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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

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Indoor Hot Tub Ideas

Well if you want to create a great little spa in your own home, then you need to know about the indoor hot tub ideas. The very first thing that you need to know is that having the hot tub in indoor is much better than having it outside, especially if you want to use it as a spa. The very first indoor hot tub idea is to measure the area and get the tub accordingly. The size should be absolutely perfect.

The next indoor hot tub ideas include having good decoration and necessity items and these might include wooden or stone cabinets to hold essential chemicals, towels, aroma and candles. The lightening should be kept in mind as well and this is again an important point. Make sure that the wiring is done properly. If you are going for painting, make sure that you use such paints that are capable of retaining moisture. Also, soothing colors should be used to create the ambience. Venting systems, wiring, windows should all be take care of.

One of the common mistakes that people commit while creating hot tub room is making use of carpets on the floor. The indoor hot tub ideas say that you should use vinyl sheet or ceramic porcelain on the floor. The hot tub room can also be personalized. One of the greatest aspects of hot tubs is that they are available in great sizes and even wonderful shapes. If you want to bring in the creativity, you can use odd shapes too. There are some of the latest styles of indoor hot tubs that you can use to make that area look beautiful.

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Home Lighting Gives An Entirely Different Feel To Your Home

Home lighting is the part and parcel of the home interior decoration. It really adds melody to the mode of the room.IN order to make the ambience of your room more cozy you need to consider the Three basic types of lighting and they are

  • General lighting: this is the most common form of lighting and you have already witnessed it on the walls of your room. You can also add track and dimmer in order to control the flexibility of the brightness.
  • Lighting for doing work: This form of light is also known to you, they are mostly used when you are engaged in cooking or reading a good novel. The pros of this form of lighting are that they do not exert pressure on your eyes.
  • Accent lighting: This form of lighting is really extravagant and luxurious. They mainly focus on a piece of art and sculpture or any other thing of interest. The most exciting is that it illuminates the room three times more than the general lighting.

Natural lighting: The last but not the least is the most natural form of lighting it generally enters the room any time of the day depending on the outside variation.

Therefore, these above mentioned lightings will no doubt shade some ideas in your mind so be very careful while purchasing the lights. Try to jot down the area where you are going to fix it on the wall. You can also try multiple types of lighting .Select nice lighting fixtures for everywhere, so that it will be admired by all and sundry.

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Environmentally Sensitive Wood Tables…A Step Towards Green World

A lot of people these days are turning towards supporting environmental issues. It is an effort made by many to keep up a healthy eco-friendly atmosphere around. Now, thankfully lot of industries is also taking initiative to establish green projects and endeavors. One such example is the environmentally sensitive wood tables. Those who are about to buy new furniture for their house, can go for these room décor products made off sustainable woods.

Earlier, there was huge popularity of tables made off exotic wood like mahogany, teak or ebony etc. these woods were so to say harvested in a exotic location and were too popular for their elegance and durability. But unfortunately it was affecting the virgin forest thus putting in danger the ecosystem and habitats in there. Moreover it was adding to the cause of global warming too. That is why such eco-friendly furniture is being made to continue the same elegance and style without much affecting the Mother Nature. Products with an FSC certification denote that the wood is being produced from sustainable forests. Without affecting any natural resources, these woods are of heirloom quality which means that they are eco-friendly as well as long-lasting.

Environmentally sensitive wood tables eventually look as elegant as the exotic ones. The manufacturers also use an eco-friendly finishing to the furniture using water based non-toxic finishes. These wood tables are also very easy to maintain with the help of beeswax or natural oil to keep it shining for years. The expensive polishes are not required which in turn may affect the furniture’s appeal in the long run. Using such environmental products you will add to the great cause of protecting the earth.

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15 Reasons To Choose Bamboo Flooring

Flooring of the home plays a very important role in deciding how your home would look. As far as the flooring is concerned, there are various varieties that you can choose from. For example, there are birch hardwood floorings, laminate floorings, ash hardwood floorings and bamboo hardwood floorings. Out of these kinds of floorings, bamboo hardwood flooring has become a very popular choice among people. Here are the top 15 reasons to choose bamboo flooring in your home:

  1. A stylish home can look appealing as well as attractive with bamboo flooring.
  2. It is a popular choice among people because it proves to be a perfect alternative to hardwood and laminate flooring.
  3. Bamboo flooring is very durable and can withstand the test of time.
  4. There are more than 1000 species of this material found in the world.
  5. Bamboo is easily available, which is why manufacturers make it an interesting option for flooring as well.
  6. Bamboo floors easily match all kinds of curtains in your home.
  7. Bamboo floorings bring with itself elegance that is loved by all guests in home.
  8. Scratches and dents are barely noticeable on the bamboo floors.
  9. Bamboo flooring is easy to maintain.
  10. It requires less cleaning.
  11. Bamboo flooring is very flexible and very easy to install as well.
  12. Bamboo is a strong material and therefore the weight of entire family can be borne by the floor.
  13. Bamboo flooring is pliable than oak hardwood and maple.
  14. Bamboo is a source that can be replenished and therefore no nature is destroyed in its manufacturing.
  15. Bamboo flooring remains mites-proof.

