How to Love Your Job Nomatter Where You Are
How To Add Molding To Recessed Windows
Do you have recessed windows in your home? Do you want to make them look a little more stylish and dynamic? If so, you should consider adding molding to the recessed frame. This looks especially great if you coordinate with crown or baseboard molding in the same room. This article explains how to add molding to a rectangular recessed window. What You Need This job is actually very simple. Besides the molding product, you will need a compound miter saw and a pneumatic nail gun. The saw must have the ability to cut 45° angles. Also, make sure you have finish nails for your gun. Installing the Molding If your window has an extended sill, you can make a flat cut along the bottom of the vertical pieces. This means you only need to make angled cuts for the two top corners. For the best results, make the flat cut first, then place the molding onto the sill and mark where it meets the top corner. If you make the angled cuts right on the marking, you should end up with the right length piece. This is actually quicker and easier than using a tape measure. It is also better if you immediately attach the molding as soon as it is cut to the right length. Then, hold up the next piece in place and mark the other end. This ends up working much better than measuring and cutting all the pieces at once and then trying to attach them afterwards. Often, the measurement could change by a hair’s width after the molding is actually nailed to the wall. Caulking the Edges and Nail Holes For your molding to look professional, you need to caulk the edges and cover the nail holes. You get the cleanest caulk lines if you use your fingers to spread the caulk. First, shoot the caulk into the seam with a caulk gun. Then, while wearing latex gloves, swipe the caulk with your finger. This smooths out the caulk and leaves a cleaner line. You should clean off your finger after every swipe. If you finger is clean, you will leave behind a smooth line. Also, use your finger to spread caulk over the small nail holes. Finally, you can paint your new molding, after the caulk is completely dry. This fun and simple remodel is a great way to add a little bit of style to your window fixtures. If it turns out that the windows in your home need to be replaced because they’re old our outdated, contact a window replacement...
read moreWood Siding Versus Vinyl Siding: Which Is Right For Your House?
When you are ready to replace your home’s siding, you have several choices available to you. The material you choose can depend on many factors, including cost, appearance, and maintenance. Here are a few things to consider when selecting between vinyl and wood siding for your home. Cost Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to home renovations. Knowing what fits within your budget will help you to make your final decision about what is right for your home. Vinyl siding can cost between $3,600 and $12,600 for a 1,800-square-foot home, with the lower cost not including the cost of professional installation. Wood siding can cost anywhere from $6,500 to $10,000 for a 1,250-square-foot home, depending on the type of wood siding you choose. This does not include the cost of installation, so you’ll need to allow for labor when you determine your home remodeling budget. You may be able to find materials on sale or clearance at local hardware or lumber supply stores, so consider looking for deals before start your project. Appearance Vinyl siding comes in long pieces, and unless you purchase extra-long vinyl siding, you’ll have visible seams. Wood siding, on the other hand, can be cut to fit your home on-site. Vinyl does come in a variety of colors, so you can select one that best matches your preferences. Wood siding can be painted to your exact specifications. Care And Maintenance Having a siding material that is easy to care for may be important to some homeowners. Vinyl is easy to clean by simply hosing it down, and it does not need to be repainted. You may also be able to purchase vinyl siding that comes with a transferable warranty, which means that any future owners of your home can also benefit. Wood siding, on the other hand, can be a bit more difficult to care for. It may need to be repainted from time to time, and it can fall prey to termites and other pests that feed on wood. Wood can also be more difficult to clean than vinyl. Be sure to account for care and maintenance when deciding on which siding option is the best for your home. Ultimately, both types of siding have their pros and cons. Knowing the difference between these two materials can help you to make the right choice for your home. Ask your contractor about any questions you have, and choose the siding that makes sense for your home and your...
read moreGet Kitschy With A Funky And Functional Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is the perfect place to relax and catch up with family members, prepare your favorite meals, and enjoy a morning cup of coffee. These kitschy kitchen staples also offer expanded storage in a room where there simply never seems to be enough! Talk with a kitchen remodeling contractor about adding an island to the hub of your home, and check out some of the styles available at home improvement retail venues to garner ideas for your own space. Some cool and clever ideas for your kitchen island include these suggestions: Cute little kitchen islands. Worried that you lack the space for a kitchen island? Even if you have a very-small kitchen, you can still enjoy the extra counter space and storage that these clever installations provide. Consider a rolling island with locking wheels that will create a workspace as needed, and that can be moved out of the way when you have company coming! Clever storage features. Talk with your builder about customizing your island to accommodate your crockery, utensils, and pots and pans nicely. These remodeling experts can create cubbies, pull-outs, and racks to hold anything that you might want to keep close-at-hand, but also out of sight, with ease and a new sense of organization. This will also allow you the joy of a clean, clear counter-top in your kitchen for cooking or baking. Pull-down options. Another option is to create an island that juts out from a wall and that can be folded up and out of the way when you wish. Liken this concept to a Murphy bed; first you see it, then you don’t! This can be an excellent solution when space is limited and you often require additional workspace or a spot for eating or studying. Recycled kitchen islands. An eco-friendly approach to adding a kitschy island to your kitchen could be found through repurposing something that you already have on hand. For instance, an old dresser, buffet, or cabinet can be altered to be the ideal island for your space. There are some intriguing online videos that depict the process of recycling a piece of furniture into an island, though your remodeling contractor may also have some suggestions. A kitchen island creates a space that family tends to gather and come together; why not add one to your home? Create something that is one-of-a-kind and kitschy, while still paying attention to function and storage. Talk with your contractor about converting your kitchen with an island work-space that is perfect for your space, needs, and...
