Learn to Share with a Jack and Jill Bathroom

Sounds nice especially if you have more than one child, and when they have to share one bathroom, trouble looms. However when you set up some rules, everyone will be happier when they obey them. If you have the ability and the where-with-all your best bet to save your sanity may be to hire a contractor who specializes in solving a family’s bathroom problems. You’ll be amazed at the solutions waiting for a family and a contractor will help you make those decisions.

A mutual bathroom between two bedrooms may be the best answer. Each door needs a lock on both sides, and when one is finished and forgets to unlock both doors, nothing has been gained. If that happens more than once, you may have to remove the locks, so let them be the judge. If they value their own privacy, then they must learn to share and share alike.

Another alternative may be to close off the shower and toilet, and install a two sink countertop in the outer room. You could also install Individual sinks against the bathroom wall within the bedrooms. That may not work if when the children grow and leave home you plan to use their bedrooms for an office or guest room.

Older children demand privacy and you’ll want to take that into consideration. You don’t want your rooms to feel like a dorm. They should be a place where each person has their own place and the bathroom is normally a shared place. It may be necessary to have them shower before going to bed at night. Then first thing in the morning they could wash and leave the room for someone else.

If that would work in your home, try it and have everyone who needs to use the bathroom have another place where they can dress and prepare for the day. Girls need mirrors, so have a dresser for them with an extra drawer for their cosmetics, etc. Boys should as well, but whether they’d even use it would depend on the boy.

Large families learn to adjust, they learn to share first with their families, then when they go out into the world. Sharing is part of living and they learn that at home. However when a family is able and willing to invest in their homes to make it more suitable for each member, a Jack and Jill Bathroom will make the beginning of each day a pleasure instead of one filled with stress.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County bathroom remodeling.

Health and Relaxation With a Steam Bath

Without a doubt, having a steam bath installed in your existing bathroom will benefit your entire family and offer relaxation and that alone promotes better health. No need for medications to relax your body and think of the money you’ll save as you step into your new steam bath right where your shower or bathtub used to be.

Don’t worry though; you’ll still be able to take your shower. You’ve probably seen movies or pictures of men in Rome or Turkey resting in their public steam houses. They realized long ago the benefits to their health and well-being. Those steam houses were available only to the prominent ‘men’ but today private individual homes can enjoy the luxury.

Taking regular steam baths will raise your body temperature a few degrees and   will make your immune system more efficient. The steam induced sweat helps flush those toxins from your body while cleansing your skin. The results will be invigorating and you’ll feel refreshed and energized.
If all of that sounds wonderful and if you’re interested in investing, and it will be an investment in your home, contact a contractor who has experience in bathroom remodeling and especially steam baths.

No, a steam bath will not be cheap, but all you’ll need is a shower or tub and you’ll avoid the extra expense of a sauna. Like we said, they install the sealed units in the area of your existing tub or shower. They install a steam generator out of sight in a basement, attic or even a nearby closet. Then they hook the system up to your existing home plumbing.

There are other options as well and you’ll feel pampered in the luxury of your own bathroom. The different models may include massaging showerheads, full body misters and even multiple showerheads. The options are simply too numerous to mention, so check out the local retailer and choose for yourself what you’d like.

Homeowners who have chosen to invest in a steam bath have found that the advantages when selling their home are greater. People search for homes with upgrades in their bathrooms and kitchens, and when they find one with a steam bath, they’re willing to pay the price.

So don’t wait around for your tax refund or pay raise, invest now so you’ll be able to enjoy the comfort of a steam bath right off your master bedroom. You’ll receive the added benefits as you invest in your health.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County bathroom remodeling.

Natural Wood Fencing

Natural wood fences are popular today because they are relatively easy to install and maintain, and offer both privacy and security as well. As long as the maintenance is kept up and repaired when the wind and weather damages them, they will live a long life. However before you start the project, check out the differences in wood both for their upkeep, durability and cost.

Pine and cedar are two of the most popular woods for wood fencing. Pine is less expensive, and it is usually chemically treated to be more durable with less insect damage. Cedar has a natural substance that makes it weather and bug resistant.

