Could your countertops use some updating? Do you want to make a huge impact for very little cost? Painting your countertops may be the way to go.

On occasion, I have seen countertops that have obviously been painted and do not look good. As with any project, it needs to be done with quality materials and workmanship. There are many different styles to choose from ranging from granite to butcher block. My friends Matt and Kaitie decided to tackle this project in their kitchen and it turned out amazingly well.

This is a guest article written by Paul Denikin with www.dadknowsdiy.com. Paul shares his knowledge to help homeowners tackle projects on their own. Thanks for your contribution, Paul!

​Thinking of sprucing up your home?  With a little elbow grease and creativity, you can add some personal flair to your humble abode.  Not to mention that with a few simple changes, you can increase your home’s value! Here are some great ideas you can tackle yourself, and tips for knowing when you’re getting in too deep.

It's spring cleaning time again. I don't know about you, but I haven't even started. Some tasks seem more daunting then they really are. The best thing to do is just start somewhere. Checklists and developing routines makes things more efficient and thus easier. Nothing is more satisfying than completing a project and checking it off a list. https://www.cleanmama.net/https://www.cleanmama.net/ is an awesome resource for cleaning and organization tips. There are a bunch of other checklists and such you can download for free on the website. Here are my top two favorite cleaning checklists-

If you live in Michigan and own a home, then you absolutely need to know about ice dams. Water intrusion is the number one cause of damage to homes and that damage can be very costly. Ice dams are formed when snow melts on your roof, but freezes when it gets to the eaves (the part of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building). If the ice builds up, it can form a ridge that prevents water from draining. If the water cannot drain properly, there is only one place for it to go, and that is down into your house. This can happen to any roof, regardless of age or condition. The problem lies not with the roof itself, but by heat loss through the attic due to a lack of insulation and ventilation.

Home Repair Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan is a great resource for homeowners. They offer many different classes to educate homeowners on remodeling and finance. The mission of Home Repair Services is to strengthen vulnerable Kent County homeowners because strong homeowners build strong communities. They believe that home ownership encourages personal responsibility and builds value, dignity, and pride. These are essential components for community vitality.

Studies show that summer is the peak season for home break-ins. Why? Because people tend to open the windows and forget to close them when they leave. They forget to lock the front door while working out back in the garden – often leaving purses, wallets, and other valuables out in plain sight. But regardless of the season, you can learn how to boost your home security.

• Kick proof your doors – Most doors, whether solid wood, fiberglass or steel, are resistant to hard blows. The problem is the door jamb area near the lock’s strike plate. You can strengthen these areas on exterior doors by using a one-inch long deadbolt lock and a reinforced metal box strike, which costs about $10. Use three-inch long screws to mount them so they lodge in the framing beyond the door jamb. (And don’t overlook the door that leads into your house from the garage.)

Over the past few weeks, I completely refurbished my deck.  I did not rebuild the entire thing, but rather replaced all of the top boards.  The frame was still in good shape, but the top boards were cracking and some of them were starting to rot.  I would like to share some of the things I learned:

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  Buildings that are LEED certified are designed to be efficient in heating and cooling.  Low flow toilets and faucets help limit water usage.  Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint prevents further ozone deterioration.

The idea of green building is to use our resources more efficiently.  The goal is sustainability, which is the ability to balance what we consume with what we produce.  A great example of a sustainable resource is bamboo.  Bamboo has become a popular choice for flooring in recent years.  Because it is durable, yet grows quickly, it is a resource that will not disappear over time.

Step 1: Dig a 7” deep (or more depending on the height of the wall) trench where the retaining wall will be located. Set up a level line using stakes and string along the entire length of the wall, near ground level above the trench.  Fill the trench with about 5” compacted gravel. Fill in another 1” with leveling sand. Be sure to follow your level line- this is the most important thing to ensure the retaining wall will look nice and be long lasting.

Step 2: Now that you have a level base to start, place retaining wall blocks in their approximate places. The first row of blocks should be slightly below the ground line.  Each individual block will need to be leveled. Use a rubber mallet to pound on the blocks and make adjustments. Check the level left to right and front to back. Once the entire first row of blocks is level, the project is almost finished!