February 2017 - Page 2 of 2 - Bruzzese Home Improvements

Painful at a Glance: 4 Eyesores That Ruin Your Curb Appeal

February 14, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Tips to sell your homecurb appeal, home improvement, home maintenance, real estateLeave a comment

If you’re planning to put your home on the market, you most definitely want the curb appeal to generate a favorable impression. If you’re simply looking for a way to make your home more attractive, improving its curb appeal is an ideal place to start. There are some specific areas that can be considered definite eyesores. Improving those aspects is a good place to begin your beautification project.

Clean Up and Spruce Up

Overgrown trees and shrubs and dead plants left in a neglected flower bed are definite eyesores. Do some trimming and replanting and you’ll make a noticeable difference with the landscaping. Little details matter when you’re trying to improve your curb appeal. Straighten your crooked house numbers or mailbox. Paint or buy new ones if the ones you have are faded or damaged.

Driveways Get Noticed

Cracks in a driveway are an eye-catching feature that you’d rather people not notice. Cracks in a driveway can be a tripping hazard for you and for visitors to your home. Driveways that are sinking and cracking are also detrimental to your curb appeal. Lakeridge Paving Company or a similar business in your particular area that specializes in residential driveway repair or installation can make your driveway a safe and attractive part of your home’s curb appeal.

Doors

Doors with peeling paint, dents or those that are outdated in design can be an eyesore. According to the information provided by Realty Times, replacing your garage door and entry door will increase the value of your home. With the multitude of exterior door designs available, you can replace outdated doors with doors that complement the exterior of your home and doors that attract attention because of their beauty.

Lighting

Sometimes, it’s what you don’t see that can be a negative aspect of your home’s curb appeal. A home that has insufficient exterior illumination, broken or non-working exterior lighting or outdated lighting fixtures can look forlorn in the evening hours. Exterior lighting can be a safety feature and a decorative aspect of your home at night. During the daylight hours, the style of lighting can enhance the curb appeal of your home.

The curb appeal of your home is often the basis for a potential buyer’s first impression and a feature that heavily influences the opinions that guests form of your home. By eliminating the eyesores, you can immediately create a more impressive curb appeal and quite possibly increase the value of your home.

Guest Post By:
Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

Caring For Your Siding

February 13, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

The exterior of your house does more than give visitors their first impression of your home — it serves as the first line of defense against the elements. When properly cleaned and cared for, your home’s siding protects you and the investment you’ve made in the property. Over time, however, wear and weather can take their toll on siding, no matter what it’s made of. Taking the time to properly clean and care for your siding can significantly extend its lifespan, help protect the value of your home and save you thousands in repair and replacement costs.

General Cleaning Tips

Cleaning any type of siding can be as easy as using soap and water. Experts recommend using a half cup of trisodium phosphate — which can be found at most grocery stores and home improvement stores — in a gallon of warm water. However, trisodium phosphate is banned in some states, such as California, so a general cleaner can be used as well. Using a soft-bristled, long-handled brush, work in 10-foot sections and scrub your siding from bottom to top, being sure to rinse often with a garden hose. Be careful on ladders when cleaning the upper story of your house.

If preferable, you can use a power washer to save time and elbow grease, but exercise caution if you do. If you’re not careful, the intensity of a power washer can strip paint, rip caulk out of seams, blast mortar from between bricks, damage soft-wood siding and send water under joints that can lead to irreversible damage later.

You may notice black, spotty-looking stains on your siding even after you clean it. These spots are most likely mildew, but to be sure dab the area with a cloth soaked in diluted bleach. If the spot goes away, it’s mildew, and you can clean the rest of your mildew spots with a solution of one part bleach in four parts water, rinsing with clean water. You also can try using a solution of 30 percent vinegar and 70 percent water to remove mildew spots.

Caring For Wood Siding

Wood siding gives your home a classic look that other types of siding can’t equal, but it is by far the most difficult to care for. The experts recommend washing wood siding at least once a year, and they also recommend painting or staining it every five years to keep it protected. Because wood expands and contracts in response to weather conditions, you also should keep an eye on areas around windows and doors to make sure all seams are caulked and sealed.

Caring For Vinyl Siding

The durability of vinyl siding has made it the most popular type of siding sold in the United States, and for the most part, washing it once a year is all the maintenance you can expect it to need. However, you should double-check the type of cleanser you use on your vinyl siding before doing any spot cleaning. Cleansers containing organic solvents, furniture polish, de-greasers and nail polish removers can cause severe damage to vinyl siding.

