Saturday, March 31, 2012

Attic Conversions: Working With Professionals

Many families will purchase a home while their numbers are still small. As homes are no small purchase and it takes many years to save and plan for such a purchase, homeowners who see their families grow expeditiously from small to large often look for alternative ways to give everybody more breathing room and everybody more living space.

A good way to do this is to consider converting unused spaces in a home into bedrooms, studies, dens, gaming rooms, and even play areas. Upon reading this some homeowners may say "all my bedrooms are already occupied, I have no space to convert!". Most homes however are built with a garage and sometimes with an attic as well. Homeowners who have unused garages and attics should seriously consider converting these two spaces into any of the aforementioned types of rooms. Even if a garage or attic is being used for storage there are plenty of alternative storage options available which will free up those spaces for conversion.

Attic conversions like garage conversions can provide anyone who uses that spate with a quiet atmospheric place to relax, sleep, study or even watch movies. The first thing that homeowners should do however when they decide to convert their attic into some type of room is to speak with a contractor regarding their idea. Consulting with a contractor and telling them what their ultimate goal for the room is will allow a contractor to formulate a plan that will not only work with a homeowners budget will help them realize their goal efficiently.

Homeowners who wish to convert their attic into a livable space need to also be ready to commit before moving forward with any plan or even hiring a contractor. Homeowners need to know what the purpose of that room will be and stick to it. Any wavering will not only cost more money and frustrate both contractors and homeowners, but it often results in unfinished projects or a finished product that is subpar.

Working with a building contractor for an attic conversion is also a good idea because they, along with the homeowner, will need to look at any and all obstacles in an attic that is to be converted.

Contractors and homeowners must determine whether there is enough head room in the attic, if the space in the attic is large enough to accommodate the project, and if beams are trusses taking up additional space are going to pose a problem. Some beans and trusses can be removed or rebuilt in other areas of an attic during conversion though there are those that cannot. Bringing a contractor into the mix early will save homeowners money and time by determining right away whether or not their attic is a good candidate for any kind of conversion.

Another topic homeowners need to cover with their contractor is whether or not the attic up for conversion was ever actually meant to be or function as a living space. Addicts that were originally built for storage or for nothing at all can sometimes be converted into a workable and livable space though those types of projects generally require more time, more planning, and more money.

Homeowners need to think about what will need to be done to make their attic comfortable and safe. Building around preconstructed areas can be difficult for even the most experienced contractor and inspecting an attic with a professional prior to beginning a project will help all parties involved  determine whether or not a project is worth proceeding with.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Contractor Orange County, Orange County home remodeling, and San Diego Home Improvement.

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Easy Cleaning Methods For Your Outdoor Area

As you get ready for spring and summer it may be an easy job to take your patio furniture out of storage, hose them off and place them on your patio, ready to use. For many however, it won’t be that easy and everything related to your patio will need a thorough cleaning before you even consider using them. Your patio floor may need it as well, so you might as well get busy because they won’t clean themselves.

Start with your patio and if it’s concrete a good strong hose may do the trick, but you should first take a push broom to remove leaves and other stuff that found its home on your patio. Don’t forget the walls and even the top that may have accumulated spider webs, etc. etc. etc.

You may need a bucket of soap and hot water to remove stubborn stains on a cement patio. Power washers save you a great deal of time, but be sure to follow their directions. If your patio is wood, it may need a fresh coat of waterproofing sealer, but clean it first. Check your wood patios to make sure no nails protrude.

If you have awnings, spray them off regularly while they are in the open position. A strong garden hose should keep this job easy as long as you don’t let the dirt and grime remain on them indefinitely. Allow them to air dry.

Once the patio is clean, start on the patio furniture. Clean thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water. Normally they treat outside furniture when manufactured and if you use detergents and hot water they may strip the protective coatings. Depending on the surface of your tables, clean them as well.

Spray outdoor cushions with the hose and they may need to be scrubbed with a sponge and/or brush. When wet, store them on end so they will dry easily.

Your barbecue is another matter, it should be cleaned after every use, especially the grill so it will be ready to use next time you need it.

