HEALTHY-HOME-DESIGN

Quality-Service-Integrity

Category: Connection

Where To Begin On Your Home Improvement Check List

by Louise B. Delia

Many people see a problem in their house and immediately think to call a handyman or other professional to take care of it. While this may be necessary for some of the bigger jobs, they are simply too expensive to rely on for everything. Many smaller things can be tackled by you; doing your own home improvement is cheap and easier than you might think. Just follow these tips.

Improve your home and lower your water bill by changing out your toilet with a more efficient model. Many companies have reduced the amount of gallons it takes to flush and they even feature options, such as flushing only liquids or solids, so you can control how much water is used, depending on what is in the toilet.

Adding accessories to your room can be a great way to make a space feel like your own. Infuse your own personality into your room by carefully choosing some accessories to your liking. Make sure not to go overboard with decorations because it can make a small room feel rather cramped.

Consider the character of your neighborhood when planning home improvement projects. If you have a home that is in the Victorian style in a neighborhood full of smaller cottages, it will stick out. On the other hand, a remodeled home that includes design-appropriate details will be more likely to sell.

If your floor is generally squeaky, you can make use of construction adhesive to quiet it. You have to work in your crawlspace or in the basement, but it is going to be worth it. Using a caulking gun, run a line of glue down each side of every floor joist so that the glue firmly secures the adjoining subfloor planks to the joists.

If you are in need of space in your bathroom, you know that the two things taking it up are usually the bathtub and the sink. Opt to install a pedestal sink in a small bathroom instead of one with cabinets on the bottom. It not only gives your bathroom an expensive appearance, but also frees up much needed space.

Before using your kitchen cabinet drawers to put your utensils and other things in, consider a solution to keep them clean. A lot of discount and dollar stores sell vinyl wallpaper that has an adhesive back. Cut a piece of the adhesive wallpaper to fit your drawer, then peel off the backing and adhere. Taking this step will prevent your drawers from getting damaged and the wallpaper can be easily peeled off and replaced.

To reduce the number of unwanted pests in your home, cut back shrubbery and plants that are close to the windows. These plants are great homes to insects and spiders. If they rub up against your house and windows, they can easily crawl inside to find a warm dry place. Cut back these bushes to a foot or more from the side of the house and under the windows.

With these tips, you should have a good idea of what to do for basic home improvement. By using the advice given, you can save a lot of money and feel more accomplished in your home. Whether you’re repairing something broken or adding something entirely new, you can save money and take pride in doing your own home improvement.…

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Learn Woodworking Today With These Top Tips

by Louise B. Delia

If you find that you are good with work that involves your hands, consider giving woodworking a try. From measuring to cutting to piecing things together, it is a fun way to spend your time. The tips below will help you get started on the right foot, ensuring your first project is a great one.

Always wear safety glasses when you are doing anything that involves woodworking. If you do not take the time to put the glasses on you are taking a huge risk that is not sensible. Just think, if you lose your eye sight you will not be able to do woodworking every again.

Never skip sanding when it is necessary or think that staining hides imperfections in the wood. Wood with scratches, dents and nicks absorbs much more finish or stain than wood that is smooth. When you skip sanding or do not do a thorough job of it, the imperfections stand out even more because of the increased absorption.

If there is a joint in your work that does not fit together properly, this cannot be fixed with glue. While it may seem like the simple way to fix things, it will only work temporarily. The best thing to do would be to start over and be more careful the next time.

Always follow the owner’s manual when using one of your woodworking tools. Not knowing the manual’s recommendations can result in injury or failure of your tool, and you surely do not want either of these to happen to you. If you have not yet read your manuals do so right away!

Before even beginning a woodworking project, make sure you have an adequate and proper place to work in. You definitely don’t want your living space filled with sawdust. Some woodworking supplies, such as stains, varnish and paint strippers, have noxious fumes. Ideally, you will have a detached garage or a shed to work in since an outside space is an ideal location.

Keep your work area as clean as possible. Woodworking creates a lot of mess, especially dust. This dust can get into your home and eventually into your lungs. This can cause real health problems down the road for you and your family. So take a few minutes after a job, and sweep up your space.

Build the best that you can. What this means is to not get lost in chasing perfectionism or analysis paralysis. Be honest with yourself about how good you are and cater to your strengths. Be proud of what you are able to do with woodworking, and do what you can to learn specific skills that improve on what you already have mastered.

