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Wall Mount Fireplace

Oct 31,2017 Leave a comment

Wall Mount Fireplace

Wall Mount Fireplace – Electric fireplace inserts are a safe, energy efficient, low cost alternative to gas and traditional wood fireplaces. These electric units are available in three types and offer remarkably realistic flame effects. With multiple styles to choose from, here are some of the various things you need to know when considering an electric fireplace insert. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a Wall Mount Fireplace.

Wall Mount Electric Fireplaces
Clean lines in brushed stainless steel, chrome, gun metal, bricklayers,
stone, wood, or mirrored glass finishes will add drama and warmth to any room in your home. While our superior selection includes wall-mounted fireplaces with traditional looking logs, many boast unique flamebeds of glass, rocks or a choice of decorative fill. Each wall-mount model operates with or without the thermostat controlled fan-forced heater so you can take pleasure in the dancing flames year-round. All units plug into a standard 120V outlet making installation a breeze.

Modern & contemporary styling
Supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft.
Thermostat controlled fan-forced heater
Included remote control for convenience

Choosing a Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

A wall mount fireplace is an attractive addition to any home or office. Because it provides a mesmerizing bed of glowing embers with a realistic flame effect. Nearly all models include a gentle source of supplemental heat that can be operated independently of the flame. Because it is electric, it can simply be plugged into an electrical outlet and is ready for use. All of these types of fireplaces are safe to use because they are tested to make sure they meet UL standards and are thermostatically controlled.

Making the right choice for an electrical alternative to a traditional fireplace is of great importance when customers are deciding which model to select for their homes. A wall mount fireplace or a small electric fireplace can be the best choice for individuals who have limited space or want to add a modern touch to their home or office. Not only do they provide eye-catching designs, but they can also provide supplemental or zone heat when the weather turns cold.

Accommodation For All Space And Budget Requirements

Whether an individual’s living space or business is small or large, homeowners always want to make wise use of their available square footage. These units are especially ideal additions to condominiums, lofts, apartments, single family homes or offices. A wall mount electric fireplace is a space saving device that can add the instant character of a traditional fireplace experience with a more modern twist. Customers can choose from polished or brushed stainless steel, chrome, gun metal, stone, wood or mirrored glass finishes. Also, color options are available in red, black and white. These designs will complement many décor styles. Whether you choose a wall hanging electric fireplace, a freestanding corner fireplace or a recessed built-in electric fireplace design, they will provide four season capabilities and can be operated with or without the quiet heater turned on.

A wall mount electric fireplace is not only a great space saving accompaniment to any décor, but it is economical, too. The patented flame technology allows an individual to enjoy the ambience of a real fire for 3 cents per hour without the heater on and about 8-12 cents per hour with the flame and heating element operating. It is an attractive, space saving supplemental heat source that is great for heating the rooms that are constantly used by the entire family rather than heating the entire house. Each unit provides approximately 5000 BTUs per hour of heat by using a quiet fan to force the heat generated by the alternative fireplace into the room.

Adding A Modern Touch To A Traditional Medium

Fireplaces have been a staple of homes for thousands of years. They have cooked our food, provided heat during colder seasons and have added a cozy touch to our lives. The design of traditional fireplaces hasn’t changed a great deal for centuries. However, applying new technology and modernizing an old medium is of great importance to many people. A wall mount electric fireplace is on par with wall-mounted televisions and digital picture frames. They are inexpensive to operate and easy to install, because there are no ventilation requirements. They provide a low-cost focal point to any room.

A Small Electric Fireplace For Tight Spaces

While a wall mount fireplace is a modern way to introduce a focal point that is also a small electric fireplace is another great choice if you prefer a more traditional look. It is the perfect solution for tight spaces, yet homeowners do not have to compromise on the heat output. Each unit produces the same amount of heat as their larger counterparts, and they come in a small, space saving designs. They can also be operated with or without the heater. A small electric fireplace can be plugged into any 120 volt electrical outlet, and most units come with remote control capabilities.

Choosing the best alternative of fireplace model for your unique lifestyle is an important decision. A wall mount electric fireplace is the ideal solution for individuals who have little floor space and who want to add a modern touch to their home or office. In the technological world in which we live, they provide eye-catching designs that supply zone heating when necessary. For individuals who want to add the cozy touch of a traditional fireplace but live in tight quarters, a small electric fireplace is the perfect solution without compromising on the heat output.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on a Wall Mount Fireplace.

