Staging A Condo...."sneek peek" (video content)

Staging A Condo....."sneek peek". Staging a condo can be fun & rewarding. You don't have to be a professional to stage your own condo but you will need a few things: vision, cash, & most importantly......time. Blending these 3 things together is the "magic potion" for any "staging condo project" to be a success. Time to make some important decisions:

* Do you have the "vision" as to what you want & how to achieve it? Can you see things in your mind that may look good together & can you judge sizes, colors, textures, that may or may not look good together. Will the staging items "fit" in the areas needed & blend together without looking too sparse or.....over crowded?

Can you blend new with old & what about "gently used"? What furniture will go with the colors of your walls or that wall paper you thought you were going to have to remove but don't want the hassle? Do you have this "knack"? Is it in you? Be truthful. This will help you with your staging condo project.

* How much money do you want to spend on your staging condo project? Is money no object or do you have a "strict" budget to go by or can you hit "the middle of the road" with your staging project costs? This is a very important question you will have to answer.

If you haven't answered this question yet......stop! Do not go any further until you have answered this question. You may have to go & look at pricing out some of your major items & this will help you gauge your apprx. costs for your staging condo project. This will enable you to make this important decision.

Stand back & carefully review the existing furniture/accessories in your condo & see what you may be able to "re-use" with your staging project, as to lower the overall costs (if your budget "decides" this for you). You may surprise yourself with this excercise, not realizing by just moving things around, you might be able to take a "bite" out of your projected purchasing costs.....wow!

* The most important question to answer though is: do you have the necessary "time" to stage your condo? You won't be able to just go to one store & pick up everything you need for your staging condo project. Don't be in la la land thinking this will happen because it won't. You will be "combing the streets" for just the right armoire or the right color & texture of the couch you visioned, etc., etc.......the list goes on.

You not only need to have the time to shop for all of your items for your staging project, you will also need the time to haul away the old "stuff" or hire someone to haul away (don't forget to budget for this). You might also want to put some adds up to possibly sell some of your "stuff" you're going to be hauling away. That exta cash could be used towards purchasing your "new" items.

Once that has been done, it's time to put together the rooms & install pictures, mirrors, etc.. Did I mention that you might want to be familiar with a few items such as: tape measure, level, electric drill, picture hangers, plastic anchors, etc.? Get those pictures, mirrors, accessories hanging & placed properly.......this makes "all" the difference.

Do you want your condo staging project to turn out looking just "ok" or do you want it to look GREAT? The amount of "time" you "invest" in your project will determine the outcome of the overall look of your staging condo project....capeche?

Take a look at this video which shows existing conditions before commencing with staging a condo project. I know....your condo will not look the exact as this but I want you to put your thinking cap on as to how this video applies to your project......grasp the concept here....ok? The important thing is that you "get" the "concept". Did you ever think you were going to be a "decorator"?

VideoJoeKnows

You're not getting bored yet are you? I still have a ways to go but I figure "the more I talk"....."the more you learn". Fair trade-off.....right?

Now make your lists, check them twice, then it's time for the fun to begin......shopping! If you love to shop then this is for you. If you hate to shop....you may "not" want to tackle staging your condo. What?......Chicken? It's OK. You can change your mind if you need to. My Dad always says: "A wise man changes his mind....a fool never does" ..ssshhhhhh........use this saying whenever needed!

Remember when shopping: you don't have to buy all brand new furniture/accessories. Mix it up with "gently used" furniture, etc.. You'll be amazed at what you can find if you just "look". There's many a unique & one of a kind pieces out there "hiding", that may just go with your staging condo project. It's your job to find "them".......this is where your time comes into play.

Here's the staging condo project completed. The staging came out great.....I think! As you are viewing this video, keep your staging condo project in mind on how this video applies to "your" project. If that's the only thing (concept I'm talking here) you take from this article (always seeing how something can apply to your project) then give yourself a gold star! OK....here's the video. Don't ooh & ahh too much!

VideoJoeKnows

The owner wanted an "Asian/Contemporary" feel for the staging project. Darker colors were used for a warmer look. A combination of golden colors were used with dashes of rust, deep reds, browns, blacks thrown in for good measure. Textures galore also make a room "pop". Keep your eyes open when shopping!

Glass table was used for dinette set (for depth perception) along with high backed narrow chairs giving a distict flare.....high-backed chairs in such a small area?...who would have "thunk"? The narrow serving table fit right in against the mirror....like it was meant to be.

