Have you ever read the real estate advertisements and noticed that the first item they often mention as they describe the house is granite countertops. That’s because granite countertops are valued highly when a person is selling their home. However, are all granite countertops expensive? It is a fact that they are more expensive than many other types of countertops. The advantages are hard to beat so let’s look at the reasons why granite countertops are so expensive.
The first thing you must consider is that granite is spread all across the entire globe. If you purchase granite from an exotic country, you should expect to pay more, while granite is often available right in your own back yard. Those should be a bit cheaper, but you’ll still have to pick out the slab from a local construction firm that specializes in the product.
When they extract the granite from the earth, it takes specialized skill and your first dollar goes to them. Next comes the dealer, then the fabricator until it finally arrives at your door by the installer, and it usually takes more than one person to transport it into your home.
The more expensive granite may be quite thick, and the different colors and designs spread through it. If you want uniform color on your countertop, granite may not be for you. Also you will see seams in the granite, but the advantages far outweigh those disadvantages. The best way to avoid disappointment as they install your new countertop is to pick out the exact slab from the contractor or businesses that have many slabs sitting on their sides in a frame made specifically for the granite. Remember granite is a natural stone and each slab is unique.
To maintain the beauty of granite is simple, but necessary as the granite ages. You will need to reseal and treat it on a regular basis. Then you should be able to sit hot pans on it and it shouldn’t crack, scratch or peel.
There are budget granite countertops, and they may be a bit thinner, not near as heavy and the price will be lower. It still retains its shiny beauty as long as you spend a few minutes every so often to reseal it. Other ways to protect your countertop will be to put hot pans on hot-pads, use a cutting board not your countertop, and keep juices like grape juice in the jar because they will stain countertops.
Pick and choose your budget granite countertop and you won’t be disappointed.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Exterior Paint: Beauty And Protection
When one member of a neighborhood paints the exterior of their home is not long before you see other homes in the same neighborhood receiving a fresh coat of exterior paint. One might believe that neighbors just like to compete and try to keep up with “The Joneses” but the truth is that a new exterior paint job makes a home look fresh, it adds resale value, and can make a home feel new and even boost the overall aesthetics of a street or cul-de-sac.
In truth most homeowners, whether a neighbor has painted their home or not, seek to give their homes a new exterior paint job simply because it beautifies a home and adds a lot of character to it as well. Creative homeowners working with contractors can also use exterior paint to give a home personality as well. As an exterior paint job can do a great many things for a home it's important to sit down with a professional painter, at least for a consultation, to determine which colors, shades, and style of paint a homeowner will want to use.
Once colors and styles and things of that sort have been settled upon it's important to select paints and application process that will help new paint serve as a primary line of defense against whether, bugs, and other types of debris and damage. Many modern paints contain preventative chemicals and even protective chemicals that can go a long way in keeping a house looking good long after it receives new paint.
It's also important for homeowners to remember during the choosing process that paint should be tested on their homes before any big purchases are made or painting begins. Test painting can easily be done on nondescript parts of a home in order to determine whether or not a particular color or shade will work on a home. Best of all the small test areas can be easily covered by the final paint once the process begins.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
In truth most homeowners, whether a neighbor has painted their home or not, seek to give their homes a new exterior paint job simply because it beautifies a home and adds a lot of character to it as well. Creative homeowners working with contractors can also use exterior paint to give a home personality as well. As an exterior paint job can do a great many things for a home it's important to sit down with a professional painter, at least for a consultation, to determine which colors, shades, and style of paint a homeowner will want to use.
Once colors and styles and things of that sort have been settled upon it's important to select paints and application process that will help new paint serve as a primary line of defense against whether, bugs, and other types of debris and damage. Many modern paints contain preventative chemicals and even protective chemicals that can go a long way in keeping a house looking good long after it receives new paint.
It's also important for homeowners to remember during the choosing process that paint should be tested on their homes before any big purchases are made or painting begins. Test painting can easily be done on nondescript parts of a home in order to determine whether or not a particular color or shade will work on a home. Best of all the small test areas can be easily covered by the final paint once the process begins.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Where Do I Put These Things? Home Storage Ideas
Home storage can be a real conundrum for some homeowners. More often than not families will move into a home that provides them with ample storage space but over time families will procure even more items. As the procuring of items continues over time storage space dwindles and more often than not many parts of the home that aren't really meant for storage become makeshift storage spaces .
When this happens the question of where to put things becomes a constant thorn in the side of a homeowner. As time passes organizing efforts will begin to seem less effective than they were in the past which can make staying organized even more difficult as time goes on. Additionally most homeowners would prefer not to have to cram and jam their belongings into any storage space. The good news is that there are ways to re-organize a home even as families bring more items into their home. Even better, many of these methods are inexpensive though as a last resort some homeowners may call in a professional organizer for assistance.
The first step in staying ahead of the home organization game is to streamline belongings. Getting rid of items that have sat unused for any great length of time should be moved out of the home as should items that are used infrequently. Spending a weekend or two going through belongings in storage spaces throughout a home will allow a homeowner to determine what can stay and what needs to go.
Many homeowners are surprised to find that the simple act of streamlining their things can free up more than half of their dedicated storage spaces. While some homeowners may have a difficult time letting some of their items go, it's important to remember that not everything needs to go. Items for example that invoke good memories or items that were very expensive don't necessarily need to be discarded or given away and instead can be put into a different storage space or brought out for use or display within a home. If there are many things in a dedicated storage space that are of a sentimental value, homeowners should take some time to select just a few related items to keep which will help make letting the rest go much easier.
