fbpx

Blog

Apps for Home Improvement – Infographic

Beginning a home improvement project, no matter what size, is exciting but it’s a bit daunting too! There is so much to consider. It’s important to take time at that stage to carefully think out what you want from the project, your budget, suppliers and so on. Even a project as small as creating a feature wall in your living room, for example, can make a real impact but effort is required to get the “project” done and done well.

Ask advice from (well informed) family and friends or if it’s a big enough project obviously professional advice is relevant. It’s a good idea to take notes at the outset about what you wish to achieve i.e. what are your goals. Perhaps you need more space in your kitchen or you wish to create a dedicated home office from a space under the stairs; it’s important to put your goals to the forefront and not let the project take over. If your purpose was to create extra storage space, don’t get deviated by side projects like updating paint colors without fulfilling your end goal.

Our friends over at EZ Living have put together this useful infographic that highlights some phone and tablet apps that will make the project (however big or small) a lot more planned and even fun. It also includes some handy quotes from relevant experts. Check it out below.

Apps-For-Home-Improvement

Mini Renovation: 4 Small Repairs That Will Make a Difference in Your Home

Mini Renovation 4 Small Repairs That Will Make a Difference in Your Home

Every homeowner wants his or her home to look better and be more comfortable, but not everyone has the resources to go through a full renovation. Luckily, there are several small home projects that almost anyone can do to improve a home’s appearance and feel. Here are four of the easiest repairs and upgrades you can make to improve your living environment.

Install a Fireplace

One of the easiest ways to add class and beauty to your home is to install a fireplace in a major living space. Believe it or not, this job isn’t nearly as difficult as you probably think. Many modern fireplaces, especially electric ones, can be installed very easily by any weekend handyman. If you want something that’s very easy to install, a wall mounted electric fireplace is a great option.

Consider New Lighting

Though most people don’t think of it, it’s remarkable what a difference updated lighting can make in a home. New lighting fixtures and bulbs can give your living areas a more modern appearance and provide better light for the rest of your decor. At the moment, recessed lighting is very popular among homeowners and designers.

Give Your Home a New Look with a Fresh Coat of Paint

If you’re working on a tight budget and can’t afford professional contractors, a fresh coat of paint may be the ideal solution to help your home look better. Almost anyone can paint a room, and the materials needed are relatively inexpensive. Pick out some fresh colors, set aside a weekend to paint and you’ll be amazed at how different your home looks when you’ve finished.

Update Your Plumbing Fixtures

Like anything else, trends in plumbing fixtures come and go. If you want to give your bathrooms and kitchen a new look without the expense of full renovation, consider getting new sinks and updating your bathroom vanities. Simple changes like this can make a large difference, especially if your current fixtures are decades out of style. Plumbing work is fairly specialized, so be sure to contact a professional plumber, such as one from Young Plumbing Corporation, to help you with changing out your sinks and other fixtures.

Even though all of these renovation ideas are small, they can add up to a substantial change in your home environment. Try a few simple updates and enjoy the satisfaction of having added both beauty and value to your house.

Flawless Facade: 4 Hacks to Make Your Home’s Exterior Pristine

Flawless Facade

Keeping your home sparkling clean is an ongoing process. You will need some basic equipment, such as a bucket, biodegradable detergent and a pressure washer. The time that you invest in keeping up your home’s exterior will add value to the home and provide you with a sense of personal pride.

Clean the Windows

Cleaning your home’s windows improves its appearance inside and out. You will need to clean both sides of the glass in order to achieve optimal results. Basic supplies needed for this project include glass cleaner, a squeegee, a bucket and newspapers. Work from the highest windows down and from the top of the window to the bottom. Do the same for the inside pane of glass.

Use a Pressure Washer

Using a pressure washer is a fast and efficient way to clean your home’s siding. Dirt, dust, and salt residue can mar your siding. Some companies, like Ben’s Cleaner Sales, know that things like bird droppings and pollen can also have damaging effects on the exterior of your home. Use a biodegradable detergent and your pressure washer to get rid of all of the grime. Spring and autumn are good times of the year to pressure wash your home’s exterior.

