Home Maintenance Archives - Page 4 of 8

Exterior Paint Color Scheme at Saving Etta

Things are moving along on the house. I know I owe you another Saving Etta chapter. Please know it’s on my to do list. The past two weeks have been absolutely insane. My electrician, plumber, and HVAC contractors have been putting in lots of hours in the 95 F degree heat to get everything installed and ready for the rough in inspection. I’ve spent numerous hours up and down the ladders helping my electrician with marking light locations and nailing nail plates. As things progress, I am forced to make decisions quickly. Right now it’s time to get the siding up on the house — which means it will be time to choose the exterior color paint scheme for Etta. I can’t believe she will be beautiful again soon.

I’m extremely excited to be working with Magnolia Paint by KILZ as a Saving Etta sponsor. I had the opportunity to meet Chip & Joanna Gaines and try their new paint line last February in Waco, Texas. While there, I fell in love with the Magnolia chalk style paint. It’s thick, smooth, and has great coverage. I can’t wait to use it again on a small project (when I have more free time.)

At the Magnolia Home paint event, I enjoyed talking to one of the KILZ chemical scientists about my favorite interior wall paints and what I look for in a quality paint. I was pleased to find out that the Magnolia Paint Interior Paint offers the same Low-VOC, thick stain coverage, and durability I demand in paint. I’ve been itching to really put these paints to the test, and now I can because I have a whole house interior to paint!

Truth be told, the exterior house colors were ones I’ve been thinking about for a long time. But, I wanted to share with you some of the Photoshop sketches I created for the house so you can let me know your favorites.

I am very partial to the simple white house with a light blue door. Although this is my favorite combo, there is a real rivalry between NC State (Red & White colors) and University of North Carolina (Carolina Blue & White) in our area. In other words, this color scheme would appeal to a UNC fan, but an NC State fan would never be caught dead owning a house with a light blue door. So, I’m leaning toward some other color schemes:

I have always wanted to use orange as a front door color. I love fall colors and this Work Worn Wood paint color has me dreaming of fall again (especially since it’s been in the mid-90’s all week.) Of course, I also like the color because of the orange leaves in the photo. So, I’m wondering if an orange door would still look fabulous in the winter and summer. What do you think?

Navy has had a huge resurgence in home design. I’ve seen some amazing houses painted a dark navy with white trim. This is a color combination I wanted to try for Etta, but ultimately my realtor talked me out of it. She likes the color combo, but said the dark colors fade faster. Ultimately I’m trying to provide a low maintenance house for whoever buys Etta, so I chose to stick with light colored siding and reverse the palette by painting the front door navy. What are your thoughts on this combo?

My final options are inspired by nature. Painting a front door green is suppose to be good luck (at least that’s what I’ve heard.) Regarding the siding choice, I bought some samples and painted swatches of Locally Sown, Blanched and One Horn White on foam board to see how they look on a larger scale. Blanched was a little creamy for what I wanted. One Horn White had a hint of a green undertone (it would be pretty, but I wanted something more neutral for the siding with a green door.) Ultimately, I really like Locally Sown. It’s a very light neutral warm gray (almost white) color.

Right I’m leaning toward Locally Sown siding and True White trim colors. Any front door color would look great with these:

These are the options I mocked up. What do you think? Are there any combinations that appealed to you? Any others I should consider?

Disclosure: Magnolia Home Paint by KILZ is a Saving Etta material sponsor. I’m honored to work with them on this project. All words and opinions are my own. I have not been told what to say. As always I am very particular about the sponsors I work with and you will be told if you are reading a post that has been sponsored or in which materials were provided.

If you liked this post, you’ll love learning about color compliments and choosing paint colors:

How to Choose Color Harmonies

How to Pick Paint Colors

Paint Colors in My Home

June 23, 2018/30 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

DIY, Fix It, Gardening, Home Maintenance, Landscaping & Gardening

How to Easily Fix a Leaky Hose

How to Easily Fix a Leaky Hose

A garden hose is a valuable tool around my yard in the summertime. It’s vital to keep my yard looking beautiful, keeping plants watered, and occasionally for a fun water fight with my kids. But what happens when that very useful hose springs a leak? Not only is it frustrating to use but it is a complete waste of water (not to mention that you get wetter than the person you intend to soak in a water fight.) It may be tempting to throw it out and buy a new one, but did you know it’s fairly simple to fix a leaky garden hose? It is! I have the solution for you in this tutorial on How to Fix a Leaky Hose!

Ready to save money and water? Great! Let’s get to it!

