SkyFive Properties Blog

If you are a woodworker of any kind, whether you are making cabinets, doors, shelves, instruments, toys, decoy ducks, or anything in between, having the right tools and knowledge in your arsenal is super important.  

One aspect of every woodworking project is sanding. No, nobody wants a project that has rough edges and looks unfinished, which means that you have to sand it down, something that also goes for fine and intricate detail work. The point here is that sanding is actually one of the most difficult and time-consuming aspects of woodworking projects, so saving time is a big deal.  

Something that is very important to note here is that the right type of sander is critical for good quality work. Let’s go over 3 big time sanding hacks that will save you a lot of time, both in the long run and the short run. 

1. Using Some Kind Of Anti Skid Base

One of the biggest hacks we can give you here to help save you a lot of time when sanding your woodworking projects is to make sure your work pieces cannot slip around on the table. Sanding is already hard enough to do accurately as it is, and if your woodworking piece is slipping and sliding around the table, it is just going to make things a heck of a lot harder. You have to constantly adjust the positioning and placement of your projects.  

Having it slide around the surface beneath is also bad because it can cause some major damage, both to the project itself and the table underneath. Therefore, you might want to consider getting yourself an anti–skid base of sorts, like an anti–skid router base.  

It’s pretty much just a textured rubber matt that goes in between the surface and your project, thus stopping it from moving around. This will help save a lot of time because you won’t constantly have to turn your sander off to readjust the workpiece, plus it will help protect your final project from damage caused by movement. 

2. An Easy Flat Surface Sander

Now, while it is true that regular sanders, orbital sanders, and miniature detail sanders to work well for a lot of specific jobs, using machines is not always the best. Machines can move too quickly and remove too much material from your project at once, therefore resulting in a less than stellar final piece.  

Folks, using machines for sanding is not always better. With that being said, you might have seen some people glue sandpaper to a piece of wood, and then use that to do some fine sanding where precision and smoothness is required.  

It’s not always about being the fastest to completion, because with this kind of thing, quality and speed are often not going to happen at the same time. However, using a block of wood with sandpaper glued to it is not exactly ideal all of the time either. Therefore, a good sanding hack for you to keep in mind is to make yourself an easy DIY flat surface sander.  

In other words, this is more or less a small plank of wood or piece of plywood where you have glued a piece of sandpaper too. Now, if you have small workpieces that need sanding, you can take the piece of the flat surface sander, something which helps increase accuracy and can save you time too. 

3. Removing The Sanding Dust

The other sanding hack to save you time that you need to know all about has to do with the wood dust you create when sanding anything and everything. There is a reason why many machines, woodworking machines, come with dust ports and blowers to get rid of the dust. This is because the dust gets in the way. It hinders you from having the level of accuracy that you need, it can actually scrape and scratch your projects, and at the very least, having a bunch of particles in the way makes it really hard to see what you are doing.  

Therefore, to help save you time when sanding, making sure to always remove the dust is important. This is especially important when you move from coarse to finer sanding.  

Simply put, sanding, if you do not remove the dust, is more or less like sanding that very same dust. You just end up pushing dust around while not being able to see what you are doing. Getting some compressed air to regularly blast the dust away is a big-time hack that will help make life a heck of a lot easier no doubt. 

Conclusion 

No, these hacks are nothing too fancy or ground-breaking, but at the end of the day, they will help make your sanding jobs much easier, faster, and more efficient too.  

When your roof needs a little or a lot of fixing and you’re not a licensed roof contractor, it’s best to leave the task to the professionals. The roof over your head protects your entire home and everyone who lives in it. You can’t risk endangering the lives of your loved ones just because you don’t want to spend money on a roofing service.

If you do plan to hire a roofing service, here are some tips to guide you:

Look For Licenses and Permits

Roofing service companies should have all the necessary licenses and permits for operating such a business. Roofing contractors need to have the proper set of skills for doing roofing services. There are standards that they need to meet and they must possess sufficient knowledge in order to perform a great roofing service.

Roofing service companies should also have permits in order to operate. The requirements for those permits differ from state to state, and the companies need to meet those to be able to run their business. You can also check your local authority so you can know which companies you should consider.

Do Your Research

It’s vital that you choose the right roofing service company, which is why you need to do your research first. With easy access to the Internet, you can gather information about roofing services all over Algonquin, Illinois.

You have to be specific on the keywords you type in because they’re crucial. Narrow it down to your particular location so you can find the ones nearest to your home. See if you can find forums or threads that talk about the service of the company you plan to choose.

Cross-Check Business Information

Most businesses build websites to make them visible to more potential clients. That is why, during your research, it’s highly likely that you’ll find the websites of the roofing service companies within your area.

There will be lots of information on that website about the company. You’ll find what kinds of services they offer, and many more aspects of promoting their business. Sometimes, you’ll even find testimonials from some of their satisfied clients.

However, don’t fall for it too quickly. It’s essential that you cross-check all the information you find. You may only see the good reviews on their site, but if you dig deeper, you might find some less positive reviews on different threads and forum sites.

Cross-checking is crucial, especially for the licenses and permits. Licenses and permits need to be legit, so you don’t endanger anyone’s lives due to inadequate skills and knowledge.

Ask For Referrals

If you’re doubtful about your research, you should ask for referrals from people you trust. These can be your friends or family members. Maybe they know reputable roofing service companies around Algonquin that they can recommend to you for your roofing needs.

