Contractor Tips Blog

Jan
17

Expand Your Cooking Space With An Outdoor Kitchen

No one wants to be stuck inside cooking when it is beautiful outside. A custom outdoor kitchen on your patio or deck can give you more space to cook while enjoying the sun and the company of your family or guests. In addition, you can cut down on cooling expenses by doing your cooking outside without heating up your home during the warmer months. 

Creating An Outdoor Kitchen That Is Beautiful And Functional

For many families, the backyard or patio is the main area for entertaining and spending time together, making it a perfect place to add a custom kitchen area. Whether you just want to add counter space around an outdoor grill to make it more functional or you want the versatility of a full kitchen outdoors, you can design this area to blend with your décor and be useful at the same time. 

  • Add natural rock – Give your outdoor kitchen a rustic theme by using natural rock as the exterior of your cabinet and counter area.
     
  • Easy cleaning – Stainless steel appliances are perfect for an outdoor kitchen,as they’re easy to clean and maintain.
     
  • Outdoor plumbing – Add a sink and wash area so that cleaning can be done outside, keeping your indoor kitchen free of the mess.
     
  • Match your patio – Use bricks, pavers or other stones for your kitchen enclosures that match the rest of your patio, making your kitchen blend perfectly with the rest of your outdoor area. 

Consult a professional outdoor kitchen contractor who can help you make the most of your patio. Together, you can create a beautiful cooking area for family gatherings, entertaining or just to give you a cool place to make dinner. It can add to both the functionality of your patio as well as the value of your home.

Posted on behalf of Tri County Pavers & Design

Jan
17

Create A Pest-Free Yard For Your Family

Posted in Insect Control

There is nothing better than relaxing in your yard with your family and friends. Some of the best memories can be those times right at home, with your loved ones out enjoying the sun while food is cooking on the grill. Unfortunately, these good times can be ruined when pests take over your yard and begin to make a meal out of your guests as well as putting everyone’s health at risk. Protect these precious memories and your family’s health by creating a pest-free yard with an automated pest control system. 

Benefits Of An Automated Pest Control System

Bug sprays, zappers and other pest control systems only focus on one or a few pests that can invade your backyard. For a truly pest-free yard, the best solution is an automated misting system that targets over a hundred different types of bugs consistently, and is safe for your family and pets. Some of the other benefits of an automated pest control system include:

  • Killing biting pests – Stop mosquitoes, biting flies, ticks, bees and fleas from biting your family, guests and pets. Not only are biting bugs annoying, they can carry dangerous diseases.
     
  • Safe insecticide – Choose a system that uses pyrethrum, an insecticide that kills most types of insects yet is safe for humans, pets and other mammals.
     
  • Automated mist – These reliable systems mist your yard on an automated schedule, keeping pests at bay around the clock. 

Keep those bugs away and create a safe, comfortable pest-free yard with the use of an automated pest control system. You can finally relax and enjoy time in your yard with your family and friends without all those uninvited pests! Call an experienced installation professional to discuss the best automated pest control system for your property.

Posted on behalf of Mosquito Free Back Yards

Jan
17

Give Your Home A Face-Lift With A Pressure Wash

Weather and time can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. Decks can fade from brown to gray, pavers can become dull and roofs and siding can grow moss and fungi, taking away from the beauty of your home. Luckily there is a weapon to take away the grime and give your home a face-lift: a professional pressure wash. 

Why Hire A Professional Pressure Washing Company?

Although many homeowners may own a pressure washer, there are benefits to hiring a professional, especially for those big jobs. While a home pressure washer may be fine for spraying down the driveway or washing your car, there are jobs it may not be suited for. Improperly using a pressure washer can damage your home and may end up doing more harm than good. Some reasons to hire a professional pressure washing company for certain home cleaning jobs include: 

  • Protecting surfaces – Certain surfaces such as painted homes and decks or roofs can be ruined with improper pressure washing.
     
  • Environmental issues – Most areas have laws regarding the types of cleaners that can be used in conjunction with a pressure washer, as well as laws on collecting gray or run-off water.
     
  • Safety – Protect your own safety by hiring a professional to do high areas, which can be hazardous to the do-it-yourselfer. 

Pressure washing can make an noticeable difference in the way your home looks, and even protect it from damage when done correctly. Scheduling a professional pressure washing to give your home a needed face-lift can add to the curb appeal and beauty of your home, and is well worth the investment.

Posted on behalf of Impact Pressure Washing

Jan
17

Extend The Life Of Your Roof With Pressure Washing

Your home’s roof is a large investment, one which needs proper care and maintenance to last. Over time, debris, mildew and other elements can damage your roof as well as make it look dirty and dingy. Annual pressure washer cleanings can make a significant difference in how long your roof lasts, as well as how it looks. It’s best, however, to have a professional pressure washing company clean your roof in order to protect your investment as well as your safety. 