It will be much easier to clean your patio and furniture if you clean them on a regular schedule. If you live where the weather remains harsh all winter, either store everything away in a storage shed or garage. At the very least cover those with canvas to protect them from wind, rain, snow and sunrays and you won’t be sorry when spring arrives.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Orange County Electricians: Creating Moods With Interior Lighting

There are many ways to improve the atmosphere and mood within the home. Some individuals may do this by purchasing new furniture while others will purchase new entertainment pieces. There are even those homeowners who go so far as to replace windows, flooring, and even window decor in rooms that previously had none.

Homeowners looking to create specific moods however should keep in mind that while all of the aforementioned things can contribute to creating a specific atmosphere within a room, it is lighting above all else that really sets the tone for any room. In some cases controlling the flow of light in an out of a specific room with window decor is enough for a homeowner. In the majority of scenarios however homeowners usually seek out some type of interior illumination for their rooms. Lighting that is easily controlled and adjustable is usually preferable for homeowners seeking to create a specific mood, tone or atmosphere within a room as the amount of light in a room does all of those things.

For rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms, interior lighting such as lamps and chandeliers can be utilized to provide individuals with just enough lights to see clearly while still providing low light that allows for comfortable relaxing and sleeping. In contrast homeowners who want to create a relaxing den can do so by utilizing a multitude of different types of lighting. Some of these lighting options include floor lighting, standard lamps, ceiling lighting, and even lighting that originates from the walls.

Where dens are concerned however most homeowners prefer to keep lighting low and so in addition to adjustable low watt lighting, some type of window decor may be needed in order to keep light out and from escaping.

In kitchens dim lighting is usually something homeowners want to avoid. Kitchens and dining areas usually function better and are more enjoyable to be in when there is ample lighting available. The types of lighting for kitchens however isn't always as expensive as it is for some other rooms. Many times standard lighting hanging from the ceiling or a few store-bought retail lamps will do the trick. Of course homeowners with more fastidious tastes have a plethora of options available to them for their kitchens. Some of these options include luxurious chandeliers and even colored or filtered lighting.

Anybody looking to improve the mood or atmosphere in any of the rooms within their home will certainly benefit from the help of a professional even if it's only a consultation. As with most other home improvement projects, homeowners often have ideas that don't quite translate well into reality. A contractor can, at the very least, give a homeowner a good idea of how to proceed with their project based on the budget and the needs of their home.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Contractor Orange County, Orange County lighting, and San Diego Home Improvement.

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Monday, March 26, 2012

Orange County Garage Organizer: Garage To Home Office Conversion Tips

The vast majority of homes built in America have garages that are at least two-car garages yet surprisingly only a low percentage of homeowners park their cars within their garages. The garage is the one space within a home that often goes neglected which is a true shame because the space is often large enough to be used for a large number of things when cars are not being parked in them.
Home offices for example are one of the most popular remodeling projects that homeowners take on.

While some homeowners may convert their garage to an office and rarely use it, these people will utilize it at specific times of the year and/or for specific projects. The majority of homeowners however who turn their garage into a home office do so because their job is either one in which they work from home 100% of the time or have a traditional job that allows for a certain number of workdays to be completed at home.

Converting a garage into a home office isn't as difficult as it sounds and following these four steps will ensure that every homeowner ends up with a home office they can be proud of, stay focused in, and be productive in.

The first step in converting a garage into a home office is to speak with a remodeling expert. Most homeowners will have a pretty good idea of what they want either of them in their heads or written down somewhere on paper. As with most things in life, big plans look great on paper but without the experienced eyes and hands of a professional to guide us those plans can quickly fall apart or be exposed as unrealistic. Some examples of professional homeowners will need to seek out will be an architect, structural engineer, or general building contractor. One or all of these may need to be hired depending on the scope of a project and homeowners should never attempt to convert their garage to an office without the assistance of a professional.

When converting their garage into a home office some homeowners initially seek to completely remodel or rebuild their garage. Not only is this sometimes ineffective but it's incredibly expensive as well. Instead homeowners and their contractor should focus on making the new home office match the rest of the home and work with the existing design within their garage. The conversion, once completed, should look as though it's part of the original homes design/plans.

