Tips for Choosing Decorative Outdoor Lighting

[ad_1] If you were to drive around any neighborhood while paying close attention to decorative lighting, you would begin to notice a pattern of gorgeous homes with lighting systems that are too small or cheap in appearance. On the other hand, you would begin to see smaller homes where homeowners had installed oversized lighting systems. In other words, while everyone loves the ambience that decorative outdoor lighting provides, and the enhanced safety of illumination, many people simply do not make the right choices. As a result, the home and lighting system are off-balanced, which distracts from the beauty of the property. The goal when buying decorative outdoor lighting is to have a plan, which would include the size and style of home. From there, you would find it much easier to purchase a lighting system that would enhance and complement the home rather than create an awkward appearance. One of the next steps is to determine the appropriate size of outdoor lighting for your needs. Keep in mind that no hard rules exist as to size, walk outside, and standing at roadside look at the home. Try to focus on any architectural features that stand out such as a lamp post, statue, pillars, etc. Using good visual judgment, determine the size of decorative outdoor lighting that would create balance. Another important aspect of choosing decorative outdoor lighting has to do with illumination. Typically, you want the exterior to be lit up for security reasons but you also want to avoid harsh glares. Therefore, we recommend you again look for decorative outdoor lighting that provides balance. After all, this type of lighting should be fully functional. If you plan to place light fixtures along a driveway or up stairs leading to the front door, illumination should be bright enough to make walking safe while at the same time not so bright that illumination is actually distracting. If you need brightness, then it would be better to illuminate a broad area so the light is not so concentrated. Most decorative outdoor lighting systems come with a minimum of 100-watt capacity, whether as a single light or multiple lights. For creating light outside, this is plenty. In addition to size and illumination, you want to consider the material of the decorative outdoor lighting fixture. Today, the five most popular choices include iron, brass, copper, cast aluminum, and composites. Although there are other options, these are used because they can withstand the elements and remain beautiful and functional. The hardest material to find is cast iron but something hand-forged would be gorgeous. Just be sure the metal parts of the system are zinc coated to eliminate rust from developing. Brass is a popular choice simply because it has an elegant look. However, decorative options made from brass also ensures a long lasting system that can handle all types of environments. The only exception is that brass does not handle extreme heat but choosing fixtures that have powder coating would eliminate any concern. It would also be worth spending a little more for solid brass. No matter the choice, brass does go through a unique oxidation process whereby the surface color changes but for decorative outdoor lighting, it adds to the charm. Even if you were on a tight budget but desperately want new outdoor lighting, remember that companies have sales all the time but you could also make your purchase directly from a manufacturer. In addition, we suggest you look at options for decorative outdoor lighting online. Because companies that sell only via the internet do not have the same high overhead as brick and mortar companies, it is possible for them to pass incredible savings on to the customer. [ad_2] Source by Lydia Quinn https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/tips-for-choosing-decorative-outdoor-lighting/?feed_id=38213&_unique_id=64d2d3c3eb180

A Comprehensive Guide to Get Started With Garden Care

[ad_1] Many people have not yet discovered the joys of garden care. They may not realize the value of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping elements that give a home its beauty and charm. However, these elements will pay off in time and money. It may sound strange, but the quality of water that a homeowner uses can have a profound effect on the health of his or her plants. The water temperature, too, can be a contributing factor. Hot water can burn plants, which can lead to death. On the other hand, cold water is great for watering plants. The temperature is less than it is in a refrigerator, so plants do not freeze. Agarden pond needs to be maintained in order to provide a habitat for fish and other wildlife. Likewise, the layout of a garden may depend on how it will be used. If it is a wind-swept area, for example, then some designing may be necessary. Another important element in the maintenance of a garden is the use of mulch. This keeps a gardener's plants from getting soggy and prevents them from being affected by frost. It also prevents weeds from growing and can reduce or eliminate a garden's need for fertilizers. Garden mulch is available in a variety of types and textures. It comes in strips, stones, gravel, pebbles, and even seeds. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of mulch, a gardener chooses depends on the type of soil he or she has, as well as on the kinds of plants that will grow there. For instance, if the soil is sandy or rocky, a smooth rock would be more appropriate than gravel. If it is not, a smoother type of mulch would be preferable. Like all garden care, garden mulch maintenance is simple and inexpensive. Not only does the material itself need little upkeep, but mulch is also reusable. People who collect the mulch often put it in their flower beds and in their front yard. Because plants and flowers require such a good deal of water, gardeners must be mindful of their water use when deciding what kind of mulch to use. Leaf mulch, for example, is suitable for use with perennials and other plants that do not require constant water. It can help to save space in flowerbeds and other areas where plants are grown. Solid mulch is especially useful for people who have lawns and gardens with large areas of water that need more than sprinkler head time to dry out. This type of mulch works well for homeowners who have lawns and a variety of plants in the garden. The continuous spray of water keeps the area drier for longer periods. [ad_2] Source by Dan Licamara https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-get-started-with-garden-care/?feed_id=38165&_unique_id=64ceb22e65913

