Top 15 Home Improvement Tools for DIYers

Top 15 Home Improvement Tools for DIYers

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Many Americans dream of having their own homes. However, home ownership comes with a lot of responsibility and you have to be disciplined in order to keep your home in tip-top condition. There are a lot of things that need to be done like cutting of grass, trimming of the plants, fixing of plumbing issues, fixing the cupboard, etc. Instead of giving a call to an electrician, plumber, or any other specialist to help you when you need something to be fixed, try to fix it on your own. This will save your time, money, and allow you to learn how to get things fixed.

15 Must have Home Tools list

With so many home tools on the market, choosing the ones that you may need might be challenging. In this article, we have selected some of the most essential tools that can help you handle small repairs and renovations fast and easily. These home tools are easy to use and favorably priced. These are as follows:

·         Cordless power drill

A cordless power drill is one of the best home tools that you can ever have. This tool carries out a lot of tasks like repairing the deck, garden hose brackets, birdhouses, and coat hooks. When choosing a cordless power drill, you should get one that is within your budget, powerful, and have outstanding features. Many homeowners buy power drills with at least 18-volts. There are even more powerful drills with 24-volts or even more. Additionally, you should get a backup battery for your cordless drill. Another important feature to look at is the grip and speed control trigger.

·         Impact drivers

If you have screws that are proving to be stubborn to remove with a regular screwdriver, an impact driver can help you out. When you hit the driver head using a hammer, it drives the tip deep into the screw head slot while rotating the screw 20 degrees. Additionally, the driver as well functions with ½-inch drive impact sockets.

Some may say that “why to own an impact driver if you have a cordless power drill?” An impact driver has a collet that accepts hex-shanked driver bits, instead of a keyless chuck. It is the best device for driving screws quicker and easier. Impact drivers can drive long, large fasteners with fat lag screws included.

·         Drain cleaner

One of the common problems that homeowners face is clogged drains. Whether it is the kitchen sink or bathroom sink, unlocking a clogged drain shouldn’t be a hurdle at all. I know many of you are familiar with a metal snake. This is used to unclog the mess in your drainage pipes. But did you know that a drain cleaner can also do the same job? The plastic drain cleaner is made of plastic and it is cheaper than the metal snake. Stay at home moms can use this tool to unclog their drainage system and it is very easy to use.

·         Angle grinder

Also referred to as a disc grinder or a side grinder, an angle grinder is a versatile tool and a must-have for all household DIY enthusiasts. Its primary use is grinding, but it can be used for other tasks such as sanding, polishing, and sharpening. Therefore, you can use it to cut metal, tile, masonry, and pavers. Equipped with a diamond blade, this device will cut any ceramic tile or stone that it comes across. The relatively small blade is great for the intricate cuts required for outlet openings or the curved holes around a shower faucet. The most popular angle grinders measure 4-inches and 4, 1/2-inches.

·         Home weather station

Instead of waiting for a weather report, you can go ahead and acquire this tool to measure the different weather conditions within your compound. A home weather station is very convenient as it will allow you to know the temperature in the kitchen, bedroom, or living room. Also, you will get to know about dew point and other conditions. Before you water plants, you can find out if it’s okay to do so by measuring different conditions.

·         Hammer drills

Since we have already discussed a corded drill, it is important that you buy it together with a hammer drill. A hammer drill is exceptional in performance in that it performs everything a traditional drill does, but the hammering action allows you to drill through hard materials quicker and without burning the bit. In case you don’t want the hammer feature, just turn the gadget off and use it like a normal drill. When fitted with a masonry bit, a hammer drill can drill into concrete, mortar, stone, and even brick. Choose a simple but versatile drill for your home use.

·         Nippers

This is another great home tool for DIYers. Nippers enable the user to remove nails without damaging the wood’s surface. The gadget functions by the sharp jaws biting into the nail, hold it firmly as you roll the nippers back to pull out the nail from the back side of the trim. Most of the nippers are sold at very favorable prices and won’t cost you an arm and leg. After buying this device, you should learn how to use it appropriately so that you don’t damage the wood.