There are two types of cedar, red or white cedar. Red cedar is usually used for fencing and is an ideal choice. Fence contractors recommend that you use the wood that is native to your area, so they choose red cedar for the west and white cedar for the eastern part of our country. Both have the natural oils that resist weather and rot.

If you’re looking for a way to save money, check out the pressure treated lumber when you build your fence. It won’t hold up as good as cedar and you may experience some cracking and splitting with that type of lumber.

Regardless of the wood you choose, it will probably be necessary to treat the wood fencing on a regular basis. Treating and repairing your fence will increase the longevity of your fence.

Installation is also important and for the handyman homeowner be sure to research the techniques before you begin. There are several options as to style and type of fencing and you must decide if you want privacy and security or just a fence to separate your property from your neighbor.

Building and installing a fence takes a bit of practice and if you find that you don’t want to spend all the time on your fence, there are many contractors who will build it for you. They will buy and transport the necessary equipment to get the job done in record time. They also know the rules for fencing ones property so you won’t get in trouble with the local authorities.

Go online to find a local fence supplier or installation company. Most will come to your property and give you a free quote for the fence you want and need. Before you know it your fence will be surrounding your property line and give you the peace of mind knowing it will last a long time.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County fencing.

Let It Roll With Roll Up Doors

When someone mentions roll up doors, you probably think of those store front doors that roll up above the doors when the business is closed. But think again. Roll up doors are not just for warehouses or mansions. Today you’ll find many attractive luxury models that are popular and used as functional barriers between areas dividing one area from another.

Just imagine if in your back yard you have a beautiful swimming pool, and a portion of your yard has a large bar area with adult beverages. When the bar is not in use it would be a good idea to close it off especially to children. A roll up door would serve the purpose of keeping the area closed and locked against intruders.

Another use of the roll up doors is gaining popularity in private homes where a room is large and one area needs to be closed off possibly for a bedroom.

Still other areas where the roll up door would be helpful is in a garage or home workshop. The benefit of the roll up door would protect the items behind it and close and lock the area whether made from mesh or industrial metal.

The doors are not flimsy like the roll up shades used on many windows. They are made with strong structural integrity and still have the ease of operation and space saving abilities. They have small interlocking, horizontal panels that run along a track and flex at each joint.

This allows them to roll up as they are retracted. They come in both manual and mechanized models.
The fronts are made from shop front steel mesh doors and industrial metal models to elegant, stained wood varieties. You’ll be amazed at the many types available for everyday use, and the fact that they are now being installed in private homes opens up an entirely new function for the doors.

Whether you plan to install the roll up door in a warehouse, an upscale bar, a dress or sport shop, many install the retractable barrier in a home between the kitchen and living room. Their biggest attraction is that when the doors are open they are almost invisible at the top of the door or against the ceiling. When they are in the closed position, they offer high security barriers when no one else is around.

For those interested in roll up doors for business or homes, contact a roll up door specialist, retailer or installer. They will show you the many varieties available for all types of doors and barriers.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County doors.

Antique or Chic: Dens and Den Decorating

What exactly is a den? Well what it is today and what it was may be two different things. Then a den may mean different things to different people, and whether it should be antique or chic is up to the individual as well.

The den of the past seemed to be a place where dad could find seclusion. Seclusion from what? From the family, business, or the stress of the day? Where did that idea originate? Probably on television in programs like Leave it to Beaver, or Lassie, or other family shows where the Dad went off to work while Mom stayed home to take care of the house and all the kids.

That stereotype is long gone and who knows what TV programs are even worth watching today, it seems they went the way of the den for Dad. However if you had a den would you decorate it with antiques or chic? We know what antiques are, but what exactly is chic?

Well it must be the opposite of antique so we’ll just go with that.

When you find the den in your house is it the former guest room that you’ve seldom used? It that’s the case, then it might be a good idea to redecorate with the items that would look good in a den; or possibly, a couch with a rollout bed hidden beneath. A desk would be nice, or a couple of chairs to converse with a friend.

