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Fall Home Renovations

Oct 30,2019 Leave a comment

Fall Home Renovations

The Capital Construction website has great ideas and examples of fall home renovations, because if you think about it, how did you spend the first day of fall this year? It probably was not one of the most productive days I’ve ever had. In fact, I spent most of it reading on my brand spankin’ new Dell Laptop promoting Plano Texas Handyman. That was last year, this year I watched college football all day and it was glorious, but also extremely lazy. So much for my “work out more” idea!

Having a lazy day once in a while isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re stuck indoors because of the cold, why not turn your snow day into a “go day”? The weather outside may be frightful, but custom homes by Buildrite Sydney can be oh so delightful. If you’re feeling the post-holiday blues, here are some simple home improvement projects to get your house moving in the right direction.

Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 or visit our website to view all our capabilities. Our company specializes in high technology, data, electrical, kitchen renovations and a host of other useful projects with specific attention to detail.

Do some painting
Did you know that cold weather is ideal for drying paint? The dryness of the winter months actually makes winter the perfect time to paint the interior, so we crack a window, grab our favorite brush and transform the old room into new! Select a bold color and paint an accent wall in your living room. Or add dimension to your bedroom by painting the ceiling. If you’ve really got the DIY bug, use painter’s tape to create stripes or patterns on a wall. Using a mural on a wall can also add a very modern take on an accent. Check out Murale design for high-quality murals. Whatever you choose, new colors are a sure way to add visual interest to your walls and bring a splash of sunshine into a drab winter home.

Change out your light bulbs
This one’s a bit of an investment, but you won’t regret replacing your bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulb. It’s a great way to go green and save money. On average, an Energy Star qualified light bulb will save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime, so don’t let the upfront cost of these bulbs scare you away from making the purchase. Winter Home Improvement Projects, Fall Home Renovations . Don’t hesitate on asking brisbane heritage home makeovers for extra help for a more professional and faster result.

Repair the roof
Getting your home prepared for winter storms is vital if you don’t want anything to go crash in the night. Get in touch with some Milwaukee roof repair services or another roofing repair service in your local area to ensure that no roof tiles are at risk of blowing down. Hopefully, there won’t be too many roof tiles to replace, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is worth checking out professional residential roofers when you’ve decided on having a roofing repair or a roofing replacement

Install a backsplash
Backsplashes are to kitchens, as spices are to spaghetti sauce; they’re essential for completing the flavor. If you’d like to kick your kitchen up a notch, a backsplash will help accessorize and emphasize your countertops, cabinets and appliances. For a kitchen that needs color and life, a flashy or textured tile, a subway tile can wake up a plain scheme. For a kitchen that already has personality, sleek, neutral tile can add elegance and unity to the room’s look. If you want your kitchen to exude charm, wow guests, and make every meal a luxurious escape, visit grancogranite.com today to install the countertop of your dreams. If you’re daring in your design, check out Krissy’s post for unique backsplash ideas. And when you’re ready to go, this guide from HGTV can help you figure out how to install your very own tile backsplash. Winter Home Improvement Projects, Fall Home Renovations .

Refurbish your doors
Interior doors can have a lot of visual impact on your home. The good news is you can virtually “replace” all of your doors without spending excessively. Here are some ways to make over your interior doors.

Paint them. Dark doors can make your home look more expensive. Colored doors can look much more modern and whimsical than traditional wood.
Change the doorknobs. Updated hardware is an instant fix for outdated doors.
Add molding to flat doors. Molding can create dimension and give an elegant, expensive feel to any run-of-the-mill doorway. Winter Home Improvement Projects, Winter Home Renovations.

Give your closet a makeover
Is organization on your list of resolutions for 2017? Kick off your most-organized year by tackling your closet. If you create a place for everything, you’ll be a lot more likely to put things away. There are so many things you can do to customize a closet for your needs. To start, install shelving, purchase an over-the-door shoe rack and donate all the items that you no longer need, wear or fit into. Check out this post for more ideas to help you get your closet in order. Winter Home Improvement Projects, Fall Home Renovations .

Install an Electric Fireplace
Nothing is more impressive than a well designed and installed electric fireplace for you home that will provide dramatic warmth and appeal to your home. An electric heater that mimics the look and feel of a real gas or wood fire, an electric fireplace is becoming more and more the modern alternative to the mess and stress of a conventional fireplace, and they take reliable electricians to fit. But a lot of people are doubtful with how real they look and how easy they are to install so let us ease your mind with a little cost benefit analysis. Read below for more benefits of an electric fireplace.

Organize your mudroom or Laundry Room
Make messy mudrooms and laundry rooms a thing of the past. If your family’s coats and boots are out of control, use the mess as motivation to rein in the chaos once and for all. Check out my suggestions for organizing your mudroom here, and by the time next winter rolls around, entranceway disarray will be a distant memory. Winter Home Improvement Projects

Install a High Performance Range Hood
For a Healthy Home, Upgrade Your Kitchen Range Hood. If you have played host for Thanksgiving or any daily cooking event, you know exactly what a difference kitchen ventilation can make-or what it could have made, if only your range hood had been up to the task. The right range hood doesn’t just make cooking more pleasant, it also improves the air quality of your entire home. So now is a great time to replace yours, ahead of more holiday cooking and day-to-day time indoors.

By focusing on the inside of your home while the weather is cold, you’ll have a lot more time to tackle the warm-weather stuff when spring rolls around. What kind of home improvement tasks are you tackling this winter? Let us know in the comments! Winter Home Improvement Projects, Fall Home Renovations .

New Year Home Improvement Projects

Dec 16,2018 Leave a comment

New Year Home Improvement Projects – It happens every January. You walk down your street and discover that people have called someone like this skip bin hire sydney company and are getting ready to make some changes. People see this is a perfect time to start renovating their home and getting things done. They flock to find things like a home depot promo code to get all the equipment and materials they need to kickstart their renovation at a low-price. Motivated by the sense of a fresh start for tackling those home improvement projects that never got done the year before, many of my clients come to me with a wish list of to-dos–primarily inspired by the latest trends in design and remodeling. This year I thought I would beat them to the punch and compile my own list of what I think contractors–and DIYers–will be called upon to do the most in 2018. If you want more tips as well as this article, you can read this guide to see if it has any tips for you and your new home improvement project!

Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to discuss you New Year home improvement projects or visit our website for information on all our capabilities. New Year Home Improvement Projects

1. Install Garage Organization Systems

Why it’s popular: Getting organized is probably the top New Year’s resolution of home improvement enthusiasts. What’s great about starting out with the garage is that the area can then serve a workshop for other projects. Plus, there are just tons of options to choose from in home improvement stores. Plus garage organization means you can organize your Christmas decorations in a logical manner. Overhead storage, Wall systems, Attic renovations are all useful and economic renovations. New Year Home Improvement Projects

2. Update Lighting

Why it’s popular: Again, because there are so many great options to select from. Home owners can add recessed lights, spotlights, ceiling fans (with light fixtures), under cabinet lights… the list of interesting styles of lights available looks to continue to grow in 2019. My personal favorite for really making an impact statement adding state of the art LED lighting with adjustable color temperature and colo. They can be installed in less than a day and they bring sunlight directly into the home, but they have the profile of a recessed light, so they won’t draw too much focus in the room. New Year Home Improvement Projects

3. Purchase Standby Home Generator

Why it’s popular: Ranging from $800 to $10,000, depending on the size, these were selling out all over the country when Superstorms hit so are still fresh on the brain for many. For ease of use you can choose to have a manual transfer switch installed in your electric panel so the generator can run your house directly, instead of having to lay out a web of extension cords, just ask the technicians to set up when you first get your generator installation. Standby generators or portable generators like the ones at Enstorageinc can make your life convenient and protect you from devastating power outages.

