Team Two Times

Labels: building a home, clear channel, habitat for humanity of greater los angeles, kiis fm

We are lending our hands to a Habitat for Humanity build here in Los Angeles this weekend along with the folks at Clear Channel Radio and MyFM 104.3. We are helping to complete a home for the Gaxiola family who have been living in poverty in an unsafe neighborhood in L.A.

This home was only started last May and it's expected to be completed by next weekend! Amazing what we can do together!

If you want to build with Habitat for Humanity, please visit their website and sign up.

Labels: build homes, clear channel, habitat for humanity of greater los angeles, myfm 104.3, volunteer

This is the season for large gatherings and colder weather, so it's a good idea to be thinking of ways to save on energy. Here are a few:

1. Swith to energy efficient lightbulbs. With so many guests in your house, the lights, televisions, oven, etc. will be working overtime so switching to energy efficient bulbs will definitely help save some money. And the long-term savings will be a bonus.
2. Change your air filter - A clogged or dirty air filter makes your Heating units work that much harder and a nice new filter will substantially reduce airborne dust/particles as well. If you have allergies, spend a few bucks extra for a better filter.
3. Check your windows/doors for leaks. If needed, replace weather stripping (cheap) and save on heating bills.

Maybe you can use these money saving tips to free up some dough for a new gym membership after the holidays!

Labels: air filter, cost saving tips for thanksgiving, energy bulbs, gym membership, weather stripping

We will be discussing Winter-proofing your home on this week's edition of "Garden Gossip" over at Blend Radio. We are expected to come on at 3:30 pm so set your alarm and tune in.

Labels: blend radio, garden gossip, marcus hunt, russ hemmis, team 2 times, winter proofing your home.

Tune in to HGTV tomorrow, October 4 at 10:30 am (check local listings) for the new season of "Hammer Heads"!

Thanks for watching and be sure to email me with any questions!

- Marcus

Labels: hammer heads, hgtv, marcus hunt, season 3

The possibilities are endless if you have a tired old living room and $1,000. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add chair rails for instant charm. If you want to take it a step further, try painting a dark color below the rail and a lighter shade above. For a little work and about $200, this is an easy project that offers dramatic results.

Change your flooring. If you think you can’t afford hardwood floors, you’re wrong. There are many great looking laminate floors on the market for $1-1.50/sq ft. This puts the cost of wood flooring for the average living room at about $400, and with the new “click lock” or “snap together” flooring systems, anyone can install them. There’s no glue or mess and you can change them in a few years just as easily.

Don’t forget to accessorize. An area rug is a simple way to ground the space and add color. A new media center will also change the feel of your room. If you don’t have money in the budget to buy a new one, try looking in the online classifieds for one that will work with your design. If you can’t find one that matches your current furniture, think about painting or refinishing one that will fit in your space. You’ll not only get the look you love but imagine the bragging rights!

Save money for beer and pizza, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your new living room. I should also note that if you invite friends to assist you ALWAYS serve the beer after the job is done. Trust me on this.

Labels: $1000 living room makeover, 24 hour design, budget, design on a dime, do it yourself, fun home projects, hgtv, home improvement, russ hemmis, team two times

Labels: bedroom makeover under $500, drapes, hgtv, new linens, platform bed, russ hemmis

Labels: design on a dime, habitat restore, hgtv, how to update bathroom under $100, marshalls, ross, russ hemmis

Labels: design on a dime, hammer heads, hgtv, marcus hunt, russ hemmis

This Friday the Team2Times duo will be a the Los Angeles Alternative Building Materials and Design Expo. They will spend the Day with ReUse Network helping to inform people about de-construction and why it is so important on a job-site! If you would like more information about the Alt-Build please go to the site.

Russ and Marcus will be there from 2 to 4pm Friday at booth 103.

Labels: 24 hour design, construction, hammer heads, help the environment, hgtv, home renovation, home repair, los angeles, marcus hunt, russ hemmis

Yes. Not so much energy as water conservation, but changing out your sprinkler heads to maximize your water flow, distance, spray, etc. can save big bucks and water. Improperly maintained sprinklers waste a huge amount of water. They send more into the air then into your lawn, bushes, etc.

