Raise Your Home’s Value With Home Improvement
If you’re going to sell your home or simply want to raise its value there are multiple things that you can do.
However the most overlooked but most effective method available to you is to improve your home. Home improvements can add immense value to your home especially in the bathrooms and kitchens. These two areas are the most important areas in a home when it comes to everyday living and customizing them can add immense value.
One of the reasons for this is that there are thousands of homes made by name brands all across the country. All of these are identical in design to the others of the same model so their initial resell value is low. Any home improvements add to the individuality and value of a home but really large scale improvements can add value in the range of tens of thousands of dollars.
Let’s take a look at the bathroom for starters. Most homes come with a toilet, a sink with a cabinet, and a tub that also doubles as a shower. This is the standard bathroom and while it is functional it is not very desirable. You have many areas in this room to improve upon but most choose to do something about the shower. If you have the funding, time, patience and skills you can convert your typical shower tub into a very relaxing and inviting area.
Most often people will replace the traditional tub with a hot tub, install new tiling, install a new shower system, and possibly add glass doors or metal railings. These are not uncommon items and are by far not the most expensive to purchase. However if done properly it can increase the value of your home.
The next area to look at is the kitchen. Kitchens are standardized with many drawers, cabinets, a stove, and a place for a fridge. While you will not be deviating from this, the goal is to simply enhance the effect. Installing new cabinets, drawers, flooring, wallpaper, and a center table if you have the room can do wonders for a home. Another item that works for any room in a home is the lighting.
Lighting can make boring rooms grand and bad lighting can make impressive rooms abysmal. While it’s all just beams of light and not actual renovation the proper lighting can make all the difference when modifying a room. It’s always best to examine this area first before making any changes to your home. The idea is to take the route that will raise the value at a price point you can afford.
Raising a home’s value can be done through an assortment of ways but home improvement is the best route. Changing the lighting, replacing tiling, and upgrading rooms can increase the value of your home tremendously. Remember that before you give up hope on increasing your home’s value to take a look at your local home remodeling contractor, with their help you may be inspired to make changes.…
Bathroom Remodeling – Top 10 Tips For a Successful Bathroom Remodel
1.) Choose the Right Contractor:
Selecting the right contractor for a bathroom remodeling project in Dayton, Ohio is the crucial first step and can make the difference between a successful enjoyable process and a never ending nightmare of regret. Make sure the bathroom contractor you select is qualified and capable. Apples to Apples estimates often differ since outstanding quality and customer service costs more to provide you then low attention to detail and no customer service.
Remember often times in life you get what you pay for. Be sure to compare more then just Scope of Work when comparing estimates and investigate and verify their Better Business record.
2.) Proper Prior Planning:
Sound familiar from college? Well it applies to everything including bathroom remodeling. There is a lot of coordinating to be done in typically small spaces when bathroom remodeling. Sure a good contractor will do most if not all the coordinating for you but it is a good idea to go over the steps yourself prior to construction.
Planning the process yourself will not only allow you to be more educated about it, but also make you more informed and better capable of making good decisions with regards to your bathroom remodeling project.
3.) Functional Work Triangles:
Work triangles typically apply to kitchen remodeling but also have value when Bathroom remodeling. “Work triangles” refer to the distance between the functional amenities of your bathroom such as toilet, lavatory sink, showers and tubs, and storage. Creating the right amount of space between these items can make your bathroom functional and comfortable as well as create a feeling of openness and space.
4.) Choose the Right Materials:
With the increased popularity of the big box stores came a gambit of new choices, consequently making selecting materials a nerve racking experience for some remodeling novices. A good contractor will help you select the right stuff for the right spot keeping esthetic appeal, texture, durability and cost in mind.
By properly installing the right materials, they should last the lifetime of your home. The right materials can make all the difference in the world and its painfully obvious when you select the wrong ones.
5.) Waterproofing and Concrete.
By properly waterproofing the concrete board it will create a durable long lasting medium for the tile setting. Reputable contractors only remodel bathrooms using moisture resistant drywall for dry painted surfaces, and concrete board for any areas to be tiled or exposed to wet conditions. However hanging cement board alone is not enough.