You can also ask your neighbors. At least one of them already hired a roofing service at some point before. If their roofs seem to be doing fine after repairs, then the company they hired must have done an excellent job.

Ask For Price Quotes

When you have your list of options, it’s time to contact them. You can visit their offices, but thanks to technology, you can also call or chat with them online. Ask for estimated price quotes.

Check out algonquinroofingservice.com if you need a service that’s near you. You can call or email them for your inquiries, and they have reasonable prices for a high quality of work.

You should know how much it may cost you for the service you need from different companies. Knowing the estimated price will help your decision-making.

Don’t Settle For Cheap

When you know how much it’ll cost you from different companies, it’s tempting to choose the cheapest one. It’s not always the best option to settle for the most affordable service. If it’s cheap, and the quality of work only amounts to how much you’re willing to pay for, then you may end up paying more than you originally planned.

Think about planning to sell your house. If you want to sell it at a high price, you need to make it the best it can be. You have to fix factors that may lower the price of your house. You need to make some home improvements, such as fixing the roof, landscaping, and many others.

When you’re considering the lowest prices, also think about the quality of work and materials. The referrals and reviews should give you an idea about the quality of work. Then you can make a decision on what aspects you’re willing to compromise to get the best service for your budget.

Don’t Do Business With People Who Knock On Your Door

Some people might knock on your door and ask you to sign a contract for them to check your roof and fix whatever it is that needs fixing. If someone does this to you, don’t fall for it. There’s a high chance that those people are trying to take advantage of you.

If you sign the contract, they might be binding you to something that you don’t know about, which could be a problem later. Besides, good roofing service companies don’t need to go door-to-door, and sales talk people into hiring them.

Reputable companies do business the right way. They entertain their potential customers and inform them about what kind of services they can provide, give estimated costs, and maybe even a free consultation.

Make Sure That They Have Insurance

Doing roofing services can be a dangerous profession. A little slip can cause someone to get hurt or worse, die. If the employee gets into an accident while working on your rook, it may not just be traumatic, but it can also be costly if they don’t have any work insurance.

When you inquire on the roofing service companies in Illinois, make sure to ask whether or not, the people who might work on your roof have insurance.

Final Thoughts

There are many roofing service companies out there. Even if you focus your search in Algonquin, Illinois, there are still plenty of options for you. Hopefully, this guide can help you make an informed decision so that you can choose the best service for your needs, and of course, your budget.

Did you know that a bed bug can go for 18 months without feeding?

Bed bugs are resilient pests that can pose a real problem in the household. These bugs thrive in the dark, semi-warm areas of the home and typically hide in hard-to-reach-places like narrow cracks and crevices.

While a bed bug’s bite doesn’t trigger an infection, it is quite painful and could lead to welts and swelling.

Since bed bugs can invade any home, it is essential that you learn how to keep bed bugs away when you’re in and out of the house. Read on for some practical tips on beating back these critters.

Inspect Your Hotel Room

You must be careful whenever you are traveling.

A wise thing to do is to always make it a point to inspect each room you use. Remember that the cleaning staff may not uphold similar standards of hygiene to yours.

Once you get your room, make it a point of checking for any signs of bed bug infestation. Your inspection should focus on the mattress, curtains, and any upholstered furniture.

Search for any small, rust-colored spots as they are the typical sign indicating the presence of bed bugs.

When you are inspecting the bed, ensure you raise it and check under the mattress, bed frame and headboard.

While bed bugs come out at night to feed, they are known to keep to a short radius around the bed during the daytime.

If the bed is clear, remove any bedding and check the corners and folds of the mattress. These are some of the most popular hiding places for bed bugs.

While you are carrying out your inspection of the room, make sure to keep your luggage outside.

Bed bugs have the ability to live in luggage for almost a week. If you suspect that your clothes might be infected, put them in a sealed plastic bag.

Once you get back home, set the sealed clothes in the washer, and turn on the highest heat setting possible.

Regardless of where you have been staying, make it a habit to inspect your luggage before getting it inside your home. It is always good to vacuum and handwash the bag with hot, soapy, water.

Inspect Second Hand Furniture

Purchasing second-hand furniture is an affordable way to furnish your house. But while it can be great on your wallet, it can potentially expose you to bed bugs.

Don’t take the seller’s word for it; you should inspect the furniture before buying it.

Check the seams of the upholstery for bed bugs or the residue they leave. As a general principle, never buy any second-hand mattresses.

If the furniture you intend to purchase looks like it has a clean bill of health you will still need to clean it for good measure. Place it in your garage or a shed while you clean it. Vacuum the upholstery and any fabric thoroughly.

Use hot, soapy water to clean the furniture after vacuuming with extra care taken on drawers and other crevices.

Seal Laundromat Clothes

A laundromat can be one place where you pick up bed bugs that ultimately end up in your home.

When you arrive at a laundromat, inspect any seat before you use it to avoid getting them on your clothes.

Pack any clothes you want to take to the laundromat in sealed plastic. An open clothes basket exposes your clothes to the pests, unlike plastic which keep them covered.

If you prefer to use laundry bags, it is advisable that you wash them on every trip along with your clothes.

When you’re cleaning your clothes use the hottest temperature the fabric will allow. The same goes for when you are drying them.