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Phillips Head Screwdriver
Hose Repair Male Coupling (sized for your hose)
Heavy Duty Tin Snips

Instructions:

The first step is to cut off the leaky end of the hose using your heavy duty snips. Be sure to cut perpendicular to the hose.

Remove the two screws from the hose repair coupling clamp using your screwdriver.

Insert the threaded coupling piece into the cut end of your hose.

Have patience, this can be the hardest step. Push it down against a hard surface until the coupling is completely inserted into the hose.

Next, take the two parts of the clamp and put one piece behind the hose, as pictured. Hold it in place while you add the second clamp piece. Line up the screws with the holes on the back piece.

Tighten the screws. It may be easier to set it on a hard surface, as shown here.

Now connect your sprayer to the end and give it a test try!

Hooray! No more leaky hoses. Now where are those crazy boys of mine? Time to start a water fight on this hot summer day. ;-D

This was a simple fix to a frustrating problem and it only cost a few dollars. Definitely worth it! I hope you liked this tutorial and it comes in handy should you need it. Do you have a leaky hose you need to fix? Or have you repaired a leaky hose with this method?

If you liked this post, you’ll love:

How to Install a Sprinkler System

Tips to Creating Knockout Container Gardens

June 15, 2018/12 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home Maintenance

9 Energy Friendly Ways to Help Your Home Feel Warmer this Winter

9 ways to make your home warmer social media

We are excited to share these Energy Friendly Ways to Help Your Cold Home Feel Warmer this Winter.

Winter brings many fun things with it each year, but one thing that isn’t fun are the cool drafts, cold floors, and wasted energy while trying to stay warm. Today I have 9 ways to make your home feel warmer without turning up the thermostat! With very little effort, you can make your home more energy efficient this winter. Please let me know if you find any of these hints helpful or if you have some tips of your own.

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Insulate Garage Door:

Are there gaps on the sides of your garage door? Do you see light coming through? If so, you can add foam rubber weatherstripping to your garage to keep it warmer in the winter. Weatherstripping prevents drafts from entering your garage. Use it to block gaps between doors and the door frame. In about an hour you can put an end to those cold air leaks. This trick will also help keep your garage cooler in the summer. Believe it or not, it can improve the temperature in adjacent rooms. After installing the weatherstripping we noticed a huge difference in the comfort of our bonus room that sits on top of the garage. Read my full tutorial on Installing Weatherstripping to the Garage Door.

Seal Doors and Windows:

Did you know that doors and windows can be a major source of energy loss? Take a peek, can you see daylight seeping through your door? If so, you are likely throwing away money on heating and cooling your home. The solution is as simple as buying a roll of adhesive foam weatherstripping. To check for drafts, wet your hand and run it around the window or door edges to see if you feel any cool air. If you do, go ahead and add some weatherstripping.

You can use the same adhesive weatherstripping on the bottom of an old window that doesn’t seat properly. Most windows and doors should have some form of weatherstripping, but some may not.

Don’t forget to inspect your exterior doors and storm doors for a door sweep. If it’s missing, add a new one. Did you know you can add a door sweep without using power tools? Check out this self adhesive door sweep.

Engage Deadbolts:

Did you know that simply engaging the deadbolts on your doors can instantly stop drafts? If you have a weatherstripped door, the deadbolt will tighten the door against the weatherstripping. Check to make sure the weatherstripping is in good shape. If the door doesn’t seat firmly against it you may need to adjust the strike plate closer to the jamb.

Single pane windows:

Newer windows are typically double-pane with a layer of gas between the two panes. This helps insulate your house. But, instead of budgeting for new windows, invest in good storm windows. Or if you have storm windows, use them! Good fitting storm windows provide the same double layer of protection but costs less than new windows! Just be sure to close your storm windows in the winter. In the summer you’ll want to add a screen so you can open it and let the cool evening air in air, or use a fan to draw that hot daytime air out.

Add Curtains:

Add lined curtains in front of windows to cut down on cold air drafts. Get solid curtains with a liner and keep them closed on cold winter nights. During the day open the curtains to let the warmth of the sun shine in. You’ll be amazed at how much a good pair of curtains will limit drafts (especially if your curtains extend to the floor.) Need help hanging curtain rods? Read my tutorial on Hanging Curtains (and a no-iron solution!)

Fireplace Inserts:

Create an insert for your fireplace by cutting some rigid foam (or foam board) to the size of your fireplace opening. Then wrap it with batting and cover them both with decorative fabric. Push the foam board into your fireplace opening (it should fit snuggly on all sides.) This DIY fireplace cover will keep drafty chimneys from ruining a Netflix and chill evening in your living room. Want something a little fancier? Follow the full tutorial to build a beautiful draft stopper for your fireplace.

