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Transform Your Attic Into a Stylish Room

August 23, 2018April 14, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, home remodelingattics, home improvement, home remodelingLeave a comment

You could say that people are always looking for ways to create more space in their homes. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about hidden drawers or multifunctional furniture; if it allows you to get more space in your home, we’re all in! A great way to get more space without actually having to add another room is to transform your attic into a cosy, chic room. While some might think that attics are meant to be additional storage spaces, others know that with a pinch of creativity and dedication you can get a lovely chic room.

Pay attention to insulation

Attics are rooms which are always the hottest in the summer and coldest in the winter, but when you’re planning on spending more time there you should think about proper insulation. Adding insulation is always an option, though you should perhaps think about replacing your old one if it’s inefficient. Proper insulation will make the room more comfortable to be in and it will improve the overall comfort and energy efficiency of your home.

A touch of colour

You might think that a room in the attic is the perfect place to use all of your favourite colours, but it would probably be a bit too much. White is usually the safest choice because it makes the place appear cleaner and more spacious, but if you’re hoping to add a bit of colour, you should keep it modest. Limit the use of bright colours and try covering a single wall with wallpapers instead. Having a single brightly coloured wall will allow you to keep the rest of the room white and still get an airy feel.

Use natural light

The downside of attics is that they usually don’t have enough natural light and if the ceilings are sloped, it means that it’s going to be very difficult to add windows. Even though dormers are the most convenient and popular solution, the installation can take up a lot of time and it can also be rather costly. Instead, you could try adding skylights or roof windows and get plenty of natural light in the room. Still, it can be hot during those warmer months, so adding skylight shades is a good idea. Not only will they keep the light in and the heat out, but you can choose a nice patterned fabric and make a statement. With the right fabric, you’ll brighten up the room and still be able to keep the heat out.

Modular furniture

Adding another room to your house is a great move, and you’ll want to use as much available space as possible. Luckily, you might also be able to use a few tricks and get extra space without much trouble. Modular sofas are perfect for chic lounges and there are also models that allow you to extend the seat and chaise so you can relax after a long day. Convenient stackable modular storage boxes, armchairs that hide drawers, and coffee tables with stackable chairs are just some of the options you have for furnishing your chic attic.

Some wood up your sleeve

A great way to get that chic boho feel in the new room is to play the ‘loft card’ and use as much wood as you can. This doesn’t mean just using wooden furniture and calling it a day – get some wooden home-ware too. Feel free to be creative and play with different kinds of wood because it will look eclectic yet united at the same time. Get that minimalistic Scandinavian look with several pieces of pale wood or opt for something a bit darker. Another great way to get that rustic chic look is to leave the beams in natural wood and get the matching furniture.

Finishing touches

No room is complete without those little details that make you feel at home: mirrors, photos, fluffy pillows, and soft rugs. It’s the little things such as gallery walls and several small mirrors grouped together to make an interesting new shape that make the difference between ‘just a room’ and a chic room. A nice lamp in the corner, a small flower in a nice pot that’s placed on a shelf and a decorative scented candle will be enough to make a room into a comfy cocoon.

Even if you’re not sure whether your attic would make a good room, you could always call an expert and ask their opinion. It’s always better to consult a professional before you start such important projects because it will help you set a budget and perhaps even prepare some materials in advance. Arm yourself with patience and make detailed plans because transforming an attic is always a huge step, and being well-prepared will allow you to finish sooner and be happier with the result.

Large-Scale Painting Projects: Handling Them Like a Pro

August 17, 2018August 2, 2018Bruzzese Home Improvementsexterior painting, interior paintingpaintingLeave a comment

Planning a large-scale painting project, whether for an interior or a building’s exterior, is not exactly a walk in the park. Depending on the size of the area that needs to be covered with a fresh coat of paint, you will need to take numerous vital factors into consideration, in order to ensure a smooth painting process from start to finish.