The third thing homeowners should consider for a garage home-office conversion is there interior design options. Working with a professional interior designer homeowners will gain insight into what other uses the new office might hold. When is not being used for work, a home office can double as a child's playroom or sitting room. In such cases the interior design of the office should be one that sees a marriage of both professional and fun designs. If a home office is to also act as storage space homeowners and designers should plan for cabinets and shelves as well.

The one thing that's often forgotten about during the planning stages of a garage home office conversion is the budget. Working alone a homeowner can easily get carried away at the prospect of many of the aforementioned design aspects and options though having a professional contractor on hand will likely help keep all heads out of the clouds and feet firmly planted on the ground. Professional architects and interior designers will also find ways of bringing costs down for these types of projects so that homeowners can get what they want for less.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Contractor Orange County, Orange County garage organization, and San Diego Home Improvement.

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Orange County Home Improvement: New Television Set?: Have It Installed Professionally

Homeowners with a few extra dollars to spend on their homes often turn their attention towards the interior of their homes and things that have entertainment value. While some homeowners may purchase a pool table or some other type of indoor recreational game for their home with their disposable income, many others begin to think about big-screen TVs, surround sound systems, and an accompanying entertainment center.

With the price of both plasma and LCD TVs having come way down many homeowners, even those with smaller amounts of disposable income, can now afford a new big-screen TV as well as a new sound system to boot. The problem many homeowners face however is not money but all the different brands and options available for all of the aforementioned items and their installation.

This is why many interior decorators and other professional builders/contractors advise homeowners to, at the very least consult with a professional to get an idea of what size television set will fit within their home and the new entertainment center, and what their living room or den is actually capable of accommodating in terms of size and equipment. Not all homes are created equal and not all living rooms and dens are large. As such a professional can help a homeowner choose a television set, entertainment center, a new sound system that is not only affordable but doesn't take up too much space in the area designated for them.

Installation of new television sets, surround systems, and especially entertainment centers can be a daunting task for the layperson. All the complicated cables that come with these devices need to be connected correctly in order to not only get the most from them but to stave off damage as well. Having an entertainment center installed professionally for example ensures that they won't tip over or slip and slide. Having a professional contractor assist with TV and sound system installation ensures that homeowners will not only get optimal performance from said devices but that they will be placed optimally as well for both viewing and convenience.

The beginning of any home remodeling or upgrade project should start with the search for a reputable and affordable contractor. While an Internet search will yield literally hundreds of results if not more, individuals need to scrutinize each and every contractor that they have interest in in order to ensure that they get exactly what they need and that they get a contractor that is dependable, reliable and experienced enough to give them what they want.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Contractor Orange County, Orange County bathroom remodeling and San Diego Home Improvement.

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Orange County Home Improvement: Bathroom Remodeling And The Value Of Your Home

Homeowners preparing to sell their home have many things to consider prior to putting their house on the market. These considerations include having the house professionally cleaned, simple redecorating, repainting the interior of the home, and sometimes remodeling. Remodeling can include all or specific rooms and a home with the intent being to revitalize rooms that may have seen more than their fair share of wear and tear and those that look outdated.

The most popular room to remodel amongst homeowners aiming to sell their homes is the bathroom. Remodeling a bathroom can not only make a bathroom seem warmer, more comfortable, and create a new atmosphere within but it can also add tremendous resale value to a home especially when all bathrooms within a home or remodeled prior to the sale.

Although most homeowners only spend small increments of time in their bathrooms this time adds up quickly and the time spent in bathrooms over the long haul of homeownership can run into weeks and months. Therefore it's extremely important for any homeowner looking to sell their home to make their bathrooms memorable, warm, and convenient. In order to create a bathroom with all these qualities homeowners may need to not only repaint bathrooms and install new flooring in them as well but may even wish to consider having new bathtubs, mirrors, and showers installed to really drive up the value of their home.