Paint the Trim

The trim around your home’s doors and windows is prone to chipping. Repainting it will boost the aesthetic appeal of your house. Unlike painting the whole exterior, touching up the trim does not take too long. Use a wire brush to remove any peeling paint. Apply a layer of primer. Allow the primer to fully dry. Use the correct type of oil-based exterior paint for the material you are painting. If you need a second coat of paint, wait at least eight hours between coats.

Get Rid of Roof Stains

Roof stains are unsightly, but they are rarely a sign of damage. Most roof stains are the result of a type of algae that thrives on damp asphalt shingles. A special detergent can be used to wash your roof and get rid of the stains. You can have a roofer install copper or zinc strips along your roof line. This will prevent new stains from forming. Trimming back tree branches helps to ensure that the shingles dry out after rain.

These four simple actions will dramatically improve your home’s exterior. You can do these activities on a clear, mild day. If you are getting your home ready for a special event, your guests will be thrilled at the flawless facade of your house.

 

Home Safety: Tips To Consider When Picking Your Windows And Doors

Home Safety Tips To Consider When Picking Your Windows And Doors

A home’s doors and windows are the first lines of defense against burglars and intruders. Doors are by far the most important because they are the main entrance to the house and logically where the burglars will try first. While taking simple steps, such as always securing the locks and repairing broken doors and windows is certainly important, there are a few ways that homeowners can go beyond the basics when choosing new doors and windows for the home.

Go Solid

Doors that lead to the outdoors should always be solid. While hollow doors are often used indoors for improved cost as well as a lightweight feel, front and back doors as well as doors leading to the garage should be made of solid wood or metal with inner reinforcements. Other good options include fiberglass and reinforced steel. Consider options like these attractive and inviting New Jersey doors that look beautiful and are sturdy as well.

Consider Windowless

Numerous doors come with decorative windows to let in light and to provide a curbside statement. However, these same windows also provide easy ways for predators to peep indoors or for intruders to reach into the home to unlock the door. Homeowners that must have windows in their doors should consider choosing ones with metal reinforcements or smaller windows that are quite far from the door’s lock.

Always Include Deadbolts

Instead of using only the small locks that are part of the doorknob, all homeowners should have deadbolts installed with their new doors. Deadbolts extend far into the doorframe, creating another layer of protection for the household. In addition, homeowners should ensure that the doorframe is sturdy to protect it from being kicked out by an intruder.

Choose Reliable Brands And Companies

Of course, any door or window is only as reliable as the company that sells it is. Homeowners should choose reputable companies to buy from. A reputable firm will be able to direct homeowners to the sturdiest doors and to the most secure windows for the home. A good installer will be able to make these recommendations without sacrificing the style of the home.

sliding doors

Beware Of Sliding Doors

Sliding glass patio doors are some of the easiest options for intruders looking to break into a home. Not only are these typically solid glass, but also many of them can be easily forced open. Homeowners that have these patio or balcony doors should only choose options made from reinforced glass or polycarbonate and should always install a sturdy, solid metal or wooden dowel in the track in addition to the door’s traditional lock.

Choose Reinforced Glass

Windows should be made from reinforced glass, such as laminated glass, or from polycarbonate or Plexiglas, which are quite difficult and time-consuming to break. All homeowners should consider installing reflective coatings on the glass to ensure that potential intruders cannot see into the house even if the curtains are open.

Add Window Bars

Homes that are built along the street or that have windows that are very low to the ground are at particular risk from intruders. Window bars can protect the home even if the glass is broken. Homeowners need not worry that these bars will ruin the look of the home. Many options are quite decorative with scrollwork and even shapes that can extend over window boxes.

Homeowners who do not know too much about the windows and doors that are currently on the market today should check with professional installers to determine what the most secure options are. While safe, solid doors and windows almost always cost more than the baseline models do, they are certainly worth it for peace of mind as well as for home and personal safety.

A Few Ways to Make Your Old House the Greenest One in the Neighborhood

Redecorating your house is never easy, especially if you’re trying to do something special with it. Cosmetic changes are always appreciated, but what if you could make a bigger difference with a simple home makeover? Namely, what if you could help your environment become healthier and greener by using specific techniques and materials during your renovation process? In case you’re looking for ways to make your old house greener and save some energy and money in the process, here are a few tips that might come in handy.

