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The Ultimate Guide to AC Installation for Homeowners

As the summer season approaches, it's essential to make sure your home is equipped with the right cooling system especially if you're living in areas with high temperatures. Getting an air conditioner installed is not as simple as purchasing a unit, plugging it in, and turning it on. AC installation requires professional expertise to ensure that you get the most out of your investment and enjoy a cool and comfortable home.

Transform Your Outdated Kitchen With These Remodel Ideas

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any American family home. It is the place where family and friends gather, meals are cooked, and memories are made. However, as time goes by, your once modern and stylish kitchen may begin to feel outdated and dull. If you are looking to give your kitchen a fresh new look, there are many ways to transform it without breaking the bank.

Why You Should Ensure Your First Home Is Architecturally Designed

When it comes to building houses from scratch, there are a few different options, but mainly you either choose a project home and a pre-made design, which is easy to carry out by most building companies, or you get it personally architecturally designed for your needs. While project homes are undoubtedly cheaper, if you are building a home you want to grow into and raise a family in, then you really must choose a residential architectural firm instead.

Factors That Affect A Commercial Construction Project's Timeline

Most large-scale commercial construction projects have a time frame of anywhere between a few months to a couple of years. While the size and scope of the project will obviously play a role in how long it takes to complete, other factors can affect the timeline as well. Here are a few factors you might not have thought about. The Complexity of the Design Design is one of the first things that need to be done in any commercial construction project.

Custom Woodwork Construction Plans: Developing Your Plan with Timber Details and More

There is nothing quite like designing and building a custom woodworking project for your home or business. There are plenty of custom woodworking ideas to choose from, but only some will actually be optimal for your needs. Initially, you might think it is a simple process that requires little to no thought at all; this is not truly the case. Although there will be several different design options available, these designs vary greatly in terms of convenience, efficiency, safety, and quality.

4 Telltale Signs Of A Broken Sewer Line

Although your main sewer line is below ground, you should never ignore any signs of trouble. Early signs of damage allow you to catch serious issues that might cost a fortune to repair if left unaddressed. A damaged sewer line can destroy your property, cause wastewater back up and expose your household to unexpected health issues. Some plumbing issues, especially those that develop underground, are not easily detectable. With this guide, you can understand the subtle signs of a broken sewer line and handle this problem.

Textured Decking Materials

A low maintenance floor covering that contains a textured surface will beautfy the decking around a public pool and will instill safety. Compare the following flooring options that are often used to cover areas that tend to get wet and that are frequented by many people. Concrete And Textured Concrete Concrete is a common decking material that surrounds pools. One of the drawbacks associated with this type of material is that it tends to get slick when water is applied to it.

Signs That You Need Help From A Residential Electrical Contractor

Homes today have a lot of different electrical systems. If they ever give you trouble, then it's a good idea to hire a residential electrical contractor. These are some signs that would make it important to hire one of these professionals.  Power Line Issues The power lines on the outside of your home may not always work smoothly. They can become damaged and prevent you from getting electricity in your home.

A Home Addition Could Be The Solution For Your Growing Family

If you wish your home had another bedroom, and you don't want to give up garage space for a conversion, then a home addition could be the solution. Adding a bedroom could be an affordable way to create more space in your home. However, adding a kitchen could be a more expensive undertaking, so it's important to talk to a home addition contractor early on so you can make realistic plans.

The Pros And Cons Of Custom Modular Home Building

Custom modular home builders can put a lot of resources to work on a project. However, it's wise for buyers to consider some of the pros and cons before committing to work. Here are 5 that you'll want to think about before signing a contract. Pro: Installation of Utilities The modular approach makes it easier for the team building a home to get all of the utilities in place. On a traditional construction project, you'll usually have to wait for different contractors to run lines for electric, water, sewage, HVAC, and internet before you can move forward.

PVC Or Wood Fence: 4 Questions To Ask Yourself

Two of the most common fencing materials for backyard fences are PVC and wood. It can be hard, however, to decide which one is the better option for you. The best way to arrive at the right answer is to ask yourself a few questions. Those questions are as follows: Are you worried about a dog chewing the fence? One of the common issues with wood fencing is that dogs tend to chew it.

