DIY Projects – Reality Vs. Fantasy

Those of you who’ve ever embarked on a DIY project know from first-hand experience that they almost never turn out the way you planned. You’ve probably created an in-depth, intricate blueprint of exactly what you want your new conservatory to look like, or how you want your new entertainment complex to look. In the end, though, that’s never how it happens; short-sightedness in the planning stage, unexpected twists during construction and other confounding factors mean you’re almost always sidetracked.

There’s an unavoidable amount of change and alteration in almost any DIY project; those that go completely smoothly are rare, although they do happen. In order to help you at least try to prepare for as much deviation from the model as possible, we’ve put together a list of things people think about DIY projects and the reality of those thoughts. By reading this list, we hope you’ll be able to sidestep some of the more common errors. Let’s get started!

Fantasy – it won’t cost much

“I’ll be able to source the materials cheaply,” say you. “I can easily find places which sell cheap furniture, and there’s bound to be something there that fits my specifications.” We’ve heard this countless times before, and although it’s an admirable way to think – being smart with money is always a great way to conduct DIY business – it’s almost never how things actually turn out.

Reality – you’ll need a decent amount of money

You’ll need to cover costs for tools, materials and other considerations, not to mention potentially paying electricians or plumbers if this isn’t something you can do yourself. You’ll need a decent amount of money saved up in order to start your DIY project. We’d strongly recommend looking into reputable, trustworthy loan companies to get a quick injection of cash for your project; these companies are flexible and safe, and you can worry about repayments after you’ve chased your dreams down.

Fantasy – it won’t take much time

When planning a DIY project, the temptation is always to severely underestimate the amount of time it will take. If you’ve got a full-time job, you don’t want to fritter away valuable spare time on DIY projects, so you tell yourself you’ll get everything done within the space of a couple of weekends.

Reality – this is a long-term project

Unfortunately, for all but the most minor DIY outings, the time frame you’ll actually need is likely to be much bigger than you plan for. Even if the actual scope of the work is small, you’ll need to factor in time for errors or breaks as well as simply becoming tired and needing to stop; spending your entire weekend doing DIY won’t feel good if you’ve only got two days before the daily grind starts again. Don’t expect the project to be done overnight and you’ll be fine.

Fantasy – I won’t need help

Since this project is yours, you need to embark on it alone. “It doesn’t make sense to get others involved; they’ll slow me down if they don’t know what they’re doing, or they’ll try to add to the design and I want to retain my original vision for how it’s going to look.” More charitably, “I don’t want to involve others because that’s work and time they don’t need to put into something that I decided I wanted to do.”

Reality – there’s no shame in asking for help

Your family might actually really want to be involved in the project with you. Carrying out DIY together can be a surprisingly effective family bonding exercise; allocating tasks and watching as they’re completed can show you a lot about your family’s individual personalities, as well as making you feel loved and wanted as they help you make your dream project a reality.

Fantasy – I need to buy every tool

In order to be prepared for the upcoming project, you may think you need to get everything and be fully ready for any eventuality. You might be browsing the shelves at a hardware store and get carried away, or you might want a toolbox which contains everything you could possibly need; either way, you’re thinking that you’ll never be able to carry out the project unless you’re perfectly prepared.

Reality – you probably don’t need that many tools

Unless your project is a massive, elaborate undertaking, you’re likely to be OK with buying a small range of tools. Speak to the staff at the hardware store and explain what you’re planning to do (be wary of sales spiel, as usual), and they’ll help you choose exactly what you need. Better yet, ask around your nearest and dearest to see if anyone can lend you the tools you need; it’s always better to borrow things than to buy them, especially if you’ll only ever need them once!

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The Basics in Selecting a Laboratory Freezer

Laboratory freezers are very high quality appliances. They have to be, because often what is placed inside them must have their temperature maintained precisely. For this reason companies who provide laboratory freezers must be prepared for their products to meet stringent standards in safety and performance required for the lab.

With this being said, not all laboratory freezers are created equal and not all freezers serve the exact same purpose. This article will discuss the function each different laboratory freezer serves and how to determine which one suits your needs.

What is a laboratory freezer?

