Home improvement

For the roofer, plumber, repairman, or general contractor who relies on local patronage to keep business coming, nothing is more important than visibility. These days people will drive past home undergoing extensive makeovers and see the lawn signs planted by the curb informing everybody who is doing the work. While that’s a great method of exposing a first-hand look at your craftsmanship, you must also consider the limits of such advertising. If the home is not in a busy area, how many people will really see the sign? To broaden your reach, it’s necessary to set aside time for online marketing, and having a blog is key.

The home improvement owner who is skilled with his hands for building and repairs might not think he is apt to write about his work, but in truth blogging doesn’t necessarily have to be regular theses on construction. Blogs are flexible yet powerful marketing tools – you don’t need a marketing or writing degree to operate a successful webblog that attracts readers. All you need is the time to invest in building an audience and showcasing what your company does best. Here are just a few things you can do with a blog to help bring homeowners to your site, and to contact you for work.

Post before and after photos. If you have an especially daunting renovation project, nothing is more encouraging to a homeowner than to see the progress of the job. Posting before, mid and after pictures of a kitchen or bathroom remodel, a new roof installation, or a deck construction lets prospective clients see you in action, and the great results.

Post videos. You can embed videos in posts of certain blog content systems. Show locals how you operate, the quality materials you use, and the efficient labor that defines your brand.

Offer online specials. Gauge different promotions with your blog. Advertise “blog only” discounts and track how often they are redeemed.

Offer home improvement tips. Does a homeowner need a quick fix for the toilet or faucet? How can somebody keep their roof safe in winter? Provide helpful tips on your blog and build authority and trust.

With a blog attached to your main website, you provide regular fresh content, which in turn alerts search engines to give you better results in search. Start a blog today if you have not done so, and see the positive effects it can have on your online presence, and your business.

By: Kathryn Lively

If you want to remodel your home or fix some things up, some of the greatest resources you can get your hands on are home improvement how to books. While you might have to shell out a couple of hundred dollars to buy these books from a bookstore, the time and money you’ll save in finding and hiring skilled laborers can make it more than worth the investment. Plumbers, for example, can charge up to $150 per hour, plus travel time to and from your house. Of course, this $150 per hour fee does not include the materials the plumber will need to repair or improve your plumbing. Electricians can charge just as much, and you also have to deal with inviting a relative stranger into your home. Also, if they make mistakes you might have to rehire somebody else to fix the problems.

Home improvement how to books help you to teach yourself the ins and outs of what skilled laborers and contractors already know. Depending on which books you choose to buy, some even come with diagrams that will show you (as well as provide written instructions) how to rewire things or work on pipes. If you have enough time to search for the right books and then spend the hours required to learn what they’re trying to teach you, you can save a ton of money.

In addition to picking up some home improvement how to books, you might want to head over to your local home improvement warehouse store and pick the brains of the people who work there. Unlike people found in general stores, most of the time they know what they’re talking about and can help you with any problems that you’re having. From making suggestions to the right materials to buy to best suit your needs to suggesting which books to buy, they can be an awesome tool to use.

By: Jeff Bagley

Lowe’s, one of America’s biggest home improvement stores is always looking for talented help and if you’re looking to get a job here, I wanted to show you how you can land the job, and what you should expect, when looking to apply for a particular job position.

How can I apply for the job?

Head into any Lowe’s and what you’re going to find is that there are kiosks set up, where you can apply. These are generally located around the customer service desk. If you can’t find them, you can always ask someone, and they will point you in the right direction.

If you don’t want to head into the store, you can always apply online. This is the best way to go, because you’re going to find that you can look for open positions, and you can apply for the job that best suits your needs. Since a store like Lowe’s is fairly large, you’re going to find that there will be a lot of positions available.

What kind of jobs are there?

If you have a specialty for the past, you’re going to have a great chance of getting hired. For example, if you where a plumber, you can probably land a job rather quickly. Lowe’s love people like this and the pay can be awfully nice if you have some sort of experience. If you don’t have any experience, you can still get hired, but you will most likely land a job around $8+ a hour doing cashier work, etc.