Labels: help the environment, hgtv hammer heads, marcus hunt, maximize water flow, save energy and money, water conservation sprinkler head

Here's a way to conserve energy in your home - Get your windows tinted. Most of us think that window tinting is just for our cars, but the same idea works for your house and can be a HUGE energy saver.

When the sun beats down on your house all day, the inside temperature can rise substantially. Usually the first thing we do is turn on the air conditioner and the hotter it gets, the more the AC runs. With a fairly inexpensive installation of window tint, you'll be more comfortable throughout the day and save tons of money down the road plus help the environment by not running your AC nearly as much.

Happy Earth day.

Labels: conserve energy in your home, earth day, hgtv hammer heads, marcus hunt, tinted windows

Here are some good basic tips for painting from my friend Carmen De La Paz:

1. Prepping your Paint job right will save you time in the end and your paint job will look a lot better. Don’t just grab a roller and start, take the time to evaluate and prep the project. Do you need to spackle holes, sand, caulk, etc?
   
2. Tape is your best friend. Use it to mask off and you will have crisp lines, making your end result look professional. They make a completely smooth, blue painter’s tape that stops the little flecks that you get when the paint smooshes behind regular tape.
   
3. Use a good brush. Spending a little more money on a quality brush will make the job more enjoyable. Suggested brand – Purdy. A cheap brush can fall apart and leave pieces behind on your project.
   
4. Oil and water don’t mix. If you are painting over a wall that has oil-based paint you must apply a primer to neutralize the surface and allow it accept the new latex paint with out crackling of flaking off in the near future.
   
5. Is it oil or isn’t it? Do the Goof off test. If the paint melts when you rub Goof-off on it – it is latex or water based. It the Goof-off doesn’t melt it, you have an oil-based surface.
   
6. De-fuzz your roller by rolling it over tape to get rid of the loose fuzz – it’s better than leaving them on your wall during the paint process.
   
7. Paint can impact a room up to 70%.
   
8. When patching holes, instead of sand paper, use a wet rag to sand down the surface – you won’t have any dust and you will end up with a much nicer blend and feathering in your end result making the hole disappear.
   
9. When painting a darker color on your wall, consider applying a tinted primer to help achieve the full saturation of the color without 5 or six coats. Ask your paint store to help select the shade of your tinted primer.
   
10. Painting is not brain surgery. If you mess up either clean it up or paint over it and start again.
    

Labels: 24 hour design, hammer heads, hgtv, how to paint a house, marcus hunt, painting tips, russ hemmis, team two times

People are always asking me about investment property since I have been flipping homes for years. More recently, I am asked if now is the time to invest in real estate. Here are my thoughts (for what it’s worth.)

Labels: 24 hour design, buying a home, first time buyer, hgtv, house flipping, investing in real estate, russ hemmis, todays real estate market

It's always a great idea to get organized, but since it's actually "organize your home day" let's really put in the effort. Here's a great idea to get you started:

Labels: cabinets, get rid of clutter, organize your home day, pennysaver, thrify nickel

Team 2 Times blogger extraordinaire, Marcus, was recently featured on Bob Vila's Home Improvement Website. The article was featuring cool play areas built for kids! Check out the article on Bob Vila's website!

Labels: Bob Vila, construction, Cool kid ideas, creative home projects, Creative Kid spaces, do it yourself, fun home projects, Kids play areas, marcus hunt, team two times

Labels: barbeque, batteries, christmas lights, daylight savings, grill, pressure wash, smoke detectors

Labels: amateur artwork, big lots, canvas, frame, home improvement, marshall's, national craft month, painting, ross

1. 
   
   Paint Interior Walls – A gallon of paint will cost you around $20 and what an amazing difference a change in color or even just clean white paint can make.
   


