Designing and Planning Your Deck

Decks are the least expensive way to add square feet to your living space. They are relatively straightforward o build and don’t require elaborate foundations, and adding one won’t interfere with your day-to-day routine nearly as much as a kitchen remodeling. Because of their simplicity, however, many homeowners and builders don’t stop to consider all the possibilities that decks can offer. With a little forethought, they can be a lot more than rectangles with guardrails.

The Many Uses for a Deck
Decks can be places to cook and en­tertain, soak in a spa, gaze into a fire, exercise a green thumb, or sunbathe. They can be made comfortable— with protection from sun, wind, rain, and bugs—and private, too. In addi­tion, decks can feature structures such as screened rooms, gazebos, per­golas, and trellises. Decks can even help you save money on cooling bills if built to shade a lower level. Best of all, an upgraded deck does not need to cost a lot more than a bare-bones one. Good ideas and advice for decks and patios will help you get the most from the deck addition you’re planning for your home.

To design anything, you must gather all the bits and pieces you’d like to include and then try to put them together in a coherent and elegant way. Desks are no exception. You’ll want to know where the sun passes over your property in the summer, which architectural elements to borrow to help the deck blend with your home and much more.

One way to gather the pieces is the scrapbook approach. Clip photos of deck you like from home design magazines, and then hand them over to a designer or builder and say, “I want something like this.”  However, it is well worth the effort to go one step further and look at all the op­tions an architect would. By taking the time to consider all the angles, you will end up with a deck that per­fectly suits your home and lifestyle. Successful deck design is about seeing all the possibilities. We’ve identified those that the most important by focusing on the fundamental deck design principles. It will help you envision key aspects of your deck, such as where to put it, how big to make it, and what height and shape it should be. It also addresses key concerns, such as material selection and safety.

Take the time to plan and design your deck carefully.  Consider how you will use your outdoor spaces.  Do you plan to barbeque on the deck?  Would a hot tub be a relaxing addition?  Will large groups of people gather on the deck for parties? Make certain the deck design meets as many of your desires as possible, and if you plan to add elements such as a spa in the future, make the structure strong enough now to save you extra work in the future.  Read and research enough books and articles on the Internet to help you find just the right design idea for you and your lifestyle.

A good initial plan will make your deck building project as easy and stress free as possible.  Plus careful planning will ensure your deck is a source of pride and satisfaction for a long time.

Look at many examples created by top architects and designers.  After looking at the photos and drawings of different types of decks you’ll have a clearer understanding of the deck design process and its possibili­ties whether you go on to design your own deck or turn your notes and sketches over to a professional deck contactor, you will be on the right track.

Green remodeling benefits and incentives

Many have heard the phrase “green remodeling” floating around the home improvement industry and are not sure exactly what it means. While it is true that “green remodeling” has to do with making your home more energy efficient, the idea covers more ground than that.

A green remodel is like a philosophy you can apply to your home. From weatherization to waste disposal to choosing recycled and reclaimed building materials, green remodeling can be practiced on several facets of your home. Green remodeling does not just mean making your home energy efficient, it also means making your home, and consequently your daily life, more environmentally responsible.

The United States Department of Energy reported that buildings use up 40 percent of all the energy consumed in America. According to the Department of Energy, a large-scale greening of homes can save more money, and reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions more than hybrid cars do.

Greening your home takes many forms, from installing new windows to purchasing Energy Star appliances. If you want to green your home, search out a green remodeling professional. What does that mean? Well, a green remodeling professional is one who takes sustainability into account at every stage of your remodel. A green remodeling pro is skilled at responsibly maximizing resources, both your own and mother nature’s.

A green professional knows that green remodeling is also a way of thinking, not simply a way of buying. For example, if you are thinking of replacing your kitchen cabinets, your green remodeling professional may suggest carefully removing your old cabinets and donating them to Habitat for Humanity for reclamation, rather than simply adding them to the waste stream.

Green remodeling professionals meet a lot of clients that are skeptical about the quality and value of greening a home. The truth is that most green homes do not look different from conventional homes. Most green remodeling elements, like improved air quality or increased energy efficiency, are part of the inner structure of a home. Furthermore, most recycled products, like floors and counter tops, look the same as their non-recycled equivalent.

These days, green remodeling is getting a lot more publicity than usual, and that is a good thing. There are many benefits to green remodeling, from the pride you can take in your beautiful new, environmentally responsible home to the direct savings in energy costs you will notice after your remodel is complete.

Since money talks, here are three tangible economic reasons why now is a better time than ever to invest in green remodeling your home.