After belongings have been streamlined and either put in the trash or donated, homeowners can turn their attention towards furniture that they may have in cluttered rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. Many modern pieces of furniture contain drawers, cabinets or small nooks that can and should be utilized for storage whenever possible. Cluttered bedrooms for example can benefit greatly from a bed that doubles as a storage space. Small knickknacks, toys, clothes, and even things like games can be neatly tucked away to create walking space and even playspace in a bedroom. The same goes for living rooms. Many entertainment centers often contain cabinets and drawers which can be used to house electronic equipment, remote controls, and even things like keys and wallets.
When homeowners are confronted with shrinking storage space in their homes one of the most important things they should consider is utilizing the unused or neglected spaces within their home. These spaces might include a bedroom left vacant by a grown child, a game room that no longer gets used, and perhaps even an empty attic. All of these rooms can be easily converted into storage spaces at very little cost to a homeowner and usually offer homeowners a great deal of space.
Homeowners would do well to remember that home organization should be an ongoing thing and not an annual or biannual project. By staying focused on keeping their home organized homeowners will never end up with clutter nor the need to spend an entire week or more reorganizing their home.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
When this happens the question of where to put things becomes a constant thorn in the side of a homeowner. As time passes organizing efforts will begin to seem less effective than they were in the past which can make staying organized even more difficult as time goes on. Additionally most homeowners would prefer not to have to cram and jam their belongings into any storage space. The good news is that there are ways to re-organize a home even as families bring more items into their home. Even better, many of these methods are inexpensive though as a last resort some homeowners may call in a professional organizer for assistance.
The first step in staying ahead of the home organization game is to streamline belongings. Getting rid of items that have sat unused for any great length of time should be moved out of the home as should items that are used infrequently. Spending a weekend or two going through belongings in storage spaces throughout a home will allow a homeowner to determine what can stay and what needs to go.
Many homeowners are surprised to find that the simple act of streamlining their things can free up more than half of their dedicated storage spaces. While some homeowners may have a difficult time letting some of their items go, it's important to remember that not everything needs to go. Items for example that invoke good memories or items that were very expensive don't necessarily need to be discarded or given away and instead can be put into a different storage space or brought out for use or display within a home. If there are many things in a dedicated storage space that are of a sentimental value, homeowners should take some time to select just a few related items to keep which will help make letting the rest go much easier.
After belongings have been streamlined and either put in the trash or donated, homeowners can turn their attention towards furniture that they may have in cluttered rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. Many modern pieces of furniture contain drawers, cabinets or small nooks that can and should be utilized for storage whenever possible. Cluttered bedrooms for example can benefit greatly from a bed that doubles as a storage space. Small knickknacks, toys, clothes, and even things like games can be neatly tucked away to create walking space and even playspace in a bedroom. The same goes for living rooms. Many entertainment centers often contain cabinets and drawers which can be used to house electronic equipment, remote controls, and even things like keys and wallets.
When homeowners are confronted with shrinking storage space in their homes one of the most important things they should consider is utilizing the unused or neglected spaces within their home. These spaces might include a bedroom left vacant by a grown child, a game room that no longer gets used, and perhaps even an empty attic. All of these rooms can be easily converted into storage spaces at very little cost to a homeowner and usually offer homeowners a great deal of space.
Homeowners would do well to remember that home organization should be an ongoing thing and not an annual or biannual project. By staying focused on keeping their home organized homeowners will never end up with clutter nor the need to spend an entire week or more reorganizing their home.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Converting Unused Spaced Into A Sun Porch
Small spaces or corners within a home often become cluttered storage spaces simply because they're too small to turn into a bedroom but are bigger than a closet. Not only can these corners become unorganized and messy but they can be a real eyesore and a waste of space as well. Things like storage bins, knickknacks, old furniture and whatnot all end up taking up space that could be utilized better by homeowners.
One of the latest trends in home improvement projects is to convert these spaces into a sun porch. While sun porches have existed for several centuries, they haven't been very popular in the United States until recently. Modern homeowners however immediately see the value in a sun porch once they do little but of research on this type of project. Sun porches are extremely convenient for homeowners who live in temperate climates such as those found in Southern California. It never gets too hot in the summer and spring and fall are great times for relaxing outside. Some sun porches even allow for relaxing in the winter. This is achieved by turning screens into windows and having proper heating installed.
Sun porches as their name would have you believe, provide homeowners with an indoor environment that melds perfectly with an outdoor one. Sun porches can be utilized for reading, napping, and even watching TV on a hot summer's day. Some homeowners will even use her sun porches as a home office or a sort of den/study. With modern conveniences inside and direct access to the outdoors sun porches can provide homeowners with the pleasures of indoor life without imposing guilt that some feel by not spending more time outside. In the dead of winter couples can cozy up in a sun room wrapped in blankets and take in a movie while sitting on a couch. At the same time individuals can enjoy watching snow fall, clouds blow through a winter sky, and even birds flying south. Essentially a sun porch offers homeowners the best of both worlds, indoors and out, year-round.
