Draining Your Hot Water Heater

• Start with turning off the water valve that supplies the hot water tank.
• Then attach the hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater.
• Open the same valve (water valve that supplies the hot water tank) then open the pressure relief valve.
• Allow the water to drain completely.
• When the tank is empty, turn on the water supply valve and allow the water to drain.
• Empty the bucket periodically if you're not using a floor drain.
• Close the drain valve and pressure relief valve so the tank can refill.
• For an electric water heater, flip the circuit breaker or plug the unit back in.
• For the gas water heater, turn on the gas and relight the pilot light.
• Remember there is a potential danger of flooding, hot water heater valves that have not been used in a while or that are made of plastic have the potential to leak.
• Make sure to keep an eye on the valve after you have closed it to ensure that there's no drip and that it's not defective.

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What makes good Curb Appeal.

• Going green with fresh greenery and flowers.
• Taking care of your lawn with continued maintenance will keep the life and look for years to come.
• Giving your mailbox and front door a new makeover will give you that extra pop.
• And remember Curb appeal increases your home value and may help sell your home faster.
• Adding trees and shrubs in the right places can help with cooling and heating costs.
• Having general landscaping and curb appeal also impacts your home's appraisal value.

Make your home friendly and welcoming to friends and family.

Visit www.homeprosguide.com for all your home improvement needs.  

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Let's talk value

Home improvement projects that bring your home up to date

and return the most when it's time to sell.

• Roofing replacement
• Deck additions
• Siding replacement
• Convert your cellar
• Extending your kitchen
• Curb appeal
• Adding a garden
• Loft conversion
• Garage conversion
• Paint
• Finishing your basement
• Installing impact windows and doors
• Renovate bathroom and kitchen
• Replacing carpet with wood or marble
• New mailbox
• Outdoor & pathway lighting
• Replacing appliances
• Manufactured stone veneer on your exterior
• Adding Solar Panels to your home 
• Adding a Pool and upgrading your backyard

Once you've completed your renovations make sure to have your home appraised.

Your appraiser takes your home's features, age, and condition, and compares it to similar homes in the surrounding area.

Keep in mind the local market has a big impact on your appraisal.

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Fireplace Face Lift

Start with giving your fireplace a good cleaning, if it's stone or brick, use a scrub brush.

For flat surfaces try wiping down with a rag or sponge.

When finished cleaning think of what style and material you're going with,

Such as:

• Whitewash
• Replacing the mantelpiece
• Tile
• Paint
• Wood
• Stone

Try mantel decor over your fireplace

Such as:

• Family photos
• Mirror
• Art
• Clock
• Wreath
• Plaque awards
• TV

Remember your fireplace is the focal point of the room. 

Don't be afraid to accessories,

With:

• Candles
• Stand up picture frames
• potted plants
• knickknack's
• Book's
• And so much more!

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Converting your basement.

Not only will renovating your basement add value to your home it'll provide a living space for renters or a guest room for relatives and friends. 

Hiring the right contractor and inspectors is key to making sure everything is correct and up to code. Visit www.homeprosguide.com to find the right pro for the job.

Creating a checklist is a good way to start

Such as:

• Insulation
• Inspect plumbing and wiring
• Moisture protection
• Proper ventilation
• Install egress windows
• Expand window well
• Check for radon
• Make sure there are no pests and rot
• Install durable walls
• Inspect and upgrade flooring
• Protect already-present appliances
• Protect the outside foundation
• Upgrade the stairway
• Lighting
• Outlets and connections throughout
• Adding a closet or two.

Think of the design and theme you want your basement to have.

Such as:

• A retreat Hotel style room
• Game room with a 70s theme
• Library/ study
• Studio apartment
• Craft room
• Movie theater

The possibilities are endless!

Need a professional for home improvement? Home Pros Guide is the best source for local,

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Remodeling staircase

Paying to have your staircase remodeled can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000.

If you're looking for custom work to be done, it'll end up on the higher end of the price scale.

But you can always get in touch with your crafty side and "Do It Yourself"

• Starting with paint touch-ups or overall coverage
• Sand and refinish the Tread
• Adding a runner
• Refinishing your hand railing & baluster in a bold new color or stain.
• Adding words, decorative tile, or stenciling to the riser.
• you can even add lighting to each step.

The styles are endless.

Just make sure the style you choose flows with the rest of the room.

And keep in mind how wonderful you can decorate your handrail for the holidays!

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Re-finish your bathroom cabinets

Are your bathroom cabinets looking dull and outdated?

Don't be nervous to pick up a paintbrush and get to work.

Tip: Make sure to clean your surfaces before beginning.

Tools you may need:

• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Painters tape
• Paint tray
• Rags
• Screwdriver (depending on hardware choice)

Keep in mind, Replacing for new will cost you more than re-finishing.

Ideas to run with:

• Start with a new paint color or stain.
• Add legs to give a bit of a lift
• New hardware
• Paint the countertops different from the cabinets
• If it has 2 sinks, add a cabinet for separation
• Take cabinet doors off for quick access storage.
• Add some baskets or shelving. 

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How to stencil a carpet

Stenciling is an easy cheap way to add design to your room. You can Stencil over Glass, Tile, Fabric, Floor, Carpet, and more.

Tools you'll need:

• Fabric
• Fabric paint
• Adhesive spray
• Painters tape
• Paint tray
• Towel or rag
• Tape measure or ruler
• Paintbrush of your choice (sponge, brush)
• Stencil of choice

Prep the surface before you start.

Make sure your carpet is clean. To stencil clean lines without bleed you can either use an adhesive spray to your stencil

or painter's tape to secure your stencil in place. Begin with your brush dabbing your paint evenly coating in layers.

(Tip: Make sure to dab off half the amount of paint you put on your brush before applying to the stencil) this will ensure you don't have bleeds and it will cover evenly.

Lightly tap tap tap the brush as you go over your stencil. When done the 1st stencil, let dry for a minute or two then peel off carefully and stick to the next section

lining up using a ruler or measuring tape.  Continue over and over until done. 

Also, don't be afraid to grab a small paintbrush and touch up where needed if there's a spot that wasn't fully covered.

Let dry completely before putting any furniture or walking on your carpet.

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Ideas for a feature wall!

The feature wall should be the focal point of the room.

Such as the wall with:

• TV, 
• Fire Place,
• Behind the headboard of your bed.

Feature walls can be created with many options,

Such as:

• Paint,
• Wallpaper,
• Wood,
• Stencils,
• Wall Decals
• Tile
• Fabric
• Shelves
• Bamboo blinds

And many more. Follow a theme so everything flows. The wall you choose should ideally be a space where your eyes are drawn to.

So try picking a color or design that is complementary to the existing wall colors, lighter or darker, textured or not.

Create that optical illusion you've always wanted!

Need a professional for home improvement? Home Pros Guide is the best source for local,

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home project photos for new home improvement ideas!