CasaSugar

10 Tips For Increasing Your Curb Appeal For $150 or Less

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:08 -0700

If you're trying to sell your home, you probably know that presenting a great first impression is one of the best ways to get potential buyers in the door. But even if you're planning on staying put for years to come, there are still some easy, cheap ways to keep your home looking its best. I recently learned about some smart, quick, and penny-pinching tips from the July issue of ShopSmart magazine for keeping your home in ship-shape.
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Casa Quickie: Waterproof Your Roof

CasaSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:30:23 -0700

One of the big house-related tasks you should accomplish this Spring is assessing the state of your roof. In good weather, you - or a reliable, steady-footed helper - should check the roof for missing or damaged roofing tiles or shingles. If you're not confident doing so, hire a contractor or repairer to check out the possible damage. Repairing roof problems now will ensure that your Fall and Winter will be much cozier.

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Has Your Home Made You Handier?

CasaSugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:15:59 -0700

In the New York Times article "Two Hands, Two Homes", writer and handyman Anthony DePalma reflects on how his family's older homes, which were in need of constant repairs, made him into a bona fide handyman. He writes, "Although I started out as a real innocent, dumb as a nail about home repairs, I might now be considered a jack of all trades, times two."

I suspect that this is how many of us become handy. Out of necessity, when we can't get a repair person out to fix a toilet or look at a broken step, we often take matters into our own hands. It's certainly gratifying when the results work out in our favor, and we gain a valuable new skill.

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How-To: Repair a Hole in the Wall

CasaSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:45:32 -0700

Like us, our homes are living, breathing creatures that need a little TLC every now and then. Just as we might stub our toes or nick ourselves shaving, our homes suffer some occasional battle wounds. But recovery calls for little more than a band-aid of sorts. If you're rearranging furniture or hanging artwork, you might wind up with a small hole in your drywall, but no worries, treatment is simple with a little first aid. To fix the hole, all you'll need is a putty knife, some sandpaper, an adhesive repair patch with a reinforced metal center, paint, tack cloth, and spackle. To be home schooled in how to repair a hole, read more.

Here's how, from Barbara K!:

First off remove any loose or rough plaster with the sandpaper or putty knife.
Then, generously coat the hole with spackle, and let dry.
Apply another layer of spackle.
Once it has completely dried, smooth down the surface with your sandpaper.
Cut your adhesive repair patch to fit over the hole.
Then smooth spackle over the patch and hole using the putty knife, and let dry.
Then, smooth the area down again with sandpaper, until the surface is flat.
If there is any residue, wipe it off with your tack cloth.
Then, touch up the wall with a little paint. Fini!

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How-To: Make Home Repairs in Your Living Room

CasaSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:00:58 -0700

During home schooling month, I've brought you a number of how-to posts. Many of these were courtesy of Barbara K, a home repair and carpentry expert who wanted to inspire women to become more self-reliant when it came to the world of tools and home repairs. Here, she shows you how to make home repairs in your living room.

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Ready, Set, Go Fix It!

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:14 -0700

Every woman should have a toolbox to help with basic household chores and fix-it tasks. Whether you need to hang a picture or fix a sticky window, I've rounded up all of the tools you'll need to get your toolbox ready for handywoman tasks. Oh, and I've also provided a description of what each tool or supply is good for. To get your toolbox assembled, check out the slideshow. Source

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Can You Fix a Running Toilet?

CasaSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:15:23 -0700

Whether it's a question of the plunger handle being broken or a float that won't stay above water's edge, toilets are often known to run - that is, continue to try to fill the tank with water while the water leaks out. Have you ever fixed one on your own?

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How-To: Fixing a Leaky Faucet

CasaSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:30:31 -0700

A leaky faucet is a pretty common annoyance . . . but it needn't be! It's actually fairly simple to fix, so I figured this was an excellent start to your home schooling. So rather than letting water go to waste, and taking migraine medicine to remedy drip-drop-orchestra-induced headaches, just take a few minutes to conquer the inconvenience on your own. You'll just need a washer, faucet stem or O-ring, six-in-one interchangeable screwdriver, and eight-inch adjustable wrench or six-inch slip joint pliers. To learn the steps to saying sayonara to your leaky faucet, read more.

Here's how, from Barbara K!:

First, check to see if the leak is coming from the faucet tap or the handle. If it's the former, you'll need to replace the washer. The latter, you'll need to replace the faucet stem or O-ring.
Turn off the water by turning the knob under the sink.
Drain out any remaining water by opening the faucet.
Next, close up the stopper in the sink bowl and then place a towel in the sink to protect against scratches or chips.
Now, take off the decorative top of the faucet handle.Unscrew the screw that is exposed, so you can then remove the handle.
Remove the stem assembly by turning the locknut counterclockwise with your wrench, and then lifting the stem assembly out. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen the stem if it sticks.
Then, take off the washer underneath.
Pick up an exact match to your washer at the hardware store. Replace the screw with an exact match as well if it looks worn.
Before replacing the stem, clean off any corrosion.
Then replace the washer and screw with your new purchases, and reinstall the stem.
Put the locknut, faucet handle, and decorative cap back on.
Turn the water back on via the valve below the sink.
Turn the faucet on and off, and then listen for any drips. Fini!
If there are any drips, run through the steps again, making sure everything is securely tightened.

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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:00:31 -0700

Shannon Fricke shares her favorite things. - Decor8
Revamp a bistro set. - Craft
I love Amy Ruppel's state animal series. - AT:SF
Good advice on installing and repairing stair rails. - Charles and Hudson
Here's a new Etsy site to daydream about. - Simply Stated
Tour this couple's cute home. - The Nest
5 things to never buy online! - ShelterPop

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:00:02 -0700

Learn to make a kitchen cupboard message center.- AT:LA
Tour a colorful and light-hearted home.- AT:SF
Here are some tips about snaking your sewer drains.- Charles & Hudson
Find out how you can repair ripped-out slipcover seams.- Craftzine
Take a stroll through a handmade apartment in Germany.- Decor8
Tom Leighton's photography is like stepping into a dream.- Desire to Inspire
David Stark makes incredible cardboard creations for West Elm.- Inhabitat
Check out some stunning paper cuts.- Design*Sponge