With the economy the way it is today, the last thing a man wants to do is call a plumber!  The good news is that you don’t have to shell out big bucks for minor home improvements and general maintenance.  Installing a new faucet is a relatively simple job.  Basically, you are talking about a very simple mechanism (the sink) that is connected to water (the pipe) and a valve that delivers the water!  Here are some simple tips and step-by-step instructions to help you install your own faucet and avoid the high-cost of hiring outside labor. 

 You CAN do it yourself
with these step-by-step instructions
on how to install a faucet!

1.  Let the little lady pick out the kitchen or bathroom faucet that she wants, all you need to tell her is whether the sink is top mount and bottom mount and let her go!  By doing this, there is no way to get in trouble for selecting the wrong one, and she can’t complain about the color or style, or say that she told you to buy one with a sprayer or whatever other mandatory accessory the job requires.  Send her to Knobs, Hinges, & More and let her pick out the perfect spout!  With the wide online selections she has to chose from, you will have hours to do what you really want without being interrupted.
2. Clear the family out of the house in case of faulty language, we all know it’s necessary sometimes when you drop a wrench on your head to say the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s not necessary to share these words with little sponge-like ears.  They will end up being repeated at the least convenient times.  Tell everyone not to return to the house for at least 4 hours.  This will give you time to install the new faucet and a little time for yourself to catch the ball game, I mean you’re doing the job for free right? 
3. Turn off the water valves underneath the sink.  For extra protection, it’s always a good idea to turn the water off to the whole house.  If you flood the kitchen – you lose brownie points with the wife unless you can clean it up quickly and impress her with your superior mopping abilities.  However, this will infringe on the time you have left to watch the ball game!  Just to make sure, turn the faucet valves on full blast and allow any remaining water in the pipes to drain.
4. Next, unscrew the water supply lines. Depending on how old your faucet is, this may require some faulty language in order to remove.  This is why plumbers get the big bucks!  It is possible that you may have to completely replace the water supply lines.  As hard as it may be, when the perfectly selected faucet arrives, read through the directions and go ahead and buy these in advance.  You may also want to pick up anything else the directions suggest.  Don’t assume you have plumbers putty or the correct sized wrench, make sure you have everything you need before you start.  Hardware stores are a major distraction, you know this!  Remember – the goal here is to finish quickly and watch the game in peace. 
5. Once the water lines are disengaged, unscrew the faucet from the sink and remove. This is the best time to clean up all the old gunk that has accumulated over time!  A quick and easy cleaning tip is to sprinkle the area with baking soda and then spray with vinegar.  Not only is it fun to watch the chemical reaction, the gunk comes off pretty easy with a quick scrub with a scouring pad (it’s probably right there by the sink anyway).  Wipe up the residue and then spray again with the vinegar to shine it up.  Shiny things always earn you more brownie points!

Now for the moment of truth 
Let’s stick in that new faucet!

For a Top-Mounted Faucet:

Apply plumber’s putty or caulk around the base. If your faucet has gaskets at the base, don’t do this!  Refer back to the directions – but basically you can skip this step depending on what kind of faucet you have.

Gently put the new faucet into place and then press down firmly to get a good seal.  Grab a flashlight and get under the sink to install the washers and mounting nuts, and then tighten everything up.  Don’t forget to clean up any excess putty, shine her up again!

For a Bottom-Mounted Faucet

Grab a flashlight and get under the the sink, hold the faucet in place and install the washers and mounting nuts.  This can be tricky with just two hands so its a perfect opportunity to invite over a buddy to watch the game and then say ‘hold this real quick’ while you tighten the nuts. Gently put the new faucet into place and then press down firmly to get a good seal.

Run a bead of plumber’s putty along the handle plate, screw them in place and install the faucet handles. Make sure that the one marked hot goes on the left!  If you get these wrong – you will never hear the end of it and you will receive zero brownie points for all of your hard work. Make sure and go back for a final clean-up and make her shine! 

Replace the water supply lines, turn the water back on and let everything run for a bit to clear out the pipes and check for leaks.  Grab you a cold one and kick back with your buddy and enjoy the game!

And for those of you that need a visual, here is a how-to video from Ask The Builder expert, Tim Carter demonstrating how to install a kitchen faucet!

Everyone has a right to look good, but if you’ve ever been in a department store you may have noticed that the lipstick that looked fabulous on you in the store, makes you look like a clown when you walk outside. The same thing could very well be happening in your own bathroom!

