Contractor Tips Blog

Jan
29

Improve Curb Appeal With A Concrete Driveway

Having a smooth, beautiful concrete driveway is not only functional, it can add to the curb appeal of your home. One of the first areas people notice when pulling up in front of a home is the driveway. While asphalt, cobblestone or rock can look nice when maintained, they also have drawbacks. Cobblestone or brick driveways can be prohibitively expensive, while rock is a more difficult surface upon which to walk and drive. Concrete not only looks nice, but is alos easy to maintain and is a great value. 

Why Choose Concrete Over Asphalt?

Most people who are considering using concrete for their driveway may also be thinking of using asphalt. Asphalt can be cheaper to install and has many of the same driving benefits as concrete. However, there are some excellent reasons to pay a little more for concrete. 

  • Better value. While concrete can be a bigger initial investment, it can also last up to three times as long as asphalt, making it a better value in the long run.
     
  • Easy maintenance. Concrete is easy to clean and maintain. It also doesn’t require the top coatings that asphalt does, so maintenance over time is less expensive and disruptive.
     
  • Cool feet. Running out to the mailbox on a summer day can be painful when you’re not wearing shoes and the asphalt driveway is hot enough to fry an egg. Concrete is naturally cooler than asphalt, even at the peak of summer heat.
     
  • Design flexibility. Concrete can be stamped or stained, making it very versatile for a custom designed look. 

For many homeowners who want to improve the curb appeal of their home while adding a driveway surface, concrete is the clear choice. It is beautiful yet functional, exactly what you want for something  you will both use and see every day.

 Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders

Jan
29

Benefits Of Using Vinyl Siding

If your home needs a face lift, one of the best ways to give it a new look is with vinyl siding. Whether you currently have old, worn out siding or just are tired of needing to paint your home every few years, vinyl siding is an affordable option that looks great, is easy to maintain and can protect your home through all types of weather. In addition, vinyl siding comes in a wide variety of designs and color options, making it perfect for almost any home. 

Why Use Vinyl Siding

Choosing vinyl siding over painting or other types of siding such as shingles or shakes comes down to a few factors: price, maintenance and curb appeal. 

  • Price. While shakes and shingles can look nice, they are much more expensive than vinyl. Also, while painting is definitely less expensive than re-siding a home, in a few years that paint will need to be re-applied so the cost savings can be negligible.
     
  • Maintenance. Vinyl siding is the easiest siding to maintain. It does not need to be treated like wood or other materials, and is very easy to clean.
     
  • Curb appeal. There is no doubt that a newly painted or shingled home can look wonderful, however, it can quickly lose that look once bad weather hits. Vinyl siding looks as good a few years down the road as it did when it was first added. 

It is estimated that almost a third of homes in the U.S. now have vinyl siding, no doubt for many of these simple reasons. It is a practical, affordable way to make your old home look new again, so contact a reputable vinyl siding professional today to discuss your options for exterior home surfacing with vinyl.

Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders

Jan
29

Is It Time For A New Roof For Your Home?

The roof of your home is one of the most important investments you can make when considering home improvements. Your roof protects the rest of your home, providing coverage from harsh elements and extreme weather conditions. When it comes time to replace your roof, you want to choose the type of roof that will best suit your needs for decades to come as well as fit into your budget. 

Choosing A Roof Type

There are several varieties of roofing materials, all which come with their own benefits. Since a new roof is a large investment, regardless of what type you choose, you will want to consider several factors before hiring a roofing contractor. Some of the factors to consider are: 

  • Weather conditions. Certain roof materials are better for holding up against extreme weather. For example, while aluminum roofs can be easy to maintain, they are also easily dented in hail storms. An aluminum roof may work well in many regions, but be a poor choice in areas where hailstorms are common.
     
  • Longevity. If you are planning to sell your home in a few years, you may not be as concerned with how long the roof will last. However, many higher quality roofs can have 20-year, 30-year and even lifetime guarantees which add to the value of your home.
     
  • Budget. Of course, budget is always a concern. An asphalt shingle roof will be much less expensive than a custom metal or slate roof. 

When choosing your new roof, while design and curb appeal are important, the main consideration should always be functionality. Your roof is a big investment, but it is protecting an even bigger asset; your home and your family.

Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders 

Jan
29

Rent A Golf Cart For Your Next Event

Posted in Golf Carts

Many planned events can take place on large properties, which can be difficult for many people to access or navigate. Older persons, those with disabilities and even small children may have trouble hiking down the sand dunes to a wedding on the beach or a half mile into a large park. When planning your next big event, consider renting golf carts to make it easier for all your guests to enjoy the festivities! 

