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Wednesday, April 1, 2009
This Saturday 4/4 we will be on House Studs Radio Show at 9:30 am CDT and 7:30 am PDT. Since it is early and it is Saturday we will make it very worth your while. We will be covering issues that are important to you around your home, talking about our shows and what makes us "Team Two Times". So join us and our hosts, Mike and Dale, at www.101wyde.com. You can also call in to say hi, or ask us a question at 866.551.9933.
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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
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.
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008
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Monday, January 28, 2008
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.
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Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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
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Thursday, January 17, 2008
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!
