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Measure Your Windows Correctly Before Installing Blinds, Curtains or Shutters

Measure Your Windows Correctly Before Installing Blinds, Curtains or Shutters

Shoppers who are ordering window treatments will often make a mistake that is much too common. Whether they are ordering their blinds, curtains, and shutters online or over the phone, they fail to provide the proper dimensions for each window. This usually ends up turning into a time-consuming, but very avoidable mistake. In order to prevent this from happening, it is best to measure each window according to the treatments you plan to purchase.

First, you need to determine whether you are measuring for inside mount, or outside mount window treatments. You secure inside mount fixtures on the interior casing of the window. Outside mount fixtures go outside the window casing. When you are shopping for window treatments, always determine which mount you will need before you measure your window. The measuring process is slightly different for each, so you want to be sure you are using the right method.

Next, you want to take correct measurements for the type of window you plan to cover. Measuring a french door is very different from measuring a standard-sized window. The procedure for measuring a bay window is also different, especially if the bay window has an arch or half-arch to measure. Because each door requires a different measurement technique, it is important to learn how to measure properly.

Usually, these windows are one-of-a-kind so the measurements need to be correct. Any inaccuracies may cause you to be stuck with a window treatment that you or no one else can use, including the retailer.

Finally, you want to keep accurate records for each window you measure. Even if you have 10 windows that look identical to the naked eye, you should number them and keep their measurements separate from each other. This is especially true for inside mounts where the measurement needs to be almost perfect. It only takes a few centimeters for a shade, blind, or shutter to be too tight or too small for the window.

Most retailers will happily assist you when you are ready to measure your windows. They will usually offer instructions online in the form of a PDF manual or video. Some retailers may even help you take accurate measurements by way of live chat. If you are not confident with your measuring abilities, use these options advantageously so you can ensure your window treatments will be correct when you receive them from a retailer or manufacturer.…

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New Windows Installation for Your Business

New Windows Installation for Your Business

If you own your own business you want to look professional. You want to be the best in your area of field as you can be. You want people to come to you even if there is competition one block away from your business.

To look professional, make sure the building your business is in looks neat and clean. You want it to look like you are successful as people will buy more products and/or services from successful businesses. You will give the customer confidence in buying your products and/or services.

A new wooden desk or a contemporary desk will give the impression that you are successful and confident. Keep your desk organized when you have clients or customers come in. Potential customers like to see nice and organized desks versus unorganized desks as they worry that the person is frazzled and will not be able to perform their important job duties for them. If the desks looks like a lot of thrown about puzzle pieces then what does one’s mind look like?

New windows installation can make your business look neat and clean. When the area around the window is new and fresh white, how can your windows not do your business proud?

To get a professional to install new windows you can check online. Simply type in a search engine such as Google, “new windows installation.” At the end of the sentence you want to type in your city and state as well. This may help you find new window installation professionals in your area. Check any reviews on the company and employees as well.

These days anyone can leave your place of business a review online. This means that your business can easily be reviewed by a past customer for anyone and everyone to read. Hopefully you treated your customer with the highest level of respect and friendliness. Even if there was a problem with your client, you may be able to rectify the problem with your professional looking business as well as your professional business persona. Always keep in mind that you want to help your customer and you want him or her to leave your business happy and satisfied with your products/services. If your customer decides to write a review online, you want to make sure you did your best so that you get an outstanding review online. Many folks do check reviews online before they will buy from a particular company, therefore, it is very important that you stay professional while on the job.

New windows installation for your business can be a breeze when you hire the right people to complete the job for you. Instead of doing-it-yourself and taking weeks to get the job done, you can have your new windows installed much quicker. You will also have peace of mind knowing that the person who did the window installing knows what he/she is doing. Once the window’s job is completed, you can enjoy a newly …

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How to Choose Replacement Windows

How to Choose Replacement Windows

If you are thinking of selling your home, or you just want to lower your heating or cooling expenses, you may be considering replacement windows. Selecting the right windows for your home can be a rather confusing task, considering the number of options that are currently available. With a bit of research, and consideration of your needs, though, you can choose the best replacement windows for your home.

One thing to consider when choosing replacement windows is whether you want to increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency, or you want to enhance the appearance of your home. In some cases, such as when you are planning on selling your home, you may want both benefits – a well insulated home with attractive windows can sell for significantly more than a home with high heating costs and outdated windows.

Ventilation should be considered carefully when choosing replacement windows. In many homes, some windows are in hard to reach places, so you will need to choose a window type that allows for easy opening. For example, while double hung windows are easy to clean, they can be difficult to open if they are positioned over a kitchen sink or a countertop. In these situations, a sliding or awning type replacement window might be a much better option.

When choosing replacement windows, you will want to think about the type of frame material you prefer. Some people prefer the classic look of wood frames; however, wood is not as durable as other types of frames. Vinyl and fiberglass window frames are more durable than wood, although not as strong as aluminum. Replacement windows with aluminum frames can support heavier glass panes, reducing the chance of window glass breakage.

The type of frame material you choose for your replacement windows will affect your heating and cooling costs. Although aluminum frames are durable, aluminum is not a particularly good insulator unless a thermal break is added. Wood frames, while often expensive, are considered good insulators. If you don’t mind the look of vinyl or fiberglass window frames, though, these may be your best choice – these frames offer the greatest insulation, while allowing you to minimize your window replacement costs.

Most replacement windows currently available feature one, two, or three panes of glass. A single pane window is cheaper and easier to repair, but it also offers little insulation. Double and triple pane windows allow less heat to escape from the home, but they are heavier, more expensive, and more costly to repair. If double or triple paned windows are within your budget, though, you will enjoy an added benefit – these windows cut down on street noise and other noise pollution.

If you have south-facing windows without much shade, you may want to choose heat absorbing, tinted, or UV-reflective replacement windows. This will help reduce cooling costs in the summer, and reduce the amount of intense sunlight that enters your home. Keep in mind, though, that replacing the …

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2 Of The Best Home Improvements

2 Of The Best Home Improvements

There are numerous improvements that can be made to your dwelling and some will prove to be a far better investment than others. Having said that, improvements on your house are not always all about a return on your investment, and in a lot of situations the work is for making your household look much nicer and be a much more pleasant place to reside.

Whilst the investment angle of any home development project is certainly not the only motivation, it’s definitely good to know that you would end up being likely to recoup any money spent should you decide to sell, or better yet, your improvements may have increased the equity in your home.

Listed below are my 2 favourite improvements of differing costs that can be made to any house, both of which would be an intelligent investment, assuming they are executed in the correct way:

1. The initial area that’s always terrific to tackle would be a bathroom that is looking tired. It’s very easy to think that a smart completely new modern bathroom can cost the earth, but thanks to the Internet this is certainly not the case. If you have the time to search online for all the required elements, the rewards can be fantastic. Enormous savings can be had on: the bathroom suite, the floor and wall tiles, the taps and also shower related items. You may literally achieve a top quality bathroom at a fraction of the normal cost if you are prepared to put in the hours searching. You might even be able to hire competitively priced tradesmen online to undertake your job, assuming you cannot undertake a job of this nature yourself.

2. My second area to tackle is more expensive but if done in the right way can make a dramatic difference to any dwelling. Whether your house suffers from damp rotten wooden windows or maybe dated 1970s style windows and patio doors, updating with bespoke wooden casement, box sash windows or maybe hardwood bi-folding patio doors can end up being a massive improvement. Bi-folding doors that span across the back of the house are becoming increasingly popular as a result of their ability to create a natural flow from inside the house to the outside patio area. If you are contemplating extending the downstairs area of your home, it would certainly be a very good occasion to check out the massive difference that well put together wooden windows and doors can make. Once again search online for a company that can ideally manufacture and install the type of product you want.

So there are my two favourite home improvements. Both these can transform a property in very different ways and if done correctly, they would also end up being a shrewd investment.…

General Article

All About the Vinyl Windows and Their Types

All About the Vinyl Windows and Their Types

We all are familiar with the fact that majestic features and eye catching fixtures can easily provide out ordinary home interiors with a special look. Well, windows are one of the major parts of our home interiors and they mainly reflect the personality of the home. Well, windows are something that can help others to obtain the first impression about your personality and behavior.

These essential fixtures are the major source of the fresh air and light in your interiors. You can easily replace these windows with some outstanding armatures so that you can enjoy the marvelous looks of your home interiors. The stylish windows can simply add charm and beauty to your home interiors and add a unique value to it. Today, vinyl windows are very much popular and they can simply add charm and glory to your house.

Well, there are numerous vinyl windows that are easily available in the market in various designs and textures. Well, below listed are some of the major vinyl windows that can easily add appeal to your house.

1. Casements

These are the major types of vinyl windows that are well enhanced with a single or a double glass pane. They are mainly fixed from one side and you can easily open them from the other side at a particular angle. This is quite sufficient for the fresh air to come inside.

2. Sliders

These are the most stylish vinyl windows that can easily add glory to your normal interiors. They are mainly made up of two window sashes. One of the window sashes can easily slide behind the other.

3. Bay Windows

Most of the people prefer to avail their bedrooms with the bay windows because they can easily change the look of the place where they are installed. They are entailed with the three sides and they easily allow a lot of light to enter the room.

4. Double Hung Windows

These vinyl windows are considered to be the major fixture for the home interiors because they easily allow a sufficient amount of ventilation for the room interiors. They are enhanced with the two large sashes that mainly move vertically.

5. Bow Windows

These fixtures are very much similar to the bow windows because they are also comprised with the set of sashes. These bow windows mainly form a curve and allow a plenty of fresh air and light to enter the room.

So, this was all about the various types of vinyl windows. Make sure that you also enhance them in your home.…

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Window Replacement – 3 Tips to Choose the Right Installer

Window Replacement – 3 Tips to Choose the Right Installer

Are you in need of a fresh look to your home? Choosing a Window Replacement business who can provide you quality service can improve the value and overall look of your house instantly. Being aware of these 3 tips will show you how to select the best installer for your house. Traits such as experience, discounts, quality equipment, and other home improvement factors play important roles when finding the right window installation service.

1. Ask how long the contractors have been doing work with the window industry in your area. For example if you live in the state of Missouri you might be asking the contractor how much experience they have with the Kansas City Window Replacement business. And this applies for wherever you are located. Experience always wins in the window service industry.

2. What type of windows are you looking to get installed? Be sure that your window installation provider has a premium selection of manufactured windows. Having modern technology implemented into the making of windows can make your home highly more energy efficient. So ask for details on their line of windows and if they can be custom built to fit your home.

3. Can the business provide you a free estimate or some type of savings for choosing them to do your window replacements? Along with this you should ask and find out if you can get a guarantee or warranty with your purchase of their high quality, custom built, windows. Without a guarantee on the quality of the window products you should quickly find a different installation business for your replacement windows.

By keeping these 3 easy tips in mind you will be putting yourself in the best position when selecting a company to do your window replacement. Remember check for experience, product quality, guarantees or warranties and also check to see if you can get any discounts for multiple purchases.…

General Article

Deciding When the Time Is Right for Replacement Windows

Deciding When the Time Is Right for Replacement Windows

If you have older windows in your home, there’s a good chance that they’re taking away from its beauty. Getting new replacement window products could be a great way to make a change and ensure that your home looks its best at all times. If you’ve noticed that your home is looking dull and lifeless lately, it may be time for you to get some new windows. Just by changing this one feature on your home, you can make a vast improvement that will refresh the look of its whole exterior.

