A blog full of general contracting thoughts, and tips, for the everyday home owner.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Apartment Side
The apartment building I own was in need of new siding. I called my local Apartment Siding in Racine WI to show me some options and it was hard to choose! They walked me through the process and were very patient. Now that the job is complete, the building looks so much fresher. They did a great job! And that's saying a lot because I can be tough to please.
Condo Style
I was in search of true professional company to update my condo. I did some research and finally called my local Condo Renovations in Georgetown DC and I couldn't be happier with the turnout. They specialize in beautifying all aspects of your condo, including interior design and flooring in Norfolk VA. Their work is beautiful and unique. Give them a call!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Locked Out
I was locked out of my house and it was absolutely miserable. I guess this is why people keep a spare key, huh?
I called my local Residential Locksmith in Estero FL to come save the day and they came out right away! I was expecting a long wait but they were speedy and professional. If you're ever locked out, give them a call!!
I called my local Residential Locksmith in Estero FL to come save the day and they came out right away! I was expecting a long wait but they were speedy and professional. If you're ever locked out, give them a call!!
Movin'
I was moving to a new home and was not about to try and move all of my things on my own! I called my local Movers in Montgomery County MD for help and they were great. Nothing was broken and they were fast and efficient. So glad I called!
Simple
I decided to go for my dream and build a home from the bottom up! With the help of professionals, of course. I called my local Online Scheduling Software for Home Builders for guidance and I am so glad I did. They made the process stay on track, as well as my sanity! I for sure recommend them.
Fence Tips
Many people don't realize the importance of a fence. Fences not only give people a first impression of your home, they also help protect your property. A fence service in Lebanon TN was kind of enough to provide some tips about fences. Keep these tips kind when deciding on a new fence for your property.
- A properly installed and well maintained fence can last you for years and help to keep your family and pets safe!
- Did you know that a fence surrounding your property can help to reduce the amount of noise you hear while inside your home?
- Looking for a low maintenance fencing option that will last you for years to come? Consider vinyl fencing for your next project!
- Consider the purpose of your fence, style of your home and budget when deciding on which fencing material will work best for you!
- Interested in a budget friendly fencing option! A chain link fence is a great way to go!
Three Reasons To Get A Professional Chimney Sweep
Homeowners have plenty of things that require their attention. The short list includes water heaters, landscaping, roofs, siding, windows, floors, and everything else including the kitchen sink. The fireplace often goes neglected because not only are there so many other things to worry about, but it's somewhat out of sight and out of mind. It's not usually until an unsafe situation arises that most homeowners think to have their chimney looked at.
Needless to say, ignoring your chimney's safe operation isn't a smart practice for the well-being of your family. You can avoid any and all potentially hazardous situations from arising in your chimney by scheduling very affordable and highly effective, regular chimney sweeps once or twice per year. Three good reasons for this practice are as follows;
- Creosote – This
is a natural byproduct of fireplace operation that builds up over time.
Simply put, the more you use your fireplace, the more creosote that will
accumulate. Unfortunately, this can create a fire hazard if neglected for
too long. It can also severely damage the flue itself. Creosote is a
dangerous chemical that requires attention and should be cleaned out of
your chimney regularly to avoid serious problems.
- Does This Smell Funny
To You? – Those are words you don't want to hear at all
really. But, they're especially disturbing in regards to chimneys because
it will affect the way your entire house smells. Rain and snow can create
moisture in the chimney, which will mix with the previously mentioned creosote
to form one foul smelling aura emitting from your fireplace and into your
entire home.
- $ave Money – By scheduling regular chimney sweeps in Los Angeles CA you will likely nip any problems in the bud before they become costly repair situations. The cost of a regular chimney sweep is usually very affordable and can be scheduled rather easily. Whereas, a full-scale chimney repair due to extensive damage can be much less affordable and require much more time to fix. At this point, time may also be of the essence because if the damage is bad enough, you man not be able to use the fireplace at all until it is fixed for fear of an unsafe situation.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Fixed Pipes
The plumbing system in my home was in need of pipe repairs so I called my local Plumbing Service in Birmingham AL to help. They were great and did an excellent job. You should give them a call if you ever need assistance!