If you prefer to use a laundry basket, then do not place it on the floor or near any seats. You should also inspect the basket before you use it.

Once your load is done, check the table you want to use for folding them for bed bugs. Alternatively, bag your clothes and fold them when you get home.

How to Keep Bed Bugs Away: Bring in the Professionals

Professional bed bug control teams usually come in once people have an infestation. But they can also help you in preventing bed bugs from taking over your home.

A bed bug company can carry out an assessment of your home to identify areas in which you need to change things to prevent infestation.

When you hire professional, be sure to request them to use Integrated Pest Management methods to help you deal with any that might already be present.

Inspect Your Bedding

Regularly checking your bedding is an essential part of keeping bed bugs at bay in your home.

You don’t have to do an inspection every night. Rather, the best time to do it is when you are washing them. Once you remove your bedding, take a look at the bed for any signs of bed bugs or bed bug residue.

Take your bedding and place it in the washer while using the highest possible heat setting that the fabric will allow.

The combination of heat and water will finish off any bed bugs that might have been hiding in your bedding.

While your bed linen is being cleaned, you can take out your mattress and brush it. Using a scrub brush, hit the seams and other areas of the mattress to get any bugs or their eggs out.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Bed bugs are resilient and can go for more than one year without feeding. If you do not take the proper measures to keep them out of your home, they can hide for long and still manage to attack you.

Prevention is better than cure, and you need to know how to keep bed bugs away as it is much easier than killing them once they infest your house.

Passionate about improving your home? We have a host of articles on home improvement. Keep reading!

When those summer heat waves hit, your energy bills go through the roof. Unbearable heat equals more A/C use, which equals cutting your vacation budget just so you can pay your electricity bill. It’s a mathematical fact, isn’t it?

Actually, it doesn’t have to be. It’s true that there’s no way around temperature-controlling your house to prevent heat strokes in the blazing summer sun. But there are plenty of ways to save money while doing so.

We’ve collected the best of these cost-effective air conditioning tips in the guide below. Use these AC tips to stay cool while spending less.

1. Replace Old Air Conditioners.

AC units usually last around 10-15 years. If you’re still using a 15-year-old air conditioner, the best tip we can give you is, “Get it replaced.”

Getting a new, ENERGYSTAR-certified air conditioning system that’s the right size for your home will pay for itself before you know it. And it’s a much better scenario than waiting until your current system breaks down.

2. Don’t Cool an Empty House

Unless you enjoy wasting money, the worst thing you can do with your thermostat is the “set it and forget it” method. That’s where you pick a temperature you like and just keep it there, forever. Of all the inefficient ways one can use their thermostat, none will rack up your energy bill faster than this.

Think about it logically. When the lowest temperature of the day outside is 80 degrees, and you keep your thermostat at 74, it’s going to run pretty much all the time.

More importantly, you probably aren’t even home all the time. Then you’re paying to cool down an empty house. Who benefits from that?

Of course, you don’t want to come home to a 90-degree house, either. The sensible solution is to set the thermostat for 80 degrees any time you step out of the house.

If your time out of the house is very consistent, like if you have a set, 9-5 work schedule, program the thermostat for 80 during these hours. Then, you actually can set it and forget it.

3. Stop Cooling Empty Rooms

Furthermore, this same principle applies to uninhabited rooms. For example, are you paying to cool a guest bedroom with no guests in it? Because that’s kind of a weird thing to do, right?

If you have rooms that don’t normally have people in them, cut them off from the AC. Keep the AC vents in those rooms shut.

And shut the doors that connect them to the rooms you do need cooled. You might even consider weather stripping these doors or at least stuffing a towel under them to block air flow. This prevents energy-wasting air leaks between cooled and non-cooled rooms.

All-in-all, this method basically makes your house smaller as far as your AC is concerned. And that makes it faster and easier for your AC unit to cool the house.

4. Conserve in the Night

Most of us wouldn’t even notice if the temperature went up a few degrees at night. So you can program your thermostat to do just that.

When you go to bed, program your thermostat to go up a few degrees in an hour. Some thermostats have a “sleep mode” to help with this.

That way, the temperature goes up and you won’t even notice. Then, the air conditioner runs less and you save money while you sleep.

Unfortunately, this method isn’t for everyone. Those of us who are light sleepers do notice. The warmer temperature wakes us up and we have trouble getting back to sleep.

Still, it’s worth a try. Find out if it works for you.

5. Block Out Direct Sunlight

While sunlight saves you money on lighting, it costs you extra on cooling. So the best thing to do is to block the direct sunlight with the right shades or curtains. Then, you should still have enough indirect sunlight left over to light your house without overheating it.

6. DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance

You may not think there’s much you can do to make your AC unit more efficient. But the truth is quite the opposite.

DIY air conditioning maintenance takes very little effort but makes a huge difference in the performance of your HVAC system. Use these two simple steps to dramatically increase your AC’s efficiency.

Change the Filter

First, change your air filters as needed.

These filters catch dust and other particles out of your air when the system runs. When the filter becomes full, it really just sit in the duct, blocking the air flow. That means your AC system is working harder and accomplishing less, which racks up your energy bill.

Filters should be replaced every 3 months or sooner. This depends on both the specific instructions on the filter’s packaging and on usage. Heavier usage or dirtier air will cause the filter to fill up faster.

