Avoiding the Need for Heating Repairs

One of the top ways to avoid heating repairs is with regularly scheduled heating maintenance. The average HVAC system has a life expectancy of 12 years, with the right maintenance plan you can easily extend the life expectancy of your heating system.

Of course, there are other things you can do to keep up with your heating system to help to keep the heating repair company away. Being proactive instead of reactive when it comes to your heating and cooling system can pay off nicely.

Wear and Tear

The fact is the more you ask of your system the more wear and tear you are putting on your system. Adjusting the thermostat by a few degrees can make a huge difference in how much energy your heating system uses and how hard it has to work.

Dropping the heating temperature from 72 to 70 will not have a large impact on how warm your space feels but it can have a large impact on how much wear and tear you are putting on your system. It is an easy way to conserve energy and to extend the life of your heating system.

Change Those Filters

If your heating system is outfitted with a filter system, be sure you keep up on changing the filters out. Here is a useful tip about filters, do not buy the expensive anti-allergy pleated filters, go with the cheap filters and change them more often. The thicker the filter the harder it is for air to flow through.

Changing your filters frequently can help to keep the air flowing freely and keep your home warm. It is an inexpensive way to keep the heating repair away.

When To Call For Service

Some times the best-kept heating systems require heating repairs. When you do need furnace or heating repairs you need to call the best furnace repair company you can find. If you are experiencing any of these problems it may be time to call the heating repair specialist:

  • Your system is making a strange sound
  • The system is running but no hot air is blowing out
  • The system does not turn on or cycles on and off quickly

The quicker you call someone to make the repairs the better. There are potential savings when you call for heating repair early on. Affordable help is available. Call today for all your heating and cooling repair needs.

Easy Home Projects for the New Year

The new year has just begun and everyone is trying to recover from the holidays. Your home has probably seen some wear and tear since its fall tuneup, especially if you had a lot of guests for the holidays. You might even have some easy home projects on your list of New Years resolutions — after all, 58% of homeowners intend to spend contractor funding on homebuilding and improvement projects this year.

You may not want anything as elaborate as a home addition or kitchen remodel, but easy home projects can still be a lot of work. You may be unsure where to focus your time and money first. To help you out with that, here’s a list of the most important easy home projects for the beginning of the year.

From windows and doors inspection to fire protection, these easy home projects will keep you prepared for the rest of winter and the arrival of spring.

Clean Your Furnace Air Filter

Cleaning out your furnace filter is a critical task to complete at least once every month. Cleaning the filter removes dust buildup and residue from vapor and air particles that get stuck as air passes through the furnace system. By getting this buildup out of the way, your furnace has an easier time circulating the air in your home, which makes it easier to maintain the right temperature. It also results in decreased energy bills, which can be quite helpful after the holiday season. It’s a good idea to vacuum out heat registers and air vents for the same reason.

Check on Your Home’s Plumbing Systems

You may not need any immediate plumbing repair, but there are quite a few things that may need to be done for your home’s plumbing. If you use a water softener or conditioner, you should inspect this and see if it needs any salt added. Inspect the aerators on your faucets and shower heads and remove any mineral deposits that may have built up there. Finally, check on the drains in your tubs, shower stalls, and sinks and make sure they’re running freely; use chemicals or boiling water to unclog these if necessary.

Double-Check Your Home’s Fire Protection and Safety

Some more easy home projects to perform regularly are inspecting your home’s safety against fire and other hazards. Ground-fault circuit interrupters, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke alarms should all be tested to ensure they’re in good working order. While you’re at it, make sure you have the appropriate types and number of fire extinguishers, and ensure they’re unexpired and ready where you might need them.

Clean Out the Garbage Disposal

After Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day, you probably have a lot of buildup leftover from ground-up food waste in your garbage disposal. To clean this out, run a generous amount of ice cubes through it to scrape that residue off the grinding system. Then flush it out with a mixture of boiling water and baking soda, similar to how you’d clear out a clogged sink drain.

Restore Any Wood Flooring

wood flooringWood floors are probably more versatile and warm than any other flooring style. However, with intense wear they can start to become faded and worn. This is especially a problem after all that holiday foot traffic. To restore your floor’s natural shine, polish it using a cleaning and polishing product made specifically for the kind of wood you’re working with. Your floors should be polished at least once every year, although every six months is better.

Check on Your Pool

You probably finished closing your pool before winter arrived, but some basic pool maintenance could still be in order. Check on yours by giving it a quick inspection, sometime when the weather isn’t too harsh. Clear any debris off of your pool cover, and double-check to make sure it’s still properly fitted. While you’re at it, consider adding a long-lasting mid-winter algaecide, or some enzyme chemicals to break down non-living organic contamination.

Cover Your Air Conditioning Unit

This should be something you get done in the fall or the start of winter, but if you haven’t done it yet, it’s not too late. Clear any snow, leaves, or debris off and out of your air conditioning unit. Then install a plastic cover on it to protect it from the elements until next spring.

Check Your Basement for Leaks

Winter is the perfect time of year to discover recent or unnoticed leaks in your basement walls. After a heavy snowfall when it’s just started to melt, go downstairs and look around for water collecting on or in the walls, corners, cracks, and floors. Continue checking back every now and then until the snow has completely melted. If you didn’t find any leaks, you’re probably good to go for another year. If you did, you’ll want to get in touch with a basement repair company before too much longer to get professional advice.

Inspect Your Roof and Rainwater System

roof replacement (1)Roof replacement doesn’t exactly fit in with easy home projects, but inspecting your roof certainly does, and it’s important. On a warmer day with no snow, go outside and give it a look. Watch out for missing or damaged shingles, noticeable leaks, piles of leaves or other debris, and bent trim or gutters. Make sure your downspouts and waterways are in good repair, too. Problems like this are best addressed before the snow and ice hit, but if you haven’t expected your roof already, now’s the best time to get that done. After you’ve finished your own inspection, if anything seems questionable, ask a professional roofing contractor to inspect it for you and tell you what needs doing.

Inspect Your Large Appliances

Your kitchen and laundry appliances were probably used heavily over the holidays, and the first part of the year is the best time to inspect them for problems. It’s a good idea to clean your refrigerator every now and then. While you’re at it you should vacuum the fridge and freezer coils and clean out the drip trays. The drain in your dishwasher should be cleaned, and your oven may need cleaning as well. Your dryer vent may need to be cleaned out too, especially after drying out snow-drenched clothing for two months.

Clean and Polish Furniture and Lights

roof replacement (2)You probably deep-cleaned your entire home sometime before Thanksgiving, but it might be time to do it again. This is especially a good idea if you had guests eating some meals in the living room, and even more so if some of those guests were children. Look under couch and chair cushions for food particles and debris. Vacuum upholstered furniture, and dust and polish any wood furniture you have. Dust off light fixtures and lamps, and replace any lightbulbs that are burned out. You’ll love how fresh and clean your home feels after cleaning these little, oft-forgotten areas.

With these easy home projects out of the way, you’ll have taken care of all necessary home maintenance for the winter. Next, we’ll look at some easy home projects for actually improving — not just maintaining — your home.

Fertilize Your Yard

You read that right: fertilizing your lawn shouldn’t wait until spring. Although this project is best done right after fall ends, it’s still okay if you’ve put it off this long. Fertilizing your grass, shrubs, and trees before the winter ends can give your landscape a much-needed boost when the weather finally gets warmer. It helps keep everything well-nourished during the harsh winter, which your plants will appreciate. And when the snow and ice finally go away, you’ll appreciate the jump start on your home’s springtime curb appeal. The best thing about these types of easy home projects is that they only take a few hours and maybe $50 for fertilizer.

Repaint the Interior of Your House

Some people think that there’s nothing a little paint can’t fix, and they just might be right. If the holiday hustle and bustle have left scuff marks and stains on your walls, they’re probably due for a new coat of paint. Best of all, winter is the perfect time to get some indoor painting done, since you’re limited in the easy home projects you can do outdoors. At around $30 per gallon, indoor house painting offers a higher return on investment than most easy home projects, which makes it even better when harsh weather won’t let you do anything outside.

