General Article

Tile Transitions for Your Bathroom Remodel

A lot of time and consideration goes into making decisions for a major bathroom remodel. You can spend hours sorting through images and samples of paints, fixtures, sinks and vanities. One of the biggest decisions often centers around the floor and shower tile. It can feel like a major accomplishment to get to the end of these important choices, but in doing so, you do not want to forget one comparatively minor detail that can have a big impact on your finished product: tile transitions.

Tile Transitions Between Two Types of Flooring Surfaces

Unless you are using the same flooring between your bathroom and the floor in the adjacent room, you will need to use a floor transition at the door between the two rooms. Using a transition such as a Pemko door threshold will not only improve the look of the transition but also add safety from rough-finished edges. A symmetrical design is best for two surfaces of the same height, while an adjustable threshold works better when transitioning between two surfaces of differing heights.

Tile Transitions for Your Shower

The choices you will need to make for your shower tile will depend on what you have selected for your final design. If you opt to utilize two or more patterns or types of tile over the surface of your walls, you might have to select a tile transition between the different designs. With any design, however, it is important to consider what transition style you want between your shower and your walls. Bullnose tile might seem an obvious go-to, but there are other options out there to consider.

Choosing your floor tile and shower tile transitions early will help in the planning and execution of your remodel. Selecting the transitions you would like for your tile surfaces before the start of your bathroom remodel can save you potential setbacks later on.…

If you’re looking at buying a home, you probably have a lot on your mind. You’re looking at the floor plan and the cost, weighing that in your mind against the location and the nearby schools. You might feel overwhelmed and you might find yourself forgetting to check those small but important details. Here are three things you must not forget to check when you’re considering buying a home.

Foundations

Before you fall in love with a kitchen or a backyard, look at the house foundation. Are there cracks or signs of water damage? Check inside, especially in the basement, for signs of water infiltration. A pro tip: if there are unfinished areas in the basement, look at any bare wood. Wood doesn’t lie; you’ll be able to see any water damage right away.

Roofs

Check the last time the roof was replaced, especially in wooded areas with lots of leaves and areas that get a lot of snow. Check in the attic if at all possible to see if there’s damage or signs of animals getting inside. Damage to roofs can be expensive to repair and extremely costly to the rest of the house if it goes unchecked.

Details

There are a lot of small, subtle signs to keep an eye on. Is there mildew on the siding? That can be a sign of trouble with water which can lead to rot and damage. Open doors to see if they bang into each other, especially in a kitchen, where space is at a premium. Details like that can make a world of difference.

Keeping an eagle eye while shopping can pay off in negotiations. Any one of these problems doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal-breaker, but it can be a point where you can work with the seller to bring down the price.…

Whether you run a restaurant, a supermarket, or any other business that relies on its commercial refrigeration equipment, proper care and maintenance of that equipment is absolutely key. Regularly scheduled maintenance performed by a professional commercial refrigeration Minneapolis MN service provider should definitely be part of your routine. Here’s why.

1. Longer Equipment Life

Any type of commercial equipment definitely represents an investment in your business, refrigeration options included, so naturally you want yours to last as long as possible. Having a professional look it over and service it on a regular basis is among the best ways to extend its life and ensure you can count on it for years to come.

2. Higher Efficiency

Refrigeration equipment that’s regularly maintained by a professional doesn’t just last longer. It actually does its job better as well. Even if you and your staff are meticulous about cleaning and checking your equipment, you’re not going to be able to do as thorough a job as a professional will. Professionals have access to professional-grade tools, cleaners, and maintenance equipment that you don’t. Setting a standing regular maintenance appointment lets you rest easy in the knowledge that your equipment is always in peak condition.

3. Prevent Serious Problems

Many serious issues that call for repair or replacement are actually preventable. Part of a standard maintenance visit involves giving the equipment a thorough once-over to screen for problems and make sure everything’s functioning as it should be. More often than not, issues are spotted and addressed long before they become serious problems that can affect the livelihood of your business or cut the life of your equipment short.

In a nutshell, professional maintenance is perhaps the best way to ensure the refrigeration equipment you rely on so heavily stays in excellent working order for as long as possible. Schedule your first appointment and start reaping the benefits today.…

If you’re considering a new deck for your home, you know a lot of planning is involved. Decisions on designs and placement have to be made. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are a few ways to make the most of your new deck.

Choosing the Perfect Spot

The very first step in planning for your new deck is deciding on its placement. You may want it near a pool if you have one or built in multiple levels extending from your house. If you live on a hill or slope, you may have thought you could never have a deck. This is untrue, as today’s rooftop deck systems can make installation on uneven surfaces possible. Anyone can create the deck of their dreams.

Installing a Hot Tub

A popular option for decks is the installation of a hot tub. A spa can be the centerpiece of ultimate relaxation. Surrounded by lighting or greenery, a hot tub can be just steps from the inside of your home. That’s why so many people incorporate it into their design plan.