Dangers Of Pressure Washing Your Roof

Although pressure washing can be one of the best ways to clean and extend the life of your roof, it can also harm your roof and be dangerous if done incorrectly. Experienced professional pressure washing companies use low pressure roof cleaning techniques, along with special formulas to safely clean and protect your roof. If you decide to try and pressure your roof yourself, you could be in danger of hurting both yourself and your roof. Some of the dangers include: 

  • Destroying shingles – High pressure or hitting shingles at the wrong angle can loosen and remove shingles, causing possible leaks and need for repair.
     
  • Damaging roofing material – With improper use of a pressure washer, roofing materials can be damaged, shortening the life of your roof by years.
     
  • Personal injury – Don’t risk life and limb climbing on your roof. Let an insured, professional who is trained and has the correct equipment clean your roof. 

While pressure washing can extend the life of your roof and make it look like new again, doing it incorrectly can actually damage it more in the long run. Replacing or even repairing a roof can be very expensive, so be wise and invest in using a professional pressure washing company for your next roof cleaning.

Posted on behalf of Impact Pressure Washing

Jan
17

Get Creative With Your Powder Room Design

Posted in Interior Design

Many homes have a guest bathroom or powder room, a space which is often overlooked when it comes to unique and intriguing home décor. These little half-baths are the ultimate place to be creative and add to the overall look of your home. By adding some interesting fixtures or going with an elaborate theme, you can turn these small spaces into a beautiful place for your guests. 

Make Your Powder Room Unique

The great thing about powder rooms is that they are small and have very little clutter to get in the way of design. Most powder rooms have only a sink and toilet, with little need for storage or special lighting. This provides the perfect canvas for exciting colors and fixtures which may be to bold for other rooms of your home. Some ideas for creating a unique and memorable powder room design include: 

  • Rich colors – While a dark red wall may be too much in other rooms, a small powder room is the perfect place to add deep and rich colors.
     
  • Exotic themes – Use this small space to explore decorating with creative themes such as a Asian or African motif.
     
  • Modern fixtures – There are so many interesting bathroom fixtures available, yet may not be practical in other bathrooms. The powder room gives these fixtures a place to truly shine.
     
  • Artful lighting – Most bathrooms must have a certain light quality to make putting on makeup or styling work. Because these spaces aren’t usually a primary space for homeowners to get ready in the morning, powder rooms do not need specific lighting. Play with different types of light fixtures and lighting options. 

Most people who visit your home will use your powder room, so make it a place they will enjoy with creative design. For more ideas, consult with a professional designer to learn more about what you can do to make your powder room the jewel of your home.

Posted on behalf of J Christopher Services

Jan
17

Ideas For Your Finished Basement

Posted in Interior Design

One area of many homes which often gets overlooked for its potential is the finished basement. This spacious area is often left open and greatly unused, or only used for storage, despite the possibilities for increased living space in the home. With a little help from an experienced basement remodeling contractor, your basement can become the extra family room, play area or even the home office you always wanted. 

Finished Basement Remodel Ideas

Your basement can have the potential to add value to your home and add one or more new rooms to your living space. Depending on the size and layout of your basement, you may decide to dedicate the entire area to one type of space or create a few different rooms. Some ideas on how to use this extra space: 

  • Home office – Create a quiet working space away from the rest of the home, with room to store all your files, computer equipment and books.
     
  • Play room – Give your kids a place to play as loud as they want in their own level of the home. It could have a indoor jungle gym, a cozy TV area and a place for all their favorite toys.
     
  • Family room – Make a spacious room for everyone in the family to enjoy time together. Add a small kitchen for snacks, comfy furniture, games and even a home theater system to make it the perfect place for family fun and relaxing.
     
  • Extra bedrooms – Add an extra bedroom to give your teenager their own space or to have for guests. 

A professional basement remodeling contractor can help you make the most of your finished basement, adding more room and value to your home. Don’t let this area be neglected when there are so many ways to use that extra space.

Posted on behalf of J Christopher Services

Jan
17

Protect Your Home And Family With Wireless Alarm Monitoring

Posted in Home Security

There is nothing as precious as your family and home. While there are many alarm systems available to help protect your home against robbery and invasion, many are not equipped to function correctly when phone lines or electricity is down or shut off by a criminal. Wireless alarm monitoring is the best way to ensure your home and family are protected, regardless of the circumstances. 