A Few Ways to Make Your Old House the Greenest One in the Neighborhood

Insulation, Insulation, Insulation

The absolutely best way to ensure that your house is energy-efficient, eco-friendly and environmentally safe is by getting proper insulation. You don’t have to do much and spend a small fortune, but a well-thought-out plan can do wonders for your house’s sustainability and efficiency.

First, start with an energy audit – do it on your own or let a professional determine what needs to be done. Then, get in touch with a reliable contractor who will install insulation on your exterior walls and spice up your house with a new coat of paint. Finally, think about indoor insulation that will only improve all your hard work.

Doors and Windows

Once you’ve insulated your house, it’s time to pay attention to details. What many people don’t know is that the biggest portion of energy is lost through windows and doors, simply because they’re outdated and in need of replacement.

The easiest way to go is by weatherstripping using rubber, plastic, foam or silicone. Although this sounds complicated, it’s actually quite easy – it’s just a matter of locating and sealing loose parts of your doors and windows so that the air can’t pass through. That way, you’ll practically seal your home from the inside and prevent leaks, thus saving energy by having more control over your indoor temperature. Alternatively, you can install double glazed windows that may be expensive, but are highly effective and save you lots of money in the long run.

Doors and Windows

Solar Panels

Now, if you want to achieve an even better synergy of architecture and green approach to life, take solar panels into serious consideration. These will make your house more aesthetically appealing and instantaneously turn it into the talk of the neighborhood. Additionally, as a great alternative source of creating and preserving energy, they’ll do wonders for your bills. Of course, you don’t have to go all in and cover your entire roof with solar panels, but adding a few might do the trick.

When choosing how to install solar panels, it’s probably better to consult a professional instead of trying to deal with them on your own. If you want to get the best results, they have to be installed properly – not to mention that you simply must pick the best solar panels you can find. Additionally, by choosing only the best brands and service, you can make sure that you will enjoy your panels for a long time.

A Few Ways to Make Your Old House the Greenest One in the Neighborhood

Ceiling Fans

When it comes to interior decorating, there’s nothing more unique than a ceiling fan. After being very popular in the mid-20th century, these are making a huge comeback today. Their vintage look makes them perfect for people who want to introduce class into their homes and aren’t afraid to experiment. Further, these things will effectively and cheaply lower the temperature of any room during summer, especially if you have high ceilings. Once installed – you can probably handle this by yourself – these fans will work almost for free for years and years to come. Ultimately, these are also useful when it comes to heating your house in winter. By applying slight adjustments, they can rotate in a different manner and circulate hot air from the ceiling downwards.

Other Ideas

Some of the other ways to ensure that your house is the greenest in your street include equipping all your light fixtures with LED light bulbs, adjusting your water heater, insulating your attic and basement and updating your heating system. Finally, you could plant a tree or two in your front and backyard and enjoy the comfortable shade they’ll provide you with during summer.

Let There Be Light: Light Up Your Living Room with These 5 Hacks

Light Up Your Living Room with These 5 Hacks

You know how professional decorators say that focal points are the most significant things in the room? Well, if you apply that to the bigger picture, you’ll understand that living rooms represent the focal point of your whole house. That being said, the place that’s in the center of attention, where you spend most of your time and the place you use to spend quality time with your friends and family, deserves special attention. And what’s a better way to give a room that special something than to shower it with some light? Lighting plays a major role in interior design and these few tips will give you a proper insight on how to light up your living room accordingly.

Create the Perfect Ambiance

A living room should always radiate with a certain kind of emotion; it needs to exude warmth, hospitality and an overall inviting atmosphere. This is where ambient lighting comes in. The sole goal of this lighting system is to create a suitable environment to dwell in and it accomplishes this through the use of stylish chandeliers, valance lighting, ceiling lights as well as recessed lights. There’s a wide array of ambient lights available and all you have to do is choose the style according to the style of your living room.

Light Up Your Living Room with These 5 Hacks

Accentuate Certain Features

After you set the right mood, the next step is giving your living room a bit of structure. The best way to achieve this is by using accent lighting in order to put the focus on specific elements in the room. In most cases, accent lighting is used to illuminate certain architectural features, artistic elements, as well as specific areas and places in the room. In order for this type of lighting to be effective, it needs to be much brighter than surrounding lights, which is why adjustable lights and dimmers always go hand in hand.