Cleaner Dryer Vent
I needed my dryer vent cleaned and didn't know where to start doing it on my own. I called my local Dryer Vent Cleaning in Hawaii to come get the job done and I highly recommend them. They really know what they're doing!
Safer Fence
I'm the principal of a small private school and needed to get the fencing around the playground replaced. I called my local commercial fencing in Biloxi MS to help us out and they were very professional and did a great job. The fence is much safer than the one before.
Roof Design
I was renovating a house and wanted to give the roof a new look. I called my local Roof Design in Key largo FL and they did an EXCELLENT job. They were professional and efficient, I would recommend them to anyone.
Leaky Roof
I was in need of roof repair after a storm left my roof leaking. I called my local Roof Repair in Stamford CT to come out to my house to see if they could fix it. Luckily, they were able to patch my roof without having to redo the entire thing!
Friday, December 16, 2016
Siding Info
Many people don't think about their siding. However, we want that to change. Here is some info provided by siding contractors in Avondale PA.
Have you ever thought Vinyl siding? Vinyl is great because it doesn't show any scratches. It also won't dent, flake, or peel. Vinyl is probably the easiest material siding to maintain. You can clean it with a simple soap and water wash.
Have you ever thought Vinyl siding? Vinyl is great because it doesn't show any scratches. It also won't dent, flake, or peel. Vinyl is probably the easiest material siding to maintain. You can clean it with a simple soap and water wash.
Home Inspection Tips
Home Inspections can be a stressful situation for new home owners. Many people don't know what to expect from a home inspection. However, we want to make that process as easy as possible. Thankfully, an expert in home inspections in Darien CT has provided some tips that we wanted to share.
- Tip of the Day! Home inspections should not be limited to just the main living spaces, so make sure to also take a good look at the attic and basement!
- When looking for the right home inspector, consider asking for recommendations from friends, neighbors, colleagues, or even your real estate agent to ensure that you hire someone who is fit for the job.
- To avoid misunderstandings caused by simply reading written reports afterwards, it is always best to accompany the home inspector on the day of the inspection.
- Even if it recently passed all necessary city code inspections, new construction should always be inspected by a licensed home inspector!
More Fence Tips
People seemed to like the first set of fence tips we provided so we decided to provide even more help tips for you guys. These tips were thankfully provided by an expert in cedar fencing in Lakeville MN and the surrounding area.
- Fences come in many different materials: wood, aluminum, and chain link are just a few of several unique varieties!
- You should wait at least 3 weeks to stain a new wood fence to allow it to "settle" and absorb the stain more effectively.
- Clean your fence and lay something under it before staining to protect any grass or plants from drips!
- Be sure to check the forecast before staining your fence! Wait for a day when it hasn't rained and will not rain for at least 24 hours.
Fence Tips
We don't spend a ton of time talking about fences on here so we wanted to mix it up a little bit. Fences are a very important part of your property. Not only are they often the first thing that someone sees when driving to your home, they also provide great security. Keep these fence tips in mind. These were provided by a Newton NJ fence installation professional.
- Looking to clean your wood fence? Try starting with a pressure washer!
- Be sure to give your fence ample time to dry after cleaning it before applying a stain.
- Tip of the Day! For requirements and rules, don't forget to check with your HOA before installing, replacing or repairing your fence.
- Keep in mind that installing a new fence may affect your landcaping and should be factored into your budget.
Painting Tips
If you're a DIY type person, painting is a great DIY job. However, painting correctly takes a lot of preparation and knowledge. An expert of specializes in fascia painting in Carson CA has shared some painting tips.
- Did you know? Homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain harmful lead. If you have an older home, it is important to have a professional lead expert perform an inspection.
- Be mindful of possible additional costs associated with a professional paint job. Having taller than average walls or crown moldings can result in higher painting costs.
- When painting, if you're working with a small space, try using lighter colors. This will create the illusion of larger walls and extra space.
Holiday Home Decorations
With the holiday right around the corner, we wanted to help you all get into the holiday spirit. We thought the best way to do this would be share some ideas for decorating your home. Thankfully, an expert in home design and home additions in Fairfax VA shared some tips for decorating your home during the holidays.
