Find Home Improvement, Remodeling and Renovation Tips on our Blog

Automate Your Life: 4 Technologies to Make Your Home Smarter

April 24, 2019April 18, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, smart homeLeave a comment

The smart home of the future that you grew up watching on Saturday morning cartoons is now becoming a reality. Although we’re still waiting for robot maids and flying cars, the following four futuristic technologies can make your home smarter today.

A Smarter Thermostat

How many times have you arrived at work and realized that you forgot to turn the thermostat down before you left home? A smart thermostat eliminates this problem by allowing you to adjust temperature settings anywhere from an app on your phone. These high-tech thermostats can also be programmed to adjust the temperature automatically, and some even learn your preferences. A smart thermostat quickly pays for itself by reducing energy usage.

A Smarter Vacuum Cleaner

Nobody loves to vacuum floors. Thanks to the robotic vacuum cleaner, you no longer have to. The newest robot vacuums utilize a Wi-Fi connection and smart apps to employ a ton of useful new features. These machines can detect dirty areas, easily maneuver around furniture, and automatically return to a charging station when not in use. Use your phone to control your robot vacuum from the couch or set it up so it automatically does its thing while you’re out of the house.

A Smarter Lightbulb

The humble lightbulb has come a long way since the days of Thomas Edison. Long-lasting, energy-sipping LED bulbs are quickly gaining popularity, and smart lightbulbs are the most advanced type on the market. Smart bulbs are available with a variety of styles and features. The most basic types allow for simple adjustments of brightness and color. More advanced bulbs can be synced to your television for perfect entertainment lighting or use GPS to turn the lights on when you arrive home.

A Smarter Fridge

Smart refrigerators take the kitchen dry-erase board to a new level. A smart fridge’s touch screen combines grocery lists, messaging, and internet browsing, but there is more to this technology than just a screen. A smart fridge can show you what’s inside without opening the door and give you a remote view via your phone when you’re at the grocery store. All this is made possible by printed circuit board technologies like multilayer and rigid flex circuit boards.

Whether you go big or small, adding smart technologies can save both time and money. Check with your utility company to see if they offer rebates for energy-saving improvements like smart thermostats and lightbulbs. Your smart upgrade may cost little or nothing.

Heart of the Home: 4 Projects to Include in Your Kitchen Renovation

April 23, 2019April 4, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementskitchen renovations, Kitchen Remodelingkitchen remodeling, kitchensLeave a comment

For many families, the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the house. Not only is it the place where large meals are cooked for the entire family to enjoy, but it’s also where the snacks and treats are sought. A lot of socialization happens in and around the kitchen. As a result, many homeowners choose to renovate their kitchen in order for it to match all of their needs. If you’re considering performing that renovation, here are four projects that your plan shouldn’t be without.

New Cabinets

How old are your cabinets? They’ve probably quite dated at this point. With interior design changing every few years, you can be sure that the cabinets you have in your home have likely fallen by the wayside. One incredibly easy way to fresh up the look in your kitchen is to simply replace the cabinets. They can add more storage and can either brighten the room or make it look more modern.

Countertops

Your next project should be your countertops. For one, you can’t be too sure just how clean they are after the extended use they’ve had. Replacing them is just a good idea in general for sanitary reasons. Countertops are also a great way to change the appearance and aesthetic of your kitchen. You should try and stay away from tiled countertops and instead go for seamless ones to prevent bacteria from building up in the cracks.

Adding an Island

If your kitchen just needs a little more preparation space, then you should consider having an island installed. While it doesn’t always work for every kitchen, even just a single unit-island can offer additional space for food preparation. If you cook large meals, then an island is going to become your best friend.

Flooring

With every renovation, you need to consider the flooring. Again, the age of the flooring should be considered. You should also opt for a flooring option that is resistant to staining and wear-and-tear since the kitchen is one of the most traffic-heavy areas of your home. In addition, you should consider flooring options that go well with your cabinets and countertops to bring the entire aesthetic together.

Kitchen renovations can quickly turn into nightmares without a plan into place. These four projects can offer you direction when you start to plan your renovation. By completing these projects, your kitchen will look brand new in no time. If you plan on doing the bulk of your work by yourself, be sure to look up emergency plumbing and electrical services ahead of time just in case something goes wrong.

