If you’re happy with store bought window treatments, you may find the most economical products that have standardized sizes and colors. However if you’re looking for style and décor it is doubtful that you’ll find those in your local department store. That doesn’t mean that to be stylish with décor you will have to hire an expensive professional.
The very first thing you will want to do is check out all of the products. See what you like and compare price then contrast all that you’ve learned with a professional who will be happy to give you a free estimate. Don’t compare apples with oranges. Check for quality, price and installation and compare the professional with the department store.
What do you want for your windows? Do want them covered at all times, or would you prefer to keep them plain without coverings of any kind? The first item you want should be the one closest to the window. Do you want sheer curtains or draperies or both?
Are you in an area where the sun shines most of the time? The sun shining in through your windows can fade furnishings and carpets. That should be your first challenge as you try to decide what’s best for your home. What do you want your windows to achieve? Do you have double pane windows? Newer homes often have those. Do your windows keep out noise and the sun? Most don’t and the treatment you put on your windows may help achieve those goals.
If you live in a seasonal area you may want your windows to reflect that. By layering them you can keep the windows entirely covered in inclement weather. Then when the weather turns nicer and you want to see outside, the heavier outside treatment can be pulled aside to show the window through sheer curtains.
That still doesn’t answer the question of stylish décor as opposed to economy. If you can only afford one layer on your windows that doesn’t mean that you can’t add other layers when the opportunity presents itself.
The professional who can help you decide will pay for himself in the long run and you won’t have to change the entire scheme of things. Be honest with interior designers who want you as a customer and they will be happy to return to help you complete the ensemble.
Nothing says more to a professional than to have repeat customers.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County window treatments, Los Angeles window treatments, and San Diego window treatments.
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Friday, January 20, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Orange County Home Improvements Get it in Writing
Anytime you hire a contractor to do work around your home, from the smallest home improvement to the largest remodeling project; remember one thing, Get It In Writing. At one time word of mouth meant something, but no longer will that even hold up in court. A contract is the only way to go, and if your contractor refuses to do that, go elsewhere.
No matter how many times you’ve hired someone to do work for you, or if it is even the very first time, it is never easy to have a stranger in your midst. Many times you’re simply nervous and afraid they won’t do as they promised, and it’s so inconvenient to supervise your own job.
When you’re looking to find a contractor for a home improvement project, one of the best ways is to ask friends and family. Another way is to go online to find someone local who is knowledgeable and has the ability to get the job done. Regardless the methods you use, you’ll want to know that the contractor has satisfied customers. You may even want to see some of his jobs of those same customers.
Everything that is to be done needs to be part of a contract. Today the contract they use should be in triplicate so you will be able to have an exact copy. The first copy should be the contractor’s, the second should be the person doing the work, and third copy should be the customers.
On the first page of the contract should be the printed name of the business, address, and phone number along with the license number and workers compensation number. The customers names, address and phone number should also be filled out on that first page.
Additional items necessary within the contract should be the amount charged and the payment schedule, and the approximate time when they will start the job. If problems arise, and they do, ask them to notify you of any delay.
The next pages should also be the customer’s name, and a description of the work to be done. If at any time when additional work will need to be done, a change order should be filled out. The person writing the contract and the customer should sign and date every page.
In California contractors are limited to receive from the customer $1000 or less as a deposit. Never pay the entire amount until the job is completed; and never pay with cash.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
orange county contractors, orange county home improvement, orange county ca home improvement, orange county general contractors, orange county remodeling
No matter how many times you’ve hired someone to do work for you, or if it is even the very first time, it is never easy to have a stranger in your midst. Many times you’re simply nervous and afraid they won’t do as they promised, and it’s so inconvenient to supervise your own job.
When you’re looking to find a contractor for a home improvement project, one of the best ways is to ask friends and family. Another way is to go online to find someone local who is knowledgeable and has the ability to get the job done. Regardless the methods you use, you’ll want to know that the contractor has satisfied customers. You may even want to see some of his jobs of those same customers.
Everything that is to be done needs to be part of a contract. Today the contract they use should be in triplicate so you will be able to have an exact copy. The first copy should be the contractor’s, the second should be the person doing the work, and third copy should be the customers.
On the first page of the contract should be the printed name of the business, address, and phone number along with the license number and workers compensation number. The customers names, address and phone number should also be filled out on that first page.
Additional items necessary within the contract should be the amount charged and the payment schedule, and the approximate time when they will start the job. If problems arise, and they do, ask them to notify you of any delay.
