Planning a Custom Built Home

A question I come across a lot is people asking for tips or advice when planning a custom built home. While an architect or custom home builder is there to help along the way, I want to stress the importance of doing your research and being prepared before you even meet with a designer or builder.

Before you even reach out to a professional, take some time to determine the following:

Budget: How much money do you have that you feel comfortable putting towards this project. Figuring this out at the beginning will help make decisions easier down the road such as size and details.

Time Frame: Is there a date you want or need the home completed by? It's easy to find yourself in over your head if you don't have this date picked out.

Dimensions: Are you knocking down your current home and building on that property? Do you have a new plot of land available to build on? You should have this information figured out before you meet with anyone about your home.

Designing and building a custom built home is a long and complicated process, but being prepared with the 3 items above will help kick things off smoothly and lay the groundwork for plans down the road. If you have questions about planning custom built homes in Hattiesburg MS, contact a professional.

Commercial Fencing Options

For a business seeking Commercial Fencing in Dickson TN, there are plenty of different options to fit any business' space and budget.

• A chain link fence is one of the most classic styles. It is a formidable option for business owners seeking security 
• A high security fence is for a heavier gauge, one that supersedes the chain link. From prison yards to zoo containment, high security fencing is reliable and trusted for many containment situations. 
• An ornamental fence is decorative and combines charm with function, while providing security for your business property. Ornamental fencing increases a property’s beauty and comes in many style. 
• Commercial gates are for properties that require secure entry. They add a highly function gateway controlled by the owner. 
• Athletic fencing is for athletic facilities and fields, like baseball/softball backstops, tennis courts, larger fields designed for soccer and football and for practice batting cages. There are numerous options available

Modernizing Your Property With Modern Fencing

A fresh new paint is a great way to freshen up the exterior of a home, but whatever's underneath it can limit how modern it can look. A great way to bring add a contemporary flair to your property is  through fencing. Modern fences of today utilize a variety of materials and styles to add value and security to properties.

Vinyl fencing is one of the most durable materials for fencing, but it's also becoming the most stylish. The material is very versatile, and can be formed and designed into a variety of textures to add depth and refinement to a fence. Vinyl fences also can come in tons of different colors, so the sky is the limit when it comes to creativity.

Aluminum fences are another option that has become more popular lately for its beauty and refinement. They're also incredibly durable and can withstand all kinds of weather.

Contact an expert in fencing in Brentwood TN to update your home's exterior.

Choosing The Best Fencing Contractor

Hello homeowners! I just got done working with a fence contractor in Dallas TX, so I thought that I'd help out my followers with some things to look out for when hiring one of your own. There's a lot of scams out there, and I want to make sure that all of you know what to consider when making such a big investment in your property.

• If a contractor seems like they're pressuring you into a decision quickly, this is a red flag. They should be patient with you; the saying goes "the customer is always right"
• Require that they provide you with a written estimate of the costs. If they don't do this, you're better off working with another company
• Always ask lots of questions, about how long they usually take, how often they stick within their budget, etc...
• Try to get estimates from different contractors - shop around!

Let me know how all of your fencing projects go! I hope this post was a help to you!

Air Conditioning Installation: The Importance of Ducts and Your Chiller

If your air conditioning system isn't working properly, it's possible your ducts have been installed badly. Proper duct installation is an absolute necessity for the smooth operation of your air conditioning system in your commercial or industrial building. Another possibility is that your chiller isn't working properly. If your chiller isn't working, the air in your system will not be sufficiently cooled and you may notice warm air blowing. If this is the case, contact an expert about acquiring new Trane Centrifugal Parts.

There are several things that can go wrong if the ball is dropped on duct installation which can lead to poor circulation among other issues. If your ducts have not been properly sealed, you will likely get leaks in your ducts. Leaking ducts mean your cooled, conditioned air leaking through holes in the seals and not properly cooling your home. Holes in ducts may also allow dust, dirt, and other types of debris to infiltrate your air conditioning system resulting in poor air quality. While you may not see dust flying around, poor air quality in your home can be a silent health hazard leading to allergies and respiratory problems.

