Contractor Tips Blog

Jan
17

Ideas For Your Finished Basement

Posted in Interior Design

One area of many homes which often gets overlooked for its potential is the finished basement. This spacious area is often left open and greatly unused, or only used for storage, despite the possibilities for increased living space in the home. With a little help from an experienced basement remodeling contractor, your basement can become the extra family room, play area or even the home office you always wanted. 

Finished Basement Remodel Ideas

Your basement can have the potential to add value to your home and add one or more new rooms to your living space. Depending on the size and layout of your basement, you may decide to dedicate the entire area to one type of space or create a few different rooms. Some ideas on how to use this extra space: 

  • Home office – Create a quiet working space away from the rest of the home, with room to store all your files, computer equipment and books.
     
  • Play room – Give your kids a place to play as loud as they want in their own level of the home. It could have a indoor jungle gym, a cozy TV area and a place for all their favorite toys.
     
  • Family room – Make a spacious room for everyone in the family to enjoy time together. Add a small kitchen for snacks, comfy furniture, games and even a home theater system to make it the perfect place for family fun and relaxing.
     
  • Extra bedrooms – Add an extra bedroom to give your teenager their own space or to have for guests. 

A professional basement remodeling contractor can help you make the most of your finished basement, adding more room and value to your home. Don’t let this area be neglected when there are so many ways to use that extra space.

Posted on behalf of J Christopher Services

Jan
17

Protect Your Home And Family With Wireless Alarm Monitoring

Posted in Home Security

There is nothing as precious as your family and home. While there are many alarm systems available to help protect your home against robbery and invasion, many are not equipped to function correctly when phone lines or electricity is down or shut off by a criminal. Wireless alarm monitoring is the best way to ensure your home and family are protected, regardless of the circumstances. 

Choosing A Wireless Alarm Monitoring Service

Just like all home services, not all alarm services are created equal. If you are investing in home protection, you need to ensure the company you choose has the best capacity to monitor your home in all types of situations. Criminals know that cutting phone lines, power outages and other factors can leave you vulnerable; don’t risk your home and family by using an alarm service that will not be there when you need it most. Some factors to consider when choosing a alarm monitoring service: 

  • Certified monitoring station – Choose an alarm monitoring company with a monitoring station that has been certified by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). A 5 Diamond Certification is the best, with only 3% of all monitoring stations receiving this level.
     
  • VOIPP or no phone line – If you use cellular phones as your only phone lines or VOIPP, wireless alarm monitoring is imperative. Wireless also protects you when traditional phone lines are out of service, or cut by a criminal trying to invade your home. 

Investing in your home and family’s protection is money well spent. While insurance may reimburse you for items stolen, it cannot replace your family or your peace of mind. Wireless alarm monitoring is the most reliable way to protect your family and possessions, so contact a professional security installation service who understands your unique needs.

Posted on behalf of Callaway Security

Jan
17

Elements Of The Perfect Home Theater Room

Posted in Home Theaters

A well designed home theater takes planning and expertise to get the right combination of visual and audio effects. While the electronics are important components, they alone are not what turn a good home theater into a great one. Whether you want a room to watch your favorite sports team or to enjoy movies with your friends and family in high definition splendor, how the room is designed and set up can play a major part in the quality of theater room you will end up with. 

Home Theater Design Elements

While any room could potentially turned into a home theater, there are certain aspects that need to be considered. Just adding a large television and sound system will not necessarily create the theater room you had in mind. Some elements to consider when designing your home theater include: 

  • Size – The size, dimensions and shape of a room can determine how the acoustics will perform.
     
  • Lighting – Most theater rooms will have no windows to create the perfect dark room for viewing.
     
  • Seating – Where you place your seating can effect both how the audio and visual effects are experienced.
     
  • Sound proofing – Depending on where your theater room is located, you may need sound proofing to keep outside sounds from disturbing your viewings as well as isolate the sound coming from the theater room. 

Many elements of creating a professional grade home theater room are complicated, requiring the expertise of a home theater designer. Since this is a sizable investment into your home, using a professional home theater design company to help you plan and build your room can make sure that it turns out exactly the way you envision.

Posted on behalf of Callaway Home Theater 

Jan
17

Have The Home Of The Future With Digital Home Automation

Posted in Home Automation

Control your entire home, all from your smart phone or computer with digital home automation. What used to be available only in science fiction movies is now a reality. New technology allows you to control almost all your devices in your home with a phone application or remote access from a computer. It is not just a convenience, either; digital home automation can help you save money on your utilities, protect your home and make it a more comfortable place to live. 

