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Top Tips for Practical and Effective Wilmington Kitchen Remodeling

Think about it, the kitchen is among the busiest spaces in the household. Family members converge in the kitchen not just to get their food but also to bond and share family legacy recipes. It is a space for storing important utensils and kitchen wares. Also, all the food is stocked in the kitchen. The kitchen should therefore be responsive to all these simultaneously and effective in doing so. If not, it is time to consider doing Wilmington kitchen remodel.

In planning for the Wilmington kitchen remodel, make sure to factor in ease and comfort, effective room space utilization, and simplicity of design. The kitchen should be viewed as a haven and not a space for mess and disorder. By carefully planning for the kitchen design, such scenario will be avoided.

The following are the top tips for having a practical and effective Wilmington kitchen remodel. These answers the basic questions that might be in mind, thus making the household ready for this necessary home improvement:

v  Carefully plan before proceeding. The home owner should know what he or she wants for the kitchen after doing the remodeling. The influences, themes, color schemes, as well as preferred texture should be clear in order to avoid excessive spending. With a definite plan in hand, the doing kitchen remodel can be practical and at the same time innovative.

v  Allocate a definite budget for the kitchen remodel. After allocating a certain amount, make sure to stick with it. Unnecessary adjustments can lead, at the ultimate, to wastage of materials bought. With a clear amount of investment in mind, one can actually plan how to get the most out of the investment.

v  Remember that the kitchen is a space for essential functions: space for storage, preparation space for food, and space for management of waste. These should be carefully integrated in the plan. A wise designer can actually explain to the homeowner the foot traffic inside the kitchen when it becomes too busy. Thus, with the specific functional space made clear, it can be carefully integrated in the plan.

v  Be smart in planning the use of space. Installation of appliances, cabinets, and sink should be carefully thought of. Purchase appliances that are not only affordable, but also space saving. Built in cabinets are more preferred than their loose counterparts, it saves you time in planning where to place them. Make sure to allocate enough space that can accommodate all kitchen wares and utensils. In choosing appliances, compact versions are more favored than the bulky ones, with space as the primary consideration.

v  Choose a good contractor. A good contractor can give you the best estimates and can do the job in the shortest possible time. Make sure that the contractor has an excellent track record in order to assure that the plan will be implemented well. Thoroughly discuss to the contractor what you exactly want to happen after the Wilmington kitchen remodel.

With these tips, grabbing hold of the dream kitchen every one wants is within reach.

If you are looking for a Wilmington kitchen remodeling expert then please call 910-282-8307 or complete our online request form.

How To Find The Best Wilmington Handyman For You

The question you might be asking is, “How do I find and hire a decent Wilmington handyman?”  One thing we all share as homeowners is a universal necessity for repairs from time to time. However, we do not all share the set of skills needed to carry out those repairs. Many of us require the know-how and experience of a skilled worker to fix or replace something in our homes. That, or we simply do not have time to address the problems ourselves.

Ask amongst neighbors, friends, and family.

Just about everyone has had to have work done to his or her home by some fix-it type. These types of repairmen are plentiful, but you will want to choose someone to help you who has the resume of good service to back up his word. If want to be extra careful, ask the service man himself for some references of past jobs he has done.

visit your local hardware store

Another way to go about finding someone who specializes in the repair job you need is to visit your local hardware store. Most of these businesses will have a bulletin board and plenty of business cards for a local Wilmington handyman. This is also an excellent place to ask around in case you do not see any listing for a specific type of work. Ask the clerks of any servicemen they can personally recommend.

search the classifieds section of the newspaper

A third option for locating a specialized day trader is searching the classifieds section of the newspaper. There are also many sites on the internet dedicated for providing information and rating for all types of contractors depending on local areas.

give them a call

Once you have found someone who seems likely to be able to help, give them a call. Be sure and describe your problem in detail and ask about everything from hourly pay rates, scheduling, and availability. Be sure to clear up anything that is not clear about a job you may be curious about.

Effective communication is a must until the job is through.

If possible, get a written estimate of the cost of the labor that will be done. If you are ever unsure of whom to hire when seeking repair services, it is a wise idea to not simply choose the cheapest bid.

Locating the right Wilmington handyman for a specific job may take a little detective work, but it will be worth the search, as it will guarantee a quality job. Check the various popular sources for specified Wilmington handyman hires and the right worker will be found. Be sure to take the precautions and always communicate clearly before hiring someone for a job, as it may save you a considerable about of money and a headache.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5184084

If you are looking for a Wilmington handyman specialist then please call 910-282-8307 or complete our online request form.