5 Big Benefits of Portable Tool Boxes

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Portable tool boxes function wherever you require them the most. You can slide in your portable tool box inside your vehicle when there's plenty of work, or just set it aside when there is nothing to be done. These tool boxes often come in a whole range of colors, shapes and sizes where they are mostly crafted in wooden boxes, stainless steel and durable plastic. These portable tool boxes are frequently found in garages and sheds but these are also beneficial for more than just your tools and equipments.

Handy in kitchens

Portable tool boxes are also convenient in most kitchens. If you love to collect kitchen gadgets, a tool box are perfect storage systems for them where they can be organized neatly in its shallow compartments. There is no more hassle of digging for gadgets when you are in need of them. A stainless tool box would also go well in kitchens with stainless steel appliances.

Beneficial in craft rooms

Tool boxes are also convenient add-ons to your craft room. You can sort your brushes and place it in one compartment. Your paint in another one and your embroider threads could go well in another compartment.

Convenient in kids' bedrooms

A portable tool box in your children's room would certainly look great particularly if his decor is in a car theme. He can utilize this tool box to reorganize all his toys or he can simply shove his entire collections therein.

Make excellent gifts for newly-weds

A portable tool box might be a rare and bizarre wedding gift that you can give to a newly wedded couple where both can use it for several more years. Whenever they are going to dig for tools they will certainly think of you. They might seem unsuitable but no need to fret since tool boxes are convenient in every home.

Essential for do-it-your-own-projects at home

Each household must have a tool box with essential tools and equipments. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you never know when you may require some tools and equipment for important projects at home. There are several essential tools offered for in the market that will tender everything that you might require for simple household repairs and maintenance.

There are lots of tool boxes that might be suitable for your needs. Searching for an excellent portable tool box might not be too hard for you since these are accessible everywhere. You can even go online to find the best tool box that will cater to your needs as well as your family.

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Source by Ryan Tyler

Tool Boxes

Flashlights

Wood Floor Repair

Roofing Tools

Keyless Locks

Tire Pumps

Ladders

Safety goggles

Worx Tools

Coolers

Gardening Tools

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Handyman Do's and Don'ts

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If you own a home, you are well acquainted with the maintenance required to keep everything running smoothly. Patch and repair work will always be necessary for as long as you own a dwelling. Some homeowners are staunch do-it-yourselfers while others can't even stock a proper tool box. If you fall into the category that could use a bit of help around the house, hiring a handy person can be a wise idea. Here are some dos and don'ts for hiring a repairperson.

Do:

- Check his or her references. Ask for references and call them all. A word-of-mouth referral from a trusted source is even better. You want to employ someone who has done similar work for a friend, relative or neighbor. Ask about his or her reliability, skill and timeliness in job completion. If possible, take a look at the handiwork that the repair person did for your source.

- Talk about money up front. Get specifics in terms of fees and payment. Does the repair/crafts person charge by the job or by the hour? It is easier to gauge the price tag with a per completion cost agreement. It may sound like you're getting a great deal if they charge a low hourly fee, but if it takes them three times as long as the next person, the charges will add up. If they aren't sure how long something will take and only will accept the hourly wage, think long and hard about running an open ended tab. Who knows how high the final tally might end up?

