Hot Tub Covers: Create the Perfect Barrier

You enjoy your hot tub or spa so much you really don’t want to cover it and it’s a pain to remove the cover. If that’s the way you feel, look at it another way and you’ll find that the cover will be cost effective.

You probably use your spa more in the cooler months like fall and winter. Those months will have the most unwanted things like leaves, sticks, snow and just plain old debris and you certainly don’t want those things in your hot tub.

Actually it will be easier to remove the cover on your hot tub than all the stuff that has accumulated since its last use. Even if only one day has passed. If you run your hot tub during those cold months, a cover will prevent the growth of mildew. Also other pests like bugs, rodents, or problem neighbors will not be able to enter your hot tub when you are not home as long as the cover in on
In other words, the hot tub cover will save you money in the long run by keeping a constant temperature that keeps a seal for the warm water inside. The hot tub cover actually shouts to all No Trespassing.

When you get home late after a hard day at work, the hot tub with the cover on insures that the water temperature is perfect, and no dust, dirt or other stuff has taken residence inside. Shove the cover aside and your day ends perfectly in the relaxing waters.

Most people want their hot tub covered. It is a safety feature and the fact that it comes in an assortment of shapes, sizes and materials will blend in your entire yard. They design the covers specifically to insulate while other covers come in aluminum to keep your hot tub safe when children climb on the cover itself.

They make the hot tub covers for your convenience with built-in handles and easy rollback features and lightweight materials.

Children are naturally drawn to water, and they don’t realize the danger. When you cover your hot tub or spa, they may try to get in, but the cover keeps them out.

The business where you bought your hot tub in all probability have hot tub covers. They can advise you on the best type for you, and will know the exact size needed to cover your hot tub. If not, go online and search for businesses that supply covers. You’ll need to get the exact measurements before you try to order one. They may even come out and do the measurements for you, and will even deliver it right to your door.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County home remodeling.

Material Issue: Wood and Metal Gates

When you’re installing a gate, you may want it to match the rest of the fence. For instance, a picket fence would look best with a picket gate to match. However when you’re dealing with safety and security, you don’t want a picket fence. Something more secure would be advisable.

Nothing surpasses metal though, and an iron gate at the street protects the home from intruder’s right at the beginning of the driveway. Iron is expensive and many have turned to steel and aluminum gates not only for their price, but for the aesthetic beauty of the gate. They resist the weather, but the aluminum gate may lack in strength and that defeats their purpose.

Today steel is often painted black and sold as wrought iron, and the consumer must be wary if wrought iron is the choice. But there again, it is more expensive and the labor is intensive as well. Steel on the other hand can be molded and looks like old iron and many homeowners choose that look even though it isn’t as strong as iron.

Wooden fences are still popular depending on the grade of wood. Pine is lightweight and affordable, and will look good, but will need a regular paint job. Cedar is heavier and has natural weather resistance and bug repellant qualities. All wood fences need regular upkeep and painting to remain in good condition. The heavier the wood, the more costly the gate, and if you’re looking for privacy and security, the wood gate will fill the bill.

If you have a vinyl fence you’ll probably want a vinyl gate to match. They are functional and nice to look at, but carry little in the security department.

Another option in many areas, especially in the deserts of California is the chain link fence. Where wind plays a big part in choosing a fence and gate, the chain link fence is secure, but carries no aesthetic charm or privacy. However the chain line needs little upkeep and they come in sizes from three feet on up. The chain link fence also works well in keeping animals secured behind the fence.

When you search for the best fence for your area, look around at your neighbors. What types of fences do they have? If you like their fence and if they had it installed by a fence company, ask them the name of the company. It’s a good time to become familiar with your neighbors as you reach out to admire their fences.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County fences.

The New Family Tree: Grow Roots and Let Your House Blossom

If you’re one of those who listens to the media as it spews out gloom and doom with no good outlook for the future of our country, especially in the housing industry; you might want to take another look. Those advising homeowners to listen to their financial advisor will get better advice than they do from their real estate agent.

As you send your monthly check into your mortgage company, you’ve never been late or missed a payment and are nowhere near foreclosure; you are probably one of the lucky ones. Those who believe in luck will be the losers in this economy because it takes more than luck to stay above the proverbial bottom line, whether you’re in business or work for a successful business.