The next pages should also be the customer’s name, and a description of the work to be done. If at any time when additional work will need to be done, a change order should be filled out. The person writing the contract and the customer should sign and date every page.
In California contractors are limited to receive from the customer $1000 or less as a deposit. Never pay the entire amount until the job is completed; and never pay with cash.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
orange county contractors, orange county home improvement, orange county ca home improvement, orange county general contractors, orange county remodeling
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Orange County Shutters: Interior Plantation Shutters Traditional or Functional
As you compare interior plantation shutters, you will find that you don’t have to choose between traditional and functional. The interior plantation shutters are both and when you consider the options of color and style you can’t go wrong as you strive to update your windows to popular trends.
First let us explain exactly what the plantation shutter is. The shutters provide the ability to control the sun like no other window coverings. The horizontal wooden slats with the center vertical bar, controls the slats that can be widely opened or tightly closed. That in itself is worth the cost of the plantation shutters. You, the homeowner, can also choose the color and paint the shutters to match your own color scheme, and they will bring uniqueness to your home.
Then when you consider that the interior plantation shutters offer another layer of insulation to your home to either keep the cold out and heat in or the reverse is true as well. That’s one more positive thing for the shutters.
You will also be able to control the position of the shutters from open or closed to anywhere in between. You’ll learn by twisting that center bar you can allow light to seep in and still maintain your privacy.
Compare the plantation shutters with shades, blinds or even draperies that simply don’t have the versatility of the shutters. Once those are open or closed, there is no in between. The window when open, even a little bit, offers no privacy; and when closed you can’t see out unless you move them aside.
When you love the looks of heavy draperies you can add them as a valance, or side drapery. Sheer curtains can be placed in the same way to soften the harsh reminder of the bare window. They can be pulled closed if that is your preference.
The next decision that you will have to make is where to buy them. You will find various types of wood, and in some instances the vinyl shutters are popular however they come with few color choices.
Since the interior plantation shutters will be on your windows indefinitely choose quality over price. A few more dollars will be worth it in the long run. There are also contractors who will help you choose the styles and colors you want, and they will even install them for you.
When you hire professionals just make sure they have references and don’t be afraid to check them out.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County Plantation Shutters, Los Angeles Plantation Shutters and San Diego Plantation Shutters.
orange county shutters, los angeles shutters, san diego shutters, orange county window treatments, plantation shutters los angeles
First let us explain exactly what the plantation shutter is. The shutters provide the ability to control the sun like no other window coverings. The horizontal wooden slats with the center vertical bar, controls the slats that can be widely opened or tightly closed. That in itself is worth the cost of the plantation shutters. You, the homeowner, can also choose the color and paint the shutters to match your own color scheme, and they will bring uniqueness to your home.
Then when you consider that the interior plantation shutters offer another layer of insulation to your home to either keep the cold out and heat in or the reverse is true as well. That’s one more positive thing for the shutters.
You will also be able to control the position of the shutters from open or closed to anywhere in between. You’ll learn by twisting that center bar you can allow light to seep in and still maintain your privacy.
Compare the plantation shutters with shades, blinds or even draperies that simply don’t have the versatility of the shutters. Once those are open or closed, there is no in between. The window when open, even a little bit, offers no privacy; and when closed you can’t see out unless you move them aside.
When you love the looks of heavy draperies you can add them as a valance, or side drapery. Sheer curtains can be placed in the same way to soften the harsh reminder of the bare window. They can be pulled closed if that is your preference.
The next decision that you will have to make is where to buy them. You will find various types of wood, and in some instances the vinyl shutters are popular however they come with few color choices.
Since the interior plantation shutters will be on your windows indefinitely choose quality over price. A few more dollars will be worth it in the long run. There are also contractors who will help you choose the styles and colors you want, and they will even install them for you.
When you hire professionals just make sure they have references and don’t be afraid to check them out.
Golden West Shutters Specializes in Orange County Plantation Shutters, Los Angeles Plantation Shutters and San Diego Plantation Shutters.
orange county shutters, los angeles shutters, san diego shutters, orange county window treatments, plantation shutters los angeles
Orange County Home Improvement: Choosing The Right Contractor Isn't Always Easy
For many homeowners a remodeling project or an addition to their home is an exciting project. This is of course until they gets to the point in the planning process where they realize that they need a reputable and reliable contractor to assist them with whatever project they have in mind. While the Internet can certainly help homeowners find contractors, finding a good one isn't always easy.
