Archive for May, 2011
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
Over the years, decks have become the focal point of most outdoor living spaces. Decks are fairly cheap to install and maintain, they are perfect for entertaining groups of varying sizes and they add an aesthetic element to a yard that nothing else can really compare to. But until recently, railings were not seen as necessities when it came to deck building. Railings were written off as non-essential luxuries.
Oh how times have changed.
This article from BuffaloBulletin.com explains how railings have finally made it into the mainstream.
Nowadays, homeowners are finally beginning to embrace deck railings for the essential safety feature they are. But as railings have increased in use because of their obvious safety needs, they have also become an accent piece on most decks. The right railing can compliment a deck perfectly, dramatically changing the look of your outdoor living space.
And if you have a deck without any railings, do not worry. Installing railings on an existing deck is easy. Railing projects provide a big “bang for your buck” by carrying a smaller price tag than a full deck or other larger remodeling projects. Even better yet, many railing projects are designed for do-it-yourselfers.
So what are you waiting for?
Whether adding railings to a porch or a deck as a do-it-yourself weekend project or a professional contracting job, installing railings will add instant style and impact to your home at a reasonable price.
If you have any questions about this process, contact TW Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!
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Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Your deck is an extension of your home. Its sole purpose is to be a relaxing area to sit, drink a few cold ones, entertain, dine or even barbeque. Because of this, you should take the time to properly plan your deck. Personalization is the key to any good deck.
This article from KPVI.com explains how you can turn your ordinary deck into an extraordinary outdoor living space.
There are several ways to personalize your deck. The most obvious is shape. Figure out what you want your deck to primarily be used for and design it to best fit that need. If you want to entertain and barbeque, make sure your design leaves room for a few tables, some chairs and, of course, a grill. You will also have to pick building materials – color or grain of composite or wood decking – and deck accessories – metal or even glass balusters, baluster infill centerpieces, railing colors, post caps, lighting options and even stone accents. The possibilities are endless.
So plan out every detail of your future deck and make sure the final product is something you will be happy with.
If you need any help, contact TW Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!
Tags: annually clean and seal a deck, Building a deck, debris, Deck Building Maryland, Deck building materials, deck maintenance, Deck Maryland, Deck options, Deck remodeling Maryland, Deck treatment, Decking Maryland, discoloration, Do it yourself, do the work yourself, Extedning deck life, Extending the life of your deck, foot traffic, having your deck professionally cleaned and sealed, home improvement, home remodeling, How to, How To Turn Your Deck Into An Outdoor Living Room, keep your deck looking as good as new, Maryland, mildew, mold, outdoor living space, Personalization, Personalizing, Personalizing a deck, Personalizing decks, Personalizing your deck, power washing, Power Washing and Sealing Your Deck, power washing and staining your deck yourself, rain, rent the equipment, Runoff from your roof, Sealing a deck, shorten the life of your deck, snow, Staining a deck, swelling, the sun, TW Ellis
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Monday, May 16th, 2011
When you have a complex home improvement job you need completed, you do not want to tackle every different professional – plumber, electrician, flooring specialist, etc – yourself. Instead, go to a “builder” who can organize the perfect team for you, saving you both time and heartache.
This article from RafterTales.com explains three major elements you need to keep in mind when looking for the right “lead builder” for your home improvement needs.
1. Understanding the Business: You must understand that the building contractor will be the in charge of supervising the whole job. However, there will be a sub-contractor on site too. Basically, this sub-contractor will be the person ‘managing’ the workers while the builder will be supervising. You may find out that you are paying the builder more money than what you could have paid to the sub-contractor. Most people take this as cheating but it is not. This is the business chain, which has made the process this easy. So, don’t think that you are being cheated and try to sort out a deal with the workers or the sub-contractor. By doing this you will only harm yourself and no one else.
2. Analyzing the Contract: The majority of the homebuilders will have a contract, which you will need to sign in order to proceed with the process. Some builders, usually independent builders, may not have this contract. In such a scenario, it is your job to get a contract created with all the terms and conditions in it. This contract, whether you created it or the builder, must have detailed specifications of the job that needs to be done and the total amount both the parties have agreed upon.
3. Screening the Builders/Contractors: First and the foremost, ask the builder/contractor for his license to work. If the contractor does not have a license, it does not necessarily mean that he is a fraud. However, working with a licensed professional will keep you at ease. Check out the contractor’s history and see how experienced and well versed he is in his field. It’s also very important to find out what tools he is using, make sure the tools that he is using have a decent rating by looking up some power tool reviews.