4. Replace Doors

Why it’s popular: Fresh start. The beginning of year always has people thinking about ways to make their home more energy efficient and increase curb appeal. . Air leaks from your old doors are taxing on your HVAC and expensive on your utility bills. And the more work your HVAC does, the more damaging it can be to your system. If you notice any problems, then looking for a company similar to One Hour Heating & AC will be in your best interest, as this will allow for the problem to get resolved at a quicker rate, as well as potentially reducing your utility bills too. Alongside this, replacing the old with new materials and solid seals will save you money in the long run and improve the look of your home. This will take from a weekend to a week to complete, depending on the size of your home, but the benefits will last for decades. New Year Home Improvement Projects

Call Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to discuss you New Year home improvement projects or visit our website for information on all our capabilities. New Year Home Improvement Projects

Unique Remodeling Ideas

Dec 5,2018 Leave a comment

Unique Remodeling Ideas

Unique Remodeling Ideas – 30 of the most amazing, Unique Remodeling Ideas, and insanely Clever Remodeling Ideas For Your New Home

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to discuss your kitchen and bath remodeling project. We specialize in unique remodeling like retrofitting existing doors to perfection, fireplace remodels, home theaters, home automation, custom attic lifts, Tesla charging stations, and a full plethora of items you can dream. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for information on all our capabilities. Unique Remodeling Ideas

1. Lower your living room to create a conversation pit.

Lower your living room to create a conversation pit.

The bi-level living room will give your home an incredibly spacious yet cozy effect. This project is not suitable for all homes but can be a dramatic improvement.

2. Turn an attic nook into a pillow room.

What is life but one long, perpetual movie-night slumber party. A pillow room can have some technology amenities like home entertainment and audio rooms. Unique Remodeling Ideas

3. Display your book collection under the stairs.

Converting under-stair storage is creative, useful and a great decorating trend. Unique Remodeling Ideas

4. Or use the space underneath for storage.

Or use the space underneath for storage.

Next-level wine collection not included, unfortunately. Unique Remodeling Ideas

5. Or use that space for a book nook.

So much cozy.

Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to discuss your kitchen and bath remodeling project. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for information on all our capabilities. Unique Remodeling Ideas

6. Dogs are people, too, which is why your dog should probably get his or her own little haven underneath the stairs.

7. Make space for two dishwashers instead of one

You can load one while the other washes. KitchenAid also makes a double drawer dishwasher. Clever Remodeling

8. If you’re doing a HUGE remodel, ask your contractor about tacking on a treehouse or guesthouse.

If you're doing a HUGE remodel, ask your contractor about tacking on a treehouse or guesthouse.

This add-on might cost less than you think.

9. Turn your shabby garden shed into a charming artist’s shed.

With big windows for lots of light and visual inspiration. Many gardens are not suitable for sheds to be constructed in them until proper landscaping has been completed; if you’re in this position, see here to check shed site prep cost . Once you’ve got a site earmarked for a new shed to be placed on, you’ll want to decide which one is best for you. Looking online on sites like www.backyardstorage.com can help you to design a shed or storage solution that satisfies all your requirements.

10. Maximize your space with baseboard drawers.

Maximize your space with baseboard drawers.

Especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

11. Consider a hidden room.

Consider a hidden room.

Sometimes it’s as simple as adding a bookcase to a door.

12. Make your walls MAGNETIC.

Make your walls MAGNETIC.

Magnetic makes large magnetic panels that are strong enough to hang anything, including shelves and TVs. Clever Remodeling

13. An S-shaped seat turns your shower or steam room into one you can LIE DOWN IN.

An S-shaped seat turns your shower or steam room into one you can LIE DOWN IN.

14. Have an extra-tall ceiling? Stretch a ceiling hammock across it.

Have an extra-tall ceiling? Stretch a ceiling hammock across it.

15. A walk-in shower means NO GLASS TO CLEAN.

And they even fit into small bathroom spaces. Call Ted at Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 to discuss your kitchen and bath remodeling project. Visit our website at www.planotexashandyman.com for information on all our capabilities

16. Install chutes in your kitchen for your trash and recycling.

Install chutes in your kitchen for your trash and recycling.

Funnel them straight into the garage.

17. A platform in a storage/guestroom hides away all of your stuff while keeping the room usable.

A platform in a storage/guestroom hides away all of your stuff while keeping the room usable.

It’s also a great way to make a comfy nook room more functional.

18. Build a bar into your deck.

Build a bar into your deck.

19. Turn dead space above a staircase into a playroom.

20. Build a second mini-fridge in your kitchen island for BEER.

Build a second mini-fridge in your kitchen island for BEER. .

21. Instead of typical cabinets, build a pull-out cabinet for instant counter space.

Instead of typical cabinets, build a pull-out cabinet for instant counter space.

22. Put a sink with jets in your laundry room so you have a convenient place to wash your delicates.

Put a sink with jets in your laundry room so you have a convenient place to wash your delicates.

23. Utilize dead space with a built-in wine rack.

Utilize dead space with a built-in wine rack.

Or build the wine rack directly into the kitchen island.

Or build the wine rack directly into the kitchen island.

24. Build a dog wash in your laundry room

Pet Baths

25. Kids will love having slumber parties in their bunkroom.

26. Bring the outdoors IN with these accordion glass windows and doors.

It’s an epic way to open up your kitchen while entertaining. Unique Remodeling Ideas

27. Swap out your boring old ceiling for a star-gazing sunroof.

Swap out your boring old ceiling for a star-gazing sunroof.

28. Install a two-sided fireplace between the bathroom and the bedroom.

Install a two-sided fireplace between the bathroom and the bedroom.

Who needs heated tiles when you have a bathroom fireplace?

29. Frame your living room fireplace with built-in seating.

Frame your living room fireplace with built-in seating.

Fireplaceseat is the new windowseat.

30. And finally, go ahead and add that master bedroom balcony.

And finally, go ahead and add that master bedroom balcony.

Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs

Oct 31,2018 Leave a comment Holiday Home Repairs

Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs

Holiday Home Improvements & 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. Holiday Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment. Holiday Home Improvements & 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. Holiday 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. Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs 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). Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs 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. If you are thinking of repainting your home then you should check out Primetime Paint & Paper, and explore their different styles and colours for you to redesign your home, and turn it into your perfect dream house! 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. Holiday 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. Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs

Easy Home Weatherproofing

Some small weatherproofing jobs require little to no “handiness”, but can make a real difference once cold weather hits. By doing these things before the snow flies, you’ll be saving yourself some hassle (and possibly some money, too!):

Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter. If you need a contractor’s assistance, just visit their website and schedule an appointment, especially if you want to replace your old gutters with new seamless gutters.
Replace the filter in your furnace You can also check it while replacing the filter and see if you need a furnace repair.
Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.
Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.
Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the messy weather hits.
Keep extra water and canned food in storage just in case.
Test your heating system, so that you know it will work properly when you need it or if it needs a heating repair.
Give your deck a fresh coat of sealer to protect it from the winter elements.
Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs

Home Weatherproofing Inspections

Though some homeowners might tackle these jobs themselves, there’s no substitute for a professional eye to ensure home efficiency through the cold winter months:

Check the attic, walls, and basement for adequate insulation. Also check for basement waterproofing.
Feel around electrical outlets and switch-plates for cold air, add insulation where necessary.
Look around doors and windows for gaps and potential places where warm air can escape.
Look on your roof to see if Water Damage and Roofing of San Marcos need to repair any leaks or weak points. Problems with residential roofing often get overlooked, but these are the problems that can turn into catastrophes during the colder months. Contact a residential roofing contractor if you have any problems with your roof before winter begins.
Caulk or apply weatherstripping around problem draft areas.
visit this website to have a contractor look for damaged roof shingles and loose gutters.
Have a heating/cooling expert look at your furnace. If you are unsure of its efficiency, they’ll let you know if it is time to get a furnace repair.
Have chimneys and woodstoves cleaned early by a chimney sweep. If you’ve noticed some chippings in your chimney, make sure to contact a Chimney Masonry Repair specialist.
Test the flue for each fireplace for a tight seal when closed.
Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs

Holiday Home Repairs, contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415 to schedule an appointment. Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs

How to Improve Home Value

Mar 5,2017 Leave a comment Home Value

How to Improve Home Value

#10: Refurbish the Family Room
Many family rooms are plain, empty and unused spaces that rarely see any visitors. Why let all that space go to waste? Create an entertainment area that will “wow” your guests! Adding a fabulous bar area, seating and beautiful finishes will add character and value to your home.

#9: Put In a Deck
There’s nothing like relaxing on a deck in the summertime with a cool drink in your hand. If you don’t already have one, build one! On average, when a homeowner adds a deck to their home, they are likely to recoup approximately 76 percent return on their investment; however, you don’t want your deck to be too big or too small — it shouldn’t be more than a third of your house. Most decks cost about $10,000, give or take. An appraiser’s No. 1 rule is finding homes that are very similar within a mile away of your home, so matching your improvements to the homes in your neighborhood is very important.

#8: Do a Major Bath Remodel
Transform an ugly duckling into a swan of a master bath by finding more space — but not with an addition. Stealing space can be a better solution if you can find the extra square footage. Open up a closet to make more room, create separate his-and-her areas with separate sinks, or add a skylight to bring in valuable natural light. Updating tub and tile are also good ideas.

#7: Paint, Paint, Paint
Don’t be afraid of paint. It is one of the easiest and inexpensive things to do to dramatically change the look of your home. Here are some tips: If you are not sure about your color sense, bring in a professional color specialist to help. Also, think classic and neutral. A future buyer needs to be able to picture his or her things in the room, and too much personalization can prevent that. If your painting skills are below par, hire someone like the painting contractors dublin. In the end, it evens out because nothing is worse then a bad paint job. So fight your fear of commitment, and splash a little color on those walls!

#6: Add On to the Attic
Renovate your attic with the help of a reliable roofing services, click site for more information. The space above a garage is often small, dusty and cramped space and sometimes rarely even used for storage. Why not turn it into a bedroom suite? Add as many windows as possible for that precious natural light. Recessed windows, hardwood flooring, built-ins and custom seating are also great ways to add value. Before you get on with any of this, you’ll want to check that the roof is in a good condition; if it’s not, you may wish to get someone like these roofers in broome county out to do any repairs so you can then make any additions you want in the space.

#5: Build a Second Floor
Adding a second story can do more than just create square footage. It can bring balance to an uneven house. A flat roof over a garage can be an eyesore as well as a huge waste of space. You could solve both problems at the same time by adding on to the top of the garage. Use all that dead space to build a master suite or a reading room. You will not only add space, but you will also add tremendous curb appeal. Check out metal roofing company for more information on roofs. Hiring and learning more about Rainier Roofing LLC is the best decision for your roof.

#4: Keep Rooms Flexible
Does your home have a unique specialty room? No one’s saying you need to give up your “special place,” but it’s important to hold back a little. Too much customization can be a problem if you ever plan to sell your home, so try not to overdo it. Things like cedar timber floors, wiring for cable, phone, and DSL, and plenty of windows are good ways to customize while keeping the room versatile. Another idea is to make the space one that can easily be converted into a guest suite, studio, family room, or den.

#3: Revive the Kitchen
If you get creative and think about some small changes you can make in your kitchen, you won’t have to spend a ton of money. Take down the rooster wallpaper and paint it a neutral color, for example. More and more buyers are expecting some standard items in a kitchen — things like stainless-steel appliances and hardware. Throw in new light fixtures and you’ve got a great-looking, updated space. Also, some people are looking for gourmet kitchens. If the kitchen is placed close to the backyard garden or any nice exterior space, consider getting energy efficient sliding windows installed in there; lots of natural light makes for a healthy kitchen, and who doesn’t love a window? Whether they can cook or not, a kitchen is a huge prospect for a buyer. Bottom line: kitchens sell houses, so investing in an improvement in this room is the way to go.

#2: Make Minor Bathroom Changes
Minor changes can be advantageous because they cost less and often net a greater return than the investment. If you have old tiles or a dated tub, sink and toilet, consider replacing those items, although you may need to get a professional plumber like makeitdrainplumbing.com out to come and help you with some of these jobs to make sure that they are done properly. If you keep the same layout there’s not a lot of expense that has to go into it. Updating light fixtures, linens and accessories are easy ways to breathe new life into the space.

And the No. 1 way to make your home worth more?
Spruce Up the Exterior
It may not be glamorous, but sprucing up the exterior is the No. 1 pick for home improvements that add value to your home. Here is your chance to make a great first impression in the real estate world. If your siding or exterior is in bad shape, your home is going to earn the title of fixer-upper. You can usually judge a book by its cover, so old siding sets the tone for expectations of what potential buyers will find inside the house. Try adding curb appeal and lower maintenance with composite siding. Cement board siding is efficient, it lasts, and it’s no maintenance.w

Home Security systems

Feb 13,2017 Leave a comment Home Security

Home Security systems – Looking for the best security camera system? You’ve come to the right place. Plano Texas Handyman has spent hundreds of hours researching just to find out the answer for you at an affordable price. Providing security to your property through locks as the first step, especially from excellent services like https://www.speedylocksmith.net/, whether it is home or office is an important portfolio and, as a result, people always put their best effort to fit the best Home Security systems to solve their surveillance issues. Call Ted at 214-507-3415 to talk about the options available for your home.

Security cameras are powerful deterrents to check unlawful activities and are widely using for indoor and outdoor surveillance. Security cameras can provide vital clues to the police to identify and trace the people involved in unlawful activities let it be a criminal tress passing, burglary or mob attack or arson. To track all the movements inside and outside of a premise, you need to use the suitable security camera system.

