Category Archives: Home Improvement

Homeowner Solutions: Solving the Swimming Pool Argument

If you have the space for a swimming pool, it can soon get you thinking just how great it would be to take a dip whenever you want, but not everyone in the family might agree that this is a good use of your cash or space, which is why you might have to build a convincing argument in favor of installing one.

When you look at what sort of custom pools you could have in your home, it shouldn’t be too difficult to win any dissenting voices over, but just in case, here are some reasons why having a swimming pool should work for you and your family.

In good company

If you do decide to invest in a swimming pool you will be in good company, as pool ownership is showing a rising trend.

It is no longer viewed as an purchase of aspiration and affluence, although it is always nice to say that you have a pool in your home, but more people are also realizing that having a swimming pool has a number of health benefits, on top of looking aesthetically pleasing in their yard.

If you are thinking about getting a swimming pool built, make yourself a wish list of all the things you want from your pool, which can be anything from the size of the pool, where you want it to be installed, and whether you want it to be a covered pool or not.

Once you made that list, you may well soon be joining the growing ranks of swimming pool owners, once you have ticked all the right boxes and won over any arguments.

A healthier option

Aside from the potential fitness benefits associated with having your own pool, it is also worth considering how using public pools can present a health risk to you and your family.

If you have your own pool, only your family and friends are going to using it. If you are relying on visiting a public pool you simply have no control over who is also using the facilities, which could present a health risk.

Can you trust someone who has an infectious skin condition or an illness to keep away from the public pool?

In fairness, many of the public pools operate very strict health and safety regimes, with proper water maintenance. But this involves using a high level of chemicals to reduce the health hazards, and when you discover that some pathogens have an ability to avoid the impact of chlorine, it is far more comforting to use a pool in your own home where you know who and what has gone into the water.

If you think that the health risks of public pools is overplayed, consider the published public health records of a number of major states, which revealed that well over 75% of their inspections revealed at least one health violation.

Great exercise

Another convincing argument in favor of getting your own pool, is the fact that you are providing the family with a great source of exercise that benefits all ages.

Swimming is renowned for giving you the sort of full body workout that is so difficult to obtain with the majority of other sporting pursuits. By exercising in water, which is such a buoyant and supportive environment, you will be able to exercise many of your muscles at the same time, without the sort of stress on your joints or impact, that you can experience with some other activities.

Even someone with relatively limited mobility can get an excellent workout in the swimming pool and if you are looking at getting yourself as fit as possible, the pool is also a really good place to test yourself and get into proper cardiovascular shape.

Quality family time

We all lead such busy lives these days, so another good reason for considering a pool is the fact that it is an activity that everyone seems to enjoy, allowing you to get together as a family and have some quality time, enjoying playing and exercising in the water.

You could even use the pool to teach your children to swim in a supervised environment, and the prospect of some awesome pool parties for all of your friends to come and share your facility, makes the idea of having a swimming pool even more tempting.

When you start to look at all of the benefits attached to having your own pool, all that is left to decide is what size you are going to have and where it is going to be fitted.

Chris Griffin has owned & operated his own business since he was 12 years old. A self-motivated entrepreneur, Chris has experienced many different things in life. A high school stand-out in academics & athletics, he entered the University of New Mexico with a full-ride athletic scholarship. While at New Mexico, he obtained his degree in Civil Engineering, as well as several athletic accomplishments (Honorable Mention All WAC Tight End 1994 & 1995, Team Captain 1995, Drafted 6th Round New England Patriots Tight End 1996, Jacksonville Jaguars Tight End/Fullback 1996 1997) After a short NFL Career, Chris continued his lawn & garden company in Albuquerque, NM, where he quickly grew his company from just 2 employees to over 50. By 2001, he expanded his business into the rapidly growing & highly-regarded Arizona market. Today, he owns one of the TOP landscape & pool companies in Arizona (AZ Business Magazine Ranked #1 Landscape Company & #3 Pool Company). While continuing to grow his business, he takes all the time he can to spend with his family of 6! While not at work, you can usually find him at football or baseball practice, where he coaches his two older boys. He’s also active as a Cub Scout Den Leader, where he loves teaching his boys what he learned as a Boy Scout. His time spent with his two younger girls are usually swimming, camping, soccer, reading or just hanging with Dad!

