Charles and Hudson

Door to Door: The Most Bang For Your Buck Is A Garage Door Upgrade

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:37:42 -0800

We are always looking for ways to bump up the curb appeal of our home and when Clopay approached us about sharing some interesting new products that do just that, we had to take a look.

But first we wanted to know what a garage door manufacturer knew about increasing a home's curb appeal. Turns out A LOT! Typically garage doors don't rank high on the beauty shot scale and we've yet to come across a Pinterest board dedicated to beautiful garage door photos, but according to a Remodeling Magazine 2011 cost vs. value report, maybe we should take garage doors more seriously.

According to the study, garage door replacement ranks in the top 5 exterior home improvement projects, netting a 71% cost return at resale, on average, nationwide. This is a huge number that could make a big difference in appraisals and your listing price.

Garage door replacement ranks high in both categories for a few reasons:

1. It is among the least expensive projects in the survey.

2. A new garage door improves curb appeal in a way that can affect a potential buyer's first impression and, consequently, a home's resale value.

Garage doors are a major exterior design feature, especially if the garage faces the street. An upgrade doesn't necessarily cost a lot but it makes a big first impression, considering 73 percent of Americans now enter their home through their garage.

A remodeled kitchen and bath can help sell a home, but curb appeal is what gets buyers through the door. If they don't like what they see from the street, chances are they won't waste time going inside.

Door replacement can be done in less than a day and the visual gratification is instant.

3. Smart exterior upgrades improve energy efficiency - another important factor as homeowners look at ways to reduce the long-term costs of owning and maintaining a home.

Tough Weld Giveaway: Metabo Angle Grinder + 10% Off Coupon Code

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:43:56 -0800

You know you're an avid do-it-youselfer when you're ready to step up to an angle grinder. Most angle grinders are found in workshops, service garages and auto body repair shops but we're certain you'll find a use for this tool if you win it. Nothing matches an angle grinder when you need to cut or grind through anything.

This week our Giveaway is courtesy of Tough Weld Workwear. The Metabo W8-115 Quick 4 1/2" Angle Grinder is a high-powered angle grinder with extra high cooling capacity for fast work progress and includes a robust Metabo marathon motor. Other features include Metabo dust-protection technology for an extremely long device service life, a quick wheel change system, non-locking paddle switch, spindle lock, low profile aluminum die-cast gear housing, burst-proof guard w/ 7 stops, anti-vibration side handle, metabo slip clutch, and auto-stop carbon brushes.

Tough Weld is also offering our readers a 10% coupon code for their online store which includes brands like Dickies, Carhartt, Wrangler and Timberland. Just enter "c&h10" at checkout.

HOW TO ENTER
You can enter once-per-day and you've got three options! Enter all three ways to triple your chance of winning!

1. Leave a comment below stating what you'll cut or grind with this tool.

note: Please don't add URL's or email addresses in the actual comment as it may go to spam. Make sure you provide a working email in the comment form so we can contact the winner.

3. Like this contest on Facebook

2. Tweet this contest on Twitter with the words "Win a Metabo angle grinder from @Charles_Hudson @ToughWeld http://bit.ly/toughweldwork #giveaway"

PRIZE
One winner will receive a Metabo W8-115 Quick 4 1/2" Angle Grinder (retail value $258).

GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
We will select one random winner at 12 midnight EST on February 15th, 2012 and he/she will be notified immediately.

BONUS: EVERYONE WINS
Don't forget the coupon code. Use "c&h10" at checkout on ToughWeld.com for 10% anything in your shopping cart. They've got brands like UnderArmour, Justin and Wolverine Workboots.

Domino Magazine is Back...As Domino Quick Fixes

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:19:18 -0800

We were all puzzled when Domino magazine closed three years ago. They kept the online archives available through Brides.com but that was just awkward and we were stuck with the loss of another beloved shelter title.