Some of the important features of security camera system:
It is virtually impossible to stop a crime happening, but it is possible to track crime and give valuable leads to the investigating agencies. To accomplish these objectives, best home security camera system has a very pivotal role to play. Every surveillance camera has different paramount features, and customers can select a best security camera system matching to their requirements.

Some of the essential for a security camera system are High Definition Resolution, DVR Hard Drive for Recording, Remote Viewing Capability, Infrared Detection for Night Vision and Motion Activation. At least these minimum five features are important and you should make sure that the security camera system is offering all these features.

High Definition Resolution – Cameras with high definition resolution can capture minute details of incidents that a low-resolution camera cannot record. It is important to have maximum details of criminal incidents that can help to nab the culprits. So look for a camera that has a high resolution and higher pixel. If the pixel rates are high, then camera resolution will be more. The resolutions are given in horizontal and vertical numbers for example 1280 x 800. Therefore, look for cameras with higher resolution rates.

DVR Hard Drive for Recording: It is practically not possible to man somebody to monitor and record the activities beamed by the security camera system. In most of the cases, you need to have your premise on surveillance 24 hours throughout the year. In such a scenario, you should have a digital video recording device that can take care of the complete movements by recording. The latest DVR is featuring with intelligent searching options that will ease up to locate and pinpoint the exact clip of the event with date and time stamp. Therefore, it is a must to have a DVR Hard Drive for recording along with the surveillance system.

Remote viewing – The modern security systems have changed the way close circuit monitoring was done earlier. They have created apps and interfaces that can help to view images recorded easily on your Personal computer or Android devices.
Infrared Vision/Good night vision – It is useless to have a surveillance system that cannot show clear pictures even in total darkness. Thus, it is important that one keeps this in mind while choosing the best security surveillance system with best Infra-Red night vision to provide great pictures in total darkness to great distances.

Motion Activation: This is a wonderful feature where the mechanism starts recording in the event any motion is detected. This feature is excellent when there are no much activities, and you want to record the movement when there is actually some movement happen or some untoward incident occurs. This feature will allow save the recording disc space and also save the cost of operation. This system is good where you required 24 hours surveillance and need the recording only if there is some suspicious movements happen.

Plano Texas Handyman recommends the following systems:

Amcrest 960H Video Security System – Four 800 + TVL Weatherproof Cameras 65ft IR LED Night Vision, 960H DVR, Long Distance Transmit Range (984ft), 500GB HD

Looking for the best security camera system? You’ve come to the right place. At SecurityCameraSystemPro.com, we’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and researching just to find out the answer for you. Providing security to your property, whether it is home or office is an important portfolio and, as a result, people always put their best effort to fit the best security system to solve their surveillance issues.

Presently there are 12 security camera systems commonly using for surveillance activities. They are Bullet, Dome, Covert, Outdoor, Discreet, Infrared (Night Vision), Day and Night, Varifocal, Network/IP, Wireless, PTZ/Speed Domes and High Definition Cameras. Each of these cameras having its specialties and are designed to meet their special objectives.

On a general category, the surveillance includes watching your beloved ones in your absence, taking care of your home and premises while you are away, keep on sending security alerts and video clips to your PC or Mobile phones, etc. This kind of security surveillance let you have a full control of your valuable and beloved ones when you are physically away from the location and let you stay connected.

Check the Best-Selling Security Camera Systems

Some of the important features of security camera system:
It is virtually impossible to stop a crime happening, but it is possible to track crime and give valuable leads to the investigating agencies. To accomplish these objectives, best home security camera system has a very pivotal role to play. Every surveillance camera has different paramount features, and customers can select a best security camera system matching to their requirements.

Motion Activation: This is a wonderful feature where the mechanism starts recording in the event any motion is detected. This feature is excellent when there are no much activities, and you want to record the movement when there is actually some movement happen or some untoward incident occurs. This feature will allow save the recording disc space and also save the cost of operation. This system is good where you required 24 hours surveillance and need the recording only if there is some suspicious movements happen.

When looking for a security camera system, it’s easier if you begin with a listing of the best ones that provide you all of the specifics to help you make the best choice for your needs. Below are the top 10 best security camera systems, and what makes me are recommend buying them. We suggest and support the following products:

Amcrest 960H Video Security System – Four 800 + TVL Weatherproof Cameras 65ft IR LED Night Vision, 960H DVR, Long Distance Transmit Range (984ft), 500GB HD

Amcrest 960H Video Security System is a strong and sturdy weatherproof camera with good night vision and records till quite a distance. It can record up to six days of activities in high definition, has a backup feature and acclaimed positive feedbacks in surveillance camera reviews.

Some of the highlighted features are as follows:
Day and night surveillance: This security camera is a combination of four high-resolution 800+TVL cameras fitted with 3.6 mm lens for better resolution and clarity. The cctv resolutions are measured in TV lines, and the more the TV lines, the better the resolution will be. The lens has 75 wide angle view and is supported by two dozen Infrared LED lights to offer visual clarity. They provide crystal clear pictures till about 65 feet.

Huge memory: It has a huge Pre-Installed Hard Drive and can be expandable up to 3 TB for 6 Days of Continuous Recording at high definition. It can record for a longer period of up to 30+ Days on low resolutions.

Best Motion detection and alerts: Using this system, you can program the motion setting requirements of the camera and make a plan for the security alert system 24×7. Its motion sensor can be tuned to meet the individual requirements to prevent false alarm alerts. The system activates DVR buzzer when it detects suspicious movements as per the setting, send warning email and starts recording.

Remote viewing: The modern surveillance camera systems changed the closed-circuit security monitoring by utilizing all the possibilities for remote access. The system used advanced internal UI, and created unique and wonderful interfaces for managing the device remotely or watching images by using personal computer browsers or your Android smartphone.

Amcrest 720P HD Over Analog (HDCVI) 8CH Video Security Systems –Eight 1.0 MP Weatherproof IP66 Bullet & Dome Cameras, 65ft IR LED Night Vision

This is a nice looking weatherproof camera again from Amcrest. It produces some really good HD quality pictures and has a great night vision. It is simple to install and can be monitored through PC or any Android phone. Its Lagging-free analog transmission shows activity in real-time and has a huge memory too.

Important features at a glance:
Provides crisp picture: Amcrest’s HD Over Analog (HDCVI) produces crisp and good resolutions to the surveillance industry, and there’s no struggle to identify crucial details in your footage and no gaps from lag in the feed. It provides high-resolution HD quality image.

Remote viewing: The new generation of security systems changed the closed-circuit surveillance by making remote access a reality. By going beyond an internal UI, they have created unique and wonderful interfaces for remotely managing or seeing your 960H system using common PC browsers or your Android smartphones.

Day and night surveillance: It provides great picture quality during the day with 3.6-millimeter lenses and a wide 75° viewing angles, along with high-intensity IR-LEDs for clear night vision even when lights are poor.

iOS/ Android Amcrest view app: This app by Amcrest is very easy to install by scanning the provided QR code on the surface of the DVR box, feed a name and press “start live preview.” The system is supported by active interface options for zoom, pan or tilt manoeuvrings. Also, it has switching features between streams and capturing screenshots. The app also has a playback option that helps to view recorded files with unlimited access by using your phone.