read moreLights, Window And Floors: How To Make These Items Easier For Your Elderly Parent To Manage
If your parent is starting to slow down and you worry about them doing things around their house on their own, and living alone, there are some features you can have installed around the house to make things easier. If performing these small tasks can be difficult for your parent on their own, look into these electronic features. Motorized Shades If getting up to open and close curtains around the house, or trying to reach curtains or blinds on high windows is a problem, get motorized shades for the property, such as from Park City Blind & Design. These shades are easily controlled by a remote, or you can have them set on timers throughout the day. This means your parent doesn’t have to get up and do anything to the windows when they want to open or close the shades, or when they want to have privacy throughout the house. Remote Lighting Not only can you have controlled blinds, but remote lighting throughout the house. This allows your parents to turn on the lights in a hallway or bedroom while they are getting ready to walk that way, or they can turn off the lights in rooms they forgot to turn them off after they are already in another room. This can prevent your parents from having to walk where they can’t see, or from being worried about walking into a room that isn’t lit well. Electronic Sensor Vacuum Vacuuming can be tiring and difficult if you have a hard time getting around. An electronic vacuum that will clean the entire space on its own with sensors is a simple way they can kep their floors clean without having to do any of the work. These come in a variety of models and are easy for your parents to turn on or off when they want to clean an area of the house. Helping to make things easier around the house for your parents when you can’t be around is a great way to help you feel that they aren’t doing things that they shouldn’t be, and that they aren’t going to get hurt. Talk with your parents to see what different chores and tasks are causing the most problems for them, and to see what they need the most help with. You may be able to find other systems and electronic features that can help make it easier for them to live alone in their...
read moreWhy Vinyl Siding Is Such A Smart Investment
There are many ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home. One of the most popular ways is to add vinyl siding to your exterior walls. Of course, this remodel does much more that just increase the efficiency of your home, it also affords you the chance to make your home look completely different. Vinyl siding is one of the most practical and cost effective remodels because it makes your home cheaper to run and more valuable at the same time. So, it is ideal both for homeowners who plan on selling soon and those who want to stay put for many years to come. This article explains why vinyl siding is such a smart remodel. It is Easy to Install Vinyl siding is attractive to handy homeowners who are looking for an ambitious DIY project. The great thing about vinyl siding is that it is largely modular, meaning most pieces can be attached to each other without any screws or glue. It is sold in kits that include detailed installation instruction. That being said, the project still requires the use of large ladders or scaffolding systems. Also, it requires a lot of lifting and climbing. The physical requirements of the job persuade some homeowners to leave it to the pros. Luckily, if you do end up letting professionals install your vinyl siding, you can rest assured that the labor cost will be minimal, especially when compared to materials like brick or wood. It is Easy to Clean Most people will want to install a new siding material that is no nonsense and easy to maintain. There are very few materials that are easier to clean. You can spray down your siding with a hose or pressure washer to keep dirt away. If necessary, you can wipe it down with a wet sponge and mild household cleaners. It Will Save You Money Vinyl siding basically adds an extra layer of protection to your home. It shields your existing sidewalls from wind, sun and moisture. This thin, but ultra effective layer of protection will definitely help reduce your reliance on your heating and air conditioning appliances. Also, vinyl can be found in varying degrees of insulation. Siding that is lined with foam insulation on the inside is very helpful in cold environments. No matter where you live, you will enjoy the many benefits of vinyl siding. For more information, contact C & Z Construction or a similar...
