Native Plant Center – Home improvement and house building

The 3 home improvement blogs I read every day

February 27, 2016March 22, 2016 Cassandra Terry

It is said that change is better than a rest. This also applies to homes. There is nothing more mind refreshing like remodeling or improving your home. It gets a new feeling and one becomes proud of their home. One may either opt to hire renovation companies or decide to DIY. There are several reasons behind home improvements. Each and every person has their own reason behind doing the renovations. Some do it so as to raise the property value while some is just to give the house a new look. Whichever the reason it is still advantageous to do the renovations. In order to get ideas or know how to go about the renovation process, it is always better to follow home improvement blogs. The main blogs that you should ensure you read every day include;

Charles and Hudson

These individuals have been able to receive recognition from various other home improvement bloggers as well as journalists. They have actually been rated as the number one home improvement blog site for several years. Their blogs are available at http://charlesandhudson.com/.

Remodelaholic

remodelaholic_logo

Just as the blog name suggests, it is written by a couple, Justin and Cassity, that have a passion in home remodeling. They consider themselves as addicts to remodeling. In fact, they say that their date is perfect only when it involves bringing down a wall as they remodel.

House logic

This is one of the most comprehensive home remodeling blog sites available on the web. The main reason behind this is that they address all issues dealing with remodeling. You will be able to get ideas and several tips on how to go about the remodeling process. Apart from that, they go the extra mile to provide their readers with some of the modern and trending home designs to try out. The blog site is http://www.houselogic.com/blog/.

Finding the best blog site that constantly updates their content is not an easy task. The above sites will be able to provide you with all the information you require.

5 Tips For Budget Bathroom Renovations

September 16, 2017October 16, 2017 Cassandra Terry

Do you live in the U.S.? Do you want to give your old bathroom without having to incur massive debts, or flushing your funds down the toilet? The following are few tips that will save you a significant amount of money during your bathroom remodelling.

Develop a plan with a professional. Having an architect on site while you want to remodel your bathroom may seem like a money-consuming affair but for a fact, it is worth it. Seek the services of an experienced, reputable, licensed, bonded, and insured designer or architect for the development of an exceptional design. At the end of the day, you will realize that the professional has not conned you of your hard-earned money but has in turn helped you develop a design that whose budget and timelines can be realistically met.

Do not relocate the plumbing

Yes, changing the position of the piping can cost a lot. Keeping it at its present place will save you big bucks. Relocating fixtures such as bath tabs and toilets is not an easy task, and you will need to pay hugely for labor, and you may need to replace some that might break in the process. If you are working on a budget, you need to realize that you can leave everything where it is and still realize the aesthetic appeal you have always desired.

Look for tile alternatives

Tiles are expensive. For your bathroom to look great, you do not have to install tiles to the ceiling. In the modern market, there exists a myriad of other materials that are relatively cheaper, and that can create a better appeal than tile. Materials such as reclaimed wood panels, bead boards, or batten and board, are top-notch replacements.

Most experts recommend wood as the best alternative since it gives a much comforting and warmer vibe than other materials, despite the fact that it requires more maintenance.

Consider using bright colors

Since the bathroom is a vital place in your premises that can hugely increase its value, it needs to be spacious. However, demolishing the existing one and building a new one just because of space can consume all your savings. Using bright colors to beautify your bathroom is a great option of realizing much space. In nature, a bright colored phenomenon will appear larger than a dull-colored one of the same size. Apply the same law in your bathroom and you will forever have yourself to thank.

Put up some lighting

If you are working on a budget, you do not need to use a lot of elements in order for you to make the bathroom of your dreams a reality. Adding lots of lighting in your bathroom is undoubtedly one of the most significant changeover you can make. Not only will it hold envious aesthetic appeal, but it will also add much brightness to your bathroom hence making it appear spacious.

Make use of open shelves

Despite the fact that a bathroom is a private space, having a small one is not a desirable thing. Closed shelves for budget bathroom renovations can never be realistic, hence you need to make use of open shelves if having a spacious bathroom is your ultimate vision.

How to Choose a Good Septic Tank Cleaning Company

August 17, 2017 Cassandra Terry

Although there are a lot of septic tank cleaning companies out there, not all are capable of doing a proper job. For that reason, choosing a reputable septic tank cleaning company is probably the most important step you can take once your septic tank starts to become faulty. We have put together this guide that will help choose a good septic tank cleaning company in your area.

– Do Your Research, Examine the Company

Septic Tank Cleaning Company Backyard Before anything else, it’s very important that you examine the septic tank cleaning company you are going to hire. How long has the company been in the business and how much experience do they have? As a rule of thumb, the longer the company has been in the business, the more experience they have in pumping septic tanks. Likewise, this can also give you the assurance that they’re knowledgeable enough to give you an outstanding service. You can always ask your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations.

– Make Sure That the Company Is Fully Insured

You want to protect your home and property. That’s why as a homeowner, you have to make it a point that the company you’re going to hire has a general liability and workers compensation insurance. These insurances would protect you from being held responsible in an event that their employee gets involved in an accident while on your property.

– They Should Offer Great Customer Service

Aside from having a team of highly qualified professionals, it’s also important that the company you’re going to hire is available in a number of ways. What we’re trying to say that, they should be available whenever you’ll need their help. Usually, the best septic tank companies out there has a contact form on their site, together with a number that you can call.

Final Words

It doesn’t matter what your septic tank issue may be, hiring a profession septic tank cleaning company is very important. This would give you the confidence that your problem would be taken care of quickly and professionally.

Different Types of Sunrooms

June 2, 2017May 28, 2017 Cassandra Terry

Sunrooms come in many shapes and forms. Some are covered patios while others are enclosed completely with glass walls from floor to ceiling. Others are in the form of a solarium or conservatory.

No matter what shape or size a sunroom comes in, deciding to add one to your home is a great idea. Do some research and then decide which style is best to suit your and your family’s needs.

Sunrooms are typically an addition to the back of your house that is enclosed with glass walls and screens. A sunroom is designed to make the most out of the design so that light filters in at optimal times and levels.

A sunroom has many benefits, such as providing a spot to hide out from the rest of the house when you are feeling cooped in, or a great place to have people over for lunch.