Top Resales Killers Selling a home

Oct 30,2017 Leave a comment Real Estate

Top Resales Killers Selling a home

Certain home design features make it harder to sell a house.
In most markets, the real estate industry has bounced back and homes are selling at a brisk pace, especially when they’re on sites like Auction.com. The majority of people seem to like a modern home design nowadays, this means that when selling a home, you’ll want to ensure your home could attract any buyer. Don’t let the design of the property put people off. This might be why you often see minimalist homes, like those seen on websites like thespacestation.co.uk, selling more effectively. More people seem to like the idea of being able to put their own touch on the house, so minimally decorated homes might be more likely to sell quicker.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical house for sale is under contract to buy within a month or two of it hitting the market. Top Resales Killers Selling a home.

So, what if your house isn’t selling? Could it possibly contain one of the following resale killers? To avoid a lengthy listing or an inevitable price drop, be aware that some design features in a house leave it less desirable to potential home buyers. Top Resales Killers Selling a home, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Top Resales Killers Selling a home. Visit our website for more details on the company.

1. Not enough bathrooms
Lack of bathrooms or poorly placed bathrooms can be difficult to overcome when selling a house. Bathrooms should be adequate in number relative to the number of bedrooms and also be located in convenient areas of the house.

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Ideally, a house would have at least one bathroom on the main floor that’s accessible without traipsing through a bedroom. It’s also important to have a bathroom near the bedrooms and recreational spaces (finished basement). Top Resales Killers Selling a home

2. An awkward layout
When designing a new house, you might be tempted to add an unusual feature or make the layout unlike anything you’ve seen before. But that could come at a price when it’s time to sell the property.

Weird doesn’t sell, making the rooms too big or too small will only appeal to a specific buyer, or you’ll have to reduce the price to entice a wider circle.

Grouping bedrooms close together – with the exception of possibly a master on a different level – is key, as is space that’s actually functional.

Personally, my pet peeve is homes where the living areas don’t have direct access to the backyard. You either have to go out a side door and up the driveway to the backyard or out the front door and all the way around the house. That layout makes it inconvenient to incorporate your outdoor space into your lifestyle.

3. Distinct décor
Not everyone has the same taste when it comes to decorating a house. Which is fine, unless you’re getting ready to sell that house.

Every homeowner loves to put their own personal touches on a home, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if they plan to sell that home in the future, the updates they make should be very neutral changes that will appeal to the majority of buyers.

A dated interior or one that is too particular could deter potential buyers. I’m afraid HGTV may have more impact on what buyers want at any given time, so long-term design choices may be best if conservative rather than flashy. Top Resales Killers Selling a home

4. A swimming pool
Whether or not a swimming pool will help or hurt the resale value of your home depends on several factors. Most notably, your location. Are you in sunny Southern California where you can use the pool year-round? Or do you reside in Michigan’s upper peninsula, where you’d be fortunate to get four months of use from a pool?

In addition to geography, pool security and upkeep also weigh on the minds of potential home buyers.

“Although a swimming pool can enhance the look of a backyard, it can hurt the resale value of a home. Buyers will tell me they won’t look at a house with an in-ground pool because they have little children and are worried about their safety or the expense and responsibility of pool maintenance isn’t something they want to take on.

In a nutshell, if you want a swimming pool to enjoy while you live in your house, then go for it. But when it comes time to sell your house, understand that not everyone may want to buy in to such a swimming lifestyle.

5. It’s not easy being green
When building a house, using green materials, and being environmentally friendly is easier than ever. If you’ve contacted a company like Marshallrenovations.com.au to talk about construction plans, you should also have a conversation about the materials you’re going to use. There are lots of green materials available now so you should keep these in mind. However, there are certain green design features that may not appeal to everyone and could cause your house to sit on the market longer than the average amount of time.

Items such as rain barrels, composting toilets and xeriscape – where you remove the lawn and replace it with an alternative like artificial grass or decorative rock garden – might not attract a lot of buyers.

Solar panels can be a deal breaker. In some cases, the new buyer is thrilled to have them, but I’ve witnessed buyers walking away from a home because they didn’t want to take on the sellers lease for the panels. Top Resales Killers Selling a home, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Top Resales Killers Selling a home. Visit our website for more details on the company.

Christmas Home Repairs

Oct 23,2017 Leave a comment

Christmas Home Repairs – When the holiday season comes around, I tend to have my shopping list completed by Thanksgiving, my decorating scheme planned, and have selected favorites from my bulging file folder full of holiday recipes. But in the midst of all that planning, I’ve sometimes missed exterior home repairs that keep my home from being as attractive – and safe- as possible..

