A Comprehensive Guide to Get Started With Garden Care

[ad_1] Many people have not yet discovered the joys of garden care. They may not realize the value of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and other landscaping elements that give a home its beauty and charm. However, these elements will pay off in time and money. It may sound strange, but the quality of water that a homeowner uses can have a profound effect on the health of his or her plants. The water temperature, too, can be a contributing factor. Hot water can burn plants, which can lead to death. On the other hand, cold water is great for watering plants. The temperature is less than it is in a refrigerator, so plants do not freeze. Agarden pond needs to be maintained in order to provide a habitat for fish and other wildlife. Likewise, the layout of a garden may depend on how it will be used. If it is a wind-swept area, for example, then some designing may be necessary. Another important element in the maintenance of a garden is the use of mulch. This keeps a gardener's plants from getting soggy and prevents them from being affected by frost. It also prevents weeds from growing and can reduce or eliminate a garden's need for fertilizers. Garden mulch is available in a variety of types and textures. It comes in strips, stones, gravel, pebbles, and even seeds. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of mulch, a gardener chooses depends on the type of soil he or she has, as well as on the kinds of plants that will grow there. For instance, if the soil is sandy or rocky, a smooth rock would be more appropriate than gravel. If it is not, a smoother type of mulch would be preferable. Like all garden care, garden mulch maintenance is simple and inexpensive. Not only does the material itself need little upkeep, but mulch is also reusable. People who collect the mulch often put it in their flower beds and in their front yard. Because plants and flowers require such a good deal of water, gardeners must be mindful of their water use when deciding what kind of mulch to use. Leaf mulch, for example, is suitable for use with perennials and other plants that do not require constant water. It can help to save space in flowerbeds and other areas where plants are grown. Solid mulch is especially useful for people who have lawns and gardens with large areas of water that need more than sprinkler head time to dry out. This type of mulch works well for homeowners who have lawns and a variety of plants in the garden. The continuous spray of water keeps the area drier for longer periods. [ad_2] Source by Dan Licamara https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-get-started-with-garden-care/?feed_id=38169&_unique_id=64ceb23f94333

5 Big Benefits of Portable Tool Boxes

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Portable tool boxes function wherever you require them the most. You can slide in your portable tool box inside your vehicle when there's plenty of work, or just set it aside when there is nothing to be done. These tool boxes often come in a whole range of colors, shapes and sizes where they are mostly crafted in wooden boxes, stainless steel and durable plastic. These portable tool boxes are frequently found in garages and sheds but these are also beneficial for more than just your tools and equipments.

Handy in kitchens

Portable tool boxes are also convenient in most kitchens. If you love to collect kitchen gadgets, a tool box are perfect storage systems for them where they can be organized neatly in its shallow compartments. There is no more hassle of digging for gadgets when you are in need of them. A stainless tool box would also go well in kitchens with stainless steel appliances.

Beneficial in craft rooms

Tool boxes are also convenient add-ons to your craft room. You can sort your brushes and place it in one compartment. Your paint in another one and your embroider threads could go well in another compartment.

Convenient in kids' bedrooms

A portable tool box in your children's room would certainly look great particularly if his decor is in a car theme. He can utilize this tool box to reorganize all his toys or he can simply shove his entire collections therein.

Make excellent gifts for newly-weds

A portable tool box might be a rare and bizarre wedding gift that you can give to a newly wedded couple where both can use it for several more years. Whenever they are going to dig for tools they will certainly think of you. They might seem unsuitable but no need to fret since tool boxes are convenient in every home.

Essential for do-it-your-own-projects at home

Each household must have a tool box with essential tools and equipments. Even if you are not mechanically inclined, you never know when you may require some tools and equipment for important projects at home. There are several essential tools offered for in the market that will tender everything that you might require for simple household repairs and maintenance.

There are lots of tool boxes that might be suitable for your needs. Searching for an excellent portable tool box might not be too hard for you since these are accessible everywhere. You can even go online to find the best tool box that will cater to your needs as well as your family.