Sunrooms offer the bonus of you not being bitten by bugs and insects while still enjoying the great outdoors. They can be used as an extra space for guests or even as a home office.

You can even install a ceiling fan to give you that balmy, breezy effect. Sunrooms also offer the added bonus of improving your home’s equity.

Screen Rooms or Patio Covers

Screen rooms are a little less expensive than the addition of a complete sunroom. A screen room can take an already existing patio and enclose it in screening. Another great thing about a screen room is that it does an amazing job of keeping the bugs out.

A patio cover works in much the same way. A patio cover can keep the glare and heat from the sun out, but cannot do much in the way of repelling insects and bugs.

Conservatories

Conservatories have an origin of summer days gone by in the English countryside. Today, they add beauty and elegance to your home. They also add much in the way of home equity. A tastefully done conservatory can let in the light, be a place to entertain, or even be a lush, plush sanctuary garden.

Just the look and style alone add a touch of elegance to your home’s exterior.

Solarium

A solarium is typically an enclosed sunroom, but the intrinsic difference is that it typically has a glass roof as well. A solarium has a more modern design than a conservatory and can be a stand-alone site or a greenhouse for plants.

These are just some of the different types of sunrooms that you can explore to see which one is best for you.

Easy Home Improvement Tips You Can Follow

May 31, 2017May 3, 2017 Cassandra Terry

It is important that you change how the inside of your home looks, as doing so will bring excitement in your living—change per se is exciting. You can always be proud to showcase your home to your family and friends, as you are able to let them see your creative soul. There are various ways that you can easily do so that you get a refreshed layout of your property, most especially your living room. It is essential to ensure that your living room will never look awkward with its long and narrow feel.

There are simple things that you can opt for so that you will never have to worry about how your living room looks, you need to ensure that you get the right perspective so that you can be certain that a new life is breathe in your living room. Such a feel will certainly bring excitement and happiness for your family and friends to see, and that you get to have a wonderful feeling that something is totally achieved in your quest to remodel the insides of your home.

Living (Room for Improvement)

On a rainy day a few weeks back, I decided to change around the entire layout of our living room. The room itself is rather awkward – it’s long and narrow, and our old setup only made it feel more cramped. I rotated the seating area, moved the TV from over the mantle to the console table, and traded in our wooden coffee table for a sleek, marble version. The room is far more inviting (and conducive to both cocktail parties and TV marathons) and while there’s still much to be done (I’m contemplating what to have on the mantle and how to fill up the massive empty wall), it’s since become my favorite room. Substantial details on living room renovation are found on this link.

On the other hand, when you are spending so much time on your kitchen during your free time, there are simple matters which you can easily do so that you can bring in newness to its feel. You will surely love to prepare dishes for your friends and family to partake, when you renovate your kitchen space. Your kitchen will look totally awesome, when you can keep it clean and fresh for everyone to see and enjoy.

Kitchen Hacks: 5 Ways To Minimize Dirt

I got the call today that I’m quite use to. My husband is in the military and it’s time to move…again. We’ve moved about 5 times in the last 18 years so it was no surprise. Having moved so many times, you get use to the drill: clean house, list house on the market, hope it sells fast. One thing I have learned over the years with selling and buying houses is that clean kitchens really help sell a house.

If there is one problem in any kitchen it is dirt. It’s the hidden offender. It hides in grease, on appliances and even window blinds. It’s the annoying relative that just won’t leave.

With so many moves under my belt, I have a few ‘hacks’ that are tried and true and help my kitchen sparkle. I never know when I’m going to get the ‘we’re moving call’ so these help keep me on my toes. Check this site for a complete list on how you can beautify your kitchen: http://www.helpful-kitchen-tips.com/kitchen-blog/2017/01/05/kitchen-hacks-5-ways-minimize-dirt/.

These are just a few easy steps that you can follow through so that you can get the success in the quest to remodel your property. You need to really put things in their proper perspective so that you get something worth noting. All that you have to do is to take on the job, and get help when the need arise so that you will never leave everything hanging when you are left clueless with the remodeling work that you want to start off with.

5 Handy House Painting Tips for Painting the Outside of Your Home

May 21, 2017May 28, 2017 Cassandra Terry

Planning on painting your home’s exterior? If so, you have quite a task ahead of you. Before you begin, you should know that there is a right way and a wrong way to approach your project, and knowing the difference between the two can literally make or break your final success. To make the most of your efforts and get the best possible results, follow these five handy house painting tips for painting the outside of your home:

Clear your space. Inspect the entire perimeter of your home to identify areas that are cramped with bushes, tree overgrowth, and/or other foliage. Trim back any plant life that is brushing up against your home, or that will be in the way when it is time to paint.

Clean the surfaces to be painted. Any outside surface you plan on painting should be clean, or else the paint won’t stick as you need it to. To clean the exterior of your home, take a soapy scrub brush (or even a broom) to it, and then rinse with a garden hose until the water runs clear. You may also use a pressure washer; just be careful not to get water in-between layers of siding.

Repair damaged surfaces. Once surfaces are clean and dry, inspect for any damage (cracks in the siding, loose boards, etc.), and make reparations before you begin to paint. Use a putty or wood filler (whichever is most appropriate for your housing material) to fill any cracks or holes, and then allow it to dry thoroughly before sanding it down.

Paint soffits and trim first. If you plan on painting your soffits and roof trim a different color than the rest of your home, then you should paint those details first, and by hand. That way, if there is any drip (which there likely will be), you’ll be able to go over it when you paint the exterior walls.

Use a primer. This step can save you a lot of effort down the line. Surfaces that aren’t primed may absorb your paint and bleed stains through. One coat of a suitable primer can help you avoid that problem altogether.

Painting your home is a big job. It takes time, patience, and attention to detail – not to mention a good amount of manual labor. If you are facing a painting project that you’re not sure you want to tackle on your own, you can call on the experienced professionals at AtoZ Painting to get the job done right.

