Why exterior trim is a key part of home remodeling

No matter how well maintained, most homes will need some exterior trim replaced from time to time. Traditional wood trim boards can split, crack and rot over time, as a result of damage from the rain, snow, wind and sun.



Replacing old or damaged exterior trim with engineered wood composite trim is one way homeowners can make their home look better, while using an environmentally friendly product.



Check your exterior trim



Take a few minutes this fall to walk around your house and inspect your exterior trim. Look closely at the trim around your windows and doors, at the corners and near the roofline. Pay special attention to peeling or blistering paint, green algae, warped boards, and spongy or soft spots. Also, check for termite damage, which creates more damage to U.S. homes than fire, floods and storms combined.



There are several options for replacing your existing trim. Although traditional wood trim often looks good when first installed, it can split and swell, and is prone to knots and defects. Other materials, like PVC and fiber cement trim, have performance limitations and may pose installation challenges.



"Like many home products, exterior trim has evolved over the years," says Peggie Bolan, vice president, building products, for JELD-WEN. "Today, homeowners can choose engineered products that last long and provide resistance to moisture, rot, termites and temperature extremes not found in other materials."



During extensive renovation of their 1830s Greek Revival-style farm house in Clifton Park, N.Y., Paul and Joanne Coons used more than 1,000 linear feet of MiraTEC Treated Exterior Composite Trim around windows, doors and other areas.



"We reviewed several trim options, but we liked MiraTEC because it is a wood composite that doesn't contain oil or vinyl like PVC trim, and it is manufactured with less embodied energy than products like fiber cement, which also creates a lot of silica dust when it's cut," says Paul Coons, who is also a retired director of environmental health and safety from the New York State Office of Mental Health.



With a clear cedar, wood grain-texture on one side and a contemporary smooth finish on the other, MiraTEC trim suits any home style. It is most often used for roofline fascia, soffits, window and door trim, corner trim, dentil, gables, column wraps, trim along porches and similar architectural components.



Joanne Coons, an environmental science teacher at Shenendehowa High School East, added, "MiraTEC trim fit well with our priorities - it is not only a green product but it also provides a nice, clean look that complements the home design. Overall, we also anticipate low maintenance and less frequent painting compared to wood."



Replacing your exterior trim is a great way to give your home a nice, clean new look. And, it can be done with the environment in mind. To learn more, visit www.miratectrim.com.

Replacing ceiling lights is easy and affordable

Changing your ceiling lights is a great way to improve the look and feel of your space and you have more options than ever before in terms of selection and price. Most projects will only take a little bit of your time, even if you're a DIY novice, and they really do make a big impact on the level of comfort people will experience in your home.



Changing out an old ceiling light to a new one is easy and only takes seconds. Underneath the cover, at the base of the lamp will be a couple of screws that hold it to the ceiling. After turning off power to the room, unscrew the unit and detach the wires from it. Once you do this, you can simply reattach the new ceiling light, restore the power and enjoy a whole new effect in the room. It really is that simple for most installations, so the only thing to seriously consider is the look you want your light to give off.



One option is to also install a dimmer switch. This is also a simple procedure, and the switch is very inexpensive and can be found in almost any lighting accessory retail location as well as online at your favorite dealer. This will allow you to control the brightness of your ceiling lights, and is perfect for areas such as the dining room, study or even the bedroom.



Chandeliers are a great way to accentuate rooms that have high ceilings, but they can also be small enough to fit over any existing fixture. Whether you are looking to use a chandelier as the focal centerpiece in an entryway or a small accessory for the dining room, there are plenty of models to choose from, and the designs can range from contemporary to classical. The only thing to remember is that your ceiling will need to support the weight of the chandelier, so it is very important to know what those limits are before installing a new piece. You may need to reinforce the mounts or consider an alternative that is less heavy.



If you do install a chandelier in a room it's also worth considering placing a large mirror on one wall, this will give the impression of greater space in the room and will accentuate the impact of the chandelier.



