Monday, April 30, 2012

Solar Power And Energy Efficient Homes

Can you imagine a home with no energy bill whatsoever? Most homeowners will answer this question with a "no" or a "maybe"only because they're unfamiliar with the possibilities and benefits associated with solar power. Rising energy prices have caused many a homeowner to tighten their budget belts which sees a reduction in the money that's spent on entertainment, eating out, and other things homeowners and their families look forward to.

Not only is solar power helping homeowners reduce their energy costs but so are natural materials used in conjunction with solar power. Many newer homes are being built with bio-based materials in addition to solar power systems. One such product is called "ply-boo" which is essentially a fusion of plywood and bamboo. This material can be used for counters at home and is far more energy efficient and affordable than traditional materials. This material along with other natural building materials contributes to a home being able to maintain a comfortable living environment and the reduction of energy costs.

In addition to utilizing a solar power system within a home and using natural building materials for a home, homeowners should also look to use Energy Star appliances along with with their solar power systems. These appliances can reduce energy consumption by 40%, even  in those homes that operate on solar power. In addition to this many communities offer rebates for buying these types of appliances. Energy-efficient lighting can also be utilized in homes with solar power to further reduce energy consumption and costs.

Once a solar power system is set up on a home, homeowners should turn their attention towards their windows and their homes insulation. When both are old and/or damaged climate control becomes extremely difficult to control within a home and energy costs skyrocket as air-conditioning units and heaters must be run constantly to combat the environment outside.

As with any home improvement project a professional contractor should be contacted when a homeowner wants to start making their home energy efficient or have any type of solar power system installed. Solar power systems as well as natural building materials and even window and insulation replacement are much more affordable than most homeowners realize. Spending some time searching on the Internet will yield literally thousands of results, many of them local, for homeowners to choose from. Once a homeowner has found a solar power expert they are interested in a little scrutinizing will go a long way in helping them determine which contractor or firm will be right for them. Speaking with past clients, reading reviews online, and even calling prospective contractors and interviewing them will help weed out the undesirables and leave those that are worth hiring standing clear and tall.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County Solar Power, Orange County Solar Energy and Solar companies in Orange County.

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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Orange County Home Improvement: Reducing Stress By Selecting A Good Home Improvement Contractor

Home improvement projects can be exciting but can also be stressful for homeowners. While homeowners will initially begin looking forward to the end result just as soon as they begin planning a home improvement project, that excitement can turn to dread rather quickly when they realize that their project will require more than a conversation or two to get going. Homeowners also begin to fret when they realize that their home improvement project may be better off with or even necessitate the attention and hands of a professional contractor.

In order to reduce the stress associated with home improvement projects, homeowners should begin looking for a contractor that can handle the project just as soon as they've decided to move forward with one. Regardless of how well or how shoddy and homeowners plan might be, a contractor can be brought in right at the start of the project and can begin correcting mistakes homeowners have made can even help them rework the project so that it's less stressful and less expensive.

Homeowners also have major concerns regarding having persons in their home that they do not know. Security reasons aside, homeowners often worry about getting along with the contractors they hire because home improvement projects can take anywhere from two weeks to eighteen months to complete. This is another prime example of why homeowners should hire a contractor right off the bat. Finally a contractor that a homeowner both trusts and finds agreeable on personal and professional level will reduce stress and allow for greater understanding during remodeling and new construction. This also allows for much greater communication and mutual respect between contractors and homeowners which often means the end result of the project will be greater than it would be without these things.

Homeowners can also reduce the stress between themselves and their contractors by creating a good working environment for those that they hire. Treating contractors in the same respect you treat anyone else you invited into your home goes a long way with the majority of contractors. Every day of a home remodeling project brings something new with it, be it good or bad, and creating a good work environment for contractors will help keep things relaxed and can help build good rapport between both parties.

Homeowners also need to remember that home remodeling projects can be a very messy process and may sometimes lose sight of the end result due to a large mess or the excessive noise made by contractors. Homeowners who practice patience during these times will keep their stress levels low which in turn keeps morale up and keep things positive with contractors. Homeowners would also do well to remember that these contractors aren't intentionally "invading their space" and that a little intrusion into non work related areas is sometimes necessary.

