Category: Exterior Design

Owning a cabin is a great way to make sure you can take an impromptu vacation anytime you want to. Most are situated by the lakes or in the woods, making them the ideal getaway and quiet retreat. Some are very simple in design and others are fully equipped with state of the art facilities. Whether yours is big or small, you can maximize the comfort of your cabin with just a few simple touches.

When it comes to furniture, you need to consider how long your cabin will stay empty. If you’ve owned a cabin for a few seasons now, you will know just how much work it takes to get the place habitable after a long time standing empty. Dust, dirt, insects and other pests all need to be cleared out when you arrive. It’s not a fun job, but having easy to maintain furniture lessens the problem. Stick with wipeable surfaces, and cover up anything that might spoil.

For an authentic rustic or cabin decor, wood is essential. Wall art, seating, tables and worktops all look great when they are from the surroundings you are situated in. Your cabin is likely to be wooden with no rendering or plaster work to hide its true nature. Embrace it and make the most of what you can find that is also inspired by nature.

Image courtesy of Flickr.com

Soft furnishings are key to making a cabin feel cozy and homely. Be sure to buy a good storage container to pack them all into over winter. Sometimes the weather can penetrate cabins or beach homes, so it’s best to use a plastic, weatherproof box to keep these items in. Tartan, Native American, and Middle Eastern-inspired prints make fantastic designs for blankets and cushions. They are often made of wool to offer comfort and warmth.

Cabin floors tend to be wood, although some people prefer to tile their kitchen and bathroom areas. Good rugs are key to creating that cozy feel. Pick ones that are easy to roll up and store so they last well. Look for the type that has a pleasing texture when you’re barefoot. Patterns aren’t always necessary as the floor is already patterned from the wood grain. However, a good pattern that matches or complements the other soft furnishings will make the room more homely.

A roaring open fire usually comes as standard in cabins, but in the summer, a wooden building like a cabin can actually become too hot. It’s important to have bedding for all seasons in buildings like this. You may also find that windows are a little too small to generate a good breeze. If you have an electric supply, you can bring a good fan to help the stifling air move about. If you don’t, it is possible to power a small fan from a portable solar panel kit. To keep food and drink cool, you might want to consider a generator, or see if you are permitted to install solar panels in your area.

Image courtesy of Flickr.com

Cabins are wonderful for getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Their situation makes them ideal for relaxation. Add some homely touches, and you may never want to leave!

There are a lot of choices when it comes to residential garage doors. To use this to your advantage, take the time and get to know what options are available to you. Generally, you’ll see garage doors that swing up, swing out, slide to the side or roll up. To get you started, let’s talk about the most popular types of garage doors around: sectional, swinging carriage-house and tilt-up doors.

Sectional Doors

This type of garage door is made up of several horizontal panels drawn together by hinges. Installed with rollers, it then moves through two tracks parallel to each other to open, usually rolling up. While sectional garage doors follow a certain construction and mode of operation, they can come in a range of styles and designs to complement the rest of your home and address your needs.

For instance, you can get sectional garage doors with lites or windows, if you’re interested in taking advantage of as much natural light as possible. How many lites you can have will be dictated by the size of your garage door but it’s possible for as many as 16 to be installed. Want the look of a swing-style garage door with the operation ease of a sectional? Ask your local contractor about carriage-house styles.

Swinging Carriage-House Doors

Also called swing-style doors, these garage doors operate very much like French doors, supported by jambs on multiple hinges. They are often made of wood or composite material, imparting the same elegant vibe that wooden entry doors are so well-known for.

Key Considerations:

• Swinging carriage-house doors are highly energy efficient as they don’t have a lot of seams and are tightly sealed at the side jambs and at the header.
• This garage door requires clearance so make sure you have enough space for it to open fully.
• Compared to sectional doors, swinging carriage-house doors require more time to manually operate. You can opt to automate but the additional cost may put a big dent on your budget.

Tilt-Up Doors

Tilt-up doors function thanks to a pivoting hinge mechanism. This allows the door to be lifted as a whole and slid upward and into the ceiling of a garage to be kept out of the way. There are also variations to tilt-up doors you might want to take into consideration. These include: canopy styles (where a portion of the door, usually the bottom, goes beyond the garage) and retractable designs (which operates like a canopy door but fully retracts into the garage’s ceiling).

