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Tips to keep your home clean and clutter free

bird feeder
After a long winter, spring is finally in sight. Before the season is in full bloom and outdoor chores pile up, take advantage of spring showers to tackle the indoors first with easy home cleaning and organizing projects. To get your home in tip-top shape, start by breaking down your to-do list room by room, so you can create an easily achievable goal that will leave your house looking fabulous and you feeling refreshed.

 

 

  • Restore beauty in the bath

The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but it can also be the one with the organized bathroombiggest mess. Vanities often become a magnet for clutter. Everything, from towels to toiletries, curling irons to cotton balls, can take over this space and make cleaning a nuisance. Start by reducing your items. Marry any of your multiple containers of the same product into one container. Then, recycle the empty containers to create more space.

Once your cleaning is complete, add drawer organizers, baskets and other accessories to neatly store all necessities. Then add towel bars, robe hooks and shelves as they are easy, inexpensive and decorative additions to help prevent items from ending up on the floor or countertop.

  • Clean and clever kitchens

Next, move to the kitchen, a favorite gathering place … and one of the dirtiest rooms in the house. Kitchen remodeling project, Hastings, New YorkBegin by sorting through cupboards to weed out any unused products, such as specialized appliances, expired pantry foods and containers with missing lids. If it’s broken or hasn’t been used in a year, it’s time to get rid of it. You’ll instantly achieve valuable cabinet storage – as well as eliminate objects that collect dust and bacteria.

Now, start from the top and give your kitchen a thorough cleaning – including tops of cabinets and appliances – and finish with a good scrubbing of the floors. Finally, focus on updating the germiest area of the kitchen – the sink. There are typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the sink drain alone, according to Health Magazine. And that doesn’t include regularly touched items, such as your sponge and faucet.

  • Refreshed laundry room

The laundry room, since it is often located near the frequently used garage entry, can become a catch-all for everything from cleaners to coats, and shoes to shop vacs. Free yourself of this clutter by organizing and giving everything its proper place. Items often get stashed on the horizontal surfaces – such as the floor or on top of the washer and dryer – so look to the vertical surfaces of the room to create new, more appropriate places.

Adding wall cabinets is an ideal place to add storage (and keep things neatly hidden). Wall hooks dedicated to each family member can neatly hold coats, scarves and bags. Installing shelves in the coat closet can provide additional room on top and below the garment bar. Over-the-door storage racks can house frequently used items, such as brooms or shoes.

With a few upgrades and organization to key rooms, your home will look its best and the new-found organization will energize your spirit just in time to enjoy the spring season.

Stylish stairs

Five can-do ideas that add personality

Home improvement, remodeling and renovations are our specialties!Stairs are no longer just a way to get from one floor to another. Realizing that staircases are quite often major focal points in their homes, homeowners are showing love to this once under-appreciated space with a wide variety of creative and easy updates.

Add personality and perk-up the daily climb in your home with these five do it yourself projects.

Walls that wow

In most homes, the staircase is the centerpiece of your entryway and serves as the first impression. Transforming this space into an extraordinary one is easy by painting a bold accent wall. To add extra panache and go beyond the expected look of one solid color, paint the wall next to the stairs or the landing with an eye-catching pattern using a premium painter’s tape, like FrogTape Multi-Surface. Pick a pattern that packs a punch, like an all-over diamond motif, geometric shapes, or classic stripes, which complement staircases well.

Dazzling photo display

If you already love the current color on your staircase wall, you can easily add a personal touch by creating a photo gallery. It’s easier than ever to find inspiration and instructions for this project – simply visit Pinterest.com to view countless ideas and find one that works with your design style and space. The key to creating an impressive photo gallery is to keep one element consistent throughout. Whether it’s the color or material of the frames, or the shading of the photographs, having a uniform component allows the finished product to look polished and intentional, instead of haphazard.

Rethink risers and steps

For an unexpected update, focus your attention a bit closer to the floor. The area of your stairs that really takes a beating are the risers. Breathing new life into them can be accomplished easily with a fresh design. No need to stick with neutral shades. Risers are the perfect place to tie in a daring pattern. Opt for a chevron or Moroccan design with colors consistent with your home’s interior to achieve your decorative stairs.

