Just the thought of replacing windows can strike fear into the average person’s heart. But there isn’t a real reason to worry. Armed with the right information and the right tools, this job can be performed with a bit of elbow grease and determination. Because windows can be purchase relatively inexpensively at local home improvement stores, the installation costs always seem to make this project a bigger issue.

Some companies want to charge tens of thousands of dollars for their high quality product and high quality installation. While it’s important to get help from a professional if you are completely unfamiliar with home improvement, the adventurous do-it-yourselfer can accomplish this one step at a time.

Before starting work be sure to purchase energy efficient windows. Also remember to measure window size from the interior of the house. Measure inside the framework to get an accurate measurement. If you have odd shaped windows then you may need to special order or create filler when putting in the newer ones. It is not recommended that you create a filler larger than a couple of inches unless you want to redo the siding on your house.

The first step to replacing windows in removing the old ones. Working from the inside out, remove all trim work. If you have sash weight windows you must remove the weights as well. Once all of this and the window have been removed look for wood rot. Anything rotten will have to be replaced before installing the new window. If you have storm windows attached them unscrew them and lift them out. On older style windows you will need to remove any outside molding.

Don’t try to remove nails from the frame. Simply use a reciprocating saw to cut through them. Take out the entire frame along with the old window sill. If you are going to replace rotting wood or put in a filler now is the time to do it.

If you are using single windows in place of larger or double windows then you will need to frame out where the new windows will go. Make sure that the new studs are at a 90 degree angle, meaning they are “plumb and square” with the opening. You may need to put in filler strips to help make the edges of the studs even to the original sheathing.

Before installing the new windows be sure that all of the edges are caulked. Even though the window is caulked you must also apply caulk to the opening where it will be placed. Be sure that the window and the opening match up or in construction speak, they would be “plumb and square”.

Put exterior screws through the flange of the windows This will anchor it into place. Next apply installation tape around the edge of the siding and the flange. Now you can replace the exterior trim work.

Back on the inside you can put in new insulation, replace the sheet rock and any new trim work. Now that you have one of the windows replaced the rest will be easier to install because you already have the process worked through.

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With the explosion of the do-it-yourself phenomenon, ceilings have taken on a whole new life. No longer are they simply painted and forgotten. There are numerous treatments and designs that even the average Joe or Jane feels they must try to accomplish. A plain ceiling is no longer acceptable to those with adventurous spirits. Home improvement shows have taught you that it’s okay to paint the ceiling a completely different color than the walls. It’s okay to put wallpaper or even fur above your head. Really it’s all about your imagination, how far you’re willing to go and how hard you’re willing to work.

If you’re only mildly adventurous then you may stick to painting your ceilings a different color or colors than the walls are painted. If you use paint made specifically for ceilings and don’t overload the roller then minimal mess, can be attained. Ceiling tiles are another option. A lot of older houses had copper tiles with intricate designs on them. Today you can purchase tin tiles with the same designs. There is also white wallpaper that mimics these designs and can be painted any color you desire. While the tin tiles are better than the copper in the fact that they are easier to maintain, hanging wallpaper is hard enough on the walls so you may want to consider the amount of work involved in acquiring a scaffold and enlisting a buddy in the process. This is a time consuming process because of having to wait for the paste to dry.

Looking for something beyond the crown molding that is used to decorate the corners of the room? Consider putting a plastic or wooden medallion on your ceilings. This can be used in it’s plain white against a darkly painted ceiling or it can be painted in contrast to plain white paint of the ceiling. These can be easily attached around a hanging light fixture to enhance it’s elegance or to dress up plain lighting. The intricate detail allows for elegance and style in what may otherwise have been a rather boring room.

If you’re more into rustic décor then consider faux beams on your ceilings. There is no need to install heavy, bulky wooden beams in your already finished home. Use planks in six foot sections or the length of the room. They should be painted to look like wooden beams using differing colors of stain. You can purchase beams that are already created for this purpose.

One other, and more creative way, to decorate ceilings is to paint a faux finish. This gives you free reign to create the swirls or patterns with paint, mud, stucco, or even plaster. It’s all about your designs and creativity. Just be sure that you are ready to tackle the entire ceiling before starting this type of project.

If you have pipes running through your room close to the ceilings and don’t want them to be seen then consider building a box around them. This would look like an extension of the room and should be painted the same color as the walls.

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