Available Garage Door Materials

Garage doors may come in several material options, including:

• Steel – Low maintenance and generally affordable
• Fiberglass – Won’t rust and easily dent or crack
• Wood – Elegant looking but requires the most maintenance to last
• Aluminum – Won’t rust and are lightweight, making them ideal for larger garage doors
• Vinyl – Known for being “kid-proof” as they are that hard to break or dent
• Composite – Simulates the appearance of wood but easier to care for

Today, garage doors are just as capable as entry doors in securing homes and boosting curb appeal, helping improve a property’s overall value. Choosing the right one then ensures you make the most out of a garage door replacement project.

Author Bio:

Brad Geller is a Solomon Brothers Roofing’s home exterior expert. Thanks to his years of experience, he is able to help customers find the right product they need at the right price they can afford. He writes for the company blog in his free time, sharing his home improvement experience to homeowners.

   No one ever plans for a roof replacement, but you should. Wear and tear will eventually get to your roof so you have to be ready for when it’s time to call a roofing contractor. It’s important to consider your roofing options to guarantee that your new roof will be better than the last, but you should pay more attention towards ensuring that you’re financially ready to get a replacement. Fortunately, it’s possible to work with a budget. Here we share the crucial steps you have to take to do just that:

Step One: Determine how much you can spend

Take note: it’s how much you CAN spend, not how much you WANT to spend. It’s important to be realistic when figuring out your budget because this will give you a more accurate picture of what you have to work with. You can still make changes along the way but it’s necessary to come up with an honest figure at the beginning when assessing your financial capabilities.

Step Two: Figure out your budget amount

After assessing what you can spend, you can now move on to figuring out a budget amount for your roof replacement. To do this, you’ll have to talk to a local contractor. Request a quote to come up with a definite number for your budget. The 2015 Cost vs. Value Report released by Remodeling magazine puts the typical roof replacement at anywhere between $19,000 to $36,000. However, keep in mind that costs vary depending on how large your roof is, the type of material you will be using, the slope of your roof, and other factors. It is a good idea to add around 10 to 15% to your estimated budget amount to make room for price inflation and other emergency expenses along the way.

Step Three: Assess how much you have to save over time

Roofs are rated to last for a specific number of years depending on the material. Asphalt shingles, for instance, can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years. If you have an asphalt shingle roof then and you’ve already enjoyed a decade with it, you’re looking at having a few years to save to meet your roof replacement budget. Say, you have five years until you get a roof replacement and your estimated roofing budget is $20,000. You’ll need to save $333 every month for five years to pool together your budget.

When Emergencies Strike: Financing a Roof Replacement

Budgeting for a roof replacement can easily go down the drain when emergencies strike. Don’t fret. Even when you didn’t have the time to save up for a new roof, you can still take advantage of some financing options. But while your first reaction may be to contact your bank for a loan (many have attractive offers for homeowners), your local roofing contractor might be offering something you can more easily work with. As such, don’t hesitate to talk to a local contractor about financing schemes they might have available.

Author Bio:

Matthew Housh has been with Arry’s Roofing, the “Platinum Roofing Company” of the Tampa Bay Area, for years, proudly offering roofing services homeowners can truly rely on. See his enthusiasm for roofing and passion for writing come together through the company blog!

Roofing is one of the important aspects of the house. Construction of the house is incomplete without perfect roofing. There are numerous types of materials available in the market that is used for the construction of roof. The cottage and the bungalows require thatched or leaf roofing, whereas the flats and the latest architectural buildings require strong roofing materials. Out of all the strong roofing components, fiberglass is gaining popularity.

Definition of Roofing:

Roof coverage is the part of building construction that is designed to offer protection to the buildings from various weather conditions like rain, hail, storms and other natural calamities. Roofs across the world are of various types, materials and steepness. There are two ways to construct the roofs. One is the single piece permeable shell; it includes glass, PVC roofing membrane and metal dome. The other type has the water resistant power since it is constructed from roofing shingles, cedar shakes, natural slates, thatch, ceramic tiles and many more. The architects use the two types of roofing according to the requirements of the homeowners. Without the proper use of the roofs, the house may get affected by the natural calamities.

