Author: Avery James

Kitchen Updates: Two Options That Make a Big Difference
Kitchen Backsplash Tile

Kitchen Updates: Two Options That Make a Big Difference

- by Avery James

The kitchen is a well-used, popular place in any home. It’s where we eat, gather and spend a lot of our time. If your kitchen is showing its age or displaying signs of heavy wear it may be time to update it. Here are two options that give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to livening up your space.

Kitchen Updates: Two Options That Make a Big Difference

Flooring

The flooring you have in your kitchen should be practical and beautiful. The kitchen is prone to seeing spills and messy clean-ups so you want to choose flooring that can stand up to the demands of your home life. Vinyl flooring is one of the hottest trends in flooring right now. Not only is vinyl flooring durable, but it is also available in numerous styles, colors, and designs. If you want the look of natural stone or rich hardwood but don’t want to spend that kind of money, vinyl flooring is your answer. Manufacturers have developed methods to create vinyl that looks just like expensive marble or solid hardwood at a fraction of the cost.  So whether you want vinyl flooring in Orlando, FL or Anchorage, Alaska, there is a style to match your taste. 

Cabinets

The color of your cabinets can really liven up the mood in your kitchen. If you have a large budget you could have a cabinet company design a whole new layout for your space. However, a fresh coat of paint can also work magic in your kitchen. Whether you want the clean look of white cabinets or you want to make a statement with bold navy blue, painting can be a great economical choice. If you prefer the look of wood for your cabinets, consider restaining them. A painter can usually sand down the current stain and either add a fresh …

Kitchen Updates: Two Options That Make a Big Difference Read More
The Right Broker Can Help You Find the Right Home
Contractor

The Right Broker Can Help You Find the Right Home

- by Avery James

When you are looking for the right house, having a good broker can make all the difference. Someone with the right certifications, experience and local advantage can show you homes you may not have been able to find on your own and get you a better deal for them.

The Right Broker Can Help You Find the Right Home

The Right Certifications

Your broker should be certified to buy and sell homes in your area. This can help you have more confidence in the search and sale as well as get you the best deals possible. You can usually see the certifications for a real estate broker Spring TX company by visiting their website. With a certified broker, you can be confident that he or she knows all of the applicable laws as well as how to best negotiate a deal.

The Right Experience

The more experience a broker has, the more likely you are to get the best deal possible. This can be especially true when you are listing a home of your own. If you go with a novice, you can be in for a bumpy learning curve. However, if you go with someone more experienced, then you can have access to the working relationships he or she has developed along the way.

The Right Local Advantage

When you choose a broker, it is a good idea to find one with local experience. This can give you an advantage in buying property in a new location or selling your current home. Local agents will know other local brokers and can have a working relationship with them to get you into homes new to the market as well as hidden gems.

Having a broker can make all the difference in buying and selling property. He or she can bring the right certifications, experience and local advantage to your …

The Right Broker Can Help You Find the Right Home Read More
Importance of Home Insulation
Home Repair

Importance of Home Insulation

- by Avery James

If your house has been cold this winter, it may be time to consider Pittsburgh fiberglass insulation. Your comfort depends on more than the efficiency of your heating system. The quality of your home’s construction, especially its insulation, also matters.

Importance of Home Insulation

How Insulation Works

Heat flows from hotter areas to cooler areas. Therefore, in winter, heat from inside the home will tend to flow out of the home. In summer, heat from outside will tend to transfer inside the home. Insulating materials trap air in its layers which resist heat flow. In general, greater numbers of layers will result in less heat transfer.

Contractors will discuss insulation materials in terms of its R-value. The greater the R-value, the more it resists heat transfer. You will want to select the material that suits your climate and heating system. Websites for government energy agencies contain information about recommended R-values for different climate zones. Keep in mind that the amount of insulation that was required at the time that your home was built may not match today’s standards. Government agencies have increased R-value recommendations.

Cost Savings of Proper Insulation

Heating and cooling needs contribute a large percentage of a home’s energy costs. Utility bills can fluctuate wildly depending on the weather and the time of year. Reducing heat transfer with insulation will help lower your energy bills and make them more predictable. In addition, you can ask your tax professional if your city, state, or country offers tax credits to offset the cost of energy improvements.

To enjoy the greatest savings, make sure that you also seal all air leaks in your home. A professional home energy audit, offered by many utility companies and local government agencies, can help you find the air leaks. Be sure to check around all doors and …

Importance of Home Insulation Read More
Completely Restore or Renovate Your Bathroom
How To Remove Wallpaper

Completely Restore or Renovate Your Bathroom

- by Avery James

It’s hard to disguise an old and tired bathroom. No amount of nice towels and scented soaps can change the looks of a cracked or chipped tub, and stained sink. The cost of new porcelain fixtures can put a huge dent in the family budget. Try a more affordable alternative that is as practical as it is beautiful.

Completely Restore or Renovate Your Bathroom

Cover the Old and Celebrate the New

You can make old and ugly tubs disappear by having a custom made tub liner placed over the top. Each is made to perfectly fit and not cause any distress to the plumbing. No one will know it’s covering the older tub.

Smooth and Imitation Tile Tub and Shower Surrounds

Give your bathroom an updated look with brand new tub and shower surrounds created by a material that will last for years. Choose a smooth finish or imitation tile square design. It has the look and feel of a real porcelain surface.

Porcelain Tub Refinishing

Take your ugly porcelain tub with chips and cracks and have it completely refinished. Choose the color you want and the surface will come out smooth and with the feel of porcelain. It covers scratches, scoring, stains, and other blemishes.

Porcelain Sink Refinishing

You can have the same refinishing done on your old porcelain bathroom sink. Expert color matching will allow you to have the perfect complementary fixture to your toilet, tub and wall tiles. Add new faucets and the bathroom will look completely remodeled.

Add New Life and Beauty to Your Older Bathroom

The cost of liners and porcelain refinishing is a fraction of the cost of a total bathroom remodel. It’s the perfect solution for bathrooms that are still functional but have a dated, aged look.

Transform the looks of your bathroom with tub refinishing Baltimore homeowners find …

Completely Restore or Renovate Your Bathroom Read More
How to Get the Most Out of Your Pool
Home Repair

How to Get the Most Out of Your Pool

- by Avery James

Having a pool can be a great feature to your home. When it comes to pools Pittsburgh area homeowners want to get the most out of the experience. This means that you can do a few different things to ensure your pool isn’t going to waste.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Pool

Test the Chemicals

It’s important to establish a good chemical balance within the water of your pool. Not enough chemicals can lead to water mold and other problems. Too many chemicals can burn your eyes and cause another set of problems. Various water testing kits are available so that you can test the water on a regular basis. Then, you will know how to adjust the chemicals so that it provides the right environment for swimming.

Cover the Pool When Not in Use

You don’t want anything to get into the pool when it’s not being used. Leaves, storm debris, and more can land in your pool. Even if you have a great filtration system, you don’t want to deal with anything that doesn’t belong in your pool. You should have a cover that fits over your pool. This way, if you’re on vacation or planning to give the pool a break for a season, it’s properly covered.

Heat the Water

Especially during the winter months, it can get pretty cold. However, you may still want to use a pool. Whether it’s above ground or in-ground, you can heat the water. This will allow you to go for a swim no matter what the temperature may be outside. While you may not want to use the pool all year long, heaters will allow you to use it significantly more.

Swimming pools are a lot of fun to have. By taking care of it and having the necessary equipment, you can be sure to get …

How to Get the Most Out of Your Pool Read More