Because of all these reasons, you should choose bamboo flooring among various kinds of options. Though the list of flooring options is endless but bamboo proves to be pretty good flooring option that cannot go wrong.

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Cabinet Pulls to Customize any Room

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The old adage does ring true when guests walk into your home for the first time – you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Whether it’s time to completely revamp your kitchen from celling to floor, it’s time to think about new cabinets, or your cabinet hardware just needs a redo, First Impressions has the cabinet pulls and other hardware you need to keep everything looking stylish and polished.

First Impressions is able to match any type of décor that our clients have in mind. From a rustic, antiqued look to American Colonial, we are able to satisfy any request. We use many different types of materials and finishes on our cabinet hardware, going well beyond the classic glass or metal look.

Our cabinet pulls and other hardware are not just for kitchens, as we can easily work with any room in the home. If cabinets in the office space, bathroom, and garage need a new look, we are more than happy to match the style of any room. We can either offer hardware that complements every room in the home, such as having a common theme, or can help make each room look distinct and unique.

Our durable and long-lasting cabinet pulls come in a number of styles and types to suit every client’s need. If you need knobs and pulls made for arthritic hands, we can style a design that works. Similarly, we can also style designs for smaller hands, such as with children.

Contact First Impressions today with your specific needs for cabinet hardware. Browse our catalog, and if you need a little help with deciding, our professional staff is more than happy to help.

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Servicing Diseased Trees

As a Durham property owner, you’ve likely heard of several diseases that can kill and deform trees. No species is totally immune to blight, but there are some simple measures you can take to prevent tree diseases from spreading. By following these tips, you can keep your trees healthy for many more years.

Remove Problem Trees

The most important way to help prevent tree diseases from spreading is to remove trees that are decayed, dead, diseased or dying. By the time one of your trees has visible symptoms, it’s likely already dying. It may be unfortunate, but Tree Removal in Wallingford can help prevent the spread of tree disease.

Use the Right Fungicide

Another simple way to service your trees is to have a tree services spray them with fungicide to inhibit the spread of fungi. This easy preventive measure can stop the spread of dangerous diseases like oak wilt and Dutch elm disease before it can spread to the rest of the trees in your yard.

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Use the Right Insecticide

In addition to fungicidal treatments, your tree service will recommend spraying diseased trees with insecticide. The insecticide will kill eggs, larvae and adult insects, and it will prevent the spread of disease. Killing the offspring of these insects is important, because they sometimes burrow deep into your trees, eating the sap wood under the bark. Once the insects reach the outer bark, your tree isn’t likely to be saved.

Plant Disease-Resistant Trees

The most obvious way to prevent the spread of tree diseases is to plant trees that are naturally resistant to such problems. However, if your yard is already full of mature trees, that’s really not a viable option. Unfortunately, you may have to sacrifice problem trees through tree removal in Durham, and ask your tree service about replacing them with more resistant species that can help to keep the rest of your property’s trees healthy.

Trees provide Connecticut residents with many benefits, and we’re here to help them grow and thrive as much as possible. However, you should remember that disease is a natural part of trees’ life cycle. Nature has its own ways of controlling the environment, and all you can do is try to manage disease when it arises. Until we can fully understand how to protect trees, we will keep a close watch on tree diseases to protect not only the trees in your yard, but those in the natural forest.

 

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A exclusive Choice – Parquet Flooring

Have you been bothered about getting the perfect flooring for your home for some time now? Well, if you have, then here is a word of advice for you. Opt for parquet flooring. Not a lot of people think about parquet flooring, in fact it is one of the most overlooked flooring options but the truth is, people who have parquet flooring in their homes are absolutely floored bi it!

Parquet flooring is a very exclusive choice. It dates back to 1684 and it noted for its exquisite beauty. You can get the parquet flooring in parquet panels and solid parquet and the different types of woods used include oak, pine, walnut and mahogany. You should also choose parquet flooring for the many advantages that it offers.

