Category: Home Improvement

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How New Cabinets can Increase the Value of Your Home

When it comes to home renovations, many homeowners tend to focus on updating their kitchens and bathrooms. This makes sense, as these are two of the most important rooms in a home and can have a huge impact on its overall value. One of the key elements in a kitchen or bathroom renovation is the installation of new cabinets.

cabinets Lakewood CO

But why are cabinets so important, and how can they increase the value of your home? According to cabinets Lakewood CO showroom designers recommend, here are 4 key ways that new cabinets can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and increase its value:

  1. Improved storage and organization. One of the biggest benefits of new cabinets is that they can provide much-needed storage and organization for your kitchen or bathroom. With more and better-designed storage solutions, you can keep your counters and surfaces clutter-free, which can make your home feel more spacious and inviting. Not only that, but this can make it easier for buyers to visualize how they would use the space, and can help them see the true potential of your home.
  1. Enhanced aesthetics. New cabinets can also significantly improve the look and feel of your home. Whether you choose sleek and modern cabinets with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, or traditional and elegant ones with intricate details and ornate hardware, the right cabinets can add visual interest and appeal to your kitchen or bathroom. They can transform the look and feel of your space, and can make it more appealing to potential buyers.
  1. Increased functionality. In addition to providing more storage and organization, new cabinets can also make your kitchen or bathroom more functional. For example, you can choose cabinets with pull-out shelves or drawers, or with built-in organizers for pots and pans or spices (in the kitchen), or for your toiletries and cosmetics (in the bathroom). These features can make your kitchen or bathroom more user-friendly and practical, which can be a major selling point for potential buyers.
  2. Improved durability and longevity. New cabinets are typically made with high-quality materials and construction techniques, which make them more durable and long-lasting than older ones. This means that, with proper maintenance, your new cabinets can withstand daily wear and tear and last for many years, providing a long-term investment that can increase the value of your home.

On choosing new cabinets

When choosing new cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom, there are a few key factors to consider. First, think about the overall style and aesthetic of your home. You want to choose cabinets that complement the design and decor of your home. Second, consider the type and size of your space. If you have a small kitchen or bathroom, you may want to choose cabinets that are space-saving and compact, while larger spaces can accommodate more elaborate and expansive cabinets.

Bottom line

Overall, investing in new cabinets can be a smart and cost-effective way to increase the value of your home. By improving the storage, functionality, and aesthetics of your kitchen or bathroom, you can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and boost its resale value.

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Things to Ask Your Window Replacement Company

Window replacement is a substantial investment, especially if you are planning to replace multiple windows or if your windows are not standard size. The related costs include not only the price of the windows, but the labor fees charged by your window replacement company, so here are some questions to ask before you choose your Castle Rock provider of window replacement services to make sure that your receive the best craftsmanship.

Questions Related to Licenses and Insurance

You should only work with a Castle Rock window replacement contractor that is correctly licensed and insured, so don’t forget to ask to be shown copies of the relevant documents. Most states do not allow contractors who have not undergone the required licensing procedure to provide window replacement services and liability, workers’ compensation and property damage insurance are also mandatory in almost every state.

The Services Included

The process of window replacement involves more than just removing the old windows and fitting the new ones into the openings – window replacement is complete only when the wall around the new windows is finished, too and in many cases, the new frames also need to get painted. To avoid any misunderstandings and unexpected costs, ask the contractor about what their standard service includes, whether it includes finishing and painting or you will be required to pay for these additional services separately.

It is a good idea to discuss the fate of the old windows as well – the most comfortable way to handle that aspect is to choose a Castle Rock contractor that includes the handling of the disposal process into its rates.

Castle Rock window replacement

Recommended Products

You should be able to rely on your Castle Rock window replacement contractor for information regarding the brands and types of windows that work best for your building, so ask the specialist to tell you about the brands and product they work with and to tell you why specific products work or should be avoided in your case.

Questions about the Contractor’s Policy

Most good quality windows come with 20-year warranty for the glass and 10-year warranty for non-glass components, but beside the warranty offered on the product by the manufacturer, you also need your contractor to provide you warranty on the craftsmanship. The length of labor warranty depends on the contractor, so make sure to discuss the issue with the entrepreneur that you are planning to hire.

Questions about Permits

Some types of window replacement projects can be carried out only after having obtained a permit for the project first, others don’t require any permit. The category that your project belongs to depends on the building codes applicable in your area, so ask your window replacement contractor about the need to get permits, too. Not all window replacement contractors handle the process of getting the permits for you, so make sure to find out whether or not yours does. If the contractor does not take care of obtaining your permits and you are fine with that, ask for some guidance about how to proceed – any contractor should be familiar with the process.

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Money Saving Tips for Basement Remodeling

Basement remodeling projects can be done on a budget, but the related costs can easily get out of control if you fail to plan carefully and to spend in a smart and disciplined way. Here are some tips to help you have your cake and eat it, too – in other words, to have the basement that you have always dreamed of without having to break the bank.

