Warmth, can you feel it! It is that time of year when all you want to do is spend time outside! What better way than in your backyard, on your deck, or in your pool. How could your experience be improved? With music of course! Outside speakers are becoming standard home improvements for even the not so tech-savvy, but keep in mind you will be working with electrical wires so hiring a professional is always your best bet.

Things to consider when you are looking into an exterior system:

• Be sure the speakers won’t take away from your home’s exterior beauty, try to find a housing that blends well with your current paint scheme and this is an instance where size does matter the smaller the case the less obtrusive to the eye.
• Are the winters in your area particularly harsh, if so you might want to install a speaker that can be easily removed and brought inside for safe keeping.
• Think about layout, are you trying to get music to multiple areas for instance a deck and a pool or just one? You may want to consider several small speakers for special areas rather than a few large ones.

Remember running electrical wires is best done by a professional, as improper installation at the least could cause a short and at the worst a fire! A professional will know exactly what type of wire to use and where to run them so they are not damaged by the elements, and if you want to remove the speakers in the winter they will be able to help you make sure the connections left behind will not leave areas for weather damage.

When you purchase your speakers ensure they are made for outdoor conditions, able to withstand weather conditions of all kinds. Choose a speaker that is high quality as you will be competing with outside noise not the inside quiet you are used to purchasing for.

Your professional will help you determine the best location for your needs and sound transmission. They will know where to hang the speakers so as to cause the least damage to the exterior of your home and the sturdiest mounting. Typically the higher you mount your speakers the better the sound, but the breaking point is 10 feet, if your speakers are higher than 10 feet the sound will dissipate too much. The speakers should also be about 10 feet apart to maximize the stereo sound and prevent too much conflict from the audio. 

Adding an exterior and interior control system, or even blue-tooth/Wi-Fi controls, will make your experience even more enjoyable as you will be able to control your sound experience easily.

Now is the perfect time to add a little music to your outside pleasure! Call a professional today to get started.

Get your home ready for spring! Here are some easy tips to help preserve your home and save energy!

1. Check your weather-stripping and caulking, over time these can deteriorate or become damaged lessening their effectiveness potentially increasing your energy usage.
 

2. Test and clean ceiling fans or install them if you haven’t already. All well placed energy efficient fan will help you to save money on your energy bill.
 

3. Replace your air conditioner filters, or clean them, per the manufacturers instructions, either will help to optimize the units ability to function properly and efficiently.
 

4. Mend any damaged window screens and install.
 

5. Check your roof thoroughly, check for loose or damaged shingles. Winter may be over but spring rains can penetrate damaged roofs potentially causing water damage throughout the home.
 

6. Don’t forget your gutters while you are checking on the roof. Look for and loose or damaged areas, and be sure to clean them through to allow for proper drainage when the spring showers start.
 

7. Working your way down from the roof, if you have siding check that for any winter damage as water and pests can enter your home easily through damaged areas. If you your exterior is stucco or brick look for areas of excessive wear, loose brick or even holes, fixing them now will prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
 

8. With the absence of snow, now is the perfect time to review the landscaping around your home, to ensure it is all slopping away from your home and that the winter storms did not create low spots that could lead water to enter your home or basement area.
 

Much of the above is easily done by you with a little time and elbow grease, but when it comes to physical repairs to your home, like your roof, gutters, siding, etc. it is best to hire a licensed professional. To find a great contractor check out Houzz.com or your local BBB! Remember preventative maintenance will save you money in the long!

You may not even think about it, but the front door to your home is the first impression people get – as they say you only have one opportunity to make a first impression! One of the benefits of a great front door, according to many real estate sites, is the return on value some say as much as 101%! 

Your front door needs to be functional, fit the aesthetic of your home and be able to withstand the elements.  So how do you go about choosing the perfect front door and installing it? 

Start by choosing the right material for your needs, the most common materials are wood, fiberglass composite, and steel. Wood is often the product of choice, going with a wood veneer over a wood core will help stave off warping while keeping the costs reasonable. If you decide to go with a wood door remember to keep up the finish and protect it as required. Fiberglass composite doors will offer you the luxury of little or no maintenance at a very affordable cost. Steel doors are the least expensive choice but often have a lesser life than wood or fiberglass as they are prone to rust. 