Even minor home maintenance issues can cause accidents or provide an open invitation to thieves. While the rest of a home may look cozy, an old mailbox or worn door can give a far less appealing message – even before friends and family enter the threshold of your home. Christmas Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Christmas Home Repairs.

But with a minimum of time and a little planning, you can make sure that your home is not only lovely on the inside but equally inviting on the outside. And with that added peace of mind, you can put on your favorite holiday music, start munching on holiday treats, and get ready to enjoy the festivities.

Here’s are ways to tweak your home’s holiday cheer (and safety):

1. Start with curb appeal and take a close look at your mailbox. If it is so wobbly that adding holiday decorations are likely to make it tip over, face it: your mailbox needs a makeover. That could be as simple as repainting it, replacing worn address numbers, and making sure a wobbly post is reset firmly in place. Christmas Home Repairs

But don’t waste time on a mailbox that is dented, falling apart and clearly past its prime. There are so many stylish mailbox options available that it should be a snap to find one that compliments your home. A well-maintained and decorated mailbox provides a warm welcome for guests before they even enter the driveway.

2. Make sure your exterior lights are in good working order. This may seem obvious but sometimes you can become blind to a couple of dim or burned out light bulbs (I certainly have). Hopefully, the problem will have a simple fix and you’ll just have to replace some of those bulbs. But if the lights are seriously tilted, the wiring doesn’t work or glass panels are broken, you may need to call a repair service. Working lights not only make your home’s exterior look better but let guests see steps, doors, overhanging tree limbs, etc.

3. Add low-cost features to maintain your home’s security and keep burglars at bay. You don’t have to own a burglar alarm to make sure your home is protected from burglars. Inexpensive fixes can be all it takes to do the trick. Good lighting all around your home can be all it takes to discourage potential thieves.

If you have a dog that barks whenever strangers approach, that can also work as well – or even better – than a burglar alarm. Why? Home intruders may be willing to put up with the noise of an alarm, particularly if it only sets off sirens inside the house. But a dog is far less predictable and the threat of being attacked could scare off thieves (they don’t have to know that your dog is as likely to lick them to death as attack them).

4. Double check all exterior doors. Are all the hinges firmly in place? What about the locks? Even a solid steel door won’t do any good if it is easily knocked off the door frame. While you’re at it, see if the door needs some touching up. A wood door may need to be repainted or have a fresh coat of stain. Or maybe the door just needs to be cleaned thoroughly or power washed.

5. Finally, ask a friend or neighbor to be honest about any glaring problems you might be missing. You could be overlooking the sharp edge of a tree limb, one that is too close to the path leading to your house. Perhaps you’ve become blind to the chipped paint on your garage door. Christmas Home Repairs.

Ever taken a walk in June and seen a Christmas wreath still in place? I have. Similarly, homeowners can miss seemingly obvious items that need to be updated, fixed or moved. So get the opinion of a trusted friend, family member or sympathetic neighbor. Christmas Home Repairs.

Christmas Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment for your Christmas Home Repairs.

Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage

Oct 20,2017 Leave a comment Christmas storage

Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage – If you love to decorate and go all out for the holidays you need some Christmas storage solutions to help you organize all the wrapping paper, ornaments, lights, decorations and even the tree from year to year so that you can find it all when you want and need it. An attic is a great place to store seasonal items as they’re out of the way. However, sometimes the attic is dark and dingy, and things often end up broken and dusty. Converting your attic, with help from Loftera, could turn it into a fully functioning room where you can store your decorations safely and have an extra room at home too!

Here are the main areas to consider when dealing with holiday storage. Click on one of these picture links below to find storage solutions and ideas you can use correctly for these types of items, or scroll down for some more tips and ideas.

Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information on Christmas storage solutions and Christmas attic storage https://7c6.e4b.myftpupload.com/

< secure>Where To Store Your Christmas And Other Seasonal Decorations:
I would suggest storing all of your seasonal decorative items together in one area of your home. Because you only access these items once a year or so, don’t give this storage area prime real estate in your home, but instead put it somewhere somewhat accessible, but out of the way. Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage

Segregate each holiday’s items into separate containers or boxes, like items for one season with another. Ideally, as you put things away for each season, you will put those items toward the back, so over the year, the containers needed for the next holiday will be toward the front and rotate them as the season’s change.

Storing Your Christmas Decorations In Containers:
There are all kinds of containers you can use for your Christmas storage items, but I would suggest stackable plastic tubs, with lids, as being preferable over cardboard. You can find out more about Christmas containers for storing items here.