Another stair expression is to apply a haute pattern directly on your steps for a faux carpet runner look. Paint your stairs with the base color of your choice and opt for a diamond motif or patchwork design. Be sure to protect your work with two coats of polyurethane when your design is complete.

Modern touches

The spindles between the treads and banister on a staircase are there to protect people – especially children – from falling off the sides, and are an easy item to swap out for a more up-to-date look. Simply remove the old spindles, which are typically held in place with a few nails. Clean up the wood around the spindle holes and scrape off any old stain, dust, dirt and sand around the tread for a tighter fit.

When shopping for new spindles, choose from these styles to take your staircase from boring to extraordinary:

* Swirls to add a hint of elegance

* Spindles with shapes such as diamonds or squares

* Outwardly curved designs

* Twisted styles

No more wasted space

Reclaim unused space under a staircase by adding storage. If it’s hollow underneath, remove the Hand Made Oak Stairs with Rails_White Plainsdrywall to create an instant mudroom by installing cubbies to store coats, shoes and other items. Another option is to transform that once wasted space into a nook to meet your family’s needs. Whether you long for the perfect spot for reading, a desk to keep paperwork and bills organized, or a secret play space for kids, the ways to utilize this area are endless.

With a little inspiration and elbow grease, it’s simple to add the perfect dose of personality to your staircase.

Think your staircase is so outdated that none of these tips will really do the trick?  Give us a call and we can discuss building a new staircase for you designed by you and truly make it a focal point in your home!

DIY Decks

Five tips to upgrade your outdoor living space for summer

DIY deck projectFrom grilling and dining to simply relaxing, your home’s deck is frequently the center of family life during warm weather months. That’s why there’s no better time to give your outdoor living space the upgrade it deserves.

Whether you’re building a dream deck from scratch – or sprucing up an existing space – here are five tips for do-it-yourselfers who want to start turning their outdoor living aspirations into reality this weekend.

No. 1 – Discover your inspiration

Your deck is a natural extension of your home and your style. Think about the type of design elements that will best fit your family’s activities and complement both outdoor views and the layout of your yard. Flip through favorite magazines to find photos that jumpstart your inner designer, go online to experiment with virtual planners that allow you to try out different colors and configurations or use mobile apps to create outdoor living space designs anywhere at any time.

No. 2 – Choose materials manufactured to last

If you’re investing in a brand new deck, select materials that will stand up to years of wear and tear DIY deck projectfrom kids, pets, dropped grilling tools, heavy outdoor furniture – and even the harshest of weather. New high-performance wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance combines superior durability and long-lasting good looks. With Trex’s protective shell technology, it’s also resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold – while offering hassle-free maintenance. –

Combining enduring beauty and performance – but priced at a value that appeals to do-it-yourselfers – Trex Enhance decking offers the additional peace of mind of a 25-year limited fade and stain warranty. It’s also available in stock at The Home Depot stores, making it even easier to begin building your outdoor oasis this weekend.

No. 3 – Look for easy-to-install solutions

Installing a new deck may seem daunting at first, but with the proper tools and resources, you’ll not only save money on labor costs – but you’ll also take pride in knowing you successfully completed a home improvement project with your own two hands. As you create a list of essential materials for your project, think about incorporating a hidden fastener system – rather than traditional nails or screws. Hidden fasteners can make the installation of decking boards easier and faster and create a more professional look. Your deck’s surface will be smooth, seamless and more comfortable underfoot.

No. 4 – Consider a deck makeover

If your budget doesn’t allow for a complete deck rebuild this year, you can resurface an old wooden deck that’s starting to wear, warp and rot with new higher-performance materials. Simply remove the existing boards and check that the sub-structure remains sturdy before installing wood-alternative decking. Giving your wood deck a facelift with durable, beautiful composite materials will increase curb appeal, lengthen its lifespan and cut down on maintenance requirements for years to come.

