June 2017 - Page 2 of 3 - Bruzzese Home Improvements

Creepy Crawlers: How to Eliminate Pests in Your Home This Summer

June 20, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Maintenance, Summer TipsDIY projects, home maintenance, pest control, summerLeave a comment

The weather is warming up outside, which means that insects and other creepy crawlers will be coming out of hibernation soon. And they are all going to be looking for places to provide them with food, water, and shelter. So houses all over the country will become rapidly infested with them if they aren’t prepared. Luckily, when this happens, there are three ways to eliminate the pests quickly and safely.

Store Food Properly

Proper food storage habits will help keep pests at bay by making the place unappealing to them. All food must be put away in containers that seal shut. And nothing should ever be left out at night that they could snack on. That means, dirty dishes and leftovers all have to be cleaned up before heading to bed.

Keep Things Dry

Most pests can’t endure hot, dry conditions because they need a steady supply of water to drink. So naturally, they tend to congregate around areas that are damp and wet. That is why one of the easiest ways to deter them is to remove as much moisture as possible in the house. This can be done by fixing all of the drips and leaks and removing any sources of water that might be tempting to them. All the sinks in the house should be towel dried in between use. And water dishes for the pets have to be put away at night too.

Remove Trash and Clean

According to Allrid Pest Management, homes with an excess amount of trash and debris make the perfect environment for pests to live in. And the pests will end up spreading to all of the surrounding houses, which perpetuates the problem. That means, even if someone has an immaculate house, they can still end up getting an infestation of pests because they have a dirty neighbor. So the best thing to do in this situation is to report the problematic house to the local authorities to ensure that it gets cleaned up quickly. Then, the neighbors who live in the vicinity need to have their houses treated as well.

Everyone needs to participate in these pest-deterring procedures for them to be effective. That way, the sources of food, water, and shelter are all taken away, which makes the area uninhabitable for the creepy crawlers. But remember, those who already have a severe infestation may need to call in a professional pest control company if these procedures aren’t enough.

Swimming Pool Solutions for Smaller Backyards

June 19, 2017adminhome improvement, Summer Activities, Swimming Poolshome improvement, Outdoor Living, swimming poolsLeave a comment

Just because you have limited backyard space, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a summertime swim in your very own pool, you just need to use the space you have wisely. There are plenty of contemporary pool solutions that can fit in any backyard space, whether your backyard is just small, unevenly shaped, or even both. While you might not be able to do Olympic laps in one go, you will certainly have the chance to create your very own private oasis and enjoy leisure time with your entire family!

Courtyard pools

These pools are ideal for small backyards as they are compact in size but offer a variety of features for comfort and physical activity alike. They also come with numerous benefits, such as a swim jet system, spa jets and a curved seating area for some much-deserved rest and relaxation. The pool provides the entire family with relaxation, entertainment, and exercise opportunities or it can simply serve as a backyard centrepiece.

Freeform pools

Freeform pools are extremely versatile and can be introduced in almost any backyard setting due to their irregular shapes and naturalistic styles, with flowing lines and curves able to adapt to fit your backyard perfectly. These pools are also known as naturalistic pools as they are made out of natural materials and are often decorated with natural elements, such as rocks, islands and waterfalls. Depending on your backyard potential, you can upgrade your freeform pool into a secluded oasis of privacy and comfort.

Plunge pools

If you are dealing with an exceptionally small backyard, but still want to enjoy the benefits of owning a pool, then plunge pools are the way to go. These plunge pool designs are created with elegance, leisure, and entertainment in mind, offering numerous features like spa jets, walk in steps and seat aeration. This type of pools is also excellent for families with smaller children, as it has a solid, even floor, perfectly designed for the kids to learn how to swim and play without fear.

Spas

The spa pool is a perfect fit for extra small spaces in need of an extended, outdoor bathtub. The spa is beneficial for improving sleep, decreasing stress and helping with numerous medical conditions, such as arthritis, muscle soreness, cramps, and joint pains. Equipped with water jets and various seating options, spas offer a wide range of leisure and relaxation option, perfect for spending the afternoons in a tranquil environment with a favourite book in hand. Given their compact size, spas can easily fit on patios, rooftops or courtyards.