Events For Rented Golf Carts

There are many times when having a quick transport device could be useful, especially if you’re hosting a large event. Golf carts can be used to shuttle people as well as supplies, luggage and other items from one area to another. Some ideas for when renting a golf cart may be practical include: 

  • Weddings. Destination weddings are very popular, except when guests need to make a long trek to the actual place of the ceremony. Golf cart rentals can help make sure that grandma and grandpa don’t need to hike too far in order to enjoy the event.
     
  • Special events. Many community or special events can and often are held outside, like festivals, carnivals and even marathons. Rent a golf or utility cart to give those who are not able to walk long distances a way to enjoy the entire event. They can also be convenient for support and event staff, allowing them to navigate the property quickly and efficiently.
     
  • Parties. All types of parties can use golf carts when the venue is large, such as at a fairgrounds or park. For the next big family reunion, anniversary celebration or special birthday party, rent a golf cart so everyone can have fun. 

For your next big event, add renting a golf cart or two into the budget for the event. People will appreciate your thoughtfulness to consider the special needs of your guests.

Posted on behalf of Action Specialty Carts

Jan
29

Golf Carts Can Make The Perfect Gift

Posted in Golf Carts

Looking for a gift for the person who has everything? Consider buying a new or used golf cart for that hard-to-shop-for person. While it may be the perfect gift for a golfer, it can also be a great gift for many other people as well. Golf carts can be used in a wide variety of settings, from taking in the great outdoors on a nature trail to a personal transport vehicle to drive on the road. When you consider everything they can be used for, there are many people that would love to get a golf cart as a gift. 

Uses For Golf Carts

Golf carts can come in a wide variety of types, sizes and options. Small carts can carry two people, while larger varieties can carry six or more. The uses for these small gas or electric vehicles is expansive, which is why they make such great gifts. 

  • Disabled persons. Those who are disabled or have limited mobility are often great candidates for a golf cart. They can use it to drive around their personal property, take on nature trails or even take with them on vacation.
     
  • Retirement communities. Many aging citizens live in assisted living or retirement communities, which usually feature communal areas for socialization located across fairly expansive properties. Give them the freedom to get to all the different buildings in the complex with a golf cart.
     
  • Golfers! Yes, this is a great gift for the golfer. No more renting a cart at the course. They can show up in style with their own golf cart in tow, and have the freedom of owning their vehicle. 

You can order golf carts with custom options, and can even get street legal kits added so they can be driven on low-traffic roads. If you have been looking for the ultimate gift for the next birthday or holiday, a golf cart just may fit the bill.

Posted on behalf of Action Specialty Carts

Jan
29

Golf Carts Are Not Just For The Course

Posted in Golf Carts

When most people think of a golf cart, they imagine hitting eighteen holes on a well manicured, green course. Actually, golf carts are used in a variety of venues as a quick and affordable transportation vehicle. From businesses to personal street use, there are many ways to use these economical carts, which use very little energy and may cost much less than you would think. 

Types Of Golf Carts

There are several varieties of personal golf carts which are used as on-site transportation, as well as larger vehicles which can be street legal for use on city roads with lower speed limits. Most carts can be either gas or electricity powered, usually seating between two and six people. Some of the options that these carts can come in include: 

  • Utility carts. Generally, utility carts are smaller than some of the larger golf carts, usually with one bench seat or two bucket seats. These are great little vehicles for use on commercial properties such as college campuses, resorts, parks and other businesses that are expansive.
     
  • Custom golf carts. Many golf carts can be ordered with a variety of features, such as larger wheels, rear-view mirrors, lift kits and custom paint jobs.
     
  • Street legal carts. In many towns, golf carts which are equipped with a street legal kit can drive on city roads with speed limits of less than 35 MPH. These are great for homeowners who need a quick way to get to the store, or just to visit the neighbor a few blocks down the road. 

Although you will still see these open air carts on the course, don’t be surprised when you see them at many other places and in a variety of uses. Airports, retirement communities and many other businesses are finding golf carts are a great way to cater to their customers needs.

Posted on behalf of Top Dog Golf Carts

Jan
29

Adding Metal Stairs To Your Next Project

Posted in Metal Stairs

Whether you’re in the process of building a two story commercial property or a tree house for the kids, part of the design will revolve around the types of stairs you want to use. While wood and cement are popular materials for stairs, it can be more difficult to create unique designs with these materials. Custom fabricated metal stairs can be made to fit in with almost any design, and have many other benefits as well. 

Benefits Of Metal Stairs

Design flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of using metal versus other materials when adding a staircase to a building project. Metal can easily be fabricated into a spiral staircase, a drop down ladder for a tree house or even into a three-story staircase which needs to fit in a small space. Some other benefits of using metal as your staircase material includes: 

  • Longevity. Metal will last for decades, and will not rot or be vulnerable to termites like wood.
     
