Higdonstoilets

Tile Laying for the Home Handyman

You always have the option of paying someone to tile your own floors. However, when building my last two homes I have saved on average $5000.00 by tiling myself. The next few paragraphs provide tips and tricks on how to tile for yourself.

Don’t be fooled by all the fancy advertising for tiles on sale. I have found some ceramic floor tiles in one shop at $45 per square meter, and only just up the road at another shop, the exact same ceramic floor tile (matching serial number) for only $17 per square meter! This is by far the most expensive cost for tiling, the cost of the tiles themselves.

Other materials include the tile adhesive, tile grout, adhesive spreader tool, mixing attachment for your drill, a power drill, tile cutter, buckets and old rages. The best tip I have had for all my own building or landscaping jobs is how useful $1 buckets are to have handy. They can be used to carry items, store items, mix products, carry water, and can be replaced easily and cheaply at only $1 or less each. Another tip is to never throw out your old shirts and pants. If they have holes in them, rather than use them for land fill, cut them up into small square that can be used for rags.

For example, a house requiring 140 square meters of tiles, cost myself $2400.00. The adhesive seems to work out at one $25 bag per 10 square meters (total cost $350.00) and tile grout at one $15 bag per 25 square meters (total cost $90.00). The most expensive tool would or could be the tile cutter as they range from $25 to $400. I have easily produced great tile cuts with a $75 tile cutter which I have been using now for more than 10 years without problems. Total cost with all the extra tools would be around $3000.00.

If I paid someone to professionally lay these tiles it would cost around $35 per square meter. That is a total of $4900.00 for something I believe I can accomplish myself over 10 days of tiling. In other words, I can pay myself almost $500 per day to tile. Not bad pay if you can get it!

When tiling always take time to stand back and look at your work. This will give you an idea on how straight your tiling is, and also allow you to stretch your back. I always lay my tiles as full tiles first, then come back and cut tiles for the edges of my tiling areas. In areas that require very difficult cuts, like around drains and pipes, many shops offer to cut tiles for you, and for only a dollar or two per cut can save you hours on tiling time. Also remember to only create enough adhesive to cover say 3 to 4 square meters at a time or you will end up with dry adhesive that …

Retain Your Designer Carpets Quality With These Basic Hints

If you are thinking about laying a new designer carpet in your Four Oaks or Walmley home then it is going to need some careful consideration. Installing any new surface is going to involve spending a fair amount of money and you are going to expect it to last for a long period of time. We have given you some advice on how you can make sure that your new carpets will retain their quality and last as long as possible.

The Carpet Selection

The actual carpet that you buy is clearly going to have a major influence on the length of time that it is going to last for. You should try to buy one that is made with good quality materials and to a high standard as these will generally last much longer. It is obviously going to cost you more to get a good quality product but the fact that they will last longer means that you are not going to have to replace it as soon. This makes the initial extra cost worth it in the wider scope of things as it means you have got a lengthier time till you have to pay for a new one.

Cleaning Your Carpet

If you stick to a regular cleaning routine then you should find that your carpet will suffer from much less wear and tear and will ultimately last a lot longer. The most frequent cleaning task that you should be carrying out is vacuuming you floors and this should ideally be done at least once per week. Using the extra attachments will mean that you can properly get up all of the dust and bits and will allow you to clean even the hardest places to reach. Doing this regularly will help your floor keep its original colour and means that dirt cannot build up on it. As well as vacuuming, it is highly advisable that you also get your carpet properly cleaned once a year. This will allow the deep fibres to be properly cleaned and will be extremely beneficial.

General Advice

By using some general common sense you will prolong the life of your Four Oaks designer carpets. You should make sure that if anything is spilt onto it that it is cleaned up immediately to prevent it from settling into the fibres. Another thing is to stop people form wearing their shoes when walking on the carpet to stop dirt being walked in. Finally, you should also make sure that any furniture you have in the room uses wheel or leg covers to reduce the marks that they leave.…

Looking for ways to increase the value of your home? Whether you intend to sell soon or you’re just planning for the future, it’s a great idea to start building some equity. Here are three improvement projects that make a big impact on your property’s bottom line.

