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Jean-Simon Plouffe's Tips
Sometimes, a short and to the point tip or trick can be immensely useful. Here, we try to list as many useful tips as possible
Jean-Simon is one of the editors of BetterHomePortal.com and can be described as an obsessive-compulsive-home-improvement-jack-of-all-trade type of guy.
Start Composting! How to make your own bin for under 15 dollars!
For years, I have been thinking of composting. I thought it would be great to turn things that we might normally put into the trash into rich soil for our garden. Of course the price of most composting bins even the simple ones can be quite high and my wife wasn't to keen about getting into it anyways... Here are a few reasons to compost: · Food and yard waste can be put into the composter, rather than going to the landfill in a plastic bag. · Soil tha...
submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Aug 4 2011 under Landscaping & Gardening | Go Green | How To's
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Dual Flush: Convert your existing toilet!
Did you know that 4 out 5 toilet flushes waste water? Yes indeed! I looked into replacing all my toilets with new ones with a dual flush system but didn't like the concept of throwing away toilets at the dump that were in pretty good shape. That's when I stumbled onto a dual flush conversion kit called "The HydroRight - Smarter Flush Technology" which quickly (10 minutes) and easily converts your existing toilet into a water-saving dual flush toilet. Quick flush for liquids and paper. Full ... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Jul 27 2011 under Bathrooms | Energy Efficiency | Go Green
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Buying new appliances?
When building a new home or renovating an existing one, buying new appliances is often a major cost. You will consider the manufacturer, esthetics (color and design), size, cost, etc. Those are all important but the aspect I would recommend you look at is energy efficiency. Compare the energy consumption of different units and choose Energy Star appliances, they may cost a little more to start but they will save you money in the long run. PS Check your federal, state or provincial renovatio... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Jul 26 2011 under Appliances | Kitchens | Energy Efficiency | Remodeling & Renovation | Laundry Rooms
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Turn off your water heater while on vacation!
Here's a little energy saving tip. Did you know that heating your water tank accounts for around 15% of your electrical bill? Yes it does! Going on vacation for a week or more this summer? Turn off the breaker to your water heater and you'll save money not to mention being a little greener while you're gone! If you're thinking of building a new home or upgrading you're water heater look into more efficient options like a tankless or solar powered water heater. Have a great day and always stri... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Jul 25 2011 under Electrical & Wiring | Energy Efficiency | Go Green
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Central Vaccum Systems and air pollution...
Most home builders will install central vac rough-ins in all their new constructions. Homeowners will often choose central vaccum system because it's practical in so many ways. One of the selling features is that you don't have to pull a canister around which in turn removes air pollution from being released from the canister and avoids potential allergy symptoms. That said, if the central vac canister isn't installed correctly your air quality may still be affected. Unfortunately many installer... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Jun 8 2011 under Appliances | Cleaning & Sanitizing | Health & Safety
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How to get rid of weeds? Greener option...
Want to get rid of weeds like dandelions and you don't want to use heavy pesticides? Again I'm not much for product placements but show me a product that works that I can use and I'll be happy to promote it. I've tried a few products and the most effective I've come across is the Scotts EcoSense WEED B GON made with iron. Check the following link for details: http://www.scotts.ca/smg/catalog/productTemplate.jsp?proId=prod10440002&itemId=cat10130002 If you have a lot buy the big container w... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Jun 7 2011 under Landscaping & Gardening | Go Green | How To's
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Ceramic tile flooring in basements!
Usually when it comes to flooring in basements, we see carpeting and in the last 15 years a lot of different laminates with or without subflooring. In this tip I want to cover the use of ceramic type tiles in basements. Often enough home owners will consider cereamic for basement bathrooms, laundry rooms and on occasion for main areas. Unless you're going to install an infloor heating sytem I would suggest you stay away from ceramic, porcelain, marble, slate or any other type of tile for ... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Jun 6 2011 under Bathrooms | Basements & Crawl Spaces | Flooring | Laundry Rooms
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How to seed your lawn!
May it be a patch or a new lawn specific steps are required for seeding a lawn and ensuring a beautiful result. I assume you're reading this because you're a do it yourselfer (DIY) so here are the steps I recommend:1) Get good quality top soil2) You'll need a "Starter" fertilizer, Lime and grass seed common to your area (look for low weed content under 0.2%)3) Spread the top soil with a rake4) Using a rotary or gravity spreader, spread the "Starter" fertilizer, then the lime and finally the seed... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Jun 6 2011 under Landscaping & Gardening | How To's
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How to remove a glued wall mirror!
In a typical home you will find glued on mirrors in most bathrooms. You may have heard of the hanging wire method where you use wire and pull it back and forth behind the mirror till it comes off. This is based on the theory that the trades person who installed it only applied a bit of glue on the corners and in the middle. Unfortunately, I don’t think they care much about the mirror coming off and they end up applying a lot of glue and the larger the mirror the more they put on&h... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on May 9 2011 under
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How to clean ceramic top stoves!
What can I say; I have cleaning theme going with my recent tips, it must have something to do with my obsessive tendencies! LOL For those of you who own a ceramic top stove, you know they can be difficult to clean with those dark stubborn stains. I’ve been using a product that really works and it’s a Vileda Glass Ceramic Scrunge and here the link to the product: http://www.vileda.ca/en/scourers/ceran/ Look I’ve said it before, I’m not much for product placemen... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on May 5 2011 under Appliances | Cleaning & Sanitizing | How To's
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How to clean ceramic or porcelain tile grout!
Today's tip is a simple one. Ceramic or porcelain tile are very popular as floor coverings but the grout located between tiles tends to get dirty. Here's what I suggest to clean ceramic or porcelain tile grout...:1) If it's very bad you can start with a hand steamer to loosen the dirt;2) Get a large floor brush with a handle, some good old Comet with Bleach (this isn't a product placement, it just works!), a bucket of hot water, some kind of rag to wipe down and of course some rubber gloves;3) S... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on May 4 2011 under Flooring | Cleaning & Sanitizing | How To's
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How to hang a frame or painting!
There are many ways of hanging frames or paintings on a common gypsum board wall, but you can damage your home’s envelop if the desired location is on an exterior or outside wall. Here’s a method that works on most walls and reduces the risk of damage. Nailing or screwing into a wall stub isn’t always possible so here’s what I suggest: 1) Measure and mark the desired spot; 2) Using a hammer and a punching screwdriver (pointy tip) or a small Robertson screwdriver (squ... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on May 3 2011 under Insulation & Weatherproofing | How To's | Walls & Ceilings
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How to install laminate flooring!
Did you know that all laminate flooring have multiple patterns? Indeed manufacturers will usually print around 5 different patterns or designs per batch or model number. To get the best and most consistant look, open a few boxes and determine the amount of patterns. Before you start installing, put the different pattern pieces into individual piles. When you start use identical pieces end to end and install in rows. If you have 5 patterns, start with a row with pattern 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 then star... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Apr 6 2011 under Flooring | How To's
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How to clean your air exchanger!
Did you know you should clean your air exchanger at least every 3 months? That's right! Unplug the unit, pull out the core and wash it in a large sink or tub with warm water and dishwasher soap will do. Let it dry before putting it back in. Cleaning the fan at least once a year is a good idea also. To remember this home improvement task, use reminders on your e-mail app, smart phone or the good old calendar! Have great day and always strive for a better home! :) jeansimon PS Questions ... submitted by Jean-Simon Plouffe on Apr 6 2011 under Cleaning & Sanitizing | Heating, Cooling & Ventilation | How To's
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