About Plano Texas Handyman 214-507-3415, Contact Ted

HANDYMAN – Retired Corporate Executive: Technology, Remodel, Maintenance
HANDYMAN – Retired Corporate Guy: Engineering background, experienced professional.

Handyman – I am a retired corporate executive who loves to help others, and I like to stay busy. Honest, dependable and thorough. Do you have projects around your home that you want or need done? Do you need something assembled or installed? Or, have you started something that needs to be completed? Do you have an appliance needing repair? If so, I’ve been doing it for years. Please look over my capabilities www.planotesaxhandyman.com and give me a call or text if there is something you need done…. please include detailed information about what you need and where you are located. I’m competent, honest and reasonable. We take over where Home Depot and Lowe’s leave you wondering… The best handyman in the area, can do all your projects.

All types of home repair, remodeling projects including:
Small appliance repair
Home Inspection Services – presale home inspections
Attic remodels and Storage Renovations
Bathroom remodels, tile installation
Electrical work, breakers, lights, plugs and any modifications
Kitchen renovations, garbage disposers, dishwashers installed, microwaves
Painting of rooms, front door staining and painting
Home Inspection Make ready to sell – Real Estate
Christmas toys assembled
Christmas decorations assembled and installed
Kwikset and Schlage locks re-keyed
Fence staining
Garage remodels, garage shelving, garage epoxy floors
Overhead garage shelving
Deck repair and deck staining
Technology and security systems
Wireless cameras, monitors, surveillance systems
Security & Surveillance Systems
Smart Home Systems
Power washing, decks, fences, driveways, siding, etc.
All things assembled or installed—from Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA or Container Store.
Pictures, Mirrors, Blinds, Draperies, Curtain rods, Shades and shutters hung
Small carpentry projects
Closet storage systems and garage remodels
Small electrical repairs and installations (new light fixtures, outlets, ceiling fans, etc)
TV and Home Entertainment systems installed
Small plumbing repairs (including replacing faucets, sinks, repairing leaks, running toilets, garbage disposers, etc.)
Drywall repair—holes and cracks repaired, holes in doors repaired
Window and Door installation, screens repaired
Install cabinets and shelving
Appliances installed, washer and dryer repairs.
Small paint jobs

Call today at 214-507-3415 – Ask for Ted

Handyman – North Dallas, Coppell, Las Colinas, Plano, Farmers Branch, Addison, Carrollton, Richardson, Highland Park, University Park, Southlake, Frisco, Little elm, McKinney, Melissa, Dallas, Irving, Preston Hollow, Wylie, Aubrey, Pilot Point, Grapevine, Denton, Flowermound, Lewisville, Lake Dallas, Argyle, Allen, Lucas, Murphy, Fairview, Colleyville, Handyman, Plano Handyman, Dallas Handyman, Frisco Handyman, Mckinney Handyman, Best Handyman, Great Handyman

Decorating with Travertine Tile

Feb 12,2017 Leave a comment Travertine Tile

In recent years more and more home owners use natural stone in bathrooms for flooring, wall mosaics, vanity tops and tub surroundings. The key question here is to decide on the stone and the type of the stone according to the application.

Marble travertine and limestone add a sophistication and luxury to the look of a bathroom.

Travertine Tiles
Few material offer the warmth that travertine does. Travertine applications in bathrooms result in an rustic and luxury character in bathrooms.

According to the rdtiling.ie website, travertine tiles can be used in showers, floors as well as walls in bathrooms. For bathrooms, hone finished or tumble finished travertines are the best choices. These two finishes are ideal for bathrooms due to their ability to withstand spills most likely to occur in bathrooms.

Travertine tiles offer a high variety of color and design options are nearly endless.

1. Choosing the right travertine for your room
Travertine is commonly mistaken for marble or limestone but in fact is a form of rock with sedimentary properties and has a beautiful buffed matte finish that can’t be matched by many other natural stone materials. When choosing the right travertine for your room ask a professional what varieties of colors, variegations and application suggestions they recommend. You will be surprised that travertine can be obtained in small mosaic tiles all the way up to large slabs for walls and countertops. Decorating with Travertine Tile

2. Make a grand entrance with travertine tile floors
If you’re looking to add a luxurious aesthetic to your grand foyer, look no further than travertine. Known for its uneven or chiseled qualities, travertine looks gorgeous in traditional and modern homes alike. Whether you choose to place travertine mosaic tiles or use large pavers. There aren’t many floor materials that can create a rustic yet sophisticated look to your entry.

3. Large scale travertine can bring out the drama
If you love a big and bold look to your bathroom why not try travertine in a large scale format? This vein cut travertine tile is sold by the slab and its beauty is enhanced since every slab is unique and designed by nature. If you prefer to keep the travertine confined to one special area of your bathroom, look to the shower, backsplash behind the vanity or in a shower dressing room area. Take a look at this Travertine home in Singapore, what a beautiful way to show off this versatile material.

4. Bring out the nature of your design style
Travertine is a very ancient material dating back generations and was used in many monumental buildings throughout the world. While it has historical connections, it also is used in the most posh and modern homes today. Determine what your style of travertine suits your interiors. From sleek and sexy with very few grout joints in a minimalist backsplash to a traditional layout with chiseled edges, you will have a challenge selecting just one type in your interiors!

5. Tips to remember when choosing travertine
Due to the various patterns on the tiles, it makes it very obvious if the tiles aren’t level when they’re installed. So, if you’re going to be adding these tiles to your bathroom then take a look at Tiler Place’s guide to using a tile leveling kit properly to ensure they are installed the correct way on the first attempt.

Also, one of the beauties of this gorgeous stone is its varied colors and patterns but one draw back is its ability to scuff and scratch easily. Depending on the surface finish a high polished travertine may resist better than a matte finish. Travertine also can be porous and shouldn’t be used where levels of oil and other liquids can soak into it and stain its beauty. Although just like marble and granite a tile specialist can direct you to what type of travertine stone tile is best for your project. Decorating with Travertine Tile

6. Travertine in your luxurious bathroomTile
Dating back centuries ago Travertine has become a building material that is tried and true and your bathroom is the perfect place to showcase its versatility. From travertine mosaic tiles on your shower walls to custom tile work patterns, you will love its versatility. Travertine tiles set on a diagonal can give a gorgeous diamond geometry that when coupled with its natural matte finish will transform any shower stall from ordinary to luxurious.

7. Add sophistication to your outdoor home
Travertine can not only beautify your interiors but your outdoor home as well. Whether you are looking for garden pathway stepping stones or making decorative knee walls, you will love the versatility. On top of this, if you’ve recently been on CaliforniaPools.com to get a pool installed, travertine makes a great border to the pool. Travertine like many other natural stones can keep its beauty through long summer and winters and will age beautifully with time.

8. Polished travertine can add a luxurious tone
There is an air of luxe detailing when your bring polished travertine into your home and what better way to do it than in an indoor/outdoor room? Large pavers used with thin grout lines give the illusion of a vast vista of travertine as far as the eye can see. Pair it with your favorite outdoor furniture, a summer kitchen and an outdoor fireplace and your home will enjoy the rave reviews from guests in your entertaining spaces.