The joints and corners need to be taped and finished with ASTM approved mortar in a similar fashion as one finishes drywall. Doing this waterproofs the system allowing your walls to not rely solely on the finished tile for water proofing characteristics and, creates a second moisture barrier.
This simple, low cost step will add decades of time to your bathrooms life span. Ask your proposed contractors how they intend to waterproof the cement board. If they leave this step out of the answer, or say, “the tile is the waterproof system.” move onto the next guy.
6.) Get Great Lighting:
Proper lighting is essential for bathrooms. The right lighting can dramatically improve the appearance and function of your newly remodeled bathrooms. Utilizing a diverse selection of lighting such as 6 inch can lights, 4 inch cans lights, flush mounted lighting, wall sconces, under cabinet lighting, and vanity lights truly livens the space and adds a sense of elegance only great lighting can. The more lights and type of lights you use the more dramatic the aesthetic appeal.
7.) Select the Right Trim:
A bathrooms trim is very important. Types of bathroom trim include; baseboard, casing, chair rail, wainscoting, crown molding, and around mirror trim. The correct combination of trim separates good bathrooms from great bathrooms. There is a fallacy that all of a home’s trim must match. It just isn’t true. Upgrading a bathroom’s trim package can provide huge design dividends while remodeling a bath room and separate it as the most elegant room in the house, which it should be.
8.) Hardware and Fixture Fluency:
Not many things can destroy a bathroom remodel like mismatched hardware and fixtures. There are several finishes to choose from when considering which one is best for your project such as, chrome, brass, brass and chrome, nickel, brushed nickel, stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, antiqued bronze, brushed bronze, and oil rubbed bronze. It is imperative that all items in your bathroom have similar finishes. Disregarding this will confuse the eye, create an un-unified look and take away from your bathrooms appeal.
9.) Remember the Small Stuff:
The small stuff is commonly overlooked then thrown together in the end. One of the largest consumer complaints with regards to bathroom remodeling is that the contractors did not …
Kitchen Renovation Gives a Clear Perspective on a Cloudy Day
In the face of long winters, dreary days and bleak economic times, there are few things that are able to bring people close together the way that cooking and family dinner events do. This is a social staple that has bound together friends and families for as long as there have been humans on this planet. Eating is a necessity, and perfecting the process of food preparation and presentation is all part of turning this event into something unique. For this reason, many view kitchen renovation as more than just a way to freshen up the look of their cooking area, but as a way to expose our social habit to a new light.
Considering the possibility of home improvement on the whole can be a burdensome thought. The initial costs can often make knees weak, especially during these difficult economic times. Despite this reality, people are still in need of making their homes feel more comfortable and inviting to their friends and family. Rather than get caught up in thoughts of such a massive project, many find themselves focusing on giving new life to certain parts of their residence. By focusing on where the most time is spent, and how to revitalize a place like the kitchen, the project can seem far less overwhelming and certainly more manageable.
The need to get involved in something as simple as kitchen renovation is much more than just replacing faulty pipes are a leaky faucet. Shedding fresh light on the cooking environment in your home will provide a new sense for how you feed and nourish your family. While many Americans find themselves reevaluating their budgets, they find themselves cutting out the added cost of going out to eat. Furthermore, they see the need to eat healthier and cook more wholesome meals as a dire necessity if they are to live healthier lives.
Undertaking a home renovation project as focused as this can be narrowed down to fundamental changes that should be addressed. For those who seek to expand the space of their cooking realm, this should be noted from the onset. Lighting, cabinet and counter spaces are all important considerations to also make. Additionally, replacing or repairing appliances will also make the kitchen far more functional and generally pleasant to work in.
