Want to Conceal Your Counter Clutter? Consider an Appliance Garage

Are you planning a kitchen remodel in Newtown or Yardley?

Want to Conceal Your Coffee Maker? Consider an Appliance Garage.

What's the fastest way to make your kitchen look better?

Clear your countertops!

Instantly make your kitchen look clean and attractive by removing appliances and any other items you usually keep on your counter. One option you can use is the Marie Kondo method, to reduce unused and unneeded items. This will leave you with fewer items to deal with.

However, empty countertops remain very difficult to achieve in real, everyday life. It might be possible to keep your toaster or waffle maker stored when not in use. But it’s not always feasible - or desirable - to incorporate a regular habit of picking up and moving your air fryer, microwave, or standing mixer (especially your standing mixer) to a cabinet or pantry.

This is why larger countertop appliances stay on the countertop. There’s no good way to put them away.

If you can’t move countertop appliances, there is another trick to concealing them and keeping the kitchen looking clean and uncluttered in the process. Meet the “appliance garage.”

Appliance garages use rolled (or tambour) doors that stay hidden behind wall cabinets when not in use. When it’s time to hide countertop appliances, the appliance garage door can be pulled down, like a garage door, concealing items behind it. The rolled door is frequently painted to match the cabinets and create a built-in feel.

Check out this appliance garage tour posted by chrislovesjulia on Tiktok.

Contact iFixit to discuss your project and draw up your plans.

Four Budget Friendly Bathroom Makeover Projects

If you're looking for new ideas for your bathroom, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’re going to discuss four bathroom makeover projects. Each project is not only budget friendly. You won’t sacrifice complete use of your bathroom while completing these projects. , but you won’t lose the use of your bathroom while completing the project.

One of the easiest ways to update your bathroom is the faucets and fixtures. Replacing those cabinet and drawer handles is something we can all do and it's not too time consuming. Updating cabinet handles can add a touch of elegance or a minimalist view. One of the most popular trends, according to BHG, has been organic styling. Natural materials, earthy colors and tones, along with plenty of plants fall into this category.

Touchless Faucets and Sinks

With the global pandemic, we’ve grown more accustomed to washing our hands. More time at the sink and faucet has fostered in the trend of updating both our sinks and our faucets. Some supply chain challenges have lessened inventories, but plenty of options remain. We’re quite certain finding and updating those items won’t prove impossible.

Vanity Updates

Another way to update the bathroom is through the vanity. There's a couple approaches you can take, one of which is lighting. With all the activities we perform in front of that vanity mirror, most are performed best with good lighting. Also, the benefits of updating those lighting fixtures enhances the entire bathroom.

A Splash of Color

If your bathroom is only one or two colors, something you can do to update that vanity is a splash of color. A new coat of paint that accent the areas around your vanity or the vanity cabinet itself can go a long way.

A Little Sanding Required

Yes, you will need to sand your cabinets before painting them. It won’t take much, but it’s a step we wouldn’t recommend skipping. You’ll need either a sanding block or 220 grit sandpaper. Your goal is to dull the surface enough for the primer to adhere properly. This will only take a few minutes, but should you choose to skip this vital step, you will more than likely regret your new look.

A Bit of Primer

The material of your cabinets will determine the best choice for primer. There are a ton of great choices for primers, either latex or oil based. Latex based primers tend to be easier to clean and won’t stink up your entire house. That’s not to say you can’t find some excellent choices with oil based primers, because you definitely can.

One of the most popular choices for latex based primers is Sherwin Williams Multipurpose Latex Primer. Zissner Oil Based Stainblocking Primer will do a better job than the latex based primer, if you can stand the smell.

Wood tannins can be an issue if you’re painting your cabinets white. If that’s the case, we’d suggest you consider using an oil based primer. It’ll prevent the wood tannins which are light brown or yellowish spots that will bleed through your paint.

Paper Instead of Paint

If you want to get the benefits of an update and the look a fresh coat of paint but don't wanna wait for it to dry because you're like most of us in don't have the patience here's an alternative try wallpaper you can get the same look maybe more options then with paint but without having to wait for it to dry.

Shelving

Our final budget friendly bathroom project is shelving. Simple to install, these items are often overlooked for the impact on a space. The bathroom offers a great area for shelving. The ability to place a few pictures, some memorable quotes or vacations, or perhaps some of your favorite linens, shelves offer an abundance of flexibility when updating our space.