Sun porches will not only provide homeowners with a relaxing place to spend some time and to enjoy nature but will also add tremendous resale value to a home. Moreover sun porches can be built not only from small corners and nooks in a home but from larger rooms that have gone unused for some time, say for example, a a room that has been left behind by a child who's grown up and moved out of the house. Regardless of the type of sun porch a homeowner might be interested in it behooves them to contact home improvement contractor to ensure that their project not only gets completed properly but that it gets done on a budget as well.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
One of the latest trends in home improvement projects is to convert these spaces into a sun porch. While sun porches have existed for several centuries, they haven't been very popular in the United States until recently. Modern homeowners however immediately see the value in a sun porch once they do little but of research on this type of project. Sun porches are extremely convenient for homeowners who live in temperate climates such as those found in Southern California. It never gets too hot in the summer and spring and fall are great times for relaxing outside. Some sun porches even allow for relaxing in the winter. This is achieved by turning screens into windows and having proper heating installed.
Sun porches as their name would have you believe, provide homeowners with an indoor environment that melds perfectly with an outdoor one. Sun porches can be utilized for reading, napping, and even watching TV on a hot summer's day. Some homeowners will even use her sun porches as a home office or a sort of den/study. With modern conveniences inside and direct access to the outdoors sun porches can provide homeowners with the pleasures of indoor life without imposing guilt that some feel by not spending more time outside. In the dead of winter couples can cozy up in a sun room wrapped in blankets and take in a movie while sitting on a couch. At the same time individuals can enjoy watching snow fall, clouds blow through a winter sky, and even birds flying south. Essentially a sun porch offers homeowners the best of both worlds, indoors and out, year-round.
Sun porches will not only provide homeowners with a relaxing place to spend some time and to enjoy nature but will also add tremendous resale value to a home. Moreover sun porches can be built not only from small corners and nooks in a home but from larger rooms that have gone unused for some time, say for example, a a room that has been left behind by a child who's grown up and moved out of the house. Regardless of the type of sun porch a homeowner might be interested in it behooves them to contact home improvement contractor to ensure that their project not only gets completed properly but that it gets done on a budget as well.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Orange County Home Improvement
Orange County Home Improvment
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We are the only website that focuses on providing trusted home improvement service providers only for Orange County. We have a team whose only job is to search the county for the finest Home Improvement companies and connect them with home owners who are looking for a trusted, reliable professional service provider.
START YOUR SEARCH TODAY FOR AN ORANGE COUNTY HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Orange County, CA Home Improvement
Orange County, CA Home Improvment
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We are the only website that focuses on providing trusted home improvement service providers only for Orange County. We have a team whose only job is to search the county for the finest Home Improvement companies and connect them with home owners who are looking for a trusted, reliable professional service provider.
START YOUR SEARCH TODAY FOR AN ORANGE COUNTY HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Orange County General Contractors
Orange County General Contractors
Search Through Pre-Screened & Pre-Approved Specialists!!
We are the only website that focuses on providing trusted home improvement service providers only for Orange County. We have a team whose only job is to search the county for the finest Home Improvement companies and connect them with home owners who are looking for a trusted, reliable professional service provider.
START YOUR SEARCH TODAY FOR AN ORANGE COUNTY HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Contractors, Orange County
Contractors, Orange County
Search Through Pre-Screened & Pre-Approved Specialists!!
We are the only website that focuses on providing trusted home improvement service providers only for Orange County. We have a team whose only job is to search the county for the finest Home Improvement companies and connect them with home owners who are looking for a trusted, reliable professional service provider.
START YOUR SEARCH TODAY FOR AN ORANGE COUNTY HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Orange County Contractors
Orange County Contractors
Search Through Pre-Screened & Pre-Approved Specialists!!
We are the only website that focuses on providing trusted home improvement service providers only for Orange County. We have a team whose only job is to search the county for the finest Home Improvement companies and connect them with home owners who are looking for a trusted, reliable professional service provider.
START YOUR SEARCH TODAY FOR AN ORANGE COUNTY HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Yorba Linda Home Improvement
Yorba Linda Home Improvement
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Anaheim Home Improvement
Anaheim Home Improvement
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Contractors in Orange County
Contractors in Orange County
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Buena Park Home Improvement
Buena Park Home Improvement
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Coto De Caza Home Improvement
Coto De Caza Home Improvement
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Newport Beach Home Improvement
Newport Beach Home Improvement
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Thursday, July 19, 2012
Solutions for Small Kitchens
When your goal is to have a small kitchen free of clutter you will find that the solutions are easily obtained and much cheaper than having a complete kitchen overhaul. There are many things you can do to increase your working space.
If you have an unusable corner cabinet in your kitchen, you know that you can’t reach anything in that far corner. There are now corner rollouts or a lazy susan made specifically for the corner. You’ll find that cabinet to be one of your favorites. For a deep cabinet possibly beneath the stove or stovetop that is a good place to store your mixer, toaster, or pots and pans.
When you replace the double sink in your kitchen, consider one large sink, or even one large and one small. Install a new faucet with a pullout sprayer and that will give your kitchen an entirely new look. Keep going and have a roll-out installed under the sink that sits right on the floor, and that back area is good for soap, bleach, window cleaner and other cleaning products. A tilt tray right in front of your sink can provide a place for small scrapers, sponges and brushes.
If your microwave sits on the counter, consider buying one that will hang above your stove that will have a fan to remove steam from the room. That countertop space is now available as a place to prepare dinner. If there are cabinets above the now hanging micro, put items that you rarely use there.
Drawer space is another fixable place that can give you additional space if you use it wisely. There are drawer guides to keep your utensils organized. Place items that you don’t use regularly in the back of the guide. Put recipes or notes under the guide, but don’t stack bills there.
Consider pull down shelves that attach under your kitchen cabinets. They have them specially made for cookbooks or other items.
