Remodeling for Resale Value
Remodeling your home can be a very exciting time, but when certain issues arise, they can then become very stressful. Most people choose to remodel areas in the house like the kitchen and the bathroom. From a resell standpoint of you, remodeling your kitchen and bathroom wall at the most resell value for your buck.
One of the best investments you can make for your kitchen, is updating your countertops. There are many directions you can go with this, and many different materials you can choose from. Some of the options you have when rejecting your counters, is to use materials like granite, or laminate.
A great choice for a new countertop that would be durable, inexpensive and easy to install is Formica countertops. Many retail stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s carry many styles and textures of Formica. They will often have Formica samples, or chips, that you can take home with you to compare to your cabinets and to the colors on your walls to find out which color of Formica countertop will best suit your home.
Is a good idea to take home at least 10 samples with you at a time. Once you have narrowed it down to one sample that you think you want to use as your countertop color and texture, it is a good idea to sleep on that idea for the night. If you wake up the next morning and still want to use that color and texture, then it is probably the right match for you.
A few points that make laminate countertops so popular in homes today, is the fact that they are extremely durable, scratch resistant and inexpensive. You will find laminate countertops and a majority of new construction homes, older homes, and newly remodeled homes. Formica countertops are a gray countertop for the do-it-yourselfer as well, as they are extremely easy to install.
It is important that you take your time when trying to select the countertop that you will be installing in your newly remodeled kitchen. Do not take this decision lightly. If you are having a tough time deciding which countertops you should use, you can always use the help of an interior designer or decorator, they are more than happy to give you a helping hand.
Never Neglect Your Garage Doors
Most men enjoy to fix a lot of things that get broken in a household. However, when it comes to prefab garages, hiring a specialist is the best possible and recommended solution. The danger is in the tension, the force accumulated by the springs, which can jump and get you seriously hurt or even kill you.
When trying to remove the broken torsion springs of a garage door, their tension gets released, making them move with an incredible force in all directions. Everybody around that spring is exposed to a big danger.
When torsion springs release their tension, they may have unpredictable movements, thus exposing everybody around to severe injuries, from losing an eye to losing your life. This is why only skilled persons should perform this replacement operation
Most of the times, although springs work as a pair, only one will break. Even so, you still have to buy the set and have both of them replaced. You want your door to operate smoothly, so it is required that both springs act with the same strength.
The torsion springs replacement process requires specialized tools. Such tools, like a spring tensioning tool could be available for rent at specialized shops. If you can’t find the tools you need, don’t try to use improvised associations of cranking bars or similar items. It is simply too risky for your health.
Modern doors have another kind of springs, which are easier to replace, because they can be tensioned with electric drilling machines. Even so, replacing springs is still not a do it yourself enterprise.
Professionals in garage door repairs may be expensive, but your life is surely worth more than the time of a pro hired to replace those springs for you. Garage door companies employ competent men who work with expensive, professional tools. Besides, they have all the parts that may be broken and needing replacement, which you won’t be able to find in stores.
A garage door springs replacement would probably take about 500 dollars out of your pocket. However, in some states, such services may be obtained as cheap as for 75 dollars or so. Do some research within your area and see what you can get.
How to Make the Perfect Garage Door Choice
Modern garage doors are not your grandfather’s doors anymore. Now they are automated, so the driver doesn’t get out of his car to make the door move. All you have to do is touch a button on your remote control and the door opens by itself.
As technology evolved, more flexible choices appeared, and garage door are no exception to this rule. While some time ago all doors were made of wood and they were very solid and weighing a lot, today you can use aluminum for lighter doors. You can use PVC for creating elegant shapes and textures for your doors.
Among the most popular types of garage doors there are: roller garage doors, sectional doors, up and over doors and swing hung garage doors. Each type of door has its opwn characteristics, its advantages and drawbacks. Depending on your particular case, you may opt ofr one type or another.
What makes the roller garage doors one of the favorite types across the world is the fact that they need so little space to open, that you can use them in very tight spaces. A roller door is made of little, narrow pieces of material bound together and rolling just like the window shutters in a special case above the door.
Up and over garage doors, or overhead doors, are very popular, but they need a lot of space around them in order to be able to open completely. Because you need to stop the car quite far away from the door before it opens, such doors may not be suitable for narrow roads. You may create trouble for other cars while opening your garage door, thus creating the chance for more accidents.
