Home Makeover Diva

How To Measure And Install Window Blinds Yourself

02.23.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Janet writes:

Could you walk me through the process of measuring and installing new window treatments myself? I’ve done several other projects around the house and I think I’m finally ready to tackle this one! Thank you so much for your help!

Janet, your first step will be to measure your windows for the new blinds. Make sure you have a metal tape measure, pen and paper, and a step-ladder or folding ladder to stand on depending on how tall your windows are. It is very important that you use a metal tape measure and not a seamstresses measuring tape. The reason being that unlike a metal tape measure, a seamstresses measuring tape can be inaccurate based on how tight you hold its ends. This is why it is important to always use a metal tape measure for any home improvement project, as it will give you a true unbiased measurement. Once you’ve got all the needed tools assembled, decide where the blinds will be hung from. Are you going to hang them inside the window frame or mount them on the wall around the window?

For inside the window frame, place the end of your tape measure inside the window frame itself, then measure from inside edge to inside edge. Do this in three spots for the width, and three spots for the height. This way, you’ll know whether you need to compensate for your windows being out of square. Do this regardless of how old the house is, older homes are usually the worst at being out of square, but newer homes aren’t perfect either. If your window is out of square, you’ll want to take the largest of all three measurements. This could potentially let in more light around the window blind, but it is better than the alternative – which is your window treatment not fitting inside the window frame!

For outside the window frame mounts, measure from at least 1-1/2 inches outside the window frame on either side. You may need to make adjustments to this number based on any obstacles or molding. A few tips to keep in mind: Try to avoid mounting your blinds into the moulding or trim work, because this will be noticeable if the blinds are taken down and not replaced. Be extra careful to check the area you are going to mount the blinds for electrical wires and adequate space. If your window butts up next to a cabinet, make sure you are checking your measurements next to that cabinet or another obstacle.

Once you’ve written down the measurements for both the width and the height of your window, it’s time to purchase your new blinds. Make sure you write down the dimensions in width x height format (side to side, then top to bottom), and make sure the number is in inches, not feet. Once you’ve got this important number, you can go pick out your new window treatments!

One of the biggest mistakes novices make when purchasing new window treatments, is not being ultimately clear with the salesperson on how the window treatments were measured. This is why it is important to stress to the salesperson that your measurements are your actual window dimensions and to make sure they know whether you are planning on installing them as an inside mount or an outside mount. The reason being that an inside mount typically has a 1/2 inch taken off the total width measurement, so that the blind will fit inside the window frame. While an outside mount is made to the exact measurements requested. It might seem redundant, but I always have the salesperson read back my measurements and the type of mount so that I can make sure we are communicating effectively and so my blinds will be made correctly.

Once you bring your new blinds home, you are then ready to hang them. Make sure you’ve got a power drill and it’s charged, your measuring tape, a pencil and step ladder. You’ll want to remove the old blind and it’s hardware first. (Unless you purchased the exact same kind of blind and the hardware is in good condition.)

Make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions when installing the new hardware. Most instructions will tell you how many inches in from the edge of the window the hardware needs to be installed. Then using your tape measure and pencil mark where the new hardware will go. Hold the hardware in that place and make a mark where each screw will be placed. This way, you can start the hole of the screw without having to hold the bracket firmly in place. Giving you two hands to hold the drill and keep it steady. Don’t tighten the first screw firmly in place, you want to wait to tighten it completely until the final screw is in as well. No matter what project you are working on, it’s always a good idea to slowly tighten the screws as this will help you avoid stripping them. Repeat this for the remainder of the brackets.

For an inside mount, you’ll also want to make sure that the hardware is spaced evenly in the depth of the window sill as well. Otherwise your blind will sit crookedly in the window and potentially scrape against the window frame as it’s opened and closed.