Once a contractor has been selected and hired, a homeowner can help a project get off on the right foot by setting ground rules early. Homeowners need to make certain that their contractors know what these rules are long before they ever set foot in their homes or begin any type of work. Good contractors will both understand and respect the rules that homeowners establish in advance which they in turn can communicate to their crews so that nobody's toes are ever stepped on and that nobody's space is violated. Setting ground rules early also gives homeowners an opportunity to see if the contractor they've hired is going to work out. A contractor that scoffs at or has any problems with rules a homeowner has set forth should be dismissed immediately. While it isn't necessarily convenient to begin looking for another contractor, working with one or a team of contractors that has little to no respect for a homeowners rules can be detrimental to both the health of a homeowner and the project itself.

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

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Orange County Organizing Closets: Ideas and Costs

Individuals and families who believe they've outgrown their home needn't start looking for a new residence right off the bat. Surprising to many people, organizing parts or all of a home can increase the amount of living space therein. Many homeowners find themselves aghast when they learn that even small organizing jobs within their homes can increase living space and allow for more storage as well.

Take the closets within a home for example. While many homeowners will initially dismiss closet organization as a means to increase living or storage space the truth of the matter is that organizing a closet can get rid of clutter and make room for new things that need to be put in storage which in turn can free up space in a living room, den, bedroom, and even a kitchen. While many homeowners may choose to tackle an organizing project on their own, working with a professional organizing contractor always produces an end result that is far more favorable than those that the do-it-yourselfers produce. Regardless of which path a homeowner chooses with regards to how to complete the job, there are several things they can do with the closets to ensure that their project isn't done in vain and that the and result is one that they can live with.

While many homeowners may simply organize a closet by folding the clothes and reducing a small amount of clutter that's not really going to make much difference or allow for more storage. When an organizing project is in the planning stages homeowners and the contractors they're working with should assess the closets in question and formulate a plan of action that sees old items thrown out or sold and useful items reorganized or moved to another area. Any plan that involves organizing a closet should include several different phases in order to maximize the space inside of a closet.

Long and short hanging refers to the length of the clothes within a closet and how much space they need to hang. The majority of homeowners usually have a fair amount of each type. Working with a contractor to separate the types of hanging not only frees up space and clutter but it gives individuals more efficient access to their clothing as well as their clothing accessories. Homeowner working with the contractor will need to spend some time assessing how much of each type of clothing they have and then begin working with closet space to figure out where each type of hanging will best suit the needs of the individual.

While the majority of people prefer to hang all of their clothing items up on hangers, a good deal of professional organizers recommend that persons with a tremendous amount of clothing hanging in their closets begin utilizing shelf space for their clothing instead. Many homeowners are surprised to learn and see just how efficient, tidy, and effective folding pants and shirts and then storing them on closet shelves can be. Not only will shelving clothes free up a ton of closet space but individuals can make different piles of different articles of clothing and even organize them or stack their piles so as to create weekly business and casual outfits.

Although many homeowners don't often give it much thought, baskets and drawers utilized in a closet can free up a ton of floor space. Things like shoes, onesies and twosies, and clothing accessories that wind up on the floor as a result of neglect or lack of space end up consuming a fair amount of any closet floor. The use of baskets and drawers eliminates this problem and allows individuals to organize the knickknacks and shoes found their closet floors giving them more efficient access to those things.

There are a lot of other ideas that homeowners and contractors may come up with when organizing a closet is the order of the day. Homeowners should also keep in mind however that closet organizing projects can range from the inexpensive to the very expensive. The cost of such a project usually boils down to a homeowners budget, need for space, and any items purchased to help organize a closet. Most organizing professionals however offer their services at very affordable rates and can help even those operating on very small budgets.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County organizer, organizing Orange County and San Diego organizer.

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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Orange County Home Improvement: A Homes Insulation

The installation within a home's walls will determine just how efficient a home is in maintaining a comfortable living environment within. Old and damaged insulation can result in heat escaping during the winter and cool air seeping out during the summer. When these things happen it means homeowners will spend far larger amounts of money on heating and air conditioning to keep their homes comfortable. While many homeowners may be apprehensive about replacing their insulation they would do well to remember the aforementioned problems before dismissing the project completely.
Properly installed, home insulation acts as a barrier between the outside of the home and the inside. Good insulation reduces drafting, dust build up, noise pollution and of course the temperature on a home's internal thermostat. Where those homeowners who proceed with a new insulation project get caught up is in selecting the type of insulation to have installed. There is of course the traditional soft padding type of insulation and the more modern blown in insulation. A homeowner uncertain as to which type will work best for their home should consult with a contractor before choosing either as improper installation often results in all of the aforementioned problems.

