Home Renovation Blog

A clogged drain–it’s gross, inconvenient and unsightly. Of course, when it comes to unclogging a drain, the process can be even more irritating than the drain itself. So we’ve compiled a few methods you might want to try before calling in a plumber.

Note: Before you proceed, you’ll want to try and pinpoint the makeup of the clog so you can find a solution that best deals with it. If you’re in a bathroom, it’s likely to be hair and/or soap scum. In a kitchen, it could be a grease clog or built-up food.

Insta-Flo Drain Cleaner. If you don’t want to use a chemical product, steer clear of Insta-Flo.

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Spring has finally arrived.  This winter was particularly harsh and no matter what part of the country you live in, you were affected by the conditions.  Start thawing out by enjoying time on your patio or in your backyard.

The key to maximum enjoyment of our outdoor living areas begins with comfortable furnishings.  Spring offers us a few weeks of simply perfect weather to relax in prior to the often blistering heat of summer arriving.

When selecting your patio furniture, include items that will allow you to lie back and really rest or read a book.  Chaise lounges, hammocks, and outdoor sofas are perfect for this time of year.  You’ll find them available in coordinating patterns with full furniture sets or as single pieces that can reflect your sense of style.

Take advantage of the perfect spring weather by spending time on your patio in comfortable and stylish patio furnishings.

Now that spring is officially here, spring cleaning is definitely in order. You’re probably tackling floors, countertops, bedding and other commonly cleaned areas and items, but what about your home’s water system?

It’s a good idea to flush out your water system once or twice a year to ensure any untreated water that may have built up in your pipes or faucets is removed, preventing possible contamination. An annual flushing may also prolong the life of your pipes and faucets.

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Patio sheds have continued to become more stylish over the years and also serve many purposes.  While they make great places to store lawn and garden equipment, they also are used as plant houses or potting sheds, workshops, and even playhouses.

There are many designs of patio sheds from upright smaller units to those that can rival the size of some small homes.  Smaller sheds can fit against a house and hold items like patio cushions, hoes, shovels, etc.  Larger units can be used for storing riding lawn mowers, work benches, and almost anything else you can imagine.

Get More Organized with a Patio Shed

If you’re like me, you might spend a good amount of time looking for the matching work glove or the hand loppers.  Having a garden shed is a great way to keep your items organized for easy locating.

Patio sheds are made out of several different materials including metal and wood.  Find the perfect material and design to add to your outdoor living area.  You’ll be amazed at how much additional storage room you will have.

Decorating your outdoor areas whether a porch, patio or deck is a matter of personal taste just as is the style we choose to decorate inside our homes. Fortunately with the resurgence of interest in outdoor living, you can find all kinds of outdoor products to help you convey your sense of style in a multitude of ways.

Modern

If modern is your bag, then you’re in luck. Modern patio furniture with sleek lines and interesting shapes can be purchased in any color scheme you prefer. Metal furniture is a great choice for a modern look.

Rustic

If the rustic, homey feel is best for your taste, you can find benches, tables and all types of interesting accessories for your outdoor spaces.

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We’ve talked before about the pros and cons of painting wood trim and brick walls/fireplaces. Although there’s no doubt that a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the look of the piece, one of the biggest disadvantages is that you’re covering the natural appearance, texture and grain of the material.

What about hardwood floors? I can’t take credit for this project, as it was completed by a previous tenant of my loft. I have hardwood floors throughout the unit, but they’re not sealed and a little … er … rustic looking, if you will.

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The U.S. is in the middle of a boom–or, should we say, a boomer. The nation’s baby boomer generation is now turning 65 in record numbers; nearly 7,000 a day. This generational milestone not only has repercussions on the healthcare, homebuilding and other industries, but has also promoted a number of clever nicknames for the event. Our favorite? “The silver tsunami.”

Studies have shown that, as people age, they are more apt to stay in their homes, as opposed to moving to an assisted living or similar facility.

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