Light Up Your Living Room with These 5 Hacks

Give It a Dose of Charm

Lighting features aren’t used solely for providing sufficient amounts of light, but also to give your room a specific dose of charm. Lamps are often used as decorative objects, which is why a stylish floor or table lamp always finds a way into a living space, while an extravagant chandelier usually makes a nice addition. Pendant lights are also quite a favorable choice when thinking about embellishing the room and you can always decide to add a bit of color by choosing bulbs in different hues.

Don’t Ignore Your Tasks

Every living room needs to have a designated reading nook. Sometimes, these spaces that are reserved solely for reading, painting or any similar activity, require brighter lighting. This is why proper lighting is a very important part of these small areas in the living room and it’s also the reason why task lighting exists. These are mostly adjustable lamps with LED bulbs which give you a direct light source and help you get a clear visual of the task in front of you.

Light Up Your Living Room with These 5 Hacks

Helpful Details

There are other significant aspects of lighting up a room that need to be considered. First of all, it’s important to know a good emergency electrician who’s competent enough to handle the entire electrical system in the house. Second, the type of bulb is an important aspect of proper lighting and in recent years, LED bulbs have become much more favorable than traditional, incandescent bulbs. The last thing to keep in mind is the importance of natural lighting and possible solutions on how to introduce more sunshine in your home.

Light Up Your Living Room with These 5 Hacks

With so many different lighting systems and options, sometimes it can be difficult to achieve a desired atmosphere in the living room. The goal is to learn how to consolidate all these different lighting options into one entirety and create a soothing and balanced setting.

 

 

 

Things That You Should Avoid When Cleaning Grout and Tiles

Cleaning Grout and Tiles

Having a flooring that is nicely tiled and grouted is a great sight to see. However, not everyone is fond of cleaning it on a regular basis. Nonetheless, if you know what you should and should not do, you will be able to clean your grout and tiles with ease. Here are some of the things that you should avoid when cleaning your grout lines and tiles.

Grout cleaning and tile cleaning is a good idea, especially if you do so on a regular basis as this can actually prolong the life of your flooring and your tiles. Cleaning can maintain the flooring looking best all the time. You can find more about grout cleaning process here.

You also have to keep in mind that there are some activities which can actually shorten the life span of your tiles as well as the grout lines and some activities may even be extremely dangerous. Here are some of the things that you should avoid when doing tile and grout cleaning:

  • Avoid using too much water.

Only use the exact amount of water that you need. Do not use excess water, as grout is tremendously porous. Aside from weakening the grout, it can seep into the grout and be trapped there. Once water gets trapped in the grout, mildew and molds may grow their causing issues in the future.

  • Avoid using harsh chemicals and use light ones instead.

Bleach and ammonia are never good together if you meant to use them in cleaning your tiles and grout lines, as these two can create a type of gas – chlorine gas to be exact – which is quite poisonous and hazardous to your health. Do not use any harsh chemicals when other light chemicals can do the same job. Over time, these harsh chemicals can contribute in damaging your grout and tiles. Harsh chemicals can also weaken or lower down the durability as well as lifespan of grout and tiles.

Avoid using bleaching agents when cleaning, especially if your grout is colored. Bleaching it will wash away the original color of the grout by lightening or dulling the color.

  • Your scrubber matters.

Avoid using scrubbers,which are coarse as these can damage the grout and the tiles. In many cases, it is suggested that a brush would be used instead. This will help in making sure that the tiles and grout will last longer.

Cleaning tiles and grouts is not really as hard as it seem. You just need to know the basic do’s and don’ts of cleaning so you will not go astray or cause damage to your tiles and grout.

Jason McCoy is an experienced contractor who enjoys working on DIY projects of all kinds. He maintains a Guru For Grout Sealing Blog, which contains all sorts of information related to grouting, cleaning and sealing tiles.

Concrete Backyard Design and Decor Ideas

Concrete Backyard Design and Decor Ideas

Living in a house with a backyard opens various interesting options making your home even more inviting and comfortable. Concrete patios and backyard designs provide you with a great place to relax after a long day, entertaining playground for your kids, as well as a perfect spot for some intimate parties and barbecues. Designing and decorating your backyard can truly transform the look of your home so if you find yourself interested in this kind of project, keep on reading.