Caring For Brick Siding

Brick is one of the strongest materials for home exteriors, and maintenance generally involves inspecting to ensure it is not flaking or cracking, and that mortar remains in place. When cleaning mildew spots on brick, be sure to soak it thoroughly to make it more absorptive before applying a bleach solution.

Caring for Stucco Siding

The main consideration for taking care of stucco is watching for chipping or cracking. Although it is possible for homeowners to make small repairs using store-bought fillers, large-scale repairs should be left to professionals. Work from the foundation up when cleaning stucco, as the material is likely to absorb dirty water otherwise.

Caring for your siding can go a long way to ensure your home not only looks good but also lasts a long time. A thorough inspection along with a little bit of soap and a little bit of hard work once or twice a year can save you a lot of money and strife down the road.

How Do You Know When It’s Time To Replace Siding?

Since siding is your homes number one defense against the elements, there are times when simple cleaning and care won’t cut it and your siding will need to be replaced. Replacement frequency often depends on where you live and whether any type of damage has occurred. When siding is damaged due to weather and age, it can no longer do its job and you might feel the effects in your energy costs and overall home value. Some telltale signs of damage include fading, rotting, cracking, peeling bubbling or sections of your siding can come loose. You may even see signs of mold or mildew. Aside from damage, many homeowners choose to replace siding for personal aesthetic reasons, or to increase the value of their home by updating the look. Whatever the reason, it’s always wise to ensure that you choose a reputable company that is fully insured and uses premium products.

Author bio: Richard Watkins is the founder of Aerotech Gutter Service. He has been a contractor and home remodeler for over 50 years. Watkins has completed a number of home remodeling jobs and has seen pretty much everything that can go wrong with your home.

5 ways to infuse your home’s design with modern minimalist principles

February 10, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Decor, Interior DesignDIY projects, home decor, home trends, interior designLeave a comment

Born initially as a reaction to the dizzying displays of abstract expressionism, minimalism has developed quite a bit since its rather humble beginnings. In fact, over the past decades the trend has grown to encapsulate numerous ideas about art and life in general. Perhaps that explains why even today, this style continues to be such a popular choice among interior designers and people who aspire to live a simpler life in general. If you want your home to benefit from all the qualities inherent in a minimalist art work without sacrificing its ultimate livability, here are five essential aspects to consider:

The “less is more” mantra

This central tenet of minimalism is often misunderstood in today’s society. It doesn’t refer to spending less money to buy more goods, nor does it involve eliminating some of the basic pleasures that make life worth living. Instead, “less is more” simply means that abundance by itself does not always guarantee happiness. With regards to interior design, this translates into having just the right amount of things at all times. Owning extraneous objects can quickly clutter a home, so be sure to always give away the things that you no longer need as you acquire new possessions.

Furniture placement and the value of open space

Open space is valued above all in minimalism. Just like the space between two musical notes can sometimes mean more than the actual notes themselves, it is believed that the absence of things can in some instances lead to more contentment than their relative abundance. This doesn’t mean that rooms should be devoid of essential objects like beds, bathroom fixtures and cooking appliances, but it does mean that the way you arrange things is all-important. Instead of simply placing things at random, opt for fitted furniture instead, making sure that you leave plenty of space around your most important items.

The role of color

Color is another underrated aspect that usually gets misunderstood in minimalism. While the trend does indeed reject gaudy displays in favor of a more restrained approach, colors certainly have their place in minimalist decorations. The trick here is to settle on a relatively stable color palette, and then use variations of it throughout your entire household. It’s well known that colors affect our mood so you should always be careful when choosing the right one. In 2017, for instance, the fashionable hue is believed to be greenery, a fresh yellow-green shade that symbolizes new beginnings. If you were to pick such a shade as your base color, you should refrain from employing clashing tones that undermine its simplicity. Nevertheless, the occasional accent wall or stand-out piece can still be used to spruce up your home’s overall look.

Choosing appropriate building materials

If you are what you eat, then your home is what it’s built of. From its basic structure to its subtlest finishes, the materials you use to construct your home will inevitably have a big say in its overall character. To that end, a minimalist home will generally favor natural materials such as wood or masonry, but there is a place for man-made materials as well, if the situation demands it. Owing to their sleekness, minimalist homes can sometimes be perceived as overly distant, but this too can be fixed with the likes of textured timbers, which create warmth and give your home a friendlier, rustic vibe.