Improving Your Home with Marie Kondo’s 50 Quotes – Infographic

April 19, 2019August 3, 2021Bruzzese Home Improvementsinfographic, Home Organization Tipshome organization, infographicLeave a comment

Improving your home can come in many different shapes and forms and not that surprisingly, the amount of clutter and mess you have in your home can have a negative effect on yours and your family’s everyday life. The space in which you choose to sleep in, relax in, dine in, work in, play in should be designed to how you want to feel. For example, having a cluttered living room means you’re less likely to be able to switch off and fully relax, as you’ll be distracted by the mess or looking at things which you know you need to sort out. It really can make a world of difference having a cleaner, tidier and more organized home.

This is where Marie Kondo (founder of KonMari Media, Inc), organizing consultant and Netflix phenomenon, comes in. Not heard of her before? Well, she pretty much has an organizing method for every single item you can think of, and her methods really do get results. Yes, it might sound a little too good to be true but once you get started and start seeing even the slightest results, you’ll want to dive fully in and clear your clutter once and for all. Oh, and just a heads up that you will want to get your family involved as well, as trying to tackle your family’s clutter on your own just isn’t going to work.

As well as having her very own show on Netflix, Marie Kondo is the author of the bestselling book – The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The below infographic, from JD Williams, actually shares 50 of those quotes about organizing in an easy-to-read and easy-to-remember visual format! Whether you’re already familiar with the KonMari method or you’ve never heard of it before, you’ll be able to use these quotes as a starting point for your decluttering journey, or even using the quotes as a checklist. Ready to get started with KonMari-ing your own home? Check out the below infographic…

4 Ways to Prevent Symptoms of an Aging Home

April 17, 2019December 20, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Home Maintenancehome improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

If you live in a house that was built around 1970 or before, you’ll probably start seeing some telltale signs of its age. You can easily remedy these symptoms and prevent them from recurring, although some may be costly.

If you’re able to take out a home equity loan, some of these fixes are well worth the investment to keep your home in top shape. Other remedies are simple upgrades and replacements that are good do-it-yourself projects to save money.

Upgrade the wallpaper

If you walk into a room and start having 60s flashbacks, it’s time to change the wallpaper or apply a fresh coat of primer and paint to bring it current.

Many older homes have seriously outdated wallpaper or possibly 60s or 70s style murals painted on the walls. If you think you may sell your home in the future, you definitely want something fresh.

Get rid of the wood paneling

Unless you designed your home to have the look and feel of a rustic cabin, there is no need for the old wood paneling anywhere in your home. You can remedy this by replacing the wood paneling with shiplap. Shiplap will give your home a beautiful upgrade that will withstand the test of time.

Replace the Carpet

Even the most expensive carpet will age as the home ages, especially in heavily trafficked areas. If you or the previous owner had small kids or animals, the carpet no doubt took a beating over the years. If replacing the carpet isn’t in your budget, you may want to consider tearing the carpet out and refinish the wood flooring underneath.

You can also opt for faux or laminate wood flooring instead of refinishing the old original wood flooring in the house to bring your home up to date and hide its age.

Upgrade the Windows

Time for an upgrade. Or maybe your house doesn’t have any shutters at all. Adding or replacing old shutters with aluminum shutters will do wonders for the appearance of older homes.

You may need to replace the older windows too so the new shutters won’t look as though you’re trying to distract from the old windows.

These are just a few of the visible signs of an aging home that are relatively easy to fix. If you’re inspecting an older home with the intention of buying it, you also need to look into the home’s electrical, plumbing and heating systems and look for any signs of termite or flood damage.

If your home was well cared for, these simple fixes may be all you need to bring your home out of the dark ages.

Individual Upgrades: 4 Ways to Customize Your Home

April 15, 2019April 4, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvementhome improvementLeave a comment

Customizing your home doesn’t need to be a time-consuming, stressful, or expensive process. With a little bit of planning and some hard work, you should be able to completely revitalize the appearance of your home in a matter of weeks. Here is a look at four upgrades that are going to turn a bland house into an unforgettable getaway.