Benefits Of Digital Home Automation

Imagine being able to shut off your lights, turn on your air conditioning or open your garage door when you are miles away from home. Although some of these functions are individually available, digital home automation combines all your home’s features in one place, making it easy to protect your home and even save money. Here are some of the benefits of using this amazing new technology: 

  • Save energy – Heat, cool or light your home only when needed. Set your heat or A/C to turn on a half an hour before you get home or do it when you are headed back to the house. Check to make sure everything is turned off, even when you are already miles away.
     
  • Protect your home – Digital home automation can allow you to control your alarm system from wherever you are  and give the illusion that you are home. Turn lights on and off, blast the stereo or TV, even when relaxing on vacation in Hawaii.
     
  • Convenience – Last but not least, even when you are home, having instant access to all your devices is convenient and saves time. 

This technology of the future is now available! Make your home safer and more efficient with digital home automation by calling an installation professional to discuss your options.

Posted on behalf of Callaway Home Theater

Nov
21

Industrial Polymer Products

Polymer is used in a great number of products that are used daily by every person and company in theUnited Statesand beyond.  Examples of the uses of polymers include plastics, which need to be strong, as well as coatings that prevent sticking and nylon.  Examples of polymer products include High Density Polyethylene and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. 

High Density Polyethylene or HDPE, as it is also known, is used to manufacture products such as pipe, plastic bottles, plastic lumber, hard hats and fuel tanks for vehicles.  The nature of the product makes it very resistant to high temperatures and much harder than polypropylene products.  The product has a high strength to density ration and is also recyclable. 

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene or UHMW, as it is also known, is the strongest product of its type available in the marketplace.  The benefits of the material include its lack of odor and that it is non toxic.  In addition, it is highly resistant to strong chemicals and abrasion.  In fact, the product is six times more abrasion resistant that steel.  The product does not become brittle at extreme temperatures and is usable in temperatures ranging from -155°F to +200°F!  

An experienced industrial product company will be able to provide expert guidance on the best polymer product available at the best possible price, to meet the needs of the manufacturer.  The manufacturer’s representatives are highly trained in the subject and can assist in the selection of the best polymer products available in the marketplace!

Posted on behalf of The King Group

Nov
21

Food Conveyor Belts

Food conveyor belts are used in every food manufacturing facility in the United States, as well as a number of fast food establishments and restaurants.  As with other conveyor belts, food  grade conveyor belts require periodic replacement because they do not last forever.  An experienced conveyor belt manufacturer will be able to assist any food facility in need of replacement belts determine the proper one for the equipment in the facility.  

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must approve food conveyor belts, which is a distinguishing characteristic between these belts and other conveyor belts.  In addition, normally these belts are provided with some sort of specialized coating to prevent staining, as well as to reduce the accumulation of sticky substances, on the belt.  Two of the most popular and effective coatings for food conveyor belts are Teflon and silicone.  

Despite the coatings available, all food conveyor belts are not the same in the materials used.  Another important consideration when ordering a replacement food conveyor belt is the temperature of the food being moved.  If the food being moved is hot, then a belt capable of resisting melting or burning should be used.  If the food being moved is cold then a material that is resistant to cracking, due to the cold, should be used. 

A highly experienced food conveyor belt manufacturer will be able to assist in providing specific recommendations to which belt to use, the best coating to use, depending upon the application, and the best material, depending upon the food being moved!

Posted on behalf of The King Group

Nov
21

Custom Metal Work

Despite the availability of tens of thousands individual metal components in the marketplace, a vast majority of steel and miscellaneous metals work remains custom work.  The metals are custom fabricated by experienced craftsmen to fit a specific application on a specific project. 

Examples of custom metal fabrication projects include interior and exterior stairs, handrails, landings, walkways, catwalks, ladders, lintels, bollards, work stands, counters, cabinets, storage racks, storage bins, canopies, awnings, trellises, gates, grating and banisters.  Often the metals used in this type of work include steel plate, ornamental iron, stainless steel and aluminum.  Finishes on these projects typically include paint, powder coating, galvanizing and a variety of high tech finishes. 

The key to properly executing these projects is a highly trained and integrated staff including estimators, designers, shop and field craftsmen and project managers.  In addition a properly equipped fabrication facility is key as well.  The estimator will determine the cost of the work, the raw materials needed, as well as the time necessary to fabricate and install the work based upon the conceptual plans provided.  The designer will take a concept provided by an architect or engineer to develop a detailed set of plans that the craftsmen will use to fabricate and install the work. 

