Curb appeal is such an important aspect of homeownership. When considering the atheistic value of your home how often do you consider the color of the shingles on your roof? It is definitely not the most exciting aspect of your home. Choosing the color of your shingles may seem intimidating when you first begin the hunt to find the right color however below you will find four tips to narrow the selection down.
Consider Your Home’s Color When Choosing the Color of the Shingling
What color is the home’s vinyl siding, brick or stone? This is the most important thing to take into account when selecting the color of the shingle. It is too expensive to change the color of the exterior of your home. So naturally this is the first thing you should consider when choosing a shingle color to compliment your home’s roof. Contact a local roofing contractor to get shingle samples to find one that works with your home. A few colors that shingles come in might be absolutely out of the question for your home so ditch them from the selection process right away.
The Home’s Trim Should Compliment the Shingle Color
Although the trim and home’s siding should ultimately coordinate with one another already sometimes they don’t. Shingles should be a color that complement and enhance both the trim and the home’s exterior coloring. If the roofing shingle color doesn’t work for both the siding and the trim then it is not a contender for your roof unless you are willing to repaint all the home’s trim. Which seriously, are you even considering that at the point in which you already are in need of a new roof?
The Location of the Home Is a Large Element in Picking A Shingle Color
The last thing you want is for your home to be known as “that home” when choosing the color of the shingling. You don’t want your home to stick out like the sore thumb of the neighborhood. Consider the shingles that you have narrowed your choices down to and then look around to see which best compliments the shingles on the neighbor’s roofs as well.
Contemplate Shingle Coloring with the Style of your Home
Look at the style of your home when you are choosing a roof shingle color. Different styles warrant different colors. For instance if you have a Spanish style home blue shingles are not the best option. If the shingles compliment the exterior trim and siding but don’t fit the homes architecture then that is not the color for your home.
Find some ideas using the internet and looking in different home improvement magazines. Find homes similar in style, color and location as yours and see what has worked in the way of shingling color for them. The perfect shingle will soon be found and installed, by a professional roofing contractor, accentuating your home’s exterior. Hiring a professional roofing contractor will save you tons of money, time and energy no matter what color shingle you choose in the end.
Every year our home finds a way to be updated, accidentally or planned, it happens. This year it is planned thankfully. The kitchen did not catch on fire from a faulty built in microwave, the pipes did not explode in the laundry room, and the kids did not spill every unknown substance on the living room floor, nothing. This year we planned to take on turning the master bathroom into a sanctuary. We also needed to take into consideration that we were getting older and with that coming physical challenges, such as a knee reconstruction, would make it difficult to use the tub/shower for much longer.
The first thing we did was to consider that even though a tub was out of the question we needed a space that promoted relaxation while showering. The last thing that was going to happen is a cramped, tight one person shower surround. Instead we constructed a barrier free entry shower that is large enough for a party with built in bench seating. The days of bending in every direction known to man to shave my legs in the shower were going to be a thing of the past. We also decided it was in our best interest to install grab bars and to make one of the multiple shower heads a hand held removable one. All of these details will allow us to age in this home and be comfortable.
The next thing I considered is that I wanted a minimal effort bathroom in regards to keeping it clean. For this reason I choose to have quartz countertops installed throughout the space. The sink station and vanity area are all quartz. The material requires minimal effort to maintain and looks great wet or dry which was perfect for the space.
A detail I wanted to make sure we did not overkill was the latest in bathroom trends. I did not want to be living in this space in ten years with an outdated master bathroom. I knew I disliked walking into a home and knowing exactly when the house was built based upon the trendy tile, colors on the wall or appliances. It is with that in mind that we went as neutral in the tile, countertop and wall color. We added color in with the use of trendy colors in the accent pieces throughout the space. A vase here, some hand towels and baskets make the space trendy without making it permanent.
As I mentioned before this is the home we are continually put time and money into as we intend to grow old here. With that in mind many of the home renovations that we decide to take on require us to consider that we are aging. The kids are getting older and moving on. We need to be able to access the space freely. This requires some fore thought and planning. When it comes to age in place remodeling we have several sources to look towards to make sure the upgrades we are making in the home meet with the National Association of Home Builders Certified Age in Place Specialist Designs. It is possible to maintain a home that is safe for our aging bodies without turning the house into a sterile hospital environment.
