The Smart Shoppers Guide to Adding an Outdoor Entertainment Area -7 Tips to Bank on!
1. Dream Big, but then carefully consider your budget. Looking through magazines and planning or idea books is an awesome way to get ideas for your new space. One downside can be dreaming way beyond what is realistic for your budget. A quality product is achievable on any size budget.. The baseline for your consideration is what can you comfortably afford to spend? Having a plan before you begin is the best way to insure you love the end product.
2. Features and accessories can make a plain space spectacular! Design elements can easily be incorporated into your project without breaking your wallet. Wherever possible combine features to maximize efficiency space and time. For example, if you have a retaining wall around your fire pit, add a bench for seating. Want an outdoor kitchen and bar? Do both at the same time best utilizing your space and combining counter space. Water elements can be as simple as adding a bubbling fountain in your landscaping, a pond-less waterfall in a flower garden or a pond.
3. Decide on the scope of your project. How big does your paver patio need to be? Do you want steps and coordinating sidewalks? What about adding walls around existing landscaping? Are you going to add sod to give an immediate “finished” appearance? Determining your details on the front end saves time, money, and frustration on the back end. In most cases, it’s much easier to buy the materials and do the work in a sequential order rather than back tracking and adding to what was already completed. This of course is more time efficient which in turn keeps you to your budget.
4. Realistic time expectations go along with the scope of your project. This one may save more frustration than money, but is important to address. Quality work takes time. The company you choose should have an estimate of the time it will take his crew to complete your job which is then figured into your cost. Remember though, that even the best contractor is not in charge of the weather. One day of rain usually costs two days of work-the day it rains and then a day for the ground to dry.
5. Materials matter. The adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies in terms of landscape and hardscape companies. Fortunately, for you as a consumer, there are multiple options available. There is sure to be an option in your price range! Quality Landscaping is able to suggest options based on your dreams and budget. Due diligence in selecting the best materials for your space and project will save you future headaches and money.
6. Choosing a reliable and reputable landscape company is your best defense against spending too much money. Select a landscaping company with a great reputation in the community and a history of quality work. Select a company that can do all aspects of your job such as irrigation, landscaping, and hardscaping. Ask if the company you are considering has a website with a portfolio, literature with pictures, written testimonials from customers? Ask if there is a cost involved in obtaining a quote. A reputable contractor will be happy to break down the pricing so that you know exactly what you will be paying for before you sign a contract. Another thing to look for is industry credentials. What companies do they represent? Being an “authorized dealer” is a difficult status to obtain which means the company is dedicated to it’s craft
7. If you are really interested in saving money, sooner is better than later! Take advantage of seasonal specials-getting discounts for early booking or bundling services. Ask if there are show specials and if yes, be prepared to take advantage of them. Getting on the schedule early means you have a great chance of enjoying your outdoor space while marshmallows can still be roasted and wine glasses toasted!
These awesome tips are provided by Quality Landscaping, LLC of Lexington Kentucky! Stop by their booth at the Home & Garden Show March 31-April 2 at the Lexington Center to learn more!
Tag: home improvement
Seven Clever Tips for Saving Money When You Remodel
When you remodel your home, it can be one of the most stress-inducing times of your life. There are a few steps that you can take before, during and after a remodel that will relieve a lot of the pressure and eliminate any surprises.
I cannot make you any guarantees, but I am confident in these seven home remodeling tips that can make your journey to your dream home much smoother.
1. Small can be big too.
First, you should know that a small addition can be just as expensive as a large one. The time and expense of a remodel – hiring a contractor, getting the correct permits, performing the demolition – are going to be incorporated regardless of the project’s size. You should never underestimate the cost of a renovation project even if it is just a small addition. You should be cautious of being frugal. Saving some money will not do you any good if you have to spend money again to work on the same project later. We strive to provide as much value to the customer as we can which is why we have a built in cost estimation tool on our website for you to use free of charge.
2. Take your time with all of the planning.
Make sure you consider everything that you want and prepare detailed plans with your contractor or architect. You should make sure this happens before you begin any demolition or construction. Did you know that most homeowners wait for the warmer weather of spring to start remodeling? If you were to start your renovation around January through March, you could land some better deals. Dry air and frozen ground are excellent conditions to build a new foundation.
