When electricity prices were low, it was unnecessary to justify the upfront outlay of cash required to install solar panels, solar water heaters and similar equipment. The reason was simple to understand - it would simply take too long to recoup the cost of the equipment in the form of lower energy bills.
Things have changed though. As energy prices continue to go up, the amount of time required to recoup the upfront cost goes down. In addition, a number of state and local tax incentives make it even easier for homeowners to go solar and save money right away.
Photovoltaic systems have also come a long way. The costs of installing solar panels is still high, with a typical two kilowatt installation of OVR Solar solar panels costing approximately £10,000 / ($20, 000) in most cases, but special tax incentives and long term energy savings can help homeowners recoup those upfront costs faster than ever before.
Subsidies are also now available. This tax savings can help eligible homeowners recoup some of the costs of installing solar panels and solar water heating systems up front, in addition to the energy savings they will enjoy down the road.
Many states also provide special tax incentives for homeowners who install eligible solar panel and solar water heating systems. The specifics of these tax rebates and tax incentives vary from state to state, but many states provide at least some level of tax relief for homeowners who install and use energy efficient systems.
The amount of time required to recoup the entire cost of a solar panel roof installation will vary according to a number of factors, including the cost of the materials and installation, the availability of tax rebates, tax breaks and other incentives, and of course the price of traditional forms of energy.. However, as the prices for heating oil, gas and other forms of traditional energy continue to soar, the appeal of solar energy will only grow.
When you are tired of your kitchen and you think that you need a make over, you may find that doing a little cabinet refacing is the answer for you. You can make any boring and dull kitchen look fresh and fabulous with a few easy steps. You can do the cabinet refacing on your own or you can have a professional come in and help you. It is all about what you are looking for and how much you want to spend.
Cabinet refacing is when you add a new surface cover on the outside of your cabinets. This is usually something that is hard like vinyl or laminate. There is also a wood veneer that you can buy however, that is going to cost more money. When you are choosing this step, you may find that having someone that knows this category is better than to try to do it own your own.
When you want this type of cabinet refacing, you will find that it may be more expensive than doing it some other way. The end results however, are much greater and will add a lot more value to your home. You can choose anything that you want for your face fronts on your cabinet. There is no need to replace the frame of cabinets unless they are in poor condition.
When you want to sell your home, you will find that the first place that people run to is the kitchen. If the kitchen looks dumpy and not well maintained, you may find that potential buyers are not interested in your home. When you have a great kitchen that has just had some cabinet refacing, you will get a better interest and more value from your home.
You can do anything for your kitchen cabinets that would be an improvement. If you cannot afford the whole door replacement thing, you can simple change the door handles and pulls. Adding a more modern and cleaner handle will defiantly be an improvement to any kitchen cupboard and make it look more up to date.
You can add a simple coat of paint to boring and old cabinets. You will find that paint can make anything look better. This is easy and fun for you and the entire family to do. You will have a lot of fun decorating the cabinets and improving the look of your kitchen. If you are selling your home, or want to add more value to it, this is the perfect way to make an impression.
There are many booklets and instructional papers that will help you with the ways to do some cabinet refacing. You can see different ways of doing this and you will have everything that you need. You can also go online to find out information on how to do some cabinet refacing on your own
Agust Hauksson is a regular contributor of articles to many online publications. Find more great information at: http://www.cabinetrefacing.biz and http://www.cabinetknob.org.
Too many people consider home saunas to be expensive luxury items. These are the people, however, who know the least about saunas. They don’t realize how tremendously valuable saunas can be as effective weapons against illness, and they are unaware of just how easy buying a sauna at an affordable price has become.
Even if you are just faintly interested in saunas or sauna kits, don’t make any assumptions or jump to any conclusions before you get all the facts on the subject. Don’t pass any judgment on the value of a home sauna until you’ve conducted adequate research into the health benefits of sauna bathing, the different styles and types of saunas on the market, and the great bargains that so easily can be found.
Before you go shopping for a residential sauna or sauna kit, ask yourself how much your health and happiness is worth to you in actual dollars. Then ask yourself what price you would put on the welfare of the rest of your family. The price of even the most expensive and most elaborately designed custom sauna should be only a mere fraction of the total of these two figures.