Some companies will replace your drawers, cabinet doors, and rollouts. They call that re-facing and will give your kitchen an entirely new look. They aren’t that expensive when you consider the price of a totally new kitchen. You can add new knobs or leave the knobs completely off.
Businesses are hungry today and many have gone out of business because of our economy. Go online and find a local company that can help you as you hunt for solutions for your small kitchen. They will come to your home and tell you exactly how much it will cost. It’s hard to begin, but when your kitchen is completed you’ll shine in your new kitchen.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
If you have an unusable corner cabinet in your kitchen, you know that you can’t reach anything in that far corner. There are now corner rollouts or a lazy susan made specifically for the corner. You’ll find that cabinet to be one of your favorites. For a deep cabinet possibly beneath the stove or stovetop that is a good place to store your mixer, toaster, or pots and pans.
When you replace the double sink in your kitchen, consider one large sink, or even one large and one small. Install a new faucet with a pullout sprayer and that will give your kitchen an entirely new look. Keep going and have a roll-out installed under the sink that sits right on the floor, and that back area is good for soap, bleach, window cleaner and other cleaning products. A tilt tray right in front of your sink can provide a place for small scrapers, sponges and brushes.
If your microwave sits on the counter, consider buying one that will hang above your stove that will have a fan to remove steam from the room. That countertop space is now available as a place to prepare dinner. If there are cabinets above the now hanging micro, put items that you rarely use there.
Drawer space is another fixable place that can give you additional space if you use it wisely. There are drawer guides to keep your utensils organized. Place items that you don’t use regularly in the back of the guide. Put recipes or notes under the guide, but don’t stack bills there.
Consider pull down shelves that attach under your kitchen cabinets. They have them specially made for cookbooks or other items.
Some companies will replace your drawers, cabinet doors, and rollouts. They call that re-facing and will give your kitchen an entirely new look. They aren’t that expensive when you consider the price of a totally new kitchen. You can add new knobs or leave the knobs completely off.
Businesses are hungry today and many have gone out of business because of our economy. Go online and find a local company that can help you as you hunt for solutions for your small kitchen. They will come to your home and tell you exactly how much it will cost. It’s hard to begin, but when your kitchen is completed you’ll shine in your new kitchen.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Beauty and Versatility:Wood Shelves In The Kitchen
It's very common in the new construction of homes for construction teams to choose plastic/vinyl instead of wooden kitchen shelves. This is mainly due to the fact that plastic kitchen shelves are much more affordable than their wooden counterparts but the fact remains that plastic is a big turnoff to many buyers and furthermore many buyers replace plastic shelves with wooden kitchen shelves soon after the purchase of a home.
One of the biggest reasons wooden kitchen shelves replace plastic shelves is due to the fact that real wood shelves are much more attractive than their plastic counterparts. Additionally wooden kitchen shelves can be stained to match any existing decor already in the kitchen and the marvelous eye-catching detail of wood grain running through properly cut wooden shelves are always pleasing to the eye. Even more important than aesthetics is the fact that wooden shelves and cabinets last roughly 30 years while plastic can wear and require replacement after just a few short years. This isn't the type of project most homeowners will want to revisit on even a semi regular basis.
Individuals who purchase a home will often replace plastic shelves and cabinets with wooden ones because wood is solid and offers a much sturdier finished product. There are no flimsy doors that rattle when moved when you're dealing with wooden kitchen shelves and dovetail drawers don't swell when they're made from wood.
One thing that contractors and even some homeowners often overlook is the fact that while wooden kitchen shelves are more expensive to install initially, it actually costs more to replace plastic shelves every few years. You get what you pay for and while you may pay more for wooden kitchen shelves at first remember that quality costs and always pays off in the long run.
Another interesting fact to keep in mind when dealing with wooden versus plastic kitchen shelves is the fact that wooden kitchen shelves and cabinets systems are far stronger, more rugged, and can bear much more weight than those made of plastic. The added strength and weight capacity of wooden shelves allows for greater stocking which makes things much more convenient when somebody goes to cook in a kitchen.
There are four big things that all homeowners to keep in mind when they're considering adding wood shelves to their kitchen.
Always keep in mind that a proper shelving system should be designed and constructed so as to accommodate a great number of items. Secondly shelving installed in kitchens should be planned and built so as to accommodate the owner's immediate needs first. Third, precise measurements of height and width should be taken well before any purchasing, construction or installation begins. Lastly it's important to remember that shelves should be designed to meet the desires and needs of a homeowner and not the designer or any contractor a homeowner may be working with.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
One of the biggest reasons wooden kitchen shelves replace plastic shelves is due to the fact that real wood shelves are much more attractive than their plastic counterparts. Additionally wooden kitchen shelves can be stained to match any existing decor already in the kitchen and the marvelous eye-catching detail of wood grain running through properly cut wooden shelves are always pleasing to the eye. Even more important than aesthetics is the fact that wooden shelves and cabinets last roughly 30 years while plastic can wear and require replacement after just a few short years. This isn't the type of project most homeowners will want to revisit on even a semi regular basis.
Individuals who purchase a home will often replace plastic shelves and cabinets with wooden ones because wood is solid and offers a much sturdier finished product. There are no flimsy doors that rattle when moved when you're dealing with wooden kitchen shelves and dovetail drawers don't swell when they're made from wood.
One thing that contractors and even some homeowners often overlook is the fact that while wooden kitchen shelves are more expensive to install initially, it actually costs more to replace plastic shelves every few years. You get what you pay for and while you may pay more for wooden kitchen shelves at first remember that quality costs and always pays off in the long run.
