HEALTHY-HOME-DESIGN | Quality-Service-Integrity

Valuable Advice For Keeping A Sound, Functional Roof

March 28, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

Knowing what to look for when hiring a roofing contractor is an important component of the decision-making process. You may know how to do all of the research, but if you don’t know what to look for when researching, it is pointless! Each paragraph below will bring to light some of the favorable and not-so-favorable qualities of today’s roofing professionals.

Look at every entry point

Roof foundations may be the cause of your leaks so don’t only assume it is the shingles. If there’s dry rot, water may be able to enter a home. Look at every entry point, even rotten wood, to see if the problem can be solved for good.

Consider fixing small roof problems on your own. There is a wealth of information available regarding projects that you can complete on your own without prior experience. If you have the time available to learn about the problem and the remedy you can save yourself a lot of money and gain some experience on how to maintain your home yourself.

Asking roofing company how long they have in business

When you are checking out a roofing company find out about their experience. Try asking them how long they have been in business. If they have been doing business for at least a few years, that usually means that they are established and that they have a solid understanding of roofing systems and techniques.

In the winter months, be sure your roof is equipped with ice and rain shields. Also, make sure it has proper ventilation. Your home is heated by the wall line and this is where ice tends to build up. It is the build up of this ice that can cause interior leaks.

Get contractor referrals

Get contractor referrals from loved ones. Find out whether he used good quality materials, did the work at a good price, and whether they were pleased overall with the job he did. Inquire about post-job cleanup and about the warranty covering repairs in the future.

Never attempt to complete any roofing work alone. If you have an accident whilst working on your roof, you need to be sure that someone will be there to help you. This is because the long-term impact of a roofing accident injury is very often related to the time it takes to seek help after the accident occurs.

When hiring a roofing contractor, you should make sure that he/ she has the proper equipment. If they charge you for labor by the hour, but are doing your entire roof with a hammer instead of a compressed air nailer, you will end up paying much more than you should.

Speak with your contractor about what is offered in their warranty. Sometimes, you may get a great warranty that can save you a lot of money. Also, make sure to get any warranties and estimates in writing, so you will have them in your possession. This way, no one can dispute on the terms of the agreement.

You should now be aware of what makes a decent contractor and what makes a shady dealer. Apply these constraints to your local options and narrow down the choice to only a few remaining contractors. Call each of these possibilities independently and make your final decision when face-to-face. This is the formula for finding the best contractor for the job!…

Interior Design Tips You Can Try Out Today

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

Choosing the right kind of paint depends on several factors, such as the kind of atmosphere you want to establish, the budget you have and the other colors present in a room. if you aren’t sure where to start, read the tips in this article to get some great ideas!

Decide on all textures and colors

If you are planning an interior design project you should decide on all of your textures and colors before you begin. If you do not plan it all out in advance you can find that you end up straying from your original plan. This is not good, as you want an organized looking outcome.

Plan a room design

How the room will be used is a consideration to take into account when planning a room design. If you decorate a child’s room, it should be colorful and fun, which encourages play. But the same decoration wouldn’t work in the dining room.

If you are making decisions about changing the interior decor of your home, get your family involved. Remember that they will need to live with the changes as well. Decisions that are made should be acceptable to everyone to avoid conflict and ill feelings. Your home is the haven for each member of your family, so everyone should feel good about the changes ahead.

Be sure the design is functional

When you design an office, be sure the design is functional. Lighting is essential to work spaces, along with a comfy chair and desk. You should be thinking about maximum comfort in the room that you will be working in so you can be productive.

Have a theme in mind. Is there a specific color scheme you rather enjoy? Do you have a fondness for retro furniture? Deciding on a theme before you even begin your planning phase can save you a lot of time and effort. Make sure you know what you’re going for before you start planning for it.

Make sure you have all the storage space you need. You’ll never get a room that looks like it came out of a magazine if there’s clutter everywhere. Look for attractive containers covered in a fabric that matches the rest of the room. When you make storage a part of your design, it’s easy to make a room look fabulous.

When framing pictures, do not be afraid of getting creative. Remember that they are also a design element of your room. They do not have to be hung in a perfectly square manner. Hang pictures in uniquely planned angles or patterns. Taking advantage of all of the white space can enhance the mood of the house.

Instead of replacing your bedroom and kitchen drawers and cabinets, get new knobs and handles. Just a hint of silver on a handle, or a bright new knob, can bring old pieces back to life. Think about the atmosphere you want, and choose little pieces accordingly. You won’t have to spend a lot of money, and you will still see improvement.