Looking at it another way, the money you spend on a sauna or sauna kit is an investment in your future and the future of your family, and, thanks to the many great health benefits regular sauna bathing offers and the affordable sauna prices available from certain qualified sauna manufacturers and dealers today, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a sauna to get a fantastic return on the investment.
There are several ways to save money when buying a sauna. One way is to remember that different saunas carry different prices. A portable sauna will likely be less expensive than a customized six-person barrel sauna meant for permanent installation.
As well, you can reduce the price you pay for your sauna by carefully deciding on the features you need in it and those that you don’t. Is an extra sauna bench absolutely necessary? What about a window in the sauna door?
You might also be able to save money if you purchase a do-it-yourself or DIY sauna kit and look after the sauna installation on your own or with the help of a friend or two. As it is with many other products, the secret to saving money on saunas is to do your research and know your options.
Often forgotten is how owning a home sauna or sauna kit can actually save or make you money. Yes, the health benefits attributed to taking sauna baths on a regular basis may mean fewer trips to the doctor and lower medical bills, and owning a sauna may eliminate the need for a paid membership at the local fitness club or costly visits to the spa, but having an indoor sauna room or backyard sauna can also result in you getting a higher price when and if you sell your home.
When you think of a sauna or sauna kit, don’t think of it as an expensive luxury item that doesn’t merit your consideration. Saunas and sauna kits are affordable, beneficial and valuable investments that anyone interested in better health and greater happiness should research and experience for themselves.
Pertti Olavi Jalasjaa is the Finnish-born author of “The Art of Sauna Building,” an acclaimed reference book on sauna construction. He is also the general manager of Great Saunas, which has been manufacturing and selling high-quality saunas and sauna kits to sauna enthusiasts around the world since 1974. Visit Great Saunas online at http://www.greatsaunas.com.
You’ve made plans for your favorite bar, you’ve set up the way you want it to look and it’s perfect for guests and entertainment. Bar sinks are a perfect way to add eloquence to your bar and maintain the quality look of your bar.
You have access to unlimited amounts of bar sinks to you, choose the type of color or have one custom made just for you. You can compare prices and have tips and suggestions for the perfect bar for you on line. You can have one shipped to you immediately. It’s simple and easy. Why not keep your guests entertained by having a bar sink available to keep those glasses cleaned. Rather than running around the house to get the extra supplies you need for the perfect entertainment of guests, you will have everything you need right where you want it.
These sinks are simple to install and they are easy to maintain. Choose your favorite model and color. The options are unlimited. You can simply make your purchase online. It you need to ask questions about the sink, there are hints and suggestions available to you right at your finger tips. Search for your favorite bar sink and have one even installed today. There are trained professionals who can install a sink for you at reasonable estimates and timing.
Most of us have heard of the importance of air purifiers in the home. No matter how much you clean, there is always something floating in the air. Toxins from cleaners, air fresheners, aerosol spray bottles, pet dander, dust, mold, etc. But what if you need to travel and still want fresh air? This is where a portable air purifier comes into play. When you need to leave home and go into a crowded airport, movie theater, waiting room, etc you can now wear a portable air purifier around your neck or on your shirt pocket and breathe much easier.
The portable air purifier works in a similar way to a standard air purifier. But it creates a zone in front of the mouth, nose, and eyes and repels the dust, smoke, pollen, allergens, dander, and anything else light enough to float in the air (up to .3 to 3 microns). Testing also reveals that the portable air purifier kills many germs that are not repelled before being breathed in. The level of toxicity does not affect how well the air purifier works. It repels or kills all germs and toxins, no matter how potent. This is a great way to avoid spreading viruses. Wearing a surgical mask protects to a point, but the viruses stick to the mask. The portable air purifier does not store the impurities.
