Tips to Make Your Next Home Improvement Project Go Smoothly

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Resist the urge to dive straight into your next home improvement project. Before you begin, it’s beneficial to take a little time to determine your budget, make a plan to organize everything, and create a flexible timeline to complete the project successfully.

Plan Some Flex in Your Budget

One of the most popular reasons for homeowners to take on DIY projects is to save money. The cost of labor associated with home renovation is usually the most expensive part. So, take time to plan out your budget and get organized from the start. The most straightforward way to do this is to pay a visit to your local home improvement store. Bring a notebook and take note of prices on things like plumbing fixtures, lighting, tile and flooring. Once you have an idea of their cost, you should sit down and determine a ballpark figure.

The next step is to try to determine exactly how much you will need for other components of the remodel—things like screws, nails, electrical switch plates, framing wood and drywall. It’s also important to be flexible regarding materials and quantities. To be on the safe side, a good rule of thumb is to plan on spending 10 to 20 percent over your estimated budget.

Organization Plan

Keep yourself sane by creating a plan to organize your tools and supplies. Keeping tools organized is critical to keeping things running smoothly. You don’t want to be running around looking for a tool while adhesives dry without adhering things together or eyeballing critical cuts because you can’t find your measuring tape.

For easy access, you might want to organize your tools using something like a pegboard or tool foam. This can help you to keep all your tools in a place where you can easily find them. This can also help you to be safe, as each individual tool will have a place that isn’t on the floor where you could otherwise step on them and injure yourself.

Create a Flexible Timeline

Perhaps the most frustrating part of a home renovation is when work comes to a standstill waiting for as-yet-undelivered supplies or an inspection by city or county officials. So, create a flexible timeline for your remodel. Find out what the lead time is for components of the plan that need to be ordered and proceed accordingly.

Also, be aware that city and county inspectors visit dozens of properties every week and may not be available to inspect the finished work on your property for several days or even weeks. Don’t be tempted to forego these official inspections. The inspector has to review certain aspects of the renovation before the next step can be completed.

Organizing and performing a home renovation yourself can save you money and give you satisfaction. Fortunately, there are ways like these that can help make the process a little easier. You can make it go a little more smoothly by getting organized before you start.

First Time Renting Equipment for Your Home Improvement Project? Read This First

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Renting equipment for a home improvement project isn’t complicated, but it will require you to fill out a lot of paperwork. You’ll also have the task of taking care of delicate, expensive equipment. Before you sign on the dotted line, read these three tips so you know what you’re getting into.

Know What You Sign

When you’re renting equipment, the rental company is going to have you sign a plethora of paperwork. There will be a lot of small print, but you must read every bit of it. A lot of paperwork that you sign could have extra fees hidden in the fine print, insurance-related clauses, rules and regulations, and other pertinent information. Not knowing this information upfront can lead to extra costs that you weren’t expecting or maybe even a sullied relationship with the equipment rental company. For example, you bear the liability if you don’t follow local regulations for getting permits for certain work near utilities or if you don’t know how to operate the equipment correctly.

Protect the Equipment

When signing the paperwork, be sure to check if the equipment is already insured and for how much. If not, you could be liable for damage due to unexpected surprises. You know Murphy’s law- what can happen will happen. One great idea to protect the equipment is by purchasing Rental Equipment Protection insurance. This protects your wallet in case the equipment is damaged.

You’ll also want to protect your home and yard. Equipment and gear tend to be heavy. If the gear is heavy enough, you’ll need mats to protect your yard. Inside your home, you’ll want mats, plastic covers, and other safety gear.

Return Equipment on Time

Meeting deadlines is very important. For one, someone else may have a reservation for the equipment. More importantly, you may be charged late fees for late returns. Late fees can sometimes be outrageous. They may even end up being more than what you paid to rent the equipment. Make sure when you’re reading the paperwork, you’re aware of the return time and date, and you’re aware of the late fee price.