Just as you should keep all your Christmas storage in one area, and all together, keep the various types of Christmas decorations corralled into their separate areas too, with a box for lights, one or more for ornaments, etc. If you need to add more than one type of item to a table, try to put them in, in the opposite order, you will need to retrieve them. For example, you should put the garland lower in the box than the lights, for instance, since lights go on before crown onto the tree. Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage. Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage

< sturdy>Store Your Lights Neatly To Keep Them From Being Tangled Up:
One of the most frustrating things people experience each year as part of Christmas storage is dealing with the tangled up Christmas lights. However, with a little effort when you put them away at the end of the season will keep them in proper order for the next year and save yourself some big headaches and holiday grief.

Store Your Christmas Ornaments With Care:
Ornaments are often a favorite for people since many ornaments are bought to commemorate special occasions in your family’s lives, such as “Baby’s First Christmas” or the special pasted candy cane your child made for you in third grade.

In addition, many of these items are very fragile, and can easily break if they are jostled or clink together. Therefore, special care should be taken when choosing the right ornament storage containers.

Artificial Christmas Tree Storage Ideas And Tips:
If you buy a real tree each year you don’t need to worry about this Christmas storage items each year while the tree is not in use, but for those of us (like me) who have an artificial tree we all know how large they can be, and they take up a lot of room.

There are many possible methods for storing your tree, including tree bags and boxes, and other containers. You can find out about which Christmas tree storage solution is best for you. Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage.

Wreath Storage:
Your artificial Christmas (or other seasonal) wreaths are also very large, and can be difficult to store without having them gather dust. Fortunately, they make some very handy containers to help you store them easily.

Wrapping Paper Storage For Christmas And Year Round:
We all do a lot of wrapping during the holiday season, making our gifts beautiful for giving to our friends and family. If you’re like me you’ve got quite a lot of gift wrap which is specifically for Christmas, and not for use at other times of the year.

Therefore, you may need to store Christmas paper and also have a different storage area for the rest of the wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, bags, etc. you have which get used year round for birthdays, and other events. Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage

Have an Expert – Plano Texas Handyman – organize unused space in your home:

Useful Attic Storage, Attics can be an upper story to a home, a loft over a garage or a small space between the rafters for roof insulation. While not all attic spaces are suitable for storage, if you have a way to access the space an attic can be an asset to your home. Remember, you need to view an attic conversion to storage space as useful space in a home and you can easily recoup costs in the future.

Moving around in an attic can be difficult and can make organization a challenge. That’s why it’s important to have a plan for organizing the items you want to store there. Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage.

Garage overhead racks and shelving, If you need garage storage solutions for your home, which allows you to optimize space and steer clear of clutter, call 214-507-3415 today. Plano Texas Handyman offers a wide variety of robust overhead garage storage devices, storage racks and garage shelves. Whether you are looking for garage shelving options, need bike storage racks or metal storage shelves, the durability of the garage storage systems should be a determining factor. Christmas Storage Ideas Christmas Attic Storage

Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 or visit our website for more information https://7c6.e4b.myftpupload.com/

Hire a Handyman

Oct 15,2017 Leave a comment handyman service, Hite a handyman, Plano Texas Handyman

Hiring a Professional Handyman

Hire a Handyman – Why you should hire a professional handyman? Indicators of remodeling trends predict that remodeling and home repairs will continue to be strong for years to come. A better economy and improved housing conditions are helping consumers feel more confident. Combine that with aging homes and aging boomers, energy and indoor air quality concerns, increasing storm damage, introduction of new products, services and new technology and you get a recipe for strong growth in remodeling, repair, replacement and home improvements well into the future. With our whole house approach the House Doctors handyman franchise is like having multiple franchise opportunities in one franchise. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman – 214-507-3415 to discuss your professional needs and Hire a Professional Handyman, Hire a Handyman

Home Maintenance – Your home requires regular repair of items that simply quit working. For example, toilet valves, ceiling fan replacement, light switches and electrical repairs, garbage disposers, new appliance installation, grout replacement, security camera maintenance, video system repairs, and the list goes on, an on, and on…

Aging in Place – One of the major changes in demographics fueling our growth are the 10,000 baby boomers a day turning 65. The fastest growth part of the remodeling industry today is aging baby boomers modifying their homes to enable them to live in them longer. It is a fact the market “space” that House Doctors franchisees operate in will continue to be fueled for years to come with our aging population and our aging housing stock. Hire a Professional Handyman, Hire a Handyman