The look and feel of a room or a home in general depends heavily on the colors used, particularly those of the walls (which take up the most amount of space for the eye). Choosing colors depends on many factors, but you can make it look great if you remember these tips!…

Follow These Decorating And Design Tips For The Perfect Family Living Space

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

Designing your home’s interior can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be stressful if you do not know what to expect. Luckily, there is a wealth of information available that can lead you in the right direction. You will find some of the best tips if you continue reading the article the follows.

Plan Your budget

Make sure that you have a budget when you are planning to change the interior design of your home. It is easy to get carried away by the gorgeous draperies and decorative items that you see in home magazines. You would not want to go into big debt just to make your house look better.

Use mirrors when decorating your home. Mirrors can be very handy, especially if you live in a small space. A mirror on one or two walls isn’t just convenient for fixing your hair on the go. They can also give the illusion of more space. One strategically placed mirror can do wonders for opening up a room.

Create in Your space

The first step in any interior-design project is to determine the mood you wish to create in your space. Whether you are trying to convey tranquility and calm or vibrant energy, keeping the mood in mind while you make your design choices will help you create a cohesive look in your room.

Have a detailed contract with an interior designer if you choose to hire a professional. This will benefit the both of you and ensure you are on the same page, with no surprises or cost overruns. A good interior designer will want a contract anyway, so it is a good way to establish that they are a reputable businessperson.

Get new knobs and handles

Try an accent wall. If your white walls are driving you crazy, but you’re overwhelmed by color choices and are afraid you’ll make a mistake, an accent wall could be the answer. By painting just one wall, you’ll add a pop of color to your space without the risk of it being overpowering. Try this on the wall behind a bed, under a breakfast bar, or even the ceiling!

If you tend to redecorate your rooms often, it would be wise to have furniture and walls that are neutral and then accent them with colorful, eye catching accessories. This way, when you next redecorate your room, you would only need to change out the accessories instead of totally redesigning your room.

Interior design is both fun and a lot of work, but the great thing is that you can reduce your stress and workload with the best information. If you read the entire article above you now know what it takes to make your home what you want it to be with your very own hands.…

Make Interior Design Easy With These Tips

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

What’s great about interior design is that there is no right or wrong way to approach the subject. With so many designs and styles available under the sun, you can find inspiration just about anywhere. The tips in the article below can help you look at new interior design ideas or just supplement what you may already know.

In a family room, try to arrange your furniture into centers. Have a center devoted to watching television, a center devoted to reading and a center devoted to conversation with family and friends. This is a great way to break up your furniture, give the room visual appeal and make the space user friendly too.

Consider adding some artwork to your room. A nice piece of art can really make a room look “finished.” Make sure you choose a piece of art work that goes with the colors and feel of the room. You don’t want it to compete with other things in te room for attention.

To prepare your home for any interior design project, it is always best to free the home of any clutter. Removing clutter can give a homeowner a more clear idea of what needs to be done to a room, and clutter is often not pleasing or inviting looking to others who see it. All of your extra stuff can be donated, recycled or sold at a yard sale for extra cash.

Try hanging your picture frames at an eye-level, instead of higher up on a wall. Artwork hung too high gives the illusion of lower ceilings. Keeping frames at a lower level also makes them more visible, and keeps visitors from having to look up in order to see your beautiful art.

Lamps are a great addition to any home as these can be included in the living room or right by your side in the bedroom. Not only do these devices provide you with additional light to read and write, but they can give your home a classical look and match many different styles.

Use wallpaper to upgrade shelving. Assemble-yourself bookcases are an economical choice, but they tend to be boring and look a bit cheap. To make them more stylish, try adding a bold wallpaper on the back of each shelf. Arrange your books and knickknacks to show off the pattern. This simple trick will give a store-bought shelf some pizzazz without breaking the budget.

If your interior design plans include changing any existing lighting or plumbing you might want to hire a professional. While there are many books and other resources that claim to teach a beginner how to do any project, there is still room for error. If you are not knowledgeable in electricity or plumbing you should consult a professional.

The article above has hopefully helped you see that there are many aspects to interior design, but no really wrong or right way to approach it. Take notes and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with all of the information you have just read. Apply the tips to your designs and you are sure to see a more put together home.…

Get Those Pipes Fixed With These Plumbing Tips

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

Many people attempt to do their own plumbing in order to save money on repair costs. They often fail due to a lack of proper plumbing knowledge or by using the wrong tools for the job. If you would like to do your own plumbing without doing more harm than good, then read the tips in the following article.