1. Repair Your Deck

Real estate experts know that buyers are looking for an attractive, private outdoor space. If your home already has a wooden deck, it’s smart to repair or refinish it prior to selling. The experts in deck repair Hampstead NC transform an outdated deck into a comfortable place to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Deck repairs see a greater return on investment than full replacements, making this a sensible project to take on if you decide to sell in the future.

2. Add Stone Veneer

Stone veneer adds charm and character to any property, and it’s a safe bet when you’re looking to boost equity in your property. It’s not a cheap upgrade to make, but it does bring a substantial return when you go to sell. Stone veneer works well when installed around your garage door and your front door, adding visual interest and drawing in prospective buyers.

3. Improve the Garage Door

Garage door replacements not only improve the aesthetics of your property, but they also give you a great return on your initial investment. Choose a garage door that complements the style of your house, and definitely pick an option with windows that allow plenty of natural light to enter the garage. Swapping out your garage door for a modern option is a project that typically provides a dollar-for-dollar return on investment so it’s money well spent.

Home improvement projects can cost a lot in terms of both time and money. By choosing the practical renovations on this list, you enhance the look and feel of your property and build value all at once.…

There is no question that carpeting can make a home feel warm and comfortable. However, carpeting can also become a stained, sticky, smelly mess for high traffic areas. When this happens, it is time to call in the professionals.

Keep reading to learn about the top benefits offered by professional carpet deep cleaning Tallahassee FL.

Remove Unsightly Stains

Some stains just don’t want to come out – no matter how hard you try. If DIY carpet cleaning treatments have not been effective for removing stains, it may be time to contact the professionals. They have commercial grade equipment and high quality, safe products that will help you get rid of the stains, for good.

Remove Bad Odors

Another benefit offered by hiring professionals for carpet cleaning solutions is that they can use the same equipment mentioned above to remove bad odors. This will help make your entire home smell fresher and cleaner. For households with pets, this is an invaluable service that will benefit everyone in the house.

Prevent Premature Aging

Like anything else in your home, your carpeting will experience wear and tear, and if you do not clean and care for it properly, it can look old and worn long before it should. However, with professional deep cleaning services, you can keep your home’s carpeting looking like new, longer. This protects the investment you have made and eliminates the need to replace your carpeting sooner than expected.

As you can see, there are several benefits offered by professional carpet cleaning services. Be sure to keep this in mind to see why you should call the professionals to help with your carpeting needs. Being informed is the best way to ensure your carpet looks and smells great, regardless of where it is located or how old it is. Being informed is the best way to ensure your carpeting remains clean.…

Over 35 million Americans move to a new home or apartment each year. Regardless of the motivation behind your upcoming move, planning out this process is important. Trying to pull off a move without an adequate plan in place can be disastrous. There are a number of things you can do leading up to your move that can make this experience easier on everyone involved.

Some people think that they can handle all of the work involved in moving by themselves. In most cases, this will lead to a number of problems developing. Here are some things you can do to ensure you have a pleasurable moving experience.

Find The Right Moving Company

Most people fail to realize just how much work is involved in moving. If you have a full-time job and a family, finding time to pack and move all of the things in your existing home can be difficult. Instead of increasing the level of stress in your life by taking on a move alone, you need to reach out to professionals. With all of the moving companies on the market, selecting the right one can be difficult.

Getting a free moving quote Hopkins MN is a great way to find out more about what the companies in your area can offer. Once you have a few different quotes, you should have no problem hiring the right moving company.

Start Packing Early On

Procrastinating is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to move. When it comes to packing up all of the items in your home, you need to get an early start. Waiting until the last minute to pack can result in you forgetting things and making mistakes.

With the help of an experienced moving company, you can get into your new home in no time.…

If you have a nice yard in front of or behind your restaurant, you want to use it for outdoor dining. Take these three steps to make your space ready to impress customers and draw them back for another meal.