Clean the Return Vents

The return vents are usually located on the ceiling or high on the wall. These vents take in the air from the room and return it to the AC unit. Then the conditioned air is blown back into the room through the supply vents.

Because the return vents are taking in unfiltered air, they occasionally fill up with dust and become clogged. Try to make a habit of looking up once and a while to see how they’re doing. Whenever you dust or vacuum your home, dust or vacuum your return vents as well.

7. Have Your Air Conditioner Professionally Maintenanced

When was the last time you had your AC checked out by a professional heating and cooling technician? Regular professional HVAC maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and extends the life of your unit. It should be done just before each heating or cooling season.

Many companies, like this trusted company, offer yearly maintenance plans to make it easy and affordable to get the maintenance you need.

Save Money With These Air Conditioning Tips

Staying cool shouldn’t mean breaking the bank. With these easy to follow steps, you’ll conserve energy, save money, and be comfortable all summer long.

Stay cool the smart way with these money-saving air conditioning tips.

A few decades ago, buying a grill was a straightforward task. The only dilemma was getting the best quality of grill under your budget. However, these days, there are numerous varieties and brands.

If you are looking for a versatile grill that is easy to use, then your choice narrows down to a pellet grill vs. gas grill.

Still, there is a huge difference between these two, which can affect your judgment. Do you want a grill that will leave great sear marks on your steak? Do you prefer one that excels at smoking low and slow?

Pellet Grill vs. Gas Grill

Read this comprehensive account of the pellet grill vs. gas grill. This will help you get a guide to help you in choose the right grill. Consider the following tips.

1. Initial Cost

The gas grill is cheaper, and you can get a good deal from most big box stores all around the globe for the best models. Alternatively, you can buy a used one at a meager cost from your neighborhood classified.
Pellet grills are, however, very expensive.

Even the cheaper grill you buy from the big box can be over $500 but will be small and less reliable.

2. Run Time

The runtime refers to the operating time of the cooker before you have to refuel it. Few variables affect the runtime of these grill types. With a pellet grill, the runtime hugely depends on the set temperature.

It can use as little as half a pound per hour when smoking meat and as much as 2 pounds an hour if you are doing the high-heat sear. The good news is that 20-pound bags can serve you for a long time
With a gas grill, the amount of propane burnt in an hour depends on the cooker’s number of BTU, the temperature you are using, and the number of burners.

A 20-pound tank can get you 20 hours cook-time.

To confirm your fuel level, pour warm water over the tank, the cold areas signify the propane level. It should help you know whether to get more gas or continue with your cooking.

3. Operating Cost

A pellet grill will need only electricity and wood pellet for it to operate. The number of pellets you require greatly depends on your cooker’s size and the temperature used. The larger your grill is, the more pellets used per hour.

With a gas grill, you will need propane to operate. How much can a single tank grill? That will also, depend on your set temperature and the size of your cooker.

4. Temperature Range and Control

Lighting the burners and turning the knob are the methods of controlling the gas grill’s temperature. The temperature of the grill can go as high as 500⁰F that will help you prepare a grill grate.

Pellet grill can be easily programmed to cook at low temperatures of 225⁰F, but like the gas pellet, it can be programmed to reach 500⁰F, which you can use to direct grill meat. Discover more here. Also, the grill utilizes electricity to control and ensure a steady and stable temperature.

5. Effect on Flavor

Cooking on a pellet grill means that you are using the pellets made from compressed sawdust. You are using 100% wood; your food will have a unique smoky flavor.

With the gas grill, the food cooked does not benefit from any added flavors. The only added flavor to the food cooked by gas will come from your seasoning.

6. Ease of Use

Both cookers are similar when it comes to their startup and fire management methods. Cooking with the pellet grill starts with the button switch while the gas grill starts with the lighting of propane. You can then regulate the temperature of the pellet grill by changing the setting and adjusting the burners.

A pellet grill has some barriers between the cooking grate and the fire pot. To avoid dirt, you can wrap them with an aluminum foil which you can easily replace after a couple of cooks. With a gas grill, the flavor bars accumulate dripping fats and food.

The lifesaver hack applied here is to turn the heat up at the end of your cooking session. It will burn the fat and food until they turn to carbon which can be easily washed off.

7. Versatility

It is important that you note the smoker versus grill characteristic of the pellet and the gas grill. Smoking on a pellet smoker and grilling on a gas grill can prove to be a lot easier. Although the result will not be perfect, a gas grill can be adjusted to work on smoking meat by adding wood chips and adjusting the temperature knobs.

Likewise, pellet grill can reach temperatures of above 500⁰F but don’t expect the best sear.

8. Available Extras

Most grill manufacturers have aftermarket facilities, which boost your barbecuing experience. Many pellet grills have an available option that will give you a chance to cold smoke at temperatures as low as 100⁰F. It hence displays pellet grill versus smoker characteristic.

It allows users to cook at very high temperatures and when desired, cook at low temperatures. If yours has a large cooking chamber, you can add shelving to increase your cooking capacity.

The gas grill offers some traditional toys like the cleaning brushes, pizza stone and rib rack, which can be a bonus to your cooking and cleaning experience.

9. Fancy Features

Pellet grills manufacturers have been quick to incorporate features such as LCD screens, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, and integrated meat probes. Some can even be set to maintain the meat’s temperature at a certain range after cooking.