Additionally, adding shelving with contrasting color, perhaps colors accented by your recent faucet or fixture updates, can prove exponentially delightful. When done in a complimentary fashion, contrasting colors of shelving accenting the faucets and fixtures, can bring the entire bathroom together.

Lastly, none of these puts your bathroom entirely out of commission. Sure, replacement of sinks or faucets can be a bit inconvenient, but it’s not along the same lines as replacing your shower tiles or flooring. Of course waiting for paint to dry is one of the dullest activities we have to endure as humans, but it’s not as if the bathroom will be inoperable indefinitely. It only feels that way when we’re waiting.

Final Thoughts

Each of the project ideas can be completed without too much of a challenge over a weekend. Having an overall idea of how you’d like your bathroom to look once completed will ensure that if you tackle more than one of the ideas, your bathroom will look like it was purposefully completed versus a hodgepodge of projects.

We’d suggest getting a good idea of the look you want and go from there. You can reference some of our previous articles as a starting point.

Contact iFixit to discuss your project and draw up your plans.

Install a New Mailbox in 6 Simple Steps

Install a New Mailbox

Getting yourself a new mailbox is not an overly complicated process. Of course, you can always count on your Southampton handyman to do the work for you. But, if you’re interested in DIYing this particular task and install a new mailbox on your own, we’ll help you along by providing the following 6-step process. As you’ll see, this DIY is possible even for people who are usually not too crafty. Still, a new mailbox will undoubtedly boost your curb appeal and the general feel of your home’s appearance. Not to mention the practicality aspect of a functional mailbox when it comes to receiving your mail.

1. Buy new mailbox and post

Obviously, if you want to install a new mailbox, you’ll need to buy one first. Your choice will depend on several different things. First things first – you’ll need to like the look of the box. But, aside from the aesthetic point, you need to consider the size of your box. This is especially true if you’re not replacing the post. The usual post size is 4×4 inches, and most boxes can be easily attached to it. Still, make sure that the sizes of the box you want and the post are 100% compatible. The usual box sizes include standard (T1), large (T2) and extra large (T3).

2. USPS compliant mailbox

You can’t just install a new mailbox wherever you want. It’s important to follow the USPS rules and get in touch with your local postmaster if there’s anything you’re not quite sure about. In general, there should be a 41-45 inches distance between the mailbox bottom and the road, while the post should be 6-8 inches away from the curb.

3. Recycle the old mailbox

As you get yourself a new mailbox, you most definitely won’t need the old one. Don’t waste it by throwing it away when you can recycle it. Basically, you’ll need to use a shovel in order to dig around the post, and the concrete base as well. In case you can’t get everything out, pour water into the hole where you dig and around it in order to make the soil softer. This will help you remove the mailbox and post so that you can bring it to the recycling place in your area. Don’t hesitate to use some kind of leverage if necessary.

4. Put in the post

This may be the most challenging step of them all but that doesn’t mean it’s too difficult. Essentially, you need to put the mailbox post in the hole and pour concrete over it. The important thing here is to make sure that the post is at the appropriate height and that everything is nicely leveled and supported.

5. Place the mailbox onto the post

Once the concrete is completely dry, it’s time to mount your new mailbox to the post. You’ll be provided with the instructions for this when you purchase a new mailbox. Still, you’ll definitely have to use mounting brackets in order to properly attach the mailbox to the post.

6. Add your information

When you install a new mailbox, it’s important to remember to actually add your house number on it. Both numbers and letters on the mailbox should be at least 1 inch tall. Keep in mind that having a mailbox placed on a different street compared to where your house is will require you to add a full address on the mailbox as well. Other than that, you have complete freedom when it comes to personalization of your new mailbox.

Even though the installation of a new mailbox is not the most complicated task in the world, it can still be quite bothersome for someone who doesn’t feel too handy for a project like that. This is where you can trust your local Southampton handyman and ifixit to help you.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call, Contact iFixit for any kind of home repair and/or maintenance task.

How to Move a Cable Outlet

How to Move a Cable Outlet? Home theaters have become quite popular in recent years, and these can be quite large. Therefore, it’s common for one of the cabinets to end up in the middle of the cable outlet.