Another interesting fact to keep in mind when dealing with wooden versus plastic kitchen shelves is the fact that wooden kitchen shelves and cabinets systems are far stronger, more rugged, and can bear much more weight than those made of plastic. The added strength and weight capacity of wooden shelves allows for greater stocking which makes things much more convenient when somebody goes to cook in a kitchen.
There are four big things that all homeowners to keep in mind when they're considering adding wood shelves to their kitchen.
Always keep in mind that a proper shelving system should be designed and constructed so as to accommodate a great number of items. Secondly shelving installed in kitchens should be planned and built so as to accommodate the owner's immediate needs first. Third, precise measurements of height and width should be taken well before any purchasing, construction or installation begins. Lastly it's important to remember that shelves should be designed to meet the desires and needs of a homeowner and not the designer or any contractor a homeowner may be working with.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Porch And Deck Renovation
Porches and decks are often utilized by homeowners for recreation and relaxation. As such many homeowners often go to great lengths in order to make their decks and porches standout even against the rest of their home. This is especially true of homeowners who entertain guests regularly for both pleasure and/or business. Properly cared for, porches and decks can provide homeowners and their guests with places to not only stay out of the sun but a place to eat, and even catch a cat nap.
The trouble with porches and decks however is that over time exposure to sun, rain, and in more extreme environments, things like snow and wind can lose their luster and warmth. When this happens many homeowners simply choose to ignore the wear and tear and begin entertaining their guests indoors or meet them somewhere other than at their home. Other homeowners however will opt to have their porches and decks cleaned, refinished, and refurbished. Aesthetic benefits aside, renovating a porch or deck will give homeowners the opportunity to enjoy their decks and porches for a great number of years and even decades to come.
Homeowners however will need to consider how they wish to renovate their porch or deck. Those with decks and porches made of wood will often opt to have them re-stained. There are pros and cons to restating a deck or porch however that must be considered prior to actually moving forward with such a project. The pros of restating a deck or porch included no peeling and no flaking and of course the natural beauty of stained wood. The cons of re-staining a porch or deck however include greater care and maintenance and frequent touchups or re-staining of decks and porches that are in environments that produce direct and extreme sunlight. Homeowners with vinyl decks can always opt for paint though they must go through the process of choosing the right color and texture for their new paint while homeowners with concrete decks and porches must spend time going over the many different types of concrete, stone, and even brick available for their project.
Regardless of the type of deck or porch a homeowner should carefully select materials that will leave them with a porch/deck renovation project they can be proud of. When done properly, a deck and or a porch will provide homeowners and their guests with a warm and exciting place to gather just outside of the home. While the costs associated with deck and porch renovation are sometimes high the end result always justifies the money spent and should a homeowner ever decide to sell their home a newly renovated deck or porch will add tremendous resale value to their home.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
The trouble with porches and decks however is that over time exposure to sun, rain, and in more extreme environments, things like snow and wind can lose their luster and warmth. When this happens many homeowners simply choose to ignore the wear and tear and begin entertaining their guests indoors or meet them somewhere other than at their home. Other homeowners however will opt to have their porches and decks cleaned, refinished, and refurbished. Aesthetic benefits aside, renovating a porch or deck will give homeowners the opportunity to enjoy their decks and porches for a great number of years and even decades to come.
Homeowners however will need to consider how they wish to renovate their porch or deck. Those with decks and porches made of wood will often opt to have them re-stained. There are pros and cons to restating a deck or porch however that must be considered prior to actually moving forward with such a project. The pros of restating a deck or porch included no peeling and no flaking and of course the natural beauty of stained wood. The cons of re-staining a porch or deck however include greater care and maintenance and frequent touchups or re-staining of decks and porches that are in environments that produce direct and extreme sunlight. Homeowners with vinyl decks can always opt for paint though they must go through the process of choosing the right color and texture for their new paint while homeowners with concrete decks and porches must spend time going over the many different types of concrete, stone, and even brick available for their project.
Regardless of the type of deck or porch a homeowner should carefully select materials that will leave them with a porch/deck renovation project they can be proud of. When done properly, a deck and or a porch will provide homeowners and their guests with a warm and exciting place to gather just outside of the home. While the costs associated with deck and porch renovation are sometimes high the end result always justifies the money spent and should a homeowner ever decide to sell their home a newly renovated deck or porch will add tremendous resale value to their home.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County home improvement, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego home improvement.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thinking About Reflooring?
Thinking about replacing the flooring in your home in order to add more vibrancy to your home or perhaps a little resale value? This is the type of project many homeowners often consider after they've repainted the interior of their home, added new window décor, replaced countertops in kitchen's, and even put in new showers and bathtubs. Some homeowners will even consider replacing the flooring in their home as part of a new furniture plan.
Before replacing the flooring in your home however it's important to review and consider several things. The first and perhaps most important among these things is your budget. Many homeowners often make the mistake of diving headfirst into a reflooring project without giving much consideration to their budget. Much like a child's eyes that are bigger than their stomach when they visit a restaurant, a homeowners eyes may be bigger than their budget when they begin considering putting in stained wood flooring or marble tile into one or more of the rooms in their home. Keeping your head out of the clouds and your feet firmly planted on the ground in front of your bank account will help you determine what types of flooring you'll be able to purchase and how many rooms you be able to re-floor.