Repairing Common Damages Your Steel Building May Suffer

Steel buildings are often used for commercial structures due to their low cost and build times. Despite steel being an especially strong and durable material, it can still suffer damage that will need to be repaired. Being aware of the types of damages that steel buildings are likely to encounter can help managers to ensure their building is being properly maintained. Leaks Along Seams In The Steel Panels Leaks along the seams in the steel panels can be among the most common types of damage that one of these buildings can experience.

3 Tips To Restore The Beauty Of Your Concrete Walkway

Sidewalks and walkways can play a vital role in the function and design of your home's landscape. Many of these walkways are made from concrete because concrete is a durable and attractive material. Over time, you may notice that your concrete begins to show signs of age. Cracks or crumbing patches in your concrete sidewalk can detract from the beauty of your home's exterior. Restore your concrete sidewalks with proper resurfacing techniques.

3 Ways Bad Ducts Can Compromise The Air Quality In Your Home

Maintaining the quality of your home's duct system is essential when it comes to being able to keep a constant and comfortable temperature inside your living space. While most homeowners know that faulty ducts could increase energy usage and make their HVAC system work harder, few take the time to realize how bad ducts could be compromising their indoor air quality. Here are three ways bad ducts could be compromising the quality of the air your family breathes each day.

How To Decide How Many Bathrooms Your New Home Should Have

Making the decision to purchase a plot of land and build your new home from scratch is exciting. However, there are a lot of questions to ask and decisions to be made. For example, how many bathrooms do you want your new home to have? For obvious reasons, this is not the easiest decision to make, as the right answer varies for a lot of reasons. People Use The Bathroom A Lot

3 Things To Do Before Lighting A Fire In An Old Home

When it comes to character and historical architectural details, an older home is the way to go. These homes are often attractive to buyers who are looking for classic styling and a "lived in" feeling. While there are many advantages to purchasing a home that was built decades or even more than a century ago, these homes may require more work and care than newer builds. One feature that many find attractive about older homes is that they often have multiple fireplaces.

Copper Roofing: An Unusual Option That Offers More Benefits Than You Might Expect

These days, metal roofing is becoming quite common, with homes in many climates sporting aluminum and steel roofs. However, there is one metal that may still not be getting the attention it deserves: copper. Roofs made from copper have a very distinct look. They start off a shiny, new-penny color, and develop a gorgeous green patina over time. Aside from looks, however, copper roofs offer a number of other benefits.

2 Home Design Mistakes You Should Avoid

When you sit down with your homebuilder to start tweaking those floor plans, you might be ready to customize your space for your unique preferences. Unfortunately, what looks great on paper might not translate well in real-life, and your quirky customized floor plan might become the bane of your existence. Here are two home design mistakes you should avoid and why:  1: Creating Large, Open-Concept Spaces That open-concept floor plan might make your space seem large and airy, but how functional will it be for your busy family?

Do You Need New Attic Insulation? Look For These 3 Signs

Insulation is one of several key components of your home that keeps it cool during the blazing summer and cool during the freezing winter. Having insulation in good condition will contribute to lowering your cooling and heating bills, and protect your home against moisture. Unfortunately, insulation doesn't last forever. The material does degrade, and there will come a time where you need to replace it. Look for these 3 signs to determine if you need new insulation in your attic.

Three Ways To Upgrade An Asphalt Driveway

Driveways play a big role in how much curb appeal a home has. A rundown, cracked, or simply unattractive driveway can actually decrease the value of a home. Installing a new driveway is a great way to increase a home's value and curb appeal. Asphalt paving is a great choice for a driveway. Asphalt is resistant to cracks, easy to work with, and one of the least expensive driveway materials available.

Designing A Wet Bar For Your Home

Liquor bottles stored in a closet, glasses in a cabinet, sink in the kitchen—none of that sounds very festive. A wet bar provides a hub for your entertainment. With a wet bar, all the essentials of making beverages are collected in one convenient center. A well-designed beverage station also adds to the beauty of your home. Design a wet bar that complements both your lifestyle and home's decor. Beverage Selection

How To Clean Your Furnace Filter

Furnace filters can be expensive and need to be replaced on a regular basis in order to make sure that the air that is going through your house is as clean and unhindered as possible, with all of the dirt and dust removed. As a result, you may have decided to purchase a filter that is reusable and can be cleaned, rather than requiring a replacement. Here are some steps that you should follow in order to clean your furnace filter.