- Do get more than one estimate. Price shouldn't be the only consideration, but it is one of them. Also notice whether the bid is given in a timely and professional manner. This will tell you a lot about his or her work ethics.

- Don't think every handyman is male. This occupation should actually be called "handy person" because there are many competent repair and craft persons who are female.

Don't:

- Don't pay them everything up front. It's customary to pay a down payment on the day that they start the job, something in the middle and the bulk at the end of the job. If you don't hold out the carrot for the end of the job, satisfactory completion may never occur.

- Don't accept a verbal estimate. Be sure that everything is done in writing. A written estimate is your contract and you won't have a leg to stand on without an agreement on paper.

- Don't hire a handyman without a license for crucial building components such as plumbing, electrical and roofing. It is important to select a highly skilled and experienced professional who is licensed with the Board of Contractors whenever dealing with the installation of plumbing, roofing and electrical.

- Don't forget to thank your handy person for a job well done. A verbal thank you, gifts of food while he or she is working and prompt payment will all show your appreciation.

A house should be well maintained in order to retain its property value by employing a handyman or handy woman.

[ad_2] Source by Alfred Ardis

Worx Tools

Framing Tools

Sump Pumps

Drywall Repair

Fishing Rods and Reels

Camping Equipment

Water Leak Detection

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Choosing A Plumbing Expert

[ad_1] Whether you're looking to sell your home or just want to spruce it up a bit, there are times in every remodeling project when you need to call in the experts. In the case of some kitchen and bathroom jobs, this means hiring a plumber. Getting the right person for the job can be a bit difficult, but knowing what to ask for can make the process considerably easier on both your nerves, and your wallet. First, look at the overall job, and figure out exactly what you need the professional to do. Then, check with friends, family members, co-workers to see who had a similar task to complete, and which plumbing company they chose to handle it. If that doesn't work, you can always check the local phone book and call around until you find one to your liking. Once you find a company or individual that meets your needs, have them quote you a price, to make sure it's within your budget. If you have a specific set of instructions, such as brands you'd prefer to use or colors you want, provide that information along with details on where you found the items. Also, make sure that if they have to remove any existing items, such as sinks or toilets that cost is included in the estimate they provide. For a large project, such as a complete bathroom renovation, you might want think about paying for the plumbing fixtures (bathtubs, sinks, etc), and have the company provide things like the piping, to keep costs reasonable. If the estimate is acceptable, there are a few more things to check out before the work begins. Find out how long the person or company has been in the plumbing business, and are they licensed and insured. Ask if they have any references that you can speak to regarding their work; if so, find out if the previous customers were happy with the job done, were there any problems and how were they resolved and would they use this person or company again. Also, make sure that the company you hire can provide someone to come out with little notice, in the event of an emergency. Most professionals should have a 24-hour emergency service of some sort available. Finally, after everything has been checked out, draw up a contract that specifies what they are to do, how much it will cost, the types/brands of materials they will use during the project, when the work will begin and an estimated finish date. [ad_2] Source by Andrew Stratton https://4awesome.streamstorecloud.com/choosing-a-plumbing-expert/?feed_id=37518&_unique_id=6491b8da86f25

Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations Are Essential

[ad_1] Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the rage as a home improvement project for this summer, however there is great temptation to build a pallet like structure that just sits on the ground outside your back door. Yes there are many ways to prepare the ground so that an unconnected deck design structure will sit level to the ground, for example by using concrete slabs in four corners... but it's still just a big pallet sitting on the ground and the slightest soil erosion below will result in a rocky deck!. The only way to make a deck design that you can be proud of, that will stand the test of storms and wind AND that you can build onto as years go by, is to prepare firm LEVEL foundations before you start to build up. A ground level deck design should not just sit flat on the ground, its important to raise the deck frame off the ground to allow for drainage AND to protect the wood, however, keep in mind that the top level of your deck should not be higher than the entrance to your home - so that the rain doesn't run off your deck design and through your back door. The importance of anchoring your deck design at the very start of your project cannot be over emphasized and are an essential requirement for:

• Complying with planning permits for your area.
• Hopefully improving the value of your home.
• Quality workmanship will improve the usefulness of spaces in and around your home.
• Adding value to the time you spent doing the work -it's much more worthwhile when the job is done properly.
• Allowing you to extend your decking later - for example if you want to add an extension for a BBQ area or a step up to encompass your new hot tub with deck surround...

