Remodel | CASTLEMANAGER

Simple Ideas for Updating Your Bathroom

July 6, 2021 Comments Off

Remodeling your entire bathroom can be an extensive and costly task. Thankfully, there are many small updates that can be made that will make just as large an impact on the look and function of your room. These small updates require little time, little knowledge of home improvement and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Replace your fixtures. The two main fixtures that should be replaced are the faucets and shower heads The faucet is used by essentially everyone who enters the bathroom, so having one that is up-to-date, functional and attractive is a must. Many times, people use the default shower head that came with their home- these are usually older and may be rusted. Updating to a new shower head is inexpensive and easy. They make a variety of water-efficient ones that are great for those who want to “go green”.
Replace any old hardware. It is amazing the difference new cabinet knobs and towel racks will have on the space.
Make everything matches. In many bathrooms, things are mismatched and there isn’t an overall aesthetic going on. Many times, people don’t see the decor of bathrooms to be as important as a living room or kitchen. However, by choosing towels, bath mats and shower curtains that all go together, your bathroom will become more inviting. Replace old hardware and knobs so that they all match. For example, make everything stainless steel or brushed nickel so it is cohesive. Adding a few paintings or simple decor items will also help make your bathroom a more inviting space.
Switch up the lighting. The bathroom is a room where good lighting is a must. You need proper lighting to see while showering and bathing, as well as when applying make-up, cleaning your face or brushing your teeth in the sink. Choose high-quality and ample lighting fixtures to replace old ones.Always replace burned-out bulbs with new ones so the lighting is as bright as possible. For more ambient lighting, install a dimmer switch if needed. Nice quality light will make you feel and look better.
Update your cabinets. Putting in new cabinets altogether can be time-consuming and pricey, so by updating them just a little, you can see benefits. Your options include painting your cabinets a new color, refinishing them, applying a light glaze or gloss, simply giving them a good clean or replacing the cabinet doors. Adding new hardware also can spruce up the look of your bathroom. Replacing the sink top is another option that will give you bang for the buck.…

Budgeting For Home Maintenance – Some Tips

April 23, 2021 Comments Off

Like taking care of yourself and staying in shape, taking care of a home is much the same in that it requires constant dedication and a long-term focus. In some areas across the country homes are subject to some of the hottest and most humid summers in the nation, whereas in other areas it is the cold and snow that tend to be bad. Other natural elements that act to degrade a home’s exterior are UV rays from the sun, rain, wind and natural erosion.
These types of problems can have the effect of undermining your home’s ultimate market value. Plus, spending relatively small amounts of time and money can keep small problems from turning into much larger ones at a later point. Plus, even when the cost of repairs is factored into the purchase price, buyers are less inclined to buy a home that represents a large repair or renovation project.
Here are some considerations:
A check of your home’s basic structural and functional components should be checked on an annual basis. Things like gutters, foundation, water heaters, air conditioners, roofing, etc. should be checked to the best of your ability to detect a problem. A certain portion of your income should be allocated for nothing but home maintenance. It has been estimated that as much as 3 percent of a home’s market value is spent annually on maintaining a home.
Don’t let future repairs take you by surprise. For example, in areas of the country where summers can get quite humid and you may find yourself using the air conditioner for extended periods of time. If you have a 15-year old furnace, for example, you should strongly consider saving a portion of your income for a replacement unit in the near future. As well, you should be aware of other things that are susceptible to breaking down, such as roofing, siding and so on. By having a good idea of when you will likely have to repair or replace certain things you will be less likely to be caught off guard by an unanticipated expense.
If you are not in a position to pay for maintenance:
Not being able to pay for needed repairs in a timely manner is bad enough. If you are in a situation where needed repairs have gone unaddressed for years, then this is a good indicator that your home is simply too expensive for your means. This will cause you problems when it comes time to sell your home as the build-up of maintenance issues will make your home less marketable.
If you should fall into such a predicament don’t just sweep it under the carpet. Take action. Taking an objective look at your finances can help you gain a clear perspective. Make the repairs you can afford to make and then consider moving into a less expensive home.
Some final thoughts:
Always consider the cost of maintenance when evaluating the cost of buying a home. It’s better to buy a slightly less expensive home and be able to afford the required maintenance than to buy a more expensive home and not be able to maintain it. The former will maintain its value over time and likely appreciate, where as the latter will likely depreciate.…

