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20 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own by on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT:
Whether you are really into DIY projects or just starting out, here are some tools that every homeowner should have. You can complete about 90% of all home maintenance with just a handful of tools. Tools really are an investment so be sure to buy good quality basics as they will last you a lifetime. While you don’t need a toolbox per say, having a container or heavy duty canvas bag to organize all of the tools is a good idea. Here are the basic tools that every homeowners needs to own:Hammer. Seems simple enough but the one that is most versatile is a steel 16-ounce rip hammer. With the straight claw, you can use it to pull out nails or rip out a wall.Screwdriver. A 4 in 1 screwdriver is preferable as you can switch between a small and large Philips-head and a small and large flat-head bit.Tape Measure. Go for the 25 footer as it is the perfect length when you’re measuring solo.Level. Because sometimes eyeballing it isn’t the best option.Cordless drill with bits. We use this all the time. Whether you are hanging pictures, curtain rods or putting together furniture, this is a must for all homeowners. Some more experienced DIY’ers may prefer a corded drill since it never loses its charge. We just have a spare battery so if it cops out mid job, you just snap the replacement in and keep going.Pliers. Channel-lock, lineman’s, vise-grips (locking pliers) and needle-nose are 4 most used. The channel-lock pliers are adjustable and good for gripping nuts. Lineman pliers cut and twist wires. Needle-nose pliers are great for those hard to reach areas while many people find vise-grips helpful for clamping. Just be careful with the vise-grips as they can cause you to mangle nuts and bolts if you aren’t careful. Grab a pair of needle-nose pliers with a wire cutting blade near the hinge for more bang for your buck.Utility Knife. You know, the one with the retractable blade that goes into the handle.Adjustable crescent wrenches. If you get them in 6 and 14 inch sizes, you should be all set for most household jobs.Hex key. Otherwise known as an Allen wrench. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with this tool. Can't live with it, can't live without it. If you have ever put together furniture, you know why.Staple Gun. The quickest way to reupholster anything.Handsaw. Even if you own a circular saw, there may be instances where you need a handsaw. Electronic stud finder. Takes the guess work out of hanging heavy objects.Protective eyewear and gloves. For safety sake.Electrical tester. Again, for safety sake.Caulking gun. A great way to save money and upgrade your home’s efficiency is by caulking the areas around windows and doors.Ladder. Great for indoor and outdoor use. Can be used to clean the gutters (unless you have Gutter Helmet, then you Never Have to Clean your Gutters Again).Drywall knife and a putty knife. To do all of the patch work necessary prior to painting a room.9 inch roller frame and roller brushes. I like the one where the handle comes off so you can use it in high areas and then remove the handle for places within your reach.Assorted paint brushes. Get a 2 ½ inch angled brush for interior cutting and trim and a 3 inch rectangular or oval brush for exterior cutting and trim. We buy good quality brushes, wash and reuse.Paint tray with liners. Liners make clean up quick and less messy.Did we miss any tool essentials? What tool can’t you live without?