Benefits Of Parquet Flooring

  • The biggest benefit of parquet flooring is it adds to the decorative value of your home. Its texture and appearance is extremely rich and enhances the appeal of your house. Since parquet flooring consists of varied small pieces, you can create amazingly attractive patterns using them. Further, it is available in different types of designs and textures and complements home décor very well. You can opt for light colored or dark colored wood depending on your taste.
  • Another benefit of parquet flooring is it is available in a wide array of styles and designs. If you want your home to have an exotic appearance, then you can opt for bamboo parquet or mosaic parquet. Colored parquet is also a very good option and works really well with modern interior decors.
  • Parquet floorings are easy to take care of and maintain. These floors are moisture and scratch resistant and renovating them is very easy. They are actually scratch and moisture protected and come in waxed, pre-oiled finish and plain finish options. To give the parquet floors a polished and new look, you will only have to sand and varnish polish the floors once a year.
  • Since parquet flooring is extremely durable, installing them is a very cost effective decision. For renovation also, you need non expensive polishes and varnishes.

 

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High Quality Laminate Flooring

When it comes to flooring options, people very often prefer laminate flooring since it can be installed very easily as against hardwood floors. People can very easily avoid warped timber, adhesive, sanding, nails and finishing that are essential in case of hardwood flooring. Also, laminate flooring can provide an attractive look. It is more durable than wood or tile. However, some laminates are of higher qualities than others. People should compare different laminate flooring brands and select the most appropriate one.

Laminate floorings are found in various designs and shapes stimulated from bamboo, stone, hardwood, marble and tile effects. If an individual prefers a traditional and cozy interior, then he/she can go for bamboo or hardwood-pattered laminate. For a graceful and stylish look, one can select marble or stone patterned laminate floors. The tile patterned laminate flooring is quite perfect for exceptional and sophisticated look.

Before choosing the perfect laminate floor option, one should investigate and think in a proper manner. Picking the exact pick will save your effort and money in the long run. The floors are the base of an entire room. Hence, if you installs wrong variant of flooring then the room will lose its significance. It will become quite uncomfortable to stay at. You can also take help of a specialist dealing in home improvement to decide on which flooring type can best go with your home. You should opt for the durability and affordability of laminate floors in their houses. A wide variety of laminate coverings are available.

They Are As Follows:

  • Ironbark Laminate Flooring – It is well-known for its permanency. It consists of an authentic timber texture which can increase the beauty of one’s floor space.
  • Tallowood Laminate Flooring – It is perfect for an individual who has fixed a budget. It generates a gorgeous look and can be installed effortlessly.
  • Brazilian Cherry Laminate Flooring – Latest technology is utilised to produce a high quality glossy floor. Installation can be done easily.
  • Fastlock Michigan Pine Laminate Flooring – This type of flooring brings the warmth and magnificence of genuine natural timber to one’s room.

Other than these, there are also other types of floorings available for the customers.

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Brazilian redwood flooring – Brazilian Cherry Wood

Brazilian Redwood Flooring can enhance the beauty of one’s house. It can be a lovely new addition to your home. Of late this particular variant of flooring flooring has become very popular.

Brazilian Redwood is also known by the name of Macaranduba. It has a very stunning red color. Little Color variations are there but once installed it provides a superb glamorous look. Brazilian Redwood is one of the densest hardwoods which are found in the Amazon. It is very durable. The sapwood of Brazilian Redwood appears white to light brown and the hardwood is dark reddish-brown in color. It is one of the hardest wood types used for flooring options. It is more than 133 per cent harder than white oak, 75 per cent harder than hickory or pecan.

Quite a number of timber companies produce Brazilian Redwood flooring and deliver the products directly to their clients. The floorings are available in a variety of widths. Lengths vary from 1’ to 7’ ft. The flooring consists of solid wood, ¾”thick. The flooring is finished with 8 coats which are as follows:

  • Stain/Primer Coating – This particular type of coating confirms great linkage between the actual raw wood & the different coatings applied on it.
  • Filler Coat – Filler coating is applied to fill any open grains and pores and thus a smooth surface is generated.
  • Second Fill – This coating carries on building the smooth floor surface.
  • Aluminium Oxide –It provides hardness and sturdiness to the prefinished flooring. This coating is very significant as it ensures durability.
  • Sealer Coat – It helps to level out the Aluminium oxide coating.
  • Second Seal – It continues to smooth the surface.
  • Wet On Wet Top Coat – Prefinished process is done.
  • Final Top Coat – It controls polish level.

The companies accept any order size from the client. They can produce the floorings according to the needs and requirements of the client.

Properties Of Brazilian Redwood:

Brazilian Redwood is highly resilient to decay and termites. The wood stays smooth even under friction. It has no odor. The wood takes time to dry up properly. Once it gets dried, it is quite resistant to absorption of moisture.

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