  • Cleaning. Metal can be easily cleaned and does not harbor mold and mildew the way other materials can.
     
  • Versatile. Stairs made of metal can be used indoors or out, and can be made in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs. They are easy to paint; specific designs or images can also be added to make them unique.
     
  • Turn-key. Metal staircases can be made to order from a quality metal fabricator, arriving ready to be attached to the project. 

For many projects, a metal staircase may be the perfect solution, especially when you need a material which can be customized, is built to last and is easy to maintain.

Posted on behalf of LCG Welding, LLC

Jan
29

Add Elegance To Your Home With Metal Railings

For many people, the word “elegant” isn’t always the first one to come to mind when they think of metal. However, custom made metal railings can be incredibly beautiful and add a certain elegance to decks, stairways and patios. Metal is extremely versatile when in the hands of a talented fabricator who can lend artistic design to what is one of the most durable materials available. 

Ideas For Metal Railings

There are many places where metal railings can be used both for functionality and design in your home. Also, when they’re custom crafted, these railings can reflect your personal tastes and compliment your existing home design and décor. Some ideas on where to add metal railings: 

  • Enclose your deck. Make your deck safer as well as more beautiful with a metal railing. Choose an eye-catching pattern such as leaves or flowers to have incorporated into the railing, or an element which complements your overall outdoor design scheme.
     
  • Stair railings. Add railings to your outdoor steps for safety or to interior stairs for beauty. Metal railings can be easily made for any size or shape of stairway, even spiral.
     
  • Room divider. A decorative metal railing can be a great way to divide a large room, separating without closing off the space. Railings can be ornate, as well as painted to match the existing design. 

Metal railings are not only versatile and elegant, they are easy to maintain and can last for decades. They are easy to clean and take care of, not needing to be polished or constantly stained. Even those used outdoors can be easily protected from rust with paint or other coatings. For your next home project, consider adding a beautiful metal railing to give your home a unique and custom look.

Posted on behalf of LCG Welding, LLC

Jan
29

Don’t Throw Away Your iPhone, iPad or iPod!

Most families have some type of “i” device, from iPods to iPhones. These devices have become a large part of our lives, and are continuously changing and upgrading to the next level of technology. As new models come available, the old model with a cracked screen or which just isn’t as cool as the newer version often gets thrown into a drawer and never used again. Even though it’s used and an older model, that device may still be valuable to someone else. Do not throw that old device away; instead get it repaired or even it sell it for cash. 

What to Do With Your Old “i” Devices

With the expanse of these products, another industry has evolved to fix, buy and sell the old models as they are replaced. Instead of throwing away your devices, you can have them repaired or sell them to be refurbished so someone else can enjoy them. Consider these options: 

  • Broken devices. You can have iPad, iPod, or iPhone repaired and keep it as a backup, give it to a friend or family member or even donate it to charity. There are even do-it-yourself repair kits for simple fixes, such as missing screws.
     
  • Get cash. Whether your iPhone, iPad, or iPod is damaged or in good condition, you can sell it for money. Companies that repair these models often offer a decent price to buy your old devices, even ones that do not work. 

The great thing about either repairing or even selling your older device is that instead of ending up cluttering up your home or in a garbage can, the device can still be used and enjoyed.

Posted on behalf of iDevice MD

Jan
17

Add Curb Appeal With A Paver Driveway

Posted in Paver Driveways

Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they approach your home, making it the perfect place to add to your home’s curb appeal! Paver driveways add a classic look that can be tailored to your homes exterior design and add a touch of class to any home. In addition, they are functional, low maintenance and are easier to repair than many other types of driveway surfaces. 

Be Creative With Your Paver Driveway

Paver driveways can be designed with a variety of different types of materials, colors and patterns, making them perfect for creating a unique look to the exterior of your home. You can choose the size, shape, color and type of paver you want to use, along with how they will be placed. Some of the options you can choose from include: 

  • Natural pavers – If you want a natural stone for your driveway, consider tumbled marble or travertine pavers.
     
  • Formed pavers – For homeowners with specific shapes and colors in mind, concrete or clay pavers are and ideal solution. These versatile pavers allow for more creative freedom and greater customization.
     
  • Artistic design – From classic patterns to detailed geometric designs and even pictures or letters, your paver driveway can reflect your artistic vision. Work with a local contractor to make your vision come to life. 

A paver driveway is an investment in your home, both to add to the curb appeal and as a functional feature. To ensure it’s done right and will last for many years to come, hiring an experienced contractor that specializes in paver driveways is prudent. With the right installation and proper maintenance, your paver driveway will last for decades, and add to the beauty and value of your home.

Posted on behalf of Tri County Pavers & Design

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