Category: Home Improvement

May 24, 2020

Points to Note If You Want to DIY Your Home Renovation

Points to Note If You Want to DIY Your Home Renovation

Points to Note If You Want to DIY Your Home Renovation

A lot of homeowners really do fancy the idea of taking on the odd DIY project or two around their home. Nothing too adventurous, perhaps just installing new tile in the bathroom or adding a new cabinet or two to the kitchen. In their minds it will not only save them some money on contractor or installer fees but give them a certain sense of satisfaction as well.

There is nothing wrong with this of course. But you should keep these basic tips in mind before you begin. Just watching a Youtube video or reading a how to article online is really not enough for most people without DIY experience to be able to successfully complete a DIY project. Did that wobbly three minute clip really give you the insight needed to lay kitchen tile properly? The answer is probably not.

To avoid ending up with an expensive mess make sure you really do understand the use of tile spacers, which is the right grout to use, know how to cut tile properly and have the right tools for the job. To some people playing with all those neat power tools looks like a lot of fun. The fact is though that power tools are not toys and can be very dangerous, even lethal, in inexperienced hands. Read all of the manuals and instructions properly and make sure you follow any safety directions to the letter.

For most people the idea of doing it themselves was born out of a desire to save money. For that reason it is important that, if things start to go wrong, you know when to admit defeat and defer to the knowledge of the professionals. If things start to go south stop and call in the pros. For example, letting a tile installer come in and finish the job when you have realized that measuring the room out and laying it all straight is harder than it looks will cost you, but not as much as if you lay the whole floor, realize it looks like something you’d find in a funhouse and have to pay someone to come in, rip the whole thing out and then start again from scratch.

So you’ve wanted to know about turf but have always been too scared to ask? DIY turfing is actually easier than you think! With the right advice and preparation, you can have a great patch of grass in no time. Interested in more? Without a doubt, choosing the right turf is one of the most important factors when completing any turfing job. The right turf will depend on a range of considerations, such as how it will be used (a suburban backyard, a commercial landscape or community park), the amount of sunlight, the levels of moisture the turf will be exposed too, the level of maintenance needed to upkeep the lawn and any visual effects the turf needs to create. It’s important that you get the right advice when choosing the right turf. By speaking to a turfing expert like Hancy’s Turf you’ll be able to get the right advice for your turfing needs.

So you’ve chosen the right turf. Now, you need to really roll up your sleeves and get working! Preparing your yard or surface is an essential part of the turfing process. You’ll need to ensure the area you’re turfing has adequate draining, away from any structures, buildings or sheds. Your local council may have land preparation regulations, so it’s always a good idea to have a chat to them before undertaking any grading work. Once you’ve got your drainage sorted, you’ll need a good soil or preparatory base for your turf. Your turfing supplier will be able to recommend a suitable product for the turf you lay. Finally, make sure you’ve flattened out your surface prior to laying. Try to even out any undulations that will warp your turf or jeopardise drainage. All done? Now you’re good to lay!

Now for the fun part – laying your turf. You’ve already done the hard preparation so you should be right to go. Essentially, you’ll be laying along a linear path. This means that, unless you’re preparing a world-class sporting pitch, you’ll be laying each roll of turf in straight, parallel lines. Make sure there’s no gaps between each turf and each layer goes right to the appointed boundary. Once you’ve laid, it is essential to give the ground a good soaking. If you’re doing a big job, have the sprinkler ready to start watering some of the earlier patches while you continue through the day.

You’ve finished your laying and the grass looks amazing. The fun does not end there! Once laid, your turf will need some TLC until it is fully established. Your turfing supplier will give you specifics for the type of turf you’ve laid, but for all varieties there are some essentials. These include regular watering, aeration, sunlight and not too much rough-and-tumble until it’s established.

