Category: Main

There are some home projects that suit themselves to a particular season. Fall reseeding comes to mind. However, there are some projects that are integral to the proper functioning of your home and that can be done just about any time of year. If you have a spare afternoon and are looking to check something off the “to-do” list, consider tackling one of these basic home maintenance tasks.

1. Check the Dryer Vent

Did you know that clothes dryers are the source of nearly 3,000 home fires each year? What may be worse is that many of them were preventable with a little maintenance. Dryer lint is incredibly flammable, yet many households never stop to think about the hose leading out of the back of the dryer. Cleaning it annually can reduce the risk of fire and will also result in clothes drying faster. Check out these tips on dryer safety from the U.S. Fire Administration for more information.

2. Perform Fireplace Maintenance

If you have a fireplace or stove in the home, you will want to have an annual inspection done. Check the flue for any blockages or damage. If the chimney isn’t capped, go ahead and install once after it has been cleaned. it will keep small animals from venturing in. If you have a wood fireplace, be sure to inspect the lining for any signs of damage. Gas fireplace maintenance Denver is best left to a professional to ensure safety.

3. Clean Faucet Aerators

This is a simple task that can be done quickly. Chances are you won’t even need to visit the toolbox. Simply unscrew the aerators from faucets and clean out the filters. Your water pressure will improve and you’ll reduce contaminants in the water that comes out.

Keeping up with routine maintenance like cleaning vents and filters and maintaining the fireplace helps the systems run more efficiently and can extend their useful life. Take the time to schedule or perform these basic tasks to keep your house running more smoothly.

When your home’s foundation is strong, so is the rest of the building. Over the course of the years, a foundation can become damaged, and the usual culprit is moisture. Dampness finds its way in through cracks causing dangerous mold, bowed walls and compromising the integrity of the structure. To prevent this from happening, here are three ways to keep moisture as far away from your foundation as possible.

Install a Rain Gutter

One of the most effective ways to keep water away is to install a rain gutter and a downspout. By investing in rain gutters Shoreline, runoff from storms won’t accumulate around the home’s foundation. Instead, it’s diverted along the roof’s edge and through the downspout, which should empty several feet from the house. Always remember to clean out rain gutters every fall and spring to keep them working efficiently.

Create a Gravel Bed

Another option to control water around the foundation is to lay a gravel bed around the perimeter of the building. Moisture drains quickly through the gravel and prevents water from pooling up. This attractive barrier also keeps both weeds and insects away. Whenever possible, the area around your home should slope downhill and away from the foundation.

Leave Room When Landscaping

Everyone loves beautiful landscaping, but when crafting a design for your shrubs and plants, leave some room near the house. You need this space for adequate ventilation so that dampness won’t set in. Using mulch can also help absorb water so that it stays around your plants and away from the house.

Take Action Now

Whether you’ve just purchased a new home or have lived in it for years, inspect your foundation for cracks and evidence of moisture. Taking action now, such as installing rain gutters, putting in a gravel bed or creative landscaping, will keep your basement dry and prevent costly damage.

When fall weather rolls around, it is natural to feel the need to make your home warmer, cozier and more inviting. There are many ways to change or update your space to make it autumn-ready, but there are a few key elements that really have the ability to transform your living areas for the new season! With these tips, you too can make your home into a snug, comfortable place you’ll never want to leave.

Setting the Fireplace

What better way to prepare for fall and winter than by utilizing your indoor or outdoor fireplace? In today’s day and age, you can even order firewood delivery Virginia so that you do not have to leave the comfort of your own home to get a cozy fire roaring. The convenience of delivery will save you both time and a trip to the store, so it’s a great option during this time of the year. Having an indoor fireplace or an outdoor firepit can improve your autumnal experience tenfold by providing warmth and a space to enjoy in or outside of your house.

Swapping Out Your Decorations

Sometimes, swapping out a common household decoration for something a little more festive can really bring your fall vibes to life. You can get crafty with some popular do-it-yourself ideas, or hit your favorite shops in search of some colorful pieces. Whether you are looking to get something simple, like a new wreath or some pumpkins, you can find both DIY and pre-made options to suit your needs.

