Handy Man Fix Home Repair » Design

Selecting the Best Garage Door

keira — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:23:28 +0000

Today, we have so many options when it comes to picking a garage door that it can be a bit overwhelming. However, there are a few guidelines and tips you can use to make the selection process a lot easier. Let's take a look at the four main types of doors, as well as their benefits and downsides.

1. Roller Doors -

If your space is at a premium in your garage, or you don't want to have to install tracks for the door this is the best option. The door will simply roll up into a big ball when it goes up. This means that the material used is a little more flexible than the average door, so it may not be as durable as other kinds. However, if you're looking for an easy installation and you don't have a lot of space, this is a great choice. This type of door works well with most garage door openers, especially the ones that are mounted on the wall above the door, instead of in the middle of the garage ceiling.

2. Sectional Doors -

This is a hybrid between the roller door and a standard door. It's made of several sections that are hinged together and the material is usually quite rigid and durable. This type of door became very popular in higher end housing communities where it was important to match the style of the door to the style of the house. These doors come in many different colors and materials. They will be raised like a traditional garage door, so you will need to install tracking for it. These take up quite a bit of headroom in your garage and will require an opener that is placed in the center of the garage ceiling. This type of door will work best in garages where there is a lot of headroom and space.

3. Tilting Doors -

These are not as popular as they once were, but you can still find them. If you have a Craftsman style or other type of older home and you want to retain that "old" feel, this is a very good choice. They don't use a lot of headroom and are pretty easy to install. They will require tracks however and normally, this type of door will not work with an opener. Practically any kind of material can be used for this type of door and you'll be able to match it to your home's exterior quite well.

4. Flexi Doors -

These are sold under various brand names, but the general concept is that they are made of flexible material and fit onto a curved track. These work well in garages where there is not a lot of headroom, or in garages that had older style doors that needed to be replaced. They are available in a variety of different materials and are usually pretty durable. Overall, this is probably the best door for most homes and it's the easiest to maintain.

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Originally posted 2008-11-10 14:11:08. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Contemporary Fireplace Design Ideas

keira — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:33:46 +0000

You have many fireplace design ideas to choose from when you're ready to add a beautiful fireplace to your home. Your final choice will depend on some factors like where you plan to put it and your overall floor plan. But no matter how big or small the room might be, you should be able to find some fireplace design ideas that you love that will also work in your home.

You'll want to measure the area where you plan to install the fireplace, so you know the size you're looking for. If you're going to a physical store to get some fireplace design ideas rather than just browsing online (which is a great way to get ideas), take a picture of the room and the spot where you plan on putting the fireplace. This way, you can look at any designs and better see how they might fit into your home. It's an easy way to eliminate certain designs, as well, because you'll immediately be able to imagine how it would look.

A fireplace will almost always become the focal point in a room. So finding a good match with your existing décor is crucial. If you have a room that's decorated cabin-style or country, a very modern, sleek and shiny fireplace will look awkward. An old-fashioned looking fireplace design won't look right in very modern, glass and metal surroundings, either.

Pay attention to the shape and height of the fireplace design ideas you're looking at, too. If you have a large room filled with very large and tall pieces of furniture, a low-profile fireplace will look dwarfed and out of place. A small room with shorter pieces of furniture can easily be swallowed up by a fireplace that's too large or has a hearth that climbs too far up the wall. A rectangle is the standard opening for a fireplace, but today's fireplace design ideas incorporate other shapes as well.

Gas, Electric or Woodburning?

Electric fireplace design ideas are ideal for a small room, an apartment or any structure where you don't want to have to run gas lines for a gas fireplace. The cost is less than a gas fireplace, but still not cheap. If you've ever used a large, electric space heater, this is the principle and will cost about the same to operate.

US $7.99

Sale

Photo Credits: speric

Originally posted 2009-09-13 03:07:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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How to Choose New Siding For Your Home

keira — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:32:45 +0000

If your home is starting to look a little run down, or you just don’t want to go through the expense of painting it again, you may want to consider purchasing siding for your home. There are many benefits to using siding and it can be virtually maintenance free if you pick the right kind. Here is a brief guide to the newest materials that are available for home siding.

1. Brick and Stone Look Siding –

This is one of the most popular new types of siding on the market. It gives the impression of a more expensive façade, but it is much more durable and easy to maintain. You’ll have a wide variety of color choices and this is much easier to install than traditional brick or stone. Most will last around twenty five years without any maintenance, beyond occasional cleaning.

2. Cedar Siding –

If you have always wanted the look of a log cabin on your home, you can now get it easily with cedar siding. These are actually more of a wooden siding and they will need a little extra care to keep them looking good. They come in a variety of different colors. You may need to stain them from time to time to keep them looking fresh. We do not recommend this type of siding for those that live in areas that get a lot of rain or wind, since this can degrade the siding.

3. Stucco Siding –

Synthetic stucco has been pretty popular through the years, but it is not quite as durable as the real thing. It is much easier to install however and many people prefer the luck of stucco on the exterior of their home. Maintenance is usually quite minimal and it will require an occasional cleaning to look fresh.

