Cardoon Builder’s Tips

Take care when you’re plumbing in your kitchen sink

When plumbing in your new kitchen sink, make sure you remember to turn off the main water supply first! Then, turn on the kitchen taps until all the water has run out of the pipes. Simple.

Choosing the right kitchen paint

When painting your new kitchen, be sure to choose emulsion paint. The best type for kitchens is vinyl silk, which is the most durable option, and is suitable for areas that experience a lot of condensation such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Leave Gas Repairs to the Pros

Gas is an efficient power source, but it can be extremely dangerous, too. One big problem is that you can create a leak and not realize it until there’s a dangerous gas build-up in your home. The smell will tip you off, but by that time, static electricity could set off an explosion.
If you smell gas in your home, don’t stop to call anyone or diagnose the problem yourself. Get your family together and leave. Call for assistance from another location

Dress with Safety in Mind

Take precaution with your style choices.

The thing about DIY accidents is that it’s often the small things that end up hurting you. You know to be careful around electricity, saws, ride on lawnmower and other obviously dangerous stuff, but what about your jewelry or long sleeves? If you’re around anything that spins (like a saw) dangling sleeves, jewelry and even long hair can get caught up and pull you toward danger. Wearing shorts or going barefoot in areas where things get hot or break can also cause problems. The lesson here is to dress for the task and take your wardrobe seriously.

Buy a Fire Extinguisher

Fires can be tricky, and dousing a fire with water won’t always do the trick. Invest in a couple of fire extinguishers for your home, and inspect them periodically in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A general purpose A-B-C rated fire extinguisher will provide protection from burning liquids like grease, materials like paper and wood, and burning electrical insulation and components. Keep one in your kitchen and another near your DIY workbench.

Building a Pavement or Tile floor

Before getting your feet wet, do a dry lay. Practice makes perfect and hardwood floors are no exception. Instead of diving in head first, lay out the floor/Pavement before fixing it in place permanently. It will allow you to plan for the use of materials requires in all shapes and sizes of the job in hand and you will be able to catch any problems before getting started.

Check or Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Buy extra batteries for smoke detectors. Change them
The carbon monoxide detector should be installed near the furnace and/or water heater, as well as next to bedrooms.
Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Winter Tips

Check your Doors, Windows, and Exterior

Inspect and seal up any crevice cracks at entry points around pipes
Doors should be weatherstripped to prevent cold air from getting in
Seal the windows
Cracked glass in windows should be replaced. Prime and pain exposed wood
Put in glass replacement windows for the screens

Roof, Gutters, & Downspouts need to be Inspected

Add extra insulation to attic to prevent the warm air from getting out
Make sure water cannot get into your home by checking the flashing
Worn roof slates or tiles should be replaced
Gutters should be cleaned out
Install leaf guards on gutters to direct water away from your home

Prepare Pipes to Avoid Freezing

Know where you water main is in case of an emergency shut off
Insulate exposed plumbing pipes
Drain garden hoses
Drain air conditioner pipes. Turn off water shut-off valve, if you have one
Leave on central heating if you leave the house for an extended period of time, such as a Holiday