Although it’s obvious when some windows need to be replaced, the need for replacement windows is not always so obvious. In some cases, windows may look fine from the outside, but they may be difficult to open or close properly. If one of your windows does not close all of the way, this could end up costing you a lot of money in heating and cooling bills. Furthermore, a window that does not close or open properly makes it much easier for intruders to access a home. If you want to make sure that your home is protected as well as your wallet, you should take the time to inspect your windows occasionally to see what kind of state they are in. Getting new windows just might be your next home remodeling project.

Inspecting Your Old Windows

Inspecting the windows in a home is an easy task that any homeowner can do on his or her own, so there’s really no need to call in a home remodeler unless you’d just rather someone else complete the task. The first thing that you should do is visually inspect the window to see if there are any signs of rotting, cracking, or warping in the window and its frame. You’ll need to take your time when doing this, as rushing through could mean that you end up missing something. Make sure that you check the panes in the window to make sure that none of them are broken or loose. If you find anything amiss, then it may be time for a window replacement.

Once you’ve visually inspected the windows, you should spend some time trying to open and close each one. Windows should open and close easily without having to be forced and should not be excessively noisy when sliding up or down. If your windows make noises or get stuck easily, then it could be time to consider window replacement and order some new custom windows or your home. There are lots of different options for homeowners to choose from, including vinyl replacement windows, which can make any home look great while minimizing maintenance chores.

If you’re only trying to change the look of your house, getting replacement windows right away may not be of great importance. If, however, there is something wrong with your windows, then you should consult with a home remodeler and get your project started right …

General Article

Give Your Home Clean Teeth

Give Your Home Clean Teeth

Clean windows won’t add to the value of a home, but they certainly add to its appeal. If you are putting your home on the market for sale, or preparing for an open house show of your home, cleaning your windows – inside and out – should be on your to-do list.

Clean windows are like clean teeth – it’s one of the first things potential buyers are going to see. You want to leave a good impression.

Screens

Plenty of homeowners have a love-hate relationship with their window screens; they let fresh air in while keeping the bugs out. But they also get dusty easy and they are easily torn or bent if not handled properly. It’s best to wash screens after they are removed from the window.

Use a soft bristle brush and a bucket of soapy water to clean the screen mesh and frame. Label them in an inconspicuous corner if you have trouble remembering which screen went where. Lean them against a fence, wall or garage door to air dry once they have been thoroughly rinsed.

If you have a bent, torn, or sagging screen, set it aside for later repair or replacement.

Outside windows

It’s best to wash the outside of the windows first because you will be better able to determine where you need to follow up on smudges or streaks when you do the inside.

A hose, a squeegee, and a bucket of soapy water is all you need to do a thorough cleaning. However, I have found you can save time and still get a streak-free result by using the Windex washing pads that attach to a handle. There is no drying or use of a squeegee needed.

Before washing the outside windows, you may need to trim away shrubs or tree branches so that once the windows are clean there is an unobstructed view.

Inside windows

Inside windows don’t contend with the elements like the outside, so a bucket of soapy water isn’t necessary. Regular glass cleaner works well; it’s the method of drying that seems to create a lot streaks or residue. Paper towels often leave behind fibers, as do cotton towels that have been treated with fabric softener. If these are your methods for cleaning and drying interior windows it’s time to invest in a microfiber towel that can help wipe out left over streaks or fibers.

Lastly, check the spray from your sprinklers. You don’t want your hard work ruined by a wayward sprinkler spraying on or near a freshly cleaned window.

Your immaculately cleaned windows will now enhance the light and open feel of your home, giving it that model home appeal.…

General Article

Workstation Windows and Mirror Tricks for Home Based Business and Office Interior Design

Workstation Windows and Mirror Tricks for Home Based Business and Office Interior Design

Sometimes it is difficult to convert a home room into an office, but no doubt one has to make due, I mean what choice do you have? One strategy that many folks do not realize is the use of mirrors. What I mean is that often someone working out of their home wants to look out the window. Facing the outside has many psychological advantages, such as not feeling boxed in, or enclosed. Even normal folks can experience issues with mild claustrophobia. Okay so, let’s talk.

Not only can you use mirrors to make the room feel and appear bigger in your mind, but you can also use mirrors to see behind you. So, let’s say you have a TV at a wall socket facing the back of your desk which is facing the window. If you keep trying to turn around you will have a sore neck. Yes, you can listen in the back ground, but if you set things up correctly you can put a small film on the window in a certain spot to reflect the TV, or put a mirror off to the side, thus, you can see it perfectly, this really works well, plus you can hear it from behind.

Now then, one strategy you can try is to tilt your television upward at a certain angle and put the mirror were the wall meets the ceiling. And then make sure that the reflection is facing the mirror directly so you do not get a distorted picture. This works quite well. Best of all, you still have your window to the world, and only perhaps your computer screen in front of you. The TV will not distract you unless you look into the mirror, and you only have to do that when you hear something that you’d like to see, the rest of the time it’s very easy to just tune out, while you concentrate on your productivity and your business.

Indeed, it takes less than a couple hours to get used to this new set up, and it might seem awkward at first, but within a very, very, short amount of time you’ll get used to it, and you will like the new look, and your desk is cleared, and you will no longer have a sore neck from looking sideways, or turning around. I’m surprised more chiropractors do not recommend this for their home-based business clients. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think about it when adjusting your home business office Interior.…

General Article

Wooden Windows – Timeless and Practical

Wooden Windows – Timeless and Practical

Wooden windows are the most popular choice for homeowners and builders alike. They bring natural warmth, beauty and elegance to any home, whether it is traditionally or contemporary styled.

New Wooden Windows

Wooden replacement windows are a perfect option when existing windows are too damaged to repair. Oak or Cherry, light or dark stains are all choices that reflect the homeowners unique style while preserving the character of the home. Creating a natural, period look is vital for older homes, especially historic homes or new build created in an historic style. Windows are a hugely important part of maintaining the home’s original architecture, period integrity and overall feel.

Easy Maintenance

Today’s wooden windows are easy to maintain and install. There are manufacturers in the market place offering convenient, pre-assembled units that arrive primed and pre-treated. Wood is without doubt a natural and efficient insulator. Combined with the proper weather stripping kit to prevent drafts, wooden windows can help save on the annual cost of heating and cooling your home. Naturally sound absorbent, outside noise is significantly reduced. Once installed, they can transform a home’s exterior from rather bland to something special and filled with character. Windows that have been properly refurbished can provide the homeowner with an increase in their home’s equity for less than the cost of new windows.

Reclaimed Wooden Windows

Reduce, reclaim, and recycle. Use reclaimed wooden windows to help reduce your carbon footprint and decrease chemical emissions. There are several advantages to re-purposing older windows. They are thoroughly dry, which means there will be no shrinkage or cracking in the frames. Older windows that used old growth trees have tighter grains. This results in them being denser and less vulnerable to the elements than some younger trees. It avoids the unnecessary and unfortunate use of landfills, therefore helping to protect our environment. When properly protected by primer and paint, those 50 or 100 year-old windows will last another 100 years. Check your local area for vendors that buy and sell reclaimed windows.

The main reason that wooden windows are so in demand is that they are easily customisable. Square windows or arched, standard or special ordered, they can be created to match the look of any architectural style. If you are considering having windows especially made for your needs, make sure you understand which types of wood will be best for your purpose and environment. Hardwoods need less chemical treatments than softwoods. Kiln-dried timber is best used in dry, arid environments, whereas air-dried timber may be better utilised in regions that are humid, with higher precipitation.…

General Article

Car Window Repair Or Replacement At Your Fingertips

Car Window Repair Or Replacement At Your Fingertips

Even for the safest and most observant drivers accidents happen. A cracked or broken windshield can happen in traffic or in front of your home. There are precautions that can be taken but even with all those there is still a probability that you will have the need of a car window repair or replacement eventually.

With all the big named and highly respected companies around that are experts in the field it will be no problem to find one who can recommend the best route to take for the repair job. They will often give a free estimate for you while you wait and often over the phone.

If you want to attempt to do the repair by yourself that is also an option you can explore. There are many places, auto recyclers and also glass manufacturers who will have the right part for you that you can pull yourself or they can pull it for you. If you choose this route it is highly recommended that you always wear gloves. Even with safety glass which is installed in most cars today there remains a possibility that it will shatter or shard leaving open a danger to you.

Some shops have mobile replacement trucks. They will receive your information and bring the parts to your home or office and do the job right there while you are at work or having dinner with family. The install takes only a short time and they guarantee their work. You will be required to let it set for at least an hour but after that you are free to go.

It is recommended to fix the break as soon as possible. When there is a broken window the entire structural integrity has been breached. Leaving it for too long can cause issues with the sealing technique that goes with the windows installation itself.

You will be in good hands with anyone you choose as long as you do the necessary research before you buy. No matter which way you go, getting the job done will take a load of stress off your mind.…

General Article

Need Help Repairing Your Foggy Windows?

Need Help Repairing Your Foggy Windows?

Windows and doors are important aspects of a home’s appearance. Wide, clean windows create the impression of space, while foggy windows can seriously affect the ambience of a living area. When faced with the problem of foggy insulated glass, many homeowners groan at the need to spend a fortune on window replacements as they can be really expensive. However, a cheaper alternative is actually available in Rockville, Maryland. Services are available to repair your damaged windows, either by repairing the seal, or by replacing the glass panels. You do not need to change the entire window, and this will save you a lot of money.

You might wonder how fog forms on your windows.Foggy windows actually become a problem when condensation occurs between panes of glass. This is directly caused by a leaky seal in the Insulated Glass Unit of the window. A bad Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) causes water to leak into it, and also reduces the insulation properties of the glass. When your house is not properly protected against the elements, this means that you are also wasting more electricity to keep your house warm or cold as heat exchange continuously occurs between inside and the outdoors through your window.

Foggy Window Repair

From time to time, windows need to be repaired or replaced. Certified glass technicians are available to repair or replace window glass, and to solve window condensation problems. There are actually good window defogging services available in Rockville, Maryland. Defogging is conducted by creating tiny holes in the IGUs. The technicians then spray cleaning solution inside the IGU, and install proper vents afterward to prevent fogging from happening easily in the future.