It is now a good idea to choose the design style, you wouldn’t want to put a colonial style door on your ultra-contemporary home. You will also want to consider whether or not you want any glass details, or perhaps a trim or panel feature. A great idea is to look at homes similar to your homes’ aesthetic and see what doors work well or perhaps not so well. 

Now that you have chosen the material and the physical look you want to use, you can have some real fun with the color! Do you want to make a statement with a bright color, or a more subdued statement with a luxurious stain? In some cultures red is considered to denote good fortune and as such many paint their front doors red. 

You have chosen the material, the look and even the color – now what! It is time to remove the old door and install the new one. Before you consider doing this yourself, remember this is the main entrance to your home not only does it beautify your home, it provides protection from the elements and safety to you and your loved ones. This is perhaps not the best time to DIY, instead call in a professional who will be able to properly fit, key and weather seal your new front door; providing you the peace of mind and protection you deserve. 

Have fun picking out your new door, and sit back and enjoy while the professionals install it! 

2015 was here before you knew it! Now as your holiday guests leave your lovely home, you look around and realize that it may be time for a little indoor project during the cold wintry months. A wonderful way to increase the value of your home, not to mention bring a smile to your face, is with a bathroom remodel. Most experts agree remodels in general will not pay for themselves, but they can come close with bathrooms coming in at about 70-78% noted in several publications. That said always do a little of your own research as demographics can play a large part in return on investment numbers.

If you decide that a bathroom remodel sounds like the perfect option, to bring a little warmth and sunshine to your home you may want to take into consideration some of the top design ideas for 2015. 

It seems statement floor tiles are still all the vogue, rolling over as one of the top design ideas from 2014.

Nature is big this year for several remodel projects including bathrooms. Adding a touch of natural beauty to any bathroom can warm the vibe and making it more inviting.

Just as a natural look and feel is in vogue so is sustainability. Many home owners are becoming much more aware of the products used throughout their homes and are leaning toward recycled and reclaimed products.

A vertical garden, don’t get nervous the bathroom is a perfect place to try it out; they add a textural element to the room and a natural beauty.

Open suite master bath; yes you heard right! Move the tub, sinks and vanities to the master suite, making for an all-inclusive retreat like atmosphere.

High tech comes in the form of water control; new options provide everything from touchscreens to thermostatic mixers for just the right temperature.

Freestanding bathtubs; a blast from the past is back with vigor. Now bath manufacturers are featuring these lovely tubs in forms to rival a true piece of art.

Vanities are getting more and more custom; everything from his and her heights to just a general look to match the rest of the home. 

Tiles are being used more and more to create a geometric allure to one wall or an entire bathroom. Mixing different patterns can subtly enhance the room.

Showers were starting to become all the rage in 2014, and the predictions are for even more emphasis on size. Large showers with oversize glass panes are replacing small tiny cubicle showers.

It seems gray is here to stay as the color for bathrooms; don’t worry about making your bathroom look cold or unwelcoming adding a splash of color can boost any tone of gray.

Finally, fitting the bathroom to the home rather than just making it a utilitarian room, many home owners from those moving the bathroom into the bedroom to create master suite to those looking to remodel a small parlor, are wanting the bathroom to match the style of the home. 

Bathroom remodels may not pay for themselves, but they can definitely enhance the home, and be called out as a selling point.

Contact your local contractor to help you chose just the right materials, and plan for your small winter project.

Over the years baseboards can take a beating; bangs from moving furniture, hits from rough housing teenagers or overly zealous vacuuming. Rather than replacing a baseboard you may be able to get that like new look with just a little effort, of course if you prefer an experienced carpenter can easily do the work.

Things you will need to do the job right:

Medium grain sandpaper

Rough grain sandpaper
Mild detergent or Murphy’s oil with water
Small piece of plywood
Putty Knife (1-1/2 in)
Wood putty (two part)
Paint or stain (to match existing)

Sand the area that you wish to repair with the medium grain sand paper. Wipe and wash the area thoroughly with a mild detergent to remove any dirt or dust.