With every remodel, accidental or planned, from here on out we will be turning to the experts in age in place remodeling to ensure that we aren’t wasting time, money or effort in our home renovations.
When thinking about a landscaping design and creating a beautiful landscape you need to focus on not only what it looks like today but what it will look like in fifteen years. Think about how the trees, plants and flowers will look when they are mature. How filled out will the trees get? Will the flowers spread or are they the types of plants that stay the same size they are when you first plant them? When laying out the initial design you will need to look into the future to picture the growth of the trees, plants and shrubs that will occur.
Often time’s homeowners find that many pieces of the garden and landscape stay similar in size and shape however this is not true when it comes to trees. Trees, especially certain varieties can grow out of control and their size can get out of hand before anyone even realizes what is happening. If homeowners are not careful when planting certain varieties of trees they could be faced with the future prospect of tree removal and stump grinding which can be pricey depending on the location of the overgrown tree.
During the initial design phase there are certain elements to consider when planting. One of the many things homeowners need to consider is planting trees near retaining walls. If the design calls for a tree to be planted close to a wall of any kind make sure the tree variety is one that has a root base that does not spread beyond the width you have between the wall and the tree. If you find yourself in a situation that the tree is growing into the wall you will be faced with the pricey decision to remove the wall or to have the tree removed without damaging the wall.
Swimming pools are another landscape feature that trees can cause havoc in. If the trees roots invade the area near the pool it is potentially an expensive repair. Roots growing into the foundation of the pool could cause cracks and leaks within the pool area. When installing a new pool consider removing any trees that are within the area to avoid potential problems that can arise.
Driveways that are paved come to have issues as well with tree roots if the trees are planted to close the pavement. The trees roots are limited in growth by the pavement. The driveway will buckle and the tree roots will need to be removed. This is a costly fix. It is best to avoid planting large trees close to any pavement including driveways and sidewalks to prevent damage.
Tree roots can also wreak havoc on underground items that are not often considered when landscaping such as grinders and septic tanks. It would be a nightmare to have a large tree growing around your septic, well or grinder when it came time for repairs or replacements.
Owning a home is expensive enough on its own without causing issues that can be avoided with a little forethought. When considering a landscape design don’t just look at what the design is now but consider what it will be and the surroundings around the landscaping blueprint.
Thinking back upon the wonderful night out you had enjoying some much needed time with your spouse it is possible that one drink too many was had. Now you are facing charges you never considered you would encounter. A drunk driving offense on your record in the form of either a DUI or DWI is the last thing you want following you around. If you find yourself in a situation where you have been charged with a drunk driving offense there are several things you can do to enhance your chances of getting the charge reduced or even dropped.
The first thing you should do after your arrest is take time to sit down and record the detail of your arrest. Document what you were doing, who you were with, how much you had to drink, what you ate and other details that seem unimportant now but can help your defense later. It is important to take note of where you were stopped, what was said between you and the officer, the names of the officers who stopped you and the circumstances surrounding your arrest and booking. Remember during the entire process to be respectful to the officers and cooperate without providing incriminating information.
Immediately contact an attorney experienced in DUI cases. Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated cases are incredibly complex cases and require experience in the law to get results for you. In order for the prosecution to prove you were under the influence or intoxicated above the legal limit they must prove that the testing method used to gain your blood alcohol level was working correctly. Local laws will also require certain proof as well. If the prosecution has not provided everything needed to prove guilt your lawyer will be able to play the system in your favor.
Every state has their own laws regarding field sobriety testing. In some states you can choose to refuse a field sobriety test. If this is an option in the state that you reside you may wish to invoke this right and forgo the alcohol sobriety test in the field. It is good to note that if officers decide to take you back to the police station a breathalyzer test may be required. If this is refused you will most likely lose your license. If you have an attorney available to consult with you may choose to have him/her meet you at the station to ensure your rights are not violated.
The last thing you want after a casual night out with a few beverages and drinks is to find yourself in a situation that leaves you battling a possible DUI or DWI. Take caution when out and about and having beverages. It is amazing how little one person actually has to drink before being considered over the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle. If you find yourself in this unfamiliar situation don’t panic. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney that will help you face the charges at hand will make all the difference in the world when it comes to what is reported on your permanent record, if anything at all.
