Entries Tagged 'General' ↓

Sliding glass doors are functional parts of many homes. But if home security experts had their way, they’d probably fall by the wayside. This is because they can present so many problems when it comes to home security.

Following are three things you can do to secure the sliding glass doors in your home.

1. Block the Track: This is one of the simplest ways to prevent an intruder from entering through a sliding glass door. Many homeowners don’t know it, but manufacturers of sliding glass doors sell custom-cut stoppers. What these do is stop the door from sliding open at all, even if the door is unlocked.

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Many homeowners may think that a home theater system is out of their budget. Upon closer look though, many are pleasantly surprised to discover that not only is it “not only for the rich;” it is surprisingly simple to have done.

Following are three things you should know about home theater systems – and why they are so affordable.

1. No Extra Room Needed: The first thing you should know about having a home theater installed is that you don’t need to do an add-on. You can simply convert an existing space (or part of an existing space) into a mini home theater. While there will be some limitations, it is still very feasible, for the following reason . . .

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The luminous days of summer are coming to a close. Soon, the blustery days of winter will be here. For many homeowners, this means – literally – firing up the fireplace. And if yours isn’t properly maintained, you can literally be sending your dollars right up in smoke.

Following are some tips for getting your fireplace ready for Old Man Winter – and saving money at the same time.

Clean It Out: This is simple to do and should be done for maintenance reasons, as well as aesthetics.

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More and more homeowners are looking for ways to become environmentally friendly. As heating and cooling a home present one of the biggest expenses for homeowners, choosing energy efficient options in this area is not only a treat to the environment, it’s one for your pocketbook as well.

If you live in desert-like climates like Arizona, for example, one environmentally friendly home cooling option is the evaporative cooler.

What Is an Evaporative Cooler?

An evaporative cooler differs from traditional cooling systems in that it doesn’t require refrigeration to cool the air. Evaporative coolers cool the air via the evaporation of water.

FYI: You will also hear evaporative coolers referred to as swamp coolers, wet air coolers and desert coolers.

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As the waning days of summer slip by, many homeowners are focused on enjoying them to the fullest. However, Old Man Winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to get your home heating system checked for efficiency.

If you have cast iron radiators, following is what you need to know to ensure you’re getting the best from them.

Home Heating Checklist: Tips to Ensure Your Cast Iron Radiators Work Resourcefully

• Make Sure It’s Level: While this is a simple tip, it is also vital to having your unit work correctly. By using a simple carpenter’s level, you can check the radiator’s position to ensure that it is indeed level. If it’s not, placing some wedges under it can do the trick.

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One of the largest uses of energy in any home comes via the hot water tank. According to home energy experts, the hot water tank accounts for upwards of 25 percent of the energy used in a home. By the time the whole family showers; the dinner dishes are run through the dishwasher; and the family laundry is done – is it any wonder?

There is a cheaper option that is better for the environment – solar energy.

2 Benefits of Using Solar Energy

• Environmentally Friendly: Solar energy causes fewer carbons to be released into the environment. Carbon dioxide is a gas that environmental experts believe is a major cause of global warming. Solar-produced energy produces no carbons, which means a cleaner environment.

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Picking a remodeler can be a scary process. Depending on the project, this person could be in your home for weeks or months, a part of your everyday life. You don’t want to make the wrong choice and end up being one of those horror stories of a remodel-gone-wrong on the local news.

Don’t get me wrong – I’ve met plenty of great remodelers over the years, but here are some tips to help you make sure you don’t pick the wrong one.

1.  Make sure the contractor is properly insured and licensed. Ask your contractor about liability and workers’ compensation insurance. If someone is injured at your home while an uninsured remodeler is working on it, you could potentially be liable. Most (but not all) states also now require licenses for any professional remodeler. If that applies in your area, be sure to work with a properly licensed one. Otherwise, you’ll find they have trouble getting the necessary permits and insurance.

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Want to lose weight? Here’s a home remodeling project that can take the pounds off and get rid of unnecessary junk around the house at the same time – convert the garage into a home gym.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) states that “American society has become ‘obesogenic,’ characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, nonhealthful foods, and physical inactivity.” It’s one of the greatest health challenges facing Americans today.

Following are four things you need to know to convert your garage into health-inducing home gym.

Climate Control: Most garages are not climate controlled. Hence, you need to have insulation installed. The type will depend on the climate in your area.

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If you’re thinking of adding another level to your home, there are going to be stairs. Or, if you’re thinking of updating an existing staircase, a spiral staircase is an elegant option. You can even install a spiral staircase where one didn’t exist before, eg, one leading to the attic which currently has pull-down stairs.

Advantages of the Spiral Staircase

• Space: Generally speaking, spiral staircases don’t take up as much space as angular ones. So if you want more living space, they are a perfect option.
• Many Design Options: Spiral staircases can be constructed using metal or wood, so your design options are limitless. For example, you can get wooden stairs with iron railings; or metal stairs with metal railings; or wood stairs with wood railings; etc. Your choice in railings is only limited by your imagination. You can have them custom-made, or go with prefab ones you can find in any major home improvement store.

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While the arrival of a new baby is always a joyous occasion, it also comes with its fair share of costs – even before the precious little one arrives. If you’re stretched for space and money, following is how to get a new nursery without fully renovating.

Temporary Walls – An Ideal Solution for Baby Nurseries

Temporary walls are an ideal solution for getting the nursery you need because:

• They save you money: Temporary walls save you money at the exact time you need it because you don’t have to take on the expense of a full home renovation project. While babies need space, they don’t need lots of it, so carving out a new nursery using temporary walls is ideal. Furthermore, you can take your time to figure out how to make your home work for your growing family. Or, to figure out if you need to move altogether.

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