Renting home improvement equipment can come with a lot of paperwork, fine print, and extra fees. If you make yourself aware of every little step of the process, you won’t be caught by surprise. You’ll be prepared and organized so you’ll have less stress along the way. This will give you the ease of mind you need as you focus on the success of your home improvement project.

Does your home improvement project need a great paint job? Let Jaworski Painting get the job done!

What to Know About Doing Pest Prevention Yourself

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Even in the best-kept homes, pests can become a problem. If you encounter this sort of nuisance, your first reaction might be to contact an exterminator as soon as possible; however, you can save considerable money and time by doing some pest control yourself. Here are a few ways you can prevent pests and stop infestations before they start.

Prevention Saves Money

Prevention is always more effective and less time-consuming than treating a pest infestation. Luckily, there are several easy steps you can take to keep pests out of your home. Especially for larger pests like mice and rats, it’s important to seal any entry points that may give them access to your house. There are also steps you can take to make your home less attractive to pests in the first place. Clean up your kitchen immediately after preparing food, and make sure to keep dry goods sealed. Even leftover traces may be enough to attract ants and other bugs. As you clean up food, be sure to not leave standing water. Even small amounts of water can sometimes be enough to draw fruit flies.

Small Details

As you pest-proof your home, don’t forget to pay attention to even the smallest of details. Covering furniture, especially when moving or when you’ll be gone for a long period of time, makes infestations of bedbugs and other small pests less likely. Even something as simple as a cover for a hot tub can help prevent pests from infesting. When you want to keep pests out, vigilance is important. It helps to regularly check your home for little details you may have missed.

Using Supplies You Have

You’ve probably seen bait for mice, rats and other pests sold in supermarkets. However, these are often relatively expensive, and you can save money by using what you already have at home. Peanut butter and corn chips are both excellent attractants when you want to lure mice to a trap. Plus, you only need a small dab of peanut butter or a few crumbs of corn chips for this to work. If you’re especially crafty, there are plenty of resources online that can teach you how to build your own traps out of items you already have around the house. Preventing pests and trapping them as they arrive are important parts of home maintenance, but they don’t have to be expensive or consume a large portion of your time. By taking simple steps now, you can save yourself time, money and stress down the line.

Pests are one of the signs that something isn’t quite right in your home so act fast! If you’re interested in knowing about other hidden potential problems in your home, check out our article on it here!

Simple Ways to Boost the Mood in Your Home

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The home is a sanctuary; it’s the place we look forward to coming back to each day. Since you spend so much time putting your personal touches on your home, you want it to be a happy place. While there can always be stress in the home, there are several ways in which you can help your house to have a positive and welcoming vibe.

Lighting

The proper lighting is essential to creating a happy home. For example, open window plans can provide the house with natural sunlight. Lots of sunlight in the home has been linked to happier moods within the house as it fights off depression. High Quality Home Maintenance warns that excessive sunlight can cause furniture to fade, so it’s important to keep your furniture protected so no damage occurs. For a unique experience, you could try strategically placing accent lights to showcase your favorite parts of the home. 

To improve your sleep, you should consider installing a dimmer switch. Close to the time you choose to sleep, the dim lights help your brain to prepare for bedtime. Candles are another great source of personalized lighting. There’s nothing quite as cozy as twinkling candles throughout the home.

Paint

People truly underestimate the significance of the paint colors through the home. Did you know that dark purple bedrooms promote feelings of sadness? Well, it’s true! So, to promote a happy home, try painting your walls in colors that help to promote a positive vibe. According to The Art of Simple that since it is considered one of the happiest, optimistic colors, yellow is an ideal choice for a bedroom. Rooms that are adorned in off-white hues are also a great choice. Neutral colors, such as ivory and cream, can match any décor and style, so those off-white choices are perfect for any room. Rooms that are coated in pale pink swatches have been shown to promote a calm feeling; too bright of a pink, however, can have the opposite effect.