One solution is to try to reshape the cabinet, but chances are that the result would not look aesthetically pleasing. The better solution is to simply move the cable outlet. You can always count on your iFixit handyman for a job like this, but if you’d rather DIY it, keep on reading.

Remove the problematic cable outlet

Before you can move a cable outlet, you need to get rid of the one that needs to be moved. First, turn off the electricity: safety first. Next, unscrew the box.

Then pull the cable away from the wall. You want to remove the cable from the outlet box so that it’s hanging through the wall gap. Also, get rid of any additional pieces that were a part of the outlet, such as a supporting board, mounting plates, etc.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call, Contact iFixit for any kind of home repair and/or maintenance task.

What’s the Best Adhesive for Different Materials?

Knowing what type of adhesive to use according to the material is key to achieving good results. After all, every home repair and maintenance task requires certain tools and resources. This time, your Doylestown handyman will explain different types of adhesive for different materials. That way, you can choose the best one when doing your crafts, repairs, and embellishments on any surface.

What adhesive to use for wood, cardboard, and paper?

Wood, cardboard, and paper are the surfaces which are the easiest to adhere to, and they are also among the most common ones. Whether it’s a school project, craft, repair or home makeover, the most suitable adhesive for paper, cardboard and wood is, first and foremost, white glue (vinyl glue).

This particular glue is white when wet, but becomes transparent when dry. Due to its fluid texture, it penetrates well into the pores, and is even used in glass fusing thanks to its high adhesion. It easily dilutes in water and gets pigment from powders and fluids. Excess glue can be removed without too much hassle, either with a scraper or spatula, or with warm water and a clean cloth.

For better use of this adhesive, a uniform layer should be applied on both surfaces; although, in case of cardboard and paper, applying it on one side will suffice. this prevents the vinyl glue from accumulating in sections, as its high water content could affect the surfaces. Brush application can help avoid this. Keep the surfaces close together with weight pressure until the glue is completely dry.

What adhesive to use for vinyl, rubber and the like?

If you’re looking to fix structures made of vinyl, rubber and the like, the best adhesive is elastic putty. Normally, it’s available as a cartridge for applicator/glue gun and has insulating properties.

Depending on the surface that will be adhered to (including wood, glass, ceramics, resins, vinyl, rubber or others) there’s more adhesive for different materials and purposes. So, you can opt for polyurethane, silicone or synthetic rubber. The base is a viscous or pasty material, capable of gluing surfaces with different textures. These are resistant to high and low temperatures, as well as ultraviolet rays, which makes them ideal for outdoors too. What’s more, they don’t harden at all, but remain firm and flexible at the same time.

What adhesive to use for glass, porcelain, metal, etc.?

These less porous surfaces require special glues. Among the most suitable adhesives for bonding glass, porcelain and metal are epoxy and contact cement. You must be careful when using these because they can be dangerous upon contact with skin or mucous membranes.

Once dry, this glue is resistant to moisture and high temperatures, although not as well at extremely low temperatures. You should apply it on both surfaces, in equal portions, and aerate it a little before adhering completely. You can clean the excess with solvents, or physical scraping (scraper, sandpaper).

If you wish to achieve the best results for your home repair or craft project, you need to use the best adhesive for different materials. Also, remain careful and patient. In case DIYs and repairs are not your strong point, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at ifixit. Call for your local Doylestown handyman for whatever you need to be done around your home.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call, Contact iFixit for any kind of home repair and/or maintenance task.

Roofing Repair

Roofing Repair or Roofs are a crucial component of any building structure- particularly true regarding your house.

Your roof keeps you and your family safe and protected from the elements: winds, snow, cold, extreme heat, and rain. So, when your roof fails, it can be incredibly stressful as a homeowner.

A new roof can cost thousands of dollars, and you might spend much time wondering how to find a trustworthy roofer who can get the job done on a budget.

You might also waste time and money trying to repair it. Fortunately, you can take plenty of preventative measures to avoid common roofing problems and make the most of the lifespan of your roof.

A healthy roof starts with the proper installation of the roof.

Unfortunately, some roofing companies are trying to cut corners, using cheaper materials and rushing through installation. This jeopardizes the integrity of your roof, leaving it more susceptible to leaking loose shingles and degrading faster.