Similarly, gas grills offer some bonus features such as side burners, illuminated knob, rotisseries, and interior lights. Both the gas and pellet grill offers fancy bells, but this comes at a higher price range.

Grill That Is Most Suited to Your Needs

When determining when to get a pellet grill vs. gas grill, some differences will determine which one will come out on top. Consider these functions as you make the decision.

Read more about how to expand your commercial and residential real estate portfolio in our blog.

Image provide by Carnivore Style.

Paris has long been considered the city of romance. Because of this, there have been clichés that have derived, such as proposing on the Eiffel Tower. Ironically, because of the popularity of these sorts of proposals, individuals are looking for different types of romantic vacations and vacation rental/investment properties because they want to stray away from the norm.

Nevertheless, Paris offers so much more in the terms of romance than you may expect. Of course, the Eiffel Tower is utterly fantastic and well worth a visit, but read on to discover why vacation rentals in Paris offer a beautiful vacation for those that are in love.

The city is showered in everything that is glamorous, royal, and romantic

Without pointing to specific landmarks, the city itself is extremely glamorous and lavish, making it deal for a vacation home. You will feel like you have stepped onto the set of a film. Everything has a nostalgic romance flowing through it and this is consistent throughout the entire city. Everywhere you go has a touch of magic.

From beautiful crystal chandeliers to quaint little restaurants, from the antique adornments to the exquisite paintings; this is the city to dream. Not only will your eyes witness sheer luxury, but you will get to indulge in the most gorgeous champagne and taste the most divine dishes.

Indulge in seductive good and drink you will never forget

Not only will your eyes witness sheer luxury whilst in Paris, but you will get to indulge in the most gorgeous champagne and taste the most divine dishes. The passion and the romance of Paris are evident within the food on offer. You can tell that all of the meals have been made with the love they deserve.

You should definitely embrace the local culture and try some of the fantastic French dishes on offer. After all, there is nothing more romantic than enjoying a nice meal with the one you love, especially when in such a remarkable setting as Paris.

Vacation rentals in Paris are ideal for couples who want to embrace art

Art is considered a very romantic concept. Beautiful paintings stem from the creativity of geniuses and a lot of their work comes from life experiences. It goes without saying that love is something that fuels a lot of art masterpieces.

Paris’ museums are not given the credit they deserve. The buildings themselves are a work of art. Everything is displayed in an extravagant, opulent and luxurious manner. And the artwork on display is simply beautiful. This is a great way for you and your other half to spend a day whilst in the city of love.

Everything about Paris is self-indulgence, treating yourself, and pleasure

vacation rentals in Paris present you and your partner with the opportunity to truly enjoy yourselves, treat yourselves, and spend some quality time together. This is why investment properties for sale here thrive. Nothing is done half-heartedly in this city. You can spend a day shopping in all of the fantastic and exciting designer stores.

But ladies, if your man hates shopping (which is usually the case), then make sure you make this exciting for him too. A trip to several underwear stores won’t help. Another activity you should enjoy together is a lovely spa day. The massages in Paris are extremely relaxing and will help you to truly unwind and feel at peace for the rest of your vacation.

If you are looking for a romantic vacation or you are looking for a place for investment overseas so you can make a return on your money, then don’t disregard vacation rentals in Paris. The city has achieved the reputation as the ‘city of love’ for a reason. Of course, you have the phenomenal Eiffel Tower, yet there is a lot more to Paris than this.

The city itself is laced in everything that is lavish, opulent, and glamorous. The food is exquisite and the drink is divine. The museums are romantic and dreamlike. And there is a lot for couples to do; with shopping and spa days being highly recommended. So if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate your love, Paris provide the perfect setting for your fairy tale.

For any business or commercial property, the overall look of your office is a representation of your image or brand. You want to make sure that your employees and clients are protected, as well as your information and all your assets.

That’s why you need to upgrade your office equipment, office furniture, security devices, and even your office windows. You don’t have to keep your boring old office windows because commercial window office tinting companies now offer a modern look for your investment properties.

In this post, you’ll learn more about how to find a trusted and reliable commercial window office tinting company, as well as the facts, features, and benefits of having your office windows tinted, or the advantages of office window tinting services.

Finding A Commercial Window Office Tinting Company

Window tinting or glass coating is the newest trend to achieve a modern look for your investment properties. It has a lot of uses like sun protection or as a perfect design element with solar wind shades.

Of course, you want to protect your property from harsh elements and still keep it looking professional and modern or up-to-date to encourage investors and gain more customers. This is why you have to find a good office window tinting company to achieve these goals.

When it comes to choosing a commercial window office tinting company, you need to consider hiring a licensed, insured, experienced, and reputable company. You have to see the portfolio of the company to determine the right type of window tinting product or service for you. Be wary if the company refuses to provide a portfolio and references.

The benefits of hiring a commercial window office tinting company with a good reputation and a solid background include excellent craftsmanship and high-quality output.

Learn more about the good qualities and benefits of hiring a commercial window office tinting company by continuing to read below.