Plants

While they’re often overlooked, several varieties of plants can really bring your home together in a happy and positive way. Plants not only give off the breezy vibe you’re looking for, but they also help to cleanse the air within the house. So, what type of plants are the best for happiness? If you’re looking for a happy flower, consider bringing in some daisies. Lilies are also a happy flower, and you’re sure to be happy having some. For something greener, consider bringing orchids into your bedroom. They work hard to emit oxygen while taking in toxins; this helps you to sleep better. Peace lilies are another excellent plant to make a happy home. 

Always remember, however, that there are some plants that are toxic to animals. If you have pets, The Sill advises to look for plants that are labeled animal friendly, or make it easy with an animal safe plant subscription. If they are not labeled, do research before potentially exposing your animals to poisonous plants.

However you choose to make your home happy, do it in your own personal style. Always try incorporating lighting and careful paint choices to make your house a positive and stress-free zone. Plants also work to make your home a happier place.

Ready to boost your mood? Get an estimate for painting your home today!

How Can I Create Cozy Luxury in My Living Room?

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Creating a cozy and luxurious living room sanctuary is a snap when you incorporate the perfect combination of soothing elements. Sofas resplendent with plush pillows and soft throws invite you to relax and enjoy the warmth and opulent beauty of your surroundings as the soft glow of delicious smelling candles sweetly accentuates the richness of your new space. Design the cozy living room of your dreams with the following fantastic ideas.

Plush Furniture

Furniture that you can melt into is the foundation for luxurious living, and knowing just how much furniture to integrate into your space ensures that you’ll select pieces that fit wonderfully without overdoing it. Measuring your living room and deciding what types of furniture will be functional and provide you with the cozy haven you desire can get you going in the right direction. A sweet loveseat or papasan chair with plush pillows works remarkably well for small spaces. A larger area benefits from a lovely sectional that can offer a cushy embrace to every member of the family on movie night.

Area Rugs

Area rugs are marvelous accents that draw the color scheme of your living room together and can beautifully cover large or small spaces. When selecting a rug, consider the size, color and pattern of the area rug you are looking at as it compares to the rest of the room you’re adding it to. Once you’ve figured out what kind of rug is best for your space, lay it out to double-check that it matches the size of the area and color you want to accentuate. Floor coverings create comfy, quiet and luxurious spaces and are fantastic for noise reduction, as they balance the acoustics of the room.

 

Scented Candles

The wonderful allure of scented candles simply cannot be resisted. Introducing your favorite scents to your living space adds a decadent and mysterious quality that enhances its cozy and luxurious atmosphere. Selecting candles that match or highlight the colors of your living room and scents that enhance its ambiance keeps the welcoming mood you’ve created going throughout the year. Make sure to keep burning candles away from all objects, wall coverings and pieces of furniture that could easily ignite to safeguard your comfy retreat.

 

Your living room is the heart of your home. Plush furniture, beautifully scented candles and accented floors with coordinating area rugs allow you to relax and enjoy the cozy luxury you’ve created in your living room.

If you need more help figuring out furniture for your living room, check out these tips!

3 Tips for Cleaning Painted Surfaces

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There are many different painted surfaces that exist inside and outside of a home or business. Painting siding, cabinets and doors is a really affordable way to spruce up a surface. When it comes time to clean these painted surfaces, there are certain products and techniques that you should use in order to protect the paint job. Let’s take a closer look.

Clean Regularly

In order to protect paint, you’ll need to gently clean the surface. To do that, you should try to clean that area regularly so that dirt and grime don’t get a chance to build up. According to ChemDry, you should wash your walls about once a month. If you leave it alone for years at a time, you’re going to end up needing a very deep and aggressive cleaning. That is exactly the type of process that can end up damaging painted surfaces. As you allow stains to sit or more grime to adhere itself to the surface, this will only cause more permanent problems. If you have kitchen cabinets that are constantly exposed to food, oil, or heat, try to get into the habit of wiping them down regularly.