- Decorating for the holidays? Decorative pieces that can be left up through the winter season will save you time and money!
- It's okay to use the same holiday ornaments year after year! Mix and match the old and new to create a look that is fresh yet familiar.
- Berries, fresh and dyed fruits, and flowers offer a fresh and organic way to decorate your Christmas tree!
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
What to Expect During a Chimney Cleaning
If you’ve never hired a chimney sweep before, you are probably wondering what you should expect during a visit. Most Wilmington NC chimney seeping appointments are fairly routine, and here are a few things you can expect to happen once the sweep arrives.
Upon Arrival
When your chimney sweep arrives, the first thing he will do is to ensure there is a clear path to and from your fireplace. The area directly in front of your fireplace will be covered with a plastic tarp, and a runner may also be placed in the path leading to do your door. Next, the sweep will remove your fireplace doors and/or screen and take out the metal grate inside to ensure there is plenty of room to work in.
Once the area is clear, your sweep will shine a heavy-duty flashlight or spotlight up into your chimney to check for damage. Doing so will also help him see where creosote deposits have formed.
Chimney Cleaning
Your chimney will be scrubbed from the top down and again from the bottom up using special chimney rods and brushes to reach every nook and cranny. Once all the creosote has been removed, the loosened debris will then be vacuumed up with an industrial-strength Shop Vac. Your furniture and carpet will also be vacuumed if necessary. After everything is clean, it is then time to put your fireplace doors back in place and remove all equipment.
The final step involves a report of your chimney’s condition. Your sweep will discuss any problems that were discovered and provide recommendations for fixing them. This is when you may ask questions about anything you do not understand.
It’s only natural to want to observe your chimney sweep in action. Even so, you could become very dirty while doing so, and might even slow the process down. Knowing what to expect is the best way to ensure you are comfortable with what’s happening.
If you have any questions, reach out to a chimney sweep in Los Angeles.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Mechanical
I was looking to find a professional business to help me with with some mechanical repairs in my home. I was new to the area so I did some research and called my local new construction mechanical repairs in Lansing MI to come help me out. They were very professional and helpful, I will certainly be holding onto their number for myself and friends!
Starting from Scratch
I was looking to buy a home and couldn't find any that I loved so I decided to start from scratch! I called my local home builders in Franklin TN to help make the process as smooth as possible and that they did. I'm so happy with the turnout, it was worth the wait!
Feeling Better Already!
I have a log commute to work in the morning and I was beginning to experience a fair amount of back pain. I knew there was nothing I could do about my commute since I wasn't up to relocate my home or job so I decided to call my local chiropractic in Severn MD to see if they could help. I'm so glad that I called because I feel better already!
Sound the Alarm
I own a small business focused around physical therapy in Pasadena CA and needed to input a security system to ensure the safety of my employees and customers. I called my local video surveillance in Chappaqua NY to come install them and they were great! So polite and efficient. I'm glad I called them.
Carpet to Hard Wood
The carpet flooring in my home appeared to be rather beat up and I decided it was time to invest in hard wood. I called my local flooring in Hampton Roads VA to come get the job done and they were great! If you're looking for great customer service and a job well done I suggest you give them a call!!
Friday, December 9, 2016
Snowy Roof
Many commercial property owners don't think about it but the snow can be harmful to your commercial roofing in Jackson MI. If this year is like the past couple years, we're in for a lot of snow. It is important to clear off your roof of snow as best you can.
The snow is harmful in two ways. First, the snow adds a lot of extra weight to your roof. If your roof is not sound enough, this extra weight can be very dangerous. Another way that snow is potentially harmful that many people don't think about is all of the moisture. Once the snow melts, all of that moisture will be trying to seep into your roof. If your roof is not insulated and installed correctly, that moisture can get inside and damage your roof.
It is important to monitor your roof this winter and clear any snow if you can. If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to reach out to a Northern New Jersey commercial roofing professional.
The snow is harmful in two ways. First, the snow adds a lot of extra weight to your roof. If your roof is not sound enough, this extra weight can be very dangerous. Another way that snow is potentially harmful that many people don't think about is all of the moisture. Once the snow melts, all of that moisture will be trying to seep into your roof. If your roof is not insulated and installed correctly, that moisture can get inside and damage your roof.
