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  • Tips to Finding the Top-Quality Roofing Service in Barrington, IL

    Tips to Finding the Top-Quality Roofing Service in Barrington, IL

    Both soft summer showers and intense thunderstorms fall upon the suburban village of Barrington. If you live in this area, then you’d have a pretty good idea of how unforgiving the rain can sometimes get. Under such weather conditions, your roof suffers the most.

    Whether you need to repair or update your roof, it should be handled by the best roofing contractors in your area. To help you with that, here are six tips for finding a quality roofing service in Barrington:

     

    • Check their reputation

     

    A good reputation precedes the entity it describes. When you first ask around about referrals for a good local roofing service, take note of the ones that receive praises from your peers. You might hear them mention companies like the local Superior Roofers. It’s good to listen to people’s recommendations because, chances are, if the company did good work on their homes, they’d do good work on yours, too.

    Aside from rave reviews, well-established roofing companies should have permanent contact information and a business address. These are signs that the company has been around long enough to perfect their craft.

    It’s also a good idea to go for an established local company because they already have a good understanding of the weather conditions in Barrington, making them more than qualified to fix or upgrade your roof and make it as fitting for your home as possible.

     

    • Ask to see their license and insurance

     

    Hiring a licensed and insured company seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised by how it easy it is to be swayed by an unreliable organization that offers irresistible deals. To ensure that you won’t fall prey to such roofing companies, ask to see their license before you agree to do business with them.

    Go the extra mile and check if the licensing entity is legitimate. For the state of Illinois, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is the authorized agency that bestows licenses on working professionals and companies.

    Besides a license, a reputable roofing company should also have liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Not only do these protect their employees, but they also save you from any legal responsibilities should any of their employees be involved in an incident while they’re working on your roof.

     

    • Settle for a reasonable payment system

     

    You must already know that your top priority must be quality and not affordability, especially if your roof requires multiple major repairs. Another element to mull over when it comes to finances is the payment system. Your chosen roofing company in Barrington should:

    • Come up with a written contract presenting all the details of your transaction
    • Not ask for a deposit as a sign of financial stability
    • Only request payment once the job is done

     

    • Test their expertise

     

    A company can still be an excellent one without necessarily being an expert in a particular niche. That said, you must first know the services you’re looking for so that you can hire a local roofing company with the exact skill sets needed to address your roofing concerns. This is especially important if you want your roof to be special, like something similar to the roof on the Octagon House on Main St.

    Here are some common roofing services to help you determine what you’re looking for:

    • Cleaning
    • Tiling
    • Slating
    • Flattening
    • Roof installation
    • Damage repairs
    • Chimney repairs and removals

    When an employee cannot satisfactorily answer your questions about the type of service you’re looking for, that’s usually a sign that you need to keep looking for a roofing company.

     

    • Put a premium on communication

     

    The communication lines between you and your chosen company should be as open as the downtown White House during one of its many public events. You can tell that this is the case when the company can do the following:

    • Effectively inform you about the details of your business transaction
    • Keep you updated on the progress of the job
    • Inform you of any issues through positive phrasing
    • Be receptive towards your concerns

     

    • Require a warranty

     

    Even highly revered service companies make mistakes sometimes. Although it’s alright to accept that fact, make sure that you won’t suffer the consequences of those mistakes by requiring a considerate warranty that covers essential services for a reasonable amount of time. That would reinforce the assurance that you’ll get from the written contract.

    With Barrington holding the record for having the largest historic residential district famous for its diverse architectural styles, you can’t neglect the look and function of your home’s roof. Once you decide that it’s time to repair or upgrade your roof, keep these tips in mind before you shake hands with a potential local roofing company.

  • Advice for Decorating Your Rented Home

    Advice for Decorating Your Rented Home

    In the age-old debate of buy versus rent, one of the knock-backs on renting has always been that you can’t decorate your home and make it your own, but is it really so black and white?

    While you might not exactly be able to go and knock walls through and add an extension, there are a number of decorative moves you can make to imprint your style on a rented property.

    Here are some ideas that will not only get your place looking better but set you up for the future as well.

    I’ll Scratch Your Back…

    So, your landlord controls what goes on in the property and that means you can’t make any changes? Not exactly.

    Of course, it depends on your landlord but, if you feel the place needs a bit of a spruce up (a coat of paint on the walls, for example), it’s worth asking your landlord if you can take care of it for them.