Benjamin Moore ben

I am really impressed with how well this mid range paint performs. This flat red was applied over high build primer in white, and it was close to 100% coverage. Pleasing to see an affordable paint perform this well. Will be doing a project post on this one, its the fire restoration job we posted about a few months ago. I am also using ben semi gloss for the doors and trim. Shot the second coat to them this morning and they look and feel great.

 

Interior Painting Problem Solving.

I have recently completed a few small problem area bathrooms, and I thought it a great opportunity to begin the series I have been planning on writing about for some time. As all professionals know paintings isn’t often simple as buying a few gallons of paint and applying two coats and expect professional looking finishes. Often there is damage, or in this case there are very old failing coatings to deal with.

This home had plaster walls, and an old oil enamel that was fracturing and failing. There was also a large amount of humidity to deal with, and the mold that comes with moisture.

 

So to recap these are the problems that need to be fixed before painting : Old failing paint, high humidity, and mold.

 

These were the solutions.

First we removed as much failing paint as we could by scraping and sanding. With a 10% chlorine-water solution, and a scouring pad we scrubbed off as much mold as possible. Then everything was primed with Inslux Seal Lock. This is a very high quality alcohol primer, and it kills mold on contact.

We then patched the failed areas with 20 minute fast set drywall compound. After it dried we sanded smooth. Then we applied a coat of Zinnser Shieldz to bond down the failing oil, seal the plaster, and add some flexibility. We then applied two coats of Aura Spa and Bath.  It is made for wet areas, and really out performs any competitors products in this situation.  I will keep an eye on this bathroom to see how long it takes the mold to return. It should be easy to clean now at least.

 

 

 

Understanding Energy-Efficiency in Wilmington Replacement Windows

Wilmington window replacement for improved energy efficiency is one of the most popular remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners today. Replacing your windows could result in energy savings of 30% or more in any region of the U.S. Your choices for replacement windows will consider the style of the window as well as the efficiency and safety of the window. To help you understand the energy-efficiency qualities of various replacement windows, here are some facts to help you make decisions.

Some Wilmington window materials conduct heat and cold. The result is some energy loss through the window materials. The material that loses the most heat or cold is Aluminum. Steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold. Stainless steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold lost with steel. The most efficient material for windows is wood, conducting 1/1000 the amount lost through aluminum. And just a fraction behind wood is vinyl. The bottom line is that the most energy-efficient window materials are wood and vinyl. Vinyl, of course, requires less maintenance.

The next consideration is about the glass in the Wilmington windows. Heat and cooling loss through glass can be reduced by adding a second pane of glass and leaving space between the panes to trap the outside air which is at a different temperature from the inside air. These double-paned or double-glazed windows are more efficient than single panes. Double-paned windows can also have a fill of gas between the panes to further reduce heat exchange. Filling the space between panes of a double-paned window with Argon gas will make it twice as effective. Filling the space between the panes with Krypton gas increases the R-value of the window from 4.0 to 4.55. Triple-paned or triple-glazed windows filled with Argon gas have an R-value of 6.25, and choosing a triple-paned window filled with Krypton gas provides an R-value of 10.0.

Windows can also be coated with screening finishes of various kinds to block UV (Ultraviolet) rays and IR (infrared) rays. These screening finishes protect window treatments and furniture and carpeting from fading and reflect back some of the heating effect of the sun.

Windows of any style, size and shape can be chosen in several colors of vinyl and can be painted any color if your choice of window material is wood. Windows can be purchased with various styles of dividers within the window and even with blinds attached in enclosed compartments or with blinds placed within the window itself.

No matter what style or type of window you need for an energy-efficient Wilmington window replacement project, you will do well to look for the “Energy Star” seal first. These windows will meet minimum standards established by the Federal Government.

If you are looking for a Wilmington window replacement contractor then please call 910-282-8307 or complete our online request form.

Wilmington Bathroom Remodeling Tips

 

Thinking about starting a Wilmington bathroom remodeling project? The bathroom is actually one of the most important parts of a house. In fact, there are homeowners who bought a house simply because of the excellent design of the bathroom. Hence, upgrading this part of the house could actually be an investment for the homeowner, not to mention an excellent source of enjoyment.

