Oak Valley


3
Apr 12

Signs That A Home Needs A Remodel

Remodeling a room in a house has many long-lasting benefits. It can increase the functionality of the room, raise the resale value of the house and provide an updated look. Professional custom remodeling contractors are available to help every homeowner walk through the steps of a remodel.

Kitchen
One of the most popular rooms to be remodeled in a house is the kitchen. Kitchens can become out of date and can lose their functionality as the family grows. A small kitchen may suit the needs of a new family, but as the number of kids increase and the children grow up, the kitchen can become too small. Kitchen remodeling contractors can help a homeowner find solutions to the overcrowding. Taking out a wall or moving cabinets are some of the solutions that can be utilized to increase space and function.

Bathroom
The bathroom is another popular room to get a makeover. New and better bathroom fixtures are coming on the market all of the time. The features of these new items can make a big difference in the bath experience. Additionally, a bathroom that was built as part of a spec home or first time home may not have all of the amenities that are desired by homeowner. Adding a new bathtub or tile to the bathroom is a good way to remodel the bathroom that will make it feel like a spa inside of the house. Professional contractors are familiar with the applicable codes and construction methods to ensure that the bathroom remodel is done correctly and quickly.

Living Room
The room used the most in the house is typically the living room or den. The family gathers in that room to enjoy each other’s company. The amount of use the living room receives can quickly wear out everything in the room such as the furniture or television. Also, as children grow they will start having more friends over to use the living room. The additional number of people in the room can make it feel crowded. When a homeowner finds themselves avoiding a particular part of the house due because it is unattractive and worn or if the room is becoming over-crowded with nowhere to sit, it may be time to remodel the living room.

Eventually, the homeowner will want to make changes to modernize and renovate the house. The best way to get professional results in the least amount of time is to hire a contractor to handle the home remodeling project.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Signs-That-a-Home-Needs-a-Remodel&id=6977249

Does any of these signs sound familiar? Do you think that your home could use a remodel? Even if it’s just one room of your home, it can make a huge difference in how you feel about your home as a whole and can improve your home’s resale value as well! When you think you are ready to make a much needed change, just give us a call, we can take care of everything!

3810 Clemmons rd Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/


14
Feb 12

Tasks For Youur Winter Home Maintenance Calender

Weatherstripping and Window Caulking

The biggest culprit of energy loss in the winter is air leaks. Keep your home air tight to make sure the heating systems operate efficiently.

Test that all doors and windows close tightly. Put your hand around the seam and feel for drafts. If you feel a draft around a door, check the weatherstripping and replace as needed. Add more weatherstripping if there are any air gaps. Visually inspect the caulking around the windows and replace if it is cracked or there are gaps. Use a putty knife to remove the old caulking.

Roof and Gutters

The roof and gutters should have already been cleaned during the fall. During the winter it is more of an effort to keep them this way. Any water blocked on the roof or in the gutters during the winter will create an ice dam. Water pooling behind these ice dams can creep under shingles and lead to problems.

How do you prevent ice damming? First, make sure the gutters stay clean. They should have already been cleaned during the fall but it is important to make sure they remain free of debris. Second, make sure your attic is properly insulated. Warm air transferring heat to the roof through the attic can melt snow. If there happens to be a warm day during the winter it might be best to clear the snow from the roof. Not an easy task.

Furnace and Air Filters

The furnace needs to be in good working order for cold months. Once a year clean the blower and lubricate its motor as outlined in the unit’s manual. Call a professional if you are unsure.

Air filters help keep the unit clean. Check them once a month and replace as needed. Be sure to install the replacements in correctly. The little arrows on the side of the filters indicated the air flow direction. Also, check to see if fiberglass or pleated air filters are recommended. It typically depends on the air capacity of your home’s furnace.

Fireplace and Chimney

Fireplaces can be a great tool and even help you save money. Before using it go through the following checklist.

Inspect the front and mantle for any smoke marks. This typically indicates poor ventilation. Look inside the chimney for any blockage (e.g. a bird nest). Check the brick and mortar for cracks or damage. Call a professional to help you remedy any of the problems. If the fireplace is wood burning it should be cleaned every year to prevent a chimney fire.

If the guard you use is glass, use vinegar and water to clean smoke stains. This combo is a cheap way to keep the glass looking good.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tasks-for-Your-Winter-Home-Maintenance-Calendar&id=6859289

We still have over a month of Winter weather left; do you have everything done that you set out to do? If not, you’re not alone. There’s still time to get everything done and always remember, if you need help, we’re the ones to call!

3810 Clemmons rd, Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/


17
Jan 12

The Pros & Cons Of Cork Flooring

When you compare all the different types of flooring that are available, some are going to leap out at you more than others. For instance carpet is a popular choice, as is laminate flooring. Hardwood flooring is highly desirable but costs more and may not be within your budget.

But what would you say about cork flooring? You’ve probably heard of it but you may not have seriously considered having it in your home before. If you are thinking of changing the flooring in one or more rooms in your home, now is the time to find out more about it.