Laboratory freezers are designed to adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety. Unlike their consumer cousins, they are designed to work problem free under the most difficult conditions and to perform at a high level of quality for extended periods of time. Their parts are more heavy duty and medical grade and in some cases they are custom built for a specific purpose or space. They also have special features including alarms to alert if the temperature changes within the unit outside of allowed tolerances, digital temperature displays, and a door lock. Consequently, they cost considerably more than consumer freezers.

Laboratory freezers excel at delivering high levels of performance including:

  1. Being durable and reliable so that there is assurance that no contents placed in the freezer will be damaged. They must be able to store: vaccines and other medications that must be stored according to CDC guidelines, chemicals that require specific consistent storage temperatures, lab samples such as blood and bone marrow, and biological research samples that include tissue, fluids and cells.
  2. Being able to meet ultra-low temperature requirements.
  3. Being able to maintain temperatures consistently and within the stated tolerances.
  4. Having controls that are easy to utilize.
  5. Having a complete range of features.

Types of Laboratory Freezers

While they are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, there are four main types of medical freezers that you will come across during your search for the perfect unit. Upon examining the various options, your facility should have no problem finding a freezer that meets the unique needs.

Upright Laboratory Freezer

These are the most common laboratory freezers and they are also the most accessible to anyone working in the lab. They stand upright like consumer refrigerators and come in a variety of sizes and shapes from ones that fit on a counter top to ones that are very large and need their own dedicated corner of the laboratory. They will all have shelving to focus on allowing scientists easy sight and access to contents placed inside them. They are commonly used in nearly every research facility and hospital.

Under-counter Laboratory Freezer

When floor space is an issue, many labs opt to purchase an under counter lab freezer. These freezers are typically built into a cabinet and fit exactly into a specified space. In terms of its function, it can provide the same functionality as an upright freezer, but its size will be limited. Also these freezers will generally have an installation cost.

Laboratory Chest Freeze

These freezers look like the chest freezers that are common in restaurants and some homes where they are used to store larger, or bulkier items for longer periods. They typically open on the top via a hinge in the back. They usually have minimal shelving.

Ultra-Low Temperature Laboratory Freezers

In the lab setting there will be the need to store some materials at temperatures as low as -85° Ultra Low Temperature Laboratory Freezers are designed to reach and consistently maintain these temperatures. To provide its functions these freezers use a lot more power than the other types of lab freezers, so expect higher electricity bills. Ultra low temperature freezers come in a variety of sizes.

 

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Can You Repair Drywall Yourself, or Do You Need a Professional?

If you have an old property, and it was built using shoddy workmanship, it is likely that water damage, holes, and cracks have started to affect your drywall. Luckily, you can repair most drywall problems yourself so long as you have some DIY experience and the right tools. However, there are cases where the issue is more extensive, and you will need a professional like Lloyd Claycomb to come in. Deciding whether you need a professional is down to issues such as your budget, your experience, and the size of your project.

DIY Repairs

If you spot some nail holes or small cracks, you can easily fix it yourself, so long as it isn’t indicative of a larger problem. You need a drywall knife, some drywall tape, and drywall compound, with which you can simply patch the issue up. Generally speaking, apply a few layers of drywall, letting each layer dry before sanding it smooth. Do make sure that you have filled in the cracks first. All necessary materials are available through local DIY stores.

Professional Repairs

If you spot a bulging area or a large crack that creeps upwards, it is likely that you have a more significant problem with your drywall. It may have been installed poorly, or it may have shifted because of moisture in your walls. It is also possible that, upon original installation, the drywall wasn’t properly screwed in. There are many other reasons as to why you could have a major problem with your drywall and, while you can patch it over, this will only postpone the inevitable. Furthermore, once you do get to the point that it has to be repaired, the problem is likely to be far bigger, and therefore also far more expensive to fix. If you spot a hole in your drywall, a new uneven bulge, a discolored patch, or a crack that keeps progressing downwards, you need to phone in a professional. They will come in and determine what is going on, diagnosing the problem and coming up with solutions.

