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home improvement projects you should never diy

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Today we have a guest host, Erin Reynolds the DIY Mama. Enjoy.

One of the most exciting aspects of owning your own home is personalizing it. As tedious as home improvement projects can be, they are often necessary. When done properly, they can increase your home’s value, make it a safer and healthier place to live, and add a personal touch. If you use Pinterest or watch HGTV, you may feel inspired and confident enough to try some do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects. More and more people are completing their own DIY projects professional contractors.

However, what you see on television and the internet isn’t always an accurate portrayal of what it’s actually like to complete a project yourself. There are definitely some projects that are better left to the professionals. Some home improvement projects can be dangerous, time-consuming, difficult, or costly to complete without help from an expert. In a worst-case scenario, you could injure yourself, damage your property, or reduce your home’s resale value.

Here are some home improvement projects that require the help of a professional. Don’t try these at home!

Roof and Shingle Repair

You should always hire a professional contractor or reputable local business to handle your roof and shingle repair for you. Roof repairs can be dangerous. One wrong move or a strong enough gust of wind, and repairing your roof could potentially turn deadly.

When it comes to keeping yourself safe and your roof properly secured from the elements, the cost of hiring a professional is a small price to pay. The average price to repair an asphalt shingle roof in Chicago is $255 – $766 according to HomeAdvisor.

If you’ve been considering replacing the shingles or patching the roof yourself, you should also contact your insurance company. Even if your insurance covers roofing, most companies will only cover the costs if you use a qualified contractor for the repairs.

You should always hire a professional contractor or reputable local business to handle your roof and shingle repair for you. Roof repairs can be dangerous. One wrong move or a strong enough gust of wind, and repairing your roof could potentially turn deadly.

When it comes to keeping yourself safe and your roof properly secured from the elements, the cost of hiring a professional is a small price to pay. The average price to repair an asphalt shingle roof in Chicago is $255 – $766 according to HomeAdvisor.

If you’ve been considering replacing the shingles or patching the roof yourself, you should also contact your insurance company. Even if your insurance covers roofing, most companies will only cover the costs if you use a qualified contractor for the repairs. Just to be safe, it’s best to discuss any repairs with your insurance company before moving forward.

Air Duct Cleaning

Over time, your home’s air ducts become filled with allergens, dust, mold, pet dander, and even cigarette smoke (if anyone smokes in your home). To maintain proper air quality throughout your home, you should have the air ducts cleaned every few years. Although it might be tempting to clean your own air ducts, this is a job best left to the pros. You might start by asking local friends, family, and coworkers if they have any recommendations for reputable contractors. Otherwise, the EPA recommends contacting the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) for more information.

Projects Requiring Permits

Many projects, such as fence installation, require prior approval from your local government. You’ll need to get a permit and check with your city about any restrictions, such as height requirements for fences. Luckily, your local contractors are already familiar with these types of regulations and should be able to secure the proper permits. This saves you the headache, and hopefully prevents you from any unexpected surprises that would require you to otherwise make changes during or after installation.

Whether you’re looking to save money, are confident in your home-repair abilities, or are just a crafty person who enjoys trying something new, there are many reasons to participate in a DIY home improvement project. However, before starting your next project, it’s important to do your research up front. Weigh your options, crunch the numbers, and assess any risks involved. Sometimes, it is worth the money to just hire a professional so you can get the job done right the first time.

Author

Erin Reynolds is the creator of DIYMama.net, which provides resources to help others with home improvement projects and repairs. Keep an eye out for the DIY or Not Calculator, which will help you determine whether or not to take on a project yourself!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Source

http://www.chicagonow.com/organizing-with-erin/2018/02/home-improvement-projects-you-should-never-diy/

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Interesting Modern Kitchen Furniture Sets Awesome Kitchen Renovation Ideas with Simple Blog Kitchen Design Ideas – Interior Design

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Modern Kitchen Furniture Sets

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6 Flooring Options to Consider For Your Next Kitchen Renovation

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Often the center of the home, there’s no doubt the kitchen is a heavily trafficked area. Serving as a social center where family and friends can gather together, the flooring in this area should be durable, functional, and long-lasting in order to withstand the test of time. 