Minimize Your Risk When Searching for Cheap Housing

January 7, 2021 Comments Off

Now that the federal government’s efforts at tinkering with regard to the marketplace for affordable homes has started to show its effects, we are faced with a glut of cheap homes in the United States. Complicating matters is the fact that unemployment remains very high, so people who might otherwise absorb that supply are still unable to afford to buy any of the cheap houses for sale.
For those in a position to buy a cheap home, it’s a buyer’s market, and lenders are aware of this fact of business life. For them, the stock of unsold real estate, although nominally assets, amount to liabilities. Although they will spend money to do the bare minimum of home maintenance and just about never any home improvement, they are exposed to liability for damages occurring on the property, even to trespassers in many cases.
If you come across an affordable home that’s been foreclosed upon, you may see it as an opportunity to upgrade your own living circumstances. However, you must be prepared to deal with the risk of buying a cheap house that may have serious defects or be the victim of deferred home maintenance. What seems like an amazing bargain could turn out to be a major liability if you are not very careful. Potential buyers must be very wary before jumping at what looks like a deal that is too good to miss.
One way to minimize the risks is to contact the former owner and ask directly about the condition of the property. In some cases the owner will harbor a lingering bitterness and refuse to cooperate, but often they will have accepted their loss and be happy to have it re-occupied. This is especially so if the potential buyer is not buying as an investment but instead intends to live there with a family. This is certainly not a sure way to find out about potential troubles, but it is a good place to start and there is certainly nothing to lose by trying to find out more about a piece of property before spending any money.
Neighbors may know the whereabouts of the former owner. If not, you can mail them a letter of inquiry which will be forwarded to them. If you think it appropriate, you might offer some financial inducement to come out and inspect the property with you. By no means will everybody be willing to do so, but for the price of a stamp you may be pleasantly surprised.…

Providing High Quality Home Repair Solutions for A Better Home

December 23, 2020 Comments Off

A house is not an invincible structure. Whether it is built on cheap or high quality materials, a house is still subject to a number of structural issues and deterioration. Keeping a home in its good condition requires every owner to conduct regular inspections and to attend to issues immediately, to avoid further damage and avoid extreme repair costs in the future. Some of the usual problems in very home are foundation cracks, leaks in the basement, drainage malfunctions and other structural issues. Getting repairs immediately is not the best solution, but looking for a competent and reliable company that offers warranty on their works is very important. A foundation specialist offers a great number of repair and services for every home with a 25-year transferable warranty to ensure that the problems encountered in every home will not occur again due to the inferior quality of the repair job.
Foundation repair services specialize in the repair of basement leaks, foundation cracks, drainage and other structural services. Basement leaks are very common in homes, especially in areas where there is high water content, spring run-offs and varying temperatures. Basement leaks are not only caused by clogged eaves troughs and down spouts or sewage and sump pump malfunctions, but can also be due to holes drilled for electrical and plumbing purposes or foundation cracks. The earth where the house was built can also be a cause for the leaks especially when the soil has low absorption properties, weak bearing and poor compaction. Basement leaks must be resolved immediately to avoid bad odors and diseases, buildup of molds and mildew and to prevent future accidents due to the additional damage caused by the presence of water.
Foundation cracks are also severe issues in every home. These cracks may not show any damages or need for repair when they appear, but might be crawling in the interiors of the walls and cause the immediate deterioration of the foundation. These foundation cracks must be sealed and secured using temporary or permanent solutions. Polyurethane, epoxy or crystalline injections can get rid of these cracks for a while and hydraulic cement with the addition of waterproofing compounds can safely secure the home’s foundation in the long run. Weeping tiles must also be taken care of since it encompasses the entire area of the house. This is the foundation of every house’s drainage system and must be regularly inspected from clogs or evaporation issues. Basement services like the installation of sump pumps and window wells can minimize the chances of water entering the basement and causing other problems.
Foundation repairs services can deal with all these problems with unparalleled expertise and high-quality home repair solutions. Making a home last for a lifetime will require its owners to keep everything in their best condition. It is very important for homeowners to deal with problems immediately to ensure the safety of their homes. Getting repairs and quality home solutions can go a long way and can prevent severe structural problems in the future.…

Small Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Tricks

December 15, 2020 Comments Off

Are you bored with your home decoration? If you are, you’d better do some research to get the new home designs or decorations that will make your home looks more fabulous. You can browse in the internet to find the decorations you want. If you have big house it will be easier in redecorate it. But if you only have small space, you probably will need professional help to redecorate it.
People usually find problems in remodeling their bathroom, especially if they have a small one. There are many aspects that should be considered before a bath remodel. The most important thing is to decide where to start. Further, you should also consider about your budget. If you have limited budget and small amount of space, you can still get maximum result for the bath remodel. I suggest you to research small bathroom remodeling to get the solution for your project. In your search you will get tips and ideas in remodeling your bathroom. The process will be so much fun with the great ideas from this internet.
Further, if you are looking for the contractor to help, you can also get a free quote service from contractors near your area. The professionals know better what to do with your project. To get the professional help, you only need to specify the type of service you want to have for the remodeling project and also your budget for it. Further, provide them with your contact information. With fast and easy process, you will find contractors near you that will give you the service for your need and also suitable with your budget. So, what are you waiting for?…