There are numerous testimonies of people who have used air purifiers and noticed an immediate improvement in health. If you have allergies or sensitivity it is especially important when traveling to use a portable air purifier. During flu season and allergy season this really comes in handy. Instead of getting drugged up to feel better, avoid accessing these germs and allergens in the first place. One mother mentioned that before they got their air purifier the family would pass the flu around until everyone got it. Since they purchased the air purifier, they no longer take turns with the flu. Doctor’s offices and hospitals are especially prone to indoor pollution. Remember to take your portable air purifier to your next doctor’s appointment. It is better to prevent than treat.
Portable air purifiers are less expensive than standard air purifiers. The portable air purifier can run on lithium batteries or you can use the fast charger and a set of rechargeable batteries for unlimited use. Currently there is research being done to target even smaller particles down to the size of the influenza virus (.04 microns). The results look promising, but are still preliminary. Portable air purifiers are small, lightweight, and can be worn around the neck on clipped to a shirt pocket. A breath of fresh air is now for sale.
About the Author:
Hans Hasselfors is the founder of www.SubmitYourNewArticle.com. You may find varied home improvement articles in our article directory.
1. Planning Renovations
Any project will be more successful, given well-defined goals. In every household project, the following three points can be applied:
FORM: What do you want it to look like?
FUNCTION: What do you want it to do for you?
COMPATIBILITY: What factors exist that might limit what you can do, and will the finished product look good on your house?
Once you’ve completed this part of your homework, it’s time to decide if you’ll built it yourself, hire a contractor, or be your own contractor and perhaps sub-contract some of the work. Sub-contracting may sometimes seem to over-complicate things and even look wasteful, but just remember - some jobs can look deceivingly simple until you actual get into the nitty-gritty of them. A general contractor’s job is to co-ordinate and orchestrate the whole schmozzle to completion.
2. Finding A Contractor
My card…The process of finding a good contractor is essentially the same, whether you decide to hire a general contractor, or one or more sub-contractors. The best reference for a contractor is word of mouth from a satisfied client. If you don’t know anyone who has had renovations or repairs done in the area you need, look for work trucks or signs in your neighborhood. Knock on doors, and ask the homeowners if they are satisfied with the work being done. Once you contact a contractor, ask for references, and follow through by calling their previous clients with a set of questions that will give you the information you are looking for.
The following are samples of questions that could be asked of any reference:
1. Did the job come in at the quoted price?
2. Did the job come in on time?
3. Was the work site left clean each day?
4. Was the quality of the workmanship satisfactory?
5. Was the quality of the materials used satisfactory?
It is always recommended that you talk to more than one company, so that you have a basis for comparison. Listen to their technical information, and note their customer relation skills. If the contractor doesn’t do a very good job of communicating with you before you hire him or her, there may be a higher likelihood of miscommunications during the work.
Sometimes the best companies will be very busy and you will have to wait for their services. Other times, good companies may have time slots between large projects that smaller jobs can fit into. Ask what the company’s schedule has been like for the past 6 months to a year. Reputable companies are usually busy all year round in any economic situation.
3. The Estimate, or Quote
Meeting the Contractors
Remember that the contractor you choose could be spending a lot of time in your home, so look for someone you feel at ease with. You should meet individually with each potential contractor. Be prepared to discuss products and designs; know what you want and how much you can spend. Take note if the contractors are on time, if they listen and answer questions, willingly give information about their company and their customers; and if they seem to have any aversion to your ideas.
The Estimate
This is where you’ll likely make your choice of contractor. Each potential contractor will present a proposal, including design and cost information. Review the estimates, ensuring that they accurately relfect your wishes, and make comments and/or any changes that are required.
How Are Jobs Estimated?
Work that involves structural changes to the home, custom designs, or enlargement of some of the mechanical systems is typically quoted by the job. It can be very difficult for a contractor to know exactly how much time an intricate custom job will take, particulary if a number of trades are required, and the different parts of the job are interdependent.
Get it in writing!Simpler, straightforward jobs are often quoted by the square foot. Examples are laying sod, painting, roofing, drywall or refinishing floors. The quoted price will typically be set to include everything (ie. labour, materials, travel, etc.).
Smaller jobs may also be quoted buy the hour, and if the job is fairly routine, such as installing addtional electrical outlets or drywalling, the figures are typically in line. In this situation you will pay the tradesperson for time, plus the cost of the materials used in the project.