2 Ways To Add Pops Of Color To A Glass Shower Enclosure

Shower glass doors offer a versatile, stylish way to make your bathroom look larger and to show off any tile work you have inside the shower. While many love the clear glass, others might wish there was a bit more visual interest to the glass itself. There are a couple of ways you can have shower glass doors with a pop of color that doesn't detract from the natural beauty. Discuss your options with your shower contractor during your next consultation.

How To Decide Where To Put A Refrigerator In A New Home

Refrigerators aren't exactly picky when it comes to their position in your home, but choosing the right spot for your new refrigerator will help you get the best performance out of your appliance. Knowing which factors to consider when choosing the location for your fridge will help you make a choice that's right for you.  Heat Sources Create Problems Refrigerators need to remove heat from the interior of the fridge to the exterior of the fridge in order to maintain a low internal temperature.

What's That Smell? Why Gas Leaks Are Serious Business

If you have a gas furnace, you have to be diligent when it comes to maintaining your unit due to the dangers associated with gas leaks. Gas leaks are so dangerous, in fact, that they can prove deadly if they are not noticed in time. While some gas leaks are easily noticed due to the unmistakable odor of natural gas or propane, others are not. In some cases, homeowners don't realize that there is a leak because they have an old unit that lets off an exhaust smell that can be similar to that of a gas leak.

New Technologies for Filtering Toxins Such as Arsenic out of Well Water

Drilling in the ground is often an effective way to get fresh water, but the problem is that it's particularly important to filter well water. Well water may often have dangerous toxins in it that have to be carefully removed in order to make the water usable. If you're looking to drill for potable well water, here are a few new technologies that can help you with filtration. The Dangers of Water Wells

Four Times When You Really Need A Sewer Contractor

No matter where you live, big sewer problems often require professional expertise—read on to find out what kinds of dire situations sewer companies deal with in serving customers. Tree Root Damage Over time, tree roots can creep in and infiltrate a sewer system by breaking into a pipe or line. Small roots may grow large enough to completely clog a line, which can lead to really bad backups. Homeowners may not know about this until the system backs up completely.

The Right Time For Your New Furnace

While common sense dictates that the winter is the least favorable time to replace your furnace, narrowing it down further will take some extra effort. You can stave off the eventual expense for a while, but it's better to have a new furnace selected and a contractor on hand before your furnace fails. By knowing the status of your furnace, and what to look for from those available on the market, you can plan ahead and save yourself the problems associated with a mid-December HVAC job:

3 Reasons You Can't Afford Not To Invest In Custom Woodwork For Your Home

Whether you are building a new home, or in the midst of a remodel, investing in custom woodwork makes sense. Having the opportunity to introduce custom pieces into your home can be beneficial, despite the perceived expense of custom woodwork. Here are three reasons you can't afford not to include custom woodwork in your home in the future. 1. Custom woodwork can increase resale value. Very few people in today's market spend their entire lives in a single home.

Tips For Cutting Back On Your Air Conditioning Costs

The days are getting warmer and hot summer weather is right around the corner. In a few weeks, those warm, sunny days will become very difficult to tolerate. As the heat from the sun becomes stronger, many people begin using their air conditioning units nonstop. Unfortunately, this leads to a substantial hike in the power used in your home and very expensive electricity bills. However, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to make your home easier to cool while also cutting back on your utility bills.

What You Need To Know About Sump Pumps To Protect Your Basement From Flooding

Having a basement is a luxury for many people. Before the contractors put in the basement, they have to make sure that there is not too much groundwater and that the foundation is sturdy enough for a basement. However, even if your lot has been zoned for a basement and everything checks out, you can still have flooding problems. This could be from ground water or even a flood from the house.