It’s a good idea to use white paint in your house for a number of reasons. First of all, white paint covers stains and other marks more effectively than some colors. Even better, while you may need multiple coats of any other color to get it to look right, often a single coat of high-quality white paint is all you need. Finally, painting your walls white provides a blank canvas for potential home buyers’ imaginations, if you’re thinking of selling soon. If you can’t paint every room in the house, remember to emphasize those areas that are most prominent or need work the most.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Home technology has made some very dramatic advancements in recent years, with everything from vacuum cleaners to refrigerators getting surprising enhancements. Even so, for the average homeowner, most appliances aren’t that much different than they were thirty years ago: chances are your refrigerator doesn’t have an LCD screen built-in, even though that’s a feature on select models now.

But there’s one exception to this rule, and that’s the programmable thermostat. Unlike most high-tech home upgrades and automation systems, programmable thermostats aren’t much more expensive than their manual counterparts, and they’re practically a must-have in any sellable home. If your house doesn’t have a programmable thermostat installed already, now’s the time to set one up. Not only does having one save you the trouble of trying to remember when to adjust the temperature, but you’ll likely save money on heating costs because it sets itself automatically. You won’t ever have to worry about accidentally running up a high electric bill while on vacation because you forgot to reset the thermostat.

Install Backsplashes on Your Sinks

Most winter home improvement projects involve little upgrades that make a big difference. One of these more affordable options is installing backsplashes in your kitchen and bathrooms. Besides adding some personality to your kitchen or bathroom, it will protect your walls and other structural areas from water damage.

Add Crown Molding to Your Ceilings

People tend to assume that adding crown molding to their home’s walls and ceilings would be costly and difficult, but it’s really a fairly accessible project. Crown molding itself isn’t usually expensive, and if you have a few basic tools and a couple of spare weekends, you can easily install it yourself. The most complex tool you’ll require is a table saw, but if you don’t own one, you may find one for rent at your local home improvement store.

Insulate Your Attic

roof replacementOf all the home improvement projects you could put your time and money into this winter, adding insulation to your attic may pay off better than any other. Besides helping to dramatically lower your energy bill, you may be eligible for tax credits. And while insulating an entire attic seems too expensive for most people, it can actually be accomplished for as little as $400 if you do it yourself. Before you go all in to get this done, though, you should have an energy audit of your home conducted. This will tell you how much energy your home consumes, where your time can best be spent on improving it, and how your attic is really contributing to your energy costs.

Upgrade Your Home’s Doors

Homeowners often underestimate the visual impact doors can have upon guests and potential home buyers. If your home’s doors are looking a little dull or outdated, there’s probably no need to replace them: just replace the doorknobs with modern, trendy ones, repaint them in interesting colors, or even add molding to flat doors to make them more visually interesting.

Increase Kitchen Storage Space

It doesn’t matter whether your kitchen is almost-too-small or oversized: more storage is always a good selling point. If there are empty spaces or corners in your kitchen that could be utilized with open shelving, this is a great investment in your enjoyment of your home, whether you intend to sell or not. You can even embellish plain and boring shelves with decorative brackets and other elements to add personality.

Paint Your Old Fireplace

You would be surprised what a coat of plain white paint can do for a crumbling, old-fashioned brick fireplace. You’ll want to clean it thoroughly first to get rid of any grime. Then apply a high-quality primer that blocks stains to help hide any leftover soot. To ensure your fireplace gets a beautiful facelift that stands the test of time, use a high-quality, high-gloss paint. No doubt Santa will be delighted by it next year.

Few projects are more fulfilling or profitable during the winter than home upgrades and maintenance. Find a few ideas here that speak to you, and then get to work. You’ll love the way your home looks and feels after putting a few of these easy home projects to the test. And if you plan to sell in the near future, your home’s future owners will love it, too.

How to Maintain Commercial Roofs

One essential part of roof maintenance for commercial roofs is an inspection. If you are not able to safely view your roof covers, it is imperative to call out a professional roofing company. This also applies if you do not know what to look for in inspecting your roof. The roof covers are exposed to the elements and sometimes collect dirt or debris. Before inspecting the roof covers, remove any dirt or debris that is present. Then, you will want to look for anything that may be missing or loose. The roof covers may also be bubbling or peeling, indicative signs that they are in need of replacement.

Inspect Roof Drainage

Maintaining proper roof drainage is an important factor in protecting your business from heavy rain. Studies show that damage caused by water is preventable around ninety-three percent of the time. The roof drainage system should be cleaned out by a professional at least twice a year. This will help to keep it working efficiently. When inspecting, you will want to look at gutters and interior drains. Your gutters could become clogged and cracks may form around your drains. Proper roof drainage maintenance for commercial roofs can lead to fewer issues when it is exposed to the elements.

Check For Loose Perimeter Flashing

Proper roof cover is an essential aspect of maintenance for commercial roofs. Without regularly maintaining your perimeter flashing, you run the risk of experiencing roof cover failure. Loose or ill-fitting flashing during a storm or rain shower can lead to water intrusion. You will want to check your flashing before you experience any storms, as well as after. Checking perimeter flashing requires specific tools, which may not be available to you. A professional roof repair company can provide you with expert inspection and repairs, utilizing the proper tools.

Check Roof Hatches

Roof hatches are typically looked offer when it comes to commercial roofs. However, they are a working part of your roof and will require maintenance as well. Roof hatches need to be inspected regularly for loose screws or any other materials that are not fitting together properly. The roof hatch needs to be closed and locked when it is not in use. If it is not, then it is a potential hazard.

Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor to Inspect and Maintain

The key to avoiding costly repairs and damages is prevention. Make regular inspection and maintenance part of your commercial roof damage prevention plan. A professional commercial roofing company specializes in detecting any potential issues that present themselves in commercial roofs. While the average person may not know what warrants a roof repair, a commercial roofing company can provide an expert assessment with professional tools.

 

Money-Saving Air Conditioner Tips For Parents: Save Money and Stay Cool All Summer

Summertime is great for families. The kids are out of school and on break. The days are longer, and the nights are shorter. It almost seems too good to be true.

And then you’re hit with that high AC bill, and realize… it is. Suddenly, keeping the house cold as an icebox doesn’t seem like the great idea it initially was.

You don’t need to blast your AC this summer to keep you and your family cool.

So if you’re trying to save money, follow these next few guidelines that will help you stay chilly, without having to bring the temperature down to arctic levels of freezing.

Learn proper AC maintenance for the summer, and how to get creative when you’re in a bind.

If your house has been feeling warm, it could be a broken AC unit

If your house has been feeling warm, despite the reading on the thermostat, this could very well be an AC maintenance issue. Instead of buying a new unit, which is expensive and impractical, conduct a proper and routine check. Replace the filters and inspect the vents. Look for obstructions and excess dirt. Then, clean them out and run the unit again.

You want to get into the habit of doing this monthly.

However, if it’s still not working, then you may need to call an HVAC contractor or HVAC company to take a better look at it. After all, HVAC systems require two major inspections every year.

If they discover an issue far beyond anything regular AC maintenance can repair, it may be time to invest in a new AC.

AC repair

You can always try to repair your own AC, but you may actually create more irreversible damage and lose money in the process if you don’t know what you’re doing.

You’ll save money when you call the professionals over to inspect and fix the AC. So if you spot a potential problem, you may think DIY-ing a solution would be more money savvy, but that’s exactly the opposite.

Make sure your home is properly insulated

If your heating and air conditioning bill has been shooting through the roof and you have no idea why it may be your home’s poor insulation.

Most of a home’s heating and cooling is lost through the windows. So if you live in an older home, you may want to swap them out for a more energy-efficient alternative.

Also, make sure the attic is properly insulated to avoid wasting more money on heating and cooling.

Alternative ways of staying cool for the entire family

If conducting routine AC maintenance checks, and shopping for energy-efficient windows doesn’t sound like the most enjoyable way of spending your summer, no worries. Here are some more fun ways of staying cool this summer. You can even involve the kids.

Try making popsicles at home. Put blends of fruit juice in an ice tray and see what kinds of tasty new flavors you can come up with.

These treats will be sure to cool you off when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

You can also take your children to the community pool, so they can splash around and make some great summer memories.

These options both fun for the entire family and suitable for all budgets.

Conclusion

From AC maintenance to making and enjoying cool treats with your family—these are just a handful of ways you can save money on your cooling bill every summer.

