http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130616/BLOGS/306169989/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:15:22 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130616/BLOGS/306169989/-1/blogs01   Theres nothing quite so unsightly – and embarrassing – as a gaping hole marring the otherwise-perfect walls of your home. Drywall damage is uninviting and obvious; it just sticks out like a sore thumb, like a giant flashing neon sign that screams "I AM UGLY RIGHT HERE!"
Luckily, its not so hard to remedy a medium-to-large drywall hole.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130614/BLOGS/306149972/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:15:29 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130614/BLOGS/306149972/-1/blogs01   Building a bouldering wall at home requires planning, possible engineering help, power tools, and a good friend or two to help (or a good carpenter). Planning: You'll need to find a space that is amenable to a bouldering wall. Engineering help: The walls you build your bouldering wall out from have to be [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130614/BLOGS/306149992/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:11:17 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130614/BLOGS/306149992/-1/blogs01   A sometimes forgotten holiday, Flag Day is June 14th. Quite a few folks have probably thought about flying an American flag at their houses, but have never tried it. Where does a person even buy a flag? In what ways is it acceptable to decorate with the American flag? We've answered common flag etiquette questions to help [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130613/BLOGS/306139969/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:15:44 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130613/BLOGS/306139969/-1/blogs01   Some of the following plants are sold as ornamental plants. Some of them are native to one region, but are considered invasive in others. Some are just totally invasive imports. For a full discussion of invasive plants, visit Hometalk.com, where over 100 homeowners and gardeners shared their invasive plant horror stories.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130613/BLOGS/306139970/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:15:43 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130613/BLOGS/306139970/-1/blogs01   All you want is a kosher dill. You can see it, trapped within its glassy cave, taunting you with crisp, pickly goodness. And you cant get the lid off. Youve tried all the traditional tactics; turning, begging, pleading, cursing, and its still stuck fast. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130613/BLOGS/306139988/-1/blogs01   Bears are getting more and more comfortable these days when it comes to waltzing on into your neighborhood and taking whatever they want. News of bear attacks is up, and densely-populated regions across North America are taking steps to protect both bears and people.  See [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130611/BLOGS/306119968/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:15:50 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130611/BLOGS/306119968/-1/blogs01   Every thirty seconds, a koi pond is Pinned. Okay, I made that up, but seriously, does anyone else feel like koi ponds are the new it thing in landscaping and garden design? Obviously, theyre beautiful, and they combine all the great parts of water features and gorgeous creatures in the garden, but dont they kind of look like a maintenance [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130611/BLOGS/306119969/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:15:50 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130611/BLOGS/306119969/-1/blogs01   Its summer. A nice cold one would go down awfully well, but wheres that bottle opener gotten to? Youve searched the utensil drawer, rifled the stack of silverware next to the grill, and patrolled the grounds asking anyone if theyve seen it, but it hasnt turned up. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130608/BLOGS/306089979/-1/blogs01   I adore houseplants, and my general decorating aesthetic is somewhere between "rainforest" and "greenhouse". In other words, my attitude towards living green things is: the more the merrier. Which is actually kind of true – even science says so! Houseplants help to clean the air of harmful pollutants, and theyre also known [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130608/BLOGS/306089980/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 8 Jun 2013 17:12:33 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130608/BLOGS/306089980/-1/blogs01   Vintage silverware, or any old silverware, is a gift! You can use it to create so many whimsical decor objects for the house or for the garden. Are you ready to try being an amateur metal-smith? It's easier than you think.
Seven Hometalk members posted phenomenal projects in which they turned old silverware into something fabulous. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130608/BLOGS/306089981/-1/blogs01   Im torn. I am a hippie at heart. I was raised by hippies. I grew up weaving yarn on a loom and dancing to drum circles. Some people are born with a silver spoon? I was born with a burning sage. You know, for cleansing.