Swim spas

Swim spas are ideal if you have a bit more room and simply cannot decide between a swimming pool and a spa, as they combine the best of both worlds in an efficient solution for the entire family, able to meet everyone’s needs. While you take your time relaxing in the spa, your kids can play around in the swimming area, separated only by a spill over bridge in between sections. The spa area consists of ample seating space. It is usually enough for six adults, along with contoured turbo seats with various settings, while you can easily heat the two areas of the pool independently.

Having limited space in your backyard does not mean you cannot enjoy the full benefits of an outdoor pool or spa, it simply means that you need to implement one of these modern solutions into the space you have. Moreover, smaller pools are easier to build, insert and require fewer resources to maintain them year-round. In turn, they enable you to make significant savings in terms of upkeep and installation.

DIY Home Energy Audit

June 17, 2017adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, energy efficient, home maintenanceLeave a comment

You might think that improving your home’s energy efficiency requires a significant investment in new high-tech windows, solar panels for your roof or even overhauling your HVAC system. Although it’s true that making any of those big investments can have a significant impact on your home’s energy consumption, little changes can make just as much of a difference. For example, it’s estimated that the United States spends more than $300 billion a year on energy that is wasted because of drafty doors and windows. A few nickels’ worth of caulk might be all that’s needed to solve the problem for your home. There are countless issues around your home that could be costing you a lot on your energy bill when taken all together, and many of them can be easy to fix.

Checking on all of these potential trouble spots on a regular basis can make a huge difference on your energy bills. You can and should hire a professional to perform a home energy audit every so often. However, you also can perform a do-it-yourself energy audit on a regular basis to catch many of the most common and easily fixed issues before they require professional intervention. Yet with so many potential trouble spots in your home that require attention, it can be easy to overlook some of them. The following checklist details some of the most common areas where energy efficiency can be improved around the home. Following it can help you perform a DIY home energy audit and ultimately result in major savings on your energy bill.

Checklist: DIY Home Energy Audit created by Mendel Plumbing and Heating

The Five Best Appliances for Your Newly Renovated Kitchen

June 15, 2017adminDIY Projects, Entertaining, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home trends, kitchensLeave a comment

For many people, the kitchen is right at the heart of the home. It’s where we not only cook, but often where we share meals together around the table, where we bake sweet treats with the children and where we relax with a cup of coffee after a hard day at work.

It’s no surprise that renovating the kitchen can add value to your home and also add value to your daily lives, as one of your most used rooms is now even better.

What could improve it even more than your renovation? How about some new appliances? These five appliances will look great and they are also practical, so you don’t even need to feel guilty about splurging on them!

1. Steamer

A steamer is a fast and efficient way to cook vegetables, most starches, chicken and fish. Not only does the food taste fantastic when it has been steamed, but it also withholds so many more nutrients than food boiled or roasted does.

It’s so convenient to be able to add your protein, starch and sides to the same cooking appliance and it will save you on the dreaded washing up because you won’t have a lot of pans to wash.

2. Coffee Machine

A coffee machine is a great way to enjoy your favourite barista style coffee at home. The smell of freshly brewing coffee will make your kitchen seem even more homely and comforting, and you will save a lot of money by not having to visit your favourite coffee shop for good coffee. It’s so convenient to just be able to go to the kitchen and pour yourself a cup.

You can choose to grind your own beans for a really authentic experience, or for a simpler way, choose a pod style coffee maker.

3. A George Foreman Grill

A George Foreman Grill is another really quick and convenient way to cook food, especially meat. It gives your meat that lovely smoky, almost barbecued taste.

It also works to draw the fat out of your meat and make it more friendly on your health and waistline. Rather than the fat running out and then being reabsorbed into the meat, with a George Foreman Grill, the fat runs away and is collected in a tray for disposal.

4. A Nutribullet Juicer

A Nutribullet juicer is an essential for any health conscious family. The perfect way to make delicious, nutritious juice, the Nutribullet can break down even the toughest of fruits and vegetables to make you a great tasting and healthy juice.

This is a particularly good appliance for anyone with children who don’t want to eat their five a day – most children will drink the juice because of its sweet taste and appealing colour.

And let’s be honest – it looks pretty snazzy on your counter top too!

5. Electric Spiralizer

No modern kitchen is complete without a spiralizer. A spiralizer is used to cut vegetables into pasta like ribbons that can then be used to replace spaghetti or tagliatelli pasta in your favourite Bolognese and carbonara dishes.

