Remodeling Projects

In this Chapter of The Comprehensive Guide to Home Renovations Large and Small you will not only find easy to follow from-start-to-finish directions on a variety of home renovation design projects.

You’ll discover a wealth of information on the various aspects of home structure features. And tips for increased project success. Yielding the type professional result that will give even the novice homeowner DIY planner a real sense of achievement.

To make things even easier, the various tools, aspects of building structure, techniques, and terms associated with renovation projects that the average homeowner may not be familiar with can be found in the Glossary of Terms; located at the front of the book.

Projects outlined in this chapter include:

• Kitchen cabinet wall and base cabinet installation – with complete directions for the do it yourself kitchen cabinet homeowner. Including a list of all tools required to complete the job, where to begin, locating studs, how to ensure cabinets will be plumb, how and where to shim when needed, and handy tips to help ensure DIY project success.
• How to frame a ceiling - whether replacing a ceiling in an older home or preparing to install one in a newly constructed house. The concise information offered sheds light on ceiling framing techniques in an easy to grasp format.
• Ceiling paneling – for a designer ceiling that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, wood paneling is an especially complimentary choice for a vaulted ceiling. Outlining wood ceiling paneling choices and other specifics, instructions for accurate measurement, important things to take into consideration before making purchases, tips and techniques that will help yield professional results, steps to take to get the project underway, and complete wood plank ceiling installation instructions are included.

• Ceiling texturing - whichever ceiling texture you prefer, this chapter’s helpful section on drywall ceiling texture tips and techniques will prove a step in the right direction. Hand applied or spray ceiling texture; from knockdown ceiling texture to popcorn or any other ceiling texture pattern. Applying ceiling texture adds character to room décor and home renovation design, helps hide drywall seams that are not perfectly smooth, and isn’t nearly as difficult as one might think.

• Installing counter top tile – easy to understand directions for installing ceramic tile even a novice DIY kitchen homeowner will appreciate. Complete with specifics on planning ahead, things to take into consideration before installing tile, taking accurate measurements, how to finish off edges, cut tile, add a backsplash, and more. Also included – a complete list of materials and tools required to complete the project. And how to install a plywood core topped by cementboard when making a completely new countertop.
• Floors – type of flooring to be removed (how to remove old carpet, how to remove ceramic tile, etc.), followed by preparing subfloor for new flooring; new floor options are explored. Everything from new carpet, to ceramic or stone tile, to laminate type flooring. With complete, detailed instructions for how to install hardwood flooring, a laminated hardwood floor, and sheet vinyl floor covering. Including directions on creating your own paper pattern for a perfect fit. Lists of helpful tips are also included; the dos and do not secrets of the trade. And finally, installation directions for a floor warming system that’ll keep feet cozy and warm – even on ceramic tile during cold, winter months.
• Installing wallboard on walls and ceilings – the basics as well as the finer points of proper drywall installation are covered. Complete and thorough - from wall board hanging, to how to tape and mud drywall like a pro. Various other aspects are included, such as corner bead, type fasteners to use, how much sanding is required, whether to use paper or mesh drywall tape, and other considerations the do it yourself drywall homeowner will appreciate. Followed by finishing up with wall texture and the different wall texture options available.
• Soundproofing – for a soundproof wall with high STC rating; perfect for home theater, bedrooms, quest quarters, or any other room in the house where privacy and noise reduction is an issue. With insight and directions for increasing STC rating for a soundproof room, and what works best for wall soundproof insulation.
• Windows – a rundown on the various window type and window frame options; their benefits, uses, drawbacks, and impact on home renovation design. Along with instructions for removing old windows, window framing, new window installation complete with guidelines for success and complete list of materials and tools required to complete the task. Plus window caulking the proper way for effective insulation and professional looking results.

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The Comprehensive Guide to Home Renovations