Here are some tips when finding an office window tinting company in Metro Detroit:

• Go to the website of your prospective office window tinting company and check the offered products and services. Read the “About Us” and “FAQ” pages to get to know more about the company and the type of office window tinting services they offer.
• Call the company and ask for the physical address and get at least three references. Contact each reference to get an idea of how the office window tinting company works.
• Choose one that works with different suppliers, like 3M, which provides high-quality window tinting products. It’s a popular brand of adhesives for windows.
• Check the portfolio of the company so you’ll have a proper perspective of what window tinting products to choose for your investment properties.

Benefits Of Office Window Tinting

Window tinting is a great investment as this makes your office building or investment properties look modern. Glass coating is not only for aesthetic purposes. It has a lot more to offer for your business, your employees, and your clients and customers. Check the best benefits of window tinting below:

• Health Benefits: Using glass coating or having your office windows tinted is beneficial for your health. You technically avoid getting the people inside the building exposed to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays.
• Safety and Privacy: In any business, safety and security are essential. That’s why you need to keep all your assets safe inside your building through window tinting. You’ll have more privacy and security because unauthorized persons can’t see what’s happening inside the building, keeping all your information and assets safe.
• Keep Your Office Cool: Window tinting can block 99% of harmful UV rays that get inside the room, so solar heat is also minimized, keeping your office cool and comfortable.
• Reduce Utility Bills: Replacing your old windows with tinted windows is a good idea. Window tinting promotes energy-efficiency because it can also block 80% of the heat coming from inside or indoors to help you out with your heating bill.
• Business Benefits: Once you upgrade your old office windows to glass-coated windows, you give your customers and investors a good impression that you’re up-to-date, flexible, and adaptive to changes. These are good qualities for an investor like you, helping you establish a good and solid reputation. Increase your rental rates and reduce vacancy rates by upgrading your windows through glass coating.

Qualities Of A Good Commercial Window Office Tinting Company

Once you have narrowed down your choices of the best office window tinting companies in your area, it’s time to choose the right company by looking at the following:

• Solid Years of Experience: Ask how many years the company has been working in the industry and what type of services they’ve been providing in commercial properties around your area.
• Expert Workers: Make sure that the company only employs experienced and skilled window workers. Ask for the last training they’ve attended, as well as certifications and other credentials.
• Excellent Customer Service: You would want to be able to contact the company fast and easy if issues arise during the installation process or even after the office window tinting job is done. Ask about the communication methods the company offers like a dedicated customer support line (toll-free number or landline number), email, chat support, or text message.
• Warranty and Insurance: These two must always be sought in any service work. You want to ensure that you won’t be liable for any untoward accidents or damages the office window tinting job entails, so you have to ensure that the company offers service warranty and insurance.

Decorative Office Window Tinting

You can boost the aesthetic appearance of your building without spending a lot of money. Decorative window tinting is an excellent alternative to etched glass, which is appealing and budget-friendly. When it comes to office window decorations, the durable material is polyester along with its significant architectural beauty.

Here are the facts about decorative window tinting:

• Decorative office window tinting refers to the application of window films to the inside part of office windows. Professional window installers should perform the job to ensure correct application.
• Office window tinting is perfect for residential homes, conference rooms, lobbies, private offices, verandas, glass partitions, and retail settings.
• The different patterns or specific assortments you can choose from include the following: decorative accents, decorative vision strip (crystal clear), full coverage privacy (with graphics to cover doors and windows from top to bottom), and privacy banding (perfect for meeting areas and conference rooms).

Conclusion

Protect your investment properties by upgrading your office windows, and you’ll also reap other benefits. All the people working for you, as well as your customers and clients, are kept safe from harmful UV rays. Of course, window tinting adds a touch of modernism and professionalism to your property, creating an inviting environment that can encourage more investors and customers to do business with you.

Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular home projects out there.

But if you don’t know what you’re doing, your remodel can get out of hand fast. Learning how to remodel your kitchen takes a bit of research and preparation.

That’s why we’ve put together these five helpful kitchen remodel tips to help you get started.

So let’s get started!

1. Know When to Splurge and When to Save

There are some things that are worth spending extra money on, but there are also things that aren’t worth the expense. So before you start your kitchen remodel, make sure you know what things fall into each category.

For example, full-extension, soft close drawers are a good investment. They give you the ability to see and access everything inside, and they don’t slam when you close them.

But a pot filler feature, on the other hand, might not be worth what you spend to install it. While it does make filling up pasta pots easier, you’d have to make a lot of pasta to justify the price.

Make sure you set a budget before you start renovating. This will help keep you on track financially and keep you from overspending.

2. Reuse What You Can

Kitchen remodels can get expensive fast. So make sure you save and reuse everything you can.

Just because you don’t like the look of your cabinets doesn’t mean you should throw them away and buy new ones. You might be able to sand them down and repaint them instead.

You can also save money by keeping the appliance hookups in the same spots, or you can create new counters by keeping the same structure and installing quartz countertops.

These things can help you save money and transform your kitchen at the same time.

3. Don’t Overlook the Little Things

The small details may not be as noticeable as faucets, appliances, and counters, but they are just as important. Selecting a high-end faucet from a reputable company like https://www.mrkitchenfaucets.com/types/pull-down/ will make a big difference in the value that you get for your money.

Old, painted-over cabinet door hinges will make your kitchen look dated and shabby. By installing new, shiny hinges, you’re giving your entire kitchen a sleek, clean feel.

You should also avoid installing mismatched appliances. Even installing a new sink fixture can pull your whole remodel together.

