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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Monday, March 28, 2011
House Paint Problems - # 4, Chalking
Symptoms: Chalking
Chalking is identifiable as a fine chalky powder that forms on the surface of a paint film. Although some chalking is a normal way paints self clean when exposed to the sun and rain, excessive chalking can be a paint failure. In dry arid climates where there is little rain, chalking can become excessive. Chalking is actually the paint pigment released by the paint binders which have been broken down by exposure to the weather. Chalking is especially typical of very light colored flat paints, especially lesser quality oil based paints containing high levels of pigment extenders. When chalking gets severe it may run off onto and stain surrounding construction as in the above photo.
Potential Causes:
•Use of cheaper quality exterior paint containing high levels of pigment extenders.
•Improper paint was used in an exterior application (such as an interior paint).
•Lower quality factory finished aluminum siding.
•Over-thinning paint.
•Not properly sealing a porous surface before painting.
Possible Repairs:
•Chalking is considered dirt and must be removed before repainting.
•Remove chalking by power washing or scrubbing with a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution and rinse with clean water.
•Let dry and paint with a high quality latex house paint.
•To clean brick areas stained by chalking runoff the masonry should be scrubbed with a specialized masonry cleaning solution. If staining persists, a professional cleaning contractor may be required to clean the brick.
Chalking is identifiable as a fine chalky powder that forms on the surface of a paint film. Although some chalking is a normal way paints self clean when exposed to the sun and rain, excessive chalking can be a paint failure. In dry arid climates where there is little rain, chalking can become excessive. Chalking is actually the paint pigment released by the paint binders which have been broken down by exposure to the weather. Chalking is especially typical of very light colored flat paints, especially lesser quality oil based paints containing high levels of pigment extenders. When chalking gets severe it may run off onto and stain surrounding construction as in the above photo.
Potential Causes:
•Use of cheaper quality exterior paint containing high levels of pigment extenders.
•Improper paint was used in an exterior application (such as an interior paint).
•Lower quality factory finished aluminum siding.
•Over-thinning paint.
•Not properly sealing a porous surface before painting.
Possible Repairs:
•Chalking is considered dirt and must be removed before repainting.
•Remove chalking by power washing or scrubbing with a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution and rinse with clean water.
•Let dry and paint with a high quality latex house paint.
•To clean brick areas stained by chalking runoff the masonry should be scrubbed with a specialized masonry cleaning solution. If staining persists, a professional cleaning contractor may be required to clean the brick.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
House Paint Problems - # 3, Efflorescence
Symptoms: Efflorescence
A problem of painted masonry construction, efflorescence is identifiable by crusty white salt deposits that bubble through the paint film from a masonry structure. Salts in the brick or concrete become dissolved with water and then leach to the surface as the water evaporates.
Potential Causes:
•Poor paint surface preparation where prior efflorescence was not entirely removed and washed before the surface was repainted.
•Heavy moisture migrating through exterior masonry walls from inside the home.
•Inadequately waterproofed basement walls allowing ground water penetration.
•Painting masonry construction before the concrete or mortar had adequately cured and dried out.
•Cracks in masonry wall or poor tuckpointing is allowing water to get behind masonry wall.
Possible Repairs:
•If moisture is getting into the masonry wall eliminate source of moisture by properly tuckpointing any cracks or missing mortar in the wall or patching concrete with a latex concrete patch, clean out gutters and downspouts, caulk joints around windows and doors with a butyl rubber caulk.
•If moisture is migrating through the wall from the outside (e.g., basement wall), apply waterproofing to outside of wall.
•Remove all efflorescence and loose flaking, chalking paint with a wire brush, scraping or power washing before repainting.
•Clean area with a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution and rinse with clean water.
•Let completely dry and paint with a high quality latex house paint.
A problem of painted masonry construction, efflorescence is identifiable by crusty white salt deposits that bubble through the paint film from a masonry structure. Salts in the brick or concrete become dissolved with water and then leach to the surface as the water evaporates.
Potential Causes:
•Poor paint surface preparation where prior efflorescence was not entirely removed and washed before the surface was repainted.
•Heavy moisture migrating through exterior masonry walls from inside the home.
•Inadequately waterproofed basement walls allowing ground water penetration.
•Painting masonry construction before the concrete or mortar had adequately cured and dried out.
