http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com Home Maintenance Home Remodeling Articles http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=10-Easy-Steps-to-Winterizing-Your-Home&ID=2835 When the temperatures turn cooler, thoughts turn to winter--and for homeowners, that means winterizing home maintenance. Make certain your house is ready to tackle Mother Nature by following these winterizing guidelines. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=10-Easy-Steps-to-Winterizing-Your-Home&ID=2835 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Five-Tips-for-Choosing-the-Best-Electrical-Contractor&ID=2817 One of the most important parts of building or renovating a home is the work of the electrical contractor. The last thing you want is a problem with your wiring or even an electrical fire. When you are choosing an electrician, keep the following tips in mind. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Five-Tips-for-Choosing-the-Best-Electrical-Contractor&ID=2817 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Keep-Remodeling-Costs-Real:-Budget-and-Shop-for-Value,-Comfort,-and-Style&ID=2813 Remodeling materials can make up half the cost of a home improvement project. While you might want to pick trendy flooring or fixtures, be careful to consider what remodeling materials add the most value, comfort, style, and durability to your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Keep-Remodeling-Costs-Real:-Budget-and-Shop-for-Value,-Comfort,-and-Style&ID=2813 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Do-a-Home-Lead-Paint-Test&ID=2797 Doing a home lead paint test, if you have never done one before, and especially if you live in an older home, may be a smart way to ensure your home is as safe as you assume it is. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Do-a-Home-Lead-Paint-Test&ID=2797 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Homeowner’s-Insurance:-Know-What-Your-Policy-Covers,-and-What-Coverage-to-Add&ID=2795 Looking over your home insurance policy? The next time you review what your current homeowner’s insurance policy covers, keep some of these extra protection options in mind to make sure you have the best coverage for your needs. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Homeowner’s-Insurance:-Know-What-Your-Policy-Covers,-and-What-Coverage-to-Add&ID=2795 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=About-Home-Insulation-Ratings&ID=2751 As if home ownership didn't already have its moments of confusion, now you are trying to figure out what home insulation ratings mean and what they have to do with your house. Plenty of fun times ahead for you. Seriously though, learning about the home insulation ratings is just another way for you to be an educated homeowner and understand the ways your home could benefit from higher quality insulation. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=About-Home-Insulation-Ratings&ID=2751 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Advantages-Of-Cabin-House-Designs&ID=2728 Having the opportunity to have a home built according to your wants and specifications is very exciting. After all, who doesn’t want to have a home that fits every one of their needs? It probably hasn’t taken you long to figure out that there are tons of different architecture styles to choose from and among those, you have even more choices about modifications that can be made. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Advantages-Of-Cabin-House-Designs&ID=2728 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=What-Crawl-Space-Vent-Fans-Are-Good-For&ID=2727 Vent fans in a bathroom have proven to be a necessity, but what most people don’t know is they are also important elsewhere. The other area of your home you might want to consider having a vent fan is in your crawl space. Crawl space vent fans are pretty important as well and if you are like most homeowners you would probably rather ignore the presence of your crawl space. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=What-Crawl-Space-Vent-Fans-Are-Good-For&ID=2727 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Basics-For-Spray-Insulation-For-Crawl-Space&ID=2726 When most of us think about insulation, it is usually when there is a draft or some other indicator that all is not well with the house. However, all insulation is not the same and not created to work well in every area of the house. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Basics-For-Spray-Insulation-For-Crawl-Space&ID=2726 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Creating-A-Crawl-Space-Water-Barrier&ID=2725 If you have a crawl space in your home, the most you probably do with it is make every attempt to hide it or make it pleasant to look at from the outside. That’s about it for most of us. However, this area is more important to your home than you might realize and proper care is very important. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Creating-A-Crawl-Space-Water-Barrier&ID=2725 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Fixing-Crawl-Space-Humidity-Control&ID=2723 Most of us don’t spend a lot of time in the crawl space section of our homes, if one is even present. However, for those of us who do have one, making sure crawl space humidity control is maintained is incredibly important. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Fixing-Crawl-Space-Humidity-Control&ID=2723 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Why-You-Need-a-Crawl-Space-Dehumidifier&ID=2722 You have a dehumidifier in your home to control the amount of moisture in the air. It might not seem like you need to worry about the other sections of the house, but for the safety of your family and the well being of the foundation of the home, a crawl space dehumidifier is an important addition. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Why-You-Need-a-Crawl-Space-Dehumidifier&ID=2722 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Purpose-Of-A-Home-Crawl-Space-Liner&ID=2717 If you have been noticing an unfamiliar musty smell in your home and have a crawl space, it’s probably time to check for moisture in this rarely cared for area of your house. Most people don’t spend a great deal of time thinking about this area, but if moisture or drainage problems are left untreated, the damage to your home could be tremendous, not to mention incredibly expensive. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Purpose-Of-A-Home-Crawl-Space-Liner&ID=2717 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Purpose-Of-Steep-Lot-House-Designs&ID=2714 You and your family have found the perfect piece of land to build your new home on. It is definitely an exciting time for all and everyone is anxious to see building begin. The only problem is that the land you have chosen is on a steep grade. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Purpose-Of-Steep-Lot-House-Designs&ID=2714 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Wall-To-Wall-Details:-Drywall-Thickness-For-A-Ceiling&ID=2709 Building a new home is a very challenging thing. For most people, even adding a new room or any kind of addition can be overwhelming. For the average weekend home-remodeler, it is probably a good idea to leave the serious construction to the professionals such as the drywall thickness for a ceiling. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Wall-To-Wall-Details:-Drywall-Thickness-For-A-Ceiling&ID=2709 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Repair-Loose-Sheetrock-Tape-–-Not-As-Hard-As-It-Looks!&ID=2708 It's not hard to repair loose sheetrock tape, but it does require some patience. Sometimes it seems houses require one repair after another. You have everything working great and then one day notice a piece of sheetrock tape coming loose on the wall. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Repair-Loose-Sheetrock-Tape-–-Not-As-Hard-As-It-Looks!&ID=2708 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Benefits-of-Split-Level-Ranch-House-Designs&ID=2701 When it comes to picking a home to raise children in, there are few styles of homes that can compete with the split level ranch house designs. These versatile homes offer privacy, recreation space, and durability that simply can’t be matched with any other kind of house. Even though many of the split level ranch house designs are very similar to each other, they do allow for plenty of individual character designs and décor. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Benefits-of-Split-Level-Ranch-House-Designs&ID=2701 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Challenges-of-House-Designs-for-Corner-Lot&ID=2700 It’s always exciting when you discover the perfect piece of land for your family’s home. Of course, the qualifications for what perfect means are going to vary from person to person. Each lot is unique and comes with its own benefits and challenges. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Challenges-of-House-Designs-for-Corner-Lot&ID=2700 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Understanding-the-Energy-Star-Rating&ID=2679 With interest in the environment on the rise, many homeowners are turning to ways to reduce their impact on the planet. One method that’s making this task easier is the energy star rating system. The energy star rating system has revolutionized how energy efficient products are marked and labeled. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Understanding-the-Energy-Star-Rating&ID=2679 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Improving-Residential-Crawl-Space-Design&ID=2678 At this point, no one seems to be quite sure who is responsible for residential crawl space design, but we do know that it certainly has its own set of challenges. The biggest obstacles most homeowners face with crawl space design are how to ensure that it stays moisture free. Excess moisture in the crawl space can add up to problems with mold, bugs, and unpleasant scents. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Improving-Residential-Crawl-Space-Design&ID=2678 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Why-You-Should-Winterize-Crawl-Space-Vents&ID=2677 When the sun is beating down and temperatures are so high they make it easy to start a campfire from the sun’s rays alone, it’s pretty hard to think about winterizing your home. But when those cold breezes start, you will be glad you took the time to protect your home, your utility bills, and the foundation of your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Why-You-Should-Winterize-Crawl-Space-Vents&ID=2677 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=When-Home-Remodeling-is-a-Good-Idea&ID=2655 Homeowners in today’s economic climate are finding themselves in a less than desirable position. With the housing market experiencing a downward trend, many people are finding it difficult to decide if they should try to sell their home, with the objective of losing as little money as possible, or stay put and think about doing some home remodeling instead. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=When-Home-Remodeling-is-a-Good-Idea&ID=2655 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Basics-of-Sealant-for-Cracked-Granite&ID=2650 For the kitchen counters, islands, or even on the floor, there isn't a better material to use than granite. This all natural material is very attractive, always unique, and lasts forever. It doesn't get much better than all that. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Basics-of-Sealant-for-Cracked-Granite&ID=2650 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Study-Up-on-Home-Remodeling&ID=2577 When it becomes apparent that there is a need to change some of the features of your home in order for it to be fully functional for you, many people just sell the home and move. If that isn’t a viable option for you or you just really love your home, you can still get the most of it without leaving the house you love behind. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Study-Up-on-Home-Remodeling&ID=2577 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Preparing-to-Use-Your-Remodeling-Plans&ID=2576 Sure, you have remodeling plans. You know the kitchen needs to be larger with more cabinet space. It’s always been a goal to transform the bathroom into your own personal spa. You have plans; it’s just that you aren’t sure how to put them to work in a logical, beneficial way. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Preparing-to-Use-Your-Remodeling-Plans&ID=2576 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=When-Adding-a-Floor-to-Raised-Ranch-Designs&ID=2574 It happens to a lot of homeowners. You buy the adorable raised ranch you have always wanted and the unexpected happens. You either have more kids than you originally planned for or your aging parent or in-law can no longer care for themselves and needs to move in with you. In other words, the space is running out in a hurry. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=When-Adding-a-Floor-to-Raised-Ranch-Designs&ID=2574 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Budget-Solutions:-Brick-and-Block-Veneer-Walls&ID=2562 There are few things that home owners admire more than a gorgeous brick exterior on a home. While some people buy homes with a brick exterior so they can enjoy the brick work all the time, others cannot afford an entirely solid brick home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Budget-Solutions:-Brick-and-Block-Veneer-Walls&ID=2562 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Summer-Maintenance-Guide:-Gear-Your-Home-Up-For-the-Great-Outdoors&ID=2543 The flip flops reappear and the smell of sun block lingers perpetually in the air: summer is on the way! Our thoughts begin to turn to swimsuits and barbeques, and we get ready to spend more time outside. Just because you’re making the transition to spend more time outdoors, however, does not mean that you can neglect your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Summer-Maintenance-Guide:-Gear-Your-Home-Up-For-the-Great-Outdoors&ID=2543 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Use-Garage-Framing-Diagrams&ID=2531 When you are building something for your home, it helps to have a plan. With garage framing diagrams, you can begin to figure out what you need to do in order to build the right garage door for your needs. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Use-Garage-Framing-Diagrams&ID=2531 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=What-to-Expect-From-a-Property-Inspection&ID=2530 There are three main times when you may be curious about the home property inspection process. Some people have inspections done every so often just to make sure their home is in good condition and to discover what else could be done to improve the value of their homes. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=What-to-Expect-From-a-Property-Inspection&ID=2530 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Repair-Main-Drain-Pipe-–-Clearing-the-Clog&ID=2498 Before you can repair a main drain pipe, you have to know what’s causing the problem. There can be a several reasons why water is not flowing properly or is backing up. Many of the solutions to drain pipe clogs can be handled by the homeowner, but in some cases the repair will require the services of a professional. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Repair-Main-Drain-Pipe-–-Clearing-the-Clog&ID=2498 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Sheetrock-Flaw-Repair:-Finding-the-Damage&ID=2495 Sheetrock flaw repair lets you cover up the flaw so it’s not apparent on the wall or ceiling. A flaw in your sheetrock can ruin the appearance of a room or hallway even after all your decorating efforts. Flaws occur for a number of reasons. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Sheetrock-Flaw-Repair:-Finding-the-Damage&ID=2495 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Is-Installing-Stone-Veneers-On-Brick-Houses-Right-For-You?&ID=2494 As with most types of veneer walls, stone veneers on brick houses can be a lot of work and can be fairly high cost depending on how they are installed. But if you want to replace the brick walls on the exterior of your home with stone veneer walls, you will need to know what this will involve. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Is-Installing-Stone-Veneers-On-Brick-Houses-Right-For-You?&ID=2494 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Chemical-Grouting-Foundation-Repair&ID=2493 While it sounds a bit creepy, chemical grouting foundation repair is actually very common and quite safe to use in your life. This process involves using a different kind of grout and then injecting a chemical into the grout in order to harden it. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Chemical-Grouting-Foundation-Repair&ID=2493 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Tips-For-Grouting-Concrete-Blocks&ID=2492 If you are going to take on a project like grouting concrete blocks, it's going to be much easier if you know what you're doing before you get started. From shopping for the right equipment to learning how to properly lay and align the blocks, you need to make sure you are ready for anything with a complex project like this. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Tips-For-Grouting-Concrete-Blocks&ID=2492 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Repair-Concrete-Block-Masonry:Good-as-New!&ID=2491 It's sometimes necessary to repair concrete block masonry. Though concrete is very durable, it can crack for a number of reasons. Many small repair jobs can be handled by the homeowner, but others need the attention of a qualified contractor. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Repair-Concrete-Block-Masonry:Good-as-New!&ID=2491 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Wall-to-Wall-Details:-Drywall-Ceiling-Swirl-Finish&ID=2478 So you've come to the end of your drywall project. The joists are done, the drywall is looking good, and you have decided that you should be a professional contractor, because you are so proud of your work. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Wall-to-Wall-Details:-Drywall-Ceiling-Swirl-Finish&ID=2478 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Where-to-Find-a-Drywall-Ceiling-Technique&ID=2477 As wonderful as home ownership is, there are still times when it is okay to wish you were a renter. Those are usually the occasions when something comes up that you don't know how to do or are very expensive, or, everyone's personal favorite, is both. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Where-to-Find-a-Drywall-Ceiling-Technique&ID=2477 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Pickup-Scaffolding-for-Safety’s-Sake&ID=2476 To put it simply, when you pickup scaffolding you want it to fit in your pickup. Portable scaffolding can be an important piece of equipment when faced with a remodel job that includes work in spots where you can’t reach easily http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Pickup-Scaffolding-for-Safety’s-Sake&ID=2476 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Kinds-of-Driveway-Gates-Plans&ID=2459 Unless you have your property completely enclosed with a fence or some other type of boundary, the idea of implementing driveway gates plans doesn't make a lot of sense. However if your property is properly closed off, you may want to add a gate for increased security, the visual interest, and complete the look of the entrance to your property. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Kinds-of-Driveway-Gates-Plans&ID=2459 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Insider-Tips-on-How-to-Level-a-Concrete-Floor&ID=2433 Whether you are building your home from the ground up, adding a patio, or simply adding on to a part of your home, knowing how to level a concrete floor is essential when you are working with concrete. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Insider-Tips-on-How-to-Level-a-Concrete-Floor&ID=2433 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Landscape-Irrigation-Tools-for-Your-Yard&ID=2397 It is very important to have the proper irrigation for your lawn and flower beds when you live in an area that doesn't get a lot of rain. You don't want to spend a lot of money and time planting flowers and mowing your lawn to end up with dead flowers and grass in the summer. Find out about your options for landscape irrigation tools and choose the right one for your needs and your budget, and you'll have a yard you can be proud of. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Landscape-Irrigation-Tools-for-Your-Yard&ID=2397 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Learn-the-Importance-of-Mold-Testing-in-Households&ID=2353 Mold is an important part of the natural environment. But, when it begins to grow in your home you face a potentially serious health problem that requires immediate attention. For this reason, you should make mold testing and prevention a top home maintenance priority. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Learn-the-Importance-of-Mold-Testing-in-Households&ID=2353 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Gutter-Cleaning-101&ID=2350 To work effectively, gutters and downspouts must be free of leaves and debris. If they aren’t, water fills the gutters, pools up and rusts metal or rots wooden cutters, overflow, and eventually pulls gutters free from their mountings. Sounds nasty doesn’t it? There is a better way: plan to clean your gutters at least twice a year. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Gutter-Cleaning-101&ID=2350 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Make-Your-House-Efficient-and-Environmentally-Friendly&ID=2348 Many people wonder what they can do make their houses more environmentally friendly and efficient. You can employ quite a few ideas and practices to help achieve an environmentally friendly house. The great news is that many of these steps require no more effort than you already put into your home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Make-Your-House-Efficient-and-Environmentally-Friendly&ID=2348 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Remove-Tile-From-Drywall&ID=2333 There is no doubt that homeowners have all sorts of questions and concerns when it comes to their homes. Of course each and every situation, house, and person is unique so those questions can get pretty diverse. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=How-to-Remove-Tile-From-Drywall&ID=2333 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Why-Use-Seal-and-Cure-Cement-Sealant&ID=2312 It's always a relief when you manage to pour the concrete you needed. While cement is one of the most durable materials for patios, pool decks, and driveways, over time it is still prone to cracking and breaking and needs to be replaced or repaired every so often. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Why-Use-Seal-and-Cure-Cement-Sealant&ID=2312 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Importance-of-Floor-Slab-Water-Sealant&ID=2311 When it comes to your home, most people are much more interested in planning the decorative aspects of their space than dealing with the structural issues. However if you miss the important stuff, there’s a strong likelihood you won’t have a stable environment for the fun stuff. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=The-Importance-of-Floor-Slab-Water-Sealant&ID=2311 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Eliminating-Water-Damage-and-Concrete-Problems&ID=2310 If you were asked why concrete is used so often in home and other building construction, the answer would be pretty easy. Concrete is one of the hardest, most indestructible materials around. What may come as a surprise to you is that concrete is susceptible to water damage like many of the other building materials are. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Eliminating-Water-Damage-and-Concrete-Problems&ID=2310 http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Ways-to-Add-Cobblestone-Home-Siding&ID=2268 Bring your home away from the modern and into the simpler design times is a current trend in home design. People are adding features like cobblestone home siding to help add a little charm to an otherwise nondescript home. http://ideas.reliableremodeler.com/Article.aspx?Title=Ways-to-Add-Cobblestone-Home-Siding&ID=2268