Orange County Home Improvement Specialists: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Orange County Solar Power Advantages

With the rising costs of electricity and the multitude of new electronics being placed in homes and businesses many individuals have begun looking for ways to cut back on their electric bill. This is a problem however as modern electronics such as computers, TVs, video game systems, computer monitors, etc. all consume a great deal of power. Most people are not willing to give up things they love nor give up any of their conveniences in order to reduce their electric bill. Individuals can however consider something like Orange County solar power when they have a real desire to do something about their bill and energy consumption.

The solar power industry has seen its business grow exponentially in recent years due to the aforementioned facts. Throw in difficult economic times and it's not hard to see why so many individuals/homeowners are switching to Orange County solar power . Solar power used to be expensive to set up and even maintain but over the last few decades the technology has come so far that those problems and extremely high costs are now gone, making solar power affordable to families of all socioeconomic classes.

While some solar power setups are still expensive, especially for large homes or business offices, most families can get away with a small or medium system installation. These can range anywhere from $15,000-$40,000 depending on a family's needs and the size of their home. Businesses however will need to spend a little bit more on large solar power and that type of setup can run anywhere from $40,000-$60,000. Despite what some might see as a hefty installation fee it's important to keep in mind that, depending on the system it set up, Orange County solar power can reduce a family's electricity bill by 75% or negate it altogether if they choose to go all out with their solar power.
There are many advantages to using solar power outside of reducing an electric bill. One of these advantages is having electricity during a power outage. More advanced solar power systems will allow a family to have power during power outages because a battery/generator backup system will be installed along with their solar panels. While power is limited during a power outage it can be comforting for families to know that they still have the ability to use some things around the house. Not all solar power systems however include a backup battery or generator and those that do are often considerably more expensive than those that don't so be sure to ask questions when you speak with an Orange County solar power specialist.

Whether you want a more advanced solar power system or you just want something to help reduce your energy consumption and your bill it's important to first ask as many questions you can. When you contact a company that offers solar power they should be able to answer any and all questions you have regarding not only the systems they sell but how the process actually works. A little bit of time, research, and a lot of questions will help you make an informed decision for your family and/or business.

Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement and Orange County Home Remodeling Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.

It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club

Monday, June 27, 2011

Plumbing Emergencies And A Good Orange County Plumber

There's nothing quite as disheartening or as alarming as waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of not running but rushing and/or gushing water. Homeowners that have experienced this and awoken to find their kitchen, bathroom, or living room flooded with water can tell you just how important it is to have a good Orange County plumber that offers emergency services at the ready. While most people don't regularly need the services of a plumber, most would agree that having a trusted one waiting on the other end of the phone for your call, day or night, is not only convenient but comforting as well.

Plumbing emergencies can result in not only damage to a home or a business but can run up water bills, disturb neighbors and damage their property, and even result in a homeowner having to leave their home while the damage is repaired. The majority of the people that have experienced a plumbing emergency, especially those that occur after traditional business hours and didn't have a relationship with an Orange County plumber that offers emergency services will tell you that they incurred great damages to their homes or businesses as they were forced to wait for the next business day to begin.

Finding a plumber that offers emergency services shouldn't pose too great a problem for most individuals though it can be difficult and tricky to determine which plumber's are reputable, dependable, and highly recommended. Utilizing the Internet and speaking with past clientele should reveal enough to determine whether or not a specific Orange County plumber is worthy of hiring. Keep in mind that hiring them for their emergency services doesn't necessitate that you utilize their services on a regular basis so don't be afraid to establish a relationship with a local plumber as it only benefits you.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Orange County Handyman: Saving You Money And Time

When you have a problem with your electricity you hire an electrician. When there is a leaky pipe in your home or something backing up in all of your drains you call a plumber. When anything else needs fixing around the home you will naturally contact an expert who specializes in one specific field, the field related to your issue. Calling in a specialist, while normally a good idea, can be quite costly especially if the problem is bad.

What many homeowners don't realize however is that they can save a lot of money by hiring an Orange County handyman as opposed to just one specialist. Handyman are generally thought of as jacks of all trades when it comes to fixing things around the house but what many people don't realize is that many handyman once worked as a professional in a specific or even multiple fields at some point in time. It's not uncommon to find handymen that once worked as general contractors who now possess a great deal of knowledge about all of the specific problems that individual professionals work on.

In addition to being cost effective hiring an Orange County handyman is much easier in most respects. While finding a single professional that specializes in just your problem isn't necessarily difficult, there may not be as many as you like in your immediate area and more often than not because they specialize in one specific type of service they are not always available for emergencies or problems that need to be addressed quickly. In contrast handymen are often available the moment you contact them. As handymen do a little bit of everything they're usually contacted and hired a lot less frequently than industry specific individuals. In addition to all of this, handymen tend to be more customer oriented and friendly because they're competing against bigger names and generally speaking are willing to go the extra mile to make sure that you're satisfied with the work they provide you with. Perhaps most important of all, most handymen offer the same services specific professionals do but at a fraction of the cost.

