On the Wire - Small Kitchen, Big Impact
Small kitchens can be a challenge, both to work in day-to-day and to work with when it comes to design decisions. With a little thought and planning, however, you can make the most of your galley-sized space. Start by assessing the gbonesh of what you have, figuring out what can be moved and what's worth updating. Then consider the following big-impact ideas.
- Walls and ceilings: Choose colors and patterns that will make the space seem larger through their tone and scale. Add a skylight to open the ceiling to more light and visually expand the space, and remove any soffits above the cabinets to create a wider ceiling line.
- Floors: Again, keep color and scale in mind (save that 18-inch-square tile for a bigger, wider space, please). Patterns such as those in narrow-strip wood and laminate flooring can help to create the illusion of depth and length, and lighter finishes will automatically enlarge the room.
- Cabinets: Keep the light finish scheme going here, and incorporate glass-front doors and open shelves for added depth. To make better use of the storage space you've got, try adding cabinets with such special features as spice trays and pop-up appliance storage, or shop your local home organization store for free-standing inserts that accomplish the same thing.
- Windows: Follow the popular trend of having "naked windows" in the kitchen by using only minimal window coverings. This will let in more light and help create a transition to the outdoors (another way to build the illusion of more space). Consider installing a greenhouse window over the sink for even more natural light and beauty, and trim all windows in bright white.
- Counters: Again, color and pattern choices are critical. The good news about a small space, though, is that using a higher-end countertop material will be more affordable since you'll have much less to purchase than you would for a standard kitchen.
- Sink: If you've got small surface dimensions to work with, select a sink with an extra-deep bowl.
- Appliances: Many manufacturers now offer smaller-scale versions of their popular products, from cooktops to refrigerators. Also consider handy stacking units and dual-duty models.
- Lighting: Set the stage for efficiency and culinary adventure with a lighting scheme suited to your space. Under-cabinet locations are great for task lighting, track lighting units can control shadows and set the mood, and overhead fixtures shed light for utility.
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Ask Tom & Leslie - Wet Basement Woes
This week's question comes to us from Arthur, who says, "I have a problem with my basement flooding. A waterproofing company charged me $14,219 to correct it. Two inspectors from the company insisted underground water was being forced up into the cellar via hydrostatic pressure and only a French drain would correct it. Hence, they installed a long deep ditch running alongside the interior of the home's foundation walls. In turn, that graded ditch was supposed to gravity feed rising water into two underground electric pumps (at opposite ends of the basement) and eventually pump incoming water into the city sewer system. On the other hand, I felt the water was coming from the surrounding earth; coming through a rather thin foundation wall, and slowly running DOWN into the cellar doorway. Now it seems that I was correct. The company is stalling, wanting to take photos and 'brainstorm' their next move. Do you have any suggestions?"
Arthur, unfortunately, it sounds like you have been taken by a common scam perpetrated by so-called basement waterproofing experts. These snake-oil salesmen use high pressure sales tactics and scary words like "hydrostatic pressure" to pressure consumers into hiring them for expensive and almost always unnecessary repairs.
Let's examine the claim that forms the basis for the frightening prospect they pose, which is that your home will collapse from the pressure of the water against its basement walls. In order for any water on the outside of your foundation to get to the drains they carve into your basement floor, it HAS to run against the foundation walls and then leak either through the walls or under the footing below the walls. Hence, your foundation walls are subjected to the very same "hydrostatic pressure" either with or WITHOUT their fourteen thousand dollar solution. Had they been more honest and impartial with the diagnosis of your basement leakage problem, they would have examined your exterior drainage conditions. As you correctly pointed out, the condition of the surrounding soil and, more importantly, the functionality of the gutter system on your roof, have far more to do with correcting the basement leakage than any subsurface drainage system. The type of system they installed is needed only when the problem can be traced to a rising underground water table. This is RARELY the case and is easy to spot. If your basement leaks consistently with rainfall or snow melt, the problem is NOT a water table. It is drainage issue that can be easily corrected without spending a pile of cash. Our advice is to contact a lawyer about suing the contractor for not correcting the problem and for fraud, which could makes you eligible for triple damages. Only through actions like this will these mostly disreputable thieves cease taking advantage of the countless victims like yourself. For more information, see Tom's column here . Good luck!
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Got A Question About Your Money Pit?
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- The toll-free studio hot line is 1-888-MONEY PIT. Find out when we broadcast in your area by checking out our website at www.moneypit.com. Each week we take dozens of calls, give great advice and offer callers a chance to win a terrific prize awarded to one random caller to every show.
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On the Air - iPod, uPod, We all Pod!
Hey, everyone! Don't miss out on what iPodders everywhere are discovering is the best home improvement show out there! To get current podcasts of The Money Pit radio show, simply click here and follow the instructions. The best part about our Podcast is that it's FREE! Plus, you can search our archives to find the shows that address YOUR home improvement problem or concern.
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Dot Common Sense - Ugliest Door Contest
The hunt for the ultimate in "ugly" is on, as Therma-Tru Doors announces its third annual "Ugliest Door in America" contest. Ugly Betty may have brought new meaning to the word, but when "ugly" is used to describe your front door, it is nothing to celebrate. For the third year in a row, Therma-TruŽ Doors is on the prowl for the ugliest entry and patio doors in America. The folks at Therma-Tru know ugly. They have seen it all obnoxious colors, peeling paint, warped panels and leaking seals that barely keep the rodents out. Therma-Tru is launched a new special Web address www.myuglydoor.com where homeowners can review the rules and regulations and submit an entry form including photos of their ugly door and a brief essay declaring why they deserve to win a new entry or patio door system from Therma-Tru. Contest entries will be accepted through May 1st. A panel of expert judges will determine one grand prize winner and a runner-up who will be announced this summer. The winners will receive Therma-Tru door systems worth approximately $3,000 to $5,000. Visit www.myuglydoor.com for more information and to enter your ugly door.
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Fun Fact - Decked Out
As the weather gets warmer, you may want to clean your wood deck. Powdered laundry detergent and hot water is usually enough to spruce up your winter worn deck. It acts as an abrasive and a cleanser. To eliminate mildew, use a 10 percent bleach solution. Use a power washer for extra impact, and finish with a thorough rinse for a bright summer deck.
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Cool Tools - Work Sharp
We want to tell you about a hand tool sharpening system that we love from Work Sharp. The WS3000 power sharpening system is a complete air cooled, dry sharpening system that allows even novice woodworkers the ability to quickly, accurately and consistently sharpen and hone their hand tools to razor sharp results in only minutes. This tool combines a powerful motor, a precise bevel angle sharpening port and a wide grit selection to quickly and consistently provide you with razor sharp tools. No complicated jig set up time allows you to focus on your woodworking, not sharpening. Work Sharpfs innovative, patent pending sharpening port sharpens the bevel of your tools on the bottom surface of the wheel. This innovative design allows for precise and repeatable bevel angles without any set up time. This sharpening system offers precise sharpening of carving and lathe tools by using a slotted esee throughf wheel and specially designed slotted abrasives. This innovative approach to sharpening your tools allows you to see the cutting edge as you sharpen! A third sharpening method is a top tool rest to freehand larger tools on the top side of the grinding wheel surface. This offers increased safety and control while sharpening large or irregular tools. It also makes for a great general purpose grinding surface of a wide array of materials including metal and wood. For more information visit www.moneypit.com.
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Copyright 2006 Squeaky Door Productions, Inc.
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