Home » Safety & Fall Prevention » Home Improvements » Page 6
Category:

Home Improvements

Home Improvements

Is Kitchen Remodeling Cost-effective?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

kitchen-416027_640So, you have made the decision to remodel your home. Kitchen remodeling is one of the first rooms that homeowners explore with regard to renovations. The kitchen is the main gathering place in the home for families and friends. It is the area where socialization happens frequently, so it makes perfect sense to choose to remodel this room in your home first. The project can be extremely fun and should be looked upon as such. There are so many small changes that can be made to completely transform this room that it is mind boggling. Let us talk a bit about whether this remodeling project is a sound financial decision.
First, you should look at the long-term picture. Are you remodeling the kitchen for your own preferences, or will you be selling the home at any point in the future? Either way, renovations to the kitchen can help save money in the future. If you are planning to stay in the home, you can employ some new choices that can help save on your monthly utility bills. You can opt for new energy efficient windows that can save you on your monthly electric payments. You can install low flow faucets to save on water consumption. You can also buy appliances that are more energy efficient as well. You will also experience personal satisfaction that your new kitchen is more operational and updated than it was previously.
If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you can expect a very significant return on your investment. If you ask any realtor, they will tell you that one of the first things a potential buyer is interested in is the kitchen. If your kitchen is fresh and updated with contemporary finishes (counters, cabinets, flooring) it will make your home stand out against homes that have a more dated kitchen. You can expect to get a return of at least 40% of your remodeling investment when you go to list your home. You can get a higher sales price due to the upgrades.
A home kitchen makeover is a very prudent choice, especially if you can only remodel one room. The kitchen is central to the home and you spend a lot of time there cooking, eating and socializing. The benefits of new and updated appliances and other elements far outweigh the costs you may incur. You will be surprised at how far you can get on your proposed budget. When your project is finished, you will realize it was money well spent.
articlecity.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

Types of Water Heaters

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

waterheaterWater heaters are one of the most commonly used appliances by many householders. It’s helpful to understand the many types of water heaters when you require hot water for your household or business.
The primary function of a typical heating system is to store, heat and supply hot water in homes and commercial buildings. Usually the water is preheated and one can access it on opening the tap.
There are several types of heaters available in the market. The most commonly used type is the tank-type one. This comprises of a vertical cylindrical tank that is capable of holding any amount from 20 to 100 gallons. Such heaters can work on natural gas, propane, solar energy or electricity. Generally natural gas is used to fuel tank-type heaters. Another popular type is the combination heater. It is a tankless-type heater that is capable of providing with instant hot water. This type of heating system does not require any tank as it heats water instantly.
Water heaters typically consist of a cylindrical tank that stores a certain amount of water that is ready for use. To save up on operation and temperature costs, the tanks are usually equipped with strong insulation that is made up of superior quality polyurethane foam. There is a heating element too that is responsible for the he0ating process.
A typical heating system is usually capable of holding around 50 gallons of water. All you need to do is to get the right sized heater that meets your requirements. You must choose a model whose efficiency suits your needs the best. For instance, electric heaters have around 98% efficiency whereas gas heaters have 85% efficiency. Every type has setbacks and advantages. A few popular types of heaters are explained as follows:
Traditional heating system: This type uses a tank to store water unless it is needed. Such a water heater uses gas, oil or electricity for the warming process. Tanks are generally well insulated to prevent heat-loss.
Tankless heating system: The technology that these types of heaters incorporate is amazingly efficient. They do not need a tank as they are equipped with the capability of heating water quickly.
Solar heating system: This type of heating systems use solar energy to warm water. The heated water gets stored in strongly insulated tanks.
Water heating systems are machines and can malfunction if not treated properly. You must seek expert technical support to fix issues with your water heaters. Ventura (CA) citizens can contact Dutton Plumbing to avail professional repairing services.
articlecity.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