When it comes to decorating your home, you do not always have to go big. Simply ordering some firewood to keep you and your family warm and adding a few touches of fall colors here and there really make your space feel more on-trend with the season.

Arriving home after a busy day or on the way out in the morning, a garage door that will not open can ruin your day. Getting that big, heavy overhead garage door to respond when the button is pressed becomes a top priority.

Checking “fix garage door” off the list should start with a few simple tasks most people can do themselves. However, because that big, heavy door operates with heavy-duty springs, precision rollers and guides, and electronic motors, many repairs require professional service by qualified technicians.

Here are five things to check to see if the fix is a do-it-yourself or if it is better handled by a repair service, including in the Austin area, Pflugerville garage door repair.

1.) Power Up

Sometimes, the most basic issue is the solution. Is there power in the garage? The opener motor may be on a different circuit so check the breaker box. Look at the cord from the motor; vibration in the frame may allow the plug to wiggle out of the socket.

2.) Locked Down or Disconnected

Most garage doors can be locked from the inside. Check the position of the lock handle and the throws that slide into the door guides. Up above, look at the disconnect safety handle on the drive trolley. If it is disconnected, roll the door up and tug the handle to reconnect it to the drive.

3.) Beam Blocked

Garage doors are equipped with an electronic photo sensor that will stop the door from moving if the light beam is blocked. Most photo eyes are located on either side of the roller guide tracks, a few inches above the floor. If something is blocking the light beam, move it. Otherwise, use a soft cloth to gently wipe dirt from the lens.

4.) Remote Reset

If the door works with the wall button but not with the remote, try resetting the remote. Check the reset steps in the owner’s manual or look online for that make and model.

5.) Worn Tracks and Snapped Springs

If the door still will not open, look for rollers that have slipped the guide tracks. Get a helper and try lifting the door to see if the rollers can be returned to the track. Otherwise, a repair service, such as Austin’s Greater Garage Doors should be called in.

The other critical mechanism is the torsion spring. Worn out or broken springs should only be serviced by a professional.

 

For most potential home buyers that purchase will be the biggest investment they ever make. As a buyer, if you forego doing inspection due diligence before signing your closing documents, you may be committing to a money pit instead of a dream house. A good home inspector should know what to look for; however, you should consider going past the basic inspection to consider the following extra items be put under the microscope (some of which may also be required in specific regions).

Environmental Health

A home can have many features that add sustaining value. Other features that you may discover will not be assets and can in fact make you ill: uninhibited mold on the walls or within sink cabinets; lead in painted window sills and walls; or asbestos wrapped around boilers or in tiles. You will need inspection services from air contaminants Wilmington NC to uncover these issues before deciding whether the cost of any remediation is worth the price of the house.

Vermin Habitation

Your home should be a shelter for your family and pets, period, with no other creatures scurrying about. First, you need to determine if the house you want has attracted mice or rats, which are not only unappealing guests, but also bring disease and eat your food. On the other hand, termites can be even more unsettling; they can cause structural damage to wood that can be very costly to repair.

Structural Soundness

While many inspectors will look at roofs and systems within a house such as heating and electrical, you would have to rely on a structural engineer to evaluate the soundness of your foundation. Neglecting this analysis, especially where subsidence is common, can lead to an increasing number of cracks in your walls and listing door frames.

The more questions you can ask of a house you want to buy, the better off you will be in the long run. To ensure a happy home for years to come, consider hiring specialized inspectors to scope out issues where your general investigator leaves off.

If you own a business, the type of flooring that you choose for the building matters. If you are considering concrete flooring, there are four main benefits to the choice.

Affordability

While quality is the main concern for business owners when it comes to flooring and other components of the building, you also have to consider the budget. Concrete flooring provides durable and lasting flooring without the higher price point of other materials.

