4 MUST DO PROJECTS FOR FEBRUARY

By Jeff  Posted February 3, 2016  In Blog

February is the month with the fewest number of days, one of them of course is Valentine’s Day. So why not put the days to good use and show your house some love. Change your furnace filters, restore your kitchen cabinets and add some architectural detail to a bland room.

CHANGE YOUR FURNACE FILTER

The heating season is in full swing. Since most of the air in your house circulates through your HVAC system, furnace filters are first in line of defense against dust and airborne allergens. Basic furnace filters are designed to trap dust, dirt and other particles before they get into your system and do some real damage.

How do you know when it’s time to change a furnace filter? Below are some general guidelines however, it is always a good idea to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations. Usually, you should change a basic furnace filter every one to two months. This all depends on if you have furry pets, you notice moderate buildup in your house or if you live with a smoker.

GIVE YOUR CABINETS A FACELIFT

You use your kitchen a lot right? So it doesn’t take long to start to see signs of wear and tear on the wood cabinets. Good news is you don’t have to spend a ton of money on a complete replacement. You can do a simple DIY restoration. If the wood stain on your cabinets has worn out, try cleaning with a mix of TSP and water. When dry, sand lightly and use a tack cloth to remove dust. Then apply a polyurethane varnish tinted to whatever tone you like. This varnish-stain combo will do the job in one application.

Tired of the wood look? Give your cabinets, and kitchen a whole new look with a fresh coat of paint.

ADD ARCHITECTURE

What kind of home do you live in? If it’s a new home but has that “old house” charm, there’s a perfect opportunity for you to add character. Crown molding, baseboards, chair rails, wainscoting and recessed panels are all great ways to inject personality. If you have a stairwell, replacing the handrails and newel post with more elegant woodwork is another way. Checking classified ads, Craigslist or other sites online can lead you to very inexpensive items that look great. Even switching out builder-grade light switches and outlet plates with nickel and brass finished ones can make for a great impact.

GO GREEN

Turning your house green promises gratifying results and earth friendly fulfillment. Start with simply planting a tree, recycling something or even fixing a leak. There are so many easy ways you and your home can go green.

So take advantage of your February and give your home the Valentine’s Day present it deserves.