Adding a Fire Pit or Grilling Area

Many people choose to install a fire pit or grilling area into their deck. Nothing beats the convenience of hosting a party or get-together when you cook and dine outside. Gathering around a fire pit with a glass of wine tops off any evening. You’ll be taking advantage of the outdoors all season long.

Landscaping and Flower Beds

If you love gardening, a deck can provide a stunning backdrop for flowers, tropical plants and even an herb garden. You can have flower beds built right into the design. Accent your greenery with well-placed solar lights and your area will look incredible. The options are endless.

Years of Enjoyment

A deck is a fantastic place for you to relax, sunbathe and entertain. There are endless options for decks no matter where you live and you’ll enjoy it for many years to come.…

You take pride in the way your home looks, and taking care of it inside and out is a priority. Lately, work has gotten the best of you, and you haven’t had the time to spend on it. You’ve done an excellent job maintaining the inside, but the front yard leaves something to be desired. You want to make it more appealing, but don’t have a lot of time or money to do it. Luckily, there are some great simple ways to make the front of your home stand out.

Add a Coat of Paint to the Door

You don’t have to repaint your entire house to make it look fresh and new. Take some time to hose the front down, paying special attention to clear spider webs. There are cleaners you can purchase that will help remove a layer of dirt without the use of a pressure washer. Applying a fresh coat of paint to the door can make it stand out. Choose a bold color, such as red or navy blue. Add some decor to the door as well if you want to draw the eye.

Install Lighting

Accent lighting on your house or in your yard not only helps provide security, but lights also allow you to direct attention to specific elements. If you have a palm tree or flower bed that looks especially nice at night with the right lighting, outdoor lighting florida may have something that will work. Adding a decorative light on your porch or either side of your garage may also add to nighttime and daytime appeal.

Keep Gutters Clean

If you have trees, you know how easy it is for gutters to accumulate leaves and branches. Have you ever noticed how unsightly it makes the front of your home look? The pile of debris goes from inside the gutter to spilling out, leaving dirt and grime in its place. Keep the gutters clean and install gutter guards or screening to minimize the collection of foliage.

Taking a bit of time to spruce up the front of your house may add value with little to no upkeep.…

Are you getting ready to move? If so, you’re probably working feverishly to get your current home in mint condition so you can get a good price for it. While you may want to gut the entire thing and start from scratch, doing so wouldn’t be practical. The key is to make the most important updates that will give you the most value for our money. Here are the top ways to get your home ready to sell.

Update Your Kitchen

Ask any buyer what room is most important when buying a new house, and many will say “the kitchen” without hesitation. If your kitchen is too cramped, dark or out-of-date, you’ll have a hard time convincing people to buy. When you update your kitchen, replace old appliances, apply a fresh coat of paint and upgrade your kitchen countertops milwaukee. These changes will help make your kitchen attractive to buyers.

Replace the Flooring

Is your flooring noticeably worn and in disrepair? If you leave it that way, you’ll send buyers running the other way. Whether you have carpet, hardwood or vinyl, you should replace or refinish it if it’s in bad condition.

Clean Up Your Property

As important as it is to update the inside of your house, you shouldn’t neglect the outside. After all, your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see when they drive up. Make sure it looks nice by cleaning up any trash or overgrown weeds. The cleaner and more inviting your property looks on the outside, the more buyers will want to see what it looks like on the inside.

Repaint

It’s amazing how refreshing a new coat of paint can be to the interior of a home. To appeal to most buyers, repaint in neutral, light colors that make the space look larger.

Once you’ve finished these steps, deep clean your home’s interior and get it staged to sell. Although these processes take time, they will increase your chances of selling your home for the amount you desire.…

The thought of a pest infestation is enough to make anyone cringe, but it’s important not to look the other way. Learning how to recognize the telltale signs of pest or rodent infestations is key to taking care of the problem before it gets worse. If you aren’t sure what to look for, here are common signs that indicate a pest problem.

Piles of Wood Shavings

Piles of wood shavings around window sills, door jambs and baseboards are usually indicative of termites or carpenter ants. To figure out which pest you’re dealing with, do some investigating. If you have a termite problem, you’ll probably see mud tubes on your property. If you notice fallen wings, you’re probably dealing with carpenter ants dallas or.

Odors and Droppings

What goes in must come out, so if you think you have a pest problem, look for droppings. You may also notice an unpleasant smell along with the droppings. In either case, it’s imperative to call an exterminator immediately to get rid of the hazard.

Late-Night Sounds

Many pests are nocturnal, which means they become more active at night. Mice and rats typically choose the evening hours to search for food and wander your house. If you hear a scurrying sound when you’re in bed, you probably have at least one unwanted creature sharing your amenities.

Gaps and Cracks Around Your Home

It’s wise to walk around your home and examine your foundation, garage and any other access points for cracks and gaps. If you notice any, have them filled as soon as possible. Gaps are irresistible to unwanted critters and give them easy access to the interior of your home.

If you notice any of these signs of pests in your home, don’t wait to take action. Most pests can reproduce in alarming numbers, so taking care of the problem early on is key to keeping them out of your home.…