·         Wet-dry vacuum

For those with kids or pets at home, you know how the house can get messy very fast. Your dog might vomit or the kid may spill water on the floor, leaving it risky to walk on. Instead of using rags or mops to clean it up, acquire a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to simplify things for you. This machine can suck up large pieces of debris, spilled liquids, ashes from the fireplace, snow at your doorstep, leaky windows, and much more. The greatest advantage of using a wet-dry vacuum is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, it can be used for wet and dry spills or debris and at the same time be utilized as a normal vacuum cleaner.

·         Multimeter

If you have appliances and electronic devices in the house, having a multimeter will help you fix most of them. First of all, a multimeter will let you know if it’s the device or a fuse has the problem. A standard multimeter will measure voltage, current, and resistance. While a typical digital multimeter will measure voltage, current, continuity, resistance, diodes, and continuity. There are so many multimeters on the market. Choose one from a reliable brand and use it cautiously. A small mistake may lead to harm or even death.

·         Bit holder

Many users of star-drive screws or square-drive screws have probably come across a driver bit that gets stuck in the screw head and pulls out of the bit holder. This happens with many screws with Philips included. The alternative to this is a bit holder that locks onto the bit with a spring-loaded sleeve. Bit holders can be found in hardware and also on online platforms such as Amazon. Having this tool will simplify things for you and make your work easier.

·         Axe

After I bought my new home, I had to clear the bush and create a nice garden. This was challenging as some shrubs and thicket had grown big. In addition, there were some trees that I didn’t love having in my compound and had to bring them down. That’s where I got a quality axe and it helped wipe out the entire bush. Of course, I used a machete, too! Today, the axe is still useful as I use it to cut firewood. I believe this is a very useful home improvement tool that every household should have. Get a quality axe that you can rely on to cut different types of woods.

·         Concrete screw installation kit

For those who drive lots of concrete screws, it could be a great idea if you get the concrete screw installation kit. This kit comes with all the tools that you need such as the screwdriver and the masonry drill bit on the same shaft. With this kit, you simply drill the hole and slip the drive shaft over the bit and sink the screw with the linked screwdriver. This entire process will only take you 30 seconds.

·         Flashlight

A flashlight is one of the most essential home tools that every homeowner should have. A flashlight can provide you with light when there is a blackout, when you go camping, to see the keyhole, search for lost items in the yard, or see who is roaming in the garden at night. A quality flashlight should be bright enough and with durable construction. Always keep the flashlight where you can access it easily in case of a blackout. Best places to keep the flashlight are in the kitchen drawer, on the wall unit in the living room, or in your bedroom drawer. And if you don’t mind, you should always have the flashlight in your pockets, especially when you are leaving the house.

·         Voltage detector

To begin with, a voltage detector is a gadget that determines the presence or absence of an electrical charge in an object. There are both simple and advanced detectors. In this case, this is a simple voltage detector that tests hardware if there is electricity or no electricity. When using this device, always ensure that you use it within its voltage range. If you use it on a higher voltage range, then you will get wrong results and it may be life-threatening. A voltage detector can be used to check battery voltage, switching circuit in battery back-up, in front of an alarm or LED light.

·         Vacuum filter

In order for your vacuum to function easily and perfectly, you need to check your filters from time to time. Vacuum filters work to ensure that your air is clean and the vacuum itself is running efficiently. Get a vacuum filter that can be cleaned with much ease such as by dusting it off or rinsing it with water. Also, a good vacuum filter should be able to catch 90 percent of dust. Buy a HEPA vacuum filter to have ease of cleaning and efficiency in performance.

