General Article

Replacement Windows – 12 Questions to Ask Before Investing in New Windows

Laura

Replacement Windows – 12 Questions to Ask Before Investing in New Windows

Unlike ordinary everyday purchases, consumers do not invest in home improvement projects very often. As a result, they do not really have the experience or knowledge to properly evaluate the competency and business ethics of the person or company who will be working on their home.

Major investments require major understanding. Do not let your education come from a bad experience. Investigate the following twelve questions before choosing a contractor and committing to any major home remodeling project.

How do you know you will pleased with the final outcome of your project? Find the right contractor by visiting their place of business, talking with their past and present customers, and by viewing photos and samples of their work.

Why is it necessary for all parties to be present for discussions? All concerned parties need to be present for all discussions so that all expectations can be met.

Is the contractor legally and adequately insured and bonded? Contractors need to have four types of insurance to protect themselves, as well as you and your home.

Who is the company you are investing with? Ask what affiliations the contractor belongs to, such as professional networking groups and chambers of commerce. Professional affiliations are a way for a contractor to constantly learn about their industry, keep current on industry trends, connect with other professionals in their field, and lend credibility to their business.

Does the company put an emphasis on customer satisfaction? Information such as customer satisfaction survey results and information about how a conflict was resolved, will give you a better idea about they way the contractor does business.

What options are offered to enhance the finished job? It is nice to have options to make your project even better than you imagined.

What is important to include in a contract? If it is not in writing, it is not happening!

What is involved in the right installation? Get details regarding what the contractor is responsible for and what you may be responsible for before, during, and after the installation.

What is really covered in the warranty? Ask questions regarding the warranty up front. Find out what is covered, how long it is covered, who to call if service is needed in the future, and if labor is included in the warranty.

How to evaluate long term performance? Evaluate the value, strength, durability, and long-term maintenance of the contractor’s product and installation.

How to evaluate energy saving potential? Evaluate the entire system, not the individual parts of the product. Ask about money saving tax credits and energy saving pledges.

What is the right price? Beware of unexpected add-ons at the end. Most consumer dissatisfaction involves the low bid contractor who does not provide the long-term value that a homeowner wants and needs. Look for value, not just a cheap price.

After you have asked potential contractors these important questions and received relevant answers, you should feel comfortable making an informed …

Bathroom Renovations

Brilliant Pest Control Tips You Can Start Using Today

Laura

Distress. Frustration. Both of these words aptly describe the feelings you experience when you find out that you are sharing your home with pests. Not having the slightest idea how to go about fixing the problem can be even worse. Thankfully, you have come the best place for learning how to quickly eliminate them. This article will give you some great tips for getting rid of pests that have invaded your house.

Use steel wool to plug in openings where rodents can enter. This metal is too strong for their teeth. Any opening bigger than half an inch should be plugged. Small pests can squeeze through these tiny openings.

One effective approach to control your pest problem is to vacuum every rug in the house. This will get rid of anything that you don’t see that may be contributing to the problem. You should toss the bag afterwards.

Get to the root of the problem. If pests are an issue for you, find out what is causing them. Things such as food, water and available shelter all make your home tempting to pests. Search for and eliminate leaks, exposed food and structural damage that allows pests to enter your home.

If you have a problem with mice, use mints to address the issue. Mint around your foundation of the house will help, and it’s a perennial. This will keep mice from wanting to live there. Mint leaves are a great tool when trying to ward off mice. This will get rid of the mice if you use fresh leaves.

It is wonderful to have light outside but it might bring bugs. Choose bulbs in colors of pink, orange or yellow if you want pests to be less attracted.

It can work really well to use an electronic repellent for pests in and around your home. If you plug these gadgets into a wall socket, they emit noise that rodents do not like. Even though humans can hear it, the sound does not harm people or animals at all. Rodents will leave the vicinity since the sound bothers them.

Be sure to store dry goods in sealed plastic storage canisters. Most dry foods come in bags or boxes, which means pests can get through easily. Transfer dried goods into sealed bags after every trip to the grocery store. The use of plastic containers allows you to keep food fresh for a longer time and keep pests out.

Try killing flying insects in your home with hairspray. This is entirely safe for you as well as any pets, but works to eliminate the insects. Hairspray adheres to the insects, preventing them from reaching water and food. This is particularly useful for fighting bees that fly into your home.

Your outdoor lights will attract pests. Try to keep these lights away from the entrances of your home. You can also reduce the chances of these bugs getting in your home by using yellow or orange lights that bugs are not attracted to as …

Home Remodeling

Solid Advice To Help You With Pest Control

Laura

All sorts of animals look for ways to enter homes and make it their permanent residence. These pests carry disease with them and present serious health risks. Continue to learn more about getting rid of these unwanted pests.