3. Can you dig here?
Another important thing that you should take into consideration is the zoning and development regulations in your area. Be cautious of the permits that are required. It may be very tempting to get started as soon as possible but make sure you plan everything down to the last detail if possible. We are a licensed and bonded company, so naturally, we will take care of all of this for you!
4. Try not to turn your house into something that it is not meant to be.
This tip is simple, but it speaks volumes. If it seems like your renovation plans start getting so ambitious that you are transforming your house into a bigger entirely different home, perhaps it may be wise to just move into a bigger house.
5. Remodeling is a slow process, and things take time.
Take your time and factor in lots of time to complete the project in a reasonable time frame. In general, the realistic amount of time for a remodel depends on the size of the space. If we have to upgrade or change the plumbing or electric, then the project timeline could be extended indefinitely. Ideally, we say that we can complete a project within a two to six-month time frame.
6. Reuse some materials.
Ask us if we have any materials that have been left over from past jobs! Bathrooms and kitchens are the two areas that are the most desirable to renovate. They are quite costly and can range from $5,000-$20,000. There are a couple of ways that you can save some money on these costly projects so ill let you in on a few tips. As far as the bathroom is concerned a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. In the kitchen, you can replace cabinet and drawer knobs with more modern hardware and update your appliances to give your kitchen a more expensive feel. We have included some of the current rates and frequently asked questions for some of the most common jobs on our website to save you time.
7. Get more than one opinion!
Sure we may be great, but you should always have and consider your options when you are looking to take on a project of any magnitude. If you already have several quotes in hand companies will be much more willing to strike a deal with you to win your business. Narrow down your options and have a minimum of three written estimates to compare things such as costs and timelines. We are willing to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We have no problem working out a payment plan with you that is tied to the project’s progression.
Visit the San Antonio Home & Garden Show, February 24-26, and see MGR Remodeling for more remodeling expertise and many other local professionals who can help you get your projects solved!
Pro Roofing Tips for When Hail Nails You
TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH HAIL DAMAGE:
Don’t Delay:
If you suspect roof damage, it is important, for insurance reasons, to discover the extent of the damage as soon as possible. An extensive delay may result in your claim being rejected.
Safety First:
Rooftops are dangerous! It is best to call a professional to examine your roof for damage.
What Homeowners Should Look For:
Examine gutters, downspouts and siding, and look for water damage/leaks inside the home.
Call Your Insurance Company
Be sure you know where your current warranty stands and know what your deductible is. Make sure you understand the procedure for filing a claim. Reputable roofing companies will often send a representative to meet the insurance adjuster onsite while they examine damage.
Beware of Stormchaser Companies
Only use a local, reputable roofing contractor. Request workmanship warranties, credentials, proof of insurance, and references. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau.
Reputable Roofing Contractors
Professional roofers will do a thorough inspection, give you a detailed, written quote and explain warranties and timeline of the job. Thoroughly research ANY roofing company you are considering.
Triumph Roofing – We’ll Nail Your House, When Hail Nails You! Stop by and talk with them about hail damage or any other roofing needs you may have at the Collin County Home & Garden Show at the Allen Event Center, February 10-12, 2017.
www.allenhomeandgardenshow.com
Creating A User Friendly Home
Homes are designed and built by people who don’t usually live in them. Once you move into your dream home, you may begin to identify design elements that are cosmetically pleasing but really don’t serve sensible living. I see this in kitchens, bathrooms and pantry’s, where builders don’t consider full utilization of cabinet space. We find many cabinets have hidden areas, half shelves and space that is wasted. In these case we offer a great problem solving product call Glide-Out Shelves.
Glide out or pull outs, are a great way to get more use out of existing space without having to completely remodel your kitchen or bath. Using the latest technology, glide out shelves are custom fit to your existing shelf thus increasing the space, and adding full extension for optimal ease and organization. Plus glide out shelves make it easy to find pots, pans and can goods lost to the dark recesses of the cabinet, by allowing you to extend the entire shelf into the sunlight!
