KlipTech™, the manufacturer of EcoClad siding, originally got its start in the skateboard ramp building industry before moving on to creating a green countertop material called PaperStone. After this, the company “went vertical” with the EcoClad product for commercial and residential buildings. This durable and eco-friendly cladding is made of post-consumer recycled wood and paper fiber mixed with bamboo (a readily renewable plant source).

Unlike vinyl, which contains ethylene derived from crude oil, EcoClad contains no petroleum products. It also gives off no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Instead, the fibers are bound together with a resin that is water based. This means it does not off gas toxic fumes as it cures. The siding is currently produced in a number of natural-looking wood grain designs and solid colors. This bamboo/recycled wood siding is resistant to moisture, fire, impact damage, and microbe growth.

KlipTech currently warrants its products to be free from defects for a period of 10 years. This covers only the siding itself, so make sure you get a separate warranty from your contractor to cover any damage or errors during installation. The company currently doesn’t offer a list of preferred installers. This means it’s may be up to customers to locate a dealer who has experience working with the EcoClad product. The siding can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at this time.

Often, when homeowners are thinking about purchasing replacement windows they look for special features like UV blocking capabilities. However, you don’t necessarily have to replace an entire window and frame to obtain this particular benefit. A number of manufacturers offer tinting films that can be applied to existing windows to allow residents to enjoy:

• Less fading of carpet and drapes
• Reduction of glare on TV screens and computer monitors
• Greater privacy (with mirror tinted film)
• More security and safety (with shatter resistant film)
• Energy savings (with metalized film)

Many of these products can be installed as a DIY project. For individuals who don’t want to permanently alter their windows or who are afraid of making a mistake in applying the film, there is also the option of purchasing transparent roll down shades that serve the same purpose. Some films darken the appearance of the window, while others are fully transparent.

While many films are marketed for their ability to reduce heating and cooling costs, homeowners should be aware that this is limited to the glass pane. If the frame is made of aluminum instead of vinyl, there will still be significant heat transfer. That’s one reason to spring for replacement windows that conserve energy via the materials used for both the frame and glass.

A half bath or powder room usually doesn’t offer much in the way of space, but it can be elegant and inviting if you decorate with care. Here are some ideas for making this room special for your guests:

• Install wall sconces with a fairly flat profile to brighten the room without taking up too much room. If the half bathroom has a high ceiling, consider putting in a mini chandelier for an extra touch of class.
• Since a powder room has no tub or shower, this area can be carpeted without much risk of mildew. Choose a product with a soft, lush pile for a luxurious feel. Add a decorative mat made of a water resistant material in front of the sink to catch any drips.
• Replace the traditional sink with an old fashioned wash basin style or pedestal sink. Select unusual materials and shapes to make the sink the focal point of the half bath. Store extra towels and toilet paper in a small, ornate armoire.
• Select a tryptic painting to use as wall art. The three pieces can be hung in a series along a single wall. Or, they can be split up around the room to make the space more visually interesting and lead the eye from one wall to the next.

Painting the interior of your new sunroom is what gives it that “ready to live in” feel. Picking the right shade and texture is important here. You don’t want to have to repaint again anytime soon when you’ve just finished a major remodel project.

Walls

According to the folks at Benjamin Moore, some of the most popular shades for sunrooms are light browns, peach, cream, and beige. Spring greens and yellows are also often used to brighten the walls while blues are a common choice for homeowners who plan to use the sunroom mainly for relaxation. Using a kitchen or bathroom quality paint is a good idea if this area will be exposed to moisture from outdoors.

Floor

A concrete floor can be painted with a concrete binding primer and a tough epoxy (such as the products used for painting garage floors). Your desired tint can be added to whatever paint you choose. So, the floor can be made to match the walls or it can be a complimentary color. Adding a faux or sponged finish in a contrasting color can make it easier to conceal cracks, stains, and scuff marks as the floor ages.

Some resources recommend applying paint directly to an unsealed concrete floor for the highest level of adherence. If the concrete is already sealed, it may need to be treated with acid so the paint will stick. Either way, applying a layer of sealant as a final coat is a good idea since it will help the paint last longer.

Unlike house fires (which can often be prevented), hail is a natural phenomenon over which you have no control. You also can’t predict how much damage a hail storm will do to your home. The size of the hailstones, the speed at which they hit your house and how long the storm lasts all play a role in roof damage. Roofing that is bruised by hail won’t start leaking immediately. However, the structural integrity of the shingles will be compromised causing them to wear out faster than they would otherwise. This means that even though damage may not be visible from the ground you might actually need your entire roof replaced.