We just got word from Susan Portnoy, VP of Digital Strategy at Conde Nast, that Domino will be back as a special edition called Quick Fixes. Looks like it will be available in the Spring and then another issue will hit newsstands in the Fall. Just two issues this year.

According to Conde Nast
Quick Fixes will be full of Domino's best home decorating stories, focusing on easy, often inexpensive changes that make a big difference - from quick spruce-ups of dowdy furniture to more involved DIY projects like painting stairs or reorganizing a home office. Domino Quick Fixes will be available on national newsstands from April 17 through July 16, 2012, for $10.99.

Are you excited about this? Think Conde Nast is finally getting smart and just cashing in on a great brand name with a special issue of repurposed content? Will it have the same look and feel of the Domino we all loved? Any of the previous staff working on it?

So many questions but we do wish they would just get serious about digital and really build up the website. Everyone would love that!

What Type of Circular Saw Do You Use? Sidewinder or Worm Drive?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:18:34 -0800

As a blogger in the home improvement world I've come to know quite a few construction professionals so when I had a question regarding the differences between circular saws, more specifically the worm drive and the sidewinder, I asked my friend Robert Robillard who is a carpenter and also writes about tools and home improvement challenges at A Concord Carpenter.

As a seasoned DIYer who lives on the west coast I've only really shopped for sidewinder saws which I always just called circular saws. But circular saws also come in another variation which is a worm drive saw.

It seems there is a regional bias for what type of saw contractors use. Early on the sidewinder saws were marketed to the east coast and the worm drive to the west coast. The SKIL 77 worm drive saw is a legendary workhorse and many right-handers prefer it because you don't have to look over the motor to see the blade cut. Sidewinders have become the preferred choice among DIYers because of their lighter weight and lower cost.

Comparison

Robert breaks down the differences for me.

Carpenters from coast to coast have used worm drive saws for framing, stair and roof rafter construction. The "Worm drive" is the name of the gears inside the saw. The motor drives a worm gear that transfers power to the blade. Because of this a worm drive has more torque and will cut when a direct drive saw would stall out. Which means more powerful!

It also means more weight and for years this was a negative for a lot of carpenters who are not framers.

In my opinion, worm drive saws are unmatched for their line of sight and blade visibility [blade on left for right handers] as well as their ample power. As a carpenter I can attest that my job site needs change and evolve with newly developed materials, updated building techniques and streamlined methods of working. Todays worm drives are lighter like the DEWALT 13.8 saw.

Many carpenters who do rafter and stair work would have a worm drive and a side winder for the opposing bevels.

Sidewinders or direct drive saws are small, light and get the job done. I personally own both and if I'm making a few cuts I use the lighter sidewinder. If Im on a framing job - it's the worm drive.

I'd love to hear what type and brand of circular saw you use and why?

photo: Fine Homebuilding

Preparing for Baby With a Laundry Room Makeover

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:46:17 -0800

Our little guy is now four months old and one of the best things we did to prepare for parenthood was upgrade our laundry room. We are renting a home and fortunate enough to have the space for a separate laundry area. After living in NYC it was important that we had our own washer and dryer and with a baby its even more vital for comfort and convenience.

Old Utility/Laundry Room

The old laundry room was functional but it was ugly and washer/dryer units we had were at least 10-15 years old. We are all for solid appliances that last a long time but we are also into saving water and energy and the old units did neither. You just set a wash size or dryer time and thats it. Most new washers and dryers are energy star rated and have a lot of built in features to save you energy. We knew we'd be doing a lot more laundry with the little one on the way so it was a no brainer to consider upgrading our units.

We also had a problem with the red tile and faux wood walls. They were just ugly and had to go.

The room itself had also become a bit of a storage area and "catch-all" for stuff that we really had no other place for. This would have to change as baby stuff takes over and is more important so we knew we'd have to reorganize everything to make it work.