To avoid clogs, pay attention to what you flush. Sanitary napkins, thick toilet paper and baby wipes should never be flushed. These items can expand and cause a clog, or get caught on a pipe. Instead, dispose of them in a sanitary way that does not involve flushing them down the toilet.

When concerned with plumbing, you need to know what can cause noisy pipes. This is important because it can mean the difference between an annoying noise and flooding in your house. Do your research to distinguish between the different noises and hire a professional if any serious risk is posed.

To winterize a house that will sit unused during the winter months, you must completely drain all of the pipes. After turning off the main water supply, let all of the water drain from the faucets, toilets, and water heater (turn off the gas). Add a quart of antifreeze to sinks and the tub to prevent water from freezing in the drain trap.

To avoid having your outdoor faucets freeze up in the winter, detach all hoses before the first freeze. Also, close the shutoff valve that leads to the outdoor faucets, then turn on the outdoor faucets to let any remaining water in the lines drain. Once temperatures warm up in the spring, you can reverse the process.

Use your garbage disposal with the cold water running so that you can preserve the blades of the disposal. Using hot water makes grease more liquid and can cause problems, including clogs. Make sure to clean blades by putting in a little dish detergent and run cold water at the same time.

One of the things that you can do to maximize the security of your home is to seal all of the cracks in your outdoor faucets. Even a tiny crack can intensify as the season progresses and lead to serious problems down the road. Reduce drips and leaks for optimal protection.

If you need to replace your shower head, make sure that you buy a new one that is high quality. Sometimes, people will choose a shower head because it is the least expensive. The problem with doing that is the cheaper shower heads are not known to be sturdy, and they tend to break easier.

If you have problems with a slow drain, there are easier things you can do other than removing the pipes to clean it. There are certain tools made just for this purpose that you insert into the drain to loosen the clog so it washes away or grab it and remove it completely.

While you may not be able to tackle every problem that comes up, you can surely feel more confident about dealing with some of the basic stuff. Take any situation step by step, and you will find that it’s not as difficult as you may have thought.…

Secrets The HVAC Experts Don’t Want You To Know

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

If you’ve been wondering if you can learn a little bit about HVAC, then this article is something you should try reading over. It’s going to teach you the basics when it comes to this type of thing. This will allow you to get to know what needs to be known about this under your belt.

If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.

If you have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.

To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. When it’s off the house will get hot, but only by a certain amount. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.

If you are uncertain about which HVAC contractor to call when you experience an equipment failure, take the time to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. By doing this, you will be able to feel more confident about the choice you make, because you will have gotten the opinions of people you already know to be trustworthy.

Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner, there will be a filter right under the grill you can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units, they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.

Research and check the reputation of companies before hiring them. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.

Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit, determine the problem and give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.

Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are legitimate. Many people take the word of the contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.

HVAC isn’t too difficult to teach yourself about once you have some great advice in mind about it. Generally this is something you should take some time with so you know that you’re going to get great results. Good luck with this and hopefully you come out on top with it all!…

Find A Plumber That Will Do The Job Right

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

If you are completely new to the world of plumbing, then you are probably thinking that some tips on plumbing will help you immensely so that you can begin maintaining your own at home. Listed below are some tips to get you started with your home plumbing maintenance and repair.

The next time you have a clogged drain, avoid the simple solution of dumping drain-clearing chemicals into the pipes. While this method involves the least amount of effort, the chemicals in these liquid cleaners are destructive to your piping. Instead, consider using a little bit of elbow grease with a plunger, snake, or other device designed to clear your clog without chemicals.

It is important to know how to properly anchor your pipes when it comes to plumbing. This is extremely important to know because not having your pipes well anchored could result in loud noises, leaks, or pressure problems. Call a professional if you are unsure how to take care of it yourself.

Check your faucets for leaks. Check the knobs and the faucet itself. Hundreds of gallons of water a day can be wasted due to leaks and that’s not good if you’re paying your water bill. By stopping a leak now, you can save yourself a lot of money. Leaks can grow over time as well, so avoid a disaster and check all faucets for leaks!

Got a leaky pipe? In many cases you can repair this yourself without the expense of a plumber. If a joint is leaking, tighten it with a pipe wrench. If the leak is coming from a damaged section of pipe, you can try repairing with a store-bought patching kit. One method involves applying waterproof tape to the section of pipe where there is leakage. Before applying the tape, make sure the pipe is thoroughly dry. Make sure that the tape covers two to three inches on either side of the breakage in the pipe.

Make a schedule for plumbing work, so it occurs all at approximately the same time. You might be tempted to call the plumber every time you need something fixed, but if you wait and hire the plumber for a single visit, you can save up money for repairs. Because most plumbers charge labor by the hour on top of a flat call rate, you can significantly reduce your bill by reducing the trips they make to your home.

