Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Top Five End of Summer Home Improvement Changes

Ask any mother what her favorite season is, and most likely you'll hear the word Autumn spoken. Of course, the season signals the beginning of the new school year, so what mother could argue with that? Now, while people tend to associate Spring as the time of renewal and fresh starts, one can argue that the fall season is a good starting point as well. School starts in the fall, and you never hear about the "new spring season" on television, right? Therefore it makes sense that if you are interested in new home improvement projects for your home, why not begin just as the leaves are changing color?

Think about Autumn where you live...how quickly does the weather turn cool? Are you in a location at risk for hurricanes and other inclement weather? How and where you live will determine the best improvement procedures for your home, and it's always a good idea to consult with a reputable contractor in your area who can also recommend the best fixes for your interior, backyard, and front landscaping. It's probable you'll hear these five suggestions as you browse possible additions to your house:

1) Awning installation - If you want to continue entertaining on your deck or porch but aren't looking forward to shivering in the cold, a retractable awning can help block winds and retain heat from a fire shoppe setup. Not only that, they look attractive, and you don't have to worry about snow build-up - a retractable awning does just that when you're not using it.

2) Porch enclosure - If you would prefer to separate your back entertainment area from the yard altogether, consider an enclosure and turn your porch into a Florida room. This makes the space usable year-round with large glass windows that bring in light and help keep the temperature perfect for an intimate brunch or cozy evening.

3) Roof installation - After the heat of the summer has faded, and before snow threatens to burden you with days of shoveling, it's a good time to check your roof for any needed repair or replacement. Make sure the ventilation is working properly, too, so you don't waste money on heating bills in the winter.

4) Attic insulation - As the weather gets colder, think of the condition of your attic. Is it properly sealed against the elements? To make sure nothing is leaking, it's good to check on the condition of the insulation and make repairs where needed.

5) Window replacement - Windows bring in natural light, which can cut down power bills. They also keep the outside...out. If  you have lived in your home a while, take note of the condition of your window glass. You may wish to replace any brittle windows or else update your home's look.

Don't wait through another winter to get your home in shape for the new seasons. Fall is a great time to think about home improvement. Send the kids back to school and get to work yourself on making your home work better for the whole family.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach window replacement and Virginia Beach green home improvement.

Monday, August 2, 2010

After the Hurricane - Checking for Home Repair Possiblities

Nature happens. If you live in an area that is highly susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, chances are you know the drill - you have your evacuation route planned, an emergency pantry in place, and plenty of strong tape and boards for windows and doors. After the storm hits, however, you should know to put a new plan into action and quickly assess any damage done. This means being watchful of possible repairs to make to walls and plumbing.

What To Look For After The Storm

Once the wind and rain has subsided, you need to inspect your home to ensure minor problems now don't become more troublesome issues later. Broken windows and felled trees are easy to spot, but leaks in your pipes and malfunctioning HVAC systems can be more difficult to spot - even if those problems existed before the big storm, you must contact a contractor or repairman to handle replacements before the weather gets cold. Some things to look for in the aftermath of bad weather include:

1) Bugs: Heavy winds and standing water left after a storm can introduce all sorts of unwanted critters in your home. This is a good time to inspect the weatherstripping around the house and make sure the darker corners of your basement and attic are free of pests.

2) Pipe Leaks: If by chance a tree in your yard uprooted, you might experience problems with your pipe system as well. Watch the way water flows in your toilets and faucets, and look out for slow drains. A call to the plumber could be in order.

3) Mold: The chance that mold will grow inside your walls rises after a storm, especially if the foundation and structure were faulty to begin with. If you think you might have a problem, check it now before it effects your health.

Home repairs, while a seeming headache, won't appear as bad if you tackle the problems quickly and efficiently. If your home weathers a hurricane, do your best to make sure it stands well in any season.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach home improvement, Virginia Beach awnings and Virginia Beach window replacement.