Cleanliness

Your floor’s cleanliness matters. Spills and other accidents are common in any business, particularly if you have an industrial business. If oil or chemical spills are a regular occurrence, then you need a floor that is going to stand up to those chemicals. When you have an epoxy coating over the concrete, the floor becomes stain and chemical resistant. The cleaner your floors are, the safer they are.

Easy Maintenance

Concrete is naturally durable. In businesses where the floor is subject to traffic from heavy equipment, concrete is less likely to suffer damages. Furniture, animal claws and heeled shoes are also less damaging to the surface. While you can damage a concrete floor, it isn’t easy to do it. In addition to being difficult to damage, it is also easy to maintain a clean, polished look. You only wax or seal it once every three to nine months. Between professional maintenance, you can clean the floor with a neutral cleaner.

Visually Appealing

A business needs to care about how its interior looks. The better your building looks, the more likely you are to attract clients or customers. Likewise, when your building is clean and tidy, your staff is more likely to be productive. The work environment can shape how an employee works. It can be difficult to work in an environment that is not well-maintained.

If you aren’t as interested in the standard gray concrete flooring, there are other options. Concrete comes in several shade options. You can color coordinate your floors to match the rest of the business. Also investing in concrete polishing Manhattan NY business owners choose for their floors can make the floors look even better.

When it comes to concrete flooring, you receive an affordable and durable option. Concrete can last for years and it takes minimal maintenance to keep up with. You can have visually appealing floors that stand out but also stand up to heavy machinery, chemical spills and more.

Starting a do-it-yourself home building project can be an exciting time for any new amateur builder. DIY home building plans are often the biggest and most extensive processes that many people take on and because of their complexity require additional measures, plans and precautions. Even for skilled amateur builders, there are certain portions of this project that you should leave to the professionals. Here are a few tasks that you should call the pros in for.

Electrical Wiring

When there poses a significant risk to your health and safety, this is the perfect time to call in professionals. Residential wiring Philadelphia fits that bill. Even if you have taken on minor wiring tasks before, you may want to call the pros in to avoid accidentally electrocuting yourself or potentially building a home that is untenable and unsafe to live in.

Roof Repair or Work

If your roof needs to be repaired or it requires some work, you may want to consider enlisting some additional help. Stepping out onto the roof without expertise in this area can put you at significant risk of injury. The last thing you want is to fall through the ceiling or to fall off the roof.

Plumbing

Running plumbing throughout your home is often much more complex than it looks. You will want to bring the professionals in to ensure that you avoid extensive damage to your home. Because of the way that pipes run throughout your home and their constant use, you will want to ensure that they are prepared and installed for the long-term. Keep in mind that even minor mistakes can lead to expensive and extensive damage that can ruin any home.

Home Inspection

Even if you decide to DIY everything else, make sure that you hire a professional for a home inspection. Not only can this help you avoid putting your family in potentially dangerous, risky and untenable living arrangements, but this can affect your future in other ways. If you miss key problems early on, this will surely come back to hurt your ability to sell the home down the line.

If you enjoy DIY projects, you may feel like you are ready for the ultimate project, building a home. While you may be skilled in certain areas, there are still some things that you should leave to the professionals. Don’t let your sense of craftsmanship and adventure get in the way of the home you have always dreamed of.

Wondering how you can turn your home into a relaxing staycation destination? Many homeowners are realizing that you don’t need to go far to experience relaxing and fun vacation vibes. Here are three great home renovations that will make you feel as if you’re on vacation every day.

1. Create an Indoor-Outdoor Room

One of the best ways to feel as if you’re on vacation without ever leaving the house is to create a four-season room. These rooms often feature large windows that can be adjusted according to your climate, letting in cool breezes in good weather. The experts in vinyl enclosures North Port FL will assist you in the design and construction of this relaxing feature. Add some cozy furniture and enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of the great outdoors in total comfort.