Before hiring a roofing contractor, do thorough research into prior individuals’ reviews and experiences to understand whether or not you are hiring a quality contractor. You can also refer to our questions before hiring a roofing contractor.

Another way some roofers are trying to cut corners is by not installing the flashing.

It is a crucial component of any roof and can last for 20 years or longer when installed properly.

Not having a flashing increases your risk of leaks around the fireplace, vents, and skylights. If you notice no flashing installed on your roof, you must get a professional to add it to your top ASAP.

You may save money and make the most practical choices when using another material to repair your roof. But mismatched shingles and other roofing elements do not just look bad:

They may make your roof more likely to break down early. Unsuitable materials may also invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty, so think twice before using another product to tackle a DIY roofing project.

Whether you are getting new solar cables, adding skylights to your roof, or hiring a third party for any other work on your top, hire someone you can trust. Many third-party vendors are liable for expensive damage to roofs when installing their products. Choose wisely, and find out if a company offers a workman guarantee before hiring.

Out of sight, out of mind – just like that.

When it comes to your roof, that thinking is entirely off base. Homeowners who shy away from maintaining it are in for a significant surprise when their roof finally fails.

Make sure to make the most of your roof by clearing trash, keeping gutters clean, and getting regular checkups. Even a brand-new roof can be compromised when inadequate ventilation is on your top.

No matter which part of the country you live in, you need a system to allow the roof to ventilate after rain, snow properly, or wet days. Ensure your roof is appropriately venting out heat and is admitting cool air, which will regulate your attic temperature and humidity.

One primary reason that tar shingle roofs are failing is simple: Tar shingles are not manufactured as well as they used to be. The rising costs of asphalt have led manufacturers to reduce how much asphalt is used on the shingles when it is manufactured. This removes essential oils from shingles needed to make them flexible and durable.

This causes shingles to dry more rapidly, leading to cracks, breaks, and failures earlier than they should. Is your roof starting to show signs of aging? Roof Maxx technology can rebuild your asphalt shingles to give them a full 15 years of extra life.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call, Contact iFixit for any kind of home repair and/or maintenance task.

How to remove wallpaper

Getting rid of old wallpaper may be a challenging task, but there are still several techniques that you can try. Depending on the type of paper and glue used, specific methods will work better than others, so don’t hesitate to change up the strategy in the middle of the project. After all, it’s better to experiment with these techniques than to stubbornly stick to one that may not work for you and your walls. Today, your Newtown handyman will help you remove wallpaper by explaining three techniques you could use.

1. The mix of vinegar and water

If you want to save money on this project, you can use vinegar in your kitchen. Make sure to mix the same amount of vinegar and warm water. You can then use a sprayer to moisten the wallpaper with this mix. Let the vinegar work its magic for about 15 minutes. Once the wallpaper loosens, remove it by hand. Start from the bottom, and try to remove wallpaper in large sheets. Work in small sections and moisten the paper as you work. If the wallpaper is very thick, try to scrub it with a brush or sandpaper.
2. Use the power of steam

Another popular technique to remove wallpaper is steam. This technique can be very efficient since it unglues the glue attached to the wallpaper in the first place. You will need an effective steam cleaner for this technique to work. Again, it would help if you worked in small sections to avoid mishaps. If you plan to rent a steam cleaner for this purpose, opt for a mini cleaner that is easy to operate. Before you start, let the steam warm up enough, then bring it close to the wall and wait until the wallpaper is soft. Then pick it up by hand or with a scraper. Remember that these machines can drip hot water, so always use them carefully.

3. Fabric softener can help

Using fabric softener is also one of the more popular solutions for people who want to remove wallpaper independently. Essentially, fabric softener can also soften the wallpaper glue. Mix half a cup of fabric softener with one liter of water and apply the mixture to the wallpaper using a sponge. As with the previous methods, they work in small sections, so the paper stays dry quickly. Wait 20 minutes and then scrape the wallpaper. Use a brush if the paper is a bit thicker.

If none of these methods work, consider buying chemicals designed to remove wallpaper. Remove a small piece of paper and take it to the specialized store, so one of the employees can recommend the best chemicals based on the paper you have and the glue used. Of course, don’t hesitate to rely on your local Newtown handyman and ifixit to remove the wallpaper, especially if you want some other work done afterward, such as repainting or applying new wallpaper.

Contact iFixit for any kind of home repair and/or maintenance task.