Gutters are recommended for most homes. But whether they are absolutely necessary depends on the answer to 2 major questions:
1. How much rain must the roof handle?
2. Where does the water drain?
Without gutters, a building needs some feature that ensures rain runoff is directed safely away from its foundation. If the overhang from the roof is extended far enough, the water will drain a safe 6 feet away. This is an unusual circumstance. Eaves on most homes stick out only 2 to 3 feet.
If the building is located in [...] Continue Reading…

Wainscoting is a centuries-old paneling technique that protects the lower part of walls. It’s generally limited to the bottom 3 to 5 feet above the baseboard. These wall sections used to be much more susceptible to damage from moisture than they are today. However, wainscoting also protects walls from bumps and scratches from furniture – so it’s still useful. Many homeowners install it as a decorative feature in kitchens and dining room areas. The exterior design of the kitchen cabinets often serves as inspiration for the design and color [...] Continue Reading…

Many homeowners are hesitant to consider a tile roof because of misconceptions about this material. However, this is actually the most popular roofing material across the globe. Here are some facts from the Tile Roofing Institute that deliver the straight scoop.
Weight Not Usually a Problem
Clay and concrete tiles are heavier than many other types of shingles. It’s a feature – not a bug. The weight of the roof material is a key factor in its stability and strength. This is especially important for areas where ice buildup is common. [...] Continue Reading…

There are plenty of different types of wall coverings for bathrooms. But tile has definitely stood the test of time for its versatility and attractive finish. You can tile the area around the tub, put in a backsplash behind the sink, or cover the whole wall with tile. It all depends on the effect you want and how much time/money you are ready spend.
Getting It Right
An enormous range of sizes are available, but walls generally feature smaller tiles than floors. If you can find tiles that will fit edge [...] Continue Reading…

A complete cleaning up after roofing repair is absolutely necessary for safety reasons and to make your property tidy again. A professional who does the repair for you should perform this service as part of the contract. You should sign off on their work only after you have inspected your yard to make sure they did a thorough job. It’s not unreasonable for you to ask them to check the yard one more time for nails before they leave.
What about DIY Roofing?
If the repair is a do-it-yourself project, [...] Continue Reading…

Gutters with guards are often touted as being basically maintenance free. While they may keep out some debris, they don’t protect against colonization by social wasps that prefer secluded areas to build their nests. You should inspect your gutters regularly and be on the lookout for any wasp activity in the vicinity of your roof.
European paper wasps are the most likely species you will encounter when cleaning your gutters. These insects typically only become aggressive and sting when their nests are disturbed. However, a home owner cannot ignore gutter [...] Continue Reading…

If you love the old fashioned look of Italian interior design, you may want to add this motif to your home. Kitchens are an ideal location for this style of décor. Tuscan texture for the kitchen or dining area is a characteristic wall finish that cannot be replicated using wallpaper. There are two methods you can use to create this effect. Both require a bit of artistic flair to pull off properly.
Simulated Mudding
Apply a much thicker layer of mud or joint compound (tapping mud) than normal over the sheetrock. [...] Continue Reading…

When tile grout in the kitchen begins to get grungy and nasty, most of the grime is composed of dirt, oils, and mashed food particles. Sometimes a bit of mildew will also grow on the grout if the conditions are moist enough. This is both unsightly and unsanitary. Even grout that is properly sealed can start looking old and dirty after a while. However, kitchens with tiles floors can look like new again if the grout is spotless. Mopping the floors doesn’t usually accomplish this goal. These surfaces must [...] Continue Reading…

Staining brick during masonry projects is a common practice among professional contractors. They usually only do this to individual bricks to make them match the others in a batch. This is sometimes required because it is difficult to get absolute consistency from one batch of manufactured bricks to the next. Staining brick already in place as part of a wall is more difficult and time consuming than painting, but the results are more elegant. The stains used are proprietary in nature and are brick specific. Consult a brick supplier [...] Continue Reading…

Wood and composite siding must generally be repainted or given a touch up every few years. Applying more than one layer of paint is usually a good idea. The first coat is more of an insulating layer, while the second is for resisting wear and tear. Some home improvement experts recommend that the primer, sealer and first layer of paint be brushed on. The finish coat can be sprayed.
Using a Brush
A brush allows the primer and paint to be thoroughly worked into the surface of the siding. [...] Continue Reading…

Faucets and sinks shouldn’t be overlooked when considering accessibility, safety, and ease of use for bathrooms. The height of a sink and how far the user has to reach to operate the handles is something to think about when installing facilities. If someone is using a wheelchair or a walker, they shouldn’t be forced to lean too far forward to use a sink. Small children should be able to reach a high sink using a sturdy step stool that will not shift or tip over. A step stool that [...] Continue Reading…

Painting a brick house is not a project that should be done on a whim. It is a large undertaking that commits you to continued exterior maintenance throughout the lifespan of the house. Once you coat brick siding, you cannot go back and remove the paint unless you replace the affected masonry or use expensive sandblasters. Regardless, you are committed to a totally new look.
Prepare The Surface
Preparing the exterior brick surface is an extensive task. It includes the following: cleaning, repairing (includes sealing & caulking around windows), and priming. [...] Continue Reading…