    More often that not, your landlord will be open to making changes as long as they improve the property and are within reason. After all, you’re offering to both enhance their asset and do the work for them. It’s a mutually beneficial exchange.

    Your design proposals will likely have to be fairly neutral, but many of the best interior designs are based off clean and simple colourways, so there will be an idea to suit you.

    Go Unfurnished and Introduce Key Investment Pieces

    If you’re looking for a place you can affect change in, go unfurnished. Yes, it’s more work on moving day, but your rent costs will be lower and you can invest in key design pieces that will not only shape the design of your current property, but set the foundation for if and when you want to buy a home.

    Here are just a few examples of standout pieces that you can introduce that will set the tone of the room:

    • Lighting: Often neglected, statement lighting can really change the ambience of a property.
    • Soft furnishings: Sofas, chairs, stools. These are pieces that dominate the room and can add a splash of colour.
    • Dining Table: A real centrepiece and long-term investment. Heal’s offer an outstanding range to suit any style.
    • Modular Storage: As well as filling a practical need, choosing classy wardrobes, drawers and shelving will make a big difference in the house.

    You Can’t Run, But You Can Hide

    The final solution is to use items you like to hide items you don’t. This can work for an unfurnished or furnished property, and ties in to buying your own statement items.

    If you can’t wallpaper or paint the walls, use wallpaper panels, wall hangings and artwork to set the tone around the place. If you don’t like the floors, buy a rug that will take the attention onto itself.

    Even simple moves such as using pretty bed linen or adding some plants around the house will allow you to put your own stamp on things.

    There’s also nothing stopping you from storing away items you don’t like and bringing in ones you do, so even a heavily pre-furnished property can be edited to your tastes.

    Once you’ve delved into what you can do, you’ll be surprised how much of a change you can make. With a bit of extra work and some investment, you can make a rented property your own.

  • How to Get the English Town House Look

    How to Get the English Town House Look

    Hear the words ‘English town house’, and what do you imagine? Is it a quirky, cosy home, by any chance? And does its image appeal to you? If the answer is yes, we don’t blame you.

    Many people aspire to live in this kind of property. Not everybody owns a Victorian terraced house.

    But that doesn’t mean that we can’t recreate the English town house look inside our homes.

    Here, we explore how to do this.

    Look for Outside Inspiration

    What attracts you to town houses? Is it their layout? Or perhaps the way that they’re presented in films? Whatever the reason, consider your attachment to this property type.

    That way, you can design your interior to suit your tastes. If you’re not entirely sure why you love town houses, why not explore your ideas in a creative way. This can be through a mind map, poster, or mood board.

    Once you’ve set out your plan, you may want to save this design piece. At the end of the project, you can hang it on the wall to enhance the town house appeal.

    Explore and Experiment

    Very often, the English town house is seen as a place of bohemian charm. A sanctuary of eccentricity. And what better way to achieve this look than through artistic experimentation?

    Explore different textures and colours, and you could increase the depth of your home interior. This may heighten the creative appeal of your abode. In turn, it could give each room an authentic townhouse feel.

    You may also want to explore the emotional impact of different shades and tones.  In doing so, you can make sure that your redesign is completely bespoke to you.

    Mix and Match with Furniture

    What most people love about the English town house is its sense of character. A lot of the time, its interior can mimic its owner’s personality.

    Usually, its indoor space is connected with a charming mis-match of furniture. Luckily, you can easily apply this to your own home. You just need staple décor pieces, some spare time, and a few redesign ideas.

    You can then spend a rainy afternoon reshuffling your furnishings. For many, the townhouse look is effortless and uncontrived. With this in mind, how about rearranging items to produce a more liberated, unconventional layout?

    You could use this task as an opportunity to improve your indoor living area. Through this activity, you can find effective storage solutions, like wardrobes, for example.

    So, this can be a fun and practical exercise. And, of course, you’ll be able to bring an English townhouse look to your home.

    Once you know how, you can refashion your interior to suit your style preferences. With these tips, you could update your property to reflect what you love about the English town house.

  • Why Choose Linton Floors for Your Office?

    Why Choose Linton Floors for Your Office?

    Thinking of upgrading your office flooring?

    Consider installing Linton’s solid or engineered wood floors.

    The Linton range features floors that are aesthetically stunning and extremely durable. When you are looking for a floor that is beautiful, durable and economical, look no more than Linton.

    Linton Wood Floors Create the Right First Impression

    Linton hardwood floors bring out the beauty of wood at its best. Linton engineered wood uses solid hardwood as the top layer. So, these floors are as real as solid wood floors.