Now that the brackets are installed, you are ready to hang the blind. Remember to read the instructions prior to hanging so you understand how the blind fits into the brackets. Some brackets are flimsier than others and could be damaged if you try to put the blind in the wrong way. If your blind is over 60 inches, you may need another set of hands to hang it. The wider the blind the harder it is to hold by yourself. Plus some brackets are tricky, and require you to hold the blind just so to connect the two. Additionally, the wider the blind the heavier it can be become. This is especially true for wood and faux wood blinds. They can get downright heavy and it’ll be nice to have someone else to share the weight with.

Jiggle the blind around slightly to make sure you’ve got it firmly in the brackets. Otherwise it might fall down on you. Some brackets make a definite snap noise when the blind is securely in place. Once the blind is successfully in the window you are done! Open and close the blind, making sure all parts work smoothly. If you have a problem, alert the company immediately so it can be fixed. You have a limited amount of time, before any problems are your sole responsibility.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Antique Style Vanity

02.19.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Angie writes:

Diva, I need your help. I’m trying to find an antique style vanity for two of my bathrooms. The problem I’ve had so far is finding vanity styles that honestly feel antique, without actually spending money on something that is that old.

The first bathroom needs a vanity for double sinks, the second requires a bathroom vanity for a single sink. Also, I’d prefer that they not match exactly, as this takes away from the antique feel of the bathroom. So close, but not matching would be ideal. Can you think of any examples I might consider? I’ve had little luck on my own.

Well Angie, I actually have two different antique vanities that come to mind. Each one will fit the needs of your bathroom quite nicely, based on what you’ve described to me in your email. The first one is going to be for your bathroom requiring the double sinks, with the last one being a nice a fit in your single sink bathroom.

Don’t let the price of this double sink vanity fool you. The 72″ Kleinburg double Sink Bathroom Vanity is worth every penny for the look you’re aiming for. The best part is that it presents itself in a very tasteful cream marble counter top, while being supported by a very warm looking vanity structure. And the under mounted bisque porcelain basin brings the entire piece together very nicely.

Now the faucets are sold separately, so you may want to shop around a bit for the best match. This said, anything themed for the classic look that comes in a darker tone will work very nicely. The provided storage offered by this vanity will meet the needs of just about anyone looking to fill up this kind of space with a double sink. The material this vanity is made of is of the highest quality, so it will not present any problems with lengthy exposure to humid conditions, such as being installed into a high traffic bathroom.

Now this attractive little vanity is just perfect for your second bathroom. And as you can see from the image to the left, the 31″ Fiesta sink vanity Cabinet comes with a marble counter top, while offering up warm wood tones that vary ever so slightly from the tones found with your other bathroom vanity. This single sink vanity also offers you the option of the under mounted biscuit porcelain basin.

It should also be noted that this smaller vanity offers greater degree of design whereas the one above, is not as “curvy” looking. Based on what you shared in your message to me, this is more of a feature than a problem. It will help to lend a distinctive flare to your smaller bathroom without looking out-of-place. Sometimes avoiding the “matchy-matchy” look to home decor can go a long ways.

If after looking at both of these, you’re still not sold, I do have other options. You could always consider a Rustic Bathroom Vanity or another type of Wood Bathroom Vanity Design altogether. Either way, you do have some solid choices to browse through.

Cleaning Granite Countertops Safely

02.18.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Susan writes:

Dear Diva, A friend of mine just told me I could use regular Pledge on my granite countertops. Is this true? I’ve used Pledge on my wooden surfaces but it just doesn’t seem like the thing to use on granite. Please help, I’m confused! Cleaning granite countertops safely is what I’m after here.

Dear Susan, you will hear a lot of other people’s advice on what they think you can use to clean or polish your granite countertops. And Pledge is one of those items that even some of the high-profile websites have readily endorsed lately. However this advice could be absolutely wrong for your countertops. Despite the fact that the can of Pledge even says that it can be used on granite and marble alike, there is some fine print that should be noted. Right on the can and on their own website Pledge specifies that it is ‘safe to use only on finished, sealed surfaces.’

