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Looking For The Best Patio Roof

July 28, 2022 Comments Off

Thanks to the creative minds behind patio designs, there are several sorts of patio roofs available on the market. With contingency plans for all the usual weather and maintenance issues, innovative techniques have made most patio roofs ideal for any situation. Nowadays, it has all boiled down to what you deem as the right roof for your patio.
Get a conventional patio roof to match your house roof. Whether you go for aluminum, polycarbonate, or plastic, pick a patio roof that would complement your main roof and design. It would be better if the patio is connected to your home to get a fluid transition to the extension patio. Make sure that the patio roof is light but sturdy enough to withstand wind and rain.
Ponder on pergolas. Lattice-roofed patios can provide just the right amount of sunlight to push through the shade. Having climbing vines crawl all over the pergola also serves as a double purpose. The blossoming flowers would contrast against the green leaves and make for an attractive patio accent while the seasonal ripening of fruit can serve as a delicious snack. Thatching the pergola could also create a tropical feel to the patio.
Go roofless. Outdoor patios, especially those with gardens, playgrounds, or pools do not necessarily need to have anything overhead. Just make sure your floors, walls, and furniture can withstand all types of weather. Choose patio accessories with materials that are resistant to heat, rain, and snow. Frequent maintenance might also be needed to keep the patio looking sharp.
Cover up. If you like a patio that can commune with the sun and the night sky but not with the rain or sleet, there are many patio roof covers to choose from. Retractable ones are convenient since they can be shown or hidden from view easily. They also don’t need to be folded open or close every time the weather takes a turn for the worst. For a little shade on those hot days, patio roof covers made of fabric add a soft look and cooler ambiance for the patio.
Think outside the box. Your roof doesn’t necessarily need to be a singular rectangular top. The patio can also provide its users smaller bits of shade through beach umbrellas. These covers also have the advantage of being portable or movable angling themselves against the sun. Even a shady tree is enough to provide some much-needed cover for the patio.
As you can see, patio roofs are not just about sturdy top covers. Shade against the sun and rain can come in all shapes and sizes. It’s all just a matter of letting your creative mind dictate the design you want for your patio.…

Hardwood Spline – What You Need to Know

July 23, 2022 Comments Off

If you’re laying a hardwood floor anywhere within your home, then you’ll likely need some hardwood spline. A spline is the slither of wood that connects two pieces of hardwood floor, where they join and change direction. For example, where two hardwood floors meet in a doorway and the wood changes direction, you use a spline to connect the wood and hold it in place securely.
Before you begin to lay your wooden floor, you should prepare in advance everything you’ll need. And one of those things is a strip of hardwood spline. Here are some thing you need to know about and should consider with hardwood spline:
Consider How Much You’ll Need: It’s worth preparing in advance how much spline you need before you begin laying the hardwood floor panels. There’s nothing worse than getting started on a project and having to stop halfway through because you don’t have everything you need. If you don’t have any spline, then you’ll have to halt any progress as soon as you need to change the direction of the wood. Just as you will need to – or have already – calculated how much you’ll need of the actual wooden floor panels, work out how much spline you’ll need. It’s worth getting more than you actually need to take into account any errors or inaccurate estimates.
Get The Correct Size: This is just a simple tip, but be sure to get the correct thickness of the hardwood spline, that is the correct size for inserting between where the wooden panels join. As you probably know, hardwood panels come in different thicknesses, thus, so does spline. Again, there’s nothing worse than being halfway though laying the floor then realizing you have to stop because the spline is too thin or thick. So as well as getting the appropriate length of spline, be sure to get the correct thickness. If you don’t want to buy the spline of the specific thickness, you can always cut a piece of hardwood yourself to the appropriate length and thickness.
Where To Get Your Spline: Spline is available in your local DIY store, or you can even buy it online (and potentially at a huge savings) if you know what size you need. It can often be cheaper to buy things such as this from the Internet. Also, you can even make your own spline from any hardwood that you have available, although this is only recommended if you are quite handy and have a desire to put in the time and effort to do this yourself.
In conclusion, if you want your hardwood floor to flow seamlessly from one room to another, even when the wood panels change direction, then you’ll need some hardwood spline. Oak is often used as a hardwood spline for hardwood flooring, but you can also use plywood as a cheaper option. Take your time, and be sure to use the spline accurately with a tight fit, and no-one will be any the wiser that there is a transition in the wood.…

Ways To Update Your Bathroom On A Dime!