    Whether you like the beautiful knots and grains of wood highlighted or prefer a smoother finish, Linton has a solid and engineered wood floor that matches your aesthetic needs.

    Linton floors are made from popular wood species like oak, maple, beech, ash and merbau. These are available in a range of shades from deep and dark to balanced and light hues. You are sure to find a shade the perfectly matches your decor.

    These floors are available in different surface finishes and plank formats. This helps create a work setting that best reflects your business. For example, if you are an advertising business, a Herringbone effect can create a distinct and stylish effect. This can help create the right impression on your prospective customers.

    A single-strip plank with an oiled finish highlights the richness of wood fabulously. The superior quality of a Linton wood floor reflects your business commitment to quality, which can earn you the trust of clients and stakeholders.

    Linton Wood Floors are not Demanding

    Flooring solutions such as carpets demand a high level of maintenance. They attract dust and dirt and can carry an odour. They require regular cleaning without which the workspace would become unsightly and unhygienic, which is not good for your business.

    Maintaining Linton wood floors is easy. They do require regular maintenance, but the task is not as demanding as it is with carpets.

    Linton wood floors are made of hardwood, which makes them naturally resistant to insect attack, dust and dirt. High quality surface finishes make the floor surface more tolerant of stains, scratches and moisture.

    Linton Floors Can Last for Several Decades

    Linton wood floors can last for more than a lifetime with the right maintenance, thanks to their design.

    Linton solid wood floors feature superior hardwood, which makes them exceptionally strong and durable. They can withstand wear and tear occurring from heavy knocks and sharp objects and heavy traffic.

    Linton engineered floors feature multiple wood layers, which gives them great strength and stability. Due to this multi-layered design, they can be used in moisture-prone areas where solid wood floors.

    What’s more, it’s very easy to clean Linton wood floors. Just follow a simple daily routine of sweeping followed by damp mopping.

    The best thing about Linton floors is that they deliver the richness and the durability of wood at the most affordable prices. Every business looks for ways to make the most of their budget. With Linton floors by Lifestyle Flooring UK, you get get a high quality, extremely durable and long lasting flooring that fits your budget.

    Have a happy workplace and a happier C-suite with Linton!

  • How to Give Your Home a High-Tech Makeover

    How to Give Your Home a High-Tech Makeover

    When you’re designing your home, whether you’re going to be moving to a new house, you’re building a custom home, or you want to remodel and refresh your current home, do you want it to be more of a smart home?

    A lot of people are working with their designers and their architects to create a high-tech home, but if you don’t have the budget for professional advice, there’s plenty you can do on your own.

    The following are some things you can include in a high-tech home design project or makeover, and most aren’t going to break the bank either.

    Home Security Cameras

    If you love interior design and exterior design, you may have been hesitant to use either interior or exterior home security cameras in the past because they stuck out like a sore thumb. Now, however, there are excellent WiFi enabled home security options that look sleek, streamlined and modern and will blend right in with your interiors while still giving you security and peace of mind.

    When you install Wi-Fi enabled security cameras in your home, which are wall-mountable, you can monitor what’s going on when you’re somewhere else.

    Remote monitoring can be great if you’re going out of town, if you have older kids who stay home alone, or if you have a babysitter or in-home employee.

    A Smart Doorbell

    Smart doorbells have a modern aesthetic, and some great functionalities and features to go along with it. Nest is one option with their Hello Doorbell, but others are available as well. With a smart doorbell, there is a built-in video camera so you can look at your phone and see who’s there.

    A smart doorbell also has a built-in speaker and microphone so you can talk to the person even remotely when you’re not home.

    Transparent TV

    Okay, a transparent TV might be a bit advanced and expensive at this point, but that probably won’t be the case for long. The Samsung transparent TV recently won an award for innovation at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show.

    The Samsung version is transparent so that it blends right into the wall, which is great from an interior design perspective. When you’re playing the TV, you, of course, see whatever is on the screen.

    The Samsung version of the TV is called the Samsung Window.

    Transparent TVs could be a game changer for people who want modern, clean lines and minimal clutter in their home.

    If you’re not quite ready for a transparent TV, but you do want something modern that looks beautiful, you could opt for a curved screen. Not only does the curved screen look unique and updated, but it gives good viewing options from anywhere in a room. The curves also minimize glares.