Renovate Your Homes With These Easy Tips

May 17, 2017May 3, 2017 Cassandra Terry

There will always be that romantic feeling to old homes, and that is why necessary care should always be placed on it. It is for this matter that you must know of means on how you can fully improve the looks of your home so that you can bring out its unique qualities. When you plan on doing the remodelling of your home, then one very essential thing that you ought to do is to take down the walls, so that you can fully expose its beauty and somehow begin its transformation process.

As for old homes, you will likely encounter that the plaster walls are what covered it, and that it is something that is a very difficult to remove. You will really need the help of a company that is experienced in removing these plaster walls, so that you can fully get things done without dealing so much with the mess and headache that come together with the removal process.

Tips To Remove Plaster Walls

As you may already know, an older home tends to need a bit more TLC than others. They’re great for those who love to DIY and want to truly make their house unique to them. Some homeowners choose to take on remodels themselves. If this sounds familar, you’ll likely need to take down a wall or two to truly transform a room.

Plaster walls were commonly used in homes built before 1950, before drywall was introduced. These walls were made to last, so it’s no surprise that if you’re looking to remove a plaster wall, it can be a tedious and messy process. To help, here are a few tips.

Prep The Area

Before you begin removing plaster walls, you’ll need to do some prep work so your project can be completed successfully. Removing plaster walls can create a lot of dust and a lot of mess, so you’ll want to tarp off any doorways and flooring you want protected. Seal off any air ducts and vents to protect the rest of the home from the dust. Remove any furniture from the room, as you’ll need plenty of space to work as well. You’ll also need to remove any outlet plates and fixtures on the wall. Put these parts aside.

It’s also helpful to have a garbage can available in the room, so you can quickly dispose of any plaster you want removed.

Safety First

As mentioned, removing plaster walls is a messy job. A dusk mask will come in handy for this project to protect you from breathing in anything harmful. Don’t forget protective eyewear and gloves as well. We also recommend this as a DIY project for those who have experience with a few home improvement projects. If you are new to DIY, you may want to contact a pro who can help remove plaster walls.

It’s important to make sure the room is safe to work in. Turn off any electricity and water that’s going to the room. Locate any wiring or plumbing lines to prevent them from getting damaged in the process. You’ll also need to be sure that the wall you’re removing does not hurt the structural integrity of the home.

Rent A Dumpster

When removing plaster walls, you’ll need a place to properly dispose of the material. This may be difficult to throw out in your local garbage pick-up. A dumpster can make easy work of disposal as you work through this project. The average cost to rent a dumpster is $395, with most homeowners spending between $316 and $395. These costs can vary depending on how long you’ll be renting and the size of the dumpster. Get more insights on this site.

It would be helpful that you are going to get a company that will assist you in your planned remodelling for your homes. You need to make sure that you find a reputable company that can give you a free estimate on what it is that you can do for your property, so that you will never be scared of how much will you be willing to spend for the entire remodelling works. You will also need a company that will encourage you to channel your ingenuity and creativity in the planned remodelling process.

How To Get Free Kitchen Remodeling Estimates And What Are The Issues With Shunning It?

A free kitchen remodeling estimate does not need to be something you are scared about. It does, however, need to be something that you get done and with ingenuity in order to get something that you are content with at last.

You have heard of somebody, or more regrettable yet been somebody, that got ripped off by a shady individual that guaranteed they could do something for your home yet everything they did was mess up your home and take your cash. Also, another issue may be of a completed affair that, for reasons unknown, was simply bad. Upon being finished, you were cheerful that it was over however not by any means content with how your kitchen looked. These are the two issues that you have most likely heard of more than whatever other issues. However they are, in any way, shape or form, no alternate issues you can have regarding the matter of a kitchen renovating task.

Regardless of the possibility that your plan goes well and does not hit any significant issues, one will have to manage a home that is being separated for a certain amount of time. For however long it takes, this alone can be upsetting for some individuals. The kitchen is a standout amongst the most generally utilized rooms in a home as it is used more than other rooms that we tend to be in. So to have it all torn up is a major change for a great many people.

Presently, none of this is said to terrify you out of the decision of remodeling your kitchen. It is only said to verify that you consider the issues that are connected with remodeling a kitchen and to verify that you do the majority of your proper planning. An all around planned and thoroughly considered kitchen remodeling job can be genuinely brisk and exceptionally easy, however it just takes some advanced arrangements. You have to verify that you contract authorized individuals that utilize quality items at a moderate cost. This sounds like a considerable measure. Yet in all genuineness, there are a great deal of okay contractors out there. You simply need to verify that you locate the right one for you. Learn supplementary knowledge on how you can start the remodelling process.

The process of remodelling is never easy, and that is why, you need to find a company that will assist you in every step of the way. You need a company manned with the best people which can guide and help you through so that you can get the best results that you want to see. There are a lot of matters that you can opt for when you know which company is the best to tap when it comes to the remodelling processes that you want to do.

Easy Home Improvement Tips You Can Follow

May 3, 2017 Cassandra Terry

Living (Room for Improvement)

Kitchen Hacks: 5 Ways To Minimize Dirt

If there is one problem in any kitchen it is dirt. It’s the hidden offender. It hides in grease, on appliances and even window blinds. It’s the annoying relative that just won’t leave.

We Improved Our House after a Flood Experience

February 21, 2017 Cassandra Terry

Just a year ago, we experienced flood because of a tropical storm. We were amazed at how damage our property incurred when the water was just 6 inches high. Because of it, we need to do a lot of major repairs and we got the help of a contractor to get it all done. Since we are already working on a lot of parts in our home, we have decided that maybe we should take this opportunity to have some improvement.

One of the things that we did was install recessed lighting in bot our living room and bedroom. Somehow, the original builder of the house forgot to install sufficient lighting in these parts that we had to suffer for years. Because of it, I can now enjoy being in either of the rooms.

The next thing we did was connect our dining room and our kitchen by breaking down the wall between them. We were lucky to find out that it was not a load-bearin one and it came down very easily. Instead of having a totally useless wall, we had cabinets and counters instead. I can say that this is among the major improvements that we did that time. We used to have a really cramped kitchen that I don’t want to spend time in it. But now, it is all bright and wonderful.

