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Home Improvement Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Value

Posted on 08-10-2010 | By: admin

Category : Summer Home Improvement Articles

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Image : http://www.flickr.com

Does your home need a little bit of improving? Are you considering putting your home on the market and you think that it could use a few different improvements before you actually put it on the market? If so, there are a lot of different home improvement options for you to choose from that will not only improve the look of your home but will also positively impact the value of it. Whether you are choosing to sell or you just want to improve the home for your own use, home improvement can be a lot of fun and worth the time, effort, and money.

Improving Your Home for Value and Style

When considering home improvement you should know that the bulk of your money would be best spent in the kitchen and in the bathrooms. These are the areas that are not only used the most in the home, but also will benefit you where the value of your home is concerned.

When looking in the kitchen there are several things that you will want to consider when considering home improvement. First, you will want to make sure that you have a well laid out kitchen or a plan for one. When you plan the kitchen you will want to spend a good deal of your budget on new cabinets, hardware for the cabinets, as well as quality countertops such as granite, slate or marble. In addition, stainless steel appliances are always a plus as these are very popular right now.

In the bathroom some of your focus will be the same as it is in the kitchen. You will want to spend a good deal of your budget on a luxurious bathtub as well as a sink and shower enclosure. You should make sure to create a bathroom floor plan that not only looks good, but provides the best use of space. Quality countertops are also a concern in the bathroom.

Throughout the house you should consider things during home improvement such as paint, lighting fixtures, and flooring. Recessed lighting is very popular right now and it gives the look and feel that many people are fond of. Paint colors right now are often neutral but are colors nonetheless and add a touch of warmth to any space. Tile and wood flooring is also a great choice and the products on the market today make these floors easy to care for.

Home improvement is something different to everyone. If you plan on being in the home for more than five to ten years you should definitely gear all of your home improvement choices to your tastes. If you are going to be in the home for less than five years it is a good idea to think about how your choices would appeal to the general population as you will not want to turn off a future buyer with some very specific choices.

Heather recommends quality circular saws. Start your home improvement project with a circular saw that actually works and does the job right.


How Important Are Home Improvement Contractor References?

Posted on 08-10-2010 | By: admin

Category : Summer Home Improvement Articles

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Homeowners are always told to do certain things when choosing a contractor to perform a home improvement. “Get three estimates,” “ask about warranties,” and “ask for references” are among the most common pieces of advice a homeowner may hear.

But, what do references really prove? Let’s think about it.

A reference proves that a contractor can give you a person’s name, phone number and possibly address. A reference is nothing more than this unless you, the homeowner/consumer, checks it.

How many homeowners actually check references? Most may just want to know that they exist. They want to know that a contractor has performed similar work for someone else at some point in time. So, a name and number usually suffices.

Plus, checking a reference involves calling someone you don’t know. Not everyone may feel comfortable doing this. So in a sense, references mean as much as a homeowner is willing to investigate, which often is not much.

But, even if a consumer asks for several references and follows up with all of them, does this mean anything? Let’s say a contractor provides you with five references. Let’s say you call each one and they all tell you that they had a good experience. In other words, all references “check out.”

What does this prove? At best, it proves that the contractor has performed 5 quality jobs. If the jobs are relatively large in nature, the references may actually be of substance. Still, five jobs is a relatively small sampling. If a contractor has performed 500 jobs, his reference list represents 1% of his total clientele.

We are not saying that most contractors use fake references or that all contractors only have a small percentage of satisfied customers. We are only stating that references require a little work from the consumer if they are to be of any value at all, and, even then, they probably only represent a small sample.

Plus, it’s not like a contractor would ever give you a reference that would talk badly about the contractor, right? This is also another reason why homeowners may not check references. They think to themselves, “Of course these references will check out- why else would the contractor give them to me?”

The fact of the matter is that most homeowners simply ask for references because they are told to do so. What they get out of them, however, is often either nothing or very little.

A homeowner may feel a sense of accomplishment for doing his due diligence, but in terms of substance, references are mostly hollow. You may be better served by simply going with your gut.

NIRCL.com is the National Insurance Restoration Contractors Listing. We bring together insurance restoration contractors and homeowners in need of their services.

If you are a homeowner that has sustained recent storm damage or you are a contractor that performs high quality insurance restoration work, http://www.nircl.com may be of service to you.

