Author: Modern Living

After several years of staying in the same house, most people choose to remodel their homes to shake things up a bit and enjoy a fresh look. However, if you decide to remodel your house today, you will not start the work tomorrow. Home remodeling is a process that needs to be done in stages to be successful. For anyone interested in upgrading their home, here are the five steps you will go through.

Planning

The first step in a remodeling project is planning. Do you already have an idea of how you want your home to look, or will you need to research? Home design magazines and the internet can be excellent sources of inspiration. Also, the planning phase is where you make a list of wants and needs. Make sure you stick to this list, prioritizing the needs to wants. Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, start looking for appliances, hardware, and other material you will need.

Budgeting

Most likely, you already know the amount of money you are ready to spend on your renovation project. Budgeting is the part where you check whether your list of everything you want to do matches with the budget you are ready to spend. Grayson Carter & Son Athens A L point out that sticking to your budget ensures you do not leave projects hanging due to lack of finances. Get several estimates from a few architects, contractors, and designers. While getting referrals from friends is a good thing, do not solely depend on referrals. Prices can vary depending on the cost of materials and location. Doing thorough research can help you find affordable and reputable builders.

Demolition

Once you have your contractors and budget in place, next comes demolition. Do you enjoy DIYing? If you do, you can save costs by removing elements like carpet, wiring, walls, and flooring yourself. Get a sledgehammer and do some demolition. If you prefer to leave everything to the experts, then let the contractors handle this. This is a short stage, yet it creates a lot of mess. Ensure you are well-prepped for what is going to happen.  

Construction

There will be a lot of people going in and out of the house and handling different elements. However, the supervisor should be your contact person. Whenever you have questions, want to relay information, or have requests, the project supervisor is the person you will be talking to. Also, for big jobs like kitchen renovation, find temporary accommodation for you and your family. Any project that involves cutting off water supply and electricity will disrupt your life, and so it is better not to be there.

Cleanup

This is the last stage in home remodeling. However, there is also a lot of work where you may have to call a junk removal company. Some builders offer cleanup services, allowing you to enter a clean house when everything is ready.

These are the five steps you can expect in a home remodeling project. Knowing what to expect prepares you mentally and financially. It also makes it easy for you to track your progress.

If you own a business, there is a good chance you have a parking lot. Choosing suitable material can make a huge difference in maintenance, upkeep and initial versus long-term costs.

This article will provide some pros and cons of asphalt and concrete. Neither one is necessarily better than the other. See below to make an informed choice for your business.

Benefits of Concrete

• In warmer environments, concrete is typically a better choice for parking lots. Asphalt absorbs a lot more heat and can lose its hardness in extreme heat. Concrete, on the other hand, is much more heat resistant.
• Once installed, cement parking lots require very little maintenance. Besides occasional parking lot striping Lexington SC, cleaning and joint sealing, you will not have to worry too much about a concrete parking lot’s upkeep.
• If you want a unique-looking parking lot, concrete offers more options than asphalt. Cement can be dyed in different colors and textured for visual flair.

Benefits of Asphalt

• Asphalt is recyclable material, whereas concrete is much more difficult to repurpose. Blacktop also can be made porous, so water passes through into the ground below. For the most part, Cement has to allow water to pass over it, which means you have to plan more for drainage.
• Blacktop lots are easy to install and usually much cheaper than concrete. If the conditions are right, you can hire professionals to lay down asphalt that is useable in two days. Concrete can take a week or more to be safely used after installation.
• Though it requires more maintenance than concrete, asphalt is easy to maintain and long-lasting. If you keep up with your parking lot’s replacement, it can last for decades.

Choosing between asphalt and concrete depends on the usage, climate zone and budget for your parking lot. Consult with a professional about the different options available.

 

 

No matter where you live, you have to deal with bugs. While you might not like bugs of any kind, some are more annoying than they are a danger. However, some bugs can cause problems for your home and your health. Here are three types of bugs that you should never ignore. 

1. Cockroaches

If you see one cockroach, chances are that you have hundreds more hiding in the walls. Cockroaches also carry bacteria that gets on every surface they touch. So, if you touch something the bug has touched, and then you get that bacteria in your mouth, you could get sick. Additionally, if you have problems with your lungs, the cockroach’s fecal matter could be a severe trigger for your issues. 

You might find some small success when putting out traps for the roaches, but you’ll likely need to call an exterminator to get completely rid of them. To discourage the roaches from nesting in your home, keep all of your food in glass or plastic storage containers that the bugs can’t chew through. 

2. Termites

Termites can be hard to find because they tunnel into the walls of your home and eat the wood. You can often tell that you have a problem because you notice that your floors have more give than usual, or you find small tunnels in the ground near the home’s foundation. If you suspect that you have a problem, you’ll want to immediately call a termite exterminator Staten Island to evaluate the situation. The longer you wait to get rid of them, the more damaged wood you’ll have to replace. 

