| Molding for Austin homes – Adding the Crowning | | | | the room. |
| Touch | | | | Step #4 – Making the Right Cuts |
| It really is amazing what a difference the right | | | | Carefully measure the amount you need and then cut |
| molding can make in a home. I was visiting my | | | | accordingly. You will need to either use a miter saw |
| parent’s house in Austin, a 1960’s brick | | | | for the edges that meet or, (and this is a great |
| home that has always had the look of well, the late | | | | invention) you might go with a relatively new idea |
| 1960’s but this time the inside of the home | | | | to cover those areas called crown corner blocks. |
| looked new and up to date. At first I wasn’t | | | | These blocks actually add a decorative feel while at |
| even sure what it was until my Dad pointed out the | | | | the same time covering the spot where the two |
| crown molding he had installed himself. That small | | | | pieces of molding come together. You can install |
| added touch along with a fresh coat of paint had | | | | these with a nail gun, liquid nails or even screws. |
| fast forwarded their home into the present. So | | | | Step #5 – Stick to it. |
| let’s take a look at how your Austin home | | | | Using a caulking gun apply adhesive to stick the |
| might benefit from molding and whether or not a do | | | | molding to the wall. Make sure you apply the glue to |
| it yourself plan or custom installation is right for you. | | | | both the top and the bottom of the backside of the |
| Let’s start with you DIY people out there who | | | | molding. It’s a good idea to then finish up by |
| have the skills to make a quick trip to your favorite | | | | using finishing nails, just to make sure you have a |
| hardware store, come home with the crown molding | | | | secure application. |
| along with a few tools and are able to spend a | | | | This DIY project of adding molding to your Austin |
| weekend adding this nice touch to your Austin home. | | | | home can be done with moderate handyman talents |
| Step #1 – It’s all about the Planning. | | | | especially with the use of the crown corner blocks as |
| Start by taking careful measurements of the room(s) | | | | you no longer need a perfect cut. But if you are like |
| where you will be adding your crown molding. | | | | most people and might feel a little intimidated by this |
| It’s always a good idea to take those | | | | project then by all means have a professional do the |
| measurements and then add another 10% or so to | | | | work for you. For those in the home improvement |
| those numbers just to make sure you have enough | | | | business this is an easy job so you will have many |
| and to make up for any small mistakes you might | | | | takers, just be careful to choose the right one asking |
| make along the way. | | | | for not only estimates but references as well. |
| Step #2 – Settling In | | | | So what’s the cost? Well for those do it |
| Wood needs to settle in if you will and get used to | | | | yourselfers you can expect to pay anywhere from |
| the temperature and humidity of the area where it | | | | $10 per foot for a basic molding to upwards of $80 |
| will now spend the next several years. So lay out all | | | | per foot and more for a high end look. If you are |
| of the molding in the rooms where it will be installed | | | | looking to have a profession do it then add in $2 to |
| for about 3 days. If you skip this step and go right | | | | $5 per foot for installation. This is in addition to the |
| to installation you will have problems as the wood will | | | | cost of the materials. |
| move as it becomes adjusted to the new | | | | If you are looking to easily update your Austin home |
| surroundings. So patience is the key to adding crown | | | | then consider the finishes touches that crown |
| molding. | | | | molding can add. Whether you take the DIY route |
| Step #3 – Marking the Line | | | | or turn to the pro’s, you’ll be amazed at the |
| Using a chalk line mark your wall so that you will now | | | | difference molding can make in any room in your |
| have a guide to keep you straight and on the right | | | | house, from the kitchen to the bathroom, the |
| path. It is usually best to begin in an area that is least | | | | bedrooms to the living room. If your are looking to |
| visible like behind a door since the beginning spot will | | | | sell an Austin home, make sure you ask an Austin |
| usually have the least finished look of the entire | | | | realtor for suggestions of additional ways to imporve |
| project. So don’t start in the most visible place in | | | | the look of your home other than crown molding. |