Our blog may be helpful and informative to homeowners, contractors and everyday people. Visit our blog at blog.NIRCL.com


Home Improvement Grants – Federal Grant Money to Modernize Your Home

Posted on 08-10-2010 | By: admin

Category : Summer Home Improvement Articles

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Image : http://www.flickr.com

The federal government provides a number of programs designed to assist citizens with home and house repairs. One of the programs administered through the US Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development offers grants and loans to owner-occupants of very low-income housing for home improvement and repairs. Known as Section 504 loans and grants the program was authorized by the Housing Act of 1949.

The program provides loans for general repairs to the owner’s property and the funds primarily directed at alleviation of health and safety issues. Home Improvement Grants are also awarded for the removal of safety hazards and for remodeling projects that make the dwellings more accessible to those with disabilities. The loan or grant funds can also be used for general modernization of the property.

Generally the grants and loans are made for infrastructure improvements to the property’s heating, electrical or plumbing systems. Particularly given the current emphasis on energy conservation and green projects, many of the awards are focused on weatherization of the low-income properties.

Since these grants and loans are administered by the Department of Agriculture the program is primarily aimed at rural low-income areas. To be eligible for this program the dwelling must be in an rural area with a population of less than 10,000. In some cases the eligibility expands to areas with up to 25,000 people when the community is not included in a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Loans range up to $20,000 for eligible individuals and carry an interest rate of one percent with up to a 20 year term for repayment. Grants can go as high as $7,500 and as the term implies do not have to be repaid.

To be eligible for grant funding the home owner must be over 62 and not have the capability to repay a loan.

The Department of Agriculture Website provides access to maps and income calculators to help determine dwelling and income eligibility for the Very Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants program.

For more information on Home Improvement Grants visit Michael Saunders’ Website which provides a comprehensive resource on Federal Government Grants. He has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and is president of Information Organizers.


Savvy Home Improvement Expert Gets an A With Her Patio Fireplace Idea

Posted on 11-07-2010 | By: admin

Category : Summer Home Improvement Articles

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I’m going to walk you through one of the most interesting summer time ideas I’ve ever seen. A patio fireplace idea, but in the most savvy way.

My former secretary who has moved on to own her own home improvement business often calls me for specific projects. We work together from time to time and we have a blast. But this one, she had to tell me about because she did it all her own.

Items You Will Need

  1. A Patio
  2. Bricks
  3. One Ventless Fireplace Insert

Of course, with the bricks you’ll need mortar. But, that’s really all there is to this list. Now, put on your business suit and get ready to do some negotiation.

First, The Patio

It’s quite obvious that the first thing you need is a patio. It’s a patio project. But, you can actually start a patio with this idea. If you have flat yard extending from the back door or if you can make it flat with no great amount of effort, all you need are a few extra bricks when you are ready to get them.

Placing the bricks in any arrangement is actually fine. But, I prefer an angled approach because it’s easier to square. You simple cut corners out of your bricks and place them in the jagged edges of your patio perimeter. If you can’t cut the bricks, don’t worry. The jagged edges will look natural.

Second, The Bricks

This is the part I love best because anyone can simply go to a lumber yard or a home improvement store and buy bricks. But, it takes a savvy business person to get paid to haul bricks away.

I have been in construction for years. And I have always offered my services to clients that I will haul their excess bricks away. I’ve only had to deal with a few clients who wanted them sent back and a discount on the service. Most homeowners are happy with my work, have already written the check and are more than happy to let me haul their bricks out of sight out of mind.

But, my former secretary tried a new thing this last time. She drove through a home development community where there are houses in all different stages of completion. She found homes where the brick was finished and stacks of bricks sat in the driveway. Instead of offering to haul the bricks away for free, she contacted the homeowners and told them she would give them a great deal on their hauling expenses. When the homeowners agreed, she told me she couldn’t believe it. Not only was she getting what she needed for free, but she was getting paid to take it. Now, I couldn’t do that. But, hats off to her for having the gumption to attempt such a thing.

Finally, The Ventless Gel Fireplace Insert

Just off the patio, you want to build yourself a brick casing. Build a solid foundation that is about three feet high. Then build four columns that rise about another four feet. Then, build a nice roof on your patio fireplace. If you pay attention to what you are doing, you can do this by yourself.

Use string to keep your bricks in line. Use your trowels to scrape excessive mortar off the bricks after you stack them. If you take your time, you can look like a professional.