Why You Should Get an Inspection

After a moderate or severe hailstorm, you should have your roof inspected to ensure that any damage is identified and fixed quickly. If you wait until the next storm, your insurance company may claim that the damage was from the previous event and refuse to repair/replace your roof.

Many roofing companies are happy to provide an estimate free of charge to confirm that there is significant damage before you file with your homeowners insurance. Some will even meet with your claims adjuster to point out areas of damage. This may help ensure the estimate from their company and the reimbursement offered by your insurance company are based on the same information.

Picking the Right Contractor is Critical

Working with a contractor who takes responsibility for negotiating the repair price with your insurance carrier and explaining the process to you at each step is ideal. This way, you know exactly what is covered and you won’t be left holding the bag for repair costs not provided for under the adjuster’s estimate. You do have the right to select the contractor of your choice to handle roof repairs when you file an insurance claim; so don’t settle for a company that doesn’t put forth the effort to provide excellent service.

When you have replacement windows put in, it’s a good time to review your trim options. The windows on your home may already have existing interior trim. If that’s the case, it will be fairly simple to remove the old trim and install a new style that is the same size or a little wider. That way, you won’t have to do much touch up of the surrounding wall.

Corner Styles

A mitered joint has the edges of the side and top trim cut at a diagonal so they fit together and create a perfect 90 degree angle for the corner. A butt joint requires less skill to create. Each piece is simply a rectangle and the top molding extends to the outer edge of the side pieces – capping them.

There are also other, more decorative options such as corner blocks that add eye catching detail to the window trim. The sill (bottom edge of the trim) is often made of fancier moulding as well. It may require extra cuts to fit into the recessed area at the bottom of the window.

Helpful Tips

Lay each piece of trim against the wall before you nail it down. If the trim doesn’t lie completely flush, sand or plane the underside until it does lie flat. Painting the trim (including the cut edges) before you install it is another good idea. It helps prevent the paint from peeling if the corner joints pull away from each other slightly over time. Also, if you finish the trim prior to installation you don’t have to worry about getting any paint or stain on the surrounding walls.

As with any major remodeling project, a bathroom makeover can go very wrong. This is especially true if you decide to handle the job yourself instead of finding a qualified, reputable contractor. Here are a few mistakes that you can avoid if you do the proper planning:

Overcrowding

Most bathrooms aren’t very spacious – even in larger homes. This means you need to check your layout carefully before making any changes to the interior. Putting in a new sink and then finding that you can no longer open the door all the way is a real problem. When possible, choose minimalist fixtures and space-saving storage options. Measure everything in the bathroom at least twice before you start installing anything new.

Making Repairs Difficult

When it comes to plumbing, there’s no telling when disaster will strike. If you resurface your bathroom walls and floors, make sure you aren’t inadvertently creating a barrier that must be ripped out for a plumber to fix a simple issue such as a leak.

Wrong Sink/Faucet Combo

You want holes in your sink for the faucet/handles. Just make sure the spacing and number of openings in your new sink match up with the faucet you have selected or vice versa. Otherwise, you will be in for an unpleasant surprise when you go to put everything together.

Fumes and Moisture

A bathroom is a tight space to work in and often isn’t well ventilated. This is a problem during remodeling because fumes from paint, epoxy, and other materials can accumulate and make you sick. Also, after the work is done moisture will build up in the room and create a mildew problem. Use a pedestal or box fan to ventilate while work is being done and install a ceiling vent if there isn’t one already in the bathroom.

If you own a two story home and are generous enough to allow a relative to move in to a spare upstairs room, have you considered making it a real suite? There’s already a bedroom and a bathroom, a second bedroom can be readily converted into a study or living room. All that’s really missing is a kitchen. A microwave isn’t a substitute for a real place to cook. So, you might consider having an area rewired to handle a few real kitchen appliances.

You don’t have to go overboard with all the bells and whistles. A sink is fine for a single person. There isn’t a real need for an upstairs dishwasher. Look for small appliances – like those designed for a one bedroom apartment. A cooktop may be all your guest needs, but there are ovens that have a fairly small footprint that might work too. Refrigerators that come in compacts sizes from 4-5 cubic feet are perfect for upstairs kitchens.

Extra Tips:

• If you locate the kitchen along a wall that adjoins a bathroom, it may be easier to get the plumbing done for the sink.
• If you install a range with a stovetop fan, it needs to be vented into the attic to prevent moisture from building up indoors.
• Choose non-slip tile for your upstairs kitchen – especially if you have an aging parent living in the second floor suite.

Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of at-home injuries; and the kitchen is a location where this type of accident often occurs. That’s because kitchens generally have a smooth floor made of tile, linoleum, or hardwood. When this surface gets wet during cooking and cleaning (or when someone drops an ice cube on the floor), it’s all too easy to put a foot wrong. What can you do to reduce the risk of slipping on your kitchen floor?

Install Slip Resistant Flooring

There are actually a number of products that create a non-skid surface. Commercial kitchens often feature rubberized concrete coatings to prevent accidents. However, you will probably want something a little more attractive for residential use. Cork is one option for homeowners who like hardwood but don’t want a slick surface. This material can be sealed to keep out moisture and is highly durable – perfect for high traffic areas.

Ceramic tiles don’t have to be slippery. Many manufacturers offer these in non-skid varieties for use in wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens, and poolside). Vinyl flooring products can also be purchased in styles that are designed for greater home safety. Finally, rubber flooring is always an option – and an especially good choice if you spend a lot of time on your feet in the kitchen. Now that it is being used more frequently in residential applications, there are plenty of colors to choose from.

Carpet remains one of the most popular flooring options for two reasons – price and comfort. However, many homeowners won’t put carpet down in their bathrooms. They fear that moisture will be absorbed by the fibers and soak through the pad. When this happens, mold, mildew, and bacteria can quickly turn a carpeted area into a smelly disaster zone. So, most people settle for linoleum or tile with just a small bath rug to catch water when they step out of the shower. The rest of the floor is cold – and sometimes slippery.

Fortunately, people who want wall-to-wall carpet in their master bath for that warm fuzzy feeling underfoot do have some options. If there is a concrete sub-floor, there is less risk of a leak or spill causing permanent damage to the home. The carpet, backing, and adhesives used should be designed for moisture resistance. This may mean they aren’t as plush as luxury carpets, but they will do a better job of keeping stains and mold at bay. A short pile Olefin is generally considered the material of choice for bathroom carpeting.

Bear in mind that even a carpet designed for use in bathroom applications isn’t intended to act as a sponge. Keep water off the carpet as much as possible and be sure to soak up any spills or leaks as soon as they occur. You may also want to treat the carpet fibers with an additional anti-mildew product for extra protection.

In the 40 year period between 1920 and 1960, asbestos was a material commonly used in roofing products. Its extreme durability, resistance to chemicals, and virtually fireproof nature made it seem like the natural choice. Of course, when the truth about the deadly effects of asbestos exposure became evident, the issue of what to do about the existing roofs became a matter of public concern.

Fortunately, in most cases asbestos that is bound in a cement matrix is unlikely to cause problems unless the material is damaged. The health risks involved in tearing out an asbestos roof usually outweigh the potential hazard of leaving it in place. Since this material lasts much longer than a typical asphalt shingle roof, it may still be in good condition even if it was installed over 40 years ago.

However, if asbestos shingles are damaged it can be difficult and expensive to get repairs done. Many contractors lack experience in working with this material. They may actually do more harm than good if they treat it like modern roofing shingles. Any activity that breaks the asbestos cement shingles into smaller pieces should be avoided.

Simply tossing the worn out or damaged pieces from the roof to the ground is a bad plan. So is working on the roof if it has not been sprayed down with a wetting agent to settle any dust that may contain asbestos fibers. If the whole roof must be redone, an abatement specialist should be hired to make sure the work is performed with the highest regard for safety of the workers, residents, and neighbors.

As we move into summer, now is the perfect time to go ahead and buy the replacement windows you have been thinking about. If you purchase certified energy efficient models, you are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of the windows (up to $1500). Coupled with the reduction in cooling costs for an energy-efficient home, this is a good deal. Plus, most of the cost of new windows is recoverable if you sell your home.

As of June 1st, there has been a change in the criteria windows must meet to qualify for the tax credit. Old energy star labeling and outdated manufacturer’s certifications may not be accepted by the IRS. So, you need to make sure the company you buy your replacement windows from provides current certificates proving that their products meet the new, stricter standards.

Additional Information

The 30% credit applies to the cost of the windows themselves and not the installation. However, replacing all the windows in even 3 bed, 2 bath home will still generally make it possible to claim the full $1500 amount. The installation must occur in 2010 to be eligible for the current credit. Keep your receipts and manufacturer’s certification and remember to file form 5695 with the IRS to take advantage of this program.