Tips

The question is: how do you find the right one? There are a number of factors to consider when hiring a plumber for homes. We’ll get into 6 of these factors below.

1. Cost

Different plumbers charge different rates for different services. Whereas one plumber might charge $50 an hour to snake drains, another might charge $100 an hour to snake drains. As such, before you make a hire, you need to get estimates for the work that you need to be finished.

Any reputable plumber will provide you with a cost estimate upon inquiry. This estimate should come free of charge and should include the broken-down costs of parts and labor.

If a plumber won’t give you an estimate, you should not utilize his or her services. Doing so would make you vulnerable to exceedingly high bills, some of which you might not be able to pay. So, make the call, get an estimate, and know what you’re getting yourself into.

2. Experience

Another factor you’re going to want to consider is experience. Generally speaking, the more experience a plumber has, the higher level of service he or she will provide. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule — new plumbers can get the job done, for instance — but it’s, more or less, a good rule to follow.

Now, what’s the minimum level of experience that you should accept? We recommend a minimum of 2 years. This is enough time for a plumber to have proven his or her ability; if a plumber is still working professionally after this length of time, he or she is capable of getting the job done.

Why avoid plumbers with less experience than this? To put it simply, they’re an unsafe bet. Sure, they might be able to perform quality work, but there’s very little way of knowing that. You don’t want to waste your time and money being the guinea pig.

3. Reputation

Any seasoned plumber will have a reputation of some kind. Your job is to identify what kind of reputation this is. If it’s a positive reputation, the plumber is worth hiring; if it’s a negative one, the plumber should be avoided at all costs.

Now, how do you determine a specific plumber’s reputation? The best option is to ask around. But if that doesn’t prove fruitful, there’s something else you can do: check online review sites.

Sites like Facebook, Yelp, and Google are loaded with reviews for businesses of all kinds, including plumbers. All you have to do is search for plumbers in your area on Google and these reviews will be presented to you.

Generally speaking, it’s best to stick with plumbers with 4-star ratings or greater. The higher the rating, the safer bet the plumber will be.

4. Insurance

When you hire a plumber, you’re inviting someone into your home to perform a task. Unfortunately, in some cases, while in the midst of completing this task, the plumber will actually cause damage to the property. This occurs even with the best of plumbers.

As such, before hiring a plumber, you need to make sure that he or she is properly insured. Insurance will cover the cost of any damages that occur to your home. It will also cover the cost of any injuries that the plumber’s employees suffer on your property.

There are two types of insurance you need to inquire about. One of these is general liability insurance; the other is workers’ compensation insurance. As long as the plumber has both of these insurances in his or her possession, he or she is safe to hire.

5. Certification

In most states, plumbers are required to have specialized plumber’s licenses. These are issued by the state itself and indicate that the plumber does, indeed, have the skill and knowledge necessary to perform the work in a satisfactory manner.

If a plumber is operating without a license from his or her respective state, there’s a good chance that he or she is working illegally. Look up your particular state’s laws and find out what the qualifications are. Departments of Labor should be able to furnish you with this information.

You should also note that most states provide license lookup tools. These enable anyone to type in the name of a business and discover what licenses that business has in effect.

Just go to Google and type in “[name of your state] license lookup tool”. It should be one of the top results returned.

6. Required Services

The last factor to consider when choosing a plumber is the services that you require. Simply put, not all plumbers provide all plumbing services. While some do, others are experts in only a few key areas, like water damage, for instance.

As such, before hiring your plumber, you need to make sure that he or she can handle all of the tasks that need to be tended to. So, if you need to have your septic line cleaned, for example, you need to make sure that your chosen plumber is capable of doing such.

Most plumbers have a list of their services on their websites. If one doesn’t, you can simply make a call and ask. Any reputable plumber will be happy to speak with you.

Finding the Right Plumber for Homes Is as Simple as Considering These 6 Factors

If your goal is to find the right plumber for homes, you need only to consider these 6 factors. Doing so will help you to identify the perfect candidate, one who is experienced, skilled, and legally certified.

In need of other such info? Our website is the place to be. Check out our other articles right now!

Getting settled into a new house is a fun and exciting time. But what if the lights start to flicker after a few days?