The perfect solution to making a family favourite quicker and healthier. As one of the most recent trends in healthy eating, many modern recipes call for spiralized vegetables so don’t worry that you won’t know what to do with it!

That’s it – our top five recommendations for five appliances that every family needs to have in their newly renovated kitchen. All of the appliances we’ve chosen will save you time. Some will also save you money and effort too. And they will even help to ensure that you and your family are eating and drinking more healthily too!

4 Simple Ways Homeowners Can Increase Their Home’s Value

June 14, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Real Estate Tips, Tips to sell your homehome improvement, home remodeling, real estateLeave a comment

Homes tend to appreciate over time, as long as you take care of them and keep them in good shape. However, there are some things you can do to your home that can increase their value, and you don’t necessarily have to spend a ton of money on them. Here are four simple ways homeowners can increase their home’s value.

Do a Kitchen or Bath Update

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most-used rooms in a house, and they also are the rooms that buyers focus on the most. That’s why it’s important to make periodic improvements to these rooms. You don’t have to break the bank and spend thousands and thousands of dollars. In fact, minor remodels are the ones that tend to add the most value. Some simple things you can do include replacing appliances, replacing a vanity, switching out water and light fixtures and updating your tile and counter tops.

Concentrate on the Exterior

Most people focus on making interior improvements when remodeling their home, but you can actually get the most bang for your buck focusing on the outside. Many of the improvements that have the most return on investment are exterior ones. These include replacing your entry door or garage door, adding or repairing a deck, and sprucing up your landscaping. All of these improvements will be investments that pay back more than they cost to complete, when done correctly.

Structural Improvements

Doing things to the bones of your house aren’t cheap but they are necessary. Take your roof, for example. People do not want to buy a roof that leaks or has broken shingles. Some companies, such as Select Exteriors, know that if this is the case with your roof, you might consider investing to improve it. The same goes for your home’s foundation. Structural improvements can be expensive, but not doing them when necessary can greatly reduce the value of your home.

Make Energy Improvements

Many of today’s home buyers want an energy-efficient home, so you can boost your home’s value by making some simple energy changes. This can include installing a programmable thermostat and changing to compact fluorescent lights. If you want to make a bigger investment, replacing windows or installing solar panels can be good choices.

Making these and other improvements to your home can greatly increase your home’s value. Some improvements require a big investment, but others do not. Either way, you are likely to recoup most of what you spend on these improvements.

Moisture Mishaps: 5 Ways to Prevent Wood Rot in Your Home

June 12, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancehome improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

Excess moisture in your home may be more of a threat than you realize. It soaks easily into wood, and can be the start of wood rot. Wood rot in your home’s frame can lead to structural weakness and eventual collapse. Moist, rotten wood can also draw termites or form a breeding ground for mold and fungus, which pose health hazards. But wood can last a lifetime if it’s kept dry. Here are some ways to prevent wood rot on your next repair or project.

1. Apply Primer

It’s always a good idea to protect exterior-facing wood against moisture by adding primer. Use oil-based primers made for exterior surfaces, as they tend to penetrate better and last much longer than water or even latex primers. Be sure to paint both sides and edges, including the ends. If you’re trying to cover up existing water damage, apply a couple of coats of alkyd primer instead.

2. Gutter Maintenance

For critical points like eaves and gutter installation, use two coats of primer. Gutters can trap water as debris builds up and pose a greater risk; if the wood that supports them rots away, gutters can pull loose, and you’ll end paying for new gutters on top of replacing the wood. Make sure to keep them clear of things like leaves. Some gutters have guards on them that let water filter through to be redirected while keeping other debris separate and easier to remove.

3. Angled Surfaces

Whether you’re building or repairing eaves, roofing, hand rails, decks, or any external structure, try to slope them slightly away from the central structure so that they tend to shed water. Water can be easily trapped and pooled or redirected by flat surfaces, raised edges, crannies, or rotting leaves. Be sure you consider how to best avoid this.

4. Use Plugs

Every screw or nail you use could be allowing moisture into the interior wood, no matter how tight it seems to be. Whenever you’re doing exterior work, try to use nails or screws with galvanized or stainless seals that form a water-tight seal around the head. Alternatively, you could slightly countersink them and fill the hole with all-weather caulk, sealants, or wood glue before painting or covering. Caulk should also be used on any cracks and holes that have developed around doors, windows, vents, and so forth to avoid seepage of water.

