Slippery moisture buildup is common on all bathroom surfaces. On the floor, this creates a slip and fall hazard for children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. Of course, anyone can slip on a pool of water if they aren’t paying attention – such as when they are trying to shower and rush to work in the morning. It makes sense to proactively limit the hazards created by smooth flooring in your bathrooms.
A common solution is a decorative bath mat that lies outside the tub or shower. This absorbent surface [...] Continue Reading…

Fixed, hanging, and adjustable are the three types of mirrors most commonly used in bathrooms. Most vanities require some sort of mirror. Often these may be part of an inset medicine cabinet. Additional mirrors can be added easily during remodeling. Wall mirrors in particular can make the bathroom space seem much larger than it actually is. Here are several installation methods to explore:

Bracket

Most bathroom mirrors come with L shaped brackets for quick and easy installation. There should be at least 4 included in the package, but larger sized mirrors [...] Continue Reading…

Termite damage is more common than most people think. Often, infestations go undetected until heavy damage has already occurred. It is important to inspect your home perimeter regularly for castings and other evidence of termites. The best protection is prevention. This may include laying down ‘termiticides’ prior to pouring the foundation of a new home.

Any wood attached to the house should be at least 6 inches from the soil (18” is ideal). Termites are attracted to wet environments near wood, so proper drainage is a priority. Reduce moisture accumulation [...] Continue Reading…

The installation or replacement of roof flashing requires experience and attention to detail. Extensive installation and repair jobs are best left to professionals. A properly completed flashing project involves the layering of several roofing materials using methods and equipment that aren’t in the average homeowner’s “toolbox”. Any mistake will make a roof susceptible to a severe leak.

While you might not want to handle a DIY flashing repair job, you can periodically inspect both perimeter and joint flashing for weathering defects. Then, you can call a contractor out to prevent [...] Continue Reading…

Eco-friendly kitchen remodeling incorporates strategies that lead to more sustainable living – without sacrificing comfort or convenience. With some forethought you can actually save money over the long run by making “green” choices. The following are ten simple and easy ways to make your kitchen more environmentally sensitive – and healthier for your family:

Purchase an Energy Star rated refrigerator. Older fridge models are generally the biggest ‘energy hog’ in the kitchen, so a more efficient unit will save you the most money on your electric bill.
Donate old appliances or cabinets that [...] Continue Reading…

Are you remodeling one or more bathrooms in your home? Installing a new commode may be at the top of your list. With such a basic appliance, it is surprising how many different options you really have. It can actually be confusing to go to the home improvement store and see all these models that appear similar but vary so much in price. Here are some of the options that are available:
Overall Shape
The most easily recognizable difference in commodes is the shape of the bowl. Standard variations are the round and [...] Continue Reading…

Ongoing roof maintenance is an absolute necessity if you want to prevent damage that can affect the structure of your home. Biyearly inspections can catch many common issues in time to save thousands of dollars in repair costs. Here are the top 5 problems that lead to roof damage:

Shoddy construction may include improper design, inferior materials, flashing problems and unfinished jobs. Improperly installed vents or gutters can leave critical areas of your roof vulnerable to the elements. This type of error generally becomes apparent within the first couple of years [...] Continue Reading…

Shutters are a popular accessory for windows because they can add both style and functionality to a home. They come in three major types: interior, exterior, and storm (or hurricane) shutters.

Interior

Although many models of shutters have some practical purpose, interior shutters tend to be more decorative in nature. The exception to this general rule occurs when there are deeply recessed windows. Then, anything attached to the exterior of the home would be difficult to access from the inside.

Louvers are often an integral part of the design of interior shutters. [...] Continue Reading…

For best results, wallpaper trim used in kitchens should be located high enough that water and grease splatters will not reach it. This might be two thirds of the way up the wall in a kitchen with a vaulted ceiling, or at the very top of the wall for a standard 8 foot ceiling.

Prepare and clean the surface area. This may involve smoothing out the area where the border will be located with a sander. If you do this, take extra care to clean off any sanding residue.

Mark lines [...] Continue Reading…

Tub sealer trim is a good alternative to re-caulking for beginners and can be used in most standard bathrooms. It will not mildew or become grossly discolored with the passing of time. It also prevents the buildup of mold and bacteria because of a special anti-microbial compound embedded into the material. When installed properly, it can create a professional looking finish along the edges of the tub.

There are two basic widths – one for the tub/floor lining and one for tub/wall seam. Each strip is a single piece with [...] Continue Reading…

With many bathroom remodel projects, replacing the tub is a major decision. This item serves as the focal point for the room. Comfort and style are both important when you are selecting a new bathtub. Here are several options to consider that will make your master bath look trendy and give you a luxurious place to soak at the end of a long day:

Pedestal and clawfoot tubs are available in many stylish shapes. From the classic slipper tub to boat and bowl shaped basins, there is sure to be [...] Continue Reading…

Do you want the strength and durability of a steel roof without the “commercial building” look? Several manufacturers offer stone coated metal roofing products that might be just what you are looking for. Steel shingles are lightweight compared to other roof materials – including asphalt shingles. They don’t require as much special care in handling as tile; many products in this category can be safely walked on during installation and maintenance.

Benefits

Stone coated steel is more resistant to wind damage than most other roofing products. It is advertised as being [...] Continue Reading…