We depend on the mirrors and lights in our home for many things and each one should be selected according to the purpose for which it will be used.

Our focus today is for the ladies – but this issue is just as important for men, since mirrors can get you into big trouble if you’re not careful. You know the old question “does this dress make me look fat?” Of course, all men know that there is no ‘right’ answer – but if you say NO and the mirror and lighting says YES, you are in big trouble for sure. Make the lady in your life happy by letting her pick the perfect combination so that the mirror says the right thing every time and you can stay out of the dog house!

Selecting the Perfect Mirror for Make-Up

Magnifying Mirror

Applying make-up on your face could not be possible without make-up mirrors. So, basically, through this instrument, you can make your face look more youthful and rejuvenated. A good make-up mirror can prevent tragic mistakes when applying make-up. The good thing is that you can prevent and correct any make-up mishaps before your neighbor points it out and for those ladies that wear glasses, there are mirrors that are capable of helping you see in detail from 3X to 12X magnification. You can even find magnified mirrors now inside of compact make-up kits, free-standing or individually. Make sure to think about what size, shape and magnification is going to work best for you, and of course consider how it will change the appearance of your bathroom too!

Selecting the Perfect Lighting for Make-Up

Colombo Mirror Lamp

The proper lighting is also very important when applying make-up. There is a balance to all things, so if the lighting says you don’t have on enough blush but when you get in the car it looks like you have a sunburn – - you may seriously want to consider replacing the lighting in your bathroom! The proper lighting can help you apply the right tones and highlights so that when you walk out the door, you look as fabulous as you did in the bathroom. It is advised to apply make-up in natural lighting and there are many different types of lighting and light bulbs that can recreate this effect inside the house. In order for you to get a better idea of what enhances your looks, it is good if you perform experiments using all types of make-up in front of different mirrors and lighting. Don’t be afraid to break out the lipstick and see how it looks under each one, you’ll be amazed at how different the results can be.

Proper Lighting for Applying Make-up

When choosing the best lighting for makeup application, make sure it is a soft light that doesn’t cast shadows on the face. Apply makeup in a daytime-like light with this free video from a professional makeup artist via eHow.com

Expert: Kim Haertl
Contact: www.austinmakeupartist.com
Bio: Kimberly Haertl has worked and been trained as a makeup artist and skincare consultant by major cosmetic brands such as Chanel, Lancôme, Shisedio, La Parire and Dior.

Keeping a kids bathroom clean and organized can be challenging, but it can also be fun for both you and your kids. Getting them involved in the process rather than doing it all yourself, will make them feel like it is more their bathroom, and they will be more willing to keep it clean and organized.

Anne at Home Soap Dish

You want to make sure everything they need for bath-time is close to the bathtub, so they don’t have to keep getting in and out, risking injury. If you use bar soap, you can purchase a soap dish to keep it in and set it on the edge of the tub. Shampoo and other items can also be placed in a convenient carrier to hang over the shower head.

Towels can be set out before they get into the bath, to avoid slipping on a wet floor to get one. If they must get out of the tub for any reason, make sure there is a non slip rug or even a towel down that they can step on to dry their feet before stepping onto the bare floor.

Voga Shower Basket

If you have bath toys, having a shower basket in the tub will help keep them neatly organized. It will also make cleaning the toys easier. To clean them, simply fill the container with water and a small amount of bleach, let them sit, empty the water and allow them to dry. If you have a lot of toys, you may want to consider eliminating some. Kids don’t need a lot of bath toys, and you don’t want to spend too much time cleaning them. Remember, getting the kids involved in the organization and cleaning will make them feel it is more their bathroom, and they will be more willing to take care of the things in it.

Who’s there??

… the Avon lady, but your doorbell’s broken!

This was a funny joke when I was 10, but it really isn’t funny at all when people know you’re home, but nobody answers the door.  If you have a good solid door, or even a glass one – sometimes people can knock until their knuckles bleed without getting your attention.  Simply unacceptable! 

Here are some quick and easy solutions!

The easiest solution, is to get a dog.  They make great alert systems, whether there is someone at your door that you want to see, or someone that you want to go away.  Of course, not all people like dogs – so you may need to look at some of the alternatives!