Now not all glide outs are made equal and this is where you, as the consumer, must be diligent. You can get cheaper quality glide outs, for a cheaper price, but believe me you will regret it. Aluminum rails and mounts just don’t hold the weight that steel ones will. Plus the construction and materials used in the box itself are vital to smooth glide and long term use. So consider these issues when choosing the glide out company for your self.
1. What material is used in the box or drawer itself? Our line uses top quality 1/4 inch, 9 ply Baltic birch, on all five sides. This means that all four sides and the bottom of the drawer or box are all made of the same material.
2. How is the box constructed? Top quality glide outs will be made with dove tail construction and pressurized. Cheaper products are nailed together or glued and can not stand the test of time in a well used kitchen.
3. What are the rails and mounts made of? Ours are made of American made steel not aluminum or cheap steel. The cheaper the rails and months the less they can hold and shorter life expectancy they have.
4. How much weight can the drawers hold full extended? Top of the live products like ours can hold 100 lbs and offer 100%, full extension glide out of the drawer. Lesser products will only glide out 3/4 of way and can’t hold the really heavy stuff.
5. Who is installing them and what is the guarantee? Our installers have been trained by the best and their work is top notch. We offer a life time guaranteed on product and installation. This means if for any reason they fail, any reason other than abuse, we fix them for free. Most cheaper brands offer 90 days.
6. Last but not least, where is your product made? We are a small family owned business and the boxes/drawers are made right here in Austin. We are not a chain or live out of state. When you talk you us, you are talking to the owners and our reputation depends upon your satisfaction.
Remember glide outs don’t have to be expensive we offer the highest quality product for 1/2 the cost of the other big name brands. There is no need to pay more when you can save money and get what you want.
It pays to be diligent and get referrals from clients as well. This is the only way you are assured that you are are dealing with reputable and reliable people. And we have many referrals from your friends and neighbors. Just ask!
Stop by and see the helpful folks of Custom Living of Austin to learn more about solving the problems in your home January 13-15 at the Austin Convention Center at the Austin Home & Garden Show!
Why Geothermal Energy IS Right For Your Home
The benefits of geothermal are lifelong. Geothermal systems provide you unlimited comfort inside your home, and you will also enjoy month-to-month savings on energy bills. Act quickly before December, and Obama’s tax incentives will help you purchase a brand new geothermal system along with installation services at little cost to you.
There are plenty of reasons to go geothermal. A geothermal system for the home is:
Economical
Sustainable
Reliable
Comfortable
Innovative
Affordable with Obama’s Tax Incentives
The Economical Benefits
Did you know you can use the ground next to your home to cool the inside? Well with a geothermal system you can, and you can use less energy doing so, saving you a lot of money on your monthly energy bills!
A geothermal system cools the inside of your home by using coils that are installed underground outside, using 30 percent to 60 percent less energy than traditional systems. You can potentially save up to 80 percent on your energy bill a year. Now that’s being economically savvy!
The Sustainable Benefits
Geothermal systems are the future of home cooling! About 70 percent of the energy that a geothermal system uses is completely renewable.The efficiency of a geothermal system has other HVAC systems beat!
The ground, even just two feet under, is drastically cooler than the temperatures above ground, even on the hottest days of summer! The refrigerant lines are buried underground to take advantage of the natural coolness of the earth. This method is so efficient that it has the same environmental impact as taking 13 cars off the road a year!
You’ll enjoy great refrigerated air, with an environmentally friendly twist!
Reliable
When you go geothermal, you don’t have to worry about the system breaking or glitching from usage. Geothermal systems are incredibly reliable, and all major parts are warranted for 10 years, just in case. When you choose One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, you don’t have to worry about maintenance. You get two years of maintenance with us as part of your geothermal system package! Our installation professionals are licensed and backed by our U-WIN Guarantee! We guarantee punctual, professional services, and 100 percent satisfaction with your new AC.
Home Comfort
Let’s face it: refrigerated air is glorious when the extreme summer and spring seasons hit!