We also decided to go all the way with the kitchen and had two of its entranced knocked down. So we no longer had that useless extra entrance and in place of it, we have the book shelf that my husband and I have been dreaming of. I really love cookbooks and now, I can stack them where they should be. Another great thing about it is that it has doors. So you really can’t see them unless you open those doors. My husband was very happy with this.

The last home improvement we did was connect our bathroom to our bedroom. I really think this is a very useful improvement because we no longer have to go out of our rooms just to go to the bathroom. We installed a very simple door that we are quite happy about.

It was a very difficult time when the flood hit us but it was the reason why we have this awesome home today. Somehow, it was our way of making the most out of the situation.

Some Most Important Home Renovation Tips with an Affordable Budget

January 23, 2017 Cassandra Terry

Whenever there is a difficult work that cannot be done by ordinary people like you and me, it is done by the technicians, professionals and contractors who regularly come to you by saving you and your day. Really, they are just amazing with their techniques, skills and qualities. If you are a homeowner, who seriously desires remodeling your home and really wants some home improvement work done, right away, then you have to bring in some professionals who are capable of doing his work in couple of hours that usually takes very long time.

Image Credits: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8760/17316606304_86e07a726f_b.jpg

A home renovation contractor regularly offers their customers their itemized bills or estimates. It always help the customers to decide which parts of the house is needed to be hand over to the contractor and which part of the house can be handled by the homeowner himself with the help of his family members. This type of arrangement makes things very easier for the homeowner’s budget. For example, if the kitchen is being remodeled, contractors always charge for removing the old cabinets and appliances & dispose them off.

If a homeowner can get this done by himself then he or she can be able to save lots of money, but according to our opinion it is hazardous work and must only be done by renovation contractors only. So it will be better to itemize bills when an accountant or contractor comes out of the house to give you or handover an estimate to you. If as responsible house owner you will be ultimately come to know that some companies doesn’t have any kind of problem with it. But the problem is that renovation costs can get increased, if he tells you in the middle of the renovation work that costs are going to raise and the customer or home owner has to pay some more bucks. The best possible way to get rid of such murky remodeling contractor is to do background check on the contractor’s company, get attached with the online social media groups and try to seek out the information or feedback regarding the contractor’s company and if you are getting any type of negative feedbacks in excess then dump such kind of company as its contractor. So it is a necessary precaution suggested by us. In case ,if you have already selected such contractor and given him the contractor work then the best possible thing for you to be a tough negotiator and try to avoid any kind of sudden hikes on the project. So our advice is to choose your contractor and his company’s services very wisely. Any kind of unwise decision can cost you dearly.

So for customers or homeowners who are tech-savvy and use internet on daily basis must go for homeowner & contractor eservices if they are dead serious to get a home renovation contractor & his services to renovate home in their own image. But while searching such companies via online is a risky method because there are lots of companies on the net and it is advised to the customer to do the cherry-picking very carefully after scrutinizing these companies properly and carefully. We are telling this because it is the customer who ultimately pays the price for his/her selection.

You can find the original article source at http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/some-most-important-home-renovation-tips-with-an-affordable-budget-7431815.html.

Some Crucial Considerations For Bathroom Remodeling

October 28, 2016November 22, 2016 Cassandra Terry

A home improvement project such as bathroom remodeling is a huge investment. For this and many other reasons, one needs to do some prior planning and thinking to establish if there are any new necessary features to include, what to do away with, replace, repair, renovate and so on. Sometimes coming up with a working design or plan is even advisable. But all the same, it doesn’t have to claim so much of your wits. All you need to figure out is how to add convenience, enhance safety, increase comfort, and make the room more elegant without having to exceed your budget. This being the case, here are some few things to think about when considering bathroom remodeling.

Safety Is Crucial
Sometimes it sounds funny, but bathroom accidents actually do occur. Especially depending on the type of floor your shower place has, it’s not unusual to have to deal with some sliding from time to time. In this case, therefore, consider the floor type you want to have installed, especially if you are going for a full makeover. There are various materials you can go for, including rubber flooring, tiles, and other non-slip options but be sure to have slip free options installed for your bathroom floor. Also, consider having some safety bars installed strategically; just in case, someone tends to slip when taking a shower.

Spacing Is Key
How big or small your bathroom is will determine how much of features it will allow you to incorporate. For instance, it can be quite impractical to go for a bathtub in a corridor-sized bathroom, unless it is extremely important. Likewise, placing very large bathroom cabinets would make the room look so squeezed-up, which in the long run would then affect comfort. It is essential that you work with an expert contractor who will not only handle your project professionally, but also advice you on the appropriate bathroom remodel design and features with respect to the available space. In such a case also, the kind of lighting you put in the room will have a significant effect on size.

Décor and Features
There are numerous ways you can decorate your bathroom. From the way you color or paint it, to including elegant additions such as flower pots and incorporating LED lights, it all adds up some taste and touch to enhance curb appeal. Be sure to include features such as where to hang towels and place your soaps and shampoos as well as other toiletries. Consider bathroom cabinets that will blend with the rest of the room, and vanities that will fit in. Go for mirrors that will not only serve the main purpose but consider durability and water effect resistance as well. If you are in luxurious moments in the shower, consider steam showers or spa and incorporate that in your bathroom remodel design. Some blinds and curtains on your windows can do, depending on whether your window panes are opaque and the kind of light/air /privacy balance you require. A competent bathroom remodeling contractor can help you determine what your bathroom needs most if at some point you get stuck.

2b-edited
Hire a Professional Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
In all these, the bottom-line is to work with a reliable professional bathroom remodeling contractor for the job if you really want to get the best from the project. An experienced bathroom remodeling specialist will not only ensure comfort, safety, convenience, décor, and affordability is factored in, they will also see to it that your project is completed on time and the job is perfectly done. Work with experienced, reputable, certified, innovative and cost effective service providers to get the most out of your investment.

Dos and Don’ts of Tree Pruning

October 5, 2016 Cassandra Terry

What is Tree Pruning and Why do YOU need it?