Foggy Window Replacement

If your windows are beyond repair, you can also consider replacing your glass by installing better windows. Energy efficient replacement windows are a good investment in the long run as you will save on electricity costs, especially heating bills. You can also increase your curb appeal by choosing more contemporary designs. When consulting foggy window replacement services, you should inquire about new window technology such as dual seal, which lasts longer. Heat reflecting and low-e properties are also traits that make these latest window options one of the best. For added security, laminated safety glass is also available in the wide range of glass and windows available today.…

Home Improvement Contractors

Organized Kitchen Unveiled – The Top Secret to a High Standard Organized Kitchen Renovation Project

So, this is the time of the year that you will do your kitchen renovation projects. However, did you already plan out how to effectively organize your cabinets? Generally, organizing a kitchen optimizes all available spaces. For high standard renovation projects, first choose the correct cabinet type for your kitchen.
Base Cabinets
These cabinets rest directly on the floor. They help to support the counter top. Typically, the sizes of the base cabinets are 34 1/2 inches to 36 inches tall and 24 inches to 30 inches deep. They also typically consist of one drawer with doors and shelves. Today, there are already specialized base kitchen cabinets. These include sinks and corner bases. The sink base has false drawer fronts. It has an open area below for storage and to accommodate sink plumbing. On the other hand, the corner base fits in a corner. For ease of access, it may include kitchen shelves.
Wall Cabinets
A typically organized kitchen has wall kitchen cabinets. These hang on the wall and are installed with or without wall soffit. The standard sizes for these cabinets are 12 inches to 18 inches deep and 12 inches to 42 inches high. When installing, these cabinets are typically placed 18 inches above the counter tops and 54 inches above the floor. However, the height will depend on your tallness and ceiling height.
Tall Cabinets
When your kitchen has limited room space, the tall cabinets are the most ideal. These are popular options for kitchen pantry storage cabinets. The typical sizes of these cabinets are 84 inches to 94 inches tall. Their standard base and wall depth is between 12 inches to 18 inches. This type of cabinets offers storage space for dry goods, and also cleaning appliances such as brooms and mops.…

Kitchen Remodel

Be Ready for the Emergency Home Repair

A little bit of knowledge can save you big money with repair bills, whether you plan on doing the repair yourself or if a professional contractor will have to be called in. With proper advance planning and preparation, you can keep a malfunction from becoming a major and costly damage crisis.
Electrical
Know the location of the shutoffs for the home electricity. Make sure the circuit breakers or fuses are all appropriately marked and that the identifiers can easily be read by the light of even a dim flashlight.
Just because you have shut off the electricity to a room or appliance, don’t assume that there is no voltage to the appliance or outlet. Check and double check to make sure that there is no electricity running through to avoid property damage or injury. Use a voltage tester to make sure you won’t get an unexpected shock.
Gas
Locate the main shut off valve for the gas line into your home. Make sure every family member knows the location. Make sure you are familiar with how the valve works. In an emergency like a leak, shut off the outside main valve first to keep leakage to a minimum. Once the main line has been closed, you will have the time to access the shutoff valve for the appliance without being overcome by fumes.
Water
A broken water line can quickly cause a lot of damage. Most sinks and toilets, as well as electrical appliances that use water have a shutoff valve in the vicinity of the fixture. But it’s always important to know where the main shut off valve is located in case the damaged water line or pipe is spewing water before it gets to the shutoff valve.…

Home Contractors

L Shaped Kitchen Designs

Today’s home decorating and designing ideas have definitely pushed the boundaries on what can be possible. Some of today’s modern designs were probably not easy to pull off during previous eras. One of the layouts that have been popular today are L shaped kitchen designs. For most people, they want to have a kitchen design that is pleasing to look at but has all the functions needed from a regular kitchen.
In order to create a kitchen that gives the user ease, you need to be able to create a good flow of traffic through the entire room. Some L shaped kitchen designs can provide you with a decent traffic flow through the entire kitchen. In designing a kitchen for your home, you always need to put practicalities and function first but make sure not to sacrifice the overall outlook. Otherwise you would be left with a design that you will eventually regret.
L shaped designs for kitchens are usually made in consideration with the space allotted for that area. There are certain floor plans that do not work well with an L shaped kitchen renovation simply because there is a lack in space. In these cases, you may want to try a different approach that fits your kitchen.
When you are planning to use an L shaped design plan in building your own kitchen, you first need to consider how much floor space you have. This type of kitchen design usually demands for a bigger central area in comparison to other types.
The good thing about L shaped kitchen renovation ideas is the fact that you can place a breakfast nook or a butchers table in the centre to make room or for additional workspace. This can also be a great area for a mini bar in case you do not want to put another simple counter top in the middle.
Whether you plan to add more counter top space or just a regular breakfast booth, an L shaped design is the best one to go with since you have more freedom with this design. Other designs have more restrictions especially when it comes to the amount of space you are working with.
One way to give more emphasis to L shaped kitchen designs is by adding on several accents and accessories. Proper lighting fixtures such as pin lights and cupboard lighting accents can really bring out the best out of kitchen area.…

Renovation House

How To Find A Good Plumber

Finding a good plumber to help with your renovations or new construction isn’t just about finding the best price available within your area. In fact, there are many different things that one should consider before taking any contractor on, but by sticking to a few tips and using common sense, you can protect both your property investment and your wallet in the end.
As with any type of contractor that you take on, it’s important to make sure that you do plenty of research on the contractor or company that you’re considering hiring. However, it’s also a good idea to also check out a little information on the task itself that you’re looking to have work done on, so that you know what you can expect in regards to time, effort, and pricing.
If you’re not sure as to what company you’d like to take on, or even to look at, it’s generally a good idea to get referrals. Referrals can be obtained by several methods, but the most successful approach is to get them from the people you know and trust, and who have had positive experiences in the past with certain outfits.
Should you happen to not have any reliable personal resources when it comes down to gaining good plumbing referrals, then you can try to contact your local plumbing hardware, local hardware, or home improvement stores in order to get them. Often times these places will have a rough idea of what companies or contractors are best to go with and who you should avoid. You can also find listings within the phone book or online, but it’s key to make sure that you research them properly.
When it comes to researching a company, it’s generally wise to make sure that you check with your local licensing board for construction contractors, providing one is within your area. In most places, it’s required by law for a contractor to hold and maintain an up-to-date plumbing license as well as insurance. If you find that this is required by law in your area, it’s best to avoid those who aren’t qualified to do the job, as they may not be knowledgeable enough to handle the task.
While it may be tempting to go with your local handyman or woman, it’s important to make sure that you cover yourself and your investment should anything go wrong. A qualified plumbing contractor or service will be aware of any codes for homes or remodels, and you can often avoid any future problems from a job being done incorrectly.
Although the cost of services is something that many do and should take into consideration, it’s not always in your best interest to compensate quality work in order to save as much money as you can; otherwise, you may find yourself forking out more money in order to fix a bad job done on your property. Therefore, try to compare prices or biddings for the job by various companies in order to get a …

House Improvements

The Different Types Of Basement Flooring

There are many reasons why you may be looking into replacing or upgrading your current basement flooring. You may wish to convert your existing basement space from a storage area to a recreational room for your family to spend time together. You may want to install a working wet bar and a big screened television to football parties on the weekend. Or perhaps you would like to have a guest room available for when company drops by. Whatever the particular plans for your cellar happens to be, there is a plethora of flooring choices available for purchase on the market today.
Before shopping for or installing basement flooring, it is always a good idea to bring a professional in to examine your cellar for moisture. The most common sub flooring used today is concrete, which comes in direct connection with the earth. This is why getting your basement checked for moisture accumulation is imperative to the proper functioning of the new flooring you wish to have installed. Once you have determined whether or not your current concrete flooring is properly sealed and ready for a new layer, you can move forward.
The most general flooring choices being used in a basement setting are often installed throughout the rest of the home. Hardwood and laminate flooring, carpet and tiles made from porcelain or ceramic are all popular choices for basement flooring. Depending upon your specific aesthetic goals and design aspirations, which flooring you choose to utilize really comes down to taste. Again, as long as your concrete sub flooring is sealed and you do not live in an area that is exposed to continual flooding, you have a pretty wide selection of flooring. However, if your region is prone to excessive rain, perhaps finishing your current basement concrete floors is the best option for you. For many who find themselves in this situation, painting lends an affordable and easy solution. For those seeking a fancier method of sprucing up their basement floors, stenciling or painting on a faux finish are two other options.
An economical basement flooring option is vinyl or linoleum. These two types of cheaper flooring come in one of two ways: on a roll or in pieces. When found on the roll, a special adhesive is used to attach the cut piece of flooring directly onto the cellar concrete. This same type of adhesive can be used on tiles that do not already have a sticky back. Tiles with sticky backs come pre-measured and once the piece of paper is removed from the underside, they can be applied to a clean surface. A benefit to using the pre-measured sticky back tiles is they oftentimes can be adjusted once or twice before permanent placement, which gives some room for error.
More expensive options that include hardwood and tiling are not suitable for every home. However, the aesthetic value added by these types of flooring is almost unmatchable by other contenders. Hardwood floors must be installed in extremely dry basements …

Basement Renovations

Save Money on Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

Any household owner who has ever discussed a kitchen renovation jobs understands how rapidly the cost of the project can go out of control. For you to realize the kitchen of your dreams and not break the bank, it would be crucial to plan ahead of time and watch for things that have the potential to quickly drain your hard earned finances. The typical cost of a kitchen renovation project can be broken down into several areas such as lighting, countertops and cabinetry. Here are easy money saving tips that will help you reduce the cost of kitchen renovation without comprising your property’s resale value.
Cabinetry. Choose the right cabinets that will make your kitchen more functional and beautiful at the same time.
A� Try to look at your existing and present kitchen. Determine whether you can reduce the cabinetry in the area. It can be more cost effective if you have smaller number of big cabinets compared to many small ones.
A� Keep stock cabinet modifications to a minimum. These modifications can involve molding, adding many decorative materials and other changes are really budget busters.
A� Make sure you go for quality first. Do not leave yourself dazzled by a certain cabinet that looks beautiful aesthetically but poorly manufactured underneath. Picking high quality cabinetry will make your kitchen remodeling project more cost effective in the long run.
A� Make sure you consider a cabinet’s functionality aside from its form. The cabinets you select should be functional and should be something that matches your kitchen design concept.
Countertops. Another costly aspect of kitchen renovation projects is the installation of countertops. It would be vital to look into these money saving advices when selecting and installing brand new counters for your kitchen.
A� Carefully look at any countertop material you will be choosing since this will no doubt consume the largest portion of your budget. There are several affordable and efficient materials available today that will still look and perform like that of the most expensive ones. Know your options and make sure you canvass the prices of countertop materials that you can find.
A� When selecting a color pattern, make sure you take note of the price differences among styles and try to shop accordingly.
A� Before even selecting your final decision, make sure you have looked around and did competitive shopping. The prices of countertop materials may vary from one store to another.
Lighting is another aspect that will take a lot of chunk from this home remodeling project. And there are still ways for you to cut costs even without sacrificing quality.
A� Think closely on the total number of fixtures that you really need and cut back when you can.
A� Look at many lighting model and choices. Consider each one’s quality, price and total value.
A� Try to install energy saving lighting fixtures. These can be less expensive to purchase and install as well.
There are still so many ways for you to save on a …

Home Improvement Contractors

Hand Sculptured Wooden Flooring – Information

In case you are thinking to set up fresh flooring in the house or at your work place then wooden floor is probably the best and very famous option available in the market. There are different kinds of wooden floors that you can select from such as the likes of laminate flooring and solid floors etc. Many of the customers are interested in buying the hand sculptured wooden flooring because of its many qualities like the antique and beautiful appearance of these floors is very famous all over the world.
In case you are thinking to buy hand sculptured wooden flooring, you can decide accurately how distressed the flooring should be. In this way you can give your own customized appearance to the wood flooring. In case you are looking to have a floor for the home that appears to be very ancient and old then that is absolutely not a problem at all as hand sculptured flooring can be customized whichever way the consumers want to. You have got all the choices available and you may design the flooring as such that it will look exclusive and match the furniture and design of your house as well.
When you have bought this kind of flooring for the house then do not worry at all as this floor is absolutely strong and would not break even if a dining plate falls on its surface. These floors are durable and last for years and years.
Coming to the purchasing part of the hand sculptured wooden floors; First of all you are required to analyze the environment and climate of the place where you reside before deciding the kind of flooring you want to buy. Some of the flooring providers offer both natural wood and laminate wooden hand sculptured flooring. You need to do proper research and examination before making the final buying decision; otherwise you may end up buying the wrong wooden floor for your house. As it is handmade, so it takes a little more time and cost to make such kind of wooden floors. That is the reason why their price per square foot is a little higher as compared to the machine sculptured wooden floors. However the beautiful appearance of these floors and the customized look that they bring to the house makes you think that it is worth spending extra cash on the hand sculptured wooden floors.…

Home Maintenance

Cement Countertops – Why Would You Want a Sidewalk for a Countertop?

