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The 3 home improvement blogs I read every day

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

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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

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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

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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.

Understanding Different Kinds Of Roofs

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

  1. the shape of the roof
  2. 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.

Read more about different types of roofing materials…

Ways to find the Best Garden Repair Contractor

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

Cassandra Terry

WP PostLooking 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

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 SiteIt 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

Cassandra Terry

wall artWhen 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. 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!
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Cassandra Terry

home improvement tipsHome 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

Cassandra Terry

lock and keyLocksmiths 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.

Maintaining Your Concrete Driveway

Cassandra Terry

concrete drivewayA 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.