Home Maintenance

Plumbing Issues
,

Dealing with Plumbing Issues

Dealing with Plumbing issues is one of the most common issues that we face in almost every household which makes it is necessary to ensure that almost everything is done correctly done the during the setup. In case the occurences of the problems are not prevented even after a lot of efforts, then the hiring of a professional plumber becomes a necessity.

Leaks occurring near the handles or the sprouts are among the very common problems that we face in every household and is caused by the malfunctioning of the water faucets. A faucet replacement in such cases is necessary. Leaky water and drain pipes, clogging of toilets, or of the bathtubs, floors and sinks or constant or intermittent flushing are some of the problems that we face on a day to day basis. Dealing with plumbing issues can become a headache, especially if these problems occur on a regular basis. Plungers, screwdrivers, pliers, washers and adjustable pipe wrenches should be available with you if you wish to fix such problems on your own. But in case you donot have experience in dealing with such issues or the problems are complex then it might become difficult to resort to DIY solutions.

In such cases hiring a plumber is the right way to go, which will not ensure that the problem is resolved in a proper manner but will also prove to be much more cost-effective. The guaranteed services of a licensed plumber will ensure that you don’t have to deal with plumbing issues often. Also, they are professionally trained to deal with a large variety of problems and have the right kind of experience in solving problems of all kinds.

Summary:

Dealing with plumbing issues can be much easier if you go for a proper setup and resort to a licensed plumber in case there are any plumbing issues.

Adura-Ashford-Walnut-Mannington-Luxury-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring
,

How to Repair Hardwood Vinyl Flooring?

Hardwood vinyl flooring is preferred by several homeowners when it comes to choosing flooring options for their homes. The reason behind this is hardwood vinyl floorings are durable and easy on the pocket; therefore they are an extremely cost effective option. These floors come in a wide array of colors and patterns and you can pick them according to the overall décor of your home to ensure that it complements the décor.

However, you have to understand that though hardwood vinyl floorings are durable, they are not indestructible. So, at times your floor will be damaged and you will then have to repair the damages.

Repairing Hardwood Vinyl Flooring

  • If you want to repair the damage caused to your hardwood vinyl flooring, you will first have to access the damage. Repairing a small cut in the floor is obviously a lot easier compared to replace a few boards.
  • You can place a small piece of hardwood vinyl flooring properly on the top of the vinyl that has torn. While placing the small piece you have to make sure that the two pieces are positioned pattern by pattern or line by line.
  • To cut through the pieces of vinyl, you will need utility knifes. The new piece that you install must match the older, damaged piece perfectly. The key to repairing the flooring is ensuring people don’t understand it has been repaired.
  • If the damaged piece has been glued down, you will have to use a scraper or putty knife to take it out.
  • To spray the adhesive on the plywood sub-floor, you will need to use notched trowel. You will also have to apply the adhesive on the edges of the perimeter that you have previously removed.
  • Paste the pieces of vinyl into places. Make sure it matches perfectly.
  • Use a piece of wax paper to cover the new piece that you have installed.
  • Place some objects on the newly installed vinyl boards. This will ensure that the boards stick to the sub floor well.
  • Let it dry for 24 hours and then apply a liquid seam sealer around the perimeters.
eclectic-pool

Adding An indoor Pool To Your Home

Different people have different ideas to decorate a home. These days many people are looking for indoor pools to create a different ambience in their home. There are many things to think about before adding the indoor pool. This is not a carpet or window that you can buy without thinking much. You need to do a bit of research before adding the indoor pool to your home. Indoor pool can make your home absolutely different. Along with that indoor pool is good for exercising also. You always do not get enough time to join a swimming club or somewhere else. That is why you can relax in the pool anytime you want and can enjoy a lot.

You must contact with the professionals to add the pool in your home. You can add the pool to the garden area or you can add the pool on your roof. The professionals can give you the best advice on this. There are few things you need to check before building the indoor pool. You need to check whether the contractor is licensed or not. After that you need to check their reputation and past records. You are going to do an important deal with them and you just cannot be reluctant at all. There are some professionals who are professionals in this. You must try to find out such professionals. They can guide you about various designs, pros and cons and other things.

You need to find out a proper place in your home where you are going to build this indoor pool. You can find a simple and unused room for that. The walls need to be moisture proof. The professionals will take care that. You also need to check the ventilation system. Proper ventilation system is very important.

first-time-buyers-maintenance

Should That Old Appliance be Replaced or Repaired

No one looks forward to the day when a home appliance calls it quits. However, you may want to consider whether it makes more sense to replace it, repair it yourself, or pay a pro to do it. Those who are reluctant to replace older models with newer ones can often end up wasting energy and money. But, what should you do if the washer or refrigerator gives up before then? Below is a list of common household appliances, and some advice on repair vs. replacement.

Dishwashers

A dishwasher is a valuable appliance, but it’s not the most expensive one—meaning that it can be difficult to decide whether to repair or replace. A good general rule is that, if the dishwasher is more than seven years old, you should consider replacement if repairs will cost more than half the value of a new machine. When you get repair quotes, shop around for new dishwashers to ensure that you’re not paying too much for repairs when it would cost about the same to replace it. To keep your dishwasher running great, clean the filters regularly, inspect the racks for rust and wear, and tighten the door when necessary.

Stoves

If your stove is malfunctioning due to a faulty element or broken burner, the fix is easy and cheap. Oven timers and other non-essential features are inexpensive to replace, and it’s not too much of a hardship to go without them while you’re waiting for a repair. However, if the stove is old and the problems are extensive, it may be worthwhile to consider replacement. To maintain your oven and stove, clean it regularly and deep clean it once per month.

Refrigerators

Many refrigerator issues, such as replacing coils, sealing leaks or replacing a circuit board, are easy to fix. However, if the compressor or another major component fails, replacement may be the right option. Most refrigerators have a lifespan of about eight years, and if yours is older it may be better to replace it. Most fridge problems are because of broken icemakers, and if you can go without yours, do it. To maintain your fridge and freezer, defrost it regularly and clean the coils on a regular basis.

Washers and Dryers

The most common washer issue is water leaking into the tub when the machine isn’t in use, and it’s usually due to a broken inlet valve (which is a cheap fix). As for the dryer, clogged vents and tubing are quite common, and these issues can cause a dryer to be much less effective. Most washer and dryer maintenance jobs are relatively inexpensive, and it’s typically more cost-effective to opt for repair over replacement.

Vacuum Cleaners

If you own a pricey vacuum cleaner, you’ll probably be reluctant to buy a new one in the near future. Thankfully, most vacuum repair jobs are cheap, even when a pro does them. However, if you tend to buy less expensive vacuum cleaners, it’s more sensible to buy a new unit than to repair the old one. To keep your vacuum working as it should, clean the roller often and don’t allow the bag to get overfilled.

 

img3
,

How to Prioritize Home Maintenance Chores

If you’re like most homeowners, you have a list of home improvement projects that range from small and cheap to complex and expensive. Even if skill, time and money were no issue, you’d still have to decide where to start. While prioritization is important, plans can change as conditions do. When setting your priorities, you should expect to reassess them periodically, adding new ideas as you go along. Below are some considerations to make when deciding which home maintenance chores to tackle first.

Your Budget

When you consider a home maintenance task, your first question is likely to be, “How much will it cost?” Price is a determining factor in many home improvement decisions. It’s helpful to have a budget in mind before work starts, and if you’re thinking in the long-term, you can group your projects into those that need doing now (and those that can wait).

Individual Project Cost

When budgeting, it’s also helpful to assign a dollar value to every project on your to-do list. Err on the side of caution, and plan for the worst case scenario. By leaving some wiggle room in the budget, the only surprises you’ll run into are good ones—like coming in under budget.

Your Availability, Interest and Skills

Before starting on a project, you should think of how much time you can devote to it, how interested you are in the work, and your level of competence. By determining what you can handle, you’ll avoid getting in over your head—which can quickly get expensive.

Leave Complex Jobs to the Pros

Just as it’s good to get your hands dirty from time to time, it’s just as good to leave certain jobs to the professionals. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC repairs all require professional licensing, because they’re all dangerous. If you don’t feel comfortable doing a particular job, call a pro. Hiring outside help can save you money and time, because they’ll do the job right the first time.

Rate Jobs According to Urgency

While it’s a bit different from making a wish list (we’ll cover that in the next section), rating projects according to importance helps to separate the important ones from those that are less essential. By grouping jobs according to need, you’ll come out knowing which should be done now—and which jobs can wait.

Leave Room for “Wants”

Some projects are vital, but the extras can sometimes make home life worth living. If adding color to the dining room or installing a new home theater system will make you happy, and make you more willing to tackle the rest of the to-do list, it may be worthwhile to make these projects a higher priority.

It’s much easier to stay enthused about home improvement when you can see the progress you’ve made, and prioritizing your jobs can make progress more apparent. By handling the important jobs while leaving time and money for some fun projects, you can get everything done without feeling as if you’re missing out.

 

home-maintenance-budget-pic-960x5001

Home Maintenance for First-Time Buyers

Closing on a new home is exciting, especially for a first-time buyer. However, once the unpacking is done, new homeowners have many responsibilities. From the moment the new home is inspected, you should think of how you’ll maintain it to protect your investment and avoid expensive repairs. Read on for some maintenance tips for first-time homebuyers.

Begin With the Inspection

A home inspection tells the buyer everything they need to know about the home’s condition. During the inspection, some issues are readily apparent, such as electrical and plumbing issues, HVAC systems in disrepair, mold growth, or pest infestation. When these issues are found during an inspection, they can be addressed before closing. After the most pressing problems are addressed, you can use the inspection’s findings as a rough estimate of how long certain home features will last. For instance, knowing that there’s about ten years of life left in a roof is important. Knowing what may need replacement in the future can help you prepare ahead of time.

Moving In

Newly built homes experience some settling within the first several years. You might see cracked drywall, which must be patched and repainted. Serious issues, such as foundation cracks, also take years to manifest themselves. Most homebuilders offer a year-long warranty, so these buyers are protected if issues arise within that year. If you’re moving into an existing home, you should change the locks right away for added security.

Regular Maintenance Reduces the Need for Costly Repairs

Small issues can become expensive ones if your new home isn’t properly maintained. When you move in, clear the gutters and inspect the deck if applicable. It’s also a good idea to change the filter in the home’s HVAC system right away, and every two months afterward. Get the system serviced at least once per year, and begin a seasonal maintenance program. Your winter routine should include:

  • Inspection and insulation of pipes
  • Shutting off outdoor faucet valves
  • Forcing air out of the home’s sprinkler system
  • Clearing of gutters to prevent ice damming
  • Inspection of doors and windows, along with weatherstripping installation

During the spring, it’s a good idea to check windowsills, wooden decking and trim for deterioration. Pressure-wash the deck, sidewalk, patio and the exterior of the home to reduce mildew growth, and stain or seal the deck every two years. By setting a maintenance budget and practicing a good seasonal routine, you will enjoy years of worry-free living.