Below, we’ve narrowed down six of the best materials to consider when looking to renovate your kitchen floor.

Bamboo: Elegant and Practical

Understated and elegant, bamboo flooring is a great choice, as it is eco-friendly, durable, and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. 

Not only is it relatively affordable compared to hardwoods, but it is also low maintenance, as it doesn’t require any special care. Plus, bamboo is  springy underfoot, making it a more ergonomic choice than some harder options. However, it isn’t as moisture-resistant as other materials and can warp in high humidity, so make sure your home’s climate will welcome this material if you decide to go with this option.

Above is an example of bamboo floors in a contemporary-styled Seattle kitchen.

If you’re seeking an option that is eco-friendly and durable, bamboo flooring is a great choice.

Wood: Classic, Warm, and Long-Lasting

Hardwood floors are a classic choice. A top contender for flooring throughout the home, wood flooring offers a high-end, warm look. By adjusting the stain of the wood, you can also change up vibes instantly.  

Although hardwood floors can be pricey, the use of reclaimed wood can be a more cost-effective and eco-friendly choice. However, because wood in  kitchens require special protection from excess moisture, if you live in an area with high humidity, you may want to avoid wide planks, as they can warp over time. 

Above is an example of floors made of reclaimed eucalyptus.

This formerly dark basement kitchen now feels much lighter, thanks to the addition of white oak floorboards, bright plaster walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in garden views.

A large kitchen island makes up for the lack of upper cabinet space and separates the kitchen from the living room. The cabinetry is custom made by Henrybuilt, hidding all appliances other than the copper BlueStar range.

Above, the architects used blackbutt wood for the flooring and Whisper White paint by Dulux throughout the interior. An A110 Hand Grenade Pendant Lamp by Alvar Aalto for Artek hangs above the white Carrara marble-topped island.

This space combines black cabinets, white subway tiles, marble countertops, and wooden floors to create a balance between rustic warmth and industrial simplicity.

Stone: Naturally Cool and Distinctive 

Durable and easy to clean, stone is an excellent flooring option with a great variety of choices. Marble, travertine, granite, and slate are popular options, which can add depth and a level of sophistication. Naturally cool, stone flooring is a good choice for hotter climates. Yet don’t let that deter you if you live in cooler temperatures, as installing sub-floor radiant heat will keep your floors warm in the winter. 

Just be sure to purchase more than you need and review all tiles before installing them so you can pick your pieces to maintain a single tone.

To transform a gaudy and green developer’s special, Nanelda Priftaj, an in-house designer at Bulthaup Toronto, stuck to a sophisticated palette of light woods and stainless-steel appliances. “We chose materials that elevate the aesthetic timelessness and comfort of the space,” she says. “Keeping this in mind, we chose several reflective surfaces to brighten the kitchen.” The floors are heated Mare Argento travertine and the rug is from AGATHOM Co.

In this kitchen, the architects contrasted the oak floor, bamboo cabinetry, and birch walls with what architect Jonathan Knowles calls “a family of grays,” meaning granite floor tiles, limestone countertops, and the steel stairway. 

Above is a kitchen from IKEA created with Brazilian slate floors.

Tile: Colorful and Playful

Another classic flooring solution is tile. Tiles can work for any budget and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, not to mention they are also easy to clean. 

Tiles are a wonderful way to add character to your kitchen floor. Two examples are ceramic and porcelain—both being made from clay mixtures fired at high temperatures to create a hard, durable material. However, one drawback to tile flooring is that the individual tiles can crack, and grouting does require periodic sealing and cleaning. 

Handcrafted green cement tile floors are used in the kitchen and in many living spaces in the home. Honed granite counters, Tzalam wood cabinets, and GE Profile appliances complete the airy space above.

