A Single Mom's Guide to Home Improvement
by alexp
When I bought my house nine years ago, my son was about to turn three and I reveled in the security of owning my slice of the American dream. Being a single mom was (and is!) both challenging and rewarding, but I knew that having a house to call my own was the best thing that ever happened to my son and me.
My house was ten years old when I bought it, and it was in excellent condition. Still, as time passed, a variety of issues cropped up. I think my way of handling (or not handling) home improvements is fairly typical for single women who own their own homes. Hopefully, my experiences will help you navigate the waters of home improvement. Here's what I've learned:
1. You can go places with a good book and a toolbox. The Christmas of the year I moved in, my sister and brother-in-law gave me a toolbox filled with the basics: screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, nails, nuts and bolts, and so forth. They also gave me a book on basic home repairs. Their gift literally provided me with the tools I needed, but it also gave me confidence that I could tackle minor home improvement projects. My advice: invest in some tools and use a book or online sources to guide you through the routine maintenance that your house requires.
2. Ask for advice. As a single woman who is now 49 years old and has limited knowledge of more complex home improvement issues, I'm always afraid that I'll be taken advantage by a repair company. When my air conditioner conked out on a 100-plus degree day, for example, I had no way of knowing if I really needed a new unit. I've learned to call on neighbors, family members, and friends - whose collective knowledge exceeds mine - to get their impressions. They've steered me in the right direction on a number of occasions.
3. Keep tabs on the neighbors. All of the houses in my immediate vicinity were built by the same builder at roughly the same time. Getting to know my neighbors and talking to them about home improvement has helped me get a sense of what to plan for. For example, two years ago I began to see that the houses around me were starting to get new roofs. Although I didn't have a leaky roof, a few months ago I decided to re-roof. I wanted to be proactive so I didn't get stuck with the expense of drywall repairs in addition to the cost of a new roof.
4. Ask for referrals, and then check them yourself. Through my neighbors' referrals, I've been able to find a superb roofer, an impeccable exterior house painter, and a terrific tile guy. But I don't just rely on their word. I always - repeat, always - check with my state's contractor licensing board to verify their licenses and with the Better Business Bureau to check on past complaints. I get all estimates in writing, and ask for proof of insurance.
5. Don't put your head in the sand. There has been more than one occasion when I've chosen not to deal with a home improvement issue, and I've always regretted it. I knew, for example, that the exterior of my fireplace had some dry rot. Unfortunately, by letting it go for so long it cost me much more than if I would have dealt with it immediately.
6. Make a list. This last bit of advice is basic, but critical. Start and keep a home improvement list. As a single mom, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of daily life and let routine home maintenance fall by the wayside. I divide my home improvement list into three sections: one for items that need attention in the next three months; one for home improvement projects for the coming year; and one that maps out what I want to accomplish with the house over the next five years. The short- and medium-term lists keep me motivated, while my long-term list helps me save the money needed for the big-ticket items.
You can already read more by
This article is free for republishing1. You can go places with a good book and a toolbox. The Christmas of the year I moved in, my sister and brother-in-law gave me a toolbox filled with the basics: screwdrivers, wrenches, a hammer, nails, nuts and bolts, and so forth. They also gave me a book on basic home repairs. Their gift literally provided me with the tools I needed, but it also gave me confidence that I could tackle minor home improvement projects. My advice: invest in some tools and use a book or online sources to guide you through the routine maintenance that your house requires.
2. Ask for advice. As a single woman who is now 49 years old and has limited knowledge of more complex home improvement issues, I'm always afraid that I'll be taken advantage by a repair company. When my air conditioner conked out on a 100-plus degree day, for example, I had no way of knowing if I really needed a new unit. I've learned to call on neighbors, family members, and friends - whose collective knowledge exceeds mine - to get their impressions. They've steered me in the right direction on a number of occasions.
3. Keep tabs on the neighbors. All of the houses in my immediate vicinity were built by the same builder at roughly the same time. Getting to know my neighbors and talking to them about home improvement has helped me get a sense of what to plan for. For example, two years ago I began to see that the houses around me were starting to get new roofs. Although I didn't have a leaky roof, a few months ago I decided to re-roof. I wanted to be proactive so I didn't get stuck with the expense of drywall repairs in addition to the cost of a new roof.