Bottom line

Next time you think of contacting a plumber, electrician, or gardener, think twice about it. First, consider what kind of project you have at hand and determine if you can handle it or not. If you have the tools, most of these projects are easy to tackle and will take you just some few minutes to complete them. Safely use this type power tool. But if you find the job to be completed, don’t go ahead and instead call a specialist to handle it.

When using home improvement tools, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use tools for only their intended purpose. You can proceed to purchase home improvement tools that you think you will need. Don’t just buy for the sake of it.

Source

https://verycozyhome.com/top-15-home-improvement-tools-for-diyers/

Sears Home Improvement is your Perfect Partner for Air Conditioning Problems! #HouseExperts #SearsHVAC –

Sponsored post by Mirum. All opinions are my own.

Summer is here, the heat is on outside- why isn’t it cold inside?

You don’t have to feel the heat!

We’ve all been there.  It’s 102 degrees outside and the A/C isn’t working.  If even your significant other is hand around the house, they still probably can’t fix your broken Air Conditioner.  So what do you do?  Call Sears!! You can trust the Sears Home Services experts to repair, replace, and maintain your cooling (and heating) systems.   They are the perfect partner to take on your A/C challenge!

Do you know how to identify problems and solutions with your HVAC system?

  • Is your air conditioner not cooling or not cooling enough?
  • Is your air conditioner leaking water inside or outside?
  • Does your air conditioner refuse to turn on?  Or maybe the fan isn’t working?

In these cases, you’ll probably require a qualified HVAC technician to come inspect the unit.  To check out the whole troubleshooting list, visit Sears Home Services. You can find out how to determine if your HVAC System issues are something you can fix  yourself, if it’s time to call a repairman or if you should plan on buying a new one. Go HERE to find out whether you need to Replace or Repair your HVAC System.  Sears can HELP!

Don’t worry if you don’t need to!

You can have the peace of mind that Sears Heating and Cooling experts offer by taking advantage of a FREE at-home consultation of your Heating or Cooling situation.  The Sears Home Service experts will explain your options, so you can choose the HVAC System that’s right for your house and budget. Go HERE to Schedule your FREE consultation!

Save money with the HVAC Savings Program!

The HVAC Savings Program is free to join, and your savings are automatic. Every paid HVAC repair and maintenance performed by Sears Home Services automatically credits to your account (as of January 1, 2016). And your balance is waiting for you when you’re ready for a new HVAC system.

Here’s how it works. Dollar-for-dollar spent on any HVAC repair and maintenance service earns you a savings credit that can be used when purchasing a new HVAC system from Sears Home Services—up to 10% off the purchase price.

And better still—our savings credits can be combined with other offers and coupons(excluding other rewards programs, including but not limited to Initial Visit Rewards program) and your credits never expire.

Be sure to take advantage of these great deals:

  • Save $325 on a new HVAC system
  • Save $325 on new HVAC purchase of $1,500 or more. Offer expires 8/31/18. Not valid on prior sales or in combination with any other offer. Purchase requirement before taxes and after other discounts and must be made in a single transaction.

Don’t forget, Sears has a long and outstanding history in the home improvement and HVAC industry.  They repair, maintain, protect and improve just about anything in your home!  They even won the Home Advisor Award in 2017!

Trust Sears Home Service experts to repair, maintain and install your heating and cooling systems.

Schedule your free in-home consultation today!

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State files lawsuit against Noblesville home improvement contractor following Call 6 report

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind.–  The Indiana Attorney General’s office filed suit this week against Noblesville home improvement contractor Mark Sellers following a Call 6 Investigation into his business practices.

Indiana Deputy Attorneys General Tamara Weaver and Michelle Alyea filed the complaint on July 18 accusing Sellers of violating the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act.

“In many instances, Sellers would take money from consumers as a deposit, start the work, then abandon the project and leave the consumers with partially finished, sometimes dangerous conditions,” read the lawsuit. “Sellers’ actions are unfair, abusive, and deceptive, and constitute violations of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.”