While some smaller home remodeling projects can be handled by laypersons, bathroom remodels, especially those that are done for the sale of a home, should always be handled by professionals. Building contractors as well as interior designers can be consulted with and then hired to not only assist in the planning stages of such a project but to ensure that these projects stay on track and stay on budget as well. Moreover the experienced hands and eyes of a professional contractor or interior designer can give homeowners insight into things that they may have overlooked with regards to their bathrooms.

Any homeowner looking to sell their home only after doing some remodeling needs to keep in mind that while not all bathroom remodels are extremely expensive, you don't really want to try to get things done "on the cheap" lest homeowners be faced with work that is of a subpar nature and contractors that are less than reputable. As with anything else related to a home, homeowners should plan for these types of remodeling projects and even the sale of their home far in advance. Just remember that these projects should always begin with the search for a professional contractor.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Contractor Orange County, Orange County bathroom remodeling and San Diego Home Improvement.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Orange County Vinyl Fences: Vinyl Fencing For Privacy & Maintenance Free

As you inspect the types of fencing, don’t overlook vinyl fencing. You’ve probably noticed that they’ve been popping up all over, from back yard six-foot fences, picket fences across the front yard or garden, or even ranch style fencing, and all the way in between. Some consider the fact that they come in one or two colors as a disadvantage, but when you figure you’ll never have to paint it, white or tan is beautiful.

Sure they might get dirty now and then, but what doesn’t? A good rainstorm can rinse it off completely, but if that doesn’t do the trick, a bucket full of hot water, soap, and a sponge will bring it back to its original beauty. Usually though all it takes is to rinse it off with a strong burst of water from the hose.

Another disadvantage to the vinyl fence is the cost. It costs more than a wood fence, but when you figure in how often you have to paint that wood fence you might change your mind. Another drawback of wood fences is that termites like them and the wind tears into them and leaves them struggling to survive. Many wood fences don’t last more than a year or two without major repairs.

Vinyl fences don’t rot, their color never fades and when you compare them with metal fences that corrode over time, there’s simply no comparison. When you choose vinyl fencing, you can avoid many of the disadvantages of other fencing products.

The absolute favorite of vinyl fencing besides their beauty is the privacy factor. When you want privacy in your back yard the only other option you would have is a block wall, and vinyl fencing is cheaper than block. Mainly because you’re not only paying for the materials, but it takes a knowledgeable person to install it, and they aren’t cheap.

You still haven’t decided? Then you might consider contacting a professional fence contractor. They will tell you the best choice for your area and style for your home. As you compare the vinyl fence with other materials you will find they are easily maintained, strong and flexible. They will not rot, splinter, fade and can withstand severe weather, not to mention privacy factors. You just can’t go wrong with vinyl fencing.

By having a vinyl fence installed, it will last for years, and will have an added curb appeal when it comes time to sell your property.

The Vinyl Fence Co specializes in Los Angeles pool fences, Los Angeles vinyl fences and Los Angeles fences.

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Orange County Shutters: Use Professional Color Schemes For Home and Exterior Shutters

You know you’re planning to paint your home and the most important question you have to answer is what color will make your home look like a professional job. Today there are many options. Paint manufacturers have invested millions of dollars to improve their exterior grade paints and give their customers numerous options of modern colors. Stores offer booklets and even paint chips that allow clients to make the best choices for their homes.

The home improvement centers have pint size cans to help when the paint chips don’t tell the complete story of course those are not free. Others suggest that you buy a quart of their paint and paint a small section before you invest in the gallons for the final job. You can find the same information online with tools to help you make those decisions. For some the decisions are as troublesome as doing the actual job.

What issues should you consider when preparing to make such a drastic change in the color scheme of your home? First, consider the color of the roof, because of the expense; your roof remains the same over many years. The landscape surrounding your home should be another consideration. You’ll want your home to stand out and be totally different than your neighbors, so don’t copy them.

Once you’ve made the decision for the primary color, you’ll want to decide on the exterior trim that usually contrasts instead of an exact match. When you decide to add exterior shutters you must decided on the type of shutters that would best suit your home. There are vinyl and wood shutters, and they each have their own advantages. There are functional shutters with hinges to open and close, and non-functional shutters that are stationary. The color of the exterior shutters normally matches the front door.