Don’t Rush the Project

Giving your project more time will make it possible for you to get the best material prices and to find the best and most affordable contractors as well. Properly researching materials and procedures also takes time and it is essential for the right results.

Things that Are Worth Investing Into

You will need to be prepared that your basement remodeling project will include processes where you will probably not be able to find bargains and you will need the very best materials. Two examples are the components of the electrical system in your basement and the insulation. Having the best switches and outlets, integrated into a well-designed and professionally installed electrical system is essential for the safety and the proper operation of your basement, while insulation of the right type and thickness is crucial for the thermal efficiency of your space.

Create a Design that Is Attractive and Budget-Friendly at the Same Time

Adding walls to separate areas that serve different purposes is the most expensive way to configure your space and it is also a bit dated. Using wide open spaces and adding visual space dividers, such as different flooring materials and textures, different wall colors or a row of shelves is a much more modern and much cheaper way to delimit the space in the basement.

Flooring is also a component on which you can save a lot without compromising quality, comfort and appearance. Given the fact that the most expensive flooring options, such as hardwood, wall-to-wall carpets and cork are not suitable for basements because they are sensitive to moisture, the best option for your space is also one of the cheapest solutions: vinyl. The flooring sheets made from the synthetic material are resistant to heavy traffic and they also come in so many different styles that you can surely find the perfect fit for your basement.

basement refinishing Centennial contractors

Know Your Skills and Your Limits

You might think that the cheapest way to remodel your basement is do all the work yourself and save the money paid to contractors. This is true only if you are an experienced DIYer, not only self-confident, but also skilled and able to handle all the processes required.

A much better way – and also one that saves you a lot of money on the long run – is to undertake only the project phases that you really know how to accomplish and to leave the ones that need in-depth professional knowledge and special tools to basement refinishing contractors. That way, you might have to pay for the work of your contractors, but you will be ultimately paying for professional work that will serve you well for a long time.

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What Is the Most Common Cause of Roof Leaks?

Roof leaks cannot be entirely prevented or avoided – the strong winds associated with tornadoes or hurricanes, very large hail stones, excessive rain and unexpectedly lengthy and heavy snowing can affect even the strongest, best-kept roof –, but there is very much that homeowners can do about the number one cause of roofing leaks: neglect.

roofing companies in Lincoln NE repair leaking roofs

Many building owners expect their roofs to deliver perfect performance from the moment that the installation is complete until the roof is removed for replacement and never do any preventive maintenance until their roof starts leaking, so what can be defined as the principle cause of leaks on any type of roof is the lack of attention, of maintenance and of timely repairs to address roof faults while they are still minor. Here is how neglect can damage your roof and how proper maintenance can prolong your roof’s leak-free life.

The Risks of Dirt and the Importance of Roof Cleaning

Roofs are surfaces on which airborne debris, such as the feathers, the dust, the dried leaves, small twigs and other forms of dirt can easily deposit and accumulate. When it rains, the debris on the roof surface absorbs moisture and keeps it in, preventing the roofing surface underneath from drying properly and sufficiently quickly. Prolonged exposure to moisture can compromise the integrity of the roofing components, causing shingles to deteriorate, damaging the seams, even causing rot or infestations with fungi or algae. If the topmost surface of the roof is weakened, moisture can easily penetrate the deeper layers of the roof as well, damaging wooden components, such as the beams of the support structure.

Fortunately, the damage caused by accumulated debris can be easily avoided with roof cleaning. Choose a day when the sky is overcast and the air is not too hot, climb up on the roof, remove large debris, such as twigs and leaves, by hand or with a broom, then use an air blower to remove dust, too. You can finish the process washing the roof with your garden hose or with a pressure washer, but if you have a shingle roof, don’t use a very strong jet because it might remove the topmost protective layer of granules from the surface of the shingles.

When you are done cleaning the roof, remove the debris and dirt that has accumulated in the gutter pipes, too – clogged gutters that fail to direct water away from the roof and from the walls is just as dangerous for the roof as accumulated dirt.

Inspection and Repairs

Roof cleaning represents a major part of roof maintenance and an essential step for preventing leaks, but it is not all that you need to do. When your roof is clean and dry, you should also inspect it, inch by inch, to locate any faults that need repair, such as cracked or chipped tiles, missing components, curling, buckling or blistering shingles. Have roofing companies Lincoln NE specialists replace damaged components as soon as you can and perform a thorough check of the gutters, followed by thorough cleaning and timely repairs on those components as well.

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How Is Paint Made and What Are the Main Conditions of Preparing to Paint Your Home?

How is paint made and what is it made of? This is one question that eludes many DIY enthusiasts, even if they are extremely proficient when it comes to preparing the paint and actually doing the paint job.

Understanding how the paint is made might not give you superpowers or make you finish your work more quickly, but it can help to avoid many discrepancies and problems that you’d run into otherwise.