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Source by Ryan Tyler

Tool Boxes

Flashlights

Wood Floor Repair

Roofing Tools

Keyless Locks

Tire Pumps

Ladders

Safety goggles

Worx Tools

Coolers

Gardening Tools

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How to Take Care of Your Hand Tools

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A good set of tools will always serve you well, provided you take care of them, protect them against rust and damage and keep them stored neatly. High quality hand tools can cost quite a bit of money, although many people assume they require no maintenance or care and throw them carelessly into a drawer or cheap plastic toolbox. Here's a look at the proper way to take care of your screwdrivers, pliers and all other metal tools to make them last you a lifetime.

Step One: Cleaning

All tools should always remain free of dust and debris, which can cause damage over a long period of time. If your tools get dirty or wet during use, take the time to clean them afterward. Most tools can be cleaned with a simple soft brush that you keep near your tool cabinet. Rust, the main enemy of metal, can cause permanent damage if left unchecked. Rust forms from moisture, although you can prevent it with most tools by applying a light oil on rust-prone areas. When rust does form, use a fine scrubber and oil to remove it but remember, rust will also be prone to reforming on this area in the future. If you can afford it, invest in tools that are made from high-quality metal alloys to make them resistant to rust and corrosion. Finally, any moving parts should be lubricated occasionally so they remain in good working order.

Step Two: Proper Storage

What's the point of cleaning your tools regularly if you don't have proper storage in place? Depending on your needs, a simple toolbox will suffice. If you have a large collection of tools or use them professionally in a trade, a metal cabinet is a good option. Tools should always be organized and sorted and put back in their designated area after each use. This way, they're always there when you need them. Ideally, tools won't touch each other while they're stored. A few companies have developed storage systems to address this. Keep all of your instruments in a dry area free of moisture, dust and direct sunlight. For sharp instruments like chisels, keep them in a holder so you won't accidentally hurt yourself when you get them out. Tools should never be left on the ground or a working area as they can pose a serious hazard. Try to group your tools together in a way that makes sense to you.

Step Three: Maintenance

Most people are injured using their tools when they aren't kept sharp or in good condition. Metal blades should always be well oiled and replaced when they lose their sharpness. Regularly inspect your nuts, bolts, screws and other small parts for damage so you know when they need to be replaced. If you own hand tools with a wooden handle, take the time to sand and oil it regularly to prevent splinters and splitting.

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Source by Eric J. Tompson

Tool Boxes

Home Repair Tools

Home Repair Books

Worx Tools

Weather Radios

Kitchen Gadgets

Ladders

https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-hand-tools/?feed_id=37852&_unique_id=64b04a2eee72b

How to Take Care of Your Hand Tools

[ad_1]

A good set of tools will always serve you well, provided you take care of them, protect them against rust and damage and keep them stored neatly. High quality hand tools can cost quite a bit of money, although many people assume they require no maintenance or care and throw them carelessly into a drawer or cheap plastic toolbox. Here's a look at the proper way to take care of your screwdrivers, pliers and all other metal tools to make them last you a lifetime.

Step One: Cleaning

All tools should always remain free of dust and debris, which can cause damage over a long period of time. If your tools get dirty or wet during use, take the time to clean them afterward. Most tools can be cleaned with a simple soft brush that you keep near your tool cabinet. Rust, the main enemy of metal, can cause permanent damage if left unchecked. Rust forms from moisture, although you can prevent it with most tools by applying a light oil on rust-prone areas. When rust does form, use a fine scrubber and oil to remove it but remember, rust will also be prone to reforming on this area in the future. If you can afford it, invest in tools that are made from high-quality metal alloys to make them resistant to rust and corrosion. Finally, any moving parts should be lubricated occasionally so they remain in good working order.

Step Two: Proper Storage

What's the point of cleaning your tools regularly if you don't have proper storage in place? Depending on your needs, a simple toolbox will suffice. If you have a large collection of tools or use them professionally in a trade, a metal cabinet is a good option. Tools should always be organized and sorted and put back in their designated area after each use. This way, they're always there when you need them. Ideally, tools won't touch each other while they're stored. A few companies have developed storage systems to address this. Keep all of your instruments in a dry area free of moisture, dust and direct sunlight. For sharp instruments like chisels, keep them in a holder so you won't accidentally hurt yourself when you get them out. Tools should never be left on the ground or a working area as they can pose a serious hazard. Try to group your tools together in a way that makes sense to you.