Choosing A Wireless Alarm Monitoring Service

Just like all home services, not all alarm services are created equal. If you are investing in home protection, you need to ensure the company you choose has the best capacity to monitor your home in all types of situations. Criminals know that cutting phone lines, power outages and other factors can leave you vulnerable; don’t risk your home and family by using an alarm service that will not be there when you need it most. Some factors to consider when choosing a alarm monitoring service: 

  • Certified monitoring station – Choose an alarm monitoring company with a monitoring station that has been certified by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). A 5 Diamond Certification is the best, with only 3% of all monitoring stations receiving this level.
     
  • VOIPP or no phone line – If you use cellular phones as your only phone lines or VOIPP, wireless alarm monitoring is imperative. Wireless also protects you when traditional phone lines are out of service, or cut by a criminal trying to invade your home. 

Investing in your home and family’s protection is money well spent. While insurance may reimburse you for items stolen, it cannot replace your family or your peace of mind. Wireless alarm monitoring is the most reliable way to protect your family and possessions, so contact a professional security installation service who understands your unique needs.

Posted on behalf of Callaway Security

Jan
17

Elements Of The Perfect Home Theater Room

Posted in Home Theaters

A well designed home theater takes planning and expertise to get the right combination of visual and audio effects. While the electronics are important components, they alone are not what turn a good home theater into a great one. Whether you want a room to watch your favorite sports team or to enjoy movies with your friends and family in high definition splendor, how the room is designed and set up can play a major part in the quality of theater room you will end up with. 

Home Theater Design Elements

While any room could potentially turned into a home theater, there are certain aspects that need to be considered. Just adding a large television and sound system will not necessarily create the theater room you had in mind. Some elements to consider when designing your home theater include: 

  • Size – The size, dimensions and shape of a room can determine how the acoustics will perform.
     
  • Lighting – Most theater rooms will have no windows to create the perfect dark room for viewing.
     
  • Seating – Where you place your seating can effect both how the audio and visual effects are experienced.
     
  • Sound proofing – Depending on where your theater room is located, you may need sound proofing to keep outside sounds from disturbing your viewings as well as isolate the sound coming from the theater room. 

Many elements of creating a professional grade home theater room are complicated, requiring the expertise of a home theater designer. Since this is a sizable investment into your home, using a professional home theater design company to help you plan and build your room can make sure that it turns out exactly the way you envision.

Posted on behalf of Callaway Home Theater 

Jan
17

Have The Home Of The Future With Digital Home Automation

Posted in Home Automation

Control your entire home, all from your smart phone or computer with digital home automation. What used to be available only in science fiction movies is now a reality. New technology allows you to control almost all your devices in your home with a phone application or remote access from a computer. It is not just a convenience, either; digital home automation can help you save money on your utilities, protect your home and make it a more comfortable place to live. 

Benefits Of Digital Home Automation

Imagine being able to shut off your lights, turn on your air conditioning or open your garage door when you are miles away from home. Although some of these functions are individually available, digital home automation combines all your home’s features in one place, making it easy to protect your home and even save money. Here are some of the benefits of using this amazing new technology: 

  • Save energy – Heat, cool or light your home only when needed. Set your heat or A/C to turn on a half an hour before you get home or do it when you are headed back to the house. Check to make sure everything is turned off, even when you are already miles away.
     
  • Protect your home – Digital home automation can allow you to control your alarm system from wherever you are  and give the illusion that you are home. Turn lights on and off, blast the stereo or TV, even when relaxing on vacation in Hawaii.
     
  • Convenience – Last but not least, even when you are home, having instant access to all your devices is convenient and saves time. 

This technology of the future is now available! Make your home safer and more efficient with digital home automation by calling an installation professional to discuss your options.

Posted on behalf of Callaway Home Theater

Nov
21

Industrial Polymer Products

Polymer is used in a great number of products that are used daily by every person and company in theUnited Statesand beyond.  Examples of the uses of polymers include plastics, which need to be strong, as well as coatings that prevent sticking and nylon.  Examples of polymer products include High Density Polyethylene and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. 

High Density Polyethylene or HDPE, as it is also known, is used to manufacture products such as pipe, plastic bottles, plastic lumber, hard hats and fuel tanks for vehicles.  The nature of the product makes it very resistant to high temperatures and much harder than polypropylene products.  The product has a high strength to density ration and is also recyclable. 

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene or UHMW, as it is also known, is the strongest product of its type available in the marketplace.  The benefits of the material include its lack of odor and that it is non toxic.  In addition, it is highly resistant to strong chemicals and abrasion.  In fact, the product is six times more abrasion resistant that steel.  The product does not become brittle at extreme temperatures and is usable in temperatures ranging from -155°F to +200°F!  

An experienced industrial product company will be able to provide expert guidance on the best polymer product available at the best possible price, to meet the needs of the manufacturer.  The manufacturer’s representatives are highly trained in the subject and can assist in the selection of the best polymer products available in the marketplace!

Posted on behalf of The King Group

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