When you have a family, living expenses can get quite high, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that your AC bill stays low and that your house will still feel like a great escape from the sweltering heat.

Types Of Industrial Tools And Where To Buy Them

Power tools are a great addition to your project because they make it easy for you to get big jobs done fast. Whether you are a beginner DIY builder or experienced contractor, power tools will come in handy when you start a new project, be it big or small. Today, we look at the types of industrial tools available in the market and where you can buy them.

Power tools can be very dangerous if used incorrectly, and you need to make sure that you observe all the safety tips indicated for the machine. Make sure you go through the safety manual thoroughly and you understand it before you start using your tools.

Types Of Industrial Tools

Tool supply companies will have different types of industrial machines available depending on their specialty, usually for specialized industries such as carpentry, HVAC work, or automobiles. You can find tools for nearly every trade such as Kurt vise d688, pocket calipers, and the best push sweepers available today. However, industrial tools can be broadly divided into two main categories.

  1. Industrial hand tools: As their name suggests, these tools are handheld and do not necessarily require any power during use. They include tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, spanners, measuring tools, filing tools, wenches, among others. Most tool supply companies will have these tools in different sizes so you can fasten and loses different sized nuts and bolts. You can purchase the best socket sets from tool supply companies you trust or from the renowned brands in the industry.
  2. Industrial power tools: You will find an array of industrial power tools which can be used in carpentry or metal works. The most commonly know power tools include drills. You will need to couple drills with accessories that make organization easier, such as a drill set organizer. This makes it easy for you to find the drill chick sleeve you need quickly. Other industrial tools include grinders, welding tools. You should also find accessories such as welding helmets and gloves that come with welding tools and are essential for protection. Grinders are used to sharpen industrial hand tools to keep them working at their best performance level.
    You need to note that the speed on power tools will vary with the particular machine you buy, but will generally range between 50 RPM to around 1,800 RPM. Power-tools with slower speeds allow you to use the tool for special operations such as counter-sinking, counterboring, and reaming.

Where To Buy Industrial Tools

Industrial tools are available in many local stores, online catalogues, and e-commerce companies. If you are sure of the specifications of the kind of machine you need, make your way to the nearest store and have an attendant help you decide on which tool will best suit your needs. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible . Don’t leave the store with unanswered questions.

If you have experience with power tools, purchasing them online will be a good option for you. Chances are you already know what you want and the kind of machine that will match the project you have in mind. Check different tool supply companies sites to get a discount and to compare prices, so you get the best deal. Another advantage of making your purchase online is the availability of home delivery. At the click of a button, you will have your tool delivered to your home.

Industrial tools are not cheap, so consider purchasing refurbished tools if you are strapped for cash. They will work the same way new tools will but will come at a fraction of the price.

You can find an industrial tool for almost industry application and process, which makes it easy for you to handle simple and complicated projects. All tool supply companies will have a variety of machines available for sale, but be sure to do our research on which company will best suit your needs and meet the quality you are looking for. The quality of a tool is determined by the project you have in mind and the frequency of your tool. The more sophisticated the project, and the more you need to use the tool, the higher the quality tool you need.

Differences Between Hardwood and Softwood

Wood pallets, like any wood product, may be manufactured from hardwood or softwood. In the United States, 504 million acres, nearly 25% of the nation’s land area is available to produce timber resources for commercial wood products. These forests contain many different types of trees, including those that produce hardwood and those that produce softwood. Here are a few differences between hardwood and softwood:

Type of Trees

It would be easy to tell hardwood from softwood if it were just a matter of searching for “wood pallets Tampa” and feeling a hardwood pallet and a softwood pallet to see which is harder to the touch. However, this is not, strictly speaking, the distinction between hardwood and softwood. Rather, hardwood and softwood refer to the types of trees used to produce a wood product. Hardwood trees are angiosperm trees, such as deciduous trees – the type of trees that grow leaves and produce seeds in the form of fruit pits or nuts. Examples of hardwood trees include walnut, balsa, oak, elm, hickory, and maple. Softwood trees are gymnosperm trees, such as coniferous trees – the type of trees that grow needles and drop seeds without any sort of covering. Examples of softwood trees include pine, fir, and spruce. While different trees may grow in Georgia and Florida, searching for “hardwood pallets Atlanta” or “hardwood pallets Florida” will always turn up wood pallets from the same trees.

Structure of the Wood

While hardwoods are generally denser than softwoods, this is not always the case. More important than the density of the wood is the microscopic structure of the wood. Hardwood has tiny vessels inside the wood that carry water while the tree is alive. Softwood has no vessels inside the wood because it uses tracheids – water conducting cells – instead. Again, whether searching for “wooden pallets Miami” or “wooden pallets Orlando,” the distinction between hardwood and softwood is consistent since it is scientifically determined.

Growth

Hardwood trees grow more slowly than softwood trees. This is due to the type of trees that fall into the hardwood category. Hardwood trees generally have leaves and, as everyone knows, leaves fall off in autumn. This means that during the winter, hardwood trees stop growing or grow very slowly. Softwood trees, on the other hand, usually have needles and, as everyone knows, needles stay on during the winter. This means that softwood trees usually grow year-round. Since hardwood trees grow slower, they usually have a denser wood than faster growing softwood trees. However, this is not always the case, since balsa wood has a very low density, yet is considered a hardwood because of the type of tree balsa wood comes from. Whether searching for “hardwood pallets Tampa” or “softwood pallets Tampa,” these differences will always distinguish hardwood from softwood.

In summary, the distinctions between hardwood and softwood are not as simple as merely feeling the wood. Rather, the distinctions depend on the species of tree that the wood is harvested from. Hardwood is generally angiosperm trees, while softwood is generally gymnosperm trees. The structure of the wood itself, as well as the way the wood grows, determines the general properties of the wood once it is incorporated into a wooden pallet.

Important Tips to Consider for Remodeling Your Condo

According to recent research findings, insurance companies are said to incur up to $2.5 billion dollars every year due to water and mold damages on condos. With harsh economic times and high standards of living, insurance firms do recommend homeowners to use modern and profitable means when remodeling their condos. However, before you jump into the process of flooding repair your condo, it is advisable that you first ensure you adhere to set guidelines that will get you the best out of the renovation. Here are some of the important considerations you have to keep in mind before you embark on the process of condo remodeling.

 

Know the Rules

One of the first things any homeowner needs to understand before they even start flooding repair are the policies of the condo association. However, in certain situations, the board may or may not have policies in place that affect the selection of materials or cosmetic decisions but in most cases, the association will always have policies concerning the times and day’s renovations can be conducted. Failing to check the rules can easily cause you lots of trouble later on since your association might need approval or permit before you embark on any form of home remodeling.

 

Know the Person You Are Renovating For

You are in a position to tell what your association will allow and what they will not allow. It is important that you first figure out who you are remodeling the condo for. Are you remodeling the condo to add rental or resale value or just doing that to add onto your enjoyment?

 

In most cases, home remodeling will always lean more towards one or another with completely different approaches. It is therefore important for one to decide what will be a greater priority and ensure you are honest when making a choice.

 

Know the Limits

It is always important for one to know what the project limitations are before you start implementing an idea which you will not be in a position to turn to reality. For example, the tight condo spaces are at times known to include the intrusive columns or odd angled walls, but that is because moving them structurally is impossible. It is advisable that you know the elements which can be opened or removed and which ones cannot. Hence, it will be more appropriate if you consider hiring flooding repair expert for consultation services.

 

Always Move Your Eyes Not the Fixtures

In most cases, the bathroom fixtures cannot be moved at any significant distance without massive expense and constructions. It means you will be forced to leave the toilet to its initial location and you might not be in a position to add that second sink.

However, you can only restructure how your eyes see the space by settling on some of the finishes to blend away and others to stand out. It is always possible to make your eyes focus on the most beautiful elements.

 

Lower the Lighting

When you speak about moving the walls and fixtures, it is important that you keep in mind several condos do have cement ceilings. It means you will not be in a position to drill into them.

 

However, depending on the type of fixtures you need to add, you will need a 6-12 inch drop. This will be a noticeable change in your condo ceiling although in a smaller area and it will never be that much that you hit your head.