1. Benefits of concrete

If you’re stuck with ideas when it comes to redesigning your backyard/patio, one of the most recommended options is to use the concrete. There are, of course, several reasons as to why concrete is considered to be one of the best options for this project. In general, concrete is highly durable, yet very easily maintained. What’s more, you can adapt your concrete outdoor design to any style you prefer, and shape it according to your own taste and ideas.

2. Touch of personality

You may think that concrete looks plain and boring, but thanks to various decorative concrete options you can still get a pretty unique look of your backyard. In general, stamping and staining are two widely used decorative approaches. For example, if you want to have freshly poured concrete, stamping technique allows you to transform the appearance of your backyard with any texture you want. It can even mimic other natural materials, such as stone and wood. On the other hand, if you already have concrete in your backyard, you can always make it more interesting with a staining technique that comes with warm earthy tones. In the end, using decorative concrete is cost-effective since it will create a high-end, luxurious appearance of your outdoor area without going over your budget.

3. Play with shapes

The best thing about using concrete in your backyard is the freedom to choose the shape and form of your patio. Of course, you can cover your entire backyard with concrete, but you can also use various molds and play with their position in order to create something truly special. You can focus on patio area only, or spice up the garden space as well. If you’d like to use some really nice and unusual molds for concrete pouring, you can easily make one yourself. In general, using styrofoam blue board to shape the molds the way you see fit is definitely one of the most fun, personal and rewarding ways to refresh and redesign your backyard.

4. Add nature to the mixture

One of the mentioned benefits of concrete backyard is its low maintenance. This doesn’t only mean that concrete is just easy to clean, but also you won’t have to deal with dirt and grass in your yard. Still, removing all the traces of nature from your backyard won’t do you any good either. In order to experience true bliss every time you step outside, you can leave enough room for your garden that will be surrounded with interesting paving blocks. Alternatively, you can leave grass openings in your concrete layout for pops of decorative flowers, bushes, and plants. If you don’t mind tending the grass from time to time, you can create a nice balance in your backyard with concrete patio, lovely garden path and grassy area that will occupy the rest of your yard.

5. The heart of your backyard

In order to make your backyard/patio livelier and unique, don’t forget the fire feature. Together with some matching outdoor furniture, this barbecue area will undoubtedly add the final touch to your efforts. There are also many cool ideas online when it comes to building your own backyard, so feel free to check those out.

There are things that you could do yourself when tackling the redesign of your backyard, but sometimes you will need a professional help to accomplish the wanted backyard style. Make sure to be realistic and practical in this project so that your backyard will end up with a clear-cut, modern and creative concrete design.

Guest Post By:

Chloe TaylorChloe 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+.

Choosing The Right Professional For Roof Repairs

Roofing problems can arise at any time. Neglecting them is not possible as it can result in a lot of damage which is definitely a question of worry. That is why it becomes necessary to make sure that the roofing is repaired or replaced according to the requirement. Whether your roof is leaking or its shingles are disappearing, the only way to combat them is through the best roof repairs. As roof repairing is a task of experts, therefore, you need to hire someone who specializes in this area. This will prove beneficial as quality services will come your way and at the same time, you can look forward to great outcomes. So, one should be very careful while making the choice and do proper research before you avail the roof repairs.

Roof Repairs
Roof Repairs

Several Aspects That You Would Like To Look Into But Some Of The Crucial Ones Are Given Below.

Licensed and insured – The very first thing to consider while hiring any company is whether they are licensed or not. If the company is licensed, their services will be guaranteed and will offer complete assistance you are looking for. On the other hand, if you trust any local company that is not licensed and insured you might face some problems thus increasing your tension. So why compromise when you can easily locate a good roof repairing company for your home. Also, your investment is protected as you can avail compensation in case of any damage etc.

Warranty – There are many companies that offer work guarantee. Usually the warranty period of roofing work is only one year but still, some of them may offer a higher warranty period as well. So it will be good if you get in touch with the company as well as the professionals and grab information about the work warranty which is certainly an important concern.