1. Address Temperature Concerns

Whether you live in an area that is always hot or always cold or one where the temperature fluctuates, there are times when it’s not comfortable outside. Thankfully, you can still seat customers outside as long as you address the climate issues. Use a spot cooler rental South Florida to give your customers relief in muggy or hot weather, and purchase a space heater to keep your guests from freezing. If your space is covered by a tent, follow the heater’s instructions carefully to avoid creating a hazardous environment.

2. Find Seating

Outdoor seating isn’t the same as indoor seating because it must be rated for extreme temperatures and exposure to the elements. You can’t just move some of your indoor furniture outside or purchase more of it from your vendor. Instead, create a new look for your outdoor dining by exploring local outdoor supply stores in your area. Don’t forget to purchase waterproof cushions for an extra pop of color.

3. Decorate

Your space is functional once you’ve addressed seating and temperature issues, but to impress your guests, you also need to decorate. String Christmas lights around your space year-round to make it fun, or choose electric candles for a classier atmosphere. Decorate your tables with flowers or seashells to celebrate the outdoors, and hang waterproof posters to give your customers something to look at. Avoid overwhelming the space with decorations, but don’t be afraid to have fun.

With these three steps, you can create an outdoor space that makes your customers come back to your restaurant again and again.…

Are you trying to raise the value of your house? Then selecting a few landscaping projects is one of the best ways of achieving that. Landscaping will enhance the facade of your house and make it attractive to potential house buyers. The outside of your house is what people see first, so it sets the tone for your home’s overall appeal.  Apart from that, you will get the enjoyment of waking up to a calming environment that boasts trimmed overgrown plants, a well-tended garden, and beautiful flowers. 

Below are some landscaping tips that you can use to increase the value of your house.

1. Choose the right plants

Before you buy a plant ask yourself this: Is it the right plant? Don’t make the mistake of adding a plant-based only on its appearance. Choose plants that are easy to grow and maintain, and that can tolerate outdoor conditions very well. Some plants require full sun while others thrive in shaded areas. Some plants look small when you buy them, but may grow very large and take over areas of your garden if planted too close to other plants. If you have ideas but are not sure if they are feasible, find a plant expert that specializes in landscape design to help you. That will save you time and money. 

2. Add a dash of color to your garden

 Even if you are just adding a few plants on the balcony or terrace, flowers are a must-have. Flowers will give your house a splendid look that will make it irresistible to passersby.  Remember, there are different reasons for planting flowers. The best time to plant flowers in North America is late fall. This allows you to grow flowers up to winter.

3. Rework the edges of your lawn

If your grass needs to be trimmed, that should be your next focus. The good news is, trimming the edges of a lawn is the most easiest and affordable thing to do. Depending on the size of your lawn, it may take you a few minutes to an hour to finish. To get started, all you need is a good lawnmower and yourself. As you mow, you will notice that there are several parts of your lawn, which can’t be reached with your everyday lawnmower. Cut those edges with an edger or trimmer. Lastly, in order for landscaping to add value to your property, your plants and grass must look well-nourished and healthy. Consider installing a Denver sprinkler system to make watering your lawn and gardens a much easier and less time-consuming task!…

Some people are fortunate enough to have a home with tons of storage space. Others have problems keeping what they already own, let alone acquiring anything new. If you find yourself needing to temporarily house something, self-storage has great benefits. Here are four occasions when renting these units is the best option.

You’re Moving to a New Home

For people changing residence, there’s a period when everything’s up in the air. You’re selling one home, but can’t move into the other and you need a place for your things. Storage units Petaluma provides peace-of-mind by giving you a safe, clean and sizable alternative until you’re ready to move.

You’ve Gone Through a Break-Up

On top of the anguish of a break-up, you have to figure out what to do with your stuff. It can be particularly hurtful to have painful reminders of someone, so storing them in a separate place gives you time to heal. When you’re ready, you can go through your items with a clear head.

You’re Undergoing Construction

If you’re renovating your home or office space, you’ll need to find a spot for your important things. Self-storage units are the perfect place to stash everything instead of crowding the rest of your dwelling. Plus, you can rent for as long as you like in case there’s a hold-up.

You Just Don’t Have the Room

Many people simply don’t have enough room to store the things they want. They might be avid collectors or have inherited property that needs to be quickly removed from a home. Storage units give you ample room to store these valuables and go through them at your leisure.

