Homeowner Tips by Simply Additions

The Essentials of Fall Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance

2014-09-16T22:21:12-04:00

Fall is one of the best times of the year to spruce up your lawn. Temperatures are dropping, but it’s not too cold – the perfect weather to work outdoors! Plus, the beautiful changing leaves are easy on the eyes while you’re out there working away.

As experts in home and landscape maintenance, we’ve gathered several fall lawn care tips over the years, which we are thrilled to share with you now:

Adjust the height of your lawn mower: Many people raise the height of their mowers in the summer, so now in the fall it’s time to lower those blades back to a normal mowing level. Around 2 inches tall is your best bet for most types of grass. Lowering the mowing height will cut your grass a bit shorter, a necessity to prevent grass from matting down under fallen leaves or snow. Read my best self propelled lawn mower guide if you need to buy one.

Feed and water your lawn: Lawns respond best to feeding during the fall and they’ll look even better in the spring next year if you do this now. Water your lawn once or twice per week, preferably in the early morning.

Lay sod or repair dead patches of grass: Moderate temperatures and more moisture in the fall will benefit sod and seedlings.

Aerate the soil: Aerating your lawn helps to improve drainage and reduce thatch. Try the Yard Butler Aerator, it has great customer feedback on Amazon.

Clean up leaves: Fallen leaves, in excess, can wreak havoc on your yard. Use a rake or leaf-blower to remove leaves from your lawn at least once per week. Find the perfect leaf-blower for you here: Leaf Blower Buying Guide

Apply a top dressing: After raking and aerating the lawn, apply a top dressing into the aerated holes.

Get rid of weeds: Apply an herbicide to weeds in the fall, so they won’t come back to bite you in the spring.

Trim dead branches: Be sure to remove dead branches from trees, especially those in close proximity to your house, to prevent the branches from falling and causing damage in a storm.

Happy fall landscaping!

Removing an Old and Heavy Cast Iron Tub by Proven Helper

2015-06-19T13:35:26-04:00

Cast iron tubs can weigh over 300lbs easily depending on the size, shape, and wall thickness, which makes them very difficult to remove. Depending on what your plans are for the tub, you have several different methods you can use to remove one. I've tried both methods in the past so I can help you prepare for what you're in store for.

Plumbing Preparation Prior to the Tub Removal

No matter what method you choose from below, you will need to makes sure that you disconnect any plumbing running to the tub. Usually this entails disconnecting the drain waste and overflow pipes from the tub itself. Sometimes these are the only things keeping the tub in place due to the tubs weight alone.

You may also need to cut caulking around the tub using a utility knife, if the tub is located next to one or more tiled walls.

Sometimes a special tool called the "Tub Drain Remover" is required to unscrew the bottom drain from the tub's plumbing below. I typically used a massive screwdriver and wedged it into the slot in the upper portion of the tub drain, then unscrewed that drain strainer counterclockwise if my memory serves me right. The tub drain remover tool just makes it easier, you can pick one up for $10.

The tub overflow piece that's located inside the tub can usually be unscrewed with two Phillips head screws.

Okay, now that you properly disconnected the plumbing from the tub itself, as a safety precaution, you can turn off your water supply, just in case you accidentally damage a water pipe during the actual bathtub removal process.

Skip to the method that pertains to your actual needs, one is for people who plan to keep the tub in one piece, and the other is for people who rather remove the tub in smaller chunks.

Method 1

Remove a Cast Iron Tub in 1 Piece

You should have everything disconnected from the tub at this point, now you have to break loose the tub from the walls if that's how it's installed. You're going to have to do whatever it takes to remove it, this can entail removing wall tile, and other obstacles that can be holding the tub in place.

If you cut the silicone bead and still can't get the tub to budge, you may have to break the walls that hold the tub there. I would personally break as little of the all as possible if, you're plan is to retrofit a new tub in that area. If you're planning a major remodel, it may be a lot easier to remove the surrounding tile and cut the wall board off 6" above the tub, so that you can give yourself plenty of wiggle room to wedge the tub out of its cavity.

Sometimes people want to relocate or reuse an old cast iron tub and it is doable, but you're going to need some man power because of the sheer weight of the tub. I remember one of our first whole house remodels back in 2005, we removed a cast iron tub and had to carefully navigate it through the hallway and kitchen and then down the 2 flights of stairs. I remember that removal clearly because it was a bit of a nightmare. If you have to walk your tub down a flight of stairs, I recommend at least 2 strong guys at the bottom of the tub, because the weight is too much for one guy to bare all on his own. With this method you are going to risk damaging the stairs and any flooring you can possibly drop or drag the tub on. Also you may scrape or bump into walls, doors, and other obstacles on your way out of the house, so plan ahead and be careful.