As for benefits, you can get health/vision, discounts, and many more. Be sure to check out the benefits package, if you’re interested.

By: Jillian Avery

Most articles, books and television shows give home improvement ideas to people,. This article is designed to give “homeowner” improvement ideas. With the housing market in such disarray, the need for homeowners to stay updated and informed is more important now than ever before. Homeowners not only need tips on how to improve their homes, but how to keep them maintained and affordable.

Here 5 Powerful homeowner improvement tips that will make your homeownership more enjoyable and rewarding.

1. Know Where Emergence Cut off Valves Are.

Because of the safety issue, I list this tip first. Make sure that you know where the main cut-off valves or switches are for the plumbing, electrical and gas systems. It surprising how many homeowners who have lived in their homes for years couldn’t tell you where the gas, plumbing, electrical and water shut off valves are in case of an emergency. Knowing where they are and how to shut them off could save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage, fire or even explosion.

2. Learn How to Do Minor Maintenance.

One secret of helping to keep your home up is to know how to do minor repairs and maintenance. Most people will wait until small maintenance jobs turn into major repairs to take action. This makes a home more expensive in the long run. It a smart to have a maintenance book around the house you can refer to, it’s a lot cheaper than having to call a carpenter, plumber or other contractor. But remember your limitations.

3. Use The Net To Your Advantage.

Thanks to the internet, it’s easier to be an informed homeowner now than ever before. Just with a simple mouse click you can check the reputation of contractors, loan companies, real estate agents and other home support companies. With a mouse click you can watch a video on how to install a bathroom faucet, sprinkler system or how to choose the best paint for your kitchen walls. Take advantage of this technology to become a better homeowner.

4. Read Your Paperwork.

Many homeowners have loan papers, insurance contracts, even contractor agreements and have little or no clue what they say or mean. If you haven’t already, make it a point to sit down and read word for word and line by line your loan papers, insurance contract, and any other important papers. If you have a problem with any of them call your agent and go over it with them, or find a friend or relative who can help you. I can’t tell you how many homeowners I’ve came across who was shocked and horrified. Why? They discovered something that was or wasn’t in their contract they assumed was. As a result they lost thousands of dollars in interest, insurance losses or other out of pocket expenses.

5. Keep Your Home Affordable.

This is a major concern with many people, especially as the housing crisis continues. Many peoples homes continue to decline in value or stay the same at best. As a result many people have made the mistake of over building for the neighborhood they are in. So, beware of this mistake.

If you take the time to follow these 5 simple steps you’ll find your homeowner improvement skills improving, no matter how long you’ve owned a home. As a result you’ll discover homeownership a more enjoyable and financially rewarding experience instead of a burden.

By: Roy Primm

Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous transformation of homes and gardens by professionals and amateur do-it-yourselfers. Is it really that easy, we ask ourselves. Could I do it? Where do I begin? What home improvement projects will generate the biggest increase in the value of my home?

What Do You Want and What Can You Afford?

There are several good reasons for wanting to redecorate or remodel your home. If your residence no longer reflects your changing tastes and lifestyle but you don’t want to leave a desirable neighborhood, maybe all you need to do is make one or two basic changes. Altering a color scheme, converting a bedroom into a home office, or upgrading the kitchen and bathroom are practical improvements that add esthetic appeal and financial value. If a move is in the future, you want home improvement projects that will give you the biggest bang for your buck when it’s time to sell.

Whatever your motives for improving your home, make a wish list with three categories:

* Must have

* Would like to have

* Dreams can come true

When your list is complete, consider the amount of money you have available or are prepared to borrow. Unless you have unlimited funds, make a realistic estimate of what you can afford. Are you planning major renovations that will require the services of an architect or a contractor? Will you need an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter, a painter, or all four? How much work can you do yourself? All these factors must be taken into account as you pare down your list into affordable home improvement projects.

How Do You Begin?