But heres my dirty secret: I love bleach. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130608/BLOGS/306089994/-1/blogs01   Denver painter G.Go Decorative has painted some really nice corporate murals. Custom murals in corporate environments can communicate company values. They also can boost employee morale by providing a positive branding experience to employees. A clever mural in a corporate environment can also impress customers. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079970/-1/blogs01   Did you know that lightning kills more people per year in America than tornadoes and hurricanes combined? Perhaps that childhood fear of lightning was justified after all. According to the University of Florida extension service, around 100 people in the US are killed every year by lightning. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079987/-1/blogs01   This morning, I almost needed a NYC concrete contractor to come scrape me off the sidewalk on the Manhattan bridge as I biked over it. The Manhattan Bridge is a long, not very steep hill, and I have no idea why it was so difficult to pedal. Probably 30 other bike commuters passed me as I huffed and puffed my way up to the crest of the hill.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079988/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 7 Jun 2013 11:12:50 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079988/-1/blogs01   A Portland roofer makes a very good case for attic and roof venting in his recent blog post. Venting a roof and attic serves two purposes: It prevents moisture buildup (also known as "wet rot"), and it cools down the attic, which helps to keep the house cooler.  See full [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079989/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 7 Jun 2013 11:12:50 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079989/-1/blogs01   Todays tips come from the excellent Chicago plumbers at the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Authority of Northern Illinois.
*Do not clean your air conditioners condenser coil without disconnecting the air conditioner from the power source first.  See full article.]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130606/BLOGS/306069973/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 6 Jun 2013 17:13:31 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130606/BLOGS/306069973/-1/blogs01   July 4th is coming, and I have some great patriotic decor ideas for you. Fortunately, red, white, and blue look fantastic together. When you add a vintage patina to red, white, and blue decor, you get a sweet style called "Americana". Americana mixes perfectly with a preppy, vintage porch decor scheme. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059973/-1/blogs01   Do you hate your bathroom? It is one of those rooms that is easy to loathe. Unlike other rooms where you can change and move the furniture, the nature of bathroom furnishings is that they are pretty much stationary, and fairly permanent. Why previous owners of a house would choose terrible tile, terrible [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059983/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 5 Jun 2013 11:23:35 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059983/-1/blogs01   1. Cut the tarp to the dimensions of the area you need to cover.
2. Staple it to the eve at intervals of no less than 10 inches.
3. Secure the other edge of the tarp.
This technique was shared by an Orlando roofing contractor. Tarping a roof might look easy, but it is a job best left to experienced workers.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059984/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 5 Jun 2013 11:23:35 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059984/-1/blogs01   Sometimes a leaking roof is only visible from indoors, most often in the attic. Its obviously good to periodically go up to your attic and check the walls and ceiling for signs of a leaking roof. A roofing contractor in Phoenix named the following as the top three signs of a leaky roof:
1.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059985/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 5 Jun 2013 11:23:34 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059985/-1/blogs01   A San Francisco concrete contractor discussed concrete blocks that are injected with carbon dioxide.
The carbon dioxide is recycled from local industrial sources. The blocks themselves are recyclable. "Building Green" named the blocks one of the ten most innovative green building materials. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059986/-1/blogs01   Want to know how to make the perfect burger on the grill this summer? These three articles are conclusive, thorough, and not written by jerks.
*How to grill burgers by Albert Burneko on Deadspin
*5 summer skills to master before labor day by Erin Scottberg on Popular Mechanics
*How to make the best burgers on Cooks Country
Bonus: The Home [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059987/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 5 Jun 2013 11:23:34 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059987/-1/blogs01   According to Shoe Digest, the best website I have recently discovered, it is not a good idea to throw canvas sneakers into the washing machine.