Your First Step in preparing the ground for your deck design foundations will be to find out where any underground pipes extend out into your backyard, you don't want to dig into any electrical or water pipes of any sort. Your second step, (with the details from step one in your possession) should be to apply for a building permit and benefit from their sound advice regarding deck design in your area. There is no guarantee, but if your deck is going to add any value to your home you must have your paperwork regarding the proper building permits in order. Once your permit comes through you will have permission to create an anchor ledger at the side of your home to which you can connect your deck design using masonry anchors and you will know where you can dig to place your concrete footings where your post anchors go. Get all these initial components nice and level and firmly placed and it's plain sailing for the rest of your deck design construction. [ad_2] Source by Arpad Nyikos https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/deck-design-why-firm-foundations-are-essential/?feed_id=37483&_unique_id=648f3ab9b44e1

Landscaping and Lighting to Quickly and Easily Increase Curb Appeal

[ad_1] A large proportion of home buyers choose whether or not to look inside a household or take it seriously based on its curb appeal. The curb appeal of a residence is the look many people look at when they drive by or come along for a showing. You actually can help be certain they want to come inside your house hold by just spending some energy working on the its landscaping visual appeal. Producing a pleasing front yard with the use of landscaping can subtly alter the all round feeling given by your property, making it a good deal more inviting and comfortable for your possible home buyers and your family. Even in daunting economic settings, an attractive, well-tended front yard can promote the selling price of your residence up-wards. When prospective buyers show up at your real estate for a viewing, the look of a enjoyable lawn will completely set them to thinking about 'coming home' to your residence. It is actually hard to look at your own household in the equivalent way that possible home buyers do, because when we become familiar to the way your home looks and functions, we are unable to see its faults. Decide right now to give up thinking of the residence as a household. It is a house-a commodity you intend to put up for sale for the highest dollar attainable. The next time you drive home, stop across the avenue or significantly enough down the driveway to get a decent view of the house and its setting. Just what is the original impression of the home and yard area? What are the finest exterior qualities of the household or property? In what way can you further enhance them? Just what are the undesirable exterior characteristics of the residence or lot? How can you minimise or upgrade them? Build a checklist of the trouble areas you identified. Tackle clean up and maintenance jobs initially, then set aside some time into projects that make the yard more desirable. Wipe out mold and mildew on the property, sidewalks, roofing, or driveway. Put away unnecessary garden accessories and gear. Thoroughly clean home windows and gutters. Pressure wash unclean house siding and run down porches. Tidy up sidewalks and take away plants growing between concrete or bricks. Trim the grass. Dispose of weeds. Rake and dispose of leaves, whether or not your yard is wooded. Trim tree braches that are near or touching the house's roofing. Perform your curb appeal activity over again at sunset, simply because it is not unusual for potential home buyers to cruise by homes in the evening. One quick way to enhance evening curb appeal is by working with illumination. Set up landscape lighting not only increases curb appeal but it also can make you property less dangerous and boosts home value. Landscape lighting need not be luxuriant or expensive to generate a remarkable effect. String low voltage lighting along your driveway, sidewalks, and around significant landscaping components. Include a ornamental street light fixture to a front porch. Make sure that lighting is visible through front gates and windows increases the home's appearance. Now there are occasions that bringing elements to your landscaping can improve curb appeal, however there are different circumstances when doing away with something is much more productive. Most buyers cannot visualize adjustments, and generally will not likely take a 2nd look at a residence if the first look doesn't appeal to them. Potential home buyers who can picture modifications, and are well prepared to make them expect you to cut down the price of the residence to make up for the labor they plan to complete. If you brainstorm, you'll discover that there is a alternative to most troubles-one that lets you keep within your price range. The trick is to find the areas where enhancements are needed, then work on them as best you can. Things you need to keep in mind are the total of space available, the height of walls and keeping path ways and window locations clear, as well as the time of year, weather situations and color combinations. It doesn't matter what plants or flower you consider to place in, whether it is flowers to cover ground, foliage to fill space or vines to climb walls, it will almost certainly boost the value of your home by far more than the cost of the landscaping alone. Fort Worth Real Estate [ad_2] Source by Alexander Chandler https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/landscaping-and-lighting-to-quickly-and-easily-increase-curb-appeal/?feed_id=37440&_unique_id=648cea3ee07d4