The Indiana Attorney General’s office is asking a Hamilton County court to issue an injunction, which would prevent Sellers from owning, operating or managing any company that provides home improvements to customers.

The lawsuit also seeks $16,120 in restitution for Sellers’ customers, including Noblesville homeowner Tina Duncan, who told Call 6 she paid Sellers $2,845 to fix her foundation but he didn’t finish the job.

“After a lot of sleepless nights and living through this financial and emotional nightmare, I’m appreciative for channel 6, the attorney general’s office and all those who persevered through this,” said Duncan in response to the lawsuit. “I’ll rest easier when this monster is off our streets and where can do no more harm.”

Former Carmel homeowner Derek Culnan, who was featured in Call 6 Investigates’ original story on Sellers, told our Kara Kenney Friday he hopes the lawsuit will make a difference.

“I’m so grateful the state has taken notice of this, and I’m grateful for your work,” said Culnan on Friday. “I hope the state’s action can change his practices. It gives us a sense of solace and validation that the state’s now digging into this.”

Culnan obtained a $95,650 judgment against Sellers in 2014, but has yet to see any of that money.

“The pattern seems to be he doesn’t have any money to pay it back,” said Culnan.

Call 6 Investigates also spoke with consumer Bryan Andrews in Carmel Friday, who is still waiting to collect a $2,100 judgment against Mark Sellers.

“The lawsuit is a good step, but this guy has been acting in a criminal way and there really should be criminal consequences to what he’s doing, not just financial consequences,” said Andrews. “We’ll all get another judgment and no one will see their money and then he’ll just go on and do it somewhere else.”

The Hamilton County prosecutor has not filed any criminal charges against Sellers regarding his business practices.

Records show Sellers, who does primarily concrete and masonry, has mounting civil judgments in court and homeowner complaints to the Indiana Attorney General.

Call 6 Investigates called Sellers Friday, but we were unable to reach him for comment on the lawsuit.

The attorneys general allege Sellers repeatedly violated the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act by failing to include required information such as the approximate starting and completion dates, a legibly printed or typed version of the consumer’s name, and contact information to whom consumer problems could be directed.

The lawsuit also accuses Sellers of making repeated mistakes in measuring, wasting materials, and creating dangerous conditions for his customers.

A hearing date has not yet been set, court records show.

Records show Mark Sellers is accused of bad business practices in Colorado as well.

They obtained a $32,084 judgment against Sellers, but he still has not paid it.

A spokesperson with the Boulder County District Attorney’s office confirmed the Mark Sellers they sued in 2011 has the same date of birth as the Sellers who now lives in Noblesville.

This spring, Call 6 Investigates set up an appointment with Mark Sellers in Westfield.

What Sellers didn’t know was he was meeting our producer wearing hidden cameras.

Sellers avoided getting specific about who he is.

PRODUCER: I didn’t see your name on the Craigslist ad. What’s your company name?
SELLERS:  I don’t have one. No, I’m just an LLC.   Sole proprietor.

The name of the LLC is Mark Sellers Construction LLC.

PRODUCER: Have you ever been sued? Anything I need to be worried about there?
SELLERS:  I mean, not rea–…I’ve been to court yeah. People don’t pay me.

Call 6 Investigates Kara Kenney then came out of the house to ask Mark Sellers about his business practices.

KENNEY:  There’s a lot of people that say you owe them money. Are you taking people’s money and not doing the work promised?
SELLERS: No.
KENNEY: Tina Duncan, Derek Culnan, Bryan Andrews– they all want their money back. Are you going to give people their money back sir?
SELLERS: Yeah, through the judgments we will.
KENNEY: But you didn’t show up in court. Have you paid any of the judgments?
SELLERS: I’m working on that.
KENNEY: What about Colorado? 
SELLERS: Working on that too.