 

Ensure You Stay Flexible

Most clients do come into home remodeling Santa Rosa projects with lots of decisions made concerning what they do and what they are not interested in doing. For instance, clients will be interested in things like a large fridge, double sink or a king-sized bed. However, it would be appropriate if you can be flexible in some of these things.

 

The points listed above will be of great help when you need to perform flooding repair in your condo. It is recommended that you seek clarification from home builder experts in case you are not sure of what you will be doing.

 

Five Fantasy Basement Designs

Over the past two decades, finished basements have been some of the most popular renovation projects according to the National Association of Home Builders. Everyone has seen home remodeling plans where a basement is finished with a bar, home theater, craft room, or spare bedroom. But there’s a saying, “go big or go home.” What about going big at home? Here are five fantasy basement finishing ideas that will inspire you to go big with your home remodeling plans:

 

Casino

If you can’t get enough of the sensory overload of a casino, you can include a basement casino in your home remodeling plans. Kentucky and Ohio allow private ownership of slot machines as long as they are not used to operate an illegal gambling operation. Used slot machines are used for entertainment only and include the key so that you can reuse your quarters.

 

If your tastes run more toward video games, a basement arcade may be more your style.

 

Bowling Alley

If your hobbies include bowling, maybe your home remodeling plans should include a basement bowling alley. Home bowling alleys are not cheap, but you may be able to find used bowling alley lanes, pinsetters, automatic ball returns, and scoring displays.

 

Museum

Whether you collect art, autographed baseballs, or antique glass bottles, you probably need a place to store and display your collection. Maybe a basement design that includes a museum should be part of your home remodeling plans. The layout and the lighting of the basement renovation will be designed to highlight your collection.

 

Skateboard Park

If you are into extreme sports, maybe your home remodeling plans could include a basement skateboard park. The advantage of having a skateboard park in your basement? You can install padded floors and walls next to your skateboard ramps and rails. You still have to wear a helmet, though.

 

Basketball Court

This last one might not be for everyone, but dedicated hoops fans might want to include a basement basketball court in their home remodeling plans. The biggest challenge with a basement basketball court is the height needed to accommodate the backboard and rim. If your basement ceiling isn’t tall enough for basketball, maybe a basement hockey rink would fit your space better.

 

Conclusion

Basement remodeling plans are limited by nothing except the homeowner’s imagination (and the height of the ceilings). Even if your basement design seems like a fantasy, a residential contractor may be able to turn that fantasy into reality.

Proactive Solutions to Water Leaks Underslab Repair

House repairs are the bane of every house owner’s existence. It can be costly, stress-inducing, and cause all kinds of headaches. Unfortunately, repairs have to be made; entropy wins in the end, but you can stall it for a little while longer.

Leaking Faucets Are Just The Beginning

Water leaks can cause absolutely havoc on your under-slab, needing underslab repairs to fix. Imagine how much water is being wasted when you consider 10 percent of homes residing in the United States are currently leaking 90 gallons of water, on average, every single day. That adds on to the already 400 gallons used in an average home of four, and driving the water bill up, and Americans already pay $500 on their water and sewer bill every year! It is a compounding problem that turns one problem into many.

This combination of leaking issues and root causes has caused an exponential amount of water being wasted, as much as 1 trillion gallons a year. But what can we do? Thankfully, there is.
Continue reading “Proactive Solutions to Water Leaks Underslab Repair”

Moving Is Already Stressful, Here’s How You Make It Easier

Moving can be an absolute headache, even cause massive amounts of stress. Imagine, if you will, you are being evicted and you have a short amount of time to find a place before you find yourself on the streets. Already causing anxiety thinking about it? Just imagine people actually going through that.

Luckily, there are services that can make the move much easier to handle, lower your stress to a healthy amount and get your stuff from your old place to your new one.

Utilizing Storage Services

Storage units can seriously be a lifesaver when you are moving. Remember the eviction example? Well, it just so happens that storage units offer the perfect solution to a dire situation like that.

Storage units are small and large areas that you can rent out for a period of time; there’s short term storage and long term storage. Pick the one that best suits your purpose. Short term storage is great Continue reading “Moving Is Already Stressful, Here’s How You Make It Easier”

The Pros and Cons of Bamboo Flooring

Engineered bamboo flooring is becoming a more popular choice for eco-friendly homes. It offers some great benefits and has a similar look to wood flooring that is visually appealing. However, it can be a little trickier to maintain than a regular wood floor and has some cons for people to consider before they choose to install it.

If you’re considering putting engineered bamboo flooring in your home, take a second to compare the pros and cons below.

The Pros of Bamboo Wood Flooring

The obvious benefit of this type of flooring is that it’s an eco-friendly material. It comes from a highly renewable source that is natural and good for the planet. If you are looking for ways to have a more environmentally conscious home, then this could be a good place to start.

Installation is also a plus. Installing bamboo flooring is very similar to installing wood floors and is a Continue reading “The Pros and Cons of Bamboo Flooring”

How to Design a Basement That Won’t Get Moldy

Basement remodeling is becoming a popular trend in home renovations, with good reason. A finished basement can have a 70% return on investment when reselling a home. From recreation areas to home gyms, there are endless ways to make use of basement real estate. If your family is going to be spending time in your newly finished basement, it is important to make sure the environment isn’t doing them any harm. No matter how nice your new basement design looks, they are naturally dark and damp places that can attract dangerous mold.

 

Having mold in your basement an affect the entire household, as spores will rise and spread to the rest of the house. When ingested or inhaled, mold spores can cause breathing troubles, skin irritation, or can even be toxic. Mold can also compromise the structure of a wooden home if it spreads to the framework. To protect your home and family, read on for ways to keep your basement mold-free.

 

Avoid Organic Materials

 

Mold stays alive through moisture and a food source. By removing the food source, you can minimize the likelihood of mold growing in your new basement. This means avoiding organic materials such as drywall and wood floors. Experienced basement refinishing contractors can provide safe alternatives to keep your finished basement looking homey while staying dry. If your basement is being used for storage, remove any organic materials like newspapers, extra wood, or even clothing. If these things must remain in the basement, store them in airtight containers.

 

Take a Minimalist Approach

 

The less space being taken up in your basement, the more airflow the room can have. Increasing airflow to prevent stagnant areas and limiting the number of items in the room that could feed the mold are great preventative options. They also make your basement look larger and more open, so it’s a win-win!

 

Monitor Humidity Closely

 

The key to preventing mold is to limit humidity. A great start is purchasing a dehumidifier for your basement to take some of the moisture away, and if possible, run a fan in the room for an hour every day to circulate air. It’s also important to make sure all entrances to the outdoors are sealed and well-insulated and have a ventilation system. When considering basement remodeling avoid things that will hold moisture, such as carpeted floors; try tile instead.

While basement remodeling can be a great home addition for a family to enjoy and increase overall value, it’s important to make sure it’s safe. While it is a contractor’s job to build the basement correctly to protect the inhabitants, it is the homeowner’s job to make sure it stays safe and free of moisture for years to come.

Looking At Considerations For The Care And Keeping Of Your Home

If you’re looking to keep your home in good condition, there are a number of aspects that you’ll need to pay particularly close care for. These will range from your siding to your roofing, but there is certainly no doubting the fact that all are important to the overall health of your home – and how well it stands the test of time. Keeping up to date on home maintenance and fixing any problems as soon as they first develop will also be key in maintaining the overall quality of your home, there is no doubting this fact in the slightest.

For instance, consider your roof. The care and keeping of your roof is quite vastly important indeed, as damage to your roof can actually lead to other types of damage all throughout the rest of your home as well. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent these damages from ever happening in the first place. For one thing, having regular roofing inspections conducted is an absolute must, and it is actually something that Continue reading “Looking At Considerations For The Care And Keeping Of Your Home”

Transportation Comes In Many Shapes And Sizes The Development Of The Elevator Throughout History

Transportation isn’t just taking the bus or riding a bike. It’s also how we move within a place.

The flight of stairs up to the lunchroom. The bridge that connects from one building to another. We are constantly in a state of moving, often taking for granted all the little ways our world is made accessible to us. Commercial elevators, in particular, are a great feat of engineering and practicality. Without them much of what we know and love would either be difficult or downright impossible! Residential elevator installation is a resource you can’t afford to overlook if you’re a contractor or a manager…

…and that’s why we’re going to take a look at what goes into installing a working elevator, from the history of the craft to modern lifts. Onward!

