If You Ask Santa For Garage Shelving, Be Specific

February 8th, 2010

So, you sat on Santa’s knee this year and told him that you wanted some garage shelving for Christmas so that you could have a more organized garage, but were you that general or were you more specific as to what type of garage shelving you wanted? Not all shelving is equal and the same, it comes in many different sizes, materials and configurations. Let’s take a look at some types of shelving available so that you can send Santa a note with the details.

The most obvious category of shelves are open shelves, the other type are closed shelves, usually called cabinets. Let’s take a look at both of these types of garage shelving.

Regular open shelving is what most people think of when they think of garage shelving, but they are a couple of primary differences between them and indoor shelves. First, they are more heavy duty, and second, they are usually deeper (18 – 24 inches). I have two types of garage shelving in my garage that I really like. The first is made of a heavy duty plastic which can be broken for easy moving. The other is metal wire with plastic coating. Both of these shelves are wide and deep. They are great for storing a large variety of things, such as camping supplies, sleeping bags, large tools, boxes of keep sakes etc. Neither of them have solid shelves, so this makes it easy to see from below what items are stored, and allow the stored items to breathe.

There are also the shelves which are actually attached to the garage walls. Similar shelving is also seen inside. Basically, there is the metal strips which attach to the walls with slots for the brackets. The shelves are then places on the brackets. These are normally narrower, the standard 12 inches, and usually solid. But if you do not have floor space for standing shelves, these can be a great option for holding tool boxes and smaller items.

A unique type of garage shelving on the market today are overhead storage shelves. They are shelves which hang from the ceiling. These are perfect for storing items that are only accessed occasionally, such as seasonal items and holiday decorations. If you want easier access to overhead shelves, you can get one that is on a pulley system that allows the shelf to be lowered to the floor.

The second main type of garage shelving are shelves with doors, otherwise known as cabinets. These are great for storing items that you want to keep behind doors, such as wood stains, gardening chemicals and other dangerous items you want to keep out of little hands (this is especially good if you can lock your cabinet).

Cabinets are also great because they keep your garage looking neat and tidy. Everything is kept behind doors. This is really nice for smaller tools and gardening items, as well as sports equipment among many other things. You can get tall cabinets that sit on the floor, or smaller cabinets that you hang on the wall. They also come in a variety of widths, as well as made out of many different materials, such as metal, melamine, and wood. They also come in different finishes and colors.

So, don’t just ask Santa for garage shelving, but tell him EXACTLY what you want, that way your garage can be organized in the best way possible for you.

MJ is a freelance writer for ClickShops Inc., where you can find a great selection of garage shelving for your garage at garagecabinetsonline.com.

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Tips for Staying on Budget When Decorating

February 8th, 2010

Homeowners sometimes have trouble working with a budget, especially a small one, when it comes to decorating their home. Although decorating budgets can be difficult to stick to, you need to realize that they’re necessary. A homeowner should never allow himself or herself to go into debt when decorating a home. By making sure to set a budget and by following these simple tips to stick with it, you can have a wonderfully decorated home that won’t end up costing you an arm and a leg.

Make the Decorating Budget Firm
You don’t want to set a decorating budget and then forget about it when you actually start shopping. You need to remember that you’ve set that budget for a reason. You don’t necessarily have to get all your decorating done at once. It might be better to do some of the decorating now, and then once you save some more money, revisit the room to add more items later. Be sure to firmly stick to your budget, no matter what.

You Will Have to Give a Little to Get a Little
If you are going to stick to a firm budget, you are going to have to be flexible and compromise in some areas. You’ll have to go the cheaper route for certain less crucial items, if you want any more expensive pieces that you just have to have. Thus, if you’ve found a coffee table or side table that takes up a third of your budget but you’ve fallen in love with it, then you might have to settle for spending much less on window treatments, picture frames, or other items.