What lies ahead for those whose families are growing and need more space in their homes? Especially those families from the baby boomer era whose children are looking forward to attending college in the future, with hope or dread. So where do we go from here? Decisions need to be made, and no one wants to move to another area, but to remain means there is not enough space for your children to grow.

The decision is easy if you consider remodeling instead of moving. One example of a city in California where small two and three bedroom homes, with one bath were purchased remodeled and now are valued upward of a million dollars each; what the owners of those homes have done to create a new environment for their families.

Streets where those smaller homes that were built for the young family now have two stories and homes that stretch across the small lots, and the area has done nothing but increase in value. You don’t see foreclosures and the homes are well cared for with futuristic colors dotting the landscape. Even that city is probably in a mess like the rest of California, but as you drive through the older neighborhoods, you admire the progress the private owners have made.

So remodeling basements, attics and home additions are prevalent today and the reason is that people are reluctant to change their status into something unknown. It can be a simple thing to call more than one contractor and get a bid to upgrade your own home. If you start with the kitchen remodeling, then move to the baths, and then add another bedroom and/or bath to the back of your home, you’ll soon have the problem of crowding solved. 

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County ca contractors.

Tin Roof Rusted? Show Your Shack Some Love

You will rarely, if ever see a tin roof. If and when you do, you’ll realize the roof may have been on that building for well over a hundred years. If it is still in fairly good condition, if the roof is your responsibility, you’ll want to treat it to function properly. That won’t be an easy job, and unless you’re prepared to finish what you start, you should probably call an expert.

When they installed the tin roof, technology of today was lacking and they didn’t seal them properly. If that is the case with the one you’re looking at, the tin roof is probably in very bad condition. If you’re doubtful about walking on the roof, consider replacing it. However if the tin roof is repairable, then you should take a few steps as you tackle the job.

The first thing you’ll want to do is remove any debris. This includes everything from moss, rust, roof cement, old paint and possibly tar. Scrape that stuff off carefully and usually by hand. You can find chemicals to help remove the rust. After the roof is relatively clean by scrubbing, then rinse or power wash to prepare for paint.

After you’ve started cleaning and you realize that rust still remains, you need to take more steps to clean it. Once you’re satisfied that the rust is history, apply a rust resistant primer. After the primer dries, apply an acrylic base paint. Strips of meshing is then embedded into the acrylic base, then smooth the wrinkles out. After that dries, apply a coat of acrylic primer followed by a minimum of two acrylic topcoats.

Some have attempted to patch the holes in metal roofs by soldering pieces of metal over them. However the success of this process varies greatly. If you’re adamant about keeping the tin, or metal, roof, it may be easier to replace it.

A Metal roof will cost more as opposed to a more conventional roof, and the technology has improved over the years. The properly installed metal roof will last longer, have more durability and the problems of the past no longer overwhelm the home or business owner.

Those past problems of leaking and noise are gone as well. However the solid tin roof has had its own history, and no longer will be seen in this modern world, probably due to cost and availability. When you find a person that renovates the historic past and when they want the tin roof restored to its original beauty, they probably won’t settle for anything other than the historic tin roof.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County roofing.

Giving Old Cabinetry New Life: Painting Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Nothing looks worse in a house than an old kitchen that is in need of repair. Sometimes, all you need are new handles and/or knobs. If your kitchen cupboards are still usable, and only the surface looks really bad with the varnish and stain fading; don’t give up. There are ways to bring your kitchen back to life without remodeling.

A new coat of paint will add sparkle to your kitchen, and there are a few steps to help make the job look professional. You must prepare the surface and that doesn’t mean that the cupboards need stripping. Before you even begin, remove all of the items from your cupboards and drawers.

When you’re interested in a short-term investment in your kitchen, try lightly sanding the cabinets to even out the old stuff. Forget the inside that will wait. It’s best if you remove the cabinet doors, drawers and hardware. Painting over the hardware makes the job look unprofessional.