Elevators have been around for far longer than you think. Throughout history several forms of lifts have been built, some little more than pull lifts operated by rope and others through steam technolog Continue reading “Transportation Comes In Many Shapes And Sizes The Development Of The Elevator Throughout History”

Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems Can Help Home Owners Save Money

There are many reasons that people look at new homes, but some of them are a little more focused than others. In fact, energy efficient home solutions are an increasingly popular reason for people to consider the construction or purchase of a new home. As heating and cooling costs continue to increase, it should come as no surprise that home climate concerns continue to grow. With the use of the latest environmentally-friendly materials, home owners can find a way to make sure that you are able to achieve the energy efficiency that you want.
As the nation continues to be full of people who are working to lessen their environmental footprint, it should come as no surprise that there is an entire industry that has grown around the creation and implementation of energy efficient home solutions.
Is Your Home as Energy Efficient as It Should Be?
Heating and air conditioning costs continue to skyrocket as more an Continue reading “Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems Can Help Home Owners Save Money”

When and Why to Test For Radon Gas

A typical American household may face a number of hazards, and one of the lesser known (but no less harmful) hazards is radon gas. Local radon testing may be done when a homeowner looks to nearby radon testing companies that can provide testing kits. A local radon mitigation company may then be hired if the rest results are positive, and all this is not something to be neglected. Radon gas is quite dangerous, and these radon testing companies should be contacted at once if a homeowner has reason to suspect unsafe levels of this gas in the home. What might radon testing companies do for their customers, and what exactly are the hazards of this gas?

On Radon Gas

This is a dangerous element to contend with. Radon gas is odorless, tasteless, and invisible, and it tends to seep out of the ground. This may happen right underneath a house, and if the basement has cracks in it, this radon gas may leak right into the air. This heavy element is found naturally, and it is in fact ra Continue reading “When and Why to Test For Radon Gas”

Moving To A New Place? Save Money In The Long Run By Hiring An Experienced Moving Company

Moving to a new place is a real pain. You already have a lot to worry about without adding on the drudgery of packing, labeling, and recycling to the list.

A little help goes a long way, right? You don’t have to pretend to be a superhero and do every little thing on your own. An experienced moving company can take a look at your workload and take some of that stress from your shoulders…with the added benefit of making the whole thing go faster, to boot! The best movers have this process down to an exact science, able to take this seemingly endless task and wrap it up neatly. If it’s been a while since you moved to a new place — or you’re just looking for extra advice — look no further than the list below.

Moving help is not just faster, but cheaper. Here’s how an experienced moving company can help you.

Did You Know?

Americans are well-known for their wanderlust. Even if you’re one of the rare few that has stayed in one place fo Continue reading “Moving To A New Place? Save Money In The Long Run By Hiring An Experienced Moving Company”

How to Save Money on Energy During Winter

During the colder months of the year one of the concerns many people have is their energy bill. Without the proper precautions in place it can sky rocket during the winter. However, there are plenty of things that can be done to cut back on energy costs.

For a list of suggestions on saving money on energy during winter, continue reading.

Proper Insulation

One of the best things you can do for your home all year round is have proper insulation installed. Insulation helps to keep heat and cool air in your house and stops it from leaking out of cracks. Insulation companies can install it for you, so you don’t have to stress over how to put it in.

New Furnace

Another investment you can make is to install a new energy efficient furnace. This might seem like a large expense at first, but it will pay for itself over time. The amount of money you will save on your energy bill year round will make up for the initial installation costs.

Seal Your Win Continue reading “How to Save Money on Energy During Winter”

Choosing the Right Warehouse Lighting Fixtures

Managing any kind of a production facility or warehouse is by no means an easy task. There can be hundreds of factors and variables that you would have to keep in mind on a daily basis. Facilitating smooth operation and productive workflow can depend squarely on how well you deal with these factors and this is where attention to detail can play a big role. The focus should always be on smooth operation, productivity, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. These are all important factors and a lot of how much you can achieve here can depend on the lighting solution you use at your warehouse or manufacturing facility.

When it comes to running or managing a modern facility or warehouse, lighting can be one of the most important factors. The importance of proper warehouse lighting fixtures can be important on a number of different levels. Having the proper levels of visibility and illumination can be important in a warehouse, especially since the daily workflow involves storing and ret Continue reading “Choosing the Right Warehouse Lighting Fixtures”

Are You Certain That Your Home Is a Safe Place for Your Family?

You still feel frustrated, but also incredibly grateful for all the people from out of state who are trucking in hay and supplies and volunteers. There are many caring people outside of your wonderful state and they are appreciated. One of the reasons you are frustrated is that it is so easy to discount Nebraska as some place in the middle of nowhere that the rest of the country forgets exists. And yet, when you read the details about the role Nebraska plays in feeding everyone, and then look at the pictures of the recent flooding you begin to grasp the magnitude of the disaster caused by this month’s flooding. If other cannot relate because it is just Nebraska, then many will begin to understand when they see what it does to their grocery bill. The farmers and ranchers of the country need the help of the government.
The latest snow melting and rain have created situations that are even more serious than testing for radon in the basement of a home you are purchasing. And while you Continue reading “Are You Certain That Your Home Is a Safe Place for Your Family?”

Rodents In Your Home Can Damage Wires And Spread Disease Why You Should Call A Professional

When you hear something scuttling around in the night, your first instinct is to dig around and see what’s causing it. What happens when you don’t find anything?

You might be tempted to buy some old-fashioned mousetraps or attempt a DIY chemical control method. When it comes to rodent control, the most reliable result is the professional one. The last thing you need during your busy workweek is getting bit or missing out on a hidden nest that could cause you trouble down the road. From squirrels to rats to cute little mice, it’s all in a day’s work for Mother Nature. Before you reach out to a humane squirrel removal service…

…read up on today’s most common furry invaders and how you can make sure you’re not the victim of a bad decision.

Got Squirrels? It’s Time To Contact A Squirrel Control Service

Squirrels occupy a rather pleasant space in the mainstream. They’re seen as cute and harmless, often thought of as little fur Continue reading “Rodents In Your Home Can Damage Wires And Spread Disease Why You Should Call A Professional”

Home Renovations From Popular Projects to Financial Investments

Homeowners within the United States have embarked on a large number of home improvement projects over the past few years. It’s expected that there will be even more home remodeling projects being requested this year and over the coming years. While homeowners may be remodeling one or two rooms, others may choose to have several remodeled or have entire home renovations.

Common Home Improvement Jobs

The U.S. Census Bureau reported the following types of jobs performed by design build and remodeling companies:

  • Major additions and alterations: 30%
  • Minor additions and alterations: 40%
  • Maintenance and repairs: 30%

Popular Remodeling Jobs for 2016

While there were a variety of home renovation projects completed during 2016, four categories were the most requested. According to the National Association of Home Builders’ data, these were the top four requested home improvement jobs:

Five Key Signs That You Might Need To Renovate Your Home

You’ve set up your home just the way you like, and have been enjoying it for a while. Then all of a sudden it doesn’t seem to be quite right. The caulking gun and duct tape aren’t doing the trick to fix the problems that have been coming up. Is it time to renovate? Here are five signs that you might need to renovate your home and the general contractors that you can get in touch with to help you with the projects.

Sign #1. Cracks in Your Foundation 

One of the most important elements in all of residential construction is the foundation of your home. If you are seeing cracks in your foundation, you need to have a licensed foundation crack repair expert come and look at it immediately. There could be many reasons for the cracks, and you need to be sure the structural integrity of your foundation has not been compromised.

Sign #2. Wind Whistling Through Your Closed Windows and Doors

You’re sitting in your family room, and enjoying a nice refreshing breeze. Then, you realize the windows are shut and the wind is still coming into your home. This scenario might be an indication that it is time for you to consider a home window replacement project. Replacement windows are available in a great assortment of styles, and add to the aesthetic appeal of your home. Be sure to ask the general contractors or replacement window contractors about giving you a deal if you replace the doors at the same time. This may save you some money. Home window replacement will probably help your energy bills go down, and at the same time help the resale value of your home go up.