Health Considerations

If you do decide to go for a DIY repair job, you have to be aware of the health implications. Sanding down drywall releases a breathing irritant, so you should not do any of the work without wearing a mask. Make sure you leave the mask on when you have finished sanding for quite some time. Do also cover all your furniture, because the dust particles can linger for quite some time. Leave the room and make sure you properly vacuum everything before you allow the room to be used again. Also, be aware of the weight of drywall panels, so make sure you do not allow your children or pets to come near it, in case a piece falls and injures them. Safety has to come first at all times, and you should never cut corners on that. Hence, if you are not sure about what you are doing, phone in a professional.

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All You Need to Know About A-Frame Ladders

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A-frame ladders are very popular ladders. They are heavy duty aluminum ladders, but with a very specific purpose, which is to elevate the user up to four feet off the  ground. It also has wider steps, which makes the ladder more stable. An added benefit is that they fold together, which makes them very easy to store.

What Is an A-Frame Ladder?

A-frame ladders are affordable options for people who look for something to use around the home. Because they elevate up to four feet, people should be able to reach just about any fixture in your home. The ladder has two sides that are of equal length, with a crossbar that keeps everything together. This is from where it gets its name, as it actually looks like an A. Using A-frame ladders is very easy, and reasonably safe. However, it is important that you do follow all the necessary safety tips as well.

How to Use an A-Frame Ladder Safely

  1. Only position the ladder on even surfaces, and never place them on top of a different object.
  2. Make sure the foot pads are adjusted so that the ladder has completely even and level contact with the ground.
  3. Only climb ladders when you wear proper footwear. After some use, the rungs, can become oily or wet, which means they could be slippery.
  4. Check that there are no dents or cracks in the ladder before you use it. Aluminum is a durable material, but if it does break anywhere, it tends to break completely.
  5. Lock the ladders brace so that it is completely stable. This will prevent the ladder from collapsing while in use.
  6. Make sure you understand the maximum workload of your vehicle, and never exceed that weight when using it.
  7. Check for OSHA ANSI A 14.2 compliance, as this means the ladder meets the relevant safety standards.
  8. Check what the ladder’s material is. Aluminum is the best and most common, but some A-frame ladders are made from wood or fiberglass. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. Aluminum is preferred for a reason (it is safe, durable, and lightweight), so try to stick with that as much as possible. Aluminum ladders are also much easier to store.
  9. Do not climb onto the top two steps of your A-frame ladder. These rungs are there to give the top of the ladder stability, not to carry your weight. Being too high up can render the whole thing very unstable. And of course if you are pregnant never climb a ladder.
  10. Do not get anything stuck behind the rungs as you are using the ladders.

With Christmas just around the corner, many people use A-frame ladders to hang up their Christmas lights. The ladder lends itself perfectly to that. However, make sure you always keep your safety in mind, which means engaging in the right behavior when using a ladder. This is true regardless of what you are doing with the ladder itself.

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Tips for Updating Your Kitchen on a Budget

updating-your-kitchen

You still can’t afford the gourmet kitchen of your dreams, but you’re hankering for some changes that make it look and work better. From paint and upgrading your kitchen tile backsplash, to DIY projects, these ideas will help you plan your budget friendly kitchen update.

Countertops

An easy and cost effective kitchen update is replacing the countertops. If you haven’t looked at laminate countertops for a while, you’ll be surprised how much they have improved. New products feature a premium finish that looks like stone. You no longer have to settle for the seams showing on the edges. Now you can special-order laminate with beveled or bull-nose edges. If you prefer, the beveled edge can be in a contrasting color.

Cabinets

If your cabinets are wood, melamine or laminate, you can paint over them in newer more in-fashion colors. If a DIY project, You will need to create a rough surface for the paint to adhere properly, so use some sandpaper before you paint. Then paint with a waterborne acrylic enamel that is self-priming and can be tinted to the colors you want.

Adding new knobs or pulls to your kitchen cabinets is an easy update that can be quite cost effective. If you can’t stand the look of outdated knobs on your current cabinets; simple, modern pulls help even dated cabinets look more current.

A larger DIY project is to customize kitchen cabinetry with decorative molding which looks beautiful and adds value to your kitchen. Outline the inset portion of the doors and repeat the treatment on the ends of the cabinets. To install, you’ll either need some skill with the miter box or hire a handyman.