A handyman can be hired to fix leaking pipes, electrical issues, problems with the floor, wall, or ceiling, and can even be used as a consultant to determine whether or not you'll need their services or the services of an industry specific professional. Save money and save time by hiring an Orange County handyman.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club

Monday, June 20, 2011

Orange County Pest Control: Infestation And The Pest Control Expert

Homeowners go to great lengths to protect their homes from a number of different things. Some homeowners go great deal further than others but nonetheless anyone who's worked hard enough to purchase a home works just as hard to keep it not only commercially viable but as comfortable as possible too. There are many things that can not just damage a home and cost the homeowner money but things that can make a home unsuitable to live in or at least difficult to live in.

Among all of these things it is household pests that are perhaps the one thing that all homeowners must not only deal with but combat on a consistent basis. Even in the cleanest most secluded of neighborhoods, a home draws in all types of insects, rodents, and bugs. In most cases dealing with household pests is a minor inconvenience and can be dealt with by utilizing commonly sold items like mousetraps, poisoned bait traps, or chemical sprays. There are those more troublesome issues however that require the assistance of a professional Orange County pest control expert. When a small pest problem becomes a reoccurring issue or a full-blown infestation homeowners will definitely need help from an experienced professional. Not only do professional exterminators have a deeper knowledge of what drives insects into a dwelling and how they live while they are there, professionals also have access to tools and chemicals that are not sold commercially and can eradicate even the greatest of pest infestations.

Infestations can occur in any household, in any neighborhood, and anywhere in the world. It may be mice, cockroaches, spiders, or even termites but without the help from a professional Orange County pest control expert these infestations can lead to a family either losing their home completely, as can be the case with termites, or a family that feels the need to move out, temporarily or permanently, just to be away from the pests that have overtaken their home.

Any homeowner whom suspects that their home might be subject to a pest infestation should contact a professional exterminator right away. Not only is important to protect your home from these pests but your family as well. A cockroach or spider infestation may not damage a home but can pose significant health risks to any family that occupies the same home that these pests do. The good news for homeowners that suspect an infestation is that reputable pest control experts are easily found on the Internet and generally speaking there are a large number of them available in the homeowners immediate area.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Orange County Kitchen Remodeling: The Dish on Hiring a Kitchen Contractor

Renovations in the kitchen require experienced hands and minds. This is why it's best to work with a Orange County kitchen remodeling contractor whenever you have such a project on the horizon or are in the midst of considering one. Before you hire a kitchen remodeling contractor however there are several things you should have ready/know before you ever settle on one single contractor.
Knowing Your Project

Before you choose in Orange County kitchen remodeling contractor it's a good idea to have your plans thoroughly laid out in both your mind and on paper. Things to have planned include:

Know exactly what you're kitchen renovation requires/needs.

Envision your project completed and be sure to include things like color schemes and floor plans in that vision.

Know exactly what you want from the contractor you'd like to hire.

Always approve architectural plans before any work begins.

Contract Negotiation Tips

As with any person you hire, you'll want to be sure that all agreements you have with your contractor are written down on paper and signed by all parties. Along with the contract there should should be estimates made by your Orange County kitchen remodeling contractor. This type of contract should include the following things:

All of the contractor's information. This includes his/her name, address, and phone number at the very least.

An extremely detailed description of all the work that's to be performed along with a list of all the materials that are to be used.
A start and end date for the project.
Something that states no changes may be made to the project without written approval from you.
Something written that requires your contractor to acquire permits and licenses as to avoid violating business codes.
Details of payment.
Something written that states your contractors responsible for ensuring injured employees.
Lastly it should include your contractor's signature and license number.

After the contract is drawn up and everything is agreed upon it's a very good idea for you to fill in all the contract blanks before you ever consider signing it. You also want to do a very thorough inspection of your contractor's work before you sign his/her completion certificate.
More importantly than all the aforementioned information is education. Educating yourself before you make a commitment with any Orange County kitchen remodeling contractor only benefits you. Additionally it will help you weed out contractor candidates that are right for you, your home, or the job.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club

How to Buy a Great Mattress

When it comes to getting a good nights sleep there is nothing more important than a great mattress. Finding a good mattress isn't difficult as many Orange County furniture stores specialize in bedding and can show you a wide variety of styles and brands. As humans spend approximately a third of their life in bed it's important to make sure that any mattress you buy suits your specific sleep and body needs.

A good mattress will not only give you a nights worth of quality sleep but it's also good for muscle and joint health.

In order to select a great mattress you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Ask Yourself The Following Questions

Am I a side or back sleeper?
Am I someone who shifts positions frequently?
Do I sweat in bed?
Do I share a bed with anyone else?
Does the person with whom I share a bed with have a different sleep style or requirements of their own?
Do I have any joints or back problems?
Is insomnia in issue for me?
How tall am I and how much do I weigh?
How much do I have to spend on a mattress?

Step 2: Understanding how different mattresses affect your body and the quality of sleep you get is essential when you're considering the purchase of a new mattress.