Believe it or not....the main picture above the couch was the main catalyst that determined the colors for the furniture/accessories for the main room, etc.. The couch came next then things started to fit into place. Start with a focal point of your room then move out from there. That's when the fun starts....mixing & matching.

Some things I wouldn't have imagined going together but the main room turned out awesome. Coffee table has a unique distict look, cool looking dresser under stairs, one of a kind low-boy designer chair, nice sun-beam end table by couch, & amazing how a checkered pillow can tie things together....not to mention the cool "things" above the tv unit. The old "tired" refrigerator was replaced with a stainless steel unit & that also ties into the main room (worked out well).

What if I told you that "alot" of the furniture/accessories/pictures were "gently used"? Would you believe me? See.....you couldn't tell what was brand new & what was "gently used" could you? That's where the magic comes into play....your "knack" of putting things together. The beauty is thinking that it's all new.....just like what you want all your friends to think. You're so cool!

Did you notice anything being used again? Could you tell? I'm not going to tell you what was re-used but a few things did get relocated/reused. This saved a few more bucks which were then re-channeled towards the purchase of some of the other items. You always gotta think.

I'm trying to show you that you "CAN" put together a room (or rooms) without breaking the bank. What do you think about that? That's what this blog is all about. Doing things yourself & saving $$! Check out some of the other posts. If you see anything your friend(s) would enjoy.....don't be bashful....click the envelope with the arrow on it, at the end of this article & quickly send to a friend. I know........always trying to "save" you time......I try.

All these styles & textures & colors coming together to make a room. You'll have fun! The bedrooms came out great too. Take another look at the video & see how the bedrooms came together. I never would have thought to use "that" for a tv stand. Smart dresser & who's idea was it to use black & white pictures with crisp black frames? Great look (in the right place). Take these ideas & what's on the videos & use to your heart's content.

Click here if you need to get some video painting tips for your next painting project

Stage On!

VideoJoeKnows

Video Content...Shoe Repair....using Liquid Nails?

Shoe Repair....using Liquid Nails? You betcha! Liquid nails will repair just about anything....even shoes. Liquid nails will bond to pretty much any surface. What's liquid nails you ask?

VideoJoeKnows

Liquid nails will practically repair anything. Liquid nails will bond to most surfaces. Liquid nails comes in different formulas so go to the hardware store & check it out. Read the labels & see which liquid nails caulking tube is the right one for your project. The "original formula" liquid nails is the one I generally use for most of my general repairs. My tennis shoe sole was coming off, the other day, so I thought I would use liquid nails for "the shoe sole repair". I thought....what would it hurt? So I picked up the liquid nails & away I went!

VideoJoeKnows

Liquid nails is kind of sticky when it gets on your fingers, hands, etc.. So...if you have to use your finger, I find that if I wet my finger before I smooth it out, it doesn't get on me as much. Liquid nails is also pretty smelly as it's drying so be in a well ventilated area. Liquid nails doesn't cost very much per tube so I pick one up every once in awhile, just in case.

VideoJoeKnows

Even if you don't have a pair of tennis shoes to repair, keep a couple of tubes of liquid nails around as you never know when you'll need it. Put your thinking cap on & I think you'll find plenty of projects & repairs you can use liquid nails on. It works wonders......you'll see!

Click here if you need to get some video painting tips for your next painting project

Caulk On!

VideoJoeKnows

Mixing joint compound....with a potato masher? (video content)

Mixing joint compound.....with a potato masher? Sure! Mixing joint compound with a potato masher is easy. You can buy the more expensive mixing handle (to use on your electric drill) for mixing up the joint compound but I'm trying to save you money on your project. That's why I want you to use a "potato masher"! What am I talking about? Watch this:

VideoJoeKnows

That is what I want you to use when mixing up your joint compound. You can find these babies in the drywall section of your local hardware store. If you don't see them, ask. Pretty cool huh? It will also give you a good little workout:

VideoJoeKnows

If you purchase the joint compound in "box form", you can still mix up the joint compound with a potato masher. Simply open the cardboard box & dump the joint compound into an empty "clean" bucket, add a "dash" of water & away you go! Now you need to do something to the joint compound, periodically during the day.....and that's to mix up the joint compound (every once in awhile). You get to use the potao masher again!

