There has been a decline in consumer confidence in the building and construction industry. This may be the same reason why many are now doing home improvements by themselves.
Why not? A little knowledge of the technical aspects combined with the eye for creativity is enough to do the home improvement on your own.
Why are people turning to do-it-yourself home improvements?
Many construction workers who do not have a lot of experience or expertise in construction or home maintenance are out there right now trying to work on these homes across the country.
As a result, homeowners are finding that the jobs are not being completed to their satisfaction. Sometimes they are even prepaying for services that do not get done or are not part of the plan.
You do not have to rely and pay someone to improve your home. Why not try to do it yourself?
You can enhance your home’s existing concrete surfaces using acid stains, acrylic stains, epoxy paints, and scoring techniques.
If you are tired of looking at dreary gray concrete, there are some easy projects for the serious home improvement do-it-yourselfer to give your patio, driveway, garage, etc. a refreshing new look.
Decorative concrete work costs double or even triple that of regular concrete. This is why many people cannot afford it.
There are inexpensive ways to decorate concrete after it has cured without having to pay skilled tradesmen.
Acid based concrete stains are becoming more and more popular for coloring concrete surfaces. They chemically react with the cementitious material to produce permanent color with variegated or mottled appearance like that of marble. This results in a natural, elegant looking surface.
Water based concrete stains are an alternative to acid stains and are much more user friendly because they’re much less toxic. These stains do not chemically react with the concrete; they are absorbed into the surface pores and act like a dye. The big advantage of water based stains is the wide array of colors available.
If you want to venture beyond the basic staining of concrete, consider using some scoring techniques to create patterns on the surface.
You can make your concrete look like a tile floor for example. It is up to your imagination. An angle grinder with a 4 inch grinding or cutting wheel is the ideal tool for this.
The important thing to remember when scoring is to draw the pattern on the concrete first and make sure you are satisfied with the way it looks because scoring is irreversible.
Epoxy paints make an excellent coating for garage floors and basement floors. Many commercial floors have epoxy coatings because of their durability and resistance to chemical spills as well as their appearance.
In recent years, however, it has become very popular for residential use with an increasing availability of different colors. This is not a difficult project, but the key to successful application is surface preparation.
Epoxy paints have also become available in a water based form making it safe for the do-it-yourselfer and ideal for indoor applications. They cost a little more than stains. For a 400 square foot garage, you’ll spend about $200 for the materials needed for this project.
See? You do not have to spend money to have your home improved. You have the capability to do it yourself. With some instructions and a little bit of work, anyone can turn boring concrete into their own masterpiece.
Mahalo
================================================
Need to learn how to get and stay out of debt and live debt free?
Tips and techniques outlined in our ebook “Debt Free Living”.
For more information:
http://www.renspubhouse.com/debtfree/debtfree.html
=================================================
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Holiday Shopping the Smart Way. Giving and Spreading Joy Without Breaking The Bank.
Yes the Holiday Season is upon us and everyone is in good cheer and merriment abounds.
Yet here we are assaulted by Specials and commercial messages that tell us we need to spend, spend, spend to make our loved ones love us back. Materialism is the message of the advertisers and if they are to be believed (NOT!) that is the meaning of the season.
Ah but intelligent people know better, but still we are ingrained that the season does require the exchanging or giving of gifts, no matter which Holiday you are celebrating (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus). And of course one must give in order to receive.
Ah but what do good budget conscience people do when money is tight or not in abundance? Well that is what thrift shops and flea markets are for. Yes if you are smart and discerning you can find wonderful gifts at places like the goodwill, Salvation Army and other similar stores.
Most of these stores I have gone through have aisles and aisles of toys, electronics, books, and knick knacks to rival any boutique one finds in the malls. Depending upon the area you live, there are usually dozens of sports related memorabilia from Jerseys, hats all the way to clocks and videos of one's favorite teams.
Baby clothes are another item that is in abundance and one can find a wonderful selection, just take care and a god look as sometimes things get by with nasty stains. But usually those items are rejected at the inspection phase before making it out to the sales floor.
It is amazing how many rare books I have come across in my ventures. One of my favorites is a History of World War I published in 1919, a year after the war was over. It included commentary from General Pershing, and a few other dignitaries of the day. Of course the language used to describe the vanquished nations was a bit harsh, but it reflected the feelings of the age. It always fascinates me to read old books and I get a good laugh at the peculiarities of the language and thoughts of the times (I am sure someone in the future is going to be repeating this about the foolishness of our beliefs and political/editorial writings as well).
Other great items I have found include old videos, cassettes, LP's and CD's that have enhanced my collections. If you have a person on your list that is into these it is amazing the treasure store of classic media that awaits. Of course you might have to go to the electronics section and pick up a VCR, Record Player or Cassette tape player to go along, but it will be worth it to see the joy in their faces of a memory long forgotten revealed.
Camera buffs will also be amazed at what ends up in these stores. I have a nice collection of old cameras and other photography equipment that still work (but finding film for a Kodak Brownie is difficult) and are basically collectors items.