•Cracks in masonry wall or poor tuckpointing is allowing water to get behind masonry wall.
Possible Repairs:
•If moisture is getting into the masonry wall eliminate source of moisture by properly tuckpointing any cracks or missing mortar in the wall or patching concrete with a latex concrete patch, clean out gutters and downspouts, caulk joints around windows and doors with a butyl rubber caulk.
•If moisture is migrating through the wall from the outside (e.g., basement wall), apply waterproofing to outside of wall.
•Remove all efflorescence and loose flaking, chalking paint with a wire brush, scraping or power washing before repainting.
•Clean area with a trisodium phosphate cleaning solution and rinse with clean water.
•Let completely dry and paint with a high quality latex house paint.
Friday, March 25, 2011
House Paint Problems - # 2, Alligatoring and Checking
Symptoms: Alligatoring and Checking
"Alligatoring" is a failure in the paint film where it takes on a cracking pattern of deep relief resembling a reptile's skin, such as that of an alligator. "Checking" is a similar failure but is less severe and is characterized by long, fairly evenly spaced cracks in the paint film having shallow relief or depth. Occasionally checking may become severe in some areas and a deeper crack or split in the paint will occur.
Potential Causes (Alligatoring):
•A second coat of paint was applied over a first coat of primer or paint base coat before it dried.
•A second coat of paint was applied over an incompatible paint such as a glossy paint or a hard oil enamel over a latex based paint.
•Oil based paints naturally aging and losing the little elasticity the paint film originally had, therefore it cracks due to fluctuations in temperature.
Potential Causes (Checking):
•Natural aging of several layers of older oil based paint. As the material having been painted shrinks and expands over time (usually wood), the paint has to move and as it loses elasticity, it checks.
Possible Repairs:
•The fix is the same for both problems.
•Remove the old paint, sand, prime and repaint with flexible latex based paint.
•Use high quality latex paint.
"Alligatoring" is a failure in the paint film where it takes on a cracking pattern of deep relief resembling a reptile's skin, such as that of an alligator. "Checking" is a similar failure but is less severe and is characterized by long, fairly evenly spaced cracks in the paint film having shallow relief or depth. Occasionally checking may become severe in some areas and a deeper crack or split in the paint will occur.
Potential Causes (Alligatoring):
•A second coat of paint was applied over a first coat of primer or paint base coat before it dried.
•A second coat of paint was applied over an incompatible paint such as a glossy paint or a hard oil enamel over a latex based paint.
•Oil based paints naturally aging and losing the little elasticity the paint film originally had, therefore it cracks due to fluctuations in temperature.
Potential Causes (Checking):
•Natural aging of several layers of older oil based paint. As the material having been painted shrinks and expands over time (usually wood), the paint has to move and as it loses elasticity, it checks.
Possible Repairs:
•The fix is the same for both problems.
•Remove the old paint, sand, prime and repaint with flexible latex based paint.
•Use high quality latex paint.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
House Paint Problems - #1, Blistering
Symptoms: Blistering
Blistering paint is identified by small to medium sized bubbles or blisters under the paint film and is most common on wood siding and trim.
Potential Causes:
•Painting in direct sunlight on a hot substrate (surface being painted) which traps solvent vapor as the paint dries too quickly.
•Painting when the wood is damp causing trapped moisture to expand the paint film.
•Dew, rain or very high humidity after latex paint has dried if the latex paint is of lower quality or the substrate surface preparation was inadequate.
•House moisture escaping through the walls due to improper house ventilation.
Possible Repairs:
•Scrape away blistered paint and sand to bare wood.
•Let wood completely dry.
•Sand, prime and paint in non-direct sunlight and non-humid conditions.
•Use high quality latex paint.
•If due to lack of home ventilation, corrective repairs must be made to properly ventilate the home's walls, roof and eaves, bathrooms, etc.
•Check and repair any loose or missing caulking around windows and doors.
•Consider providing siding ventilation.
Blistering paint is identified by small to medium sized bubbles or blisters under the paint film and is most common on wood siding and trim.
Potential Causes:
•Painting in direct sunlight on a hot substrate (surface being painted) which traps solvent vapor as the paint dries too quickly.
•Painting when the wood is damp causing trapped moisture to expand the paint film.