With little knowledge to what exactly is “Tree Pruning” we pretty much never bother that trees like all living beings need to be taken care of. We look around and feel refreshed if in our view there is a lot of greenery and plantation, right? Imagine the same trees either diseased, with insect infestation or falling branches causing you harm because of weakened health. Tree Pruning is the act of removing sections of the tree to maintain the size of the tree branches, helps the tree grow stronger and stay healthy. To make sure the trees surrounding you are in good health you have to get help from certified professional Tree Services such as Treesurgical. Still to keep them in check you need to know the basics of Tree pruning. Some of the dos and don’ts are listed here for your information.

tree pruning

2 Dos of Tree Pruning

To get a good job done you must ask the arborist you hired about the standards they follow. It is better to be American National Standards Institute standard called ANSI A300.
Check if the professionals you hired are using the right tools, try to have somebody present with you that has some past experience.
Try to look after your trees yourself and see regularly if they require a tree pruning job. Especially after a storm.

3 Don’ts of Tree Pruning

Pruning is required from time to time but that doesn’t mean you keep on trimming limbs and branches for your own satisfaction. Pruning should be done when needed, certified professionals know exactly when and how to prune. So, don’t prune unless there is a good reason, e.g. after a storm.
Be very careful when removing foliage, during a growing season at most 25 percent of foliage is considered to be safe. So, don’t prune more than 25 percent.
You are not supposed to prune a newly planted tree for the first year. Keep that in mind or you’re most likely to cause more harm than good.
Stay away from lion-tailing that is to strip out the inner greenery and branches.
For more information see on this check out Eric Martin blog.

‘Green Building’ and Energy Efficient Home Improvement

September 2, 2016November 22, 2016 Cassandra Terry

In this video, you will learn how to conserve energy with green building.

Understanding Different Kinds Of Roofs

August 31, 2016September 4, 2016 Cassandra Terry

There are so many different types of roofs available that it can be very confusing to a homeowner. Any discussion of different types should include two aspects of roof type:

roof

the shape of the roof
the roofing material used to cover it

The shape is determined by the design of your house, but if you are building a new home then you will have an opportunity to consider different shapes during the design process.

The materials used are also quite varied and may be determined by things like cost, climate, neighborhood covenants, local building codes, or the like.

Types of Roofs

The first types of roofs to consider are ones with different shapes. You might think a roof is simply a roof, but it is actually an integral part of your home’s design.

Common types include front or side gabled, pyramid, salt box, cross gabled, bonnet, gambrel, mansard, flat, and more. These are all descriptions of the roof shape, but within each shape, there are many variations as well.

The pitch of a roof can vary tremendously, from a shallow pitch to one that is very steep. Your roof might also have special features based on the architecture of your home, such as a turret, a cupola, a roof deck, or the like.

The shape of your roof also has a big influence on the cost to build it, the cost to install roofing materials, the cost to maintain it, and even the type of roofing materials it can handle.

Roof Materials Examples of commonly used materials include:

asphalt shingle
wood shake
tile
metal
fibreglass shigle

The materials used on a roof are determined by several things, such as:

the home design
structural strength
cost
neighborhood covenants
local building ordinances
and homeowner preference

Tile, metal, and other man made materials tend to cost a bit more but also tend to be the most durable. Traditional materials such as asphalt shingles and wood shakes are usually less expensive but not quite as durable.

Whether you are building a new home or own an existing home, thinking about different types of roofs is an important part of your home’s overall appearance and resistance to the outside elements.

Ways to find the Best Garden Repair Contractor

August 28, 2016 Cassandra Terry

Retaining your backyard or lawn room appears completely new in addition too lovely by using an expert professional. To understand “how to find the ideal backyard maintenance contractor”, you should study this specific write-up.

There are lots of components that you should take into account whilst looking for a backyard maintenance service provider. The task of backyard maintenance involves lots of things which include exterior maintenance as well as other landscape designs perform. As a result, it’s crucial to find the right professional or the most effective firm for backyard maintenance.

Garden Contractor

Flower Power Gardeners

On the other hand, it is possible to generally determine the most effective firm that complies with your demand by pursuing these types of ways:

The Necessity

You have to be precise in relation to what kind of providers do you precisely need to have in addition to the amount of firm that primarily specializes in supplying this sort of providers. Not every firm could assure people together with high quality perform or competent at doing all the different garden design in Blackburn. They’ve skilled in addition to professional skilled gurus inside group or in addition at times make use of modest firms with the perform.

As a result, it’s highly recommended to make a list of the needs and then search for a firm that fit in the idea.

Selecting the Right Corporation

You are unable to only employ any individual in addition to employ them with the employment. It is best to try to find the highest firms operating in the area and then perform appropriate weight and dimensions these depending on your requirements in addition to budget. It is best to merely employ experts or use these whom fit in your family needs and may receive the perform carried out inside right time. You could begin your look online or receive guide or tips from the friends or household.

Consequently for backyard maintenance or garden decking in Blackburn; get away from the project inside hands and wrists in the experts.

Find the original source of this article at https://homegardenservice.wordpress.com/2013/05/03/ways-to-find-the-best-garden-repair-contractor/.

Five Tips for Choosing a Home Builder

August 22, 2016November 22, 2016 Cassandra Terry

WP Post Looking to buy a new home? Before you get swept away by exciting floorplans and finishings, don’t forget to review the builder. With over 5,000 licensed home builders in Ontario, how can you decide which one is right for you? Here are five tips to help you make an informed choice before you sign your purchase agreement:

Check the builder’s record

Check the Ontario Builder Directory on Tarion.com to confirm that the builder is actually registered to build new homes in the province. All licenced builders are searchable, and the directory provides a 10 year history of their work. It also shows whether the builder had any homes with warranty claims, which Tarion needed to help resolve. Unlisted builders may not have passed the technical test based on the Ontario Building Code regulations, or may not have provided the financial securities necessary to build homes in Ontario—and are likely building illegally.

Search online

Explore the builder’s website and other online media to get a better sense if they are a good fit for your needs and expectations. Information such as new-build neighbourhoods, floor plans, unit layouts, special features, construction schedules, customer service practices and cost are all at your fingertips.

Take a tour

Visit the sales office and model homes or suites to get a feel for the builder’s work, and meet face-to-face with employees from the company. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and gather information. Keep in mind that builders use model homes and suites to showcase their best work. Often the upgrades and finishings you’re looking at don’t come standard in their new homes or condos. Pamphlets and brochures are available to take away, so you can revisit the experience later.