More than the general services – Usually the contractors only offer roof repairs but there are few who provide additional services too like helping you to choose the right roofing material, designs etc. So you can definitely look for a company that is more than just a roofing company and whose professionals are highly knowledgeable to guide you at every step. A skilled professional will also carry out complete inspection and suggest the necessary steps to be taken as per the current status of the roof.

Roof Repairs
Roof Repairs

Reputation – Another factor that you would like to look into is the reputation of the company. Everyone wants to hire a company who is not only reputed but trusted and reliable too so that you can look forward to finest services. That is why, make sure you do proper research about the company, check the reviews and consult others as well before you finally decide to hire them for the work.

Maintenance services – The Company which you hire should be able to provide maintenance services as well because it is necessary to maintain the roof repairs regularly.  Thus it will be better if you consult about the same with the company in advance so that you are able to avail all the services from one place only. Also, it will minimize the need of hiring any other companies for the same work and spending more money.

One more thing that is essential is the experience, knowledge and the skills of the professional as it can make a huge difference to the work quality. Always satisfy yourself completely before you rely on any professional as you are investing money and the best should come your way. So follow the above tips and make a wise decision.

Gutter Installation 101: Things to Consider

Gutter Installation 101: Things to Consider

The gutter system is very important when it comes to protecting your house from outer damage. It collects rainwater, channels it to the ground and keeps it away from the foundation of your house. Therefore, to be sure your home is completely safe, the gutter system must function properly and that’s why installing it yourself requires at least a bit of a skill and previous experience in DIY projects. Namely, there are several very important things to consider if you want to do it right.

Gutter type

Nowadays, gutters come in a variety of materials, styles, and gauges, so choosing the right one for your home can be overwhelming. The first thing to consider is, of course, your budget – set it up and then try to find the most durable material you can afford. K-style or half round aluminum gutters are pretty standard for residential homes, but if you live in a particularly rainy climate, you might need something more durable. The same goes for a gauge of the gutter – anything over 26 is fine, but feel free to go higher if you want to be completely safe from weather conditions.

Gutter sizing

To get the sizing right, you’ll need to measure your roof square footage and slope. The next thing you should be aware of is the average rainfall intensity in your area. Once you have your facts, you can proceed and start calculating the size of the gutter suitable for your house. Standard homes use gutters that are 5 to 6 inches wide but that depends on the area you live in. If you have any doubts, you can always check with hardware store employees or consult a professional to help you determine the appropriate size.

Downspout mounting

Although downspouts are mounted after gutters, you should plan their position ahead to avoid any mistakes. In general, downspouts should be near the corners while a single downspout shouldn’t cover more than 20 linear feet of gutter. When placing the gutters, make sure you mark the spot for downspout opening and cut it out. You’ll also need a downspout connector to connect it. Make sure that the tapered end is facing down and that it’s aimed to the right direction.

roofing

Calculating the pitch

In order for them to function properly, gutters should have a slight pitch that ensures water and debris to travel towards the downspouts and onto the ground. This should be a subtle angle and it’s hard to eyeball it, so make sure you snap a chalk line to be sure. Locate the starting and the ending point of gutter run and snap a chalk line between these two points. The decline should be one to two inches every forty feet.

Cutting and sealing

It goes without saying that you must have the total length of gutters as well as the needed number of downspouts, attachment brackets and other tools needed for gutter installation before you start doing anything. Once you have all the measures, cut your gutters into sections, make downspout holes and install the downspout connectors before you attach a piece of gutter onto fascia board. As for the sealing, you’ll want it to be as tight as possible, so give it time to dry completely. You can test it out with a jug of water or water hose and see if there are any leaks.

Asking for help

Finally, be aware that installing a gutter system can be a tricky business. Doing it yourself can save you some money at first, but repairs can cost even more and make you regret the initial save. It takes skill and knowledge while it’s extremely important to do it properly, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Call the pros such as Sydney Wide Metal Roofing and you’ll be sure your gutter system is top-notch and your home is safe.

As you can see, installing a gutter system is not a piece of cake. Now that you got your facts straight, you can make a decision whether you’re going to do it alone or call for help. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s done properly!

 

Copyright © 2024 | Bruzzese Home Improvements | All Right Reserved | Web Design & Development by QualityMust