4. Utilize Every Inch of Space

Don’t leave any space in your kitchen underutilized. Instead, look for creative ways to add other important features or extra storage space.

For example, consider putting toe-kick drawers under your kitchen cabinets. Although small, these types of drawers can hold cutting boards, Tupperware lids, foldable stepstools, etc.

But don’t make the mistake of sacrificing your counter space. Don’t cut your workspace short just to add another set of cabinets.

5. Don’t Do It by Yourself

You should never do your kitchen remodel completely on your own.

Unless you have the necessary experience, DIYing a remodel can make your kitchen look thrown together. It can also make the job more expensive.

Why?

You might have to buy extra supplies if you make a mistake. Or if you mess up too bad, you might have to hire a professional anyway.

Always let the experts handle the remodel for you.

Understanding How to Remodel Your Kitchen

Trying to figure out how to remodel your kitchen?

Creating a budget is the best place to start. After that, make sure you do some research and find out what features are worth your money and what features you should skip.

And remember, a remodel doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. Reusing some of the things you already have can save you both time and money.

Want to learn more about kitchen remodels?

Make sure you check out more of our blog!

Inside your own home, safety and comfort should be of utmost importance. Homeowners should prioritize the functionality of their home as it will greatly influence their lifestyle and outlook in life. Every space in a property counts, and every inch of space should contribute to its residents being able to move and live pleasantly.

However, people with mobility issues tend to require more assistance in navigation, especially when living in a multi-story residence. Installing a stair lift from can be the best mobility solution for people requiring more attention. If you’re interested in knowing what options you have for a stair lift, you can visit https://nationwideliftsoftx.com/stair-lifts/.

While most people may not be aware of this, stair lifts have passed through countless generations, as the first stair lift was used by King Henry VIII to help him with his walking issues. Before, a block and tackle mechanism supported by ropes are used. As stair lifts are progressively evolving today, new technologies are added to help humanity with their needs. Homes are becoming more luxurious and functional upon a good investment. As a new stair lift technology is curated, humans can harness the additional benefits and advantages of having one.

Independence and freedom

Every circumstance doesn’t guarantee that we can offer people some help when climbing up and going down the stairs. With the help of stair lifts, people with mobility issues can climb from floor to floor independently. As some people may not prefer depending on others every time, they can have the freedom of climbing without anyone with the use of a stair lift.

Additionally, as an able-bodied person that offers help to your relatives when taking the stairs, you can have the freedom to move as well. You won’t have to worry about them whenever you’re not around, as they can count on the stair lift.

Safety

Many factors can provoke stair-related accidents, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, obstructions and slipping hazards, or you just happened to miss the steps. This can be particularly dangerous with people with mobility issues, as their disability, plus the chance of getting involved in accidents, puts them at a disadvantage.

For less accidents inside your home, stair lifts can be installed along with other safety and personal features. You can add some features such as foot sensors, harnesses, and seatbelts. There are also special sensors that detect when an object is along the pathway of the lift, so you can remove them instantly.

The mechanism of the stair lift is designed to run in a smooth and balanced way, even with sudden halts that could ruin the experience of the occupant. You can have an additional remote control for your stair lift, to help the occupant control the stair lift in any way they want without feeling unsafe. Because of these features, you can feel more assured that you and your family are in good hands.

If you think those are all the features you can add, there’s actually more on the list. There are available flip-up seats and rails, and a stair lift’s system where you can fold and set the chair aside when not in use, so people who prefer to climb the stairs can do so.

Saves more space

Unlike elevators that require a vast space for installation, stair lifts can be installed right away in any stairway. It is simply an elevating chair that could fit one person at a time, and it doesn’t take up a big space on the stairs. Furthermore, the other equipment that come with it, such as the rails, don’t take up too much space as well.

Cost- and time-efficient

Instead of having an elevator, installing a stair lift in your home saves on expenses and time in the long run. Your home needs a huge remodeling during the process of elevator installation, such as removing furniture and decorations on the elevator space, digging up for the elevator’s hoistway, and more. Also, if your home already has stairways that will be replaced by an elevator, you still have to demolish the existing stairs rather than simply installing a stair lift.

Moreover, building elevators require more materials, equipment, and labor than stair lifts. Aside from the equipment costs of a stair lift, you’ll only need to worry about the electrical costs that will be installed at the stairs’ foundation.

Additional functionality and accessibility

When your home looks pretty dull and in need of new upgrades, ergonomic stair lifts that suit your aesthetics can be a good boost to your home. The overall appearance of your home mirrors your lifestyle and personality, and vice versa, so you should maximize its potential to become an amazing home that looks pleasing to both its residents and guests.

Upon installing a stair lift, you have successfully added a new function and piece to your home that can be readily accessible at any given time. As stair lifts come with a maximum size that would not block the whole stairway, anyone can climb the stairs and use the stair lift at the same time. These functions will help the residents when running errands and during emergency situations.

Everything is customizable

Stair lifts can come in the same size—but not if you don’t want them to. Today, various home decor trends are emerging, and you can add a touch of personal customization to your stair lift so it could fit the needs and preferences of its occupants. You can have a tailor-made chair to be installed, which caters to the size of the occupants so they will feel more comfortable while using it.

There are also options for stairways that have unique builds and designs. For instance, there are some homeowners who hesitate installing a stair lift because their stairways are shaped into curves or spirals. Evidently, straight rails will not fit into these types of stairways. But don’t panic—you can still have a custom stair lift made for you.