Family pictures especially those old ones would fit in the antique den. To brighten up the den, new frilly curtains just don’t seem to fit, but shutters might bring the proper atmosphere. Maybe a feminine touch would be good for Mom, but would Dad be happy there?

Regardless of your thoughts about a den, possibly it would be a good idea to decorate the room with colors that don’t offend, but offer a quiet time for the entire family. Separately of course, but when one is there whether reading, writing or sleeping, the rule might be to leave them alone with the door closed without television, radio, or any other electronic or wireless gadget.

What we seem to be looking for is a place where silence is preferable. Is our world so busy that we need a den in our lives where we can decorate it with bookshelves or dark desks with writing paraphernalia? Perhaps that is what’s missing in our lives. We need a den to call our own, a room when we enter it we leave the stress at the door and find respite in the silent retreat.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County home remodeling.

Pressure Washing Techniques For a Deep Clean

When you have dirt, grime, oil, or even graffiti around your home, you may want to try your hand at pressure washing techniques. You’ve seen others using the machines, and it really looks easy, and the dirt simply falls off the object. You might want to take a second look at the pressure washers.

Power or high-pressure cleaning uses a direct blast of water that they heat internally, and they use chemicals or solvents to help in the cleaning process. The water is discharged at five gallons per minute and up to 3,000 pounds per square inch of pressure. A lot of damage can be done with that much pressure if the operator is unfamiliar with the process.

If you’re planning on cleaning the garage floor and/or concrete driveway, you shouldn’t have any problem, and that would be a good place to start for the novice. However when you move to the side of your home where windows, plants and bushes are there, damage could be very costly.

Rather than rushing out to buy a power washer, try renting one first. The person where you rent it could give you advice on which machine to use, the solutions necessary to get the job done, and how much pressure to use.

If all that seems unnecessary and you’ve never used a pressure washer before, possibly you should consider hiring a professional to do the job. Many cleaning processes take delicate and skilled hands to get the job done. The professional will finish the job quickly and easily where it would take you the entire day to do the same.

There are different power washing techniques and just a few are:

SODA BLASTING – environmentally safe, and will clean multi-layered surfaces. It is non-corrosive and safe to use near food equipment.

SANDBLASTING – used for stripping and abrasion.

DRY ICE BLASTING – that shoots dense dry ice pellets into harmless gaseous substance on impact. It is safe around food equipment and dries instantly.

Anytime you find the need to remove grime, film or stain on your buildings, driveways or walls around your home or business you’ll want to discover the different pressure washing techniques instead of tackling the job yourself with a bucket of soap and water.

To find a professional you might try going online for a local contractor who is efficient in pressure washing techniques. They’ll know exactly the right method of cleaning all types of pollution and fuel emission residue, also mineral, lime and even hard water deposits.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County pressure washing.

Kitchen Nooks for Your Family

Kitchens are the heartbeat of every home. It’s where everyone wants to gather, possibly because that’s where they’ll find the food. To insert a kitchen nook into a kitchen brings the family closer together, and when everyone has their own place to sit meal- time becomes communication time as well.

You’ve probably heard it said that the family that prays together stays together. The same holds true when families gather for a meal. Rules should apply for that gathering and it shouldn’t be a place where arguments start or cell phones answered. The kitchen nook will be in everyone’s memories as the place where they grew closer to one another, whether two, four, or more.

The dining room has its own place in a home and many prefer the relaxed atmosphere of the kitchen nook. Formal dining rooms may be the place for business meetings, but the kitchen nook is where they’ll seat the kids for larger family gatherings.  The kids may look forward to sitting at the grown up table, but their best memories will be sitting in that kitchen nook with other kids.

When it comes time to clear the table, the task is easier because you’re right there in the kitchen and everyone should help. When there are spills, the floor is easily cleaned without damaging carpets like in the dining room.

You could use the kitchen nook table for numerous other things. Like school projects or homework. Board games come to mind where Scrabble or Monopoly could fill the hours on a dull rainy day. You could use the table for cooling cookies, writing menus, or grocery lists.