The Final Design and Quote
If you have a contractor with good references and the estimate looks good, you now need to get a firm quote, including final designs. The design should include detailed specifications for the work and the materials to be used.
(Another option is to have an architect or designer produce the plans and ask the contractors to bid on the job, based on these plans.)
Make sure the final specs are accurate and reflect your wishes, and make your final comments and changes. After you accept the final quote, the cost of further changes will likely be added to the job. Ask how long the stages of the work will take, so that you can monitor progress.
4. The Paperwork
Cash is King, however…
… take care, lest the cash deal of the century turn into the mistake of a lifetime! One reason for cash payment is the avoidance of paperwork and taxes. Taxes and other legalities aside, the absence of contracts and permits can be extremely risky.
Ooh, I love to save money!Cash contractors often don’t pay Workers’ Compensation fees, and you could be held legally responsible for any worker injured on your property. If the contractor gives you the product warranty cards, you’ll be covered for defective materials provided they were properly installed, but don’t expect good follow-up service on a cash deal. You would also have difficulty supporting any legal actions without any paperwork. The overall quality of a project may be compromised in the absence of paperwork, and cash paid in advance (rather than by cheque) will be all but impossible to retrieve if things go sour.
Building, plumbing and electrical codes may require that all or parts of your project be performed by licensed tradespeople, and sometimes licenses are required to obtain the permits. If the tradespeople aren’t licensed, the contractor probably isn’t insured. And if your contractor isn’t insured, then depending on the nature of the job, neither is your house while he works on it.
The Contract
Agreements in writing are less vulnerable to miscommunications, than are verbal ones, and far easier to enforce. Some of the points included in a good contract are:
1. Full job description, including all aspects of the work; demolition, renovation, reconstruction and finishing.
2. Material specifications, including type, model, number, color, and size where applicable, and who’s supplying what.
3. Start and finish dates.
4. Payment schedule; 40/40/20 is generally acceptable.
5. Permits, and who’s responsible for obtaining them.
6. Clean-up and trash removal.
7. On site behaviour.
8. Change order clause: Have any changes to the original job specifications in writing with a requirement that you “sign off” any change before the work is performed.
9. Arbitration: Aree how disagreements will be handled before the work begins.
10. Contractor’s insurer and policy number.
5. The Work MORE POWER!
Problem Avoidance: If you’ve carefully chosen your contractor, and made adequate preparations (including making the site ready for the trades people and workers), this part should be easy! The actual work should closely follow what was written into the contract, however you still need to monitor the ongoing project, and in some cases you’ll be required to make additional decisions. There are often unforseen difficulties, or you may simply wish to ask for changes as the work proceeds.
Site Preparation: Remove furniture and stored articles from the work area, and cover carpets and other items that may not be moveable. It is in your own best interest to make arrangements for storage, clean-up and refuse areas convenient to the work area.
Project Coordination: Effective communication is the greatest secret to successfully completing any project. Maintain regular contact with your contractor(s) so that the unexpected can be dealt with expediently.
Hidden Conditions: A thorough inspection performed in conjuction with estimation should preclude any major changes, however there are structural and mechanical conditions initially hidden from view, which even the most experienced renovator may not be able to predict. Be prepared to negotiate changes for “hidden conditions”.
What to do if a problem develops:
1. Bring all problems, perceived and real, to the attention of your contractor(s).
2. Is it major or minor? If minor, and the contractor is present at the time, discuss it and negotiate a resolution. If it’s minor, and/or looks like it can wait, start a list of minor observations that you can bring to his or her attention when appropriate.
3. Major problems should be dealt with immediately. If your contractor is not present at the time, make every effort to contact him or her as soon as possible. This may avert furtherance of the problem.
4. Given that your contractor responds satisfactorily, carry on. If not, try again and if necessary, write a letter. If you still don’t get satisfaction, look to a third party such as the Ontario Renovators Council or the Ontario Home Builders Association. These agencies should be approached only if you are certain that a resolution cannot be achieved with the contractor. Legal counsel should be an absolute last resort. There’s no use making a mountain out of a molehill, and thereby delaying succesful completion of the project.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
careful contractor selection + a good contract = successful job
Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.
Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.
“The Home Reference Book”
You can probably find a home inspection for a little less than what we ask, but you probably won’t find the Home Reference Book. A $60 value, this solutions-oriented reference tool comes free with every inspection we perform.
It’s the first tool you should have around the house!
Of all of the kinds of lighting that you can install around your home, solar outdoor lighting systems are the easiest and safest of all to install. This article will help you learn more about solar lighting and help answer some questions that you may have as well.
The really good news is that there is absolutely no wiring at all in solar outdoor lighting. You shouldn’t get solar lighting confused with low voltage outdoor lighting instead. Low voltage lighting still has to be plugged into a power outlet in order to function, even though the voltage level is very low and relatively safe. But solar lighting is powered entirely by sunlight.
That means that each light contains a specifically designed solar collection panel that gathers energy during the day, stores it up in rechargeable batteries, and then uses that energy to power the lights at night.
Not only are solar lighting fixtures extremely environmentally friendly, but they’re also inexpensive to buy, and cost absolutely nothing to run.
Some of the places that you can install solar lighting fixtures are on entrances to your driveway to help illuminate it at night, at darkened areas of your walkway or steps, as decoration for your patio, wood deck, or landscaping, and perhaps to bring attention to a particular architectural feature of your home at night. Whatever function you choose, one of the big advantages to using this kind of outdoor lighting is that you don’t have to run cables or wiring of any kind. All you have to do is just install the light itself by pushing it into the ground in the location you desire. You just have to make sure that each light will be able to get a good amount of sunlight each day in order to function properly at night.
Amazingly, most solar lights are able to last a very long time on the light they receive from the sun each day. In fact, many are able to last up to 15 hours on a fully charged set of batteries.
One thing you should know about solar lighting is that the light that is emitted is not as bright as other forms of outdoor landscape lighting. Whether or not you consider this a disadvantage will probably depend on your individual taste. Many people consider that the soft, more subtle light that these fixtures put out actually help set the mood better than brighter lighting anyway.
As far as maintenance is concerned, there really isn’t much. Basically, if a light stops functioning there’s not much to do with it other than just throw it away and replace it. If however, it only needs to have the batteries replaced they are usually readily available at most home improvement stores.
So is you can see, a solar outdoor lighting system is quick and easy to install, adds character and mood to your home at night, is inexpensive to buy, easy to maintain, and cost nothing to run.
Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including home improvement. You can find out more about home lighting design and discount lighting fixtures by visiting our Home Improvement website.
The first time I gave a wallpapering demonstration, my knees were knocking together and my hands were trembling as violently as my aging grandfather’s. I was standing before a class of peers in my college speech class, and my “wall” was a refrigerator box!
Speaking to an audience will never be my forte. Wallpapering, however, is an experience not to be feared. You can beautify any room in your home or office, simply by applying wallpaper. It is easy to do, and the results are always magnificent!
Before you jump in with both feet, however, you do need to know a few basics about how to wallpaper.
Preparing Your Walls
Wallpapering over painted walls:
Clean walls are a necessity. Use a mild cleaner to wipe the walls down with a damp cloth. In the kitchen, especially clean walls near the oven to remove any grease.
Fill in any holes or dings with spackling and allow it to dry.
If paint is loose, use a paint scraper to remove those areas.
If flat paint was used, and is in good condition, no further preparation is needed.
If painted walls are shiny with glossy enamel or oil based paint, you can either roughen it up with sandpaper or apply a coat of wallpaper primer.
If the wall is slightly bumpy and textured, you can either sand it down or use a wallpaper liner. The liner looks like a roll of stiff interfacing and is applied to the walls with a special adhesive that is painted directly onto your wall. The liner lessens the bumpy appearance of your walls.
Water stains and smoke stains cause headaches whether you choose to paint or wallpaper. If the water stain is old and dry, you’ll need to apply a primer/sealer that prevents stains from bleeding through. If anyone has smoked in your home, you may notice a yellow film on your walls. If not thoroughly cleaned or painted over with a wallpaper primer/sealer, the nicotine stains could cause problems with your wallpaper adhering to the walls.