Crown Molding

One of the easiest ways to give the inside of your home a new look is to install crown molding. Also known as cornices, crown molding is decorative trim that can give a room a little bit of personality. Crown molding can also be placed around windows, doors, pillars, and pony walls. You should be able to install crown molding in a single afternoon with nothing more than a few basic tools.

Built-In Shelves

There are a few different reasons why built-in shelves are so popular among homeowners. This project is should only take a few hours to complete, and it can add quite a bit of storage space to a plain wall. Before tackling this renovation, you must make sure that you won’t be coming close to any electrical wires or pipes. You should also add extra insulation if some of the fiberglass or cellulose is torn, matted, or damaged in any other way.

A New Garage Door

When it comes to giving your home a facelift, very few options are as appealing as installing a new garage door. Modern garage doors are relatively easy to install, but you should always hire a contractor for this project. Garage door springs are under an incredible amount of tension, and serious injuries might occur if you don’t have the proper tools and training. You might also want to consider installing a wireless sensor so that you can control your garage door with a mobile app.

Accent Walls

An accent wall is a simple way to customize your home without making any major structural changes. Depending on what type of design you are interested in, you might be able to add an accent wall in just a few hours with some inexpensive tools and supplies. This upgrade is a good option for neutral rooms that have relatively bland walls. Some of the best materials for accent walls include faux brick, wood pallets, and old tiles.

These four suggestions are only the tip of the iceberg, and you should constantly be on the lookout for new ways to customize and upgrade your home. In addition to these few projects, you might also want to consider adding a fresh layer of paint to the walls, repaving the driveway, and hiring a landscaper to improve the yards.

4 Ways to Prepare Your Home for a Natural Disaster

April 12, 2019March 27, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Maintenance, Home Improvement Tipshome improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

Although you might receive a warning about a natural disaster that’s headed to your area, you might not know the severity of how it will impact your home. With a little planning, you can prepare your home so that it can withstand the high winds or flooding rains that occur with a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or a snowstorm. Keep in mind that there are some disasters that you can’t prevent and that could overtake your home, but you can still plan ahead and prepare to keep your family safe.

Secure the Windows

One of the first areas of your home that you can start with when you want to prepare your home for a natural disaster would be the windows. If there are high winds outside, then anything can get blown through the glass and damage your home. Storm windows are a good option as they are often thicker and offer more support than traditional windows.

Basement Security

There are a few things that you can do with your basement to prepare for a disaster. This is a location in your home where you can store a supply kit and create a safe area for your family. You can also focus on basement waterproofing so that the belongings that you store for your safety aren’t damaged and to keep the foundation of your house from being damaged by water.

Strapping Down

Whether it’s an earthquake or a disaster with high winds, you can prepare the belongings in your home by strapping them down so that they are as protected as possible. Make sure your water heater and other large appliances are secured to the wall or the floor so that they don’t shift around as much during a disaster. You can also attach flexible connections to appliances that require gas so that they can easily be disconnected from the energy source if needed. Your television and other valuable electronics can also be secured to the walls to keep them in place.

Generators

Sometimes, you might lose power for a few days during a disaster. If this happens, you can be prepared by having a generator in your home. Your generator can be used for the basic electrical components that you need to operate until the power is restored. This simple device can help to keep you warm and allow you to cook for your family.

You never know exactly what a disaster will bring. It could be several days of cold weather and snow or could involve high winds and downed trees. If you’re prepared for any disaster, then you can focus on keeping your family safe and secure during the event.

Steel Yourself for Exterior Renovations: 4 Advantages of Installing a Metal Roof

April 10, 2019January 10, 2021Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Roofinghome improvement, roofingLeave a comment

When it’s time to replace or update your roof, metal is the way to go. It offers multiple advantages over more common asphalt shingles. While a bit more expensive than shingles, metal roofing is long-lasting, low maintenance, eco-friendly, and versatile.

Long-Lasting

Metal roofs can last 50 years or more. That’s why they have become and remain such a popular roofing option. The metal sheds water efficiently, keeping it away from the roof deck below. Unlike asphalt shingles, the number of connections between the roof material and deck is minimal, reducing the chance of a leak forming.