Ceiling fans are also exceptionally beautiful and can add a lot to a room, especially kitchens and bedrooms. Most come with or without light fixtures, and you have the option of choosing a simple fan or one with a light attachment. A double benefit of having circulating air as well as light is that it can make a stuffy or crowded room much more pleasant to be in. Just as easy to install as replacement ceiling lights, it can be a simple weekend project that most people can do in about an hour. Finding the right one will depend on need, space and personal taste.



Whether looking for ceiling lights or fans, there is a wide selection to choose from for prices you won't find in traditional stores. A trusted online retailer should be a one stop resource for not only products, but for service and coaching as well. If you have a project, you can find a lighting accessory retailer that can help you to transform any space into an inviting place. Just give yourself some extra time for your order to be shipped.



Styles don't last forever, and changing ceiling lights is easier and less expensive than most people think. From simply replacing a cover to switching to a whole new light entirely, there are more options than ever to transform that dull room into a luminescent space that is warm, inviting and comfortable. Whether you want to install ceiling fans or chandelier lights, there are many design options to choose from, and knowing what the effect is that you want to create will help you to make satisfying choices.

It's high time to upgrade your faucets and toilets

When considering your home's plumbing, you might be thinking of that old adage "why fix something if it ain't broke?" But did you know that old and inefficient plumbing might actually mean that you are literally pouring your money down the drain every month? A call to your plumber might really save you money in the end if you upgrade the plumbing in your home.



When were your current plumbing fixtures installed? Did they come with the house when you bought it? Old toilets use up a lot of water with each flush, which is bad for both the environment and for your wallet. Are you putting off having that leaky faucet repaired because you just don't want to spend the money right now? The average faucet leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year. If it's a hot water faucet that's leaking, you are losing money both with the wasted water and with the wasted electricity or gas that is heating that water.



Or what if your problem is slow drains? You might decide to take the easy step of pouring liquid corrosives down the drain to clear out the blockage. This is actually a bad idea. The corrosive chemicals in drain cleaner will harm your sewer pipes, perhaps necessitating an extremely expensive repair in the future. In addition, the environmental impact of pouring such chemicals down the drain and into the water supply can have serious ramifications for the future of our planet.



If you've been putting off plumbing repairs or upgrades, you really might want to consider having a professional technician visit your home. Plumbers can let you know if repairs are needed or if there are upgrades available to your current plumbing that can actually save you money. There are many options, such as low flow or dual flush toilets that can help you stop wasting water and upgrade your home.



Having your new toilet installed by a plumber will ensure that your system is up to code and works efficiently and properly. A plumber can also help you to repair your leaky faucets, or assist you by installing water saving devices such as low flow faucets or aerators on your sinks. They can also help by providing professional sewer cleaning that will fix your slow drains without causing serious corrosion to the pipes in your home and damage to the environment.



These days, everyone is looking to save money where they can. By having a professional plumber inspect your pipes and see what upgrades and repairs can be done in your home, you can save yourself money on wasted water and utility bills. In addition you'll be adding to the value of one of your most important investments, your home.

New siding can increase the value of your home

Tired of that old run down looking house you've been living in? Why not upgrade your home to a new look and increase the value of your home in the process. You can have the home of your dreams and it's not as hard as you think. Your old home may be run down and the paint may be thirty years old and peeling off, but you can have the best looking house in your neighborhood.



How? Just give it a new face lift with colorful and easy to maintain vinyl siding. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of colors and you can choose the one that's right for you. Your 100 year old house can look new again and the cost won't burn a hole in your pocket.



Vinyl siding can be applied over brick structures and it can also be applied over wood and concrete structures. Vinyl siding looks great and its insulation qualities wrap the entire home in warmth and comfort. The entire project will be completed in a short amount of time if done by a reputable contractor of your choosing.



You can have your old home looking brand new and bright and shiny with new siding. Your entire home will match with the same bold colors you select and your window and door trim will match also. The value of your old home will sky rocket and if you ever decide to sell your home, you'll receive higher offers for it.



You may be wondering why you'll want to put up new vinyl siding as compared to aluminum siding. There are a lot of good reasons to choose vinyl, but the final decision is yours. There are a lot of differences between aluminum siding and vinyl. Vinyl siding is manufactured from a continuous formed plastic material and usually has a thickness between .040 to.046 inches. Aluminum siding is a continuous formed material that is usually around .019 inches thick.