Homeowners Cecilia Tham and Yoel Karaso renovated their home in Barcelona, harmoniously overlapping elements of the old and the new. 

Above is an example of graphic tiles covering the floor, walls, and ceiling. 

Concrete: Chic and Minimalist 

Polished concrete flooring is an easy way to obtain a stylish contemporary look and can make a great choice for a low-maintenance kitchen floor. Durable enough to stand up to the busiest kitchens and easy to clean, concrete is a lovely choice for warm climates. However, concrete can be hard on your body if you will be standing for prolonged periods of time. 

Don originally wanted to have wood floors throughout the interior but for cost reasons he decided to use lightweight concrete instead.  “In order to make it as resilient to cracks as possible, the concrete is extra thick and has fiberglass and wire mesh reinforcing,” he says. “It was polished and machine-troweled as it was being finished, the same as the lower-level concrete slab, so we could get a similar look throughout.”

The cabinets above are from Ikea, the range is by GE, and the Jenn-Air refrigerator is tucked unobtrusively into the pantry wall. The troweled concrete floor was poured in place by builder Peter Knudsen.

Concrete floors are not only affordable, but also versatile and trendy. The appliances above are by Frigidaire and the black countertops are sealed with Eco Tuff by Eco Procote.

Cork:  Eco-Friendly and Cost-Efficient 

Eco-friendly and a natural insulator, cork is another great flooring choice. It is also naturally anti-microbial, and if you’re on a budget, cork tiles are easy to install yourself. However, make sure the cork you choose has a durable finish so that it can repel water. If you are purchasing cork tiles, it is advisable to buy extra in case you need replacements in the future. 

If you’re looking to keep costs low, cork is extremely budget-friendly. Above is an example of how inexpensive plywood line the ceiling and cork covers the floors. 

Cork can also be affixed to one another, rather than nailed into the floorboards, as shown above. This allows the tiles to expand and contract with heat, making it ideal for radiant surfaces. 

A wood countertop with blue laminate cabinets underneath contrasts with a white island topped with travertine. The wall tile is Origin Birch White by AKDO, and the brass faucet is by California Faucets. As in the rest of the apartment, the flooring is colored cork from Globus Cork.
Photo by Mike Schwartz

The room above features flooring with Teragren bamboo, cork in the kitchen, and porcelain tiles at the entry points. American Yellow Birch was used for the cabinets and trim.

Source

https://www.dwell.com/article/6344613785688064000

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4 Key Strategies to Create Abundance as a Home Improvement Contractor

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Have you ever asked yourself this question: “What am I doing all of this for?” All too often, entrepreneurs can get caught up in the day-to-day challenges of running a business and lose sight of the most important aspects of the journey.

We take on the challenge of building a business because we’re passionate about what we do, and we all know the sacrifice that it takes.  We all know the dedication that is required, when no one is watching, to launch, sustain and grow an enterprise.

But at the end of the day, what ARE you doing all of this for?

Is it to simply “have a job”?  Is it just to SAY you’re a business owner?  Of course not.

The reason we fight every day is to create VALUE.  Or better said, from my perspective, it is to create ABUNDANCE.

It is to create resources for ourselves, and for our families. It is to create the wealth  that provides us with the time to have a more engaging and fulfilling life. It is to create the abundance that allows us to GIVE.  Give to others. Give to our community. Give to our family.

One of the biggest challenges to small business owners, is to keep our eyes on the strategic part of this mission. Like I said, we all get caught up in the day-to-day challenges, but what I want to encourage you to do is to keep an eye on your overall strategy.

You must have a goal, or a target. You must have a mission in mind. And your strategy is the gameplan you execute to get there.

Here are some questions you might have:

  1. How can I keep my “eyes on the prize”?
  2. What strategies can I focus on to build wealth and abundance?

There are quite a few answers we could discuss, but for now, I’d like to offer you four key strategies.

Key Strategy No. 1:  You MUST Have Financial Discipline

Sounds pretty basic, right? You would be shocked how many home improvement companies do not keep accurate and up to date financials. (Or wouldn’t you?)