3. Bed Bugs

If you’ve traveled recently, then you want to check your home from bed bugs. They can easily hop into your luggage without you having any idea they are there. Then, they hide until the lights go out, and their bites can range from causing mild skin rashes to horrible allergic reactions. If you see small spots of blood on your sheets in the morning, then you’ll want to have your home treated for bed bugs. 

Having a swimming pool in your backyard provides hours of entertainment and relaxation for you and your family. However, some people may avoid a pool for fear of having to spend hours maintaining it. By creating a routine, it’s easy to have a crystal clear pool.

1. Scrub the Pool Weekly

Hot sun and water provide an ideal environment for algae. While you may treat your water with chemicals to prevent buildup, you may notice green patches on the sides and bottom of your pool. The best way to get rid of this is by using a heavy-duty scrub brush designed for cleaning your pool. Loosening the particles into the water traps them in the filter. If your pool has excessive staining, it may be time to consider vinyl liner replacement St. Louis Missouri, to give it a new look. 

2. Clean the Filter Often

Not only is algae floating in the pool water, but dust, bugs and bacteria build up there. Whether your pool has a disposable or a sand filter system, it needs cleaning. As particles build up in the filter, it makes it challenging to continue collecting debris, and you may notice the water isn’t as clear as you like. Disposable filters can be rinsed and reused for the season, while sand filters should be backwashed and flushed once a month. Filters should also be cleaned after any major rainstorms, as the rain may wash a large amount of debris into the pool. 

3. Close the Pool for Winter

Unless you live in an area that gets summerlike temperatures throughout the year, you need to perform seasonal maintenance in preparation for winter. This is especially important if you live in areas that get below freezing. Check the chemicals to ensure everything is balanced, then cover the pool to keep debris out. All water needs to be removed from the lines and the filter system to prevent ice from rupturing the pipes.

When a powerful weather system blows into town, you trust your home to keep you safe. But while it’s protecting you from rain, wind and lightning, your house is taking quite a beating. After some time, the intensity takes its toll, possibly harming your place’s structure. Keep it in top shape, safeguarding you in the future. To do this, check it out occasionally. Complete the following four things to ensure your home stays in sturdy condition.

1. Inspect the Roof for Damage

The roofing, by far, combats storms the most. The wind whips through, and the raindrops fall. Throughout it all, the roof keeps it from entering your rooms. Eventually, these things can deteriorate or disrupt the shingles and flashing, creating small openings that soak in moisture. These issues could lead to mold and water damage when allowed to linger. 

Have professionals in roof leak repair Virginia Beach VA assess your roofing yearly. After locating problems, they can fix them for you, hoping to avoid significant concerns down the road.

2. Clear Gutters

Your drainage system moves water away from the foundation, minimizing puddles and lingering fluids. Gutters, however, can clog with leaves and debris, blocking the rainwater’s flow. Climb up once or twice a year, and dislodge any blockages.

3. Tend to the Landscaping

Trees and bushes are beautiful aesthetics, enhancing your yard. They should remain a reasonable distance from windows and the residence’s structure. When winds pick up, they could break off limbs, hurling them into the home. Look over your trees, cutting back branches regularly.

Also, be sure that plants don’t block the drainage system. They should remain clear on any gutter spouts, so they do not interfere with moving water away from the structure.

This year, defend your home. Keep it in top condition so that it is armed to safeguard you and your family. 

 

Your home is likely the place where you spend the most time. Because of this fact, it’s very critical that your house is a safe and healthy place to be. If you have a family or pets, this is all the more reason to ensure your house is healthy. One way that you can ensure the wellness of your home is to check the air and water for radon. If you don’t know what radon is, here is the answer! Radon is a gas. It doesn’t have odor, color, or taste. When radium and uranium break down, radon is produced. Radon can be a hazard. Keep reading to see how you can keep your home safe from radon for everyone living there. 

Air Testing 

Radon can be airborne. Because you breathe in air, this is a problem. Because of this, it’s important to get your air tested. Radon can change because of the temperature. This can happen easily during winter. It happens easily during the cold months because of the warmth in the house. Utilizing both air and water testing Weston CT can help keep your home safe from the hazards of radon. 

Water Testing 

Just like the air you breathe, it’s vital that the water you drink is clean and safe. Radon in your water can deter this essential need. Radon levels can change at times. These changes can be due to different causes, including water usage and climate. If you have small children, it’s extremely critical that they have access to clean water. Getting your water tested is a vital step in making sure your water is safe to ingest.

Some known methods used to remove radon in the water are: granular activated charcoal activation and water aeration. Water aeration can help your drinking water by increasing pH and eliminating odor. Granular activated charcoal activation is also a benefit to your water as well. 

When you’re buying a new home, you want to do a lot of due diligence to learn about its overall condition, ongoing maintenance costs, and any upcoming repair projects that may be on the horizon. While you’re doing your research, you should be sure to find out as much as you can about the heating and cooling system. Here are four key questions to ask about an HVAC System.