Setting Up Your Homeschooling Room - Lighting Is Extremely Important

[ad_1] Perhaps you didn't realize it but lighting in the classroom is a crucial part of learning. It was discovered through research that fluorescent lights, when they flicker, could cause severe challenges to students trying to learn. Often fluorescent lights are uneven as one wears out over time, this blinking causes distractions and disrupts eyesight and thus, slows the learning process. It can cause nausea, drowsiness, and even tax the immune system. Obviously, that's not good for schools, but what if you are homeschooling? Have you considered your home lighting, shading, level of light? At the 2013 "Strategies in Light" symposium and conference there was a workshop on Interior Lighting and one of the questions considered was the challenges we have in our schools, not only the costs associated with changing the lighting, or the power requirements of various types, but the effect all this had on the workplace and in classrooms. Look here is the deal, if professionals in education are so worried about this, and if businesses and corporations realize that they lose productivity with poor lighting then perhaps you as a homeschooling parent ought to also take immediate notice. You might think you are saving money with those special light bulbs or with LED lighting, but if it is not done correctly, you'll cause eyestrain and drowsiness, and well, your child will not be learning at optimum, and perhaps lose concentration, comprehension, and/or retention by over 50%. The first thing you should realize is that natural lighting is the best of all. If you are homeschooling try to use a room with the most natural lighting during the day. As the sun goes down or during a cloudy or overcast day use UV lights, not fluorescent, and not LED. No, LED lights are not that bad, but they'll get enough LED lighting from their computers, laptops, tablets, and perhaps future flat screen TVs. UV light bulbs are the closest to natural lighting. Your child should be sitting near the light, and not across the room in a shaded area, as that makes the eyes tired, and your child may have some trouble concentrating. It is also worthy to ask your child how they like the lighting. Does it fluster them? Does it annoy them? If so, that is a good reason to lower the intensity a bit or adjust the closeness of the light source. All of this matters and an annoying light or poor lighting will make the difference in the quality of your homeschooling progress. So, please consider all this and think on it. [ad_2] Source by Lance Winslow https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/setting-up-your-homeschooling-room-lighting-is-extremely-important/?feed_id=37368&_unique_id=6488a0c34c7c0