Stuff steel wool into holes that pests could enter through. Rodents are unable to chew through the steel fibers. Be sure to fill all openings larger than 1/2 an inch. Mice can easily squeeze in the tiniest cracks.

Airborne pests can be thwarted if you fix any tears or holes in screens on doors and windows. Such screens are great for preventing the entry of flying insects, but they also keep crawlers out too. Fix or replace any holes or tears in your screens to seal off pests.

Plant new trees farther away from your home to cut down on rats and mice in your house. Rodents can actually climb the trees and gain access to the home through the roof. Trees should sit no less than 15 feet from the house.

Be sure your recycled goods are properly rinsed. Soda cans especially are important to rinse because of the sugar. Be sure they are thoroughly cleaned before putting it in the garage or outside.

To control pests, take a look at your plumbing. Be sure that there are no clogged drains or sinks around or in your home. There is delicious organic matter in the pipes that bugs love. Check drains once a month to ensure they are free of clogs.

You may be concerned about rodents entering your house. You need to look at your home’s exterior for small openings that animals can squeeze through. Try putting some steel wool in the holes. Mustard oil may work as well.

Make sure mosquitoes have no place to hang out in your home. If you notice any standing water, make sure you drain it. Mosquitoes do not need large amounts of water to thrive. A mosquito could lay eggs in some dirty dishes or in a food can.

Mice and other rodents love to sleep in campers stored outside throughout the winter months. There are natural repellents out there that can discourage them. Bags of repellents that smell good aren’t poisonous, but keep mice out of your camper or RV.

Make sure that you do not incorporate rat poison in your pest control regimen if you have a dog or cat. A dog or cat can easily ingest poisons that are on these rodents if they should happen to catch one. Also, you will want to avoid this if you have babies or young children around the house. Young children have a tendency to put everything they find in their mouths.

Getting these pests out of your house is hard, but the advice described here should give you a good start. In order to get results, you have to invest the required effort into the task. Use what you learned from the above article and get those pesky pests out of your …

General Article

Why Old Windows Are Worth Saving

Laura

Why Old Windows Are Worth Saving

Historic windows, most notably double-hung windows were brilliantly designed. They have several benefits that are simply not found in a replacement window today that make them an important architectural feature to save. And I believe that once you understand how they work and their ultimate value to your home you’ll want to save them if at all possible.

1. They Are Efficient

Contrary to popular belief old windows can be an efficient part of your home’s envelope. The problem is that many old windows have either lost their weather stripping or never had it to begin with. Adding this important element can really increase your old window’s efficiency and make them competitive with a replacement window.

And if efficiency truly is important to you, the addition of a historic storm window can bring an original window’s performance up to 94% of the efficiency of a replacement double-paned, low-e window at a fraction of the cost.

2. They Add Value

A large part of the value of any old or historic home is the presence of original details like windows. Most buyers of these types of homes appreciate and expect to find these original details and will pay a premium for homes without replacements. And to find to house with restored original windows along with other original elements is a rare gem that commands a much higher selling price.

3. They Are Incredibly Resilient

Original wood windows on homes built before WWII are more than likely made from “old-growth” lumber. This wood came from the huge virgin forests that once covered North America. As this supply of wood was depleted we slowly turned to tree farms to keep up with our growing demand. But “old-growth” wood is a far superior product than any wood you can buy today. Due to the slower growth patterns “old-growth” wood is stronger, more stable (less prone to cup and warp), and more resistant to insects and rot. Why you would ever plan on replacing this far superior wood with a vinyl or aluminum clad replacement window is beyond me.

4. They Are Simple & Easy to Repair

The more complicated something is the more likely it is to break. And windows are no exception to this rule. Historic windows operate on a simple rope and pulley counterweight system. Sash cords are fit into holes mortised into the side of the sash and then run over a pulley and tied to a iron weight which is hidden in a pocket inside the window jamb. These weights provide perfect balance and a smooth almost weightless operation to the window.

In addition, there are no seals to wear out or gaskets to dry up on an old window. It is a simple solid wood frame with a piece of glass held in place by little metal points called glazing points and then glazed with a natural putty that provides a flexible seal for decades. When the putty dries up after 40 years …

Renovation House

Organic Gardening Advice That Everyone Should Know

Laura

Organic gardening is a hobby that anybody can do in order to relax. However, for a beginner, the whole gardening experience can be a very intimidating thing to enter into. So, what exactly should a novice learn and do when they want to start growing plants? Well, a great place to start is with the following helpful article!