Step Three: Maintenance

Most people are injured using their tools when they aren't kept sharp or in good condition. Metal blades should always be well oiled and replaced when they lose their sharpness. Regularly inspect your nuts, bolts, screws and other small parts for damage so you know when they need to be replaced. If you own hand tools with a wooden handle, take the time to sand and oil it regularly to prevent splinters and splitting.

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Source by Eric J. Tompson

Tool Boxes

Home Repair Tools

Home Repair Books

https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-hand-tools/?feed_id=37591&_unique_id=64985021c8854

Deck Design - Why Firm Foundations Are Essential

[ad_1] Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the rage as a home improvement project for this summer, however there is great temptation to build a pallet like structure that just sits on the ground outside your back door. Yes there are many ways to prepare the ground so that an unconnected deck design structure will sit level to the ground, for example by using concrete slabs in four corners... but it's still just a big pallet sitting on the ground and the slightest soil erosion below will result in a rocky deck!. The only way to make a deck design that you can be proud of, that will stand the test of storms and wind AND that you can build onto as years go by, is to prepare firm LEVEL foundations before you start to build up. A ground level deck design should not just sit flat on the ground, its important to raise the deck frame off the ground to allow for drainage AND to protect the wood, however, keep in mind that the top level of your deck should not be higher than the entrance to your home - so that the rain doesn't run off your deck design and through your back door. The importance of anchoring your deck design at the very start of your project cannot be over emphasized and are an essential requirement for:

• Complying with planning permits for your area.
• Hopefully improving the value of your home.
• Quality workmanship will improve the usefulness of spaces in and around your home.
• Adding value to the time you spent doing the work -it's much more worthwhile when the job is done properly.
• Allowing you to extend your decking later - for example if you want to add an extension for a BBQ area or a step up to encompass your new hot tub with deck surround...

Your First Step in preparing the ground for your deck design foundations will be to find out where any underground pipes extend out into your backyard, you don't want to dig into any electrical or water pipes of any sort. Your second step, (with the details from step one in your possession) should be to apply for a building permit and benefit from their sound advice regarding deck design in your area. There is no guarantee, but if your deck is going to add any value to your home you must have your paperwork regarding the proper building permits in order. Once your permit comes through you will have permission to create an anchor ledger at the side of your home to which you can connect your deck design using masonry anchors and you will know where you can dig to place your concrete footings where your post anchors go. Get all these initial components nice and level and firmly placed and it's plain sailing for the rest of your deck design construction. [ad_2] Source by Arpad Nyikos https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/deck-design-why-firm-foundations-are-essential/?feed_id=37479&_unique_id=648f3ab7a02a9

Insulation Contractor - Top Reasons to Hire One

[ad_1] When owning a home, you want to be able to feel comfortable inside. That's why it's a good idea to hire an insulation contractor. Whether your home is brand-new or decades old, you want to have it properly insulated. An insulation contractor can come out to your home and make sure everything is installed as it should be. Explore a number of other reasons why hiring an expert like this is a great idea. Save Money on Cooling During the summer months, you want to feel good in your environment. That means you want to be free from heat so that means your air-conditioner should work properly. However, even if you have a great air-conditioning system, still want to make sure that the home is protected from heat in the correct manner. You should consider having a good insulation contractor come out to your home. This person is skilled in installing the right material as well as making sure that your home stays cool during the hot, summer months. Best of all, you'll be able to save more money since you won't have to worry about the good air-conditioning escaping from the inside of your home. That's what's so great about having a specialist come out and make sure everything is working in the best possible manner. Save Money on Heating In addition to the summer months, it's also a good idea to keep your house as warm as possible in the winter. This means it's essential that you don't let heat escape through the cracks in the windows or drafty doors. An insulation contractor can assess your home and install the proper material to make sure that your home stays as warm and cozy as possible, especially during the winter. Some people will go throughout the fall and winter months without worrying about any type of special treatment or material to make sure their home is as energy efficient as possible. Yet, you can keep a lot more money in your pocket if your home is not letting heat get out unnecessarily. Reduce Allergies If you're someone who is extremely sensitive to dust and other air particles, it's a good idea to contact an insulation contractor to come out to your home. That's because this person can assess the situation, and let you know if you need to have fresh material installed. This way, you can minimize all the extra particles and dust that can really annoy you each day. This is especially helpful for people who struggle with allergy season and also those who may have asthma. Have Peace of Mind Although some people feel like they're really handy around the house, you don't want to deal with applying any type of insulation on your own. That's because this material is very itchy and can be very irritating to the skin. If you have an insulation contractor come out, you'll feel good knowing that your home is being taken care of by an expert and you don't have to worry about being uncomfortable during the winter as well as minimizing dust in your home. [ad_2] Source by Andrea Avery https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/insulation-contractor-top-reasons-to-hire-one/?feed_id=37424&_unique_id=648b7a9ecdc43