Discovering electrical problems can end the party early. Do you know how to spot problems before they become catastrophes?

Learn these six signs of electrical issues in your home so you can be prepared.

1. Flickering Lights

This is a common issue people see. For many, simply changing the lights fixes the problem. But if the flickering continues, there may be other obstacles.

Check the connections, and try to detect if wires are fully engaged. If you spot knob and tube wiring, you’ll need to upgrade the wiring to modern standards.

Issues with the breakers or electrical boxes should be inspected by a trained electrician.

2. Burning Odors

If you turn on a light or flip a switch and smell a burning odor, then you may have electrical problems.

It’s crucial you don’t ignore this sign because electrical fires may burn down your home.

3. Electrical Shocks

No one wants to be electrocuted on any level, but if you touch an appliance or switch and get violently shocked you have a big problem.

Do not confuse this shock with a small jolt of static electricity. You will definitely feel the difference.

An electrical shock from touching mechanical systems means the electrical system isn’t grounded. It’s one of the most common electrician mistakes – the sign of poor electrical work is an ungrounded system.

4. Hot Sockets

The heat coming from your outlets isn’t a good thing. Unplug power sources and turn off breakers if possible.

After you’ve unplugged everything and turned off the power, inspect and research the wattage needed for your sockets. Too much wattage makes the heat rise. It also increases the possibility of melting wires or cords.

5. Circuit Breaker Electrical Problems

Circuit breakers throw switches when too much electricity is running through them. This helps keep your electrical system safe and avoids overheating.

Running too many appliances will throw even the most advanced circuit breakers. But if you only have a light and a toaster that trips the breaker, it’s time to take a closer look.

Repeated breaker trips should be inspected by a certified professional.

6. Rodent Signs

The sound of rodents scurrying and the sight of droppings also means your electrical is in danger.

One or two rats won’t destroy the integrity or structure of your house, but a nest jeopardizes the wires. Plastic and metal cable is a delicacy in the rodent world.

As soon as you see your first sign of vermin, call an exterminator.

Stay Connected

Knowing how to spot electrical problems early saves you money and headaches down the road. These tips will keep your lights on and connected to the grid.

Be the person who knows how to see problems before they happen.

Keep educating yourself with helpful articles by checking our blog. We cover everything from lifestyle to travel and budgets.

Getting a garage door installation will help you protect the garage and your entire home. Here are some mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Trying to Do it All Yourself

Knowing how to replace your garage door will help you avoid missteps. Trying to DIY your garage door replacement is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make.

These doors are not only heavy but also require a skilled hand and a delicate balance. When you’re not experienced at installing garage doors, you are far more likely to make a mistake. Faulty garage door installation can even be dangerous or deadly since the door could fall apart and cause injuries.

Rather than take this risk, make sure that you get the help of a professional.

2. Not Buying the Best Door for Your Home

Don’t purchase a garage door until you have shopped around for every possible option. You can buy a garage door that is made with aluminum, composite material, steel, vinyl, and wood.

By getting to know the various garage door options, you’ll be equipped to choose the kind that will protect your home.

3. Installing the Open Off Center

This is one of the biggest mistakes that people make, and one that can spell huge problems later on. Your garage door should be installed precisely in the center of the door.

Measure it multiple times to know that the opener is installed correctly. If the door happens to be installed left or right of center, the door will struggle to open and will be unbalanced. By installing it in the center, the door’s weight will be evenly distributed and the door can function correctly.

4. Paying Too Much for the Door

Never get a garage door installed before getting several estimates. When you get price bids for the door, you’ll be better able to save some money and get the work that you need.

Several homeowners make the mistake of buying the first door they find without testing the market. This will almost always end with you paying more than you should.

5. Not Getting a Maintenance Plan for the Door

Finally, take the time to also care for your garage door with a maintenance plan. The professional that installs the door can also sell you a plan at a small price.

Professionals can set you up with the right garage door parts and service in a timely manner. This makes you proactive about the door work that you get and allows you to protect the investment.

Get the Best Garage Door Installation Service

Springing for a garage door installation when you need it is one of the best steps that you can take. Hiring a professional contractor and following the tips above will optimize this process.

