Home tips

Southern Living, Spring 2001 by Martin, Robert

We've selected 40 of our favorite home tips, which cover a wide range of maintenance concerns and projects. These helpful topics not only highlight exterior and interior subjects on your home, but they also deal with furniture concerns, accessories, and home-improvement ideas. So take a look at what we've assembled; there's bound to be a tip or two that applies to you. Robert Martin

Shutters that are fixed in place don't have to look that way. For dimension and interest, add plywood backs to standard mastic shutters. With this extra thickness, you can then attach hinges and holdbacks to give the appearance of being operable.

Exterior Columns

For correct installation, based upon historical precedent, a column's shaft should align with the header beam above (also known as the entablature). This alignment will cause the capital or top of the column to protrude beyond the entablature. The incorrect way of installing columns is by tucking the whole column, capital and all, under the entablature.

Wood

Siding

It is a good idea to repaint wood siding at least every three to six years. Also, look out for any signs of rot or insect burrowing. Decayed pieces should be replaced immediately.

Outdoor Furniture Care

Keep outdoor furniture looking good by cleaning with mild soap and water. To prevent wood furniture from rotting, don't leave it standing in water or wet grass.

Gutter Maintenance

Gutters need to be examined and cleaned seasonally. Downspouts should be kept free from blockage. Be sure tc provide splash blocks at all downspouts. Discouraging Termites

In addition to chemical treatment, prevent termites from lunching on yore home by storing firewood away from the house and keeping all exterior woodwork painted. Also, verify that crawlspace vents are unobstructed year-round, Porch Rails

Balusters or pickets of a porch rail are often too clunky and spaced too fai apart. For a better appearance, as well as to comply with standard codes, use smaller pickets that are spaced so that a 4-inch sphere can't pass through them. Basement Waterproofing

Add extensions to all downspouts to divert water. Also, make sure that the grade around your house slope: away from the exterior walls.

Home Security Measures Don't hide your house keys in obvious places, such as under the doormat or over the door. Store ladders inside the garage, and prune shrubs that conceal windows and doors. Use exterior lighting to discourage intruders. Select entry locksets that have a full 1-inch deadbolt and a hardened steel insert that resists sawing.

Porch Screens

Design your porch for standard screen widths (ranging from 24 to 48 inches). If screens have metal frames, it is important to use tacks or staples in a compatible material. Screw, rather than nail, trim strips in place for easier replacement.

Home Offices

Arrange home workspaces in either U- or L-shaped configurations to keep important equipment and storage within arm's reach. Also, invest in a comfortable chair that is designed specifically for long working sessions, regardless how much or little you use the space.

Household Chemicals

Store all toxic chemicals out of reach of children, pets, and anyone who may use them incorrectly. Add childproof locks to kitchen and bath cabinets where cleaning agents are stored.

Interior Prim

If your home has smaller crown molding than you like, all is not lost. To create a more substantial look, add a picture rail 4 to 6 inches below the existing trim, and then paint the intermediate wallspace and new and old trim all the same color.

Electrical Outlets

To hide outlets or make them less noticeable, paint or paper covers and plates so that they match the adjacent wall. Or you can purchase chrome, stainless steel, brass, or other finished plates if concealing them is not your intent.

Carpet Shopping

Select carpet that is one shade lighter than the color swatch indicates. Both small samples and lighting in carpet showrooms may not be trustworthy color indicators.

Gypsum

Drywall Repair

Fill small holes with joint compound, and sand smooth. Medium-size ones can be filled with a drywall piece cut to fit, secured with joint compound. Tape the joints, and cover with gypsum drywall mud.

Kitchen Renovation

Transform your kitchen and still remain on budget. Replace outdated plastic laminate on your countertops, add wood panels to your appliances that match with your cabinetry, and enhance the backsplash space by painting, wallpapering, or adding file.

Maintaining Wood Floors Cap furniture legs with rubber or felt protectors. Wax the treads on rocker chairs to protect wood flooring.

Maintaining Interior

Brick Floors

Reseal brick floors that have lost their sheen with a sealant recommended by the manufacturer. Never apply polyurethane to this type of flooring. To maintain this appearance, periodically clean with a damp mop and a non-- abrasive cleaner

Proper Attic Ventilation

Keep soffit vents from being blocked by pulling back attic insulation that has been shoved too tightly under the eaves. Check all attic vents at least once a year to make sure they aren't clogged. Move around boxes and other items stored in the attic that might hinder the free flow of air.