It can be difficult to find a contractor who is both highly recommended and affordable simply because anybody calling themselves the contractor can set up a website or place their information online. The same goes for traditional or old-fashioned methods of looking for a contractor. The Yellow Pages will probably have a contractor listed that homeowners are looking for but the results are usually confined to a homeowner's local area and the contractor or contractors in such a book may be limited in number and quality of work. Homeowners can also look for help at material supply stores as well as hardware stores in their local area though speaking with just one or two people about a contractor may not yield enough information to determine whether or not they're worth hiring.
Regardless of which manner a homeowner chooses to use in searching for a contractor they should always remember to apply a number of things to the process, things that will help them weed out those contractors that aren't right for them and those contractors who don't appear to be on the up and up. In such a search things like instinct, common sense and education are the most powerful and useful tools an individual can use. Individuals looking for a contractor should of course speak with as many people as possible about a contractor they are interested in. These people can be friends, family members, business associates, and he even past clients of the contractor. The information gathered from all these sources juxtaposed with information found online can go a long way in determining whether a contractor is worth hiring or not.
Of course after information has been gathered and an individual has spoken to as many people as they possibly can about a contractor, they'll want to contact the contractor themselves and not only ask questions but give the contractor and overall idea of the project they have in mind. Doing so will allow a contractor to give an honest estimate of cost and time frame which in turn gives a homeowner a good idea of whether or not that contractor is going to be the one they ultimately higher.
The one other thing that homeowners looking for a building contractor can do is to gather information on that contractor's past projects and actually visit those locations to get an idea of style and quality of work. While this might not work well for homeowners interested in interior remodeling, it can work very well for homeowners interested in things like landscaping and exterior design. Whatever methods an individual chooses to use when looking for a good contractor they should stay sharp and be patient.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
It can be difficult to find a contractor who is both highly recommended and affordable simply because anybody calling themselves the contractor can set up a website or place their information online. The same goes for traditional or old-fashioned methods of looking for a contractor. The Yellow Pages will probably have a contractor listed that homeowners are looking for but the results are usually confined to a homeowner's local area and the contractor or contractors in such a book may be limited in number and quality of work. Homeowners can also look for help at material supply stores as well as hardware stores in their local area though speaking with just one or two people about a contractor may not yield enough information to determine whether or not they're worth hiring.
Regardless of which manner a homeowner chooses to use in searching for a contractor they should always remember to apply a number of things to the process, things that will help them weed out those contractors that aren't right for them and those contractors who don't appear to be on the up and up. In such a search things like instinct, common sense and education are the most powerful and useful tools an individual can use. Individuals looking for a contractor should of course speak with as many people as possible about a contractor they are interested in. These people can be friends, family members, business associates, and he even past clients of the contractor. The information gathered from all these sources juxtaposed with information found online can go a long way in determining whether a contractor is worth hiring or not.
Of course after information has been gathered and an individual has spoken to as many people as they possibly can about a contractor, they'll want to contact the contractor themselves and not only ask questions but give the contractor and overall idea of the project they have in mind. Doing so will allow a contractor to give an honest estimate of cost and time frame which in turn gives a homeowner a good idea of whether or not that contractor is going to be the one they ultimately higher.
The one other thing that homeowners looking for a building contractor can do is to gather information on that contractor's past projects and actually visit those locations to get an idea of style and quality of work. While this might not work well for homeowners interested in interior remodeling, it can work very well for homeowners interested in things like landscaping and exterior design. Whatever methods an individual chooses to use when looking for a good contractor they should stay sharp and be patient.
Orange County Home Improvement Guide specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Stone Tile: What is Available
The types of stone tile are numerous and you may not have even heard of some of them. One problem with stone tile is that they are porous and regardless where you plan on using them, they will need to be sealed against staining.
Granite is one of the more popular ones. Granite is hard to beat as a countertop or desk top. It is shiny, pretty, but it may still stain and one needs to be careful with it. It is not suitable as a floor because the mirror finish causes it to be slippery.
Limestone is softer than granite and is more porous and it is a good option of stone tile. Many prefer to work with limestone because it is simply easier to handle.
You will find the stone tile Travertine that is used in wall and floor applications. Like the other stone tiles, you want top quality and stay away from the imports that don’t compare in quality. Travertine is brittle and it breaks easily so if you plan on using it, you should buy extra material. That will drive the cost up as well.
There are some problems with stone tile that you should consider before using it. The delicate colors can definitely be altered if you use improper cleaning chemicals. Sunlight can also affect the natural color and cause it to fade. Not every cleaner is right for every type stone tile, and before you install it find out the problems. Check with the manufacturer where you purchase the stone tile.