Keep an eye on the consistency of the joint compound & if it looks like you need to add a "drop" of water to it, then add a little water. Just make sure you don't add too much or the joint compound will get "soupy" & that's "not" what you want. There's "two" instructional videos in this next bit so make sure you don't miss one.

VideoJoeKnows

What you want is a nice mixture to your joint compound.....not to dry & not too wet. Check it out below:

VideoJoeKnows

If you mix up an entire bucket of joint compound with the potato masher, you may decide that you want to put the potato masher somewhere else (while you fill up your drywall pan or whatever). You want to be aware that you shouldn't just lay the masher on the ground until you need it again, as the joint compound will dry on the masher.

**News Flash** You do "not" want to reuse the potato masher in your joint compound when the joint compound dries on the masher, as the dry joint compound may break off (or flake off) into your already mixed up joint compound. These dry "crusties" will then be transferred to your walls making nice little "lines" (ugh) in your finish coats then you have to stop & pick them out & re-go-over these areas (not fun). I've prepared another helpful instructional video for you to see how to prevent this from happening:

VideoJoeKnows

The joint compound is meant to be applied (& dried) on your walls & not on your potato masher. You don't want to have to go back & forth outside to wash the potato masher off with a hose when a bucket of water will do just nicely....try washing off a potato masher with dried joint compound with a hose (not fun).....way easier with a bucket of water as you saw. Keep your potato masher clean at all costs.

VideoJoeKnows

I think you get the drift on how nice this potato masher works on mixing up joint compound & the importance of keeping it clean. Do you have a friend who would benefit from reading this post & viewing these instructional videos? If so, click on the envelope with the arrow on it, at the bottom of this post. Try it out!

Click here to get some free "video" painting tips for your next drywall patch

Mix On!

VideoJoeKnows

Wrapping up those pesky extension cords (video content)

Wrapping up those pesky extension cords.....the proper way. Are you having trouble wrapping up your extension cords the new fangled way? You've seen other people wrap up their extension cords this new way but you still haven't got it down. I think you should check out this post as I will teach you, once & for all, how to wrap up those pesky extension cords.

I will actually go "down under" to show you how to wrap up your extension cords. That's right, I am going to get under the video camera & show you the proper way to wrap up those extension cords.....that way my left is your left & my right is your right. Trust me, you will "see & understand" the complete process of wrapping up your extension cords.........once you view these instructional videos.

VideoJoeKnows

That wasn't so bad was it? Review the video again if you need to. Look at this next video clip & tell me what you think of your "handy work":

VideoJoeKnows

Here's another instructional video showing you how to wrap up your extension cords another way. It's actually the same way other than doubling up the extension cord before wrapping up the extension cord thereby making the overall wrapped up extension cord way shorter. It will store easier this way too. Check it out:

VideoJoeKnows


If you still feel a little unsure about how to wrap your extension cord this "different way"........then here's what you need to do: Watch the videos again, go out to your garage & untangle your extension cords & try wrapping the extension cord(s) up just like you saw me do. If you get stuck, try again. You'll never learn unless you try.......Murphy's Law. You "will" get the hang of it, just stick with it.

Share this post with a friend. It won't take you long. Just go to the bottom of this post & click on the envelope with the arrow on it. Your friend will be glad you did!

Click here if you'd like to get some video tips for your next painting project

Wrap On!

VideoJoeKnows

"New Age Way" to wrap & unwrap your extension cords (video content)

"New Age Way" to wrap & unwrap your extension cords. Do you want to "know" how to do "it"? Well....it's really not a "new age way" but it might be for you. Most professional construction workers "have" to wrap up their extension cords this way (if they're using a 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord). It makes it way easier to wrap & unwrap extension cords that's for sure. Here's the standard way to unwrap an extension cord.....& tell me if this has ever happened to you:

VideoJoeKnows

Believe it or not, there is a better way to wrap up your extension cords so that when you unwrap your extension cords......this (getting tangles) won't happen to you. It's what I call the "new age way". I only call it that because if you don't know how to wrap & unwrap an extension cord this way....then it "IS" a new age way "for you". I think you should have options when it comes to doing things so here's your "option" when it comes to wrapping & unwrapping your extension cords.

* Check out this instructional video where it shows you how to unwrap your extension cords this "new age way". Watch closely.

VideoJoeKnows


Pretty cool huh? Basically you wrap up your extension cord in a series of slip knots so that when you unwrap the extension cord, the extension cord will easily pull out, without tangling up. There is a trick in knowing how to properly wrap & unwrap your extension cords but first I want to show you another short video on unwrapping an extension cord but this time I will go slower OK?