Unlike other roofing materials, metal roof panels don’t split, crack, rot, warp, or chip. They also prevent rodent and termite infestation. They can take impacts without damage. FEMA recommends metal roofs for areas prone to hurricanes, like Florida.

Low Maintenance

One of the most popular reasons people choose metal roofing is because it requires minimal to zero maintenance. If the panels get dirty, rain will usually clean it off without human intervention.

Further, panel finish is made to endure hot sun, torrential rain, and even ice and snow (though that may not be an issue where you live). It will keep looking good for decades to come.

Environmentally Friendly

Metal roofs are 100% recyclable, as are the fasteners used to hold it tight to the roof. Metal roofing panels include up to 60% recycled material. Metal roofing can be recycled over and over again without degradation.

Homeowners may save up to 40% on their heating and cooling costs, after installing a metal roof. That’s because the roof reflects sunlight away during the summer and keeps heat inside during the winter.

Versatile

Metal roofs can be cut to fit any roof style or shape. The edges are easily capped with trim to provide a finished look. You can find panels with a ribbed, crimp, or standing seam look.

Today’s metal roofing comes in a multitude of colors, ranging from white to black to brown to blue, plus many more in between. This allows you to coordinate your roof color to your home’s body and trim colors, which enhances your homes curb appeal.

With so many advantages, metal roofing is definitely the way to replace or update your roof. What’s more, DIY metal roofs allow you to gain all the benefits at a lower price. You should especially consider metal roofing if you live in Hurricane Alley or in another area that frequently experiences high wind speeds.

4 Ways to Improve Your Home Security without Breaking Your Budget

April 6, 2019October 31, 2022Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Securityhome improvement, home securityLeave a comment

Ensuring that your home is properly secured can make a world of difference when it comes to preventing intruders. Often, many homeowners underestimate the importance of security, which can leave them vulnerable to break-ins. Conducting the proper research and deciding what preventative measures work best for you will allow you to create a safer environment for you and your family. The following information provides a closer look at four helpful tips to improve your home security without spending a lot of extra money.

Purchase Doorbell Cameras

Doorbell cameras have become very popular over the last several years. These helpful devices allow you to see who is at your door before answering it. Often, these products will allow you to view live video feed from your smartphones, which is incredibly convenient. Also, many of these can be purchased for less than $100, which makes them a very affordable option.

Train Your Dogs to Bark at Strangers

Many people overlook the benefits of training your dogs to bark at strangers. Learning to properly train them will help them to learn to notify you of intruders, which will give you time to create a plan, such as calling the police. You just need to ensure that your dogs are well taken care of and treated like a part of the family, and they will be loyal to you. Training them to do this is free if you do it on your own. You just need to teach them to bark and stop barking on command, show them the perimeters of your property, and have them practice barking when people come near your yard. It is important to remember that training them to bark is different from being a guard or attack dog. These types of dogs are very dangerous and shouldn’t be viewed as pets.

Buy Alarms and Sensors

Alarms and sensors for your windows and doors can be very beneficial. Typically, these products are included in home security packages. However, if you are on a budget, you can also purchase and install these on your own. Essentially, the sensors will alert you whenever doors and windows are opened, which can give you time to react properly to the situation. These can be purchased at many retail stores for roughly $10 a piece, which means they are a great choice if you are trying to save money.

Properly Secure Your Windows and Doors

You need to also ensure that you have sturdy windows and doors that will help to prevent break-ins. Windows made from tempered glass and Plexiglas are much more difficult to break. You will also want to make sure all of your locks are properly functioning. You can even take things to the next level and purchase window bars. If you feel it’s time to update your windows and doors to make them more secure, you may want to research windows and doors in NJ in order to find a professional who can assist you. Also, properly securing your doors will be far less expensive than purchasing a security system, paying for installation, and monthly fees, which really add up over time.

Overall, home security is a very important factor that many homeowners overlook. Taking the extra time to conduct the proper research and buy the necessary products and services can potentially save you or one of your family member’s lives. Even if you think you live in a safe neighborhood, it is always best to be prepared in the event of a break-in.

