Over the weekend, Hannah, my daughter, was upstairs in her room cleaning when suddenly I heard a loud crash and her scream. Sprinting up the stairs and nearly colliding with our huge cat, Carter, I arrived to find magazines, books and pictures scattered everywhere, along with her stereo receiver and cable box upside down in the all the rubble.

What happened??? She explained that as she was trying to shoo Carter away from the fish bowl he freaked out, darted away from her, and jumped onto the flimsy bookcase, pulling it down.

Lifting the crumpled bookcase and steadying the receiver, I decided the frail piece of furniture had to go! So, off to Target we went to pick out a new one. I agreed to get whichever one she wanted as long as she agreed to put it together.

With the help of some friends, we got the bookcase upstairs and Hannah began taking all the parts out of the box. Spreading them out on the floor and grabbing the instructions, she went to work.

                    Hannah ready to tackle assembling her new bookcase!

The nice thing about the bookcase was that it required very simple tools so Hannah wasn’t intimidated. The hardware was pretty simple as well. Inserting the cams into the holes on the side, Hannah made sure that the arrow on each cam was pointed towards the outside edge of the pieces.

Once the cams were all in place, the dowels were inserted in each cam and locked in place with a Phillips head screwdriver to create a nice, tight fit.

                Inserting the cams                             Locking the dowels in place

Now that the sides were ready, it was time to align and tighten down the two bottom shelves that would serve as the drawer compartment. This was a bit tricky for Hannah to do on her own, so I helped steady the side while she tightened the cam to draw the two pieces together. Moving to the top of the bookcase, Hannah aligned the top shelf and locked it into place.

            Attaching the bottom and top shelves to the sides of the bookcase

Turning the bookcase over, Hannah attached the back panel with the tiny brad nails. Since the back panel had a cutout for TV and stereo cables, she had to make sure the panel lined up perfectly with the frame before nailing it down.

            Nailing on the back panel                         Assembling the drawers

Next came assembling the drawers. She was almost there and still had a smile on her face! I was impressed!

After sliding the drawer into place and installing the two remaining shelves, Hannah jumped up and down, twisting in a sort of jig at her accomplishment!

Here is the finished bookcase with all her things back in place! I am so proud of Hannah. This is really the first project she has taken on by herself. There just might be a future in home improvement for her yet!

This is only an overview of the main steps involved in assembling a bookcase from a kit. The actually procedure will vary depending on the brand of bookcase you purchase, so be sure to read the instructions that come with it thoroughly.

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Cleaning and repairing the outside of your home doesn’t have to be a spring project, though it is nice to get outside and enjoy the warm weather after a long, cold winter spent inside. Here are some often neglected outdoor maintenance projects you might want to consider tackling.

Clean Exterior

A pressure washer can make quick work of cleaning the outside of your home, but be careful since the extremely high pressure can damage wood and other softer materials.

While scrubbing is not necessary with a pressure washer, adding detergent to the reservoir on the machine serves to loosen stubborn dirt and get the job done faster. Be sure to use a cleaner that is made for pressure washers and intended for the type of surface you’re cleaning. Cleaners are available for specific applications such as siding, decks, and masonry surfaces.

If mold or mildew is present, spray it with a product such as SporiCLEAN or Concrobium. A mixture of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water can also be effective on mold on nonporous surfaces. Wear protective clothing and rubber gloves when working with bleach or other harmful chemicals, and cover or wet down any plants or grass with water before applying. Allow the bleach mixture to remain on for 10 – 15 minutes, then wash it off with a hose or pressure washer.

Repair Driveway

Driveways and sidewalks need periodic maintenance, too.

• Start by removing any grass or weeds that are encroaching on the driveway or growing in cracks.
• Follow this by a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime.
• Next, patch any cracks or holes in concrete surfaces with a concrete resurfacer.
• Worn asphalt drives can be restored by applying a coat of latex asphalt sealer to make them look good as new.

Clean Deck

Wood decks take a lot of abuse from the elements, and they need a good cleaning from time to time to look their best.

• Start by applying a specially formulated deck cleaner in a pump up sprayer.
• Once it has had time to work, clean the deck with a pressure washer—being careful not to damage the wood—or a long handled scrub brush.
• Rinse the deck, and allow it to dry.
• If refinishing is needed, apply a sealer or stain with a pump up sprayer, going over it with a brush to smooth it out.
• Allow the sealer to dry thoroughly before using the deck.

Clean and Repair Screens

Window screens can be cleaned by soaking them in a child’s wading pool filled with soapy water, followed by a gentle scrubbing with a soft scrub brush on a flat surface. As a final step, rinse the screen with a garden hose using a fine spray setting to keep from damaging the screen.