Home Improvement

Damaging Drains: Priceless Pointers to Prevent Sewer Line Backups

Anne Younger Leave a comment

One of the worst experiences homeowners can experience is a sewer backup or overflow. It’s usually foreshadowed by a pungent smell somewhere around the basement or back of the house, wherever the sewer entrance is. Avoiding this can be done through finding the main causes, grease and roots causing overflows.

Primary Causes

Grease is one of the largest offenders of causing a sewage problem. If cooking grease and other oils are put down the drain, eventual problems can occur. The grease will eventually cool down, build up and harden. This affects both home and local jurisdiction sewage lines. Overtime this problem builds up and causes blockage that can’t be avoided.

Plant roots are another unfortunate problem that is caused less by people and more so by the nature around us. Roots growing into the pipes are another major problem. Roots from major pants and trees will naturally go to the water source. As a pipe is slowly getting weaker through constant use, a root will find the smallest area of weakness and capitalize on that.

Quick Tips to Attack the Cause

One of the more common sense approaches is to simply not pour grease down the toilet or sink drains. Make sure scrape off all types of grease from all kinds of plates and utensils, instead putting them into the trash rather than down the sewage lines. Even plant roots can be taken care of. In order to avoid the root blockage, make sure no trees or shrubs are growing close to the sewage service line or home cleanout system.

If any of these major causes do in fact impair the sewage line, then there’s nothing proactive to do, but get the problem fixed. A water damage cleanup company will be able to come in and fix all of the damage. For most people they aren’t too focused on making sure their sewage is running okay until it’s too late. But there are other ways to keep a healthy sewer line before it comes to getting damage repaired.

Consistent Maintenance

Major cleanouts are direct lines to the sewer and clean up any blockages forming and eliminates that sewer gas smell. This may eliminate odors, which is usually the first sign of cloggage anyhow. Sometimes simply pouring some bleach down the drain can be of immense help.

Most people don’t know but there are usually two separate lines attached into a mainline from the house. One of those lines will carry from the “soil line that takes from the kitchen sink and toilet. While the other one will carry out the waste line from showers and bathroom sinks. What this means is there are two opportunities for potential blockage to occur from two separate lines coming from the house. One of the first parts of identifying any sewer line backup is to determine which line this is coming from.

Taking Action of the Pipes

We’ve mentioned that throwing some bleach down the drain can help at times. Often times it’s much more complicated than that. Experts say that just using a chemical drain cleaner shouldn’t be the only method of attack on a potentially blocked drain.

A sewer jetter has the capability of being able to blast away any potential blockage while also restoring and cleaning the innards of the pipes. After you’ve blasted away the insides, it’s a good time to follow up with what is called a hydrostatic line tester. Any existing leaks that might have been saved by the debris could have been washed away by you cleaning it. Being able to find the new unlocked leaks can be a good area to repair and prevent any new damage.

Simple Common Precautionary Methods

Instead of having to go full attack on the drains, there are simple things that should be added to any house cleaning regiment. One of these is pouring a cup of baking soda and white vinegar down the drain. Flush with warm water after an hour of sitting there. This combination will destroy any new buildup and works well for showers, kitchens and bathroom sinks.

Also be considerate of what you’re actually putting down these drains. Grease should never go down there as previous mentioned. But different foods can be hard for a garbage disposal to grind up and should be avoided. Never flush anything like rags, napkins or hazardous waste, metal objects down the toilet. Be conscious overall that these pipes are leading somewhere and are not indestructible.

John Madison is a retired plumber. Left with a little too much time on his hands, he was recently encouraged by his granddaughter to start sharing his knowledge by writing articles. So far he’s enjoying it, and hopes his articles are of use.

Home Improvement

Simple Air Conditioner Maintenance Musts for Homeowners

Anne Younger Leave a comment

It is great to feel comfortable at all times in your own home, which is why you want to keep your air conditioner in top shape, so that it doesn’t let you down when you need it most.