May 23, 2020

Home Inspections On New Windows For Home Security

Home Home Inspections On New Windows For Home SecurityOn New Windows For Home Security

Home Home Inspections On New Windows For Home SecurityOn New Windows For Home Security

I again have been asked to look at a home that has been recently purchased. The thought the family had, was to buy a home that needed some work and then improve it to suit them. Many people do this, and they rely on the home inspector to guide them on this major purchase. I won’t be asked to inspect a home before a purchase.

What has happened is that now that the family is in the home, problems are showing up. Like most families after they move into their new (to them) home, they don’t have a large amount of cash for additional repairs or if issues arise. The added problem in this case is the health of the family is being affected by the home.

They did what they should have…they walked through the home with the inspector and discussed various issues. However the issues raised by the home buyer were not considered of great importance to the inspector. The problem is that these issues might indicate additional problems, which could be of major concern. The next issue is that the costs suggested by the inspector and/or real estate agent for repairs in no way reflect the reality of the actual repair costs. So while they bought the home at less than listing price, the less than anticipated purchase price did not leave them enough to cover the cost of the repairs and issues that are now apparent, due to neglect by the previous home owner. In addition, I noted other problems that were missed by the inspector. The only saving grace – maybe – for the homeowner is that a form was signed by the previous home owner, which indicates that all work done on the home was done with permits. A lot of wo rk was done, that would not pass inspection and was clearly done by non professional trades.

nov10 02 Home InspectionsDoes the real estate industry in general work in the interest of the home buyer? All the agents, inspectors, and lawyers have a vested interest in the sale proceeding. While they all may not get paid by the home sale like the agents, they may rely on the referrals and/or repeat business from the agents. So everyone involved, is not going to seriously rock the boat when you are planning on purchasing a home – the deal puts food on their tables. So what can you do when planning your next home purchase?

First understand how the system is set up. Next, look for some independent help. While I will not do or be asked to do a home inspection, I have been asked for my opinion on issues and thoughts on the work being considered for a home to be purchased. So look for a renovation contractor to help you confirm if issues you see are major or not. You may also want to hire trade contractors to look at things like the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Ensure that your real estate agent works for you when purchasing a new home and keep looking for the home that is right for you.

When I look at home, I have a very good idea what the problems are and what it would take to fix them. Do you? When you are planning the biggest purchase in your life, take some time and really understand what you are buying.

Window home security begins with ensuring that all your first floor windows are tightly shut and locked throughout the day and night. The same holds true for second floor windows if you have a tree growing next to your house. Next, you can increase window home security by reinforcing what you already have.

Window Home Security for Double-Hung Windows

Your double-hung windows probably came with thumb latches. Increase window home security by replacing the latches with keyed locking mechanisms. If the extra expense is a problem, here’s an alternative:

1. Drill a sloping hole downward into the top frame of the lower window.
2. Drill through into the bottom frame of the upper window.
3. Insert a metal pin that’s long enough to remove by hand. (Hint: Use the pin of a carriage bolt.)

Window Home Security for Sliding Windows

Just like sliding doors, sliding windows can also be easily lifted up off their tracks, giving intruders easy access. But you have three alternatives to increase sliding window home security.

1. Wood pole/dowel. If you slip this into the upper channel of a sliding window, it can stop it from being taken off its track. Just make sure you fit the pole so the window can still slide.
2. Sheet metal screw. Drill holes and install the screws across the top into the upper channel. Choose a screw head that’s big enough so it doesn’t drop down, but make sure the window can still slide freely.
3. Anti-slide product. There are commercial products specifically designed to secure sliding doors and windows. Choose the jamb, screw-on device, lock, or bolt that’s right for you.

Window Home Security for Louvered Windows

Did you know that an unsecured louvered window is a bad security risk? Such poor window home security can both jack up your home security insurance premiums and make you a favorite of burglars as well. You have three options.

1. Glue it. Use industrial strength glue (e.g., epoxy) to attach panes to frame permanently.
2. Replace it. Use instead a fixed frame of solid glass or another kind of ventilated window.
3. Secure it. Install a metal grill or grating.