When you are organic gardening, ask your children to lend a hand. Helping a garden grow is an excellent learning experience for kids, and it allows your family to spend time together while creating healthy, nutritious foods.

Don’t underestimate pine as a great mulch. Some plants are more acidic, and prefer soil that contains higher acidic levels. For these types of plants, pine needles are wonderful for mulching. Spread a few inches of pine needles on your organic beds so that it will put the acid into your soil.

Try using coffee grounds on the soil. Coffee grounds are filled with nutritional elements plants need, such as nitrogen. Many times, nitrogen is a limiting nutrient in soils. Adding coffee grounds or compost can add nitrogen to your soils will help your plants grow tall and healthy.

Paying attention to spacing is important. Many people don’t realize exactly how much space a plant needs when it grows. The plants will inevitably need to unfurl and spread, but they also need the circulation of air from open spaces. Plan accordingly and put an appropriate amount of distance between seeds.

Within your composting heap, ensure that there is an equal split of dried and green plant materials. Garden wastes, such as grass clippings, are classified as green materials. Dried material includes straw, shredded paper, and cardboard. Do not include charcoal, ashes, meat, carnivorous animal manure or diseased plants.

If you are planting seeds in containers, a good rule of thumb is that the seed’s depth should be around three times its overall size. Certain seeds are an exception to that rule, since they require sunlight to germinate, so they should be barely covered or not at all. Petunia and ageratum seeds need direct sunlight, for example. If you are not sure whether your seeds need to be exposed to sunlight, resources are usually provided with the seeds or can be found online.

If slugs are disrupting the balance of your garden, you can diminish their population by using a beer trap. Place a jar into the soil so that the top of it’s mouth rests parallel with the soil. Now, fill the jar with beer to approximately an inch below the lip. Slugs are attracted to the beer and become trapped in the container.

Your authenticity as an organic grower is solidified when you obtain the organic gardening certification. With this, you and your crops are credible and 100% legitimately organic. This is important for your business and to your customers. This can boost sales and tell loyal customers that you’re providing the best to them.

It should now be clear to you why so …

Home Improvement Contractors

Can’t Go With The Flow? Try These Solid Plumbing Tips

Laura

It really shows when you take the time do learn how to do the plumbing yourself. It shows in the aspect that you obviously care about your property and want to make sure things are done properly. These are great attitudes to have. There is always room for improvement regardless of your initial abilities. Read on for some handy advice.

If you discover a frozen water pipe, turn on a nearby faucet so that thawed ice has a place to go. This will relive some of the pressure, and could prevent cracks from appearing.

You do not give the plumber all the money until he is finished with his work. Although you might be required to pay a down payment before the job is initiated, never pay the bill in full until you are certain that the job is completed to your satisfaction. If you pay everything up front, you have no recourse if the plumber doesn’t finish the job or doesn’t do it correctly.

If your toilet gets clogged, there is a low level of water in toilet, and the plunger is not working, you may fix the problem by dumping warm water from a bucket into your toilet from about waist level. After the water level in the toilet bowl has gone down, you can repeat the procedure until the blockage is cleared.

Feel the floors around the toilets to see if they are soft; this will help you know if you have any damage. Sit in a reversed position, putting one foot on each side of the toilet and shift your weight from side to side to check if the floor feels slightly unstable. It could potentially save money by discovering any problems before too much damage occurs.

You should put a strainer over your drains to catch anything that could clog your drain up. Clean debris from these strainers after each use. Keep the bathroom drains cleaned out too.

To maintain your garbage disposal and avoid malfunction, you should regularly clean it. Prevent unsavory disposal odors through regular use of citrus peel, cherry pits and dish detergent.

Regularly check your overflow holes to make sure they’re not clogged. Overflow holes are used in case the sink starts to overfill, which may not seem like a big problem–until it is. Take the time to clean out the overflow holes as you go through your house doing your regular checks for various issues.

Use a cleaner that is enzyme based if you want to clean clogged pipes. Enzyme cleaners contain bacteria that digest through solid sludge, making it weak enough to be flushed out. Enzyme cleaners should be your first choice.

No matter what plumber you use, you should know a little about him before he comes to the door. Even if your insurance company assigns a plumber to you, you can get online and learn his name and the quality of his work. Even if your insurance provider has assigned you someone of their choosing, find out …

Home Renovation

Don’t Hire An Expensive Contractor! Use These Tips For Caring For Your Roof Instead!