The importance of good lighting

As a general rule of thumb, minimalist homes are designed to be bright, clean environments for people who want to gain a clearer perspective on life by leading an orderly existence. This kind of goal cannot be achieved in the absence of light, which is why optimizing access to light sources is one of the most important aspects of minimalist interior design. Natural light is always preferable, as safe sun exposure grants certain benefits that no artificial light can provide. To that end, make sure that your home’s windows are perfectly placed to absorb the sun’s rays without overheating the room or bothering your eyes. And don’t forget to also invest in plentiful artificial light sources that are kind to your eyes and only consume a reasonable amount of energy.

As you can see, the many precepts of minimalism can be successfully employed in interior design and will likely lead to beautiful, cleanly-designed home that many people will no doubt enjoy living in. While the minimalist style isn’t for everybody, plenty of homeowners could stand to benefit from its central tenets, as they generally translate into a much more relaxed and serene outlook on life in general. For all these reasons and more, keeping it minimal is something that you should definitely consider when designing your very own dream home.

Playtime with Blind and Visually Impaired Children-Infographic

February 8, 2017adminFor Fun, infographicinfographicLeave a comment

It’s been accurately quoted by Helen Keller that “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision.” It’s not important what means are available to you, the wisdom of utilizing those means correctly is what counts. That’s exactly what we are trying to focus on in this article regarding the playtime for visually impaired children.

It’s important for children to be involved in games at an early age to be successful in every walk of the life. It was understood well by the ancient educationist and, therefore, included as a customary element for schools and colleges curriculum. In this aspect, the indoor games are as important as outdoor ones. Indoor games have a major role in shaping up a child’s mental health and intelligence. However, these games are not accessible for the visually impaired children or the blind children. In actuality, they too must sharpen their mind and intelligence using indoor games. If those children can make use of Braille, why can’t they have access to games which are intended for them? Has this question crossed your mind while having a read at this article?

However, with a gradual development in technology, a solution is available for this issue in recent times. Now games designed exclusively for visually impaired children are available for them. It focuses on innovative methods of involving children in art and craft activities. It surely helps them to learn a new manner of playing indoor games. If used on a regular basis, it can certainly develop a sensory proficiency for the visually impaired children. Have a glance at this infographic to be acquainted with additional information on the topic.

Playtime with Blind and visually impaired children by Wooden Toy Shop

What should we learn from Nordic interior designers

February 7, 2017adminHome Decor, Home Improvement Tips, Interior Designhome decor, home trends, interior designLeave a comment

Now, don’t let your inner gamer show. Nordic home design has nothing to do with your home decorations in Skyrim, unless you really want to have that alchemy table, but that’s a different story. Nordic interior design today is a simple, yet truly unique way to use your living environment to the fullest. The so called Scandinavian trend has taken the world by storm, and is described as a timeless style in interior décor. If you want to know the main characteristics of this design, keep on reading. Thanks to its inspiring simplicity, you’ll find it quite applicable to your own home.

1. Calming colors

Nordic-inspired homes do not shy away from occasional pop of color. Still, the dominant palette includes softer hues like whites, creams, grays and pale blues. Of course, various pastel shades can be used in this design if you’re up for some experimenting.

While this soothing color scheme is vastly popular, Scandinavian homes are also known for bold lines and forms. Statement patterns in your decorative bits and wall décor can, therefore, add enough texture and warmth without breaking the minimalist approach.

2. Let there be light

Natural light is very important in Nordic-inspired interior design. It works especially well with brighter shades. Therefore, big windows that are not overly shaded with curtains are a staple in this trend. In case you don’t have big windows, you can make the most out of the ones you already have – just keep them pristine clean and use a light and breezy material for curtains.

The material shouldn’t be too dark in color either. Of course, artificial lighting plays an important role, as well. In most Scandinavian homes, you’ll find bold yet clean lines on chandeliers and floor lamps, and recessed lights in rooms with lower ceilings.

3. All about nature

If there’s one thing that’s truly emphasized in Nordic homes, it’s the nature-inspired décor. Big windows that offer great views of the outdoors are only one part of the trend. Wood furnishings, as well as stone accent details are vastly popular, too.

Moreover, indoor plants that are tall, sleek and work as a statement piece on their own can truly bring harmony when matched with cooler colors of Scandinavian homes. Having plants in your personal surroundings is very important regardless of your preferred style, so make sure to fully utilize this tip.

4. Rustic antiques

In order to make the minimalist décor look warmer and more comfortable, My Scandinavian Home stylists suggest introducing rustic and antique-looking items. These go surprisingly well with the overall simplicity of the interior. You can choose how to mix and match these seemingly contrasting elements. For example, antique wall clocks and rustic frames or plant pots can add the necessary texture to the plainness of furniture and walls. On the other hand, you can keep your decorative bits and pieces pretty sleek and simple, yet go for rustic-looking cabinets, coffee tables or earthy rugs and furniture covers.