Atlas Homeware

Installing a wireless door bell is extremely simple, and requires much less maintenance than getting a dog.  Although, if your doggie had digits, he could probably do it himself!  A wireless door bell doesn’t actually require any complicated installation – you basically just stick it up with the self adhesive. The unit works as a small transmitter so when visitors push the button, a signal is sent to the receiver which can be any kind of chime you desire!

Steps to Install a Wireless Doorbell

1.  First remove the old doorbell with a flat screwdriver

2.  Tape up the wires and stick them in the old hole

3.  Put the new doorbell over the hole.

4.  Plug the chime unit in somewhere inside.

The entire process takes less than a few hours!  You should always turn off the electrical power to the existing doorbell before you cut any wires.  Although the voltage is probably low, there is always a chance of higher voltage – better safe than sorry!

Don’t forget to check out our other door solutions:

 Steps to Install a Door Knocker

Decorating Your Doors

Door Handles and Knobs

Knobs, Hinges, and More 
also offers a wide variety of outstanding home decorating
and maintenance products 

Michael Healy Sand Crafted Doorbell

Check out our current offers and specials! 

Get 10% Off all Michael Healy Door Knockers and Door Bells

Michael Healy Artistic Decorative Hardware

Each Michael Healy Door Knocker is created using the age-old art of sand casting. In this process, an original sculpted model is pressed into firmly packed sand to create a mold. Brass, Bronze and Nickel Silver alloys are then heated to over 2000 degrees and hand-poured into the impression. As the metal cools and the sand is broken away, your original Door Knocker emerges. Each mold can only be used once, making Michael Healy Door Knockers truly unique. After the raw casting undergoes several final phases of polishing and finishing, it is ready to carry the signature of the artist, Michael Healy, ensuring its authenticity and quality craftsmanship.

A Sight To Behold

The Rosalie Sherman Collection

Knobs, Hinges, & More is proud to carry The Rosalie Sherman Collection of robe & towel hooks, and cabinet knobs & pulls.

Robe/Towel Hook

After some 30 odd years making sculpture and about 20 of those years making public sculpture, Rosalie decided that smaller is better (for her, that is). Her middle-age body doesn’t want to shlep heavy things around any more. So, one day, while fooling around with clay, she made some little animal heads and said “Hey, these would make nice cabinet knobs! ” And, voila, a business was born. (This kind of sounds like that guy on TV who designs and sells expensive vacuum cleaners, doesn’t it?)

Charlotte

In the past, She has created pieces for various venues: sculptures and benches for schools and parks, dogs and cats for the front of a county animal shelter, play sculptures for a children’s hospital, a lobby sculpture for a community center, temporary seating for a Boston subway stop, and even a 12-1/2 ft. wood and aluminum siding “Doghouse” in the shape of a bull terrier.

Hardware (in the shapes of little animals and other critters) is her new frontier. Now her sculptural work is something that can be held between your fingertips and enjoyed everyday in all rooms of a home.

Don’t miss this opportunity to view the Rosalie Sherman collection.

Need a Buck Snort?

Buck Snort Lodge Products are manufacturers

of  UNIQUE cabinet hardware

Moose

Are you looking for that theme that you just can’t find in any hardware store?  Well look no further, because we’ve got your Buck Snort Lodge products right here!  View our theme-gallery of all the wildlife, childrens, fish, sports, nautical, trees, whimsical, anything you can think of.

Longhorn

This collection of magnificent kitchen and bath cabinet hardware offers the sportsperson, and / or outdoor lover in your home bath and kitchen pulls and knobs in designs that are breathtaking. Have a look at this collection of lion, moose, rhino, ram, cougar, owl, bear, birds, deer, rabbit, buffalo, dog, turtle, tiger, wolf, frog, dragonfly, bee, ladybug, gecko, elephant as well as canoe, paddle, logs and paws of pulls and knobs that will grace your kitchen and/or bath with your passion for nature.

Detailed Fish

Does the Fisher King or Queen in your home long for bath and/or kitchen pulls and knobs that reflect their passion for fishing and fish? A huge collection of accurately depicted fish to grace that special kitchen and/or bath in your home. All the knobs and pulls (excluding the cast resin) are made from a #2 zinc and then plated with Antique Brass, Antique Copper, Pewter, Nickel, or Black Nickel. They are then top coated with a baked-on clear lacquer finish.

So, get your Buck Snort right here!  It’ll cure what ails ya!

Replacing Cabinet Hardware

This is a very informative and through video that will teach you the precise way to perfectly replace the hardware on your cabinets and drawers.  What a great weekend project that would be!