Opening a swimming pool at the beginning of summer can be a challenge, especially if you are a new pool owner. There are several steps to be taken to ensure your pool is ready for the fast approaching season. Below is a check list to consider when opening your home’s pool. If it is your first time owning a pool it is best to consider hiring a pool service company to come out and walk you through your first opening season.
If the pool has been properly covered throughout the winter season the first task at hand will be to remove the cover. You will want to manage this without allowing the debris that has collected on the top to find its way into the pool. Your pool leaf net and broom can help with this chore.
If the cover has standing water that has accumulated over the winter you will want to pump this off before attempting to remove the cover.
This is the time you will want to inspect the pools marcite surface, the pool tile and pool coping. Taking care of these issues before opening the pool will save you a lot of time and headache. Plus your pool will be 100% for the entire season.
If all is well with your pools surface and no major/minor repairs are needed you can continue the process of opening your pool by removing any freeze plugs that might have been put in place to protect against freezing. Now is the time to bring the pools water level up to where it should be as well.
Ensure your pools filter was properly cleaned before the pool was closed in the winter. If this has not been done you will want to do it now. Once the filter is clean prime the pump and starts the motor of the filter system up. It is important that you release the air build up in the lines before beginning this process. Once things are up and running check for leaks.
The next step is to clean any debris that might have accumulated. This includes dirt, algae and other debris. Once the pool is clean and the water level up to par it is time to check the chemistry of the water. Test the water after it has been in the pool and circulating for a day or so. Add only the necessary chemicals, in the proper order to ensure the proper water balance.
Next install all the extra goodies that enhance your pool such as the handrails, ladders, slides and diving boards. Double check to ensure all the equipment is in working order and is not cracked or wore down.
The final step is to jump in and enjoy! The pool season is quick in most areas. Make the most out of it by making sure that the pool is in tip top shape at the beginning of the season and closed properly at the end.
When buying anything research is the best way to guarantee that you are getting what you are paying for. Jewelry is one of those items that people only purchase once in awhile so research is necessary to ensure you are getting what you pay for and are overpaying for what you are getting.
Like cars and homes, jewelry is one of those items that you can bargain with the seller as many times there is wiggle room in the price. Jewelry products purchased from many retail locations can be guaranteed to be marked up over one hundred percent. Inventory on jewelry does not turn over nearly as fast as inventory in other retail settings because of this the mark up is higher. Many retail locations will advertise a fifty percent off sale but note like with furniture sales many times the product gets marked way up over cost to be able to be “marked down”. One way to avoid paying huge markups is to purchase jewelry online. Purchasing jewelry online can help consumers avoid increase markups.
There are ways to cut costs when looking for the perfect piece of diamond jewelry. We will use the purchase of an engagement ring as an example for our purposes. If you know what you are looking for when it comes to the style your bride to be will adore for a lifetime then buying the diamond is a whole lot easier.
When considering the four Cs of diamonds it is important to note that a diamond can only be graded while it is upside down. How many times do you think someone will have your bride to be taking off her ring so they can scope out the color or clarity of the stone you purchased? None trust me here unless your father-in-law to be is a jeweler of course. I always say the most important of the four Cs of diamond shopping is the cut because once the stone is set no one will be able to tell from your finger the color or clarity of your stone. The cut however is important as it will determine how the piece will catch the light. A well cut stone will reflect light at every angle and give the piece a sparkle every bride adores.
Another thing to keep in mind when buying any piece of jewelry is the size of the stone. Think about it; what is the first thing that people ask when looking at your jewelry? What carat size is that? Diamonds and many other stones are pricier when they hit the magic number of 1.00. If you are looking to purchase a beautiful piece but at a slightly less expensive rate consider a stone that is .96 carats. To the naked eye no one will be the wiser however your pocket book will notice the difference.
Purchasing jewelry online can save you a bundle as well. Be sure when purchasing from an online retailer to consider the tips above and also make sure you are purchasing from a reputable establishment. A lot of times purchasing jewelry online can be done at a fraction above the wholesale price saving you a bundle.
What is the secret to a kitchen renovation that ends up being exactly what you wanted in the end result? The answer; know what mistakes to avoid. In talking with friends, family and neighbors you are sure to hear a great deal of stories on remodeling mistakes. Homeowners can keep their own kitchen remodel from become a disaster by avoiding the blunders those before them have made.