2. Build a Pool

Give your backyard a resort-style makeover by installing a custom swimming pool. The model you choose to install largely will depend upon your budget and the available space in your backyard. Luckily, plenty of attractive above-ground models give you the customization options that you’d see in a more expensive in-ground pool. Add unique features like an infinity edge or even a waterfall – it’s relaxing to hear the sounds of crashing water and it recirculates your pool, too.

3. Add a Spa

You can include a spa as part of your pool project to complete your home staycation transformation. Choose a self-contained spa unit – they’re easier to install than a built-in spa and they’re portable. To maximize your uses for the spa, select a swim spa model that uses the jets to create resistance that you can swim against, giving you a low-impact workout.

Turning your home into a staycation destination will transform your lifestyle. Follow these tips and you’ll turn your home into your favorite place to get away from everyday cares.

Some jobs require individuals to work at night occasionally or temporarily. If you are one of those employees, you may love the relative calm of the nighttime office; on the other hand, you might find that solitary-feeling to be unsettling. In any case, you should be vigilant about your safety during these shifts. You can create a safe zone for yourself by taking these steps at night in the office. 

Internalize the Security System

Make sure you have been trained in building access and egress procedures. Responsible employers will have installed electronic access control systems Orlando to help keep track of the comings and goings in the office. These systems can have any combination of keypads, card-swipe consoles, electronic locks and alarms. Because they work not only to monitor traffic but also to effectively secure access to the building, you need to ensure you understand any updated code changes and alarm instructions.

Alert Your Friends and Family

Let the people close to you know where you are working and when. If any of them are awake, they can check in now and then, or at least before they drop off to sleep. Also, let them know that if they hear from you it will be only because you are concerned; they will then keep their ringers on.

Keep Your Guard in the Building

Streaming music while working can help you pass the time quickly. However, wearing headphones while blasting tunes will prevent your being aware of surrounding movements and noises. At night, you need to stay alert at all times, so turn your playback devices off until you get home.

Secure Your Space

You may have few options for putting up barriers, but if possible, lock your office. Make sure you can turn on as many lights as possible. Don’t make yourself a target: store all valuables.

Depart Strategically

When it is time to depart, take steps to prepare, especially if you are leaving while it is still dark outside. First, you should have parked in a well-area. Second, pull out your phone and car keys and carry them so that they are readily accessible. Third, leave only when you can be escorted out by security personnel or an office acquaintance.

Working in an office at night can be a productive time. However, you may not accomplish what you need to if you have to spend too much time worrying about your safety. By planning how you will take care of your safety and by being vigilant, you can create a comfortable and secure nighttime work experience.

Every spring you see homeowners and businesses racing to get their flower beds and gardens mulched. Other than making these areas look neat and clean, why choose to mulch at all? Here are four benefits of mulch that will have you wanting to incorporate it into your own project.

Slows Down Weeds

Who wants to spend a beautiful day weeding their garden? Weeding is probably one of the least desirable tasks in the yard. By receiving one bulk mulch Cincinnati delivery for your entire property, you’ll significantly reduce those pesky weeds everywhere. When one does pop through the surface, it’s easy to see and quick to snag.

Retains Moisture

By mulching your gardens, you’re saving your plants from dehydration. Face it, plants and flowers are costly, so you need to do all you can to see that they flourish. Mulch helps filter moisture and prevents the ground from getting dry and dusty. This is helpful if you live in arid country or have sandy soil.

Insulates Plants

Think of mulch as the great insulator for your plants. Much like house insulation, it keeps plants from getting too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. As mulch begins to decompose, organic types will provide nutrients to the soil further benefiting your shrubs.

Improves Appearance of Your Yard

The immediate payoff of mulch is that it looks attractive and improves the entire look of your home. Mulch comes in a variety of colors to complement your surroundings. Certain varieties, like cedar, repel insects and keep plants themselves looking much healthier.

Helps Your Garden Thrive

Using mulch is one of the best products you can add to a garden or flower bed. You’ll spend less time weeding and more time enjoying plants that will thrive as a result of better moisture. Plus, your yard will be the envy of the entire neighborhood.