DIY Project: Creating a Vegetable Garden by on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:46:00 GMT:
This year I plan on starting a vegetable garden at my home. I love the idea of having fresh vegetables to use when cooking (not to mention the cost savings). Now is the perfect time of the year in New England to begin preparing the garden for the summer and fall harvest. I am planning on planting tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and maybe some green beans and/or broccoli. I plan on getting the plants from a local farm and maybe starting a few from seed in my garden. I will see what they recommend for the New England area and a gardening beginner like me and update you on the specific plants used. Here are the steps needed in order to create your own vegetable garden:Scope out your yard When planning a vegetable garden from scratch there are a few things to consider: location, sunlight and convenience. The area you choose to plant your garden should get about 6 hours of full sunlight a day. Ideally, this sunny location is close to your home and a water supply for optimum convenience. Finding a spot close to the house not only makes it easier to grab the vegetables and bring them into the house, it also allows you to keep a good eye on the garden. Plan aheadThere are a few things to consider here: how you will be planting the vegetables and which types of vegetables will you be planting? The best way to easily answer these two questions is to map out your garden. Think about the vegetables that your family eats the most and plant those. Also take the weather into consideration as some vegetables grow better in certain areas than others. Variety is key when it comes to choosing your plants. Make sure you take harvesting into consideration so you have a constant stream of crops throughout the summer. You can also stagger the planting to achieve this as well. Remember- taller plants should be towards the back of your garden so they don’t block the sun for the shorter plants. Depending on the size of your garden, be sure to take pathways and weeding into account so you don’t compact the soil around the plants.The quickest way to start your garden? Go to your local store or farm and get vegetable plants. Chances are, if you planned on starting from a seed, you have already started doing so indoors. Prepare the areaCheck the ph of your soil and adjust as needed for whatever vegetables you will be planting. Most vegetables do best in a soil within a ph of 6.2 to 6.8. You may need to add some lime to acidic soil (under 5.8) or sulfur to alkaline soil (above 7.2) Composting material should also be added. Dig up the area and/or use a rototiller to break up the soil. You should go down at least 1 foot deep. Add about 2 inches of compost matter into the soil and mix it all together. Your soil should be about 10-15% compost.Plant those VeggiesBased on the type of vegetable you are growing, you need to be sure you dig the holes deep enough and keep enough space between plants so your garden grows properly. Here is a great chart from The Garden Helper that shows the different crops and the spacing needed. It also lets you know when to plant, which is very helpful.Many crops come with a plastic marker that says what it is and vital planting information. Stake this into the ground so you know what should be coming up where in the future.Watch, Water, Weed and RepeatBe sure to water the plants enough as growing veggies need lots of water. 2-3 times per week should good. Water until the soil is moist but you do not want to soak the plants. Using a light misting head is best as it will not damage your fragile crops. Watch out for leaves that look like they may be getting eaten by animals and/or bugs. Also, keep an eye our for diseased looking plants as well. Don't forget to weed the garden. Weeds take valuable nutrients away from your veggies so stay on top of weeding so they dont have time to grow deep roots.Are you planting a vegetable garden this year? If so, what do you intend to plant in your garden? Share pictures of your garden with us on our Facebook page!
5 Ways to Save Money on your Next Home Improvement Project by on Tue, 01 May 2012 20:07:00 GMT:
Spring marks the beginning of many things, including the home improvement season. Like any homeowner, I have a list of projects that I hope to finish for 2012 and now is the perfect time to start checking off that list! Whether your next project is big or small, outdoors or inside, we are all looking for ways to make our money stretch a little further. Here are a few tips to help you save money on whatever project you are hoping to accomplish in 2012:Plan aheadNo matter what type of project you are thinking of doing, planning ahead always results in a more cost effective (and usually faster) end result. Knowing exactly what you want and how you want it to look are extremely important because they allow you to convey your vision more clearly to your contractor, minimizing changes. Changes impact time and money! If you are DIY, it can also save money because you can get everything you need at once rather than having to make several (costly) trips to the store to fix your mistakes or re-work your vision. Do your homeworkChoosing the right contractor can be tough. While price and craftsmanship certainly make a difference, be sure to include checking their insurance and licensing credentials as well. Did you know that you could be liable for a contractor who is injured while at your home? That is why it is so important to be certain that the person you hire to perform work around your home is properly insured. Check your state’s licensing board for information on any contractor you are considering.Be realisticThere is a difference between being handy and being a contractor. Be honest about your home improvement limitations. Paying someone to come in a fix your DIY nightmare could end up costing more than if you had just hired someone from the beginning. Beyond money, taking on a bigger project than your skills can also be a safety issue. The old saying, “better safe than sorry” also applies to home improvement.Re-PurposeWhen it comes time to get creative, yard sales, antique stores and even your basement are great places to look for inspiration. Yard sales and antique stores are great places to find great things for a lot less money. Not exactly what you’re looking for? Don’t be afraid to get creative. A can of spray paint, a can of stain and/or some new hardware can really bring an old piece new life. If you are looking for something more in the free price range, check out your basement or attic. You may discover items you didn’t even know you had. Thinking outside the box allows you to find new uses for old items.Add a little sweat equityEven if your next project is beyond your expertise, there may be little ways for you to save money. You may be able to help during certain stages of the process, saving you some money. Some contractors may even give you a discount if you pay in cash. If this is the case, just be sure to document this in your agreement and ask for a receipt after each payment. Remember- you should never give all of the money upfront. Most ask for half upfront and the other half upon completion.What projects are you planning this spring? Do you have a tip on how to save money on a project? Share it with us below!Whether you are looking to replace your old windows or that leaky roof, be sure to contact Moonworks for an estimate on your next home improvement project.