When the hottest days of summer hit and you need to crank up your AC just to survive. When you go geothermal, you can rest easy knowing your electric bill won’t be breaking the bank.
Along with bringing you the comfort of cool air in the summers, the geothermal cooling method is very stable with excellent indoor humidity control. This prevents the air in your home from becoming “over dried” in the summer. Refrigerated air will not fail you like traditional swamp coolers do.
Innovative Technology for the Home
Geothermal systems are multi-functional and can be expanded with plenty of additional components!
Did you forget to turn up your thermostat before leaving for work? One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating offers smart thermostats with installation. This provides our customers the ability to control their thermostat from their smart phones.
People often forget how important air quality is. Each geothermal system comes with an ultraviolet air purifier and a state-of-the-art electric air filter to keep your family safe from indoor toxins, such as mold and carbon monoxide.
This article was provided by:
Call One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Las Cruces, NM
(575) 449-3565 • OneHourAirLC.com/geothermal
They’ll give you a free quote and answer any questions you have.
Remodeling For The RIGHT Reasons!
There are many reasons to get a bathroom remodel, and one of the most common is having an outdated bathroom. But, how do you know if your bathroom is outdated or that it is time to remodel for the right reasons?
Unusual colors is one of the common signs of an outdated bathroom. What may once have been a warm gold, has faded to a rather murky yellow, leaving the floor and walls to blend together despite the different patterns.
There’s also a couple flaws that make a bathroom unsuitable for long term use. For example, Its important to measure a toilet properly before purchasing so that you get the right height and style to match with the plumbing in your home. Otherwise, eyesores will abound in most any outdated bathroom.
Additionally, some tubs have no shower option. And though deep tubs are a great way to soak, they can make it difficult for home owners to age in place with grace. If you’re having difficulty climbing in and out of your tub, or find that you no longer use your tub, then it’s time to upgrade to a bathroom feature you’ll adore, such as a bathtub to shower conversion.
Need some color in your life? Updated colors are soothing and refreshing. As a bonus, pale colors visually increase the space of this bathroom, making the ceiling feel taller, and the floor feel longer. Love it!
Another great idea? Using wainscoting adds a professional look, and will also help prevent walls from warping and molding, giving your bathroom a longer life, and making it easier to maintain. Additionally, wainscoting visually increase the height of the room, again making it feel larger and more welcoming.
As for that old bathtub, we can replace it with a low threshold shower that will allow homeowners to age gracefully. A built in shower bench ensures a place to sit back and relax while grab bars ensure the user’s safety.
Ready for a Remodel?
Come by the San Antonio Home & Garden Show, this weekend, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 and talk with ReBath about your needs & plans! Don’t hesitate to bring your pictures, blueprints and questions!
3 Warning Signs That Your Roof Is Leaking
| Sleeping peacefully at night? To continue staying dry at night, make sure to check out these easy to identify, but often overlooked warning signs that your roof is or will be leaking soon! 1. Missing Shingles We are all in the habit of looking straight ahead. As we pull out of the garage and back in, it’s easy to neglect seeing what’s not covering your home. Whether it’s just one or several missing shingles, it’s wise to invest in performing a monthly check up just to make certain that everything is in place. 2. Small Discoloration In Your Ceiling This is almost a guarantee that your roof is or has been leaking in the past. Often more than not, that tiny little spec or dark spot doesn’t seem like a big deal, but if recognized earlier enough, it can be the difference between a few hundred dollars vs. several thousands in repairs. 3. Search That Scary Attic It may not be on your to do list, but inspecting the rafters in your attic with every seasonal change is a good idea. This could be considered a valuable preventive measure and by catching the leaks early can save you on repair costs. To learn more about roof repairs and prevention from your local experts, stop by the Lexington Blue booth at the CKY Home & Garden Show THIS WEEKEND! Plus, enter to win a FREE roof or $5000 at their booth!! |
5 Professional Outdoor Lighting Design Tips
By: Paul Gosselin of NightScenes Landscape Lighting Professionals – Austin, TX
Almost anybody can stick some lights in the landscape of your home and it would be an improvement over not having any lights at all. In order to make it better though, a little time needs to be dedicated to the actual lighting design. Here are a few tips to take an ordinary outdoor lighting system to another level:
1. Don’t use the same fixture for everything. The most commonly used fixture for residential outdoor lighting is the “bullet” or spot light. This fixture can accept an MR16 lamp, either halogen or outdoor-rated LED, which can produce several different lumen levels and beam spreads, depending on the lamp. Unfortunately, we commonly see the same lamp in every fixture, which can be a bit boring. When using this type of fixture, don’t be afraid to use different lumen outputs and different beam spreads. You can even use different light colors these days with LED lighting.
