The key to being pleased with your project is in choosing a railing pattern that you like and want to see at your own porch. The railing should reflect your design preferences just as you would decorate a room in your house. Just because it has a utility function, it does not need to be drab or unpleasant. Take advantage of new and modern styles to achieve the look you desire.

Here are some tips when learning how to put on porch railing:

• Measure carefully before making your final size choices for your railing. Be certain that the railing is tall enough that small children will be kept safe.

• Be sure that you can adequately secure the railing to the flooring and steps as well as to any adjacent walls, for stability.

• Don’t compromise safety for frugality. Think of your porch railing as an investment that will enhance your safe enjoyment of your  house.

• Whether you install a wooden railing or a metal one, take steps to protect the porch under the railing when you attempt to paint it. Using a rust-resistant paint on metal railing or treated wood and a paint that will further seal it and protect it from the weather is your most sensible act when you are at the painting phase of the installation.

When installing a sunroom, it is possible to get a do-it-yourself sunroom kit, or add a separate room to your house.

Here are some steps to take when beginning to add a sunroom to your house:

• Determine whether you want to add a full room to your house or add a sunroom using a sunroom kit, which will provide all of the materials you need but will require to first provide your own foundation to erect the sunroom on. Be advised also that a sunroom you install yourself will not have HVAC connection unless you know how to add those successfully yourself. If you want that sort of sunroom, you may need to employ a contractor at least to have the HVAC system installed.

• Order your sunroom kit; it will be fully delivered to your door for installation on your chosen foundation. Determine in advance where you want the room, and place your foundation at that location. You may be able to find a local concrete company who will negotiate with you about selling you a partial load of cement that is ready to pour as your foundation.

• Remember that cutting costs and building your sunroom yourself may of necessity cut out some of the frills that you want the room for in the first place; consider what you are giving up in the name of a budget.

Don’t for get to save some money for you to decorate you new sunroom with the perfect outdoor furniture.

1.)   Add a bedroom.  This is definitely a big one if your house is really small and you only have one bedroom.  Most people would like to have at least two bedrooms.  This may be the way to go.

2.)   Add a bathroom.  Even if you simply add a washroom it can add a lot to your home.  This would be the way to go if you have three bedrooms and only one bath because it can be very unbecoming of the house if you do not have an extra bathroom.

3.)   Think about a deck and a privacy fence.  Both of these things can make a home much more inviting for possible buyers because they will have a place that they can relax at the end of a busy day. Make sure you stain your wood deck for great long lasting results.

4.)   New paint can say a lot about a home.  You will find that changing the color of your home or by simply making it a little bit fresher and brighter, you will draw in a larger crowd of possible buyers. Make sure to check out our tips on how to painting your with ease.

Even though some of these little ideas can be rather expensive, they may help your home sell much faster and for much more.  You may also be able to add these expenses into the asking price of your home.

Concrete is a hard and durable building material. It is also porous and susceptible to staining. Painting or sealing a concrete surface is a good way to prevent staining. Unpainted or unsealed concrete can quickly become unsightly due to oil, grease, trees, birds or other agents. Often these stains can be removed easily.

The tannins found in tree sap, leaves and nut husks have been used as a natural stain for wood and yarn for years. They can also stain concrete. Oil and grease are common culprits.

Each type of stain has its own challenges. Much of your success will depend on the severity of the stain. You may have to clean the area several times to get results. It also helps to act as quickly as possible after the stain occurs.

Clean large amounts of a fresh spill by covering the area with cat litter. The litter will absorb most of the material. Dispose of the used litter properly.

To remove remaining material or if the stain is old, it is advisable to always look for a cleaner specially formulated for cleaning concrete. If you are in a pinch, try one of these:

1. Household bleach – Dilute as the directions indicate for cleaning. Let the solution sit on the stained area for several minutes, then scrub and rinse.
2. Laundry or dishwashing detergent – Sprinkle dry detergent over the area. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub with hot water.
3. Tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) – Dilute one cup in one gallon of hot water. Pour it on the area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse off with hose and repeat if needed. TSP is also available in a phosphate-free version.

SAFETY NOTE Always wear eye and skin protection when using cleaning chemicals.

Muriatic Acid

Muriatic acid is not a stain remover or cleaner. The acid actually etches away the concrete itself, and sometimes the stain as well. You will need to scrub and rinse this chemical also. Follow the directions carefully and WEAR EYE AND SKIN PROTECTION. Since you will be removing the actual concrete, use muriatic acid only if you seal the driveway with masonry sealer afterwards. Remember that you will be altering the level of the surface if you remove a lot of material.

To avoid damaging concrete:

1. If you use a pressure washer, make sure you have the right nozzle. A jet that is too concentrated can damage concrete.
2. Use a nylon scrub brush, not wire.

Cleaning and sealing your driveway and other concrete surfaces is just as important as cleaning and sealing your deck or house. Stained, cracked or spalled concrete certainly is not attractive and may not be structurally sound. You do not have to tolerate unsightly and potentially unsafe masonry around your home. Follow these simple preventive measures to maintain the beauty and extend the life of your concrete.

Prepare the Surface

In order for the sealer to adhere properly, the concrete surface must be clean. Remove any dirt, oil or mildew from the surface and repair all cracks or other defects.

1. Use a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and a stiff, nylon bristled brush to kill and remove any mildew.
2. Use a pressure washer to lift and remove dirt and stains from the concrete’s surface. Remove stubborn stains like grease or oil with a mixture of water and trisodium phosphate (TSP) and a stiff, nylon bristled brush.
3. Patch or repair any irregularities in the existing concrete.

Apply the Sealer

You may use a roller, brush or low-pressure garden sprayer to apply the sealer. If you use a sprayer to apply the sealer, back roll it with a medium nap roller to ensure good penetration into the concrete.

1. Stir the sealer until it is completely mixed. Never shake sealer to mix it since shaking can create air bubbles and adversely affect the finished look.
2. Apply the sealer liberally to the concrete surface, but do not allow it to puddle.
3. Allow the sealer to dry and apply the second coat per the manufacturer’s directions.