TIPS FOR HIRING A CONTRACTOR:

  • Get estimates in writing
  • Check for criminal charges or civil suits here
  • Check for a contractor’s license
  • Ask for references and call them
  • Ask to see examples of their work
  • Ask about insurance: personal liability, worker’s comp, and property damage coverage
  • Pay wisely, not all up front
     

Source

http://theindychannel.com/news/call-6-investigators/state-files-lawsuit-against-noblesville-home-improvement-contractor-following-call-6-report

Home improvement tips for your apartment

Home improvement for your apartment? The ‘Contractor to the Stars’ tells you how

Home improvement for your apartment doesn’t necessarily require big bucks, just some ingenuity – and plenty of Gold Bond lotion, says Stephen Fanuka.

Home improvement can be that necessary and fun activity worth getting your hands dirty. Fixing up your space applies to both homeowners and month-to-month renters because, as Stephen Fanuka puts it, wherever you lay your head – and a good portion your wallet – is your castle, so style it to your personality and budget.

Known as the “Contractor to the Stars,” Fanuka’s built a successful TV career from constructing the elaborate homes of celebrities such as Beyonce, Bruce Willis, Tony Bennett, Andy Cohen and Bethanny Frankel. His intro into celebrity construction all began in the ‘90s when he helped refurbish the home – including a 300-square-foot shoe closet – of former Philipine first lady Imelda Marcos (“My hands bled the most during that job,” Fanuka recalls).

Despite his A-list resume, Fanuka’s hammer-and-nail-worn hands haven’t necessarily earned the Maspeth contractor and host of DIY Network & HGTV’s “Million Dollar Contractor” any breaks with his clientele of one percenters. “I’d get an email almost every Monday for almost two years and it would start out telling me how awesome I am, how great I am, lucky he is to have the best,” Fanuka says, laughing, “but then he goes, ‘However, I just want to remind you I can destroy your life by 5 p.m. if I choose to. Have a great day.’”

However, Fanuka’s blue-collar career has made hime the perfect expert on home improvement as well as an appropriate spokesman for Gold Bond’s new Cracked Skin & Protect cream. “I have 50 guys on my team. And a lot of them come back and they’ve got whether it’s cuts or dry skin I keep a whole 5-gallon empty water canister filled with the small Gold Bond packets. They keep grabbin em like lollipops. Happy men, happy life. That’s how I stay in business.”

The business of  home improvement differs for all for both owners and renters – Fanuka says his No. 1 request with his clients is upgraded kitchens, while utilizing space is a priority for apartment renters —  the end result — putting your personal signature on your home —  remains the same. “Most places if you’re renting, you’re not going to be able to take down a wall, unless you’re gonna write an agreement that you’re gonna put it back,” Fanuka says. “I always tell people, make do with what you have, but repurpose for the situation you are best suited for. If you like running on a treadmill, find a spot for that treadmill. You don’t have to build a gym. You can put it in the corner.

Hiring Fanuka to tear down your drywall may not be an option, but the “Contractor to the Stars” suggests these modern home improvement twists that can help make the most of your little apartment space.

4 home improvement tips for small spaces

Ditch the living room, create an office
“If there’s a room to watch TV, you no longer need a living room. Make it into something else,” Fanuka suggests. “Turn it into an office. Or I tell people to utilize the closets. If you have a little extra closet space, clear out the closet and put a desk inside the closet so you can close the door and nobody sees it. We put all our papers and our mail on the desk. You won’t see the mess that you’re creating. Take a closet nook that still has the doors, open the doors, put a shelf in there, put the chair in there, then close it up.

Utilize your ceiling for storage
“You can definitely create a [storage] system,” Fanuka says. Everything’s out there now. And you can hang it from your ceiling. It folds up. It’s like an ironing board. If folds away. There’s a company called Hafele. Great hardware. There are lots of cool things out there, closet systems you can hang from your ceiling. Some fold up like ironing boards.  

