A Basic Toolkit for the DIY Homeowner

I wanted to give our readers a basic list of tools that any do-it-yourself homeowner should keep available for any simple job that she or he might wish to handle on their own.

Bob, our sales manager, was a general contractor for years before we went into online sales. So I asked him to draw me up a list of tools.

This is the list of tools he said he “never went anywhere without”.

Utility knife for trimming and opening boxes easily.
Putty knives which come in various widths depending on the job and are either flexible or stiff. A stiff putty knife is used when scraping paint, while the more flexible knife is used to putty windows or for spackling.
Multitip powerless screwdriver
Hammer
Measuring tape
Cordless drill and bits for any size hole you might want or need.
A mitre box is optional unless you will do your own crown molding cutting and installing
Saws are frequently used power tools and there are a number of different types. You’ll need one that is specific for your project.
Speed square for laying out lines and marking angles
Chalkline for drawing straight lines

The following three items are all-purpose tools:

Short handsaw
Channel lock pliers
10” crescent wrench

Other tools to keep handy include:

Caulking gun
Level
Framing square
Pencil
Nailgun
Finishing nails
Caulk
Spackle
Sandpaper

The following tools are optional:

Routers
Sanders
Jigsaws
Mitre saw
Circular saws
Table saws

Finally, you will need a few safety items:

Safety goggles
Work gloves
Respirators
Ear plugs
Always make sure that you know how to operate the power tools you are using.

Many of these tools are items which most people are familiar with. It helps to know what you really need versus what would be helpful but are not absolutely necessary. These days we don’t want to spend a fortune on tools we probably won’t use. Plus, you save money on minor repairs and small jobs and you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself and it is that sense of accomplishment that is a great feeling.

For all the decorative accents you'll ever need, visit GoCeilingMedallion. We'll help you feel right at home.

Decorate Inexpensively: Fast and Easy

These are trying times that we are living in today, threatening the very stability of the American Dream. Although these are difficult times, much good has also come out of adapting to these troubling times. The economic recession has opened up a way for new and creative opportunities for learning. It has provided us with new career opportunities as well. And it has forced us to utilize many forms of free entertainment. We have discovered new ways to do more while spending less.

One small change in your life is often all that it takes to create huge emotional shifts in your psyche. Finding ways to feel better in these trying times is so important for our emotional and spiritual well-being. For me, whenever I add beauty somewhere in my life, it just makes me feel better. No matter how big or how small, when I look at the beauty that I have created, it helps me to know that this crisis can't last forever. And it makes me feel good that I am doing something positive for my family and myself.

I want to share some of the inexpensive ways that I have discovered to beautify my home with decorative accents. These ideas are fast and easy and sure to make you smile whenever you admire your handiwork and the beauty that it adds to your home.

Ceiling medallions and decorative rims can be used in creative ways in your home. Many people think that these accents were only designed to use on their ceilings and around lights. However, you can put them on walls as an inexpensive decorative piece. Small decorative rims can be used as frames for pictures of your loved ones. The center hole in the ceiling medallions can also be cut out and used as frames around your favorite pictures.

Panel molding can be used as an inexpensive chair railing. You can also use panel molding on your plain doors to add a little interest. Use a set of panel molding as framing for ceiling medallions on a wall.

Rosettes can be placed on furniture to dress up the plainest of pieces. Use them at the corners of bureaus, armoires, desks, vanity tables, mirrors, or any piece of furniture you desire.

Chair molding is also an inexpensive way to dress up a room. It is also easy to apply and can be done quickly for a small afternoon project.

Corbels can be used to hold up the mantle on a fireplace. They can be used on the inside corners of doorways. You can even use them to dress up the outside of your house by placing them under the eaves.

These are just a few of the ideas that you can use to spruce up your home. Decorating does not have to be expensive or difficult. All of these items can be used in any way that you can imagine. They are sure to brighten your day and give your spirits a little lift as well.

At GoCeilingMedallion, we help you feel right at home. Stop by and look around. We have such a large collection of decorative accents, you are sure to find exactly what you want.