Use these tips to get the best installation possible for your garage door.

Although homeownership’s a common experience, it’s surprising to learn the garage door replacement market’s worth $1880 million. That means common garage door problems are fueling the industry and it’s important to keep on top of them.

The more you learn about garage door issues, the more equipped you’ll be to troubleshoot them. If there are structural issues beyond your DIY expertise, you’ll want to have a local garage door repair service nearby.

Why replace if you don’t have to? The average cost of garage door repairs is a couple hundred dollars. Better that than a couple thousand, right?

Here’s what to know about common garage door problems and how to fix them.

Common Garage Door Problems

There are two main types of problems you’d encounter with a garage door. There are structural problems and technical problems. Depending on the condition and symptoms of your garage door, here’s how to fix the top five common garage door problems.

1. Garage Door Won’t Close

If your garage won’t close, it could be either a structural or technical issue. Try to find whether the motor or remote’s causing problems.

The close-limit switch handles the up and down motion of the door. Check the switch and adjust it until the garage door lowers to the ground.

2. Genie Garage Won’t Open

Common problems with Genie garage door openers rest in their sources and sensors. Both lights should be on and blinking. If that’s not the case, check your fuse.

If only one light’s on, unplug it and re-plug it in.

3. Garage Door Blockage

If you have issues with opening, closing, or reversals of the garage door motion, something may be in the sensor’s way. If you can’t locate any blockages, damaged or rusted rollers could be the culprit.

If you find it’s a hardware issue, you may need a garage door repair service for further help.

4. Track Misalignment

If the track’s not aligned, you’re in jeopardy of damaging screws or hardware. Locate the main issue before getting out the toolbox. If you have gaps between the rail and its rollers, it can manifest as loud sounds.

You’ll need to refasten the screws to bridge the gap and realign it.

5. Broken Hardware

If you’ve found bent rails, broken chains, cables, motors, or things beyond your repairing repertoire, places like Garage Harmony can help.

Before committing to a significant repair or replacement, it’s smart to get a second opinion.

Finding Garage Door Harmony

Depending on the symptoms you find, know that your garage is telling you something. If it doesn’t quickly self-correct, you’ll have to consider your options.

Have you had the garage door for a while? Is this a good excuse to upgrade? If your response to an upgrade is positive, give yourself the permission!

If you dread the thought, that’s good feedback too. The good news is that having common garage door problems means there are common garage door solutions. You’re in complete control of how to tend to yours.

For more on home DIY troubleshooting tactics, check out our latest blog posts!

If you want to change the look of your home then, there are a lot of things that you can consider doing. You could try changing your furniture, the colour scheme or, how about carrying out a home renovation? A home renovation can be a hard but rewarding task so, it is important to find out all the work involved before you carry out one. In this article, we are going to discuss some top tips on how you can carry out a renovation so, keep reading to find out more.

Carry Out Maintenance

Before you can start on your renovation, the first thing that you will need to do is have a look around your home and see if you need to carry out any maintenance. This is because all of the hard work put in during your renovation will go to waste if maintenance issues are not dealt with. From draughts to damp and even roof repairs, these are some of the things that you will need to look out for.

If you notice any issues with your roof and you require some repairs then, make sure you have a look at the different services available for you. Depending on where you live, you will need to know who to call. For example, if you live in Edinburgh then, make sure you have a look at the Roofers Edinburgh based options on offer.

Set a Clear Vision

When it comes to carrying out a home renovation, the first thing that you will need to do is set out a clear vision of what you want to achieve. From choosing materials to picking a colour scheme and more, these are some of the things that you should have a think about and plan out in your head. It is a good idea to set out a clear vision to make sure that the project gets completed in time and within your budget.

Set a Budget

Renovations can be expensive as there is a lot of work carried out to get your home looking the way you want it so, be sure to have a budget set in place. It is important to set a budget when you are renovating your home because you don’t want to end up spending too much and then not having enough money for other essentials. When it comes to setting a budget for maintenance, you should have a look at what you want to be done and then get quotes to find the most affordable options. You will also need to include the decorating and accessories that you will add to finish off your renovation to your budget.