Busy Families – Families today are working harder and staying busier than ever before. The combination of work, school, children in sports, and other extra-curricular activities leaves little time for parents and homeowners to keep up with their to-do lists and home maintenance. That’s why busy families all over the U.S. trust House Doctors for all of their home improvement and repair needs! Hire a Professional Handyman

Green Energy – Rising energy costs and environmental concerns have created a surge in the going green movement across the world. Energy efficiency and “Green” initiatives can be found in virtually every aspect of our modern world. Each day thousands of homeowners are making improvements around their house that will increase their home’s home performance that will in turn lower their energy costs and bills. Hire a Professional Handyman, Hire a Handyman

To-Do Lists – The average homeowner has a to-do list of approximately 22 items that they need to fix, repair, build or improve in their home. With growing to-do lists and less time and skills to complete these projects, homeowners turn to House Doctors to complete their jobs in a timely and professional manner. House Doctors technicians have been in over 100,000 homes repairing replacing and improving. Hire a Professional Handyman

Home Improvements – Homeowners make improvements to their home for many different reasons. Some like to have the latest trends and products in their home, some make improvements to make their home more comfortable and up-to-date, while others may choose to make improvements to increase the value of their home or make it more attractive to prospective buyers. No matter the reason, homeowners will always have the need for improvements, making this industry timeless. Hire a Professional Handyman, Hire a Handyman

Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman – 214-507-3415 to discuss your professional needs and Hire a Professional Handyman

Time to Replace Front Door

Oct 14,2017 Leave a comment front door replacement, Ted Vinci

Time to Replace Front Door

Replacing your door can prove more energy efficient as well as more secure.

Time to Replace Front Door – Is it time to replace your home’s front door? If it looks shoddy and does a poor job of keeping out the weather, now is a great time to buy a stunning new door that will add to your home’s value, improve comfort, increase energy savings and ensure security.

Plano Texas Handyman will be happy to discuss these interesting and helpful hints to replace your front door, please call Ted at 214-507-3415 for more information. Please Visit Plano Texas Handyman website to view and read about all of our capabilities.

A new front door can give your home instant curb appeal. The front door, after all, is a key focal point and one of the first impressions visitors have when they arrive at your home. As such, a new door can significantly contribute to your home’s style and character, increasing its value.

Many of today’s doors are designed to do a great job of shutting out the weather and holding in home energy. Construction from durable, insulated materials combined with integral weather-stripping systems help these doors maximize comfort by reducing drafty air leaks, and they save energy by preserving expensively heated air in the winter or chilled air in the summer.
Some new doors, due to their construction, can also make a home quieter by blocking or reducing traffic and neighborhood noise.
And of course, a new door can improve security. Strong materials (like steel doors) and sophisticated multi-point locking systems provide an excellent barrier against intruders.

Why Get a New Door Now?
Why does it make sense to jump on this improvement now? There are two good reasons: First, winter is on its way. Though you can remove and replace a door on any clear day, Mother Nature will freely come and go when you remove the door, so it’s best to handle this improvement before winter cold arrives.
A second good reason, if you intend to buy an energy-efficient front door system, is that tax credits that are available now for qualifying products may run out at the end of the year.

Between now and Dec. 31, 2016, the federal government is offering a 10 percent tax credit for buying qualifying Energy Star-certified doors. This credit, which does not include installation costs, covers 10 percent of the cost up to $500.

Understanding Door Materials
Historically, entry doors were usually made from wood. Today’s doors, however, are made from wood, steel or fiberglass composites, or a combination of these materials. Check out https://ramwindows.com/doors/steel-doors/ for steel door options.
Though real wood doors have natural beauty, they are vulnerable to weathering, especially from direct sun and rain, so they need considerable care and maintenance unless they’re installed in a well-protected area. Real wood doors have very little insulation value, so they don’t qualify for tax incentives.
Fiberglass composite and steel doors, on the other hand, are designed to last for decades in severe weather conditions. Fiberglass is a popular material when it comes to commercial buildings, with many people researching on websites such as https://weilanddoors.com/doors/personnel-fiberglass/ to find the right materials for their company doors. Most have a foam insulation core that gives them excellent energy performance. Many have a surface that, when stained or painted, resembles wood.
Doors that meet Energy Star requirements are actually more than doors – they’re entry systems. With an entry system, an insulated door is premounted in a frame that includes jambs, threshold and interlocking weather stripping. Everything is part of the system, from hinges to dual- or triple-glazed windows (“lites”) and the lockset. With some models, side lites provide light and views at one or both sides of the door.
Replacing a conventional door with an entry system is a significantly bigger job than replacing a door with one of the same size because the wall framing that holds the door’s frame must be rebuilt, and the area around the opening may need to be repaired.