Reinstalling installation within a home or installing new insulation is a much more complicated process than most homeowners realize. This is also why working with the contractor is advantageous. Some of the awkward angles within walls and around bricks and stucco exteriors can cause real problems and headache for the layperson trying to install insulation around them. Moreover insulation jobs, more often than not, require specialized equipment and extensive training. Even the usually reliable and handiest of handyman usually needs to bring in an insulation contractor for no less than advice.

Depending on the home, an insulation contractor may recommend either old-fashioned insulation or blown in material. If they recommend blown in insulation, homeowners will have various different types of materials to choose from. These include fiberglass, foam, and cellulose. While each type has its pros and cons only an experienced contractor can help the homeowner choose one that is right for the needs of their home.

Homeowners who, after reading this article, still have trepidations about replacing their insulation should take note and remember that the costs associated with such a project are no longer what they once were. These days the process of installing new insulation is very affordable, usually ranging anywhere from $.60-$.90 per square foot. Homeowners would also do well member that although the initial cost of such a project is affordable some contractors may charge a little bit extra if drilling and painting are required. Additional fees may also come about as a result of complicated exterior walls such as those made of brick, stucco and those with siding on them.

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

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Finishing Carpenters: Why Should You Hire One?

There are a myriad of different home improvement projects and just as many different types of contractors that you can hire for these projects. Finishing carpenters however are generally thought of as one of the most important when it comes to home improvement projects due to the wide range of jobs they tackle. Finishing carpenters work on projects both large and small and often give homeowners the best bang for their buck when it comes to projects that involve home beautification and the increasing of its resale value. Essentially a finishing carpenter should be hired whenever there is enhancing, repairing, or altering a home structure being planned. You can hire a finishing carpenter for any of the following projects.

Homeowners who want custom furniture and/or cabinets built and installed in their homes should hire a finishing carpenter. As new cabinets require a homeowner and a carpenter to work with an existing space, finishing carpenters can give this type of project the special attention that it necessitates and are extremely adept at working with even the most rigid of predetermined spaces. No homeowners should take on any type of a home remodel without hiring one of these people first.

The trimming and molding of a home often goes unnoticed by homeowners and their visitors but is something that first time, infrequent, and potential buyers will notice every time. A finishing carpenter can not only add new and repair existing trimming and molding but they can also bring valuable input to the table with regards to which edges necessitate trimming and what type of molding his best for a home.

Staircases are without a doubt one of the most visible parts of a home. A staircase draws the attention of visitors as soon as they walk through the front door. This is why it's important for homeowners to keep their staircase in good working order and to keep it from looking bulky or even outdated. A finishing carpenter can be called in to fix loose railings and wobbling steps. They can also be called in for a large staircase projects which involve a complete revamp or the installation of a new staircase altogether. Furthermore working with a finishing carpenter will ensure that your staircase, be it new or upgraded, will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

As finishing carpentry covers a wide range of different home improvement jobs, many homeowners make a decision to work with one specific contractor after having worked with them just once. Not only does this give homeowners peace of mind but also allows them to build a stronger professional and personal relationship with their finishing carpenter. This makes future projects easier to plan for, budget, and move forward with. The more trust between there is between a finishing carpenter and a homeowner the smoother projects roll out and complete.

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

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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Orange County Home Improvement: Home Security Decisions And More Decisions

Making sure that our homes, our families, and our belongings are protected while we sleep and while we are away from our homes is one of the primary concerns of every homeowner. Some homeowners may be more concerned with this than others because of the area that they live in but in truth burglaries and in home violence can occur in any neighborhood at anytime.

The biggest issue that homeowners must deal with when they begin considering improving their home security is the multitude of options available. While in the past things like deadbolts, dogs, and barred windows were considered efficient, those things have now given way to more advanced home security systems. Some of the most common home security systems can include motion sensors, keyless entry pads, video monitoring, and even glass break sensors. Of course not all homeowners possess the finances to have all of the aforementioned things installed in their home which is why it's a good idea to work with a home security contractor. A professional home security expert can not only help homeowners determine what works well with their budget but with their home as well. With so many options floating around, the majority of homeowners interested in home security may find their heads spinning after only a short time. This doesn't have to be the case however as working with an expert will yield several things.

Many professional security experts now recommend wireless technologies for home security systems, even those that are built on modest budgets. As technology advances rapidly prices continue to drop equally as fast and most homeowners will find that wireless is not only the clean and sensible way to go but also the affordable way as well. Most wireless systems use a combination of two-way communication systems as well as cell phone backups to ensure that homeowners are never out of touch with what's happening at their home. Wireless technologies for home security systems can include video surveillance, motion detection and lighting, and even special sensors that alert homeowners to the presence of individuals in their yard.