No. 5 – Add finishing touches

Even if you’re already the proud owner of a gorgeous outdoor living space, take style and comfort to New Rochelle: patio and pergola additionthe next level with weekend warrior-worthy projects. Add new modular railing in contrasting or complementary colors to create a perfect frame for your deck, or establish cozy conversation nooks with weather-resistant furniture. Construct an elegant pergola to lend shade from the harsh summer sun and install energy-efficient deck lighting to create ambiance for twilight cocktail parties.

No time to install a deck yourself?  No problem!  Give us a call at 914-576-2572 and we’ll be happy to give you a free in home estimate.  We do decks using all different materials depending on what suits your taste.

We can also add a beautiful Gazebo or Pergola to enhance your outdoor entertaining experience!

Tips To Resolve Heat Loss

5 Tips To Help Prevent Heat Loss In Your Home

Resolve your heat loss problems and save money!A lot of us are facing large temperature changes this winter in our homes and work places that make us feel uncomfortable. We find ourselves complaining about “the chill in the air”. As a result, we tend to turn up the thermostat and burn through our heating fuel or gas as well as our bank accounts!  Alternatively, we purchase space heaters which increase our electric bills.  As a last resort, we bundle ourselves in layers of clothing to the point of looking and feeling like a lumberjack!  Surely there must be a better way.

Your home is probably losing heat when it’s cold outdoors.  If you detect where the heat in your home is being lost, you will be able to make it more energy and heat efficient as well as more comfortable for you and your family.

Improving your home’s insulation is one of the most worthwhile energy efficiency methods you can try. To give you more ideas, here are several tips on how to resolve your heat loss problem at home.

Tip # 1: Wall insulation

Did you know that heat escapes in many poor insulated homes through the walls? Wall insulation serves as a blanket which prevents heat from escaping. It can also help reduce the hot temperature in your home on summer days. You can actually carry out wall insulation on both solid and cavity walls. You may want to work with a professional to insure that the work is done to code and any necessary permissions are obtained.

Tip # 2: Window insulation

20% of your home’s heat goes out through the windows. That is the reason why insulating your windows is important. Double glazed windows could be the best option to consider due to its impressive insulating properties. It can help you resolve your heat loss problem.

Tip # 3: Loft insulation

25% of heat also escapes through your roof or loft. When insulating your roof and loft, you will be able to save heat loss as well as reduce your monthly heating bills. The effectiveness of loft and roof insulation is at least 40 year.

Tip # 4: Avoiding Window Condensation

Condensation on your windows is not good. Excess moisture develops mold growth and stain on home improvement new windowsyour windows. It could eventually destroy your window and the mold may become worse. If the condensation continues, consider a dehumidifier as an option to resolve it. You may also utilize curtains to avoid window condensation on your windows or replace them with a new window.

Tip # 5: Draught proofing

If there are gaps in your window and doors, then you probably have draughts which also cause heat loss. To prevent this, visit your local home improvement store and ask someone for assistance.  There are many different products that you can purchase and install to reduce heat loss.  If you don’t feel comfortable with DIY projects, you should call a professional to make these repairs for you..

Restore comfort and increase energy efficiency at your home. If you want to solve the heat loss problem in your home, you can use any or all of these tips. Once you succeed in preventing the heat loss through your walls, windows, lofts and floor, you can restore coziness in your home and maintain a consistent home temperature.

Guest Post By:

About the Author:

Louise Sutton is the content manager for Window Info – a Kent, England-based home improvement resource center specializing in double-glazing replacement doors and windows.

One of the most common reasons for heat loss are old drafty windows.  Give us a call or contact us for a free estimate to have your windows replaced with updated, insulated, eco-friendly windows!

~Gary Bruzzese

Guide to Giving Your Interior Doors a Makeover

Interior door makeover
Picture courtesy of http://eleanorbusing.com/still-swooning-painted-interior-doors/

Gone are the days where doors were just gateways to a different room; now they can be beautiful, elegant, quirky or unique pieces of art that can brighten an otherwise dull room. Need some ideas of current trends and styles to help you create your own designer door? These creative ideas should help you get started.

• First, you’ll need to properly prep your door before you start painting, especially if you plan on using darker paints. If you are unsure what to use to prep, ask a professional who may be able to recommend types depending on your design.

When you start painting your door always brush in the direction of the grain, starting from the top of the door painting your way down as you do.