From making a detailed plan, to developing a financial structure, all the way to choosing the right painting contractor and making sure that the project is finalized according to plan, there are plenty of things to keep in mind. So, let’s take a look at how the pros handle large-scale painting projects.

Developing a detailed project plan

Depending on the nature of your business, a large painting project can have no impact on your day-to-day operations, or it can set you back financially for the duration of the project. Nevertheless, there is a way to maintain workflow with a bit of prudent planning and preparation beforehand.

For medium-to-high-traffic businesses, paint jobs can be completed over the weekend. Even if your store, clinic, office, or restaurant is usually open during this time, it’s better to close the doors on a weekend than in the middle of the work week when traffic is highest.

However, when planning a paint job for a facility where patients or guests are constantly present, there is a need to accurately plan downtime to make certain areas available for painting without disturbing regular workflow – it will all come down to careful planning and preparation. With that in mind, be sure to take local weather conditions into consideration as well, as temperature, humidity, and precipitation can significantly affect the entire process.

Choosing the right painting contractor

It should go without saying that choosing the right contractor for the job can literally make or break your painting project. Numerous considerations will go into finding the commercial painting experts for your needs, those who will not only do a great job, but also finish the project in a timely manner and with as little disturbance to your daily operations as possible.

You want to look for contractors who are licensed and have a proven track record of successful painting projects under their belts. What’s more, you want to delve deeper into their operations and find out what kind of materials they use, who their past clients were and whether or not they are satisfied. Making sure the contractor is backed by several suppliers and manufacturers is also a great way to ensure a professional and smooth painting process.

Choosing quality materials

The materials used for the project will influence not only the financial projection, but also the timeline of the job, as well as the health and environmental considerations in play. Of course, obtaining or making sure your contractor uses top quality materials should always be your number one priority, as they will dry faster, produce better finishes, and ensure workplace health and safety all the while being friendly towards the environment. It is therefore important that the contractors do not use any VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in their materials.

Inspecting the finished product

Upon completion, you need to make sure the painting project was conducted professionally and per the signed agreement between you and the contractor. Not only do you want to scrutinize the end product for the slightest of irregularities in order to fix the problem promptly, but also to prevent the project being concluded and the contractor avoiding any liability. Remember, if the contractor missed a spot, you have the right to demand adequate compensation.

Planning a large-scale commercial painting project is by no means an easy challenge; however, it doesn’t have to be a lengthy, costly, or stressful chore if you follow several key steps. With that in mind, be sure to use these tips to your advantage and organise a successful painting project without the risk of financial drawbacks.

What is that Smell?! How to Take Action When Your Sewer Line Has a Foul Odor

August 11, 2018September 20, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Maintenance, Plumbinghome maintenanceLeave a comment

sewer

If you have recently noticed unpleasant odors coming from your sewer line, then you need to take immediate action. Those smells could be the result of serious damage that must be addressed as quickly as possible. Here are a few steps that you can take to protect your property from expensive water damage.

Check the Trap Pit

The odor that you are smelling is most likely a compound known as hydrogen sulfide. This gas typically has a “rotten egg” smell, and it is produced by decaying organic material. When you smell that odor, the first area you should check is the trap pit. The trap pit can let out odors from the sewage line if the trap plugs are cracked. Trap plugs are relatively inexpensive, and they can usually be replaced with a few basic tools.

Closely Inspect Your Yards

When the city’s sewage lines become backed up, you may smell those odors out in your yard or near the street. You should also keep an eye out for mud or particularly lush grass near the sewage line that leads away from your home. Most utility companies will quickly send out a repair team whenever the lines become clogged or damaged. Those issues usually take place when the lines freeze or there is a particularly heavy storm.

Look for Leaks

At least once every few weeks, you should look around your property for any signs of plumbing leaks. Even if they aren’t producing any unpleasant odors, you still need to catch slow leaks before they cause too much damage. One easy way to check for leaks is to turn off all of your faucets and take a look at the water meter. The water meter will continue to move if there is a leak somewhere in the system. You can also look for secondary problems such as mold, mildew, sagging floorboards, and moisture in the crawlspaces. Those leaks can produce a sewage smell if the water damages any organic materials.