Go explore

Visit communities where the builder has already finished construction and ask homeowners if they would recommend the builder. Was the builder attentive? Did they stand behind their construction work — both before and after possession? Were there any construction delays and, if so, how were they managed? Did they respond to service requests in a timely manner?

Ask around

Talk to any of your family, friends or neighbours who may know of someone who has recently purchased a new home or condo. Ask them what their experience was like, and if they’d recommend their builder. You can also ask for references in online or social media communities. There are many active home-related sites where experiences are shared about everything from décor selections, to construction delays, and the after-sales customer service.

By doing proper research, you can find a reputable builder who will stand behind their work throughout the construction process—and for years after your home is built. For more tips on buying a new home, visit Tarion.com.

Read original article here: http://www.articlesbase.com/construction-articles/five-tips-for-choosing-a-home-builder-7396828.html.

Home Improvement Do’s And Dont’s – Helpful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Project

August 18, 2016 Cassandra Terry

A home improvement project can be time consuming. If you’re a novice, there are a lot of things you need to understand. The tips in the next few paragraphs will teach you what supplies you need, how to complete home improvement projects, and most importantly, when you should hire a professional.

WP Site It is very important to change air filters. Doing so keeps the air in your home cleaner and helps your heating and cooling systems run more efficiently. A lot of service calls faced by repairmen happen due to dirty filter buildup.

Electrical and plumbing problems are your priority. You generally want to do these prior to other jobs since they require access to the inside of your walls. Also, if the inside of your walls are already exposed for a different renovation project, it makes sense to have plumbing and electrical repairs done at this time.

If you’re looking to do some home improvements, then maybe it’s time to put a fresh coat of paint on the outside of that old house. There are few things that make a house more novel than a fresh lick of paint. Do not hesitate to choose an original color for a brand new look.

Increase your home’s energy efficiency by adding weather stripping to your doors and windows. This fix costs next to nothing, and it makes your home much more comfortable. Not to mention, it saves you money. Weather stripping will also prevent you from catching a chill from drafty windows.

A lot of homes have wall to wall carpeting that is stained and looks bad. Wood floors offer lasting appeal and more durability than carpeting can offer.

If you have a leak under your sink or your tap, do not try to fix it yourself. Just make sure you put a vessel large enough to collect the water underneath the leak and then call a plumber.

Getting new appliances is very helpful in adding quality and value to your home. Even if you don’t plan to sell, updated appliances are a great idea for an easy improvement to your home.

Your sofa cushions flatten over time. Set them in some sun if you want to bring back their shape. Sun exposure gets rid of the moisture trapped in the cushion’s fillings, which in turn makes them nice and bouncy. Remember to turn your cushions over while they are sitting in the sun. Don’t let them sit for hours, because sunlight does make colored fabric fade.

A project that can help your foundation is putting in a drain that will protect your foundation. You can achieve this by being sure that the ground around your house slopes away from the house or by extending your downspout to carry the runoff water away.

You could have a really good time taking on a challenging home improvement project. Sometimes a professional is needed to produce the best results. To really master the art of home improvement, you need to keep cultivating your skills while remaining aware of their limitations. It’s important to organize all aspects of your home improvement project in order to maximize its success. Implement what you’ve just read, and get started now.

Visit and know more about us at http://www.naiveplantcenter.org/about/.

This is a post feature from the original author at: http://melaniewebsterfakejournalism.blogspot.com/2013/01/home-improvement-dos-and-donts-helpful.html

6 Spectacular Types of Decorative Wall Art For Your Home

April 27, 2016 Cassandra Terry

When you hear the word art, what image pops into your mind? For most of us, we think of a landscape or portrait. In other words, we often use the word art and painting interchangeably. Of course, art can involve an array of media, such as sculptures, sketches, and so forth. One of the most fascinating varieties of art is wall art. We can even break down this general category of art, into sub-categories. If you are considering adding wall art to the walls of any room, then consider these primary types:

Wall grilles – Historically, people have used grilles as an added safeguard for windows and doors. However, wall grilles function strictly for decoration. Some grilles are a blast from the past, resembling styles during eras such as the Baroque or Renaissance period. Meanwhile, other grilles have a more contemporary flair. There are big grilles, small grilles, round grilles, and tall grilles.
Wall wine rack – You can use these attractive pieces with or without wine bottles! Select a wine rack for one bottle, or one for multiple bottles. Choose a style that is basically symmetrical, or one that is more ornate. Regardless of whether you prefer red or white wine, use this type of decorative wall art to display your wine bottles in style!
Wall vases – Vases should go on dining room tables and desks, right? With wall vases, the container relocates from the one flat surface, to another flat surface namely, the wall. Wall vases can spice up any wall, by themselves or stuffed with flowers and foliage. You can choose a vase (or pair) that celebrates an art form of the past, or one with a more sleek and contemporary look.
Wall shelves – If you want a shelf with more versatility than a bookshelf, then consider a wall shelf. These shelves fit securely on a wall, and are available in a wide variety of styles. There are wall shelves from various eras, including ancient Greek and Roman, Renaissance, and Gothic. You can adorn these magnificent pieces with a candle, vase, photograph any knick-knack that you want to share with your visitors!
Wall clocks – These clocks keep perfect time 24-7. Instead of selecting a dull digital clock, select a manual clock that not only tells you the time but also does it with style! These clocks are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Some varieties of this decorative wall art have a modular appearance, while others are more ornate.
Wall shadowboxes – The original shadowboxes are ones that the military gives to sailors, upon their leaving the ship or retiring from the military. A wall shadowbox is basically a narrow type of box that contains a picture or ornament in it. The 3-D component can add more depth to any wall in your home.

If you want to add wall decor to your walls, you have several options, including wooden wall art. Make sure to choose each item carefully, to ensure that you room has wall-to-wall appeal!

Most Home Repairs Can Be Done In Just A Few Hours

April 25, 2016April 27, 2016 Cassandra Terry

home improvement tips Home improvement projects are among the most satisfying of projects. But where and how must you start? The following tips will help you with ideas and techniques to put your house in the best shape.