• Looking for a fun quirky designs but change your mind all the time? Try using blackboard paint to make a blackboard door! You can design a new door everyday if you feel like it! Not only is it fun and different, but it can be really useful! Do you tend to forget your keys, wallet or umbrella? Writing a reminder at eye level means you’ll never forget them as you walk out the door. Blackboard doors are great for homes with children; it doesn’t matter as much if they draw on this door.

• Using dark, deep colours on your door? Lift them out with a lighter colour as a trim. This works really well if the walls of your room match with the shades of colour on the door, creating a dramatic

but not distracting design. This can work really well reversed as well, with the dark colour as the trim and the lighter shade on the

door. Dark colours like brown or black also help to make a room look contemporary and chic as well as giving a room a warm, cozy atmosphere. How about if the colour scheme in your room is made up of neutral tones? In rooms like those, the colour black really makes

the door stand out.

• Caught in a dilemma? One side of your door is a dark, bold colour and the other side is a light,

bright shade; so which colour do you paint the edge? Most experts say paint the edge the same colour as the side of the door that opens inwards into a room. As long as you avoid painting it both colours, this just looks messy and unprofessional.

• Light colours like soft greys, beiges or creams worked with a distressed effect really give a room a vintage and feminine vibe especially if your door has moulding on it. These colours also work really well with a slight gloss coat; giving a room a more modern feel and also helping a room feel light and airy.

Interior door makeover
Picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/blessedlittlenest/

• Is your door in an awkward spot or is the room particularly small? Create the illusion of space and make your door ‘disappear’ by painting it the same colour as the rest of your walls.

Making over your doors is a great, low cost way of giving your home a face lift. It can give a plain room a focal point or a touch of elegance depending on what you choose to do with it. And don’t think that you have to just paint your doors one neutral colour. Try a design or colour that pushes you a little outside your comfort zone and you may be surprised with the results.
This article was written by Amy Elliott on behalf of UK Oak Doors, suppliers of authentic cottage doors.

DIY Projects to Avoid

Should You Tackle A DIY Project Or Hire A Professional?

bricklayingDIY projects can be a lot of fun and, when you do a good job of one, it gives you a huge sense of accomplishment. Many homeowners make their first forays into the world of DIY in an attempt to save money and, while there are a lot of basic jobs that everyone should learn to do, there are some tasks that are best left to the experts.  Here is a quick look at some of the most dangerous DIY projects  and why you should give them a wide berth.

Major Plumbing Jobs

There’s a big difference between fixing a leaking tap and moving some pipes.  As plumbing jobs increase in complexity, they become massively more risky.  Not only does moving or changing pipes often require cutting out parts of your wall, it also requires a good knowledge of how your plumbing works and how to safely install the new pipes so that you don’t end up with a leak a few months down the line. To do the job well, you will need specialist equipment.

When plumbing goes wrong it can get messy and, if you end up with a leak that comes into contact with your electrical wiring, it can also become very dangerous. It will be faster, cheaper and safer to let an expert do the job.

Electrical Work

Electricity may seem like a safe and familiar thing – after all, it powers the devices you use every single day. However, if it’s not handled correctly it can be lethal.

Everyone should learn how to change a fuse and re-wire a plug (and even these tasks carry risks), but major wiring changes are a different matter. Building regulations require most home wiring jobs to be carried out by a qualified, licensed electrician. If you attempt any major works you could well be breaking the law and end up with a property that you cannot sell until the work is checked by a qualified person.  Get the work done right the first time to avoid any potential problems.

Bricklaying

It’s one thing to raise a flower bed with a few bricks or even lay your own patio, but tackling a bigger building project, or something that can be clearly seen from the street is another matter.  Building a wall out of bricks might seem like a simple job, but if you don’t know what you’re doing that wall could come tumbling down after a few days of bad weather.

Even if you do manage to build a structurally sound wall, are you sure it will look good?  How long will the project take you?  Why spend an entire week on a project that a professional could do in a day or two?  If you can afford the materials it makes sense to spend a little extra to ensure that they are used to create something attractive that will last for many years.