Producing financial statements for your business is absolutely critical. At the end of the day, your profitability is what determines whether your business will survive long-term, produce the wealth and resources that allow you to improve the quality of life for yourself and your family, and service the homeowners who have entrusted their projects to you.

And there are a lot of variables that go into your profits, aren’t there?

  • Product and install costs;
  • Cost of lead generation;
  • Commissions;
  • Service and repairs;
  • Rent and utilities;
  • Insurance, and;
  • Etc…

A detailed and accurate financial statement is what gives you a representation of the financial health of your business. But what do I mean by “financial statements”?

Without getting too far into the weeds, I am essentially talking about a budget.

You must prepare a budget for your business, preferably on an annual basis, and you must be able to compare the real financial results you produce, to the budget (plan or “pro forma”) that you created in advance.

This comparison helps you to make critical decisions about your business, before it’s too late.

What’s too late?  Here’s an example: When you realize that you’ve been spending more than you’re earning for the past year, and you suddenly owe more than you’ve got in the bank!

Have you ever been in this position? Do you really know that you’re producing consistent profits?

Tips to Establish Financial Discipline

  1. Create an annual budget, right now. You must forecast your sales and expenses for the year.
  2. Keep regular financial records. If you’re not comfortable doing this in-house, hire an accountant. They’ll give you a list of information that must be supplied on a monthly basis, and produce the statements for you.
  3. Do a financial review once per month, or minimally once per quarter.

Again, I know. Sounds pretty basic, right? But believe me, unless you’re committed to this process, and your monthly/quarterly review, you’re steering your ship with a blindfold on.

Commit to These Principles

  1. I MUST have an annual budget for my business.
  2. I MUST produce financial reports for my business every month.
  3. I MUST review financials monthly or quarterly.

Once you do this, not only will you be able to make critical decisions to consistently better your business, but you’ll also sleep much better knowing that your business is heading in the right direction.

Stay tuned for the remaining three keys next month.

Ed Kalaher is the president and CEO of Window Depot USA in Canfield, Ohio.

Source

https://www.dwmmag.com/4-key-strategies-to-create-abundance-as-a-home-improvement-contractor/

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Kitchen Home Improvement

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This kitchen renovation created a place of refuge

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In an ordinary Victorian row house in a modest corner of Toronto’s west end is a place filled with profound meaning for the five teen refugees and two house-parents — themselves former refugees — who live there.

It is the newest of four homes operated by Matthew House, Refugee Reception Services, Toronto. The non-profit agency offers safe, supportive shelter and a sense of family — for teens who come on their own — from far-away countries such as Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Sudan.

“They need that desperately,” says Karen Francis, executive director of Matthew House (matthewhouse.ca). “Unlike sponsored refugees, there is no one waiting for these kids at the airport. Many who reside at these homes were wandering the streets unsure of where to go, who to connect with, what to do.”

The entire home, which had been purchased by a community partner in the fall of 2017 in the city’s Little Portugal neighbourhood, required some work before it could open this past December. But no room was in as much need of renovation as the kitchen, which Francis hoped would be the heart of the home.

Francis called interior designer Danielle Nicholas-Bryk, of Studio Nicholas, who had already worked on the redesign of another Matthew House location. That experience taught her how important a simple kitchen reno could be.

“Every day at lunchtime these incredible smells would start wafting down,” Nicholas-Bryk explains. “It was a home-cooked meal prepared by volunteers. All the residents, the staff — everybody — sat down at this massive, beautiful table and shared a meal. That’s when I realized they were creating a family for people who had left theirs behind, and really understood why the kitchen is a great place to start.”

From left, Matthew House executive director Karen Francis with designers Samantha Pynn and Danielle Bryk who created the revamped kitchen and forged partnerships with companies to donate the needed materials. ‘Everybody got so excited, and went right to work,’ says Pynn.  (Vince Talotta / Toronto Star)

A subway tile-design, in Senio Earth tiles donated by Ceragres, was used for the backsplash.  (Vince Talotta / Toronto Star)

Alarmed but undaunted by the short, weeks-only timeline, Nicholas-Bryk contacted fellow designer Samantha Pynn, whom she knew from working together on HGVT’s “Home to Win” series.