•Dew, rain or very high humidity after latex paint has dried if the latex paint is of lower quality or the substrate surface preparation was inadequate.
•House moisture escaping through the walls due to improper house ventilation.
Possible Repairs:
•Scrape away blistered paint and sand to bare wood.
•Let wood completely dry.
•Sand, prime and paint in non-direct sunlight and non-humid conditions.
•Use high quality latex paint.
•If due to lack of home ventilation, corrective repairs must be made to properly ventilate the home's walls, roof and eaves, bathrooms, etc.
•Check and repair any loose or missing caulking around windows and doors.
•Consider providing siding ventilation.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Getting Ready to Sell
For Your Clients: 10 Low-Cost Tips to Improve Your Home's Appeal
By Paige Tepping
When selling your home, the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit. The experts at BuyOwner.com offer the following recommendations for preparing a house for sale and staging it for showings.
Tip #1: Refresh the exterior
First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include:
-Repairing and/or replacing trims, shutters, gutters, shingles, mailboxes, window screens, walkways and the driveway.
-Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts.
-Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.
-Washing windows.
Tip #2: Spruce up the lawn and landscape
Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include:
-Mowing and edging the lawn.
-Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn.
-Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.
-Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges.
-Weeding and mulching plant beds.
-Planting colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds.
-Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges.
-Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property.
Tip #3: Create an inviting entrance
The front door to your home should invite buyers to enter. The best ways to improve your entry include:
-Painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior.
-Cleaning, polishing and/or replacing the door knocker, locks and handles.
-Repairing and/or replacing the screen door, the doorbell, porch lights and house numbers.
-Placing a new welcome mat and a group of seasonal potted plants and flowers by the entry.
Tip #4: Reduce clutter and furniture
A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep. The best ways to de-clutter your home include:
-Holding a garage sale to prepare for your move, getting rid of unnecessary items.
-Removing clutter such as books, magazines, toys, tools, supplies and unused items from counter tops, open shelves, storage closets, the garage and basements.
-Storing out-of-season clothing and shoes out of sight to make bedroom closets seem roomier.
-Removing any visibly damaged furniture.
-Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.
-Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.
-De-personalize rooms as much as you can.
Tip #5: Clean, clean, clean
The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyer's perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyer's decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include:
-Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances.
-Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies.
-Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets.
-Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout.
-Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets.
-Considering air fresheners or potpourri.
Tip #6: Make minor repairs
The small stuff does count, especially with first-time home buyers. Without dismissing the importance of repairing major items such as a leaky roof or plumbing, you do not need to spend money on replacing these items. Instead, focus on the minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing. The best ways to improve your home include:
-Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.
-Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.
-Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.
-Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.
-Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates.
-Lubricating door hinges and locks.
Tip #7: Showcase the kitchen
The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include:
-Replacing cabinet doors and hardware.
-Installing under-cabinet lighting.
-Replacing light fixtures.
-Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space.
-Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.
Tip #8: Stage furniture
Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:
-Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups.
-Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom.
-Clearing an empty room to set up a reading space.
-Turning an awkward space into a home office.
-Setting the dining room table with your best china.
-Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub.
Tip #9: Light up the house
Create a sense of openness and cheerfulness in your home through its lighting. To improve the lighting try:
-Opening shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.
-Installing brighter light bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.
-Adding additional lamps for ambient lighting.
-Turning on all the lights for a showing.
Tip #10: Add fresh touches
You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches throughout. Some ideas to consider include:
-Placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom.
-Placing bowls of bright-colored fruit in the family room and the kitchen.
-Filling an empty corner with a potted leafy plant.
-Setting new hand soap in the bathrooms.
-Displaying fresh towels near sinks.
By Paige Tepping
When selling your home, the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit. The experts at BuyOwner.com offer the following recommendations for preparing a house for sale and staging it for showings.
Tip #1: Refresh the exterior
First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include:
-Repairing and/or replacing trims, shutters, gutters, shingles, mailboxes, window screens, walkways and the driveway.
-Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts.
-Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.
-Washing windows.
Tip #2: Spruce up the lawn and landscape
Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include:
-Mowing and edging the lawn.
-Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn.
-Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.
-Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges.
-Weeding and mulching plant beds.
-Planting colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds.
-Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges.
-Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property.
