Find Home Improvement, Remodeling and Renovation Tips on our Blog

Remodeling Your Home: 5 Tips For Making It Cheaper And Just As Beautiful

May 9, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Remodeling your home is an important step to take when you want to update the property and boost its value. Many homeowners hesitate to begin the project due to the significant costs that are involved. If you want to remodel the home without spending a lot of money, there are a few tips to follow to make it just as beautiful.

Opt for Remnant Stone

When you want to update your countertops and allow them to look beautiful, visit granite supply yards and look for remnants that can be purchased. The material can be inexpensive to purchase if you don’t have too much countertop that needs to be covered, according to hgtv.com.

Purchase Appliances with Minor Imperfections

Ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines are easy to find at a discounted rate due to dents or scratches that may be present on the product but don’t affect how well they operate. Visit a local home improvement store and ask about products that are on sale to score a deal and still make your home look beautiful with the new product.

Install Sealed Cork Floors

Instead of spending a significant amount of money on hardwood floors when you’re ripping out tile or carpet, opt for using cork floors. The material costs an average of $3 per square foot compared to $8 to $14 per square foot for hardwood materials. The product is also easier on your feet and back when you walk throughout the home.

Add Light Tubes

According to thisoldhouse.com, light tubes are considered to be an inexpensive addition that will allow more natural sunlight into your home without spending more on adding windows. The feature slips between roof rafters and allows light to flood into areas that may otherwise be dim.

Don’t Move the Kitchen Sink

Rearranging the layout of your home can cost more if you need to move the toilet or sink. If the new layout requires you to move the features, use the opportunity to replace the pipes with the help of a professional from a company like Knights Plumbing & Drain. The investment can save you more money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or water damage.

When you want to improve the quality of your home, you can make changes that transform the setting. Instead of going over your budget, there are a few ways to make the renovation process cheaper. It may require some extra work and research, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run.

Infographic – Maintaining Timber Decking

May 9, 2017adminDecks & Patios, DIY Projects, infographicdeck, DIY projects, infographicLeave a comment

A timber deck in your garden can be a neat, luxurious area in which to enjoy the summer sunshine, giving you somewhere to sit out and relax, read a book or sip a cool drink as the gorgeous weather shines down upon you. However, there’s also the less glamorous but quite necessary aspect of maintaining the decking so that you can enjoy the idyllic scenario described above.

Crowe Sawmills produced this infographic guide to timber decking maintenance, talking you through the tasks that are required for each season (apart from winter, when thoughts of spending time on your deck are not so glowing) and offering a few handy tips on carrying out the maintenance work.

In this mid-spring season, the time is right for washing and sealing the deck to remove any rot that threatened to set in over the winter months. Primary repairs can then be undertaken during the summer, when daylight hours are at their longest and the weather is most conducive to such tasks. Once the summer is over, you can trim any bushes or trees near the decking and clear all downspouts so that the onset of rot is minimized coming into the winter.

This vivid infographic outlines the process succinctly while still covering all the jobs that should be done. We think it’s a fantastic guide to timber decking maintenance and we hope you feel the same.

The Benefits of Porch roofs and Garden Rooms

May 8, 2017adminDecks & Patios, home improvement, Home Improvement Tipsaddition, home improvement, home remodeling, home trendsLeave a comment

As summer approaches and the days become brighter and warmer you, will want to spend more time outside enjoying the sun. Unfortunately, the weather can be unpredictable and what was a sunny day can turn into a rather wet one. This is were garden rooms and porches come in handy. These structures will allow you to enjoy the sun without getting wet from any sudden and unexpected showers. We have looked into their benefits to help you choose which is the right choice for you.

Garden rooms are an alternative to conservatories and are generally used as a place to relax and socialize with friends and family. They tend to add more light into your home, natural light can add warmth to your home and improve your mood. Conservatories tend to get hot on sunny days, whereas garden rooms are kept cool with their insulated roofs, which also eliminates any condensation problems. These roofs also keep the garden room warm in winter so it can be enjoyed all year round. Garden room roofs are available in various shapes and sizes allowing you to create a unique room to suit your garden.