Using someone like Harster Heating and Air Conditioning to maintain your system is certainly one good way of keeping everything in good working order, and there are also some ways you can help to ensure your AC runs efficiently.

Your filter should be a priority

If there is one item that you need to focus your attention on more than others on your air conditioning unit, it is the air filter.

If you want to give your unit the best possible chance of running to its maximum level of efficiency and also to minimize the prospect of a breakdown, you should think about checking, cleaning and replacing your air filter on a regular basis.

If your filter is dirty or clogged, this will greatly impair the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, as airflow can be significantly reduced or even blocked when your air filter needs cleaning or changing.

An important reason why you should consider changing your air filter frequently is energy efficiency. By simply replacing your air filter with a reasonable degree of frequency, you could improve energy consumption figures by as much as 15%.

Check whether the filter is a reusable one or one that needs replacing and gauge how often you clean or change the filter, based on how often you use the unit and past experience of its normal lifespan.

Keeping the coil free of dirt

It should not be a surprise to learn that the evaporator and condenser coil in your air conditioner will accumulate dirt and grime over a period of time, although changing the air filter regularly can help to minimize the accumulation of dirt.

Despite this, regular use of your air conditioner will inevitable takes its toll on the evaporator and condenser coils. In much the same way that a dirty air filter reduces the performance of your system, a dirty and dusty coil will reduce airflow and this accumulation of dirt will have the effect of insulating the coil, impairing its ability to do its job of absorbing heat.

If your condenser coil is located outdoor, is is going to be even more susceptible to dirt and debris, such as fallen leaves. Keep the area clear around the coil and check its condition at least every season, to see what state it is in.

Give your system a break

As well as being diligent with your inspection schedule to keep on top of any problems, it will also help to give your air conditioning system a bit of a break whenever you can.

Try to raise the thermostat a few notches, with 72 degrees a good target if you can tolerate it. Also bear in mind that you will save roughly 4% on your monthly electricity bill for every degree that you raise the setting to on your thermostat, which should prove to be a decent incentive and a pleasant surprise when you get your next energy bill.

Another good way of using your air conditioning unit so that it gives you the best level of service for as long as possible, is to commit to keeping it on during the day, but turning it off throughout the night.

Check your window seals at the start of the season

As part of your maintenance schedule at the part of each cooling season, it is suggested that you carry out an inspection of the seal between the air conditioner and the window frame.

What you are looking for is to ensure that there is a good tight contact between the window frame and the metal case of the unit. It is quite common to find that moisture can penetrate and damage this seal, which will result in air escaping from your house, which is not something you want to happen.

During the winter months

A good way of preserving the integrity of your unit and protecting it during the winter period, is to either cover the unit while it is not in use, or even consider the idea of removing it and storing it, if that is feasible.

These are some of the main things that you can look at and do to keep your air conditioning functioning as it should, but the best advice if you want to get the best performance and longevity, is to hire a professional to maintain it and fix any problems that occur.

Freddie Carr is a home maintenance man who has been in the trade ever since leaving school. An honest guy who won’t rip you off, he shares some top maintenance tips in his articles to help you save on that costly repair bill waiting to happen.

Home Improvement

Top Five Rules for Choosing Lighting Fixtures

Anne Younger Leave a comment

Light fixtures are an essential part of the interior design of a room, not just for their aesthetic value but how much light they bring into the room and the ambiance they provide. This is why it is best to buy from name brands such as Tech Lighting from Lumens and other trusted retailers. Here are some more tips professionals use to choose and place the best light fixtures which will lighten up your home:

Make a Decision Early On

It is easy to make lighting an afterthought when designing or decorating a room but its importance cannot be emphasized enough. Poor lighting can make an otherwise lovely living space appear dull and lifeless, make your home less welcoming, and put off potential buyers. Whether you are still building your home or just redecorating, make lighting one of your first considerations so you can make it work with the rest of the room’s features without struggling to make it work afterwards.