 

Of course, remodeling the bathroom not only requires patience but also considerable amount of knowledge about the project. For this reason, it isn’t recommended that homeowners remodel their bathrooms personally unless they’re experienced with the task. Instead, they should get the help of a professional for the project. Still, a professional doesn’t mean the homeowner has to spend thousands for the remodeling. In fact, it’s perfectly possible to get professional work done without spending more than the stipulated budget. That being said, following are some tips on how this can be done.

 

Remodeling Coverage

The first question to be asked is: what needs changing? Some people only need to change external factors of the bathroom while others are aiming to change how the entire plumbing works. Make sure to decide exactly what needs changing and what could stay in place. Write it down as much as possible to make it easier for the Wilmington remodeling contractor to count the amount of work and the cost. Keep in mind that Wilmington plumbing would usually increase the cost of the project.

 

Settle on a Budget

Regardless of the remodeling project, every homeowner must first decide what type of budget they can provide for the job. Talk it out with the contractor or someone who knows something about home remodeling and can provide a faithful estimate of the cost depending on what needs changing. One good way to approach this problem is to ask for estimates from different contractors and choose the one that provides the best service at the most affordable cost.

 

Get an Idea of What you Want

The work would be so much easier if the homeowner already has a realistic idea of what they want done. Use the internet for information, browsing through different bathroom designs for examples. It doesn’t have to be an exact copy, simply take different elements of the bathroom and incorporate it into what one wants. Even creating a layout of the ideal bathroom would be a good idea as well as printing out samples and showing them to the contractor. Using tools for home design would also be incredibly helpful.

 

Don’t Forget the Little Things

Most people overlook small facets in Wilmington bathroom remodeling that could totally change the mood of the room. For example, lighting plays a big role in how the bathroom would ultimately look. It isn’t expensive but it would definitely throw in the right visual every owner wants. At the same time, putting art pieces in the bathroom would also make it seem brighter and more attractive.

 

Of course, these aren’t the only Wilmington bathroom remodeling ideas that homeowners could incorporate. Talk it out with the contractor to get a better view of how the project would cost, what is included in the work and how long would it likely take.

If you are looking for a Wilmington bathroom remodeling specialist then please call 910-282-8307 or complete our online request form.

When to use a highbuild drywall primer

Duron new construction drywall primer can be applied at very high mils up to 24 wet mils in one application. You can spray on with an airless, or roll with a ¾ or larger nap. After the primer dries, you then can sand smooth. This primer sands very easily equalizing the texture differences, and will produce a very flat ready to paint surface ensuring a beautiful even topcoat.

 These photos are from a painting project we did in Wilmington NC after wallpaper. The wallpaper was improperly installed, and no sizing primer was used. That meant when we removed the wallpaper it damaged the wallboard pretty severely. After a coat of Zinnser Guardz to repair and effectively glue down the damage we skim coated with joint compound, and applied a heavy coat of Duron high build. You can see in the pictures there was still some unevenness in the substrate that the high build corrected.

I think of high build primer as the best solution to ensure quality expected from professional house painters. It is an economical solution to ensure the best finish for our clients.  Are you looking  for Wilmington NC’s best house painters? Visit JHC’s contact page and fill out the simple form and someone will contact you shortly.

 

 

Preparing for a Hurricane

The following is a short list of things you will need when evacuating the path of a hurricane:

Water. At least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food.  It is suggested that you have at least enough for 3 to 7 days non-perishable pre-packaged or can food. Don’t forget to have a non electric can opener handy, and disposable utensils.

Building a finish is more than meets the eye.

There is more to it than just applying a coating.

I have often been told by clients that we at JHC make house painting, and finishing look so easy. Learning the trade and reputation of technique can make it seem that way I admit. However there is a lot more to painting than just applying a coating. Knowing proper technique is key, however when finishing wood you have to be able to adjust and work with the species. What works for one species just won’t work for another. It is the job of the finisher to look at that dull wood, find its beauty and bring it to the surface for the world to see.

Since I was a little boy visiting my best friend’s fathers cabinet shop, I have been awe struck of the natural beauty of wood. Some people would rather have a clear grade with minimal variations. It is the highest grade, and there for the most expensive. It can, at times look like laminate to me with its perfectly colored grain patterns and I prefer the variation that only nature can create. I think that common grades that contain a full range of color and gain, small and large knots, checks and mineral steaks are much more attractive. The lesser grades require more time to finish, and there is some work to be done to fill missing knots or wormholes if you are aiming for perfection.

That extra work is worth it to me, and as a finisher it fills me with pride to bring out that beauty. A friend of mine Scott Burt of Topcoat Finishes, is another admirer of wood. I was reading an article he wrote one day that he ended like this.