With an unlimited budget, all of us would opt for new kitchen cabinets with full extension drawers so we could get to the pots and pans without crawling on our knees. A much cheaper alternative is buying custom-ordered organizing products for the existing cabinets. First you have to measure each of the cabinets where the products will go. If you don’t trust your measuring skills, get some help. Because this is a special order, you have to make sure the measuring is correct.

Faucets

The faucets that builders install typically are functional but not great looking. Replacing the faucet, like changing cabinet knobs, can upgrade the look of your kitchen fast and cheaply. Today there are a large variety of faucets that look beautiful and are extremely functional. Gooseneck faucets, which are in fashion, and come in a variety of price ranges, allow the cook to easy maneuver large pots in the sink.

Backsplash Tile

Are you bored with the glossy, drab or dated builder tile on the kitchen tile backsplash? Today there are hundreds of choices from subtle to vibrant you can purchase and apply yourself with not too much effort, or hire a contractor within your budget. Replace your current tile with something more exciting, such as bright and glossy colors, tumbled stone or more attractive porcelain tile.

Countertop Accessories

Perhaps the cheapest and most impactful fix for your kitchen is in the clutter on the counter tops.  If you have too much stuff on the counters, clear most items off and put them into cupboards or drawers for a cleaner look. For what can’t be stashed away find some pretty containers in fun colors.

Follow these tips for a budget friendly approach to updating your kitchen. And when you are done, you can start your next update job, the bathroom!

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DIY Safety Upgrades for Your Car

 

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There have been many important innovations in auto safety in the last number of years, and even if you are driving an older vehicle, you can take advantage of these new technologies with some affordable upgrades and make your ride safer.

Upgrade your Headlights

Brighter headlights make it easier for you to see at night, and make your car more visible.  They are easy to install in about 30 minutes, and contribute enormously to your overall safety.

Collision Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control

Traditional cruise control systems will keep you going at a constant speed, but the latest systems work to adjust your speed when needed to help you to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car by slowing your vehicle automatically if you get too close.  It will also send you an alert if it senses an object ahead of your car, and will even automatically apply the brakes to stop your car if you don’t respond to the alert.  It only takes a moment to become distracted, and this technology prevents that momentary distraction from resulting in an accident.

Object Proximity Sensors

These sensors use electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors to detect unsafe distances between your car and objects around it, and will beep to alert you.  They don’t detect moving traffic, but will definitely help you avoid hitting parked cars, hydrants or low barrier walls.

Upgrade your tires

Tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, and for that reason, no matter whether your car is brand new with high-tech anti-lock brakes and traction control or is ten years old without any of that technology, your ability to stop ultimately depends on the quality of your tires.  For that reason, tires are one of the most effective safety upgrades you can make if you want to significantly increase the safety and also the performance of your car.  Buy the best tires you can afford.  If you are planning to hold onto your car for a few years then tires with a longer-lasting tread are worth the investment.

Backup Camera System

Sadly, it is not uncommon for children or other pedestrians to be hurt by people backing out of their driveways.  Not only do back up camera systems reduce the possibility of accidents, but they also make parallel parking much easier.  A backup camera system is thus a very important and life-saving upgrade. It is easy and affordable to install a safety view wireless backup camera system.

Driving an older vehicle does not necessarily mean you cannot benefit from latest advances in safety technology.  Many of the most important safety features can be added to your car with relatively little expense or time. And given the demonstrated life-saving advantages, you should definitely consider upgrading your vehicle with these easy to install upgrades.

 

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When To Use A Skip Bin And How To Utilise It Properly

Know When To Use A Skip Bin?
Photo by CC user Snowmanradio on English Wikipedia

A skip is a vital piece of equipment when it is time to move rubbish out of the house. Bins come in a variety of different sizes, so every job can be tackled properly. Skip bin hire in Perth gives people a range of options, so make sure to compare several different sizes before making a final choice.

Read this helpful guide so you’ll know when to use a skip bin, and how to use it as intended.

Renovating The House

Renovating the house is an exciting step for many homeowners. Ripping out the old kitchen, getting rid of the old furniture and saying goodbye to the tired old carpets throughout the house can create lots of waste which need to be dealt with efficiently. Choose a skip which is large enough to deal with the amount of waste, as well as robust enough to handle heavy material such as plaster, wood and metal.