5. No clutter involved

Accessories are allowed in Nordic interior design, but only if they work well in creating a warm, simple, unique and most importantly, functional layout for you to spend time in. Too much clutter, and especially pieces that clash with the overall theme and color palette, break the harmony and can cause mental pressure. In that respect, aesthetically pleasing décor that allows complete freedom of movement is something to keep in mind when incorporating accessories. Making a mess of your display décor should be avoided, as well.

Feeling inspired yet? If you feel like your home’s interior doesn’t motivate or energize you enough, trying out Nordic tricks in home décor and design is definitely worth considering. With functionality, looks and a touch of nature in your immediate surroundings, you can efficiently improve the quality of your lifestyle. Using interior to de-stress and relax is undoubtedly one of the main reasons for success and appeal of Scandinavian décor trend.

Guest Post By:

Chloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.

Top Reasons to Opt For Door and Window Shutters

February 6, 2017adminHome Decor, Home Improvement Tipshome decor, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

Our lifestyle has changed a lot over the last few years, and these days we see a lot of trends in interior and exterior decoration. Amidst these changes, the use of shutters has still retained its relevance. Regardless of whether you use the shutters for your doors or your windows, these are essential and truly enriching for your home furnishing. Apart from augmenting the existing look of your home, these pretty looking additions provide various other benefits as well. Mentioned below are some of the reasons that make shutters an excellent option in your home décor.

Helps You Regulate the Light

As it is said that excess of anything is not good, this also holds true with the intensity of light that flows into your rooms. For instance, you may not love the flow of excessive light into your bedroom. The easiest and the most effective way to control the flow of light will be to install shutters. Just by sliding the shutter or rolling it down, you can adjust the intensity of the light coming in your room. In this way you can control the light according to the weather and your personal preferences.

A Candid Tool for Adequate Home Insulation

Home insulation is an important aspect when considering the comfort in your home. Shutters are an effective yet the simple way to regulate the temperature of the inside space in relation to the temperature outside. Once you have your windows and/or doors shuttered, you can keep the inside space warmer during winters and cooler during the summers. Thus, installing shutters will help you in making your internal space more comfortable and convenient.

Effective Tool to Control the Breeze

A fresh breeze of air is something that we all like, but strong breeze is not welcome in most houses. If your window is shuttered, you can keep it open, just pulling down the shutter. This way, you can still get the sunlight yet you are shielded from the strong breeze. Likewise, the shutter will prevent the entry of the unsolicited particles and dust along with the streaming breeze. On the other hand, you can also let in the mild breeze whenever you want to experience fresh air in your home.

Simple to Maintain

Another significant benefit in window and doors shutters is that these pieces are durable and these need minimal time and effort for the upkeep of these shutters. This makes it all the more conducive for usage as you would not require putting extensive effort or time to maintain the shutter. This flexibility is one of the key reasons why most home owners prefer to go for the window shutter.

The market has got the availability of an inexhaustible portfolio of options; coming in different sizes, specifications, layout, color as well as materials. Hence, picking the most suitable option is an easy task for the homeowners. As for the budget, you will get a wide range of prices to choose from. However, make sure to only choose the shutters that suit your needs, choices and budget. Once you can make the selection appropriately, it stands assured that the shutters will serve you a great deal of utility as well as add grace and elegance to the show of the space.

If you want to experience a comfortable, clean, cozy and elegant interiors make sure to choose the right shutters for your home. Consider the needs, weather conditions, color, design and other vital aspects before opting for the shutter material and design. This choice will ensure that you have comfortable and elegant looking home for a long time.

How to Turn Your Home into a Wheelchair-Accessible Living Space

February 4, 2017adminhome improvement, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, home renovation, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair or any other similar mobility device to get around, then you might benefit from making a few changes to your home. Even minor alterations and upgrades can make a big difference, and your home will be much safer to live in after the renovations. Here are a few steps you can take to make your home wheelchair-accessible on almost any budget.

Start With the Entryways

Installing at least one or two entryway ramps is an absolute necessity if anyone with a disability is living in your home. These ramps will give everyone the ability to exit the home in the event of a fire or another emergency. According to the ADA, the ramp should be at least 36-inches wide between the handrails. Although some people like to make their ramps out of plywood, you may want to consider making yours out of something a tad bit more sturdy—like a ramp made out of redwood 2-by-4’s. This is because some people use electric wheelchairs scooters which are heavier than the push wheelchairs. No matter what material it is made from, however, the top should be covered in a non-slip coating such as rubber.