The utility room portion has a nice deep sink and we used it often for cleaning our hands, rinsing out brushes and a lot of other home improvement projects. But we wanted to also use this sink to wash our baby in and in it's current state it wouldn't fly because of the dirt and grime that had built up.

We also desperately wanted to add a toilet to this room. We knew we'd be having a lot more house guests with the baby and our 900 sq ft home has only one bathroom which is tiny so it's already a bit cramped.

What We Did

Since we're on the subject of toilets here is what didn't happen. The plumbing to the utility room was only sized for washing machine and sinks and standard toilets need a larger outlet for going direct to the sewer line. We chatted with a couple of plumbers and they would have to dig up the yard and run a line and after all was said and done we'd be out at least $5,000. We toyed with the idea of a shower in this room but that brought the cost up even more.

So our dream of adding making this utility room a proper bathroom was squashed. One path we could have taken was a mascerating toilet. These toilets don't require the larger fittings as waste is "churned" up and will clear existing pipes but there are only a couple companies that sell these toilets and we weren't totally sold on them. They are often used in basements where it's tough to dig into a foundation and if we find the right one we still may add it.

We did paint the room which gave it an instant transformation! We decided to whitewash the room and do the walls, floors and ceiling in white. For the walls and ceiling we went with the new Valspar + Asthma/Allergy friendly paint available at Lowe's. It's the most kid friendly paint we've seen. It's Zero-VOC, low odor and dries to an antimicrobial finish. It is also mold and mildew resistant. At this point I don't think we would use any other paint now that we have a little one.

The floors required a different type of paint and we stuck with Valspar and went with their floor and porch paint which was also low-VOC and low-odor. To be safe Laura still stayed far away from the painting but we did have time to goof around and take some fun photos before we painted the room.

We let the room dry for a couple days and were amazed at how much the room opened up with the white. We were really happy with our choice and also knew that white is about the easiest color to decorate with.

The last piece of this makeover was the most important and this involved upgrading our washer and dryer. We knew we wanted an energy efficient replacement that we could stack to save space so they would have to be front loading.

We wrote up another article sharing our experience in choosing and using the Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer.

For now we are sticking with our sink which is nice and deep but we did a very thorough deep cleaning and since baby is so little Laura has been bathing him with her which also creates a nice bonding time.

Final Touches

Before this all came together there were a few things we needed to do.

The door on the dryer unit needed to be reversed so it swung in the same direction (towards the wall) that the washer did. I found some basic directions online and it took me about 20 minutes to figure it out but it just takes a few simple tools and I switched the door around. There have been no problems with it sealing and it's like it came from the factory.

We needed more storage so we made a quick stop to IKEA and grabbed their EXPEDIT bookcase unit in white and laid it down on it's side. We already have this bookcase in brown and use it in our son's nursery and for an IKEA product its very solid.

We had a clothing rack and hampers that we had already purchased from Bed, Bath and Beyond and it still fit perfectly in this space.

We also made our own chalkboard using Valspar Chalkboard paint and a picture frame from Target. We needed a simple message board that we could attach to the side of the dryer and this worked perfectly. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how we made a chalkboard.

Finally we acquired a 10 point deer mount over the holidays and it seemed like the laundry room was the best place for it. We have no other art or decoration so a little taxidermy adds a bit of quirkiness to the space.

We are extremely pleased with our new laundry room space and we feel that the time and effort was worth it. As with any home improvement project its all about balancing your budget and expectations and although we really wish we could add a 1/2 bath to this space we know that sometimes its best to wait and just focus on what is really important to our day to day living.

Check out page 2 for photos of our new laundry room which we've already put to great use!

The Hectic Gourmet Giveaway: KitchenAid Mixer

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:38:19 -0800

We're starting February with an awesome giveaway from The Hectic Gourmet which is an epicurean cooking supply store that carries your favorite brands such as Le Creuset, Calphalon, Cuisinart, Wusthof and more.