Knocking Down Walls

When remodeling our homes it can be very tempting to skip steps especially when it comes to knocking down walls. Why pay for a professional when all you need is a sledge hammer? How wrong can you go destroying a wall? The answer is: very wrong. And in the end it might be more than the wall you destroy. It’s important to get a professional in who understands the structure of the building and can remodel your home without making it unsafe. After all, you don’t want to go knocking down any load-bearing walls for the sake of saving a little money.

Cutting Down Trees

This is probably one of the most dangerous tasks that you could do yourself. Chainsaws are powerful tools and, in Cutting down trees can be a very dangerous task!the wrong hands, can be deadly weapons. Not being trained to use one or having the right experience puts you and others in great danger. Additionally, there is the risk of the tree falling on you, someone else, a building or a car.

Most people take on these jobs with the belief that they are going to save money. Unfortunately, mistakes, damage and sometimes injury and even death prove quite the opposite. If every job could be easily done by anyone there would be no need for qualified professionals.

Guest Post By:

Article written by A. Elliott; a writer with an interest in interior design and home improvement, she occasionally writes for Vibrant Doors, suppliers of internal and external doors.

Amy makes a lot of good points in this article.  There are lots of DIY Projects that homeowners can easily complete.  The ones listed above are really best handled by professionals.  We agree that they CAN be dangerous and not worth the risk.  What are your thoughts about these DIY Projects?
Gary B.

Home Improvement Projects For Spring

Outdoor DIY Projects For Spring

backyard diy projectsAs temperatures warm, many of us can’t wait to get outside and rediscover the joys of our outdoor spaces. One of the best ways to ensure the enjoyment of your space all season long is with some spring cleaning and upkeep of your yard and outdoor living spaces.

There are a few spring cleaning projects that benefit every homeowner and make spaces much more inviting for the hours you’ll spend enjoying the summer sun.

* Take the time to prune. Before the season heats up and the first leaves start to appear, it’s the perfect time to shape up your trees and shrubs. Doing so before the growing season is less stressful for your plants, easier to clean up and will promote the type of growth you envision to keep your greenery looking great all season. Make sure your tools are sharp, as cleaner cuts are easier on plants.

* Clean up leftover leaves. While you probably spent much of the fall raking and mulching fallen leaves, stragglers collect throughout winter, clogging gutters and drains. In addition to cleaning areas of your yard blanketed with leaves, rake your lawn to rid it of matted leaves that can inhibit healthy growth. Break these chores into separate days so you don’t have to do it all at once. Using a blower also helps you clean up your yard in short order.

* Bring out the power washer. Winter tends to leave its mark, and the exterior of your house, deck, sidewalks and driveway can all show grime once spring rolls around. A pressure washer is a convenient way to clean these surfaces.

* Check in on your deck. Once it’s been pressure washed, it’s time to see if you need to re-seal it. If you drizzle water on your deck boards and it beads up, your seal is still effective. If not, it’s time to apply another coat of sealant. Pleasant spring days are ideal for re-sealing and staining and once you’re done, you can enjoy the whole season without worry.

* Design your dream outdoor room. Once you’ve cleaned up your space, you might realize there’s more that could be New Rochelle: patio and pergola additiondone to enhance it. Perhaps you’d like to add a Gazebo, Patio or screened in outdoor room for entertaining. We’d be happy to provide you with a free home consultation to help you design the backyard of your dreams!  It’s also the perfect time to consider a new patio set, or even a patio extension using decorative pavers. Dress up existing patio furniture by staining wood furniture or buying fresh new covers or cushions. This is also the perfect time to buy that new and improved grill you’ve had your eye on.

Spring is an exciting time to get back outside and take care of some of the improvements you’ve been dreaming of all winter.

Give us a call at 914-576-2572 or send us an email to bruzzesehomeimprovements.com and let us help you design your dream outdoor living space!

Risks of DIY Electrical Work

Risks of DIY Electrical Work
Image credit: kk+ http://www.flickr.com/photos/kk/

Electric shock, house fires, and possible death; even this isn’t always enough to deter people from doing DIY electrical work.