VideoJoeKnows


Maybe you've heard about wrapping & unwrapping extension cords this way but you tried it once & you couldn't figure out how to "undo" the extension cord properly so you figured it was a hassle & you'd just wrap up your extension cords the old fashioned way. I want to show you where you might have gone wrong:

VideoJoeKnows

Are you ready to see how to wrap the extension cord up the new & improved way (to you)? Here you go:

VideoJoeKnows

There's also (here's the 2nd way) a way to make the extension cord shorter....when wrapping it up. This works great for 50 ft. & 100 ft. extension cords. Make sure, when you're ready to unwrap the extension cord, you unwrap the extension cord from the "right" end. It definitely makes a difference which "end" you try to unwrap at....maybe that's what you were having troubles with from before? Check it out:

VideoJoeKnows

Now you're "in-the-know". If you decide you still want to wrap up your extension cords the old "standard way"....it's cool. At least you know you now have options on wrapping up your extension cords. If you are still a little unsure about how to go about & wrap up your extension cords this way....don't fret (since my right hand is your left & my left is your right, you might run into difficulties....I know I did when I was first taught). I had to stand side by side another guy so he could show me then I finally got it right.

If this is the case, I have prepared another instructional video article/post that's just for you. I actually get under the camera & show you exactly what to do.......that way my left is your left & my right is your right. I have titled it "Wrapping up those pesky extension cords". Try it out!

Click here to get some cool instructional video tips for your next painting project

Wrap On!

VideoJoeKnows

Tips to roll & unroll 50 ft. extension cords (instructional video)

Tips for rolling & unrolling your 50 ft. extension cords....these tips will be useful. The standard way to unroll a 50 ft. extension cord is to untie the end of the cord & lay the rest of the extension cord on the floor & start pulling the extension cord out to unroll the rest of the 50 ft. extension cord. Sometimes you get lucky....by that I mean you can sometimes unroll the entire extension cord without tangling the cord all up. More times than not though, the extension cord has a mind of its own & "wants" to tangle up just to get you mad.

* Check out this instructional video *

VideoJoeKnows


The 50 ft. extension cord can easily tangle when you start to unroll it (as you just saw). You've got to be careful when unrolling a 50 ft. extension cord or the same thing will (& can) happen to you. There's got to be a better way to unroll your 50 ft. extension cords....and there is. Hold on to the entire cord & start unrolling the extension cord right off of your hand, one loop at a time. Walk the extension cord on out, one loop at a time. You will find this is a much easier & faster way to unroll your 50 ft. extension cords (or 100 ft. extension cords).

* Check out this instructional video (good video content) *

VideoJoeKnows


When you want to roll your 50 ft. extension cords back up (or 100 ft. extension cords)....there's a right way & a wrong way to do this too......did you know that? If you want to roll the extension cord back up the standard way, start with the "female" end of the extension cord. Roll the extension cord on your arm making sure to unroll (& unravel) all of the twisted/kinked areas as you go.....this is an important step! (this will make the extension cord easier to unroll & reuse the next time you need to roll out your extension cord). Leave a little bit of the 50 ft. extension cord unrolled (at the end), then wrap this around the rolled up extension cord & tie off. When you are ready to unroll your 50 ft. extension cord again, untie the cord (from the male end), plug the male end to the wall then "walk out" the extension cord, loop by loop (as previously explained above). That's it.

* Check out this instructional video & see what I mean *

VideoJoeKnows


I've touched on the "standard ways" to roll & unroll your 50 ft. &/or 100 ft. extenison cords but........there is a "better" way. Do you want to learn a "New Age Way" to roll & unroll your extension cords? I hope your answer is "yes". See my article/post titled "New Age Way" to wrap & unwrap your extension cords. This will give you other options that may come in useful to you...or a friend. You might find the "instructional videos" helpful....or at least interesting! Read it, see it, try it, "know it".

Click here on how to get some free instructional video tips for your next painting project

Roll On!