Sign #3. Tiles Detached From Floor or Wall

When tiles begin to fall off the wall or detach from the floor, it is time to call a tiling contractor. This is a professional who will be able to assess your situation and tell you how extensive the renovations are that you will need to undertake. Please, please, do not try and save money by hiring a carpenter or handyman or general contractors to do this type of project. It is too specialized and it needs someone who works specifically in this area. Yes, it is disruptive, but if it is not done correctly, you risk having leaks behind your walls or under your floors (or worse). This could create even worse problems, such as wood rot, mold, mildew, staining, and decay. And don’t underestimate mold, when it finds a moist, untreated situation. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to start growing in that environment.

Sign #4. Lack of Space 

Your home might have seemed like a spacious palace when you initially moved in. And you may still consider it to be your palace. But now it seems that the walls are closing in. General contractors have a lot of experience in residential homes with this type of situation. Call them for a consultation; they may have an idea about how to remove a wall in one area of your home and create a large closet or even another room to solve your space issue.

Sign #5. Remodeling for Accessibility 

Things can change in our circumstances, but we may still wish to remain in our homes. Awareness about accessibility seems to be growing every day. As a result of this, there is a strong need for renovating and remodeling. Especially in homes, handicapped accessibility and renovations such as a bathroom remodel, for instance, are becoming more and more common now. General contractors and a good local plumbing contractor will be able to handle these types of projects successfully.

The more you know before a project begins, the more prepared you will be for events that occur during the course of the renovation. And when your renovation is complete, you will have a nicely remodeled area in your home. Plus, you will have added to the resale value of your house, as well.

Looking At The Importance Of Pest Control Services Here In The United States

From squirrel families to rats, unwanted rodents are far from uncommon here in the United States. They are found in many different parts of the country, and getting rid of these unwanted rodents typically requires the world of pest control professionals. Fortunately, the typical animal and rodent removal company has become more widespread than ever before, with many such a company available for usage both here in the United States and in many other parts of the world as a whole as well.

In city locations, the removal of unwanted rodents – typically rats – is likely to be much more common than nearly any other place. After all, cities provide ideal living spaces for such unwanted rodents, providing ample space and hiding spaces for communities of unwanted rodents to thrive. In cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City, among the most rat infested cities in the country, these populations Continue reading “Looking At The Importance Of Pest Control Services Here In The United States”

Hiring Professionals to Remove Unwanted Rodents

Ever since the Agricultural Revolution, human societies have harvested grains and other crops for food. At the same time, smaller animals such as rats and squirrels have competed for this convenient food source. In fact, a major reason for the domestication of wild cats and wolves was for animal removal and wildlife control. Even today, cats are used as rat and mouse catchers, naturally hunting and killing these unwanted rodents at farms. Meanwhile, squirrel families, rat nests, and more can be eliminated when professional rodent removal is hired by a homeowner or a public building manager. Restaurant owners may sometimes need professional rodent removal done at the premises, and some cities in the United States are known for their large rodent populations. How can squirrel removal be done right?

On Rodents

These harmful animals often gather where human beings do because of ampl Continue reading “Hiring Professionals to Remove Unwanted Rodents”

The Best Sealant and Repair For Roofs

Every house and public building has a roof on it, and while roofs may vary in shape, size, and even material, upkeep is always a concern. No roof should be damaged or leak, because leaking roofs can cause a lot of expensive problems for any homeowner or public building manager. The same is true for wooden decks, which may need deck sealant and deck repair to protect against heavy rain and other issues. Metal roofs, meanwhile, are tough but can still suffer damage from certain sources of trauma. Aluminum, steel, or tin roofs might leak sometimes, so metal roofers can apply tin roof sealant when the roof is installed. If not, a homeowner can ask for tin roof sealant when they contact local roofing contractors. After all, tin roof sealant can easily prevent expensive leaks, making it a fine investment. Tin roof sealant might even be applied DIY by a skilled homeowner, if so desired. What might threaten a metal or shingle roof today, and how much damage might leaking water deal?

P Continue reading “The Best Sealant and Repair For Roofs”

The Importance of Home Radon Testing

Radon is a highly dangerous gas that can cause lung cancer over time. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, according to the Surgeon General. The only way to ensure that your home does not have unsafe levels of radon is to have it tested.

There are different ways to test for radon in your home. While the idea that you have been exposed to radon can be frightening, it is important that you start testing for radon as soon as possible.

How Radon Enters the House

It is important to know how radon gas gets into your home so that you can have a better understanding of the testing process. The gas can get into your home through gaps in the walls or floors. It is also possible for radon to move through the soil around your home and be absorbed by the concrete.

Types of Radon Testing/h3>
There are three different options for radon testing that can give you a variety of insight into your home. Each type of testing method can give help Continue reading “The Importance of Home Radon Testing”

What You Need To Know About Home Improvement Here In The United States

As homes age and get on in years, they can develop any number of problems. These problems can grow and become exacerbated with time, something that will not only lower the overall value of the home, but will likely increase certain things as well – things such as energy bills. However, all of this can be prevented with routine maintenance and servicing, as well as repair work if it should ever become necessary. Caring for one’s home diligently can keep it like new – or even better than new, depending on the condition in which the house was originally sold – for many years to come.

Fortunately, there are many ways to do this. For one thing, the siding of the home should be kept in good shape. After all, data shows that old and poorly cared for siding can actually decrease the total value of any given home by as much as 10% – which is certainly quite a significant amount. Cleaning the siding, caring for it, and repairing it when necessary can all be instrumental in keeping the house Continue reading “What You Need To Know About Home Improvement Here In The United States”

Keeping the Summer Fun- How to Ward off Pesky Insects

As summer time quickly approaches, everyone is thinking about all of the fun they will have enjoying the outdoors and warm weather. Whether your idea of fun is swimming (actually the fourth most popular sports activity in the whole United States!), hiking, or sun bathing, all these joyful activities have one thing in common- they are located entirely outside. The outdoors are exciting to explore and help cultivate your imagination and creativity, but you absolutely must be careful of the bugs. Did you know that recent studies have estimated that there are more than 200 million insects for each human individual on the planet? That amounts to a lot of bugs! These insects, specifically mosquitos, not only give you annoying bug bites, but can carry different diseases and potentially lead to serious infections, putting a downer on your summer fun. Choosing the right bug screen and other preventative measures to ward off these potential problems is highly important. Read on to learn more abo Continue reading “Keeping the Summer Fun- How to Ward off Pesky Insects”

What You Need to Know to Pick Between Induction and LED Lighting

When it comes to getting the right lighting for your workspace, there are several great options. Today’s businesses are often looking to pick between induction lighting and LED lighting options. For some business spaces, wall pack LED light fixtures but in other situations, induction lamps work better.

It is important to understand the basics. Nikola Testa first developed induction lighting sometime in the late 1890s. When talking about this kind of lighting, many people say that you can “set it and forget it.” Sealed gas-filled bulbs and ballasts do the work for induction lamps. These do not require the use of a filament, as incandescent bulbs do. The lack of the filament means the bulb can last for more than 100,000 hours. You can go two decades before having to change this kind of lightbulb.

Light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures are a bit different. They operate using a solid state system. The Continue reading “What You Need to Know to Pick Between Induction and LED Lighting”

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Home

If you are having a house or some other building built, one of the most important decisions you will be faced with is what kind of construction material will be used. Most buildings use some combination of wood, concrete and metal, but there are various different kinds of each material. With home building, you are likely to need concrete for the foundation and wood and steel for the structure of the house. The foundation is something to concentrate on because if the foundation is done improperly, it can lead to huge problems for the entire house.

Most homes have either a poured concrete foundation or a block concrete foundation. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Concrete block foundations, which were used almost exclusively up to the 1970s, have more compression strength than poured concrete, meaning they can support more weight from above. On the other hand, poured foundations have more Continue reading “Build a Strong Foundation for Your Home”

Considerations For Home Remodeling Projects

If you’re looking to remodel just one aspect of your home, consider remodeling your kitchen. The market for kitchen remodeling projects has increased quite considerably in recent years, reaching a total value of billions of dollars. By the time that we reach the not so far off year of 2021, this market value is expected to top $17 billion – and only keep growing from there. After all, only bathroom remodels are more popular than kitchen remodeling projects, with nearly 14.5 billion bathrooms remodeling on a yearly basis. But kitchen remodeling projects are close behind, with more than 10 million of them occurring in this same span of time.