Tip #3: Create an inviting entrance
The front door to your home should invite buyers to enter. The best ways to improve your entry include:
-Painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior.
-Cleaning, polishing and/or replacing the door knocker, locks and handles.
-Repairing and/or replacing the screen door, the doorbell, porch lights and house numbers.
-Placing a new welcome mat and a group of seasonal potted plants and flowers by the entry.
Tip #4: Reduce clutter and furniture
A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep. The best ways to de-clutter your home include:
-Holding a garage sale to prepare for your move, getting rid of unnecessary items.
-Removing clutter such as books, magazines, toys, tools, supplies and unused items from counter tops, open shelves, storage closets, the garage and basements.
-Storing out-of-season clothing and shoes out of sight to make bedroom closets seem roomier.
-Removing any visibly damaged furniture.
-Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.
-Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.
-De-personalize rooms as much as you can.
Tip #5: Clean, clean, clean
The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyer's perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyer's decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include:
-Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances.
-Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies.
-Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets.
-Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout.
-Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets.
-Considering air fresheners or potpourri.
Tip #6: Make minor repairs
The small stuff does count, especially with first-time home buyers. Without dismissing the importance of repairing major items such as a leaky roof or plumbing, you do not need to spend money on replacing these items. Instead, focus on the minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing. The best ways to improve your home include:
-Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.
-Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.
-Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.
-Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.
-Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates.
-Lubricating door hinges and locks.
Tip #7: Showcase the kitchen
The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include:
-Replacing cabinet doors and hardware.
-Installing under-cabinet lighting.
-Replacing light fixtures.
-Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space.
-Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.
Tip #8: Stage furniture
Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:
-Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups.
-Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom.
-Clearing an empty room to set up a reading space.
-Turning an awkward space into a home office.
-Setting the dining room table with your best china.
-Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub.
Tip #9: Light up the house
Create a sense of openness and cheerfulness in your home through its lighting. To improve the lighting try:
-Opening shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.
-Installing brighter light bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.
-Adding additional lamps for ambient lighting.
-Turning on all the lights for a showing.
Tip #10: Add fresh touches
You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches throughout. Some ideas to consider include:
-Placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom.
-Placing bowls of bright-colored fruit in the family room and the kitchen.
-Filling an empty corner with a potted leafy plant.
-Setting new hand soap in the bathrooms.
-Displaying fresh towels near sinks.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Refeathering the Nest
By Debbie Arrington
Some rooms scream — "Help!" Others say nothing, and that's a problem, too.
"The bedroom tends to get forgotten — you spend all your money elsewhere in the house," said Payne, a celebrity interior designer and makeover specialist best known for his "Designing For The Sexes" series on HGTV. "You end up with a totally forgettable room that you don't want your best friend to see."
Helping people find indoor harmony — particularly at affordable prices — is a common challenge for designers. Instead of moving, homeowners are staying put and trying to make the most of their current house.
"This has been the busiest year I've ever had," said Folsom, Calif., interior designer Jennifer FaGalde. "Absolutely, a lot of people are wanting to stay put and put money into their own home instead of moving.
"They're creating a nest within their own space," she added. "People are staying home more now than they did five, 10 years ago. They want a sanctuary where they can relax."
But where to start?
Paint, lighting and flooring are three of the easiest, quickest and least expensive ways to update a room, say the experts.
Arizona Tile's in-house designer Emitt Isaacks advises people to start makeovers with a very basic question: Who lives in your home?
"A retired couple is very different than a family with young kids. They have different needs and considerations," he said. "Don't forget dogs and cats. Pets influence (design) decisions, too. Then, start thinking about style — modern, traditional, old-school — and color."
FaGalde points to two recent makeovers she completed in Sacramento, Calif. A typical home in the Pocket area needed a radical update for its kitchen and three bathrooms. A Land Park house started with a termite invasion and ended up with a remodeled family/living/dining room.
"The Pocket house was a real challenge," she said. "The bathrooms all had walls separating the toilet area. They had a closed-in feeling, the style of homes 25 years ago. And the rooms were so dark."
The answer: "We knocked down walls, gutted to zero and started from scratch," she said. "We added new lighting. It made a huge difference."
In the aftermath of fixing termite damage, the Land Park homeowners started with paint and flooring, but then decided to update with new window coverings, crown molding and fireplace tile.