Have the Sewage Line Inspected and Repaired

If you still can’t identify the problem, then you need to contact a plumber to schedule an emergency appointment. Luckily, many plumbers now offer quick and affordable fixes such as trenchless sewer repair. Unless the damage is particularly bad, a plumber might be able to repair the system without digging up your yard and taking apart the sewage line.

Even if the odors are coming from a clogged sink or shower, you still need to address the problem as quickly as possible. Taking care of minor sewage issues early on could help you avoid expensive problems down the road.

Taking in a Parent: The Challenges and Solutions to Caring for Elderly Family Members

August 6, 2018July 24, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Improvement Tipshome improvement, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

parent

When the economy sours, global stability shakes, wages stagnate, and health costs soar, it’s not uncommon to see many younger families taking in their aging parents. Many elderly are priced-out with rising living costs. This creates a tough spot for families as they must make the decision on how best to deal with their aging parents.

There are several options to take care of aging parents, like hiring an in-home caretaker or moving them into an assisted living facility. A third choice is to have them move in with you. Their moving in may become a mutually beneficial decision for their well-being and the family’s financial security.

Here’s what you should know about the challenges (and solutions) to caring for elderly family members.

Injecting New Capital into Building Family Wealth

You can no longer claim a parent as a dependent if they’re living with you. However, there is a $500 tax credit for each non-child living in your home. This, along with their social security acting as contributions, can lead to many opportunities to build family wealth.

Now is the time to explore home improvements and upgrades to improve quality of life while raising the home’s value in the same stroke. This extra financial stream could afford the home services for a home addition acting as a mother-in-law suite.

However, it’s best to discuss financial obligations before accepting them into your home:

Is there an expected rent?
Will they contribute to groceries, utilities, and regular expenses?

Weigh their contribution to costs for caregiving services, senior communities, or facilities. Outline the finances and agree to terms so this doesn’t become a major stressor with their companionship.

There are Ways to Make Their Stay Enjoyable and Safe

Their safety is one of the utmost importance especially if they’re showing their age. It’s easy navigating your home due in part to your youth. But, this may pose a problem for your aging parents. In fact, many minor items can lead to very dangerous situations like trips, falls, abrasions, and worse.

What are some ways to “parent-proof” your home?

Install mobility items like ramps to the front/back door, railing along stairs, or a home elevator
Add more, bright lighting throughout the home improving their visibility — this includes nightlights
Declutter the best you can removing items they may bump and bang when wandering the space
Consider converting bathrooms opening its space for mobility and safety via walk-in showers and grips
Develop an organization system as they bring medications and possible health aids into the home
Redesigning an old room into their space or adding accessibility like lowering cabinets

Parent-proofing your home is very much like making the space home for toddlers. The goal is to improve home safety while giving them freedom of movement ensuring a healthy/quality stay.

Boundaries are Tested but Managed through Communication

There are many questions you, your spouse, children, and parent(s) need to consider:

Expectations
Concerns
Realities

These are your parents but you’re welcoming them into your (and family’s) home. There are times when the relationships are tested by exploring boundaries. This may happen with their discipline to your children. Their helicoptering. Or, how they contribute to the home and whether they’re attempting to assimilate.

Communication is essential for the wellbeing of all parties.

Set expectations including how they’ll contribute while setting boundaries
Relieve their concerns by giving them space but aligning goals
Face the realities of finances, privacy, and authority

They’re your parent(s) but it’s your home — stand your ground and draw the line.

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Taking in an aging parent is a monumental decision — this can turn out quite rewarding for all parties. There will be items to discuss and goals to align. Use the combined finances to make the appropriate upgrades. And, work together building stronger relationships and family wealth.