9. Combining light and dark finishes to add drama
To add a luxurious play between the materials in your home consider pairing lighter tones of travertine against your dark wood cabinetry for a dramatic touch. The contrast between the colors and textures of the finishes can create a kitchen, bathroom or living space that exudes attention. Similarly with your living room and dining room furniture. A killer dining room table or coffee table in rich mahogany wood will look dynamic against a lighter variety travertine floor. Decorating with Travertine Tile

10. Travertine can create a showstopper kitchen
Your kitchen is that one room where you pull out all the stops to showcase the appliances and finishes, and travertine used in kitchen backsplashes, countertops and flooring can wow and party that you are throwing! Look to travertine mosaics for custom details for your stove wall backsplash. Consider enlisting an artisan to create a one-of-a-kind backsplash for your kitchen walls with travertine tile. The options are endless and the ability to redefine your luxurious home with this versatile material is all up to you! Contact Ted with Plano Texas Handyman at 214-507-3415 for design ideas on decorating with travertine tile.

Master Closet Design Ideas

Jan 30,2017 Leave a comment Master Closet Design Ideas

Master Closet Design Ideas – To some, a closet is nothing more than a place for hanging clothes and stuffing away unsightly junk. A closet can quickly become a black hole that eagerly consumes halves of pairs of shoes, old books and other random items often haphazardly strewn about a bedroom.

Celebs inspiration: White modern walk in closet
However, to others, a closet is a special space designed for organizing, arranging and displaying all of their favorite ensembles. If it’s large enough, a closet can double as a dressing room and quiet space away from the rest of the home. Even small and humble closets can become a dream – and you don’t have to have a Rockefeller budget to get the job done. Master Closet Design Ideas – contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman for a free consultation on your Master Closet Design Ideas at 214-507-3415.

Organize It – Obviously the first step in any home design project is to de-clutter and organize. Gut your closet and methodically go through every item. Make a pile to toss, a pile to donate and a pile to keep. You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel about your closet when you can actually see what’s inside. Once you’ve made your picks, add in shelving and cubbies to keep everything from becoming another heap on the floor. Master Closet Design Ideas – contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman for a free consultation on your Master Closet Design Ideas at 214-507-3415.

Large and colorful master closet design
Personalize It – Who cares if you’re the only person who sees the inside of your closet? It should be your secret little happy space chalk full of things that make you smile. Add in photos and small pieces of art that will bring you joy every morning when you first open the door.

Decorate It – This is especially true for those of you with spacious walk-in closets. Depending on its size, a closet can be a great place for a little vanity or a small padded ottoman where you can sit to put on shoes. You can also paint the interior walls whatever bright, zany color you’re too shy to put anywhere else in your home, or hang wallpaper in some fun, inspiring print. Because few spaces are as personal as a closet, you should feel free to go as extreme or traditional as you’d like. Master Closet Design Ideas – contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman for a free consultation on your Master Closet Design Ideas at 214-507-3415.

A custom bedroom closet is crucial for maintaining tranquility within the most relaxing space in your home. Our innovative custom design options — which include accessories, finishes and lighting — can take your reach-in closet system to a new level of organization or make your walk-in closet system feel like a retreat from the everyday. By maximizing the hidden potential of any bedroom closet with a personalized closet design tailored to your needs, style and budget, exceptional storage and organization will be an integrated part of your daily life.

Key Product Features
A custom organization solution for your walk-in closet amplifies usable space, taking advantage of every square foot while showcasing personal style.
A reach-in closet system allows you to increase the use of a small space and make adjustments based on evolving needs.
A sophisticated and functional wardrobe provides a closet system wherever you need it, organizing belongings behind closed doors. Master Closet Design Ideas – contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman for a free consultation on your Master Closet Design Ideas at 214-507-3415.

2017 Outlooks Housing Remodeling Plano Texas

Jan 11,2017 Leave a comment Economic Growth in Plano, Housing market, Plano Housing Market

2017 Outlooks Housing Remodeling Plano Texas – 2017 Outlooks for Housing and Remodeling

Young adults’ ‘wait-and-then-hurry-up” stage of household formation, family formation, and housing preference behavior is revving up.

Local Market Summary – The Dallas Cowboys are on fire and so is the north Texas housing market due the rapid increase in economic development and companies relocating or expanding in Plano, Dallas and surrounding areas. Builders started roughly 29,330 homes in 2016, an increase of only 5% over the previous year. Builders are projecting the same amount in 2017 due to a lack of labor and supply of building materials. In north Texas, especially Plano, the demand for housing will far exceed the supply. A noteworthy insight is that home prices will continue to rise at rates we have not seen in many years. Areas all across Texas, including Fort Bend, are also seeing the benefits and it may be worth contacting a real estate expert from somewhere like https://bretwallace.com/ if anyone is considering investing. Locals should deeply consider staying and reaping the benefits of a rising market. Consider remodeling rather than selling. Contact Ted at Plano Texas Handyman to discuss your bathroom or kitchen remodel or upgrades to your home for added livability. Call Ted at 214-507-3415. 2017 Outlooks Housing Remodeling Plano Texas

National Picture – 2017 won’t be housing’s emancipating rebound we may have hoped for, but it’s also more than likely not going to be a stretch we’ll have reason to fear. For glass-half-empty types, 2017 housing measures will likely continue to underperform historical norm trends based on real demand plus pent-up demand. For the glass-half-full set, that solid and growing base of demand–and the big challenges to meet it–remain in the category of a champagne problem. 2017 Outlooks Housing Remodeling Plano Texas

Of course, a big, honking unknown and possibly menacing variable is what the Federal Reserve does to rates for borrowed money, and how that flows through to mortgage interest rates. I recommend you go to the mymortgagegermany.de website for accurate and up-to-date mortgage calculators. A positive-side plausible unknown is what could happen with household wage growth, particularly among younger adult households who need to shed college debt and get their noses above water to fully activate as a universe of housing demand. We’ll come back to this point below. 2017 Outlooks for Housing and Remodeling 2017 Outlooks Housing Remodeling Plano Texas

Otherwise, fundamentals will plod along, opportunity will concentrate in hotspot markets, constraints on housing supply–labor, lending, and lots–will retain their stubborn hold on development, and the somewhat-set template for continued moderate recovery across the residential new construction market will punch out a 2017 that bears a more than passing resemblance to this year and last.

For a thorough blast across the national bough of economic, demographic, geographic and business conditions forces in play, and their specific impact on housing starts, new home sales, and remodeling and home improvement expectations for 2017, have a look at the Metrostudy 4Q16 Housing Webcast, “Where Are We in the Housing Cycle?” 2017 Outlooks Housing Remodeling Plano Texas

Metrostudy chief economist Mark Boud runs a clinic on statistical clarity and logical economic narrative. First, he deconstructs his own “model” of business assumptions and inputs one by one; then, he reassembles them into his projections for 2017. As a bonus, Metrostudy regional directors for the Mountain (John Covert) and Pacific Northwest (Todd Britsch) zero in on their respective regions for a deep-dive projection for what’s to come next in Denver, Salt Lake City (Eric Allen), Portland, and Seattle.