Keep These Tips in Mind

As you can imagine, you will have a lot of work cut out when you are carrying out a home renovation but, it will be all worth it in the end when you have a new and improved look. If you are thinking about starting a home renovation, make sure you keep these tips in mind and use them to help you get started.

 

The ideal sleeping temperature is 65°F (just over 18°C), but what about a normal daytime temperature?

Everyone seems to like their home temperature to be a little different while they go about their day. Schools keep it cold while people who regularly work outside feel ACs can be blasting a bit hard for their liking.

Then there’s the matter of efficiency. If you like it cold but the bills get to be too high you won’t be enjoying that frigid air for too much longer.

So what is the ideal temperature? Let’s find out!

Home Temperature: A Topic on the Rise

The thermostat has become a frequent point of friction between roommates and families, second only to the tv remote. Air conditioning is essential in American culture, as more than 90% of American households have them.

One of the biggest problems, though, is that our method of cooling our homes and businesses is wildly inefficient. What can affect efficiency? A shortlist includes:

• Layout and size of the house
• Orientation to the sun
• Humidity
• Health, Age, and number of occupants

But efficiency is only one part of the puzzle. While the average usage and price of electricity across the nation vary from state to state, Americans consume just under $110 worth of electricity per month.

Using less is great but so is having cheap electricity. Hawaii, one of the places that could benefit most from AC usage, averages $300 a month in electric bills.

Open plans benefit from less ductwork, and more efficient airflow, making for a cooler home for less. Big windows facing the sun drive heat into your home as well. Even lowering a shade for the top third at the brightest part of the day will cut down on glare and heat.

Humidity holds heat in the air and makes it a bitter cold quicker. Think about using dehumidifiers to keep the air temperature comfortable as it fluctuates throughout the day.

Kids and the elderly are more sensitive to temperature changes. Following through on the above tips will keep tempers a bit cooler for everyone.

Give It To Me Straight

Across the nation, people in winter prefer about a 70°F ( 21°C) and in the summer 68°F (20°C). So as long as you keep it between 68 to 70°F, nobody will get hurt fighting.

Of course, depending on where you live, the price of that perfect temperature might run high. To make sure your system is running efficiently and in good working order, you need an expert, such as at DNDAIR.com.

Professionals can also tell you when your system has had enough and needs to be replaced or upgraded to properly heat and cool your space. Not all homes are the same and there is no single solution to everyone’s cooling and heating needs.

Cooling Down on a Hot Topic

Home temperature doesn’t have to be a hot topic in your home or office. Make sure to have a professional give an assessment. Chances are you can use some maintenance or an upgrade to make your space feel pleasant and comfortable.

Enjoy a cool house? At Skipping Stone Design, we do too. We have loads of articles on home improvement, DIY, health, and more.

Want to know more about how to build your home or how to winterize it? Yep, we have that, too!

Keep reading other posts for more tips on how to make your life a good one!

The easiest way to switch up the look in any room of your house instantly is with paint!

Though the task seems like a lot to take on, these ideas are simple to execute and leave you with results that last for years and years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a change, or just need to freshen up your space, take a look at these top 3 interior house painting ideas!

Painting Ideas for the Whole House

The interior painting process starts with picking your color. If you want to go with one or two colors for the whole house, keep it natural and muted. Anything too bright or colorful could seem overwhelming.

Gray, white, ivory, and even blues and greens are a good place to start if you’re unsure which color palette to go with. Also, consider the color during different times of the day when the light will hit the indoor house paint differently than others. This will give you an idea of what it will feel like being in the space.

When choosing your paint, pay attention to the sheen as well as the color. The differences between finishes can be substantial, so make sure you’re picking the best option for your room.

Interior Painting Ideas for an Accent Wall

Indoor house painting is a big job, except when you only do one wall, like an accent wall! An accent wall is a single wall that is a different color, texture, or different pattern from those around it.

If you’re not looking to make any massive paint changes right now, start with an accent wall! Accent walls work well in homes because they draw the eye and anchor the room to a focal point.

An accent wall can be any color or you can try out a fun abstract print! Geometric wall designs created with painters tape or onyx black walls can make a huge statement without taking over the room.

Everything Except the Wall

Your walls may not be the only place that needs a touch-up! If you’re looking to refresh a space, look beyond the walls.