When you use the table saw, be safe. When you crosscut, make sure the cut’s length is set with a block that’s clamped on your fence. This will prevent any movement from your board when you are cutting. When you use a clamp, the end of the board is still available to be cut.

If you are good with your hands, woodworking is the activity for you. Take your time to absorb the knowledge you have gained here and you’ll find that entering the world of working with wood becomes easier. In the end, you’ll find success with your projects and a new hobby to enjoy.…

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Tons Of Tips And Tricks For HVAC Success

by Louise B. Delia

Many people wonder about the HVAC unit but are afraid to tackle this weighty subject. It really isn’t that difficult to learn about, though. This guide is going to give you some awesome advice to go along with that will allow this to be easy for you!

Look for discounts wherever possible. HVAC systems can be rather costly, so you’ll want to seek out whatever discounts and deals that may be out there. When shopping around, ask about any current specials running, and look for discounts that are related to ENERGY STAR compliance. Both can save you a lot of cash.

Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don’t get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.

Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.

Make sure you have your HVAC system checked at least twice a year. This should happen in the fall and the spring. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.

Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you’ll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don’t stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don’t take that important last step.

If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don’t kick in when not needed.

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.

Change your air conditioner filter quarterly, or four times a year. This not only keeps the air coming into your home easier and cleaner to breathe, it takes a lot of stress off of your AC unit itself. You get to enjoy health, money savings and reduced energy use altogether at once.

Use plants to increase your air conditioner’s effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.

Your HVAC system isn’t as complicated as it first appears. Use the above tips to help you begin. Begin the process to help you figure out how the HVAC system works!…

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Your HVAC Should Be Working For You, Here’s How

by Louise B. Delia

Are you searching for information about HVAC systems because you have had problems in the past? Maybe you would just like solid tips on how to maintain the one you have? Either way, the following article was written as a guide to help anyone keep their HVAC system running the right way, so continue below.

If you must hire someone to help you out with your HVAC system, be sure to learn about all of the requirements your state has legislated regarding licencing and insurance. You need to be able to ask anyone you plan to hire if they meet these requirements before you hire them.

Look for discounts wherever possible. HVAC systems can be rather costly, so you’ll want to seek out whatever discounts and deals that may be out there. When shopping around, ask about any current specials running, and look for discounts that are related to ENERGY STAR compliance. Both can save you a lot of cash.

Clean your permanent air filters or replace disposable ones every single month. If you have the choice, an electrostatic is the best option on the market today. Be sure to turn off your unit before you change the filter as it should never be run without a filter in place.

Look to your neighbors and family to get recommendations of good HVAC specialists. Likely there’s someone you know who’s already done a ton of research. Use this knowledge to help get you the best specialist you can. This can save you many hours of research time and money too.

In order to avoid having any problems with your air conditioning unit, keep all vegetation at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. The unit should be clear of any vegetation on all sides and above. When you mow the lawn, aim the grass clippings away from the a/c unit. This will prevent grass getting inside the a/c and making it malfunction.

When you are no longer using your outdoor air conditioning unit, be sure to protect it with a tight cover. This will keep it free of debris, frost and snow so that you’ll have a working unit when the spring comes and you are ready to uncover it and use it again.

Whenever possible, try to shade the compressor unit outside. The air that’s in a place that is shaded is usually five to six degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Your air conditioning unit will be up to ten percent more efficient if it is properly shaded during the summer months.

To save money on your HVAC system, turn the air conditioning down at night and let your home warm up a bit. To keep yourself cool, use a chilling water-filled pillow to cool down your head and your whole body as a result. This combined with a fan will keep you from overheating while saving on your utility bills.

After reading the above article, you should understand the importance of proper maintenance when it comes to HVAC system. If you don’t take good care of your HVAC system, it will break down and end up costing you a fortune. So remember what you learned, apply the tips, and you will see how long your HVAC system lasts.…

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Tips You Can Use With Your New Roof

by Louise B. Delia

When it comes to roofing, most homeowners aren’t aware of the steps they need to take in order to maintain it properly. This is unfortunate because poor maintenance can lead to some serious problems down the road. Read on and learn what you need to do in order to care for your roof.