Be Gentle

You might think certain areas are more durable than others even if they have been painted. Just because something on the exterior of a building holds up to the changes in weather patterns, this doesn’t mean it will always be safe to clean. According to Absolute Steel, for prepainted metal roofing or siding, mild detergent solutions are typically adequate. Don’t use any kind of abrasive brushes or harsh chemicals that could end up scratching or scraping the surface.

Use the Right Tools

Before you begin cleaning, you should make sure that the tools you use don’t damage the paint. Some tools are good for getting off stains, but could damage the paint in the process. You’ll want to check what kind of paint your surface has and go from there. For example, according to Family Handyman, using a Magic Eraser is great for getting stains off of some things, but if you use it on a wall painted with a glossy finish, it could end up stripping some of the paint off. This will make part of your wall look dull and uneven compared to the rest of the wall. If you can get away with just using a washcloth, this is usually your best bet. 

Don’t feel like you can’t clean or maintain a painted surface. While there is the potential to damage these areas, there are plenty of safe ways to keep up with your cleaning routine. Look for the right products for the job. Also, make sure you aren’t being too aggressive. Putting a little bit of elbow grease into the job doesn’t necessarily apply when you’re talking about something like cleaning painted surfaces.

3 Inspections You Should Do Before Doing Any Major Renovations

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If you’re planning a home renovation project, you should do three kinds of inspections before any work begins. Depending on your home’s condition and age, it might make sense to get even more inspections than the basic three. You can do these checks yourself or hire a professional. Not only will a professional inspector alert you to potential dangers, but they can also help make sure that the planned work will comply with local codes.

Electrical Inspection

In a thorough electrical inspection, it helps to begin by observing two key elements that pertain to physical safety. Are there any unusual odors in the home that might be the result of faulty wiring or short circuits? Are there visible signs of faulty wiring, like broken or frayed insulating covers?

If the answer to either of those questions is yes, then a professional electrician should do a complete inspection. If no warnings signs are present, a routine electrical inspection should continue with a complete examination of the service panel, a close look at any aluminum wiring, and a check of the wattage levels in all lighting fixtures.

Foundation Inspection

Foundation problems can be serious for any size home. Inspections should look for signs of plumbing damage and check that there are no strange or musty odors in the basement. Those are the two main signs of a faulty foundation. Any wall or floor can be worn away with time, but if a plumbing leak leads to water within the foundation, it’s time for major repairs.

Most home inspectors and builders will tell you that everything about your home depends on your foundation, and with a weak one, you’re in for major problems. Some homeowners have annual foundation inspections just to be sure there are no major problems with the structure.

Roof Inspection

Most homeowners can eyeball their roof and spot obvious problems, but it takes a professional to discover what the untrained eye can’t see. Before starting a renovation job, check the roof for obvious problems. Call in an expert if you notice anything unusual or your roof is more than 10 years old. Problems like missing or broken shingles, large areas of mold, unusual dips or rises, uneven guttering, and gaps between the chimney and roof are typical signs that you need roof repair.

No matter what type of renovation job you’re planning, spend time deciding how many inspections to do before the project starts. There’s no reason to get knee-deep in a home renovation only to discover faulty wiring or a cracked foundation. The first step in any successful repair task is planning, and performing the proper inspections is a central part of that.

Need some help with the paint on your renovation project? Get a quote from Jaworski Painting today!

Redoing Your Roof? 9 Roofing Materials You Should Know About

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There are many options when it comes to the kinds of materials you can use for the roof or your house. Choosing the right material for you is often a function of several factors. From the desire to build in a green manner to meeting neighborhood committee building rules to finding something within your price range, there is a lot to consider. Whatever your reason for swapping out your roofing, here are nine of your different options.

Solar Tiles

A solar tile is essentially a solar panel in the shape of a roofing tile and on the inside are solar collectors that are able to create approximately 1 kilowatt of energy for every 100 square feet. They make a good substitute for homes who want solar panels but more of the look of a slate or glass tile roof.