Where and How to Buy a Door
Doors are sold at mill-work supply dealers, at major home improvement centers, at lumberyards, at millwork shops and through local distributors and dealers who represent door manufacturers.
Manufactured entry systems are made primarily by large companies such as Jeld-Wen, Andersen, Masonite, Pella, Fortune Brands Home & Security and Marvin Windows & Doors. Most companies are happy to offer an in-home consultation and free estimate.
It’s smart to go to a store or showroom so you can see what you’re buying. If you do go to a dealer, plan to be armed with measurements. For a simple door replacement, measure the old door’s width, thickness (normally 1 3/4 inches) and height (normally 6 feet, 8 inches). Then note the direction the door swings. From inside, if the doorknob is on the right, it’s a “right-handed” door; if it’s on the left, it’s a “left-handed” door.
When ordering, it’s a good idea to sketch a birds-eye view of the door and its direction of swing to avoid any confusion.

If you’re buying an entry system you’ll need to measure the thickness of the wall so you can order the proper width of the jamb, too – you can usually just measure the old doorjambs. When ordering an entry system, be sure all the components are made by the same manufacturer to ensure that they’re designed to go together. All weather stripping should seal tightly and the threshold should interlock with the door’s bottom edge.
Regardless of who makes the door you’re interested in buying, inquire about the length of the warranty – the best doors have a limited warranty for as long as you own and occupy the house; some warranties are even transferrable to the next owner when you sell the house. You can read or download most manufacturer’s warranties online.

High-quality steel and fiberglass doors are manufactured with an insulated separation called a “thermal break” that prevents outside temperatures from being conducted through the door. If you live in a cold climate, a good thermal break is a must to keep frost from forming on the door’s inside surface.

The cost of installing a new entry door, as with most home improvements, depends largely on the quality of the materials, regional labor costs and installation conditions. The price for a door alone starts at about $400 for a wood door. A pre-hung hardwood door system with side lites can easily run $4,000 or more. The best way to nail down costs is to figure out what you want and then get bids.
Though a high-quality door may cost you a little more, its energy efficiency, low maintenance, smooth operation and great looks will pay you back for years.

Eric O’Grey & Peety

Oct 11,2017 Leave a comment

This is a great article I wanted to share about an inspirational story of a man and his loyal pet, Eric O’Grey & Peety, and how the two of them saved each others lives. Visit Eric O’Grey & Peety website to read more.

About Eric O’Grey and Peety

In 2010 at age 51, I was 340 pounds at 5’10”, my waist was 52 inches, and I wore 4XL shirts. I had Type 2 diabetes, my total cholesterol was almost 400, and my blood pressure was out of control. I had tried and failed every diet plan, diet book, and weight loss gimmick ever marketed in the U.S. I was taking 15 different medications, including insulin, statins, anti-depressants, weight loss drugs, and medications intended to mitigate the side effects of other medications. My doctor told me to purchase a cemetery plot, because I would likely need one within the next five years.

As a last ditch effort to avoid bariatric surgery, I consulted with Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, a plant-based naturopathic doctor, who advised me to rescue a dog from a local shelter. In addition to following my doctor’s advice and switching to a whole food, plant-based diet, I called Humane Society Silicon Valley and asked to adopt an obese, middle-aged dog so we would have something in common. And that’s how I met Peety, the 7-year-old dog who rescued me.

Over the next year, my weight dropped to 180 pounds, my waist was reduced to 33 inches, and my shirt size changed to medium. My type 2 diabetes and all my other health problems were reversed, and I no longer take any medications. Today I am 57, but feel like I’m 25, and I’ve sustained my results for 5 years.

When people ask how I turned my life around, I point to Peety. I would not have reversed my physical problems without first correcting the underlying causes of my obesity, which were caused by my standard American diet, my sedentary lifestyle, and because I became reclusive and stopped caring about myself and others.

I was unconscious until Peety came into my life, and I am now a better person in every way because of what he taught me. Peety’s love for me was absolute and unconditional, which taught me the meaning of true friendship and how to love myself and others. Peety believed I was the greatest person on Earth, so I decided to become the person he believed me to be. Because Peety was completely selfless towards me, he taught me to care about myself and to be more selfless toward others. And because Peety helped me believe in myself and again, I was able to lose weight by sticking with my new healthy lifestyle and walking him for at least a half hour twice each day.