Among the noteworthy insights Boud extracts from his model is 1) that demand eclipses supply for as many as five more years, and 2) what that means for pricing. Here, Boud illustrates a demand-vs.-supply differential, and how that imbalance will net out to an almost 3 million home shortage–undersupply–by the end of next year. 2017 Outlooks for Housing and Remodeling

Here’s the Boud forecast for housing starts in 2017 and 2018, a steady, glacial upward push to heights well below last-decade peaks.

For comparison’s sake, here’s a couple of other forecast estimates, this one spotlighting single-family starts expectations, from National Association of Home Builders chief economist Rob Dietz.

And here, the research team at Wells Fargo blends a series of real estate and trade group forecasts into a composite reading on how 2017 should play out for housing. By and large, everybody’s directionally in the same ball-park, with some perennially more optimistic than others.

Now, for a bit on the potential disruptors–to the bad and good–of these forecast assumptions. One is what happens, potentially as early as December, if and when the Federal Reserve executes its next step in tightening money supply by raising its Federal funds rates on borrowing costs. Here, Wells Fargo managing director and equity analyst for home builders Stephen East notes that the single biggest impactor of housing affordability is interest rates, not housing prices. He shows here that during the 2004 to 2006 housing boom run-up when prices were soaring, housing affordability as a function of the percentage of income a household would need to devote to monthly payments was much better then, than in the 1980 to 1983 period, when prices were not nearly as big a factor in affordability as abnormally high interest rates were.

On the other hand, another X Factor in predicting the level of housing demand has to do with household income trends, and the fact that they’ve stagnated for such a prolonged period of time. 2017 Outlooks for Housing and Remodeling 2017 Outlooks Housing Remodeling Plano Texas

The thinking here is that a “stealth” household income improvement trend may be emerging. The logic is this. More highly paid Baby Boom workers are retiring out of the labor force than early-in-their-career Millennials are moving into the workforce. Here’s a perspective on that from the ULI’s recent report, “Emerging Trends in Real Estate, 2017.”

The crossover point where more baby boomers are retiring than millennials entering the labor force is upon us. A Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) analysis released in December 2015 projected labor force change for the ten years ending 2024 as being only 0.5 percent per year. Emerging Trends has sketched the big picture in previous editions. The key change in the population cohorts from 2014 to 2024 looks like this: the number of Americans in the 25-to-34-years-old age group, the prime early-career working years, will be up by 3.2 million; meanwhile, the 65-to-74-years-old age group, those most likely to exit the labor force in retirement, will be up by 9.4 million.

Many organizations are having to accelerate compensation increases for younger associates, but they’re funding those increases by savings from attrition from among their older, higher-paid staffers.

So, that household income inertia we’ve been seeing, particularly among younger households, may be about to reflect a reality of resumed dynamic growth.

The “wait-and-then-hurry-up” stage of Millennial household formation, family formation, and housing preference behavior is about to redefine demand trends for the next five to 10 years.

Original article published By John McManus

Six Improvements Increase Home Value

Nov 14,2016 Leave a comment Home Remodeling

Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements Increase Home Value

Not all home improvements are created equal. These will reward you the most when it comes time to sell.

Topic Your Money, Save Money, Add Value, Add Value to Your Home

Dreaming of stainless this and marble that, with a dash of hip color? Slow down. See what your wallet has to say first. Some projects will protect your dollars more than others, especially if you’re planning to sell in a few years. Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements Increase Home Value

How do we know? Since 2002, a trade magazine for contractors and builders called “Remodeling” has been tracking common home improvement projects and how much of the cost of each project is recouped when the home sells.

We sifted through years of past results and aggregated the numbers to get an idea of what projects made the most of your dollars year after year. Then we overlayed that background with the data from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ “Remodeling Impact Report” to determine current project costs and the cost recovery percentage, and to get some other fun facts, such as how satisfied homeowners are with the projects when finished. Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements to Increase Home Value

They also have a few things in common. The projects are:

Low-maintenance
Good – but not necessarily the highest – quality
Energy-efficient
Not too costly

These projects are the best long-term remodeling investments you can make:

1. Replacing Your Front Door
Your faithful front door works tirelessly – day in and day out – to usher in you and your guests, and to seal your house up tight. But when Old Faithful gets tired and worn out, don’t hesitate to call in a replacement. Year in and year out, replacing your old front door with a new steel door is a project that kicks up curb appeal and yields the best payback.

“It gives you the best bang for your buck in terms of transforming the look and feel of your home,” says Brandon Erdmann, president of the remodeling firm HomeSealed Exteriors in Milwaukee. “Plus, old exterior doors can be a huge source of energy loss. So you’re improving the look of your house, improving energy efficiency, and you’re able to do it without breaking the bank.”

It’s also a relatively low-cost project. According to the “Remodeling Impact Report,” a new steel front entry door has a national median cost of $2,000 installed, and can recover 75% of that cost at resale. Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements Increase Home Value

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2. New Siding
According to a siding company near me, old, worn siding, along with generally sad curb appeal, can contribute to a loss of up to 10% of your home’s value, according to some appraisers. New siding, on the other hand, practically screams “my owner takes care of me.” If you’re on the quest for new siding or even just a siding replacement, you might want to have a look at the fiber cement siding cost on the front range to familiarise yourself with all of your options. Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements to Increase Home Value

What to choose? Both vinyl and fiber-cement siding are good replacement options.

Vinyl siding is low-cost, durable, and easy to install, and it hits all the right notes when it comes to getting a return on your home improvement dollars. Best of all: It’s a low-maintenance feature that frees up your time.
Today’s vinyl siding includes fade-resistant finishes and transferrable lifetime warranties that are much better than the 10-year guarantees of just two decades ago. There’s good payback, too. According to the “2015 Remodeling Impact Report,” the $12,000 national median cost of a vinyl siding replacement job returns a solid 83% if you should decide to sell your home. Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements to Increase Home Value

There are different types of fiber-cement siding brands, such as the Hardie Siding Chicago , but all of them also show a strong payback of 79% in the “Remodeling Impact Report.” Although its national median cost of $19,100 makes it the pricier option, it has one thing vinyl still lacks – the perception of quality.

And quality matters. In a survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), “quality” was the one of the most important traits that home buyers focused on when shopping for a house. A final word: 100% of homeowners responding to the “Report” said they were happy or satisfied with the result of their fiber-cement siding replacement project.

Related: A Guide to Siding Options

3. Kitchen Upgrade
We’re not talking about the dream kitchen remodels that are plastered on Pinterest and Houzz. But a minor kitchen remodel – one that keeps a lid on costs by refacing instead of replacing cabinets, and includes new flooring, countertops, and modestly priced appliances – is an ever-popular project.

People are always willing to update their kitchens,” says Dale Contant, 2016 president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and owner of Atlanta Build and Design. “It’s the hub of the home.” Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements to Increase Home Value

Although the ROI on a kitchen update is relatively modest – the “Remodeling Impact Report” says you can expect a return of 67% on the $30,000 national median cost of a kitchen upgrade – you’ll get lasting satisfaction. Eighty-two percent of homeowners said their updated kitchen gave them a greater desire to be at home, and 95% were happy or satisfied with the result.