Every project starts with a plan. Itemize everything you want and think you can afford, and include a design of rooms to be remodeled. If you are going to require professional help, now is the time to talk to contractors, plumbers, and other tradesmen, and to ask for estimates. Comparison-shopping is a must. If you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, price materials and tools needed. If you can’t afford to do everything on your list, reassess your prime needs and make a new plan.

What Projects Are Key?

The best projects for improving the value of your home are, happily, the most affordable and the easiest to do yourself, even if you are a super klutz. Ask any real estate agent for tips on how to prepare a home for resale and you will be told that the house and yard should be cleaned and all clutter removed. Creating suitable home storage facilities and cleaning and painting the interior and exterior of your house, therefore, are the jobs that top the list of desirable improvements. The premium projects that usually require professional help are kitchen remodeling first and bathroom remodeling second. These particular upgrades will provide the best return for your money, and the real estate industry has statistics to prove it.

Clean Everything in Sight

Cleaning your home and yard is a great improvement project, and if you are remodeling, it will be the final step after the dust has settled. You will need something heavy-duty like tri-sodium phosphate or its equivalent to wash most surfaces inside and outside the house. There are also special cleaners for glass, tile, porcelain, stainless steel, and wood, and for getting rid of unpleasant molds and mildew. Visit your friendly hardware store and read labels. There are cleaners for almost every material and for solving almost every cleaning problem. Make sure rooms are well ventilated whenever you are cleaning, carefully follow directions, and wear gloves and a mask.

Removing clutter is another worthwhile project and requires adequate home storage with a combination of cabinets, shelves and bins, and sufficient strength of mind to discard all junk, no matter how much you love it. You can buy easy-to-assemble shelving and cabinets in a great variety of sizes and materials at affordable prices. Small, decorative containers can be used to organize and conceal the ongoing accumulations of such items as incoming mail. In the yard, removing clutter means getting rid of dead trees, dead branches, broken slabs and stones in patios and walkways, and tidying up the garden and lawn. When faced with clutter, ruthlessly throw it out, recycle it, hold a garage sale, donate it to the charity of your choice – get rid of it.

Interior painting and exterior painting should be next on your list of preferred home improvement projects. Fresh paint helps make your home look clean, bright, and spacious. When selecting colors for the exterior, don’t forget to do something about that bland front door. Have fun! Fresh, harmonious colors add beauty and personality to your home both inside and out.

Put Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling High on the List

Although remodeling a kitchen seems like a daunting task, a complete overhaul pays great dividends if and when you sell your home. Purchasing new cabinets and appliances are worthy goals, but you can also make minor changes that will create impact. If you can’t replace the kitchen cabinets, replace the cabinet doors at least. If that is also beyond your means, add molding to the cabinet doors, paint them, and replace the hardware. It’s not that difficult or expensive to replace an outdated sink, and if you can’t afford a new stove, fridge and dishwasher, don’t hang on to those gold or avocado monstrosities – buy attractive reconditioned replacements.

Bathroom remodeling is the next most important improvement and the biggest dividends come from installing a new sink, bathtub, toilet, and shower stall, as well as attractive tiles and custom cabinets. Again, if you can’t manage a complete makeover, replace the tired old taps, faucets and showerhead; add shelves; and paint and redecorate the cabinets.

Other Projects to Consider

After you have decided on and planned for the most important home improvement projects, new window covering and upgraded flooring should receive your attention. You can choose from a large array of window dressings and styles, or simply buy fabric, turn hems with iron-on tape, and dramatically drape the material over attractive curtain rods. Shutters are another possibility and lend themselves to many different decorating styles.

Your choice of flooring is limited only by your taste and budget. Rip up the old carpet and replace it with contemporary hardwood flooring or laminate flooring. If you already have hardwood, simply sanding and re-staining it or giving it a clear finish may give your rooms the lift they need. Other flooring replacements that can transform a room include tile, vinyl, linoleum, or textured rubber.

