Remodel

Remodeling your kitchen can add functionality and value to your home. However, such renovations can cost thousands upon thousands of dollars, which most people simply don’t have to spare in this depressed economy. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have your kitchen remodeled it simply means that you will have do so on a budget that might be less than ideal. However, in order to help you get started here are some cheap kitchen remodel ideas to keep yourself within budget.

1. Start by setting your remodeling budget. You know what you can afford to spend and setting aside that amount and staying within the budget is the first step in getting a new kitchen look without the worry of how you are going to pay the bills.

2. Take a hard look at your kitchen. Decide if your kitchen really needs to be renovated or simply needs to have a new, fresher look. Keep in mind that cabinets, counter tops, and appliances are huge expenses that are best to avoid unless you have a lot of disposable income. Make a list of those changes that are absolutely necessary to make your kitchen more functional and make those changes first.

3. Remember, there are various small and inexpensive things you can do that will give your kitchen a bright new look without spending a lot of money. Sanding and repainting cabinets may take a lot of work but can help give your kitchen an entirely new look for much less than replacing your cabinetry. Fresh paint, stenciling, new curtains, area rugs, and a few shelves placed just right are all inexpensive ways to give your kitchen a face-lift. Some colorful place mats and a nice centerpiece can make that breakfast nook look totally different.

4. Changing your lighting or light fixtures may also make your kitchen more functional and look warmer and more inviting.

5. If your kitchen really does need a complete overall, then consider making changes a few at time and take advantage of any way you can lower the price. For example, there are many resale shops that now carry appliances and you just may get a new looking refrigerator or stove at a reduced price if you take the time to visit some of these places. Also consider getting appliances that are energy star rated as this will help you recover some of your cost slowly over time as you will be paying less for utilities.

6. You might also consider doing as much of the actual remodeling as you can yourself. While you may want a professional to put in those new cabinets or lay down that tile floor, you can certainly paint walls yourself and save on the cost of some of the labor.

By setting a budget and sticking to it, making wise decisions and doing as much of the labor yourself as you reasonably can, it is possible put a few cheap kitchen remodel ideas to work for you and spend less than you ever thought possible.

Want more great kitchen remodel ideas? Check out https://jimhicks.com to learn all about transforming your dull, drab kitchen into the dream kitchen you’ve always wanted.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judi_Blake

Here are some tips to cleaning the grease filter in your range hood.

• Soak filter in a degreaser, rinse then try washing in the dishwasher. If it’s stainless steel, it should wash up with regular dishwasher detergent no problem.
• If it’s aluminum, be aware that dishwasher detergent can cause discoloration or pitting. You can try running it through a cycle without regular dishwasher detergent. I personally don’t worry about it, but it’s something you should be aware of.

For both inside and outside the hood, apply degreaser to a damp cloth and wipe down. Make sure not to spray any cleaner directly on the appliance since you could accidentally spray some into the exhaust fan motor or light fixture.

If the buildup inside the hood is especially thick, first make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Take a cloth wet with hot, soapy water and then scrub with the paste in a circular motion–wipe off as much as the grease as you can then rinse the cloth in a bucket of hot, soapy water. Reapply baking soda paste on the cloth and repeat as needed.

Once the majority of buildup has been removed–wash the unit with hot, soapy water to remove all traces of the baking soda paste and then clean with degreaser if needed.

Are you looking for inexpensive ways to save money on energy bills this coming winter? Fall is a great time to tackle these home projects and each of them is affordable. Combined, they will give you a good return on your investment in terms of lower utility bills.

Here are 7 ways to winterize your home on a budget. We’ll give each one a pricing rank: $ = low price, $$ = moderate price, $$$ = slightly higher cost.

1. Add weatherstripping to your doors and windows. Keeping treated air from escaping and drafts from blowing in can make a 5% to 10% difference in your energy use. This is a DIY project with a good payoff. $

2. Seal exposed ductwork in attics and basements. Check for gaps in seems and joints, holes, or other places where treated air can escape. Use metal duct tape rather than cheap vinyl duct tape that won’t hold as well or be efficient. Experts say that as much as 20% of treated air can escape through leaky ducts, so this is a great way to save money! $

3. Put an insulation blanket on your water heater. If you have a tank-style water heater, you are losing money through stand-by heat loss. The tank warms up 30 or 40 gallons of water and then it starts to cool off, wasting money. An insulating blanket will slow down the heat loss substantially. $$

4. Program your thermostat so that the system runs less when you aren’t there. Let the temperature fall 10 degrees or so when the house is empty, and you can program it to warm back up before you get home. If you have a programmable thermostat already, this is a freebie. If you need a programmable thermostat, they are fairly inexpensive. $-$$

5. Run full loads of laundry instead of several small loads. Combining loads is easier these days because most of the dyes used are color-safe. They won’t bleed. You’ll reduce your water use and your overall electrical use.

6. Add insulation to the attic. In winter, heated air escapes through the ceiling into the attic and out of the house. In summer, the attic gets hot and that air pushes down into the house, causing the air conditioner to work harder. A layer of insulation in the attic will help year-round. $$$

7. Have your furnace or heat pump cleaned and tuned for winter. A dirty furnace or heat pump coil can waste 20% or more of the energy it uses. That’s a lot of money over the course of a heating season. Having your entire HVAC system maintained before winter is a cost that might pay you back very quickly. $$-$$$

These are very good ways to reduce energy use on a limited budget. They are easy to accomplish and you will notice immediate results — lower energy bills every month going forward!

Hansen, K. (2011, November 19). How to Winterize Your Home on a Budget. Retrieved December 3, 2011

Jim Hicks Home improvement can fix and build just about anything. He joins Chris Reckling on The Hampton Roads Show with great ideas to rid your home of mold.