Repair any dents or deep scratches by filling them with special putty. You can buy that at the same store where you bought your paint. You’ll need to know what type of wood is in your kitchen. That will help the salesman at the hardware store know the type of paint that will adhere to your cabinets. Sand the putty down so it is level with the cabinet itself. Clean the cabinets thoroughly inside and out.

Picking out the paint, and choose a color that will go with the remainder of the room. Bright reds, oranges, purples or other bright colors will make your kitchen look smaller, and you’ll see the imperfections as well. When you like bright colors, you can always add accents later. If you’re planning on selling your home, overly bright colors are a definite turn off and the kitchen is the most important part of your home.

You may need an undercoat (or primer) that will prepare your cabinets for the final finish. You may only need one coat of paint, but many prefer two coats for a smoother finish. Another must – replace the knobs and hinges with new hardware. Newer type hardware will give your kitchen a fresher look, like self-closing drawers and cabinet doors.

If all of this sounds too strenuous, hire someone to do the work for you. A painter or handyman can do the job in the least amount of time. There are other ways as well. Kitchen companies reface kitchen cabinets and most give you new doors and new drawers. The results are much preferred over painting, and you’ll be amazed at the prices today. Refacing is cheaper than new, and the job gets done much faster, but hire a professional to do the job.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County cabinet remodeling.

5 Quick Ways to Create Bathroom Space

Is your bathroom too small? Is it cramped for space? Is there anything you can do to at least get that room to appear larger even if the space remaining hasn’t changed? If you’re like most people today, money is tight and you can’t imagine any way to get rid of the cramped feeling whenever you’re in that room. It’s a room that you can’t hide, even if you’d like to. So what to do?

One thing that takes more elbow grease than money is to get rid of the junk on the countertop. Do you have cupboard space? Is it cramped as well? Clean it out and get rid of those partially empty bottles or cleaning supplies. Throw them away in the trash, or better yet, recycle them and with the dollars you earn, buy a new rug and a couple of new towels.

That’s a start. Are the cupboards almost empty? Surprise, you didn’t really need all that stuff. The cleaning supplies could go elsewhere. Now organize the things that you still need. If you have drawer space, great, use it. If more than one person uses the room, put their stuff together even if you have to use an old shoe box or one of those cheap plastic boxes, then store the box in that empty cupboard. Give everyone their own box and make them responsible for putting their things away.

A skylight will increase the impression of space. Instead of cutting the room in half with a shower curtain, install a glass shower door. You never want to divide a room and if you do, the room grows smaller.

Paint the room, and/or put up wallpaper. Stripes make the room look taller. Have hooks on the back of the door where everyone can hang their clothing while bathing. Install a larger mirror; pick up the new colors around the mirror with flower stencils.

Is that heavy hamper still sitting almost in the middle of the floor? Get rid of it and have smaller hampers in each bedroom closet. Teach your family members, that nothing should be left out of place when they are finished in the room. Put all of the clothing, shoes, and night clothing, in the proper hamper, hung back up, or folded neatly in a drawer for later use. Never leave anything on the floor for others to stumble over. The same goes for used towels and when hung on the rack, adjust them so they’ll dry properly.

Make housekeeping a daily objective and everyone in the family should do their part.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County bathroom remodeling.

Preventative Home Maintenance

The following ideas should be put on a permanent list that must be done on a regular basis to keep your home ready for the winds, rain, and cold weather. For instance, you don’t want to try to repair damaged roofs when it’s raining, so be prepared.

Gutters & Downspouts – They need to be cleaned out frequently to prevent the buildup of leaves or debris. Make sure the support brackets are secure and the water drains properly and doesn’t pool up. Pooling can damage driveways and walkways and cause leaks within your home when they don’t drain properly.

Landscape & Yard work – Grass dries up, but the roots grow deeper in preparation for winter. Before winter is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn. Trim trees and shrubs after the leaves turn to encourage healthy growth. Also trim tree limbs that are close to power lines or the roof of your house.

Windows & Doors – Change summer screens to cool weather storm windows and doors, inspect and repair any loose or damaged window or doorframes. Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors to prevent drafts and to keep your heating bills down.

Heating Systems – Replace filters in your furnace. Have a heating professional check your heating system to insure proper heating and discover minor problems.