The Main Components of Exterior Paint

When considering the main components that make up exterior paint products, it’s important to mention the vehicle, film former, the thinner and the pigment. Each of these parts have specific roles, and there are also additional components worth mentioning, such as thermosetting and thermoplastic mechanisms that are designed to form films through various methods.

In most cases, the vehicle is simply a mixture of a binder or film former substance and water or some other solvent. A combination between binder and special diluent substances is also possible, its purpose being to facilitate the polymerization and film forming processes once the paint dries up.

The diluent or solvent plays a key role in that it dissolves the polymer and determines the viscosity of the mixture. Depending on how thin or thick you want the paint to be, various ratios can be used between the diluent and resin substance, and for oil-based paints, mixtures of different types of thinner and thicker oil might also be used.

Finally, pigments are used to give the paint its color. There are a number of substances that can be chosen for this purpose, some of them – such as titanium dioxide and red iron oxide – also being used as so-called “hiding pigments” to add extra UV protection.

Aside from all these components, you’ll also find that exterior paint is made to withstand the elements more easily and for a much longer time period, when compared to its counterparts used for interior painting. Most types of interior paints use heavy and harmful chemicals that are used to prevent moisture and UV radiation damage, while also keeping most types of fungi at bay. Because of these chemicals, it is strongly discouraged that exterior paint ever be used indoors.

paint color

Preparing Your Exterior Paint

Painting the exterior of your home requires careful preparation, and if you also have to prepare your own paint, then the process might be somewhat more difficult and time-consuming.

Before starting to paint the exterior, you have to be aware of a few factors: how much paint you’ll need, how much of the exterior will be painted, what type of paint you’re using and, of course, what the process is when it comes to preparing the paint.

The main process associated with preparing the paint will typically involve mixing the resin with the solvent and pigment, if you’re preparing your own DIY paint, and just preparing the wall, siding or other surface.

If you want to prepare the surface properly, you will have to wash it and apply primer. If you’re painting a metal surface, it’s usually best to apply an oil-based primer. Once you’re done with that, you will be ready to get started with the paint work.

To find out more details, and gain further insight into the process, call or visit your local Highlands Ranch painting contractor, and ask, “how is paint made and what should I be aware of when choosing or preparing my exterior paint?”

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Your Home and How To Buy Flooring

Why Choose Vinyl Planks for Your Home and How to Buy Them from Vinyl Plank Flooring Companies

Vinyl planks are becoming more and more popular these days, used more and more not only in commercial or industrial environments, but in homes, too. Vinyl plank flooring companies have developed technologies that make it possible to create vinyl that perfectly replicates wood, stone and other expensive materials, so vinyl planks are nowadays used not only in bathrooms, basements, kitchens and garages, but in living rooms, halls and bedrooms as well.

 

Why Use Vinyl Planks in Your Home?

No wonder vinyl plank flooring is taking over the residential floor market by storm – it is an extraordinary solution with many benefits:

  • Variety – being made from colored PVC chips, vinyl floor planks can be stained and colored in infinite variations. Some vinyl plank flooring companies use an extra polyurethane layer to make the planks look like stone or wood,
  • Comfort – many vinyl floor planks have a layer of foam inside that serves the purpose of sound absorption and also confers a special kind of softness and warmth to the planks that makes the floor so comfortable to walk on,
  • Easy care – this is one of the features that made vinyl the preferred material for industrial and commercial flooring applications and it is what makes it so suitable for residential use as well. Cleaning and maintaining vinyl floors requires almost no effort whatsoever – you can sweep it, vacuum it, wash it with water and soap, vinyl really doesn’t require any special treatment,
  • Quick and easy installation – vinyl planks are made to click into one another easily and they can be installed simply by placing them on top of the existing flooring, so you don’t need to break and remove anything prior to mounting your new vinyl planks,
  • Affordability – vinyl planks look like wood or stone, but cost only a fraction of the price of natural flooring materials,
  • Durability – on the average, vinyl plank floors can resist for at least 15 years before showing any sign of aging or wear and tear. Vinyl planks can withstand rain, snow and strong sunshine as well, therefore the material is suitable for outdoor usage just as much for indoors.

 

How to Buy Vinyl Plank Flooring

Beside the color and pattern, there are a few technical details that you should pay attention to when buying vinyl flooring:

  • Make sure you choose material of the right thickness – the thickest vinyl is around 6.5 mm, while the thinnest varieties are around 1.5-2 mm thick. Thicker planks are more expensive, that’s true, but they also provide better insulation and are more durable,
  • Try to find plank flooring that is fitted with a special, super-durable protective top layer that the planks resistant against normal wear and tear, scratches, stains, even to being frequently walked in the most pointed heels.

Vinyl planks are nowadays available in conventional stores and at online vendors as well, so you can have them conveniently delivered to your doorstep without even having to leave the house.