There are a number of considerations that the average home owner will need to make when remodeling their kitchen. Budget, of course, is one of them, as any home remodeling project – particularly an extensive one – has the capacity to become quite expensive indeed. If you’re looking to completely revamp your kitchen, you’ll likely need to expect Continue reading “Considerations For Home Remodeling Projects”

The Little Known Hazard of Renting or Renovating you Should be Paying Attention to

I had a friend long ago in my off-campus student housing days who fell victim to a notorious landlord spin. He’d signed the lease on a place the landlord had boasted he had “just finished painting and priming walls” for. On the one visit he’d been on, the land lord had spent a lot of time on the deck, explaining to his prospective tenant the boons of a good wood conditioner and the virtues of investigating the best way to hide water stains. My friend, taken with the deck’s beauty and under the impression that this guy knew what he was talking about, moved in happily…only to break his lease expensively a mere three weeks later due to the debilitating side effects of polyurethane fumes he was experiencing. Turns out, despite being able to rattle off a lot of jargon about construction, the land lord had failed to use a low odor paint that was low in VOCs, or “volatile organic compounds.”

According to a a recent industry report, paint with VOC levels above around 500 ppb can cause rea Continue reading “The Little Known Hazard of Renting or Renovating you Should be Paying Attention to”

How To Choose Paint That Protects Your Health Here In The United States

There will likely come a time that you will need paint for your home, from nursery paint to spray paint to normal wall paint to paint for painting a porch. Some people might even choose a paint that protects against radiation, though this paint that protects against radiation is certainly likely to be more difficult to find – and likely more expensive – than other types of paint. However, many here in the United States very much feel that paint that protects against radiation is worth it in the long run, even with the extra cost that this paint that protects against radiation might accrue.

Aside from specifically choosing a paint that protects against radiation, many people will be very interested in the variety of paint colors. For people who are looking to create their home to be an expression of themselves, paint color can be a relatively simple way to do this. People who are soon looking to sell their homes are likely to also be interested in repainting, though these people wi Continue reading “How To Choose Paint That Protects Your Health Here In The United States”

A Look At Waste Management Here In The United States

From trash removal services to recycling services, waste management is hugely important in so many communities all throughout the United States as a whole. After all, trash removal services, recycling services, and other aspects of waste management are not just important for one reason, but truly for many different reasons on a whole. For instance, job creation is a hugely important part of the waste management industry here in the United States as we currently know it.

After all, waste management services require the work of as many as 20 different industries all throughout the country, showing just how prevalent and prominent waste management industry jobs really and truly are. Many people work specifically just in trash removal services, and though they might be dealing with trash and garbage on a day to day basis, such jobs pay quite well in the grand scheme of things. Many people find that Continue reading “A Look At Waste Management Here In The United States”

Why Roof Maintenance is Important for Protecting Your Building

Roofs protect our buildings from the elements, shielding them from rain, wind and snow. In turn, they need a little help and protection now and again to be able to function properly. A well-maintained roof can last for decades, but it needs to be guarded against water damage and other hazards. Roofs should be inspected regularly and any repairs should be done quickly. Roofing materials like liquid rubber waterproof sealant make repairs and touch-ups that much easier, renewing your roof and its protective capacity.

How the elements can harm you roof
The roof and sidings of any building, which make up the exterior, protect it from the elements and the vagaries of the weather. Few things feel cozier than sitting indoors with a warm drink while listening to the pouring rain outside. Roofs are the first and perhaps most important line of defense against sold, heat, rain, wind and snow. They’re also one of the most neglected parts of any building, getting atten Continue reading “Why Roof Maintenance is Important for Protecting Your Building”

Are You Ready for Winter Emergencies Like Frozen Pipes?

After a slow start, winter has really settled in with heavy snow, temperatures below freezing, and the sound of shovels and snow plows scraping over snow- covered roadways. It brings back old problems like freezing pipes, and some homes with septic systems may have additional problems like frozen ground causing sump pits to overflow. There are some basic precautions you can take to avoid these problems, but there are times when you just have to call in a professional plumbing service to deal with leaks, floods and jobs like septic disposal.

Frozen pipes are the homeowner’s winter nightmare
It’s an insidious problem that can be very unpredictable. As temperatures drop below freezing, water in the pipes freezes as well. As most people learn in their high school chemistry classes, water expands in volume when it freezes, putting more pressure on the pipes, whether they’re made of plastic or metal. This can cause them to develop leaks or even burst.
Wh Continue reading “Are You Ready for Winter Emergencies Like Frozen Pipes?”

The Facts Behind Radon and How to Avoid It

Radon is a gas that is colorless, odorless, and very harmful to those who are exposed to larger quantities of it. There are small amounts of it present in the air we breathe, but it is when these fumes get trapped in your home that you face the most risk. Why is this gas dangerous? Well, it is known to increase one’s chances of getting lung cancer significantly. In fact, according the Surgeon General, radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States, coming second only to smoking.

Another place these fumes are found is the soil. This is where homeowners can face risk of exposure, as the radon from the soil can enter a home, depending on how the house is designed and how it reacts to the soil beneath it. Unfortunately, around 1 out of every fifteen homes in the United States is likely facing levels that are at or above what the EPA considers safe.

Lung Cancer Statistics

As stated previously, high radon levels dramatically increase one’s chances of ge Continue reading “The Facts Behind Radon and How to Avoid It”

The Elevator Usage Found In The United States

Having a fear of elevators is certainly not uncommon and is one that is suffered by many people both here in the United States as well as outside of it. People from all backgrounds and of all ages fear elevators to some extent, something that has been spurred on by many a horror movie portraying a plummeting elevator. However, these fears are completely unfounded the vast majority of the time.

In fact, elevators are incredibly safe and incredibly important. Though many people will avoid taking an elevator if at all possible, elevators are actually one of the safest ways to travel from floor to floor around. They are even up to 20 full times safer than escalators, which are much more prone to both user injury and electrical malfunction, something that has led to many an injury and even some deaths both throughout this country as well as outside of it too. This even holds true when we look at the fact that there are far more elevators than escalators in use both in this country in p Continue reading “The Elevator Usage Found In The United States”

A Look At Caring For Your Heating And Cooling Systems Here In The United States

Heating and cooling systems are very much a must here in the United States. After all, many parts of this country experience extreme heat as well as considerable cold, making having various types of air conditioners and heating systems available a safety issue more than anything else. While types of air conditioners have become more prevalent than ever before here in the United States, the lack of a heating system in a rented building is even considered to be illegal in many parts of this country.

But this is not to say that various types of air conditioners are not important, because in actuality nothing could be farther from the truth. Air condoning systems have become so prevalent, even, that more than 60% of all households in this one country alone now have them in their homes. The types of air conditioners can vary quite considerably, but their main purpose is the same and many people find themselves hugely uncomfortable – and even sometimes facing the dangers of heat stroke Continue reading “A Look At Caring For Your Heating And Cooling Systems Here In The United States”

3 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Countertops

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, making it one of the most important rooms. Because of this, having a stylish, welcoming kitchen is important for a lot of families. So if you’re one of the 76% of homeowners choosing to change the style of their kitchen during renovations, you may be thinking about getting updated countertops. Choosing new countertops can be a difficult decision, so we’ve compiled a few simple tips to help get you started.

Consider your lifestyle. One of the first things you need to think about when choosing updated countertops is how you use your countertops. Do you do a lot of cooking and meal prepping? If so, you’re going to want some durable counters. Do you have kids who tend to make a mess? Then you might want to stay away from the lighter colors. All in all, thinking about how you plan to use your countertops and your overall lifestyle will help ensure you choose the right material for your new countertops.

Think long-term. It’s important to keep in mind that kitchen designs can change over time. And because you probably won’t change your countertops every time you do kitchen renovations, it’s a good idea to think long-term when choosing countertops. Instead of choosing a material and color to match exactly with your current kitchen colors and theme, choose a material that will go with a variety of colors and themes. This way, having a neutral countertop will allow you to redo your kitchen however you please.