Mistake # 1: Small Details before Large Details
Many people are guilty of this living life in general. How many times do you choose a car before considering the bigger picture of insurance and fuel costs? The car payment is only one small detail in the long term ownership and cost associated with the car.
The same is true in kitchen remodeling. Choosing a material for a counter top before considering how family friendly it is for example can be a costly mistake. Although soapstone is a beautiful material for counters it requires a lot of care. Time caring for the counter takes away time needed to cart kids in the car pool, cook dinner, etc… It is not wise to look into purchasing new appliances before considering exactly what the layout of the kitchen will be after the remodel. Consider the project as a whole. Look at where your family is right now, the lifestyle you are accustomed too and the space constraints before choosing a style and design for your kitchen. This will help you considerably in saving you time and money.
Mistake # 2: Fad over Classic Beauty
Think about all the kitchens you have seen in all the homes you have visited or toured. You can tell the date the house was built when the home still has its original kitchen in place. When thinking about kitchen fad’s there is several that instantly come to mind. The first being country kitchens. Picture the kitchen; I am sure you have seen it. Chickens decorating a border filled with red barns and hay bales, yellow walls and vinyl flooring. What about the checkered floor in black and white with hints of red like an old fashion ice cream parlor? That was popular for a bit. This is what homeowners should avoid in renovating their kitchens.
Look at kitchens you know of that have stood the test of time. What elements do they have in common? Radical colors and flashy features are not prominent. Instead these kitchens stick with classic, neutral colors and appliances. Counter tops are kept conservative and patterns are eliminated. This is what keeps a kitchen classic.
Mistake # 3: Not Hiring A Professional Kitchen Contractor
It is not cheaper to do it yourself in the case of a kitchen remodel. When you consider professional kitchen contractors work with wholesale prices and consider the value of your time. Hiring a professional will help when it comes to addressing the homeowners real needs verses the wants that can drive a budget out of control. A professional will help homeowners access the needs, along with the desires of the homeowners and estimate a realistic budget. This can help a ton in the kitchen remodeling process as a whole.
Landscaping is one of the most challenging aspects of home ownership. If you have never had to deal with landscape design you may become weighed down by all of the different option in fencing, plants, borders and options in general available to homeowners regarding landscaping.
Sometime the hard part of the process is coming up with an idea. Where to begin in the entire process of landscaping can be difficult in itself. Below are some ideas and thoughts about working around obstacles and challenges in existing structures.
The first idea includes working with an existing in ground pool that is surrounded with decorative aluminum fencing. There are times when less is more and this is one of those times. A pool is such a beautiful landscape enhancer in itself. Tie in a beautiful aluminum pool fence and landscape overkill is likely to occur. A suggestion that is simplistic and beautiful is a wide border around the outside of the aluminum fence. Go out about two feet from the fence line and add a simple black landscape border. From there add a weed blocker and a dark brown/black mulch or stone to fill in the area. From there install simple lighting to add flare, using solar lights will save you time and money. This is a simple classic way to integrate the pool into the surrounding landscape.
Consider your wants and needs. Are you looking for a space to play, a space to relax or a place to grow a garden? Your desires will help when coming up with a vision of the space. If you are having a difficult time determining what you want consider what you like about the yards of homes you visit. For instance, one of our family friends has a space in her yard where she has a path that circles a huge hill covered in pine trees. She has added an “entrance” to the path using pine trees and building an arch way. To accent this she added a landscape border of tree stumps. The path is covered with pine needles and bark from branches that had fallen around the yard. Within the space there are constant surprises. You walk the path to find sections with fairy homes, doors and gnomes and ten feet further you come upon a patch of vibrant sunflowers. This is something I loved about her home that was lacking in my own landscape. Using her border idea I was able to add to my flower garden and make it more whimsical which is what I wanted but did not know how to accomplish on my own.
Another idea that is simple includes using pots. If you aren’t committed to the maintenance and up keep of a “flower bed” but like the idea of adding color and variety to the area potted plants can help. Not only can you buy pots that are super sleek and beautiful to look you can include inexpensive annuals that will add color and bloom throughout the summer season without anything but the right amount of sun and water.