Moonworks' Contribution to the RI Builders Home Show by on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:45:00 GMT:
If you live in Rhode Island then you have seen the commercials for the RIBA Home Show and know that the house is back! We are very excited to announce that Moonworks participated in helping create the house by providing and installing the gutters and Gutter Helmet onto the home. The home is a modular home by CRM Modular Homes and was furnished inside and outside with materials provided by sponsors.The home was built on the floor of the home show in 3 days. Check out the time lapse video below for the 3 days rolled into less than 2 minutes.Video Courtesy of MediapeelThe home show opened yesterday with a ribbon cuting ceremony with the guest of honor being Angel Tavares, Mayor of Providence, RI. He officially opened the show and the house for public viewing. Check out the video of the ceremony below:Be sure to stop by the show this weekend to check out the house. While you are there, stop by the Moonworks Booth (#1100) and Renewal by Andersen Booth (#1109) to see how we can help with your next home improvement project.The RI Builders Association Home Show runs Thursday, March 29th through Sunday, April 1st. For more information on the home show, check out The RIBA Home Show website.Will you be attending the home show this weekend?
Fun with Gutters via Pinterest by on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:46:00 GMT:
A new social media craze has hit the web and can be a wonderful tool when it comes to home improvement- Pinterest! Pinterest is an online bulletin board/scrapbook where you can visually create boards for inspiration. Pinterest is great when it comes to showcasing ideas for upcoming renovation or design project as it allows you to see how well things look together. Other ways people use Pinterest, compiling recipes, blogs to read, clothing that represents their style or places they want to go. Moonworks has various boards on Pinterest, one of which is Fun with Gutters. Let’s face it, gutters are useful for protecting your home from water damage but beyond that, they aren’t very fun. Using Pinterest we were able to compile a board of fun and creative ways people have repurposed gutters.Here is a look at some of our favorites:Gutter Planters: Gutter plants are usually a sign that you haven’t cleaned your gutters in quite some time. Unless, of course, you intentionally planted flowers and herbs in the gutters. Gutters make a great planter because they a deep enough to support the plant and dirt and can be cut to any size you like. And, at first glance, you would never know that the planter was a gutter. Gutter Bookshelves: This one has to be my favorite. I am a sucker for children’s books and love how fun and creative this idea is. This bookshelf was uploaded by Pinterest user Bonnie McKernan. Since she painted the gutters it adds a fun twist, which is especially great for a child’s room. Plus, you would never know this was a gutter. Great way to make the gutter part of your indoor décor. Gutter Storage: Many of us have that one area of the home that is cluttered. Whether it be the office, the pantry or the storage area in our basement, people are using gutters as a way to organize that area and clean it up. Organize your crafts, cleaning products or hide those wires from your electronic. Use a gutter to hide that clutter! Musical Gutters: This one is not practical but is still a really fun use of gutters. When it rains, the rain trickles down the gutters, creating music. This wall is located in the Neustadt Kunsthofpassage neighborhood of Dresden, Germany. This wall was created by 3 artists- Christoph Roßner, Annette Paul, and Andre Tempel. What a great way to brighten up a rainy day! Gutter Play: Gutters can be used as a fun way to explore water, movement and sounds for kids. This particular one is used as a slide into a sand box. We have also seen it used as a trough to play in, or to wash paint off of kids hands. As always, children should be monitored while they play and the gutters should be inspected for sharp edges. In most cases, the gutters used for these purposes are plastic, not metal. Which ones of these ideas is your favorite? Can you think of any other fun uses for gutters? Be sure to follow our boards on Pinterest or comment below if you want an invite to join Pinterest so you can start creating your own boards.Photo Credits:Gutter Planters: Apartment TherapyGutter Bookshelf: Pinterest user Bonnie McKernanGutter Storage: Apartment TherapyMusical Gutters: inthralld.comGutter Play: Squashed Tomatoes