Repairing and Renovating Decks

[ad_1] Removing stains For bad stains it may be necessary to wean the timber with an oxalic acid timber wash, which is biodegradable, so any run-off from your deck cleaning will break down naturally and rot kill all your plants! Apply the mix to the surface with a stiff scrubbing brush. After about 15 minutes it will have done the job of removing dead timber cells and the residues of old oil finishes. It will have opened up the cellular structure of the timber surface ready for a fresh intake of protective oil. Wash the acid off with water, or better still with the high-pressure cleaner. If your timber work has gone black Many people over the years have mistakenly finished their timber decking with linseed oil, thinking it will protect the timber. But linseed oil is mildew food so when used on exterior timber and exposed to moisture it will eventually turn black. Linseed oil also offers little resistance to UV and is not particularly durable for surfaces under foot. Fixing the problem is not easy: Multiple applications of a commercial timber wash product may be necessary to remove many layers of built-up linseed oil, or you can make up a solution using oxalic acid flakes purchased from a hard-ware store. Be sure to test one or two timbers before proceeding with the whole deck. As a follow-up, or if your decking only requires a light treatment, you may also consider washing all the timber work with a strongly mixed oxygen bleach solution like NapiSan. Once the deck is washed (or if you've just laid a new deck), I'd recommend that you leave it to dry out and allow the natural mildew-killing action of the sun to work on it before applying a new finish. Make your decking go 'silver' If you replace some old rotting timbers with new boards, they may not match your existing boards, which possibly will have that grey silver look from exposure to the weather. The silvered look is a result of the natural tannins that give timber its colour leaching out and washing away, leaving the surface to become sun bleached. If you don't finish the new boards at all, they won't take too long to silver off and be indistinguishable from the original boards. If you're in a hurry, this process can be accelerator by mopping the new boards with a mixture of baking soda and water. One box of baking soda to a half bucket of water should do it. If you have a whole deck you want to silver, repeated treatments of an oxalic-acid-based timber wash, followed by cleaning with high-pressure water cleaner, will help. Once the timber does form the silvered surface you're after, no further protection will be required to maintain it In much the same way as tarnish works on metal, the silvery layer of dead timber cells provide a protective surface for the timber below, Don't be tempted to oil that surface or it will just turn it black. From time to time you can reapply the timber cleaner with a stiff scrubbing brush to keep the surface from becoming too rough. Making your silvered deck look new! To return deck timber to its original c dour, the deck can be sanded in the same way as a timber floor: 1 - Make sure you clean the deck really well, and remove all the debris that's collected in the cracks. 2 - Then make sure all nail heads are embedded below the surface with a nail punch and hammer, or the sandpaper will catch and tear. 3 - Use a belt sander if its a small deck, or hire a floor sander if it's large. Begin sanding across the wood's grain with a coarse belt, then diagonally with a medium belt, and finish with a fine belt going with the grain. 4 - Once the deck is sanded it can be left to silver off again evenly if you like that look, or you can use the opportunity to apply tinted decking oil. Refinishing the deck Keeping the coatings up to your deck is your best defence against its early demise. There are many choices of finish available, from clear oils to opaque acrylic paints. As you'll know by now if you've read the rest of this book, I'm a great fan of oil-based products on outdoor timber as it's a natural waterproofing agent. But you should choose a product that also contains pigmentation as a UV inhibitor. Staining a treated pine deck Treated pine timbers can be stained, but for best results wait three months to a year after installing if you can. This allows any excess resins to leach out. The slightly faded timber will also give a truer colour to the stain you choose, Most of the timber finish companies consider the colour of raw treated pine in their colour sampling, and if you have a look at the colour swatches at a hardware store you'll see the different colours applied to treated pine. The best bet would be to test stain a few off-cuts for you before purchasing all the stain required. Use a tinted decking oil rather than a straight stain; it's easy to apply and will help preserve the timbers of your new deck. It's also easy to reapply to high wear-and-tear areas, like stair treads. [ad_2] Source by Brad C Parker https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/repairing-and-renovating-decks/?feed_id=37347&_unique_id=6487757ae7b88

The Importance of Regular Home Improvement

[ad_1] Home improvement, by definition, is making changes to one's home by making improvements on the house's looks. Home improvement is usually done by professional contractors, handymen, and even the house owner himself. Home improvement is important because real estate's value appreciates more if a property is well-maintained. Home improvement is seen by many as unnecessary cost. However, losing value of a real estate is usually caused by neglect in a property's maintenance. Therefore, in the long run, regular maintenance is crucial for the property's value to appreciate. Regular home improvement jobs and renovations will surely make your current living conditions more favorable. People do not easily notice that some areas of the house need improvement. In the long run, regular maintenance will reduce the serious structural damages to your property. It is also important to note that there are different maintenance schedules for different areas of your house. For instance, plumbing should be checked monthly. Ovens, heating systems, smoke detectors, and the like should also be checked monthly to prevent unfortunate disasters. The garden area should be maintained regularly and should undergo rigorous maintenance every four months. This is to prevent insects and termites infestation which can cause significant damage in infrastructure. The landscape of a house should also be in good appearance to help preserve your property's value. Refrigerators should be checked every three to four months. Check for faulty or loose wiring and avoid energy overload. The roof, on the other hand, should be checked at least every six months. Check for shingles and leaks and take care of them right away. Watch out for blocked gutters as this can lead rainwater to go inside your house. If your house is made mainly of wood, have a regular termite exterminator team visit your house. Aside from these standard areas in the house that need improvement, remodeling or renovating is also a good idea. It can also add value to real estate. Remodeling can be as simple as changing the paint color in your living room or laying a different color of carpet in your bedroom. Something this simple can make significant changes in your house's ambience. Renovating can be as major as tearing down the common wall of two rooms to make them one big room. Tearing down walls creates a bigger space which can be used for many purposes. Additional extensions can also be done. Additional space that can be used as garage space is useful. Home improvement tasks that require massive construction should be done by professional contractors. Make a list on what you want changed inside your homes and consult with a team of contractors. This way, you will have an idea on the costs that will be incurred as well as the extent of the repairs and improvements you can do. Home improvement is important because essentially, it is considered taking care of your home. Aside from the additional value it gives your property, preventive maintenance and remodeling is always good to decrease future damages in your property. [ad_2] Source by Jaxson Smith https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/the-importance-of-regular-home-improvement/?feed_id=37123&_unique_id=64727400d1584