Understanding How Your Septic Tank Works And What You Can Do To Keep It Functioning Properly

Far too many people fail to understand how their septic tank really works. As a result, homeowners will often behave in a way that actually prevents their septic tank from working properly rather than encouraging functionality. As a result, many homeowners will eventually find themselves dealing with expensive repairs as the result of septic system failure. You can avoid this type of issue by learning more about how your septic system works and what you can do to ensure that it continues to function properly.

How Portable Welding Would Be Essential Following A Major Disaster

Even though the activities associated with prepping for a major disaster has been concentrated in the United States, there are more and more people from Canada and Australia who are becoming concerned about their ability to be self-sufficient in the event of a widespread emergency or disaster. While it seems to be agreed that the most immediate needs in such an event would be food, water, shelter and a way to stay warm, long-term survival might require a method of repairing and keeping your survival equipment serviceable.

Improve Your Bottom Line: 3 Innovative Ways You Can Drastically Cut Labor And Production Costs

If you own a business, you know that labor and production costs account for a large portion of your overhead. In fact, they could account for the majority of your overhead, depending on the type of business you have. Therefore, if you want to reduce overhead and increase your profits, you need to concentrate your efforts in these two areas. Fortunately, there are several ways you can tweak your operation to reduce costs.

How To Increase Fireplace Efficiency

Just a few centuries ago, homeowners had few choices when it came to heating options, and many relied exclusively on the traditional wood-burning fireplace. Built from brick or masonry, these units were relatively simple – burning wood for heat and blowing smoke out the chimney to keep pollutants out of the home. While the traditional masonry fireplace lends a sense of warmth and romance to the home – it's one of the top three features buyers look for when shopping for a home – it's not necessarily the best source of heat.

Four Tasks Allergy Sufferers Should Include On Their Spring Cleaning Lists

Spring is in the air, and everyone is bustling about trying to get their homes clean and tidy for the season. If you're an allergy sufferer, you need to be more careful about spring cleaning than most. After spending all winter inside with the windows closed, your home is probably full of mold spores, pet dander, dust and other particles that cause your eyes to water and your nose to plug.

How To Host A Pet Adoption Event In Your Community

If you are affiliated with a pet rescue organization or humane society, you are always looking for forever homes for your adoptable critters. Why not hold an adoption event in your community to find the perfect families for those four-legged orphans? Here are seven basic steps to help you get organized. Pick a Venue The first thing you need to do is pick a venue and secure the date well in advance--at least a couple of months.

Making The Piston Compression Machinery In Your Factory Safe And Efficient

In today's society, a lot of products that we use for everyday life are produced in plants, thanks to machines that use pressurized gas. Piston compressors, also known as reciprocating compressors, are among the most important core components in these machine plants. If you are going to operate a factory that is safe, efficient and productive, you will need to internalize some of the best techniques to safeguard and maintain the operation of these machines.

Important Reasons For Homeowners To Choose Professional Stump Removal

Are you planning to redesign your yard's landscaping this spring? Have you decided that the big tree in the front of your home must go? Here are some reasons for you to leave the tree and stump removal processes to an expert: Felling trees can be dangerous: Many people are tempted to try removing their own trees. However, this can be a potentially costly or even deadly mistake. You probably already know how heavy some pieces of lumber can be when bought from the store.

Heater Isn't Working? Try These Tips For Fixing It Yourself

If your furnace has recently abruptly stopped working, you could be dreading the idea of hiring and paying a heating and air conditioning company to fix it. Although there is a good chance that you will need to hire an HVAC professional to help you fix your heater, there are a few things that you can try yourself. Give these tips a try, and you might be able to get your heater running again without having to hire a professional.

Cultivating The Perfect Lawn For Your Property

If your lawn is shabby, or worse, non-existent, you may want to start planning on implementing a lawn this year. There are many uses for a lawn, beyond the appearance. Making the right choices for the intended purposes of the green-space, while taking into account the climate and future maintenance, may point to the best types of lawn to strive for: The uses Lawns provide a range of purposes at the home, from purely aesthetic to more functional.