After a long day of work or of taking care of the kids and the necessary errands that go along with this, there is little energy left to waste on cooking or preparing a dinner in a place that is unpleasant to be in. For this fundamental reason, kitchen renovation has gained more traction as an invigorating project that can lead to a change in lifestyle that you may have been yearning for. By addressing simple concerns like lighting, space, and functionality, you can give new light to your home and the experience of both eating and cooking together with your family. Hosting a dinner occasion at your house need not be a burden, but an exciting event to look forward to.…
Incorporating Granite Into Kitchens and Bathrooms
Look in any home that has recently been remodeled and chances are, you will find granite somewhere in the house. Whether it is used for kitchen countertops or in the bathroom, granite is the preferred choice of homeowners who want a low-maintenance, yet durable stone. Consumers ask for granite because they know it is an easy way to add style and sophistication to any room in the house.
Granite has stood the test of time. It has been a popular building material for thousands of years and continues to be one of the most sought after stone products for the home. Granite has very unique characteristics that make it a preferred choice for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities.
Granite is durable. It is one of the strongest stones in the world, second only to diamonds. This means that it is virtually scratch resistant and will not be harmed by typical food preparation practices. Granite is heat resistant so homeowners are able to place hot pots and pans on the surface without worry. If it should happen to chip, it can usually be repaired. Granite will last much longer than typical man-made alternatives.
Granite is beautiful. The beauty of natural stone simply cannot be recreated in a factory. The color palette available is enormous. The small crystals in the granite reflect the sun and change the appearance of the stone throughout the day. Each piece of granite has unique veining patterns, swirls, and specks-no two pieces are the same. With various shades and hues available, you can easily coordinate your new granite countertops with any design, style, or color that you prefer.
Granite is easy to maintain. Once sealed, granite countertops can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Granite does not harbor bacteria, making it a sanitary surface for food preparation. Unlike other materials, granite will not fade or dull over time. It is virtually stain-resistant when sealed. With very little maintenance, your granite countertops will continue to look fresh and new for years to come.
Granite allows for flexibility. Granite countertops can be transformed into any shape you may desire. It can be cut into curves, squares, arches, ovals, and at various angles. You can use a little granite, or a lot depending on your design needs. It can safely be used in high-humidity areas, like bathrooms and even outside.
Granite is affordable. Some consumers choose not to even look at granite because they think it is out of their price range. While granite may be more expensive than some synthetic alternatives, its popularity and availability have helped to reduce its price. Plus, when you consider the durability, beauty, and quality of granite, the price you pay is a true value. While synthetic options may seem less expensive in the short run, you may end up replacing them in a few years. Granite countertops and vanities will last much longer and continue to look great for many years to come.
Before you replace your kitchen countertops or remodel your bathroom, take some time to investigate granite. It will add value and elegance to any home.…
Chesapeake HVAC Business Looking For Technicians
Reasons to Become an HVAC Technician
We live in the 21st century in which artistry and tradesmanship became overlooked as the career path. The main reason for that is the tremendous pressure for individuals to obtain an academic degree.
However, joining a trade industry is a great career path that will provide you both job security and ability to enhance your knowledge for less money and time than academic degrees.
The best way to learn everything about being an HVAC technician is by clicking here for additional info.
Therefore, you should know that becoming an HVAC technician is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the US because it comes with job growth, high demand, numerous benefits, and opportunities to improve as time goes by.
You should know that the HVAC industry has been around for years dating back to the Egyptian culture in which they utilized hard clay and mud when they constructed buildings to maintain the coolness.
At the same time, HVAC comes with numerous applications throughout history, which is an interesting story you should check out online. Generally, each decade comes with exceptional advancement in a specific way that allows us to prevent temperature expenditure.
Nowadays, this particular industry is still advancing and improving, so the job demand for both engineers and technicians increased significantly.
It is one of the most demanding industries on the market because most households and commercial buildings require efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning installation, and regular maintenance.
That is the main reason why you should consider it as an essential option for your career choice, which is why we decided to present to you how to become a technician in the first place.
How Should You Become an HVAC Technician?
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning or HVAC is a specific form of trade because technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, and inspecting numerous systems within commercial buildings and residential homes.
Since technology is advancing and construction rates, you should know that having skills in this particular area is essential for all industries.
Commercial buildings, new and old homes, require the lifelong assistance of a capable and professional HVAC technician to install, replace, and maintain their cooling and heating systems.