Don’t procrastinate replacing worn or broken shingles. You might think it’s okay to wait on fixing something, however, the damage will worsen over time. Replacing or repairing shingles immediately can save money and stress later. If you keep your roof maintained, it will last you a while.

One of the biggest foes of your roof is ice. When gutters back up and freeze up, they can push the shingles and even wood up off the top of your house. Once that ice begins to melt, it will leak inside and rot out your home. Watch for ice build up and fix the problem quickly.

When you’re planning on installing a new roof, choosing a material mainly comes down to how long you plan on staying in the home. If you plan on selling the house soon, material that lasts 20 years may be appropriate. If you plan keeping the house and living in it long term, you’ll save money in the long run by choosing materials that last 40 years or longer.

It is the spots which form valleys on your roof which tend to have the most problems. When seeking out the source or a leak or other issues, check these areas first. One improperly laid shingle or a hole torn by a violently installed nail can be the root of your problem.

It is very common for the gutters on your house to become clogged, so make sure you have them cleaned on a fairly regular basis. If you allow them to stay dirty, it will give rain a chance to build up and pool on top of your roof, which increases the chances of the roof becoming damaged.

Some of the new types of roofing materials are steel panels, slate tiles and shingles formed from composite materials. These roofing choices range from average price to very expensive, and the most expensive ones can last the lifetime of the house. Consider how long you will own your home when choosing your roofing material.

If you have an issue with your roof, it is a good idea to hire a professional to handle it. While it may seem a lot simpler and less expensive to do it yourself, you might actually end up spending more if you have to hire someone to fix a job that you have done incorrectly.

To protect the integrity of your roof, clean the gutters regularly. Many roof problems, such as leaking, are caused by back-ups in the gutter system. Having a clogged gutter means that rain and snow cannot adequately drain and that puts an extra burden on your roofing materials. Buy tools to make cleaning the gutters faster and easier on you.

As was mentioned earlier, many homeowners don’t know how to properly maintain their roof. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the steps you need to take to prolong the life of your roof and prevent any unfortunate incidents from occurring. Be sure and use the information you have just learned.…

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Want To Learn About Furniture? This Article Will Teach You

by Louise B. Delia

When it comes to furniture, are you lacking in knowledge? There are so many choices that it can be hard to choose. Read on to discover fantastic tips that you can use when you furnish your house.

If you are looking for new furniture and you don’t have a lot of money, consider picking up some at your local thrift store. There are usually a few different sets available, and you may find one that is in fairly good condition. You can have a set that is new to you without spending a ton of money.

Choose your furniture in function of your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, you should buy furniture that is stain resistant. Choose darker colors so stains or scratches are less noticeable. If you do not have pets or children, do not hesitate to purchase some lighter colors if this is the style you want.

You should try looking for furniture pieces that are being sold by a reputable store. This is because well-known stores tend to offer warranties on their furniture. If something goes wrong within a specific period of time, they will replace the pieces. Smaller stores are not usually able to afford these type of warranties.

Check the corners of any wood furniture for how the wood is attached together. A quality piece of furniture should be what’s called “wood joined” where the two pieces are literally jointed for a solid attachment. If instead you’re met with nails or glue, look for a better option. The furniture may not last long when joined in that way.

Consider your pet situation when shopping for furniture. A home without free-roaming pets that is going to stay that way is safer for a lot more furniture. If you do have uncaged pets or think you might in the future, be a lot more picky in what pieces of furniture you buy.

Choose your fabric and colors based on your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, it is best to steer clear of delicate fabrics and light colors. These will be worn through and stained in no time. A darker, sturdier fabric will hold up to the abuse, and hides many stains.

When you buy new furniture, inspect the legs before you purchase. The legs should be completely joined with the frame and should be rather heavy. Wooden legs are the most durable, while plastic, metal and rubber legs also scratch flooring. If the legs are just nailed to the body, the construction is not superior and it might not stand the test of time.

Consider the overall decor you are going for or already have in your home when looking for furniture. Generally speaking, there are five styles of furniture that you can buy. They are traditional, contemporary, coastal, transitional and coastal. Some are more appropriate for your region than others, but of course the inside of your home is up to you.

With any luck, this piece has given you facts that will help you make smart furniture choices. The information you’ve read here should help you get the best prices and the best products possible for your needs. Furniture is expensive and should be treated as an investment.…

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When You Want To Learn About Furniture, Read This

by Louise B. Delia

Your time is limited due to your busy schedule. You work very hard for your money, so you don’t want to spend too much on anything. On top of that, your home better look good or you will be embarrassed to have guests. Learn how to shop for furniture through the tips below.