“I now get as much pleasure out of helping my employees, customers and colleagues become wood snobs too. Especially customers. I love it when customers ask questions about wood. Simple questions like: ‘hey, you just put finish on that yesterday, why are you sanding it off today?’ Explaining the art of building a finish, or of leaving it a click on the light side so the sun can dial it in…or helping someone to understand how and why their wood gets better with age, just like their wine. I love cutting lines on sheetrock, but I love getting lost in wood grain just a little bit more. “

I agreed, and there is something about working with wood that man identifies with on a subconscious level. It’s as if we are tapping into some ancient gene that some of us have. It really feels natural, and can be very relaxing and rewarding. I think there is nothing more beautiful than what a craftsman can do with a great species of wood. We as finishers can take the beauty only nature can create and bring even more of it to the surface.

Alec with Rcon Painting is another professional I admire. He does some wonderful finishes, and is based in Kelowna  BC. When I asked Alec for a comment on the subject he happily obliged me.

“Working with wood is far more art than science. Being able to visualize, before even touching the wood, how the finished piece will look; Its texture, sheen, colour, vibrance and clarity, are critical to building a finish you’re going to be pleased with. For example, is the nature of the wood species one where you want to accentuate a subtle grain, such as you would with Birch or Ash? Or do you want to make a wood with a pronounced grain pattern, such as Oak, more subtle? Having a clear idea as to the outcome you’d like to achieve will help you in determining an appropriate finish schedule, and ensure your piece will turn out just as you intended. “

Again I agree, and the world’s best finishers are on the artistic side. It takes a eye for bringing out the best qualities of what you are finishing. The feel of a finish is very important as well. A quality finish beckons you to rub it, and when done correctly, is one that you will find irresistible to touch. Below are some progression pics from an oak sample I am doing for a local New Hanover county builder. You can see the depth of the finish grow as we applied multiple coats, sanding between to flatten the surface and hide imperfections.

Did you come here looking for a professional painting contractor? Well head over to the JHC contact page , or call 910-282-8307 today to schedule an appointment for your project.

Interior Painting – How to Determine How Much Paint You Will Need

 

 

To determine how much paint you will need for interior painting the best method is figuring square footage. If you are painting walls measure the length of each wall and add them together. Then measure the height, floor to ceiling. Take those two figures and multiply them.

 

Example would be as follows. Wall length 10+13+10+7= 40 wall height is 840*8= 320 square feet. 

 

If your walls are smooth gypsum wall board or sheet rock then coverage for most interior paint would be around 250 square feet per gallon. You can always figure around 10% waste so our example room would require around three and a half to four gallons. For a new substrate you can also figure an additional coat, possibly primer depending on quality and characteristics of the paint chosen for the project.

 

 

Paint quality and colors chosen will greatly affect how much paint will be used, and the higher quality the paint the greater the coverage and hide. For textured walls and or different substrates your coverage can vary greatly, to almost none at all. It is very important to correctly determine how much paint you need, as custom tinted paint is non returnable. Ordering more paint than needed can lead to a lot of waste. If you do under figure and while painting you see you aren’t going to have enough paint to finish your project stop before you run out. Go get more paint, and make sure you mix what you have with the new paint to ensure that the colors will match as best as possible.

 

If you are painting the ceiling, simply multiply your length times width of the room. In our example figure that would be 10×13. 10*13= 130 square feet.

 

Painting a ceiling can be challenging for inexperienced painters, and is often the one of the topics I receive the most questions about. The best method for ceiling painting would be to cut in your edges first with a brush. Then roll out the ceiling with a roller attached to an extension pole. Start on either side of the room, and be very accurate in your rolling pattern overlapping slightly in each pass to ensure even coverage. Any parts that are missed or not enough paint was applied will no become immediately apparent. This means waiting until the paint has dried and doing a thorough inspection under different lighting conditions to find any “holidays”. This is what professional painters call missed areas that didn’t get painted. Take your time, painting isn’t an easy task and professionals make it look easy because they have been doing it for years. Again using the best quality paint you can get will save you a lot of work and frustration.

If you just aren’t up to the task that is understandable, you should look into hiring a professional house painter . Painting is labor intensive, and that isn’t for everyone.  Here are some tips on how to hire the right painter for your next project. Contact JHC today to get a free estimate by a premier painting contractor offering all types of residential house painting in Wilmington NC, and the surrounding areas. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article Source:  http://EzineArticles.com/6397506 

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