Method 2

Break the Cast Iron Tub Into Pieces

I've used this method 3 times, 2 on the job for previous customers and once for myself. First make sure you've done the work mentioned previous regarding the plumbing disconnect . You can stuff some crumpled up newspapers into the exposed tub drain to prevent debris from clogging your drain pipes, that's what I did.

For this method I recommend the following materials:

1. Old comforter

2. 10 lb sledgehammer

3. Safety Glasses

4. Thick work gloves

5. Ear protection, because it's going to be very loud.

I removed both cast iron tubs by placing a blanket or old comforter over the areas I was planning to strike with the sledgehammer. Why use the blanket? The porcelain coating is going to shatter into tiny sharp pieces and they can cause injury if they hit your body. The comforter will prevent them or pieces of cast iron from flying at you or somebody else. I wouldn't even think of using a sledgehammer on a cast iron tub or sink without taking the right safety precautions.

Once you have yourself protected and ready for work, simply strike covered areas of the tub with the sledgehammer, paying attention to how much force you actually need to break pieces off. My particular tub took a ton of force, watch the YouTube Clip below to see me in action, I even show footage of what my new bathroom looks like after I converted the old outdated bathrooms into one larger bathroom instead. I think you're going to like what I did with it.

One last thing I want to point out is that the corner walls of the tub might require more force to strike but they are also great starting points in my opinion. Once you break the top corner of the tub, you can continue whacking pieces off the tub wall. Remove all the pieces that area easy to handle out of your way and keep working at it until the whole tub has been obliterated and removed from your bathroom.

For cleanup, I suggest a good shop vac, because you'll have hundreds if not thousands of porcelain shards and small pieces of cast iron as well to clean out from the floor.

Good luck, and please be careful. If you don't trust yourself doing a job like this, hire somebody how has experience.

Lawn Care Tips for the Summer Season: Mowing, Watering & More

2014-06-27T13:02:43-04:00

The summer is in full swing, which hopefully means you’re spending more and more warm, relaxing evenings and weekends enjoying the outdoors.

If you have a grass lawn of any size, you know that summer is about maintenance for lawns. While spring is about reviving your lawn from the cold, winter months, summer is all about helping your healthy, green lawn thrive.

Summer can be very tough on our lawns – it’s hot and in many areas of the country there are often droughts that can cause a lot of damage to both lawns and gardens. But no one wants brown grass in their lawn in the summer; this is the time when we all want lush, green lawns to play in, host BBQs in, and generally enjoy while we can.

Follow these expert summer lawn care tips and you’ll be the envy of the all the neighbors. With these tips, you’ll spend more time in your hammock relaxing instead of worrying about how to keep your grass green and alive.

Fertilize or feed your lawn: You don’t need to fertilize your lawn all the time, but the midsummer is a great time to do it. It’s best to fertilize the lawn after moving it, when the grass is dry. Be sure to spread the fertilizer out really well to ensure equal distribution and a nice, even green color.
Protect your lawn: Insects are out in full force during the summer months, so now is the time you really want to protect your lawn. Check out these tips from Scott’s expert Ashton Ritchie to find what products are right for your lawn – it will depend on whether or not your lawn needs feeding as well: http://tipsfromashton.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/june-lawn-checklist/
Water wisely: An actively growing lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week (sometimes up to 1.5 inches – this depends on your soil) to really thrive, so water wisely. It’s better to water a couple of times a week than to water very lightly every day. Water your lawn early in the morning (we mean early! Think 5 a.m.) to allow it time to dry during the day.
Mow like a pro: Raise your mower blade in the summer so the grass is a bit taller, and mow regularly – the goal should be to avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time, so keep an eye on that lawn! Taller blades of grass will obtain more light during the summer, will grow deeper roots and become more drought-tolerant, and will help to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Check out
The mower matters: To really take care of your lawn, you need a good lawn mower. I've done the guesswork for you with my best self propelled lawn mower guide for a comparison based on customer reviews across all stores, it includes a variety of mowers at budget-friendly prices.

What are you favorite summer lawn care tips? Let us know in the comments or on the Proven Helper Facebook page.

Top Tips for Home Maintenance in the Fall: A Checklist

2014-10-11T10:58:29-04:00

Temperatures are dropping and leaves are changing colors all over the county – fall is here, and soon winter will be on its way. With lower temperatures and the chance of inclement weather (experts are predicting a long, cold winter for three-quarters of America east of the Rocky Mountains), homeowners need to take extra precautions to transition their home from summer to fall, and then from fall to winter.

