You Get What You Pay for when it Comes to Above Ground Pools
August 14, 2007
When you think about an above ground pool do you think of the inflatable toy baby pool? That’s what I thought and boy was I wrong. In fact, above ground pools are really nice quality and are sometimes the best solution for homeowners. Having the pool be less expensive is a nice quality also. Inground pools can take a long time to install and are very expensive to maintain as well. There are some problems with installing above ground pools if you don’t do them right. They are fantastic, but the installation is a big part of enjoying them to the max.
Some of the common problems regarding above ground pools are:
? Poor quality walls or liners of the pool (under $2500)
? Poor installation techniques
? Poor filtering media such as sand
? Inadequate pumps don’t match the filtering system
? Poor quality pool accessories
A Carefully Planned Outdoor Kitchen is Worth the Investment
August 13, 2007
Do you have any idea how popular outdoor kitchens are becoming? We spend more time at home than ever before and we are fixing up those homes instead of buying new. Homeowners are opting for an outdoor kitchen over other types of remodeling projects because they extend the size of their living space. If they are spending more time at home, they are definitely entertaining more as well. Partying alfresco is a hot new trend because it is so relaxed and casual and it is less wear and tear on the house itself. Keep the guests outside as much as possible so you will have less clean up indoors.
New Jersey Home Remodeling
August 13, 2007
The U.S. state of New Jersey lies on the Eastern seaboard, with New York to its north and northeast, and Delaware and Pennsylvania to its west. New Jersey became heavily industrialized soon after the Revolutionary War, with the building of canals and railroads. It retained its position as a heavily industrialized state well after World War II. However, it is now better known as a commuters’ state, because many people who live in New Jersey commute to work in New York City, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. People prefer to buy homes in the suburbs of New Jersey’s cities and travel to work in other states.
At Total Remodeling, we have done several home remodeling projects in New Jersey. Since New Jersey was one of the original 13 colonies, its craftsmen, architects, and designers absorbed several styles that were popular in the colonial period and also copied Victorian examples. Many homes in New Jersey have been built in the Neoclassical and Victorian styles. Most homes in New Jersey are built of wood, and since New Jersey is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, the wood does tend to show signs of wear and tear within a few years.
Guide to Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance
August 12, 2007
Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter can be very frustrating. Performing a few routine maintenance tasks before you store your lawn mower for the winter can save you time in the spring, prolong the life of your lawn mower, and save you money over the long run. Even if you have already put your lawn mower into storage for the winter, a few simple maintenance tasks performed before starting your lawn mower in the spring can be very beneficial.
Wash and dry your lawn mower after the mowing season is over. A power blower can be very helpful in removing grass and debris from the underside of your lawn mower and other hard to reach areas. If your lawn mower engine is air-cooled, use a stick or wooden dowel to remove any residue from the cooling fins. If you have a lawn mower with a water-cooled engine, check the coolant level and fill the reservoir if needed. Clean the radiator cooling fins with a strong jet of water. You should also drain the fuel tank and replace the fuel filter. The air filter housing should be cleaned and the air filter replaced.
Baking Soda for Cleaning
August 11, 2007
Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can be used for many kinds of cleaning projects. In an era when we are all exposed to many toxic chemicals, it’s nice to know that something so mild can be effective. We actually make a form of baking soda in our own saliva, where it helps keep plaque from forming!
Here are some of the uses of baking soda for cleaning:
I’ve long used baking soda and white vinegar to keep my kitchen and bathroom drains clear and fresh smelling. I just put a teaspoon or less of baking soda into the drain and then pour in about a tablespoon of vinegar. I must admit that I am the kind of cook who rarely measures anything, and the same is true for these proportions, so feel free to experiment to find what works best in your sinks. Start small, though — the combination of baking soda and vinegar causes an active fizzling and bubbling!
In fact, that bubbling process is how you can tell if the box of baking soda you’ve had around forever is still good. Just follow the directions above. Your soda is still good if it bubbles away merrily.
Cleaning House and the 80-20 Rule
August 10, 2007
Cleaning house is one of those things that needs doing again… and again… and again! How can you make it less of a burden?
When I taught time management classes, one of the things I loved to teach was the 80-20 rule. It’s best explained by examples. Eighty percent of the time, you wear twenty percent of your wardrobe. Eighty percent of the phone calls you get come from twenty percent of your friends. Eighty percent of the dirt is on twenty percent of the floor. Twenty percent of salespeople make eighty percent of sales. Okay, sometimes it’s 90-10 and sometimes it’s 70-30 but you get the idea.