Don’t forget the details. It can be easy to only focus on the big picture and choose countertops quickly. But there are a lot of important details to think about too. For example, you should consider the undertones in your kitchen area so the countertop color doesn’t end up clashing with them. Additionally, you should think about countertop fittings and edges, as these elements can completely change the look of the countertops. All in all, don’t forget the small details.

Choosing countertops doesn’t have to be difficult. By considering these few factors and taking your time, you’re sure to find the perfect countertops for your new kitchen in no time.

These Home Fire Protection Mistakes Could Put Your Safety at Risk

Each property, whether commercial or residential, should have a fire protection system and protocol in place. This means that property residents should have a fire escape plan, but just as importantly, you need to know how to prevent fires in the first place. Fire protection encompasses a wide range of services, but you as a home or commercial property owner should know how to take your own measures to minimize the risk of fires. With that in mind, here are just a few mistakes to avoid if you want to protect your property from fires and increase personal safety.

 

Using electronics with frayed cords.

This is one of the most common mistakes people make on a daily basis, and it can impede safety. The fact is, even with modern technology, frayed or otherwise damaged cords can spark and cause a fire if an outlet becomes overloaded. If a cord becomes frayed, dispose of it responsibly and invest in a new one — it could save you thousands in the long run, but more importantly, your safety is priceless.

Not deep cleaning your dryer’s lint trap.

Shockingly, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Fires started as a result of dryer lint clogs are much more common than you think. And contrary to popular belief, cleaning the part of your dryer’s lint trap that’s reachable isn’t always enough to minimize the risk of a fire. You’ll need to consult the professionals for dryer vent cleaning services to make sure the lint that’s trapped in hard-to-reach areas is removed safely.

Not consulting a professional.

Even avoiding all the mistakes listed above doesn’t keep your property completely safe — that’s where the fire protection experts come in. Property losses are 85% less in residences with fire sprinklers compared to those without sprinklers, and fire protection experts can form a customized sprinkler system plan based on the layout of your home.

Ultimately, you’ll have to work alongside the experts to achieve the optimal level of fire protection your property needs. For more information about residential or commercial plumbing and fire protection, contact us today.

Installing a Generator

Energy is a resource that is in demand, and sometimes, a home may suffer when the power is knocked out. The solution is to have a generator on hand that can create enough power for a person’s or a households needs until the regular power grid is available once again, and in some contexts, such as camping, a generator is not an emergency item, but a matter of course. Either way, investing in the right generator for the job is critical, and generator installation can be easy, and once done, can set a person’s mind at ease. Will whole house generators be needed at some point? What about an emergency generator in the case of a blizzard, or standby generators? There are different models for different needs. Finding the right one is the first step.

Power Needs

It can be argued that the very need for power dictates what sort of generator a person will buy, and this guides generator installation. One exam Continue reading “Installing a Generator”

Home Repair Done Right

Any good home today will have all of its utilities working well, and when this is the case, the home is comfortable and convenient to live in, and the water and electric bills will be about what the homeowner expects. But when pipes leak, the water heater grows old, or the heating and cooling system breaks down or gets dirty, problems can crop up, and damaged systems will leak not only air or water, but money, too, and it can add up fast due to wasted materials. Hard water is another issue for homeowners to watch out for, and to make water softer is to save a lot of hassle that comes from hard water. How can one make water softer, and why? Is it time to buy a low-flush toilet? What can cause heating and cooling systems to slow down or break?

Problems with Utilities

All kinds of things can go wrong with a home’s (or a commercial building’s) utilities, and a homeowner should be on the lookout for these. Two out of three American homes have air conditioning or heating system Continue reading “Home Repair Done Right”

Affordable Plumbing Services and Home Maintenance That Stays Inside Your Budget

A number of different affordable plumbing services are available to help repair and maintain any of the many drain, pipe, or other issues in your home. While there are often plumbers available quite close to your home, there may also be a number of do-it-yourself options that can help with any repair or update.

Affordable Plumbing Services

Sometimes there is the need to effectively maintain a budget when it comes to home maintenance and repairs. While you may not be able to complete installation and services, you may be able to stay within budget by making affordable purchases of the parts needed, along with hiring a friend or family member to complete the work. There is no reason at all to assume that the plumbing company down the road has to be hired to complete every possible issue in your plumbing system. The simple issues are often ones that people you know are able to repair for small amounts, or on an “I scrat Continue reading “Affordable Plumbing Services and Home Maintenance That Stays Inside Your Budget”

A new alternative to hardwood flooring? Bamboo!

Hardwood floors are out! Not that hardwood flooring is actually out, not even close to out in fact. Considering that in 2017, the sales of flooring went for $21,990 billion dollars hardwood flooring is not even close to being out of style. However, your typical hardwood has a new makeover that may just interest you! If you’re tired of the same old flooring on every surface of your house than perhaps it is time to look for something new. Bamboo hardwood should be your new choice of flooring for your home today. Not convinced? Don’t think bamboo constitutes as a hardwood floor? Well let’s take a look at the question of: Is bamboo a hardwood and why is it a better choice than your typical hardwood flooring.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional hardwood floors than bamboo flooring is the type of flooring you need to try out. As opposed to t Continue reading “A new alternative to hardwood flooring? Bamboo!”

Tips For When Your Roof is at the End of the Road

You are cozied up under your favorite blanket with a hot cup of tea on a stormy evening, watching a movie. You were just thinking that it seems like this will be one of the worst thunderstorms of the year, and then your phone buzzes: your weather app is calling for sizable hail to begin falling within the hour. You think about your home’s roof; you know it’s the original roof, with a patchwork of repairs where shingles began to fail. You are hoping that no new leaks spring after this huge downpour, because that would mean it’s time to look at roof replacement, and that is intimidating, right?
Wrong. Here is what you need to know about the importance of protecting your home with the help of state of the art roof replacement contractors, and the signs you need a new roof.
1.No more patchy repair work.
If you find roofing contractors that do a spectacular job on your home, roof replacement i Continue reading “Tips For When Your Roof is at the End of the Road”

About The Best Windows Replacement

Replacing windows is a good idea to help you save money. Having the best windows replaced in your home can also make your home a quiet haven if you buy the right ones. Also, they can make your home look nicer and even keep the draft out. It is important to make your home less drafty because then your furnace won’t kick on as much and you will save money on your gas or electric bill. When replacing windows, you need to make sure you have the best windows put in. Keep reading to learn more information about the best windows you can have installed in your home.

How Much Should You Replace?

If your sills and frames are still good and sound, you will only need partial home windows installed. Calling a window installation company will be a good idea because they can tell you what should be installed and they will tell you what the best windows are for your home. Having good home windows is a real Continue reading “About The Best Windows Replacement”

Should your home be checked and tested for radon?

While carbon monoxide might be the biggest colorless odor that we test for and know about, there are others that affect our health and put us in danger. Some of these other gasses that have the potential to make you very sick even appear more often than a carbon monoxide check. One of these troublesome gasses that your home should be checked for is radon. The fact is that 1 in 15 United States homes are actually said to have some type of radon problem with numbers well above the normal EPA action level. What exactly is radon and what are we at risk for with it in our homes? Or better yet, who should we be asking how to get rid of radon in your home? Let’s take a look at some of the basics you should know about this fume that could be within the walls of your home right now.

What is radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is both odorless and colorless. It is the natural d Continue reading “Should your home be checked and tested for radon?”

Hiring an AC Repair Service

Any private home or commercial building, such as a bank or office skyscraper, needs to maintain the temperature and humidity of the air inside, a process often called “climate control.” A lot of electricity is consumed by both private and public buildings to enforce climate control, but sometimes, a system will become clogged, worn out, or simply too outdated to keep working well, and discomfort of the building’s occupants will quickly illustrate the need to repair or replace the system. An AC repair service can be called by any homeowner or business to clean, repair, or replace any air conditioning unit that is not performing its best. What are signs of when one should hire AC repair service? Air conditioning installation can make an uncomfortable building comfortable once again.

Signs of a Bad System

An AC repair service can be called when one or more symptoms of a dirty or damaged system present themselves in a pr Continue reading “Hiring an AC Repair Service”