5. Rot-Resistant Woods

Some natural woods are actually very good at shedding water and resisting rot. These include woods like cedar, cypress, and teak that have their own natural oils. However, they can be needlessly expensive for ordinary repairs or interior framework. Generally, you’re safe using cheaper modern alternatives like chemical or pressure-treated wood.

When it comes to preventing rot and water damage, taking the easiest or cheapest way out will likely lead to expensive repairs later. Use these tips and you’ll have rot-resistant wood and sturdy construction for many years to come. Wood rot can cause terrible structural damage later on, so it’s always better to prevent it as much as possible.

Decorate Your Home with Double Glazed Sliding Doors

June 11, 2017adminEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tips, Home Securityenergy efficient, home improvement, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Sliding doors is a concept that was popular since the time when it was introduced in to the market. If the sliding doors are glazed over a single side, then they cannot perform all the necessities that are required for a better insulated home. Using double glazed sliding doors is the solution and is also the option which offers you more than just good insulation. When you have a single glazed door newly installed, and you are skeptical about changing the whole thing again, then you must note the fact that a double-glazed sliding door can be easily upgraded from a single glazed sliding door. Now you can install some large sliding doors between your drawing rooms and the attached garden area. It will improve the overall decoration of your house, and you can also open this door for parties in your garden area.

Advantages of a Double-Glazed Sliding Door

If you are considering changing your doors to double glazed sliding doors but you are not sure about the other benefits of it, then here are the benefits and advantages of a double-glazed sliding door:

Improved Insulation– the biggest and the most prominent advantage of double glazed sliding doors is its ability to increase the insulation of the room. Most of the doors that are single glazed allow the outside air to pass in and out of the room making it difficult for your HVAC systems to run efficiently, i.e. during winter days the warm air inside the room goes outside and the cold air comes in and vice versa for summers. When you are using a double-glazed sliding door, then it effectively controls the insulation of the room and does not allow the passing of air in and out of the house. This makes it easier for the HVAC systems to function efficiently.
Helps in Saving Energy – if you have an air passage through your doors then even the best HVAC can fail to perform efficiently. But when you are using double glazed sliding doors then the air passage is controlled and helps in the better functioning of your HVAC systems. This in turn will run less and save energy.
Noise Proof– if your house is beside a busy road or your house is beside a noisy neighbour, a double-glazed sliding door can keep you away from such noisy disturbances. If you wish to have a calm and quiet environment inside your house, then you can install these sliding doors in your house.
They Can be Easily Recycled– one of the best things about these doors is the fact that they can be very easily recycled. Therefore, whether you plan for a remodel or any other thing that requires the removal of the doors, you can easily do it. Each of its part is recyclable and hence you can be sure of using something that will not harm the future generations.

Why Would You Choose Double-Glazed Sliding Doors?

When you renovate your house, you can install some double-glazed sliding doors in your house because these doors can reduce the noise pollution and save your electric consumption bill, protect your home from dust particles, and these doors can also prevent UV rays during the daytime. These doors can also block the sun’s heat and prevent any damage to your furniture. Apart from that, these doors come with a double locking system that will secure your home and these sliding doors can provide you the utmost privacy level.

Hiring A Window & Door Contractor

June 10, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, infographichome improvement, home maintenance, infographic, replacement windowsLeave a comment

There are plenty of repairs and upgrades around the home that you can do yourself with a little practice and the right tools. Installing new windows or doors, however, is something that’s outside most do-it-yourselfers’ comfort zones. Hiring a professional contractor to handle the installation of new windows and doors in your home is essential for ensuring that the job is done properly, and your new windows and doors will fit well enough to prevent drafts and last for a long time. However, hiring the right contractor for the job can be a job in and of itself. Homeowners need to be aware of the signs that the contractors they have chosen are the right ones for their project.

Repairing or replacing doors and windows can be expensive, but not as expensive as it can be to live with the consequences of substandard work from an unqualified contractor. Improperly installed windows and doors can hurt your home’s energy efficiency, lead to costly repairs, and negatively impact the look and resale value of your home. Choosing the right contractor is more than a matter of choosing the lowest bid. Homeowners should consider numerous factors before making the decision to hire a contractor. If you’re considering hiring a professional contractor to install or repair windows or doors in your home, consult the following checklist to make sure you choose wisely and do your due diligence before and after the project. Doing so can ensure that your new windows and doors will last as long as you want them to and that your contractor won’t take advantage of you.