Here is how Shoe Digest recommends cleaning canvas sneakers by hand: Remove the shoe laces. Mix a few drops of detergent into a bowl of water. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059988/-1/blogs01   Have you ever noticed how hot server rooms can get? Computers produce a lot of heat! A Baltimore HVAC contractor recommends server room air conditioning. Since air conditioners moderate both humidity and temperature, air conditioning a server room will protect your computers.  [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049895/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 4 Jun 2013 17:18:04 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049895/-1/blogs01   A dishwasher that backs up is an inconvenience, and also can be really nasty. If months of food bits are swirling around your dishwasher and onto your kitchen floor, heres what to do, according to a skilled Minneapolis plumber:
1. Clean out the drain by removing the drain cover and gently auguring the drain. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049896/-1/blogs01   If a fountain in the yard seems like a pain in the keester to install, guess what…youve got options. Your options involve solar panels. Did you know that some fountains actually run on solar power? According to a San Diego electrician who installs solar panels, solar fountains are the new thing. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049983/-1/blogs01   It's not a bad idea to inspect your electrical system for obvious signs of failure once a year. According to a reputable Austin, Texas electrician, your eyes are pretty much the only tool you need to do a DIY yearly electrical inspection. Heres how :
*Look to see that outdoor wires are not touching trees. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049984/-1/blogs01   No matter what room you want to tile these days, the process of narrowing down your choices is daunting. Tiles come in different sizes, textures and materials including marble, natural stone, glass, mosaic, metal and clay. There are also variety of sub-types such as polished or unpolished, glazed, or [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049985/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 4 Jun 2013 11:19:26 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049985/-1/blogs01   The lovely and mysterious thing about tree roots growing into sewer lines is that it happens below ground, which means that you can't see it without a backhoe. It's a shame, isn't it? Because if something can make your toilet bubble up and your basement fill with sewage, you probably want to keep tabs on it.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049986/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 4 Jun 2013 11:19:26 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049986/-1/blogs01   Pool season has arrived. Suspicion will soon mount about that child who managed to swim for four hours straight. When grandpa jumps in the pool straight after his five hour drive to see you with no bathroom break in between, eyeballs will roll. Questions will [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049987/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 4 Jun 2013 11:19:26 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049987/-1/blogs01   Where is your garden hose leaking from? The location of the leak will define how you'll fix that leaking garden hose. Before you call a plumber or run out to replace your garden hose, try these DIY solutions to fix a leaky garden hose.
If it is leaking from the faucet (hose bib): The stem of the faucet is [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049988/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 4 Jun 2013 11:19:25 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049988/-1/blogs01   These are the expenses associated with responsible dog ownership, according to the ASPCA.
According to the ASPCA, dog ownership can cost almost $2000 in the first year, and between $580 and $875 per year in subsequent years.
Many homeowners find themselves deferring dog ownership due to the costs of owning a dog. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049989/-1/blogs01   Have you ever pried a straw out of the mouth of a young child, only to find it macerated and dripping in saliva? Let's all let out a collective "eeeewww". In general, my "clever uses" articles are meant to teach people how to get a second use out of something disposable. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130528/BLOGS/305289971/-1/blogs01   Is there anything that Mason jars can't do? I've been seeing Mason jars used as lampshades and lumieres all over the blog-o-sphere. Mason jars make excellent sconce shades: They are sturdy, easy-to-clean, and add to a rustic or industrial-chic design scheme.  See full article.]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130528/BLOGS/305289993/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 28 May 2013 11:18:39 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130528/BLOGS/305289993/-1/blogs01   The dog days of summer are coming, and in some parts of the U.S. of A., they have already arrived. If you had tons of money, you could, like, build a new house that is oriented toward the sun in the coolest way possible, and has a reflective metal roof, and is [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130528/BLOGS/305289956/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 28 May 2013 0:01:00 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130528/BLOGS/305289956/-1/blogs01   Shopping for a new counter top is an exciting part of remodeling a kitchen. Since the counter top occupies so much space and plays such a vital functional role in a kitchen, of course the decision about which new counter top to buy will be a tough one. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130525/BLOGS/305259987/-1/blogs01   All winter long, your car took a beating. There was salt; there was sand; there was that time you accidentally drove into a snow bank. Liquids are now dripping from your car's underside onto your driveway, and they're not water. Rings of shiny darkness are spotting your driveway; it's starting to look like a [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130525/BLOGS/305259988/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 25 May 2013 17:18:03 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130525/BLOGS/305259988/-1/blogs01   Your kitchen cabinets are exposed to grease, dirt, finger prints, sticky stuff, and the occasional projectile meatball. Ouch. That kind of stinks, because you paid a lot for them, right? I mean even if your kitchen doesn't look like this one...