Porch roofs can be made with or without walls. They are available as an open structure that is supported by pillars or columns or as an enclosed structure. The open porch roofs allow you to enjoy the fresh air, whilst being covered for protection against the sun or light showers. These roofs are great to shelter garden furniture or plants that prefer the shade. Open porch roofs are ideal for entertaining guests in the summer, they offer cover away from light showers without having to go inside.

Porches can also be made as a small covered entrance to your home, usually used to house small plants and as a place to store shoes.

As you can see, both of these options have their benefits. Garden rooms are more enclosed and are an excellent addition to your home, whilst porch roofs are more open and provide a sheltered area in your garden. Whichever option you choose, it is sure to improve your home and provide a space for you to enjoy the sun. These structures will also add value to your home by creating a unique feature.

At APC Mouldings, we supply various styles and shapes of porch and garden room roofs to help you create a style that is suited to you and your home. These structures are a great way of enjoying the summer. For more information please visit our friendly team who will be more than happy to offer advice and help you choose the right option for you.

Written by Amy Reed a SEO specialist on behalf of APC Architectural Mouldings.

Author Bio:

My name is Amy, I live in the north east of England. I am a copywriter for APC Mouldings who provide architectural mouldings to help people improve their homes. As a homeowner, I am constantly looking for new ideas for my home.

Be Prepared: 4 Essential Plans For Facing A Natural Disaster

May 7, 2017adminSafetySafetyLeave a comment

There are many different types of natural disasters so try to prepare a general plan for emergencies, and think of different ways to use it. For example, take into account that you may be at work or traveling when the natural disaster occurs. Grabbing your family photo albums won’t be possible in that scenario. Use these tips as a guideline to create a customized plan for your own home and situation.

Windstorms and Tornadoes

If you have time to evacuate, do so quickly. As a backup plan, your home should have a safe room, or at least a safe area, where you can quickly take shelter. Tornadoes may be the hardest natural disaster to prepare for because, after they pass you may find that nothing you own is where you left it. If you can create a safe room be sure to keep your emergency kit there too.

Floods

If you wake up in the middle of the night to a flooded bedroom what would you do? If you live in a flood plain know the location of the nearest high-water shelter. Put together a waterproof bin with essentials items in it. If a bin is too unwieldy, pack everything into a backpack, which you can carry safely, and stay hands-free. Whatever is left behind can be cleaned up with a service, such as NiteOwl Restoration.

Earthquakes

Until the weather service better discovers how to predict these people will be surprised by them. Often an earthquake is the precursor to other dangers, like mudslides and fires. A good emergency plan would be to keep a backpack with essentials in it, such as a first aid kit, water, snacks, a flashlight, some cash or a debit card, and pet food. Keep one at home and one in your car. Expect that cell phone services and emergency providers will be overloaded after an earthquake, or other natural disasters, so try to be self-reliant.

Fires

Like tornadoes, a wildfire may leave you with nothing to return to. And you may need to evacuate at a moment’s notice. The important thing is to get the whole family to safety. Focus on having evacuation-backpacks, or bins, already packed up with important items. If these are ready to go, it will help to reduce panic and stress. Once you reach safety contact friends and family with your status and location.

Don’t count on a stash of supplies as a solution. Depending on the natural disaster it may all go to waste. Rather, put together an evacuation kit that will help you recover from a disaster. Be sure to practice executing your disaster plan with your family. Also, make a backup plan because your vehicle may break down, or your escape route may be blocked. These are the important things to consider when facing a natural disaster.

Rental Remodel: 3 Things To Consider When Fixing To Lease

May 6, 2017adminhome improvement, Home Improvement Tips, Real Estate Tipshome improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Renting out a home or apartment can be a great way to earn some extra income, especially considering the number of renters in the U.S. is continuing to rise year after year. Combine this with rising rental prices and a declining number of vacant properties and it spells out the fact that now is a great time to get into the property rental business.

However, before you dive straight in and immediately list your property for rent, you’ll first want to ensure that it’s in good enough condition to actually earn you a profit. While you may not want to undertake any major renovation projects, making sure your property is above minimum requirements and up to code will pay off in the long run. To make things easier, here are a few of the most important things you’ll want to be on the lookout for.