4 Tips For Choosing The Right Roofing Material For Your Environment

April 1, 2019January 19, 2021Bruzzese Home ImprovementsRoofinghome improvement, roofingLeave a comment

One of the most important components of a house is its roof. The roof truly protects you from the elements more so than actual walls. Unfortunately, all roofs aren’t created the same. The climate in which you reside can play a huge role on the specific type of roof that you may need. Thanks to modern technology, roofs can come in various styles such as rubber, asphalt shingles, metal, slate and wood shingles. The options are nearly endless, but for your protection, you should hire a local licensed contractor, like Leon Construction, to provide you with trustworthy advice for which material to choose. Below are 4 different types of roofing materials and suggestions for when they should be used.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are probably the most widely used roofing material in North America because they can hold up very well to a range of weather conditions. Asphalt shingles are produced by various brands, and they’re generally found on older homes. Whether it’s rain, snow, moderate wind or hail, these composite shingles are tried and true. Durability and price plays a huge role into why so many homeowners choose this material. Depending on the brand of choice, asphalt shingles have a lifespan between 10 to 25 years. On the other hand, asphalt shingles do not hold up well to dry and extremely heated climates because the material will begin to crack.

Slate & clay tiles

Slate and clay tiles are more of a regional style of roofing that can generally be found in the Southwest. Many Spanish-style homes are equipped with this material because it holds up really well to dry-heat conditions. Slate & tile provides protection against heavy rain, and it can offer better cooling attributes in warm weather. If you reside in cold-weather climates, then you shouldn’t use this roofing material. Extremely cold temperatures can cause this material to crack and lead to water leakage.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing is by far the most durable and complete type of roofing that’s currently available on the market today. This particular material can come in a variety of hues to match your home’s exterior color and style. Though the metal is lightweight, it’s highly durable. Whatever Mother Nature throws at you whether it’s snow, hail, heavy rain, extreme heat, sleet or frigid temperatures, this material can protect your home more effectively than its counterparts. Try to stay away from corrugated-metal because it utilizes a number of fasteners which can lead to leaks and other issues.

Green roofing

For those who want to reduce their environmental impact, green roofing materials can be a good option. They can provide thermal insulation, which is good for extreme weather climates. They can absorb rainwater to ensure there won’t be any leaks in your roof in rainy climates. A green roof can offer a more natural look and can provide an environment for you to grow plants or moss to further help with oxygen production in the air.

These are four of the most popular styles of roofing in North America. Depending on your exact location, a professional roofer will offer the best possible solution to meet your home’s specific needs.

Full House: Should I Build up or Add On?

March 29, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementshome addition, home improvementaddition, home improvementLeave a comment

Families change over time. Typically, they grow larger. As this happens, the needs of that family change. While a home may have been an adequate living space when the family was smaller, this may no longer be the case after you have several kids and your parents move in with you. Many people can’t afford to move into a bigger place. So, one of the only options for many families is to expand the living space they do have.

In terms of a home expansion project, you have two choices. You can either build up or add on horizontally. Here the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

Benefits of Building Up

One choice is to expand your house by building up. This of course means adding an extra level to either the main structure of your home to the garage to create extra living space. The main benefit here is you won’t lose any of your yard when completing this kind of expansion. You may also be able to avoid zoning restrictions that could be in place on the square footage of the floor of your home.

Disadvantages of Building Up

However, despite the benefits, there are distinct disadvantages to building up. Building a new stable floor can be difficult. Even if you find a good deal on timber for sale, you will likely require a contractor. Building a new staircase can take up a lot of room in the lower level you may not want to sacrifice. Building over your garage can also produce the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if a car runs in the garage for long enough even with the garage door open.

Benefits of Adding On

Your second choice is to add on to your home by building out horizontally. This method may be preferable because it causes the least disruptions to your existing home. You won’t, for example, have to alter the existing foundation. Instead, you just lay more foundation. You’ll also have much more freedom to do what you want with a completely new addition.

Disadvantages of Adding On

Of course there are also possible disadvantages to expanding your home horizontally as well. You will of course lose some of your yard that you may have wanted to preserve. There may also be zoning limitations that introduce a legal element to expanding your house in this way.

Families grow and so do their needs. If your home doesn’t have enough space, certainly consider an expansion project. Put a lot of consideration into whether it would be best to expand horizontally or vertically. Each choice has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Blog