...you still don't want to see this stuff on your cabinets. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130524/BLOGS/305249959/-1/blogs01   1. DIY Embellished Garden Lamp
2. DIY Patio Bottle Star
3. DIY Junk Mirror
4. Planting Doorknobs
5. Marbles Embedded in Fencing
6. DIY Glowing Garden Gazing Ball
7. This is a bowling ball covered in pennies.
8. DIY Mirror Mosaic Fence
9.  See full article.]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130524/BLOGS/305249960/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 24 May 2013 17:18:27 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130524/BLOGS/305249960/-1/blogs01   Fun fact #1: Cicadas have emerged and swarmed Staten Island, NY. Exterminators have perhaps their biggest project ever. Will the cicada infestation of 2013 be worse for Staten Island residents than the 2011 wild turkey infestation?
Fun fact #2: Brood II periodical cicadas have red eyes and clear wings.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130523/BLOGS/305239965/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 23 May 2013 22:17:17 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130523/BLOGS/305239965/-1/blogs01   Garage doors are the largest moving part of your house. They need consistent maintenance in order to function quietly and properly. The following basic DIY garage door maintenance tasks can be performed as needed, or once every three months.
How to lubricate a noisy garage door: There are a few big no-no's when it comes to lubricating [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130523/BLOGS/305239966/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 23 May 2013 22:17:17 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130523/BLOGS/305239966/-1/blogs01   Q. Paint peels off of my wood siding. It seems like I have to paint it every few years. Is this normal?
A. Yes, it is normal for paint to peel off of wood siding. Painted wood siding requires yearly maintenance. Cleaning your painted wood siding gently and fixing small patches of bubbling and peeling paint [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130522/BLOGS/305229952/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 22 May 2013 21:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130522/BLOGS/305229952/-1/blogs01   I'm all for being a considerate summertime neighbor. Being mindful of how much noise one produces and inviting the neighbors to an occasional barbecue at your place are nice ways to increase the peace in one's neighborhood.
But what if your neighbor is a noisy, nosy, scary jerk? What if you have asked him [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130522/BLOGS/305229973/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 22 May 2013 21:17:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130522/BLOGS/305229973/-1/blogs01   White picket pallet fence: Hometalk member Allison House turned ordinary pallets into fence pickets (white, natch). It's a down-home DIY take on a classic style.
An arbor elevates a white picket fence: A Saint Joseph, Missouri contractor transformed an ordinary white picket fence to an extraordinary white picket fence with the addition of a seriously [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130522/BLOGS/305229974/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 22 May 2013 21:17:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130522/BLOGS/305229974/-1/blogs01   Hello, Midwesterners, and anyone else who is looking at the prospect of rebuilding a flooded home. I will outline the process of rebuilding a flooded home in this article, and I will direct you to resources for information, building materials, and contractors. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130519/BLOGS/305199982/-1/blogs01   Weatherizing a home to reduce energy usage and maximize savings is something homeowners think about in cold weather. The fact is, energy efficiency is just as important during summer months, and simple improvements can make a big difference in your budget as well as increase comfort by keeping your [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169956/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 16 May 2013 17:24:25 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169956/-1/blogs01   Roommates are hard to find. Let me rephrase that. Good roommates are hard to find. It is very easy to find people who are renting out rooms in apartments. It is tempting to just take one of those rooms, just to get out of whatever crummy living situation you are in. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169997/-1/blogs01   1. Dishwasher Detergent: You will never have to buy commercial dishwasher detergent if you make this recipe, shared on Hometalk.com by The Seasoned Homemaker. Mix together 2 C. Borax, 2 C. Baking Soda, and 6 oz. LemiShine (available at Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores).  See [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169998/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 16 May 2013 15:05:15 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169998/-1/blogs01   Depending on the material that your bathtub is made of, you might have the option to refinish it rather than replace it. If your bathtub is made of porcelain, cast iron, or fiberglass, it can be refinished. The cost-effectiveness of refinishing versus replacing your tub depends on the cost of tub removal, dumping, and the cost of the new [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169999/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 16 May 2013 15:05:15 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169999/-1/blogs01   Remodeling a small kitchen is a challenge that quite a few of us face. Visions of wide open kitchens with multiple islands