Laura

Are you experiencing any roofing problems? Are there parts of it that look worrisome? Do you know what you are looking for when looking at a roof? If you maintain your roof, your house will be in better shape. By learning more on the subject, you will be better able to spot potential problems and correct them.

Though leaks may be the result of shingle issues, you may also need to inspect your roof’s foundation. If there’s dry rot on your home’s sides, water will be able to get in through there. Look for ever potential entry area, rotten wood included, to be sure you get the problem permanently fixed.

Do not try to repair a roof if it’s raining, snowing or icy outside. Wet roofs greatly increase the chances of accidents caused by slips and falls. Wait for a clean, crisp day to repair your roof.

You need to consider the climate when choosing a roof type. If you are in a dry climate and want to keep your house cool, then a clay roof would be ideal. Clay roof tiles in rainy climates will cause your roof to deteriorate quickly. If you are hesitant if it will suit your area, ask an expert.

You should always first ask family and friends regarding contractors when getting started. They will tell you about their experiences, including workmanship and price. You might also inquire about the clean-up involved after completion or whether certain materials and work was covered by warranty.

Do not let a contractor pressure you into hiring them. It is better to turn down salesmen using an unrealistic pitch. They are unlikely to fulfill a contract if you do sign one.

Make sure whatever roofing contractor you hire has adequate liability insurance. The mere existence of such a policy bodes well for a contractor’s reliability. Secondly, in the event that something should happen to your house, their insurance should cover any damages.

Never go up onto your roof to inspect for damage. If you have roof problems, you should hire a person to examine things. You want to avoid walking up there and causing a cave in.

The age of your roof determines whether it needs to be replaced or not. Many roofs last around twenty years prior to needing replacement. When your current roof is a second layer on top of your old roof, it has to be replaced after 20 years.

Don’t get discouraged if you can’t locate the source of a leak on your roof. Have another person inside the home and carefully use a hose to find the location of the leak. Communications can be enhanced by using cellular phones. This is especially helpful in the case of large houses.

With the tips mentioned earlier, you are now well equipped to handle any roofing situation that may arise. Once you know what to look out for and what steps to take when you spot trouble, you’re ready to give your roof the care it deserves. …

Kitchen Remodel

Easy Solutions For Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement

Laura

Some homeowners are apprehensive about home improvement projects. They worry that such work is dusty, costly and a real time drain. Fears can be reduced by having plenty of knowledge. Often, researching your home improvement project will ensure a job well done. This article has all the tips you might require.

If you use mud for drywall you can put texture on your walls and hide problems. It’s easy to texture. Apply drywall mud and, using a brush or a sponge, add some texture to the mud.

Spackle and paint can repair wall holes made by paintings. Spackle is readily available at your local home improvement or hardware store. You don’t need much for small holes. For really small holes, apply spackle with a bobby pin. Once it dries, use something rigid to smooth it over the hole. Top with paint. The holes will disappear.

Your ceramic tile can lose its luster after a while and appear grungy. Try using a water/vinegar solution to clean it up. With a bucket in hand, pour your solution and start mopping. Doing this will clear away the gunk and will leave your floors looking as good as new.

If you have a window screen that needs to be replaced, and are having trouble finding one that will fit your window, it is not hard to make it yourself. All it takes is a framing kit, which can be assembled to fit any size window and then installed with simple tools and cord. Your window may need a special screen type, but you can still make an external screen using adapters.

The cost of getting a new roof is often one of the more costly things to fix on a house. Solicit price quotes from no less than three contractors and make sure you have verified their references. Whether you want composite shingles, lightweight tile, metal, or wood shake on your roof, you’ll have a lot of choices. Skilled roofing professionals can guide your decision.

Houses with good curb appeal often sell for considerably higher prices than other similar homes. Remember though, that extra cost may not be an investment, but just a premium charge for aesthetic pleasures. Future home buyers might not be as impressed by the view and might not be interested in paying a higher price for it.

Replacing the cabinet handles and drawer pulls in your kitchen is a quick, cheap way to improve its appearance. Replacing knobs on cabinets is a easy way to impact the look of your home. Replacing your cabinet hardware also gives you an excellent excuse to give your cabinets a thorough cleaning. This process is faster and more thorough when you don’t have the knobs and handles in the way. You can install your new cabinet accessories quickly, and enjoy the decor upgrade you get from them for years to come!