These jobs often require the largest skips, so make sure that access to the road outside your house is kept clear. This will allow motorists to pass safely with enough room, whilst children won’t have to swerve around the skip if they are riding along on their bikes.

The skip should be partially emptied if it looks like there won’t be enough room to complete the job. The waste disposal company will be able to take any rubbish away if the original skip is overflowing. Choose skip bin hire in Perth and the surrounding suburbs by West Bin.

Clearing The Attic

People often use the attic as a dumping ground for unwanted items such as old televisions or children’s toys. Instead of leaving everything up there to gather dust, why not hire a skip and have a proper clear-out? Sort all the items into those that can be thrown away into the skip, and those that can be sold at a yard sale. It might even be a good idea to take some of the unwanted items down to a charity shop.

Moving House

Moving house is a fantastic excuse to get rid of some of the unwanted clutter that is taking up space in the old house. Too many people hang onto unwanted items simply because they hope that they will use them in the future. However, this leads to lots of clutter being needlessly moved to the new house.

Make a checklist of all the vital items which are definitely needed for the move. Then select items which are used occasionally, but are still important. Then, make a decision as to which items are definitely not needed anymore so that they can be thrown in the skip and be gotten rid of.

Getting Rid Of Large Amounts Of Recyclable Goods

Skips which are used for recyclable goods are becoming increasingly popular with people who don’t want to create lots of unnecessary waste. Periodically go around the house and collect plastic, glass and paper so that it can be stored in a recycling skip until the skip can be taken off and emptied at the recycling plant.

Use this guide to decide when to use a skip.

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How to Create a Fantastic Habitat for Birds in Your Backyard

If you know How to Create a Fantastic Habitat for Birds in Your Backyard, it will be a lively place indeed
Photo by CC user 24874528@N04 on Flickr

Lots of people put up some bird food in their garden and quickly find themselves hooked. Before you know it, they are turning their entire garden into bird habitats, so they can enjoy all that nature has to give. If this sounds like you, the following tips may be of benefit.

Feeder and Foods

If you want to learn how to create a fantastic habitat for birds in your backyard, you have to start by putting out a feeder in the backyard behind your home. But you also have to get the right food. Commercially available feeds in grocery stores is usually quite bland, and won’t attract many birds. Instead, choose black oil sunflower seeds, which birds find super tasty, as well as easy to eat. Furthermore, it has a really good nutritional value. You will soon attract a range of birds, from woodpeckers to finches.

You can also get feeders that attract specific types of birds. For instance, you can use a thistle seed or nyjer sock, which will attract purple finches, house finches, and American goldfinches. Woodpecker suets, obviously, attract woodpeckers. Nectar feeders attract hummingbirds, although you do have to be patient for these. You can also scatter seeds on the ground, or on a platform, and attract doves, robins, and juncos.

Water

Besides food, you also need water to get birds to your yard. This is perhaps the most enjoyable thing of all. Water is obviously important for the survival of all animal life, but having water available in your yard will also enable birds to play, bathe, and generally enjoy themselves. There is nothing quite so enjoyable to wash as a little finch having a bath on its feathers. Best of all, it is really easy to make a water supply for birds. For instance:

  • You can use a pie tin on a stand.

  • You can fill a plant hanger with water.

  • You can place a casserole dish or large bowl on a tree stump.

  • You can hang a bucket from a branch.

  • You can turn the lid of your garbage can upside down and put it on the garbage can again.

Make sure, however, that you put your water supply away from places where cats could hide. An open space is always best, because it stops predators from hiding nearby. If you can make the water move, birds will love it even more, as they love both the movement and the sound of flowing water.

Your Landscape

Last but not least, there is your overall landscaping. If you make sure that you have different density and heights of plants, you will also attract more birds. Have everything in your yard from tall canopy trees down to perennials to attract the greatest variety of birds. Do make sure, as well, that some of your trees have nuts, berries, and more, as the birds will love this. And make sure you have some dense foliage and height, so that birds can nest as well. An ideal garden is one that also has plenty of nesting material in it.

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