These custom curved stair lifts can handle the stair’s complexity and can fit on the landings and curves of the stairs. Of course, the cost for this special type of stair lift is relatively higher, as they require more work and personalization.

 Conclusion

As time passes by, more breakthroughs will help people engineer more inventions and innovations that will help the human race live with ease, and stair lifts are a small step towards that. Regardless, stair lifts have provided more than people can expect, as a simple equipment can greatly matter in improving one’s mobility.

Hurricanes are one of the deadliest types of storms. In 2017, Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean and the southeastern United States. There were 67 deaths in total.

There’s no guaranteed way to stay safe from a hurricane, but there are ways to prevent a disaster and to protect your home or business. Start with your roof.

Hurricanes can blow debris and even a tree on your roof, causing a collapse. The risk increases for a hurricane that’s a category 3 or higher.

Hurricane season is here and it’s time you start protecting your home from its effects. Read these 10 hurricane season tips and know how to protect your roof.

Hurricane Season Tips for Your Roof

While you board up your windows and remove your yard décor, you should also do some roof maintenance to ensure it will stand up to the elements. Here are some roofing maintenance tips to follow.

1. Install Roof Tie-Downs

They have many names: tie-downs, hurricane connectors, and even hurricane straps. Nonetheless, you should install them before a hurricane. Hurricane tie-downs are small structural bracing devices made of galvanized steel.

They provide a strong connection between the roof and the rafters. This prevents your roof from blowing away.

Keep in mind, not all homes and buildings will need these straps. Take a look at your local building code to see if they’re required.

2. Get a Roof Inspection

If your roof is old and your shingles are wearing down, your roof is lacking strong structure. This means it can collapse if the smallest piece of debris makes an impact. This is why it’s smart to get a roof inspection.

Be sure you only get an inspection by a qualified roofing contractor. They find the weak spots and recommends different courses of action to take, such as repairs.

You should also find a contractor who promotes storm-specific services, the way Storm Group Roofing does.

3. Clean Your Gutters

Debris and other things collapsing on your roof isn’t the only danger. Hurricanes bring lots of rain, and this rain will go into your gutters, causing them to clog up. In addition, they can fill up with debris and further degrade your home.

Make sure your gutters are clean before the storm. After the storm, clean them again to ensure they’re not clogged.

4. Trim and Cut Down Your Trees

The easiest way to prevent a tree from collapsing into your roof is to not have trees in your yard! You shouldn’t cut down all your trees, but you can get rid of a few to protect your roof.

Cut down any trees that are close to your home or hang down over your roof.

In addition, you should trim them up. Cut down any long or old limbs.

5. Look for Other Warning Signs

While a roofing contractor can handle the big diagnosis and damages, you can see any warning signs.

Inspect your roof before and after the storm. Before the storm, check for small issues such as loose nails. Hammer in those nails to prevent your shingles from breaking off.

After the storm, do another inspection. Check for water damage on your ceiling, rust spots, and any leaks.

6. Secure Your Skylight

Skylights are a trending feature. It’s a window on your roof that lets natural light in your home, helping to save energy. However, a hurricane can damage your skylight.

The heavy windows can form cracks in the window. And if a tree or debris falls through it, the window can crack and cause rain to enter your home. Repairing your skylight can cause thousands of dollars.

Secure your skylight by covering it with plywood.

7. Take Photos of Your Roof Before

This isn’t a maintenance tip. But it can save you in case there is any damage.

FEMA and other organizations provide funding for natural disasters. In addition, many insurance companies also provide relief. But your insurance company may be stringent.

To prove your claim, provide pictures of your roof before the storm to prove the damage.

You can take pictures of your roof while on the ground, but it’s best to get up on the roof to prove your roof is in good shape.

8. Remove Décor and Debris From Your Yard

Powerful hurricane winds can pick up anything, including that exquisite patio furniture set you spent lots of money on. You wouldn’t want that outdoor sectional or fire pit bursting through your roof, right?

Be sure to take all your yard décor and place it inside of your home.

Your décor isn’t your only concern. Remove all debris from your yard, such as leaves and dead branches. These may be small but they can damage your roof and gutters.

9. Continue With Regular Roofing Maintenance

You shouldn’t only get a roof inspection when a hurricane hits. Continue with regular roofing maintenance. You’ll always have a powerful roof in case a last-minute storm hits.

Meteorologists can only predict a hurricane between three and five days in advance before it hits. That’s because it takes time for a storm to form into a hurricane and get more powerful before it hits land.

It’s best to know you have a high-quality roof when you first hear of the storm.

10. Keep Up With Your Home Insurance and Roof Warranties

Even with all these tips, there’s no way to protect your roof from a hurricane. Prepare for the worst and know there’s a chance you can have a damaged roof.

Keep all documentation. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover hurricane damage.

Make sure your insurance covers this by searching through your contract and seeing your coverage. In case your policy doesn’t cover hurricane damage, have FEMA contact and information nearby.

Do you have a roof warranty? Keep that information handy, as well.

Keep Your Roof and Home Safe From a Hurricane!

From important documentation to hurricane protective products, there are many ways to prep your roof for hurricane season. Keep these hurricane season tips in mind when the new storm rolls around.