Don’t Worry What Other People May Think
Getting caught up in what other people will think and say is such an easy thing to do. After all, if the figurine you find is perfect for your décor, does it really matter if you found it at the local discount store? It’s not likely anyone’s going to know what you paid for items in your home unless you tell them. It’s not necessary that everything in your room is of the highest quality. So if you find something you really like and it’s inexpensive and it fits in your budget, then go ahead. Buy it. Don’t worry about what others are going to say. It’s funny, but sometimes the least expensive item in the room will garner the most positive attention.

Invest in Quality for the Big Items in the Room
When you plan out your budget, it’s best to allocate the majority of your money toward the larger items like a wood bed in a master bedroom or a dining room table, thus making sure that you can afford quality that will last. You just don’t need to put as much money into window treatments or other décor items as much as things such as wood furniture, flooring, and artwork. You will ensure that those larger items will last longer and look better when you invest in quality products. Remember, it’s fine if you end up with a high end sofa with inexpensive decorative pillows on it, as long as you stick to your final budget amount.

It’s usually very tempting to want to go over your decorating budget, completely forgetting about what you can afford. The problem is, when you do that, then you’ll have negative thoughts about that debt every time you walk into your redecorated room or home. What’s the point of spending all that money if negative thoughts end up leading you to not being able to enjoy the space. Stick to the budget, not just for money, but for peace of mind.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Interior Decorating | No Comments »

10 Things to Do in Your Shed

February 7th, 2010

These days, sheds are used for much more than simple yard storage. All over the country, sheds are being customized for anything from “Man caves” to home offices. Here are ten ways your shed can offer an exciting new place for all your activities…

1. Store and Organize your Yard and Garden Tools

The first spot on our list is also the most common, and some would say boring, use of a garden shed. Storing garden tools is after all the reason why most sheds are built. But it doesn’t have to stop there. You can store tractors, bulbs and seeds, unused trellises, and more. All the things you’ll probably never actually use can go in to the garden shed.

2. Miniature Hobby Shop

Another popular use for a shed is for working on your hobbies. After clutter takes over the garage, most of us don’t have any place left to do the thing we like. The shed makes an excellent mini-shop without being trapped into your basement. Supply it with power, plumbing, and cable and you don’t have to leave for hours, even days! You can work on all of your interesting hobbies.

3. Playhouse for your Kids

The kids are always looking for a new place to play. Rather than a dangerous tree-house or the neighbors sandbox, they might like a private place of their own. The shed makes a classic kids playhouse. Supply it with electricity and they’ll be out there for hours while you relax.

4. Game Room – Playhouse for Yourself

Adults can have fun in the shed too – just add a dart board, miniature pool table, foosball table, arcade machines, or any game of your choice and you’re all set to go. Remember shed size is your limit, so try not to pick anything which requires too much maneuvering room.

5. Make Your Shed into a Pool Cabana

A pool cabana is a great place for you and your friends to take a break after a long day of swimming at your pool. Many companies will readily customize your shed to be a pool cabana with running water, toiletries, towels, clothes hangers, and more.

6. Shed Observatory

Here’s a unique one – how about using your garden shed as an observatory? With skylights and a proper telescope, you can gaze up at the stars all night without being bothered by bugs or weather. Of course, if there’s precipitation you may have trouble seeing through the mist.

7. Backyard Office

Some folks just don’t have any extra space in their house – including for a home office. If this is your situation, consider the advantages of a shed based home office. You can work in total peace and quite. You’ll (probably) have an excellent window view. And you won’t have to worry about wading through clutter – although any clients you bring may find it a little, uncommon.

8. Greenhouse

While it’s not all glass, your shed can make an excellent place for growing plants under artificial lights. Whether rare orchids or early bird tomatoes, you can be sure they’ll be out of reach of any household pets or kids. This will probably require a lot of climate control, so be sure to include extra heavy duty wiring.

9. Amish Shed Store Front

Purchase an Amish shed and you’ll have enough room to make your crafts (or grow your plants) and sell them in a store front. Advertise in your paper and invite neighbors and friends to the backyard for business.