There many different types of mattresses and all of them have an effect on your body and the type of sleep that you get.

Innerspring mattresses for example have connected springs or pocketed springs and allow for less movement across the bed which helps prevents sleep disturbances.
Where as innerspring mattresses look to reduce sleep disturbance, memory foam mattresses offer greater protection from sleep disturbance and reduce motion as well to a greater degree. The type of mattress you choose will depend on what you need.

Step 3: Choosing a mattress that is proportionate to your size and weight is extremely important.

If you are an especially tall or heavy individual you may have special needs that need to be considered for the purchase of a mattress. Tall individuals will definitely want a king size mattress because it will provide them with extra length while heavier individuals may require a mattress that's much more supportive.
If you are a heavy or large individual and have a sleeping partner, mattresses that boast extra width will be important to you. Generally speaking queen or king-size mattresses are the way to go.

Step 4: Consider Muscle And Joint Pain

If you suffer from muscle and/or joint pain then you need to look at some type of memory foam mattress. It's been shown in several studies that memory foam mattresses prevent pressure points which lead to pain.
If you suffer from these types of things you'll also want to be sure and lie down on a mattress in the Orange County furniture store before you ever purchase one. This will give you a really good idea of how your body is going to react to the mattress you're interested.

Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement or Orange County Home Remodeling Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.

It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

How to Increase the Value of Your Home

One of the smartest things that you can do before you put your house on the market is put some time and effort into increasing its value. Techniques for doing this can be as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior or even redoing your landscaping. Investing too much money in your Orange County home improvement project can defeat the purpose of pulling up the value of your home so make sure you’re keeping an eye on the bottom line!

When it comes to your lawn and garden you can add fixtures and decorations that range from the simple to something really unique. Having a broken-down car or storing your boat in the middle of your yard is an example of something that can really bring your home value down, but a nicely-kept boat or vintage car that is surrounded by decorations and floral displays is something that can really make a home stand out. In some neighborhoods the residents even have competitions for who can have the most creative lawn and garden.

Painting the exterior of your home is also a good idea when you’re looking at ways to make your house look fresh and new. You could even try going with a theme, a particular color scheme that’s meaningful to you or even a patterned design. Be careful, though! Your house will lose its resale value if the colors aren’t to the prospective buyer’s tastes! Creativity is good but if your home doesn’t match the neighborhood it can make selling the house more difficult.

Another item that you can add to your home is a fountain or a pond to your garden. This is a little more complicated since it would require new supporting infrastructure - piping, pumps and a steady water supply. For that kind of project it’s best to talk to an Orange County home improvement professional to get a consultation on the best way to proceed. Once your home is spruced up you’ll be surprised at how high the value can soar!

Looking for an Orange County Home Improvement Specialist? Then look no further. My Home Improvement Club Orange County pre-screens local Orange County contractors and providers. Get FREE bids on all your home improvement projects.

It's FREE to join and they even offer a warranty on projects done by their approved professionals.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club

Orange County Home Improvement Tips: A Guide to Buying Windows

The effect that a home’s windows have on its overall design, both in the interior and the exterior, can’t be overstated. They affect the quality and quantity of light in a room, how well ventilated it is, and even the temperature and comfort of anyone who happens to be inside. Windows also contribute to the look of a home, communicating its style at a glance. When you’re looking for new Orange County windows for your home make sure you keep all these factors in mind.

Styles
Home windows come in a lot of different shapes, sizes and styles. One of the biggest distinctions is whether or not they can be opened or just serve to let light into the room. They’re also made of many different materials, from traditional glass to a more advanced polycarbonate. There are several factors that can go into choosing which one is right for you like your budget, your home’s style and how important other factors like ventilation and security are to you. Even things like how attention-grabbing you want the windows to be can play a big part in which ones you choose.

Orientation
How big a window is isn’t the only factor that determines how much light and air the window lets in. Where they’re placed can determine a window’s function. South-facing windows tend to let in the most light, but might not be appropriate in very hot climates. North-facing windows let in a softer light. East or West-facing windows are traditionally avoided when possible due to the intensity of the sun shining in at sunrise and sunset.

Materials
Orange County windows can be made from a wide variety of materials like steel, aluminum, wood, vinyl or fiberglass, or even from a combination of any of the above. The materials that offer the best protection from the elements tend to cost the most, but the savings in energy costs and maintenance tend to make them a better choice in the end.

Without a doubt, the most popular material for windows tends to be wood. Wood doesn’t allow heat to escape as easily as some other materials but it can swell and warp with heat and cold. Vinyl windows are resistant to staining and damage but can distort with heat or cold and can’t be painted while steel tends to be highly protective but also very costly. One option is to have clad wood windows that are aluminum or vinyl on the exterior and wood on the interior, allowing you to get the benefit of both materials.

When you consider all of these factors it can be complicated to find the right windows for you, but with some research and a clear idea of the design you want for your house it’s not impossible to find the combination that’s just right for you and your family.

Click HERE to Join The Home Owners Club