This week The Hectic Gourmet is offering a KitchenAid Artisan 5 qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (retail value $300) to the lucky winner of our Giveaway.

We've been coveting this KitchenAid Mixer for awhile and even though we're not gourmet chefs, we'd love to try our hand at making homemade pasta, fresh stuffed sausage or ice cream.

Features include a 325 watt motor that can handle any task you put to it and a tilt-back head which allows you easy access and a 5 qt. bowl with a comfortable handle. The construction of this mixer separates it from the competition as it's all-metal and built to last. You'll be cooking up a storm with a 10-speed control that includes flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk, pouring shield and 5-quart work bowl.

HOW TO ENTER
You can enter once-per-day and you've got three options! Enter all three ways to triple your chance of winning!

1. Leave a comment below stating what you'll make with this KitchenAid mixer.

note: Please don't add URL's or email addresses in the actual comment as it may go to spam. Make sure you provide a working email in the comment form so we can contact the winner.

3. Like this contest on Facebook

2. Tweet this contest on Twitter with the words "Win a KitchenAid Mixer from @Charles_Hudson @HecticGourmet http://bit.ly/hecticgourmet #giveaway"

PRIZE
One winner will receive a KitchenAid Artisan 5 qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (retail value $300).

GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
We will select one random winner at 12 midnight EST on February 6th, 2012 and he/she will be notified immediately.

BONUS: EVERYONE WINS
The Hectic Gourmet also wants to make sure you've got everything you need to stock your kitchen so after you've filled your online shopping cart with the likes of OXO, Le Creuset and more, use the coupon code "charlesandhudson10" at checkout for 10% off your order.
Start shopping and saving at hecticgourmet.com.

Upgrade Your Life with the Whirlpool Duet Washer/Dryer

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:15:37 -0800

The key component to our laundry room makeover was of course the appliances. Our previous units were at least 10-15 years old and still worked! But they lacked all of the energy and water saving features that modern washers and dryers have. We also knew that with a new baby in the home we'd be doing a lot more laundry and different types of laundry so we needed more bells and whistles from our washer/dryer.

When shopping for these units the colorful Samsung and Electrolux really caught our eye but when it came down to overall features and reliability we went with the Whirlpool Duet models. Specifically the 4.3 Cu. ft. front loading washer and the 7.4 Cu. ft. gas dryer.

We've never had front-loading appliances but we wanted to make the best of our space so stacking was the best option. We did have to change the door swing out direction on the dryer to match the washer but it was very straightforward and only required a phillips screwdriver.

Once these units arrived the Lowe's crew helped us install them and even shared a trick of the trade, spray Windex on the floor to help you slide them easily across the floor. This will save your back and the floors.

Among the features of these units that really made sense to us on the dryer were the steaming capabilities and quick dry. It also pays to make sure you know how to use the proper settings as this will ensure you are saving energy and getting your clothes to turn out just as you like them.

The washer is also very energy efficient and only uses the exact amount of water you need by "sensing" each load. It's also got a helpful wash now/dry later feature that allows you to wash clothes but then come back a few hours later to dry. It will keep refreshing the load so it doesn't just sit in the washer wet.

We've been using the Whirlpools for a couple months now and maybe it's just in our heads but our clothes are definitely feeling fresh and don't get as wrinkled. The washer only uses HE detergent which is important because it results in both energy and water conservation. HE washers use 20% to 66% less water than a traditional agitator washer, and because there's less water to heat, HE washers use 50% to 80% less energy. Due to their low water wash and rinse cycles, HE washers work best with an HE detergent that is low-sudsing and easily rinsed away.

We always recommend any appliance or technology that makes life easier and the Duet washer and dryer from Whirlpool definitely upgrades your life. You can check out these units at any Lowe's store where they will have knowledgeable staff to help you make your decision.