Wood shutters are more expensive, but choose a premium grade wood shutter. Vinyl shutters now come in more than one color with the color molded throughout they don’t fade easily. They sell them pre-finished and the online company’s mail color samples when requested.

When you make your own personal preferences keep in mind resale appeal. In other words paint with popular modern uplifting paint without going into bright gaudy and extravagant colors that are showy and unpopular. You want your home to have a quiet elegance that stands out in the neighborhood and has the look of professionalism.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Los Angeles shutters, and San Diego shutters.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Orange County Home Improvement: Annual Air Conditioning Maintenance

As the summer season approaches each year, homeowners are wise to prepare their home for soaring temperatures. Not only should homeowners be sure that windows are sealed properly but also covered in order to keep heat out of their homes. Additionally homeowners who check and then repair or replace their roofs during the springtime do so knowing that a good roof can save them plenty of money on their electrical bills as a solid and well-built roof helps keep heat from entering their home.

Of course the one item all homeowners will want to check during the springtime are their air conditioning units. Much like roofs, air-conditioning units, when left neglected will not only see dramatically reduced efficiency but will also end up raising monthly electrical bills. Air conditioning units should be examined every spring by homeowners who intend to use them extensively during the hot summer months of the year. Doing so not only saves money on electrical bills but keeps an air-conditioning unit healthy enough to run optimally for years at a time.

Air-conditioning units left unattended for years at a time or used after years of neglect tend to break down and replacing said units is extremely expensive. While homeowners can indeed do a casual inspection of their air-conditioning unit each spring the layperson should never attempt to make a complete assessment of their unit without first consulting with a professional. At the very least a professional who works with air-conditioning units will be able to advise homeowners what to look for and what parts may need repair or replacement. In most scenarios homeowners should hire a professional to inspect air-conditioning unit for them. Not only does it negate the need for homeowners to do it themselves but it also ensures that units will be in good working order for at least the entire summer if not longer.

Air-conditioning experts are a dime a dozen and a good reputable professional can be found utilizing the Internet. Of course no homeowners should randomly pick one of the many results that show up when they begin their search but should instead begin scrutinizing each of the professionals they are interested in and begin reading reviews on their websites and those found through search engines. Homeowners should also have words with past clients of the professionals are interested in whenever possible. Combining online reviews as well as word-of-mouth reviews should give a homeowner pretty good idea of what a person or company they're interested in is capable of.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Contractor Orange County, Orange County Air Conditioning and San Diego Home Improvement.

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Swimming Pools: Hours Of Fun For Homeowners And Guests

Homeowners with families, a large circle of friends, and those that regularly entertain guests are usually looking for new ways to keep everyone entertained and having fun while at their homes. For some homeowners this means installing a new barbecue pit into the backyard while others may purchase some lawn furniture as well as some lawn games for their front and back yards.

There are those homeowners however who believe they have exhausted all possibilities with regards to yard upgrades and furthering the fun that can be had at their homes. What many homeowners often overlook is the swimming pool. Swimming pools can provide homeowners and all of their guests with not not only hours and hours of entertainment but atmosphere as well. Provided a homeowner has it within their budget, swimming pools can also be installed indoors so that they can be enjoyed year round. Gatherings around swimming pools remain a favorite pastime of homeowners and their guests due to the many options for fun a swimming pool presents.

Some homeowners may believe that having a pool installed may be out of there reach financially. While in the past this was more likely to be true, modern technologies have made the installation of swimming pools far more efficient than ever before which has helped drive down costs. Homeowners worried that their swimming pool must be large and therefore cost large sums of money to install should take note that contractors also regularly install smaller swimming pools for homeowners with smaller yards and more modest budgets. Even swimming pools of a smaller size can provide plenty of fun for homeowners as well as guests.

Before a homeowner begins to plan a project for a swimming pool however, they should keep in mind that it's a good idea to first contact a professional contractor for not only the installation of the pool but to assist with the planning as well. While many homeowners will undoubtedly have a great plan in their mind or down on paper, yard size, budget, and government regulations may hinder those plans. Once hired a professional pool contractor can assess not only a homeowner's plans but their yard as well and since they are all familiar with local laws and regulations, they can quickly revise plans so as to meet all legal and logical criteria in addition to the goals of the homeowner they're working with.

