Tar and Chip Driveway Update
Gravel driveways have a new update. Tar and chip driveways give the look of a beautiful gravel driveway with the strength of a blacktop base to hold the colorful stones.
Author Archives: Tim Carter
Wood Pellet Stoves
A wood pellet stove may save energy dollars when heating your home, but do some calculations to see if staying with your natural gas home heating is more cost effective. Pellet stoves do allow for zone heating, but you may be surprised to know that your automated heating system will probably save you more money than the stove.
Paint or Stain the Exterior
Paint or stain - which is better? For minimal home maintenance, either house paint or wood stain could be the choice. There are several things to consider in house painting. The good news is there are new exterior paints and stains that will last many years if applied correctly. This is a must-read column!
Termites
Termites can attack any home. A termite-free house should still get one or two annual visits from a trained pest control professional. Inground termite colony elimination systems are a good way to protect your home. Putting gravel and having positive pitch around your home keep the soil drier, preventing termites from tunneling.
Home Quality and Perfection
Is the quality in your new home or in some of the model homes you tour below your measure? Residential quality standards in many parts of the USA are suffering. When building a new home of quality, how good is good enough? Is there such thing as a perfect job? The good news is that if you search long enough you can often find a contractor who really cares.
Ceramic Tile Repair
If you have to make repairs in a wet tiled area make sure you know what materials will work to keep things dry. Pick the right backer board for the job. A few simple tools will help with tile cutting. Your job will look great.
Caring for Water and Drain Lines
Grease can clog any drain line connected to a septic system or city sewer line. Mix the grease with lots of soap and hot water for a minute. This will emulsify the grease and prevent clogs. To prevent other clogs, drain and water lines need periodic maintenance for good drainage.
Invisible Fence
An invisible fence is very effective for pet control. They are not much different than the radio in your home or car. The wire transmits a signal to the compact receiver on your dog's collar. Training your dog to respect his new boundaries is the most important part to the success of the invisible dog fence.
Painting New Stucco
Stucco doesn't need paint, but painting stucco requires the right paint and some proper surface preparation, if you should decide to do the job.
Dress Up a Plain Mirror
Regular float glass mirrors are plain. These mirrors are held to the wall by small metal clips. With prefinished rabbet joint trim and epoxy glue you can create a border to dress up that boring bathroom mirror.