How To Clean Rugs the Easy Way

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:04:22 -0800

With a new baby in the house and a need to have our home thoroughly clean, we started from the ground up. We've got hardwood floors and use carpets throughout our home. We've rented the Rug-Doctor cleaners which worked okay but the results were never that great and the effort involved was time consuming. With the baby, time is our most valuable commodity.

We were seeking a carpet cleaning option that required little effort but maximum results and we found it with Chem-Dry carpet cleaning from Home Depot.

We scheduled a pickup of our three rugs and we didn't have to do anything as they rolled them up and took them in their truck. Five weeks later we got the rugs back and they were completely dry and as clean as they have ever been.

Instead of steam cleaning which uses a lot of water and takes days to fully dry, Chem-Dry uses a hot carbonating extraction process which lifts the dirt to the surface where it is then removed. This avoids issues such as mold or mildew that wet carpets can get after cleaning.

The only drawback was it took a few weeks to get our carpets back but we're so glad we turned to the pros for this job.

Chem-Dry is a full service cleaner and will clean all types of carpets but we were happy to know they also did rugs. Call or visit your local Home Depot for more details about Chem-Dry.

Disclosure: The Home Depot works with bloggers such as myself to conduct product reviews. They do not tell bloggers what to say about their products or how to say it. THD fundamentally believes that people should be free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot often provides product - free of charge - to bloggers for review as they did for this post. The Home Depot's policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

How to Install Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:34:13 -0800

Installing new countertops is an ambitious do-it-yourself project no matter what type of material you choose. These homeowners shared their journey to install stainless steel countertops which look great and are a huge upgrade to their previous formica.

They used plywood as a base and purchased the stainless steel from a local sheet metal dealer which saved them huge dollars. Total cost of the countertop was $400 (about $20 per sqft.) They called in a pro to help bend the metal but besides that they did all of the rest of the work themselves and ended up with a professional looking countertop that won't stain or rust and is durable enough to withstand hot pans and spills of all types.

Check out their full tutorial here.

Start Voting for Your Favorite Rescue Remodel

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:44:21 -0800

A couple months ago we shared the news on a new contest sponsored by IKEA called Rescue Remodel. You can nominate your favorite fire house and the winner gets a $25,000 kitchen remodel from IKEA. Well the nominations are closed and the finalists have been announced.

You can visit RescueRemodel.com and vote for your favorite fire house. You can vote once per day and voting ends February 28th, 2012 so make sure you get counted. You know these firemen need to stay healthy and strong and a new IKEA kitchen would definitely help.

Build a DIY Beer Case for those BYOB Parties

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:18:32 -0800

We've got the perfect woodworking project that you can build in time for your Super Bowl parties. A reader submitted this project and you know he arrives at BYOB parties in style with this DIY beer case he made.

It looks like some basic plywood and glue to pull this bad boy together. We hope to see the plans for this but it looks solid and could withstand a night of drinking.

We love the quote and the look of unfinished wood but you could really customize this case with some paint and I think it would make a great tailgating accessory with the right team name emblazoned on the side.

5 Rules for Storing Paint

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:53:21 -0800

Paint should be properly stored all year round but especially in cold weather. If you've got paint leftover from a project make sure to follow these 5 rules for storing paint and you'll have plenty of paint for your next project.

1. Paint can freeze
Make sure paint is stored at the recommended temperature. If it freezes it will be ruined.

2. Follow storage directions
All paints come with specific storage directions and most of them should be kept away from heat and flames and also out of the cold.

3. Check expiration date
Paint has a shelf life and make sure you know how long your paint will last before using it again.

4. Watch where you store it
Paint should not be stored hear a car or any motorized vehicles. It should also be kept away from furnaces, power tools and water heaters.

5. Use sturdy shelves
Paint should be stored on sturdy shelves that can meet the weight requirement. No other chemicals should be stored near paint.

How To Build Your Own Record Crates

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:26:25 -0800

We are big time fans of Wood & Faulk (we're really partial with anyone who uses an ampersand in their name) and his camping stool is still one of our all-time favorites.

His latest masterpiece is a basic woodworking project for building record crates. As always his photos are amazing and his step by step tutorial is spot on. Besides records you could use these crates to store all types of items.

Check out the full project on Wood & Faulk and enjoy the photos below.

6 Steps to Building the Ultimate Home Workout Space

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:22:59 -0800

Gyms are expensive and if you've got the space at home, why not invest a bit in building and setting up a home workout space. Not just a home gym with some weights and a Soloflex but a real place to do your favorite workout whether that's lifting weights, running, biking, basketball or yoga.

You are the true expert when it comes to doing the workout you enjoy and here are 7 steps to building the ultimate home workout space.

1. Make it Fun
Why don't you go to the gym? Because it stopped being fun. The same goes for your home workout space. If it's a room with a treadmill, it will soon become the least used room in the house. Take time to design the room and add some color or motivational posters or mirrors, whatever you need to get your juices flowing.

2. Pump up the Volume
If you're at home then ditch the ear buds and setup a nice sound system in your workout room. Music is a great motivator and not as distracting as a television.

3. Keep it Clean
Don't let your workout room become storage or you'll be reminded of all the stuff you need to do or get rid of. Keep the room clean so you can stay focused on your workout.

4. What Sport Do You Love?
Follow your gut and setup a space to practice your favorite sport. Basketball hoops are easy and if you've got room a lacrosse goal is fun to shoot on if that's your thing. You'll be surprised at how many homes have wrestling mats in the basement or yoga bars. If you've got kids this is where the good ones start which is early.

5. Share with Friends
Don't hog all the fun, share your new workout space with your friends and invite them over for a game of basketball on your new DIY court or have them do a workout with you with your new recumbent bike.

6. Be Kind to Neighbors
If you've got an outdoor workout space, be respectful to neighbors when it comes to sounds and lighting. Nobody likes to hear basketballs bouncing while they are enjoying dinner with their family.

STIHL BGA 85 Electric Blower is Storming the Industry

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:44:33 -0800

We've been optimistic about battery powered OPE gear but much of what we've seen has been underwhelming. There are battery powered products available but they don't really have much power. The exception to this is the STIHL BGA 85 electric leaf blower. It truly rocks and we were excited to review this unit.

These units have been available in Europe for a couple years and they've only recently introduced them to the US. In our opinion this leaf blower will become de rigueur among homeowners who need a solid solution for clearing their yard but also want an environmentally safe solution.

We spoke to a STIHL rep who introduced us to this product and he has also seen this unit make inroads among commercial landscapers who are now dealing with sound ordinances as well as clean air laws. If this leaf blower can withstand daily use then its more than good enough for a homeowner.

Features
We tweeted a photo of this leaf blower last week before this review and received a lot of great comments as its design is unique and almost sci-fi.

It is well balanced with the battery pack that slides into the back and the large blower nozzle in the front. The handle is sturdy and there is a lock so you don't need to pull the trigger while operating (like cruise control). The power is variable speed so in case you don't want to blow away the whole neighborhood you can simply use as much power as you need.

The battery has a handy "fuel gauge" so you know how much juice you have left and the brushless motor is commercial grade and will last years.

We can't overlook the convenience of battery power. No more messing with gas and oil and the maintenance an engine requires. This lithium-ion battery setup is simple, clean and powerful.

We can see this unit being used with some type of strap as it may get heavy after prolonged use. Some women (and men) as well as older people might get fatigued while holding it. It's not heavy at 10.8 lbs (with the larger battery) but a strap might help some.

STIHL claims it produces air flower of 102 mph at the nozzle and at 64 db it's significantly more quiet than most gas models. STIHL still recommends you use hearing protection when using this blower and they also recommend wearing all the proper safety gear such as goggles and gloves.

We highly recommend this product and believe that other manufacturers better step up quickly or else STIHL will continue to dominate yet another OPE category.

Check out more from STIHL.