1. The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, also referred to as the Stimulus bill, offers significant tax credits to homeowners that perform a green remodel. If you want to install, for example, a solar water heater or a new energy efficient HVAC, the stimulus bill qualifies you for a tax credit. This tax credit was approved in 2009 and has been extended all the way to the end of 2010. If you get some green remodeling done this year, the government will pay you to do it.

2. If you are thinking of selling your home, a green remodel will pump up the value of your home. Because of the potential long-term energy savings of a green home, homebuyers are willing to pay a lot more for homes that already have these improvements.

3. For those of you who just bought a home or are planning to live in your home for a long time, a green remodel is just as valuable, if not more so. A green remodel will improve the energy efficiency of your home. The investment you make in a green remodel will start coming back to you right away in lower monthly energy bills. Over the years, these savings will pay for your remodel, then start paying you.

Look into green remodeling. Find an informed green remodeling professional. Ask them questions and gather knowledge about energy and water conservation, renewable and recycled materials, and the potential for drastically improving the living quality in your home. All of these benefits, coupled with the economic breaks outlined above, make this the best time yet to green your home.

The Future of Countertop Surfaces

Richlite counter top products are making their way into middle Tennessee.  Richlite is a company that produces durable, green and natu ralcounter top products.  Their secret lies in an environmentally sound manufacture philosophy.

Richlite counter tops are a green-classified, beautiful and earth friendly alternative to cold hard stone and impersonal solid plastic surfaces.  Richlite counter tops add utility, life and warmth to any workspace or counter top area.  Whether office, workbench, bathroom or kitchen, Richlite has the color, size and style to fit any need.  Richlite owes a lot of its versatility to its revolutionary building material, FSC-certified and other recycled paper fibers.

Richlite began using resin treated, pressure-baked paper fiber in the 1940s to supply Boeing with materials.  Later in the 1950s, before manufacturing counter tops, Richlite also began producing their unique material for the marine industry, building boats.  Over the decades several industries have realized the virtues of Richlite paper fiber based surfaces.  Today Richlite also produces the material that builds professional skate board ramps, commercial food service work surfaces, and counter top surfaces for a wide variety of residential applications.  This revolutionary material has proved itself time and time again for over half a century.  Today, homeowners everywhere can take advantage of the strength, style, and quality of Richlite counter top products.

Richlite counter tops are great for kitchens because they are extremely durable, not to mention heat and stain resistant.  Richlite counter tops are excellent for bathrooms and workspaces because they have a sanitary quality and require very low maintenance.  They bring a soft, comfortable tone to any room, in a way that a stone or laminate surface can not.

Richlite counter top surfaces can be catered to a broad range of design tastes.  Richlite counter tops are made primarily of post consumer paper fibers that are treated with a phenolic resin.  The fibers are formed into layers that are cross linked to the layers above and below them.  Then the resin “paper cake” is cured and baked into a solid, permanent single piece of rock hard Richlite.  The process of treating and baking long, cross linked paper fibers creates counter top sheets that are as elegant and attractive as wood, but hard as stone.  Because of Richlite’s unique manufacture process, these counter top sheets can be customized for extended cantilevers and long spans, eliminating seams in your counter top.

Richlite counter top products are now available in middle Tennessee, through professional contractors like Nashville’s <a target=”_new” href=”http://www.buildingcompanynumber7.com/Kitchen-Remodeling/“>Building Company Number 7</a>.  Call you local contractor and ask about the details and benefits of Richlite counter top products.

Year-Round Home Maintenance Guide

Home maintenance  is a necessary and year round process for prolonging the life of your home.  Regular
home maintenance  keeps a home clean, valuable and comfortable.  Home maintenance covers a wide array of concerns from pest control, to weatherstripping, to gutter cleaning and beyond.  Concientious preventative maintenance is more cost effective than repairing a problem that gets out of hand.  This brief guide breaks up
home maintenance into two general categories, interior and exterior.  You will find that many of these tasks you can take care of yourself.  For others, it is a good idea to call a local handyman.  A professional handyman will have the tools, time and experience to help you maximize the life of your home.  A good handyman can perform routine inspections in the spring and fall, while taking care of minor repairs year round.

Exterior
Roofs, gutters, and downspouts.  Roofing needs to be inspected while the weather is nice.  Look for damaged or missing shingles, bubbles, blisters or areas where the gravel has eroded.  Tree branches that touch the roof need to be pruned back.  Gutters need to be cleaned and checked for leaks and blockage.  Look for spots that need re-securing due to rust or other erosion.  Check the seams of downspouts for any splits.  A downspout with a split is usually blocked with debris.  Inspect eaves, soffits and fascia, for peeling paint, rot or vermin damage.