To repair small holes in screens, flatten the fibers out and brush on several coats of clear fingernail polish for a seamless repair. Large tears or holes are best fixed by removing the rubber spline from the screen frame and installing a new piece of screen using a screen spline roller tool.

Repair Roof

Spring is also a good time to examine your roof to see if winter snow and ice have caused any problems that need attention.

• Look for torn or missing shingles that might need replacement or repair.
• Pay particular attention to flashing around chimneys, plumbing vents, and other openings that are prone to leaks. Seal any gaps with roofing cement.
• Cover exposed nail heads with a dab roofing cement.
• Remove leaves, sticks, or other debris that has built up in valleys and against chimneys, porches, or dormers.

Ready the Grill

Whether its charcoal or gas, spring is a good time to get the grill ready for action.

• Use a wire brush and degreasing detergent to clean the wire racks and inside of the grill and remove any rust that has formed over the winter.
• Inspect burners on gas grills for deterioration from rust, and clean the surface. Make sure the holes in the burners aren’t clogged. If necessary, use a small piece of wire to clean them out.
• If the outside of the grill needs painting, prepare it first by lightly sanding the surface and washing it thoroughly to remove all grease. Once it’s totally dry, coat it with a high heat spray paint (often called barbecue and stove enamel).

Clean and Repair Gutters

Gutters are an often overlooked project that needs special attention in the spring. To clean and repair them:

• Make a homemade gutter scoop by cutting down a narrow plastic container such as an antifreeze jug, and use it to remove the bulk of the debris.
• Rinse out gutters without leaving the ground, by making a U-shaped gutter spray wand from ½” or ¾” PVC pipe and couplings. Glue a cap to one end of the pipe with several small holes drilled in it, then use two 90° elbow fittings to create the proper shape, with a threaded adaptor on the other end attached to a garden hose.
• Downspouts have a tendency to clog, so check them by running water through them, and use a plumber’s snake to unclog if needed.
• Check for leaks at gutter joints. When dry, repair gutter leaks from inside the gutter with gutter sealant.

Clean Windows

Spring pollen and dirt can work a number on your windows, so take the time to wash them down and clean them once the pollen has settled.

• Work in the shade to keep the cleaner from drying out too quickly.
• A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water makes a great natural window cleaner.
• Use crumpled up newspaper, rather than paper towels, to clean and dry your windows.

Watch Danny’s CBS Early Show segment on:
Save as You Prep Your Home for Spring

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Read on to find out how to take action against some of the common household dangers in your home.

Fire Prevention

Smoke Detectors

There are two main types of smoke detectors:

• Optical: Best for low heat, smoldering fires.
• Ionization: Best for detecting hot, flaming fires.

Detectors are also available that combine optical and ionization sensors in the same unit to give greater warning for either type of fire.

How to Install a Smoke Detector:

• Install smoke detectors on the ceiling or near the top of the wall and away from corners of the room.
• Make sure to install one or more smoke detectors on each level of your home.
• Be sure to install a smoke detector in or near the bedrooms in your home.
• Replace the batteries in your smoke detector every six to 12 months.
• Gently vacuum or use canned air to blow out the unit once a year.
• Discard and replace smoke detectors after 10 years of use.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This silent killer is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that strikes without warning. It is formed as a byproduct of the burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, kerosene, or diesel fuel as well as from the combustion of materials like wood, paper, and cloth.

Improperly vented or defective heaters, furnaces, fireplaces, and generators are the main cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Since carbon monoxide doesn’t rise to the ceiling like smoke, detectors can be mounted anywhere in the room.

Carbon monoxide detectors are available that plug into wall outlets or are powered by batteries. Detectors should be cleaned and the batteries replaced at least once a year.

Fire Extinguishers

Every home should be equipped with at least one multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher that can be used on combustible materials, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Make sure your fire extinguisher is easily accessible, and that all family members know how to use it.

To use a fire extinguisher:

• Pull out the pin
• Aim at the base of the flames
• Squeeze the trigger
• Sweep from side to side

Escape Ladder

Two-story houses should have an escape ladder stored on the upper floor. Make sure the ladder is easy to get to, and every family member knows where it’s located and how to use it.

Hazardous Chemicals

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that can seep up into your home from underground. Exposure to radon gas over time can result in health problems. According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to radon gas in homes accounts for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. every year.

Due to geologic conditions, the presence of radon gas is more prevalent in some areas than others. To find out if you’re at risk, check out the Radon Zone Maps on the EPA website. If your part of the country is at risk, use a radon test kit to check the air, and take steps to reduce your levels if needed.

Water

If you live in an older home that used lead solder to join copper pipes, the tap water passing through the pipes may contain elevated levels of lead. Water testing kits can detect if lead or other contaminants are present in the water in your home. If they are, consider installing a water filter designed to remove them. Change the filter regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.