10. Shed Gymnasium

Another one of those ‘not enough space’ issues, sheds can make a good place for a small gymnasium. Place your exercise equipment, a small shower, and perhaps a mini fridge for quick refreshments. You’ll come out of the shed feeling better and looking great.

You have to see these Handy Home sheds: they make the absolute best backyard office

Tags: ,
Posted in Storage-Garage | No Comments »

Copper Gutters 101 – Everything You Need to Know Before Shopping

February 6th, 2010

There are very few materials that maintain their technical function and shape over time as well as copper does which makes it an outstanding choice for tough jobs like gutter systems and rainwater collection. Copper gutters are great for historical restorations or for adding an architectural, yet functional element to dress up any home or building.

Copper gutters aren’t something you just buy off the shelf – they require special expertise to measure and install properly. As such copper gutters are usually more expensive than gutters made from more traditional materials such as aluminum.

But when they are installed correctly few things will add “splash” to an exterior like they do. Add the fact that copper gutters will provide you with years of low maintenance service and the investment begins to make great sense.

Leader or Conductor Heads

As with any gutter system, copper gutters connect to downspouts which collect rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the building through the downspouts or drainage system. However copper gutter systems often employ an ornamental element called a conductor head or leader head. This is a large box-shaped element which attaches to the exterior wall just below the top of the gutters.

Copper Gutter Maintenance

Copper is considered a low maintenance natural material great for exterior use. It does not require painting or sealing nor will it rust so it holds up very well as a choice for gutters. Also because copper is such a strong metal you will generally get a stronger gutter screen (leaf guard) mesh to protect unwanted objects from making their way into your system.

If your copper gutters are properly sized and pitched the maintenance should be similar to those of regular vinyl gutters. This means that a regular schedule of cleaning the filters of debris to allow for a clean flow of water should be sufficient to keep them working at best effort.

Why copper turns green and develops patina

When exposed to normal weather patterns, copper develops a blue-green color which occurs from the copper oxidizing to protect itself. This process is known as “patina” and may include different shades and colors as your copper ages – especially depending on where you live.

Generally speaking copper will turn from shiny, penny-colored copper to a dark brown within the first year and will gradually fade towards green over the next few years. Around 4-5 years you can expect the copper to begin taking on green shades and after 10 years to begin to display a finish closer to a green-blue.

This patina process is one of the reasons that copper is such a great choice for outdoor items like gutters. The patina coating protects and encases the copper thus giving it greater durability than comparable natural metals.

Other reasons to like copper gutters:

Copper gutters add to the functional and aesthetic value of your home. Seldom can you make a single choice that represents an efficient and practical option, yet also brings distinct style and details. Copper gutters present just such a perfect option.

Andre’ Savoie writes for Crescent City Copper, a manufacturer of top quality copper rain gutters Browse our website to learn more about copper gutters

Tags: ,
Posted in Roofing | No Comments »

Keeping Your Roofing in Shape

February 5th, 2010

Homeowners would do well to look out for some common problems that will make their roofs age faster and be more susceptible to expensive repair bills.

It’s a common thing: the people in charge of maintaining a home or other property may not really understand that some commonsense maintenance can work wonders on a roof. Regular upkeep on your shingles is required for your roofs health.

One of the first things to look for is evergreen trees that are having a negative impact on the roof by trapping debris or otherwise blocking the natural cleaning that occurs in weather cycle. Trim overgrown trees in order to prevent problems to your roof.

Aside from this kind of problem, there is the mold and similar substances that can build up on the roof. This is particularly a problem with wood shingles and other kinds of natural roof structures, where mold or algae can really attack the outer part of a roof and cause it to decay. Regular inspections and upkeep will prevent problems which will require you to replace your roof.

Zinc or lead control strips can be good for protecting either wouldn’t or other roof structures from mold and similar kinds of substances. The best tool is continued observation, to make sure that these problems aren’t taking over a roof.

