Team Two Times

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 Install New Switches and Outlet Covers – Over time, they just get dirty, broken, painted, or more likely, outdated.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