Nov 3 2009
Update Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
In tough economic times, many homeowners are forced to trade "moving up" for "fixing up." Yet home improvement tasks can prove daunting for those with little time or money to spare. That's why Dremel, the trusted name in rotary and oscillating tool technology, has teamed up with home improvement expert Paul Ryan, host of DIY Network's popular "Kitchen Renovations" series, to provide DIYers with easy-to-follow tips for completing 10 of the most common home repair and remodeling projects - all in 30 minutes or less. Beginning today, consumers can download the free "30 Minute Miracles" instruction guide by visiting the Dremel brand's Web site at http://www.dremel.com.
In addition to providing expert advice, Dremel is giving DIYers the chance to flaunt their home improvement skills by entering the "30 Minute Miracles" contest. Today through December 31, 2009, consumers are invited to visit http://www.dremel.com and submit their best home improvement or remodeling tip that can be accomplished in 30 minutes or less using their Dremel tools. The grand-prize winner will receive a $2,500 American Express gift card.
"You don't have to be a professional to successfully tackle common projects around the home," said Paul Ryan. "But it's important to have the right information and tools to do the job, which is why I am partnering with the Dremel brand on the '30 Minute Miracles' program. The free step-by-step instruction guide will help consumers fix things right and fix them fast, without breaking the bank."
"Now, more than ever, our customers are looking for their Dremel tools to deliver the perfect solution for almost any job," said Andrea Ash, vice president of marketing, Dremel. "By sharing expert tips for the most common home repair and renovation challenges, we are hoping to make these times a little easier for consumers. We want to give aspiring DIYers the confidence they need to update their home without a big investment of time and money."
30 Minute Miracles - Expert Advice
Begin in the garage or workshop by organizing tools and other DIY supplies, since getting organized will speed up all future projects. Hanging tools on a pegboard allows you to easily see and grab just what you need. Ryan also believes it is important to take time to organize closets inside the home. Creating more storage inside closets by installing shelves is one of the easiest ways to make messes disappear.
After you get organized, go ahead and brave the bathroom. According to Ryan, bathrooms tend to look worn and dated faster than other areas of the home because they're one of the most trafficked areas and an easy target for dirt and grime. Focus on small projects that will spruce up the room, like replacing tile grout. "It's a small renovation project that pays big dividends in appearance," Ryan said. Installing a new toilet is another great way to brighten a bathroom. Over the years, toilets can become cracked and not function as well as they once did. Plus, installing a high-efficiency toilet can help homeowners save on monthly bills.
Next, it's time to clean the kitchen. This room is often the heart of a home and guests tend to gravitate to the kitchen during get-togethers, so it's important to keep it looking clean and new. Ryan suggests small fixes, such as removing mineral and lime buildup from sink faucets and handles. "It will create the illusion of a sparkling new fixture," he said. Ryan also advises homeowners to replace damaged kitchen tiles and refinish worn cabinets. Both are inexpensive projects that can update the whole room.
Source: http://www.dremel.com/Pages/default.aspx