Related: The Most Popular Style for Kitchens

4. Deck and Patio Additions
Like alfresco living? You’re in good company. According to a 2014 Home Trends Survey from the American Institute of Architects, our love of outdoor living spaces – especially decks and patios – is on the rise.

One big reason is that decks and patios are a sweet way to expand living space at a low cost of $8 to $35 per square foot – a bargain compared to the $150-and-up per-square-foot cost of a new addition. When putting together a patio, Patio covers can also provide some much-needed shade in the sunny parts of the year which prospective buyers see as a bonus. If you’d like to learn more about getting a patio cover you can find more information at texashomeimprovement.com. Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements to Increase Home Value

5. Turning an Attic into a Bedroom
When it comes to romantic rooms, a bedroom retreat is hard to beat. But a treetop boudoir is much more than a daydream – it’s a good investment. You’ll gain living space without having to add on to your home’s footprint – the walls, floor, and ceiling already exist. That helps keep remodeling costs under control. You may have to let some of the attic’s main walls get knocked through to make an open space if it has been sectioned off, but other than that, there’s not much structural change.

There are code restrictions you’ll have to navigate when converting an attic to a bedroom, but if your house qualifies and you can cover the cost (about $65,000 says the “Remodeling Impact Report”), chances are you won’t regret your decision. Some 94% of homeowners responding to the “Report” said they were happy or satisfied with their new attic space.

Related: Ideas for Attic Conversions

6. New Garage Door
No surprise that a garage door replacement project made it onto our list of all-time winners – a new garage door provides a big boost for your home’s curb appeal at a relatively modest cost. That’s especially good news if you’re thinking about selling your house. Home Remodeling: 6 Improvements to Increase Home Value

A project that replaces an older, two-car, embossed steel door has a current cost of about $2,300, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report.” If you sell, you can expect a healthy ROI of 87% on your investment.

There are options galore, too. A host of factory-finish colors, wood-look embossed steel, and glass window insets are just some of the possibilities that’ll give your doors bankable personality.

Holiday Home Repairs

Nov 8,2016 Leave a comment Holiday Home Repairs

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

There are some major repairs that you might have to carry out like replacing your roof’s worn-out shingles or getting an entirely new roof to prepare for the coming inclement weather. Benefits of roofing with owens corning could be that their shingles offer added protection against moisture along with other features to protect your home, so maybe the holiday season is a great time to get that worn out roof repaired! While these kinds of repairs take time and certain investment, 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. Holiday 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. Holiday 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.

5 Trends Home Improvement

Oct 13,2016 Leave a comment

5 Trends in Home Improvement and Home Enjoyment

5 Trends Home Improvement

Caring for your home is important to maintain its appearance and value, but improving your home is important for your own personal frame of mind and enjoyment. If you plan on living in your home for a long time, why not get the most enjoyment possible? Here are five trends in home improvement that we hope bring you enjoyment and increases long term value of your home.

1)Remodel or upgrade your kitchen!

We spend a great deal of time in our kitchens. This is the center of family gatherings, morning risings and a great place to meet and talk. We eat there, cook there and congregate there. It really should be a special place. It should be up to date and easy to work in. Have nice lighting and plenty of seating. Surveys suggest that 80% of homeowners say their newly rehabbed kitchen makes them want to be at home more! It will not bring you the biggest return on your investment dollars but may be one of the most satisfying projects you could accomplish. 5 Trends Home Improvement

Things like new appliances, new countertops, new flooring all enhance your kitchen. A simple water damage can be devastating, make sure that you contact water damage restoration Spring Hill to ensure that you have a healthy kitchen. Neutral colors and natural materials will create a traditional feel for your kitchen. Rustic and modern styles can be mixed in your kitchen with tile and natural stone. Wood brings home warmth so don’t overlook using a lot of it all over. Give your kitchen fun and different splashes with large chalk boards or fun work zones. Put yourself in the space and add what makes you happy. Open the space up if possible by removing walls or rearranging cabinets. This is an important place that will certainly increase your enjoyment of your home. 5 Trends Home Improvement

2)Create better storage, everywhere!

We all need more space! Houses are getting smaller and personal storage is becoming more of an issue. So finding or creating storage has become increasingly more important for home owners. Just one hanging rod and shelf in a closet is no longer sufficient. Adding shelves, storage boxes, hanging storage, etc. in your closets can increase your storage space as well as increase your useable space in your home. Don’t let the “clutter creeps” take over needed living space. Next, start to look at furniture that doubles as storage like coffee tables that are storage units. This is one of the features of this year’s Miami furniture trends and is super useful in decluttering your home. Get all the stuff off the floors like books and magazines and you will be amazed at how much larger your home feels. 5 Trends Home Improvement

3)Paint everything!

Yes, the exterior of your home should be appealing. Many exterior materials require regular painting as part of your maintenance plans, but don’t just stop there. Paint can be an inexpensive way to change the look of almost anything. Painting is not difficult and you can find paint to cover anything. Metal, wood, plastic, brick, stone even tile. Prime everything before painting. Discuss the project with your paint specialist as they will know what paints will cover which materials the best. Get color wheels to find accent colors for trim or furniture so that your work of art is pleasing instead of shocking, unless that is what you love. If you are staying in your home for a long time, you should enjoy the colors around you, so paint, paint, paint, inside and out! Easy to do and easy to change if you don’t like it!
4)How about new hardware everywhere? 5 Trends Home Improvement

We touch handles in our homes every day multiple times. Why not give your hands and eyes a new experience? Adding some fun drawer pulls in the kitchen or bathroom like leaves or twisted metal braids can really make a unique look. Changing door knobs from old silver to oil rubbed bronze can enhance how you feel opening every door in your home. Installing a new front and back door lock, that is linked to your smart phone app and unlocks it in an instant, can make your home feel modern and you more secure. Sometimes the things we touch everyday get overlooked! 5 Trends Home Improvement

5)Create outdoor living space!

Do you stay indoors because your outdoor spaces are not pretty or alluring? Working on your landscaping can start with hiring a fence staining service to make your exterior more aesthetically pleasing. And also creating unique spaces will make you feel like spending time in the fresh air more often and make your home feel larger. So, begin by just cleaning everything up. Trim bushes and trees way back so you can see what you are working with. Install decorative edging between lawns and walks or flower gardens. Just defining space can visually make things more appealing. Don’t have a fence, no problem, find some old tall shutters and set them up as a privacy wall, or perhaps you’d like to look at modern fencing options as well as use supports for longer lasting fencing to increase the durability your new fence has. Add lighting all over the yard, on walks, in gardens and on top of fences. Solar lights are inexpensive and when the night comes they enhance your outdoor spaces. Add color to your patio by painting that old lawn furniture with bright colors like yellow or blue. Cover flower beds with pine straw, mulch or small stones of fun colors. Make your outdoors a fun place to visit with statues, artwork, or flowers. Anything that you love will get you outside to enjoy your home more. 5 Trends Home Improvement

If you do some or all of the improvements listed above, not only will your home’s value increase but so will your pleasure and enjoyment of living there. Taking time to make your surroundings brighter, modern, efficient or just a little unique with your personal touches. Ultimately, you can enjoy your home more and increase its long term value by keeping it in good shape.

Category Home Remodeling

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Holiday Home Improvements & Repairs

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

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