Posts in category 'Home Improvement'

Holiday light displays add so much beauty and excitement to this time of year. Holiday lights can also pose a danger and be a hazard if not handled properly. Here are some practices to follow to ensure a safe but brilliantly lit holiday season.

• Check light strands for any imperfections such as cords that have cracked or the ends have frayed.
• If using a real tree, make sure it is well watered. A dry tree combined with a short in a strand of Christmas lights can be deadly.
• New types of lights have fused plugs which help prevent sparking in the event of a light short circuiting. Take the time to dispense of older lights and invest in newer lights that are safer.
• Replace burnt out bulbs but ensure they are the right wattage. It's smart to keep a list of what wattage go with which bulbs.
• Outdoor lights have to deal with precipitation and debris that can get into the sockets so make sure that outdoor lights are plugged into...

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An inexpensive and quick way to refresh your home is through a new paint job. The overall concept of painting your home can be exciting – but can also cause major anxiety because of the number of colors, textures and combinations that paint and home improvements stores offer. With so many choices how do you know? Here is some information from Realtor.com on the different types of paints and which one is best for the area you want to paint:

In terms of paint types there are two basic types – water based which is latex and oil based which is alkyd. What is the difference? Oil based has been around for a while but they can take much longer to dry and contain strong odors that can bother those with sensitivity to smells. It's great for outdoor paint jobs because it stands up well to harsh weather. In some states, the sale of oil based paint has been restricted due the fumes and solvents in the paint.  As for latex, it is becoming more popular. It dries quick with little odo...

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Remodeling your house is a great way to add value to your home. When deciding which projects to complete here are some tips on pitfalls to avoid that can turn a renovation into a nightmare.

First, know exactly what you want. If you aren't specific with a contractor, they will most likely give their own interpretation to a project which can be costly and frustrating. Do your research. There are many websites that detail specific elements and can even give information on cost. Make sure you are clear about what you want.

Don't necessarily hire the first contractor you speak with. It's important to talk with a few, get estimates and compare. Do your homework. Ask for references and examples of their work. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured. If not, that could be a red flag.  Think about the amount of money you are investing in your remodeling project and the important role the contractor plays.

Just because the bid is the lowest, doesn't necessar...

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