Exposing Two Home Repair Myths

Owning a home is a great responsibility. These structures are extremely expensive to purchase, and if they are not properly maintained, it is possible for them to lose much of their original value and they may become unsafe. Sadly, many new homeowners are not fully prepared for the challenges that they will face, and this can lead them to believe a couple of relatively common misconceptions.  Myth: Hail Damage Only Affects The Roof

How To Find A General Contractor For Your Insurance Claim

If you must file a claim with your homeowners insurance company, you want to be sure that you hire the right contractor to make the repairs that your home needs. Unfortunately, this can be difficult because you want someone who will not charge more than what is going to be covered from your insurance, but you also want to be sure that you have someone who is honest and gets repairs done as quickly as possible.

4 Reasons Why Your Septic Tank Might Be Freezing

Your septic tank, when maintained regularly, should run well throughout the year. However, there is a greater risk in the winter months because the cold temperatures and frost have the potential to freeze the tank and what is inside. Here are some of the things that can lead to freezing of a septic tank so that you can reduce your risk. Snow-Related Causes There are a couple different ways snow or lack of it can affect how easily your septic tank freezes in the winter.

Three Reason Why Vinyl Is The Perfect Material For Your New Deck

Whether you're contemplating the purchase of a new deck or if you simply want to renovate your current one, it's important for you to understand that wood is not the only material that is suitable for constructing a great deck.  Instead of choosing a traditional wooden deck, consider the benefits of erecting a deck constructed out of vinyl.  Use this information to learn more about why you should select vinyl for your next deck.

3 Unique Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

If you have an outdated bathroom, remodeling it can give you a modern bathroom that adds value to your home. There are many ideas you can use for the remodeling of your bathroom, but if you want to have a bathroom that is different, you may want to think outside of the box with things like lighting, window treatments and fixtures. Here are four ideas that will help make your bathroom unique and personal:

Window Damage From A Hailstorm: How It Can Affect A Home Energy Bill & The Cost For Repairs

Did a hailstorm leave your home windows broken or with a lot of cracks? You may want to invest in getting the glass repaired fast so you won't waste energy when running the heating and cooling system. Find out how damaged windows can have an effect on energy costs and what you might have to pay for repairs to be done. How Can Damaged Windows from a Hailstorm Affect a Home Energy Bill?

Facing Disaster: What To Do After Your Basement Floods

Basement floods hurt in more ways than one. In addition to water damage to the structure of your home, flood damage extends to your furniture, collectibles, restoration costs, and of course the potential harm of your family. Floods can often strike without any advanced warning, and people can panic under the additional stress and urgency. In order to assure the best outcome after water invades your home, remain calm and take the following steps:

Seeing Green: Do Your Research Before Setting Your Heart On A Sustainable Roof

It's time to replace your facility's roof and you're determined to install a green system on top of your building. You know a sustainable roof can help your building stay cooler, and it helps the environment. But unless you live in a city like Toronto where there are rules and guidlines in place concerning green roof installations, you may be wondering what type of green roof is best for your location.

Decorating Your Roof For The Holidays? Tips For Avoiding Roofing Damage

As the end of November shifts the holiday focus to December, you may be thinking about putting up holiday decorations. If your Christmas decorations include anything rooftop-perched, it's important that you are cautious and take the necessary precautions to protect both yourself and your roof. Before you bust out those decorations, here's a look at some safety tips to avoid accidents and roof damage. Personal Safety Measures Don't underestimate the importance of your shoe selection when it comes to caring for your roof.

Septic System Dos And Don'ts

Have you recently purchased or rented a home that makes use of a septic system rather than a sewer system. If so, you should know that the way you use and maintenance this system can have a huge impact on how long your septic system will last. Furthermore, you should know that a failure to use this system properly can quickly result in an overflowing septic tank that will leave your yard and home covered in raw sewage.

Dealing With A Clogged Sewer Line: Know Your Options

Plumbing problems often strike when you least expect it and, of course, when they are the least convenient. However, when it comes to a clog in your main sewer line, no time is particularly convenient. After all, a basement filled with dirty water and sewage is never fun. When sewer line disaster does strike, you need to know what options are available to you to deal with the problem. This way, when you talk to your plumber, you will already have an idea of what you need in mind.