Another thing is the periodic loss of roofing material. Whether it’s wood or other substance, losing shingles will lead to leaks. When a roof is leaking, it’s sometimes possible to trace the problem back to some material loss in the outer layer. That’s why again, it’s a good idea to really keep it on a roofer over time, to know exactly what’s going on with it on the outside, to prevent some nasty surprises on the inside, where a small leak can metastasize every time and flood rooms or otherwise negatively impact the interior of a house.

In the case of a larger structure, and owner can even periodically “walk the roof” to check it out with his or her own eye, to make sure that everything is as it should be. This kind of work is necessary to help the owner know when to call and professionals in what to tell them about what is needed for a particular roof project. Good communication with professionals is another part was necessary to really keep your roofing good health. Advice from trained professionals can be very useful when preforming your roofing tasks. This way, you’ll help minimize any possible damage on a roof due to the normal or excessive wear and tear that may occur.

Scott Rodgers doesn’t work on the roofing job site anymore, but he still talks about it, and writes about it a lot. For more, check out http://www.eLocalRoofers.com

Tags:
Posted in Roofing | No Comments »

Roof Insulation – Different Options to Choose

February 4th, 2010

There is a very limited likelihood of most of us considering having a roof insulation unless something goes wrong which forces us to rethink our decision. Having a hail storm or a torrential rainfall or a mini cyclone that blows away the roof top would be the only reasons why we would be pushed into installing roof installations instead of home decor or accessories and redecorating the house.

It sure does not add aesthetic value or is a luxury statement but is a very practical and necessary add on to good living. Having roof insulation protects your home in more ways than one and also makes it sound proof and more impervious to outside fluctuations in temperature. The most common types of roof insulation are made from fiberglass.

Most roof insulations are made from fiberglass which is laid down between the rafters and allow to retain warmth during cold wintry season inside the house and to keep it cool during hot summers. The thickness and density of the fibers usually vary according to the manufacturer and the price of the fiberglass depends on these two characteristics.

A fiberglass insulation forms a barrier to the heat that acts on your roof or prevents rain water from leaking into the inside of your house by sandwiching itself between the rafters. The thickness and density of the fiber material used would determine the cost of the insulation as well as its effectiveness. Good roof insulation protects your home and makes it impervious to the harmful effects of rain and thunderstorms and prevents broken tiles from hailstorms.

It also helps conserve energy by preventing the heat from seeping into the house or dissipating out of it and keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer. They also make your home immune to outside noises.

Some manufactures too take up this responsibility and have dedicated customer service cells that cater to support and maintenance associated with these roof insulation products that they manufacture. It is better to do a bit of reading and research on best roof insulation options that are available before you go about installing one.

The insulation procedure is simple and is done with the help of a sprayer which mixes the ingredients and heats them up. All you have to do is spray this mixture onto your roof. Foam insulation is quick and easy to install and saves you a lot of time.

A foam roof insulation saves you time and is the best option if you want a quick fix to your leaking roof. It is ideal for metal roofs that absorb and dissipate heat at a rapid rate and in huge quantities during summer. The foam insulation acts as a barrier to the heat from entering the inside of your homes and keeps it cool in addition to providing protection against bad weather conditions. The cool interior would not require you to turn on the air conditioner and also saves you a load of money by way of reduced energy bills.

To learn more about roof insulation and where to get affordable ones, click here: Roof Installation

Tags:
Posted in Roofing | No Comments »

A Log Home As a Second Home

February 3rd, 2010

A log home as a second home is an excellent choice for many reasons. Here are some of the advantages:

Easier to Build

A nice advantage to building a log home as your second home is that you have the option of using a log home kit to build your home. Not only does this minimize the cost of your cabin, but it can also make the building of the home a fun family project. Whether it’s a ranch style home or a two story home with a view, a log home building kit is available to help make your dream of a second home come true.

Versatile

A log home can serve as a cozy cabin for weekend getaways, be a summer house or a home for family vacations. A home built with logs can be adapted for summer living or winter living, to be a ski lodge or a summer camp style home. A log cabin can be whatever your family needs.