Eighty percent of the dirt is on twenty percent of the floor? Hmm, what does that suggest about cleaning your house? Often a quick pass through the parts of your house that really need it will make cleaning house much easier. If you are in a hurry, let the dust behind the sofa and under the table alone and just clean a swath through the heavy traffic areas. Sooner or later, you’ll get to them as well — or hire someone else to do a thorough cleaning occasionally.
Hot Tub Heaven
August 9, 2007
What will your next home improvement project be? Will it be an inground pool or how about a new deck? Why not consider a hot tub for the new deck? A hot tub is great for relaxing year round. There are lots of things to consider when shopping for your first hot tub. The first thing to look at is the shell. Traditional hot tubs were made of wood but most now are acrylic or vinyl. You can find smooth or glassy surfaces, or some that resemble a stone finish. If you have a specific outdoor décor in mind it won’t be hard for you to find a hot tub that matches beautifully. What size do you want? Models traditionally seat five to six adults, but you can find some that are just for two or as many as ten. You’d definitely be ready for a party with that size of hot tub. If party time is important, you might want the seating to be more of a bench style than a bucket. You’ll be able to accommodate more people that way. The skirt or cabinet is also a big part of the picture. This encloses all of the ugly plumbing and equipment. Look for a simulated wood grain so you have little maintenance and they will look good for years. Order your hot tub with matching cabinet so it is a nice blended look.
Fertilizers - What you Need to Feed Your Lawn
August 8, 2007
Just like humans need food, water and shelter to survive, lawns depend on certain elements to live, sixteen to be exact. Most of these elements are already found naturally in the environment, but several others need to be added to your lawn. Adding fertilizer with these three elements, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, does the job.
Before you run out to the store to purchase a complete fertilizer, or, one that contains all three, it is important to understand why your lawn’s livelihood depends on it.
Nitrogen- This is possibly the most important element your lawn needs. It makes the grass grow and gives it its green color. It will also allow for more density, thick shoots, and sturdy growth, thus creating an environment that will naturally fight off pests and bugs.
Potassium- Since you can’t toss bananas in your yard, your best bet for this mineral is to use fertilizer! Potassium enhances your lawn’s ability to resist disease, drought, wear and cold weather.
Phosphorus- This is used to encourage strong grass root growth.
A Fabric Hammock is Comfortable Casual Chic
August 8, 2007
If you are looking for unique seating inside or out, why not consider a hammock? What comes to mind when you picture a hammock? Do you see yourself on the islands? Are you swaying in the breeze while watching the kids play in the pool? Are you watching the stars at night on your hammock for two? You can be on vacation year round when you add a hammock to a room or patio. You instantly create a casual chic or sophisticated hand designed elegance. There are fabric styles such as the beautiful Brazilian hammock that are elegant yet have the aura of pure everyday relaxation.
They’re inviting aren’t they? They almost call to us when we see them. Fabric hammocks conform to the body and are quite comfortable. Many people all over the world still sleep in hammocks. You don’t feel like you need a liner or body pillow in the fabric hammock. However, they also don’t offer the ventilation you get from a rope hammock. There are a wide array of colors and patterns available and some come with an earthy ethnic fringe detail. The workmanship on these hammocks is quite exquisite and would be a nice addition to any backyard or family room. Try one in the master suite. They come large enough for two. Place it where you have the best view. You might overlook the pool, or out to the backyard. If you live on a lake, you want to be able to relax and lounge indoors as well as outside.
Feng Shui, Design Psychology and Bed Placement
August 7, 2007
I love Feng Shui! Whether you believe this ancient Asian design method is based on ancient wisdom or superstition, Feng Shui includes some valuable principles and is simply fun! Consider these Feng Shui rules:
- Don’t sleep with your feet facing the bedroom door.
- Place head of bed so that you can see the doorway.
- Don’t sleep next to the wall that has the meter box on it.
- Don’t place head of bed next to a bathroom wall.
So where do my husband and I put our bed according to these rules? In our bedroom with four walls, one wall is all closets, one wall backs up to the bathroom, one wall is all doors opening to the garden, and the last one (oh my!) has the meter box on it! Not to worry, Feng Shui has all kinds of rules to fix any problem, including using crystals and houseplants to counteract negative energy.
Design Psychology, based on years of scientific research, comes to some of the same conclusions that Feng Shui practitioners, based on years of experience, utilize. But Design Psychology boldly contradicts the Feng Shui rule that you can’t sleep with your feet facing the bedroom door.
