Thing$ You Can Paint Instead of Replace to $ave Money

7 Things You Can Paint Instead of Replace to Save Money

You know a fresh coat of paint can give any room a quick and inexpensive facelift. But did you know that a little paint can also perk up carpets, appliances, and even vinyl floors?

Basically, if it doesn’t move, you can paint it. But only after you’ve paid special attention to prep — cleaning, patching, and sanding (generally) the area.

Painting isn’t brain surgery, but it’s not a breeze, either. Here are some rules of thumb:

• Prime before painting. Primer will allow the paint to adhere better.

• Most hard surfaces will take primer better if they’re roughed up a little with fine-grade sandpaper.

• When using spray paint, multiple, thin layers are better than one, thick coat. Ease up on your trigger finger, and spray in short bursts.

• Wait for the previous coat of paint or primer to dry completely before adding another coat.

With proper prep, you can paint just about anything. Here are seven of our favorite ideas:

1. Door, Drawer, and Cabinet Hardware

Spray paint can turn builder-grade brass locks and hinges into fashion-forward hardware with an oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, or stainless look.

Prep:

1. Clean hardware with a fine steel wool to remove grease and grime.
2. Rough up the surface with fine-grain sandpaper.
3. Before you paint, insert a tiny strip of painter’s tape into the keyhole to make sure paint doesn’t gunk it up.
4. Prime with a metallic primer, then paint with metallic spray paint.

Tip:

• Insert the door lock’s spindle into a square of Styrofoam, which will hold it upright while you spray around the knob.

2. Brick Fireplace

When you paint your red brick fireplace, you transform the entire room. But beware! Once you paint brick, it’s nearly impossible to return it to the original brick color.

You can paint brick a single color, or achieve some variation — like the variations in real brick — by sponging on slightly lighter and darker hues.

Prep:

1. Lightly sand away any loose bits of brick or mortar with 120-grit sandpaper.
2. Clean dirt and soot with a wire brush and heavy-duty cleanser.
3. Allow to dry completely before applying an oil-based, stain-blocking primer.
4. Paint with a semigloss latex.

Tips:

• Never paint the firebox.

• Brick is porous and drinks paint, so buy twice what you think you’ll need.

• Wear safety glasses and gloves when cleaning anything with a metal brush.

3. Ceramic Tile

Imagine how sweet it is to update ceramic tile without having to bust up and cart away tons of old tile.

Play it safe and avoid painting tiles in high-traffic and high-moisture areas. Some good places are laundry room floors, backsplashes under cabinets (but not above ranges where pasta sauce splatters), and walls around tubs you rarely use.

Prep:

1. Repair cracked or chipped tile with caulk or grout before painting.
2. Give patching material ample time to dry, then lightly sand before applying an epoxy or urethane bonding primer.
3. Sand after priming and between each coat of quality latex paint.
4. Wait several days for the paint to cure completely, then seal with two or three coats of clear, water-based polyurethane.

Tips:

• To get a smooth look, apply paint in zigzags, then roll down in one, smooth motion.

• Use 240-grit wet/dry sandpaper for prep and between coats.

• Don’t forget safety goggles and masks when sanding tiles.

Preventing Water Damage and Leak$

To diminish the possibility of water damage to your home

1)  Check for leaks by periodically inspecting the following areas around:

• refrigerator (ice maker malfunctions)
• dishwasher
• water heaters
• sinks (watch for a drip, drip, drip)
• toilets
• ceilings (roof leaks)
• yard (water lines)

Check for any discolored flooring or spots on the ceiling which may indicate a slow leak.  Soft spots , warped flooring or warm spots may indicate a slow or intermittent leak that has damaged the underlying flooring.

2)  Pay attention to your water bill.  Even a small drip can consume a gallon of water an hour!

3)  Use steel braided hoses for the washing machine which reduces the chance of them breaking as they age.  These cost more initially but if you've ever had one break you know how much you'll save in the long run.  Think of it as insurance!

4)  If you have pipes that are exposed to the outside walls and live in an area where temps drop below freezing-insulate your pipes to prevent a problem!

5)  Vacationing?  Turn off the water supply to the washing machine, ice maker, toilets, sinks in the event of unexpected issues.  Have a friend or family member regularly check your home...just in case!


If you have a leak:

We once had a ceiling leak that started as a small brown spot the size of a silver dollar.  We called the DAY we notice it.  By the time the adjuster came it covered about half the ceiling.  Before they repaired it water was streaming in through the damaged area and eventually ruined 4 rooms.  Photo documentation saves us a lot of hassle with our insurance agent.

1)  Turn off the water source if you can safely do so (remember water conducts electricity)

2)  Call your insurance agent as soon as possible.  Call back if you don't get prompt service.

3) Don't be afraid to fight for what you need.  We needed a tarp and it wasn't covered!  We argued that the expense to the damaged roof would more than exceed the cost of the tarp and our agent agreed.  Luckily for us (and them) they tarped us 2 days before it rained 6 inches in a 2 hour period!    My bathroom would have ended up in my basement with that amount of rain!

4)  Don't do any major clean up, start repairs or throw items away until you've met with the adjustor and they  have inspected the property.

5)  Take photographs

6)  Relax:  Stuff can be repaired or replaced!

Di$hwa$her $en$e

Here are a couple ideas that can save you money when using your dishwasher:

Use the lightest cycle possible-not every load requires the power wash and heated drying cycle

Use less detergent-the more soiled the dishes, the more detergent you should use (up to the full amount)
Most dishwashers clean just fine with a teaspoon of detergent

Use a rinse aid to assist with drying

Skip heated drying

Use the rinse and hold cycle for families that don't need to run the dishwasher more than once a week. 

Always run it using a full load (but you knew that!)

In the event of flooding

I live near the banks of the Ohio River and it occasionally floods.  Thankfully, our home has never been affected, but many of my neighbors have had the water invade their homes. 

FEMA says that 100% of Americans live in flood prone regions and the only differentiating factor is your risk level (low, medium and high)

To prepare for a flood

• Place irreplaceable items and valuables in areas safe from flooding
• Back up photographs on a disk or portable hard drive and place it in your safe deposit box
• Create a binder of important documents like insurance policies and make sure to take it with you if you need to evacuate
• Know the location of your main electrical switch, water valve and gas main.  Learn to properly turn these off, but NEVER tread into water to do so!
• Develop a safety plan in case of an evacuation that includes a safe place to meet away from flood waters.  Inform your family members and neighbors (who can inform the authorities or wayward family members where you can be located)
• Assemble some emergency supplies which should include a first aid kit, bottled water, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, rubber gloves and boots.

Stay out of flood waters.  As little as 6 inches of moving water s enough to throw a grown man off his feet.  2 feet of flowing water can sweep away your vehicle.  Never drive into moving water.  Remember to take your pets with you in the event you need to evacuate.