Old, Outdated Décor

Unless the property is brand new, you’ll always want to make sure you give the interiors a bit of a touch up before trying to rent it out. At the bare minimum, you’ll want to give everything a fresh paint job (neutral tones are always best). Still, you may want to consider tearing out those old carpets or linoleum floors and putting in new laminate flooring. Generally speaking, carpet is almost always a bad idea in rental properties. If you make as many repairs as is reasonable, making the space look clean and well-maintained, it will be easier to keep track of damage and needed repairs in the future.

Kitchen and Bathroom Furnishings

Pay close attention to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets and other furnishings, as these are fairly inexpensive to replace and can make a major difference in how much you can charge for the place. Making smaller changes like putting in new faucets or shower head also helps. You don’t necessarily need to remodel the entire room, as even making a few minor upgrades can go a long way.

Landscaping and Exterior

The outside of the property is just as important as the interior, and sometimes even more so, since this is the first thing a prospective tenant will see. If they don’t like what they see on the outside, they may not even bother to check out the inside. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to take a little time to spruce up the exterior of the property as well. Make sure the trees are trimmed, plant a few bushes or even just fix the dead spots in the lawn. Like with the interior, even a little help can go a long way. If you’re planning on renting through a realty company like Adams, Cameron and Co., Realtors, you will also want to ask them if they have any advice to give.

In many cases, it may be necessary to perform some more extensive renovations or repairs before a property is fully ready to rent out, especially if it doesn’t meet all local regulations. Nonetheless, even the more basic remodel tasks listed above should help ensure that you can get maximum value from your rental property.

How to Renovate Your Bathroom the Fastest Way Possible

May 5, 2017adminBathroom Remodeling, home improvement, home remodelingbathroom remodeling, home improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Unless you have two bathrooms in the home, then you’re going to want to renovate your bathroom as quickly as possible. Make a plan of action before any work is done in the room so that you know exactly how much money you have to work with and exactly what you want to do to the space. Do as much of the work on your own to save money, alerting others in the home that certain areas of the bathroom might not be functional for a few days.

Adding Color

One of the easiest ways that you can renovate the bathroom without spending a lot of time is to paint the walls and accents. Choose a color that will blend with the size of the room along with the decorations that you plan to use. Gray is a good choice for a background color with teal or peach for a contrasting shade. It usually takes about a day for paint to dry, so you’re not inconveniencing anyone for a long time.

Giving New Shine

If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on the project, then simply refinish the tub and shower or the sink. Adding a bit of shine and natural luster back to the larger items in the room can give a face lift that is inexpensive and easy to accomplish. You won’t have to worry about ripping out these items, which can take time depending on whether you come across any problems. It’s also not as messy as it would be to take everything out and put it back in place or to put new items in the bathroom.

Hardware Details

From new shelves to new handles on the doors and drawer facings, changing the hardware is a simple job that will change the look of the room. It’s best to use new colors and a new design than was originally in place when swapping out the hardware. Changing the faucet handles is also an idea for giving a new look that won’t take a lot of time.

Go to the Professionals

If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on a remodeling project, then consider hiring someone who can get the job done faster. A professional, such as one from Towers Murray Plumbing, can help with any pipes or moving around the tub or shower if it’s in the design plans. The company can clean up the mess that is made and ensure that everything is done right the first time. This can prevent some of the frustration of not having a bathroom for a long period of time as most companies have a few people working at one time to get the job done in a day or two.

The bathroom is one of the easiest rooms in the home to renovate, but it’s also the most used space in the home. Keep your project to a minimum so that family members aren’t waiting to take a shower or even brush their teeth for a few days. Plan ahead before the project starts as to not have questions or concerns in the middle of the renovation.

Thinking of DIY Repairs? 7 Times You Should Call a Pro

May 5, 2017adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home maintenance, home repairsLeave a comment

The growing popularity of home improvement and repair shows can make us believe that we are capable of doing just about anything when it comes to improving or repairing our homes. However, that is just an idea that is far from reality. In case of an emergency, you might want to grab a tool and handle the problem yourself, but DIY repairs are rarely as simple as they may seem on TV, and they can end up in a disaster that could cost you more money than hiring a professional. The common rule of thumb is that you can fix some cosmetic flaws yourself, but just in case you are wondering, here are the situations when you really should seek the help of an experienced professional.