1. When Was It Installed?

The general lifespan of an HVAC system can vary greatly by make and model. For the most part, HVACs should last at least ten to fifteen years. A system may fail to meet its projected useful lifespan if it has not been properly maintained.

2. Is the Warranty Valid?

Many HVACs come with ten year warranties on parts. Find out if a system is still under warranty and whether the coverage is transferable.

3. When Was the System Cleaned?

Routine cleaning and calibration are essential for enhancing an HVAC’s energy efficiency and optimizing performance. Find out about the time that all components were cleaned including the ducts, air handler, and condenser. If it has been more than a year and equipment appears dirty or clogged with debris, you can schedule a condenser cleaning St Louis MO with a reputable service company.

4. What Are the Operating Costs Like?

Try to get a sense of how much energy goes into powering a system. A home’s previous owners may be able to give you some good insight into operating expenses and how they change with the seasons.

Ultimately, it isn’t necessarily a red flag if you discover that a new home’s HVAC system isn’t all that you hoped it would be. You may be able to repair or replace a system affordably. It is important to ascertain what work may be necessary in order to budget strategically and avoid surprises.

Clean air is something that many people take for granted. However, indoor air quality can vary greatly between places. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to improve indoor air quality. Whether you have a family member with allergies or asthma, or you just want to ensure the healthiest space possible for your family, these tips can help.  

Change Your Filters

Air filters are more common than you might realize. You might know about the large filter on your home’s central return register, but did you also realize that many smaller appliances also have air filters? Check humidifiers, space heaters, vacuums and window air conditioners to find how often they need to be changed. 

Clean the Air Ducts

Air filters aren’t your only line of defense when it comes to central heating and cooling systems. The ductwork that carries air throughout your home can accumulate large amounts of dust, pollen and debris. Professional air duct cleaning services Osage Beach MO remove that buildup so it doesn’t;t contaminate your indoor air.

Open the Windows

In general, opening the windows is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve indoor air quality. It lets cooking odors, smoke and germs dissipate into the outside while also letting fresh clean air inside your home. Of course, that assumes you live somewhere with good outdoor air quality. If there is a lot of smoke, smog or pollution around your house, it’s a good idea to keep the windows closed until it clears. 

Monitor Humidity Levels

The amount of moisture in the air can impact overall air quality. Humidity that is too high can make breathing difficult. However, if levels fall too low it can cause airway irritation and help colds and viruses proliferate. Most people will find that a humidity level between 30% and 50% is comfortable. 

Changing air filters and ducts, maintaining appropriate humidity levels and opening a window can all help improve your home’s indoor air quality. 

The architectural style of your home should be a deciding factor for which grids you choose for your windows. Most manufacturers offer plenty of grid options to browse. Additionally, you will need to sort through your material choices to find one that matches your home. The only thing to remember is to check the design of your home. 

Victorian and Neo-Victorian

Victorian and Neo-Victorian-era homes have elaborate decorations inside and out. One of the more common window grids has diamonds on the top of the sash and a full panel at the bottom. Decorative stained glass is also standard for these houses. However, a double-hung sash with six or eight square panes in each sash is a good substitute if you can’t find these options. Keep in mind that you should match the fanlights to your main grids. 

Colonial and Cape Cod

These styles will have six square panes on each double-hung window panel. If you live in a fancier version of this home, you may also have a large picture window filled with a smaller decorative grid layout. 

Prairie

Prairie homes generally use casement windows, so these are the perfect thing to tackle if you want to modernize your home and save electricity. Look for small grid squares in the corners, long ones on the sides, or anything else that offers decoration but leaves the center of the window plain for these types of homes. 

Arts and Crafts

Generally, these homes have double-hung windows with a single pane on the bottom and two side-by-side panes on the top. When choosing a grid for the top sash, remember that vertical muntins are good, but horizontal ones should not be present. That said, if you have transoms on your arts and crafts home, these can have decorative grids. 

These are some of the more common architectural styles and their matching grid patterns. By following this advice, you can choose the perfect grids for your home. 

Windows need to be replaced more frequently than many other household features. People won’t usually have to get entire walls replaced. Something dramatic needs to happen before they will need any sort of household upgrades like that.

Fragile Windows

Many windows will start to wear down after a while, even when people are careful to make sure that they clean the windows and keep dirt away from them. It’s still possible for a window to shatter after a comparatively mild accident. Getting replacement windows Lakeland FL-based, or elsewhere, can help the people who have had this problem. 

When a window starts to develop a crack or break of any kind, people should usually get ready to replace that window. Some windows can still last for a while after something like that has happened to them. However, that crack in the window glass will usually only start to expand, which will threaten the structure of the rest of the glass very quickly.

People might want to change their windows when the glass is cracked anyway. It might make more sense to have the windows replaced when it’s convenient to do so. They could break at a particularly inconvenient time, making things much harder for the people who will need new windows then.