Always keep your garbage disposal clean. You can do this in many ways. Pour some dish soap in and let the disposal run for a few minutes with some cold water. Be sure to run it regularly, if not, it can cause rust. To eliminate foul odors, grind lemon or other citrus peels. You can clean the walls of the disposal by grinding small fruit pits or egg shells.

As you can see from the above list of tips, maintaining and repairing your own plumbing can be very time and money-saving in the long run if you know what you are doing. After following these tips, you will no longer be new to plumbing, but you will become a plumbing expert.…

Interior Design Tips That Will Have You Decorating Like A Pro

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

Interior design is one of those activities that many people are interested in but often never get around to pursuing. If you have been curious about interior design, there is no time like the present to get started. The advice in the following article will show you how you can start right away.

If you have children, you should take them into consideration before planning your interior-design project. For example, you will probably want to stay away from furniture pieces that have extremely sharp corners, as your children can easily harm themselves on them. It would be a waste if you were to purchase’s pieces that end up breaking or causing harm to your children.

Quality art can improve the look of any room in your house. One great piece of art can be the grand focal point of a room. A painting can inspire the decorating for the rest of the room.

Use lamps. Aside from simply looking nice around the house, lamps are a great way to create a relaxing atmosphere around your home. They are better at lending to a desirable ambiance than the harsh light of an overhead fixture. Lamps can also save you quite a bit on your electricity bill.

As you are designing a home office, be sure your design is functional. Lighting is of utmost importance, as is comfortable furniture. The priority is in making the space inviting to work in. This may include adding visual interest as well.

Stay on top of the trends if you want your interior design projects to turn out great. Appearances are everything, so it’s best to always stick with the times. Shag carpeting, anyone? Look at how others are decorating and get inspiration from them.

When you are getting ready to paint a room, paint just a portion of a wall first, and wait a few days before you decide. You can avoid the hassle and added cost of re-painting a poor color choice by seeing how you feel about it after a couple of days.

A good interior design tip is to not get too carried away with showing off your big TV or entertainment system. When your friends are over, they won’t be inclined to talk with a giant TV staring them down. If you still value conversation, make sure your TV isn’t the center of attention.

After reading the advice in this article, you should know a lot more about how to get started with interior design. It does not have to be a difficult activity or one that you leave to a professional. With just a nudge in the right direction, you can start making your home more beautiful right away.…

Problem With Pests? Advice That Will Help

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

Are you familiar with pest control? You can learn a lot from this article about how to control your pests. You’ll see there are many things that you can do to help alleviate pests.

Don’t wait for a pest control problem to become an infestation; call a professional or take action on your own immediately. You might think that just because you’ve only seen one or two or that you don’t see them often there isn’t a big problem. Do something fast or you can expect big problems later.

If you want to get rid of the ants around your house, sprinkle some borax powder near your home. This will help to poison the ants so that they are stopped in their tracks and cannot come back. This will help to temporarily eliminate the ant problem during certain seasons of the year.

Having mice in your home can be a real turn off, not mentioning they carry diseases. In order to exterminate mice in a family-friendly way, use disposable mouse traps. Line the mouse traps with peanut butter to attract mice. After the mouse takes the bait, the mouse trap should slam shut, and you can safely dispose.

Keep your garage, basement or any other work area clean if you do projects at home. Make sure that wood scraps and dusts are regularly swept up, collected and disposed of. Termites are not very big, so they do not need big pieces of wood to come in and start munching.

Did you know that bugs and pests can get into your home through cracks or holes in your walls? Inspect the outside of your home for any cracks or holes. Depending on the type of material your home is made of, fill them with caulk to keep out the bugs and pests.

Many people have pest control problems and do not know what to do. If you have tried eliminating the pests yourself and cannot get rid of them, try hiring a professional to get rid of them for you. Many pests carry diseases that can be harmful to you and your family, so protect them by hiring an outside company to control this problem for you.

If you have ants, look for boric acid. Boric acid, sometimes listed as orthoboric acid, is the most effective pesticide for ants. In addition, many of the baits containing this are safe for use around pets and children, although you should always carefully read all safety labels to be sure.

Spray white vinegar in areas where you have seen an Ant trail. This acidic substance helps to erase the pheromones that ants use to guide one another to food. This solution will not rid you of your ant problem on its own, but it can keep them at bay while you apply pesticides or take other measures.