Need help planning home upgrades and expansions for an expected parent moving in? Get in touch!

3 Things Every Home Owner Should Consider Before Remodeling

July 30, 2018August 3, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementshome remodelinghome remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

If you are like many families, you may have outgrown your existing living space, leaving you with a conundrum. Should you move or consider remodeling?

If you consider the latter option, there are endless opportunities including: in-law suites, a refinished garage, adding a dining room, finishing your basement and so on.

So many exciting options! But with each option, comes many questions and needs. That said, we’ve included a few considerations below to help you navigate this decision.

1). Define the Need

This step may seem a bit basic, but it is essential. What problem are you addressing with this building project?

Are you looking for more storage space? An extension to your living space? Something else?

These questions are critical to cover upfront because they will determine the scope of the building project.

If you are looking for more storage space, you may be able to go with a much simpler route than the in-law suite which will likely require heating and cooling, electricity and possibly plumbing needs.

2). Establish Your Budget

Before you get overly excited about that major remodeling project, it’s probably best to think through your financial situation.

Have you saved for this project? Do you anticipate any major life changes? How much debt to you already have?

Walking through these questions before starting any major projects can help reduce anxiety and tension between couples.

As you work through your budget, make sure you’re educated about the funding options. There are many types of loans available for home remodeling.

3). Find a Quality Contractor

Home remodeling projects are a major commitment and the last thing you want is to work with someone who is not qualified for the work.

As you start your search for a contractor consider asking these questions.

Is the contractor licensed in your state?
How long have they been in business?
What do their past clients have to say on sites like Yelp, Facebook and other online review sources?
What is the quality of their work?
Do they take the time to listen to you as you present your needs and budget?
Is remodeling homes what they do full-time, or is it something they do on the side?
How quickly can they get the work done?

These are just a few starter questions as you search for someone to do the work. Usually, you can get a good feel for their level of service based on personal interactions and past client feedback.

As you dream about your next home remodeling project, be sure to plan carefully and have realistic expectations for all that is involved.

If you have any questions or would like to get a quote on a project, please contact us!

Don’t Let Your Home’s Foundation Be Damaged by These 4 Factors

July 23, 2018February 5, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsArchitecture, home improvementarchitecture, home improvementLeave a comment

When it comes to your home, everything rests on the foundation. It doesn’t matter how well you maintain the interior or exterior of your home if the base beneath crumbles away. Taking care of domestic foundations is an essential task in home upkeep and it’s one that shouldn’t be procrastinated. There are several common factors that impact homes all across the country, but most can be avoided or mitigated with a few basic precautions.

Poor Soil Composition

Dirt isn’t just dirt; it’s a complex mixture of different substances that exhibit properties based on the combination of material. Many regions have standard soil composition types, but there can be significant variance among local properties as well. Knowing the specific properties of the soil around the house allows homeowners to take appropriate preventative measures, like reinforcing the foundation or replacing soil with a more stable mixture.

Unaddressed Cracks and Leaks

A tiny crack can become a chasm if left alone for long enough. Any crack in the foundation, crawl spaces or connected structure can put the entire foundation at risk. Homeowners should inspect as much of the exterior and interior of their foundation as possible several times a year to look for cracks or signs of water damage. It’s also a good idea to get basement and crawl space waterproofing to stop erosion due to moisture. These treatments also stabilize the climate in storage areas, which preserves the items kept there.

Encroaching Tree Roots

The gigantic oak tree in the yard may be a familiar fixture, but it can also be a real threat to the foundation. While many trees are relatively contained, some can spread their roots well beyond the width of their canopy as they age. Encroaching roots can break through solid rock foundations over time as well as damage buried pipes and electrical lines. Removing the offending tree is usually the solution to root problems, although cutting out specific root tendrils is also viable in some cases.