Look Into Different Types of Lighting

Strange as it seems, there is no one type of light fixture. A hanging chandelier will bring a very different amount and type of light than a wall sconce, for example. There are different types of lighting for different purposes and each room in your house will have unique requirements. Even the light bulbs you buy will be dependent on this and the wrong type could ruin the look of a room. The three main types are task lighting for increased illumination, ambient lighting to set a mood, and accent lighting to make a space look better. Many rooms will require a combination of all three, which is known in the industry as ‘layering’. Define which type you require in each room so you can decide which types of lighting to buy for each individual room.

Different rooms will have different lighting needs depending on their location, size, intended use, and the amount of natural light received. For instance, Homedit suggests using lots of warm lighting in your entry way to make your home look inviting and to accent any artwork. Kitchens and home offices on the other hand require overhead lights to draw attention to certain areas such as the sink or stove which will be used most frequently and reduce eye strain while working.

Energy Efficiency

Low wattage and energy efficient bulbs and light fixtures have taken over the marketplace as more and more consumers are realizing the importance of making their lighting eco-efficient. As something you will be using more than any other electrical device, it is more important than ever to ensure your light fixtures are energy efficient. Most come as standard this way but it is always best to check, especially if you are buying used items. Make sure also to use energy saving light bulbs and only keep your lights switched on when you need them.

Safety

As an electrical component, care and attention needs to be given when choosing light fixtures, particularly if you have children or animals in the house. It is a good idea to use a pull switch rather than a wall mounted light switch not only in the bathroom but in the hallway adjacent to the bathroom, as your hands may still be wet after leaving the bathroom and there is still a risk of electric shock. You will also need good outdoor lighting to prevent any accidents during the night and keep intruders away.

Increase Lighting Where you Want People to Congregate

We don’t think about it consciously but studies do suggest that humans naturally gather where there is more light, an evolutionary throwback to prehistoric times when we needed to gather around fires to survive, almost as if we are moths being attracted to flames. You can use this to your advantage when putting together the lighting plan of your home. If you want to make the living room the primary point of the house then increase lighting in this room. Or you could make the kitchen nice and bright so people will be drawn there and can be talked into helping you out with the cooking.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when deciding upon the right light fixtures for your home, but the end result is that you will have lights which perfectly match your home and the mood you wish each room to give off. Consult with an interior designer or lighting expert and see what is available online to find lighting which is perfect for your home.

DIY, For the Home, Home Improvement

Creating a More Inviting Home Atmosphere

Anne Younger Leave a comment

All of us spend a great deal of time in our kitchens and bathrooms. Yet, it is these areas in our homes that are often neglected. Does it not make sense to create an environment that is conducive to comfort, efficiency, and inviting to guests? Home improvement may not be at the top of the to-do list that is attached to the refrigerator door with a magnet, and finances may be part of the reason, so why not start thinking about treating yourself with that income tax refund to some home improvements. Let’s take a look at some ideas.

A great place to start researching ideas for home improvement projects is your computer or mobile device. Your ideas do not have to be limited to bathroom and kitchen home improvements at this site as they also offer ideas for new home construction, room additions, and the like.

Assuming you are ready to remodel your kitchen, the process involved begins with a decision on what style you prefer. Sites such as HGTV help you navigate through the options available to the discerning kitchen connoisseur who knows what they want as they prepare each meal and entertain family and guests. Sites such as this one not only offer plenty of photos to give the reader the visual, also equally important they educate you on the finer details of kitchen design and style.

I value the comforts of my bathroom, and I know you do as well. How efficient is your bathroom design, and is it inviting to you, your family, and guests? If you have doubts to the answer to these questions, why not take a look at a site for ideas to stir your imagination for a more inviting, comfortable, and efficient bathroom design. This Southern Living site offers the reader, similar to the other aforementioned sites, a variety of home improvement ideas to research with not only great photos but also educational information so the home owner can be armed with both ideas and facts.

Image Courtesy of oldenbuzz.com

Most people do not make a decision to remodel part of their home in one day and then the following day pay a contractor to begin the work. The efforts of putting careful thought and consideration into the decision’s that will be made concerning your home will pay dividends through the years as you enjoy the remodelled parts of your home.