While solar tiles, like solar panels, can help with energy costs, they’re also much more costly than the traditional solar panel. The tiles must also have the infrastructure needed to direct and store the power. They require more maintenance and it can be a long time before you see a return on your investment.

Metal Roofing

Traditional metal roofing comes cut into vertical panels or shingles that can resemble slate, shake and tile. Just one of the fantastic things about this kind of roofing is that it is really good a simply allowing heavy snow and rain to just slide right off. It’s also very lightweight, can be installed over your existing roof, and can last for up to 60 years.

On the downside, metal can be noisy when impacted (such as by rain) and can dent from hail. You may end up spending anywhere from 5 to 12 dollars per square foot though this does depend on the kind of metal that you intend to use. This makes the cost more than asphalt but less than concrete tilling. You may also have to worry about your metal roof corroding, but that is also dependent upon the type of metal you choose.

Green Roofing

Green roofs can be beautiful as well as functional. A green roof is covered with plants and is able to improve the air quality of your home, provide insulation to reduce heat, and reduce water runoff. The downside is that you’ll need to provide extra support to make sure that your roof can withstand the weight.

To have a green roof, you’ll also need to have a vapor barrier, waterproofing, water filtration, thermal insulation, soil compost, and appropriate plants. Once you have accomplished all of this, you will have a roof that will last you for upwards of 30 years.

Stone-Coated Metal

This type of roofing is made up of panels that have the appearance of stone types like slate and clay. They are interlocking and able to resist heavy rains, 120-mile winds, freeze-thaw cycles, and uplifting hail. On top of all of these perks, this kind of roofing can come with a warranty that often coincides with your house’s lifetime.

This makes stone-coated metal roofing a very good fit for wet, windy areas or for homes that are in areas that are frequented by wildfires. One thing to be made aware of when having this sort of roofing installed is that stone-coated metal requires more specialized care than normal metal roofing, so the quality of contractors in your area should probably be a determining factor in selecting a stone-coated metal roof.

Slate

Slate roofing can be considered one of the best materials when it comes to the durability of roofing materials. It can last for up to 100 years. It’s fire, mold, and fungus resistant as well as waterproof. Slate is the kind of roofing that you would want to use in areas that may experience a lot of rain. The issue with this material, however, is that it is very expensive and can be fragile, which can be a problem where large hail is regularly seen. It can be slippery to walk on as well.

Rubber Slate

This material can be very natural looking and can actually be cut with a knife to be fitted to more complex roofs (such as Victorian homes). Rubber slate is also able to last for up to a century. However, it can also be damaged by the installation of satellite dishes and hail. One other tip is that a professional that is trained to install rubber slate can be pretty hard to find.

Clay and Concrete Tilling

Both of these substances are very durable as they are able to withstand tornadoes, hurricanes, and 125 miles per hour winds. Clay and concrete are best suited for dry and warm areas but you may need to provide your roof some extra assistance to make sure that your structure can hold their weight. They are also likely to break if walked on with any regularity.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles, also called composite roofing, are one of the most common and budget-friendly roofing choices on homes nationwide. Asphalt shingles perform well in almost all environmental conditions across the United States.

Not all of them have the same quality though, so you may have to do some additional digging in that regard once you’ve found a roofing material that you like. The upfront cost is pretty low, but after about 20 years or so, you’re likely going to have to replace the shingles. You may also want to consider getting impact resistant shingles if you live in an area that’s very prone to hail or wind. Impact-proof shingles can even get you a discount on your homeowner’s premium in some cases.

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing is layers of asphalt, tar or adhesive topped with aggregate. It is made specifically for flat roofs. This kind of material is great for roof-top decks that have heavy foot traffic but they do have the issue of potentially becoming sticky in the summertime. They can also be troublesome in the wintertime due to being harder to shovel snow off of. Built-up roofing can last for up to 20 to 25 years.

Ultimately, the best kind of roofing depends on your budget, home, climate, and your personal preferences. The best thing for you to do is to speak with a licensed roofing contractor and take a good look at these different options to get a good feel for what the best fit for your home is.