4. Ask for referrals, and then check them yourself. Through my neighbors' referrals, I've been able to find a superb roofer, an impeccable exterior house painter, and a terrific tile guy. But I don't just rely on their word. I always - repeat, always - check with my state's contractor licensing board to verify their licenses and with the Better Business Bureau to check on past complaints. I get all estimates in writing, and ask for proof of insurance.
5. Don't put your head in the sand. There has been more than one occasion when I've chosen not to deal with a home improvement issue, and I've always regretted it. I knew, for example, that the exterior of my fireplace had some dry rot. Unfortunately, by letting it go for so long it cost me much more than if I would have dealt with it immediately.
6. Make a list. This last bit of advice is basic, but critical. Start and keep a home improvement list. As a single mom, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hectic pace of daily life and let routine home maintenance fall by the wayside. I divide my home improvement list into three sections: one for items that need attention in the next three months; one for home improvement projects for the coming year; and one that maps out what I want to accomplish with the house over the next five years. The short- and medium-term lists keep me motivated, while my long-term list helps me save the money needed for the big-ticket items.
You can already read more by
Source: http://alexp.articlealley.com/a-single-moms-guide-to-home-improvement-1563710.html
Your Shopping Guide To Window Blinds
- Window Blinds on Sale blinds4less01.comFree EstimatesWe Measure and Install for YouInstall Best Quality-Lowest Prices(951) 924-9435
When it comes to having an economical choice for a basic window covering, window blinds are the most preferred choice. Irrespective of whether you are searching for vertical blinds, roller blinds or mini slatted blinds to complement your new windows and transform the look and feel of a room, there are various window blinds and shades to match your room décor, as well as your budget and taste.
Traditional Vinyl Blinds
You can opt for traditional vinyl blinds for all rooms in your home. These are also referred to as mini blinds. These coverings are created from slats that are strung together, allowing for the ease of rotating from one side to another or of the raising or lowering of the blinds. Although the slate sizes differ, the usual sizes are two inch, one inch, and half inch.
These blinds have a stick installed on either of the sides that lets you change the tilt of the slats to allow less or more light inside the room. On the other side there is a set of strings to raise and lower the blinds to your desired position. These shades can be bought in different colors to suit your interiors and can be mounted with just a few pieces of hardware.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are the perfect choice for tall windows. With these blinds, you can get the most of your view. If you have installed mini blinds on a tall window, the weight of those blinds can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the strings. It also becomes difficult to pull the blinds up. Vertical blinds allow you to see the outside much easier.
These types of blinds are also great choice for sliding glass doors. While working as the best alternative to the curtains, they also give more contemporary look. They are also easy to install, operate, and maintain. However, if you still want to have curtains on your windows, you can still have them.
Benefits of Window Blinds:
• There are wide variety of textures and colors of window blinds available in the market
• They are very easy to clean and maintain
• They can be easily adjusted to control the amount of light enters the room
• They can be effortlessly tailored cut to fit your windows.
• They are reasonably priced and durable also
Purchasing Window BlindsBefore you shop around for blinds or shades, it is important to make sure that you have the perfect measurements of all the windows or glass doors that require blinds.
It can be very frustrating and annoying to buy blinds, bring them home, and find out that they do not fit your window, especially if you have spent almost a fortune to have them custom cut. Make sure that you measure your windows at least twice to be certain that you have got the accurate figures.
You will find numerous shops selling these products. You can find them in home improvement shops, discount retailers and home décor specialty shops.
If the windows of your house are not a standard size, or if you want more choices when it comes to style and color, it is a great idea to shop online. Whether you purchase them online or offline, do not forget to examine the return policy before placing your order.
Don't overlook your windows treatments while decorating home; with proper shades they can look great. Follow the links to get professional service on buying/installation of designer curtains/shutters in NYC.
If the windows of your house are not a standard size, or if you want more choices when it comes to style and color, it is a great idea to shop online. Whether you purchase them online or offline, do not forget to examine the return policy before placing your order.
Don't overlook your windows treatments while decorating home; with proper shades they can look great. Follow the links to get professional service on buying/installation of designer curtains/shutters in NYC.
by akonthomas
Source: http://akonthomas.articlealley.com/your-shopping-guide-to-window-blinds-2179007.html
Free Estimates-We Install Best Quality-Lowest Prices
Southern California
(951) 924-9435
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