Finally, save a little energy and money to improve the appearance of your yard. Maybe all you have to do to improve the garden is trim, mow, weed, and then plant a few flowers. Adding or upgrading an existing patio, deck, or walkway can also be very worthwhile.

Choosing the best modeling and redecorating projects will not only increase the long-term value of your home, they will also provide satisfaction and pleasure for you, the smart homeowner.

By: Scott Gray

You wouldn’t pick the low bidder to do plastic surgery on you, so why pick a fly-by-night operator to give your home a facelift?

Picking a home improvement contractor is a lot like picking a roommate, you’re going to have to live with them for a while, so you had better pick someone you can get along with and trust. Here’s a few pointers:

Know what you want going in: If you already know exactly what you want and can communicate that to them, that allows the contractor to tell you how he or she will complete your project.

If they sound knowledgeable about your specific requirements – knows how to install hardwood floors, is familiar with the type of window frames you want, etc. – it’s a good bet that he or she is a reliable professional. Conversely, if they give you the deer in headlights look when you discuss the advantages of a floating floor, you might want consider going with someone else.

Do further research: The more you know about the project you want to undertake, the better you’ll be able to direct them. Also, knowing what’s up will also make it harder for your home improvement contractor to pad the bill with unnecessary additions or outrageous labor costs. Not that any of them would do that, of course.

Don’t believe the advertising: Remember, contractors pay for all those flashy ads and television spots. If you want to find out a their real value, ask for references and a portfolio.

Papers please: Most states have laws requiring contractors to be licensed and bonded. Ask to see their credentials and also check your contractor’s certificate of insurance. Contractors in most states are required by law to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.

Ask questions: Word of mouth is usually the best reference when it comes to contractors. Talk to friends who have recently had work done and also ask other professionals like your plumber or landscaper who they would recommend. Also check with local building inspectors and other public officials involved in construction.

Get legal: Check with your local district attorney’s office, the Better Business Bureau, or small claims court to see if any of your potential home improvement contractors are facing any pending litigation. In most jurisdictions, court records are available to the public, and you should be able to see if any judgments have been entered against the contractor for incomplete or shoddy workmanship or shady business practices.

Picking the right home improvement contractor is key to the success of your project. Be informed and be aware and you’ll ensure that you get a professional that’ll do your home right.

By: Elijah James

There are many different kinds of drains in a single household. From sinks and bathtubs to toilets and showers, you send water down a drain every day with your daily tasks. Unfortunately, these do not always remain in top working condition. When you experience blocked drains, there are a few things you can do about it. You can ignore it and allow it to worsen or you can take action and unclog the drain. Ignoring the problem will likely result in the need to hire an expensive plumber-once the problem has escalated enough that you can no longer ignore it. On the other hand, when you take care of the problem now, you can usually do it on your own with the right hardware and repair tools.

The most common cause of blocked drains in the kitchen is a buildup of food particles or grease. In the bathroom, the culprit is usually a mildew buildup inside the piping that then collects hair, blocking water from passing through the pipe quickly. If you see that your drain is backed up, there is no need to immediately call a plumber. The problem needs to be addressed quickly because of health concerns related to slow-draining or standing water in the home, but chances are you can fix the problem yourself if it is a fairly new development.

A plunger is a simple tool that often works to unclog blocked drains, especially toilets and kitchen sinks. A cable auger, or plumber’s snake, is a flexible steel cable wound around a hand crank. One of about 25-30 feet in length is ideal for sinks, bathtubs and shower drains. High pressure water jets can sometimes act as the remedy for loosening buildup inside a pipe. Then, there are even drain unclogging solutions that eat away at pipe buildup without damaging the pipes themselves. Using a combination of these tools can be a great solution to your blocked drain problem. you can easily find them at your local hardware store or Loews or Home Depot.

Obviously, the best solution to blocked drains is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Regular cleaning can do the trick. Also, placing waste traps or strainers on the mouth of the drain can prevent hair, food and garbage from getting into the drain. Once you have cleared the problematic drain of its block, it is wise to take these preventative steps to keep it from becoming a problem again in the future.

By: Al Villa