In the opening that you’ve created with your four columns is where you will put your ventless gel fireplace insert. Of course, you can stack real wood in the fireplace and light it. But, you’ll have fire control to deal with and it’s a heck of a mess when you are finished. Light some Sunjel gel fuel and place it in the insert for just as much fire and heat.

A patio fireplace for less then $300? No, wait a minute. For free. Because with the money she was paid to haul the bricks away, my former secretary was able to purchase a ventless gel fireplace insert no problem at all. Now, that’s a home improvement project with the maximum business savvy.

Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction under her father who retired in 2004. Jessica has since handled her own clients and been awarded major renovation jobs from real estate gurus such as Jason Stead and Gerald Fitchett. Her construction work leads her to solve many problems builders face, but her articles try to solve daily problems everyone faces. Home remodeling, home repair and home decor in addition to home building are all in Jessica’s field of expertise.


Summer Home Improvement Tips

Posted on 09-07-2010 | By: admin

Category : Summer Home Improvement Videos

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Home Improvement columnist, Gary Dymski, shares some simple home improvement projects you can do to make your home more comfortable and valuable while also saving money. Video from Trex, affresh, Gain and Whirlpool Corporation.


Home Improvement – When is it a Wise Move?

Posted on 09-07-2010 | By: admin

Category : Summer Home Improvement Articles

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Image : http://www.flickr.com

Gone were the days, when the most logical move for homeowners was to go for upgrades when living space became too small. In the face of the recent tumultuous events that hit real estate markets, this alternative seems not to be an attractive one. In the current scheme of things, home improvement alternatives are the best and most practical options for most homeowners. A carefully planned home improvement project can deliver the desired results that we want to achieve. Financial companies offer loan packages for home improvement projects. There are even grants that you can avail if you are going for projects that integrate energy saving features.

Clear and present necessity and enhanced value are the two major reasons why you will opt for various kinds of projects. The scale and complexity of the makeover job will entirely depend on your requirements and preferences as well as your available budget. There are also other intangibles that come into play which makes home improvement a better alternative to home upgrade. In most instances, we develop a strong attachment to our community that moving becomes a difficult option. After a certain period of time, you become accustomed to your surroundings and develop your comfort zone. Under such condition, giving up your home for an upgrade may not be your best option.

While there are obvious downsides to alternatives, the returns of a well-executed project are more than enough to offset its negative effects. Expect a few weeks of inconvenience if you are planning to perform a project. However, you can mitigate the negative impact of the activity if you plan early.

Once you are able to hurdle the financial requisites of your project, the next thing that you must do is to plan out your project so that it doesn’t turn out to be a nightmare for you and your family. If you are intending to perform the task yourself, the logical first step will be to find the right software. This can help you visualize the changes and improvements that you want in your home before you commence the required tasks.

Once you have the right blueprint for your project, the next thing for you to do is to visit the local home improvement shops with the complete list of materials that you need. Make sure that you purchase the materials within the established budget by selecting materials with the best possible prices.

On the other hand, if you are inclined in hiring the services of a professional specialist, it is essential that you choose one who has the expertise, means and experience in performing the tasks required in your project.

Home improvement is the current norm, and there are a lot of contractors that provide a broad range of specialties that focus on specific projects. It is essential that you hire one that can perform the task and deliver the results that you want to achieve in your project. It is not enough that you take into account the experience and track record of contractors. It is also critical that you consider the skill set of home improvement specialists that you will include in your short list of potential contractors. You may also consider the feedback or referral from relatives and friends in your search for the right contractor for the job.

Home improvement is a practical and interesting alternative in order for you to adapt to the changing needs of your family. However, you have to take things one step at a time to avoid turning the venture into a complete disaster.

Learn how to sell your own house here: For Sale By Owner

If you’re looking to buy a home from an FSBO listing check here: FSBO Listing


Replacing Sliding Doors With French Doors

Posted on 17-06-2010 | By: admin

Category : Home Management

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Typically leading out to the patio or backyard, sliding doors or French doors allow plenty of sunlight in while giving you a private view and access to the outdoors. Sliding glass doors are simply designed and perform the basic functions but may be seen as outdated and commonplace. A pair of French doors opens fully to the outdoors and adds charm and elegance to a space. Follow these steps to replace your sliding doors with French doors.