Poor Drainage or Irrigation

Even soil with strong drainage potential can become overly-saturated, which exposes the home foundation to moisture damage. Homeowners with an outdoor sprinkler or irrigation system should take care to keep water spray and flow away from the foundation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Rainfall can also cause excessive saturation unless the runoff from the roof and gutters are channeled away from the home.

Foundations can be repaired, but it’s practically impossible to replace them for an affordable cost once they’ve taken serious damage. Homeowners should always keep an eye on this part of their home and schedule professional inspections on a regular basis to identify potential problems.

Corridors and Hallways: How to Properly Light Them

July 16, 2018July 7, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsInterior Design, Home Improvement Tipshome improvement, interior designLeave a comment

Homeowners might not think too much about the aesthetics and illumination of their hallways, but interior designers sure do. In fact, many would go as far to state that a beautiful hallway can set the stage for the entire household, and evoke positive emotions before you even reach the kitchen, the bedroom, or the living room.

After all, the hallway is the first thing you see after stepping through the front door, leaving the stress and negativity of the outside world behind you, so why not make it as aesthetic and serene as possible? Here to help you achieve this perfect symbiosis of functionality and aesthetics are the best ways to illuminate corridors and hallways in your home.

Introducing ceiling lighting

The age-old debate between interior designers is still going strong, seemingly without a definite answer in sight: which is more luxurious and chic, ceiling or floor lighting? Perhaps, the opposing sides can reach an accord by admitting that both solutions work wonderfully in almost every setting, and that choosing the right option will depend on your personal preference.

Nevertheless, ceiling lighting still remains the most common form of hallway and corridor illumination, simply because it can be easily scaled and set up in a myriad of interesting ways. You can choose direct overhead light, indirect light, and even diffused light to fit the style of your home and its overarching design. Choosing the right hue (more on that in a bit) will also be vital in accentuating the positive features throughout.

Dotting the floor and corners with lights

The second, equally aesthetic and alluring option is floor and corner lighting. This type of illumination is best for homeowners who want to create an elegant ambience imbued with a dash of mystery, dotted with interesting shadows and accents.

There is no shortage of mesmerizing design options when it comes to floor lighting, and you can choose to illuminate the hallway completely with corner lighting, accentuate only certain features, or even let the light emanate from the floor itself. For the last option to work, you will need a special type of floor such as frosted glass that allows the light to pass through.

Choosing the right hue and luminosity

Not all light bulbs were created equal, and not every light bulb is able to illuminate every type of hallway properly. Depending on the overarching design scheme in your home and the tone you want to set, you will need to choose the complementary hues and level of luminosity.

What’s more, you also want to take longevity and sustainability into account, and opt for modern, eco-friendly light bulbs instead of their traditional incandescent counterparts. At a well-stocked hardware store you can find light bulbs that are not only energy-efficient and long-lasting, but come in a myriad of hues to fit every design approach. This means that you can choose warm lighting to bring a rustic vibe to life, or a bright beam to accentuate a modern, upscale setting.

Letting natural light permeate the hallway

Typically, a hallway doesn’t enjoy ample amounts of sunlight during the day, and is usually covered in shade, presenting an unpleasant contrast to the rest of the household. This tunnel effect not only lacks aesthetic charm, but it can also force you to keep the lights on throughout the day, resulting in increased energy consumption and an inflated utility bill.

This is why illuminating the hallways and corridors with plenty of natural light should be one of your priorities. You can achieve this in a number of ways, from replacing a solid front door with frosted glass, to putting windows along the hallway, and even positioning mirrors strategically to reflect light from the rest of the household.

Scattering light indirectly

Lastly, there are plenty of ways to scatter light across the walls and the ceiling without pointing the beam directly on a single spot, in order to create a pleasant ambience and let the light fall evenly across the hallway. One of the most popular options is to install a large rectangular lamp on the ceiling that projects the beam upwards, letting the light diffuse along the surface of the ceiling and fall on the walls.

Another great option is to position light projectors on the floor so that they illuminate the walls and scatter the beams throughout the room. Finally, you can even opt for overhead lanterns, or even decorative lamps and candlelight to illuminate the space from the cabinets or the side table in the corridor.