Vinyl siding is manufactured with a solid color, while aluminum siding is manufactured with a baked on enamel paint finish. Since vinyl siding has a manufactured solid color, the color will remain solid even when scratched.



Not so however with aluminum siding. The paint is baked on so if aluminum siding is scratched; the paint peels off and leaves a shiny bare metal finish exposed. The choice is yours; however, your home will look newer and have a higher value when it is finished. You'll love the added warmth and comfort that your new siding will bring you.



Your neighbors won't believe the big difference they'll see in your home and you'll have a hard time believing that is the same house yourself. Energy efficient, stylish and modern, your new siding will give your home that personal touch and feel it had when you first purchased it. You have everything to gain with new siding and the new look it gives your home and property is amazing.

Is a surveillance camera right for you?

Many people turn to surveillance cameras as a way to make their home and office more secure. There are so many different types of security measures on offer, however, that it can be hard to know which is the right type of equipment for your needs. This article explores the different security measures and tools available and what the advantages and disadvantages of each of them are.



CCTV cameras can be attached to the outside of the building, can be placed over the door step, can be placed inside or can be entirely hidden from view. There are even dummy cameras available that provide a good deterrent aspect but don't actually incur any additional cost of filming. All cameras that can be seen work well as a deterrent. A burglar is far less likely to break into a home when there is the chance they will shown doing so on video surveillance footage. CCTV cameras don't necessarily sound an alarm however if security is breached in some way. In this respect they may be able to film a crime being committed but they won't necessarily be able to put a stop to it. Having the footage available however does mean there is more chance of getting your things back if they have been stolen.



Burglar alarms are another way that people add security to their homes. These have a large number of problems however. First of all burglaries are usually very quick and the perpetrator can be long gone by the time the police or a security firm have arrived on the scene. Secondly the alarm can in some cases be stopped by simply locating the control panel and breaking it. Cats and other animals can also sometimes trip the alarm when they jump through an open window, which can cause problems for everyone.



The ideal solution is to have both surveillance monitoring of some kind as well as a motion sensor, this way you get the best of all worlds. If this stretches the budget too far however then it is better to simply go with some kind of camera equipment. This provides the best value for money in terms of security. In the past it was just the wealthiest members of society who were able to afford security equipment such as cameras, but these days the prices have come down and now everyone can benefit. Nanny cameras and hidden indoor cameras are another very popular type of security surveillance. Camouflaged cameras can allow you to see things that you would otherwise not be privy to. Parents like to be able to check their nannies are caring for their children well, employers like to be able to check everything is just as it should be in the workplace.



Another scenario in which hidden cameras are ideal is for the use of gathering evidence. If you are being targeted or victimized, having hard evidence to show the police can mean something can be done. Without the proof however the police may be hesitant to take any real action. There is no doubt that cameras are a valuable and versatile security tool. Surveillance can assist in a number of different ways to keep everyone safe and free from harm. If you are unsure of what type you need the first step is to define what exactly you want the security camera for and then decide how much you are willing to spend.



When you search online you will find a host of companies offering surveillance camera equipment and monitoring devices. Make sure you buy from a reputable company with a good website. There is more choice online than in high street shops so it is best to buy your equipment here. From a wildlife camera to tracking devices, go online to find out what is available and get the best prices.

Big design ideas for small kitchen spaces

Bigger isn't always better in the real estate world, and what's more, it's not always possible. With more home owners downsizing from McMansions to smaller, more manageable houses, and a growing number of people opting to rent rather than buy, many families are looking for new ways to decorate, design and work with smaller spaces.

Kitchens sell homes, but this most-used room in the house hasn't escaped the "less is more" trend, either. Interior designers, decorators and home product makers are responding to the growing demand for practical, beautiful options that make sense in smaller kitchens.