Well Pump Repair and Maintenance

Well pumps tend to be the part of the home that goes unnoticed and until we experience a problem. they continue to remain in the back of our minds. However, in order to function properly and efficiently, well pumps require routine maintenance just as much as any other appliance in your home. If you neglect maintenance, your system could suddenly breakdown. If this does happen, don't worry, there is a Well Pump Repair in Roxboro NC ready to help!

In order to alleviate the possibility of a bigger problem, you can learn about preventative maintenance for your well pump system. Between your own research and a professional you can learn about the well, pump, tank, wellheads, pump platforms and the overall function of the system. You will enhance the quality and health of your home’s water, improve the function of your system and reduce the cost of repairs and replacements. It is also recommended to have your system inspected and serviced at least once every two to three years.

Fences and Durability

There are tons of different types and materials for fencing, but you shouldn't select a fence just because it sounds good on paper. Fences are a piece of your property that has to face all of the elements of your area. Some fences may fail in windy climates, while others will rust in a rainy area.

Homeowners should pick the fence styling that suits their area's characteristics best. As far as fences that are known to be durable across all elements, popular options include vinyl, wrought iron, and chain link. These three are difficult to break, resistant to rusting, and durable over time.

One should call an expert in Chain Link Fences in San Luis Obispo CA before the Winter to insure that there fence will be up and ready for the extreme climate change.

Why Do Fences When You Could Have Gates?

We are all aware of the many benefits that fencing your property can have, one being that it can add an elegant flair to your home's exterior. Today's blog hopes to encourage you to take this elegance up a notch by installing gates to your property.

Gating up your fence is surely an excellent way to increase security, but it can also give your yard a stately and refined appearance. Whether it's a driveway gate or a gate that opens up to the property as a whole, we can't recommend enough that you try to work gating into your property. Call an expert in your area about who you can get estate gates in New Carlisle IN.

Testing For Mold in Your Home

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need a mold expert to investigate your home, it’s not a black and white answer. With different circumstances comes different approaches. There are things you can notice yourself; a musty smell, allergies flaring up or visibly seeing mold in your home. While there are ways to temporarily contain the mold, if you want to prevent it from coming back, contact a Mold Testing expert in San Francisco CA.

Prior to someone coming to your home, it might be beneficial to collect a mold sample yourself. By purchasing a mold testing kit, consider buying a few to test various areas in your home. Experts recommend testing your air, surfaces (by swabbing or tape lifting) and in bulk by testing various materials in your home. If you do decide to take a sample of mold yourself, always wear a mask and gloves!

The Dos and Don’ts of Summer Moving

Summer is almost over, which means that it's the end of peak season for moving companies! Summer is the busiest time of the year for moving companies all across the nation. So if you are planning a summer move, it's important to know the dos and don'ts of summer moving in order to ensure for a smooth transition.

Make sure you plan ahead. Establish your date, location and items being moved. Then, once you've taken inventory, contact Moving Companies in Lorton VA at least two weeks prior to your moving date for your in-home estimate. You should ask plenty of questions to make sure you know their entire process. Lastly, moving can be frustrating so make sure you stay patient!

While moving can be frustrating, make sure you're not making it harder on yourself. If you wait until last minute, you aren't going to have flexibility with scheduling with most moving companies. Likewise, make sure your schedule is clear the day of the move. Don't have other travel plans that may make you feel rushed and/or frustrated if they don't work out.

Drain Cleaning Tips

Clogged drains are as normal a part of home ownership. They're like weeds in your garden or dirty gutters on your roof. A clogged drain is so common so most people try to take on the challenge themselves and fix the issue on their own. However, it’s important to know that you could actually do more damage to your plumbing by trying to tackle the problem yourself. There are things you can do to help properly alleviate parts of the problem. However, at the end of the day though, it's best to hire a Drain Cleaning service in Denville NJ.