Seal Pipes and Vents:

Seal the spaces around your pipes and vents with Great Stuff. Not only will this keep drafts from coming through but it also stops unwanted critters from entering your home. Did you know the holes around pipes, wiring, and ducts are the most common places for bugs to enter a house? One can of Great Stuff can seal up those voids and prevent entry! Read my article on using GREAT STUFF to seal gaps around pipes for tips and tricks.

Insulate Attic Doors:

Lucky for you, there are a few options for insulating pull down attic steps. You can add weatherstripping around the door or you can add rigid foam insulation glued to the attic side of the access door. This works for both walk-in attics and pull-down doors. Another easy solution is an Attic Stairway Cover. There are several options on Amazon, and many are quick and easy to place and remove.

Warm Up Your Floors:

Adding a rug to a cold room (whether it be a bathroom, kitchen, or any room in your house) is like adding a layer of insulation on your floor (add more insulation by using rug pads under your rugs). Tile or wood floors can feel cold underfoot, adding a rug in your traffic area can keep your room warmer and make a big difference on the comfort level in your home. It’s such a simple tip, but it really can make a big difference.

I hope these Energy Friendly Ways to Help Your Home Feel Warmer this Winter helped and will make your home feel extra warm this winter. Please share your favorite tips in the comments below!

Pin this image to help a friend:

January 29, 2018/1 Comment/by Brittany Bailey

Electrical, Fix It, Home & Auto Maintenance, Home Maintenance, repair

How to Repair a Dishwasher

How to Repair a Dishwasher: Control Panel

The holidays are here and your kitchen will surely be getting a work out! Now is NOT the time for your dishwasher to break. Recently we found ourselves with a non-functional dishwasher. The control panel buttons stopped working and nothing I did would start it working again. You may recall that I fixed our grill igniter a few months ago by ordering the parts from Sears Parts Direct. As smoothly as that repair went, I knew exactly where to turn to order parts for our dishwasher. Once again I’ve partnered with Sears Parts Direct to bring you this tutorial for Repairing Your Dishwasher – Replacing the Control Panel.

Before we start, let’s talk real quick about how much you think it would cost to hire a repairman to come fix your dishwasher. If the average appliance repair person charges $75 per hour, the initial diagnosis visit fee would be $75. When the repair person diagnoses the issue as the control panel, he or she will have to order the part and come back a second time. Automatically you are in for $150 for the two visits. Now, factor in the cost of the part ($125 – $200 depending on any mark up that may be added.) In the end you are looking at repair costs in the range of $300 or more.

At this point many homeowners will make the decision to buy a new dishwasher instead of paying $300. But, what if I told you that you can repair your own dishwasher for only the cost of the part? You are probably excited to hear that, and are ready to get fixin’.

Diagnosing the Problem:

To diagnose the problem, visit the Sears Parts Direct Repair Center and answer a few questions about your dishwasher problems. You can also view these 5 Easy Dishwasher repairs to see if the symptoms match your problem. You may end up with a few suggested fixes, but hopefully you can narrow down the issue with some logic. For our dishwasher, I knew it was likely a control panel problem since the buttons had been acting up a few weeks before it stopped working all together.

To order the part for your dishwasher, locate the model number. (Hint: It’s usually located inside the door.) If you have any problems locating the model number, Sears Parts Direct has some recommendations. Write down the model number and head over to Sears Parts Direct to order your part.

After entering the model number, you’ll get a list of parts for your dishwasher. Locate the control panel and order it. The panel will usually arrive in a week. Hopefully you can suffer through hand washing dishes for a few days. (Don’t complain too much, I suffered through it for 4 months when we were without a kitchen.)

How to Replace Your Dishwasher Control Panel:

Preparation: Hooray, you have the part in hand. Now send the spouse away with the kids and tell them you need complete concentration for 2 hours while you repair your dishwasher! (Truth: It’s going to take you less than 10 minutes! So enjoy the rest of your hour and 50 minutes by binge watching Grace & Frankie on Netflix.)

Materials:

Instructions:

Always start by turning off the circuit breaker for your dishwasher.

Open your dishwasher and locate the torx screws securing the door panel.

Remove the screws using a torx head screwdriver. Place the screws in a cup or bowl to prevent from losing them. (Yes, I started a timer to show you how long this repair will actually take.)

For simplicity, you may be able to remove only the control panel and set it on a stool while keeping all the parts wired.

Remove the door latch wiring by lifting it off one side at a time.

Use a flathead screwdriver to gently release the electronic control board.

Lift the control board off the control panel.

Gently disconnect the control board from the control panel by sliding off the ribbon wiring.

You might need to wiggle it back and forth a few time to release.