All About Home Improvement

[ad_1] Indeed, there's no better feeling than being at home. Here, you can enjoy doing the things you love while being comfortable at your own pace and space. But, how can you enjoy ultimate comfort in your own abode when your home needs fixing and improvement? D-I-Y OR PRO? If you would want to do some improvements in your home, the first thing you should consider is whether you can do the fixing all by yourself or you need the services of a professional home fixer. If you are planning to do it on your own, there are actually many references you can use. Aside from magazines, websites are also available in the Internet that designed for those who prefer to the task by themselves. But, better make sure that you are indeed prepared to these tasks of home improvement because it is hard to keep everything hanging when you no longer have the drive to finish what you have started. Before trying on any big projects like remodeling any part of the house, changing wall papers, buying a new set of appliances, or renovation of windows, rooms, and even gardens, ask yourself first if you can dedicated a lot of time because these changes will require many of it. For you to know if you are ready in doing drastic home improvements, try repairing small things or do modest installations. If you think you and your partner can handle bigger projects than these modest tasks, then you can start doing major renovations. By doing the renovation yourself, you can save more money because you won't have to pay a pro. Hiring the services of a professional is needed if you are the type of homeowner who is only interested in planning the project and doing the finishing touches afterwards. Usually, professionals charge high rates because they can assure you that the job can be finished faster, more accurate and more reliable. Since these people are experts in home improvement, they can guarantee you that the work will be done precisely. But, before you hire a contractor, make sure that you have set all the records and terms straight. Make sure that the pro knows what you want them to do and when do you want them to finish. Also make sure that you established a clear division between your work and the contractor's. BASIC HOME IMPROVEMENT If you are planning to do some home improvement, familiarize yourself what are the aspects that might need renovation or fixing. 1. Electrical safety. This is one of the basic concerns of any household. Double check if your electrical wirings are all intact and check if there's a need for a repair. To ensure safety, try developing a simple home electrical safety to minimize the possibility of accidents due to faulty wirings and the like. 2. Hardware. Maybe it's now time to check if all your cabinets in the kitchen, bedroom, garage, and storage are all okay. Who knows, these cabinets need changing of nuts, bolts, nails, screening, etc? If you want to fix these yourself, you can look for the things you might need in home hardwares found at home centers. 3. Windows and doors. Windows and doors are indeed wonderful decorations to your home. If you want to recreate your windows, try adding flower boxes for a change. 4. Wallpaper and borders. Bored of your old wallpapers and borders? Then, you can now renovate these to turn your room into a unique room. You can find discounted wallpaper and borders almost anywhere but make sure they are high-quality so you can use them for a long period of time. 5. Outdoor projects. Look around your garden if it needs updating or repair. You may also want to change the theme of your garden to make it look more refreshing. Home improvement may also include storage and garage, metal roofing, house plans, deck designs, patios, fences, appliances, craft projects, and bathroom fixtures and furniture. [ad_2] Source by Bob Janeway https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/all-about-home-improvement/?feed_id=37391&_unique_id=6489f2ba483c7