Hallways and corridors tend to get neglected when designing and decorating a beautiful interior, which is a shame when you think about how much these auxiliary spaces can influence the design of the entire household. With these illumination tips in mind, go ahead and design yourself the hallway that will liven up your home with timeless charm and aesthetic appeal.

Identifying an Underlying Pest Infestation in Your Home

July 13, 2018December 20, 2023Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Maintenance, Home Improvement Tipspest controlLeave a comment

home

Are you getting ready to move into a new home? Whether you’re buying the home or you’re renting it out, one thing you’ll be checking for is that the home’s integrity is in place such as structure, plumbing, electrical and other major components. In most cases, your mortgage company will likely require a pest inspection. Even if the pest inspection was done weeks or months ago, an infestation can still be new or it could have gone undetected. Here are a few pests that can unknowingly creep into your home and what you can do to eradicate the issue.

Battling Bed Bugs

Over recent years bed bugs have become more prominent and more problematic, especially in public places. Because of this, they are more widespread and a lot easier to carry back into your home. You can pick up a bed bug not just in a bed but in a movie theater, visiting a restaurant or by visiting someone’s residence that is infested with bugs. They love to hijack a ride on your clothing or in your luggage and other personal belongings. Some tell-tale signs of a bed bug infestation include:

Bite marks on the extremities that often appear as three small dots that itch and may be mistaken for a mosquito or spider bite
Dots of tiny blood stains on sheets and pillows
Black, crusty shells of the bugs on or near your bed
Presence of tiny crawling bugs that are around the size of an apple seed or as small as a sesame seed
Itchy bite marks anywhere on your body
Black specs or insects in the seams of your mattress, or underneath it as well as baseboards

Bed bugs are very resilient and can live up to five months without a blood meal. Not only are they very hardy bugs, they are also extremely hard to get rid of. Because they multiply so rapidly and are difficult to detect in their early lymph stage, an infestation can happen quickly and be hard to control. If you suspect bed bugs and you have bites or other signs of bed bugs, don’t hesitate to call experienced exterminators like Moxie Pest Control St. George. They not only have the knowledge necessary to successfully eradicate bed bugs, but the resources to get the job done right the first time.

Terrifying Termites

When moving into a new home another pest that can raise the blood pressure of any new owner is the termite. Termites are common in most warm climates and there are different species depending on where you live. Some of the most popular types in the U.S. include:

Subterranean
Formosan
Drywood
Dampwood

Termites consume cellulose plant materials. They can hide out without being visible to the human eye and oftentimes are only found through a professional termite inspection or after the destruction of property has already occurred. If you notice a sudden onset of winged insects, wood that is falling apart or sounds hollow, it could be signs of a termite infestation. Mud tubes on your walls or in crawlspaces are also signs of a possible problem with termites. You should have professional pest operator come out and destroy the colony and you also contact a professional contractor to check for structural damage and give you’re an estimate for repairs.

Battling Rodent Problems in the Home

Almost everyone has likely spotted a mouse from time to time on their property and sometimes in the house. They are persistent little critters and can easily make their way inside through a small crack or gap in your windows, doors or crawlspace. Even though some people have rodents as pets, most people don’t appreciate one, much less a family of them roaming and rummaging through their personal space. Getting rid of a mouse or rat problem is a priority. If you’ve been noticing mouse or rat droppings, chewed up foodstuffs or ripped material throughout your home, you have a rodent problem. You may be able to control a small infestation with traps and sealing up gaps in your home, but for large-scale infestations, it’s time to call in a pro.

Keeping Spiders at Bay

Spiders love to find dark, moist environments to raise their little families and have a good life. Many times, this in the presence of your home. While a good dusting and keeping your home sealed up can help prevent a spider infestation, sometimes they multiply too rapidly for you to keep up. Because there are many venomous spiders, such as the brown recluse spider common in the U.S., you’ll want to have a pest control professional come and properly identify the spiders in your home.