A smart homeowner looking to have a pool installed will begin searching for a professional first, likely through the Internet. While the Internet is a powerful tool for finding reputable businesses and contractors alike, the results produced in search engines number in the thousands and so homeowners must be prepared to take some time to scrutinize each and every result that they look at. Reading reviews and even contacting a contractor there interested in should yield a healthy amount of information regarding said contractor and should help homeowners make a good educated decision prior to the hiring of any contractor.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Contractor Orange County, Contractors in Orange County and San Diego Home Improvement.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Orange County Window Cleaning: Need Help Finding a Window Cleaning Service?

Like anything else, when you’re looking for a company to come to your home or business and work for you whether it’s cleaning windows, or replacing your current kitchen or bath, hire a company who has references. Some companies don’t need an established place of business, but for those doing extensive work around your home, they should without a doubt have an established business. They should also be licensed and have a printed contract that tells what, when, and the cost for the entire job.

Window cleaning services may work from their home and do the work themselves, but they still need a telephone where you can reach them when necessary, and that printed contract says they plan on being around for awhile. However if they have several employees then an established business is a must.
Where will you look first? The internet is a good place to start, your neighbors may be a better place because they’ve hired the company before. A good reference is a valuable asset to a business, and they should have many of them. Don’t be afraid to call the references and ask a few pertinent questions.

Like: were you happy with their work? Were they on time? Did they clean up after themselves? Did they have the proper tools or did they have to use yours? Did you sign a contract with them? Did they spend a lot of time on their cell phone? Did they waste time? Do they charge by the hour or by the job? Did they charge extra to clean the screens? Did they charge extra to clean the inside of the windows as well as the outside? Will you hire them again?

If you get more than a couple of negatives, consider hiring another company. Just remember you are the boss and before you agree to hire the person to do the work, tell them exactly what you expect, and how much it will cost. Then inspect their work before you pay them, and never pay them in advance. You may never see them again.

Always come to an agreement on all of the above. If you’ve heard bad references ask them about it if you have decided to go ahead and hire them. Many customers aren’t always honest and some take advantage of honest hard working businesses. Be sure to question them about it, then contact their other references. If all of the references agree then find another business.

Tradewind Window Cleaning specializes in Orange County window cleaning, Orange County window washers and Orange County pressure washing.

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Orange County Fences: Fence Your Pool

Drowning is a preventable death, and it is the second cause of death for young children under the age of five. Anyone who has a pool that is accessible to children needs to take a few simple precautions and a fence is almost the first in line.

The fence needs to be at least 4 feet high and about 2 inches from the ground. Vertical slats should be less than 4 inches apart so children can’t climb over, under or squeeze between them. There should be no hand or footholds on the outside where a child could climb over the fence. Install a lock on the inside of the gate about 3 inches from the top so little fingers can’t reach them, and the gate needs to swing out from the pool. Many small children watch their parents and learn how to get into the pool.

The homeowner should install some type of warning signals when children open a door or someone goes into the pool area. They shouldn’t rely on only one barrier and the more barriers available to prevent a child from entering the pool area unassisted would be well worth the effort. Sometimes a locked door is all that’s needed, but they’re all worth the cost to save a life.
           
When homeowners don’t want permanent barriers, they need to install removable pool barriers when grandchildren, family members, or friends come to visit.  Like we said before, drowning is a preventable death, and it is also a silent one. Most deaths happen in family pools when the parents or caregivers are home and the child sneaks silently out into the pool area, possibly just to retrieve a ball. There are also power safety covers with the controls far out of their reach.

If a neighboring child enters a back yard and falls into the pool, remember the homeowner is at fault for not keeping the area safe. Even when the locks are in place and a child climbs over the fence. They shouldn’t rely on only one barrier.

When you’re in doubt about the pool area in your yard contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National Building Code, they have standards that are easy to follow and would take only a few minutes of your time to investigate.
When you’ve taken care of all of the safety measures, there is one thing that will always help the child. Teach them to swim and how to get out of the pool and that is first in the line of safety features.