4. Cement Siding –

This is one of the newest forms of siding on the market and it is incredibly popular. It is actually made up of cement fibers and can be constructed to resemble a variety of different looks, such as natural stone, wood or even regular siding. Care is virtually nil and you’ll be able to enjoy it for decades. The best part is, this siding is both fire and termite proof, making it a natural choice for those that live near forests or out in the country where there are more risks for either problem.

5. Vinyl Siding –

The old standby is still going strong, thanks to its durability and the wide color selection. Vinyl siding is the most economical option for many homeowners and it will last for at least 25 years or more. It may not be the newest material out there, but it still has it uses.

6. Seamless Steel Siding –

This siding looks fantastic and is perfect for those that live in areas where the climate can change dramatically from time to time. Steel siding will not shrink or expand once it is installed and is pretty impervious to weather. It will cost more than vinyl siding, but it is incredibly durable and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes.

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Originally posted 2008-08-20 05:12:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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3 Kitchen Countertop Surfaces Explained

keira — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:21:07 +0000

When it comes to renovating your kitchen, there are so many new options when it comes to counter tops that it can be a little intimidating to pick one. We're going to cover some of the most popular counter top surfaces to help make that decision a lot easier. This isn't an exhaustive list, but it should give you a jumping off point. We'll cover what makes that surface worthwhile as well as some downsides that could mean a deal breaker.

Tile -

This is an old standby when it comes to a countertop surface, but it is still quite popular. You'll be able to match just about any décor and they're very easy to install. On the plus side, tiles are usually quite economical, unless you're getting them specially made or designed. You can make your own mosaics and get crazy with colors or you can keep it simple. The overall finished look is completely determined by you, so this is a great surface if you really want a custom feel to your kitchen.

The main downside of tile is that there are some health risks involved if you don't keep it clean enough. Tile caulk or grout can catch food debris and bacteria and they are unfortunately pretty good breeding grounds for diseases. If you do pick tile, make sure that you thoroughly clean not only the tiles, but the grout or caulk in between them. Tile can also crack if you place something heavy or hot on it, so you will need to use extra care with it.

Marble -

This is such a stunning surface and it can add a touch of class to any kitchen. It's moderately expensive, but you'll have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the color scheme and even the design of the marble. These counters are incredibly durable and usually quite scratch resistant. If you do a lot of food prep, this is a very nice material to work on.

The main downside of marble is that it will require some special cleaners to keep it looking nice. These should be used in addition to your regular cleaners. This adds a second step to the whole process and if you're very busy, it can be a bit of a drag. Marble can crack if you place something that is too heavy on it, but overall it is pretty durable if you take the right precautions.

Poured Counters -

This is a relatively new surface that has caught on quickly. By far it is the most durable surface and it's easy to clean. You'll be able to have it poured in any design, so it's perfect for odd shaped kitchens or high design ideas. It takes a lot of effort to damage a poured counter and overall, even though they are the most expensive, they are the easiest to keep up.

Every once in awhile, they do crack and this usually means replacing the entire surface since it is one large piece. Unlike tiles where you can fix the one trouble spot, you'll have to have the entire surface repaired, which is costly and time consuming.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-11-13 03:15:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Beat the Heat With Drought Resistant Trees and Plants

keira — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:15:45 +0000

As our summers get hotter and water gets a lot scarcer, it's becoming more important than ever to plant trees and flowers that can take the heat. If you want your yard to look great all through the summer, you'll need to get smart about your plantings and find the best varieties for your area. The best place to start is your local nursery, but here are some great trees and plants that are wonderfully drought resistant.

Scotch Pines are a great landscaping choice that not only look great, but they are incredibly hardy. They'll be able to withstand hot summers as well as cold winters and they need a minimum amount of water to survive. These trees also grow incredibly quickly and can provide a great wind break or natural fence for your property. They usually reach between 25 and 35 feet in height and are a great addition to any property.

Cedar Trees also work well, but there is a downside. These trees are actually pretty thirsty, but do well in hot conditions. This is due to the fact that suck an amazing amount of water out of the ground. If you've got a lot of plants around your cedar trees, they are going to suffer from this. In addition, grassy areas around cedar trees can get a bit parched due to this trees thirsty ways. If you're going to use cedar trees, make sure that your other plants are far enough away so that they don't suffer too.

There are several varieties of roses that are drought resistant as well as blight resistant. Ask your nursery if they supply any of the known varieties, or you can also purchase them online. These roses usually have the upside of being able to withstand winters without being protected, so they are well worth the extra money.

Perhaps the prettiest drought resistant tree is the Russian Olive. This is a terrific shade tree and can enhance any yard. Surprisingly, despite its size, it is one of the few trees that does not need a large amount of water. It is also not picky about the soil it's in and can thrive just about anywhere. They grow to about 25 feet in height and also attract birds throughout the year.

If all else fails, consider trying a desert garden complete with cacti and rocks. It's a lot cheaper in the long run and it should be able to survive even in the most water deprived areas. After all, if they can make it in Death Valley, they should be able to take the heat in your yard.

If you're still finding it difficult to keep your lawn and trees alive, consider recycling water. You can reuse rain water, or even in extreme cases, your bath water if you do not use a lot of scented soaps. It's a little odd, but if you're facing an extreme water shortage, it is in an option if you don't mind carting water around.

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Originally posted 2008-08-11 05:52:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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