Galaxy Home Improve

Frugal homeowners searching for ways to save on their household expenses should look first at upgrading and improving the house and its’ systems. With modern technology always finding new ways to go about saving money on energy and home expenses. While some upgrades aren’t cheap, they can definitely pay for themselves over time. Take a look at a few upgrades that you might consider if you are looking for a long term solution for your energy problems. Solar Panels A whole-house solar system setup is a huge investment, so you may want to solarize your house in stages. A good starting point is your hot water heater, which represents a large portion of your energy consumption. The second biggest energy hogs are your appliances. If you can’t afford large-scale projects, look first to smaller solar units to run small appliances, computers and televisions. Outdoor solar lighting is inexpensive and efficient at keeping your home safe. There are many modern options for this as it is a gr...

Maintaining a home takes a big bite out of any family or household budget. Home-owners look for ways to lower the cost. One way is to apply a few upgrades. However, it is best to choose wisely. Some upgrades will only add to the expenses. However, there are plenty of other upgrades that help to save the home-owner money in the long run. Save money with these 4 home upgrades. Upgrade Thermostat Older homes or heating systems were packaged with non-programmable thermostats. Upgrade the thermostat to save money. Most people are at work during the day. They certainly don’t want their heating system going full blast. A programmable thermostat makes it possible to lower the temperature by 10 or 15 degrees during that time. Program the thermostat to automatically turn up the temperature based on the time that people return home. This is another way to reduce energy bills and save money. Update Appliances Take a look at all the major appliances in your home. The majority shoul...

Homeowners who are ready to upgrade their home and increase its value are going to need a contractor to help them through this process. There are countless considerations to make and what appears to be a minor issue could become a major fiasco without an experienced renovator. Here is a look at four secrets of vetting your next renovation contractor to ensure that you make the right choice the very first time. 1. Ensure They Are Credentialed After asking for the initial quote, one of the easiest ways to limit the pool of potential renovation contractors is to ask about credentialing. There is no reason to ever go with a remodeling company that is not fully licensed, bonded, and insured because even a minor mishap can become a financial and legal nightmare. The fine for remodeling without a building permit may cost the homeowner and their contractor $50,000 or more as a first-time offender, but these are issues that can be avoided entirely with an experienced, bonded, and insured...

Most homeowners have an interest in finding ways to increase their home value to ensure it sells quickly with a large profit that is made off the property. Even in older homes that are outdated and not priced the way you want, there are simple ways of increasing the value and allowing it to shine once it’s on the market. By making a few changes and upgrades, you can increase the functionality and appeal of the home with several features that are in demand today. Add a New Front Door The style and design of your front door is what makes the first impression to guests and those passing by in the neighborhood. Paint the front door a bold color that stands out on the block, or update the feature with a door that has a large window to increase the home’s curb appeal. It will not only work as the focal point on the home, but will set the tone on the overall quality of the property at first glance. Use a Plumbing or Heating Service If your plumbing or heating service isn’t in tip-to...

Home renovations and remodeling projects can be stressful enough on their own without expensive mistakes that can cost owners time and money. Anyone that is looking to carry out even minor renovations should keep a close eye out for these six common mistakes that can get quite expensive when not avoided. Ignoring Local Building Codes Filing the necessary paperwork for building may seem like a hassle, but it can result in some serious issues when this step is not carried out exactly as it should be. Depending on one’s location, the general rule is that any remodeling project “of consequence” must have a permit in order to avoid expensive fines or even tearing down upgrades. Not Choosing Specialists A contractor that is licensed and insured to install a new pool is most likely not going to be able to re-roof the home or update the HVAC system. Unless the contractor has experience with the project you need and is insured specifically for that style of work, they should not be us...

Renovating and remodeling spaces in your home not only gives you a chance to get creative, but often increase a property’s overall appraisal value. When you have a project in mind you want to move forward with, utilizing a few tips can quickly help to ensure you are capable of saving money, regardless of the budget you are working with. Set a Budget Early On Setting a budget for the project early on is a way to make sure you are not overspending in various areas of the project. Having a budget in place is also a better method of comparing different material prices and the pricing of professionals you may be thinking of hiring. Research All Options and Methods of Completing Your Project Researching various methods for completing your home DIY project is another way for you to save money. The more familiar you become with materials and methods of placing walls, installing wood, or completing an entire Edmonton PVC deck, the easier it is to choose the right options and professio...