read moreTwo Signs It’s Time To Repair Your Brick Fireplace
A brick fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home. The look of brick can be complementary to a modern decor or even a more classic look. This versatility is one of the factors that makes brick so popular. However, this is only the case when the brick is in good condition. When brick starts to show signs of aging or deterioration, it can actually make the entire space look bad. Make sure you know when it’s time to restore your brick fireplace. White Coating On Bricks When looking at your brick fireplace, do you notice a white coating over the surface of the bricks? If so, this is an indication that it’s time for some work. This white coating is formally known as efflorescence. This problem arises when there are issues with moisture. As the high levels of moisture come in contact with the brick, over time, this causes the salt naturally found in the mortar to come to the surface. Once it dries, it leaves behind a white residue. In terms of removal, there is no way to wash away the residue. You need to have the brick painted or refinished to eliminate the stains. However, more importantly, until you have the issue resolved, even after refinishing, the problem will only return. This issue most often arises in homes with uncontrolled humidity levels. Mortar Joint Deterioration One important concern not to overlook is mortar joint deterioration. In short, this issue is best described as pieces of crumbling mortar and in extreme cases, there might actually be chunks of mortar missing. Not only does this issue look bad, this is an indication that the structural integrity of the brick fireplace is in jeopardy. The mortar joints are responsible for helping keep the bricks in place. When it starts to wear away, the bricks start to adjust and can eventually fall out of place. Typically, this issue will originate simply due to the age of the fireplace. If you have an old home with an original brick fireplace, it’s not uncommon to experience this issue. Generally, repairing this issue involves a process known as tuck-pointing, which can restore the damaged mortar and fill in any gaps. If your fireplace is showing signs of wear, it’s time to contact a masonry professional. A professional can assess the condition of your fireplace to highlight any necessary repairs, as well as provide helpful tips on preserving your brick fireplace in the future. For masonry restoration, click on this link http://www.mararestoration.com or do an online...
read moreThree Lighting Techniques To Enhance The Appeal Of Your Living Room
Adding comfort and style to your living room doesn’t just involve choosing the right furniture and other decorative elements. It also involves choosing the best lighting. Compared to other spaces in a home, such as a kitchen or bathroom, living room lighting is often an afterthought. However, a focus on this feature can dramatically improve the room’s appeal. Layered Lighting In the average home, the living room is used to entertain, watch television, and even read. Layered lighting ensures you have the right level of illumination for every activity. In simple terms, layered lighting is simply the installation of a combination of lighting sources in a single space. Take a room that only has track lighting installed, for instance. While the space will be illuminated well, when watching television with the lights on, the space might be too bright. However, if there were also ambient and pendant lights in the space, these less intrusive lighting options could be relied on for this activity. Layered lighting is all about variety. Upward Lights Traditional recessed lighting patterns are designed so that light is illuminated in a downward pattern. Seems harmless right? The problem is that this lighting style can also produce shadows, particularly when the light is very bright. When you’re performing a tedious task, such as reading, shadows can make it more challenging to see. Consider installing upward light fixtures in your living room. Upward light fixtures are designed to make the light bounce off the ceiling, creating an ambient and relaxing effect. With upward light illumination your space will be well lit and void any shadows or blind spots. Accent Lighting Living rooms are often spaces where family photos and other prominent decorative elements are displayed. Accent lighting will highlight these features. This lighting can come in any form of fixture, including wall lights, spot-lights, and recessed lights. There are only two real requirements. First, the fixture needs to deliver significantly more light to the focal point than the general lighting in the space does. Second, is proper placement. Take a family photograph, for example. The accent fixture should be installed at a 30-degree angle and at least 7 inches away from the space where the ceiling and wall meet, per foot of space between the center of the object and the ceiling. A residential electrician can help you improve your living room’s lighting. In addition to these lighting features, an electrician like those found at Excel Electric Inc can introduce you to a number of additional techniques to enhance your...
read moreKey Repairs For Your Wooden Windows
If you have attractive wooden windows in your home, you certainly don’t want a problem with your windows to mar their appearance or usefulness. Fortunately, in some cases you can fix wooden window problems yourself. Let’s take a look at how to deal with some of the most common issues. Scratches A scratch on your window pane is an annoying flaw that looks bad even if it does not affect the window’s functionality. If the scratch is relatively minor, then you have a couple of good ways to make the repair yourself, but if it’s a deep scratch, it’s best to consult an expert. One good idea to fix light scratches is to use clear nail polish. First, clean and dry the glass. Rub a soft cloth over the pane to make sure that it’s free of dirt or grime and completely dry. Then brush on the nail polish. Remove any excess with nail polish remover. Another method is to use metal polish instead of clear nail polish. After making sure that the area is free of any dirt or debris, apply the polish with a cloth. Broken If one of your panes is broken, then you might be able to replace it without too much difficulty. You will need to first have a replacement pane cut to size. After removing the broken glass, old putty and the old glazier’s points (the metal hardware that helps affix the glass to the sash), place fresh putty in the grooves of the sash. Then install the new pane in the grooves and attach new glazier’s points to the sash. Apply more putty to the edges of the pane and let it cure. Rattling Another common problem with wooden windows is rattling. This typically happens because the window is not tight within the frame. To fix this, purchase some weather stripping and apply it to the window jams as well as the top of the upper sash and the bottom of the lower sash. This should make the window less loose within the frame and reduce or eliminate any rattling. Another good idea is to caulk around the edges of the glass panes. This can be done in combination with the weather stripping. Fixing some of the repair issues that arise with wooden windows is not especially difficult in certain instances. If a major problem crops up with your windows, however, contact a professional window specialist like those found at Port Orchard...