Hiring an electrician can be expensive so it’s easy to see why many are tempted to try and undertake their own electrical work around the home. Whatever your motive might be, trying to perform DIY work without the proper training can be a dangerous endeavor.

In the USA alone, there are as many as 26,100 electrical fire related incidents and $1 billion in property losses in a typical year.

Listed below are some common risks and why you should proceed with care when attempting any type of electrical work in your home.

Wrong Type of Electrical Wire

Many people make the error of using the wrong gauge of electrical wire when wiring. This is a common cause of electrical fires as it can cause overheating and shorting of the fuse.

Ill-fitting Plugs and Sockets

This may seem like the simplest electrical task but it’s surprising how many people do not fit them tightly enough. Leaving gaps in the sockets can cause loose wiring and arcing which puts them at risk of overheating and poses a great fire risk.

Wrong Bulb Wattage

Many people are unknowingly using a too high wattage bulb in their light bulbs and may not realize until it is too late. Even using a bulb one wattage higher than what the socket can handle could make the bulb explode or catch alight.

Using the Wrong Fuse

Again, this is a relatively simple task that many people do themselves regularly. But the danger here is that many people do not use the correct fuse for the appliance they are using which can again cause house fires. It is important, if you do insist on changing your own fuse; to make sure it is compatible with the appliance you are using it in.

Repairing Instead of Replacing

Many of us at some point will be tempted to try and repair old or damaged wiring on appliances especially if we use them often. Wiring should always be replaced and not repaired and should be done by someone who is a qualified for repairing that particular appliance. Any old or damaged wiring is a fire hazard, even more so if tampered with by someone without the appropriate training.

Overloading Plug Sockets

Another common cause of fires in the home is overloading plug sockets. Particularly in the case of extension leads, having more than one extension lead plugged into a 2 socket wall outlet is exceeding the amp capacity for the plug socket. This is another fire hazard as it can cause overheating. Never overload a plug socket and avoid leaving multiple things plugged in that you are not using.

Safety Checklist

4 important things to remember;

  • Don’t overload plug sockets
  • Don’t keep things plugged in unnecessarily
  • Check wires for fraying and wear and tear
  • Take good care of appliances

Hiring a Contractor

When hiring an electrical contractor always do your research and make sure that they are up to date with their qualifications and the new safety regulations as these can change regularly. Word of mouth is always a good method of finding a reputable and fully qualified electrician. If unsure, hiring a contractor through a professional federation is the most reliable way of all. They can give you a list of all approved contractors in your local area. When you have found a contractor, try and agree on a price for the job and not an hourly rate. This can save you money and headaches in the long run.

Guest Post By:

Article written by A. Elliott; a writer with an interest in home improvement and interior design, she occasionally writes for Juice Electrical, electrical wholesalers specializing in energy saving products.

Have you had a DIY Project go wrong?  Share your story below and maybe you’ll help someone else from making the same mistake.

 

 

10 Ways Your Home Can Save You Money

Ways your home can save you money!There are many ways in which your home can save you money with the long term effect of allowing you to realize your property’s potential value.

Some important approaches to take to getting your home to save you money range from changing your household routines to selling old items, to investing in parts of your property to add value and save you money over time. In this context, it’s possible to make your home save you money by trying the following strategies:

 1 – Making Small Energy Saving Changes

This means improving your insulation and checking to see whether you’re losing heat from different parts of your home. Investing in draught excluders and turning down your thermostat by a few degrees can add up to savings over time

 2 – Removing Clutter

If you’re having a problem with clutter, you can save money in the long run by sorting out your stuff and finding out what you can sell for a profit. Even old mobile phones and other electronics can be recycled for a fee.

 3 – Make Long Term Investments

You can gradually build up value in your property by making long term investments and renovations that will make your home more energy efficient; this might include replacing an old drainage or heating system, or getting a new boiler.

 4 – Reduce Drafts

home improvement new windows

Reduce problems with heating by getting new windows and insulation materials for roof, while fitting new air conditioning systems that can better control the flow of air through your home.

 5 – Create a Vegetable Garden

It’s possible to save money on your weekly food shopping bill by creating a vegetable garden – this can be used to grow potatoes and other vegetables and can be combined with basil and other herb plants in your kitchen.