Born as a variant to roller doors, the sectional garage doors are based on the same roller mechanism, but the pieces which compose the door are bigger. Usually, such a door is made of 4-8 such parts. Many manufacturers offer this choice of door to their clients.
If you live in a kind of a mansion, with a huge garden, then a swing hung door can be the most suitable for your garage. There are garage door manufacturers which produce real state of the art doors based on this operating principle. You’ve seen such doors in all classical movies.
Super Simple Tips For Choosing A Landscape Contractor
I know it doesn’t seem like it, but we are more than half way done with winter 2009 and that means it is time to start thinking about the spring and what landscaping projects are in store this year. You may want to plant a few flowers or other annual plants, but the big projects need to get done too. Big patios, new wood decks or retaining walls and even berms need to be done by professionals. Are you ready to find a landscape contractor or landscape pro?
Here are some good ideas and things to consider if you are looking at revamping your lawn or landscape this year in 2009.
First off, get a professional landscape design completed by an actual landscape architect. This may cost you a couple hundred bucks, but it is well worth it for you to see and envision the finished project on paper. This will also allow you to decide just what you can afford to do now, or wait til the next year.
Once you have the design, you can start making some decisions. Primarily, you should figure out if any of the plans can be completed by you, do-it-yourself style. Of course, many of you are not into DIY projects and would prefer to keep your hands clean and knuckles soft, but if you are, then you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by completing portions of the project yourself.
Next you should interview local landscape construction contractors and prepare to have them start work. In most towns there are several to choose from and you shouldnt be afraid to get estimates from several of them. You will find that the prices to complete your project may vary. The things you want to look for are how long the contractor has been in business, what his on-time completion guarantee is, and can he point you to some projects he has already finished for you to look at.
Finally, you should set a time frame that you think the design should be completed in. Keep in mind there are weather issues that crop up during any project and patience will be a virtue to you. It is always advised that you start your landscaping project in the early spring so you can use the summer to either run the overages, or actually enjoy what you have paid for!
If you follow these simple ideas and get started early, you should be able to oversee your landscaping project this year. Don’t forget: get a design you like, figure out if you want to do some of it yourself and then go out and find the landscape contractor of your choice. Just think about it; you’ll be out and enjoying a beautiful landscape before you know it.
Roofing Tools You Need The Right Ones For Your Roofing Job
There is no doubt it’s a wise move to hire a professional contractor to remove, install or maintain a roof. But with a little bit of time and knowledge and often with the aid of a few friends, replacing a roof is a realistic do it yourself project. If you use the right roofing tools the job can be relatively easy. Look for these tools at a local hardware store.
Nothing beats a slate cutter for cutting slate and shingles. It cuts through most roofing materials like the proverbial hot knife through butter. For even the thickest shingles an industrial version slices them easily. For an easier start and more control make sure to get a model with a punch.
Shingles and refuse can be disposed of by trekking to the edge and tossing them to the ground, right? Wrong! Use a ridge bucket. These buckets hug the roof so they won’t slip even on a steep roof. it is safer and quicker to use a ridge bucket to dispose of materials.
Use a hip runner to install ridge cap and hip ridges perfectly straight every time. Contractors use hip runners, so do it yourself roofers should take the hint.
Seaming pliers are another important roofing tool. They’re for yanking shingles, especially stubborn shingles that seem to have a mind of their own intent on staying in place. Seaming pliers have teeth to grip the shingle without tearing it. Add a good pair of thick work gloves to save your fingers and hands from injuries such as scrapes, bruises and blisters caused by gripping and pulling rough shingles.
What has a hammer head on one side and an ax and blade on the other? No, not a movie hero’s weapon, it’s a slater’s hammer. This roofing tool can be used both for removing the old roof and installing the new roof. It’s also useful as a regular hammer and with the ax and blade for other projects besides roofing.
Most local hardware stores rent these tools as well as sell them. This way a roofing novice can use the best quality tools rather than one that’s cheaper to purchase. Knowledge is also a roofing tool, perhaps the most important of them. Local hardware stores, as well as the Internet, are great sources of information on roofing and roofing tools. Between books they carry and staff on hand who can give you advice, they can prepare a person for every step of the roofing process.
A Great Guide To Timber Decking
Timber decking has steadily been becoming more popular as an effective way for expanding outdoor living space. Decks are ideal for sloping areas, two story homes and other areas. Use bi-fold doors to seamlessly and easily expand your indoor space to the outside.