dance in our heads, but in reality we are remodeling our own small, perfectly imperfect kitchens.However, did you know that some professional cooks actually [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130512/BLOGS/305129987/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sun, 12 May 2013 17:18:47 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130512/BLOGS/305129987/-1/blogs01   I woke up this morning at my sister's house in San Francisco. I flew here yesterday for a family reunion. I am used to my bathroom in Brooklyn, and I wasn't really mindful of what I was doing when I woke up and rolled into the bathroom. I pulled my wedding ring and my engagement ring off of my finger when I washed my hands, and experienced that moment of horror and disbelief when your diamond [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130510/BLOGS/305109927/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 10 May 2013 9:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130510/BLOGS/305109927/-1/blogs01   Though we're not awake during most of the time that we spend in our bedrooms, most folks spend more hours in their bedrooms than in any other room of the house. Bedrooms can be full of allergens, or they can be safe havens from allergens. If you or your loved ones are [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130510/BLOGS/305109964/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 10 May 2013 17:20:41 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130510/BLOGS/305109964/-1/blogs01   Will the deer trend ever get played out? For years already, hipsters have been screen printing deer onto everything, from living room couch pillows to T-shirts. Home bloggers started putting deer motifs everywhere, from wall hangings to paper mache (cruelty free, natch) faux trophy heads. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130510/BLOGS/305109965/-1/blogs01   Did you have a tuna fish party and now have a whole pile of cans to recycle? Stay thy villainous hand! Thou shalt not heft those trusty vessels into the recycling bin! If you just made a record-size bowl of tuna fish salad for your favorite coworker's birthday lunch potluck at the office, you are in luck. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130509/BLOGS/305099958/-1/blogs01   Gardening seems like a pretty physical job. What does keeping a journal have to do with it? In the summers I spent working on small organic farms, the farmers kept extensive, detailed journals of what they had planted, where they had planted it, and what their daily activities were, as well as what the temperature and daily weather was. [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130509/BLOGS/305099986/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 9 May 2013 11:24:28 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130509/BLOGS/305099986/-1/blogs01   Lets set the tone by stating that I am not going to tell you to do the work yourself, nor to buy all of your materials second-hand. What Im discussing is how to make your normal, run-of-the-mill remodeling project cheaper. The assumption is that you will be employing a remodeling contractor to do the job, and that you wont be getting your materials [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130509/BLOGS/305099987/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 9 May 2013 11:24:27 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130509/BLOGS/305099987/-1/blogs01   In the 1980s and 1990s, oil got a bad rap. Nobody wanted to eat fat anymore, and nobody wanted to let oil touch her face. Oil made you fat, and oil gave you pimples. Except…it didnt. Along came the health food people of the new millennia, who announced that in fact, some oils are super-sludge that should never enter your body, but others are [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130505/BLOGS/305059995/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sun, 5 May 2013 11:21:58 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130505/BLOGS/305059995/-1/blogs01   In the 1980's, it was all about big art. Wall-size paintings were the sign of being "with it". At the moment, the reverse is true. Hip houses host collections of small framed art pieces that cover entire walls, or parts of walls. 2013 is the year of the vignette.  See full [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130504/BLOGS/305049981/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 4 May 2013 17:17:01 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130504/BLOGS/305049981/-1/blogs01   The Environmental Working Group released its annual list of pesticide concentrations in produce, known as "The Dirty Dozen" and "The Clean Fifteen." People who want to avoid ingesting pesticides, but who can't afford to buy 100% organic, tend to find this list very helpful.  See [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130504/BLOGS/305049982/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 4 May 2013 17:17:01 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130504/BLOGS/305049982/-1/blogs01   Hello out there, cupcakes. If you are reading this article, there is a good chance that it's because you dyed your hair in a bathroom that does not belong to you. Now you have to erase the evidence of having gotten hair dye all over the tub, shower, [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130504/BLOGS/305049993/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 4 May 2013 11:16:53 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130504/BLOGS/305049993/-1/blogs01   There are too many choices of coffeemakers. This is evident at the coffee shop that I splurge at once a month. They sell espresso, Chemex, Melita filter, and regular drip coffee there, and you get to choose which one you want.