July 12, 2022 Comments Off

Realtors and other home experts alike will state that buyers are looking for upgraded kitchens and bathrooms. Remodeling a bathroom can be an expensive undertaking. There are, however, a variety of things you can do to upgrade your bathroom inexpensively when money is a serious constraint.
Paint! Painting the bathroom is one of the cheapest things you can change in your bathroom while still making a major impact and new impression. This applies to not only the walls of the bathroom but any cabinetry as well. Replacing bathroom cabinets can be expensive if ordering new items. However, a new coat of paint can make the existing cabinets look like new! Be sure to choose the colors carefully so as to appeal to the broadest range of consumers. Home decorating experts state neutral tones, and muted colors are appealing to most consumers today.
Another thing you can do is replace the flooring. Whether the current bathroom flooring is tile, carpet, wood, or vinyl, replacing the floor with updated new materials, can freshen up the entire room. Bathroom floors are usually a small area so the work and materials involved will be less expensive.
Additionally, home improvers sometimes overlook the simple things. Changing out the accessories in a bathroom can create a new look and feel. Accessories can include, but are not limited to, cabinet knobs, rugs, trash cans, wall hangings, window dressings, medicine cabinets, and towels.
One more suggestion could be to replace bathroom light fixtures and water fixtures. Replacing old lighting with new light fixtures can brighten and modernize a bathroom. Installing new faucets for sinks and showers can also give an updated impression.
While these are only a few of the ideas you can use, implementing these ideas will result in an inexpensively updated bathroom!…

Remodeling Your Bath Area – 6 Tips to Hire Help

July 9, 2022 Comments Off

If you have a Bathroom Remodel project that you want finished in a professional and quality way then these 6 tips will help you find the right contractor. From getting an experienced, licensed, insured, and bonded handyman service to knowing if you can get a free estimate you will be in a good position to make the right choice for your home remodeling project.
1. Can your handyman service provide you with any before and after photos from their past home remodeling jobs? Getting a chance to look at any past work is a great way to know what to expect from their particular workmanship. If the photos look good and they are multiple it shows they have the knowledge and experience you are looking for to get a quality and professional job done on your home’s bathroom.
2. Every and any city in the United States has different city and county building codes that must be adhered to when doing certain home improvements and this includes bathroom renovations. With this said just make sure your remodeling company of choice is aware of any standards that must be met.
3. Can the remodeling company give you a free estimate and do a free inspection of your particular bathroom project? Any reputable and professional home service will give free bids as a courtesy to their potential customers as a way of saying thanks for considering them. Don’t pay for a simple inspection just get a free quote.
4. When you speak with the home improvement company be sure to ask if they have any type of written guarantees that they provide for bath remodeling projects like yours. And if you know you are going to be having a lot of amenities added or replaced like your faucets, sinks, toilets, flooring, or showers see what type of warranties these particular products come with.
5. When you first meet with the handyman or home improvement company for your free bid or inspection take a look at how well organized they are and if they reflect a positive and professional image of the business. This includes asking if they have all the proper tools, equipment, and parts needed and noticing what type of shape the company vehicle is in. The better equipped and better looking the company image the better chance they will care how your remodeling project looks upon completion.
6. What about time management? Do you have a certain time line in which you are wanting your repairs or remodeling done for you bathroom area? Let the handyman know you have a deadline if you do and see if they will be able to help in a timely fashion to meet your goals. Even if you don’t have a deadline it is a good idea to find out about how long the project will take before any work is started so you aren’t guessing after production has begun with your home improvement.
If you follow these tips you will be in a good position to make a final decision for your bathroom project needs. From being able to get a free estimate to being able to communicate any time lines or other details with the handyman and even checking for past project photos these 6 tips will help you save time and money when you are choosing who will complete your Bathroom Remodel project.…