These three points will help you on your way to finding the perfect “lead builder” for you next home improvement job. But if you need any help, contact TW Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!
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Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
If you have a deck, you know just how important it is to annually clean and seal it. This will not only keep your deck looking as good as new, but it will also significantly extend its life, ensuring you have the perfect spot to entertain family and friends for years to come. But having your deck professionally cleaned and sealed could run you nearly $600. Who can afford that?
One solution is to do the work yourself. It is easier than you may think. You can rent the equipment and have the job done in a single weekend. Beats spending a few hundred bucks, doesn’t it?
This article from eHow.com explains the ins and outs of power washing and staining your deck yourself.
Runoff from your roof, foot traffic, debris, the sun, snow and rain all contribute to the slow destruction of your deck. If not properly dealt with, these little inconveniences can become major problems – leading to mold, mildew, swelling and discoloration. This may not seem like much, but each factor will significantly shorten the life of your deck.
With periodic washing and sealing, you can counteract this.
Use a cold-water pressure washer between 1,200-1,500 PSI when cleaning the deck (hot water and too much pressure can damage your wood). The best nozzle to use sprays in a wide fan pattern at 25- to 45-degree.
Once you have sufficiently cleaned your deck, it is time to apply a sealer, which can be done with either a paint roller or a pump-type sprayer. Tinted oil-based sealers are the best choice. They will keep moisture out as well as harmful UV rays. With no UV protection, the deck may still turn gray.
If you have any questions about this process, contact TW Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!
Tags: annually clean and seal a deck, Building a deck, debris, deck maintenance, Deck treatment, discoloration, Do it yourself, do the work yourself, Extedning deck life, Extending the life of your deck, foot traffic, having your deck professionally cleaned and sealed, home improvement, home remodeling, How to, keep your deck looking as good as new, Maryland, mildew, mold, power washing, Power Washing and Sealing Your Deck, power washing and staining your deck yourself, rain, rent the equipment, Runoff from your roof, Sealing a deck, shorten the life of your deck, snow, Staining a deck, swelling, the sun, TW Ellis
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Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011
If you are about to begin a difficult remodeling job, one thing is for sure; you will be hiring a remodeling firm or home improvement contractor. But before you go out and hire the first remodeler you talk to, do some research. Interview several different firms and see who makes the most sense for you.
This can often be intimidating. After all, what should you ask when interviewing a remodeler? This article from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) can help. It outlines several questions you should ask any remodeling firm before hiring them.
These questions include:
How long have you been in business? Look for a company with an established business history in your community. Surviving in any business in today’s competitive marketplace is a difficult task. Most successful contractors are proud of their history in the industry.
What is the time frame for starting the project? Now is the time to ask questions about work schedules. You should ask: What is your estimate for completion? How early will your crew normally begin work? When will they normally quit for the day? Will I be contacted about delays or changes in the schedule? By whom?
How do you operate? In other words, how is your firm organized? Do you have employees or do you hire subcontractors? If you do have employees, what are their job descriptions? Do you use a project supervisor or lead carpenter to oversee the project? Other firms will have additional positions. You should know what parts of your project will be handled by staff, and which will be contracted out to independent contractors.
Do you have design services available? If you are considering a large or involved project, you will need design services. If the contractor does not have design-build capabilities, you should consider hiring an architect. Depending on the size and scope of the project, you may need an architect or structural engineer.
Are any of your company’s employees certified? Trade certifications are good indicators of dedication, professionalism and knowledge of the industry. Remodelers are required to meet certain industry criteria to maintain their certifications. NARI offers six designations: Certified Remodeler (CR), Certified Remodeler Specialist (CRS), Certified Remodeler Associate (CRA), Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR), Green Certified Professional (GCP), Certified Lead Carpenter (CLC), and Certified Remodeling Carpenter (CRC).
How many projects like mine have you completed in the past 12 months? This will help you determine the contractor’s familiarity with your type of project. You should confirm that a good portion of those completed projects were similar to the type of project you are proposing.
Will we need a permit for this project? Most cities and towns require permits for building projects. Failure to obtain the necessary permits or to arrange obligatory inspections can be illegal. In some cases, if a project violates a zoning law or some other regulations, it may even have to be demolished if there is no way to comply with the law. A qualified remodeling contractor will be conscious of the permit process, and ensure that all permits have been obtained before initiating any work.
Click here for the full list of questions.
If you have any questions about this process or if you are looking for a remodeling firm/home improvement contractor, contact TW Ellis by calling 800-852-8335 or click here today!
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