2. Install New Switches and Outlet Covers – Over time, they just get dirty, broken, painted, or more likely, outdated. Adding new, clean switches and faceplates is definitely a low-cost, high-impact improvement. I’m not quite sure why more people don’t remove them when painting, but if you’re afraid of getting shocked, don’t be – as long as you’re not sticking things into the hole, there isn’t anything to worry about. To be safe, you should turn off your home’s power first, this will prevent any harm.
   


3. Install Trim and Base Molding – assuming you buy the cheaper stuff. I think most houses have some sort of base, but not usually trim against the ceiling. Depending on what style you get, it can make a room more formal, or just add a different look. And ask any realtor, moldings and baseboards definitely increase your home’s appeal and value.
   


4. Install Dimmer Switches – if it’s dimmable, I probably have a dimmer switch on it. I love being able to control light – not only does it set a mood, but it’s nice to allow your eyes to adjust to a room opposed to just turning on a full power light – ha, especially when you have to get up in the night to use the restroom and you’re half awake.
   

These all cost around $20, but you can easily spend twice as much on any of these depending on brand, function, and desired design or quality. They don’t have to be expensive, just new, clean and updated to make a huge (and cost affordable) impact.

Labels: bucks, creating the mood, dimmers, do-it-yourself, face plates, light switches, molding, paint walls, trim, under 20 dollars

Want to really impress her this Valentine’s Day? How about doing something that will add romance and make her look beautiful too? I am not suggesting you skip the flowers or the fancy meal, but rather you set the mood with romantic lighting.

I always love installing light dimmers wherever I can, but if you don’t have that option, you can buy in line dimmers. In line dimmers are basically like a mini extension cord with a dimmer in the middle. This gives you the option to dim most any normal lamp and makes your space that much more intimate. And we all look better in dim light so why wouldn’t you?

I searched online for one year for something to buy my mom and dad for their pool and came across floating, LED roses. Basically, they turn on when in contact with water and shut off when not. I ended up buying them two packs of 12 and the same for myself. One Valentine’s Day, I used them in the bathtub for a girlfriend of mine at the time and they were a huge hit. I bought red and white, but they also came in yellow, pink, blue and a few other colors. This would be ideal for a romantic evening soaking in the hot tub under the stars. Thinking about trying this out for Valentine's day? This link will lead you to the LED roses!

I’m all about cool lighting and as much as I want to suggest the multi color LED’s, or some crazy lights, the key is to keep it simple. Do something tailored to her or relating to something that you like to do together. Another year, I was dating a girl who started rock climbing with me. When it came time for Valentine’s Day, I knew that she liked roses, chocolate and adventure so instead of buying her flowers, I took her on a hike in the afternoon and when we got back to my house, I had a little surprise. Starting at the front door was a trail of rose petals mixed with Hershey’s Kisses all the way up the stairs to a big teddy bear wearing a new climbing harness and LED head lamp. It’s all in the thought, not the price – the petals were silk and came in a big bag, the Kisses were a few dollars and sure, the harness was a little more but the end surprise could be whatever you want it to be.

Labels: alternative to roses, creating the mood for Valentine's Day, Dimming lights, Men and Valentine's Day, Valentine's gift ideas. What to do for Valentine's Day

The don't call us Team 2 Times for nothing, we have screwed up plenty of times, which of course is why we are so good now.

One great example comes to mind back when Marcus and I had spent all day walking on floor joists of a second story while installing new plumbing. We were so careful as to not misstep and crash through the ceiling, which wasn't just drywall, since this was over the front porch.

Anyway, towards the end of the day, I slipped and luckily (sort of) one foot went on each side of the joist, keeping me from falling to the porch below (ouch). Along with my feet, the busted up plaster and my bruised ego, all of the ABS (plastic drain pipe) also came crashing down onto the porch. Outside, there were about a half dozen guys installing a fence around the property, all of whom cheered....I don't think they even waited to see if I was ok first!

In the end we ripped off the remaining plaster from the ceiling of the porch and replaced it with fresh stucco. The funny thing was, it was so much easier to do the plumbing without that plaster in the way.

Never be afraid to mess up, it happens. Just get right back up (or down in my case) and do it again.