Roof Structures around the World

In the places that receive less rainfall, the roofs of the buildings tend to have minimum roof pitch and they are extensively flat. Houses that are located in a region that receive a lot of rainfall and snowfall have steep pitched roofs, which help the water and snow to drain easily. In most of the western countries, homeowners use asphalt shingles, which is an oil based roofing component. Let us see some of the prominent roofing materials available in the market.

Asphalt Shingles:

The majority of homeowners prefer using the asphalt shingles to make the roofs of the buildings. This material is not that expensive and it is easy to install, as well. Although, this material has a low life expectancy, it is widely used to construct roofs. Some of the asphalt shingles have an outer coating of fiberglass to make them long lasting. These roofing structures are available in various color options, price lists and durability options. It is one of the cheapest roofing options nowadays.

Fibreglass Roofing:

It is one of the latest types of roofing structures available in the market. FRP roofing has many advantages over the conventional products. Fibreglass is resistant to chemicals, acids and moisture. The FRP structures are available in various color options and sizes. They are durable and have high tensile strength. These roofing structures are manufactured through an advanced process known as pultrusions, and this makes it a highly durable option indeed.

Clay and Concrete Tiles:

The clay tiles are heavy and they require additional framing parts to make the structures strong and durable. The clay roofing structures are non-combustible and they are highly durable at the same time. Concrete roofing tiles provide elegant aesthetics to the house and add value to it. The clay roofing tiles are widely available.

These are few types of roofing structures that makes the house look great. Try any one of it and add elegance to your building.

Sometimes, what usually works just doesn’t cut it. This is especially true when it comes to improving your home. Because not every house is the same, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. In the case of windows, there are a number of options available to you but if you’re looking for something more in-line with your personal preferences, specialty windows will be the best way to go.

What are specialty windows?

Specialty windows are windows that follow non-conventional styles. For example, you can have a fixed window shaped like a half-circle or another type of window with larger -than-average dimensions. Other than that, specialty windows offer the same glass options as other window types, as well as other features usually available in more traditional styles.

Where do they work best?

Specialty windows may be installed anywhere standard windows can be placed but they work best in areas where the usual window styles won’t cut it, like spots around the house too small or narrow such as beside or above doors, or large areas that can take advantage of bigger windows as focal points.

Mixing and Matching

Of course, that doesn’t mean that using specialty windows should stop you from using conventional windows. In fact, specialty windows may be used to accentuate other windows. Want to make your double-hung window look taller? Add a small specialty window at the top! Interested in a bay window with a bigger view? Flanking the window with specialty windows and extending it to a bow configuration should do the trick. If you’re looking to give your interiors a boost, specialty windows should also help. The possibilities are endless when you combine specialty windows with more traditional window styles.

Form and Function

Specialty windows are best known for their unique appearance but they can be just as functional as any other window style. Just because you want something unique doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of excellent ventilation, high levels of natural light, and superb insulation. You can even cut back on your energy bill by opting for low-E window glass. Given the way specialty windows can combine these benefits, they’re truly the perfect example of form and function working together.

Getting Specialty Windows

When looking for specialty windows, you have to remember that they are not all made the same so it’s important to take note of all your options. Even when you need to work with a budget, going for the cheapest option available isn’t always the best idea either. Instead, consider investing in specialty windows from top manufacturers. The premium cost will be well worth it considering the build quality and long-term savings you’ll be enjoying. Don’t forget to work only with reputable contractors! Even the best windows from the best brands won’t be able to perform their best if they are not properly installed, after all.

Author Bio

John Esler is the president of Renewal by Andersen of Connecticut. A student mentor, guest lecturer and project sponsor at Babson College, he owns four Renewal by Andersen dealerships across the country. In his spare time, John shares his experiences regarding home improvement through online articles and blog posts.

Patio doors play an important role in improving a home’s overall value, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces without compromising insulation and security. They can come in a variety of designs but they come in two main styles: sliding and French doors. Patio doors are available in a variety of styles, but two of the most popular options are sliding and French doors. Which one should you choose? Let’s find out.

The Sliding Patio Door

This patio door is characterized by one or two large panels that operate by sliding on rollers along a track. These panels are mostly comprised of glass areas but may be divided into smaller sections with grilles or muntins.

Advantages

• Ease of operation. As sliding patio doors use rollers on tracks, they are very easy to operate, requiring no more than a gentle nudge to move. The entire weight of the moving panel is supported by the track so you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to open or close sliding patio doors.