20 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own by on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT:
Whether you are really into DIY projects or just starting out, here are some tools that every homeowner should have. You can complete about 90% of all home maintenance with just a handful of tools. Tools really are an investment so be sure to buy good quality basics as they will last you a lifetime. While you don’t need a toolbox per say, having a container or heavy duty canvas bag to organize all of the tools is a good idea. Here are the basic tools that every homeowners needs to own:Hammer. Seems simple enough but the one that is most versatile is a steel 16-ounce rip hammer. With the straight claw, you can use it to pull out nails or rip out a wall.Screwdriver. A 4 in 1 screwdriver is preferable as you can switch between a small and large Philips-head and a small and large flat-head bit.Tape Measure. Go for the 25 footer as it is the perfect length when you’re measuring solo.Level. Because sometimes eyeballing it isn’t the best option.Cordless drill with bits. We use this all the time. Whether you are hanging pictures, curtain rods or putting together furniture, this is a must for all homeowners. Some more experienced DIY’ers may prefer a corded drill since it never loses its charge. We just have a spare battery so if it cops out mid job, you just snap the replacement in and keep going.Pliers. Channel-lock, lineman’s, vise-grips (locking pliers) and needle-nose are 4 most used. The channel-lock pliers are adjustable and good for gripping nuts. Lineman pliers cut and twist wires. Needle-nose pliers are great for those hard to reach areas while many people find vise-grips helpful for clamping. Just be careful with the vise-grips as they can cause you to mangle nuts and bolts if you aren’t careful. Grab a pair of needle-nose pliers with a wire cutting blade near the hinge for more bang for your buck.Utility Knife. You know, the one with the retractable blade that goes into the handle.Adjustable crescent wrenches. If you get them in 6 and 14 inch sizes, you should be all set for most household jobs.Hex key. Otherwise known as an Allen wrench. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with this tool. Can't live with it, can't live without it. If you have ever put together furniture, you know why.Staple Gun. The quickest way to reupholster anything.Handsaw. Even if you own a circular saw, there may be instances where you need a handsaw. Electronic stud finder. Takes the guess work out of hanging heavy objects.Protective eyewear and gloves. For safety sake.Electrical tester. Again, for safety sake.Caulking gun. A great way to save money and upgrade your home’s efficiency is by caulking the areas around windows and doors.Ladder. Great for indoor and outdoor use. Can be used to clean the gutters (unless you have Gutter Helmet, then you Never Have to Clean your Gutters Again).Drywall knife and a putty knife. To do all of the patch work necessary prior to painting a room.9 inch roller frame and roller brushes. I like the one where the handle comes off so you can use it in high areas and then remove the handle for places within your reach.Assorted paint brushes. Get a 2 ½ inch angled brush for interior cutting and trim and a 3 inch rectangular or oval brush for exterior cutting and trim. We buy good quality brushes, wash and reuse.Paint tray with liners. Liners make clean up quick and less messy.Did we miss any tool essentials? What tool can’t you live without?