It is important that you follow the advice from this article. Remember, all pests are annoying, and even though they are tough to remove, it’s your job to do so. With this knowledge found here, you are now more than ready. Keep these guidelines in mind and take strong action today.…

You Can Teach Yourself To Handle Plumbing Problems

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

You’ve done it. You’re ready to handle your home’s plumbing maintenance and repair. What perfect timing! You probably have tons of questions on how to start and what to do, but fear not, this article can help you. Listed below are some tips that will help you get started with your plumbing aspirations.

If you are paying someone else to do the plumbing in your home be sure that they are licensed in your state to do that work. Some people who have little or no knowledge of plumbing will try to pass themselves off as a pro. So you can see the importance of checking to see if your plumber is licensed. You should also see if you can find positive testimonials about the plumbers work.

At least once a year remove the faucet aerator and clean the screens. This helps it properly function. The function of a faucet aerator is to allow for an even flow of water and to conserve water. Be sure to clean out the aerator and you’ll notice a these things working.

Make sure you get a good recommendation or check the references before you hire a plumber. With good recommendations, it will assure that you are hiring an experienced plumber. If the experienced plumber is professional, he will have a fully stocked truck and be able to complete most small jobs in one visit.

When plunging a drain to attempt to remove a blockage, first make sure that the drain is completely covered in water. This helps to form a seal. Then, plunge at least fifteen to twenty times before stopping. Repeat the process two to three times. If this doesn’t work, try a chemical drain cleaner.

Make sure your plumbing contractor has the proper insurance before letting them work in your home. This is a big problem with all types of construction contractors. They may have the proper licenses, but because of the high cost of insurance, they may not be properly insured and can end up on your homeowners policy if they get hurt.

If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you want to consider getting a spring-loaded timer which can be attached directly to your hose. This prevents your lawn from getting too much water in case you forget to turn your system off. Getting too much water could kill your grass and plants.

Use a product like BioBen if you are planning to leave your system shut off for a few weeks. Water will still remain in the pipes and could start smelling because it is not moving. This type of product will keep the water from stagnating and from smelling too bad.

Now you should be much more prepared when it comes to plumbing. If you thought that you were ready before, well you should now be an expert! The tips that were given should have provided you some advice that can help you get started with maintaining and fixing your own plumbing.…

Woodworking Tips And Tricks That Anyone Can Use

March 27, 2019 by Louise B. Delia

Having a woodworking business that’s successful is not easy. It requires a lot of dedication and hard work and you must know all you can on the best practices for your woodworking business. This article contains many woodworking business tips that will be useful to you. Keep reading to make the most out of these tips.

Reusable sanding blocks save you time and money. To make them all you need is a few pieces of scrap lumber. Cut a piece of 2×4 into a rectangle approximately 2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Cut a piece of sandpaper the size of your block. Then, spray one side of the piece of lumber with spray adhesive and adhere the sandpaper to the block of wood.

Begin small with woodworking projects. It can be very exciting to get yourself ready for your first woodworking project, but don’t let your excitement overtake your smarts. Buy only what you need, no more for right now. Don’t fall for buying tools that you currently don’t need as you may find better alternatives in the future.

When you install your hacksaw blade, make sure the teeth face forward. They are designed to cut when pushed using a forward stroke instead of a pulled stroke. Some of these blades have arrows pointing toward the handles that show the correct way to install them. Install it making sure it is tight and cannot bend. When you do lots of cutting, your blade heats up and expands, so make sure you tighten it before it begins bending.

One of the necessary tools for woodworking is the common pencil. Pencils do get lost easily, however. Buy plenty, then store them in an old instant soup container. Fill the container with sawdust and drill holes in the lid. You’ll now have plenty of pencils and the container won’t tip over easily.

Make sure your workbench is the proper height. It really can make a big difference. It needs to fit you and how you work. Usually if you are around 5’6″ to 5’9″ you probably need one that is between 33″ and 36″ high. If you are 5’10” or taller, you may need one that is between 35″ and 37″ high. Use your bench at its current height to determine if you need to change it to work better for you.

Always remember the rule of measuring twice and cutting once. You are human, which means that mistakes are inevitable. However, you can prevent measurement mistakes from turning into cutting mistakes when you measure two or three times. That is going to spare you serious waste, not just in terms of wasted wood, but also money and time.

Make sure that you have the proper ear protection. Woodworking machinery is very noisy. Exposure over time can mean you lose some of your hearing. You can wear headphones or you can invest in some disposable ear plugs. Whatever choice you make, be sure that they are always worn inside the shop.

As was talked about earlier, being a professional woodworker takes a lot of time, work, and dedication. Education is key, and that starts with learning proper techniques and best business practices. Apply the advice in this piece and keep your woodworking business going strong.…

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