If you have never heard of a cement countertop you are probably wondering why you would what to put a sidewalk on your kitchen counter. Well the truth is cement countertops can look as good as or better than granite if they are done properly. The best part is you can completely customize the countertop to meet your exact specifications. You can choose any color, shape, or thickness you want. You can even add a built in sink and drying rack. Items embedded in the countertop can also be exposed during the finishing process adding character to the counter.
The process involved in making a cement countertop starts with the template. Thin strips of wood or any light material is used to make a mock up of the final countertop shape. Then a mold is made around the template the desired thickness of the finished product. Re-bar is added inside the mold and then cement can be mixed up in the mixer with all the necessary ingredients included color pigment. The concrete is then poured into the molds and vibrated to help remove any air bubbles. The countertop is removed from the mold after approximately three days and then the finishing process can begin. Since the countertop was poured upside down it is first flipped over so the top is now facing up. This way the exposed surface of the counter is already completely smooth and the rougher troweled surface becomes the underside of the counter. The top is then polished using a variable speed wet polisher and diamond coated pads of various grits until the desired amount of aggregate is exposed and a mirror finish is produced.
Once the polishing is done the cement countertop is left to fully cure which can take a few weeks depending on the temperature and then it can be sealed and installed in the kitchen. The finished product looks absolutely amazing if done by skilled craftsmen and is a great option for a countertop instead of granite.…

Basement Remodeling

Prepare Your Home For Resale By Replacing Outdated Flooring

When preparing a house for a sale, many homeowners choose to take on some remodeling projects to make their home more appealing to buyers and increase its resale value. If you are preparing your home for resale, you want to be sure you are choosing improvement projects that will give you the best return on investment. One of the first improvements you should consider is replacing your old or out-dated flooring. This will make your home much more attractive to potential buyers, and has the second-highest ROI, after repainting.
Just like clothes, hairstyles, or any other aesthetic statement, flooring styles can go in and out of fashion. Chartreuse linoleum and deep shag carpet are no longer in style, and potential buyers will be unimpressed by outdated flooring. These days, natural looks are in. Hardwood flooring and tile are very popular, and high-quality vinyl flooring realistically imitating these looks at a fraction of the cost is also in vogue. Even if your flooring is not out of fashion, if it is old and no longer in good condition, you should replace it before attempting to sell your home.
If you floors are covered in carpet, find out what is underneath. If the carpet is covering hardwood flooring, pull up the carpet and have the hardwood refinished for an entirely new look. Hardwood flooring is easier to clean and maintain than carpet, and is very stylish. If cement or plywood lie under your carpet, however, it will probably not be cost effective to replace all of the carpet with hardwood flooring unless you are planning to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the new floors.
If you cannot afford to replace the flooring in your entire house, there are still some steps you can take to prepare your home for resale. If you have hardwood floors, have them refinished or stained to give them new life. If you have carpet, have it professionally cleaned. Another option is to replace the flooring in just one or two rooms, such as the kitchen and living room. No matter what your budget, there are many flooring improvement options to help you prepare your home to be sold.…

Remodeling Contractors

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

For a number of different reasons, wood flooring is probably the most popular type of flooring amongst homeowners today. While it can be quite expensive, hardwood flooring adds a certain level of comfort and warmth to practically any room. Some of the negative aspects of hardwood flooring include its vulnerability to damage including stains, scratches, and more. Overall, it can be a pain to maintain and clean on a regular basis.
Vinyl plank flooring is a newer type of flooring that offers many of the advantages of hardwood floors, but at significantly reduced prices. There are also some other key advantages that vinyl plank floors have over hardwood floors that make it an attractive option for anyone who wants that classic wood floor look without the hassles and high price tags.
You can find vinyl plank flooring in a wide variety of wood grain sizes. This gives you the ability to pick out a grain size that closely matches your preferred choice of wood. In addition, it is available in an array of shades resembling cherry, oak, mahogany, maple, or any other wood of your fancy. In fact, it does such a good job mimicking these natural woods that oftentimes you would not be able to see the difference between vinyl and wood flooring.
Probably the biggest advantage of vinyl flooring is how cheap it is. The cost for this type of flooring will generally fall within the range of 1 to 4 US dollars per square foot. Another great advantage of these floors is that it is extremely durable and water resistant. Its ability to effectively repel water allows you to use it in your home’s kitchen or bathrooms. It is also resistant to the cracking and scratching that you will often find with natural hardwood floors.
There are a few disadvantages to vinyl flooring that you should consider as well. Since your average vinyl plank is not nearly as thick as natural wood planks, oftentimes you will need to install an additional sub-flooring before installation. You also have to be quite careful when it comes to cleaning vinyl plank flooring. Certain types of solvents and cleaners can actually damage these floors so you need to find cleaners that are specifically designed to clean vinyl floors without damaging them.
Flooring is one of the most noticeable and important aspects of any home. Therefore, choosing the right flooring is a very big decision that you want to get right. Before you decide to install vinyl plank flooring, you will want to learn about its advantages and disadvantages so you can make the right purchasing choice.…

Remodel Kitchen

Hardwood Flooring Installation

In most homes carpet is a thing of the past. New homes and many older homes have hard wood flooring. This option of all types and colors are flying of the shelf in home improvement stores. Recent studies have shown that carpet can hold pet dander, dust and that will aggravate allergy suffers. Vinyl linoleum can be easily scraped and scared. Linoleum does not have the durability of other types of flooring.
Some a large number of homeowners have turned to this as another type of covering. The maintenance on this type is less than that of carpet. These only require mopping as opposed to vacuuming and shampooing. Hardwoods also add value to any home.
Hardwoods come in any color or finish that is desired. There are local stores that specialize in flooring as well as internet sites. After choosing the type of wood for your home, it is time to find someone to install it. A carpenter or installation specialist can lay the floor in place as it should be. A do it yourself can install their own hardwood flooring. This is a lifelong investment. The right covering will make an old home look brand new.
If you desire a pattern in the floor, it is best to let the installation person to lie this. A cheaper type to install is to laminate. A new one can be installed in a day. Some specialists may ask to bring flooring a day or two earlier so that the wood will expand in the new atmosphere.
After installation, it is time to maintain the wood floor. This type can be scratched and scraped as furniture is moved over it. The floor must be cleaned and moped. If it is an unstained floor, it will need to be stained to the color that the homeowner will like. After this it is time to set back and enjoy the new changes.
A realtor can access and let the homeowner know how much value is added with a specialized or customized installation. This is an expense that will give the homeowner a great return. This type adds charm and warmth to any home. Unlike carpet, this is a durable investment that will last for years to come. With the proper maintenance, generations to come can see the beauty of hardwoods installed today. So opting for this type might just be a mighty good step.…

Bathroom Remodel

Laminate Flooring Vs Hardwood Flooring – What Should You Choose?

It’s come to that time. You want to upgrade the flooring in your home and you’re weighing up the options. You don’t want to bother with carpeted floors because they’re a nightmare to maintain, love gathering dust, fleas, and dirt, and just don’t have the modern feel that wooden flooring brings.
Your options have boiled down to laminate flooring and hardwood flooring because they both achieve that modern look you’ve always wanted. However you’re torn between the two and want some advice. Well, welcome to this article, where we’ll look at a couple of key differences that may help you reach a conclusion.
The price
Price is often an important factor when making a purchase of any kind. If money is no object then you may as well skip to the next section. However, if you’re part of the price conscious majority, then you should know that laminate flooring is much cheaper than hardwood. Typically, it will cost you twice as much to install hardwood flooring over laminate flooring. Sometimes, it can cost even more than this.
Installation
Now, depending on how much of a handy man (or woman) you are, will influence whether you choose to take the DIY route or enlist the help of flooring specialists. If you like DIY, then you’re going to have an easy ride with laminate flooring. Most laminate floors are designed to be easy to install, with no need for nails, and in most cases, no need for glue.
Hardwood, on the other hand, will require a particular level of expertise for a pain-free installation. Unless you really know your stuff and are a genuine handy man or handy woman, then you should use a professional for installing a hardwood floor.
Longevity
The longevity of your flooring will be another important consideration when you’re weighing up your options. Well, in this department, both flooring types are pretty good. Both laminate and hardwood floors can last for decades if looked after. However, laminate floors tend to be a little more resistant to scratching and fading than their hardwood companions. Nonetheless, a slightly faded and scratched hardwood floor can add a little personality and character to your home. So, in that respect, it is really down to your personal choice.
The looks
As expensive as it can be, there is no denying that hardwood flooring looks beautiful. It really brings that natural yet modern feel into your home. Although laminate flooring can also do its bit at making your home look tidy, hardwood flooring wins hands down in the aesthetic department. If you’re one that likes to impress, then hardwood flooring will be the sensible choice.…

Home Maintenance

What Are Your Floor Options?

You have to put a lot of time and effort into choosing the right flooring so you can have a home you are proud of. With all the floor options available, different people are going to choose different flooring materials based on what their needs are in their home. Some people prefer hardwood floors, which can look more formal, while others like carpeting, which creates a more relaxes environment. For high traffic areas, a lot of people choose stone flooring or tile flooring because of how durable these materials are.
If you have kids or pets in your home, then you will want a durable and easy to clean type of flooring. Carpet is great for adding a warm and comfortable feeling to your home but is not a good choice if you have kids and pets. With kids and pets, you are better off with laminate or tile floor options. Carpet is comfortable but it also traps dirt and dampness, as well as requires a lot of maintenance to keep it clean. If you don’t clean and vacuum carpets regularly, it will start to look really bad. It can also smell bad if you don’t take care of it like you should. If you have the time to clean your carpet, then carpet may be one of the floor options for you.
If you do choose one of the carpet floor options, you should look for a deep pile carpet because it will be less likely to stain or become damaged by dampness. Carpet makes your home much more comfortable than hardwood, which can feel rough and be cold on your feet. However, hardwood is one of the flooring options that adds class and elegance to your home. You do not have as much choice of materials and styles with hardwoods as you do with carpet but you can get hardwood in a variety of woods from polished hardwood flooring to rustic hardwood flooring.
Hardwood flooring can be easily damaged by moisture although some hardwood floor options are better than others at stopping this damage. You want to be careful not to spill any liquids or let moisture get on your hardwood floors. If you do not protect your hardwood flooring from moisture, the wood can warp and buckle and will need to be replaced. You have to clean your hardwood floors frequently but do not need any special chemicals or a lot of water. If you have carpet, you may want to hire a professional to clean it for you.…

Bathroom Renovations

How to Choose the Right Carpet Flooring For Your Home Or Office

Choosing the right carpet flooring for your home or office is a decision that requires some serious thought. There are actually quite a few things that should be taken into consideration that will enable you to get the right carpeting for your needs.
There are two basic style of carpeting-loop pile and cut pile. Loop pile and cut pile are the two most common and popular carpet styles, yet each have their own unique benefits. Loop pile carpeting has individual strands of yarn that are brought through the backing of the carpet two times, which creates a rather small loop.
The cut pile carpet, on the other hand, has the loop cut toward the top of the strand, leaving tufts of yarn that stand pointing straight up. This style of carpet is generally more durable that the former. Some examples of cut style carpet are shag, textured, saxony, and velvet carpets. Loop pile carpet examples include berber, cable, or sisal. For high traffic areas, loop pile is generally the right choice to make.
And what about the material? There are many ways to go, and each carpet choice has its own benefits and drawbacks. See which may work best for you…
If you are in the financial position to purchase wool carpeting, it will be your best bet. There is simply no man made carpet fiber that can even come close to the durability, terrific look, and great feel of wool carpet- which can also last for thirty years or more.
Acrylic carpeting is actually pretty close to wool on many ways, which is why it is often referred to as man made wool. It is resistant to moisture, fading, mildew, crushing, and staining. Even thought it seems very durable, it is not recommended in high traffic areas.
Olefin is an inexpensive carpet choice that is perfect for both indoor or outdoor carpeting. Olefin is colorfast and strong which makes it one of the easiest carpets to maintain and clean. This kind of carpet can get crush, so it is not great in every situation.
For high foot traffic areas, nylon is usually going to be the best choice to make. Many people shy away because of the price of nylon compared to other synthetics, but it is cheaper than wool and yet very durable and long lasting.
Use these tips to choose the absolute best carpet for your home or office needs. Carpeting is a great flooring choice that can look great and last for many years.…

Basement Remodeling

Help the Environment by Choosing Cork Flooring

Cork flooring comes from the bark of the cork tree. It is considered sustainable flooring, because the floor material is derived from bark that grows back quickly. In addition to being eco-friendly, floors made out of cork bring a fresh, modern look to any room of your home. Unlike hardwood, cork does not take years to grow back so you can feel good about using this flooring in your home.
Cork comes in different shades as manufacturers of this flooring tint it with various stains and finishes. You’ll find that cork flooring is very durable not only because of its natural composition but also because the floor tiles or planks are coated with a high tech coating that imparts incredible durability and sometimes a shiny or glossy finish. You can also get untreated cork, and cork floors that have a low sheen clear coating for protection.
To find the best value, comparing different flooring choices can help you narrow down the vast selection. You want to get a floor that is easy to install, meets your needs for performance and durability, is good for the environment and that fits your sense of style. Also, your price range will need to be considered to ensure you don’t pay more than you can afford.
There are so many reasons to select cork as your floor material. As previously stated, this type of flooring is beautiful. It looks exotic in any room and gives a breezy look to the area. It is easy to care for, and can stand up under heavy foot traffic thanks to the protective coating. There are different shades to match different room color schemes including the natural shade, which is a textured medium brown shade that goes with everything.
Cork flooring can make all the difference in your home. It looks stylish and modern and does not have a negative effect on the environment. It is one of the most ideal flooring materials for any household who wants to go green while keeping their personal style intact. And, there are different price ranges so you don’t have to pay a fortune for these fantastic benefits.…

Remodeling Contractors

Deciding on Glass Kitchen Doors

It sounds simple enough, pick out a set of glass doors for the new kitchen, I mean, how many different kinds of glass kitchen doors can there possibly be. The answer, of course, is a lot. To the mind of many, an image of a set of wood framed doors set with clear glass will probably be the first thing though of, but the range is far, far wider.
There is a wide variety of tastes and styles catered to when it comes to glass. The traditional country style doors with or without a stained-glass look is only one option. You could change the clear look with a frosted glass appearance or go with tinted glass to really set the tone of the kitchen. Also, you don’t necessarily need frames in your doors with unframed glass doors really giving the kitchen an ultra-modern look.
Whatever style you choose you may want to give serious consideration to investing in tempered glass, particularly if you have young children in the house. Tempered glass is a safe option to go for because if it were to break the glass breaks into safe pieces that won’t leave jagged edges that can cut.
All of the choices available to you seems to be a real positive, but when you are starting off your kitchen renovation and are suddenly faced with the daunting range of choices, you may feel a little overwhelmed. Make sure you do your shopping around so that you can view each type of kitchen door in all of the various configurations available. Decide whether you’re after a traditional or contemporary look and you will find that your choices are narrowed down to a more manageable level.…

Home Remodeling

A Great Kitchen at a Small Price

These days, so many of us are struggling with our bills and trying to make cutbacks. We’re often only doing the most necessary repair work on our homes, and anything that is an enhancement is being postponed for being too expensive. However, every kitchen needs a revamp from time to time, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to do it. If you’re on a limited budget you might be surprised at what you can achieve for very little.
The main feature of any kitchen of course will be the kitchen units. It will be very expensive to replace them with brand new units, but perhaps you can get a second hand kitchen that is in better condition that your current one? People are often replacing their kitchens and generally they have no use for their old one. These days many people who would previously have taken them straight to the tip are now trying to recoup a little of their costs back and are advertising them in the local paper or selling them on eBay. You could find a real bargain if you look for a second hand kitchen. Don’t forget, you could always paint it or change the handles if the kitchen isn’t entirely to your liking. If the units are solid enough you could get many more years of use out of it, at a fraction of the cost of a new fitted kitchen.
If your current kitchen is in decent condition, but simply looking a bit tatty or dated, you could think about painting the doors and replacing the handles, or replacing the doors entirely with new ones if your budget will stretch to it. Don’t dismiss painting, you can get a really nice finish, and a whole new look. I once moved into a house with a small galley kitchen. For some reason the previous owner had thought it a good idea to put in a dark oak coloured set of units. It really made the room feel small and claustrophobic. However, instead of replacing the kitchen units, I simply painted them a very pale blue. They looked amazing. They looked like new, and the room immediately felt bigger and lighter.
You can get some really nice handles too. A new set of stylish handles will change the whole look of an old fashioned kitchen.
Some clean fresh cheap floor tiles and kitchen wall tiles will also make a world of difference. If you’ve got dated patterned tiles, replacing them will give the room a crisp clean look. Plain tiles look stunning and you can pick them up very cheaply.
Paint is cheaper than paper and works well in a kitchen. Kitchens can get a lot of moisture in the air, so paper in a kitchen can soon get damp and start to peel. Paint is a much better option. It also happens to be the cheaper option.
Accessories for your kitchen needn’t cost a lot either. These days you can pick up some …

House Improvements

Top Tips on the Eco-Friendly Way of Redesigning Lovely Kitchens

Homeowners are now challenged to make a stand for the rehabilitation of the environment. Some homeowners think that this is quite a huge task and a heavy responsibility; others think otherwise. One consideration here is that everyone does something everyday in their own kitchens and perhaps something environmentally positive and beneficial can be done within this situation.
Recreate your kitchen by having windows that can let in much bright light so that you can reduce electricity needs. You can also use patio doors, skylights, and entry doors with glass panels so that the sunlight can penetrate through spaces and add some light into dark corners and sides.
Note that this day-lighting is environment-friendly and priceless. On the other hand, you must make sure that the design of such windows and doors must be quite flexible since winter can cause lesser heat and colder temperature while hotter and warmer during summer.
If you are not remodeling, repairing, replacing, or renovating your kitchen windows and walls, you may consider purchasing or keeping an energy-efficient storm window and other weather-stripping window materials you can easily install or remove anytime.
As you shop for kitchen materials, equipment, and fixtures, look for materials that are recycled from post-consumer, post-industrial, or agricultural waste. These eco-friendly materials for kitchens can comfortably match the structure and function of your kitchen as long as you have the proper planning for your new or renovated kitchen.
Another green task that you can make as you fulfill your kitchen project is purchasing and using materials and products that can be recycled, reused, and reconditioned once you are done using them. This also means that you have to make sure that all things you put into your kitchen structure are durable so that you can avoid any repetitive repair or costly replacement along with the usual stressful feeling of having made a mistake.
Look for products, tools, and small fixtures of kitchens that are considered rapidly renewable. Use approved natural resources for the renovation or installation of some major parts of your kitchen instead of harmful chemicals, toxins, and environmentally destructive products.
Kitchensare supposed to make people’s lifestyles well-nourished and healthy and it is awkward and outright incorrect to find in a kitchen some products that are highly contaminated, made of chemical pollutants, and/or practically non-friendly to the environment. Therefore, include eco-friendly options and solutions when planning your new home including the kitchen or when you are planning a kitchen remodeling project or renovation.…

Basement Renovations

Get Floored: Different Options To Choose

Are you planning to get floored? Today, there are loads of options for you to choose from. So, you do not have to stay with the same dull cement floors and can actually be able to choose from a number of different interesting options. To start with you should know that buying materials for flooring has become much convenient and easier. These days you can buy the materials for floors from an online wholesale store. At such a store, you will find plenty of different options – from hardwood to carpet flooring. You can choose the material of your preference. While you could browse through an online wholesaler’s website and check the options available, you will never have to leave the comforts of your home for doing so. You will be able to check the whereabouts of a company and the professionals associated with it. You should make it a point to check the policies and terms before choosing a company.
Remember, when it comes to choosing the right material to get floored, you should not choose any particular type of flooring randomly. Instead you should research well on the reputation of the store and also check whether you are getting the right type of material. And, online search provides you the best option and opportunity to research. It will be easier for you to compare two or three companies and choose the most suitable one. It will also be easier for you to check the case-studies and the feedback of the previous customers. Online search also offers you the options for checking the different types of materials available for flooring.
When it comes to choosing the right material to get floored, you can expect to get loads of options from an online store. A reputed store will have a stock of the following types of flooring materials:
Carpet
Hardwood
vinyl
Laminate flooring
Granite
Stone and tile
In addition to getting the material for the floors, a reputed online store will also offer services for installation and measurement. You can expect to get environment-friendly solutions for your house from a reputed dealer.
When it comes to choosing the best flooring, a dealer of floor materials often provides a list of other services and offers like discounts and rebates, free-in home measures of the floors, and many other special features. So, are you planning to get floored? Choose a service provider on the basis of reputation, flooring options available, and the accreditation and authorization.…

Remodel Kitchen

Common Mistakes of Renovating a Kitchen

If you’re preparing to renovate a modern or retro-styled kitchen, you want to make certain it gets done properly and to a high-standard. A competent kitchen renovation can be quite lengthy and expensive, so it helps to take a moment to do the necessary preparation work at the start to ensure things go smoothly. Some of the common mistakes to avoid in renovating a kitchen might include –
Budget – first start out by determining the available budget and go from there. With the modern styles of kitchens and the innovative features available it can be quite easy to get carried away. Renovating a kitchen is often very pricey, so it is important to first look at the main structures of the design, such as the cabinets or worktop, which is where the majority of the money goes. And then look at items that aren’t so important. A well-designed kitchen can increase the value of a property, but it is still important to stay within budget, as only so much can be recuperated once a property is sold.
Poor Planning – one of the most common errors to make in any renovation project is no or poor planning. A major kitchen renovation can be quite a complicated process, and can take a great deal of planning, what with the large number of cabinets, drawers, worktops, etc to plan, there is quite a bit of room for error. A simple way to ensure a kitchen is well-planned is to use the services of a professional kitchen design service, which should ensure everything goes well once the construction phase starts.
Design Style – another mistake seen with kitchen renovations is to just go with one of the latest trendy-styled kitchens, without giving too much thought as to how well it will look once installed in your home. What looks impressive in a catalogue or showroom might not really translate that well once in place in your own home, especially if it is not able to coordinate with the surrounding decor. When redesigning a kitchen make sure to pick a design which goes with your existing home set-up; go with a design that isn’t going to look dated after a short period of time, wont clash with the rest of the home, and isn’t likely to get on your nerves within a month or two.
Contractor – when it comes to the stage of installing the newly design kitchen, you want to be sure of using a reliable and experienced kitchen contractor. Before employing a particular contractor, be certain to check them out, get references, and make certain the person is fully qualified and insured to do this type of work. Make sure from the start that the kitchen installer is aware of your available budget and want you require and things are likely to go more smoothly.…