It is important to monitor your roof this winter and clear any snow if you can. If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to reach out to a Northern New Jersey commercial roofing professional.
Physical Therapy
I've always been a runner. I've run a couple times a week for the past 30 or so years. However, over the past year I've been experiencing some discomfort. First, it was in my back. I would still run and could make it through my run but my back would hurt continuously throughout the week.
In addition to my back, my knee started to eventually hurt. This injury was more detrimental to my running. While I still run every once in a while, I've had to switch to walking more.
I finally decided one day to go to a doctor and he told me to start going to physical therapy in Temple City CA. While I thought that my knee was the big issue, I was surprised to hear what my physical therapist said. She thought that the pain in my knee was being caused by my back. I'm not sure exactly what she meant but I trust her. It's funny how much we focus on my back during therapy when I thought I would be doing knee exercises. Regardless, they've been pretty helpful and I've been able to run more with less pain.
In addition to my back, my knee started to eventually hurt. This injury was more detrimental to my running. While I still run every once in a while, I've had to switch to walking more.
I finally decided one day to go to a doctor and he told me to start going to physical therapy in Temple City CA. While I thought that my knee was the big issue, I was surprised to hear what my physical therapist said. She thought that the pain in my knee was being caused by my back. I'm not sure exactly what she meant but I trust her. It's funny how much we focus on my back during therapy when I thought I would be doing knee exercises. Regardless, they've been pretty helpful and I've been able to run more with less pain.
Full Service Firm
Something that is really frustrating to builders is how many different people you have to work with throughout the process. In an ideal world, one company would be able to handle all of the processes. However, that isn't the case. The reason that construction is such a long and complicated project is that there are so many moving parts that require collaboration.
It is really nice when you find companies that can handle multiple tasks or are able to handle part of the project from start to end. It was really nice to find a great Boston MA commercial design build firm that was able to handle both the design and construction. It really made everyone's life easier and the whole process quicker.
It is really nice when you find companies that can handle multiple tasks or are able to handle part of the project from start to end. It was really nice to find a great Boston MA commercial design build firm that was able to handle both the design and construction. It really made everyone's life easier and the whole process quicker.
General Interior Design Tips
As we get close to the new year, it's time to start thinking about changes we want to make in 2017. It seems that a lot of people are interested in remodeling their home. There are many different ways that you can revamp your space. An expert in remodeling in Westborough MA has provided these general interior design and remodeling tips.
- Dark colored walls can actually make a small room look larger! This is especially important to keep in mind during bathroom remodeling in Waukesha WI, as bathrooms are often the least spacious rooms of your home.
- With a brightly painted front door, your house is bound to make a great first impression!
- Hang at least one mirror in each room of your home to make the space feel bigger and brighter!
Loading Dock Equipment
This story was shared to me by a friend who works at a theater. She is in charge of the crew and they are constantly unloading trucks with equipment. Most of the times it's wood, hardware, saws, and generally stuff that they can easily carry from the truck into the shop.
However, for one show that they were putting on, they had a lot of huge equipment that they needed to bring in. They weren't sure how they were going to get it up the stairs from the loading docks into the shop. They had never encountered this issue before and weren't sure what to do. They ended up doing some research and renting some loading dock equipment in Picayune MS. It ended up being a great investment and something they will definitely use in the future.
However, for one show that they were putting on, they had a lot of huge equipment that they needed to bring in. They weren't sure how they were going to get it up the stairs from the loading docks into the shop. They had never encountered this issue before and weren't sure what to do. They ended up doing some research and renting some loading dock equipment in Picayune MS. It ended up being a great investment and something they will definitely use in the future.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Fenced In
My husband and I recently bought a new home and the back yard is not fenced in. We didn't feel comfortable with our children playing without the protection of a fence so we called our local fence installation in Summerfield NC to come install a fence. They did such a great job! My husband and I certainly have peace of mind now.
Elevator Down!
I run a hotel and the main elevator stopped working during the height of checkout time. Needless to say, people were not happy. I called our local elevator maintenance in Fairfax VA to come save the day and they were great. The problem was solved thanks to them - great service!
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