The shop craftsmen fabricating the work will use a combination of modern and “old world” metal working techniques to fabricate the raw materials into the product being fabricated.  Once fabricated, the field craftsmen then install the finished product, while the project manager manages he entire process.  A well-equipped shop is essential to the craftsmen being able to fabricate the product accurately, efficiently and safely.  

Properly done by an experienced licensed and insured contractor, custom metal work is a unique blend of functionality, art, engineering and workmanship that will last a lifetime!

Posted on behalf of  LCG Welding

Nov
21

Metal Stair Repairs

Posted in Metal Stairs

Metal is an extremely durable and a strong material as long as it is properly maintained, especially when it is subject to heavy use, impact, weather and chemicals, all of which can cause deterioration.  One of the most dangerous things that can be found on any commercial, industrial, educational or residential structure is a metal staircase, handrail or guardrail where this deterioration has occurred.  Often this deterioration includes such things as corrosion, cracked or broken welds.  Other potential damage includes impact damage, wear and fatigue, which can lead to failures in the treads, railings and supporting structure. Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation, with the possibility of severe injury or death, if not corrected. 

The process for repairing steel stairs is relatively straightforward.  It is recommended that any property owner use an experienced metal stair repair company to periodically inspect their metal stairs, metal guardrails and metal handrails.  It is critical that the stair repair company use certified welders to make any minor corrections on the spot and that they be experienced in working with all sorts of metals and just not steel as the welding techniques and equipment are different.  In addition to being experienced, the company should be licensed and insured as well. 

In some cases if the experienced craftsman performing the inspection and repairs may notice something out of the ordinary and a structural engineer may need to be consulted to recommend the repair.  An example of this would be when the anchors securing to the stair to the wall are pulling away from the structure or an obvious structural failure, other than a broken weld, of a supporting component.  An engineer should be consulted to provide guidance on what to do. 

In most cases the inspection and the repairs can be done quickly and economically by a qualified welding company that specializes in metal stair repairs!

Posted on behalf of LCG Welding

Nov
21

Replacement Roofing

Posted in Roofing

One of the most important parts of every home is the roof, which protects the occupants of the home, as well as their possessions and the structure of the home itself from weather.  Roofing materials include asphalt shingles, slate shingles, wood shakes and a variety of synthetic specialty materials used on flat roofs.  Although these materials have a long life span and are extremely durable when properly installed properly by a licensed and insured contractor, eventually the roof will need to be replaced either due to age or other causes.  Often these other causes will include extreme weather events such as hailstorms. 

The first step in determining if a roof needs to be replaced is to have a thorough inspection performed by a highly experienced and customer service focused roofing contractor, who is also licensed and insured.  During the inspection the technician will take note of any storm related damage, as well as normal wear and tear and discuss their findings with the property owner. 

If the roof is need of replacement, the contractor will provide a written estimate and can provide assistance to the property owner if they are seeking a bank loan or making an insurance claim on their homeowner’s policy to pay for the residential roof replacement.  Once the property owner has approved the roof replacement, the work will be scheduled and performed as quickly as possible by highly trained and experienced craftsmen.  Once completed, the new roof will provide years of protection to the home, occupants and their possessions, while providing the energy efficiency of the home as well as improving the aesthetics of the home.

Posted on behalf of Ken Christie, CZE Roofing and Remodeling

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Nov
21

Cell Phone Repairs

In recent years, smart phones have become very integrated into our daily lives to the extent that most people cannot function in their daily business and personal lives without these devices.  In many cases, these devices have replaced the personal computer for many functions including Internet access, email, schedules and note pads.  The integration is so complete, that most people would be in a real bind if their smart phone were to stop working and they were to lose the data stored on the device. 

One of the most popular of all of the smart phones on the market is the Samsung family of smart phones including the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3.  While extremely popular, these phones are also very expensive, especially if they stop functioning properly due to a broken touch screen, water damage or a dead battery.  In many cases the owner would be required to purchase a new phone if the non functional phone was not insured or if the customer was not eligible for a phone upgrade or discounted phone thru their carrier.  In the past cell phone repairs were just not possible. 

Now if is possible to have the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 repaired by a highly trained and experienced technician!  Repairs include touch screen replacement, water damage diagnostic and battery replacement.  In addition, it is possible to have the repairs done at one of many conveniently located repair facilities or the technician can come to the customer’s home of office location.  In all cases, the cost of the repairs is very reasonable and the repairs are quickly done.

Posted on behalf of  iDevice MD

 

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