read moreRedoing Your Bathroom? 5 Costly Mistakes To Avoid
Planning a bathroom remodel project? It’s a great way to enjoy your home more while adding value to it at the same time. But that all depends on making the right choices when renovating. To help you, here is a handy guide to the top mistakes homeowners make when planning their new bathroom. Fudging the Budget Numbers. It’s vital to be realistic about what your budget is and how much of your renovation goals it can achieve. Some homeowners start out with pie-in-the-sky dreams about their new bathroom but end up with a mishmash of a renovation when their budget fails. It’s better to properly research everything you want to add or change to the bath before you start demolition so that you can avoid running out of money halfway through or having to compromise in areas that are important to you. Overestimating Your Skill. You may feel you’re a handyman-extraordinaire, but be certain you can safely and properly complete tasks like electrical installation, moving plumbing or installing fixtures before trying them yourself. While many areas of remodeling — such as demolition, flooring installation or decoration — are great for do-it-yourself folks, some can be dangerous, costly or illegal if done improperly. Don’t be afraid to hire professional help for the things you’re not experienced in. Underestimating Space Needs. Modern bathrooms tend to be larger and more luxurious than the older, more utilitarian versions. When planning your upgrade, don’t short yourself on space. Meeting the minimum space required by local building codes may not leave much for you to enjoy. If you plan to age in the home, you may also find that a tight bathroom is a bad fit for anyone with mobility issues. In this case, bigger tends to be better. Not Enough Storage. Storage isn’t an exciting part of home renovation, but it’s a very useful one. Failing to have enough space to store supplies, towels, hygiene goods, bathrobes or your favorite bath accessories can leave you disenchanted with your bathroom. Little storage is fine for a guest bathroom, but for your everyday-use rooms, be sure to include under-sink cabinets, wall shelving, mounted cabinets, racks and hanging hooks. Not Thinking Long-Term. Trendy ideas can be here-today/gone-tomorrow and leave your bathroom feeling dated or less functional than you want. Instead of following the latest new idea you see in magazines or on television, work with your contractor to determine what classic and long-lasting elements you should use as a base design. You can always accessorize with fun and eclectic touches — preferably in things that you can easily remove if you decide to sell or update. By avoiding these 5 design mistakes, you can ensure that you will end up with a great remodel that will serve your family and guests well for years to...
read moreCan Flood-Damaged Wooden Furniture Be Saved?
Water damage is one of the greatest problems that can happen to a property, but luckily, water damage on wooden furniture is often reversible. As with other water damaged items, expediting the drying process is important. The following frequently asked questions and answers will help you determine whether or not your wooden furniture can be saved, and how it can be done. Can flood-damaged wood furniture be saved? Yes, flood-damaged wood furniture can often be saved, provided that it’s properly dried after being removed from the flood waters, and then refinished. What’s the procedure for saving water-damaged wood furniture? To dry the furniture, don’t set the piece in the sun. Putting the furniture in the sun can cause the wood to dry too quickly and can result in the wood becoming warped and cracked. Instead, put it in a location where the humidity is low, out of direct sunlight, and where the temperature is moderate. If the piece of furniture has an inside area (like a wooden cabinet), sprinkle the inside with baking soda and leaves the doors open to absorb the moisture. Allow the furniture to dry for several days before attempting to fix it. Once the outside has dried, you may notice a layer of white moisture droplets trapped beneath the varnish over the wood. This is the moisture that has penetrated the sealant and is on top of the wood. This layer of moisture can only be removed by stripping off the varnish. To remove the finish, use a solvent-based chemical stripper and follow all manufacturer’s instructions. Once the varnish has been removed, allow the wood to dry for several more days before sanding down the wood then re-applying stain and wood varnish. What should you do if the wood is moldy? If the wood has begun to mold, let the furniture dry for several days (as described above), then use the chemical stripper to remove the varnish or finish. When the varnish has been removed, scrub the mold with a stiff-bristled brush dipped in a solution of equal parts bleach and water. Doing this will help kill the bacteria. Next, sand off the mold to the best of your ability. If spots of mold remain visible on the wood, consider refinishing the furniture with a dark enough stain that the mold will not be noticeable when the furniture is refinished. Allow the furniture to dry for several days then apply stain and wood varnish. If the mold goes too deep to sand off, or if the mold is spread out over the majority of the piece of furniture, contact a water damage repair company (like Complete Restoration Services or a similar location) for...
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