Lead

Houses built before 1978 may have been painted with lead based paint which can result in lead poisoning if paint chips are ingested or the dust inhaled. If the original paint isn’t peeling and has been painted over with a layer of lead free paint, the lead probably doesn’t represent a health concern. However, if the paint is peeling or demolition is taking place in your house due to renovation, you should test to see if the paint being disturbed contains lead using a home lead testing kit.

Mold

To prevent mold in your home, keep the humidity level under 50% and repair any plumbing, wall, or roof leaks as soon as they occur. It’s also important to cover the crawlspace under your home with a layer of 6 mil plastic to keep moisture from filtering up from the ground.

Child Safety

Kitchen

Anti-tip bracket for stove.

• Attach childproof latches to cabinet doors, drawers, and the refrigerator.
• Install an anti-tip bracket on your stove to keep it from turning over.

Bathroom

• Lower the temperature of your hot water heater to 120° F to prevent scalding.

Electrical

• Cover electrical outlets with childproof inserts or install special Swivel Outlet Covers.

Pool

• Fence your pool and install a childproof lock on the gate.
• Install a pool alarm to detect if a child falls in the pool.

Other Tips from This Episode

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Retractable awnings on a patio or deck allow you to control the amount of shade or sun either manually or with the touch of a button. They can be installed on the side of your house in a few hours to provide a shade canopy for up to 10 feet. Here’s how to go about installing a retractable awning:

• Mark the location of the awning on the side of the house, making sure it is level.
• Pop a caulk line to mark the position for the support brackets.
• Attach the brackets to the house even with the chalk line, making sure they are plumb.
• Lift the awning into place and bolt it to the brackets.
• For motorized awnings, plug the cord into an electrical outlet and use the remote control to extend and retract the awning.

Building a wood deck makes a great DIY project for your home. Here are some tips when laying the deck boards.

• When using pressure treated wood that’s still saturated with preservative, install the boards without a gap between them. As the wood dries, it will shrink, leaving a small gap between each board.
• Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up.
• When nailing into the end of deck boards, turn the nail over and tap the point with a hammer to blunt the nail and prevent splitting.

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To turn an old column into a headboard:

• Apply painter’s tape around the column to mark the cut.
• Cut the columns to length using a reciprocating saw with a long blade.
• Build a cubbyhole shadow box out of 1”x 6” lumber.
• Cut 2”x 12” lumber to size for the base and caps on the columns.
• Attach the headboard, bases, and caps to the two columns.
• Finish the headboard and allow it to dry.
• Install the headboard by securing it to the wall with screws.

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Instead of throwing an outdated ceiling fan away, consider refurbishing it. Here’s how to go about it:

• Remove the blades and metal components from the fan.
• Clean the entire fan thoroughly with denatured alcohol.
• Rub all metal surfaces with fine steel wool to allow the paint to adhere.
• Lay the metal components out on newspaper and spray with several light coats of spray paint.
• Rehang the ceiling fan.
• Reattach the blades to the ceiling fan.

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Transforming the look and purpose of an object can be easier than you think. After this old credenza chest had been refinished and a wine rack added, it became the focal point of the room. Watch this video to find out more.

Kitchen Cabinet Organization Tips

Adding drawer dividers is a great way to make existing drawers more functional. You can buy them ready made from home improvement stores, or make them yourself out of wood to fit a specific size or shape.

Another option is to replace drawer bottoms with 1/4” pegboard and use dowels as adjustable spacers to accommodate everything from pots and pans to kitchen utensils.

Installing a pullout rack in your cabinet is perfect for storing cookie sheets, baking pans, and trays.

Rollout racks (or drawer slides) can also be adapted for use with a kitchen trash can, or you can purchase a pullout specially designed for that purpose. The cabinet door in front of the trash can either be hinged or attached to the front of the rack so it pulls out with the can.

Kitchen Cabinet Facelift Tips

To improve the looks of your kitchen cabinets, replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Doors and drawer fronts can be custom ordered in various sizes from home centers in a wide range of colors and styles. They’re also available unfinished, so you can finish them yourself to match existing cabinets.

Another option for dressing up bland plywood cabinet doors is by attaching mitered strips of molding to the face. Stain and finish the molding to match the doors, then cut the miters and nail the molding in place.

Kitchen Cabinets Upgrade Tips

To increase the usable space in your kitchen cabinets, consider utilizing the open space above hanging cabinets for display or fill in the space with a custom cabinet for added storage.

You can add a touch of elegance to your cabinets by replacing some of the wood panels in the hanging cabinet doors with glass to display collectables, silver, or fine china.

A plate rack can provide an interesting design feature while making your kitchen more efficient at the same time.

Adding an island to your kitchen can make use of wasted space. Allow 42” between the island and other cabinets, and 36” for walkways.