In addition to modern technologies, many professional security experts also recommend that homeowners keep their dogs and in some cases their window's reinforcement bars. While these recommendations don't always come easy nor are they overly frequent, the more deterrence a home owner has in and around their home the less likely it is to be vandalized, burglarized or invaded in the middle of the night. In some cases home security experts may also recommend that homeowners work with a professional security firm so as to alert the authorities should something happen in their home while they are away.

There are a lot of choices homeowners must face when they begin to consider a new home security system. Some of these choices will be of a practical nature, some will be a financial nature, and others will be of a technological nature. The system they ultimately end up with will be determined by recommendations they receive from their home security expert, their budget, and their own fervor for home security.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County alarms, Orange County security systems and San Diego alarm systems.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Orange County Home Improvements: A New Laundry Room

We've all been in them, those dark and clammy laundry rooms within the homes of our friends and families. Some of these laundry rooms are so damp and/or dark that it can be difficult to both see and breathe while in them. In addition to issues with climate control, many of the same laundry rooms are full of insects, spiders, and sometimes rats and mice, all of which you can hear and sometimes see while in the space.
In recent years remodeling laundry rooms has become extremely popular with homeowners in both new and older homes. Many remodel or build to get away from the aforementioned issues while others simply want a livelier room. In newer homes professional contractors usually see homeowners aiming to enlarge their laundry room area while those in older homes contact contractors for help in putting in cabinets, new appliances, and even organizing.

As laundry rooms are spaces that are used frequently, especially by those homeowners with larger families, there are several things that homeowners need to consider and keep in mind when they decide to remodel their laundry rooms.

The first and perhaps one of the most important aspects of redesigning and remodeling a laundry room is to ensure that homeowners have easy access to it. Homeowners living in older homes often cite difficult access as one of their primary reasons for remodeling their laundry rooms. Working with a contractor, homeowners will want to formulate a blueprint that will allow their new laundry room or reworked laundry room to be easily entered and in a location that is close to other rooms of importance. Many homeowners who remodel or build a new laundry room have it placed close to the kitchen or bedroom so that clean and dirty laundry can be moved to and from with relative ease.

It might seem superficial but the fact that many laundry rooms are not only dark and damp butt ugly as well. In the past homeowners really never gave much thought to livening up their laundry rooms.

Given the fact that over the years people have begun to spend more time in them, it's not difficult to ascertain why homeowners now have the opposite attitude. Some homeowners who have a new laundry room built from scratch have contractors put windows into the new room while those who are simply remodeling an existing room often warm-up the room with wallpaper, bright colored paints, and other decorative items. Though homeowners generally spend only small increments of time in their laundry rooms the cumulative effect of a dark and boring laundry room can certainly take its toll on the senses.

As mentioned previously many laundry rooms are dark either due to a lack of proper interior lighting or a lack of windows. Every single room in a home requires the right lighting to not only create a specific atmosphere but to provide comfortable living and work conditions as well. In laundry rooms homeowners and their contractors should aim to install ample lighting so that laundry can be folded and matched without strain or headache. Lighting in our laundry room should also be uniform throughout the entire area.

While many homeowners are content with using some type of work bench or table to fold their laundry on, those that are having a new laundry room built or having one remodeled will seriously want to consider having some type of sorting system installed. This might include sorting bins, laundry baskets and hooks on the wall to hang clothes that require on hangers.

Ample folding space in laundry rooms is often one of the driving forces behind a laundry room remodel. Folding clothes should occur without having to pile different types of close over one another and should occur all-in-one area. A contractor can help a homeowner determine how this will work in their new laundry room.

While not everybody irons their clothes those that do benefit greatly from being able to do so directly in laundry room. This saves them the time and hassle of having to set up the iron, its board, and a storage space for clothes waiting to be ironed and those that have been ironed. Contractors and homeowners will often find ways to build some type of cubby or designated space for irons, their boards and those clothes which will be ironed. In some remodels and new laundry rooms homeowners negate the need for an ironing board altogether by having a counter top installed specifically for the purpose of ironing.

A new laundry room can make doing laundry more efficient, enjoyable, and far less of a hassle than it previously was. Homeowners that work with a contractor on this type of project stand a far greater chance of ending up with a laundry room that they're excited about and one that will give them what they need for years to come.

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

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