DIY Project: Creating a Vegetable Garden by on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:46:00 GMT:
This year I plan on starting a vegetable garden at my home. I love the idea of having fresh vegetables to use when cooking (not to mention the cost savings). Now is the perfect time of the year in New England to begin preparing the garden for the summer and fall harvest. I am planning on planting tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and maybe some green beans and/or broccoli. I plan on getting the plants from a local farm and maybe starting a few from seed in my garden. I will see what they recommend for the New England area and a gardening beginner like me and update you on the specific plants used. Here are the steps needed in order to create your own vegetable garden:Scope out your yard When planning a vegetable garden from scratch there are a few things to consider: location, sunlight and convenience. The area you choose to plant your garden should get about 6 hours of full sunlight a day. Ideally, this sunny location is close to your home and a water supply for optimum convenience. Finding a spot close to the house not only makes it easier to grab the vegetables and bring them into the house, it also allows you to keep a good eye on the garden. Plan aheadThere are a few things to consider here: how you will be planting the vegetables and which types of vegetables will you be planting? The best way to easily answer these two questions is to map out your garden. Think about the vegetables that your family eats the most and plant those. Also take the weather into consideration as some vegetables grow better in certain areas than others. Variety is key when it comes to choosing your plants. Make sure you take harvesting into consideration so you have a constant stream of crops throughout the summer. You can also stagger the planting to achieve this as well. Remember- taller plants should be towards the back of your garden so they don’t block the sun for the shorter plants. Depending on the size of your garden, be sure to take pathways and weeding into account so you don’t compact the soil around the plants.The quickest way to start your garden? Go to your local store or farm and get vegetable plants. Chances are, if you planned on starting from a seed, you have already started doing so indoors. Prepare the areaCheck the ph of your soil and adjust as needed for whatever vegetables you will be planting. Most vegetables do best in a soil within a ph of 6.2 to 6.8. You may need to add some lime to acidic soil (under 5.8) or sulfur to alkaline soil (above 7.2) Composting material should also be added. Dig up the area and/or use a rototiller to break up the soil. You should go down at least 1 foot deep. Add about 2 inches of compost matter into the soil and mix it all together. Your soil should be about 10-15% compost.Plant those VeggiesBased on the type of vegetable you are growing, you need to be sure you dig the holes deep enough and keep enough space between plants so your garden grows properly. Here is a great chart from The Garden Helper that shows the different crops and the spacing needed. It also lets you know when to plant, which is very helpful.Many crops come with a plastic marker that says what it is and vital planting information. Stake this into the ground so you know what should be coming up where in the future.Watch, Water, Weed and RepeatBe sure to water the plants enough as growing veggies need lots of water. 2-3 times per week should good. Water until the soil is moist but you do not want to soak the plants. Using a light misting head is best as it will not damage your fragile crops. Watch out for leaves that look like they may be getting eaten by animals and/or bugs. Also, keep an eye our for diseased looking plants as well. Don't forget to weed the garden. Weeds take valuable nutrients away from your veggies so stay on top of weeding so they dont have time to grow deep roots.Are you planting a vegetable garden this year? If so, what do you intend to plant in your garden? Share pictures of your garden with us on our Facebook page!
5 Ways to Save Money on your Next Home Improvement Project by on Tue, 01 May 2012 20:07:00 GMT:
Spring marks the beginning of many things, including the home improvement season. Like any homeowner, I have a list of projects that I hope to finish for 2012 and now is the perfect time to start checking off that list! Whether your next project is big or small, outdoors or inside, we are all looking for ways to make our money stretch a little further. Here are a few tips to help you save money on whatever project you are hoping to accomplish in 2012:Plan aheadNo matter what type of project you are thinking of doing, planning ahead always results in a more cost effective (and usually faster) end result. Knowing exactly what you want and how you want it to look are extremely important because they allow you to convey your vision more clearly to your contractor, minimizing changes. Changes impact time and money! If you are DIY, it can also save money because you can get everything you need at once rather than having to make several (costly) trips to the store to fix your mistakes or re-work your vision. Do your homeworkChoosing the right contractor can be tough. While price and craftsmanship certainly make a difference, be sure to include checking their insurance and licensing credentials as well. Did you know that you could be liable for a contractor who is injured while at your home? That is why it is so important to be certain that the person you hire to perform work around your home is properly insured. Check your state’s licensing board for information on any contractor you are considering.Be realisticThere is a difference between being handy and being a contractor. Be honest about your home improvement limitations. Paying someone to come in a fix your DIY nightmare could end up costing more than if you had just hired someone from the beginning. Beyond money, taking on a bigger project than your skills can also be a safety issue. The old saying, “better safe than sorry” also applies to home improvement.Re-PurposeWhen it comes time to get creative, yard sales, antique stores and even your basement are great places to look for inspiration. Yard sales and antique stores are great places to find great things for a lot less money. Not exactly what you’re looking for? Don’t be afraid to get creative. A can of spray paint, a can of stain and/or some new hardware can really bring an old piece new life. If you are looking for something more in the free price range, check out your basement or attic. You may discover items you didn’t even know you had. Thinking outside the box allows you to find new uses for old items.Add a little sweat equityEven if your next project is beyond your expertise, there may be little ways for you to save money. You may be able to help during certain stages of the process, saving you some money. Some contractors may even give you a discount if you pay in cash. If this is the case, just be sure to document this in your agreement and ask for a receipt after each payment. Remember- you should never give all of the money upfront. Most ask for half upfront and the other half upon completion.What projects are you planning this spring? Do you have a tip on how to save money on a project? Share it with us below!Whether you are looking to replace your old windows or that leaky roof, be sure to contact Moonworks for an estimate on your next home improvement project.