2. Move some fixtures to different locations. We see this all the time where the installer will place a single fixture in front of each tree. Yes, this does look better than no light at all, but there is no imagination and no depth in the design this way. Try back lighting some of these specimen plants to generate some interest and dimension.
3. Avoid the runway look. An all-too-common lighting design mistake is lining a walkway with light fixtures, commonly known as the runway look. Try staggering path lights back and forth on both sides of the walkway, or you may try lighting on only one side.
4. Use more fixtures with lower lumen outputs. All too often we see people trying to save fixtures by using fewer lights, but using higher light intensity. This produces really over-bright spots with very dark holes between them, creating an unsafe situation on the property that just looks bad. A great lighting design uses different light levels throughout the landscape without black holes unless there is a dramatic reason for it. Keep in mind that these dark holes become very good hiding places for bad guys.
5. Experiment with the lights. Try different locations with different fixtures to see how you can get the best effects. I know that wide wash fixtures work better for grazing walls to enhance surface texture because I did some experiments. Using bullet lights against a wall creates what I like to call the “mark of Vorro” (instead of Zorro). If you’ve seen homes with a row of V looking light beams shining up on them, you can bet that they used bullet lights with 30 degree beam spreads and no lenses. Wide wash fixtures will create a nice wide, more diffused beam of light, eliminating the telltale V that is often seen in poorly designed lighting plans.
These are just a few very basic tips, but they will help you create a more visually pleasing overall lighting system. And to learn more, bring your pictures, plans and ideas to the Austin Spring Home & Garden Show April 1-3 and stop by booth number 643 to talk with NightScenes!
Benefits of Metal Roofing
Aside from being sleek, beautifully crafted, metal roofing holds an abundance of advantages over traditional roofing. As a premium choice with premium advantages, the initial cost may be higher but metal roofing will actually save you money over time. The following are primary advantages of metal.
•Fire Resistant
Unlike the traditional jingle, the metal roof, roof, roof is NOT on fire! Metal building materials have a Class A fire rating (most resistant) due to their noncombustible nature, so you can rest assured that your roof will not burn or go up in random flames.
•Energy Efficient
Metal roofs are one of the most energy efficient roofing options because they reflect heat, cutting back on cooling costs. In the cold months metal roofs act as great insulators, saving you heating costs.
•Longevity and Durability
On average metal roofs will last 2-3 times longer than a traditional roof. They have been known to last between 40-70 years, depending on the material of the metal.
•Lightweight
Contrary to popular belief, metal roofing is lightweight! Most varieties of metal roofing weigh 50-150 pounds per square, while traditional roofing material (shingles or tile) can weigh anywhere between 750-900 pounds per square. This makes the roof quicker to install and places less stress on your home’s structure.
•Weather Resistant
Due to its durable nature, metal roofs can survive heavy rain, high winds, mildew, insects, rot, and snow accumulation. Additionally, Manse Metal provides a 25-year Galvalume warranty and a 40-year Valspar WeatherXL warranty in case of disaster.
•Low Maintenance and Versatile
As stated, metal roofs are highly resistant to typical wear and tear making your upkeep minimal to none. With many types of metal roofs available it is one of the most versatile building materials that can be placed on an abundance of projects.
With numerous advantages over traditional roofing, it is clear that metal roofing is the top roofing choice! When you are in the market for a new roof remember, “Don’t Settle for Less than Mansea Metal!”
For more information please contact head to booths #520 & #522 at the Central Kentucky Home & Garden Show to speak to a knowledgeable representative! April 1-3 at the Lexington Center.