An Excellent Solution

Whether you need extra space because you’re moving, remodeling or don’t have room at home, self-storage units are an excellent solution. You can access your belongings whenever you like and you’ll sleep better knowing they’re protected while you’re away.…

The Importance of Wooden Floor Sanding

Wooden floors add a sense of warmth and elegance to your home or office. Although wood floors are very durable and resilient, regular maintenance is necessary to maintain their beauty and utility. Regular cleaning as per appropriate methods and periodical sanding of the floor will help to keep it in good shape.

Floor repairing

Wooden floor sanding is a process wherein the damaged or the old layer of the peeled off to get the lower layer on the surface. Sanding of floors is essential to maintain its strength and looks. It takes care of the normal wear and tear that has occurred due to regular usage of your floor. Loose or broken wooden planks are repaired. Loose nails are also taken care of.

Floor staining

You might loose its original stain and luster due to things such as shifting of furniture or regular traffic in your home or office, etc. Wooden floor sanding helps you to revive the lost luster of your floor. Even if you want to have a different shade for your floor, you can go in for re-staining. There are many wood colors in the market to choose from. You can select the one that best suits your interiors.

Preservation of your floor

Instead, it contributes a lot in preserving from dirt, water, fungal infections, and mold. The process also includes oiling. The coating of this special oil makes your floor waterproof and dust free. It does not allow the water or dirt to seep into your floor. This in turn takes care of development of mildew or any other wood infection. This protective coating shields your floor and increases its life expectancy.…

The Allure of European Cottage Home Plans

Rootedness, simplicity, coziness, tradition, home. All these words describe the fascination for European cottage home plans in this glitzy, alienated, modern age. For people who don’t like the idea of living in a cold, inhuman, ranch-style box, the romance of country living in a simpler age has infinite appeal. Originally, during the Middle Ages, cottages were the typical dwellings of farm workers and their families. The word “cottage” meant the home of a cotter, or tenant farmer, who worked on a large manor for a lord. Early cottages were not just small, stand-alone houses but also complete farmhouses with a small yard and a barn for animals. Later on, during the industrial revolution (from the eighteenth century onwards), workers would be housed in miners’ cottages or weavers’ cottages. Cottages were often built of stone with thatched roofs.

Nowadays cottages are often used as summer or weekend getaways – often by lakes or the seaside – by urban dwellers seeking to escape the noise and rat race. They are often built as rental properties in popular tourist areas. But usually when people think of a cottage they mean a rural dwelling in the traditional English country cottage house plans style with stone or stucco siding, asymmetrical lines, one-and-a-half stories high, and with hip roof and steep gables – the overall impression being a cozy, storybook appearance. This style of architecture became quite popular in the United States between the 1890’s and 1940’s. Interiors, because they are small, can give a cluttered but utterly functional appearance, with artistic niches and nooks, and knick-knick decor. Cottages are designed for a relaxed, simple lifestyle – places to come home to, kick off your shoes, and flop on the furniture. They are not designed to impress other people, but to make their owners feel good. Cottage living often involves gardening, and most cottage owners spend their weekends and vacations outside in their backyards, digging in the dirt and growing flowers and vegetables.

Although the traditional English style of cottage is most typical in America, cottages can be built in a variety of styles depending upon location and the builder’s tastes, ranging from Spanish house floor plan designs of the Southwest, which typically have single stories, stucco exteriors, and tile roofs; to Cape Cod cottages which are usually box-like, timber-framed structures two-stories high, with steep roofs to shed rain and snow. In fact, cottages – by which is meant small, asymmetrical, (usually) rural dwellings of one or two stories and stone, brick, or stucco exteriors, come in a large variety of architectural styles. European-type cottages can incorporate design traits from Tudor, Georgian, French, and Italian architectural styles, with open rooms and high ceilings, fireplaces, and even luxurious elements such as gourmet kitchens, formal dining rooms, private master bedrooms, and French doors. What all cottage styles have in common is their livability – their human scale and design for relaxing, unstressful enjoyment of life.…