The next thing you should consider prior to beginning a reflooring project is the rooms themselves. Questions like, "how often are these rooms used" and "what type of flooring will stand up best to foot traffic in that room" are good questions to start with. Homeowners who simply begin re-flooring a room without considering the type of foot traffic those rooms see and the types of abuse the the new flooring might have to endure will often be faced with a mandatory reflooring project within just a matter of years, sometimes less. Not only does the traffic take its toll on certain rooms but so do things like pets, children, spills, and even food stains. You can further determine what type of flooring will work best for any particular room by considering things like leaks, moisture, exposure to direct sunlight, and even appliances. Not all types of flooring support heavy appliances so it is wise to select flooring that is both resilient and supportive.
The next thing you should consider is installation. While many homeowners may elect to lay down new linoleum, tile, or carpet, the job itself can be arduous and time-consuming for inexperienced individuals. There are also intricacies of each job that many do-it-yourselfers will overlook. Things like requirements for subflooring, removing old staples and baseboards, as well as some safety issues related to any re-flooring job can and should be addressed by someone with experience. This is why it's a good idea to consider hiring a professional re-flooring contractor. Professionals bring with them not only experience but professional grade tools and even advice for homeowners who feel lost during the initial planning phase of the reflooring project.
When properly prepared for and completed by experienced hands reflooring of a home adds something new to look at, resale value, and is something for homeowners to be excited about. You'll be amazed at how your new flooring changes the atmosphere in a particular room and makes it all the more easier to spend time in said room as well.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County flooring specialist, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego flooring specialist.
Before replacing the flooring in your home however it's important to review and consider several things. The first and perhaps most important among these things is your budget. Many homeowners often make the mistake of diving headfirst into a reflooring project without giving much consideration to their budget. Much like a child's eyes that are bigger than their stomach when they visit a restaurant, a homeowners eyes may be bigger than their budget when they begin considering putting in stained wood flooring or marble tile into one or more of the rooms in their home. Keeping your head out of the clouds and your feet firmly planted on the ground in front of your bank account will help you determine what types of flooring you'll be able to purchase and how many rooms you be able to re-floor.
The next thing you should consider prior to beginning a reflooring project is the rooms themselves. Questions like, "how often are these rooms used" and "what type of flooring will stand up best to foot traffic in that room" are good questions to start with. Homeowners who simply begin re-flooring a room without considering the type of foot traffic those rooms see and the types of abuse the the new flooring might have to endure will often be faced with a mandatory reflooring project within just a matter of years, sometimes less. Not only does the traffic take its toll on certain rooms but so do things like pets, children, spills, and even food stains. You can further determine what type of flooring will work best for any particular room by considering things like leaks, moisture, exposure to direct sunlight, and even appliances. Not all types of flooring support heavy appliances so it is wise to select flooring that is both resilient and supportive.
The next thing you should consider is installation. While many homeowners may elect to lay down new linoleum, tile, or carpet, the job itself can be arduous and time-consuming for inexperienced individuals. There are also intricacies of each job that many do-it-yourselfers will overlook. Things like requirements for subflooring, removing old staples and baseboards, as well as some safety issues related to any re-flooring job can and should be addressed by someone with experience. This is why it's a good idea to consider hiring a professional re-flooring contractor. Professionals bring with them not only experience but professional grade tools and even advice for homeowners who feel lost during the initial planning phase of the reflooring project.
When properly prepared for and completed by experienced hands reflooring of a home adds something new to look at, resale value, and is something for homeowners to be excited about. You'll be amazed at how your new flooring changes the atmosphere in a particular room and makes it all the more easier to spend time in said room as well.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County flooring specialist, Orange County general contractors, and San Diego flooring specialist.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
About Water Filtration Systems
Of the many people who received municipal tap water and use it for drinking, the majority often complain of it's poor taste and its foul smell. One way for people to get around the unpleasantries associated with tap water is to purchase bottled water though this course of action can be quite expensive and is environmentally irresponsible. In fact the more affordable and greener alternative is actually an water filtration system for the home. There are many water filtration systems available and range from the relatively simple and cheap to the elaborate and expensive. Before you purchase an water filtering system for your home however it's important to understand the function of each so that you can determine which filtration system will work best for you.
Though all water filtration systems are designed to remove unwanted minerals and contaminants from tap water they all do so very differently. While some filtration units use simple activated charcoal or carbon element filters others use electronic or mechanical means of filtration instead. Additionally some water filtration systems are meant only to remove large particles such as sand and mud from household water while others remove potentially harmful contaminants such as lead or bacteria. In order to determine which water filtration system will work best for your home you first need to determine what type of contaminants are present in your home's water and what means of filtration will treat the water best.
There are a great many different types of filtration systems available. The most simple type of filtration unit in the faucet mounted unit. The average consumer will instantly recognize the brands Pur and Brita, two of the largest manufacturers of faucet mounted units. The faucet mounted units work by diverting water through a filter cartridge which passes water over activated charcoal and then through a fine mesh remove contaminants. For the majority of homeowners this method is cheap, reliable, and effective enough. Other homeowners however may opt for an water filtration system that does a whole lot more. These filtration systems remove mineral deposits like lead, ammonia, chlorine and even many of the larger biological contaminants found in tap water.
Water filtration systems are also available in a wide variety of different sizes. A good example of a decently sized filtration system is the reverse osmosis system. These particular filters remove contaminants by forcing water through a semi permeable membrane that contain very small openings and puts purified water in a holding tank until it's ready to be used. These types of water filtration systems can range in size but generally speaking hold a few gallons of water at a time on average. These types of systems are also usually separate from the tap and offer water which is dispensed from a slender faucet. Reverse osmosis is very effective at removing particulate matter and somewhat effective at filtering out biological contaminants.