Window Home Security for Fire Exits

You should always leave a window in each bedroom available to serve as a fire exit, especially for kids and houseguests. When you’re at home or asleep at night, police and fire departments recommend that you leave the key next to the window or inside the lock for easy exit during a fire.

May 23, 2020

New Decorative Chair And Perfect Blinds For Your Home

New Decorative Chair And Perfect Blinds For Your Home

New Decorative Chair And Perfect Blinds For Your Home

Choose the right chair, the first step in what would be its purpose is to determine I have this chair will suit your home? What do you use? Who would you most frequently use a chair? In the case will be placed in your home? This is your living room to watch movies, will chair? The chair just to entertain or to use the front room will mean a more decorative? The family members will take seats on a regular basis? This seems like a silly question, but it is something you think that way. Similarly, it is also the men, women, and found a chair suitable for children is very unusual, so I think this issue will need to provide more privacy.

The next question to consider is the size of the chair. You want to be in proportion to many. That was in the room of your seat suitable for any other part of the furniture. Larger or smaller, you do not want a chair. It is all important in this room if you are not proportional to each other, with different fabrics and colors will mix well, but the room will look away.

The following considerations are taken into account is the quality of a piece of furniture. Get what you pay for is especially true of interior convenience. You see something in the gallery when you are a small price, but by attracting, the affordable to maintain age and wear and tear will not be sooner than you think it should be replaced.

Next, you have your seat to see exactly what you want. Be careful of what you want and if the chair fits you, you are likely to be zero.

And finally, try the chair. You really put the dignity of the report in your home, try to consider how to use the chair. You sit under the bridge over I do? Or spread on a foot stool or ottoman? Find this location at a furniture store. At some point you have a nap in this chair, if you think before you buy it once you nestle in seawater. In any position you want is what works for you. If the chair you will know immediately.

Find the perfect blinds for your home can buy a little work and drive. There are so many different styles, colors and materials on which you want to take time to think. Depending on the type of window you have, the style of home you have and of course your home, the possibilities can go in several directions.

You may think that there are only a few types of window coverings, but you’d be surprised. Some of these blinds are blinds, wood or faux wood shades, roman shades, woven Shades, blinds, shades, cellular shades, soft treatments, vertical rails & Panel, specialized or custom shades, cellular shades, Woven wood shades, wood blinds, plantation shutters, blinds, drapery panels, roman shades, Panel Tracks, valances, curtains, blinds, shades, porch, aluminum blinds, vertical blinds, and much more. All these factors may be at home for you, give you the exact look you are trying to achieve.

Blinds come in all shapes and sizes of openings. The most common colors are those that fold and a cord. This is not where they stop, though. There are those that open both vertically and horizontally. You can also use the blades in a setting that affects public and private fixed and open like a door away from the window. This is a better choice than an already large number of blades at the top of the window is blocked. It is much more attractive to those who love them. The blades can come in different strengths and. It may be small blades, more or less large rotor blades. This guy is a Plantation Shutter. It comes in different colors and materials such as wood, plastic, faux wood and aluminum.

Another type of shadow is beautiful roman shades. It is made of cloth or paper and is a great song that expert from top to bottom is compatible with different types of wrinkles. It comes in different colors and types of tissue. The styles also vary. You can use more or less wrinkles and folds and the thickness of the fabric may vary.

Wood blinds wooden and false are different shades of woven wood. The blinds come in many different styles, but the blades are set to open and close for privacy. They add warmth to the room, if they are painted or stained and are very durable. Woven wood shades made of natural bamboo shades bring a natural feel for the room. It looks a bit like mesh, but in a polished elegance. This in a variety of different tissues that are more or less light and privacy will be possible in the room. The room is slightly textured with them.

There are many, believe that if the election blinds for your home. There are many possibilities, and it can be difficult to choose one. Research and reflection on them are much good.