Cabinets, baseboards, and the ceiling are also options if you want to renew a space. Cabinets can be done by yourself or a professional, but don’t be afraid to choose an interesting color. If you’re tired of that boring brown or white, switch it up!

But the color shouldn’t be your only concern, for the paint to stand out, clean lines are essential. Pay attention especially to the edges of the wall and baseboards.

Keep baseboards simple and clean. A nice bright white or muted gray is great for grounding the wall and connecting the floor and wall space.

Painting Your House

The toughest part about getting started on a project like painting is starting!

If you don’t think you can handle the job on your own, recruit a friend, family member, or hire a professional. Painting is a big job, you don’t have to go it alone!

These 3 indoor painting ideas are popular and come out great! The key to success is having confidence in your choices and clean painting.

Are you looking for ways to save money on your energy bills? If so, you’ve come to the right place for help.

As the cost of energy continues to rise year after year, it’s more important than ever to look for ways to reduce home energy usage. Fortunately, it’s possible to save money while helping to provide the environment without making major lifestyle sacrifices.

This article takes a look at great tips for reducing your energy use. The key is to make smart choices and to be aware of how your personal lifestyle choices impact the environment. Keep reading to discover insight into how things like energy efficient windows and other upgrades can make a big difference.

1. Change Your Air Filter

The first step in saving energy in your home is to change the air filter in your HVAC system. After all, those filters get dirty quickly.

It’s important to keep in mind that a dirty air filter will restrict airflow when heating or cooling your home. This means that your HVAC system will have to work harder in order to keep your living space comfortable.

Air filters can be purchased at your local hardware store and are relatively inexpensive. So go ahead and buy several at a time so you’ll always have one handy when needed.

2. Switch to LED Light Bulbs

Are you still using traditional light bulbs? If so, you’re wasting money and energy. That’s because traditional light bulbs require more energy, thus costing you more on your energy bill each month.

LED bulbs might cost a little more upfront but will actually save a surprising amount over the course of each month. This is especially important in homes that use a lot of light bulbs. After all, the energy usage from each of those bulbs can really add up in the long run.

3. Use Blackout Shades

When it comes to keeping your home as cool as possible during the heat of summer, you should keep your shades closed and consider investing in blackout shades.

Why? Because blackout shades will block the sun, thus preventing the outside heat from warming the interior of your home. This is a quick and easy way to help your HVAC system run less, thus reducing your energy bill while keeping your home as comfortable as possible.

Check out these motorized blackout shades.

4. Turn Off Lights In Empty Rooms

Turning off the lights in empty rooms should be a no-brainer. And yet many people get in the habit of leaving lights on as they come and go. Even if you’re only gone for a few minutes, those few minutes can really add up over time.

5. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Your thermostat controls the temperature inside your home. That’s why it’s important to upgrade to a programmable thermostat that puts you in full control over monitoring the interior temp twenty-four hours a day.

This will give your home a chance to heat up or cool off before you return after a long day at work.

A Homeowner’s Guide on How to Reduce Energy Use

Everyone wants to save money. Fortunately, these tips for reducing energy use will help keep your heating/cooling bills as low as possible.

Keep scrolling to discover more great home improvement tips on our blog.

So, it’s finally happening — you’re building that home theater you’ve dreamt of since you were a kid. You’ve got the projector, you’ve got the seating, you’ve got the bulk order of popcorn kernels — now all you need to do is paint the room!

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect home theater paint colors, keep reading for a few tips.

Make It Dark & Flat

If there’s one philosophy you should always follow with theater pain colors, it’s this: go dark.

Everyone knows that movies look better in the dark. While it might be tempting to pain your theater room bright, vibrant colors to make it stand out, it will hurt the viewing experience. Bright colors reflect light, meaning you’re going to get a lot of bouncing light when the screen brightens up.

You’ll also want to choose a flat, matte paint that isn’t reflective or glossy. The less you have to worry about reflections, the better.

The Cozy Look

If you want your home theater design to be warm, welcoming, and comforting, try going with a brown color scheme.

Mix in a few different shades of dark brown, and complement it with wood accents and paneling. This can look extremely classy, while also making the room seem warmer and more inviting. You can complement the brown with dark oranges and blues for great effect.

