdriver can cause immense frustration, so get everything ready before you start,” says Paulsen.

DIY Construction trends

Paulsen will show visitors to the Builders DIY Theatre how to construct outdoor firepits, in varying sizes, as well as two rack types – a bathroom towel rack made of three wooden sections, and a wall-mounted coat rack using plumbing pipes and wood. His grande finale will be a beautiful copper drinks trolley incorporating copper piping and wood.

“It’s often difficult trying to find that perfect décor item through suppliers. You might find something akin to what you’re searching for, but it’s not quite right. The Builders DIY Theatre will provide visitors to Decorex Cape Town with the right tools and information needed to start their own home and gardening décor projects,” says Sian Cullingworth, portfolio director at Decorex SA.

For more information, visit 

Source

https://www.all4women.co.za/1443068/home-garden/home-decor-ideas/2018-trends-diy-home-improvement-projects

Source

http://pertamini.co/kitchen-renovation-budget/

Home renovations are a great way to give your house a new look and feel without having to up and move to another location. There are several types of home renovations that people do, but arguably the most popular is the kitchen.

Most of us spend at least a few hours most weeks cooking meals for ourselves or our families, so it makes sense to want to have a nice kitchen. However, a kitchen renovation or remodel can be a daunting and lengthy process. In an effort to help you out, we have decided to give you some tips for your next kitchen remodel.

Have a Budget

Before you ever start a remodel, you need to have a budget in mind. While you might have an idea to not spend a lot during the renovation, the costs can add up very quickly. Also, costs for a renovation can go from the low four figures, to well the high five figures (or beyond).

Because of this, it is very important to have a budget during the renovations, and stick to it. You should also be sure to consider how much equity in the home you are creating with the renovation, as that might help offset the cost if you plan on selling the home in the future.

Use Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is the science of taking measurements from regular photographs. While it is largely used for mapping or 3D scanning, it also has a lot of value in the home renovation market, and can make the process of mapping out the floor plan and blueprint of your new kitchen.

Photogrammetry in manufacturing and in remodelling is a great tool as it will be able to measure the perfect size and/or dimensions for things like appliances, counters, cabinets and more. Also, there are pieces of software out there that make performing these measurements relatively simple and efficient.

Ensure You Have Enough Counter Space (But Not Too Much)

During a renovation, people often shift their focus to what appliances they are going to get, the colors of everything and what sorts of materials they are going to use. However, one thing that doesn’t get as much attention as it should is just how much counter space you should have in your kitchen.

It is very frustrating to not have enough counter space to get things done, but it is also annoying when you hardly use the counter space you have. You need to put some thought into how much you should have, and this will largely depend on how often you cook, how many counter-top appliances you have, and more.

Make Sure Your Appliances Match

While it technically won’t hurt the functionality of your home, having mismatched appliances in a brand new kitchen can be a bit of an eyesore. If you have a black fridge, a white dishwasher, a stainless steel stove and a blue microwave, your new kitchen won’t look as good as if you picked on color and stuck with it.

Thankfully, many manufacturers offer matching kitchen appliance packages to ensure that you can not only match, but also get all the appliances you need at a decent price. Of course, you should look to choose the color or shade that best mixes with the cupboards, countertops and flooring.

Source

http://worldinsidepictures.com/4-kitchen-renovation-and-remodelling-tips/

Installing a sump pump in your basement will help you keep the water levels in your basement manageable. By installing a sump pump, you will be able to remove any water that’s been accumulated in a sump basin.

Sump pumps are largely helpful especially if your basement is prone to flooding during heavy rain. In order to ensure that your sump pump will work properly, you’ll need to take some measures in installing it in your basement. Before that, you also have to prepare your basement for the installation. So what do you need to know?

Water Channeling

The first step to installing your sump pump is to determine where the water is and how it can reach your pump. In order to do that, you’ll need to see how well the excess water will reach the well where your pump will be installed. You can do this two ways: via a French drain below your basement’s floor, or to make your basement floor slanted so that the water collects inside the well.

Safety First

Prior to installation, determine if any existing electric lines will be affected. Since you’re going to be dealing with water, make sure to disconnect all electrical connections in your basement.

Location

If you don’t already have a sump well installed, then you’ll need to install one to have your sump pump drain the water more effectively. Determine where to best place both the well and pump, as well as where the pump leads. So you’ve collected the water, where will you drain it to? You can opt to send it outside to your garden, a ditch, or your lawn. You can also have it routed to a sewer drain. Wherever it goes, make sure that it routes away from homes so that it doesn’t become a bother to you or your neighbors.

Measurement

Basements have varying sizes, so your pump’s size will also vary depending on the amount of free space you have in yours. Measure the following:

• Height of pump discharge to the discharge pipe
• Length of required discharge pipe

Once you have these measurements, you’ll have an idea of what size of pump you’ll need to get. Once you have a pump, the hole you’ll dig in your basement needs to be 10 inches wider and 6 inches deeper than the size of the pump. The half of those six inches should be filled with gravel. Secure the pump with more gravel around it, until only a few inches at the top are visible.

Electric Outlet

The next important thing is that your sump pump needs to be located near an electric outlet to keep it running. If there are no outlets near where you’re planning to install your sump pump, have a professional electrician install an outlet. There is a recommended distance between a sump pump and the necessary outlet, so make sure that any available outlet fits the requirements. If not, have a new one installed.

Another important thing to note is that heavy rains come with the risk of a power outage. In that event, make sure that your sump pump has a backup power source as that’s when you’ll need it to be working the most.

Here are some more tips to prepare your basement for a sump pump installation:

• Plan where the pump will discharge the water. If necessary, prepare any pipes or holes where these pipes will go to.
• Routinely make sure that your sump pump is working properly by checking if the water distance from the top of the pump is 6 inches or more. If it’s at that level, you’ll need professional help.
• Check any potential blockages between your pump and where the water will be discharged.
• Route the discharge away from your house or the water will just go back to your basement.

Conclusion

Preparing your basement for the installation of a sump pump may require a bit of renovation, depending on what measures to prevent flooding you already have in place. If you have a sump well installed already, then you’ll need to prepare less. But a sump pump will not work without a well, so make sure to have one installed too. Don’t forget to plan carefully to prevent any more renovation for your basement than is necessary.

Source

https://www.toolversed.com/blog/prepare-sump-pump-basement-renovation/