    Ambient Lighting with Phillips Hue

    Phillips Hue lights are a collection of smart LED lights with different colors and effects that can be controlled remotely. Philips LED lights last longer than other types of light, and they’re more eco-friendly.

    Philips Hue lights integrate with smart home devices including Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa.

    There are different options available if you want these smart, ambient lighting products.

    There is the Philips Hue original package, which replaces traditional bulbs and can change to more than 16 million colors.

    Beyond the starter kit, there are different types of bulbs with varying colors, and even light strips and specialty bulbs.

    What’s unique about these from an interior design perspective is the fact that you can create preset lighting scenes. For example, if you were going to be having a dinner party, you could set the light to feel more like sunset or twilight. You can also use voice commands to change the lights, or you can control them using the app.

    Smart Bathtubs

    Smart bathtubs…what will they think of next? Kohler is one company offer what are being called smart bathtubs. Kohler actually has a whole line of smart home products called Kohler Connect. These items include kitchen faucets, shower heads, and smart toilets.

    The Kohler smart tub features something called PerfectFill technology. This lets you preset temperature, and then your bath will be that temperature. The tub will fill to the depth you set as well, so you don’t have to monitor the tub as it fills. Its voice-controlled so let your tub know what to do, and it’ll be waiting for you.

    If you want an entire smart bathroom, consider the Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet from Kohler with a heating seat, multi-colored ambient lighting, and built-in speakers.

     

  • 6 Inspiring Garage Remodeling Ideas

    6 Inspiring Garage Remodeling Ideas

    Pondering about how to get some extra space around the home? Garage remodeling is an easy and cost-effective way to achieve this! Most individuals park out nowadays and use the garage to store junk they rarely use or don’t use anymore. Read on to know how to convert that garage into an extra space to use for needs at hand!

    6 Inspiring garage remodeling ideas

    1.Garage flexibility

    Most garages are conveniently located next to homes if it’s attached. Individuals can prepare it to have proper lighting and heating system so they can use it. They can use it as an office, a playroom, a gym, a music or art studio, entertainment space or a club. 

    Keep in mind that some of these uses (like bar, gym, office) will need additional projects like electricity, water line, electronics such as TV or computer, license, and others. Consult a professional for some garage remodeling ideas. 

    2. New flooring

    The garage flooring makes a big difference in terms of its uses and overall look. Most garages flooring are made of concrete: it can be kept that way if it’s in good condition. But if damaged or cracked, resurfacing or remodeling is needed. 

    Besides, paint an attractive color to spice it is a great option. Epoxying the floor will get rid of staining as grease and oils stains will no longer be a threat. In addition, cars can be parked on foam floor mats to prevent damaging of the concrete floor and still reduce the remodeling cost. 

    3. Walls painting

    Pick a great wall color that matches with the floor after deciding on the perfect flooring. If the walls are concrete, installing new ones isn’t a huge hassle. This will allow any adding of insulation for complete customization. 

    Insulation is important despite having a detached or attached garage. Uninsulated walls can affect energy bills because the regulating temperature will be a hassle if the garage allows cooled or heated air escape. Insulation should be done to every wall including the door!

    4. Buying a garage ready refrigerator

    Individuals can opt to install a refrigerator in their garages that are specifically designed for varying temperatures all around. Moreover, they can redefine the walls. Using products that organize the garage to the maximum provides extra space which can be used for other purposes. 

    5. Garage lofting

    By doing garage lofting parking can still be inside it while having other storages. These attic spaces can be used for extra space and turn the garage into a tremendously useful place. The lofted spaces can be used as an extra bedroom or living space by just furnishing the area. 

    6. Garage window restoration

    The garage can be void of natural light due to darkness. Working on a car in this kind of makeshift workshop isn’t great hence installing window is important. Garage windows will allow more lighting and air circulation in the entire garage. Besides, stuffiness in the garage will be minimized. 

    Garage remodeling is much easier if priory planned. From painting walls, changing flooring to complete new garage customization. The above 6 Inspiring garage remodeling ideas are a great start!

     

  • Four Simple Tricks To Improve The Efficiency Of Your Cooling System

    Four Simple Tricks To Improve The Efficiency Of Your Cooling System

    On a hot summer day, nothing beats the feeling of stepping into a cool, air-conditioned space. While air-conditioning definitely makes your home more comfortable, that comfort comes at a price – both from a financial perspective and an environmental perspective.

    Air-conditioning your home when it is hot outside can lead to much higher energy bills. It also can increase your home’s carbon footprint.