For those who live in a four-season climate, the idea of doing home improvements and updates during the winter may seem unattractive at first glance. However, the cold months are often a great time to get to all the projects inside that seem to fall by the wayside in the hustle and bustle of summer. Here are some cost-effective updates that are perfect for completing during winter. Doing a Deep Clean If you plan to sell your home in the spring or are just tired of trying to keep up with cleaning, organizing a true deep clean is a great way to update your home’s decor and give it a fresh look. Get a team of family and friends together or hire a professional cleaner to come in. Either way, you will be able to command a higher price for a ship-shape home than one with tobacco-stained walls or dingy carpets. Insulating the Attic Nobody wants to work in an attic during the summer, where temperatures can climb to dangerous levels quite quickly. If you want to have insulation blown...

With the cold weather here in full force you should have already made some changes to your everyday life but have you made changes to your home to ensure that you are staying warm? A drafty home is not only uncomfortable, but costly. Fortunately, there are several ways you can winterize your home without spending a great deal of money to make it more comfortable and energy efficient. Install Windows with Low-E Glass Low-E glass is designed to minimize ultraviolet and infrared light without affecting the amount of visible light that passes through. This gives them high emissity, which is the ability to radiate energy. As such, they have tremendous insulating properties, and will help you reduce your heating costs significantly. Caulking around Windows and Doors Even after installing Low-E Retro Teck Windows, you may still be losing air from around their openings. To check, light a candle and place it near your window. If it flickers even slightly, you are experiencing air loss...

Home remodeling can be an extremely tiresome but enjoyable experience. If not careful, however, the whole renovation process can turn from a dream into a nightmare. You have to watch the budget carefully, or the situation can easily get out of hand. There are many tangents homeowners get on as they start their own renovation projects that put them in the hole. Here are some tips for keeping a tight grip on your wallet while adding magnificent beauty to your home. Have a Plan Start with a budget and seriously stick with it. Know what rooms you want to renovate beforehand and select the materials you want to use. Getting distracted throughout the renovation project can end up costing you some serious cash in the long run. Allot yourself a certain amount but have just a little extra saved up just in case of emergencies. Planning a budget for these renovations and sticking with them can really make a world of difference. Remodeling Bathrooms Choose your fixtures, tile and paint c...

When starting a family, many also have to change their living environments. Maybe that house is just too small, or the area is not sufficient for a new child. Below are a few helpful hints to upgrading to a bigger house without breaking the bank. Build a New House One great way of upgrading your living situation without going broke, is to build your own house. Hire a Southern Utah homebuilder who can assist you in finding a beautiful property to welcome the new addition to the family. The biggest reason why building a new house is a good idea, is because you decide what needs to be done. Your previous house may not have been purchased with a baby in mind, so now you need a house to accommodate the baby. Having a bigger master bedroom, installing a play area, and creating a bigger kitchen, are just some of the many options for creating the perfect family space. You have the freedom and control to have your dream house built, and it can all be done for a great price if you know w...

After living in a house for a couple of years, many homeowners have made repairs, but few established homeowners think about making updates. This isn’t too much of a problem, until it comes time to sell your home  and buyers are turned off by outdated rooms. If you’re thinking of selling in the near future, you might want to consider these updates. 1. Countertops Several years ago, granite was all the rage in counters. Today, it seems that every home has this Y2K era update. Freshen up your kitchen with stainless steel, sealed wood, or travertine counters. 2. Energy-efficient, colorful appliances Stainless steel is out, and enameled finishes are in. Aim to get the most energy and water efficient appliances you can afford in matching hues. Think beyond the standard Energy Star appliances, however. Consider having your entire home rated for efficiency, since homes with top ratings can earn potential buyers tax breaks. You might also want to consider adding solar panels or a...

When it comes to bathroom space, you can organize to your heart’s content, but what do you do when the space you have just isn’t enough? You might dream of more counter space, a roomy vanity, or more room for your hygiene essentials, but that’s not always an option unless you start knocking down walls. If you are struggling with your vanity (the bathroom kind), then read on for a few ideas for fashionable and functional designs for a little bathroom. Pedestal sink Pedestal sinks were designed with the small space in mind. These sinks generally have just one thin leg, so it is easy to use other space saving elements. They usually have very little counter space, so allow room for baskets or shelves. If you have a large cabinet-style vanity that is eating up your precious bathroom space, this could be the perfect solution. Floating Sink If you’re really tight on space, the wall-mounted sink frees up even more space than the pedestal sink. Now there is nothing underneath to deal ...

