2013

Cracks in Drywall: 5 Steps to a Permanent Fix with 3M Patch Plus Primer

Do you have a crack in your drywall that keeps coming back?

Today’s post will help you fix this annoying problem in 5 easy steps using 3M’s Patch Plus Primer.

This weekend I was cleaning out the guinea pig cage that sits in our living room (did you know guinea pigs can live from 5 to 8 years, what the!!!) and noticed a crack in our wall under the window.

Apparently the previous homeowners tried to fix it since there was evidence of old joint compound around the crack.

Dealing with old rental homes has taught me a thing or two about drywall and plaster. After reading this post I guarantee you’ll be able to permanently fix any drywall crack in no time.

Materials:

Fiberglass mesh drywall tape
3M Patch Plus Primer
Putty knife
6 inch drywall knife
Joint compound mud pan
Sanding sponge
Towel for your floor
Your wall paint
2 to 3 episodes of Big Bang Theory

That’s not a bad supply list. My grocery list puts it to shame and is far more expensive (and that’s without buying Dogfish Head IPA beer).

Let’s get started and eliminate your cracked drywall [Read more...]

3 Comments
Filed Under: drywall repair, Fix It, repair

Mudroom Tour – 2013

20 May posted by Brittany Bailey

We made some serious progress this past week. Not only did we make a big dent in the “to do” list in the kitchen, but we also finished painting and installing the trim in the mudroom. It’s really nice walking past this little paper flower spring wreath and into a finished room!

Our mudroom is looking so nice that I decided to invite you over for a little tour. [Read more...]

20 Comments
Filed Under: Aged, dark wood, de-clutter, decor, distressing, Furniture, Home Tour, moulding, Mudroom, storage, Upcycling, wreath

What You Should Know about Replacing Your Roof and Asphalt Shingles

17 May posted by Brittany Bailey

It’s time to replace your roof. Where do you start? This is the exact predicament I found myself in after the tree fell on our house a few weeks ago. Choosing shingles and roofing material in less than 48 hours had me in a panic. Don’t they know that I need time to thoroughly research shingles, colors, warranties, etc.? Lucky for us, our insurance company turned our claim over to the restoration company who has a roofer they use. So, I was able to fast forward past the process of hiring a roofer.

Hiring a roofer:

If you need to hire a roofer, do your research. Ask for referrals. Check on Angie’s List. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Do your homework on this one! Investing in a new roof is no small expense and quality installation is key to preventing problems down the road. Also, MAKE SURE THE ROOFER IS LICENSED AND INSURED! Don’t just take “yes” as an answer to this question. Ask to see the policy or get the insurance company name, number and their policy number so you can call and verify. I can’t overstress how important this is because I know someone whose roofer fell of their roof. Luckily he lived and luckily she wasn’t sued. But, this always makes me think twice. [Read more...]

11 Comments
Filed Under: Home Maintenance, renovation, repair

How to Cut Bar Stools Down to Counter Height Stools

15 May posted by Jaime Costiglio

counter stools

Yes you can make those wood bar stools fit your counter. Here’s an easy DIY fix to make bar stools into counter stools (and a quick makeover too!).

Bar stools typically sit at 30″ high, this is fine and dandy if you have a proper bar where the countertop is elevated higher than the working countertop space. Kitchen designs are trending now away from the proper bar towards one even countertop surface. No worries, you can still use those bar stools for your counter by easily cutting off the bottom 4″ to reduce the stools to a counter height of 26″:

(The white stools above are counter height and in the picture for comparison purposes.)

In addition to fixing the height of your stools give them a fresh look with a quick paint job and a new design: [Read more...]

7 Comments
Filed Under: Before and After, chair glides, circular saw, Contributor, Fix It, painting, painting chair, thrifting, Tutorial

How to Create a Meaningful Home in Three Steps

13 May posted by Brittany Bailey

Creating a meaningful home isn’t an overnight process. I think many people are discouraged with their dwelling if it isn’t the home of their dreams. I look at creating a meaningful home in three stages. Each stage is important to loving the home that you have now, even with its faults or shortcomings. Read how I love my home’s imperfections along the path to creating my own meaningful home at SAS Interiors Meaningful Home series: