Getting the Best Deal on Your Home Improvements

By Craig R Cole

There aren't many families out their at the moment that have a great deal of disposable cash floating about. The global recession has meant that everyone is watching their money more closely than ever.

Some jobs just can't be put off however. If for example you need to fit a new door to your property, then it is not the kind of project you can put on the back burner - if it needs replacing then that's all there is to it. As any homeowner knows, it's worth paying for a good company to carry out work on your property, but that does not mean you need to pay over the odds. By shopping around and asking for quotes from a number of companies, you greatly increase your chances of getting the best deal that is available.

At one time, the only way to find building companies in your area was to pick up the yellow pages, circle a few local firms and start making calls. Not only is this time consuming but you really limit yourself by only making contact with a fraction of the companies that are out there that are qualified to carry out work on your home.

Thankfully, the internet has changed the way we find workmen forever. Many businesses now have their own website, but even this way of contacting firms can take time. That's where online price comparison sites come into their own. There's also internet companies that are dedicated to finding the best Tradesmen and contractors for your improvement project, just post your job and get matched at TheTradesNetwork.

You don't need to go near a phone, in fact all you need to do is fill out a quote form and your requirements will be automatically forwarded to a list of approved suppliers in your area who will be happy to provide you with quotes. Stress free and easy, using a price comparison can certainly save you an enormous amount of time and will most likely leave more money in your pocket.

When the time comes around to carry out improvements to your property, then make sure you don't pay over the odds. Log onto the internet and search for The Trades Network.

Top 5 Kitchen Mistakes to Avoid

Kitchen Planning - The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid By Stuart Heyes

As many people are aware, the kitchen can often become the social hub of the home. Where children stay in their rooms and parents sit about in the living room, the one place they all congregate is the kitchen. So any poorly made choices in the design stages can make for a poor social space.

Remember the Kitchen Triangle! Unless you are a big kitchen design fan, you may not have heard the expression, but basically, the triangle represents the route around your sink, fridge freezer and oven. The idea is that the routes between these should be as short as possible and completely unobstructed.

If you're rushing around cooking a meal, and you keep catching your hips or thighs on a jutting island or counter corner, you'll want to tear it out. This is why these routes need to be wholly accessible at all times, you'd be surprised just how many times you move between this in one session.

Islands! They look great and fancy, but can sometimes be unwieldy and impractical in smaller spaces. Islands work better in one wall and L-Shape kitchens with plenty of footfall space. In U shape and more complicated kitchens, you need to ensure that you have the space, otherwise you'll violate the aforementioned 'kitchen triangle' rule and you'll find yourself becoming incredibly stressed when cooking larger meals.

Lighting! This is possibly the most common mistake in kitchen design, more specifically the absence of task lighting, the lighting that allows you to properly see what you are doing. Sometimes the best task lighting comes from overhead task lights and under-cabinet spot lighting. As long as it is a bright light source that is not obscured by your own shadow, you should be able to work comfortably at the task at hand. Ambient lighting can bring a kitchen design to life and add that wow factor to impress your friends, but do not splash out on this at the expense of task lighting; otherwise you'll be left with a pretty, but impractical cook space.

Consider the bin! Not something you typically associate with amazing kitchen design, but you'll be glad you considered it. First of all, recycling is becoming increasingly common, so you would do well to cater for it by installing a sectional trash cabinet that allows you to divide up your rubbish; otherwise you'll be doing it by hand, outside and in the rain for much longer than is strictly necessary. This should also be placed closest to the door. If your kitchen backs out onto a garden where you keep your bins, place it close by. If you keep your bins out front, place your rubbish cabinet nearer to the door, so you have less distance to travel and thus, less space within which to make a mess if a bag splits.

Keep it comfortable! When you're not cooking, you're sat down eating or drinking. So if you have an island, consider turning part of it into a breakfast bar; then you can pair it with space saving seating, such as leather bar stools or stackable chairs.

Kitchen Planning is critical, if you get it wrong at the planning stage, the entire project will likely go awry... Or in the very least you'll gradually become disheartened with the amazing, yet dysfunctional space you have created.

Four Ways to Reduce Home Heating

Four Ways to Reduce Home Heating Bills During the Fall and Winter 

By Samantha Walton

There are a number of simple yet effective ways to save energy and money when it comes to heating your home. Continue reading to learn four ways to reduce home heating bills during the fall and winter months.

1. Ensure Sufficient Insulation

Installing insulation is one of the best ways to reduce heating bills, because it works to protect your home's interior heated air. How? Insulation limits heat transfer through a home's ceiling, attic, walls, floors, basement, and crawl space. A home that is sufficiently and properly insulated will experience far less heat loss than an uninstalled home, resulting in significantly lower home heating bills.

The recommended insulation R-value ranges from R30 to R60 for an uninsulated attic and R19 to R30 for floors. Speak with a certified NC insulation contractor about your home's insulation needs. Remember that different homes and climates require varying R-values and types of insulation (e.g. spray foam, rigid foam, blown foam, fiberglass). But in general, when it comes to insulation, more is better!

2. Seal Cracks Along Windows and Doors

Many homeowners assume that having sufficient insulation will solve all air leakage problems in their home. Wrong! Even a home with the best insulation will incur hefty heating bills if the cracks along windows and doors are not properly sealed. In an unsealed home, your costly heated air will leak outside through cracks, while frigid outdoor air seeps into the space. This results in massive home heating bills and an uncomfortable, cold house.

If your home often feels "drafty," contact a certified air sealing contractor as soon as possible! Doing so will drastically reduce home heating bills during the fall and winter months and make your home feel much cozier and comfortable during the winter.

3. Repair Leaking or Clogged Air Ducts

When it comes to costly home heating bills, leaking or clogged air ducts are often the culprit. If your home has a forced-air heating system, it uses air ducts to transport the heated or cooled air throughout the home. If, however, the air ducts are clogged with debris or are poorly connected, you're wasting a lot of energy and money. In fact, clogged or leaking air ducts can cause up to 35% of a home's heated air before it even reaches the air vents. This means you're paying a lot of money for heated air that you aren't able to enjoy.

4. Install an Energy-Efficient Furnace

Similar to the relationship between insulation and air sealing, an inefficient furnace will continue to wreak havoc on home heating bills even if your ducts are in a row. Such interlocking systems perfectly illustrate that a home is a cohesive unit -- each part dependent upon another to reach maximum energy-efficiency.

If your furnace is more than 10 or 15 years old and/or has a low AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating below 85%, it's definitely time for an upgrade. You'll notice an immediate difference both in your heating bills and in your home's air quality. To ensure maximum efficiency and savings, though, remember that your home's air ducts must be working properly!

To increase comfort in your home, use less energy, help the environment, and reduce home heating bills, contact a certified home heating contractor today
!

Should You Use A Contractor To Paint Your Home?

Why You Should Use A Contractor To Paint Your Home By Eric Moore

Many people choose to hire a contractor to paint their homes. Usually the decision comes down to time and the finished results. To guarantee a long-lasting, durable paint finish on your home, you need to hire a professional to do it. It's a combination that means lower costs over time.

House painting requires a lot of work. This work is mostly tedious chipping, scraping, and sanding in order to properly prepare the surface for paint. It's very time consuming as well. Compared to the cost of materials alone, hiring a professional appears expensive, but once the time is factored in, it is likely to seem a bargain.

Of course, it's also important to find a quality pro. use The Trades Network. Talking to your neighbors who've recently painted their homes about the contractor they might have hired is a good first step towards finding a good painter. Find out who your neighbors used and what they thought of the pro's services and quality of work.

Ask the following questions of your sources: 

-Did the professional do quality work at a fair price?

-Did the contractor take steps to avoid damage to unpainted surfaces?

-How reliable was the professional and did he or she finish on schedule?

-Was a written warranty offered to guarantee the work?

These four questions will tell you whether the painter was a contractor or just pretending to be. A good professional will not only be bonded and insured against any damage that might be caused during the painting of your home, but will also take steps to avoid causing that damage whenever possible. A real pro will always be on time and have a good schedule to finish when promised, barring unforeseen circumstances or problems.

Once you have a small list of contractors, contact them to get an estimate. Compare that to quotes from at least 3-4 of their competitors to get an idea how fair the price is. Most likely, a fair price was offered. Ask questions during the estimate process to find out about included warranties and expected time frames for work. It's also a good idea to ask about the paint to be used and whether they will provide it or if you should purchase your own. Most contractors will include the paint in their estimates, but will not always quote the highest-quality paint available.

Once the job begins, try to stay involved without getting in the painter's way. Unless asked to do so, don't "lend a hand." If you want to offer labor as part of the deal, make this an up front offer and don't be afraid to be rejected. These offers often make professionals leery, and usually for good reason. It's recommended that you only offer to help when asked, such as to hand up tools or bring refreshments as a courtesy rather than be hands-on involved with the painting itself. Many painters will have insurance or warranty requirements that don't allow the homeowner or unpaid helper to be involved. You should respect that.

You'll see why hiring a professional was a good decision once you see the results. Nothing beats a craftsman's quality work.

Three Energy Saving Bulbs

Three Energy Saving Bulbs Proving Popular With Modern Home Owners By Iain Jenkins

Helping the environment is something that every home owner is happy to be a part of. This explains in part the reason for the rapid growth of energy saving bulbs on the market, a lighting option that drastically reduces the amount of electricity consumed in the home, and therefore the energy drained from the environment around us all.

The energy saving option is so popular, in fact, that the simple household light bulb seems to be fading away. Instead, bulbs for cluster lamps, colour alternating LED lights and the intriguingly named dusk to dawn bulbs have found their way onto the modern houseware shopping list.

Of course, the advantages of all energy saving lights is easy to imagine, but for a variety of reasons, modern home owners have their favourites. We have compiled a list of three of the most popular and more advanced types available on the market, namely LED bulbs, CFLs, and sensor light bulbs.

LED Bulbs

When it comes to lighting efficiency, it is difficult to beat LED lights. This is because the energy consumption of these bulbs is exceptionally low, with the life span of a typical LED as much as 100,000 hours. That is as much as 20 times the life of a regular household incandescent light. In fact, it is likely that if an LED light is turned on and never turned off, a new born baby will have completed primary school before the light dies. For this reason, LED bulbs are preferred for jobs where a light is expected to be on most, if not all, of the time. Their energy efficiency rate is 80 per cent, which means that 80 per cent of the electricity consumed is turned to light, and only 20 per cent lost. An incandescent light, however, is the other way around, with 20 per cent converted into light.

As a result, LED bulbs are preferred where the sheer number of lights would otherwise mean an exceptionally large electricity bill, such as multi storey office buildings, even large hotels where the corridor lights must be on every night. In the home, they are often used in security lights.

CFL Bulbs

However, the most effective low energy bulbs are compact fluorescent lamp bulbs, or CFLs as they are commonly abbreviated to. They are basically fluorescent bulbs, but with a greater degree of energy efficiency and a greater versatility in terms of the applications they can be used in. The tube, for example, can only be placed in a dedicated fixture.

The key element to CFL bulbs is the small amount of mercury vapour that is contained within the glass. This vapour glows when electricity runs through it, giving off an ultraviolet light that we cannot see, but which actually stimulates the phosphorous coating that ultimately produces the light.

The important factor is that stimulating the phosphorous coating in this way requires less electrical energy than other lighting methods. In fact, CFLs use around 25 per cent of the energy that incandescent bulbs use, and have a life span 15 times that of the traditional incandescent option.

Sensor Light Bulbs

One of the most impressive advances in lighting technology has been the development of sensor bulbs, which are CFL bulbs that can switch on when daylight has receded and switch off when daylight is restored. The sensor simply reads the degree of natural daylight that exists, and reacts accordingly.

This kind of bulb is generally used in places where light is required 24 hours a day, like an alleyway or a loading bay in a busy warehouse facility, perhaps. However, they are available too in household versions that are small but bright and perfect for use over a backdoor or over the back garden patio for security purposes. These bulbs, often available in a spiral design, can provide 100 watts of light from just 20 watts of power, making them effective energy saving options.

Understandably, these bulbs are more commonly known as dusk to dawn light bulbs, obviously because they turn on automatically at dusk and stay on until automatically switching off at dawn. Still, they play no small role in reducing electricity consumption, like every other light bulb design with the environment in mind. The growth in popularity of energy saving bulbs cannot be considered a major surprise, given the awareness people generally have of the world around them. And, we can be certain that as the decades go by, even greater energy saving technologies will be incorporated into the lights we use at home.

Choosing Bathroom Vanities- Top 3 Most Common Mistakes

Choosing Bathroom Vanities  By Jessie T Hosler

- Top 3 Most Common Mistakes

For a bathroom to be fully functional, bathroom vanities may be added. But be careful when you are choosing which bathroom vanity set to place in your own bathroom. There are errors that will spell the difference between an appropriate cabinet and an unsuitable one.

Wrong type. This is the first error that you should avoid. Many buy their bathroom vanity sets because they are cheap or look cute. But you have to remember that this furniture will not stand alone in your bathroom. There are other fixtures and there are other parts of the bathroom that it should complement well for it to be considered a good part of the room.

This can be attributed to the color and material used. You can have a bathroom that is made from wood with subdued lighting fixtures. But if your vanity set is made from metal and it is painted with enamel, this will ruin the design that you have already created with the wall, the floor, or your bathroom stall.

Also, the functionality of your vanity set can be defeated if it does not have the right number of sinks. Although this is not really a prerequisite to your purchase, having two sinks when two people are using the vanity set will help. And it is very practical. You will be able to save a lot of time. However, if you have a set that has two sinks but only you are using that furniture, the purpose is very much defeated.

Wrong size. There can be a mistake in the size of the vanity when it is not appropriate to the size of the bathroom. If you have a large bathroom, it will follow that your vanity set is large as well. When your bathroom is small, the furniture will look nicer if it is small-sized as well. The right proportions will make it better to look at. A big vanity in a small room will seem to take all of the space in the room. At the same time, a very small one in a sizable room will look dwarfed.

Size can also be an issue related to the use of the vanity. If do your make up in front of your vanity set and you use a lot of products, it will be beneficial if you have a large vanity. This will give you more space to work with. A family composed of several members can also benefit from a large set as there will be enough space even if several members use it at the same time.

Poor quality. Many people consider the price of the product. This is okay. However, if you overlook the quality of the product just because it is sold at a very low price, you will end up paying more in the end. Remember that vanity sets are placed inside the bathroom where humidity is usually high. So, you would want your vanity set to be as sturdy as possible. Make sure that the product that you will choose is reasonably priced based on its quality and durability.

Floor Heating System

Keep Your Home Warm With a Radiant Floor Heating System

By Ed Wolfe Jr

Many homeowners are considering installing a radiant floor heating system for efficiency and comfort. Because it is quiet and economical, radiant heating is a great choice for homeowners who want comfortable warmth combined with the cost savings of energy efficiency. When compared to traditional heating methods, this new technology offers plenty of benefits.

Radiant heating uses forced heated liquid or electric wires through the panels that are located under your flooring. The floor itself absorbs radiant heat from its heating source until the floor itself becomes the same temperature as the heat source. The heat rises and warms up the room evenly. Because there is no moving air, people with allergies to dust and other environmental contaminants will not suffer as much.

Convection is the method through which the system distributes the heat. This is the natural heat circulation caused by heat rising from the floor. Radiant floor heating systems are different from the radiant panels or traditional radiators that are used in walls and ceilings. Radiant floor space heating provides a room with uniform temperature from the floor to the ceiling. Traditional heating methods create warmer and cooler areas throughout the room.

Radiant heating has a number of advantages over conventional heating systems. Radiant heat works silently and does not require ductwork or above-floor radiators. It is generally more efficient than forced-air heating because there is no energy loss through existing ductwork. Hydronic (liquid-based) systems also use very little electricity to circulate the warm fluid through the tubes. A hydronic system can also be heated from a variety of energy sources, including gas boilers, oil boilers, solar water heaters, geothermal - or a combination of these heat sources.

Dense masonry type materials, such as ceramic tile, are the most effective type of floor covering when installing a new radiant heat system. Tile conducts heat well from beneath the floor and adds to the overall thermal mass of the system. Vinyl, linoleum, wood can also be also used, though they may not work as effectively as tile.

Ideal locations to incorporate radiant heating include bathrooms, entryways and kitchens. Tile, slate, marble and even hardwood floor coverings are cold to step onto with bare feet. With a radiant floor heat system installed under the floor of these areas, you won't need to worry about cold floors again.

If you are considering replacing your traditional forced air heating system, now is the time to do so! With energy prices on the rise, you can start to save sooner than later.

Home Improvement Project Budgeting & Finance

How To Budget And Finance Your Home Improvement Project

Before you undertake any home improvement project, you should start off by having some home improvement companies come out to your house to inspect and evaluate what home renovations you want done, then have them present you with the home improvement estimates.

If you only rely on one or two quotes you risk paying too much for the job. You should get some home improvement estimates from several companies to get a feel for how much you should be paying for the home improvement job. You will also get a good idea of what to budget for the home improvement job. It is important to keep a budget, as it keeps you from overspending and within budget. 

If your home improvement is a big project, you should consider getting a loan from loan companies to finance your home renovation project. This type of financing is now easier than ever to apply for. If you are working then obtaining financing should not be too difficult as long as you can afford the repayments on the loan. Before approving the loan, loan companies usually need to check your credit and see if there are any defaults or non payment in your credit report.

The easiest way to search for home improvement loans is to have a broker search for the best possible deals and loan providers. Ask the broker to seek out which loan companies offer the best deal on the amount you would like to borrow. Of course, you should select the loan company that offers the lowest APR (annual percentage rate).

No matter what type of renovation you want to do, most loans can cover it. Loan companies do ask you to specify the type of improvement you want to do to make sure you are not over borrowing. Loan companies usually give out secured loans, which are loans secured on your house. However, if you have an excellent credit score, you are qualified to apply for unsecured loans.

Entering into any loan agreement with a loan company is a serious responsibility and you have to make sure you are on time with your payments and do not fall behind, or your house is in jeopardy.

Taking out a loan is a serious decision and something you should give serious thought to. Once you decide to apply, your improvement project will be underway, and you will have a beautiful home to look forward to.

The best part is no matter the amount of money you decide to spend on renovations you always see it increase into home appreciation.

Get Matched To Tradesmen & Contractors...

Improvement Projects That Increase Your Home Value The Most

Best Improvements That Increase the Value of Your Home
By Melinda Pulliam

Whether you plan to remain in your current home or are planning to move, you may be interested in carrying out some home improvement projects either to enhance your enjoyment of your home or its potential resale value. Even if you are not planning to sell your home in the immediate future, it is always a good idea to consider how the home improvement projects you choose will affect your home's resale value if you ever do decide to sell.


Want to know how savvy investors are increasing property value? Here are a few upgrades that increase the selling price:


Flooring


Wood flooring, if it is in good condition, is a hot commodity. Having floors refinished for resale is a growing trend in today's market. Installing wood floors from scratch is very expensive, so laminate is a great alternative for a faster fix; while it will not increase the value as much, it will not be as big of an investment either.


If you have carpet in your home, it is imperative that it is clean and in good condition when you are trying to sell. Move-in ready homes that have recently replaced carpets tend to sell a lot faster than those which don't. For tile floors, make sure there are no chipped or missing tiles.


Countertops and Cabinets


Countertops are another hot commodity at the moment. Granite or quartz countertops impress buyers and last for a long time. Existing granite countertops should be well maintained and you should have any scratches and damage repaired. If you are having new granite countertops installed, with so many colors and patterns to choose from, it will be easy to find one that will fit well with the rest of the kitchen.


Along with new countertops, new cabinetry and appliances can dramatically increase resale value. Stainless steel appliances and dark wood cabinets can give any kitchen a sleek and modern appearance. Kitchens are the selling point in most homes, and therefore require the most remodeling and upgrading.


Crown Molding


This simple change can add a great first impression to a room. Make sure it is done correctly, as a bad job could hurt you more. Either foam or wood can be used, as the area will be subjected to little wear and tear. While it is almost certain you will get the initial cost back, crown molding will not have dramatic effects on resale. It is simply an additional selling point to impress buyers.


If you are considering a home improvement project and want to be a savvy investor, than consider one of these upgrades.


Post Your Job with The Trades Network and get matched to qualified tradesmen in your area. www.TheTradesNetwork.com

Tips on Winter Energy Efficiency

Easy Tips on Winter Energy Efficiency
By Yanni Giannaros

We attempt to use eco-friendly and sustainable building materials when it comes to our construction and roofing projects.


Proper insulation, green roofing, and sustainable building materials are all helpful in fabricating structures that work with the environment, rather than against it.


However, every winter many of our customers find themselves spending-and let's face it, wasting-lots of extra money in heating and energy. Of course our first thought relates to efficient and well-insulated walls and roof. We do also go by a great, comprehensive, list of easy tips to keep our customers and friends warm and eco-friendly at the same time.


Sustainable Winterizing Tips

These tips are not only for the ecology, they are also for economy. Never forget that green living saves money along with our planet.

Program Your Thermostat: Having a programmable thermostat is essentially becoming standard fare in most newer homes and home heating systems. However, they mean very little unless you set them for the season. Remember, sunrise and sunset change, and so do your home's heating and AC needs. It is generally recommended that you have a daytime temperature of 68° and a night drop down of 65°.
Check For Drafts: The average American home wastes 5-30% of their energy through drafts. There is no need to heat the world; nature can take care of herself. Do a quick run through of your home checking windows and roofing elements with your hand for drafts and listening closely for telltale whooshing sounds. The other option is to hire a professional to do a quick estimate-many construction companies offer winterizing and efficiency services, often with a free estimate.
Change Your Bulbs: Make the move from incandescent light bulbs to compact florescent light bulbs. While this is not strictly a winter issue, you do use considerably more lighting in the winter, due to shorter days and colder weather. Investing in LED holiday lights is also a great winter lighting tip, because the last longer, are more durable, and use less energy.
Hire Heating Professionals: Many issues related both to the repair of your home heating system and your overall heating efficiency can be solved with simple, professional, maintenance. Once a year or so, have your heating company come out and do a comprehensive check on your system. Most HVAC companies do this service as part of their maintenance contract. Especially when you have an older system, have a professional take a look, because sometimes you will save money and energy installing a new heat pump.
Get An Energy Audit: In much of the country there are plenty of companies, energy companies, and construction companies that offer high quality energy audits for only a fraction of what you stand to lose on your energy bill. Go through, boost basic efficiency, and see what you can do within your budget to make your home greener.
Use Available Tax Credits: Along with an energy audit, utilize Federal, Provincial, and Local Tax Credits set aside for energy efficiency. You may be surprised just how many resources are still available for people who want to upgrade their windows, roofing, and insulation. In many cases you are talking about thousands of dollars. Any professional energy auditor can probably fill you in on popular tax credit programs; and if not, check out websites for all levels of government. A little research could lead to big savings.