Use the plywood as a mixing surface for the wood putty, use the putty knife and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the putty is ready, use the putty knife to scoop a small amount up and spread over the damaged area. Be sure to press firmly when applying the putty to ensure the mixture fills the damaged area; repeat as needed for all dings, dents and scratches.

Now wait until the putty is dry, normally at least 5 hours (be sure to read the manufacturers instructions to confirm dry times).

Use the rough grain sand paper on the dry putty to smooth the area to the same level as the surrounding baseboard. Wipe the area, then sand again with the medium grain sandpaper. Be sure to wipe and wash any dust or debris away from the area, once you are done sanding.

Now you can paint or stain to match the original.

Always work in a well ventilated area when working with any epoxy, stain or paint, and be sure to wear protective gear.

For full replacements of baseboard it is recommended you call a professional who can quickly and easily get the job done.

Love that wonderful old coffee table, chair or other natural wood furniture piece but not the damage done by years of loving use? A little patience and some time you can easily fix minor damage; we do suggest for valuable antiques or major damage you search out a professional. 

For minor scratches along the edge or corner of a piece, simply clean thoroughly with a mild soap or Murphy’s oil mixed with water, then use a felt-tip touch up pen in the correct tone to fill in, and finally apply a coat of paste wax to the area and adjacent area to provide an even sheen. 

For more major damage, like a gouge or a major scratch you will want to first gather all the materials you will need for the fix: 

Mild dishwashing soap, or Murphy’s oil, and water 
600 grit sand paper (may not be necessary depending on the damage) 
Wax stick that matches the finish color (you may need to use more than one to get the match perfect) 
Credit card 
Piece of paper bag around a flat block 

Thoroughly clean the area you will be working, be sure to remove any dust, dirt, wax or other build up. You may need to sand lightly the damaged area and just a little beyond to provide a nice smooth service, especially if there are any raised damaged areas. Once the area is properly prepped rub your wax stick over the damage until it is slightly over filled. Use the edge of your credit card to scrape away any excess wax, the surface should be level with the surrounding area. Then use a piece of brown paper bag wrapped around a flat block to be sure the surface and surrounding surface is truly void of any excess wax. Apply paste wax over the entire surface you have been working on to provide a nice even sheen. 

When in doubt don't forget a well established carpenter or master carpenter is your best option!

The storms they are a coming, are you ready? Do you know how to protect your home from wind, ice and snow damage? With a few simple steps you can potentially save yourself a lot of time and aggravation, not to mention money.

 

What to be concerned about:

Interior damage can be caused by leaky roofs or even broken pipes.

Exterior damage can be caused by heavy snow and ice, high winds or even tree limbs.

 

To prepare your home for the winter season:

• Trim back any tree limbs or branches that may cause damage or break during a heavy snow or wind storm.
• Clean our all gutters and down spouts to ensure melting ice and snow will drain quickly away from the structure.
• Turn off all water to any exterior faucets, sprinkler systems, etc and drain any residual water
• Cover all exposed exterior water pipes with insulation or special foam housings
• Insulate your water heater and water pipes especially any that may run under the structure
• Know where your main water cut-off valve is just in case you have a problem

During the winter season:

• Remove snow and ice from your roof regularly, try not to let it get above a foot (depending on the construction of the roof). If you can not safely access your roof a contractor can often assist, and is licensed and insured to do so.
• If icicles are hanging from your roof/gutters don't break them off unless you are sure they will not cause physical damage to your home, if you are not sure use a de-icer product to assist in the decomposition
• In extreme cold keep a faucet open just enough for a slow drip to prevent your pipes from freezing
• Maintain a high enough temperature inside the home to help prevent pipes from freezing (there are different thoughts on this generally 55 is acceptable)
• Opening cabinets that contain water pipes so they get the heat is helpful as well, ie under your sink, the laundry room, etc.

Keep in mind if you do experience damage your best option for quick quality repairs is a local licensed contractor. Also keep in mind if there is an insurance claim involved most likely the insurer will require a licensed contractor do the work not sure how to find a great contractor, check out our prior blog post.