Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement Made Simple
Ever wanted to give your house an entirely new look -- on your own?
Do-it-yourself isn't for everyone, but for those that want to do go it alone, there are some small projects you can do easily with some simple steps.
Two of the DIY Network's most popular stars, Amy Matthews and Kevin O'Connor, shared some of their best easy and inexpensive DIY projects, suitable for just about any homeowner, on "The Early Show" Wednesday. Some of the projects will also be featured in their new show called "This New House," which will showcase the latest and greatest products in home improvement.
FLATWIRE KIT
Want to install new light fixtures without getting inside the walls? Try flat wiring, it's an all surface mounted system which means you can install low voltage wiring in tough spaces without damaging your wall. Flat wiring is paper-thin and so flexible you can glue the wire right onto the wall.
Once the glue is dry, just apply a mesh cover, special adhesive and then finish off with joint compound, sand, then paint.
The wire is basically invisible and plugs into a standard household outlet. Flat wiring is a great way to hang sconces on the wall. And you can even buy complete lighting kits that include everything you need to make installation quick and easy.
There are many other uses for flat wire tape and can make any home look much neater, without wires everywhere. You can use them for stereo systems and for flat screen TVs, which are often mounted on the wall.
Price: This kit is listed at $249.00 on the website. Other, less expensive kits available in the $125 to $150 range.
More info available at FlatWireReady.com.
EASY INSTALL CROWN MOLDING
Traditional crown molding can make a room look very high end, but it's not that easy to install because you have to cut it upside down and backwards and on two angles. Plus, nailing in place is also a challenge. But this crown molding is foam, super lightweight and much easier to install. It cuts so easily, you don't need a power miter saw -- just a hand miter box. And if you use corner blocks, you can just do a straight cut. It's also easy to install -- no nails needed -- just construction adhesive. Glue to the back of the molding and stick on the wall.
Three different sizes and styles. A room 12 x 12 with 3" crown molding is $107.00. The 4" is $159.00 and the 6" is $199.00. Inexpensive, quick and easy.
You can get more information on their website: Villadecousa.com
SAFE & EASY DRAIN CLEANING -- THE PERMAFLOW "NEVER-CLOG DRAIN"
This "no clog drain" will remove debris from your pipes without plunging or using dangerous cleaners. You have what's called a p-trap under your sink that can get clogged because the debris can't get out. The p-trap here is clear and the paddle helps sweep away the clogs. It's like a window wiper for your p-trap. The "paddle" style trap generates flow turbulence. It moves sediment downstream to prevent routine build-up inside the trap area. And the paddle stops objects from flowing into your pipes. Since its transparent, you can see anything that's clogged and fish it out.
It fits kitchens and sinks, and it's an easy DIY project.
Standard unit will retrofit into any bath or kitchen and comes with instruction and gaskets. Price: $19.95.
Retrofit Bath Kits: can be purchased at build.com and range from: $25.99 for Kitchen to $29.99 (bath). Also available on Amazon.
More information, visit PFWaterworks.net.
SMART INSULATION -- DIY POLYURETHANE SPRAY FOAM INSULATION KIT
An instructional video is on this company's website: SprayFoamDirect.com.
This is a great do-it-yourself project that can help you save up to 40 percent on your heating and cooling bills. It's a DIY "polyurethane spray foam insulation kit" that seals air leaks and insulates.
Start by only pulling back 25 percent on the trigger, stand 18 to 24 inches away from your target and make sure the foam is light green in color.
Spray a strip around the perimeter of the area you wish to cover. With a back-and forth motion of your wrist, fill in the area from top to bottom.
The faster you move your wrist, the thinner the layer of foam. Move slower to get a thicker layer of foam.
The foam will expand five to six times its original volume. Be careful not to apply too much in one pass.
Works in attics, walls, basements, and crawl spaces. Blocks water, moisture, mold, and is pest resistant. It's fast - you can spray in less than an hour and it's portable and disposable.
Cost ranges from $329.99 (202 square feet of coverage at one-inch thick cured foam) to $1,369.00 (1,200 Square Feet at one-inch thick cured), depending on the size of your project.