Decks are also a great choice where it’d be too costly to put in brick or concrete, or where you need to cover an old patio. Softwood works in all situations if it’s properly treated, and hardwoods are naturally durable for those who are willing to pay the extra to use them. Just make sure you pay attention to local regulations before you begin building.
When you pick out timber decking, you’ll need to make sure you choose boards that are capable of resisting time and weather damage. Softwoods are lower in durability, unless proper treatment is done, but treated pine is just about the most popular type of decking timber.
Use stronger timbers for ground posts than you used for the deck floor, especially when building a softwood deck. Avoid planks with warping, cupping, splits, or other damage.
You’ll find that hard wood decks are naturally stronger, but they’re also more expensive to put together. The extra amount that you pay buys you better looking, longer lasting, insect resistant wood.
The wood for decks made from hardwood ought to be seasoned - for instance, kiln dried wood is a good choice. In addition, you’ll have to choose your wood - popular types include Bartu, Jarrah, and other Asian hardwoods, but there are lots of options. Check with your supplier to find out what’s available and remember to think about harvest sustainability when you buy.
No matter what deck you decide to choose, remember to protect it so that it’ll last as long as possible. Stain and coat your deck regularly and sand splinters or rough patches away for the best performance.
The position of your deck can matter, too. A north facing deck is best if you’re trying to get the most summer shade and winter sun. However, if you can’t build a deck facing north, consider using an outdoor heater or building shade into the deck.
Avoid the prying eyes of neighbors by using lattice to screen your deck, and don’t forget to include railings for decoration and for safety. You may wish to think about installed deck lighting as well.
You’ll need a minimum ground clearance to make sure the area below the deck is properly ventilated, and enclosed decks must have sub-floor ventilators installed. If you’re building your deck in an area prone to termites, you’ll need even more clearance.
It’s possible to incorporate a number of luxury elements into your deck, too, in addition to making it a functional entertainment area. Incorporate a spa, build the deck around trees you already have, or install mood lighting.
Timber decks make a great choice for anyone interested in adding to their outdoor entertainment spaces. You just need to understand a few things, such as building regulations, basic construction, and which decking to choose for your needs.
Roofing Materials-But Which one Do You Choose?
A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, might top a house. Location is a primary concern when selecting materials, for example a sturdier material should be used in areas prone to hurricanes or heavy snow fall. In the medical world a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”
A base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated granules are fiberglass asphalt shingles. This is an inorganic shingle with a high fire rating and often a longer warranty (and life span) than other types of shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking. According to Underwriter Laboratories it can also withstand high winds. Sounds like a winner!
An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural Shingle. It is made of multiple layers which gives it a depth and thus an appearance close to wood or slate roofing. Disadvantages are weight and cost, both more than other shingles.
A cheaper alternative to shingles is roll roofing. It is used on roofs with shallow grades, or in addition to shingles on steeper roofs. This roofing is most frequently used on industrial buildings. It has a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. This roof is easy to install and will last a long time, 10-20 years.
Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is more common on industrial buildings. Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.
The earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction. Cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, but many consist of a mixture of woods. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. As expected wood shingles are susceptible to fire. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but cannot eliminate it.
A roof has other elements in addition to the shingles. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of roofing material or sheet metal strips used to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. A special type of flashing is a “boot,” made to fit around a vent pipe. Boots containing lead generally last longer than the roof. A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Building paper helps keep water away from the wood frame under the shingles.
The Net is full of info on these roofing materials, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs. Ignore this information and you could be all wet.
Residential Metal Roofing-FAQ
The National Roofing Contractor’s Association states that residential metal roofing has become a great deal more popular over the past decade. No, it is not that the corrugated tin barn roof look has come into style. New types of durable, light weight, and fire resistant metal roofs that look great are now on the market. Once generally used for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on on homes.
There are other advantages to metal roofs. In addition to those already mentioned, metal roofs are quick to install and great at reflecting the heat from the sun. People think metal roofs make the home hotter because if they stand on a metal roof it’s hot. But the metal roof reflects the heat, that is why it it hot above the roof. If it’s hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.
Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some popular styles retain a decidedly commercial look found by architects to give a home clean lines.
