Essential Updates for Old Houses

Owning an old house is a way to own a piece of history. While older homes are often filled with beautiful architectural details that aren't present in homes today, they're also often filled with outdated fixtures and finishes that you'll want to update as soon as possible. It's important to determine which essential updates your old house needs so that you can begin budgeting for eventual replacement.

HVAC System

In many cases, the gaps and cracks present in the exterior of an old home make it less efficient at maintaining its temperature. To make sure your home stays comfortable without breaking the bank, it's a good idea to invest in a new HVAC system for your old home. This is especially important if you have an older boiler system that heats your home since these systems can be both inefficient and dangerous.

Roof

After many years of wear and tear, there's a good chance that the roof on your older home may need repair or replacement. You'll want to make sure to take care of these issues quickly so that moisture doesn't enter your home through the roof and cause long-term damage. Plus, the earlier you tackle roof repair, the less expensive it tends to be.

Windows

To help improve the efficiency and comfort of your home, windows should be one of your top considerations. This is especially true if your older home has single-pane windows, as these tend to be exceptionally inefficient. If you have stained-glass windows that are original to the home, you can keep these in place and add an insulating barrier to the window frame to help keep your home comfortable.

Electrical System

One common threat to older homes is fire. In many cases, fires in older homes start in outdated electrical systems. With overloaded circuits, exposed wires, and outdated installation methods, the electrical system in your home may be a problem just waiting to happen. You can have an electrician give your home a thorough inspection so that they can make recommendations to help improve your home's safety in a cost-effective manner.

Safety First

When you're updating an old home, it can be tempting to put aesthetic upgrades at the top of your priority list. However, if you have issues with your home's infrastructure, it's important to address these problems first and then move on to the aesthetic issues. This will help keep your home safe and structurally sound so that you can enjoy it for a long time to come.

Appliances in Your Home That Are Worth Repairing Instead of Replacing

Repairing an appliance is a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative to replacing it. It can also be a less time-consuming option than waiting for the appliance to break down again, having someone come out and fix it, or even buying a new one. This article will discuss ten appliances in your home that are worth repairing instead of replacing.

Refrigerator

A refrigerator is one of the most common appliances in your home that you might need to repair. A leaky water line, a broken ice maker, or a freezer section are all fairly typical problems. If an expert appliance service technician can quickly repair these problems, it may just save you from buying a new fridge.

Oven

Oven repair is also fairly common. If the oven has stopped working, it's usually cheaper to fix than replace. It can be as simple as a broken heating element or even just an old thermostat. When you call for appliance service technicians like Northshore Appliance Repair Inc, they will look at your specific problem and let you know if it's something that needs to be replaced or if it can be repaired.

Washing Machine

Another common appliance in your home that you might need to repair is the washing machine. If there's a broken motor or belt, it may be cheaper and easier for an expert technician to come out instead of buying a new washer.

Dishwasher

A dishwasher is another appliance that could go wrong and require a little bit of expert help. If you have an older model, it may just need some minor plumbing repairs or replacements to get your dishes sparkling again.

Microwave

A microwave can sometimes be a tricky appliance to fix. If the problem is not with the heating unit, it may just need an expert technician to come out and help you identify what's going wrong. Most modern microwaves have very few problems that cannot be resolved quickly, so if you're experiencing any issues, give your service provider a call.

Garage Door

If you have a garage door that is not opening or closing properly, it's usually worth giving your service provider a call to get an expert opinion. Garage doors can be extremely dangerous if they are malfunctioning. If the problem isn't too severe, it might just need some minor repairs to get back up and running again.

Furnace

A furnace can sometimes need a little expert service. If the pilot light goes out, it may just be dirty and in need of some cleaning. However, if there is no spark at all or an issue with starting up your system again, you should call for support before trying to fix it yourself.

Lawn Mower

A lawn mower might seem like a simple appliance that you can fix on your own, but some parts of the engine should be left to an expert. If it's just not starting up or needs additional belts replaced.

Pool Heater

A pool heater can be a little tricky to fix on your own. If you're experiencing problems with the heating unit, it might just need some expert service. This appliance should be left to the professionals.

BBQ Grill

A BBQ grill can also be a little tricky to fix on your own. If the problem is with the propane instead of electricity, it might just need some minor repairs.

There are many benefits to making repairs around your home. Call a professional and save some money on replacing appliances. 

Why Homeowners Need A Professional Painter

We are all acutely aware of the need to save money - but if there is a single deeply regrettable mistake that many homeowners make in an attempt to reduce household expenses it is undertaking DIY projects where they simply do not have the skills. Top of the list as far as regrets are concerned is exterior and interior painting, with tiling and hardwood floor installation following close behind. 