Adding a Little Luxury to Your Home

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

4.1.1Seventy-two percent of homeowners plan to decorate or redecorate in the next two years, according to Houzz and Home Survey; and 86% said that improving the look and feel of the space was their most important goal.
You can find plenty of décor inspiration on sites such as Houzz or Pinterest. And with the right materials and a little creativity, you can add a little luxury to your home, too. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Paint – You can add a fresh look to a room with a fresh coat of paint. You can also add richness and depth with a specialty paint treatment. Textured paint allows you to give your walls the look of soft suede, leather, linen or even vintage plaster. Metallic paints can be used with stencils to create elegant patterns, or on textured wallpaper to create the look of antique tin ceiling tiles.
Textiles – Fabrics are a great way to add color and texture to a room. Browsing the remnant tables at a fabric store can lead you to some beautiful bargains. You can use remnants to recover pillows, add banding to drapes, or make runners for the table or buffet. Try adding a luxurious throw to the sofa or a small wool rug on top of existing carpet for a cozy, layered look.
You can also consider investing in having a quality piece of furniture reupholstered. Look for a fabric that is not only beautiful, but durable as well, so you get more bang for your buck. For example, Sensuede is easy to clean, child- and pet-friendly, yet is soft, comfortable and luxurious to the touch. Learn more, and explore the more than 200 colors available, at www.sensuede.com.
Accents – Sometimes little things can add up to a big difference. Change out some of your accent pieces to add a special touch to any room. Metallic colors and materials such as gold, silver, bronze and copper add warmth and elegance. Vases, picture and mirror frames, decorative bowls and trays are simple ways to bring beautiful metals into any room. Richly colored candles add color and scent to a room, and their soft light will make your metallic accents glow.
Flooring – Sometimes the floor can get overlooked as a design element in a room. But a beautiful floor can pull the whole look of a room together. Refinishing hardwood floors, installing laminate or stone flooring, replacing carpets, or investing in quality area rugs are all ways you can add the perfect finishing touch to a room.
There are a lot of ways you can add luxury to your living spaces, so start exploring creative ways to make your home the picture-perfect place you’ve always wanted.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

Gutter Replacement to Prevent Home Water Damage

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Rain GutterGutter Replacement to Prevent Home Water Damage
Unchecked gutter leaks can wreak havoc on even the newest homes. Replacing old gutters also prevents home water damage. This relatively common issue makes properly installed and maintained gutters a vital, yet often overlooked, part of a house’s exterior. If you have damaged, clogged or low capacity gutters, overflowing water can lead to drainage issues, and ultimately water damage to the wood, siding and dry wall of your home. Gutter Replacement to Prevent Home Water Damage
Properly functioning gutters help your home hold up under harsh weather conditions. When it rains, water flows off the roof into gutters, which directs the water away from the house. This drainage system ensures that water is not able to pool on your roof and leak under shingles ultimately entering and damaging the interior of your home. There’s a variety of reasons why your current gutters may be inadequate and in need of replacement, including:

  • Severe blockage due to fallen leaves and other debris
  • Low capacity gutters, which cannot handle the volume of water that comes with heavy rainfall
  • Damaged gutters, which can be caused by icing over in the winter, and general wear and tear

Replacing your current gutters with a RainPro gutter system by Integrity Home Pro, can help you avoid the costly repairs that come with water damage. The uniquely designed RainPro gutter system offers two great benefits that most gutter systems do not: These custom built systems are well-built to last for years, and they come in a variety of styles to match your home.
No matter what style your home is, you’ll find a RainPro gutter system that compliments it. At Integrity Home Pro, we don’t think you should have to sacrifice looks for quality in a gutter system. The RainPro gutters have a refined look, and come in a variety of color options, that contributes to your home’s unique style. And since each RainPro system is custom configured for your home, we’ll send contract professionals to measure the perimeter of your house to ensure a perfect fit.
The RainPro gutter system by Integrity Home Pro is built to last. Manufactured to be about 18% thicker than standard gutters, RainPro gutters hold up longer, and can withstand harsher weather conditions. They’re also better at handling the heavy rains, since the gutter bottoms and downspouts are larger than in most residential gutters. And, since each system is protected by a ScratchGuard paint coating, there is very little upkeep and maintenance, just great looking gutters that are built to last. If you’re interested in a free consultation, contact Integrity Home Pro and ask about our RainPro gutter system today.
articlecity.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

10 Easy Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home isn’t as hard as it may sound. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water. 10 Easy Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden
Once you’ve prepared your garden plot, select one or all of the following vegetables, and then get growing:

  1. Lettuce – Plant lettuce seeds directly into the garden or a pot then repeat every two weeks throughout the spring. It can be cut a few weeks after planting. Some harvest lettuce by pulling it up – roots and all – but cutting a little off the top every few days will keep it growing until summer’s heat turns it too bitter.
  2. Spinach – This vitamin-packed green is planted and harvested just like lettuce.
  3. Cucumbers – Once the danger of frost has passed, make several mounds of dirt near the edge of your garden and place 2-3 plants around the center of each. Cucumbers are notorious for growing vines that overtake other plants. So, be vigilant about keeping them contained.
  4. Squash – Like cucumbers, summer squash is planted on small mounds at the edges of a garden so their vines can be contained. Most varieties, such as yellow squash and zucchini, are quite prolific and just a few plants will feed a large family all summer long.
  5. Green Beans – Early in the spring plant green bean seeds directly into the soil. They should be planted in a long row under a tall fence, trellis or other support system. They love to climb. Sow out more seeds every two weeks for a continual harvest through the summer.
  6. Tomatoes – Purchase plants from your local garden center, making sure to get those which grow best in your area of the country. All plants should be staked or enclosed in a tomato cage because successful plants produce an abundance of large, heavy fruit throughout the summer months.
  7. Radishes – Radish seeds should be planted directly into the soil as early in the spring as possible. Keep planting new rows every two weeks until mid-spring. They grow quickly so should be checked and harvested often. Once summer sets in, radishes become spongy and too hot to eat. So, enjoy early in the season.
  8. Bell Pepper – Bell peppers are easiest to grow from plants. Space them about a foot apart and then watch them take off. Little care is required. The only real trick to growing bell peppers is knowing when to harvest. If you’re growing red, orange or yellow varieties, they’ll start out green then turn color as soon as they ripen.
  9. Carrots – Dig a long, shallow trench in soil that is free of rock. Sprinkle the seeds along the row, cover lightly with topsoil and wait for the top of the carrot to pop through the soil. Once a bit of orange appears, pull and enjoy.
  10. Beets – Nothing beats a beet for its earthy, sweet taste. They should be planted from seed as soon as the ground can be worked in early spring.
0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