Bathroom Renovations

Choosing A Technician For Refrigerator Repair

Getting refrigerator repair is important if you notice your fridge is broken. Without it you run the risk of the problem getting worse. If the issue gets worse than it can cost more to fix and sometimes become unfix-able. On the other hand if you get it fixed when it happens there is a better than it will last.
One common issue with a fridge is that it stops making things cold. This is a huge problem because you can lose all the food that goes bad. This is all wasted money. This issue can be caused by a non functioning compressor or the thermostat not being set properly.
Other problems may be simpler like to much dust or it could have become unplugged. These can be checked easily by pulling the fridge out a bit and looking behind it. If it has become unplugged simply re plug it back in. If you notice a lot of dust than you can simply remove the outside excessive dust with a duster.
The best way to get help is to use a repair technician. A repair tech will be skilled in fixing fridges. This knowledge is important so other parts and pieces of the refrigerator do not break when trying to fix the issue already at hand. If a person tries to fix their fridge themselves they can cause more problems.
To find help the internet and yellow pages can be used. Both options can get fast results. The idea is to look for appliance repair technicians. When using the Internet you can find reviews on some of the workers or companies. For the web you simply pull up the browser and type in some key words. After your search compile a list and check out each one. This is also the same way you go about using the yellow pages when looking for some help.
Another way to find help is to call numbers that you see on commercials or billboards for help. This also includes writing down any numbers that you see when driving around from stores and plazas. It is imperative that you call them all first and compare and contrast their characteristics so that you can choose the one that is best for you and your situation.
There are a few things that should be considered when you are picking a company or person to use. One major thing that should be considered is how many years they have been in business. Aside from this, complaints and their prices are also important to know. Knowing the prices will help you choose between all of the options. Complaints will give you an insight to how they work and the type of results you can expect to see.
Dealing with refrigerator repair can be cheap or expensive depending upon the company or person you choose to do the repairs. To find them the yellow pages or the internet can be used. Once you compile a list you just pick the …

Bathroom Remodel

How to Save Lots of Money Doing Your Own Home Repairs

The secret that I’m about to share with you is something that very few people know anything about. I don’t think that most homeowners or do-it-yourselfers even take the time to ask a contractor or house repair professional, how they actually learned how to do certain types of home repairs.
If you’re really interested in saving lots of money by doing your own repairs, you should purchase some home repair books and ask other contractors for tips and advice. I worked for a gardener who knew quite a bit about landscaping, vegetables and plants, but very little about building repairs. This particular individual would often invite me and my family over for a barbecue and ask me all sorts of questions about house repairs and where I got my experience from.
This man saved himself a lot of money on building repairs and you can too, by asking the right questions and gathering the right information. If you don’t know anyone who can help you for free with your DIY repairs, you can take the next step and see if there is a book available that you can use as a guide to do your own DIY repairs.
I have been a contractor for a long time and have been doing house repairs even longer. I built my first room addition when I was 18 years old and got all of the information that I needed from other building professionals and books. I probably didn’t know any more than most people when I started doing house repairs and remodeling work.
By asking questions and reading books, I eventually became extremely inefficient at doing my own home repairs and I even get paid for doing home repairs for other people. If you want to save some money, you need to learn how to do the home repairs on your own.…

Home Contractors

How to Complete a Home Renovation Project Quickly and On Time

It is rare to meet someone who has undergone a home renovation that hasn’t complained that it took too long. Having worked on home renovation projects of varying scales for homeowners getting their house ready to sell or prior to move in or even when they’re living in the home, I have found that there are certain things that help make a project move quickly and efficiently. Whenever I see projects drag on and on for months, even years, it’s because they’re lacking in one or more of these areas. Granted, there are things that come up that are out of your control, but I can promise that if you follow the tips below, you’ll reduce your project timeline significantly.

First and foremost, Have a Plan – Sounds simple enough right? I want to renovate my kitchen or bath. That’s a start, but there’s much more to it than that. Consult with your contractor about your project and find out a realistic time frame to start and complete the work. I recommend you get a calendar and use it as a project tracker. If it’s going to take 6 weeks for example, mark what the finish date is on the calendar. Then, reverse engineer or back track everything that needs to be done and assign a date to everything. For example, Day 1 Demolition, Day 2 Remove popcorn ceiling, Day 3 electrical rough-in, etc. This will also help you know what materials you need and when. For example, if you’re doing demolition on Day 1, you’ll need a dumpster on site. If you’re hiring a General Contractor to work on your project, they will handle these details, but it’s good to ask what you need to provide and what they will provide. If you are installing cabinets on Day 30, and it takes 4 weeks to order the cabinets, that means you need to get the floor plan designed immediately so that an order can be placed and delivered in time.

Have a realistic budget. How will you fund your project? Savings? Loan? Credit Cards? A gut kitchen or bath renovation is not inexpensive. Be prepared to spend several thousand dollars even on the low end. Make a list of everything you’ll need: cabinets, flooring, lighting, appliances, fixtures, sinks, disposal, toilet, tub, knobs, and more. Also, who is going to do the work. Is this a DIY project or will you be employing professionals? If you’re going with the DIY route, be realistic about your abilities and how much time you have to contribute to the renovation considering your other responsibilities – full time job, family, etc.

Know What You Want. Do you have a particular style that you like? How do you want the space to function? How do you envision using the space? What all needs to fit in the space? In the kitchen, consider storage for all the dishes, pots, bakeware, glassware and cookbooks. In the bathroom, consider the number and kind of people using the space …

Home Contractors

Free Home Repair Advice

I’m not going to charge you anything for the home repair advice that I’m about to share with you. In other words, it’s not going to cost you a thing and everyone likes free stuff including house repair professionals. If you are a do-it-yourself house repair amateur or pro, you should read on, because this free advice is going to save you a lot of money and frustration in the future.
The advice that I am about to give you, applies to every professional and amateur building repair do-it-yourselfer. Don’t do any building repairs incorrectly. With that said, that’s the free home repair advice that you’ve been waiting for, but will anyone do anything with the valuable information that I have just given you.
I’m the person they call, to fix the house repairs that were done incorrectly in the first place. These home repairs often cause more damage than the original ones would have, if they were left alone and no one ever repaired them.
You’re free house repair advice is simple and easy to understand. Don’t do any home repairs incorrectly means that you shouldn’t do any home repairs, unless you actually know how to do them or are willing to get the information to do them correctly. Just because you watch your neighbor making a building repair, doesn’t mean that it was done correctly.
Improper and poor house repairs can cause lots of damage to your house. If you’re not sure or you don’t feel comfortable making certain house repairs, you can always hire a professional or go down to your local library or bookstore to gather some more information about doing the building repairs yourself.…

Renovation House

How Can You Improve Your Home?

The house’s owner knows the fact that it’s just not the asset but also provides happiness and financial security to them. Are now got bored with the same look of your house? Wanted to renovate it for having good and fresh look?

It must sound interesting to renovate the house but it is much more difficult and complicated when it comes under implementation. Before renovating your house you must thing what are the things which you wants to get rid of your house? What new thing you want to incorporate in your house so that it can add value to your house at the time of reselling it.

Some home improvements tips which you can easily do it yourself and saving money on expensive home improvements contractors.

Always start your home improvement from developing the exterior as it form the major part of your house. By seeing the exterior one can makes the impression of the house. So all try to make your exterior impressive.

Apply new paint or replace the sliding if it has been too older to keep. New paint will give extremely new look to your house and increase the value of your house.

While doing painting take care of few things like the living area of the house the paint should be of light color to give the feeling of big. You can expand the height of the house by using light colors. Apply two coats of paints for better look.

Landscaping also comes in the area of exterior. Try to keep the law as magical by keeping some king of rock fountain which will grab the people’s attention to a top by, and have a look at the fountain.

You can always refurnish our home with news and replacing the older ones.

In kitchen renovation could be the fun. You need to choose the right kitchen counter top of marble or granite all depending on the budget allotted for the renovation. You should make sure that all the color and other thing are complimenting each other and get a high quality sink.…

Home Remodeling

Does Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Make Sense?

There are a number of situations where cabinet refacing is a very practical and affordable solution to change the look of the cabinets in your kitchen. The process of refacing cabinets can be completed much more quickly than a replacement project and the cost can be as much as half the price of having brand new cabinets installed. The caveat is that you must be happy with the current layout of your kitchen because the cabinets cannot be moved to a new location.
Cabinet refacing most often involves replacing doors and drawer fronts and putting matching wood veneer pieces over other exposed areas. The installer will use your existing cabinet framework for the project so as long as your current cabinets are structurally sound this type of kitchen remodeling will work. Once all of the drawers and cabinet doors have been removed, the pieces of wood veneer are cut to size and affixed to all of the parts of the cabinet frame that can be seen. The veneer pieces are very thin and have a self-sticking back so that they adhere well to the surface. Matching strips of molding are often used to cover the area where the cabinet meets the wall to cover any gaps.
There are a myriad of choices when it comes to the type of wood and stain for refacing your cabinets. Major manufacturers boast of over 400 selections of solid woods, door styles and finishes to suit your taste. They also offer the latest options for outfitting your cabinets that were not available when your old cabinets were made 15 or 20 years ago. Pull out shelves for base cabinets will add to the functionality of your kitchen and give you more storage space, lazy susans will make things stored in corner cabinets more accessible and you can have one of your bottom cabinets outfitted with a stow away trash bin.
There are other modern conveniences that can be brought into your kitchen while you are having kitchen refacing done. Want a microwave that hangs over the stove? Your installer can retro-fit the current cabinet structure to accommodate that. Contractors can also rework your current layout to turn a set of existing cabinets into a large pantry. If you have the room, the contractor will also be able to add an extra cabinet or too as part of the project. If you have always wanted an island in your kitchen for entertaining and food preparation, this is the time to do it.
One of the major advantages of going the route of cabinet refacing is that the entire job can be completed in less than a week. Instead of losing the use of your kitchen for weeks, a refacing job can be done in a matter of days. There also is not the hassle of figuring out where to go with everything that is stored in your cabinets when the kitchen is gutted. When you do cabinet refacing, most of the things in your cabinets …

Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Decorating Ideas and Themes

Kitchen decorating ideas allow you to transform your room without spending a lot of money. You might want to give your space a fresh new look every few years. You use your kitchen every day in some aspect so you want to make sure that it’s a space that you truly enjoy. Here are a few tips for kitchen decorating ideas.
Start off with one item that you truly love and then work on from there. This could even be the jumping off point for the rest of your room. Mosaic glass tile comes in a variety of colors and finishes and it has a very contemporary or modern feel to it. You could add in a backsplash to give a little character and color to a room that is completely neutral. This allows you to put your personal stamp on the space without it being a complete remodel. The tile that you choose will completely affect the rest of your design style. For instance, you could choose a hand painted Spanish tile for more of a warm feeling by bringing in a lot of beautiful cobalt blues and terra-cotta colors.
Pattern is used in a lot of different design styles but for some reason it’s almost always left out of the kitchen. You can bring it in several different ways to really give a little bit of life to your room. For instance, you can try using a very subtle stencil on your cabinets. You could also go with a raised stencil that will really give you more of the look of an architectural element. These are often made from plaster. If you do go with something like a stencil you want to make sure that you change out the colors so you keep it sophisticated. Stencils aren’t just for the country design style; they add a very custom touch to your cabinets or walls.
Another popular theme for kitchens is just to go with a specific design style. This would be a lot more sophisticated than a basic theme room. It will also have a lot of versatility and a lot of different color palettes and styles that you can go with in each design style. Some basic design styles are shabby chic, country, French country, classic, Art Deco, modern, contemporary, and Tuscan. Any of these design styles will help you choose items in a specific color palette. It will also give you some direction to really create a cohesive space in your home that speaks to who you are.…

Renovation House

VOC Free Flooring

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are carbon based chemical compounds that vaporize under pressure. You may have seen or heard the words,” low VOC’s, or no “VOC’s describing different floor coverings, underlayments, and or adhesives. VOCs cannot be seen by the naked eye. They also aren’t detectable by odor as they don’t smell. But they are extremely hazardous to your health! Side effects are headaches, coughing, pneumonia, fatigue, asthma attacks, and have been linked to several others.
You may ask, “Where do VOCs come from?” Some options, like vinyl flooring, are made up of them. In wood flooring products like bamboo and laminate, VOC’s usually come from the adhesives or other additives. In such cases, it is possible to find VOC free products, so long as the manufacturer has not used VOC-emitting glues or finishes. With regard to plywood subfloors, there are alternative materials you can use, or you can investigate sealants to keep the gases from escaping into your living area… Wow, what a big risk it would be to have this in your home!
VOC’s are commonly found in most flooring materials, dry cleaning solvents, paint thinners and gasoline. Whether you know it, or not, VOCs pollute the air inside your home, causing poor air quality. If it seeps outdoors, it’s likely to damage groundwater and soil. These are very important factors to remember when you are shopping for flooring for your home. Make it a safe place for you and your family always read the labels for VOC free, or low VOC contents.
Carpet is a good example of high VOC exposure. Within the first few days of carpet installation it holds bacteria, and dust. A suggestion would be to keep your house well ventilated, open windows and doors during installation to lower the VOC’s.Other examples are Cork, Bamboo, and Vinyl flooring. All of them use some type of adhesive to install, it is a must to read your labels to check the VOC level, or use water based polyurethane. An alternative would be to use recycled hardwood flooring. This is actually a good “Green” way to go; otherwise they would be left to rot. Why waste wood that adds character to your home and is also VOC free?
Reclaimed wood flooring offers a truly distinctive choice when it comes to wood floors. Reclaimed and recycled wood reduces the demand for new wood and helps to conserve our forests and moderate the potential impacts of incremental logging upon the environment. Using recycled or salvaged wood is a socially and ecologically responsible decision. Hardwood flooring does not collect dust unlike carpet; this alone will cut down the VOC level. It is a quick fix with a dust mop, and you are dust free. This makes it a very healthy and logical choice for your flooring needs. The quality and life span of using solid wood out weighs carpet, or any laminated flooring option by a long shot. By sticking to low VOC, or VOC free flooring …

Basement Renovations

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

One of the best types of flooring is hardwood flooring that enhances the beauty of the interior of a house and adds style and attraction. It is one of the top used flooring systems because its material will lasts for many years and it is easy to clean. Using a vacuum cleaner is a most common way to clean the wooden floors but there are also some more good ways to clean hardwood floors. It is not at all a difficult task to clean hardwood floors but it is important to know the correct techniques in order to do it easily and quickly.
Following are some of the best ways of cleaning hardwood floors:
It is claimed by many experts that washing a hardwood floor with water is the simplest and easiest way and it usually does not cause damage to the wood. But you have to make sure that the floor should not be wet for a long time after cleaning. It should be dried out sooner rather than later. If there are holes or aberrations on the flooring, the water should not be allowed to go into these holes so it cannot start destroying the wood.
The floor ideally should not be made too wet or the water should not be splashed on the floor. In its place a mop could come to salvage. A wet mop would be a good option to have the dampening effect on the floor. It is important to remove the dust and debris before pulling the mop on the whole floor. Use a broom if it is manageable to clean off the dust or a use a vacuum cleaner.
Using a mixture of vinegar and water would also prove very helpful in cleaning hardwood floors. It is quite convenient and easy to do and it provides a great shine and cleanness to the floor.
Cleaning hardwood floor with wax also required at regular intervals to give shine to the lacquered floors. But some people tend to use it too many times, which is undesirable because it would mean spending a lot of wax to remove later.
There is also another effective way to clean a hardwood floor which is to boil some water and dip few black tea bags in it. Wait for the water to cool down and then dispense it in a cleaning bucket, take a mop, squeeze it and clean the floor.…

Home Contractors

Benefits of Floor Tiles

Are you looking for an alternative to carpets or wooden flooring in your home or office? If so it is worth taking a look at floor tiles. Many people are now looking to buy floor tiles for their home instead of conventional flooring options such as carpet, as floor tiles are often much more durable and can make a wonderful change to the interior design of any room in your home instantly.
Not only will floor tiles give your room an instant re-vamp, but they are often more affordable to lay than other flooring methods, and very simple to lay also. In terms of appearance, when you choose a tiled floor the list of options is almost endless. This is because there are so many different styles, colours, patterns and sizes of available for you to choose from, therefore whether you are looking for something unique to make your home stand out, or just want something stylish you are sure to find it easily.
There are many reasons why homeowners, and those updating properties, are choosing to tile the floors in their home. Some of which include the fact that they are extremely durable. The reason for this is they are often made from hard-wearing materials such as ceramic or even luxury materials such as marble. These materials do not scratch as easily as other material can such as wood, and do not stain like carpet would if something was split onto it.
Floor tiles are also very comfortable. This is actually a common misconception, as many assume that tiles are too hard; however they are brilliant for ensuring your floor is level, and actually provide a relieving sense of sturdiness.
When you choose floor tiles, you will also find they are waterproof. This is a very convenient quality, as your tiles will not become damaged or marked when water hits them, unlike other flooring types such as carpet, which can become damaged when wet.
As floor tiles are waterproof it also makes them very easy to clean, which is another benefit of using floor tiles. You can quickly clean your floor tiles, either using a sweeping brush to get rid of dust or debris, or you can even choose to use a conventional vacuum cleaner for an even quicker clean. To further clean your tiles you can quickly mop your floor with warm water and floor detergent for an instant glisten.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why tiling a floor is becoming a popular option for those who want a different flooring option to wood or carpets. They not only come in many different styles and colours, but they are easy to clean and can often cost less to lay than traditional flooring options.…

Home Improvement Contractors

Different Kitchen Backsplash Options

The area between your countertops and the bottom of your cabinets draws a lot attention, and can be a focal point of your kitchen renovation. The backsplash is both functional and decorative and deserves a lot of consideration when you are designing your new kitchen.
The backsplash is designed to protect the walls from water, grease, and other cooking foodstuffs that can damage a bare drywall surface. The backsplash should be a minimum of 4 inches above your countertops, but for an elegant look, the entire area between the counter and cabinet should be covered by your backsplash material. The waterproof surface of the backsplash not only protects the wall surface from damage, but it also makes your kitchen more sanitary by limiting the growth of mold and mildew associated with waterlogged surfaces.
You have a wide variety of choices for your backsplash material when you remodel your kitchen. It is important that your backsplash choice complements both your countertops and cabinets to display a consistent theme to your kitchen. The backsplash should tie the design elements of your kitchen together, and if it doesn’t, the entire feel of the kitchen just won’t be there.
Using rough, natural stone tiles in earth tones will give your kitchen an ‘Old World’ feel. Combined with natural wood cabinets and slab granite countertops, your kitchen will have an elegant feel to it. For a more contemporary look a sleek, stainless stain backsplash coupled with clean, smooth faced cabinets and a Corian surface countertop will fit the bill. Hand painted tiles to create a pattern or mural on your backsplash will give your kitchen a country or Mediterranean feel. You can use the same material for your backsplash that you use for your countertop for a modern sophisticated look. Glass block, metal sheets, or even cork can be other options that you can use for your backsplash material. You can be as extravagant or simple as you want with your backsplash material and design. If you are on a tight budget, there are a couple of ideas that you should consider. A cheap way to provide the protection that a backsplash provides your walls is a waterproof, vinyl wallpaper backsplash application. If you want the look of any more traditional backsplash, you can install your backsplash on the wall behind your sink only, and not worry about the surface on the other wall of your kitchen, or add the backsplash to those walls as your budget allows.
With all the design choices available for your backsplash, you should consult with a kitchen designer, who will help you make the right choices for the feel you are trying to achieve with your kitchen remodel. They will be able to assist you with your choice of material and the installation through the contacts that they have established. While the installation of most types of backsplashes in relatively straightforward, and can be accomplished by most do-it-yourselfers, an experienced installer will ensure that you have a professional looking …

Home Repair

Kitchen Cabinet Ideas – Affordable Ways to Give Your Kitchen a New Look

Every spring, most families find it the right time to also help their kitchen turn a new leaf. Hence, they try to think of a lot of kitchen cabinet ideas that would not be so expensive but still be able to implement some change to the overall look of the kitchen.
It is not kept from anyone that the cheapest way to do this is by just painting your old cabinets new. You must expect that through time, your cabinets may have built up enough amount of grease and grime that it would definitely need some thorough cleaning.
So one of the most effective kitchen cabinet ideas is to clean them first with an all purpose cleaner and give it some good amount of scrubbing. Then allow it to totally dry up. Before you start with the painting job, cover first all the other parts of the kitchen like the flooring, the countertops and other appliances for stain protection.
You can also settle for just giving your kitchen cabinets a brand new finish. Remember that refacing is a much convenient way to give your kitchen cabinet a fresh look. You can settle for the oak or maple finish if you want a traditional look since pine is a successful tool in bringing in a country feel to your home.
To change your kitchen cabinet hardware is also one of the most effective kitchen cabinet ideas that you can consider doing. The hardware in the kitchen can be found tarnished, damaged or outdated through time. This cannot usually be helped.
So if you would try to change the hardware, it can already have a new appeal. Just make sure that what you will get would still match and complement the original design of the cabinets and the kitchen. As a golden rule, remember always that dark toned hardware goes well with the light touches and finishes.
Another possible kitchen cabinet ideas is the replacement of kitchen countertops. If you still want to do this task yourself, then you can just simply resurface it with the use of some plastic laminate. This would even protect your countertop from the cuts that the kitchen knife can do each time chopping is done over it.
But if you have the budget, then do not hesitate to get someone to really replace the entire countertop for this would surely add aesthetic value not just to your kitchen but to your home.…