How to Start a Profitable Home Improvement Referral Service

[ad_1] Home improvement referral services are cropping up from New York to California. They are taking the time to do the legwork to find reputable and reliable contractors and these businesses are reaping profits from good work. It really doesn't take much to start. A home improvement referral service business takes only a little money and not more time than a regular 40 hour a week job. They can actually start making money within the first year of business. The first thing to consider is what types of home improvement businesses your will refer. This can include gutter cleaning and replacement, remodeling, building additions, fencing, lawn maintenance, and many others. Remember, all though you may like to paint a client may not like it or have the time. Therefore, no business should be overlooked. Once you have an idea of the types of contractors for your referral service business, you will need to call the local, county, and state government offices. Get the regulations and requirements regarding licensing, bonding, business registry, and insurance for each type of contractor. This is the first step to building your list. Any contractor that does not meet government regulations should not be on your referral list. By knowing these requirements and using them, your home improvement referral business will gain credibility with your clients. They will know that if the contractor doesn't meet these requirements, they will not be on your list. It makes the client feel more sure the job will be completed professionally and correctly. Another way to ensure creditability of your referral service business is to only look at contractors that are recommended by their past happy customers. But this is not the end of the screening process. Recommendations are not enough. Once a contractor is recommended to your home improvement referral business, you need to check out his or her service. Talk to them, explaining your referral service business. Many contractors will give you the needed information happily. Ask to see their licenses, bonding information, and insurance to ensure they are current and up to date. Ask for a list of services they provide and the cost for these services. Finally ask for references you may speak to. Now you have gotten your contractor referral list started. While working on creating this list, you should have started thinking about a name for your referral service business, advertising, office area, office equipment, and ordered a phone line for the business. You may want to use a computer right away, but an index card or file system could work just as well and for a fraction of the cost, until your company grows. Keep in mind that as your company grows, the office space, office equipment, and referral list system will probably need to become computerized to save time and money. Since your referral business is going to begin locally, check with local newspapers and periodicals to see if they would be interested in doing an article about your business. Make some flyers and ask local hardware stores if you could leave some there to advertise your service. You may also want to send letters to realtors announcing your business, they can be great advertisers for you. Make your services free to the people calling into your business looking for referrals. Many home improvement referral businesses charge the contractor anywhere from 6% to 15% depending on the size of the project. You put the customers in touch with the contractor, and upon completion of the project, the contractor pays you a fee. Advertise that no contractors pay you to get onto your referral list. If clients or contractors ask how they get on the list, explain to them the only way for a contractor to get on the list is for a customer to recommend them. You may want to explain the whole screening process to let the person know the exact qualifications the contractors need to have before being accepted. A referral service business can expand easily and rapidly. Once your business starts to grow, create a business plan to set goals. Decide how much you want to expand and consider starting franchises in other locations or expanding the list to include contractors that were not included originally. This is your home improvement referral service business and you can take it wherever you want. [ad_2] Source by Randy Wilson https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/how-to-start-a-profitable-home-improvement-referral-service/?feed_id=37065&_unique_id=646e5ffa9c266