There are consumers out there who worry about biological contaminants such as E. coli and chloroform bacteria like Legionella and Giardia. If you're one of those types of consumers then you may need to find an ultraviolet water filtration system for your home. Unlike other water filtration systems an ultraviolet filter radiates water with light and destroys the cells of simple bacterium and viruses. You needn't to worry however as the light isn't strong enough to cause water to become irradiated. The one catch all consumers will long want to be aware of however is that the installation of an ultraviolet water filtration system will always need to be handled by a licensed and bonded plumber with experience in such systems. Additionally if you opt for an ultraviolet water filtration system you may also need a pre-filter that removes any particulate matter that may allow bacteria to hide from the radiation.
While making use of an water filtration system is definitely something that plumbers will recommend, the consumer should understand that no matter what type of water filtration system they install their home, none of them are going to remove all contaminants all of the time. If a homeowner suspects that their tap water contains biological contaminants thenn they can ask a plumber or member of the state health department to perform a simple test on their water. The majority of municipal water treatment plants use ultraviolet sterilization to purify their water though some of this water can be re-contaminated after the water leaves the plant. In the majority of scenarios however the tap water that reaches an individual's home needs only standard filtration in order to improve taste and smell. Utilizing an water filtration system will save consumers money by filtering out there on water rather than purchasing bottled water.
If you have questions regarding any water filtration system be sure to browse through our list of plumbers.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County water filtration system, Orange County home improvement, and San Diego water filtration system.
Though all water filtration systems are designed to remove unwanted minerals and contaminants from tap water they all do so very differently. While some filtration units use simple activated charcoal or carbon element filters others use electronic or mechanical means of filtration instead. Additionally some water filtration systems are meant only to remove large particles such as sand and mud from household water while others remove potentially harmful contaminants such as lead or bacteria. In order to determine which water filtration system will work best for your home you first need to determine what type of contaminants are present in your home's water and what means of filtration will treat the water best.
There are a great many different types of filtration systems available. The most simple type of filtration unit in the faucet mounted unit. The average consumer will instantly recognize the brands Pur and Brita, two of the largest manufacturers of faucet mounted units. The faucet mounted units work by diverting water through a filter cartridge which passes water over activated charcoal and then through a fine mesh remove contaminants. For the majority of homeowners this method is cheap, reliable, and effective enough. Other homeowners however may opt for an water filtration system that does a whole lot more. These filtration systems remove mineral deposits like lead, ammonia, chlorine and even many of the larger biological contaminants found in tap water.
Water filtration systems are also available in a wide variety of different sizes. A good example of a decently sized filtration system is the reverse osmosis system. These particular filters remove contaminants by forcing water through a semi permeable membrane that contain very small openings and puts purified water in a holding tank until it's ready to be used. These types of water filtration systems can range in size but generally speaking hold a few gallons of water at a time on average. These types of systems are also usually separate from the tap and offer water which is dispensed from a slender faucet. Reverse osmosis is very effective at removing particulate matter and somewhat effective at filtering out biological contaminants.
There are consumers out there who worry about biological contaminants such as E. coli and chloroform bacteria like Legionella and Giardia. If you're one of those types of consumers then you may need to find an ultraviolet water filtration system for your home. Unlike other water filtration systems an ultraviolet filter radiates water with light and destroys the cells of simple bacterium and viruses. You needn't to worry however as the light isn't strong enough to cause water to become irradiated. The one catch all consumers will long want to be aware of however is that the installation of an ultraviolet water filtration system will always need to be handled by a licensed and bonded plumber with experience in such systems. Additionally if you opt for an ultraviolet water filtration system you may also need a pre-filter that removes any particulate matter that may allow bacteria to hide from the radiation.
While making use of an water filtration system is definitely something that plumbers will recommend, the consumer should understand that no matter what type of water filtration system they install their home, none of them are going to remove all contaminants all of the time. If a homeowner suspects that their tap water contains biological contaminants thenn they can ask a plumber or member of the state health department to perform a simple test on their water. The majority of municipal water treatment plants use ultraviolet sterilization to purify their water though some of this water can be re-contaminated after the water leaves the plant. In the majority of scenarios however the tap water that reaches an individual's home needs only standard filtration in order to improve taste and smell. Utilizing an water filtration system will save consumers money by filtering out there on water rather than purchasing bottled water.
If you have questions regarding any water filtration system be sure to browse through our list of plumbers.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County water filtration system, Orange County home improvement, and San Diego water filtration system.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Replacing Contertops and Cabinets
Some home improvement projects are expensive while others are inexpensive. At the same time some of these projects may be small in scope while others are extremely large. Moreover some home improvement projects do more than just aesthetically enhance an area of a home. Some of these actually improve resale value and can breathe new life into a room that has become dull and listless over time.
One such project that can do the latter are kitchen cabinets and countertops. Kitchens are one of the most frequently utilized rooms in a home and therefore are subject to great wear and tear over even short periods of time. This is especially true of cabinets and countertops because dishes are constantly put in and removed from them and food is correct and repeatedly cleaned on countertops which can leave them looking stained and dull.
While new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen can certainly be an expensive home improvement project, there are ways to keep costs low while still ending up with a finished product that both raises the resale value of a home and add some vibrancy to an older kitchen. Of course working with a professional contractor will help keep costs down and help keep such a project well within a homeowners budget.