1) Important Warranty and Disclaimer Information – Unfortunately, though, none of the high-profile websites or your friend probably mentioned that disclaimer. This is a shame because it could cause a problem if your granite has never been sealed or is in need of a fresh coat of sealer. If your granite countertops were made in the last couple years than the odds are pretty good that they have the lifetime (15 year) warranty and seal. If this is the case than you could probably use Pledge and be perfectly fine. However, if your granite countertops are older or in need of a sealer, you could have some discoloration or staining appear depending on the colors in your granite.

2) Read the Product Label – This is why I always recommend reading the entire label (fine print and all), on any product you are going to use on your countertops and when possible contacting the company who provided your countertops to find out what the manufacturer suggestions for cleaning products are. Especially, considering that if you use the wrong product you could void your manufacturer warranty. Now I know what some of you are thinking: manufacturer warranties don’t cover a lot. But in my experience the time you dismiss that warranty is the time you need it! And on a product that costs as much as granite, it would be wise to preserve that warranty as much as you can.

Beware: Pledge is not the only product that is being recommended incorrectly for granite countertops. Some websites are advising readers on how to remove specific stains on granite countertops using other unsafe products. While I have no doubt that most of these remedies will work, I am concerned that none of the granite cleaners recommend by legitimate countertop experts rely on bleach or other harsh chemicals.

These household cleaners aren’t mindful of the sealer applied to your granite counters. So while using bleach or acetone on your granite will no doubt strip the stain, it will also strip the sealer at the same time. This of course, means you would be even more susceptible to countertop staining in the future.

3) Avoid Misleading Advise – Why the so-called “experts” on these unnamed websites aren’t mentioning this critical info is beyond me. Apparently they’re also suggesting that you reseal your granite every two to three years based on their cleaning advice. Just remember to be mindful of the granite warranty and the warranty on any granite sealers you’ve used prior to stain removal. Following directions on the back of your granite cleaner is always a good idea while using household products and following bad advice, is something that is best to be avoided.

Granite countertops are expensive and you should protect your investment regardless of how easy someone else’s advice may be to follow. If you read the fine print on any cleaning products and do your research as far as warranties go, you’ll save yourself valuable time and money.

Update: One other product that is made specifically for cleaning granite countertops safely is called Rock Doctor. Despite the silly name, this product has received great reviews! You will only need the polish and cleaner, assuming your granite as already be sealed. These products are designed for granite and will prevent you from voiding your warranty using the wrong granite cleaning products.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog.

Kitchen Cart With Granite Top

02.17.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Deb writes:

Diva, I am so tired of my kitchen I could scream. It’s large, yet somehow lacks countertop space. I wish I had granite instead of black laminate countertops. I’m renting so I can’t make any permanent changes but is there anything I can do to class the place up?

Deb, I know how it feels to hate your kitchen, but don’t despair there is always something you can do to make it better. For example, have you ever thought about adding a kitchen cart with granite top? This way you get more of the countertop space that is needed, as well as, the granite you’re wishing for. And since you’re renting, a kitchen cart is something that you can take with you when you move later on. Add to that the fact that kitchen carts can get as cheap or expensive as your budget can afford and you’ve got a viable option for any modern household! Here are a few things to keep in mind before you purchase your kitchen cart.

Size Matters: The key to picking out the perfect kitchen cart is to make sure you consider the flow of your kitchen. You don’t want a cart that is too large or bulky and just gets in your way. This is why, in my opinion the most important aspect is to make sure that the cart will fit well within the classic kitchen triangle. The best way to do this is to open the doors of the oven, dishwasher and refrigerator and measure from the edge of the open door, instead of the edge of the appliance. Otherwise it could get annoying if you have to move the cart out of the way every time you load your dishwasher or take something out of the oven, let alone have to put something away in the fridge! So by choosing something that fits well within those guidelines, you’ll be preventing a size issue from occurring later on down the line.