These expert maintenance tips and tricks will help keep your home in top notch condition going into the fall and winter seasons:

Clean the gutters: Fallen leaves can easily clog gutters, which are a major cause of ice dams in colder months. Be sure to regularly clean your gutters while checking for old or damaged gutters. Replace damaged, worn out gutters before winter hits, and consider installing leaf guards to block leaves and debris – it will make your life a bit easier in the long run!
Seal openings around doorframes and windows: Caulk is an easy, inexpensive fix to seal openings, and it will greatly help in preventing heat from escaping your home.
Inspect your roof and chimney: Damage to the roof is one of the easiest ways for rain, snow and ice to find its way into your home. This fix could be as simple as replacing a few shingles, or it could turn into a larger project of replacing the entire roof. Either way, it will be worth it to take care of this sooner rather than later. Also take a look inside your chimney and double check that it is free of obstructions such as debris or animals who have taken up camp.
Repair damaged driveways, walkways and steps: The last thing you need is a huge crack in your driveway while you’re walking to and from your car during a fall rainstorm or a winter snowstorm. Check for cracks that are 1/8-inch or wider, uneven sections or the disintegration of asphalt.
Turn off outside faucets: Drain outside faucets and close shut-off valves to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during colder weather.
Inspect your fireplace or wood-burning stove: In order to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure to clean and repair a fireplace before its first use each fall/winter. While you’re at it, make sure you stock up on wood to keep those fires burning!
Check insulation in the attic: Make sure attic insulation is intact and installed properly. The vapor barrier of the insulation should be facing down.
Clean your dryer vent: This should be done each season or at least every six months. Be sure to clean the lint out of the dryer vent, and if possible, move your dryer and vacuum around it and behind it. If you can, remove lint and build-up from the outside dryer vent, too.
Reverse your ceiling fan: Many people don’t know that you can change the direction of your ceiling fan. Reversing your ceiling fan pushes warm air from the ceiling down into the rest of the room.
Regularly clean your humidifier: Humidifiers can be life-savers in dry, cold weather, but be sure they are clean in order to operate properly. If needed, clean the pads or filters within the humidifier with a laundry detergent and water solution and steel wool.

How to Update Your Bathroom without Breaking the Bank

2014-09-09T23:44:54-04:00

Updating and renovating a home can be a very expensive and time consuming project and some rooms of the home outweigh others, especially in terms of cost. For instance, both kitchen and bathroom renovations can be daunting to amateurs and professionals alike. More often than not, homeowners find themselves rolling in debt after renovations when a room like the kitchen or bathroom is included – but that doesn’t need to be the case.

For now, we’re going to focus on the bathroom – after all, the bathroom is one room that everyone has to use, and it should be a relaxing environment that both looks and feels nice.

First, it’s important to realize there are several different paths to take when renovating a bathroom. Depending on your skillset and budget, you could go for simple aesthetic updates or a complete overhaul. For our purposes, we’re focusing on updating a bathroom without breaking the bank. After all, money can be tight in this economy, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to revive an old, drab bathroom.

To get started, let’s look at bathroom updates that do break the bank:

Rearranging fixtures (moving a toilet, sink, tub, etc.)
Redesigning the plumbing and electrical

In most cases, the layout of a bathroom can be worked into your renovation plans without having to change where fixtures are located. Instead of moving the toilet, sink or tub, think about how you can work with the space that you do have. However, if you have plumping and/or electrical issues, it’s a totally different story. These types of upgrades can be costly, and we recommend that they are completed by a professional. If you are on a budget you do need to fix up the plumbing or electrical, focus on that first. Once the bigger issues are resolved, move on to the design and décor of the bathroom at a later date, so you’re not shelling out too much cash at once.

Assuming you don’t need to make any plumbing or electrical updates, there are endless budget-friendly updates you can do to transform your bathroom.

Here are our top tips for updating a bathroom on a budget:

Paint the walls and buy a new shower curtain, new window curtains, a matching bathroom mat and additional bathroom accessories. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way, and it will be great inspiration for all of your bathroom accessories. For a more modern look, try out a two-tone paint job on the walls. Be sure to really get into the nitty gritty and scrub all the nooks and crannies before painting.
Paint your cabinets. Paint will often be the cheapest way to update any room, and it’s not exclusive to walls!
Paint worn out and stained tubs with special bath tub paint, like this one available on Amazon: Rust-Oleum 7860519 Tub And Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit, White
Purchase new hardware for the sink, toilet and tub, or refinish old ones – brass or gold faucets are dated, but it’s easy to update those with a nice metallic black paint or a glaze.
Install new lighting over the vanity and in the ceiling. Try to avoid fluorescent lights, as they can be very harsh. You’ll want to go for softer, more natural lighting in the bathroom.
Hang a new mirror at the vanity or above the sink. Look for one with a unique frame for a stylish look, or purchase a plain mirror and find a frame separately – frames often pop up at yard sales or discount home goods stores for very good prices.
Install new tile on the floor and/or on the walls of the shower or tub.
Swap out the vent for a quieter version – no one likes a noisy fan.
Use stackable shelves and drawers as an inexpensive storage solution to help clear out clutter.

What are your top tips for refinishing a bathroom on a budget? Tell me in the comments or find me on social media!