Friday, February 3, 2017

Making Sure Gutters Are Secure

Unfortunately, many people neglect their gutters. It seems that the only time people think about their gutters is when they've stopped working. However, that shouldn't be the case. Gutters are extremely important to your house and yard and it is important to make sure they're in great shape all year round.

One time it's really important to think about your gutters in Mechanicsville VA is before a winter storm. Gutters are typically designed with water in mind. That means if a lot of snow or ice comes in a winter storm, your gutters may not be able to withstand all the extra weight. This can typically be avoided if you take the time to make sure your gutters are secure. You can also always have a professional come out if you're afraid of heights or are not familiar with your gutters.

Interior Design Tips

We hope everyone is doing well. We've gotten a few requests for interior design tips so we definitely wanted to share some. These tips were provided by a Newton MA remodeling expert.
  • Resist painting the rooms of your new home until you've moved in. This way, you can better match the color to your existing furniture and décor.
  • Dark colored walls can actually make a small room look larger!
  • With a brightly painted front door, your house is bound to make a great first impression!
  • Looking to expand your home? Decorating and design can only do so much if you love your home but your family is outgrowing it. Consider home additions in Kensington MD!

Remodeling Tips!

It's really exciting when we make a great partnership and find sources of helpful information. We love being able to share these tips and info with you guys. These great remodeling tips were provided by an expert in bathroom remodeling in Waukesha WI.
  • There are three important factors to take into consideration when decorating your home. Function, mood and personality!
  • When you're thinking about function, make sure there is a focal point in the room. This could be your fireplace, a huge window or maybe a nice rug.
  • You can create a mood for your room by choosing certain colors, what furniture is in the room and the different patterns in the room. If you're having trouble deciding on a mood for the room, pick a theme and the mood will come naturally.
  • Looking to add some patterns to your room? Stripes, florals and plaids are some patterns to think about when trying to create a new mood for a room!
If you're looking to do even more than a bathroom remodel, we suggest you call Software for Home Builders today.

Pest Control Tip

We don't spend much time on here talking about pest control but it's an issue we get a lot of questions about. Here are some great pest control tips provided by a Los Angeles CA spider control professional.

  • Before ridding your home of unwanted pests, you must first identify the type of critter based on their droppings to ensure proper removal tactics.
  • Check around the exterior of your house for even the smallest access points and effectively seal them to prevent pest entry.
  • Make sure your kitchen is kept clean and all food is stored in sealed containers.
  • Certain pests, like raccoons, should only be removed from a house by a professional because of their aggressive nature.

Fence Tips

We hope everyone had a good week. We wanted to celebrate this Friday with some great fence tips. These tips were provided by an expert in fences in Bluffton IN.

  • Be considerate of neighbors when adding a fence to your property! If it's something that may affect them, check in with them before starting your project.
  • When installing a fence for security, select a tall design with spiky tops and a smooth outer face to deter climbers.
  • If you have a swimming pool, you need to have a fence! Check your local codes to determine your area's specific guidelines.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

How Much is That Leak Costing You? Plumbing Repair Makes Financial Sense

Homeowners have to deal with repair issues from time to time, and some are more urgent than others. A dripping faucet or running toilet may not make it to the top of the priority list, but calling for plumbing repair might save you money in the long run.

Let's say your shower head drips a little bit. Not much, only about 10 drips every minute. Since it's in the shower, you can pretty much ignore it. But let it go for a year, and it adds up to 500 gallons of water down the drain.

How about a sink with a pretty significant leak? If it drips once every second, that totals 3,000 gallons a year, or enough water to fill 66 bathtubs.

And what homeowner hasn't had issues with a toilet running? A toilet that runs with a moderate leak wastes 6,000 gallons a month, adding about $70 to the monthly bill. A severe leak can result in a water bill that's $200 higher each month, and can add up to thousands of dollars in a year.

As you can see, these little leaks can add up to big financial investments. In some cases, getting them fixed can actually save you money in the long run. A licensed, experienced plumber can come in, make the required repairs in short order, and you can move forward knowing you are not only saving your family money, but practicing water conservation which is so important for our environment.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact a professional for plumbing in Deerfield IL.

Six Reasons You Should Leave Chimney Sweeping to the Professionals

While the concept of sweeping out a chimney may not seem too complex, the actual job is a hassle if you're a novice without the right equipment. Here are six reasons you should let the pros handle chimney sweeping. 
  • First reason: Professionals have the tools and skills to sweep chimneys thoroughly without damaging the structure. If you're going about it alone, you probably don't know beneficial tactics and tricks. 
  • Second reason: Professionals know how to target trouble spots. You're probably not aware of certain areas in your chimney that require more attention. 
  • Third reason: Professionals use video scanning to see your chimney clearly. You likely don't have or know how to use this technology. With video scanning, professionals identify trouble spots such as cracks, damaged pipes, and other fire hazards.
  • Fourth reason: Professionals use tools that prevent messes. If you don't use a vac, ash dust and creosote will likely end up around your home. Creosote is a dangerous substance to have lingering in your home because it's carcinogenic. 
  • Fifth reason: Professionals wear gear to protect themselves from creosote exposure. You're risking your health if you don't buy a respirator and special suit, goggles, and gloves in addition to the expensive chimney-cleaning equipment. 
  • Sixth reason: Professionals have equipment that fits your chimney ideally. Different types of chimneys require different cleaning equipment. Without proper-fitting equipment, you can't do the best job. 

If you're due for a chimney sweeping, contact your local chimney sweep in NYC right away!