Therefore, we can easily say that this particular job is indispensable compared to other career options you can choose. Of course, you should know that being a technician requires a solid understanding of each system, especially when it comes to ventilation, cooling, and heating.
At the same time, you need to know the terms that come with these systems and how they operate together. You will need to learn more about water lines, electrical wiring, refrigerators, and many more.
The employment of Chesapeake HVAC mechanics increased by ten percent in the last decade and will continue to grow, which means that it will become one of the fastest-growing industries.
Construction for both residential and commercial sites has also reached its peak and will grow as time goes by, which means that this particular industry will always be in demand.
If you consider this particular statistic, you can rest assured because, as a technician, you will get guaranteed job security to replace the existing systems, install new ones, and boost the overall technology.
Benefits of Becoming an HVAC Technician
It would help if you kept in mind that this particular career comes with numerous benefits, including the ability to advance in your career, a steady income, and the ability to create your own business, which will allow you to enjoy in the future.
- Salary – The best thing about this particular career is the salary you can expect from the early start. According to statistics, the median pay for a technician is approximately 45 thousand dollars, which means twenty-two dollars an hour. The lowest wage is twenty-eight thousand dollars a year for an entry position, while the highest can reach up to a hundred thousand and even more if you start a business.
As soon as you enter this website: https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2020/09/12/as-people-gather-indoors-hvac-upgrades-could-boost-carrier-stock/ you will be able to learn more about benefits that come with HVAC upgrades.
- Improve Your Knowledge – Being an HVAC technician is just the first step you should make because you will advance your knowledge and expertise as time goes by. Of course, you will have to start as a technician, which means you will work under a company. However, the longer you stay in the industry, the more fantastic pay you will have, and that is a fact you need to remember. You can obtain numerous certifications that will improve your value as part of a team, ultimately allowing you to open your own business altogether.
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How To Hire The Right Landscaper For Your Yard
Do you want your children or pets to be able to enjoy the outdoors in the safety of your own property? Do you want a great party environment for friends and family? This article will guide you through many tips that will help you to landscape your home to fit your needs, whatever they may be.
Make liberal use of native plant specimens. These are easier to tend to since they are already used to your climate. This is good because they will be low-maintenance. You can research native plants in your area by going to your local home and garden store.
Prior to purchasing the materials you need for your landscaping adventure, have your designs planned out. This could mean putting whatever you want to build, or plant on paper. By doing this, you will know exactly what you need when you go to the store to purchase all of these materials.
While you may be tempted to let ivy grow all over your house, do not let that happen unless you are ready to put a lot of effort into properly maintaining and caring for it. Ivy attracts a lot of bugs, including termites and that may end of greatly costing you in the end.
To save money, you can buy items such as mulch or containers from a home-improvement warehouse. The quality of these items will not make much of a difference. However, you should go to a nursery to buy your plants and your other products such as pesticides instead of settling for low-quality products.
Before purchasing or planting a given plant, ensure that you know its expected height and its growth rate. You may decide not to bother with that cute little shrub if you find out how quickly it can become an overgrown monster. Fast-growing plants may require more pruning and maintenance than you bargained for, so do your homework before you shop.
If the scope of your landscaping project is large enough, an hour or two with a professional landscaper or architect may be worth it, as they can give you expert guidance on choosing your plants and help you refine your design. They will be able to help you save both time and money with their advice. It should only cost about $75 for an hour of their time, but that will be more than paid for thanks to their advice.
Learn which landscaping products should be top quality, and which one are the same whether they are generic or name brand. Many times inexpensive versions of containers and mulch can be used in your landscape. Make sure to inspect the plants before purchasing them to make sure that they have been cared for at the store. Many discount big box stores may not have workers who provide the optimum care to their plants.
Kids and pets, or parties with family, there are many things to consider when renovating your yard. The tips you’ve read here are a great start, so keep them in mind as you figure out what your needs are. You’ll find that your project is simpler thanks to the forethought you’ve put into it, giving you a successful renovation in no time at all!…