The Vinyl Fence Co specializes in Los Angeles pool fences, Los Angeles vinyl fences and Los Angeles fences.

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Orange County Pressure Washing: The Importance Of A Clean Business Exterior

The business world is made up of two types, the quick and the dead. The quick or proactive businessperson's who go to great lengths to stay one step ahead of the game as well as their competitors and are always looking to the horizon for the next boon for their business. The dead on the other hand are businesses that are content to remain stagnant during their lifetime and those businesses that don't pay much attention to making impressions on their clientele.

One of the best ways to make an impression on visiting clients is by maintaining the exterior of the business property. Business owners and managers know that they only get one chance to make a first impression and that a bad impression can mean the loss of a potential customer and possibly loss of existing business if word-of-mouth spreads unfavorably. Potential customers decide within seconds whether or not they will enter an establishment and do business with the company within based solely on the physical appearance of their business structure. Things like overflowing dumpsters, grime, on sidewalks, gum stuck on walls, and even mold are a surefire way to turn potential customers into lost business opportunities.

Bad news travels fast especially among potential and existing customers who are left with a bad taste in their mouths. This is why it's extremely important for businesses to maintain the physical appearance of the buildings. The cost is relatively inexpensive and the methods in which professionals clean business  structures is fast, efficient, and extremely effective. There many different types of companies who offer power washing services though not all are equal nor are they equally priced or fairly priced for that matter.

Business owners and managers tasked with finding a reputable and effective power washing professional need only to utilize the Internet to find one that suits their needs. Power washing can make parking lots, stucco walls, walkways made of all materials, and even parking structures look like new. Power washing removes grease, oil, dirt, debris, and of course mold all without inconveniencing a business or interrupting its daily operations or productivity.

Even if business owners believe their property exteriors to be clean, power washing can be utilized to avoid lawsuits that might come about as a result of an employee or visiting client that claims illness due to mold, injury, or as a result of slippage or falling. A professional power washing service will ensure that a business property is free from gum on sidewalks, mildew and algae as well as all of the other types of debris that can pose a hazard to visitors and employees alike.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County window cleaning, Orange County window cleaners and Orange County power washing.

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Friday, March 9, 2012

Orange County Shutters: Choose Between Blinds and Shutters

Most people know the differences between blinds and indoor shutters. They are made from different materials and that more than anything else affects the price. Shutters cost more, are sturdier and are usually made from various types of wood that can be painted and repainted, or, aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl that never need painting.

Blinds on the other hand are usually much cheaper and come in a variety of materials and colors. They are not as sturdy as the indoor shutters and will have to be changed more often. When you consider blinds for your home, you may remember the venetian blinds of the past.

Similar to today’s blinds, but no longer will you see them in many homes or offices.

Interior shutters, whether wood or vinyl, are attached to a frame on the outside of the window and are hinged to the frame itself. Normally there are two shutters per window, and they swing on hinges and either open or closed. The slats themselves are wider than the blinds and you open them by moving one slat that controls all of them. You have the option of slanting, opening, or closing the slats while the shutter is in the closed position.

They attach the blinds on the top and inside of the window. An attached cord controls the blinds and easily pulls the blind up to open, or lowers it to close the entire height of the window. An attached bar twists to control the feature of opening or slanting the slats to control the amount of light coming in.
The tightly closed slats overlap on the blinds and control the light. Users or small children can damage the blinds by twisting the slats if they aren’t careful.

Many people prefer to install blinds on their windows and then install curtains or draperies to make the window look finished. However you more often than not see the shutters or blinds alone on a window.
Like we said, blinds don’t last as long as the interior shutter. Often they guarantee the shutters for life. When you choose shutters over blinds, you’ve made the decision that the shutters will remain on the windows if you sell the home. They become a permanent fixture of the entire room the moment they’re installed.

When you choose interior shutters, consider them an investment because they add value to your home. If blinds are your choice, they can be an added benefit as well, and the choice is yours.

Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County shutters, Los Angeles shutters, and San Diego shutters.