Don’t fight pest problems in your own. Get the help you need now to protect your family and property year round.

Adding Onto Your Home? How to Avoid These 4 Obstacles

July 9, 2018November 25, 2023Bruzzese Home ImprovementsArchitecture, home addition, home improvementaddition, home improvementLeave a comment

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, then there are some common problems that you may run into. While these obstacles may add to the cost of the remodeling project, they do not have to put your plans on hold if you know how to overcome them effectively. Here are some common obstacles and ways to overcome them.

Stop Water Damage

One of the most common obstacles in adding an addition to your home is water damage to the existing structure. Unfortunately, water can cause mold and mildew problems. It can also make people living in the home sick because of bacteria problems. The first step is to discover where the water is getting into the home. Then, work with construction management services professional to take corrective measures to stop the water from getting in before replacing any damaged parts.

Prevent Lead from Entering the Environment

When adding a new addition to your home, then workers may discover lead. The most common place to discover lead is in the plumbing as lead pipes used to be commonplace while lead compound was often used to join galvanized pipes at a later time. If this is the problem, then you can either replace the pipes with new pipes that containing no lead. Others choose to get a filtration system that will remove the lead from the water. Regardless of the chosen solution, make sure that the lead is contained in some way whether than spread throughout the environment.

Avert Electrical Problems

Many home addition projects start with the discovery that the home’s electrical system is no longer up to code. In most cases, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to bring your home up to code. The good news is that many projects can be completed by running new wires where old ones currently are or replacing old outlets with new ones. If the electrician suggests that you need to tear out a wall, then ask if new wiring can be placed on the outside of the wall and covered with baseboard if you are on a tight budget. While electrical problems can be expensive, it is far better to be safe than have a home fire. After all, about 2,500 people are killed in home fires annually in the United States.

Lost Materials

If your home addition project involves matching materials to those there already, then you may find it hard to find the same materials. Today’s manufacturers do not make the same materials that they used to make. You may have some luck shopping online for these materials as someone may be trying to sell the exact materials that you need. You may also want to head to a home thrift store to see if someone has donated old materials. Finally, you may have to get creative in your designing making new and old materials look like they belong together.

Use these solutions and your own ingenuity to solve home remodeling problems. While you may have to think outside the box, the result is often fantastic. Remember that home remodeling is often very stressful, so work with a professional to solve any problems that arise.

The 7 Best Energy Efficiency Apps for Your Home (Infographic)

July 2, 2018June 19, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiencyenergy efficient, green livingLeave a comment

The words “energy efficiency” seem to be on the lips of many homeowners these days. Going green seems to be the new vogue with more and more people striving to reduce the energy they consume on a daily basis.

So, why should you consider improving the energy efficiency of your home? The most obvious reason is that energy efficient homes are better for the environment. About 22% of all energy consumption and 17% of greenhouse gas emissions comes from the residential sector. By taking a few simple steps, you can dramatically slash the environmental impact of your home.

Not only does improving your home’s energy efficiency help the planet, but such renovations have also been shown to yield fantastic financial benefits. Although such projects do cost money up-front, in many cases these investments are rapidly earned back in the form of reduced energy costs and added property value. For example, a typical energy efficient home saves homeowners $35 a month in energy costs.

As we all know, it’s not easy being green sometimes. If you are interested in greening your home but don’t know where to start you may want to consider using technology. The past few years have seen a slew of extremely useful mobile phone apps come on to the market which aim to help homeowners “green” their properties one notification at a time. No matter what size your project is, there will be an app to help you. However, with countless apps to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for your needs.

Fortunately, the team at Calgary Window & Door Guys have produced a highly useful infographic guide which lays out the some of the best energy efficiency apps currently available. Ranging from the practical to the playful, each of the featured apps offers a unique way of assisting you with your home improvement project.

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