Check for any other parts that need to be removed from the control panel (like the handle) and remove them.

Set the new control panel in place of the old panel on the stool.

Work in the reverse order of the parts removed. Add the handle onto the new control panel.

Attach the ribbon wiring from the new control panel to the electronic control board.

Press the control board into place in the new control panel.

Reset the door latch wiring in place.

Set the new control panel onto the door.

Drive the torx screws in place to secure the new control panel. And, BADABOOM, you are done! Let’s check that timer please: 8 minutes and 37 seconds!

Go ahead and turn the power back on for your dishwasher.

Check the buttons to see if it works. YES! We have a working dishwasher again.

Didn’t that take a lot less time than you originally thought? Plus you are richer because you didn’t have to pay a repair person or replace your dishwasher! What are you going to do with that money you saved? Why not go ahead and buy yourself that present you really want.

Now that your dishwasher is working, did you know there is a right way to load your dishwasher? Or that there are items you should NEVER wash in your dishwasher?

If you haven’t already, you really need to check out SearsPartsDirect.com to find that part to fix all your broken appliances and more! Follow Sears Parts Direct on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube to see a variety of repair articles and videos.

I’m ready for the holiday baking rush now that our dishwasher is working, how about you? I’m also feeling relieved knowing that when my Mom visits for Christmas, she won’t feel guilty about our broken dishwasher and try to wash all our dishes by hand. Moms will always be moms, won’t they?!

Have a Happy Holiday y’all! I’m off to clean the baseboards around our dishwasher. I’m so embarrassed to see dirt and dog hair in that photo above. Ack!

Save your friends $$$ on dishwasher repairs by pinning this image:

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Sears Parts Direct. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. I was compensated for my time and efforts to create this tutorial. I am very particular about the brands I represent. Because I value your trust, you will always be notified when you are reading a sponsored post on PrettyHandyGirl.com.

November 24, 2017/5 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

cabinet, Fix It, Home & Auto Maintenance, Home Maintenance, Tool Tutorials

Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way

Installing Cabinet Handles the Easy Way | Pretty Handy Girl

After installing my fair share of cabinet knobs and handles over the years, I’ve made my own templates out of cardboard or scrap wood. But, after trying this new gadget, I can honestly say this is how you too can Install Cabinet Handles the Easy Way.

I was given the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig (affiliate link) to test last year, but I never opened it until now. I’m so glad I finally tried this puppy out. Just so you know, Kreg may have given me the jig, but I was not paid to write about it. I’m sharing this with you because I really liked this tool.

When you use this jig, not only will you install cabinet knobs and pulls easily, but each handle will be perfectly lined up with the others guaranteed!

If you have knobless cabinets in your home, now is the time to update them immediately. Grab a few things and meet me back here in a minute.

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Assembling the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig:

Remove the pieces from the packaging.

Add the non-slip pads to the edge guide. (Locate the indented circles and place pads here.)

Feed the hex head bolts into the edge guide and insert into slots on the jig.

Thread the knobs onto the front side of the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig.

Insert the drill guides into the slots on either side of the center hole window as shown below. Line up the drill guides with your handle posts. If you only have one post knobs to install, insert it in the center hole.

Flip the jig over and secure the drill guides with the provided nuts.

Now you’re ready to Install Cabinet Hardware the Easy Way.

Instructions:

Line up the drill guides with your handle posts making sure the numbers match on both sides. (Or insert the drill guide in the center hole for single post knobs.)

Hold your handle up to the location you wish to install it. Secure a strip of painter’s tape to the cabinet door in the same location.

Mark the center of the handle on painter’s tape on your cabinet drawer (or door.)

Line up your jig over the center line.

Set the edge guide to the desired depth from the top of the drawer. Clamp the jig in place. Feed a 3/16″ drill bit into your drill and drill through the two drill guides.

If your pulls are thicker than 3/16″, measure the depth of the pull posts and transfer that measurement onto a larger bit. Mark that depth with a painter’s tape “flag”.

Drill to the painter’s tape flag for an exact depth.

This jig works the same for cabinet doors with a single knob. The difference being you will line up the edge guide on the side of the cabinet door and only one hole is drilled.

After your hole is drilled, remove the painter’s tape from your cabinet. You should have a nice clean hole with no splinters.

Secure your knob or pull to the door and admire your handy work.

If you run into a situation where the screw is too long, I have two ways to deal with that long screw.

Disclosure: This is a product review. I was given a complimentary Kreg Hardware Jig to try. I was not paid to mention Kreg or told what to say. I will always let you know if you are reading a sponsored post or product review.

May 15, 2017/7 Comments/by Brittany Bailey