Repairing and Renovating Decks

[ad_1] Removing stains For bad stains it may be necessary to wean the timber with an oxalic acid timber wash, which is biodegradable, so any run-off from your deck cleaning will break down naturally and rot kill all your plants! Apply the mix to the surface with a stiff scrubbing brush. After about 15 minutes it will have done the job of removing dead timber cells and the residues of old oil finishes. It will have opened up the cellular structure of the timber surface ready for a fresh intake of protective oil. Wash the acid off with water, or better still with the high-pressure cleaner. If your timber work has gone black Many people over the years have mistakenly finished their timber decking with linseed oil, thinking it will protect the timber. But linseed oil is mildew food so when used on exterior timber and exposed to moisture it will eventually turn black. Linseed oil also offers little resistance to UV and is not particularly durable for surfaces under foot. Fixing the problem is not easy: Multiple applications of a commercial timber wash product may be necessary to remove many layers of built-up linseed oil, or you can make up a solution using oxalic acid flakes purchased from a hard-ware store. Be sure to test one or two timbers before proceeding with the whole deck. As a follow-up, or if your decking only requires a light treatment, you may also consider washing all the timber work with a strongly mixed oxygen bleach solution like NapiSan. Once the deck is washed (or if you've just laid a new deck), I'd recommend that you leave it to dry out and allow the natural mildew-killing action of the sun to work on it before applying a new finish. Make your decking go 'silver' If you replace some old rotting timbers with new boards, they may not match your existing boards, which possibly will have that grey silver look from exposure to the weather. The silvered look is a result of the natural tannins that give timber its colour leaching out and washing away, leaving the surface to become sun bleached. If you don't finish the new boards at all, they won't take too long to silver off and be indistinguishable from the original boards. If you're in a hurry, this process can be accelerator by mopping the new boards with a mixture of baking soda and water. One box of baking soda to a half bucket of water should do it. If you have a whole deck you want to silver, repeated treatments of an oxalic-acid-based timber wash, followed by cleaning with high-pressure water cleaner, will help. Once the timber does form the silvered surface you're after, no further protection will be required to maintain it In much the same way as tarnish works on metal, the silvery layer of dead timber cells provide a protective surface for the timber below, Don't be tempted to oil that surface or it will just turn it black. From time to time you can reapply the timber cleaner with a stiff scrubbing brush to keep the surface from becoming too rough. Making your silvered deck look new! To return deck timber to its original c dour, the deck can be sanded in the same way as a timber floor: 1 - Make sure you clean the deck really well, and remove all the debris that's collected in the cracks. 2 - Then make sure all nail heads are embedded below the surface with a nail punch and hammer, or the sandpaper will catch and tear. 3 - Use a belt sander if its a small deck, or hire a floor sander if it's large. Begin sanding across the wood's grain with a coarse belt, then diagonally with a medium belt, and finish with a fine belt going with the grain. 4 - Once the deck is sanded it can be left to silver off again evenly if you like that look, or you can use the opportunity to apply tinted decking oil. Refinishing the deck Keeping the coatings up to your deck is your best defence against its early demise. There are many choices of finish available, from clear oils to opaque acrylic paints. As you'll know by now if you've read the rest of this book, I'm a great fan of oil-based products on outdoor timber as it's a natural waterproofing agent. But you should choose a product that also contains pigmentation as a UV inhibitor. Staining a treated pine deck Treated pine timbers can be stained, but for best results wait three months to a year after installing if you can. This allows any excess resins to leach out. The slightly faded timber will also give a truer colour to the stain you choose, Most of the timber finish companies consider the colour of raw treated pine in their colour sampling, and if you have a look at the colour swatches at a hardware store you'll see the different colours applied to treated pine. The best bet would be to test stain a few off-cuts for you before purchasing all the stain required. Use a tinted decking oil rather than a straight stain; it's easy to apply and will help preserve the timbers of your new deck. It's also easy to reapply to high wear-and-tear areas, like stair treads. [ad_2] Source by Brad C Parker https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/repairing-and-renovating-decks/?feed_id=37343&_unique_id=64877578ddc31