If you, as a homeowner, have ever undertaken projects like this - you should be intimately familiar with that almost instant sense of regret.

The season of regret is almost always Spring. It's when that urge to spruce up the home is overwhelming - after all, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the aesthetic appeal of a home. 

However, when the flowers start to bloom, perhaps it's time to consider a professional painting company to supply this essential service. There are numerous reasons to choose this approach. 

Experience Counts.

The issue of experience - professional painters have it, the average homeowner most often does not. 

It doesn't matter if you are applying new paint to one room or the project encompasses the entire interior of the home - new paint elevates a home. It revitalizes it. However, if the painting project is not undertaken by a seasoned professional chances are you are not going to want to be exposed to a room that has been victimized by inadequately mixed paint or sloppy application. 

There's a noticeable difference between a DIY project and a professional approach/result.

Professional painters have had years - and have many completed projects (with diverse demands) under their belt. The result will reflect this experience. They are skilled at overcoming unique challenges that can present themselves during a residential painting project. This experience means that professional painters offer a service that represents an excellent return on investment. 

Color Selection is Important.

To improve the appearance of a home (and add value) a homeowner will want to consult with a company that has professionals who are color experts. It's not only the basics, the latest color that has captured the imagination of interior designers has subtle shades that can heavily influence the mood and impact of the new paint job. A professional painter is aware of this and can advise accordingly.  

Anyone who has gone to price high-quality paints will quickly have realized that great paint commands high prices. A mistake in selection can be a costly one. Professional advice can mean the difference between a good paint job - and a great one that offers exceptional value. For instance,  a homeowner will often want different colors that complement each other - and the last thing a homeowner wants is colors that clash with each other.

The Right Tools for the Job.

Professionals have an inventory of tools that enable them to get the job done right. The average homeowner will not have these readily at hand (there's a difference between professional tools and a few paintbrushes). Professional tools are of different quality and have been designed to make a huge difference when it comes to that final result. Brushes, rollers, paint trays and similar professional quality equipment, designed for specific tasks are essential.

There are also often neglected items such as drop cloths. The cost of not having proper drop cloths can be enormous. Quality furniture and floors can sustain huge amounts of damage if the correct drop cloths are not used.  

There's also the matter of cost. A professional painter has invested significant sums of money in the tools of his trade. It simply does not make sense for a homeowner to spend large amounts of money on professional equipment (even if they know exactly what tools are needed) when those tools are only rarely going to be used. 

When all is said and done - finding a trusted professional painter will provide peace of mind and a great paint job. 

There are many, many advantages to hiring a professional - and a huge number of potential challenges if the painting is undertaken as a DIY project. A professional will save the homeowner time and money and the result will add significant value to the home both in terms of dollars and cents - and provide an incalculable amount of pride and joy that comes from owning a great-looking home. 

Things to Think About When Redesigning Your Deck

Your deck is an extension of your living space, providing you with an area where you can enjoy the outdoors. You can have a cookout, soak up some sun on a sunny day, or sip your morning coffee while the birds serenade you. If you feel that this important addition to your home can be improved, consider ways you can step up your deck with a new design.

Keep It Simple

If you're not handy with tools or you don't want to do a structural makeover, small changes can go a long way. Try a new paint or stain that either complements your home or is a bold contrast. You can also dress up your deck with an outdoor rug. If your furniture is plain, try something that pops. Colorful cushions can breathe new life into the outdoor furniture you already have. Add a few potted plants or plant boxes to create your backyard oasis.

Add Railings or Posts

Many homeowners add a deck to their home that is slightly raised with only a few steps leading up to it. It looks more like a platform that may not truly accentuate the house. A simple addition of railings can take it to the next level. Aluminum deck railing kits can make your life easier. You can choose intricate patterns in wood if you feel like going over the top.

Transform Your Deck With a Pergola

Your deck can be so much more when you add a pergola overhead. Wooden columns are attached to your deck in order to support wooden beams that will stretch overhead in a roofing grid. You can drape outdoor lights or lanterns on your pergola, hang plants, or go wild with vinery from end to end.

Look at the Borders Surrounding Your Deck

If your deck is everything you could want, check out the surroundings. New paving stones, mulch, and a variety of plants can dress up your deck, creating a pleasing picture. If you only have a basic path leading to your deck, look at ways you can improve it. Shrubs and bushes can complete the package. Don't forget to check out the area between the bottom of your deck and the ground. Matching lattices can add a finishing touch.

Before you start your deck remodeling project, take a look at some of your options. Do an image search or talk to someone at your local home improvement store. Once you have a vision of all that your deck can be, you'll have a better chance of being happy with your results.