Plumbing – Insure that the pips are well insulated to prevent freezing or bursting

Chimney & Fireplace – Have a professional inspect and clean your chimney, and they should be cleaned annually. Make sure the flue has a tight seal when closed.

Attic Ventilation – Be sure attic insulation doesn’t cover vents in the eaves to prevent winter ice dams, and that they are clear of plants and debris. Check screens on attic vents to prevent birds or rodents from entering.

It’s a good idea to check all of the areas above before winter sets in, and some need to be checked more frequently. Your home should be insulated and every window and door checked regularly for drafts in order to keep your home in top condition and save on utility bills.

If this proves too challenging for you, you might consider hiring a cleaning service to check all of the areas mentioned, and possibly a few more that he may find. It’s the best way to stay ahead of the cleaning chores and make the necessary repairs before the winter storms hit your area.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County ca contractors.

Pressure Washers

Before your rush out to buy a pressure washer, decide first what you will use it for. Will you use it once a year or will you be using it several hours over the course of a year? The amount of use per year should be the ultimate decision. The GPM (gallons per minute), and PSI (pressure per square inch) will help you to decide the right model.

The lower end model will work for spring-cleaning, but may not do the job when you try to clean the oil and grease off your garage or driveway. The cheaper or residential models will not hold up under long hard hours of work and fail miserably when used for industrial washing.

What would you use the pressure washer for? There are many possibilities around your home that make the pressure washer earn its keep. Things like driveways, patios, walkways, gutters, downspouts, siding, outdoor furniture, dog runs & kennels, garage floors, lawn mowers, garden equipment, trashcans, and even cars. You can probably think of a few more too.

Many of the industrial uses such as preparing a surface for paint, equipment, grease and oil buildups and for those uses it is a cost-effective maintenance solution.

You’ll also have to decide whether you want a gas or electric power washer. Of course if you’ll be using the power washer where no electricity is available, you’ll have to settle for the gas model. The gas model is also well worth the money when you need a portable unit.

Remember though the pressure washers, even the smaller units, pack a punch, and they can be tricky for a novice to learn the procedures. If you’re not careful as you’re stripping the paint off of a building, you’ll punch right through the wood itself. That alone will cost much more than the pressure washer.

If you’re still not convinced that purchasing a pressure washer is the right way to go, you still have options, and one that will pay for itself in the long run. Rent a unit from an equipment rental company. They should be able to tell you the power necessary to get the job done.

The other option would be to hire a general contractor to do the job for you. You won’t have any trouble finding a competent contractor who will be happy to do the work.  He makes any job look easy, but it still boils down to experience, and that’s what you will be paying him for.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County ca contractors.

Would you be Content in Your Guest Room?

If your answer to that question is ‘NO’ then get busy, you’ve got some work to do. If remodeling is out of the question there is a lot you can do that will just take elbow grease and not a lot of cash.

First critically examine your guest room. Is the carpet a mess? If you can’t replace it, at least clean it or hire a professional carpet cleaner to do the job. Do you have wood flooring in the room? Then clean it thoroughly and add a couple of throw rugs.

How about the walls, are they faded and is the wallpaper outdated? Then paint the walls and either replace the wallpaper or wash it down. There again it takes only your elbow grease to get the job done.

Go to the bed, not in it, but check the bedding. Wash what can be washed and dry clean the spread to assure cleanliness. New pillows would be a good investment as well, and after your guests leave exchange them with the ones on your own bed. Plenty of warm blankets may be a good idea, but make sure they’re clean.

Now look at the windows. Clean them inside and out. Wash curtains and/or draperies. If the room has louvered blinds, dust them and wash them if they’ve been up there for any length of time. Is there a shade on the window? If not, some type of blind, shutter or shade is necessary for privacy.

Is there room for a chair in the room? Even a dining chair would be better than none. A mirror is another essential, and if none is available, a hand mirror may have to suffice. Is there a bureau in the room? A couple of empty drawers would be helpful.

Once the room is totally clean, make sure the light bulbs work. And back to that privacy, a lock on the door would be nice. Are there pictures on the wall? If not, remove some from another room if possible, or invest in a couple. Shop at a couple of thrift stores for objects that would make your guest feel at home.