Cooking on the Patio

November 24, 2020 Comments Off

A patio is the ideal space for building an outside kitchen that adds new dimension to your existing home. Home improvement projects are more fun when they add both aesthetics and functionality. That’s exactly what you get with an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens can be as inexpensive or as costly as you prefer. It all depends on what you plan to accomplish with your kitchen. You can create an outdoor kitchen for as little as $1,500 or you can spend upwards of $20,000 or more. The nice thing about an outdoor kitchen is that the return on the investment is always favorable for homeowners.
Americans spend billions of dollars annually remodeling their homes. About 33% of that remodeling money is spent on outdoor living spaces according to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association. Increasing the value of your home is just one reason to add an outdoor kitchen to your property. It can also be a great place for cooking, enjoying friends, and socializing.
An kitchen outside can include a barbecue and/or electric grill and oven along with a sink, work surfaces, and storage cabinets. Countertops can be constructed of granite or other types of resilient stone that will last for years to come.
Before you discount a kitchen outside as being too expensive for consideration, take a look at these tips to help you minimize the costs and maximize the opportunity for your remodel:
1. In today’s economy, bargain hunting is not only a good idea, it’s a smart idea. Contractor’s don’t have nearly as much business as they did a year or two ago. Now is a good time to find a good quality contractor and negotiate on price. You’ll get a top quality job at less cost to you.
2. Contractors find that their work fluctuates with the seasons. This makes seasonal bargaining a good way to find good quality at an economical rate. Many contractors have less work in December, January, and February. Weather may play a role, but often it’s more about people being motivated to get something else done. People aren’t always thinking ahead to spring and summer when snow is covering the hillsides and ice is hanging from the window sills. This is the optimal time to approach a contractor to talk about building your outdoor kitchen.
3. Consider talking with a contractor about building a “spec outdoor kitchen”. This allows the builder to experiment with different materials and designs when building your space. In return, he is allowed to market his services and use your outdoor kitchen as a live example of his work. You get discounted services but often get an even higher quality kitchen than you could have afforded.
An outdoor kitchen is a home improvement project that offers a good return on your investment. You can increase your home’s value with an outdoor kitchen, but more importantly, you can enjoy lots of quality time with family and friends in your outdoor kitchen.
If you’re considering an investment in home improvement, take a look at building an efficient and attractive kitchen on your patio or deck. You’ll soon be serving your guests surrounded by the beauty of nature.…

Your Organic Garden: Great Advice You Can Use Today

June 4, 2020 Comments Off

Gardening can seem like a burden at times. The number of things to remember may seem overwhelming, but often success is easier than one might think. This article provides some advice to remember as you go about gardening so you can keep focused and achieve the garden of your dreams.

To maximize your enjoyment out of your garden plant a variety of plants. The same old will get full and boring and you may out of boredom end up neglecting your garden. By planting a variety you will ensure that you remain interested and as a bonus it will be far prettier.

A good tip of what to plant in the garden is to plant high-value crops. Value is a subjective term, but plant the things that are most costly to buy, as long as they are suited to the climate. The whole garden does not have to be devoted to this, but if an area is earmarked for this type of crop, it can save money in the coming season when prices are sky high for certain crops.

Use climbers for covering fences and walls. Plants that climb are extraordinarily versatile, and can help hide an unsightly wall or fence, usually within one season. They also work to cover up old, and possibly dead, vegetation. Some may need to be attached to a support, and others will attach themselves to any surface using their twining stems or tendrils. Wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle, clematis and some rose varieties are good choices for climbers.

Check the soil before you plant anything in your garden. Have a soil analysis completed so you can know what you need to add to have soil which will fully support your garden. Ask about this service at a local university or the county Cooperative Extension office to improve the soil and insure fruitful crops.

Read the packages your seeds came in! Every seed is different. Some can be planted year round while others can only be planted at certain times. Some seeds need ten hours or more of sun a day, and others need much less. Before you impulse buy a seed package based off of the picture, take the time to know what you are getting into.

Weed the garden often and early. Plan on a weeding schedule for the garden at least three times. The first should be five to seven days after sowing, and again seven to ten days after that. The third time should be three to four weeks after planting, by this time the plants should be rooted well enough to add mulching and sufficient leaves to shade the surface.

Get rid of any garden pests immediately. Garden pests, such as red spider mites, ants, whitefly, and aphids, can infect your plants with various diseases, so if you notice any of the plants in your garden dying or failing to thrive, check for pests first. To get rid of garden pests, invest in a good pesticide.

Maintaining a garden can be simpler than you think if you are armed with the right information. This article contains a number of straightforward tips that you can follow to grow a healthy garden, stress-free. Keeping focused on the right gardening methods allows you to maximize the effectiveness of your efforts so that your garden thrives.…