You must remember that stone tile is a natural material and it is absorbent and is normally very hard. You won’t be able to change the color or choose different patterns like man-made products. Like we said, harsh chemicals and even trying to clean it with a dirty solution, especially in bright sunlight can affect it. You may have to choose the exact stone tile and none of them are exactly alike. When you find one color make sure you can match it with another stone.
You may want to contact a professional to help in choosing just the stone tile you want. And remember they’ve taken the stone tile out of the ground and it will be different depending on the area that it came from. A professional will be able to instruct you in the care and maintenance of the product. You will want someone who knows the difference in the products, and we’ve listed only a few.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County tile experts, San Diego tile experts, Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
Granite is one of the more popular ones. Granite is hard to beat as a countertop or desk top. It is shiny, pretty, but it may still stain and one needs to be careful with it. It is not suitable as a floor because the mirror finish causes it to be slippery.
Limestone is softer than granite and is more porous and it is a good option of stone tile. Many prefer to work with limestone because it is simply easier to handle.
You will find the stone tile Travertine that is used in wall and floor applications. Like the other stone tiles, you want top quality and stay away from the imports that don’t compare in quality. Travertine is brittle and it breaks easily so if you plan on using it, you should buy extra material. That will drive the cost up as well.
There are some problems with stone tile that you should consider before using it. The delicate colors can definitely be altered if you use improper cleaning chemicals. Sunlight can also affect the natural color and cause it to fade. Not every cleaner is right for every type stone tile, and before you install it find out the problems. Check with the manufacturer where you purchase the stone tile.
You must remember that stone tile is a natural material and it is absorbent and is normally very hard. You won’t be able to change the color or choose different patterns like man-made products. Like we said, harsh chemicals and even trying to clean it with a dirty solution, especially in bright sunlight can affect it. You may have to choose the exact stone tile and none of them are exactly alike. When you find one color make sure you can match it with another stone.
You may want to contact a professional to help in choosing just the stone tile you want. And remember they’ve taken the stone tile out of the ground and it will be different depending on the area that it came from. A professional will be able to instruct you in the care and maintenance of the product. You will want someone who knows the difference in the products, and we’ve listed only a few.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County tile experts, San Diego tile experts, Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Orange County Contractors: Avoid Home Improvement Scams
They come out at the first sign of spring, and after winter has departed. They offer you deals that are hard to resist. Remember that old adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
There are families who travel around communities and just happen to be in your neighborhood doing a job for your neighbor. Don’t be afraid to ask a few questions. Those questions may save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. A few simple tips may discourage the scammers.
Ask for their permanent address. A professional will have a business address, and not work out of their garage. Ask for a written contract that you will not sign until you have read the small print.
Make sure they have a business license, proof of insurance, and be members of the local contractor’s board. Those may be false, so take down the number and investigate. Never pay anyone up front even those who need the money to buy the materials to do the job. Never pay in advance.
They’ll have excuses why they don’t have the paperwork with them, but you can wait until they do, so don’t rush. They’ll say things like, “We’ll only be in the neighborhood for a few days.” If they’re in a hurry, don’t you be.
Then they may say, “I’ve got all the material I need in my truck, I can’t take it back, and I have no further use for it, so I can do your job and save you hundreds of dollars if you allow me to do the job today.”
Scammers like to go where disaster has hit, like a fire that ravished a neighborhood, or a flood. They will promise the world, but rarely deliver. They will hit you when you least expect it. They will promise to mend your roof in a few hours, when you know it will take days for a new roof to be installed.
When you hire a contractor insist that they be specific in written information. Don’t sign anything unless you study the fine print. Get their license number and check them out with the local authorities, and even the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the down payment and other payments are shown on the contract. The contract also needs to specify what work will be performed in your home, the day they will arrive to do the job, and the estimated time that will take them to finish.
Don’t pay them until they have completed the job to your satisfaction.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
There are families who travel around communities and just happen to be in your neighborhood doing a job for your neighbor. Don’t be afraid to ask a few questions. Those questions may save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. A few simple tips may discourage the scammers.
Ask for their permanent address. A professional will have a business address, and not work out of their garage. Ask for a written contract that you will not sign until you have read the small print.
Make sure they have a business license, proof of insurance, and be members of the local contractor’s board. Those may be false, so take down the number and investigate. Never pay anyone up front even those who need the money to buy the materials to do the job. Never pay in advance.