Any easy tactic is flushing with hot water to melt down some of the sticky substances that are clogging your pipe together. However, it usually won’t flush away the clog entirely and it could rebuild in the same spot later.Also, you don't need the latest and greatest tools for a DIY quick fix. You probably have a toilet plunger so do the same thing you would normally do for a clogged toilet and you could dislodge your other clogs. Likewise, if the clog isn't too deep, a screwdriver may be able to take care of the problem as well.

Summer Gutter Cleaning

Summer is almost over, but thankfully the sun is still out. While you're out and about at the beach or your local water park, you may be forgetting something essential; your gutters. Summer is a crucial time for protecting your gutters, and more importantly, your home. Don’t worry though, there are trained professionals that can help you with your Gutters in Kenosha WI.

If you weren’t consistent with your gutter cleaning, some damage might have occurred in the spring and early summer time. Gutters clogged with debris mixed with the season’s precipitation is a recipe for disaster. This can be anything from leaks and cracks to pest infestations and foundation problems. With a simple summer gutter cleaning, you can correct any substantial damage that occurred previously.

Highway Guardrails: The Highway's Guardian Angels

Do you ever find yourself driving along a steep cliff and thinking, "Boy, I really hope I don't fall of this steep cliff."? You probably didn't feel this way for too long, because your vehicle was protected by guardrails.

Guardrails are safety barriers found along roads where it would be especially dangerous to be on the shoulder. Guardrails are often brought up during the planning process of a new road, especially if it seems like it may be a potential necessity.

Guardrails are not the type of product that you want to trust with any company. When finding a trusted highway guardrail contractor in Miami FL, make sure to do your research before you make a deal with a company.

Out With Exposed Brick, In With Painted Brick!

Hello happy home designers! Do you all remember when all of the blogs were telling your how fun and trendy exposed brick could be? Well I definitely do, because I listened to these blogs and decided to feature exposed brick throughout my home's interior and exterior. And while it's been a fun ride, I've decided to move onto a new trend that I hope you'll all follow!

Painted brick is an amazing way to lighten up your exterior without making it too busy or difficult to look at. Some people even carry this trend into the home, and paint their fireplaces to match the outdoor walls!

If you're interested in this trend, I'd recommend getting in contact with nearby experts in exterior brick painting in Arlington VA.

Is It Time to Apply Weatherstripping?

Weatherstripping can be used in your home to seal air leaks around movable building components, such as doors or operable windows. However, before applying weatherstripping, you will need to find the air leaks and assess your ventilation needs to ensure adequate indoor air quality. Then you can contact a Garage Door Repair expert in North Reading MA.

You will need to choose a type of weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated your location. The weatherstripping you choose should seal well when the door or window is closed. However, it should also allow it to open freely.
 

As an example, threshold sealing is more like something added on to other weather stripping for your garage, but it can make it infinitely more effective. Essentially threshold seals are placed on the bottom of the garage door and are flexible enough to create a perfect seal when the door is closed. This is awesome if your concrete has settled and your garage door is uneven as the seal molds into dips and dents. This sort of seal only needs to be replaced every 10 to 15 years as well, but it is pricier than rubber weather stripping. Furthermore, it only covers the bottom of the garage door so you will still need actual weather stripping along the sides.

Best Glass Products

If you're looking to install a new storefront entrance in your home or business, you should consider the types of glass that are best for these installations. According to an expert in Casper WY storefront entrance installation, the best products are as follows:

- Guardian Glass
- Vitro
- Oldcastle
- Manko

For all information you need on your next improvement project, be sure to keep up with our blog, or call a local professional today!

Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen

Have you ever dreamed of having a beautiful outdoor space that you can enjoy with your whole family? If you live somewhere with a warm climate and want to maximize your time outdoors, contact an expert in landscaping, fence, and deck installations who specializes in installing outdoor kitchens in Pflugerville TX. They will be able to customize your dream outdoor living area.

Be sure to keep up with our blog for more information on all things contracting!