At the same time, ‘style’ your ceiling 
“I tell people your ceiling is your fifth wall,” Fanuka says. “Drop a hot color on it, whether it’s lavender, blue, black — black happens to be a very hot color right now.Even wallpaper the ceiling. No one realizes what a funky color or  even wallpaper on your ceiling can make on your apartment, and for pennies. Let that home represent you for who you are and your personality. People already know who you are and if they don’t they sure will as soon as they walk in and find the hot pink ceiling up there.”

Accessorize
“Change out the lights, the hardware, the kitchen cabinet knobs — stuff like that will make you feel like you have something new without having to break the bank, because you may not be there next month because your lease is up and the [owner’s] about to double the rent.”

Source

https://www.metro.us/news/-big-stories/home-improvement

Amazon ‘Part Finder’ Improves Home Improvement

Amazon is launching a new feature that allows users to search for home improvement parts with ease.

The eCommerce giant’s “Part Finder” enables users to simply point their smartphone camera at an item they need, and Amazon will scan it, measure it, and find matching items from its product catalog.

The company didn’t officially announce the feature’s launch, but confirmed to news outlets it was rolled out a couple of weeks ago.

To use Part Finder, you tap the icon to launch the feature, then place the object on a white surface next to a penny, as instructed. The feature then uses the iPhone’s camera to measure the object.

There are detailed instructions that explain how to correctly tilt the phone in order to measure the part. There is also a screen where you can add more information to help narrow down the results. For example, scan a screw and the feature will ask for additional details, such as whether it is a flat head and the drive type.

While a screw is easier to find on Amazon, the feature will also be able to help users locate an odd part that might be hard to identify. It is currently capable of identifying over 100 types of fasteners, which represents thousands — if not millions — of parts, according to Amazon. It was built using technology developed by Partpic, a company Amazon acquired in 2016

The Part Finder feature is currently showing up in Amazon’s app on iOS. No word yet on its Android release.

This is just the latest example of online companies getting into the home repair business. Earlier this year, Googleintroduced a tool that helps users hire the right home repair expert. When a user asks Google Assistant for a plumber, the artificial intelligence (AI) will return a list of potential problems its user might be having. Once the need is registered — and after Google confirms where you live — it gives the user two choices. Either the user can request that an eligible and qualified local service provider call them, or Google can generate a call list for its user.

The Fact About home improvement That No One Is Suggesting

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The Fact About home improvement That No One Is Suggesting

web homeownership is due to tighter credit rating conventional and lifestyle variations, such as delayed marriage and youngsters,” Michelle Meyer, a US economist at BAML, wrote in a very new Take note.

Extending just one’s household with rooms additional for the side of one’s home or, at times, further ranges to the initial roof. Such a new unit of development is called an “increase-on”.[two]

Turning marginal regions into livable Areas such as turning basements into recrooms, home Click This Link theaters, or home offices – or attics into spare bedrooms.

Though banking institutions on their own will most likely hardly ever die, bank branches and physical lender spots may perhaps shortly be described as a issue on the past.

“Because of limited starter-home inventory, they’re renting lengthier. And once they buy their to start with home, they’re buying a Significantly nicer home than a previous technology,” he claimed.

The Post details to some study done by Mintel, which highlights that only 56% of buyers claimed they purchased napkins in the past 6 months. Concurrently, 86% surveyed reported they had ordered paper towels.

When “home improvement” frequently refers to developing jobs that alter the construction of an present home, it also can contain improvements to lawns, gardens, and outside buildings, including gazebos and garages.

Potentially the most important or obvious pros inside the renovation check this sector are renovation contractors or qualified trades. These are generally the builders which have specialised qualifications, licensing and expertise to accomplish renovation services in precise municipalities.

Source

http://commercialroofinglakewood91097.ampedpages.com/The-Fact-About-home-improvement-That-No-One-Is-Suggesting-16546297

Breaking Your Personal Limits