As this article has shown, there are many ways to alleviate the fears associated with home improvement projects. Following the advice in the …

General Article

House Window Repair – How to Prepare for a House Window Repair

Laura

House Window Repair – How to Prepare for a House Window Repair

Your windows are often the finishing touch that change a house to a home. Windows provide the insulation from cold wintery conditions, or allow the summer warmth into the house. They also allow us to sit comfortably inside and look out to appreciate our gardens, lawns or scenery outside the house. If a window is broken it attacks the very character of the house. Somehow a house, no matter how perfect in every other way, appears to be incomplete with a broken window.

To prepare for a window replacement you will need to get your hands on a few essential pieces of equipment. A tape measure is a must so you can get a replacement piece of glass at the appropriate size. At the least you’ll need a screwdriver to take the window apart, but depending on the age and style of the window a crowbar, small pry bar and utility knife will also be needed.

Once you have the basic equipment for the repair together it’s time to check your window. Identifying problems early is a key part of your window maintenance. There’s no point in waiting until a damaged window becomes more damaged to repair it. Leaving in a cracked window pane can mean that the window cracks further or shatters in the next storm. Not all window repairs are on the window pane either. Check that a window opens and closes correctly without any sticking or problems. Sometimes the repair can be as simple as oiling a hinge or replacing a seal.

If you are replacing the window pane itself, the most important step of the process is getting the correct measurements. The primary measurement you need is from the left to right jambs. Start inside the left jamb and measure across to the right, but remember that windows can be prone to warping so you need to confirm this measurement is the same at the top, bottom and middle of the window. Also measure the height of the window the same way, from the lower jamb to the upper jamb.

Before you begin pulling a window apart you should review the stops and sash cords. The sash cords are the movable part of the window. Have a look at these and see how they are best removed for when you begin. Similarly make a note of how the stops are to best be removed. The window stop is the part of the window that holds the sash vertically. The removal of these can sometimes be quite tricky and lead to some damage to other parts of the window. Avoid this by taking a few moments to confirm how the window is held together and how you can most efficiently remove it without damaging the parts.

Once you have your measurements and have assessed the window your basic window repair preparation has been completed. Whether or not you plan to replace the window yourself or …

General Article

What Is the Most Effective Garage Door Material?

Laura

Before deciding on a garage door, you should consider the material it is made of. Some of the most common materials used indoors are steel, aluminum, composite wood, and fiberglass. Each material has its benefits and disadvantages, so you should understand the characteristics of these materials before purchasing one. Then, to help you decide on the right one, read this article to learn more about its pros and cons. 

Steel

A triple-layer steel garage door provides unsurpassed thermal comfort. Unlike single-layer garage doors, which only close off the garage from intrusion, downpour, and vehicle theft, triple-layer steel doors effectively prevent heat from escaping and cold from leaking in. This can be helpful during uncomfortable weather, especially as seasonal shifts get more severe. And, since the doors don’t need any electrical wiring, you can save money on energy bills.

Compared to other doors, steel garage doors are more energy-efficient and more durable. Steel is lightweight, meaning it won’t warp in the weather or crack. Additionally, they can be coated to prevent corrosion. Since you can customize them, steel garage doors can be more affordable than wooden doors. However, steel is prone to damage. While you can remove minor dents, larger ones will need to be repainted. You can find out more through local providers, like garage doors Denton TX.

Composite wood

While wooden garage doors may be attractive and add a touch of classic elegance to a house, they can be expensive and require regular maintenance. Composite wood garage doors are an ideal long-term solution because they are made from polystyrene, a composite material derived from recycled materials. However, wooden doors may warp if they are exposed to moisture or are located near a body of water. Wooden garage doors are typically built in layers and are available in redwood, fir, cedar, mahogany, and meranti. Wooden doors may require staining, and custom-made models may be quite costly.

These doors come in six distinct wood finishes and may complement the exterior of a Craftsman-style home. In addition, some wood composite garage doors are available with different metal hardware to add style and flair to your home. They can also accommodate the look of a contemporary home. Composite wood doors may also be an excellent choice for homes that do not have a formal front entry or porch for added beauty and practicality. The most effective garage doors will complement your home’s architectural style while adding a touch of rustic charm.

Aluminum

If you’re looking for a durable garage door, consider installing an aluminum one. Compared to steel, aluminum is more affordable and less susceptible to rust and corrosion. This material is also relatively durable, with a strength-to-weight ratio much higher than steel. However, it can still be vulnerable to dents and dings even though it’s lighter. Aluminum’s other drawbacks include denting and hardness. Still, these advantages make aluminum the perfect choice for many households.

Aluminum is the lightest conventional metal, making it the perfect choice for garage doors. While steel …