Watch for sales when buying furniture. Most of the time furniture is put on sale. If you need a certain piece, you can save a lot of money by patiently waiting for the price to be lowered. You might even ask your favorite furniture store when the item will be marked at a lower price.

Always check the inner composition of furniture and don’t be fooled by a pretty surface or veneer. Look also at the undersides, the drawers and all fittings. Many times, this inspection is going to let you make a better assessment of the furniture than you’d get by simply inspecting the surface wood. Often called secondary woods, internal and underside surfaces give you a lot of clues as to true quality of construction and aging.

When buying furniture, quality is important. Custom furniture makers will not use nails and glue to join wood corners and ends together. They will use a process known as wood joinery. This produces a high quality joint that will be sturdier and will take more weight. Nails and glue construction will not deliver a solid quality product.

Consider shopping at thrift stores. You may not go to thrift stores a lot or maybe you’ve never gone to thrift stores in the past. You can often find great furniture while visiting these stores. You can often find nice smaller pieces, but once in a while, you may find a sofa that fits your needs.

For families who like eat in the kitchen, a table with a tile top is ideal. They are simple to clean and the flat surface can be quickly disinfected. You can find such tables with chairs or bench seating alike.

Decide what material you want before you start looking. If you only want oak tables, for instance, that will stop you from wasting time looking at other materials which you won’t need. If you want a candle chandelier, know that before you start looking so you get what you want. If you walk into a store without a goal, you’ll feel much more uncertain.

Do not let a salesperson convince you to buy a piece of furniture you are not comfortable with. As most sales people do, those who sell furniture want to make the most commission, so they will try to convince you to purchase the most expensive item. Chances are, some cheaper items are better for your needs.

These are simple tips which have come from your peers, honed and focused over the years. They’ve been buying furniture and learning the ropes so you don’t have to. Don’t make beginner mistakes, instead use these ideas to change your furniture shopping strategy into a successful one which will never fail you.…

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Business Landscaping: How To Have A Good Outdoor Appearance For Your Business

by Louise B. Delia

Don’t let your fear of landscaping keep you from having the best looking house on the block. You don’t have to have a green thumb to do some simple things to make your home look great. You can start this weekend and have a better looking yard, in no time at all.

One of the most important tips one can use with regards to landscaping, is to come up with a plan before you start doing anything. It is important to carefully consider exactly what you want your yard to look like,and then make a detailed plan as to what steps you will need to take.

You do not have to hire a professional to design your landscape for you, but it might be worth your time and money to quickly meet with an architect. You will get a better idea of how much your project will cost and perhaps avoid mistakes that would end up costing you money.

If you have children, or would like an area to entertain guests, it would be wise to plan out an open space in your landscaping. Make sure that you allocate this space, before starting your landscaping project, so that you ensure that you will have enough room once you are done.

If you are using flowers in your landscaping plans, you should use both perennials and annuals. Perennials come in many beautiful options, but annuals ensure that you have color year round. If you live in a winter climate, you could even incorporate beautiful shrubs and flowers that bloom during that season.

Buy on the Internet to get great discounts and enjoy a vast selection of choices. Many landscaping supply websites offer a tempting combination high quality and affordable prices. Be sure to consult the reviews of previous customers before ordering to ensure that you will not be disappointed by the product you select or the manner in which it is shipped. Also, compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best price for the quality of product you receive.

Consider using rain barrels to water your yard. Rain barrels are easy to add to any yard, and they serve the purpose of collecting rain water. You can then use that rain water to hydrate your lawn, and plants. This is an easy way to save on the cost of watering plants, and it is an environmentally friendly option too.

Before you get out the shovel and wheelbarrow, make a careful plan for your landscaping project. You really need to think about what your goals are before you begin. What will you be using this outdoor space for when it is completed? Is it for sitting quietly and reading a book or for entertaining guests? Knowing your goals before starting will help you to achieve your desired outcome.

There are so many ways to have a great looking yard. This article has shown you the ease and simplicity that landscaping can be. Anyone can do some simple things to have a great looking yard. As you have read here, you can make some easy changes and have a much better looking yard.…

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