Fixing electrical wires

Here’s another rule for you: if it can put you in a hospital, don’t do it. Really, fixing faulty/burnt electrical wires might remind you of the familiar movie scene where you should cut the red wire or match some colors, but it is far from being so. Unless you have some practical knowledge about working with electricity, it is better to leave this job to the pros.

Adjusting electrical lines

This is an even more complicated chore. Again, if you are not well-versed in this skill and you’re not familiar with the local code requirements, you could put yourself in an extremely dangerous situation. Poorly performed electrical works are a common cause of fire, so even if you don’t see any consequences right away, there could still be a pending doom. Also, if one day you decide to sell the house, this problem could be discovered by inspection and you could end up spending much more money than you’ve saved by taking matters into your own hands.

Window repairs and replacement

Unless you’re doing it on the first floor, window repairs and replacements can be quite tricky. In fact, anything that requires a ladder or scaffold can lead to a nasty fall. Don’t you think that the risks are too big to justify saving a few bucks?

Unclogging blocked drains

In some cases, this can be solved by an amateur, but unclogging drains isn’t always a simple task. Sometimes, clearing a blocked drain pipe requires professionals working with high-tech tools that can detect and remove blockages from your pipes quickly and efficiently. You will notice such persistent blockages when the usual boiling water and plunger methods fail.

Frozen pipes repair

Frozen pipes are quite common in some climates, but that doesn’t mean that you should tackle this problem all by yourself. They can lead to accidents that can cause some serious damage to your home. If the cold hasn’t already caused them to burst, professional plumbers can solve the problem before your whole house is flooded. Altering plumbing lines is also out of the question.

Leaky roof

There is nothing more annoying than hearing tiny raindrops dripping from your ceiling to the floor or furniture piece. Besides being annoying, this problem may damage the ceiling structure and cause health hazards like mold and mildew. This is not the time for showing your housework skills. Remember what we mentioned a couple of paragraphs above? Improper use of ladders and scaffolding can result in falls, and you don’t want that.

Removing large amounts of paint

What could possibly be dangerous about this? Nothing, unless you are removing large amounts of paint that may contain traces (or even larger amounts) of lead. Health concerns and legal requirements make this job an endeavor that should be left to professionals who possess protective equipment that can shield them from hazards associated with lead (e.g. kidney damage and anemia).

Wishing to take things into your own hands when it comes to maintaining your household is perfectly understandable. However, in some cases, it is better to call the professionals instead of biting off more than you can chew.

Guest Post By:

Chloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.

Taking Control of Your Finances After College

May 4, 2017adminFinancesfinancesLeave a comment

It’s time for you to graduate from college. Finally! That means you’re preparing to start your career and life on your own. Although your 20s are the time to explore, be wary of certain financial decisions. “While every decision you make won’t irrevocably change the course of your life, a few may,” warns US News. Graduation is an excellent time to prepare to get your financial life headed in the right direction.

Although the job market for new college graduates is slightly improving, the large amount of student loan debt will be a constraint in the financial lives of many college grads many for years, maybe even decades. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, 68 percent of students from four-year colleges graduated with debt in 2015, and the average debt amount was $30,100, up four percent from 2014.

Lifestyle

Adjust your lifestyle to meet your financial goals. Start by living within your means, or even living below your means when possible. Many people make the mistake of readjusting their lifestyle to spend more with each increase in income. A better idea is to increase your contribution to your 401(k) plan and stick with the same lifestyle as before the raise.

Although it was considered unusual a generation ago, many college graduates now opt to live with their parents following graduation. It’s a smart short-term plan since you won’t fork money over for rent, utilities, and an internet bill. Instead, you can build up a savings account for a car, rent deposit, down payment on a home, graduate school, or even a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Establishing credit and using it wisely are important financial steps, and one way to enhance your credit score is to always pay your bills on time. Also, be sure to monitor your credit profile. College students are the most prone to identity theft because they have such a substantial online profile.

Savings

Be sure you learn about personal finance and investing. Research online or read books on how to manage money and the different ways to invest. Take advantage of employer 401(k) plans by contributing as much as you can, or at least the same amount that your employer is willing to match. Otherwise, you’re missing out on free money from your employer. Obviously, the sooner you start, the more compounding interest works in your favor. Starting at 22 as opposed to 32 can be a world of a difference.