Moonworks' Contribution to the RI Builders Home Show by on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:45:00 GMT:
If you live in Rhode Island then you have seen the commercials for the RIBA Home Show and know that the house is back! We are very excited to announce that Moonworks participated in helping create the house by providing and installing the gutters and Gutter Helmet onto the home. The home is a modular home by CRM Modular Homes and was furnished inside and outside with materials provided by sponsors.The home was built on the floor of the home show in 3 days. Check out the time lapse video below for the 3 days rolled into less than 2 minutes.Video Courtesy of MediapeelThe home show opened yesterday with a ribbon cuting ceremony with the guest of honor being Angel Tavares, Mayor of Providence, RI. He officially opened the show and the house for public viewing. Check out the video of the ceremony below:Be sure to stop by the show this weekend to check out the house. While you are there, stop by the Moonworks Booth (#1100) and Renewal by Andersen Booth (#1109) to see how we can help with your next home improvement project.The RI Builders Association Home Show runs Thursday, March 29th through Sunday, April 1st. For more information on the home show, check out The RIBA Home Show website.Will you be attending the home show this weekend?
Fun with Gutters via Pinterest by on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:46:00 GMT:
A new social media craze has hit the web and can be a wonderful tool when it comes to home improvement- Pinterest! Pinterest is an online bulletin board/scrapbook where you can visually create boards for inspiration. Pinterest is great when it comes to showcasing ideas for upcoming renovation or design project as it allows you to see how well things look together. Other ways people use Pinterest, compiling recipes, blogs to read, clothing that represents their style or places they want to go. Moonworks has various boards on Pinterest, one of which is Fun with Gutters. Let’s face it, gutters are useful for protecting your home from water damage but beyond that, they aren’t very fun. Using Pinterest we were able to compile a board of fun and creative ways people have repurposed gutters.Here is a look at some of our favorites:Gutter Planters: Gutter plants are usually a sign that you haven’t cleaned your gutters in quite some time. Unless, of course, you intentionally planted flowers and herbs in the gutters. Gutters make a great planter because they a deep enough to support the plant and dirt and can be cut to any size you like. And, at first glance, you would never know that the planter was a gutter. Gutter Bookshelves: This one has to be my favorite. I am a sucker for children’s books and love how fun and creative this idea is. This bookshelf was uploaded by Pinterest user Bonnie McKernan. Since she painted the gutters it adds a fun twist, which is especially great for a child’s room. Plus, you would never know this was a gutter. Great way to make the gutter part of your indoor décor. Gutter Storage: Many of us have that one area of the home that is cluttered. Whether it be the office, the pantry or the storage area in our basement, people are using gutters as a way to organize that area and clean it up. Organize your crafts, cleaning products or hide those wires from your electronic. Use a gutter to hide that clutter! Musical Gutters: This one is not practical but is still a really fun use of gutters. When it rains, the rain trickles down the gutters, creating music. This wall is located in the Neustadt Kunsthofpassage neighborhood of Dresden, Germany. This wall was created by 3 artists- Christoph Roßner, Annette Paul, and Andre Tempel. What a great way to brighten up a rainy day! Gutter Play: Gutters can be used as a fun way to explore water, movement and sounds for kids. This particular one is used as a slide into a sand box. We have also seen it used as a trough to play in, or to wash paint off of kids hands. As always, children should be monitored while they play and the gutters should be inspected for sharp edges. In most cases, the gutters used for these purposes are plastic, not metal. Which ones of these ideas is your favorite? Can you think of any other fun uses for gutters? Be sure to follow our boards on Pinterest or comment below if you want an invite to join Pinterest so you can start creating your own boards.Photo Credits:Gutter Planters: Apartment TherapyGutter Bookshelf: Pinterest user Bonnie McKernanGutter Storage: Apartment TherapyMusical Gutters: inthralld.comGutter Play: Squashed Tomatoes