1. Take measurements of your old doors and purchase your French doors.

It is a good idea to purchase your French doors before you begin any work to remove your existing doors, since you may have to wait a couple of weeks or longer for the new doors to arrive. In order to purchase the right size of replacement doors, you will need to measure the height and width of your existing sliding doors. French doors come in standard sizes, so if you take your measurements to any reputable lumber yard or home improvement store, they should be able to order the correct size of a set of pre-hung French doors. If in doubt, you may remove the trim from the outside to obtain the measurements for the rough door opening, without removing the old door. It is best to choose a door with dimensions a quarter inch smaller on each side than the rough opening.

2. Detach your old sliding doors.

Once your new doors have arrived, you can get to work replacing your doors. Pry the existing trim and moldings loose with a hammer. The track and the rest of the sliding door unit will be exposed. Unscrew the nails on the side jambs, the top header, and the bottom track that secure the door panels in place. Pull the fixed panel away from the track and remove, followed by the sliding panel. You may need to pry the fixed door panel out of the side jamb if it is stuck.

3. Remove the rest of the sliding door unit.

Unscrew all the nails holding the jambs, header, and track in place. The unit should easily come loose. The side jambs tend to require more work to remove, and you need to be careful not to damage the wall surrounding the door frame. Starting at the bottom, pry the metal jamb away from the side wall.

4. Place the French doors in the opening and assess the fit.

Do not remove any clips or straps that hold your new doors aligned and closed. Center the door unit in the opening and position it into place. Using a level, assess if the door unit is even and plumb. You may need to get a friend to help you hold the door in place while you use shims to adjust the fit of the door. Start with the top and bottom corners and then behind the hinges, making sure to assess for levelness after each shim.

5. Secure the new doors into place.

Attach the frame of the unit to the opening using three nails for each jamb. Nail any shims into the jambs or the frame. Secure the doors on the hinges, remove the clips or straps attached to the doors, and test out their swinging motion. Fill the cracks between the jamb and frame with insulation. Install the interior casing and exterior molding, and apply caulk along the exterior to seal out drafts. Complete your door replacement by following the manufacturer's finishing instructions.

About the Author: Alyssa Davis, who writes exclusively for Metal-Wall-Art.com, offers many suggestions for creating bold interiors with wall art and large wall sculptures.


Advice For Drains That Are Problematic

Posted on 14-03-2010 | By: admin

Category : Home Management

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There are a lot of plumbing problems that home owners encounter. Drains that get plugged is one of the most commonly found problems. Here are some easy steps that can help you.

Make sure that you run the hottest tap water that you can through the draining system every few days. Not only can this help prevent plugged drains but it also can help prevent the build up of bad odors that often occurs.

If the drain is already plugged you may want to try putting a tablespoon of baking soda down the drain. Once this is done then slowly pour about 1/4 cup or so of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for half an hour or so. Then run very hot water through the drain. Many times this will unplug minor problems that occur.

If grease is the problem with the drain then pouring some salt water down it can help prevent a heavier build up from happening. Try not to pour grease down the drains in your kitchen is the best method of prevention for this issue. Many people use a can or jar to pour all of the unwanted grease into as opposed to pouring it down a drain. This is a very easy way to prevent this issue.

There are a lot of drain cleaners that are available these days. This may be the next step that needs to be done if the natural remedies are not working for you. Make sure that you follow the instructions very carefully as these cleaners contain some very harmful chemicals. You also need to make sure that the cleaner you choose is suitable for the drains that are in your home.

Trying to prevent a plugged drain from occurring is the very best line of defense that a person has. This can include using strainers kitchen sinks to prevent things from entering into the drain. Another very important thing is to remember to remove hair from the shower drain on a very regular basis. The hair can cause huge problems to happen when it comes to plugged drains. An ounce of prevention can be worth its weight in gold.

If the plug continues to be an issue, you may require the help of a licensed plumber in order to get the drains back working properly. This can be a very costly thing but there are times that this is the only choice that a person has to get to the root of the problem. They have the tools and equipment that most people don't own that can help resolve that you have.

Looking around the internet can help you find many options that are available for plumbers that are in your area. There are many people around that work in this profession and finding someone that can tackle the issue you have should not be difficult. Taking some time to look into the services they provide and the prices that they charge can help you find the best deal for your budget.

About the Author: Preparing to renovate your home? This is a great resource if you're looking for home renovations and home improvement tips. They offer information on a wide variety of home renovations topics.


Some Methods For Finding Good Plumbers

Posted on 13-03-2010 | By: admin

Category : Home Management

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If you have been experiencing various types of plumbing problems and you are unsure of how to repair it yourself, it may be time to consult with a plumber. However, how do you find good plumbers in your area? Here are some suggestions to make sure that you get the best work possible for a reasonable price.