Five Factors To Decide Before Hiring Roofing Contractors

[ad_1] Regardless of, whether you're a residential or commercial building owner and looking for roofing groups for installation, replacement, or restoration of your roofing system, finding professional contractors in Colorado Springs is quite a complex job. Here's a handy guideline for you explaining five key points you need to determine to fetch exactly the professional, you're looking for. Having a Web Presence While having dependable referrals from like-minded businessmen as well as friends, family relations, and neighbors can work effectively to find consistent roofing contractors in Colorado Springs for your commercial complex or residential building roofing improvement, make sure to undergo diligent web research to ensure the genuineness of roofing experts. Be wary, as the market has been swarmed with scam companies who have the only intention to misguide you, supply inferior quality materials, inefficient technical hands, and go beyond the deadline of the job work while making your project more chaotic. Google is here to provide you with the list of highly recognized roofing contractors in Colorado Springs. Remember that being on the web for a service provider has been crucial in the digital world and it's also a significant decisive-factor before hiring a group. Notably, studying web-based information of any corporate service provider helps you get details about the professional background of the company, its range of roofing services, testimonials, etc which are handy information for you before shortlisting the roofing companies for a personal meeting. Check License and Insurance Before meeting specialized roofing contractors in Colorado, make up your mind and accordingly jot down what're the things you need to verify to understand their professionalism. And your first step is to make sure if an agency is licensed and insured which is a must-have for roofing companies. Having a state license permits a roofing group to operate in the industry for providing its roofing solutions. Similarly, as per the legal rule, service providers must be outfitted with worker's compensation insurance aside from general liability insurance. As it is important to ensure the wellbeing of technicians and workers involved in the project, in case of a worksite accidental injury, equally having general liability insurance defends homeowners or commercial facility employers from facing potential losses against damaging of their complex or properties. Thus, in case of damaging and losses, property owners are duly reimbursed by insurance agencies after needed verification and appraisal. Capability Having the due capability, expertise and know-how are most vital for roofing solution providers to ensure their potential to work on such a huge project. And to make it done, all reputable roofing contractors in Colorado Springs should be equipped with an expert team including inspectors, planners, and designers, architects and technicians, supervisors as well as well-trained laborers. Moreover, the community you hire should be fitted with state-of-the-art types of machinery and tools, essential to undertake roofing jobs. Make sure that the service provider maintains an adequate stock of raw materials not only for the completion of the installation work but also to serve you from time to time for maintenance or repairing job. All products must be branded supplies and come with a warranty. Local Establishment Before choosing your roofing contractors in Colorado Springs, make sure that the community is having a physical as well as service outlet in the neighboring areas, where you live. It doesn't make sense to hire a roofing company operating far beyond of your locale since right from installation to maintenance, replacement, or repairing job, you hardly can spoil time as and when you need service of your roof that shelters you and ensure the wellbeing of your entire family members. So, always go for a local enterprise. Official Agreement All professional roofing contractors in Colorado Springs go through the official process before undertaking your roofing job. Once your site is inspected, appraised and discussion is over, they should provide you an official quote containing the details like job type, its volume, description of the project, deadline as well as materials and components detail list ( with a brand name, warranty, and price, etc) for a mutual understanding before initiating the job. Additionally, the quote should include complete terms of payment with its mode as discussed with you. Both parties should sign the agreement to make it legalized. Albuquerque, Denver, Colorado Springs( SunwestRoofing/Roofing-Contractors-in-Colorado-Springs ), and Phoenix. Roofer specializing in TPO, single-ply, metal, and low slope roofing systems. To know more, visit https://sunwestroofing.com/. [ad_2] Source by Grisel Herrick https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/five-factors-to-decide-before-hiring-roofing-contractors/?feed_id=37322&_unique_id=6485fb5d5b43c