Basement Renovations

How to Effectively Insulate Drafty Windows

Sometimes if you’re on a budget, or maybe not be the home owner, you might pay little attention to the poor insulation that you have to live with, disregarding the discomfort and higher utility bills. You might feel that you cannot afford to do anything, or do not need to do anything as you are just renting, but you really need to pay attention to the power bill, which you alone are paying for.
If you have a real problem with air leaks, you must insulate drafty Windows or you will be paying through the nose for the pleasure of conditioning the outside air. If you live in an older home with inefficient windows, over a period of time they will warp ever so slightly due to the outside temperature and the action of the sun and will not fit the space they were intended for. Often, you will not be able to see any issue with the naked eye, but understand that unless you insulate drafty windows, the issue will be ongoing.
Don’t hold your breath if you are asking your landlord to replace windows in your property, no matter how good a relationship you might have. You can insulates drafty windows yourself and you do not have to spend all your budget doing so.
If you buy a selection of purpose made draft stoppers, you can fix the issue of window drafts quite simply. These flexible products are designed to fit any opening, are made to last a long time and are filled with ground corn cob, so are great insulators. These draft stoppers will pay for themselves time and again.
You can fit plastic to insulate drafty windows, if you don’t mind taking on a fairly significant project and dealing with the end results. Don’t forget, that you might not be able to open these windows after you finish and this might be an issue when that beautiful spring weather comes around.
Clean your windows before you think about putting plastic kits in places or you won’t be able to reach them to clean afterward. As you put the kit in place, carefully and slowly remove the paper backing and try to avoid any wrinkles. A hair dryer will heat the plastic and cause it to shrink into place, providing you with the tight fit that you are looking for.
Professional double glazing panel work is very expensive and can be as, or more expensive than actually replacing the windows themselves. If you are very ambitious you can remove the old window frames and put sealant in place before replacing, but this is not for the average person to take on.
You can insulate drafty windows the old-fashioned way and be far more effective, especially if you have limited funds available to you. Window and door draft stoppers are just perfect at keeping the draft at bay and maintaining the correct internal air temperature.…

House Improvements

Cut Costs Through Refacing Your Cabinets

If you’ve ever endeavored on a home improvement you know that the most important part is to have the right materials, the time, and plan to make an effective project. When you’re dealing with your home you don’t want to use the cheapest materials and cheat on time when you’re trying to increase the value of your home or just trying to improve the look of your home for you and your family. As you look into redoing your kitchen you want to make sure you have the best of all of these things. But most of us don’t have the money to pay a professional to come into our kitchen and tear it all out and put in brand new appliances, countertops, and cabinets.
Don’t worry if you can’t afford this because like the majority of us you can change the look of your kitchen just by refacing your cabinets and drawers. But again as you embark on the refacing project make sure you don’t go too cheap on your materials.
To determine if refacing is all your kitchen and maybe bathrooms need go through all the cabinets and drawers and do a thorough check. Check to see if the outsides are in good conditions without any chips or dents in the surfaces. Then you need to determine if you like the general layout of your cabinets. If you hate the setup of all your cabinets than you might have to think about investing into tearing down your current cabinets and reinstalling new ones into the arrangement that you prefer. But as long as you like the current arrangement then resurfacing your cabinets may be the better and cheaper way for you.
Go check out products and prices at your local paint store. They will be the experts dealing with paint and will be able to let you know exactly what you need and the best prices to do it. You may run a risk if you go to your large home improvement store because who’s to say the paint guy there isn’t from the home and garden department covering for someone who called in sick. You want to get the best advice from the most knowledgeable source and that’s normally at the paint store.
Refacing your cabinets through a new paint job is a project that you can do on your own. Get the supplies that the professional at the store recommends and get home and get to work. It may take a lot of sanding and primer to get the base going but by the end of your project your kitchen can look as good as new just by adding some paint to the surface of your cabinets and drawers, and it didn’t even hurt the bank too much.…

Bathroom Renovations

Installing Hickory Hardwood: Considering Hand-Scraped Flooring

Its attractive appearance of reddish heartwood and cream-colored sapwood captures your eye and grabs your attention. Yet, beneath that beautiful appearance, hickory hardwood is durable – one of the most durable domestic species, in fact. With a Janka scale rating of 1820, hickory offers excellent density, but its strength can be a detriment. Why? Coupled with closed, rough grain, hickory hardwood is difficult to machine, sand, and finish. For adding this product, what options do you have?
Prefinished is extremely practical across all species. When it comes to adding a full floor of hardwood, the planks just need to be added without finishing. In a day, you can place all of your furniture back into the space. On the other hand, prefinished products, hickory and other species, come with a limited set of stains, and if you have a particular look in mind, the existing options may not reflect your vision. Additionally, adding a stain or finish tends to make newer flooring blend in better with existing materials.
Unfinished with an alternative approach. If you have a specific look in mind, you’re willing to go through the rigors and unconventional techniques to installing hickory. What does this entail? For sanding, go with a belt sander. As you sand with the grain of the wood, change from an 80-grit belt to 120-grit for smoothing out the surface and 220-grit for any finishing touches.
For staining, the pores must be opened or closed. In its natural state, hickory produces a blotchy patina. A wood conditioner fully closes off the grain, after which a stain can be added on top, while water-popping opens it, making the wood more receptive.
Hand-scraped flooring. A textured surface of natural character marks and manual distressing makes hand-scraped flooring the perfect choice for a rustic look. Added to this, the texture camouflages any blotching resulting from an applied finish. This way, hand-scraped hickory flooring allows you to add the distinct red and white look and include a stain of your choosing.
Yet, keep in mind that not all hand-scraped flooring is identical. Products tend to be divided between classic and rustic hardwoods. Classic is considerably smoother, with texture carved into the surface. Rustic, as the name implies, is characterized by knots, mineral streaks, and graining. Beyond these two basic classifications, hand-scraped hardwood is distressed through a combination of scraping, aging, or a darker stain. Floors, after an unfinished hardwood is added, can even be custom distressed before a finish is applied.…

Renovation Costs

Home Renovation For Low Budgets

If you are thinking of home renovation but are concerned about the budget, then do not worry. As now you can have all the luxuries you want while remodeling your house even within a limited budget. Whether you are thinking about renovating your kitchen, basement, and bathroom or are thinking about an addition, here are some things that you can use. These will not only help you save money but will also give that luxurious look to your house.
Affordable Luxuries for Kitchen, Bathrooms or Basement
Granite Countertops – Instead of using solid pieces of natural stone, use countertops in pieces. These are as good as the solid pieces. They not only look attractive but also last longer than solid pieces. They add elegance and style to the kitchen. You can use countertops of granite, soapstone and marble.
Making it more affordable – Granite stones are cut into smaller pieces and cost half the price of the solid stones. After cutting them into several square pieces, they can be applied to the walls and floors like ceramic tiles with the grout. Even if they get damaged, the individual squares can be replaced instead of the whole floor. You can also consider the option of adding a granite overlay on the top of your current countertop.
Stone Tile Backsplash – Whether you have a countertop made from granite or marble, the natural stone is expensive. And when you have a natural stone countertop, you will also want to give it a finishing of stone tile backsplash as it helps in providing that extra protection to the walls. However, this will be expensive.
Making it affordable – Instead of adding these backsplash horizontally, you can turn these tiles sideways like in the shape of a diamond. This will not only help you in saving money but will also give a unique look to the walls.
Custom cabinets – There are unending options for finishing, trims and configuration of the cabinets which are specifically designed to suit your kitchen. And these can also be customized to fit into your kitchen perfectly.
Making it affordable- If you want to save money yet still want the look of a customized cabinet, getting it semi-customized will cost you much less. Simple changes like change in height, width and depth can lend a more finished look to your kitchen.
Wood Flooring – It is definitely a good option and the house looks absolutely gorgeous with it, but may prove to be very expensive.
Making it more affordable- Instead of going for wood flooring, consider getting it laminated. Use pergo which is not that expensive. They are available in a variety of grain patterns. And the average eye will not be able to differentiate between true wood flooring and lamination.
Ornate crown moldings- This is definitely an awesome way of making an ordinary room more interesting. But these will definitely be much higher in cost.
Making it more affordable- Using smaller moldings instead of large ones will cost …

Home Maintenance

Why Is Kitchen Remodeling So Expensive?

A major renovation could set you back over $100,000 and even a minor remodeling job in the kitchen can quickly add up to $20,000. There are major expenses related to new cabinetry and counter tops as well as appliances and flooring. That is just the materials and does not even begin to include the labor costs of installing the materials and the prep work that may be needed to get the job started.
One of the big factors in determining how expensive the remodeling job is going to be is the age of the home. Retrofitting old homes with new materials can be very time consuming and therefore, costly. Most contractors want to come in and gut the old kitchen and start over. This means ripping out the cabinets and flooring to make it easier to do the electrical work and plumbing that goes with a project of this magnitude. The trouble with starting over though is that some of the potential problems are not discovered until you get all of the old stuff out.
If you have ever gone to replace an old bathroom sink, then you probably have discovered that once you replace one piece of pipe a leak develops in an old piece somewhere else. It is always best to replace all of the pieces at once. The same holds true for kitchen remodeling jobs, all new plumbing fixtures need to be installed. The same goes for electrical connections. When you have the kitchen gutted, is the time to put in new outlets to serve the major appliances. In an older home it is best to install a whole new circuit to serve the kitchen and avoid overloading an existing one. Odds are you are going to want more outlets on the counter as well plus this is the time to run the wires for lighting that can be installed under the cabinets.
If you have been in your home for any period of time there are probably a number of annoying things that you have thought about changing in your kitchen, like the lighting and outlets. It might be that you just don’t like the flow of the room and want to change the location of the appliances. This is achieved much easier when the room is gutted. Perhaps you have always wanted a center island or a breakfast counter for coffee, now is the time to add it. Yes, all of these things will add to the cost of the project but remember what you spend fixing up your kitchen is going to add to the overall value of your home.
It does not make sense to scrimp when you are remodeling the kitchen because it is a project that you do not want to repeat any time soon. If necessary, take another six months or a year to save to be able to afford to get the kitchen just the way you want it. Yes, kitchen remodeling projects can be very expensive but in …

Renovation House

Creating the Perfect Breakfast Nook

It is easy to build and live in a house; all it takes is construction and voila! You’re in a house. Creating a home, though, takes more work and truly is a labor of love to fill a house with comfort and familiarity. Part of this involves creating the perfect kitchen, a room that can fill the house with warm, savory smells and feelings, and part of a perfect kitchen is the perfect breakfast nook.
The perfect breakfast nook is a cozy and comfortable place where the family can enjoy starting the day off together over a warm, home-cooked meal. As such, there are a few considerations you can take into account when making the idea breakfast setting for your family:
Space: A breakfast nook shouldn’t be too large, because then you lose that intimacy for which nooks were created. A good size for a breakfast nook for your average family of four is around six to eight feet wide and at least five to seven feet deep. This way each person has enough room, but you really get that great feeling of family togetherness.
Fixtures: Any breakfast nook needs a bay window with a bench fitted with comfortable bench cushions that can be used for lounging and sitting during the breakfast meal. Comfort should be the word of the day when choosing the seating. The table should also be just large enough to hold everyone’s food, but not so large that it separates the family. Remember, togetherness is the idea.
Lighting: A perfect nook ideally has a window on one side, to let in that glorious morning light from a sunrise. There is no better way to eat breakfast than with your loved ones, bathed in the warm rays of the sun to shake off that early morning chill.
The most important thing to consider above all, though, is what your family wants. A breakfast nook should reflect your family’s personality so you can use it to truly grow closer together over a nice, warm meal. So keep in mind of your family’s wants before deciding what kind to build!…