After Peety and I each achieved our optimal weight and overcame our health problems, every aspect of our lives improved, both personally and professionally. Peety and I made many new friends and went on many adventures together. I developed an interest in long distance running, and Peety remained my best friend and biggest fan.

Peety got cancer and passed away in my arms on March 11, 2015, which was the saddest day of my life. But then, in August 2015, after a race, I felt the call of another dog looking for me, and immediately drove to Seattle Humane. Once there I met Jake, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix who had been abandoned and was placed for adoption just four minutes before I arrived. Jake and I bonded immediately at first sight, and I adopted him on the spot. Jake turned out to be the best running partner I could have hoped for, and like Peety, now travels with me almost everywhere.

I currently live in Spokane, Washington and am available to travel for corporate and non-profit inspirational and keynote speaking opportunities. For availability and rates, please contact Hachette Speakers Bureau.

Thank you!

Eric O’Grey

Reface refinish Kitchen Cabinets

Oct 9,2017 Leave a comment kitchen Remodel

Reface or refinish your Kitchen Cabinets

Reface refinish Kitchen Cabinets – Cabinet refacing offers a lot of advantages to the homeowner, but there are many cases where refinishing your cabinets can be a good and economical choice. Cabinet refacing offers a lot of advantages to the homeowner, but there are many cases where refinishing can be a good and economical choice. It’s common for folks to need more information to help decide between refacing and refinishing.

The reality is that if refinishing is the right solution for you, it could be a money-saving endeavor when compared to refacing. There are quite a few considerations. To help figure out the best approach for your needs, Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman or call 214-507-3415 to discuss your professional needs and Hire a Professional Handyman to remake your kitchen. Reface refinish Kitchen Cabinets

Lacquer for cabinet refinishing
First off, the finish that will give the best service in the kitchen is lacquer. To do a good refinishing job, you have to be willing to have a crew come in and spray finish your cabinet boxes in your kitchen.

This will take three to four days to accomplish, including a day to set up and mask everything off. It’s good to plan to go out of town while they are doing the work, because solvent borne lacquer gives off a lot of volatile fumes during application, which can remain in the air for a day or more. Reface refinish Kitchen Cabinets

Material matters for kitchen cabinets
Refinishing could also be the right good option if you like the cabinet doors you have now. The finish you are looking for is an important consideration. If you want to go from stained wood to a darker stained wood or to a solid color, this could be the way to go. However, you typically can’t go from a solid color to a stain.

The material under the solid color cabinets usually is not stainable. Cabinetmakers don’t buy expensive stain grade wood only to cover it up with an opaque color. Typically, white cabinets have doors that are milled out of medium density fiberboard (MDF), which cannot be stained to look like wood because it is not real wood. Reface refinish Kitchen Cabinets.

Even if the doors on solid color cabinets are real wood, they are likely paint grade, which means they still wouldn’t look good with stain, even if it were feasible to strip them to bare wood.

Oak cabinets are very poor candidates for refinishing. If you refinish them in a solid color, the grain will show right through the paint (lacquer or any other type). If a refinisher tells you otherwise, give him one of your doors or make him get a sample oak door and finish half of it to show you he really can hide the grain.

Update cabinet door hinges
Another area that is a problem for dye stain refinishing is if you have old visible “butterfly” hinges and want modern hidden hinges. This leaves the screw holes and impressions left by the old hinges to contend with.

If you are going to a solid color, butterfly hinges aren’t so much of an issue, as the screw holes can be filled. So can any hinge imprints in the cabinet face frames. Reface refinish Kitchen Cabinets.

Finally, if your existing finish is starting to come off, such as splitting Rigid ThermoFoil (RTF) you are not a candidate for refinishing. You could have the doors or drawers that are splitting replaced and then refinish, but what if more of them start splitting after you spend a good bit of money on a refinishing job? The point is that if you have a don’t have a good substrate to refinish, you are a much better candidate for refacing.

Cabinet Refacing
Kitchen cabinet refacing offers a tremendous bang for the buck. That’s because the completed project gives the kitchen a brand-new look, yet the work is confined to the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The cabinet frames—the boxes that contain the shelves and drawers—all remain in place. Strategically targeting the doors can save you a small fortune on labor and material costs, but ultimately the scope of the project depends on how you—and any professionals involved—decide to handle the doors. Reface refinish Kitchen Cabinets.