At the moment, I keep a small French press at the office.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130503/BLOGS/305039937/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 3 May 2013 2:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130503/BLOGS/305039937/-1/blogs01   Mom's who garden might be the most fun to buy gifts for. This Mother's Day, give your gardening mom something that she'll love. There are so many unexpected options when it comes to gardening gifts. There are also gifts at every price point, and even DIY gift ideas, to choose from. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130503/BLOGS/305039962/-1/blogs01   Minneapolis plumbing experts at the University of Minnesota Extension Service published a very good guide to basement moisture. They identified several causes of basement moisture, and listed solutions. Here are a few reasons for basement moisture: Missing or defective downspouts, ineffective sump pit or drain tile, structural cracks, and improperly [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130503/BLOGS/305039963/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 3 May 2013 17:17:16 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130503/BLOGS/305039963/-1/blogs01   Although there are debates about whether this year is the worst year for allergy-sufferers ever, we do know for sure that this spring is pretty tough on them. Some scientists are blaming high levels of precipitation over the winter for the high pollen count this spring. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029933/-1/blogs01   Does your finished basement lack that certain something? A Silver Spring, Maryland contractor made a dynamite suggestion in a recent Washington Post article. He suggested that the homeowner hang perforated decorative screens between her basement's pillars.  [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029934/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 2 May 2013 1:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029934/-1/blogs01   Rustic slate shingles are the shingle to use if you are trying to give your house a look of luxury. If you look at the photos of slate and tile roofing in Cleveland (see photos of slate and tile roofing here) you will see how majestic they look. They're an investment, but one that has a serious aesthetic [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029935/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 2 May 2013 1:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029935/-1/blogs01   Did you know that if your bathroom sink drain is clogged or running slowly, the first step in fixing the drain yourself is to remove the stopper? According to San Diego plumber Anderson Plumbing, most bathroom sink clogs "congregate" around the stopper.  [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029936/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 2 May 2013 1:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029936/-1/blogs01   Green roofers in Seattle should be seeing steady business. The city of Seattle is offering quite a few green building incentives to its residents. Do you want to retrofit your roof in Seattle? The city offers low interest loans for retrofitting as part of their HOMEWISE program. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029937/-1/blogs01   If you're doing a green remodel or LEED certified new building, you might need to hire a green tile contractor. I didn't even know about green tile contractors until I discovered Frank O'Reilly, a green tile contractor in San Francisco. His specialty is ecological tiling that is especially healthy for people with chemical [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029938/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 2 May 2013 1:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029938/-1/blogs01   A Miami electrician offers one of the best lists of energy vampires to unplug that I have seen on the Web. Their list includes secrets like the "other" off switch, smart strips, and GreenSwitch. Click though to learn how to save energy by powering down energy vampires.  See [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029939/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 2 May 2013 1:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029939/-1/blogs01   Maybe you are on the fence (or the deck railing) about building a deck. You'd like to have one, but you're just not sure if you want to go for it. Between finding the right contractor, making time to plan the project, and laying out the cash, building a deck can be discouraging. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029940/-1/blogs01   Are you suffering from seasonal allergies? Consider replacing carpet with tile or wood floor. Doing so will dramatically reduce the presence of major allergens, such as mites and house dust which aggravate seasonal allergies.  View original post.]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029961/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 2 May 2013 17:16:50 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130502/BLOGS/305029961/-1/blogs01   There are several different types of residential solar lights available today which are replacing old electrical and gas lamps. These solar lamps lights can help with everything from reducing your monthly electric bills, brightening up your garden and landscape, to keeping your property safe and secure.  See [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019933/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 1 May 2013 0:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019933/-1/blogs01   Mother's Day is an opportunity to give a gift from the heart. Or maybe from the workshop? If you or your mom are DIY enthusiasts, here are seven Mother's Day gift ideas that she'll love.