In other words, with a little planning, the modern kitchen nook built specifically for your own family will fill hours of reminiscence of the past and plans for the future.

If your kitchen is too small for a nice kitchen nook, look around. Is there an out of the way space where nothing seems to fit? Possibly it’s outside the kitchen door or even part of the family room.
What if you removed part of a wall where the kitchen nook would fit nicely? Many homes have such a space and when you find that it would be more than you could do, there are always people out there hungry for work. Check out a business that is capable of changing the space in your home where the kitchen nook would be a perfect place for your family.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and kitchen remodeling in Orange County.

Repair Central A/C - Electric

Needless to say central air conditioning has made our homes and businesses more comfortable than in the past where we just had to grin and bear it. In today’s world almost everyone has air conditioning, but not all have central air.

Central air works in the same way as central heat and because part of the unit is working the entire year, maintenance and repair is of utmost importance. The best time to call in a repairman for your central A/C is during off-season, because most repairmen are very busy during the hot summer months. You may have a difficult time even getting them to come to your home during that time. You’ll be dollars ahead if you have the unit inspected yearly.

For the do it yourselfer there are a few things you can do to keep the central A/C. working the entire season that will enhance its performance as well. When the compressor doesn’t turn on, check the fuse and breaker box. The condenser coils need to be cleaned on both sides. Vacuum and/or brush them, and it’s a good idea to do this twice during the season. Check the filter when the A/C isn’t working properly. If you see water leaking from the furnace, check that the drainpipe from the evaporator coil pan. It may be clogged.

Finally when the A/C does not cool, it may be a good idea to call in a professional because the refrigerant may be low. Finding a competent service professional should not be difficult. Check with your neighbors to see if they’ve had success with different companies.

Then contact them and ask for prices for regular service calls. Ask them what is included in their inspection. Those yearly inspections will keep your central A/C working all season and they may find problems that would cause difficulties later on. Have them fixed instead of waiting for the entire unit to break down.

There comes a time when all of the appliances simply wear out. A/C units purchased even 15 years ago are not up to today’s standards. If you’ve had numerous repairs on your old unit it may be wise and probably cheaper in the long run to purchase a new unit.

Today’s central air conditioners are more efficient, are quieter and cheaper to run. They also guarantee their product for great performance for many years down the road. Your home will be more comfortable while the new energy efficient air conditioner saves you money on your monthly utility bills.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County A/C repair.

You Can’t Go Wrong With Antique Bedroom Furniture

Why is antique bedroom furniture valued so highly? Mainly because the pieces you choose have been around for possibly a hundred years or more. They made most, if not all, of them by hand and you’ll find exquisite carvings and the materials and craftsmanship are unequaled in today’s world.

While that is true, there are still businesses around who specialize in new furniture that are replicas of the old and still have the modern conveniences. Whether you are looking for chests or washstands that have been replaced with bathroom sinks as far as function is concerned, you’ll still find them in many antique market places.

As you prepare to purchase those antique pieces learn to tell the differences so you’ll know exactly what you are buying. If you still prefer the authentic antiques as opposed to the newer antiques, be sure to learn the difference. There’s nothing wrong if you prefer the newer products, and if they claim they are authentic antiques, check them out first.

Look for replaced parts such as a drawer or broken legs. Has the antique furniture been refurbished or does it still have the original finish? That is important if you consider your antique purchases investments. If that is not the case and you just like the look, refurbished or not, then it shouldn’t matter to you.

Some of the pieces of antique furniture are unique in their design, and you may wonder why you can’t find similar modern pieces. Many times the reason is that it simply costs too much to replicate one piece of furniture. Also when the craftsmen no longer has the ability or patience to go into that much detail and their goal is to sell the furniture not to let it sit in their showroom.

It’s been said that Americans build too quickly while Europeans have the patience to do the job right no matter the time spent. Whether that is still true today is not an issue and the price of the pudding is still in the mix.

An antique bedroom should bring memories from the past whether they are heirlooms, new purchases, or new replicas. Your bedroom will be unique and when someone wants to copy your ideas, they’ll have to go far and wide before that will happen.