DIY Home Carpet Replacement Projects

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

CarpetFor some people, the thought of replacing their carpet as a do-it-yourself project might appear to be too great of a task to accomplish on their own. Though it might be beneficial to seek the aid of other family members or friends for assistance, the process of carpet installation is a task that any individual would be able to do on their own and save money as compared to the hiring of a professional company. To aid simplify this home DIY project, it is important to break it down into simplistic steps which are easy for anybody to follow. With the installation of home carpet, it is best to follow the 3 steps of demolition, selection, and installation.
1. Demolition
For several home owners, the demolition process of any home DIY project represents the most fun a person would be able to have in relation to labor. Having the opportunity to tear out the old look in order to open the foundation to new opportunities, is a stepping stone towards total project satisfaction. When you are looking to start the demolition process, its vital to remove any objects from the room that will interfere with this process, and ensuring you remove all the pre existing flooring. For a room that has carpet, you will need to remove the carpet and even the underlay underneath, in order to avoid any undesired staining or scents in your new carpet installation. For hard wood or stone flooring, there’s often opportunity to simply lay a new carpet on top and avoid the demolition process of chipping up tile or scraping out wood.
2. Selection
The very next step of this home DIY project is taken with the selection process of your new carpet. The timing associated with the selection can occur following the demolition step or before the demolition step, depending on your uncertainty about flooring options. When making your selection for the best carpet to fit your home, its vital to consider price in addition to what the carpet offers you. Selecting a product solely based on price could lead to making the wrong selection for your home environment and traffic demands. Often, a home owner will discover a quality product that doesn’t cost much more than the low cost alternative, making it the better bargain.
3. Installation
The last step of any project is commonly found with installation. When installing your new carpet, it is vital to make sure you have all the right products and also all the essential tools. With your best carpet selection, make sure you have the appropriate underlay and any adhesives or tack strips that might be required. When you have accumulated the appropriate tools and products required to complete your installation process, you’ll achieve fantastic results in your goal of completing your flooring.
BuildingChoice is a website created for Australian consumers in particular to freely access up to date information and prices on a wide range of building products and appliances. It features a Trades Directory to enable consumers to easily locate and contact the professionals needed to complete a building project, from architects and interior designers to plumbers and plasterers.
articlecity.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

Understanding Door Lock Technology

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Door LockThe protection and security of our family members are always the first thing that we look into. Our concern to secure things extends even to our properties and valuables. We make sure that no harm or danger can touch them. We look for a relatively safe place in which to stay and even go to the extent of relocating around until we feel that we found it. As an added comfort and safety measure we place child proof and alarm systems. The door lock is the most primitive and yet helpful security device available.
The rope was the primary locking device used. The thief knot got it’s name because it was implemented to discover thieves and the Gordian knot was used to discourage them. Even to this day the first thing we do to secure a door is almost always to tie a rope to it. History is questionable as to when the lock started. Archeological findings report that wooden locks and keys were used some 4,000 years ago by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The earliest known door lock with a key is termed as a pin lock or pin tumbler lock. This design is the frequently used lock to this day. The old pin tumbler lock was made of wood and rope and to this day this type of wooden lock mechanism is still in use in Puerto Rico.
To enhance the security level of the old design of the pin lock the orientation of the pins had to be changed and the number of pins is increased. The development that was made to the ancient design had become the established concepts of pin locks in the present. Another development came for the pin lock; the wooden pins with bronze or iron. It was this metal design that got patented in 1805. The patented design was further refined by the father and son locksmith with the name of Linus Yale Sr. and Linus Yale Jr. The pin lock that we see today is the design that the Yale’s produced. Wafer tumbler locks are yet another kind of door lock. This sort of lock is usually used in vehicles and cabinets. Yet another commonly used type of lock is the lever lock. These locks are popularly utilized in safes and prisons.
Additionally, there are mechanical and electromechanical locks. Presently there are countless of variations of the different types of locks. A number of variations we have the panic bars, lock sets, lock boxes, deadbolts, mortise locks, bump-proof locks to name a few These variations are what are presently used in structures and houses. With today’s technology used in lock for the doors we have state of the art security features. Examples of which are the alarmed panic bars which are installed in the emergency exit doors. This is also already being used in our car door alarms.
With the enhancements in our technology and the tireless work of our inventors we can be confident that the advancement of the current door lock will continue and our security and safety will be much better allowing us to rest well at night time. We should all remember that.
articlecity.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