Have you ignored the dated look your home has for as long as you can endure it? Not everyone loves the style of modern or contemporary décor, but there is a difference between purposely trying to achieve the vintage look for your home, and having décor that is just plain old. Everyone has their own style, but outdated décor and hardware around your home could really decrease the value of your home, especially when it’s so easy to make updates. You might not have enough money for a complete overhaul or renovation, but the good news is that you don’t need one! You are living in the DIY age, where you can easily change the look of an entire room just by replacing a few small things adding a little creativity to the details. If you need inspiration and ideas for updating your dated home, read on and learn how to do it yourself! Drab Window Treatments Your window treatments may look dated due to their design, to the fabric and fabric pattern and the general condition of the curta...

Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home is important not only for your own comfort, but to also save on your home energy bills. If your home does not stay consistently at the temperature you want it to, there are a number of things you can do to help keep the temperature steady. Here are three of the top changes you can make today to get your home temps back on track. Sealing Windows and Doors If you live in a climate where winters can be harsh, you may notice that in some rooms there is a cold draft no matter how high you turn your furnace up. These drafts often come through cracks and broken seals in your home’s windows and doors. Sometimes this is due to the age of the house, or it can be due to poor construction. In either case, you can have the doors and windows resealed to keep that cold air out. If the problem persist, especially around older window panes, you can either have the window replaced or seal it in plastic during the winter months. Having Proper In...

If you are looking for a way to improve your new home, a quality roof is a great choice. You know that your roof protects you and your belongings from the outside elements and nobody wants to deal with potential water damage from a poorly constructed roof. Because of this, it is important to choose the best roofing material for your needs, personal style, and environment. If you are up in the air as to which roof style is right for your home take a look at these handy suggestions. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt composition shingles are affordable and durable roofing options. They last up to 20 years and come in a variety of colors and designs. Asphalt architectural shingles are more expensive, but last for up to 30 or 50 years. These shingles also offer additional fire protection and are more wind resistant than composition shingles. Both the asphalt and composite shingle are very popular roofing options for new homes with both offering different pros and cons. Metal Roofs Metal ro...

Every homeowner must be very careful to notice when things happen in their home that is out of the ordinary. Any new sounds in the house could spell trouble, and the wise homeowner makes sure that they investigate the problem to be certain that they know what they are dealing with. While a homeowner will likely need to call on a licensed plumber to handle leaks in the home, it is still a good idea for homeowners to figure where leaks are coming from so that they can take preventative measures or solve the problem themselves. Each of the five tips below allow for the homeowner to find a leak before it becomes a much bigger leak. 1. Listen Most homeowners get desensitized to the sounds in their home because it is normal for a house to settle, for the AC to cut on, etc. However, anything that sounds like dripping water must be checked out immediately. Don’t ever assume that the sound is just from a sink or running toilet. 2. Where Is The Sound Coming From? Most homes have many ...

While performing home improvement projects yourself can be fun and rewarding, there are certain jobs you should leave to the professionals. Certain work requires the eye of seasoned craftsmen. Otherwise, the results could be disastrous. Below are six home improvement tasks that should only be performed by professionals. 1. Tree or Stump Removal One thing that can certainly be expensive to pay for is removing a pesky tree or stump from your property. It may be tempting to attempt this job on your own. However, trees often have roots that have developed over many years and are deeply and widely entrenched in the ground. Without proper care and the right equipment, you could damage your yard, home, or vehicle. Even worse, you could be killed. 2. Electricity If you need to add electricity to a room or repair part of your system that has become damaged, you best leave it to actual electricians. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could burn down your house or get ele...

Quality home improvements turn your home into a quality house and in doing so add to the value of the property. Of course, some home improvements cost more than others and it certainly pays to do your homework if you’re looking not only to improve your home to live in but also its price. So, here are the home improvements that matter. Extension Yes, perhaps the simplest of the lot – the extension is one of the most common, though also one of the most disruptive ways to add value to your home. However, it can add some significant square footage and also a lot more functional living space. A well planned extension can add so much to your home – you just have to get it right. Loft Conversion According to a number of sources, including Halifax, loft conversions offer the best return for money on all extensions. Most lofts are large enough to have some sort of conversion or another and with prices beginning at under £10,000 it’s not out of this world money for an extra room or two...

An awning provides an attractive and practical way to offer shelter and protection for the home and business. Designs in awning have improved over the years with better and more durable operating mechanisms and better fabrics. The folding arm awning shows off some of the best improvements in their features, and although an awning might seem pedestrian and dull, its addition to a home can add lasting value and impressive comfort for many years. Features of Folding Arm Awning One of the best features that a folding arm awning provides is the ability to add a room or extension to a home without the actual construction costs of building. The installation of a folding arm awning is relatively simple, and many folding arm awning units have slim designs and a semi enclosed extruded cassette, which gives the unit further protection from the elements. A folding arm awning setup can accommodate small sized patios and even very large home exteriors over six meters. On top of that, fold...