VideoJoeKnows

Dry Wall Repair....tools needed for the "mud"

Dry Wall Repair........"what tools do I need to install the mud?" I'm glad you asked that question. You don't need too many tools to repair dry wall. Hey.... "don't forget" to check out the instructional videos, at the bottom of this post, for visual examples of the tools you will need (I think you will find these videos helpful/lots of video content). I will now give you a "shopping list" of the tools required for your dry wall repair(s)......as follows:

* You will definitely need a dry wall pan, for your dry wall repair. A plastic dry wall pan is sufficient & less costly than a metal dry wall pan & if you decide that dry wall repair is up your alley for a part time (or full time) job, then you will want to graduate to a metal dry wall pan.

* Purchasing a variety of dry wall "knives" is a must, for your dry wall repair(s). I'm talking the dry wall "knives" that you will be spreading the mud with. These knives look like large putty knives. The hardware store has two grades of metal dry wall knives with one grade being less costly than the other. Stick with the less expensive grade as they will work just as well as the others. If you end up deciding you will be doing alot of dry wall repairing in the future (or now), you might want to invest in the more expensive grade knives.

* For your dry wall repair, I recommend applying the paper tape or the webbing tape with a 4" knife. Once you get the hang of applying the mud to the wall, you may want to start using a 6" knife which will apply more mud & save you a little time. Just make sure you get good with the 4" dry wall knife first....OK?

* If you decide to use quickset mud for your dry wall repair, I recommend using a 3" knife to mix up the quickset in your dry wall pan. A 3" knife comes in handy for all sorts of small areas (when applying dry wall mud) so it's a good idea to have one of these around.

* For floating out your final dry wall repair coat of mud, I recommend using a 10" knife. This knife's shape looks a little different than the other knives (as mentioned above) but this knife works great for bridging out the dry wall mud & blending the new mud into the existing wall. You just can't do this with the 6" knife & get a good finish to your dry wall repair (depending how big you dry wall repair area is). If your dry wall repair area is very small like a little hole in the wall or one open seam to cover, then you "might" be able to get by with the 6" knife but I would still recommend having a 10" knife around (just in case).

* The hardware store does carry an 8" knife but you can achieve the same results by using the 6" knife first & finishing off your dry wall repair with the 10" knife in lieu of an 8" knife (I didn't want you to have to buy every size of knife out there.....my word!). They also carry a 12" knife & a 14" knife (for applying skiptrowel texture,wiping down spray texture knockdown,etc. but we're talking dry wall repairs here so I didn't want you to have to break the bank when picking up the needed dry wall tools....capeche?)

* I also carry an empty large plastic water bottle in my arsenol, for using to pour water in my dry wall pan when mixing up dry quickset material for my dry wall repairs. It certainly comes in handy. I encourage you to carry one as well. It beats filling your pan with water at the kitchen or bathroom sink thinking you won't make a mess (when mixing up quickset) but please don't do this as you "will" make a mess.......Murphy's Law.

* News Flash * Check out the instructional videos at the end of this post. Lots of good video content!

* When purchasing "knives" for your dry wall repair, I would stress to you "not" to think you can do your dry wall repairs with the plastic knives you will see for sale at the hardware store. You may think they will work but they really don't work very well, especially if you are applying quickset material to your dry wall repair, as your plastic knives will flex more than you want them to, leaving extra mud on the wall in certain areas thereby creating small mounds that may show up when you paint your dry wall repairs. Buyer beware!

* A hand held sanding "paddle" is a must before & after installing your final coat of mud to your dry wall repair area. This helps blend your dry wall repair into the existing wall. This type of sanding "paddle" is easy to use, has a handle on it, & you can change the sand paper on it whenever you need to. It's a plastic unit & very inexpensive. This works great for small dry wall repairs. Don't forget the sand paper!

* Oh......a pair of gloves come in handy too....when completing your dry wall repairs. I usually get the ones that have rubber on the hand area & cotton on the top part or you can use full cotton gloves. It minimizes the amount of mud you will get on your hands when you're working on your dry wall repair. Repairs to your dry wall seem easier to complete when wearing a pair of gloves. Of course you don't need gloves....just a thought.

That's about it. See....you won't need too many tools for your dry wall repair(s). If you think of anything else you may need....get it. This article/post is for you to start using your mind & thinking about your dry wall repair project(s) before starting them. Make your list of materials needed.....think about what tools you need & have them available.....& be ready for your dry wall repair projects......or any other project for that matter. Hope this helps.

If you have a friend who you think may benefit from reading this post & seeing the instructional videos, please click on the little envelope (with the arrow on it) at the end of this post. It's easy to do & your friend might just thank you.

Click here to get some video painting tips for your drywall repair

Patch On!

VideoJoeKnows