"It really transformed the space," FaGalde said.
Lighting is key, "especially in older homes," she added. "They're too dark. Lighting enhances your space and shows off the investment you put into it. You spend money on paint and flooring, you want to be able to see it."
"Most people have furniture that was given them. They never would have bought it," he said. "It becomes an obligation and very unfair," Payne said. "Instead, people should surround themselves with things they love. And remember: Less is more."
Room makeovers are a staple of home and garden media, spurring TV series and online contests.
Based in Los Angeles, Payne currently is serving as a judge of the Big Bad Bedroom Break-Up contest, sponsored by online home goods outlet CSN Stores. More than 6,200 people entered to win a $10,000 makeover of their bedroom. (Vote for your pick at CSN Stores' Facebook page.)
QUICK BEDROOM MAKEOVER
Makeover specialist Michael Payne offers these suggestions:
1. Less is more. An uncluttered bedroom makes for a more restful space. Make use of area under the bed for storage.
2. Remember: It's a bedroom. The bed should be the dominant feature. Other furnishings are secondary, but look better if they match in style, wood and stain.
3. Start with the right bedspread or comforter. Use that to pick up colors for paint and carpeting. The result will be more harmonious.
Some rooms scream — "Help!" Others say nothing, and that's a problem, too.
"The bedroom tends to get forgotten — you spend all your money elsewhere in the house," said Payne, a celebrity interior designer and makeover specialist best known for his "Designing For The Sexes" series on HGTV. "You end up with a totally forgettable room that you don't want your best friend to see."
Helping people find indoor harmony — particularly at affordable prices — is a common challenge for designers. Instead of moving, homeowners are staying put and trying to make the most of their current house.
"This has been the busiest year I've ever had," said Folsom, Calif., interior designer Jennifer FaGalde. "Absolutely, a lot of people are wanting to stay put and put money into their own home instead of moving.
"They're creating a nest within their own space," she added. "People are staying home more now than they did five, 10 years ago. They want a sanctuary where they can relax."
But where to start?
Paint, lighting and flooring are three of the easiest, quickest and least expensive ways to update a room, say the experts.
Arizona Tile's in-house designer Emitt Isaacks advises people to start makeovers with a very basic question: Who lives in your home?
"A retired couple is very different than a family with young kids. They have different needs and considerations," he said. "Don't forget dogs and cats. Pets influence (design) decisions, too. Then, start thinking about style — modern, traditional, old-school — and color."
FaGalde points to two recent makeovers she completed in Sacramento, Calif. A typical home in the Pocket area needed a radical update for its kitchen and three bathrooms. A Land Park house started with a termite invasion and ended up with a remodeled family/living/dining room.
"The Pocket house was a real challenge," she said. "The bathrooms all had walls separating the toilet area. They had a closed-in feeling, the style of homes 25 years ago. And the rooms were so dark."
The answer: "We knocked down walls, gutted to zero and started from scratch," she said. "We added new lighting. It made a huge difference."
In the aftermath of fixing termite damage, the Land Park homeowners started with paint and flooring, but then decided to update with new window coverings, crown molding and fireplace tile.
"It really transformed the space," FaGalde said.
Lighting is key, "especially in older homes," she added. "They're too dark. Lighting enhances your space and shows off the investment you put into it. You spend money on paint and flooring, you want to be able to see it."
"Most people have furniture that was given them. They never would have bought it," he said. "It becomes an obligation and very unfair," Payne said. "Instead, people should surround themselves with things they love. And remember: Less is more."
Room makeovers are a staple of home and garden media, spurring TV series and online contests.
Based in Los Angeles, Payne currently is serving as a judge of the Big Bad Bedroom Break-Up contest, sponsored by online home goods outlet CSN Stores. More than 6,200 people entered to win a $10,000 makeover of their bedroom. (Vote for your pick at CSN Stores' Facebook page.)
QUICK BEDROOM MAKEOVER
Makeover specialist Michael Payne offers these suggestions:
1. Less is more. An uncluttered bedroom makes for a more restful space. Make use of area under the bed for storage.
2. Remember: It's a bedroom. The bed should be the dominant feature. Other furnishings are secondary, but look better if they match in style, wood and stain.
3. Start with the right bedspread or comforter. Use that to pick up colors for paint and carpeting. The result will be more harmonious.
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