Be sure and regularly clean out your air conditioner’s filters is kept clean. A dirty AC filter can really use a lot more energy to run. The unit will also end up running much longer than it ought to. You need to change the filter at least once a month.
When storing items in containers, use hot glue. Written labels do not as easily convey the same when you rifle through all of your containers looking for a part.
Check out the credentials of any home improvement company you are considering. Try to work with a company that has a good reputation.
Get references of anyone you hire to do improvements at your home. Think about it like you were hiring any other employee. You need to do a background check and be sure they are others that have been happy with what they’ve done.
Zebra and leopard prints can be great accessories to add to a boring room, including cushions, small area rugs, and rugs.
Use your old luggage rack to make a living room side table. Use it to hold a lamp or some books.
Focus on repairing small things around your home improvement repair projects first. There are some places in your house that are closely connected where damage can spread easily. A little problem that starts out small will eventually turn into a huge one in the blink of seconds.
A garden and patio that match the style of your home will help bring the whole property together, but things that clash will offer the appearance of insufficient planning and end up looking outright unattractive.
When considering replacement cabinets for your home, try using wood cabinets which are quite durable and stand up well to daily use. The most common wood types are oak, oak and cherry. These wood types are good for staining, so if you want to change the color, this can be easily done.
If your home has low ceilings, think about changing your windows so it makes your room feel bigger. You can make your ceilings seem higher by raising your window treatment a good distance above the windows.
Do you have bald patches on your lawn where grass won’t grow? Purchase some grass seeds to rejuvenate your lawn look fresh. A lawn can truly improve your yard. Make your lawn is looking its best.
These problems are common in older homes and can become huge problems. It is much easier to tackle them at their onset and quick. A small headache can turn into major headaches.A bit of bleach can work miracles on mold issues. You can sand away small patches of rust.
When considering a bathroom remodel, avoid overspending. Replace your toilet mirrors, paper rolls, towel bars, and toilet roll holders. You can also add fresh paint to spruce things up. These are very affordable and easy ways to update your bathroom.
Upgrading your appliances goes a long way in improving the overall quality and value of your house. No matter what appliances you choose to replace, updating your home’s appliances will go a long way in improving your home.
Cleaning your carpets on a regular basis will make your home appear and feel cleaner. High traffic areas on your carpet need to be shampooed or deep cleaned regularly.Your home will both look and feel brand new again.

Your home is an important investment. This is undoubtedly the reason that so many people take such great measures to make perfect improvements. The tips shared here with you are excellent for keeping in mind for your projects. Which ones do you want to do? You should never underestimate the project that you are doing. This will allow you deal with anything that comes your way.

Locksmith: Understanding The Ever Evolving Nature Of The Locksmith Trade

April 23, 2016June 24, 2017 Cassandra Terry

lock and key Locksmiths have historically been held in high esteem. Their services have been undoubtedly much sought after, from both commercial and residential safety and security fronts. Over time, the trade has experienced tremendous revolution and evolution owing to the emergence of new locking technologies as well as the betterment of existing locking technologies.

Historically, locksmiths were famed for producing locks and keys, repairing locks and cutting spare keys. This has since changed. Mass production of locks has made it cheaper to replace the whole lock rather than have it repaired, save for the high-end locks and locks on safe boxes.

In other regards, locksmiths have had to contend with the emergence of new locking technologies. This is especially with regards to electronic locks such that use electrical locking mechanisms opened by biometric keys (such as retinal scans, iris scans, and fingerprint scans), security tokens or security cards. More advanced locking systems tend to have encryption incorporated to improve the security of the lock. This is another technology that locksmiths have had to master. The proliferation of such technologies has transformed the locksmith trade to a rather technical trade.

What Does The Locksmith Trade Entail?

The trade envelopes a wide array of services that cater for both residential and commercial security. Some of these services include:

#1. Key Cutting – This is a rather traditional service. However, its importance cannot be emphasized enough as it helps individual and organizations to have enough key thus easing access by different people. Key cutting is offered for cabinet, door and padlock keys.

#2. Locksmith Forensics – This particular service is offered for investigation purposes to law enforcement, individuals, and companies after a break in. It helps the individuals and organizations identify the weak link in their locking systems that lead to the break-in.

#3. Door And Window Locks Servicing – This is by far the most common service offered by locksmiths. Locksmiths are usually contracted to fit, supply, and repair and maintain locks on the door and windows. They are also contracted to offer emergency services pertaining to the opening door and window locks without keys.

#4. Access Control – Beyond offering security, locks offer the best mechanism to control access to various part of a building. Professional locksmiths can devise modalities to control access in a building, restricting various parts of the building to qualified personnel. These services are very common for commercial buildings.

#5. Surveillance – More and more professional locksmiths are incorporating surveillance technologies with locking technologies to provide better security. This is especially for commercial building.

Other special locksmith trades include auto locksmith services and safe locksmiths.

Make sure you always engage with a trusted, licensed locksmith. Click the following link for a useful article on locksmith licensing requirements.

Maintaining Your Concrete Driveway

March 22, 2016June 24, 2017 Cassandra Terry

A new concrete driveway is always an excellent addition to add great value and curb-appeal to your home. Here are a few maintenance tips you may want to follow to help you keep your driveway in great shape (and looking like new!) for years to come!!

Seal The Surface

All concrete driveways should be sealed immediately after its initial construction, to assist in protecting the concrete surface. A good quality concrete sealant should be re-applied every 12 to 24 months – this helps in keeping the protection of the sealant strong at all times.

Clean The Driveway

Concrete driveways are usually at high risk of staining from oil, other gasoline products, tar and dirt. Normally, a fresh oil stain can be removed using soap and a household scrubbing brush. Don’t use a wire brush as they can damage the concrete surface. After you have scrubbed the stain, wash the affected area with water from your garden hose. If this treatment does not work, you may need to use a pressure washer to remove the stain.

Avoid Heavy Weights

The average concrete driveway can easily handle the weight of a car, minivan or even an SUV. However, we recommend that you do not allow larger motor vehicles to be parked on your concrete driveway. Rather, let these larger vehicles park on the street, or elsewhere. This will help prevent the possibility of cracking of the concrete as a result of the increased stress and pressure from these heavy vehicles.