If you're looking to make a big impact in a small kitchen, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Work the walls - You may love your cozy kitchen, but that doesn't mean you want to make it look or feel any smaller than it already is. Lighter wall colors can help a little kitchen feel more open and airy. One winning decorating technique for small kitchens is to paint the majority of the wall space in a light neutral tone, like a pale cream or taupe and then add a pop of brighter or darker color to one accent wall or area. You can edge up the excitement of this technique by using a mural for kitchens on the accent wall, rather than just a different paint color. Have an oddly shaped niche in your kitchen? You can turn that problematic space into a design statement with custom, repositionable wallpaper that can be custom-sized and custom-colored to fit your specifications. This unique product can be adhered and re-adhered hundreds of times so you can take it with you to your next house if you choose.

Smart-size your appliances - Sure that 30-cubic-foot stainless steel refrigerator is beautiful in the showroom, but how much will you love it when you can't fully open the door in your small kitchen? Refrigerators come in several sizes, so you should be able to find one that will fit your space. The same is true for stoves, microwaves and dishwashers. Choosing appliances that make size-sense for the space you have not only improves the livability of your petite kitchen, it can improve your efficiency as well.

Get creative with storage - One of the biggest challenges of a small kitchen is finding space for everything from pots and pans to flatware, dishes and foodstuffs. Small spaces call for storage creativity. Whether you hang some pots and pans overhead, replace traditional cabinet shelves with pullout drawers or use special racks to store plates vertically, you can find plenty of creative small-kitchen storage solutions.

Liven things up with light - Often, a small kitchen will have just one window - or no window at all. Yet light is an important way to make a tight space feel more expansive and inviting. Task lighting is essential for work areas in small spaces. Pendant lights can create ambiance and provide practical illumination without sacrificing any wall space. And if you crave natural light for your windowless kitchen, consider installing a skylight. Tubular skylights can bring sunlight into your ground-floor kitchen even if there's a second floor above it.

Small kitchens are here to stay, whether as part of the trend toward smaller, more efficient homes or the reality of rental unit life. With some decorating creativity and practical design tactics, you can ensure your small kitchen yields large benefits - both in terms of enjoyment and resale value.

​Spring projects that are sure to spruce up your home

(BPT) - Warmer weather and sunnier days are on their way and many homeowners are itching to begin home improvement projects. If you are one of them, consider these areas of your home when prepping for spring.



Windows and doors

From a full window replacement to a simple coat of paint, updating your windows and doors can have a big impact on your home.



If your windows felt drafty this winter, it may be time for replacements. Replace your old single-pane windows with energy-efficient double-pane windows. Double-pane windows can help you save on heating and cooling bills; they help keep the temperature in your home consistent year-round and help protect your furniture, carpet and window treatments from the sun's fading rays.



Need to bring some fresh color into your home but don't want to paint? Try updating your blinds or shades. From different styles to colorful fabrics, blinds and shades can add a pop of color to your room. Motorized blinds and shades with Pella Insynctive technology come in more than 300 style and color options so you can find the right fit for your home's decor.



Your front door is a major focal point of your home, enhancing your home's curb appeal. Make a bold statement and improve your home's energy efficiency with a new ENERGY STAR-certified front door . Consider options with decorative glass accents, and sidelights to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy.



Looking for something even easier? A new coat of paint to your existing door is a quick and easy way to give your home a fresh, new look. Get inspired by your favorite Pinterest collection of favorite front doors.



Gutters and downspouts

Excess water near your foundation can cause thousands of dollars in damages. Luckily gutter cleaning and downspout repair is fairly low-cost.



After all the snow melts, you'll want to make sure to clean your gutters and clean out any debris that may keep spring rains from flowing freely through your downspouts.



Along with replacing damaged gutter or downspout sections, you'll also want to make sure you have added downspout extenders to ensure water is draining far away from your home's foundation. Extenders should reach at least five feet into your yard.



Gutter covers can also be added to minimize debris from gathering in gutters throughout the year.



Air conditioning

It may be a few more months before you're turning on the A/C, but spring is a great time to start getting your cooling system ready.



Often you have to call in the pros for air conditioning work but things like spraying off any overgrowth or debris, cleaning coils and changing filters are fixes you can easily do on your own. Also, trim back any shrubs that are near by. Keeping the outdoor unit clean from debris will boost your A/C system's efficiency.



You can keep part of your indoor duct work clean by removing register covers and wiping clean any of the visible parts. You'll need to contact a professional for a full duct cleaning.