Walls, foundation walls, and siding.  Check all walls for signs of the house settling.  Inspect stone walls and foundation walls for any brick and mortar deterioration.  With wooden walls, look for rot, damaged boards and areas of contact between wood and soil, which will accelerate deterioration.  For stucco, look for cracks and separating.  If any surfaces are painted, and the paint is blistering or bubbling, it can mean that moisture is seeping out of or into the house.  Examine the siding of the home for any loose or missing parts.  Trim back trees, vines, and other plant life.  Vines especially will work their way into the smallest gaps in siding and spread them open.

Doors, windows, porches and decks.  Replace any damaged window panes.  Check frames and window sills for deteriorated paint.  Repaint as needed.  Make sure the caulk and weatherstripping are intact and functional.  Clean out window wells.  All wooden parts of porches and decks need periodic inspection.  Make sure railings and steps are secure.  Look for rot or evidence of insect infestation.  Re-stain the wood as needed.

Outdoor wiring.  Make sure exterior outlets have proper covers and ground fault circuit interrupters.  Wires leading away from the house or out to buildings like the garage need to be inspected for any loose wiring or frays.

Interior

Walls, ceilings and doors.  Look in dead air corners and nooks for evidence of mildew or condensation.  Inspect for cracks or signs of water damage on interior finish.  This can be evidence of high humidity in the house, which leads to rot.  Look for bulges in ceilings and walls.  Examine door frames, looking for any that are out of square.  A door frame that becomes out of square within six months is considered fast movement in structural terms, and may indicate a larger structural problem.  Make careful notation of movement or changes to be able to compare it in the future.

Main electrical panel and indoor wiring.  This maintenance should be done by a qualified electrician at least once per year, for the safety of the home and the homeowner.  Check the main electrical panel for any signs of moisture penetration.  Test all breakers to make sure none have stuck.  Label the circuits.  Look for burnt wires.  Tighten fuses and aluminum wire connections.  Test the ground fault circuit interruptors.  For indoor wiring, replace any frayed or damaged wiring, including appliance cords and extension cords.  Tighten loose switches and electrical outlets.

Water heaters and plumbing.  Use the test lever on the water heater’s pressure relief valve to make sure that the valve is not stuck.  Depending on the region, sludge may gather at the bottom of the hot water tank.  Drain a small amount of water from the tank to make sure there is no sludge.  If there is, regular draining will be in order.  Grab a bucket if the hot water heater does not discharge near a drain.

HVAC systems.  This includes all heating and air conditioning in the home.  Check all filters monthly.  Clean or replace filters as needed.  Listen for noisy blowers and note them to a technician.  Lubricate circulation pumps and drain expansion tanks.  Whether an oil, gas, or electric system, have a technician inspect furnaces and boilers to make sure they are working properly and all connections are snug.  Examine exhaust pipes for corrosion or loose sections.  For cooling systems, recharge as necessary.  Check the condensate drain line for leaks during the cooling season.  Check the outdoor unit, to make sure it is level and running properly.  Listen for any fan noise that may indicate a failed bearing or poor alignment.  Inspect refrigerant lines for any problematic insulation.  Clean up debris and trim plants away from the outdoor unit.

Attics.  Inspect the attic once or twice a year.  Look for water stains, rot, mildew, or fungus.  These are clues the attic has high humidity.  Make sure insulation is dry and that attic vents are unobstructed.  Look for any bird nests or evidence of pests in the attic.  If so, call an exterminator.

This guide is meant to get a home owner started thinking proactively about preventative home maintenance.  Preventing problems is a lot cheaper fixing them.  Recruit a handyman and develop a yearly or twice-yearly maintenance inspection schedule.  The extended life and comfort of your home will be well worth the trouble of periodic home maintenance.

Need A Trim Carpenter But Not Sure What To Look For?

When remodeling your home, the little things can make all the difference between a professional finish and a sloppy job. Imagine installing a beautiful new kitchen countertop only to have shoddy craftsmanship on your trim work.

Trim carpentry, also called finish carpentry, is the art of minor yet intricate woodworking that makes a house into a home. Trim carpentry adds appeal and character to any home. Trim carpentry creates a sense of completion and proportion.

From baseboards to window and door casings, trim carpentry is everywhere in a home. Crown molding in your living room to give it an elegant accent is typical trim carpentry. A new hand railing along your staircase is an excellent example of advanced trim work. Finish carpenters even build and repair roofs. Nearly any home improvement project you begin can not be finished without the services of a trim carpenter. A trim carpenter’s job is to make the doors, windows, and cabinets work smoothly while making the home look good.