Have any similar stories? Email me.

Russ

Labels: abs plastic drain pipe, hgtv host, marcus hunt, plaster, plumbing, porch, russ hemmis, screw up home repair, stucco

Labels: ace, contractors, depot, do it yourelf, electricians, hammer heads, hardware store, hgtv, lowes, marcus hunt, orchard supply, osh, plumbers, renovation, repair, russ hemmis

The first project that I can remember creating was a present that I wanted to make for my mom. I think I was about 28, ha, no, more like 8 and it was a shoe rack. My dad helped me cut two wooden squares out of ¾ inch plywood and drill 3 holes into them. I used dowels in between and it actually worked. I ended up being asked to make two more for her friends. Probably more to make me feel good, opposed to my stellar carpentry skills, but I had fun.

Labels: carpentry, dad, do it yourself, dowels, drill, home improvement, how to, mom, plywood, shoe rack

When it comes to hanging something (artwork, shelves, mirrors) there are several ways to find studs behind a wall. There are a bunch of different electronic stud finders out there and I’ve never really had huge luck with any of them, especially if the wall surface isn’t completely flat. I recently discovered a magnetic stud finder – really, just a strong magnet in a shell. It picks up the drywall screws/nails behind the wall and so far, it’s been one of my favorite new gadgets.

Not really new, but also one of my most used tool belt items is a 4 in one screwdriver. It has both a reversible small and large Phillips/flathead bit. It cuts down on what I have to carry and makes it super convenient when doing something like changing a light switch or plug outlet which usually has flat head screws for the face plate and Phillips head for the switch or plug. They’re not expensive and a great addition to your toolbox or kitchen drawer.

An LED flashlight – I actually carry two in my tool belt – a normal flashlight and a head mounted one. Why I like LED – They produce a clean, bright light, last super long and use substantially less energy than a normal bulb – meaning you save money on batteries and new bulbs. Ha, you may look a little silly, but the head lamp comes in super handy when I’m in an attic, under a house or just need both hands to work on something.

Speaking of LEDs, I’m a huge fan of them as lighting in general. The nice thing about them is that they really don’t produce any heat, making them ideal for tight spaces where the surroundings could burn. We recently built a hideaway bed with shelving units on either side. I installed dimmable halogen lights in the shelving unit, but used the very slim, LED puck lights inside the hideaway bed closure. Not only was the size ideal, but there was no fear of leaving them on and having them come in contact with the comforter, causing a possible fire. Several manufacturers also make multicolored LED’s and color changing as well. These can add a totally cool effect to a bar, play room, inside cabinets, etc. and are one of my favorite things to add flavor to a project.

Another great little tool that I carry in my tool belt is a sliding square. Basically a metal ruler with an adjustable, sliding, 90 Degree edge on it. The one that I keep in my belt has a 6-inch ruler, but they make them in various sizes and come in super handy when you need to replicate a measurement along a flat edge or draw a straight line. You can also use a normal square (the triangle) but having the ability to change the ruler setting is great.

If you have any questions, email Marcus

Labels: flat head, gadget guru, hanging artwork, home improvement, home renovation, led, phillips, stud finder, tools

Labels: copper pipe, demolition, drywall, hard hat, home repair, safety glasses, work gloves

Although the joke behind Team Two Times name is that it usually takes us twice to get something right, the key to starting any project is taking your time and preparation. You’ll save both time and money by not just jumping in blindly. This may mean doing some internet searching, buying a do-it-yourself book at your local hardware or book store or having someone with experience help you.

We hope you will consider us a resource too. We have made a living buying properties in the Los Angeles area and renovating them ourselves and we are so fortunate to now be on HGTV and to be able to share our experience with you.

We started this blog not only to share funny stories of our mistakes, but to actually help other people who want to tackle home renovations and could value from those mistakes. So email us, yell at us, whatever...just keep stopping by!

Labels: cable, construction, do it yourself, hgtv, home improvement, los angeles, marcus hunt, properties, renovation, russ hemmis, team two times

We start blogging!!