There are many ways to find a plumber both online and offline. However, if you are looking for quality work, there are some other things to consider. You want to make sure that the plumber you are hiring is experienced and will offer you a reasonable price to fix your problem. One way to do this is to check to see if the individual has the proper credentials. Many plumbers will even list their certification numbers with their ads so that you know they are qualified.

In fact, one of the main reasons that people often have bad experiences with a plumber is because they do not do enough research. There is nothing wrong with checking credentials or making sure that your plumber has experience prior to allowing them to work in your house. It can actually save you a lot of time, money, and any future hassles from making a poor choice on your plumbing services.

Another way to find good plumbers is by asking for recommendations from your friends and family. If they have previously had any plumbing issues, they may be able to tell you which plumbers were able to fix the problem. You might also find out if there are any that you should avoid hiring. This can also be a good way to find out if there are any plumbing services in your area that have good prices.

It can also be a wise idea to check reviews on different plumbing services on the Better Business Bureau. If a plumber or their company has a large amount of complaints, then you know they are not worth your money or your time. Likewise, if there are many good reviews, you know that you are likely to receive trustworthy service if you decide to hire them.

You should begin to compile a list of plumbing services that you may be interested in. After you have done this, you should call each plumber individually to find out about their pricing and see what services that they offer. It can be a good idea to keep the prices written down to help you remember who offered which price. In addition to this, you should begin to compare prices to see where you will get the better deal.

If you live in a house or an apartment, there is another way that you can find a good plumber. Consider asking your landlord for a list of plumbers they usually use for any issues they have on their properties. This is also a good way to get a discount because you may receive a special price for being a tenant. In most cases, you will find a decent plumber via this option.

These are just a few ways that you can find good plumbers in your area. There are of course many other options that you can use to find out who is worth spending your money on for their services. As long as you remember to make your choice carefully and check their references, you should be able to find a plumber to fix your issues professionally and without worry.

About the Author: Preparing to renovate your home? This is a great resource if you're looking for home renovations and home improvement tips. They offer information on a wide variety of home renovations topics.


The Contemporary Bathroom Remodel

Posted on 09-10-2009 | By: admin

Category : Home Improvement

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A few minor components can really change the dimension and feel of your bathroom. A great way to add sexy contemporary look to your bathroom is by adding glass-block housing to enclose the shower or used just as one side of the shower wall. Corner shelves, corner shower rods to hang the towel and medicine cabinets with mirrors are also among the many accessories to add to flair to your bathroom. Try to keep the previous accessories uniform and look for clean lines. Keep in mind the shinier the bathroom accessory the harder they are to keep. Mirrors can also provide the illusion that your bathroom is larger then it truly is. When it comes to mirror placement above the vanity. The mirror should not be larger than the vanity itself.

Depending upon the style chosen, major bathroom fixtures can really enhance the look of your bathroom. Believe or not, bathroom toilets are available in many sizes and styles. If you have a smaller bathroom toilets now come in compact fully functional sizes. My favorite is the space saving wall hung bathroom toilet. This is the type of toilet has a tank installed inside the wall. Making just the toilet visible. Without the presence of the tank this toilet is a great space saver. The wall mount toilet really has a unique abstract feel to it. When shopping for bathroom fixtures look for low flow products. Low flow shower heads, toilets, and faucets are available. Supplanting your out-of-date fixtures with new water preserving products may result in a major difference in your home water consumption. A dual flush toilet, which is a toilet fashioned to cut down water waste. Allows the user the option of how much water per flush is necessary. Nearly all dual flush toilets, fdrain 1.6 gallons per flush and 0.8 gallons per flush. The 1.6 gallons flush is applied for dense waste and 0.8 gallon flush is applied for the low-density waste. Generally the common person makes nearly five trips to bathroom per twenty-four hours and most of these trips don't necessitate a full flush. Numerous other Eco friendly alternatives are also worth considering. bathroom remodeling are one of the most inexpensive undertakings for your household. A high-quality bathroom remodel mixed with the latest low flow fixtures are great ways to increase the value of your home. My last suggestion for your bathroom remodel is to shop around. Major big box retailers provide a limited amount of options, online shopping will help you find unique items.When choosing your bathroom products. Select toilets

low flush toilets they conserve a great deal of water. Dual flush toilets are the best toilets for saving water. low flow toilets save thousands of gallons of water per year.