When all things are equal (quality of materials, surface preparation, condition of siding, etc.), paint provides longer protection for siding than stain does. When properly applied, paint can last for seven to nine years.
Before painting or staining bare wood, apply a sealer. Doing so protects the wood and prevents the growth of mold. It is also available with UV blockers to prevent sun damage.
A well-landscaped yard creates a warm and inviting area for your guests. For greater visual appeal, create walkways or seating areas using fieldstones, mulch, or a mixture of the two.
Are you putting your home up for sale? One of the best ways to increase its value is to make improvements to the kitchen and bathroom. Not only will they make your home more appealing, they deliver an exceptional ROI.
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A decorative paving stone curb will deliver the perfect finishing touch to your swimming pool. Not only does it help to define its boundaries, it will keep grass from encroaching on the decking area.
Removing faucets and sinks goes much faster and is easier to do when you use a basin wrench. This odd-looking cousin to slip joint pliers is designed for the tight spaces and odd configurations of faucet-to-basin connections.
After drywall has been installed, it will still need a thin coat of plaster applied to it before it can be painted. A primer coat of paint will also be needed.
Regularly inspect the caulk and grout around windows and doors, sinks, tubs, and shower stalls. If it is moldy or damaged, it needs to be removed and replaced.
FYI: Drywall and sheetrock are the same product. Drywall is plaster made from gypsum (with a few additives and then processed) sandwiched between two layers of paper. Sheetrock is a brand name for the product.
Inspect your roof regularly. If you can see it from the ground, look for popped nails and broken, curled or missing shingles. If you must use a ladder, make sure to have someone to hold it in place when you climb up.
When planning home improvements, choose projects that not only enhance your home's appearance, but its resistance to disasters as well. For example, choose roofing materials that are rated for wind- fire- and impact-resistance.
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Make sure that your roof is properly insulated as a lack of it can lead to extremes of heat and cold over the course of a year and wreak havoc on the structure of the roof.
Inspect your driveway for cracks and other signs of damage. Concrete driveways should be cleaned and cracks repaired using an epoxy patching material. Asphalt driveways require an asphalt patching material and should be sealed every two years.
Feelings of depth and richness can be added to your cabinets by adding framed or raised panel doors. Attractive hardware, detailed carving, or contrasting inserts also add to their beauty.
If you're installing sub-flooring or roof decking, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a great option. It performs as well as exterior grade plywood, but at a fraction of the cost.
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If you notice cracks or holes in the mortar of your home's brickwork, it is time for repointing. This home improvement project involves cleaning out the distressed mortar and replacing it with fresh material.
If you will be using latex paint for the exterior of your home, there are temperature restrictions. As they rise, drying times shorten, which can lead to lap marks. If temps are less than 50⁰ F, additives are needed to keep the paint workable.
Replace the filters in your HVAC system according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. A clogged filter impedes airflow, decreases efficiency, and shortens the life of the unit.
Before cold weather arrives, look around your home and look for any exposed water pipes. If you find any, they will need to be insulated to help prevent against freezing and bursting. Call us to take care of the issue.
As your family grows, available space becomes scarce. Cabinets specifically designed and built to fit the layout of your home will provide much needed storage and a place to keep things out of sight but still handy.
If you have a fireplace, an inexpensive upgrade that will improve its appearance is replacing the old surround with a new one made from brick. If you have a wooden mantelpiece, it can be incorporated into the design.
Copper gutters can be both a practical and aesthetic addition to your home or building, especially if you have a copper, tile, or cedar shingle roof. Their profiles can be shaped to match the building’s architectural design, and they will gradually adopt copper’s distinctive verdigris.
For wall-to-wall carpeting, most products are manufactured from four basic materials: nylon, olefin (polypropylene), PET polyester, and PTT polyester. Though each has its pluses and minuses, any well-made carpet, regardless of material, will perform well.
Each project is different, and the prep work you need to do before we arrive may be different from that required by another homeowner. When you call, we will ask general questions about the work you want performed and let you know what to expect.
