All Posts in "Month: December 2023"

Ten Tips For Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor

Choosing a home improvement contractor is no easy task. With so many choices and so little information, it can be difficult to tell the difference between good contractors and bad ones. The best way to ensure that your renovation project goes smoothly is to do your research ahead of time and ask lots of questions before signing anything. Here are some tips for vetting contractors:

Check references

  • Ask for references from previous clients.
  • Make sure to call the references and ask about the quality of work, communication, and timeliness.
  • Ask about their experience with the contractor as well as what they think about his/her professionalism and attention to detail.

Understand the contractor’s approach to work

You should also be sure to thoroughly understand the contractor’s approach to work. This includes their work ethic, communication skills, and ability to adapt to your needs. If a contractor is not willing to meet with you in person or via video chat before signing an agreement, that should be a red flag. You want someone who takes pride in their craft and will do everything they can for their clients–and if they won’t even talk with you before getting started on the project, then maybe they aren’t the right fit after all!

Inspect contractors, not just their work

Inspect contractors, not just their work

When you’re looking for a home improvement contractor, don’t just look at the finished product. Instead, inspect what they do and ask yourself if it’s up to your standards. Ask … READ MORE >>>

Summer Kirby by — December 24, 2023 in Renovation
How To Renovate A House & Not Go Broke

When you decide to renovate your house, it’s important to do it right. You want the renovations to increase the value of your home and make it more comfortable for you and your family. But there are many ways that things can go wrong if you don’t plan properly or hire the right contractor. In this post, we’ll outline some tips that will help keep you on track toward a successful renovation project.

Make a plan.

The first step to renovating your house is to make a plan. You need to define the problem before you can start on a solution, and this is especially true when it comes to home renovation projects.

If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when or if you get there? The answer lies in setting goals before starting on your renovations: What do YOU want out of this project? Are there any problems with the way things are now that could be fixed by doing some remodeling? What would make life easier for everyone living under one roof (including pets)? These questions are important because they help determine what direction we should go in order achieve our larger vision for improving our homes–and our lives!

Plan to spend more than you think you need to.

The biggest mistake you can make is to try and save money by cutting corners. If you want your house to look great, then plan on spending more than you think is necessary. You will … READ MORE >>>

Summer Kirby by — December 17, 2023 in Home Improvement
Basement Exhaust Fan Installation

If your basement is finished, you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable year-round. That means finding ways to keep it from becoming too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. The best way to do that is by installing a whole-house exhaust fan.

Why an Exhaust Fan?

If you have a basement, it’s likely that you have an exhaust fan. The purpose of this appliance is to remove humidity and odors from your home. If the air in your basement is too damp or smells unpleasant, then it’s time to install an exhaust fan!

An exhaust system works by sucking out stale air through one opening (say, a window) and replacing it with fresh air from another opening (such as under your house). It helps keep moisture levels low in your home so mold doesn’t grow on walls or floors — and keeps dust levels low as well!

Where Should the Exhaust Fan Be Placed?

The exhaust fan should be placed in the corner of your basement, away from the furnace, water heater and furnace ducts. The exhaust fan should also not be placed near any other appliances that produce heat (such as a fireplace).

How to Install a Basement Exhaust Fan

To install a basement exhaust fan, you need to:

  • Remove the old exhaust fan. This can be done by unscrewing it from its fixture and pulling it down. Make sure you have the right size of basement exhaust fan for your space; if not, measure
… READ MORE >>>
Summer Kirby by — December 13, 2023 in Finished Basement
Modern Kitchen Designs That Are Simple

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, there are plenty of ways to go modern. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices out there and end up making decisions that you’ll regret later on. That’s why we’ve compiled this list: it has everything you need for a simple yet professional-looking kitchen design.

Take a cue from Scandinavian kitchens.

Take a cue from Scandinavian kitchens.

Scandinavian kitchens are very minimalist, featuring clean lines, white walls and floors, and lots of open space. They also have plenty of storage space–you’ll see sleek cabinets with glass doors or cupboards with sliding doors that hide pots and pans from view. Scandinavian kitchens often feature an island or peninsula that separates the cooking area from the rest of the room for increased safety when working near hot stoves or ovens. Natural light is another key element in this design style; many modern Scandinavian kitchens have skylights to bring in natural light during winter months when sun hours are low (or if you live somewhere like Alaska!).

Minimalist kitchen design.

Minimalist design is a great way to make your kitchen feel bigger and more open. It’s also perfect for small spaces, as it doesn’t take up much room visually or physically. Minimalism is environmentally friendly, since it uses fewer materials and resources than other styles of decorating might do. This makes it affordable too!

If you’re someone who likes to cook at home often (or if you just want an easy cleanup), then minimalist … READ MORE >>>

Summer Kirby by — December 9, 2023 in Kitchen Ideas