May 23, 2020

Benefits of Whole House Humidification on Wooden Vertical Blinds

If you’re looking for a way to alleviate the dry winter air in your Calgary home, a humidification system can help. There are two types to choose from: a whole-house humidification system and a portable unit — and each one has its advantages and disadvantages.

Dry winter air can be problematic. It can cause sinus and respiratory problems; it can also damage wood products in your home, like floors. Both whole-house and portable systems will send moisture into the air, and help to remedy dry air conditions. Adding moisture to the air can also help you with energy savings, because moist air feels warmer than dry air, so you can lower your thermostat.

A whole-house system is ideal for homeowners seeking convenience and savings. This type of system is installed alongside heating equipment and connects to your home’s water supply, so as conditioned air is sent through the ductwork, the humidifier will add moisture as well. In that way, the air throughout your entire home will be more comfortable. With all of the spaces in your home able to benefit from humidification, you can go anywhere and avoid dry air. Finally, once the system is installed, there is very little maintenance required, besides an annual check-up.

Portable humidifiers can be beneficial as well; however, they are limited in the amount of humidification they can provide. Typically, these devices are positioned in a room and deliver moisture into that specific space — so you won’t get whole-house humidification unless you take the device with you as you move through your home. These systems also require quite a bit of maintenance. You’ll need to fill the water tank every day, and clean out the tank every couple of days. Their main advantage, though, is that they are inexpensive to purchase.

Think your home could benefit from a whole-house humidification system? Contact Arpi’s Industries today, and let our experts help you explore your options and find the best fit for your home. We’ve been serving homeowners in Greater Calgary for almost 50 years.

It’s possible to change the overall feel of a room and make it more appealing to visitors without performing a complete overhaul. The best way to achieve this is by carefully choosing accessories and furnishings that have a real impact on the atmosphere, whilst still making it a comfortable place in which to reside.

Whilst many people believe bold changes are required to accomplish this, there are a number of more subtle ways you can make this sort of difference.

One of the most neglected areas when it comes to home improvement is the window treatments in a home. Many people choose to concentrate on other choices, such as the wallpaper design, or the shadings of the wall paint, and simply do not pay as much attention to window treatments as they should. Many people seem to be of the train of thought that they don’t have much of an impact on the final appearance of a room. This simply isn’t true and a poor decision regarding window treatments could have a disastrous effect on the entire décor scheme in a room.

One option which can offer a number of advantages over its competitors in this case is wooden vertical blinds. According to many style experts and interior designers, these carry a more timeless quality than many alternatives. Window treatments such as blinds and curtains use different fabrics. In a similar way to clothes, fabrics and patterns can very quickly go out of fashion, rendering your window treatments out of date. The lack of patterns and varying colours on wooden vertical blinds mean that this is very rarely a problem.

Instead, these window treatments can go towards creating a contemporary look for any room, with the homeowner safe in the knowledge that not only the appearance, but the blinds themselves are made to last. The appearance isn’t as restricted as you may think either, as there are many types of wood available to make sure that your window treatments fit in with your existing décor. Here are a few tips to make sure you choose the right wood for your home.

Many people choose light woods for their wooden vertical blinds. Woods such as pine are a good choice for people wishing to create a brighter atmosphere in a room. This helps make the room more welcoming not only to you, but also to friends and family who may visit from time to time.

On the other hand, if your room feels a little bit on the large and unwieldy side then darker wood may be the right choice for you. Whilst having a large room is a nice dilemma to be faced with, you may feel that visitors could struggle to relax and kick back in your home as a result of the size. The key here is to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Combining dark vertical blinds with dark décor and a piping hot fire is one way to achieve this.

Another idea is to use the blinds in conjunction with other pieces of décor and accessories to create the perfect atmosphere. Taking real care when selecting cushions, lampshades and other accessories as well as window dressings can go a long way towards making your house a home which appeals to you, your family and your friends alike.