If you’re looking for a professional painter to paint your home theater, look no further than Metro Painting.

All-Black Everything

If you want to ensure the best viewing experience, make your theater room as dark as possible.

That means painting every wall as black as possible. The good thing about black paint is that it goes with every other color. You can complement the room with dark-red carpets, seating, curtains, and other accessories.

Don’t forget to pain the ceiling, too! Even reflections from the ceiling can harm the viewing experience.

Classic Red

One of the first colors you might think of when you imagine a theater is red.

That’s probably because of red carpets, red seats, and red curtains, staples of the theater experience. If you’re going to go with red paint, however, you’ll want to keep it dark and flat. Try a color like burgundy, and accent it with gold for a truly luxurious home theater experience.

Modern Navy

If you want something a little different, why not go with navy blue?

Navy blue is perfect because it’s dark and complements tons of colors. You can pair it nicely with brown, black, shades of gray, and orange to name just a few. When the lights go out it will look almost as dark as all-black, and offers a great, modern look when the lights go back up.

Picking the Best Home Theater Paint Colors

Picking home theater paint colors might be the most important part of building your home theater. The wrong color choice can ruin your viewing experience, while the right one can enhance it greatly. As long as you go flat and dark, you’re on the right track.

For more design topics like this, please check out the rest of our blog.

Did you know that two-thirds of homeowners user their outdoor spaces for relaxing?

If you have an outdoor space, it’s only natural that you’d want to enjoy it! There are endless ways to style your outdoor space, whether you want a lush garden or trendy patio space.

Vintage gardens are particularly trendy right now, especially if you are aiming for a farmhouse-style home. But what’s the best way to design a vintage-style garden?

We’re here to help you out! Keep reading the guide below for five vintage garden decor ideas!

1. Metal Sculptures

There’s something about metal sculptures that scream rustic. They’re the perfect ornament for walkways and patios.

If you check out your local antique shop, you’re sure to find a metal sculpture that strikes your fancy. Many vintage metal sculptures are modeled after animals, but you can always make your own with scrap metal if you can’t find one you like!

2. Practical Vintage Garden Decor Ideas: Chairs

Wire-framed chairs are a popular choice for vintage lawn decor. They are sturdy and the perfect size for a small to medium-sized planter. Succulents are an excellent plant to pair with wire-framed chairs.

Not only can you use vintage chairs as unique planters, but you can also pair them with a retro table to create a cozy sitting area. For truly one-of-a-kind vintage design, consider bamboo folding chairs. These are perfect for anyone looking for a simple, outdoorsy design.

3. Vintage Water Feature

If you’re enamored with Italian water gardens, why not bring some of that flair into your own garden? A vintage water feature is a great way to bring some water into your garden without carving out room for a pond.

If you want something really dramatic, a vintage water fountain is a right move. However, if you’re looking for more lowkey vintage garden decor ideas, opt for a vintage birdbath.

4. Vintage Decor for Evening Garden Parties: DIY Lanterns

LED fairy lights have become trendy as an accessory to drape over pergolas and hang around patios. If you like the concept of fairy lights but want a more rustic feel, DIY your own little lanterns.

Vintage lanterns can be easily made with mason jars. Making your own custom lanterns opens you up to many possibilities, from hanging lanterns with tealight candles to sitting lanterns with battery-run LED lights.

5. Vintage Planters

You can use any number of vintage pieces as planters. Some of the most popular pieces are bicycles with baskets, clawfoot bathtubs, and rustic wheelbarrows.

If you want a smaller planter, seek out some vintage fruit boxes. They make excellent hanging window box planters.

For more traditional planters, use vintage metal buckets. If you want to add even more vintage charm, position small metal buckets on alternating steps of an old ladder. Add some creeping ivy around the ladder, and you have the perfect vintage garden centerpiece!

Creating a Vintage Garden Dream

With an abundance of online and in-person stores selling antiques and refurbished decor, it’s never been easier to create a vintage-inspired garden! The guide above will help you as you search for vintage garden decor ideas and plan your own dream landscape design!

For more articles on home and garden design, check out the rest of our website!