If your kitchen doesn’t have space for an island, try a rolling cart instead. Park it against a wall when not in use, then pull it out into the room when needed for cooking or serving.

Kitchen Countertop and Backsplash Tips

A tile backsplash is a great way to dress up your kitchen while making it easier to keep clean. Mosaic tile kits, such as those from JEM Expressions, are available with unique custom images ranging from artwork to personal photographs.

Wood, both painted and natural, can be used for a backsplash as well. Vertical wooden beadboard can make a beautiful kitchen backsplash.

Granite is very popular kitchen countertop material, but it can be expensive. One way to have the look and functionality of granite without spending a fortune is by installing a granite insert on the counter next to the stove for pans hot from the oven.

To free up additional countertop space, replace your existing countertop microwave with a combination vent fan and microwave that fits over your stove.

Other Tips from This Episode

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Updating and improving the look of your home doesn’t have to put a strain on your budget. By using recycled or reused materials, along with a little imagination and creativity, you can make a big difference in your home for a very small investment. Here are seven simple DIY projects to get you started.

Where to Find Items to Reuse and Renew

There are a number of sources for used and discarded items, such as:

• Thrift stores
• Secondhand consignment shops
• Goodwill
• Salvage companies
• Habit for Humanity ReStores
• Online at The Freecycle Network
• Yard and garage sales
• Classified ads online and in newspapers
• Remodeling site dumpsters

How to Refinish a Ceiling Fan

Instead of throwing an outdated ceiling fan in the trash, consider refinishing it to make it look like new. Here’s how to go about it:

• Disassemble the fan components you plan to paint.
• Clean all the parts with denatured alcohol to remove any dust or grease.
• Rub metal surfaces with fine steel wool to remove the gloss.
• Lay all of the pieces out and spray with several light coats of spray paint for metal.
• Reassemble the fan components except the blades.
• Reattach the fan to the ceiling.
• Attach the blades and balance if needed.

How to Refurbish Old Furniture

Kendra Bennett is a homeowner who has a knack for taking old objects and transforming them into something new. She found an old credenza for $20 at a yard sale. After stripping off the black finish and refinishing it, the piece was converted into this unique conversation piece for her home.

The two cabinet doors in the center of the piece were removed and replaced by wine racks. As an accent, two wooden window frames were backed by mirrors then mounted on the wall above it. The whole project only cost $150 dollars and a little imagination.

How to Make a Fireplace Screen

To hide a fireplace from view during the summer, create a simple fireplace screen by hinging together discarded shutters found at a salvage store. Here’s how to go about it:

• Clean, sand, and make any repairs to the shutters.
• Apply two coats of interior paint and allow to dry.
• Link the shutters together with brass cabinet hinges.
• For screens of more than three shutters, install each pair of hinges on alternating sides so the screen can be folded up like an accordion when not in use.

The project was completed in less than a day for under $10.

How to Personalize a Child’s Chair

Lisa Brodie also enjoys giving new life to old pieces of furniture. Some of her favorite items are small chairs made for children. Here’s how to go about it:

• Clean the chair to make sure all of the dust and loose finish is removed.
• Apply a coat of primer and allow to dry.
• Apply two coats of paint.
• Decorate the chair as desired with contrasting colors and patterns.
• Personalize the piece with the child’s name.
• For a more durable finish, apply a final coat of clear finish (brushed or sprayed) to the painted surface.

How to Refinish a Wicker Chair

To make an old wicker chair new again:

• Use an air compressor to blow off dirt and dust out of cracks.
• Clean surface with a scrub brush and denatured alcohol.
• Use a hot glue gun to reattach broken or loose caning.
• Apply several light coats of spray paint, letting it dry for the recommended time between coats.
• Allow the paint to dry completely for several before using. A fan can help speed up the process.
• Store any leftover paint to use for touch up later.

How to Build a Headboard

To turn a discarded column and some leftover lumber into a headboard:

• Mark the cuts around the column with painter’s tape.
• Cut the column to length using a reciprocating saw.
• Construct a cubbyhole shadow box for the headboard from 1×6 lumber.
• Use 2×12 lumber for the feet and caps.
• Assemble the columns to the headboard.
• Paint the headboard and allow to dry.
• Use screws to attach the headboard to the wall studs.

Since all of the material used in the headboard was discarded or scrap, the project cost next to nothing.

How to Pour Concrete Stepping Stones

To make personalized concrete stepping stones for your yard:

• Cut down a 5-gallon bucket with a jigsaw to use as a mold.
• Spray lubricating oil around the inside of the mold to prevent the concrete from adhering.
• Mix up concrete and fill the mold with it.
• Smooth off the top of the concrete using a board as a screed.
• Customize the concrete while wet with handprints, decorations, or masonry dye.
• Allow concrete to dry before removing stepping stone from the mold.

Other Tips from This Episode

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