Your best bet when you have made the decision to buy antiques is to go to an authentic antique dealer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about any pieces there. When someone goes into the business of antiques, they should never run out of stock and they should love the job of dealing in antiquities.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and Orange County furniture stores.

Open Up Your Home with Long Span Patio doors

If you think that long span patio doors are the same as old-time sliding doors, you are mistaken. There is definitely a difference, and that difference will bring your back yard right into your home by opening up the entire space from 8 to 24 feet. Sliding doors sit on two tracks and sit side by side when in the open position. Half of the door is not open and therein lies the difference.

Long span patio doors come in two different types and they either slide or fold open with the entire span open. The sliders often slide into a pocket door entirely hiding the doors, and both sections of the door slide on separate tracks.

The folding type do just that, they fold up into each other and then lie flat against the sidewall and they sit on a single track. Both the slider and folding type long span patio doors open up to the outside. Your living space has just doubled and you can take advantage of that new space.
Your patio or swimming pool instantly becomes part of your kitchen or living room. When you’re ready to close off the outside all you have to do is close the doors.

You might ask, what about times when the doors need to be closed? Do they keep out the harsh weather or will there be drafts? The secret to good working long span patio doors is that they need to be installed by a professional. One who has installed them before and knows what to look for. It isn’t a good idea for the do it yourselfer to try to install them.

It is critical that the doors be of good quality and the installation of the tracks and frames be plumb across the entire span. Failure to do these things will lead to doors that leak or stick and don’t open properly.

The manufacturers of the long span patio doors claim that any competent contractor who follows their directions will be able to install the doors. Once they’re in place, you’ll appreciate an entire new area. Whether you install one in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom you’ll experience an entire new freedom as you watch the sunrise from the privacy of your bedroom.

So if you’re sold on the convenience and beauty of the long span patio doors, find a local contractor to install them. Make sure he or she understands the importance of installing them correctly, but the first thing you have to do is make the call and the rest should be easy.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in general contractors in Orange County, Irvine home improvement services and home remodeling Orange County.

Master Bathroom Remodeling

Unless you’re planning on major remodeling, the master bathroom will be one of the easiest to transform into a comfortable and relaxing room. A new coat of paint in a neutral color will give the room a new look without a great deal of cost. Bright colored towels, pictures, and flowers can be added and changed with the seasons.

New rugs on the floor will be a soothing supplement to compliment the new colors. If your budget is limited consider new decorative knobs for the cabinets and drawers. Colored scented candles fit well in your new master bathroom. Even if space is limited try to keep the counters free from clutter. Make it a rule in the room to rehang all of the towels on the towel racks and install hooks for robes or other nightwear. Nothing shouts small more than clutter.

If there are no cupboards, try to install shelves or carts to hold the numerous items necessary in the master bathroom. Once you’ve created the new master bathroom stand back and look, is there more you could to?

How about the lighting, subdued lights in the evening after a long day are nice, but keep the brighter lighting for mornings. Is there a shower curtain, replace it if needed. Buy one that fits the remaining room. You’ll not want a kid’s curtain, but one more suitable to the room.

If the budget is not yet drained, consider a skylight in the ceiling. That would open the room up. A larger window might be appropriate too, but hire that out cause you sure don’t want to leave that unattended. Make sure you have light, but privacy can be more important.

There are professionals who will replace your cupboard doors, drawers, and possibly the countertop and sink. That will give the room an entirely new look. When there is the possibility of enlarging the room, go for it. Larger is better, and more room will benefit all who enter the room.

Ceramic tile on the floor will be another thing that wouldn’t cost a great deal and the benefits would be an easy to clean floor along with the beauty. During the cold winter months, throw rugs would help keep the floor warmer.

If a new cabinet is out of the question, but you still have room for a cabinet look around, especially at yard sales. You could find a piece of furniture that would fit in your bathroom. Paint and a little ingenuity would go a long way.

Put your thinking cap on and decide what you want in your master bathroom, then get busy and do the easy stuff yourself, and make yourself proud.

Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County bathroom remodeling, Irvine home improvement services and home remodeling Orange County.