 6 – Get New Appliances

This is a particularly good idea for the kitchen where you can swap your old fridges and freezers for Energy Star rated versions; these tend to use less electricity, make less noise, and add more value to your home.

7 – Use Less Water

Save money on your water consumption by switching to a more accurate water meter rather than paying ground charges; you can also fit devices to taps and faucets to reduce water usage.

 8 – Be Careful with Appliances

Try to change your habits if you tend to leave your television or computer on standby overnight; just switching things off will save you money over time.

 9 – Consider a New Mortgage

Look around to see if you can get a better financing deal on your mortgage; switching your mortgage to a new provider with lower rates can allow you to take advantage of the equity in your home.Rent out garage space to save money

 10 – Selling Space

If you have a parking space or a garage that you’re not making use of, consider leasing it to neighbors or friends to make some extra money. Always check, though, to see whether there are any restrictions on your lease or mortgage about sub-letting.

Author Bio: Liam Ohm writes about home improvement, from choosing the best luxury baths to saving money at home. In his spare time he enjoys giving advice to others in need.

Using a Roof as a Space Heater

You can use your existing insulation and roof to supply heated air to your home via direct sunlight. This can easily happen when the roof is being heated by the light of the sun and the air underneath becomes heated. This very same air collects at the highest point of your roof, trapped underneath. You can use that air to heat up your home. If you have a metal roof or some sort of clad roof with a membrane insulating it underneath you can easily work on this project. It’s not expensive and it allows you to use the heat trapped under the roof to warm your home up at nearly no cost long-term. Before you begin, however, you need to follow these steps to deal with things in a methodical fashion:

  • Access your attic and roof and check whether your home has an insulation membrane protecting it under the sheets of the roof. Most roofs will have one but it is still a good idea to check it out.
  • Once that is done you need to locate the top two purlins situated on each side of the roof.
  • Fix any excess insulation by using a hand staple gun. Secure any insulation to the purlins along the ridge at its full length.
  • When you are done, you should check the status of the insulation on each side of the roof from the gutter area to the top purlin. Make sure the space between the purlin is open to the underside of the ridge.
  • You should prepare some strips of the insulation so you can fix them across the lower side of the first two purlins on top. It has to be long enough so it can run the entire length of the ridge.
  • Take that insulation and affix it to the underside of said purlins with the hand tacker while you form a header between them. The heat of the sun will help warm the air between the sheeting and the insulation.
  • Fit a fitting and properly-sized duct outlet at the center of the ridge. The size of the fan should fit the size of the duct perfectly so the insulation will be equally perfect. Fix it to the underside of the purlins and then seal them to the foil by using silicone or a similar means. Make sure the foil that is located under the duct is removed to allow the air to flow freely.Using a Roof as a Space Heater2
  • Fit a duct outlet directly to the ceiling of the room you want to heat up.
  • You should fit a fan somewhere between the duct coming from the ridge of your roof and the one leading to the ceiling of the room being heated. It should be suspended from the structure with a good spring, as this will prevent the vibrations coming from the fan. In time, as dust builds up on its blades, it will become unbalanced and this will affect its stability. Spring suspension will also affect its noise levels, making it much more feasible as a solution.
  • Measure up and prepare two lengths of the foil ducting. One is meant to connect the ridge duct to the fan, while the other one connects the fan to the ceiling duct.
  • Use a thermostat switch near your newly made duct and set the sensor bulb inside the header in proximity to the duct opening.
  • Wire the fan to the switch so the fan can only run when the temperature in the monitored area exceeds the one of the heated room below.
  • Move to the roof itself and make sure any gaps between the ridge and the roof are fixed and sealed. You can use a number of sealants, such as expanding foam or something similar.
  • Your heater will be ready once all of this is completed. The only thing you should keep in mind is that it will only be able to help heat up the house while the sun is up. You will need to back this up with a conventional heating system just in case.
    Using a Roof as a Space Heater3

Guest Post By:

Bio: Ella Andrews is a writer and one of her greatest passion’s are home remodeling, house removals and home decorating projects. She is presently focuses on writing the best possible way and is therefore searching for new sources of inspiration.

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