1. DIY Mother's Day Centerpiece: Why give your mom an ordinary bunch of flowers when you could [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019952/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 1 May 2013 17:22:30 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019952/-1/blogs01   Who even looks at the dryer vent? I know I don't. It's a dusty place behind the dryer that I would prefer to ignore. HOWEVER: The Austin, Texas electrical experts at Pedernales Electric Cooperative make a good case for cleaning the dryer vent hose. They suggest cleaning the dryer vent hose two or three times per year.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019953/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 1 May 2013 17:22:29 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019953/-1/blogs01   Here's a tiling tip: The substrate is critical for optimal tile setting and tile performance. According to Chicago tile installation expert Century Tile, chipping and breakage can occur if the tile substrate is uneven. Plywood, concrete, and drywall are all used as tile substrates. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019954/-1/blogs01   What do roofers in Orlando fear most? They fear freak falls, reports the Orlando Business Journal. It makes sense, and is probably true for roofers in other areas. The Orlando Business Journal quotes a veteran roofer who (knock on wood) had never experienced a fall. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130501/BLOGS/305019987/-1/blogs01   Residents of southwest Houston are cleaning up from flooding today. Saturday night's flash floods ruined cars, flooring, and any possessions that were less than 8 inches off the floors of most houses. The Associated Press reported that heavy rains brought a deluge of water on Saturday night, which flowed through the streets "like [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130427/BLOGS/304279986/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:17:41 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130427/BLOGS/304279986/-1/blogs01   As a New Yorker, the one piece of garbage that I am most likely to acquire and then throw into an overstuffed landfill is a paper coffee cup, with its ubiquitous plastic lid. In the four blocks between my subway stop and the office where I work, there are five coffee shops and two coffee carts. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130427/BLOGS/304279987/-1/blogs01   Every summer, thousands of homeowners embark on sweaty, dusty, angst-filled journeys. No, I am not speaking about the annual journey to retrieve their children from college for summer break. I am speaking about remodeling projects.
Why are remodeling projects sources of misery and loathing? I don't mean to blame the victim, but sometimes [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269962/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:18:08 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269962/-1/blogs01   The Seattle Times reported that residents of Seattle are putting up resistance to the development of micro-apartment buildings. Because these micro-housing buildings are not subject to the same zoning laws as traditional housing, Seattle contractors and developers have irked locals. [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269963/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:18:08 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269963/-1/blogs01   I love these pergolas! For more inspiration, check out The Charlotte News Observer's awesome article on pergolas built by Charlotte carpenters.
Photos, clockwise from top left: m_ke/Flickr, geonan/Flickr, starmisk/Flickr, guldfisk/Flickr. All photos are under the Creative Commons Attribution License.  See full article.]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269964/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:18:07 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269964/-1/blogs01   I'm not sure how you are feeling, but right about now I could go for the squishy delight of a good arm chair. I'm talking about the kind of arm chair that makes you relax just by sitting in it. One whose plush upholstery is padded just so. I am talking about an arm chair that loves you back. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269934/-1/blogs01   I am not sure if there exists a better smell than the smell of lilacs on a breezy summer night. Also, their bright green foliage and clusters of tiny purple flowers bring a soft beauty to a backyard or front yard. While lilac bushes are a fairly low-maintenance perennial plant, they do grow better with a bit of human assistance.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130425/BLOGS/304259963/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:17:26 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130425/BLOGS/304259963/-1/blogs01   I read this morning in Real Simple (You have a problem with that? Say it to my face.) that well-known financial advisers recommend the following ratios for spending and saving take-home pay: either 70% to "needs" (like rent or mortgage), 20% to "wants" (fun money), and 10% to savings; or 50% to "needs", 30% to wants, and 20% to savings. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130424/BLOGS/304249965/-1/blogs01   In her great essay about designing a wheelchair accessible kitchen, Dr. Rosemary Rossetti calls the kitchen "the most important room of the house". I agree. Can you imagine not being able to use your own kitchen? Fortunately, there are some great remodeling contractors, architects, and designers out there [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130424/BLOGS/304249966/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:17:37 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130424/BLOGS/304249966/-1/blogs01   Guys, I hate to break it to you, but your neighbor's toilet might clean itself. It is this fact, released by the plumbing fixture manufacturer Toto last week, that brings me to make this statement: The commode is really becoming a throne. That's why I'd like to offer you a side-by-side comparison of actual thrones of historical monarchs, and the newest toilets on [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130424/BLOGS/304249949/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 24 Apr 2013 0:01:00 +0000 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130424/BLOGS/304249949/-1/blogs01   After The Worst Week In America, I'm assuming quite a few folks are thinking about home security. The attack on the Boston Marathon and the shooting at a festival in Denver, and even the explosion at the fertilizer plant in Texas, probably gave a few people pause to wonder if they are actually safe at home.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130423/BLOGS/304239962/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:17:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130423/BLOGS/304239962/-1/blogs01   On Friday, April 19, 2013, Frank Nasse stopped to enjoy the view of the Peconic River on his way to work. according to Newsday, Frank Nasse does this every day. I can only imagine the sense of peace he gets by having a cup of coffee outdoors in nature on his way to the office. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130423/BLOGS/304239963/-1/blogs01   The words "house guest" usually conjure up feelings of privacy being invaded, coffee cups being left on the table, and the bathroom being unavailable when you need it most. That's why they make inns, and bed and breakfasts, and hotels. In a weird turn of events that can only be described as fallout from the DIY blogosphere and an impulse [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130420/BLOGS/304209978/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:23:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130420/BLOGS/304209978/-1/blogs01   1. Because seeds are rad.
2. Because crocuses bloom early.
3.  See full article.]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130420/BLOGS/304209979/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:17:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130420/BLOGS/304209979/-1/blogs01   1. That Mason Jars rule the world.
2. That caulking your bathtub is totally a photo op.
3. That a tablecloth is really just a rug in disguise.
4.  See full article.]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130419/BLOGS/304199946/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:17:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130419/BLOGS/304199946/-1/blogs01   Flower pots, whether plain or custom painted, are so nice to have out on the porch, or in the yard. And there are so many kinds of containers to enjoy, from thrifted finds to high-end stone. One thing is certain: flower pots can add to, or detract from, the style of your house. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130419/BLOGS/304199947/-1/blogs01   Prepping the deck and setting up a sweet outdoor living room is a surefire way to usher in springtime with style. You know what? Blogger Myra from My Blessed Life shared 29 ways to update outdoor furniture on a tight budget. Want to know what else? Not only are these ideas for refinishing outdoor furniture cheap, they are also [...]]]> http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130419/BLOGS/304199948/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:17:16 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130419/BLOGS/304199948/-1/blogs01   With the help of Columbus, Ohio area landscaping experts Jim and Mary from Old World Garden Farms, we are bring you five tips for eliminating weeds in your garden. With consistent maintenance (only 10 minutes per day!) and some smarts, your garden can be weed free. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130418/BLOGS/304189954/-1/blogs01   Soda cans can be recycled. In some states, you can even redeem them for a nickel. So why would you save a soda can when you could just toss it in the recycling bin? Well, to start off, soda cans are made of a pretty craft-friendly material. If you wanted to buy perfectly bendable, yet sturdy, sheet metal, you'd have to go looking for it.  http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130418/BLOGS/304189955/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:16:01 http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130418/BLOGS/304189955/-1/blogs01   If you're looking for a way to make an accent wall really pop, and if you want to give a room a rustic edge at the same time, a DIY pallet wall might be your jam. First, you're going to need pallets. I've posted links below to great posts that explain where to find pallets, and how to disassemble them into boards. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130418/BLOGS/304189956/-1/blogs01   In order to amass the 800 (!) wine corks that it took for a DIY tile installer in Saint Louis to tile her kitchen back splash with wine corks, she needed to find a lot of wine corks. If you want to do a project involving wine corks, make friends with a few local bartenders and ask them to save their wine corks for you. http://www.granitefallsnews.com/article/20130418/BLOGS/304189957/-1/blogs01   It used to be that a refrigerator stood alone. It jutted out from the wall, and it hummed loudly as it kept the food cool. It neither made ice nor dispensed water. Those days are over.
The kitchen designers of the present are all about streamlining lines, and hiding appliances.