Removing Old Wallpaper:
While it is possible to paper right over existing wallpaper, please realize that your newly-papered walls will not have a sleek, smooth appearance if there are several old layers of wallpaper underneath. Every seam and bump will show through.
If the old wallpaper is loose anywhere, or if there are several old layers of wallpaper, you probably need to remove it all.
Sometimes, especially if the old wallpaper is a heavy vinyl, you get lucky and can strip the dry wallpaper off by loosening from the ceiling and pulling gently downward.
In my experience, however, removing several layers of wallpaper can be a real chore. You can rent a wallpaper steamer from your wallpaper store and use a paint scraper to scrape away the old wallpaper. If the old paper isn’t very porous, you may have to roughen it up or etch the surface so that the hot steam can penetrate adequately. This can be hot, tedious work, but is so rewarding when you see the naked walls ready for your designing touch.
Chemical wallpaper strippers are also available at wallpapering supply stores.
Wallpapering over wood paneling:
The previous owners of our home were sorely lacking in creativity. A cheap wood paneling covered one kitchen wall and a thickly textured paneling ran halfway up the family room walls. ‘Twas not my idea of “pretty”. I wanted to lighten up both rooms. The family room took 2 coats of stainkiller and 3 thick coats of paint to camouflage that oppressively dark, textured paneling. But my heart was set on light, airy wallpaper for the kitchen.
When we wallpapered the kitchen, we did not want to rip off the paneling for fear that a more costly remodeling job might lie beneath. But three beautifully-papered walls with a fourth unsightly wall was simply not the kitchen of my dreams. So we explored the possibility of wallpapering right over the wood paneling.
Luckily the research informed me that wood paneling has usually been stained or treated, and would soon bleed through my new wallpaper. So let me pass along this simple little secret for papering over paneling.
You’ll need to paint the paneling thoroughly with a stain-preventing primer/sealer. Then, if there are grooves in the paneling, fill them with spackling and let it dry thoroughly. And lastly, apply a wallpaper liner over the paneling to smooth out the grooves.
ESTIMATE HOW MUCH WALLPAPER TO BUY
Save yourself time and headaches. My recommendation is that you…
Measure your room and take these measurements with you to the wallpaper store.
_____Length of room
_____Width of room
_____Height of walls
_____Number of doorways
_____Number of windows
Remember to describe any unusual features of the room (partial paneling, cathedral ceiling, etc).
If the clerk has been in the wallpaper business very long at all, he or she will be able to use your correct measurements to rapidly calculate how many rolls (or double rolls) your wallpapering project will need.
She will also be able to look at the specific wallpaper you have chosen and make allowances for any additional yardage you will need for matching a pattern. It is so much easier to have it figured for you, and calculating wallpaper needs is her daily job!
The clerk will also be able to suggest what type of wallpaper paste is best for that particular wallpaper, and to calculate how much paste you will need. Save your receipt and any unopened wallpaper rolls or paste can be returned for a refund.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Table to paste on
Stepladder
Large paintbrush or pasting brush
Large bowl or pan for the paste
Paperhanging brush
Large sponge or washcloth
Trimming utility knife with sharp blades
Metal yardstick
Tape measure
Pencil
Scissors
Plumbline
Are you ready to wallpaper now?
How to Make a Plumb Line
Use a 4-5 foot string and tie a small weight (a bolt or pencil) to one end. Tie the other end to a small tack or nail. Attach the tack to the wall near the ceiling and let the string hang freely. Gravity will give you a straight line to guide your placement of the first strip of wallpaper. Older homes have settled and moved quite a bit. But even walls in a new home are rarely straight.
How to Hang Wallpaper Like a Pro
First strip:
Start the wallpaper against an inconspicuous corner or doorway. Hang a plumb line approximately 1/8″ from the right side of where the first strip will be placed. Measure from ceiling to floor and add another 3″ to allow for wall imperfections. Unroll the wallpaper on a table, measure it, and use a yardstick to draw a straight line across back side of paper. Cut and reroll the strip of wallpaper in reverse (wrong-side out) to lessen the paper’s curling.