Any woodwork that a homeowner can see in a home is the handiwork of a trim carpenter. The framing of the house was done by other carpenters, and all of that stuff is behind drywall anyway. Veteran trim carpenters will tell you that trim work is essentially a visual exercise. The carpenter must be able to clearly visualize the finished project and move incrementally toward that goal. Interior doors must hang parallel to the floor. The casing around doors must appear level and flush, even if it is not. Tiny gaps at the edges of wood flooring are made invisible. Baseboards and crown molding are used to cover imperfections in drywall as well as add an elegant accent to a room.

Some basic pieces of trim carpentry advice are commonplace. For example, when nailing hardwoods, avoid nailing knots in the wood, as this can lead to splitting. Also, never nail to close to the edge of a piece of wood, as this will cause splitting also. A good trim carpenter also matches their trim woods. Even the same species of wood can have a large range of colors and variations in wood grains. Matching the color and grain of your trim wood will give you a superior finished product. For perfect measurements with small pieces of wood, set the wood in place and mark the wood itself. This is more exact than using a tape measure.

In the end, unless you have professional experience, trim carpentry is not a do-it-yourself job. Most trim carpenters have graduated up to trim carpentry from more basic work, like frame carpentry. It takes an aesthetic sense coupled with honed skill. There are many jobs you can do on your own to improve your home. The bulk of home remodeling can be done by a dedicated amateur. But when the time comes to finish your project, do some homework and find yourself a skilled trim carpenter. You be glad you did.

How to find a good trim carpenter.

First, determine the extent of your trim carpentry job. Do you need door and window casings? Do you need more basics like molding? Or do you need more advanced trim carpentry like raised panel wainscoting, a new stairway handrail, or some built in shelving? Perhaps you would like to install hardwood flooring in a previously carpeted room. Look over your project and get a good sense of how much and what type of trim carpentry you will be needing.

Next, acquire a working knowledge of the materials you will need for your project. Price different kinds of wood for your trim carpentry. Keep in mind that woods come in less expensive paint grades and more expensive stain grades, like oak.

Then find a trim carpenter. Ask friends and business associates for some recommendations. Invite several contractors over to your home to give you an estimate. Speak with each contractor in depth. You are not just looking for the best price here. You are looking for a professional that is skilled, informative and a good communicator. Find a trim carpenter that will go over your plan with you and work out any potential misunderstandings about the scope of your project. Look at samples of the contractors work. Ask for a list of previous customers as references for the contractor. Go ahead and give these customers a call. Ask them how they like the carpentry and the carpenter. In the end, you will be glad you made an informed decision.

When you’ve chosen your contractor, draw up a contract that includes a start and finish date for the job, a complete description of the work to be done (including materials to be used), the cost of the job, and the payment schedule. If you stick to these basic guidelines you’ll be on your way to a finished remodeling job with the kind of artful trim carpentry that makes you proud of your efforts.

Bathroom Remodeling – Aiming For Proper Accessibility

The bathroom can both be a relaxing and dangerous place for anyone at home, especially when we deal with the elders. Bathrooms can be dangerous for those older people who cannot already be up steady on their feet. Hence, it could help a lot that in your bathroom Remodeling plans, you remove anything that would put them in much danger. And instead, apply some other accessories that would make that portion of the house much safer.

In your bathroom Remodeling, you can choose to install walk in bathtubs. These prevent the idea of getting out of the tub and slipping accidentally on wet floor, no matter what your age may be. These walk in bathtubs come in a wide variety of models, shapes and sizes which of course serves as your regular bathtub. Some of them even come with powered bath seats and watertight doors to limit the dangers of tripping.

You can also decide to install transfer benches which help the user slide into the tub without any danger. In shopping for this, what’s important that your choice of a transfer bench can be able to support the weight of anyone. The average transfer bench can only handle about 250 pounds and below. If you are something that can handle more than that, then seek to know more about the bariatric models.

The grab bars can be seen as useful too not only for the older people. It can be installed in numerous locations all around the bathroom and not just in the shower or tub. You can be sure that it won’t ruin the aesthetics of your bathroom’s total look for in the market today, grab bars already come in various finishes and colors too.

If you have an elderly with you in your Nashville area home, then you must consider to include in your bathroom remodeling plans to widen up the bathroom door just a little bit more. Even if they are not yet using the wheelchair to get around in any place, you might want to expect that happening soon enough as well. So consider addressing all the possible concerns you might encounter so you can steer away from always giving your bathroom another luxurious Remodeling. In fact, you might want to decide having a sliding glass door for easier access to your bathroom.

You can choose to do the bathroom Remodeling on your own but it can help you a lot better if you would seek the help of a bathroom Remodeling contractor.