Comfortable

A traditionally built home simply cannot match the atmosphere and comfort of a home built with logs with a fireplace. Whether it’s cuddling by the fire with your significant other, watching the wildlife out the kitchen window or rocking on the porch with a rocking chair, a log house invites people in and wraps them in comfort.

Beauty

From the outside, a home made from logs has a rustic feel that can’t be matched by a traditional home. If you plan to build your home in a forested area, then it will look natural, like it belongs. There’s also a sense of history to a log house, even if it’s newly built. You’ll get a sense of the pioneer days when log homes were the standard.

Eco-Friendly

If you use sustainable logs and make eco-friendly choices with regards to energy and building materials, log homes are an eco-friendly choice for anyone who cares about the earth.

Natural

Many chemicals and often dangerous materials go into making a traditional house. From the fiberglass insulation to toxic paints and stains. A log home owner doesn’t need insulation, and there are excellent choices for eco-friendly, non-toxic finishes for every surface of the home. In addition, a log home structure, simply looks like it belongs in the outdoors.

Family Friendly

Choosing a log house as a second home is also family friendly. Families with kids can teach them more respect for nature and the environment around them.

Log Home Exchange is your source for log homes for sale and log cabins for sale in the US and Canada. Visit us at: http://www.loghomeexchange.com/

Tags:
Posted in New Construction | No Comments »

Five Principles of Green Home Design

February 1st, 2010

A green home minimizes the negative impact on its environment through its home design. Here are a few considerations an architect takes into account when designing a green home:

1. Site: Evaluations and analysis of access, slope, ledge, soil, bodies of water, and vegetation in order to limit the home’s impact on the site environment. This includes the site location (farmland, wetland, protected species habitats) and proximity to public transportation, parks, schools, and stores.

2. Size: A green home is efficiently designed to keep the square footage to a minimum. This reduces the amount of energy to heat and cool the home, lighting, and the quantity of building materials used, and also controls costs and reduces site impact.

3. Solar: Whether or not there is a plan to install a solar energy system to heat the water or produce electricity, there are several other solar considerations in green home design. Designing the home for passive solar makes the most of solar energy by harvesting it into the homes’ natural energy flows. Passive solar systems include day-lighting strategies, heating and cooling control techniques, and natural ventilation. When a whole-building approach is taken, energy savings can be great both in terms of reducing the home’s carbon footprint and the costs associated with heating, cooling, and maintaining the home.

4. Energy: Lighting, heating, and cooling systems are an important consideration in green home design. Renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and geothermal systems use the earth’s natural energy to heat and cool the home, as well as provide electricity to run appliances and technology..

5. Water Conservation: Building a new home presents a unique opportunity to save water. Two money and energy-saving strategies which can be easily incorporated into an energy efficient home design are 1) reducing the overall water using in the home by specifying low-flow water fixtures, low-flush or composting toilets, installing aerators on all taps, and installing low-flow showerhead nozzles; and 2) specifying a plumbing system that reuses grey water (wastewater from domestic usage such as dish washing, laundry and bathing) for flushing toilets, watering lawns, etc. (note: some grey water systems require approval by most local building jurisdictions, your architect will verify this prior to design).

Of course, a new home should use minimal amounts of fossil fuels, last a long time, and cost less money. Many home design strategies don’t cost a dime in materials but can save hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling costs. The result is a beautiful, healthy home – for both the homeowners and the environment.

About the Author: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates (http://www.boninarchitects.com), is an award-winning green architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. With a special interest in sustainable design and green homes, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as timber frame construction, Jeremy incorporates renewable energy practices where possible, including geo-thermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems.

Tags: ,
Posted in New Construction | No Comments »

Choosing a Fargo Cabinets Maker

January 31st, 2010

When it comes time put new cabinets in your kitchen, there are a whole variety of ways you can go about doing it. If you are the do-it-yourself type, you can buy ready to install cabinets from any home improvement store, you can build them yourself, or you can choose from among the many Fargo cabinets makers to build them for you. The choice is going to depend entirely on the look you are going for in your kitchen. If you prefer a standard, classic look and can find cabinets you like at home improvement stores, then this is going to be your best bet.