Are you thinking about remodeling the interior or exterior of your home? Jaworski Painting is happy to assist you!

3 Aspects of Your Property That Need Special Attention

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Most people spend a significant amount of time inside of their home and make it a point to maintain a comfortable, interior setting. Unfortunately, the outside of the house can be neglected, which can lead to excess wear and damage. If you want to provide the proper care to your home, here are a few areas to pay attention to on the property.

The Foundation

The foundation is one of the most important features of the house because it’s what the building sits on and where it gets its stability. Performing a routine inspection every few months is necessary to determine if repairs are needed. Look for trailing insects or cracks, which can threaten its structural integrity. You’ll also need to inspect the crawlspace for signs of moisture or wood rot. Maintaining a consistent moisture level around the foundation will also prevent the soil from expanding too much and causing the foundation to shift.

Trees

Trees contribute to the quality of your landscaping and require attention to ensure that they can continue to remain healthy and thrive. Regular care maintains the appearance, health, and safety of the trees in your yard. Water your trees consistently to ensure it reaches the roots when performing lawn care. The soil should be moist but not wet or flooding. Applying mulch will help to lock in the moisture and prevent it from evaporating. Be watchful for diseases that may arise on your trees. Diseased trees can become a safety hazard as they lose their stability. Trimming the trees every few months can also prevent the branches from having contact with the roof and causing damage.

The Roof

The roof is responsible for protecting the interior of the house from moisture and other environmental elements. Perform an inspection on the structure at least every six months to identify if the flashing has lifted or if any shingles or tiles need to be replaced. You can also inspect the attic with a flashlight to identify any areas where moisture is present, which can quickly lead to mold and is a sign that repairs are needed. Removing debris from the roof is also important because debris can trap water and cause roofing materials to deteriorate.

Investing in the quality of your home’s exterior property will allow you to maintain the setting and keep it thriving over time. By giving it the attention it needs, you’ll be able to avoid common repairs that are often needed throughout the year.

Ready for more outdoor projects to spruce up your home? Click here for tips on how to get that ‘curb appeal’ everyone is aiming for!  

3 Things to Be Aware Of When Renovating Your Home

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Having the ability to renovate a home is one key benefit of owning a property as opposed to just renting it. However, not all renovation projects are created equal. It is important that you consider how an upgrade will make the house function better or make it easier to sell in the future. Let’s look at some other issues to consider prior to engaging in a home improvement project.

The Cost

The most important thing to keep in mind when renovating your home is the cost of doing so. You can go online to get ballpark estimates of how much a given task will cost. You can also ask local contractors to come to your house to provide a more detailed estimate. Budget Dumpster explains that this can help you determine the scope of your home improvement project as well as how you pay for it. Generally speaking, it is easier to keep expenses to a reasonable level if you create a plan and stick to it.

It Can Influence How Your Home Sells

There is no guarantee that adding a feature to your home will increase its resale value. In some cases, a specific upgrade will merely make the home sell faster. For instance, putting in new windows could make a home more attractive to a buyer because it will require less maintenance, but it may not result in a higher sale price. There are some things that will definitely add benefits though.


Adding a pool or hot tub can actually make a home harder to sell because of the maintenance and safety issues that they can create. Typically, renovations to a kitchen or bathroom will result in relatively high returns on investment. Finally, Rules of Renovation recommends to be aware of the market value of the homes around you so you don’t end up pricing yourself out of the neighborhood.

Can You Do the Work Yourself?

Go Banking Rates suggests that it may be possible to save money and learn a new skill by doing some of the home renovation work yourself. For instance, you could choose to paint the living room or put new shingles on the roof. If you are going to do a job yourself, make sure to have it inspected after the fact to ensure that it was done properly.

Updating a kitchen or adding more space to a home can be an effective way to create a space that you and your family will love. However, if it is not done properly, the renovation could be nothing more than a waste of time and money. Proper management and planning can greatly make your project easier.