Signs You Need Dryer Vent Cleaning

Getting your dryer vent cleaned can cut down your electric bill significantly and can prevent potential fires. If you think that you can just get by with cleaning your dryer's lint trap after every load of laundry, you are surely mistaken. It may not be the funnest chore, but a professional dryer vent cleaning in Gettysburg PA can pay for itself through increased efficiency thanks to less drying time per load. If you notice your clothes aren't completely dry, smell musty, or seem unusually hot to the touch contact a professional to help you clean your dryer vent.

Power Washing Your Roof

While it’s primarily seen as a method for cleaning dirty surfaces, pressure washing is also meant to prevent stains from building up over time. It’s likely that there are stains on your home’s exterior surfaces that are just not yet visible to the eye. Consider pressure washing as a preventative maintenance job that should be done once a year to prevent build up from becoming an eye-sore. While water is the most important element in the pressure washing mixture, stubborn stains like oil and grease often require the use of additional cleaning solutions to get the job done. Certain situations may also call for warmer water temperatures. A professional in roofing repair in Sterling VA will be able to determine the right temperature, and when and where to apply special cleaning solutions while pressure washing your roof.

Repair or Replacing Your Garage Door

Experiencing problems with your garage door? This could be the result of a broken panel, a door that is out of balance or it simply won't open or close correctly. So, as a homeowner, you have to ask yourself, repair or replace? Before making that decision, there are a few factors to consider.

If your garage door has some chipped paint, a cracked panel or is fading, these are signs of cosmetic damage. While it doesn't affect the operation of the door, it doesn't look very appealing. This could be the result of age, weather or the occasional impact to your door. Depending on how long you have had the door, this is most likely a repair cost rather than a replace.

On the other hand, if you have a warped door, this is an example of structural damage. The functionality of your garage door is limited and no longer working properly. You will need to replace these doors in order for it to open and close properly again.

So when you're ready to fix your door, contact a Garage Door Repair expert in Waycross GA.

Benefits of a Gas Fireplace

A fireplace can add a lot of real value to a home. Not only do they look great, but people love to feel the heat on a colder day. If you're not a fan of the traditional wood-burning fireplaces, you should look into Gas Fireplaces in Altoona PA. They have the benefits of a traditional fireplace, but have numerous advantages as well.

Gas fireplaces are easy to use due to being less of a hassle. With a gas fireplace, starting the fire is as easy as pushing a button. That means no chopping and storing wood or running out to the store in the freezing cold. In conjunction with being easy to use, they are low maintenance as well. With a gas unit, a yearly cleaning and inspection should be enough to ensure safe operation, but always check with your fireplace provider.

What Awnings Can Do For You

When making design decisions for your property - whether it's your home or commercial site - it may be worth it for you to consider awnings in Malvern PA. Adorning your building with an awning can give off a classic, refined appearance that can add value and curb appeal. What you may not know, however, is  the practical features awnings provide.

With the ability to filter out light and heat from the sun, it's estimated that awnings can reduce air conditioning costs by almost 25%. The shade that awnings provide can reduce the heat gain of your building, which benefits your wallet in the long run.

In addition to saving you money on energy costs, awnings can also extend the space you have outside to spend time with family and entertain. By offering a shaded and comfortable area to relax, awnings can help you get more out of your property.

Pitch-Perfect Party Planning

Being the planner of a large party can be a double-edged sword. You do end up carrying the weight of everyone's expectations, but you get the immense satisfaction when everything goes well!

If you've been put in charge of putting together a banquet in Fresno CA, there's a few essential tasks that you must complete in order to throw the perfect gathering - whatever the crowd.

• Secure your venue stat!
• Determine a date that should work with everyone involved (easier said than done!)
• Establish your budget
• Choose a menu (be wary of dietary restrictions!)

Once your able to cover these bases, you'll find that all of the other details are just small hurdles to jump over. Many venues will have banquet managers for you to work with, so be sure to communicate freely and comprehensively with them.

Have a great party!

The Best Deck Railing For You

After remodeling my outdoor porch, I had quite the decision to make. With so many options available, what railing should I get for my deck? Each option had its pros and cons, so I thought I'd share some with fellow homeowners!