If, however, you are hoping for a more custom look, then your best bet is going to be either building them yourself, or hiring someone else to do it. Either way can have its advantages, but unless you are experienced in cabinet making, you will probably want to hire a Fargo cabinets maker. In order to hire a professional who will work with you on design features for your cabinets, and who will do an excellent job, there are a few steps you will want to follow.

First of all, spend some time talking with friends, family members and acquaintances who have had custom cabinets built. Ask them the name of the Fargo cabinets maker they used, and how they liked working with them. Ask if the builder listened to what they wanted, and if the cabinets were done professionally. Also, ask if the have had any problems with their cabinets. By getting all the information you can about a few different cabinet makers, from people who have actually worked with them, you will have an easier time choosing.

If nobody you know has had custom cabinets built, you will have to do things the old fashioned way. Get out a phone book, and make a list of Fargo cabinets makers that catch your eye. Then, take your research online. Go to each companys’ website, and check out their services, prices, and online portfolios of work they have done. This should help you narrow down your list. If you find that there are a few that you still like, go ahead and call or visit each company. Spend some time talking with each one about what you would like, and get quotes. After that, go home and think about it for a few days. By following these easy steps, you will be able to quickly hire a professional to build your custom cabinets.

Cabinetry is the cornerstone of kitchen design. It sets the tone that entire space, and reflects your personal style and taste. Fargo kitchen cabinet are a great custom cabinet option. Built for durability and quality, Fargo kitchen cabinets is among the leaders in cabinet making. Go to http://www.kitchencabinetsreviewed.com for more option on what you can do to improve your kitchen.

Tags: ,
Posted in Kitchen Remodeling | No Comments »

Installing a Range Hood in the Kitchen

January 30th, 2010

As you cook on the stove, air pollutants including grease particles, smoke, and steam, as well as odors, rise from the cooking surface. A gas cooktop or range also emits carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, and a grilling mechanism adds a lot of grease-filled smoke. The quality of the air in your kitchen is also affected by several other culprits, including trash can odors, lingering food smells, and excess moisture from the dishwasher.

Range hoods can solve this problem by either pulling the polluted air outside (ducted installation) or using filtration to clean it (ductless or recirculating installation). In addition to keeping the kitchen air free of odors, range hoods provide several other, less obvious benefits.

It allows the hot, greasy steam that emanates from cooking to be collected and drawn outside, rather than leaving it to blow back onto the cook. Any chef who spends a lot of time in the kitchen can tell you that they prefer cooking where it is comfortable to working for hours in a steamy situation.

The whole kitchen will stay cleaner when the air is free of unnecessary moisture and grease. Airborne grease and moisture left from cooking creates a sticky residue on kitchen surfaces, but having a range hood removes those particles so that the kitchen can be cleaner easier and more quickly. State-of-the-art range hoods have a timer that allows the device to run for 10 to 15 minutes after you finish cooking to properly clean the air and then turn itself off automatically.

Having a range hood can encourage a cook to be more creative. With an effective ventilation system, a chef can experiment with exotic foods they may have ignored in the past due to their strong odors. You can feel confident using pungent ingredients such as curries, Kimchi, Roquefort cheese, and sardines when you know that those smells won’t remain in your kitchen or settle into the fabrics of your home’s furniture. Even garlic and salmon odors are no match for today’s powerful overhead kitchen hoods, if they are installed and ducted correctly.

Remember that since, like other major appliance, a range hood must be installed, you must budget for that cost when you consider your purchase. Most general contractors can install a hood for a reasonable price, or it can be bundled with the cost of installation for a group of appliances if you are remodeling the kitchen; be sure to ask the dealer or manufacturer about what is required for the installation before you buy it.

James writes many articles about range hoods and about the importance of the kitchen range hood.

Tags: ,
Posted in Kitchen Remodeling | No Comments »

« Older Entries