For pre-pasted wallpaper:
Completely submerge rolled-up strip of wallpaper in lukewarm tray of water for 15 seconds. Fold one end of the pasted side to the middle, Do the same with the opposite end, so that the two ends are touching. Loosely roll the strip and leave it alone to set up for 5 minutes. Then hang immediately, beginning from the ceiling.
My own recommendations for pre-pasted or nonpasted wallpaper:
Mix wallpaper paste as directed on label. Turn the cut strip of wallpaper wrong-side up on table. Apply paste using a large paintbrush. Make sure you cover every square inch of the back side of the wallpaper strip. Especially make sure the edges are pasted. If you leave a tiny spot anywhere unpasted, it will bubble up when drying on the wall. Spread the paste smoothly and evenly with the paintbrush.
Fold one end of the pasted side to the middle (pasted sides together). Do the same with the opposite end, so that the two ends are touching in the middle. Loosely roll the strip and leave it alone so that the paper has time to expand for 5 minutes. Then hang the strip immediately, beginning from the ceiling.
Hang first strip against the corner where you’ve chosen to begin. Leave 1 ” allowance at the ceiling. Use the plumb line to insure a straight edge–because chances are, your walls are NOT straight! Start by laying the pasted side against the prepared wall at the ceiling and stroke with the wallpaper brush from center to outward edges, working your way down toward the floor, gently brushing out air bubbles and excess paste.
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any excess glue from the edges. Also, use wet cloth to wipe the table top after pasting and hanging each strip.
If the wallpaper starts going crooked, just peel it off gently to where the problem begins, and start again. If any edges have dried and are not sticking to the wall, use the pasting brush to touch it up now.
Unpatterned paper:
Moving clockwise around the room, measure the next strip of wallpaper (remember the 3″ allowance for ceiling and floor). Follow the steps above for each strip.
Patterned paper:
Holding the uncut roll near the ceiling, match the pattern and determine how much excess will need trimmed from the top. Remember to leave that 1 ” allowance at the top as you cut. Then proceed as in step 1. You will have to match the pattern like this for each strip of wallpaper.
Cutting around doorways and windows work the same way–but you will have to use scissors to trim as you hang those strips. These pieces require more time and careful measuring.
If you decide to finish trimming edges with a utility knife while the wallpaper is still wet, use a sharp blade and a straight edge yardstick as a cutting guide. If the paper starts to wrinkle or tear, either use sharp scissors or brush it back in place and wait 6-8 hours until the paper is fairly dry.
Use extreme caution when papering around electrical outlets or fixtures! Turn electricity off at the breaker box. Remove outlet cover or light fixture plate. When you have hung that strip of wallpaper, immediately cut out the needed hole using scissors. Then adjust the wallpaper strip on the wall.
Corners:
Walls are always moving and settling. It is recommended that when you reach a corner, you will cut the wallpaper strip vertically and paste it to the two joining walls in two parts. If you just curl it around the corner, the wallpaper will pucker and wrinkle badly as the days and months go by.
Hanging a Wallpaper Border
Borders can be applied to the top of the wall with ease! They can also break up a humdrum wall like a chair rail, but for much less expense. I like to cut my borders into 8-foot strips, because it is easier to handle in smaller strips.
Use the same steps above, as far as pasting and applying the border.
If you apply border on top of vinyl wallpaper, experts advise you to use vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive.
If you wallpaper in a bathroom that is not vented, I advise you not to use wallpaper border on vinyl wallpaper. The border eventually curls up.
Be creative–use borders in kids’ rooms, under shelves, around a window, or as a chair rail. You can dress up a room by putting the border at the top of the wall or be different and apply it down by the baseboard.
You really can wallpaper like a pro! Each room you tackle gives you more experience and a greater feeling of satisfaction. Your house will be much more comfortable as it begins to take on your personality.
Sharyl Calhoun. http://www.poshbungalow.com
Visit http://www.poshbungalow.com for many fresh, creative ideas for decorating every room in your home–and garden. For fitness and weigh loss, see our NEW Home Fitness page at http://www.poshbungalow.com