Other articles like a favorite book, a radio, clock, fresh flowers, wastebasket, and personal pictures especially if the guest is included in them.

If the guest shares a bathroom with other occupants, give them clean towels, and wash cloths for their personal use.

The most important things to remember that your guests will appreciate would be cleanliness, comfort and above all privacy.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County ca contractors.

Be an Olympic Winner with Home Projects

Every year the Olympics come to town everyone realizes the hard work the contestants put into winning Olympic gold, silver or even bronze. However many are never satisfied with second or third place medals, they all want the gold.

The same is true in home improvement projects and if you want a medal for your efforts, you may have to rely on your family to acknowledge your progress. So what are the home projects that will give you the most praise? Kitchen and bathroom remodels take first place. Although those might be the most beneficial, they are also the most costly.

When you’re new in this game, the experts probably agree that your best bet is to go smaller at least at first. You can do things like buying new energy efficient kitchen appliances. The store where you buy them may also install them and haul your old ones away. That doesn’t take much ingenuity, but it does take more of your hard-earned dollars.

Since the bathroom project is smaller than the kitchen, you can start there. If you plan on enlarging it, removing walls will become necessary. That alone is a major project and may involve professional help. Don’t be discouraged though, you can still upgrade your bathroom without tearing out the entire room. You don’t want that project to take a lot of time because it is necessary to finish that job quickly.

A new sink cabinet will be something you can do if you understand plumbing. If not, then leave that to the experts. Paint is pretty easy and could be accomplished in one day if you keep at it. Bright new towels and fixtures will brighten up any room.

Electrical wiring and other plumbing in your home may need periodical changes, and there again experts may be the best procedure. . . let someone else do it if you’re willing to pay their price. Replacing old windows to the new vinyl windows will gain you that gold medal. Nothing upgrades a home faster than those new double paned windows that are easier to clean, look modern, and if you do the windows first, you’ll just have to finish the remaining upgrades in your home.

It’s a never-ending procession of projects, and when you finish the entire list, you’ll probably have to start over. However when you hire a professional to do the entire job for you, sure it will cost more, but the biggest advantage, they’ll all be finished within the shortest amount of time and you can get back to enjoying life.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County ca contractors.

Don’t Replace, Resurface!

We’re talking about your cement driveway here, and a reputable resurfacing company can do that job and more. You’ll be amazed just what they can do to a driveway that’s got cracks, holes, fissures, and don’t stop there. Today’s concrete is not the same as your dad’s. Those in the know will make borders for you, then turn around and give that concrete slab texture, coloring, and many other improvements.

A concrete resurfacing company can do the basic repairs and it’s an easier, cheaper way to fix your deteriorating driveway, walkway, or any other slab. First they fill the cracks and holes with a repair material. Then they apply a full coat of polymer concrete resurfacing material to the entire surface. When they’re finished you have a brand new concrete surface that will last for several years.

They can’t fix everything wrong with your driveways. Things like buckling, soil issues or other major problems. When your problems are huge, the only way to correct them is by tearing the old surface out and starting over.

However, let’s get back to some of the enhanced things they can do with concrete, whether on the interior or exterior of your home. Some of those things seem like a miracle as they take that drab gray slab of concrete and turn it into a thing of beauty.

The types of jobs they perform are endless and when you think that concrete refacing is only for repairs to your drive or patio slab, think again. Advance technology have brought the techniques back from the future and you end up with textured surfaces that mimic pavers, stones, and tiles by stenciling, acid staining and other basic colorings.

The ambitious homeowner can find the resurfacing products, but this project should be left to the experts because it is a major undertaking, and not one that you’ll have to repeat often. So if it’s done right the first time, you won’t have to do it again for several years.

Go online to find concrete resurfacing companies; the list may surprise you because this is a relative new type of business. Yes, concrete companies have been around for years and years, but to find a company that is familiar with the full range of decorative work takes specificity. The company you want will be able to provide you with a full range of ideas.

Most people never suspected all that they do. You’ll be the talk of your neighborhood and your new curb appeal is unsurpassed.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County ca contractors.