Computer equipment is another matter, and usually the monitors and boxes are obsolete and unless someone is a die hard collector, or a nostalgic gamer, they are pretty much not worth anything. However one can still get a decent smaller printer for those occasional letters etc. Heck I have an older Okidata Laser printer that I picked up for $10 that still works beautifully.
One thing to be wary of, if not avoided) is Women's Clothing. The speed at which women's fashions go out of style is mind boggling, and unless you find a rare coat or hat that your loved one has been pining for and can't be found anymore, then I would avoid it like the plague.
All in all Holiday Shopping doesn't have to break one's budget if done right and one shop's smart. One can save money without being a “Scrooge” and still be a hero on the appointed day of gift giving. Oh and while you're at it you just might find something special for yourself as a reward for your intelligence and generosity.
So get out there and remember, it's not what you buy, but how you buy it that counts.
Mahalo
================================================
Need to learn how to get and stay out of debt and live debt free?
Tips and techniques outlined in our ebook “Debt Free Living”.
For more information:
http://www.renspubhouse.com/debtfree/debtfree.html
=================================================
Yet here we are assaulted by Specials and commercial messages that tell us we need to spend, spend, spend to make our loved ones love us back. Materialism is the message of the advertisers and if they are to be believed (NOT!) that is the meaning of the season.
Ah but intelligent people know better, but still we are ingrained that the season does require the exchanging or giving of gifts, no matter which Holiday you are celebrating (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus). And of course one must give in order to receive.
Ah but what do good budget conscience people do when money is tight or not in abundance? Well that is what thrift shops and flea markets are for. Yes if you are smart and discerning you can find wonderful gifts at places like the goodwill, Salvation Army and other similar stores.
Most of these stores I have gone through have aisles and aisles of toys, electronics, books, and knick knacks to rival any boutique one finds in the malls. Depending upon the area you live, there are usually dozens of sports related memorabilia from Jerseys, hats all the way to clocks and videos of one's favorite teams.
Baby clothes are another item that is in abundance and one can find a wonderful selection, just take care and a god look as sometimes things get by with nasty stains. But usually those items are rejected at the inspection phase before making it out to the sales floor.
It is amazing how many rare books I have come across in my ventures. One of my favorites is a History of World War I published in 1919, a year after the war was over. It included commentary from General Pershing, and a few other dignitaries of the day. Of course the language used to describe the vanquished nations was a bit harsh, but it reflected the feelings of the age. It always fascinates me to read old books and I get a good laugh at the peculiarities of the language and thoughts of the times (I am sure someone in the future is going to be repeating this about the foolishness of our beliefs and political/editorial writings as well).
Other great items I have found include old videos, cassettes, LP's and CD's that have enhanced my collections. If you have a person on your list that is into these it is amazing the treasure store of classic media that awaits. Of course you might have to go to the electronics section and pick up a VCR, Record Player or Cassette tape player to go along, but it will be worth it to see the joy in their faces of a memory long forgotten revealed.
Camera buffs will also be amazed at what ends up in these stores. I have a nice collection of old cameras and other photography equipment that still work (but finding film for a Kodak Brownie is difficult) and are basically collectors items.
Computer equipment is another matter, and usually the monitors and boxes are obsolete and unless someone is a die hard collector, or a nostalgic gamer, they are pretty much not worth anything. However one can still get a decent smaller printer for those occasional letters etc. Heck I have an older Okidata Laser printer that I picked up for $10 that still works beautifully.
One thing to be wary of, if not avoided) is Women's Clothing. The speed at which women's fashions go out of style is mind boggling, and unless you find a rare coat or hat that your loved one has been pining for and can't be found anymore, then I would avoid it like the plague.
All in all Holiday Shopping doesn't have to break one's budget if done right and one shop's smart. One can save money without being a “Scrooge” and still be a hero on the appointed day of gift giving. Oh and while you're at it you just might find something special for yourself as a reward for your intelligence and generosity.
So get out there and remember, it's not what you buy, but how you buy it that counts.
Mahalo
================================================
Need to learn how to get and stay out of debt and live debt free?
Tips and techniques outlined in our ebook “Debt Free Living”.
For more information:
http://www.renspubhouse.com/debtfree/debtfree.html
=================================================
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Spend Wisely to Save Money-or A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned (or at least an extra penny to spend elsewhere).
Spend Wisely to Save Money-or A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned (or at least an extra penny to spend elsewhere).
Have you ever noticed that the things you buy every week at the grocery and hardware stores go up a few cents between shopping trips? Not by much…just by a little each week but they continue to creep up and up.
All it takes for the price to jump up by a lot is a little hiccup in the world wide market, note the price of gasoline as it relates to world affairs.
There is a way that we can keep these price increases from impacting our personal finances so much and that is by buying in quantity and finding the best possible prices for the things we use and will continue to use everyday… things that will keep just as well on the shelves in our homes as it does on the shelves at the grocery store or hardware store.
For instance, dog food and cat food costs about 10% less when bought by the case than it does when bought at the single can price and if you wait for close out prices you save a lot more than that.