New countertops and cabinets for kitchens are available in a wide array of materials, colors, textures, and quality. A professional contractor can help a homeowner determine which of the aforementioned their kitchen needs and what their budget will actually allow for. Even homeowners who are capable of dealing with the handiwork in such a project will still have a hard time determining what meets the needs of both the kitchen and the budget. A homeowner can select from wood, marble, vinyl, and even stone for both their countertops and their cabinets.
Once the specifics surrounding the types of countertops and cabinets has been settled upon installation can begin. While the job isn't an overtly difficult it does require precise measurements and a good knowledge of safety and cutting tools which is where professional contractors can save homeowners a whole lot of headache as well. Professionals can usually take care of installation within a day or two and have homeowners back in their kitchen relatively quickly.
While other home improvement projects require far greater time and a lot more money, replacing countertops and cabinets in the kitchen is a good way to improve the look of a kitchen without breaking the bank. Any homeowner who plans on selling their home in the near future should also consider this type of project as an affordable yet effective alternative to larger improvement projects.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County kitchen cabinets, Orange County home improvement, and San Diego kitchen cabinets.
One such project that can do the latter are kitchen cabinets and countertops. Kitchens are one of the most frequently utilized rooms in a home and therefore are subject to great wear and tear over even short periods of time. This is especially true of cabinets and countertops because dishes are constantly put in and removed from them and food is correct and repeatedly cleaned on countertops which can leave them looking stained and dull.
While new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen can certainly be an expensive home improvement project, there are ways to keep costs low while still ending up with a finished product that both raises the resale value of a home and add some vibrancy to an older kitchen. Of course working with a professional contractor will help keep costs down and help keep such a project well within a homeowners budget.
New countertops and cabinets for kitchens are available in a wide array of materials, colors, textures, and quality. A professional contractor can help a homeowner determine which of the aforementioned their kitchen needs and what their budget will actually allow for. Even homeowners who are capable of dealing with the handiwork in such a project will still have a hard time determining what meets the needs of both the kitchen and the budget. A homeowner can select from wood, marble, vinyl, and even stone for both their countertops and their cabinets.
Once the specifics surrounding the types of countertops and cabinets has been settled upon installation can begin. While the job isn't an overtly difficult it does require precise measurements and a good knowledge of safety and cutting tools which is where professional contractors can save homeowners a whole lot of headache as well. Professionals can usually take care of installation within a day or two and have homeowners back in their kitchen relatively quickly.
While other home improvement projects require far greater time and a lot more money, replacing countertops and cabinets in the kitchen is a good way to improve the look of a kitchen without breaking the bank. Any homeowner who plans on selling their home in the near future should also consider this type of project as an affordable yet effective alternative to larger improvement projects.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County kitchen cabinets, Orange County home improvement, and San Diego kitchen cabinets.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Windows: Dressing Your Home For Success
One of the first things that pedestrians will see when they pass in front of your home is its windows. The windows in even small homes are generally numerous and varied in design and quality. While many homeowners may not give much thought to their windows outside of keeping them clean, there are those who value the aesthetic properties of their homes windows, and in some cases as much as the home itself.
In the years and decades preceding this one windows built into a newly constructed homes remained there for the entire life of the home barring accidents of course and not a lot of thought was given into replacing them except for in situations where damage was incurred. In more recent times however homeowners who treat their homes as an extension of their own expression often utilize or have new installed windows. These windows mind you aren't your average single or double pane glass windows but rather windows that boast unique designs, textures, shapes, and colors. Rapidly advancing technology has given rise to the age of customized windows for homes. Not only can homeowners now select which type of design they want in their windows but they have the ability to select the type of glass, wood, metal, and architecture all without having to pay an arm and a leg for the privilege.
With affordable and varied options readily available to homeowners it has become commonplace to see homes with windows that really stand out. Some of these windows may boast odd textures, shapes, or designs while others may simply be installed to complement an existing exterior paint job, siding, or landscaping job. Moreover beautiful windows can make a home more valuable and more attractive to potential buyers.
If you're the type of homeowner who not only takes pride in their home and its outward appearance but want your home to be the standout in the neighborhood, new windows can go a long way in helping you achieve such goals. Moreover whether you have a large budget to play with or a more modest one from which you cannot deviate, there are plenty of options available to you in terms of high quality windows for your home.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County windows, Orange County home improvement, and San Diego windows.
In the years and decades preceding this one windows built into a newly constructed homes remained there for the entire life of the home barring accidents of course and not a lot of thought was given into replacing them except for in situations where damage was incurred. In more recent times however homeowners who treat their homes as an extension of their own expression often utilize or have new installed windows. These windows mind you aren't your average single or double pane glass windows but rather windows that boast unique designs, textures, shapes, and colors. Rapidly advancing technology has given rise to the age of customized windows for homes. Not only can homeowners now select which type of design they want in their windows but they have the ability to select the type of glass, wood, metal, and architecture all without having to pay an arm and a leg for the privilege.
With affordable and varied options readily available to homeowners it has become commonplace to see homes with windows that really stand out. Some of these windows may boast odd textures, shapes, or designs while others may simply be installed to complement an existing exterior paint job, siding, or landscaping job. Moreover beautiful windows can make a home more valuable and more attractive to potential buyers.
If you're the type of homeowner who not only takes pride in their home and its outward appearance but want your home to be the standout in the neighborhood, new windows can go a long way in helping you achieve such goals. Moreover whether you have a large budget to play with or a more modest one from which you cannot deviate, there are plenty of options available to you in terms of high quality windows for your home.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County windows, Orange County home improvement, and San Diego windows.
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