    That doesn’t mean that you have to stop using your air conditioner. Instead, all that you need to do is make sure that it is running as efficiently as possible. Higher efficiency results in less energy usage, which translates into less environmental impact and lower monthly bills. Elite Austin air conditioner repair services gives you four simple tricks that you can use to improve the efficiency of your cooling system:

    1. Replace or clean the air filter in your air-conditioning unit on a regular basis.

    Air conditioners are equipped with filters that are designed to trap dust and airborne contaminants. Over time, these filters can become quite dirty. If too much dust or debris builds up in the filter, it can impede the airflow through your system, forcing your air conditioner to work much harder to produce the same amount of cooling power.

    The good news is, this is a simple problem to fix. All that you need to do is check your filter at least once a month to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. The user manual for your air-conditioning system should provide instructions on how to do this.

    1. Make sure your vents are free from obstructions.

    The cool air from your air-conditioning system is delivered throughout your home using a ventilation system. Check all of the vents in your home to make sure that they are free from obstructions. Avoid placing pieces of furniture directly in front of or over the top of air vents.

    1. Avoid mounting your thermostat in an area that gets direct sunlight

    If the sun is beating down on your thermostat, it will obviously be hotter in that area than it is in the rest of your house. This can cause your air conditioner to run a lot more often than it needs to. Ideally, your thermostat should be mounted on an interior wall in an area that doesn’t get direct sunlight during the day.

    1. Block out the sun.

    One simple way to make it easier for your air conditioner to cool your home is by using curtains or shades to block out the sun. This helps reduce solar heat gain, keeping your home from getting as hot on summer days. As a result, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep the space cool, dramatically lowering the amount of energy that it requires.

    These four simple strategies can help improve the efficiency of your cooling system. The best part is, most of them are free. Even if you have to buy new filters for your system, the cost is usually negligible when compared to the amount of money that you can save.

  • Tips To Find a Good Pet-Friendly Apartment

    Tips To Find a Good Pet-Friendly Apartment

    Having a furry companion definitely makes your life a lot more enjoyable. Your pet can turn your house into a super happy place and bring love and peace into your life. However, moving in with pets can be somewhat challenging.

    Some apartment owners may not be very keen about having renters with pets. Don’t fret. There are many pet-friendly apartments out there. You just have to know how to find the right one. Here are some of tips to consider when it comes to finding a good pet-friendly apartment for you and your furry friends.

    1.    Do not rush it

    You need to have a lot of patience while looking for a good pet-friendly apartment. The top pet-friendly apartments would possibly have low vacancy rates. Hence it is highly recommended to begin the search beforehand and be ready to face worse situations.

    1.    Be prepared with your pet’s resume

    Consider spending a significant amount of time in updating or creating the resume of your pet. If you possess a very aggressive pet, enroll it in an obedience school. Keep the certificate ready as the landlord can ask you for proof of your pet’s good behavior. Get your animal groomed regularly in order to keep it healthy and clean. Spay your pet, get it vaccinated, and get checkups done at regular intervals. You should have all the necessary records.

    Of course, insurance is always a good idea as well. Fortunately, there are some affordable pet insurance providers out there, so it doesn’t have to break the bank.

    1.     Make an excellent first impression

    A healthy, happy, and well-behaved pet can possibly be a lot more persuasive. If this description holds good for your pet, consider bringing it along with you all through your application process. They may just help in sealing the deal. You may even keep some good pictures of your pet on your mobile phone, especially the ones which showcase how neat your home looks on the background. You can show these pictures to your prospective landlord at the time of your walk-through.

    1.    Offer a pet rental deposit

    Pet damage is one of the biggest concerns of the landlords. After all, the apartment is their hard-earned investment. Help to ease out all those fears and tensions by offering a pet rental deposit. You may even offer to buy a relevant insurance policy which covers damage done by pets. These insurance policies are not very expensive and can provide relaxation and peace to your prospective landlord.

    1.    Buy more time if necessary

    In case you just have two weeks or less on your present lease, it will be a wise decision to purchase a little more time. Check with your landlord if he can possibly extend your present lease. This will make things a lot more comfortable for you.

    The entire procedure of moving in with your furry buddy can possibly be very stressful and tedious. However, it can also be a unique and nice experience. The best tip to consider while looking for an animal friendly apartment is to maintain a very good bond with your prospective landlord. This can be very beneficial for you to strike a good deal.

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