How to Prep Your Lawn and Garden for Autumn

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

00004002As autumn colors set in this season, make sure your all-important home and garden upkeep checklist is ready.
Although the lawn is often overlooked during the fall, it’s actually the perfect time to make sure everything is organized before the harsher winter elements take hold. Paul James, host of HGTV’s “Gardening by the Yard,” advises homeowners to start early – approximately six weeks before the first good freeze.
Here is a list of some of the tasks and items you should add to your fall checklist this year:
Maintain the landscape. Tidy up the lawn, flowerbeds, bushes, gardens, etc. Remove unsightly foliage, dead stems, piles of leaves and other debris. Fluff your mulch with a rake so water can seep into the subsoil.
Plant fall vegetables. Cool-season vegetable gardens can flourish with the right plants – lettuce, greens, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, potatoes and loads more. Imagine all the hearty stews and delicious soups you could make from scratch.
Keep muscles relaxed, and stay hydrated. Don’t underestimate the fall sun. Summer may be over, but hours of gardening in the sun can still leave you exhausted, strained and parched. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, take breaks and stretch your muscles. If you suffer from backaches and muscle strains, keep some relief like Absorbine Jr. (www.absorbinejr.com) on hand. The natural menthol in Absorbine Jr. helps relieve muscle and back pain to make it a must-have for yard work. Its herbal ingredients also help provide relief from sunburn and gnat and other insect bites.
Make room for indoor plants. Your potted or container plants won’t survive the winter outside, so it’s time to make room indoors for tropical plants, herbs and succulents. Potted perennials can be transplanted into a garden after trimming the roots and some top growth.
Clean garage, shed or outbuildings. Once you organize your storage space, you can neatly put away all of your summer tools or patio furniture. Plus, your newly emptied planters will have a home next to all the other stuff families accumulate.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Home Improvements

How Much Do Stair Chair Lifts Cost

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

elevator-chair-for-stairs-13-amazing-pictures-stair-chairs-design-pictures-home-stair-designStair Chair Lifts – Factors determining Costs
Stair chair lifts are valuable additions to any residential or commercial building. In fact, they can be a cost-effective alternative to an elevator, which would require the installation of shafts, cable systems, cabins, and so on. The operation of a stair lift is simple – it takes the user up and down a stairway at just the press of a button. The actual cost of a stair lift depends on various factors which are discussed below.
Stairway configuration:
The type of stairway (curved, spiral or straight) is one of the main factors that influence cost. Installing curved stair lifts would involve a greater expense than setting up straight stairlifts.
Battery-Operated:
Battery-operated models or DC models are more expensive than electrically-operated or AC stair lifts. DC models have the advantage that they can be operated even during power outages as they are battery-supported.
Additional features:
If you customize a stair lift, it would raise the price. For instance, you can have a lift that includes a wheelchair platform. You can also have it fitted with arms. These adjustments would result in a higher cost. In any case, features such as swivel seat, non-skid adjustable foot rest, safety braking system, obstruction sensors and seat belts are standard in almost all models.
Brands:
Going in for a good brand is would mean paying a higher price, but ensure good value for money. The technology and features incorporated raise the cost of stair chair lifts. Some of the quality lifts for stairs available from leading manufacturers include Electra-Ride Elite Outdoor, Electra-Ride III, Electra-Ride Elite, Step Saver, B.07, Flow II, Stair-Glide, and so on.
Installation:
The cost is also influenced by installation expenses. To get a clear idea about the expenses of the stair lift system, your buildings should be well-assessed by installation experts. If your stairlifts can be installed without much structural modification, it would cost considerably less.
Pre-owned:
Reconditioned or pre-owned stair lifts would cost less that new. Going in for a reconditioned model is a good option when you are concerned about your budget. Many dealers buy used lifts and revamp them to work like new before they are offered for sale. Make sure you look at the warranty options when you buy this lift.
Buy from a Reliable Dealer:
When you buy a stair lift, it is important to consider the service charges, maintenance and repair costs, and the warranty that comes with it. You should take care to buy the device from a reliable dealer. Established suppliers have a wide inventory of leading models of stair chair lifts and would offer professional advice on the right one for your building and the costs involved.
articlecity.com

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts