Team Two Times

Want to Learn About DIY Storage for your Home?

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Tune into Garden Gossip over at Big Blend Radio tomorrow, Saturday, January 9 at 9:30 am PST when we return for our monthly radio show!

Tune in live here and if you miss it, return for the archive.

Have A DIY Question..Call And Ask Us This Sat. On Garden Gossip

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:30:00 +0000

We can't wait for Saturday because we'll be on Garden Gossip with our pals Nancy & Lisa giving you DIY tips and discussing what projects you should do yourself and when you should swallow your pride and call a professional. You can also call in with your own DIY questions, or to say hi, at 914.338.1788. Tune in this Sat., June 6th from 10am to 11am PT.

Russ On The Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:25:00 +0000

I'll be on Rick's House Radio show tomorrow morning - Saturday, April 11 at 9am PDT - hope you can tune in. We had a good time on the show last time...should be fun!

Thanks, Russ

Rise, Shine and Team Two Times

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:46:00 +0000

This Saturday 4/4 we will be on House Studs Radio Show at 9:30 am CDT and 7:30 am PDT. Since it is early and it is Saturday we will make it very worth your while. We will be covering issues that are important to you around your home, talking about our shows and what makes us "Team Two Times". So join us and our hosts, Mike and Dale, at www.101wyde.com. You can also call in to say hi, or ask us a question at 866.551.9933.

Tips for Greening Your Home - this week on Garden Gossip

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Going green is a good thing but don’t get caught up in the pressure and think you have to do everything all at once. Just making small changes here and there can be very effective and keep you from going crazy, broke or both.

This Saturday, March 21st at 10 am PDT we will live on Big Blend Radio’s “Garden Gossip” show with the hilarious mother & daughter hosts, Lisa and Nancy. Each month we answer your questions & this month’s topic, as chosen by you, is Eco-friendly Products and Materials plus we’ll discuss energy saving tips for around the house. Be sure to sign up for Big Blend's Newsletter The Burro Express so we receive your questions for our next show and by all means, please tune in this Saturday!

Tune in to Garden Gossip Radio with Marcus Hunt (Feb. 21)

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:42:00 +0000

TUNE IN: Big Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" Saturday, February 21st at 10 am PST

Marcus Hunt will join Lisa and Nancy tomorrow to answer listener questions about Back Yard Habitats.

To submit your questions for next month's show, please visit Southwest Big Blend.

New Video from our Habitat Build Day

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:32:00 +0000

Team Two Times

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:29:00 +0000

Great Day Building with Habitat for Humanity

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:51:00 +0000

Last last week posted about building with Habitat of Greater L.A. on Saturday, 12/13 & it was great! A bunch of folks from Clear Channel Radio were there and the KIIS FM street team showed up with tunes and giveaways.

Now, we are two nice guys, so why do you suppose we were exiled to the other side of the home (away from all the beautiful women and music) to work on installing an electrical post IN THE RAIN? Did we do something horribly wrong to deserve this?

Ah, we kid. It was a great day, the Gaxiola family was there and the home is almost done. In fact, the Gaxiolas are scheduled to get their keys during a home dedication ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 20 - how about that for a holiday gift!

We had a good time, we were not electricuted and a great family has a new home. Thanks for having us Habitat!

Habitat Home Build This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:52:00 +0000

We are lending our hands to a Habitat for Humanity build here in Los Angeles this weekend along with the folks at Clear Channel Radio and MyFM 104.3. We are helping to complete a home for the Gaxiola family who have been living in poverty in an unsafe neighborhood in L.A.

This home was only started last May and it's expected to be completed by next weekend! Amazing what we can do together!

If you want to build with Habitat for Humanity, please visit their website and sign up.

Quick Tips for Thanksgiving Savings

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:31:00 +0000

This is the season for large gatherings and colder weather, so it's a good idea to be thinking of ways to save on energy. Here are a few:

Swith to energy efficient lightbulbs. With so many guests in your house, the lights, televisions, oven, etc. will be working overtime so switching to energy efficient bulbs will definitely help save some money. And the long-term savings will be a bonus.
Change your air filter - A clogged or dirty air filter makes your Heating units work that much harder and a nice new filter will substantially reduce airborne dust/particles as well. If you have allergies, spend a few bucks extra for a better filter.
Check your windows/doors for leaks. If needed, replace weather stripping (cheap) and save on heating bills.

Maybe you can use these money saving tips to free up some dough for a new gym membership after the holidays!

TUNE IN: Blend Radio's "Garden Gossip" on Friday, Oct. 31

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:46:00 +0000

We will be discussing Winter-proofing your home on this week's edition of "Garden Gossip" over at Blend Radio. We are expected to come on at 3:30 pm so set your alarm and tune in.

TUNE IN: Blend Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:45:00 +0000

"Hammer Heads" Season 3 Premieres Saturday, October 4

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:18:00 +0000

Tune in to HGTV tomorrow, October 4 at 10:30 am (check local listings) for the new season of "Hammer Heads"!

Thanks for watching and be sure to email me with any questions!

- Marcus

Wake-Up your Living Room for Under $1,000

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:27:00 +0000

The possibilities are endless if you have a tired old living room and $1,000. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add chair rails for instant charm. If you want to take it a step further, try painting a dark color below the rail and a lighter shade above. For a little work and about $200, this is an easy project that offers dramatic results.

Change your flooring. If you think you can’t afford hardwood floors, you’re wrong. There are many great looking laminate floors on the market for $1-1.50/sq ft. This puts the cost of wood flooring for the average living room at about $400, and with the new “click lock” or “snap together” flooring systems, anyone can install them. There’s no glue or mess and you can change them in a few years just as easily.

Don’t forget to accessorize. An area rug is a simple way to ground the space and add color. A new media center will also change the feel of your room. If you don’t have money in the budget to buy a new one, try looking in the online classifieds for one that will work with your design. If you can’t find one that matches your current furniture, think about painting or refinishing one that will fit in your space. You’ll not only get the look you love but imagine the bragging rights!

Save money for beer and pizza, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your new living room. I should also note that if you invite friends to assist you ALWAYS serve the beer after the job is done. Trust me on this.

Give your Bedroom a Total Makeover for Under $500

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:17:00 +0000

Want to give your bedroom a whole new look without spending a fortune? Here’s a great weekend project for any skill level that will have great results.

How about building your own platform bed? For about $150 in materials you can build a platform bed with headboard and storage space underneath – a great way to keep the room clutter-free. Search online for great resources and plans, enlist the help of a friend and go for it.

Purchase new bed linens and drapes and give the room a fresh coat of paint. Most rooms require about 2 gallons so figure that into the budget. Choose a color palette and choose paint and linens according your palette. If you're design challenged, search the web for great ideas great, free ideas including HGTV.com.

Posted by Russ

Update your Bathroom for Under $100

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:32:00 +0000

On Design on a Dime we learn how to be really thrifty and since I have been refurbishing properties for years -usually with very little money - I have come up with lots of cost saving ideas for the home. Here is are some tips to give your bathroom a minor overhaul for under $100.

$100 may be enough to buy all new fixtures and faucets, but you can replace old knobs, towel bars, toilet paper holder, rugs, towels, shower curtain and counter accessories for a whole new look. You can find most of these items at discount stores such as Ross or Marshall's and save a bundle. Also check to see if your city has a Habitat for Humanity ReStore - they sell all kinds of great items - some are brand new!

Finish the look with a fresh coat of paint. The average price for paint is about $22 a gallon which is plenty. I realize it eats a big chunk of the budget, but the impact will be worth it.

Have your own tips for bathroom updates under $100? Please email me and include photos!

- Russ

Season 3 of "Hammer Heads" Debuts October 4th

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Hey there, sorry it's been so long since we've posted here, it's just been super busy. Between the apartment building remodel and our shows, we barely have time to breathe but it's all good. The good news is both our shows are in full production with no end in sight.

"Hammer Heads" Season 3 is really going to be great, we've been doing some cool projects and you can start seeing them on October 4th on HGTV (check your local listings.) We have also been picked up for a Season 4 (so I had better try to get some rest.)

Russ is almost invisible with all the work he's been doing on "Desing On A Dime" and we still don't have a firm date when his shows will air but we know it will be 2009. So if you miss him, visit his site and tell him.

Oh and they just started airing replays of "Hammer Heads" seven days a week so now you can see my face EVERY DAY so that' s nice.

Posted by: Marcus

Team 2 Times at the Los Angeles Alt Build

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:53:00 +0000

This Friday the Team2Times duo will be a the Los Angeles Alternative Building Materials and Design Expo. They will spend the Day with ReUse Network helping to inform people about de-construction and why it is so important on a job-site! If you would like more information about the Alt-Build please go to the site.

Russ and Marcus will be there from 2 to 4pm Friday at booth 103.

Can Sprinklers Save Energy & Money?

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:05:00 +0000

Yes. Not so much energy as water conservation, but changing out your sprinkler heads to maximize your water flow, distance, spray, etc. can save big bucks and water. Improperly maintained sprinklers waste a huge amount of water. They send more into the air then into your lawn, bushes, etc.

Do some research, do a Google search for 'water conservation sprinklers' or ask your helpful home store clerk and you will find the appropriate sprinkler head for the job. There are quite a few different models now that are way more effiecient and not only will you have a better looking lawn, but you'll save money and help the environment.

Conserve Energy Everyday, Not Just Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Here's a way to conserve energy in your home - Get your windows tinted. Most of us think that window tinting is just for our cars, but the same idea works for your house and can be a HUGE energy saver.

When the sun beats down on your house all day, the inside temperature can rise substantially. Usually the first thing we do is turn on the air conditioner and the hotter it gets, the more the AC runs. With a fairly inexpensive installation of window tint, you'll be more comfortable throughout the day and save tons of money down the road plus help the environment by not running your AC nearly as much.

Happy Earth day.

Painting Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:16:00 +0000

Here are some good basic tips for painting from my friend Carmen De La Paz:

Prepping your Paint job right will save you time in the end and your paint job will look a lot better. Don’t just grab a roller and start, take the time to evaluate and prep the project. Do you need to spackle holes, sand, caulk, etc?
Tape is your best friend. Use it to mask off and you will have crisp lines, making your end result look professional. They make a completely smooth, blue painter’s tape that stops the little flecks that you get when the paint smooshes behind regular tape.
Use a good brush. Spending a little more money on a quality brush will make the job more enjoyable. Suggested brand – Purdy. A cheap brush can fall apart and leave pieces behind on your project.
Oil and water don’t mix. If you are painting over a wall that has oil-based paint you must apply a primer to neutralize the surface and allow it accept the new latex paint with out crackling of flaking off in the near future.
Is it oil or isn’t it? Do the Goof off test. If the paint melts when you rub Goof-off on it – it is latex or water based. It the Goof-off doesn’t melt it, you have an oil-based surface.
De-fuzz your roller by rolling it over tape to get rid of the loose fuzz – it’s better than leaving them on your wall during the paint process.
Paint can impact a room up to 70%.
When patching holes, instead of sand paper, use a wet rag to sand down the surface – you won’t have any dust and you will end up with a much nicer blend and feathering in your end result making the hole disappear.
When painting a darker color on your wall, consider applying a tinted primer to help achieve the full saturation of the color without 5 or six coats. Ask your paint store to help select the shade of your tinted primer.
Painting is not brain surgery. If you mess up either clean it up or paint over it and start again.

Is Now the Time to Invest in Real Estate? Maybe.

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:52:00 +0000

People are always asking me about investment property since I have been flipping homes for years. More recently, I am asked if now is the time to invest in real estate. Here are my thoughts (for what it’s worth.)

With so many ups and downs, the real estate market can be a dangerous place right now, especially for a first time flipper. There is a lot of money to be made in flipping homes, but it seems to be mostly in the lower income segments. Banks are not interested in owning real estate but they are foreclosing on a record number of houses at this time. This means they need to unload all these properties as soon as possible.

For an experienced flipper, this is a dream time to buy as it means buying directly from the lender at 20-40% below current market value. This means you can potentially buy a house valued at $300k for $200k, put $20-25k into it and list it at $260-280k. After commissions and fees you should still make a nice profit (not as much as we’ve seen in previous years) but enough to keep you coming back.

This info is relevant for first-time home buyers as well. Getting a house below market value is always the goal when purchasing and now you'll have a choice - buy a foreclosure for 20-40% below market value and hire someone to update and/or remodel it (which will mean cash out of pocket) or buy a house from an investor that has already been updated for 5-15% below market value. Buying from an investor will save a lot of headaches and the cost of the remodel is already built into your monthly payments. Either way, for those of you who have waited to buy a house, your wait may be over.

- Russ Hemmis

MARCH 13 IS "ORGANIZE YOUR HOME DAY" SO LET'S GET TO WORK

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:26:00 +0000

It's always a great idea to get organized, but since it's actually "organize your home day" let's really put in the effort. Here's a great idea to get you started:

Find some old cabinets (maybe someone in your neighborhood is remodeling and disgarding them, check a yard sale, look online, scan the pennysaver/thrifty nickel/Habitat for Humanity Store) and install them in your garage, shed, workshop or craft room - file cabinets work fine too. This helps organize the tools and miscellaneous supplies that we all have and keeps it from looking cluttered.

The trick is to make sure everything gets put back each time you use it (that's a whole other blog!) If you're feeling really ambitious, make dividers for each drawer or cabinet and label them. You can always make this a 'family' project and deligate these little details.

Who knows? Today the garage...tomorrow the kitchen! Or next year, it's cool.

Bob Vila Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Russ & Marcus) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:12:00 +0000

Team 2 Times blogger extraordinaire, Marcus, was recently featured on Bob Vila's Home Improvement Website. The article was featuring cool play areas built for kids! Check out the article on Bob Vila's website!