There are a number of approaches to take. One option: If you like the style of your existing cabinet doors but not their finish, it may be possible to apply a new coat of paint or stain. Traditional refinishing isn’t always possible and it depends on what material the cabinets are made of. For cabinet fronts constructed of a material that cannot be painted or stained, many homeowners consider adding a veneer. Others choose to install new cabinet doors, especially if the existing doors are damaged or out of fashion. With refacing, whatever route you take make sure that your kitchen doesn’t have to go out of commission for several weeks.

For all its virtues, cabinet refacing isn’t the right choice for every homeowner. If you do not like the current layout of your cabinets. Giving the cabinets a new look would do nothing to alter or improve their usability. Similarly, if your cabinets are poorly constructed or in any way compromised, paying to reface them would be throwing good money after bad. To help figure out the best approach for your needs, Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman or call 214-507-3415 to discuss your professional needs and Hire a Professional Handyman to remake your kitchen.

Curb Appeal

Oct 5,2017 Leave a comment Inviting Home

Curb Appeal – Your Homes First Impression

Curb Appeal – It is a truth universally acknowledged-by real-estate brokers and home improvement sites alike-that anyone looking to increase the property value of a home on the market need only renovate their kitchen or baths to see maximum results. But the real truth is that, short of a major overhaul, there are lots of smaller, less time-consuming-not to mention more affordable-things you can do to guarantee your house makes an impact on potential buyers. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman – 214-507-3415 to discuss your professional needs and Hire a Professional Handyman to make those upgrades to increase your homes curb appeal.

Did you know that the front door and surrounding details such as a fence installation can make or break a first impression of your home? Consider from someone who has seen firsthand what a difference a little paint can make, a lock-set, a new kick plate. This small project can make a huge impression on incoming guests who visit your home. Many homeowners often find that a lot of features outside their home can be cleaned with a pressure washer for easy cleaning. Not only can they clean driveways and walkways, they can also clean off any fencing that may look a bit run down. To find a portable cordless pressure washer for homeowners, it might be worth reading online to try and find the best one. That way, you can ensure the exterior of your home looks good.

Consider the front door. If you’re on a budget, give doors a face-lift with a fresh coat of paint or stain and varnish, and a new or recently polished handle and door knocker can be installed for minimal cost. Painting a door can be bought for less than $400 depending on the complexity and condition. Now comes the accent pieces, a really elegant door knocker or handle starts at $45 but can go up considerably from there depending on the brand. Of course, you could replace the door altogether with something more dramatic. An arched distinctive door with side lights will knock the socks off any buyer. Don’t forget your siding too, companies like M&M Home Exteriors can supply you with some stunning replacement design options if you fancy switching it up for that real wow factor.

Grab the gardening tools. If you have the room, anchor each side of the door with potted plants. Potted plants are an efficient, fragrant, and inexpensive way to add a pop of color, which is important to buyers. Also, avoid plastic containers and be sure to use ceramic or terra-cotta pots to add a touch of subtle opulence. In case you do not have equipment to work in your garden, check this gardenline whipper snipper you can buy online. Feel free to browse this site for more gardening tips, ideas, and materials for all your gardening needs.

If you’d rather have a professional ensure that any trees that are blocking your lovely home are out of the way to consider talking to someone similar to tree removal lafayette la experts.

Walk this way. Create an inviting walkway to your front door with beautiful blooms or shrubs and/or walkway re-facing. Among Plano Texas Handyman’s personal favorites are seasonal plants, and a sidewalk re-surfacing.

Mask with mulch. A few bags or a small truckload of mulch can turn dry or imperfect soil into a rich and striking border along walkways and around trees and foliage. Depending on how much you need, you can find it for as little as $3 to $10 per bag. Hire a landscaper like Wildtree.co which is your premiere source of information on landscaping for deer or DIY for a big return.

Make it inviting. Consider the rest of the facade and how you can add curb appeal to get the biggest bang. Things like new shutters or up-dated shutters. Consider taking off your old out-dated shutters and getting a new Rolling Shutters Installation.

Outdoor Lighting. Lights that lead to your entryway welcome guests after dusk while also increasing their safety. Soft exterior lighting also makes your home appear more inviting and friendly, and it can emphasize landscaping and any other features you want to call out to anyone approaching your front door. Plus, the lights improve security by reducing dark spots near your house.

Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman – 214-507-3415 to discuss your professional needs and Hire a Professional Handyman to make those upgrades to increase your homes curb appeal. You can also visit our sister company to learn more about construction site camera and security systems at Monarc Technology,

Archive October 31, 2017

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Hiring a Professional Handyman

Time to Replace Front Door

About Eric O’Grey and Peety

Reface or refinish your Kitchen Cabinets

Curb Appeal – Your Homes First Impression