Ice And Snow Removal

Obviously, this is only relevant in colder climates – we don’t get much snow here in Phoenix, but I thought I would include it for readers from further North in the USA!!

Always try to remove snow from driveway surfaces as soon as possible, as the effects of freezing and thawing may create cracks in the driveway. Avoid using de-icing chemicals to help melt the snow or ice from your driveway. Chemicals like these often penetrate the concrete surface and damage the surface below. The best way to gain more traction on an icy driveway is to use sand. Resealing your driveway in the Fall will help to protect it from the harsh effects of the winter season.

In most circumstances, normal, scheduled maintenance of concrete driveways can be handled by local concrete contractors. Always use a highly skilled and well-trained professional concrete company so you know that your driveway is always protected with the very best products on the market. We recommend that you check with AAA Concreting to see if they can provide on-going driveway maintenance in your local area. This way you can keep your driveway and the entrance to your home in the best possible condition for a long time to come.

3 things all home owners should do to improve their living spaces

February 27, 2016 Cassandra Terry

The first step towards home remodelling is finding ideas and designs to try out. This is actually the hardest part in the planning process. It even becomes harder when you intend to increase the living space. There are some tips that one can take into consideration to make the whole process easier. Before trying out the tips it is essential to create a budget. The budget will be able to provide the proper guidance when choosing a remodelling idea. Some of the main things that you should do in order to increase living space include;

Lighting

This is basically the simplest and cheapest way of improving your living space. Most people tend to make a mistake of using floor lamps or lighting. Though it might create some level of class it ends up taking a lot of space in the room. Try to hang your lamps or lighting to create more floor space. Be creative when choosing the lamp or lighting holder that will be used to hang the lighting on the wall. This will give your room a unique look and distribute light evenly. Learn more about setting up your lighting by visiting http://www.architecturendesign.net/cleverly-increase-living-space-by-making-use-of-unused-attic/.

Use of risers

This methods works perfectly in the bedroom. The risers can easily be used to raise your bed and the best part about them is that they also have sockets. This allows you to solve two problems at once. You can then use the space created under the bed as storage space. You can opt to store your bags and even shoes under the bed. This creates more space in the bedroom.

Hanging table tops

This is one of the simplest methods of creating space in any room. It involves the use of suspended table tops instead of the common tables. The best part about it is that it adds a sense of uniqueness to the room. More on this is available on http://tributehomes.com.au/how-to-increase-living-space-and-save-money/.

There are several other simple and cheap ideas to try out. All you need to do is dedicate enough time to research.

Why it’s important to take the environment into account when building a house

February 27, 2016 Cassandra Terry

When building a house most people tend to concentrate on the final design of the house and fail to take the environment into consideration. As the world is going green to save the environment, it is important for each and every person to play their part. This is why it is necessary to take the environment into consideration when building a house. Thanks to technology, there are various ways to build a house by causing minimal damage to the environment. In order to know the reason as to why you should consider the environment when building a house, you need to take a look at the importance. The main importance of considering the environment when building a house include;

Health

Once we build a house we end up spending most of our time in doors. When you take the environment into consideration, you end up creating a healthy environment both indoors and outdoors by create a pollution free environment. This creates clean air both in and out of your home. To learn more about this ensure that you visit http://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profiles/blogs/consider-the-environment-before-building-a-new-home.

Legal implications

Due to the environmental damage levels, most countries have ended up creating laws against destroying the environment. There are certain rules that should be followed when building a house. Once you break these laws you end up risking jail time or hefty fines.

Beauty

When building a house, we all want it to be eye catching and beautiful. The simplest way of ensuring that this is achieved is by maintain the natural environment around you. Once you do this, you end up getting a greener environment that you will enjoy spending time in.

These are just three of many reasons as to why you should always consider the environment when building your house. There are several ways of doing this the simplest one being choosing the proper building materials. In order to learn more about this ensure that you visit https://greenbuildingsolutions.org/Main-Menu/What-is-Green-Construction/Environmental-Issues-in-Construction.

Hardwood Flooring

November 1, 2015April 1, 2016 Cassandra Terry

Hardwood flooring is known for its durability and overall beauty, and they are rapidly becoming the preferred choice in flooring over carpeting. Installing them is not an easy task however, and you should hire a professional such as The Flooring Pro Guys for your flooring installation. Hardwood floors have slowly gained popularity back, due to their low maintenance requirement and elegance.

If you want real wood floors, you have two types to choose from: solid wood and engineered wood.

Solid hardwood floors are literally cut from a plank of wood, meaning they are “solid”. Because they are natural wood, your floors will have natural and unique variations. However, hardwood can be hard to work with, due to its humidity, moisture, and temperature needs. It is an expensive flooring choice, but you can be sure that it will last a lifetime with proper care. The cost is usually about three times what other wood floor choices would run you.

Hardwood floors can be very finicky. They expand and contract based on the weather, and this can often lead to your floor warping or cause it to buckle. Engineered hardwood floors also expand and contract, but because of their multi-layer design, will not be damaged.

Engineered wood flooring is a cheaper option than hardwood, yet provides a similar look and feel. This type of flooring is made by gluing many pieces of wood together to create plywood, and then gluing multiple layers of plywood together, and finally, gluing a thin piece of actual hardwood on top.

This actually makes engineered wood strong than hardwood. It can even be installed directly over concrete. The price of engineered wood floors depends on the thickness on the wood, which is directly proportionate to their strength.

If you want the wood floor look, without the high cost, consider wood tile.

Wood tile is exactly what it sounds like. It provides the look of real wood, with the durability of tile. It won’t stain, and you will not have to worry about moisture ruining it. If one of the tiles breaks, you simply replace that one tile. Wood tile is so durable that it can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are usually made from either ceramic or porcelain tiles, and designed to look like glossy and smooth floorboards, and some with the grain and texture of hardwood.

Your flooring material choice will depend on a few variables. If budget is no concern, go with real solid hardwood, it just can’t be beat for the look. If you are worried about any moisture, such as a bathroom, use wood tiles. If you are want the real wood feel without the high price, go with engineered wood flooring. There are many styles available with each type of flooring. Pick up some samples and order your materials today.