Landscaping does not have to be difficult or overwhelming. Whether it is adjusting the a focal point in your existing landscape, creating something in your landscape that you admire in someone else’s or wanting to splash some excitement and color into the mix, there is always a way to do it.
When considering a gate and electronic entry system consider a reasonable budget. Beautiful pieces can be purchased throughout all price ranges. When purchasing a gate consider maintenance and service expenses needed to maintain the electronic gate. Wooden gates are less expensive to purchase then aluminum entry gates however every year you as the homeowner will be responsible to seal and weather proof the wood fence and gate. Consider that electronic gates need to be installed by professional fence and gate installers as well when considering a budget that is reasonable for this home improvement project.
Another way to save when it comes to the budget of a gate for your driveway is to consider a manual entry gate. This might not be desired but can help many homeowners have the security that an entrance gate delivers without the expense of an electronic gate. The draw backs here are pretty evident in that in bad weather you will have to exit the car to close the entry gate. Manual gates are often considered more of a hassle than their electronic counter parts.
When you are purchasing an electronic gate and fence system you have two different choices to decide from when it comes to the way the gate opens. The two options available are swing or sliding driveway entry gates. Consider your landscaping and driveway layout when choosing between the two. Consider if the ground is level or how expensive it would be to level the ground where the gate will be used. Also consider any trees or hard to relocate landscaping that the fence will be surrounding.
When choosing an entry gate consider the fencing that you either have installed or will be installing. Make sure the styles work well with one another. Super tall enclosed privacy fencing might look off when paired with a super decorative open style aluminum gate. The fence and gate should be similar if not the same height. This will provide continuity. If you are only installing a gate without any fencing the sky is the limits however consider the style of your home. A super modern home with a country classic gate might look a whole lot out of place.
Fencing and gates come in a variety of materials as well. You can choose from wood, wrought iron, aluminum, vinyl and chain link. For durability and ease of long term maintenance as well as reasonable initial costs most professional fence and gate installers will recommend purchasing aluminum. Aluminum fencing can be as ornamental and decorative or as simple and classic as a homeowner desires. There are also a variety of color options to choose from when considering aluminum. Aluminum is really a terrific material to use in your homes landscaping.
When hiring any type of contractor to work on your home we are all looking to get the biggest bang for our “buck”. This is especially true when it comes to larger projects such as kitchen or bathroom remodeling, roof replacement, basement transformation as well as landscaping. The more money we are about to put the better the deal we are looking to get. On top of this we are looking to hire a professional who is in it to give us a great deal while completing the job in a timely fashion and correct the first time. How can a homeowner ensure they are hiring the best roofing contractor for their roof replacement or roofing repair?
One thing to look for when hiring a roofing contractor is their licensing. The required licenses that are needed for a roofing contractor in each area of the state and country are going to be different. To determine what is needed when doing work in your area, on your home, it is best to call the local building department.
Insurance is another area of concern when it comes to hiring a contractor that will be working on your home. Without proper insurance, if someone gets hurt or materials are broken, you as the homeowner will be responsible if the contractor does not have proper business insurance. Always get a copy of the insurance policy before any contracts are signed or work is done on the home.
Some local municipalities will require that you have permits pulled for work within or around your home. If they are required you or the contractor will need to pull permits before the job is begun. This is information that can be acquired at your local building department.
Roofing contractors vary on the warranties on their products and services along with warranty offers from the manufactures. All guarantees and warranties should be in writing when the contractor gives you the original estimate.
Finding a reputable, reliable roofing contractor can be difficult. One of the best ways to tell if you are hiring someone trustworthy and dependable is to talk to previous clients. This will be a good way of determining how the contractor you are hiring does business and the results of their work.
When receiving an estimate for job needed on your roof the best way to ensure you are getting what you are paying for is to ask for a breakdown list of materials and labor costs. Take all of the bids that you have received and compare them side by side to see if the quotes you are getting are all on the same playing field. If there are drastic differences find out the reasons. Maybe one contractor offers extended warranties on labor or materials. This may be worth a few extra dollars for you.
If everything is even with the contractors that you are looking into consider the outside factors. Pay attention to the details like how the contractor presents him or herself. How the bids are presented and how prompt they were in their communication with you. This is helpful in determining how communication will be in future dealings as well.