Wear and Tear: Another thing to be wary of is whether or not the granite countertop part of the cart has been pre-sealed. This is especially important if you are going to use it for food prep because you’ll want to protect the granite from staining. I recommend getting a good food grade quality penetrating sealer. This way you’re prepared for food handling right from the beginning. Then depending on how often you use the kitchen cart, I would recommend re-sealing it every one to two years.

Make your Own: If you can’t find one that is the right color or has the right type of granite consider making your own kitchen cart. You can make it as challenging or easy as you like. If you don’t want to have to build the cart from scratch, consider getting one that is unfinished wood and painting it the color you want. I did this in my kitchen about two years ago and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. The best news is that the unfinished “wood block” looking ones are pretty cheap, too. I think the one I purchased was around $60 or $70 from IKEA. I used mosaic tile on the top of my kitchen island, but you can use 12×12 granite tiles or go to a fabricator. Most stores selling countertops will sell their small scraps cheap and if you pay a little extra, they can finish the edges so it will fit to your new kitchen cart.

The bottom line here Deb, is that you are not completely stuck with the kitchen you hate. There are “little things” you can do that may not change the entire look of your kitchen, but they will give you something to look at and be proud of everyday! Especially considering that you brought in something that is actually made of the material you love! And if that’s not enough, I’m willing to bet that kitchen cart with granite top will become the new focal point for that area!

Carpet Fibers Comparison

02.17.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

There are many different types of carpet fibers available. However, when it comes to purchasing new wall to wall carpeting, most homeowners stick with one of three choices. These three carpet fibers are olefin, polyester and nylon. If you’re in the market for new carpeting and aren’t sure where to begin, this article will help you get a better understanding of those three fibers by offering a carpet fibers comparison and help you make a decision on which type is best for your home.

Olefin, also known as Polypropylene, is one of the most inexpensive carpet fibers available. Not known for softness, this carpet fiber is better suited for looped carpet styles. Despite the looped style, the fiber does not hold up to heavy foot traffic as well as others and should be avoided in hallways and on stairways. Carpets with Olefin fiber are most commonly found in converted garages, basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, and home offices. Olefin carpets are better suited to handle moisture than the other fibers and resist staining.

Polyester fiber is moderately priced. Some styles are more expensive than others, depending on what you are interested in. Polyester carpets are known for being soft to the touch, as well as fade and stain resistant. Some fibers are difficult to stain and have lifetime stain resistance warranties. In the past, polyester was known for not being a long wearing carpet fiber and was typically used only in formal living rooms and bedrooms. Today, however, there are many different types of polyester fibers and some are comparable to nylon in terms of wear. Specifically those that are the more eco-friendly fibers like PET the recycled pop bottle carpet, and PTT which is the carpet that is partly made from corn. The PTT polyester is an all around good value as it has superior stain resistance and is a great choice for families with young kids and pets.

Nylon fiber can be moderately priced, but tends to lean towards the expensive side compared to the other two options. Nylon fibers aren’t known for softness but are known for holding up in high-traffic situations, like family rooms, hallways and stairways. Just as polyester is switching to become more wear resistant, some nylon fiber types are becoming softer and more stain resistant. These fibers are Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6. These types of fibers are more commonly found in the higher priced and well-known brands, but are well worth the price in terms of lasting value. Another nylon fiber that both boasts long wearing as well as superior stain resistance is solution dyed nylon. This type of nylon is only found in a hand full of brands and will be on the higher-end price wise.

Now that you know what the three basic carpet fibers are, as well as, the strengths of each you have a better idea of what to look for in a carpet. There are other carpet fibers available, but these three are better suited for most home owners. Specifically, because they provide long-term value and are budget friendly. Use this article as a starting point for carpet fibers comparison and you’ll be sure to find a carpet that can stand up to what your family can dish out!