Remodel a Bathroom on a Budget

July 5, 2022 Comments Off

There are two remodeling projects in a household that can cost a homeowner a lot of money. One of those remodels is a kitchen and the other remodel is a bathroom. Both of these projects can cost upwards of $25,000 if a homeowner seeks an outside contractor and decides to gut the whole kitchen or bathroom. However, for those individuals who do not have $25,000 to spend on a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel, there are smaller projects a homeowner can complete on their own to give the space an entirely new look.
One way to save money on a bathroom remodel is by completing many of the projects yourself. On a complete bathroom remodel, a homeowner can save upwards of $5,000 by investing the time to complete do-it-yourself projects. While the plumbing and electrical should be left to the professionals, there are many projects that homeowners can complete without the help of a contractor. Before a homeowner begins any do-it-yourself project, it is important that they do as much research as possible so they are familiar with all aspects of the project. The Internet has many resources that could be very useful for a do-it-yourselfer.
When it comes to the bathroom, there are a lot of do-it-yourself projects that even amateur remodelers can complete. One simple update that can brighten up a bathroom is painting the walls. This is a relatively inexpensive way to update a bathroom in need of some repairs. Another simple update that can be relatively inexpensive is updating the fixtures in the bathroom. A new faucet, lighting fixtures and vanity hardware can really update a bathroom. When looking to replace all of the fixtures in the bathroom, it is important that the homeowner makes sure that all of the elements complement one another. Miss matched fixtures can lessen the appeal of a bathroom.
Another project that ambitious do-it-yourselfers can complete is tiling the shower, wall and floor. Adding tile to a bathroom is a great way to increase its value. This is a project that takes a lot of time and research in order to complete it correctly. Before the tiles are placed, homeowners need to make precautions to make sure that the floor is water proof around the shower. Then the homeowner needs to make sure that they use the correct solution to place the times in the shower, on the wall or on the floor. Tiles come in all different sizes, colors and designs, therefore there are numerous patterns that homeowners can choose from.
The vanity is one of the focal points in any bathroom, therefore it is important that it is up-to-date and matches the theme of the bathroom. A vanity in a bathroom can cost a lot of money, however there are some creative ways to save a few dollars when replacing this piece and also create a custom vanity. Antique shops and thrift stores are a great place to look for a piece of furniture that can be turned into a vanity. Once a homeowner finds a piece of furniture that would work, the piece can be refinished to fit with the bathroom. Among other things, homeowners will need to replace the top of the vanity with a sink and countertop.
Homeowners can also shop at their local remodeling store for bathroom features that have been damaged or returned. Often times, stores will discount these pieces to a reasonable price. Then homeowners can work with the feature in order to make it new again. For instance, if a door on a vanity is damaged, the homeowner can simply replace the door and then paint or stain the piece to finish it. Being a thrifty shopper and finding creative ways to save “damaged” pieces is the perfect way to save a few dollars.
When it comes to resale value on a house, the bathroom has one of the biggest returns-of-investments in regards to a remodel. Whether it is as simple as replacing the fixtures and lighting or as intricate as refinishing the whole bathroom, homeowners are going to see a return-of-investment upwards of 75-percent.…