Checklist For Hiring A Window & Door Contractor created by Midwest Window & Door

Water Worries: How to Quickly Fix Leaky Pipes in Your Bathroom or Kitchen

June 9, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Plumbinghome improvement, home maintenance, home repairs, plumbingLeave a comment

If you notice that a faucet is leaking in the kitchen or bathroom, it is imperative that you take care of it as soon as possible. If allowed to linger, it could cause water damage throughout the house in addition to the water making that annoying sound as it falls from the pipe to the floor. What can you do to fix this issues in an affordable and timely manner?

Tighten Them First

It is possible that your pipes just need to be tightened with a wrench. In a matter of seconds, you could have the issue resolved permanently with the tools that you have in your home. If you aren’t sure how to tighten a pipe, you can watch a tutorial or have a friend or family member help you. Remember, you want to go to the right to tighten and to the left to loosen a pipe or any other object.

The Pipe May Need To Be Replaced

There may be a crack or fracture in the pipe that may be allowing water to leak out of it. Some companies, such as Clearwater Plumbing, realize that if that is the case, you need to replace the section where the leak is. Even if the problem is a minor one at the moment, it is important that you take care of it before winter as the cold temperatures could cause small cracks to become complete breaks in the pipe.

You May Be Able to Tape the Leak

The use of sealing tape may help stop a leak for a few hours or days. Ideally, you will then call a plumber to take care of the issue as the tape is no substitute for repairing or replacing a leaking pipe.

Check the Temperature in the Room

In some cases, your pipes may not be leaking at all. They could just be collecting condensation because the room is too hot or humid. To fix the issue, you may just need to find ways to improve air circulation as that will help to get rid of excess moisture in an easy and efficient way.

If the pipes in your bathroom or kitchen are leaking, there is probably a simple fix to resolve the issue. However, don’t hesitate to call a plumber if you aren’t sure what the problem is or if you have tried other remedies that haven’t worked. Regardless of how minor the problem may appear, it could lead to major issues in the future if not addressed quickly.

Plumbing Blunders: What to Do When Your Home Has a Water Leak

June 8, 2017adminHome Improvement Tips, Home Maintenance, Plumbinghome improvement, home maintenance, home repairs, plumbingLeave a comment

Almost every person has dealt with a water leak in their home at some point. A high number of homes and apartments that have suffered from water damage in the past are mostly due to leakage in their plumbing systems. Whenever you discover that you have a water leak at home, you must call a plumber. However, there are a number of things that you can do before the plumbers arrive to prevent any further damage. Here are some important tips on what to do when your home has a water leak.

Shutting Off the Water

As a homeowner it might be best to call a professional such as those from The Clean Plumbers to help with your water pipes. Immediately you discover that a water leak at home, you must act quickly. You should shut off the water going into the appliance or room where you have detected the leak. If there are any electrical appliances connected near the water leak, switch them off and unplug them immediately. You may consider shutting off your circuit breaker depending on the magnitude of the water leak. If the water leak does not subside, you should turn off your chief water valve located in the garage, yard or basement.

Eliminating Water Pressure in Your Pipes

In order to reduce the amount of water leaking in your home, turn on both the hot and cold levers of the lowest spout inside your home either on the first floor or basement. The same should be done on the faucets found in the uppermost floor. This allows air to enter into the pipes and allows them to drain their water via the lever (mostly yellow in color) opened on the house-side water meter. The water will drip for about 10-15 minutes and then slow down if it was leaking from your finished ceiling. If the dripping persists, shut off the water meter using the street-side lever.

Wrapping the Leaking Pipe

As the water pressure in the pipes will have been eliminated, you can use a tape product to wrap around the leaking pipe to act as a temporary fix as you wait for professional services. If the tape is wrapped correctly, it can stop the leakage for a while before the plumbing repairs are done. A rag can be used to wrap the pipes to stop water from being sprayed all over and instead direct it to a bucket or drain.

No homeowner wishes to contend with a water leak in their home. However, in the event that it happens, all the above steps will be useful in controlling a water leak before professional plumbers arrive. They are preventive measures against water damage in your home.

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