Home Improvement - A Detailed Guide to Painting

[ad_1] There are many ways to decorate and redecorate the rooms in your home. Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest home improvement solutions. At the same time, the walls, ceilings, doors and window frames are the background of the decor and their look and appeal are extremely important. That is why you need to make sure that you will get the work done well. Start by choosing the paint colors you want for your home. You should consider as many chips as possible, as a start. Learn more about the different shades and their undertones. Put different chips together to come out with the best paint color combinations for the different fittings. More importantly, the shades have to match the furniture and fixtures in the room. Check out the latest trends in paint colors to make sure your interior will be in style. The next step of your painting home improvement project is to choose the types of paints and additional materials. The modern water-based paints are quite good for walls, but the latex ones seem to have more beneficial qualities. They are easy to apply as well as to clean and to maintain. The oil-based paints are better for trims. Consider using painting materials that are specifically made for ceilings. You have to choose the right paint finish as well. The glossy ones give the room extra brightness, while the flat matte ones cover imperfections and create a more intimate atmosphere. Consider getting all the painting tools you will need in advance. Make a choice in line with the surface you will be redecorating. You will find it easier to use foam rollers for larger surfaces and pads and brushes for smaller ones as well as for making applications. You should use brushes with synthetic bristles with water-based and latex paints and natural bristle ones to apply oil-based paint. Choose the painting technique that you want to use. Some of the most popular ones include color washing, combing, sponging and leathering. Check out samples to see how the results look and to make up your mind. Study the chosen technique carefully and prepare ready instructions that you can follow easily. Before you begin the painting home improvement project, you have to make all the necessary preparations. Move furniture, carpets and rugs away from the surfaces you will paint. Cover the floors with nylon or study cloth covers. Get yourself ready as well. Consider using painter's blue tape to prevent paint seeping. Prepare the paint and start painting. [ad_2] Source by Emma J Frost https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/home-improvement-a-detailed-guide-to-painting/?feed_id=37227&_unique_id=647f2ec366e54

How to Start a Profitable Home Improvement Referral Service

[ad_1] Home improvement referral services are cropping up from New York to California. They are taking the time to do the legwork to find reputable and reliable contractors and these businesses are reaping profits from good work. It really doesn't take much to start. A home improvement referral service business takes only a little money and not more time than a regular 40 hour a week job. They can actually start making money within the first year of business. The first thing to consider is what types of home improvement businesses your will refer. This can include gutter cleaning and replacement, remodeling, building additions, fencing, lawn maintenance, and many others. Remember, all though you may like to paint a client may not like it or have the time. Therefore, no business should be overlooked. Once you have an idea of the types of contractors for your referral service business, you will need to call the local, county, and state government offices. Get the regulations and requirements regarding licensing, bonding, business registry, and insurance for each type of contractor. This is the first step to building your list. Any contractor that does not meet government regulations should not be on your referral list. By knowing these requirements and using them, your home improvement referral business will gain credibility with your clients. They will know that if the contractor doesn't meet these requirements, they will not be on your list. It makes the client feel more sure the job will be completed professionally and correctly. Another way to ensure creditability of your referral service business is to only look at contractors that are recommended by their past happy customers. But this is not the end of the screening process. Recommendations are not enough. Once a contractor is recommended to your home improvement referral business, you need to check out his or her service. Talk to them, explaining your referral service business. Many contractors will give you the needed information happily. Ask to see their licenses, bonding information, and insurance to ensure they are current and up to date. Ask for a list of services they provide and the cost for these services. Finally ask for references you may speak to. Now you have gotten your contractor referral list started. While working on creating this list, you should have started thinking about a name for your referral service business, advertising, office area, office equipment, and ordered a phone line for the business. You may want to use a computer right away, but an index card or file system could work just as well and for a fraction of the cost, until your company grows. Keep in mind that as your company grows, the office space, office equipment, and referral list system will probably need to become computerized to save time and money. Since your referral business is going to begin locally, check with local newspapers and periodicals to see if they would be interested in doing an article about your business. Make some flyers and ask local hardware stores if you could leave some there to advertise your service. You may also want to send letters to realtors announcing your business, they can be great advertisers for you. Make your services free to the people calling into your business looking for referrals. Many home improvement referral businesses charge the contractor anywhere from 6% to 15% depending on the size of the project. You put the customers in touch with the contractor, and upon completion of the project, the contractor pays you a fee. Advertise that no contractors pay you to get onto your referral list. If clients or contractors ask how they get on the list, explain to them the only way for a contractor to get on the list is for a customer to recommend them. You may want to explain the whole screening process to let the person know the exact qualifications the contractors need to have before being accepted. A referral service business can expand easily and rapidly. Once your business starts to grow, create a business plan to set goals. Decide how much you want to expand and consider starting franchises in other locations or expanding the list to include contractors that were not included originally. This is your home improvement referral service business and you can take it wherever you want. [ad_2] Source by Randy Wilson https://1home.streamstorecloud.com/how-to-start-a-profitable-home-improvement-referral-service/?feed_id=37061&_unique_id=646e5ff81877d