7 Essential Elements of Home Remodeling

June 6, 2022 Comments Off

Home remodeling is the process of making additional improvements to your existing house. It is an indication of our emotional attachment to where we live. The process of personalizing ones home can bring both sentimental and monetary value. However, a satisfied outcome is never guaranteed. If you were to ask most people who have gone through the process before, they will likely have a few pointers to share. Here is a list of important topics to consider that will help put together a solid plan for perfecting you next home remodeling venture
Home remodeling is never easy. It requires passion, strategy, hard work, patience, and money. Whether your project involves bathroom restoration, kitchen customization or wood flooring, you can make the task a bit easier if you are able to implement a system that helps to simplify the process and identify possible problems.
Here are seven essential elements of home remodeling that you need to know to achieve a smooth-sailing process of improving your home:
1. Planning
Your project starts with a dream, but you need a careful, specific plan to execute effectively. To begin, you need to identify the specific areas you want to renovate based on the concept that you have in mind.
After this, you need to produce a sketch or a drawing of how your project would look like when finished. If you’re not good in drawing, you can use software on home improvement design to get a better result.
2. Designing
This is the stage where you will need the service of a home remodeling professional, engineer or architect. It involves making a project plan that contains detailed drawings of the project and its specifications. It is the point of reference for the execution of the tasks involved in the project.
You should also consider the space needed for the materials involved in the project. This is very important because it can affect the movement of people as well as the progress of the project itself.
3. Soliciting of Ideas
One of the best ways to avoid the pitfalls of home remodeling is to solicit ideas from friends who have done it in the past. They will be very glad to share their experience and offer good advice on how to avoid the mistakes they have committed.
4. Budgeting
Your project will remain a dream unless you back it up with funds to make it real. Your project plan, which contains the bill of materials, can help to give you an idea of the amount needed for the remodeling job. If you think you need more money than your savings, you might consider applying for a home improvement loan or reduce your cost by opting for cheaper materials. As much as possible, you should not sacrifice quality over price. It will work for you in the long-term.
5. Securing Permit
As a rule, getting the approval of local building authorities is a necessary step before you can begin to make structural changes to your house. It is required for safety purposes.
6. Selecting the Right People
Once you have complied with the earlier steps, its time for you to select the right team to work on your project. Remember, the cost of labor (and sometimes materials) is partly determined by your workers’ skills, attitudes and teamwork. If possible, you should pick a team that is composed of people you know who are qualified and honest. If not, ask your friends; they will be more than glad to help.
For big, high-budget projects, getting the services of a licensed architect and contractor would be the best option.
7. Selecting the Right Supplier
One of the main components of construction is materials. It is also a major cost factor and you should handle it with care. To get your project done at the least possible cost, you should buy your materials from suppliers that can offer the lowest price. You could do this by calling several of them in your locality, to negotiate for a fair price on condition that you will buy solely from that supplier until your project is finished.
These are the seven basic yet essential elements of home remodeling. You need to perform them to minimize problems.…

Bathroom Remodel Disasters

May 30, 2022 Comments Off

Doing a bathroom remodel can go smoothly or it can be a total disaster. Most remodels people do for themselves lie somewhere in between the two. It is easy to have problems with a bathroom remodel when it is not something you do on a regular basis. Your mind is just not geared to thinking about all the factors that go into reworking a bathroom.
Measuring
There are several cases where poor measuring can be disastrous in doing a bathroom remodel. Your fixtures need to fit. You know this, but you may not remember to take every necessary measurement. Some people get as far as starting to install their toilet before they realize that the measurement from drain to wall is off. The toilet will not fit without moving the drain, so that must be done before the bathroom remodel can be finished.
Some oversized fixtures will not fit in the space you have for them if you have not measured correctly. You may have designed the entire bathroom remodel around the concept of a certain fixture, only to find out that it does not fit. Some fixtures may not even fit through the bathroom door. The whole operation will come to a halt while you decide how to change your plan.
Certain materials must be bought in a piece and must be bought in the right size of piece. If you bought a piece of linoleum for your bathroom it would need to fit perfectly. A disaster would be if you measured incorrectly and bought a piece that was too small. The piece would be worthless in covering the floor for the bathroom remodel, and you would need to buy something else.
An expert in bathroom remodels will make sure that all the fixtures fit and that all the measurements for the bathroom are correct. If something does not fit together the way you wish it to, the professional remodeler will know that fact ahead of time and help you alter your plans.
Plumbing
If you do not work on plumbing often, you might have trouble installing the plumbing. No matter what kind of plumbing you use, you might have trouble with leaks if you are not skilled in installation of pipes. This is a major problem if you are using copper pipes and do not have experience doing them. If the pipes are installed incorrectly, you might get air in them which will lead to rattling pipes.
Another problem is that you might have problems with your drains if they are not plumbed correctly. A stinky bathroom sink drain would be something of a disaster. Someone who does plumbing as a part of their everyday job would know to use a P-trap to keep the smell from rising up through the drain and into the room.
Mold
There is nothing worse in doing a bathroom remodel than thinking you have done a good job, and then having mold show up in your new bathroom. If you hire a home remodeling company, they will make sure that green-board is used rather than plain wallboard. They will make sure that walls behind shower tiles are watertight. They will seal all areas where mold could possibly accumulate otherwise.
Any one of these disasters may be possible to divert when you do your own bathroom remodel. The problem lies in doing the entire job without slipping up on one aspect of the work. You do not do remodeling work every day, so you should not be expected to complete it without a hitch. However, a remodeling company can finish your bathroom remodel quickly and easily.…

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