Having a retirement plan can even save you money on taxes each year. This means you can save extra income or even earn a refund that can be deposited into your savings or retirement fund. Many people find it beneficial to work with a financial planner or tax software so they’re sure to get all of the maximum tax deductions they’re entitled to, which helps their hard-earned money go even further.

Also, have money automatically withdrawn from your paycheck and distributed into a savings account or 401(k). This is most important in the first few years, as it gets you into the habit of this lifestyle. Furthermore, by having it automatically withdrawn, you won’t be tempted to spend the money.

Beyond the Bills

Choose your friends wisely. If you surround yourself with people who spend their money foolishly, it is likely to rub off on you. This is especially true with dating; marrying someone who doesn’t share your financial values is unwise. Learn to cook so you’ll eat at home more, which will save you money. Eating at home can also be healthier, which can lower medical expenses.

Before deciding to go to graduate school, consider the costs versus the benefits. For some fields, such as education, a master’s degree is a necessity. For others, having a master’s degree doesn’t offer any real career benefits. Accruing additional debt without increasing salary is ill advised.

Of course, none of this is to say you shouldn’t have fun. It’s OK to splurge on experiences. In fact, spending money on experiences is advisable over spending it on “things.” After graduation, take the chance to travel and try new experiences. Just stay focused on your overall financial plan to have a well-balanced and healthy budget while saving for your future and living a sensible lifestyle.

How To Prevent Your Property From Being Vandalized

May 3, 2017adminHome Security, infographichome improvement, infographic, SafetyLeave a comment

When it comes to your home, one of the biggest ways to feel comfortable is to feel safe. But at times this can be difficult because of the threat of vandalism to your property. Statistics say that 77% of all crimes are property crimes, which means no matter the community or neighborhood you live in, the possibility of your home being burglarized or vandalized will always be present. Even if the damage is relatively minor, vandalism can shake a homeowner’s confidence to its core. What’s more, vandalism can depress a neighborhood’s spirit as well as property values. The following slides represent some common-sense approaches to help you protect your property, neighborhood and peace of mind.

How To Prevent Your Property From Being Vandalized slideshow create by Gate Options

Author Bio

Dean White is the owner of Gate Options, the premier automated gate company in northern Illinois. He has over 30 years of experience in the industry.

Bathroom Makeover: 4 Modern Essentials For Your Renovation

May 2, 2017adminBathroom Remodeling, home improvement, home remodelingbathroom remodeling, home improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Renovating the bathroom might seem like a simple task at first because it’s a small space, but when you begin removing aspects of the plumbing and start working in the room, you’ll find that there are a few things that are necessary to complete the work. It’s sometimes best to let someone else handle the renovation of this room so that you don’t feel like you’re doing something wrong. It also helps to have a professional in the home because of the tight quarters and the speed of which you need to have the renovation completed so that the room can be functional once again.

Money

Make sure you have a budget set aside for the project. You don’t want to get into the renovation and find that you don’t have money for an emergency that arises or enough money to pay for an increase in the amount for the supplies that are needed. Think about how much you have to spend on the renovation, completing steps one by one so that you aren’t financially strapped.

Timing

If you only have one bathroom, you need to make plans to have another bathroom that is readily available while yours is being renovated. Talk to a contractor to find out exactly how long it will take to get everything completed in the room. If you need to, do each area of the room one at a time, hiring a professional company like Moon Valley Plumbing, that can come in and do the toilet and shower one day so that it’s completed while counters and electrical work is completed another day.

Surface Area

The renovation will often entail more than just changing the hardware in the room or updating the plumbing. The walls will likely be painted along with changing the flooring. You want to have all of these supplies on hand in the colors and designs that you want to make the process go as smooth as possible. Slip-resistant flooring is an idea to put in the bathroom as a safety feature.

Small Details

Don’t forget the small details of the bathroom renovation. These would include the lights that go around a vanity, the storage areas for the towels and washcloths and the faucets. These small details will bring life to the bathroom along with the new plumbing features that you include.

Changing the bathroom is sometimes a fun adventure. You can turn the space into a relaxing oasis with a larger tub and water-saving features. However, you need to examine the room to determine what is needed for the project and where you stand with money and time before any work begins, allowing you to get the renovation completed without a hitch.

Blog