Entries Tagged 'Exterior' ↓

That’s it! You’ve had it. Fido has escaped from the yard one too many times. You’re tired of your neighbors complaining, not to mention scared to death that one day he may be hit by a passing car. So, you’ve decided it’s time to get a fence.

Following are four questions to ask a fence contractor before signing on the dotted line.

1. How Long Have You Been In Business? Many companies that do home improvement projects are fly-by-night operations. You want a company that has a solid track record in your community. That way, if there’s a problem after the project is done, you’ll be able to get in touch.

Note: While length of time in business is important, what’s equally as important are local, verifiable references. Ask for them – and check them.

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In summer or winter, an outdoor fire pit is a place where friends and family can gather to enjoy food, drink and each other. There are many different types of fire pits, ie, temporary, portable and permanent. If you have enough room to build one, the ideal is a permanent fire pit because once you enjoy it, it’s something you’re going to want to have around all the time.

Following are some frequently asked questions about permanent fire pits. The info here will help you decide how to go about getting this home addition you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Is It Legal for Me to Have a Fire Pit In My Yard?

In almost all localities, yes. What you may be limited by is the type of fire pit you can have. Check with your local government to see which restrictions might apply. A local home remodeling contractor will be able to build yours to code.

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If windows are the “eyes to the soul” of a house, then stained-glassed windows can be a peek into heaven – if the right ones are chosen.

Once you start looking, you’re probably going to be surprised at how many types of stained glass there are. The one you choose will probably have as much to do with privacy as beauty. Following is one extremely popular type for residential use.

The Most Popular Type of Stained-Glass Window: Beveled Glass

The reason this type of stained glass is favored by many homeowners is that it lets in natural light, while at the same time providing privacy.

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One often overlooked part of the yard is the driveway – until something happens that makes it hard to ignore (eg, a child’s injury while riding a bike or a punctured tire on the family vehicle). This brings us to the question, is it time to repair your driveway? Do a visual check. Following is what to look for.

Are there cracks, missing pavers, uneven swelling in places? These can grow into bigger problems if not addressed. As you conduct your visual inspection, make a list of the problems and divide them into two categories: repairs you can make yourself and repairs that require a professional.

One of the most common problems with driveways is cracks in the asphalt. This can be relatively easy to fix.

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Is it time to replace the gutters on your home? Then seamless gutters are the way to go. Not only are they the most popular form of gutters installed in the nation, they provide excellent protection for your home. Following is an overview.

What’s in a Name?

In other types of gutters, there are sections that are pieced together. Seamless gutters are so named because there are no section breaks.

HOWEVER . . .

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Landscaping with stone is ideal because it’s long-lasting and can really showcase the assets of your yard and home beautifully – if it’s done right. And it doesn’t have to cost a mint, as the following demonstrates.

Landscaping Stone: Using What’s Already There

One of the best ways to choose the right landscaping stone is to go with what’s natural to your area. For example, if your home is new you may be lucky enough to use what was dug up during the building process. During the process of building your home, the probability of finding suitable rocks and stones in the area is greater than you might think.

If usable stone is found, ask the builder if they will save them for you instead of hauling them away. Many will because it saves them the expense – a win-win for all.

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Shutters add extra-special appeal to windows. They really make them stand out and add value to your home. Window shutters come in a variety of materials. Following are three of the most popular and the pros and cons of each.

Vinyl (Plastic) Window Shutters: You’ll find these in most major home improvement stores. The reason vinyl shutters are so popular is because they’re lightweight, pre-finished, easy to install and easy on the wallet.

Pro: Vinyl window shutters are sturdy and require practically no maintenance, which make them ideal for almost any climate.
Con: Because the shutters have a gap of space behind them when installed, they attract wasp and other insect nests (eg, bees, spiders). So be careful if you ever go out to clean them, for as soon as the water hits, you might just find yourself running from a host of mad bees.

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The book Why… Buy Replacement Windows? became an instant success when published in 2008. Why?  Windows represent one of the most fragile components of the “envelope” which surrounds the living area of your home.

Ask yourself – why is the government offering up to $1,500 as a tax credit if you replace the windows in your home with energy efficient models which meet specific requirements (less than .30 U factor)?

Immediately, you may ask what is the (U) Factor and why do you have to meet this standard to get a tax credit?  The answer – the (U) factor is the measurement of how much heat is transferred through a window.  A lower (U) Factor represents better insulation and less heat flow.

The book explains how a properly insulated window contains the heat manufactured inside for heating purposes and reflects heat gain when the air conditioner is on.

The book was written for homeowners and contains information on how to understand manufacturer specifications, how to select a contractor and how to protect yourself when contracting for products such as this. The book is simple to read and has explanations for all technical terms created and supported by Federal agencies and industry evaluation groups.

Dayo Yoho, the author, has been kind enough to share an excerpt of his book with the readers of Home Remodeling Ideas. Visit Fix The Home to read the first chapter of Why… Buy Replacement Windows?

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When it comes to siding, most homeowners select either vinyl or wood. There are, however, a multitude of other options available. One of these is Hardie Board siding. Following is an overview of what it is, and why it should definitely be on your list of options if you’re having a home built or having your siding replaced.

What is Hardie Board Siding?

Concrete is the foundation of Hardie Board. Although it has the look of wood, it is literally a durable, fibrous “concrete board.”

Advantages of Choosing Hardie Board Siding

• Termite Resistant: Unlike wood, because Hardie Board is made from concrete, termites and other insects don’t eat it. This is extremely important if you live in a warmer climate where termites are almost always active.

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If you’re thinking about replacing the windows in your home, double-paned windows are an excellent option. They have superior insulative properties, which saves on energy. Double-paned windows also reduce outside noise and protect your home from sun damage. Add to all of this the fact that they are pretty easy to clean, and it’s clear why they add value to any home.

What Exactly Are Double-Paned Windows?

Double-paned windows are so named because they are constructed by using two, glass-facing panels. Each piece of glass is a solid panel which is set in a frame and separated by a small space.

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