They’ll have excuses why they don’t have the paperwork with them, but you can wait until they do, so don’t rush. They’ll say things like, “We’ll only be in the neighborhood for a few days.” If they’re in a hurry, don’t you be.
Then they may say, “I’ve got all the material I need in my truck, I can’t take it back, and I have no further use for it, so I can do your job and save you hundreds of dollars if you allow me to do the job today.”
Scammers like to go where disaster has hit, like a fire that ravished a neighborhood, or a flood. They will promise the world, but rarely deliver. They will hit you when you least expect it. They will promise to mend your roof in a few hours, when you know it will take days for a new roof to be installed.
When you hire a contractor insist that they be specific in written information. Don’t sign anything unless you study the fine print. Get their license number and check them out with the local authorities, and even the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the down payment and other payments are shown on the contract. The contract also needs to specify what work will be performed in your home, the day they will arrive to do the job, and the estimated time that will take them to finish.
Don’t pay them until they have completed the job to your satisfaction.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
Stainless Steel in Your Bathroom
Nothing can be easier to clean and look prettier than stainless steel. They are not that expensive depending on the styles you choose, and they are the easiest to replace and you won’t need a contractor. A do-it-yourselfer can complete the job in just a few hours, and your bathroom will once again look modern.
Whether you choose the shiny stainless steel fixtures or brushed stainless steel. Just be sure to buy quality because a good stainless steel faucet will outlast those cheaper imported models. They aren’t easily scratched, and finger prints can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth. The brushed type can be as efficient as the mirror image.
When you want the most modern fixtures in your bathroom, they are usually available in the popular stainless steel. There are shower heads available that will blow your mind. Some sit in the ceiling or can be attached to the wall, and several heads can be installed in a king size shower. Those will need special plumbing changes and in order to do that you may have to tear into the walls to achieve it. Another option would be to hire a professional to help with the job.
There are other stainless steel products to add to your bathroom. Towel racks, shower rods, and even handles placed at strategic places to help the occupants keep their balance. Trash cans, and door handles are additional ideas and they are all available in matching stainless steel.
However you don’t need to completely remodel your bathroom. If you want to keep it simple you can replace the current dripping faucets with the new modern stainless steel. Another thing that will change your bathroom and give it a new look is a gallon of paint to change your color scheme.
Then change the countertop or add shelving to stack towels or bubble bath. You won’t even recognize your own room.
Whether you plan on remaining in your home for several more years, you will still want to impress your guests. Even if you plan to sell your home one of the rooms prospective buyers look closely at is the bathroom. So try to keep your remodeling plans simple without elaborate colors that will turn them away. If your bathroom is small, and you want to add some paint to spruce it up just remember dark colors close in a room so keep the colors light and airy.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County bathroom remodeling specialists, Orange County bathroom specialists, Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
Whether you choose the shiny stainless steel fixtures or brushed stainless steel. Just be sure to buy quality because a good stainless steel faucet will outlast those cheaper imported models. They aren’t easily scratched, and finger prints can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth. The brushed type can be as efficient as the mirror image.
When you want the most modern fixtures in your bathroom, they are usually available in the popular stainless steel. There are shower heads available that will blow your mind. Some sit in the ceiling or can be attached to the wall, and several heads can be installed in a king size shower. Those will need special plumbing changes and in order to do that you may have to tear into the walls to achieve it. Another option would be to hire a professional to help with the job.
There are other stainless steel products to add to your bathroom. Towel racks, shower rods, and even handles placed at strategic places to help the occupants keep their balance. Trash cans, and door handles are additional ideas and they are all available in matching stainless steel.
However you don’t need to completely remodel your bathroom. If you want to keep it simple you can replace the current dripping faucets with the new modern stainless steel. Another thing that will change your bathroom and give it a new look is a gallon of paint to change your color scheme.
Then change the countertop or add shelving to stack towels or bubble bath. You won’t even recognize your own room.
Whether you plan on remaining in your home for several more years, you will still want to impress your guests. Even if you plan to sell your home one of the rooms prospective buyers look closely at is the bathroom. So try to keep your remodeling plans simple without elaborate colors that will turn them away. If your bathroom is small, and you want to add some paint to spruce it up just remember dark colors close in a room so keep the colors light and airy.
My Home Improvement Club specializes in pre-approved and pre-screened Orange County bathroom remodeling specialists, Orange County bathroom specialists, Orange County home improvement specialists, Orange County contractors, Orange County general contractors, Orange County remodeling pros and more!
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