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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Orange County Home Improvement: Ceilings Projects And Types

Although many people don't give them much thought, the ceilings found within homes are of great importance. Although they are often overlooked in favor of things like furniture, flooring, wall paper, and paint, there's a lot about ceilings that are important and in some cases all about aesthetics. Case in point, there are some homeowners who go to great lengths to ensure that their ceilings are eye-catching as well as safe and secure.

There are a wide variety of textures and ceilings types available for homeowners to choose from and, believe it or not, even the ceiling wallpaper is available to those homeowners who want to create something unique on their ceiling. Of course individuals can also select get many different types of paints and even paint patterns for the ceilings in order to create something that their guests won't forget. For some individuals textures, paints, and wallpaper aren't enough for their ceilings. These individuals can select from a wide variety of copper and tin ceiling tiles which are really eye-catching and immediately draw the attention of guests.

Of course when dealing with ceilings there is the issue of security and those installed professionally should remain safe and secure for the entire lifetime of a home. Homeowners whose primary concern is security however should focus on those types of decor that involve only paint and perhaps wallpaper. Paint and wallpaper will not fall off the ceiling and even if chips of paint or pieces of wallpaper eventually fall after many years they're far less likely to cause any harm than would falling ceiling tiles.

The type of ceiling a homeowner may wish to have installed can range from the rather benign and modest to loud and eye-catching. The type of ceiling that eventually gets installed by a professional will ultimately depend on an individual's personal tastes and budget. Not all ceiling materials and decor are equally affordable which is another reason why it's always a good idea to consult with a professional even before such a project enters its planning phase.

A professional contractor will be able to provide a homeowner with names of different brands and information with regards to quality of brand and pricing. They will also give individuals recommendations for their ceilings based on existing decor and budget while taking into consideration their clients personal desires for the project. What's most important to remember with regards to ceilings and projects related to them is that they are projects that should never be handled by laypersons and only by professionals. Such projects are hazardous and require a number of different types of tools and chemicals that pose risks to untrained persons as well.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County ceilings, Orange County ceiling and San Diego ceilings.

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Monday, March 5, 2012

Orange County Interior Design: Overlooked Topics

Interior design is topic that most homeowners take seriously. The topic however has a wide variety of subtopics which include things like furniture, flooring, ceilings, walls, and of course wallpaper. There are however a few topics that often go overlooked by even the most design oriented homeowners. These topics include window treatments, crown molding, base & case for windows, and interior paint.

While some of the more casual homeowners will focus on flooring and furniture, those who go to greater lengths with interior design will take all the aforementioned overlooked topics very seriously. Window treatments for example can include window tinting, draperies, blinds, shutters, as well as a multitude of other types of window decor. Windows are one of the first things that guests see upon arriving at home and entering it. There are some homeowners who recognize the importance of impressive windows.

Crown molding is one of those things that a lot of people don't take notice of until they walk into a home that's missing it or into a home that has damaged crown molding. Crown molding can be used by homeowners to dress up the transition area between a wall and ceiling and in some cases can be utilized in a very creative manner. There is quite a bit of crown molding available to homeowners all of which vary in texture, architecture, colors, etc. The type used by a specific individual will essentially be determined by their own personal tastes and what their budget allows for. Good crown molding however can add value to a home and can add elegance to an area that might otherwise be thought of or seen his plain and simple.

Base & case for windows is very similar to crown molding for ceilings and walls in that it serves as a transition point from door to window. Most homeowners will utilize base & case in much the same manner as they would crown molding. There are however, a number of elaborate designs available as well as textures, colors and materials. Like all other things related to interior design what a homeowner chooses will be determined by their own personal tastes.

When dealing with interior paint jobs, the majority of homeowners don't give it much thought outside of color and texture. Those that want to impress however will take things much further in not only choosing colors that work well in a room and with existing or new decor but often look at paint patterns, multiple colors, and varied textures. Those who take interior paint very seriously will even go so far as to have murals painted throughout their homes. Even those with a more casual approach to interior design needn't worry however as even simple interior paint jobs can be impressive when the right professional is hired to do the job.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County interior design, San Diego interior design and Orange County interior designer.

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