Wood railings are a classic choice for railings, yet they do require a good deal of maintenance and repair. Depending on the what your deck looks like, the work may as well be worth it!

Metal railing are a very sturdy and cost-effective solution. They typically require less maintenance, and you can expect that they'll last you for nearly a lifetime. They also can give your deck a very classic look, which is great if you live in a more traditional-style home.

I ended up going with aluminum railings - and I'm so glad I did! Once I contacted an expert in railings from Medina OH, I knew I was in good hands.

The Case For Chain Link Fences

When property owners consider options for fencing, they often tend to go in the wood or aluminum direction. They typically forget about chain link, which boasts numerous advantages over the latter options.

Wooden fences are lovely, however they often need lots of maintenance and repair in the long run. Chain link fences can withstand through the toughest weather, and usually don't require too much repair. Cleaning chain link fences is also a breeze; you typically only need a hose to get rid of unsightly weather marks.

If you think you might need more protection from the weather, there's always the option to treat your fence with a vinyl coating. Talk to an expert in commercial chain link fencing in Scottsdale AZ to find out what chain link fences can do for you!

Fixing Up Home Siding

If you have taken a hard look at the exterior of your home, it is possible you have some much needed maintenance work in your future. One item that can break down over time is the siding of your house. There are a number of reasons why you might want to do so.

Siding in Chadds Ford PA can become worn down or even break off due to many different circumstances. The two common reasons are from weathering and physical damage. No matter the case, it is important to get these resolved as soon as possible. Without doing so, you could experience leaking or even pest infestation. The smallest cracks or breaks can cause bigger issues down the road.

Summer Home Improvements to Increase the Value of Your Home

Repair Holes, Cracks & Marks: Small holes, thin cracks, and minor marks may seem like nothing to worry about when they appear. Over time, however, these small flaws can build up and, before you know it, your home has aged tremendously. If you proactively fix small problems over the years, it will make your life a lot easier when it comes time to show your home to potential buyers. Another way to increase the value of your home is to add a sun-room. If you're looking for a professional in home additions in Fairfax VA, please click the link to contact a professional.

Common Suppliers for Commercial Fencing

Are you looking to complete a commercial fencing job in the near future? Consider using a popular, top-quality material supplier. A fencing company that specializes in Meridian MS commercial fencing will usually provide the following brands of fencing for your commercial project:

- Ameristar
- Stephens Pipe & Steel
- Country Estate
- Jamieson Fence Supply

Contact a professional today if you're looking for a consultation for your next commercial or residential project, and be sure to keep up with our blog for more information on fencing and other contracting advice!

Importance of Cleaning Your Roof

Over time, green moss and black algae can build up on your roof and they will not go away on their own. The only way to get your roof looking clean again is to have it professionally cleaned by a Stamford CT roof repair company. They will also make sure that the shingles have not been destroyed, and they'll make sure the job gets done quickly and safely. Remember that roofing jobs should not be taken on by amateurs and to always call a professional.

For more tips on general contracting and home maintenance tips, be sure to keep up with our blog!

How To Protect Your Floors During a Move

Hey everyone! I know it's been a while since the last blog, but now that I've finally moved in to my new place, I'm ready to get back to blogging about all things flooring. Funny enough, this blog is actually going to be about flooring and moving!

Whether you're working with movers or doing it yourself, you need to make sure you're taking the right steps to protect either the floor that you're leaving behind or the floor of your new home. Below are some tips that I can vouch for - because I've used them myself!

• DO NOT slide furniture or boxes - no matter how heavy they might be! This practice spells nothing but disaster for floors. If something is too heavy to move, either call your friends or professional movers!
• Measure rooms before you move your belongings around to enhance your strategy and avoid accidents.
• Moving blankets are your friend! These will soften edges and help to prevent scraping and scratching. 

In the event that you scratch your floors beyond repair, industry experts of flooring in Hampton Roads VA will be your best friend - I knew they were mine when I messed up the tiles in my new bathroom! Happy floors make for an even happier move!