Surely it is not all peaches and cream for metal roofs. Metal roofs do have drawbacks which each homeowner must judge in relation to the advantages. At about $150-$600 per 100 square feet, a metal roof is expensive. but unless the plan is to sell within a few years this cost will be recovered in the long run and a metal roof helps save on engineering and structural maintenance of the supporting structure. Anyone who wants to know what life is like inside a drum can live in a house with a metal roof during a rain storm. A metal roof can be much louder than other types of roofs. But sound deadening insulation aids minimize this noise. Just like it can a car, hail can dent softer metal roofs such as copper and aluminum roofs. Some metal roofs, however, are guaranteed against denting. Metal roofs can also be slippery when wet, something to keep in mind for gutter cleaning, inspection, or other maintenance that requires walking on the roof. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although once again they are generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.
A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is, don’t be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn’t the case, in particular when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.
In this world of worlds in which we live, residential metal roofing is sure to give, a homeowner a great roofing experience.
Benefits Of Building A Wind Turbine
Been thinking of saving money by building renewable energy into your home? With rising energy prices, you’re not alone. Wind generator building is actually very simple and cheap, and can save you a lot of money within only a few months.
While you could definitely purchase a wind generator of your own, it’s quite a bit cheaper if you actually build one yourself. Not sure this is a great idea? Well, here’s a look at some of the main benefits you can enjoy when you build a wind generator of your own for home use.
First off, there’s the fact that you’ll be using less fossil fuels, meaning that you’ll be helping to slow global warming. We all know how serious of a threat it is and having a wind generator will let you do your share to help.
You may think that your using a wind generator won’t stop global warming on its own - and you’d be right. But if everyone starts to use alternative energy sources, the amount of greenhouse gases releases will drop dramatically and the impact on the environment will be significant.
Building your own generator is very cost-effective. Once you have the correct blueprints for a well-engineered turbine, the parts are very cheap and the time to build is fairly short compared with other do it yourself projects. The energy it generates will also pay for itself within months.
Wind energy is of course, free. After your generator is built it will be relatively low maintenance and you’ll be generating free energy. You may be able to get rid of your electricity bill by building a large enough generator or several wind generators.
It is not a complex project to build a turbine. You can get great engineered plans that will show you exactly what you need to build a turbine and how to get the most out of your wind energy. Many guides can show you how to build turbines powerful enough so that the power company may actually pay you for electricity you’ve generated.
The costs of building a homemade wind generator are low and the benefits are great; saving money while doing something good for the environment. It’s easy to get started and is something you should seriously consider for your home’s energy needs.
Install Metal Roofing Yourself Is Easier Far Than You Think
Let’s begin with one simple rule for people who want to install metal roofing. If you cannot easily walk on the roof because it is too steep, call a professional. Now that the rule is out of the way, if you want to have a metal roof but the professional bids are too high, here’s how to tackle it.
Gather the proper tools. The list is a measuring tape, a chalk line with plenty of chalk, a good drill, a safe extension ladder and a reliable step ladder, pound of inch roofing nails, metal roofing screws, metal snips, and to hold the nails and screws a nail bag.
Measure the roof’s height and add the desired overhang, generally two to four inches. Make numerous measurements keeping in mind the handy man’s mantra “measure twice, cut once.” Now measure the roof’s length and height on both sides to estimate how much metal edging to add. Bring these measurements to a local roofing supply company. They will tell you how much roofing to purchase. Keep in mind that 3 to 6 inches of unblocked air flow is needed between layers.
It is best to remove the old roof before laying a metal roof. Use a pitch fork, roofing shovel, or roofing pliers to remove the old shingles. Then lay down 30 pound tar paper which is the base for the new roof. If there is only one layer of shingles on the old roof, lay down 1″x4″x building length pine wood boards screwed onto the old shingles. Once the roof is prepared the metal roof edging can be applied.
Now it is time to place the metal sheets running from top to bottom rather than side to side. Screw them into the wood slats, using a screw every two feet on both sides of the sheet. Each sheet should overlap the last. At the edge cut the last metal sheet so it is just past the edge of the roof.
When the sheets are applied to both sides of the roof it’s time to apply the metal trim along the sides of the roof at the edge. The trim also goes on the peak, first scoring it in the middle so it can be bent over the peak.
That covers installing the tin barn roof type of metal roof. Methods for installing other types of metal roofs can be found on the Net. Good luck with your project to install metal roofing.