• Space-saving. Because there are no panels that swivel in or out, the sliding patio door does not need a lot of space to be fully opened. This makes it an ideal option for homes with smaller spaces near entrances. A French patio door requires clearance to open, whether it swings in or out, so it can only be used in areas with free space around doorways.

The French Patio Door

French patio doors feature a pair of moving panels that swing inward or outward depending on where its hinges are placed. Because of their more intricate appearance, they are more commonly used in homes with more traditional architectural styles, but they can complement modern home styles as well without problem.

Advantages

• Ease of Access. Remember the space-saving advantages of sliding door I told you earlier? It’s not a complete loss for the French door. While it may require some clearance for its panels to fully open, a French door can open as wide as its entire width. Sliding doors can only slide to the left or right as much as their frames would allow them. French doors may need space but they make full use of what they are given.

• Ventilation. As it opens fully, a French door allows you excellent ventilation. With both door panels operable, you can open your French door however way you want so you can let in as much or as little breeze you want. If you’re worried about insects and other pests, you can have a screen door installed. This will keep vermin out of your home without impeding air flow.

What to choose?

Both sliding and French patio doors have a lot to offer. The best way to decide on what will be best for your home is to consider your needs and preferences. Don’t hesitate to talk to your local contractor. Given their expertise, they will be able to offer you valuable insight on whether a sliding or French patio door will be most suitable for you.

Author Bio:

Will Johnson is a general home improvement professional for Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey-Metro New York, backed by over 10 years of experience in door repairs and installations. When he’s not contributing to the company blog, he enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring trails on his bike.

Let’s face it, nothing beautifies a backyard like a curvaceous a paver-covered walkway. Sure, you have to cut and manicure the lawn periodically, and trim the hedges and prune the rose bushes to keep everything looking fabulous, but your feet will come into contact with the walkway that snakes its way through your backyard every day. Therefore, choosing the right paver for your backyard is extremely important, as most of the materials used in their design are meant to be permanent.

The elegance and durability of brick

Bricks are indeed a durable and time-tested material whose rugged surfaces are designed to add a bit of old-world charm to your backyard walkway. Bricks come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to create a wide array of exotic patterns to meet the desires of even the most finicky homeowner.

During manufacturing, brick pavers are subjected to extreme temperatures to make them less porous and better equip them for the pounding they are sure to take from the elements. Nevertheless, bricks will begin to show their wear and tear over time, as no material is completely impervious to a prolonged attack by Mother Nature.

The unmatched economic value of pre-cast concrete pavers

One of the biggest concerns that you’ll probably be confronted when choosing the right paver for your backyard is cost. If this is the case, then pre-cast concrete pavers could be the answer. The concrete is poured into molds of various shapes and sizes to form slabs. These individual slabs can be arranged, using different shapes and sizes, to make a number of interesting patterns. They also come in a variety of colors and surface finishes.

However, pre-cast concrete pavers will require a lot of maintenance. As with all concrete surfaces, they will have to be washed regularly and a sealant applied periodically to protect the colors from fading. And don’t forget concrete tends to get very hot during the summer months.

The beauty of porcelain and ceramic tile

Usually when you think of porcelain and ceramic surfaces, you think of kitchen and bathroom floors. But these materials also make excellent pavers for your backyard walkway. Because they are constructed specifically for outdoor use, they are designed to be less porous and more water resistant, and, naturally, without the glazing, as the slick surface would make a terrible surface to walk on. The treasure trove of colors, designs, and textures place a whole universe of fantastic design-options at his fingertips.

However, you should know that, even with the extra care taken in their construction, porcelain and ceramic pavers can still get a little slippery when wet.

The simplicity and versatility of Travertine pavers

Travertine is a marble-like stone that is known for both its beautiful texture and its durability. Because it is so durable, it has been the top choice among landscapers for outdoor surfaces. It holds up against the elements better than most other surfaces, and it doesn’t retain heat like concrete. It also repels water, so, even in rainy weather, it can be navigated without fear of slipping. Travertine pavers are a very low maintenance material, so you don’t have to worry about things like washing or applying a sealant.

Travertine comes in a rainbow of colors designed to brighten and add warmth to your backyard. In addition, they are very economical and can be installed by the average DIY with no problem at all.

So, choosing the right paver for your backyard from a trusted supplier such as Bonita Stone can, not only add beauty to it, but add value to your home as well.