Pynn reacted by calling the schedule “bonkers,” then quickly brought on board Ikea, who donated much of the material. “They immediately agreed to help, and said it was right up their alley,” says Pynn. “Everybody got so excited, and went right to work.”

The cosmic laws of renovation being what they are, what was supposed to be merely a cosmetic kitchen refresh hit a few bumps; upon taking down existing cabinets it became clear that a gutting would be needed in order to move mechanicals, and that fumigation was also required.

Nicholas-Bryk then turned the cramped L-shaped space into a bright, storage-rich galley kitchen that could accommodate up to eight people.

Cabinetry is a mix of Ikea’s Ringhult — which also fronts the dishwasher — in a glossy, highly reflective white, and Kungsbacka, a new line made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and reclaimed industrial wood, executed in a flat anthracite.

“The flat slab is easy to clean, and it’s very urban — and this is an urban home,” says Nicholas-Bryk, adding that uninterrupted lines in neutral tones make the space feel larger and more open.

Ringhult cabinetry, including drawer organizers for the renovated kitchen in Matthew House’s newest location, were donated by Ikea.  (Vince Talotta/Toronto Star)

Counters are Artisan Grey quartz from HanStone and Ceragres Senio Earth tiles were used for the backsplash. Both were donated.

On the opposite wall, a colour-soaked piece donated by Toronto-based digital painter Alan McKee provides a cheerful focal point.

The floor is a patterned rubber for high traffic. “Instead of doing a fake wood, for example, I decided to just call it what is. It’s very big in the U.K. right now. I think it’s chic. It’s also really easy to keep clean.”

Storage is generous. Open shelving near the sink puts dishware within easy reach. The table is flanked by closed cabinetry on both sides and above. There’s more storage under the banquette, which has quickly become a favourite spot for eating, hanging out and doing homework. Behind it, there’s a chalkboard wall for notes and reminders.

Reconfigured into a more open galley design, upper-level storage was added with anthracite-toned, donated Ikea cabinetry over a tone-on-tone backsplash that sits above a contrasting Artisan Grewy quartz countertop, donated by HanStone.  (Vince Talotta/Toronto Star)

Housemates participate in the cooking. “Making meals together in a central place, where everyone can gather and share food, along with their culture, and their stories, and their challenges, is a good foundation for creating that feeling of community and belonging,” says Francis.

While their circumstances are unique, in many ways the residents are typical teens. “They all have part-time jobs. They have extracurricular events. They are doing well in school,” says Francis. “They are all 16, 17, 18 — so university and is top of mind for them.”

Most kids who live in the home will have already spent several months at Matthew House’s main location, on Dundas St. W., where between 50 and 70 people will stay each year while going through the refugee claimant process.

As residents, they can access support for mental health, refugee claims and employment issues, as well as special services provided by such organizations as the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.

Behind a new banquette at the kitchen table is a chalkboard wall for greetings, notes and reminders. Flowers, a fruit basket and cushions lend a sense of ‘home.’  (Vince Talotta/Toronto Star)

There’s no time limit on how long kids can stay. “It’s opened-ended. I want to support them until they are able to come to me and say they are ready,” says Francis, adding that the end of high school, when many begin university, seems to be a natural transition time. “If they are feeling confident enough to go out on their own, I feel like we have done our job. “

NIMBY-ism has so far not raised its head around the home, which is largely funded by private donations, charitable foundations, as well as local church and community partners.

“The reaction has been fantastic. That’s part of what makes this a great Toronto story — I have been touched by the generosity of people, and how they are so moved by the plight of refugees.”

Source

http://thestar.com/life/homes/2018/02/22/kitchen-renovation-creates-a-place-of-refuge.html