The Bathroom Checklist

A very large percentage of accidents that take place in the home occur in the bathroom. One of the reasons for this is because most bathrooms are not designed to accommodate those who have mobility, dexterity, or balance issues. Some disabled individuals can make do with handrails near the toilets and baths, but that depends on their strength and age. Those who do not have enough strength to pull themselves up might need to invest in a hoisting device if they want to remain as independent as possible. Sinks that have vanities underneath will most likely need to be modified so that the wheelchair can be brought closer without bumping into the cabinets.

Room Design

The layout of each room depends on what type of mobility device is being used. Those who are using a power scooter have much different clearance requirements than those who are using traditional wheelchairs. Once you finally decide on a particular device, you will then need to tinker with the layout of each room until there is enough space between the furniture to comfortably turn around.

An Ergonomic Kitchen

The kitchen is another area where many people must spend a little extra time and energy in order to make them as accessible as possible. To turn the wheelchair or scooter around, most kitchens must have a clearance of at least four or five feet between all of the cabinets and counters. Lazy Susans are a great investment, and these inexpensive devices will make your pantries and cabinets much more functional. Moving the appliances and switches is a slightly more difficult project that almost always requires assistance from a certified electrician or contractor. Those who like to cook their own food might benefit from installing lower workspaces such as drop leaf shelves.

Stairs

Figuring out a solution for the stairs could be the most difficult part of your renovation. There are many devices on the market that are designed specifically to help disabled users go up and down the stairs, but they can be a major investment. You might want to rearrange the rooms of your home so that whoever is using the wheelchair can sleep, eat, and bathe downstairs. If you have extra money to invest into your home, then you can have a swiveling lift installed alongside the stairway.

Even if you do not plan on carrying out all of these projects immediately, you should still start making at least a few changes as soon as possible. Minor alterations and upgrades such as entrance ramps and safety bars will create an environment that is much more comfortable and ergonomic for those who have any disabilities.

3 Trends Of 2017 To Consider When Building Your Home

February 2, 2017adminArchitecture, Home Buildingarchitecture, home building, home trendsLeave a comment

When you begin building your home, you want to build something that is functional and modern. Each year it seems like there are different trends to consider, but if you pay attention to what is at the top of the list, then you can sometimes combine a few trends together to give a unique look in the home. Consider talking to a contractor to get a few ideas if you aren’t sure how to incorporate the trends in the house so that you get exactly what you want.

Cabinets And Appliances

After the flooring and walls are in place, you can start thinking about the smaller details that you will have in the home. This will include the cabinets and appliances in the kitchen, bathroom and other areas. An open cabinet system is a trend that looks to remain popular. This design keeps door facings off of the cabinets, making it easier to see what is on the shelves. Tuxedo cabinets are another trend that looks to be popular. This design is one that features dark cabinets against a light wall. It looks like a tuxedo if you stand back and take in the overall colors. Another option for this design is darker lower cabinets and lighter cabinets on top with lighter walls. Appliances used to be stainless steel, but they are now colorful and bold. Some trends include colors that include teal and orange instead of white, black or steel colors. Hidden appliances are also a trend so that you have more of an open space in the home.

Tours On The Computer

Before you make any final decisions about building the home, you might want to look at a 3D tour such as those that are offered by these Davis County home builders. You can enter information about how you want the home to look, the size of the home and any details that you want to include before taking a virtual tour. This can help you pinpoint where you want to see some of the 2017 trends more than others and what they will look like with the furnishings and colors that are in the home before you begin building. Some companies already have home ideas in place on the site so that you can get an idea of what other homeowners have already come up with in terms of how the living room is arranged or the appliances that are used in the kitchen. This kind of tour can end up saving you money as you can see whether something might be what you’re looking for or not depending on the ideas that you have.

Textures And Materials

Wood through the home is a trend that is back for 2017. You’ll see that dark wood is favored over light wood, giving a modern appearance whether it’s in the kitchen or the bathroom. Any natural material will likely be used in homes that are built, including wood of all kinds and stone. Counters will likely be made of some kind of stone, especially granite, as the material is sturdy and will last longer. Paneling is also a trend to look for in the home this year. One of the options that you have for counters if you don’t like granite is quartz. This is sometimes more durable and easier to clean. You can usually find more colors of quartz as well.

Designing a new home can be difficult if you don’t know where to start. Get a few ideas from home design companies, or talk to contractors before getting started. Magazines and pictures online are also a good place to start to see some of the trends for the year.

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