Set aside some space in your home and make a list of things that you use regularly which will not spoil. Any grain or grain products will need to be stored in airtight containers that rats can’t get into so keep that in mind.
Then set out to find the best prices you can get on quantity purchases of such things as bathroom items and dry and canned food. Also realize that store brands cost at least 10% less than “National Brands”, but still have the same quality.
You will be surprised at how much you can save by buying a twenty pound bag of rice as opposed to a one pound bag but don’t forget that it must be kept in a rat proof container.
You can buy some clothing items such as men’s socks and underwear because those styles don’t change, avoid buying children’s and women’s clothing, those styles change and sizes change too drastically.
Try to acquire and keep a two year supply of these items and you can save hundreds of dollars.
Need to learn how to get and stay out of debt and live debt free?
Tips and techniques outlined in our ebook “Debt Free Living”.
For more information:
http://www.renspubhouse.com/debtfree/debtfree.html
Mahalo.
Have you ever noticed that the things you buy every week at the grocery and hardware stores go up a few cents between shopping trips? Not by much…just by a little each week but they continue to creep up and up.
All it takes for the price to jump up by a lot is a little hiccup in the world wide market, note the price of gasoline as it relates to world affairs.
There is a way that we can keep these price increases from impacting our personal finances so much and that is by buying in quantity and finding the best possible prices for the things we use and will continue to use everyday… things that will keep just as well on the shelves in our homes as it does on the shelves at the grocery store or hardware store.
For instance, dog food and cat food costs about 10% less when bought by the case than it does when bought at the single can price and if you wait for close out prices you save a lot more than that.
Set aside some space in your home and make a list of things that you use regularly which will not spoil. Any grain or grain products will need to be stored in airtight containers that rats can’t get into so keep that in mind.
Then set out to find the best prices you can get on quantity purchases of such things as bathroom items and dry and canned food. Also realize that store brands cost at least 10% less than “National Brands”, but still have the same quality.
You will be surprised at how much you can save by buying a twenty pound bag of rice as opposed to a one pound bag but don’t forget that it must be kept in a rat proof container.
You can buy some clothing items such as men’s socks and underwear because those styles don’t change, avoid buying children’s and women’s clothing, those styles change and sizes change too drastically.
Try to acquire and keep a two year supply of these items and you can save hundreds of dollars.
Need to learn how to get and stay out of debt and live debt free?
Tips and techniques outlined in our ebook “Debt Free Living”.
For more information:
http://www.renspubhouse.com/debtfree/debtfree.html
Mahalo.
Friday, August 3, 2007
What Good Is Life if One Can't Enjoy It?
Two people, similar jobs, similar paychecks, similar habits, clothing etc., yet one seems to be living better than the other. Why is that? The answer is that the former is spending wiser than the latter. How can that be? Is there a secret to living frugally, yet still enjoy all the pleasures that life has to offer? The plain and simple answer is of course YES!. This blog will attempt to help those who are stuck and need help living below their means without sacrificing much in return. There are simple ways to cut outgo why preserving income for better pleasurable uses. Of course if you are too pretentious or snobbish to care about things like that, then enjoy your many years of credit card hell and worry.
Look back into this blog for weekly (if not more frequent) tips on saving, investing, and shopping, yet enjoying ones life on one's own terms. Believe me I have been there, and once I discovered a few secrets, my life became one of enjoyment.
The first step is of course to decide upon your personal value system. By this I mean what are you comfortable with in terms of clothes, styles, foods, tools, beliefs etc. Or as Oscar Wilde would put it: "Success in life is striking a pose, then holding it". This is being true to oneself and living life on your own terms instead of letting others decide for you. This is the beginning of deciding who you are without compromising, for once you compromise your true self, then your self image will falter and you will become bitter and stop enjoying your life. This is not what this tome is about. It is about enjoying life to its fullest yet not spending yourself into debt. True some sacrifices might have to be made, but they will be in line with your core beliefs and that is the journey we are about to embark upon. Take these tips as you will and get out there and start enjoying yourself.
Yes life is for living not stressing to live.
Mahalo.
Look back into this blog for weekly (if not more frequent) tips on saving, investing, and shopping, yet enjoying ones life on one's own terms. Believe me I have been there, and once I discovered a few secrets, my life became one of enjoyment.
The first step is of course to decide upon your personal value system. By this I mean what are you comfortable with in terms of clothes, styles, foods, tools, beliefs etc. Or as Oscar Wilde would put it: "Success in life is striking a pose, then holding it". This is being true to oneself and living life on your own terms instead of letting others decide for you. This is the beginning of deciding who you are without compromising, for once you compromise your true self, then your self image will falter and you will become bitter and stop enjoying your life. This is not what this tome is about. It is about enjoying life to its fullest yet not spending yourself into debt. True some sacrifices might have to be made, but they will be in line with your core beliefs and that is the journey we are about to embark upon. Take these tips as you will and get out there and start enjoying yourself.
Yes life is for living not stressing to live.
Mahalo.
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