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Molding for Austin homes ? Adding the Crowning Touch

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