The advantages of cork

When people think about cork the first thing that comes to mind – perhaps understandably – is the backing on drinks coasters! This is certainly normally made from cork, and it might put you off the idea of installing it as your new flooring. But in truth the cork you will lay down on the floor is a lot different from the cork on those coasters.

For starters, cork is actually highly resistant to mold and mildew. This is why you often see cork boards to stand on when you get out of the shower. It can provide an excellent flooring choice in bathrooms and in kitchens, as well as other areas of the home. It also dampens down sound levels in a way that laminate and hardwood flooring do not, which is something else to think about.

Another thing that might make you consider cork flooring in more depth is its ability to withstand pretty much everything you throw at it. It is incredibly durable and this alone is one reason why many people opt for it.

The disadvantages of cork

While cork can withstand a lot of damage, it does depend on the type of damage caused. If you have a child who decides they’ll pick a chunk out of your cork floor one day, that chunk will notice and you’ll have to try and replace it.

Another major disadvantage is that you won’t be able to mop it. It typically has a protective coating but it doesn’t react well to water or spillages. If you do spill anything you should mop it up immediately to restrict the amount of damage done. Even though cork can be refinished, it isn’t an easy job and you shouldn’t be doing it all the time either.

Is cork flooring the one for you?

Clearly you have to think carefully before you decide to have a cork floor installed in your home. In some circumstances it may not be ideal at all, such as if you have kids or maybe even pets that might scratch it. Just imagine a dog of any size running across it and trying to turn by digging their claws into it. Not good!

So think about your situation and what you want from your floor before you decide whether cork will be the right choice for you.

Cork floors are currently very popular and, like most decorating options, there are both pros and cons associated with them. Cork flooring not only looks attractive, it is also very resilient, and if you are seeking a natural looking type of floor covering for your home, cork flooring offers many excellent properties. However, cork flooring does have a few disadvantages, so before you rush out to your nearest floor coverings store, you need to investigate what the pros and cons of cork flooring are!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Investigating-the-Pros-and-Cons-of-Cork-Flooring&id=6816785

So now that you know a little bit more about the pros and cons of cork flooring, do you think that it would be a good choice for your home? Do you have another flooring option in mind? Whatever you choose, we can meet your needs and your budget, so why not give us a call or come by our office today and see all we have to offer!

3810 Clemmons rd Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/


27
Dec 11

Our Top 10 Kitchen Trends of 2011

1) Make a Color Statement Contractors and clients are making more risqué choices when it comes to color selection. Vibrant colors are both fresh and modern and make an appealing statement. You can see how this new stylish trend is spreading throughout kitchen design industry.

2) Texture Appeal Patterns, colors, and lines are a large point of interest in the eyes of the client. Adding a touch of texture to even the smallest things can add personality.

3) Glass for Everyone! Glass has become a very trendy added accessory to both kitchens and baths this year. Glass applications in a kitchen are limitless. You can design your kitchen in the chic-est way this year by being able to use glass in so many places and spaces.

4) Island of Modernization Your Kitchen Island says a lot about your kitchen design. It is presumably the main focal point in the kitchen because of its location. It is a place where people can interact and connect. They can be customized to be rounded, rectangular and so on. You can put a sleek and modern touch to any kitchen island with the right materials.

5) Chocolate, Not Just a Guilty Pleasure! Cabinetry in chocolate and espresso make a statement when included into any kitchen design. You can integrate these accents in kitchen designs ranging from traditional to luxury. Natural finishes without all the razzle dazzle of glazing and distressing are now becoming more popular in kitchen design. Warm colors like chocolate brown can harmoniously accompany brighter accents in your kitchen.

6) Pantries, Your Treasure Chest of Goodies? The walk-in pantry is a veritable necessity for some households and a luxury for others. Dish and food storage dilemmas can easily be solved with the ample room you can create by making the addition of a walk-in pantry to your kitchen. You can harmonize the appearance of the new space that will serve as a fabulous transition from one room to the next.

7) Ceiling Design. By adding a hip svelte design to your ceiling, you are creating an open and airy space. There are so many different aspects you can incorporate to enhance your ceiling. Lighting, textures, and the exquisite intricacies in the materials used can bring a subtle feeling of intimacy to your kitchen space.

8) Natural Features. When the luminous beauty that nature has to offer is brought inside your kitchen there are limitless design options that you can choose from. Smokey gray stone options and eco-friendly leather wrapped cabinetry all make a strong design statement. All these aspects derived from nature can be incorporated into your kitchen design.

9) The Stacked Approach. Stacked features in the kitchen area are a hip and sophisticated way to bring cool new heights and varying elevations that will compliment the hustle and bustle of the city beyond your window sills.

10) Flooring Design. Inlaid flooring can completely transform a room. With all the different intricate and custom designs that you can choose from, inlaid flooring adds boost to your kitchen and living areas.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Our-Top-10-Kitchen-Trends-of-2011&id=6774437

Which one of these would you be interested in learning more about? Are you ready to actually start a project of your own? Well, give us a call today and we can help you take your dream and turn it into reality!

3810 Clemmons rd, Clemmons, NC 27012

1-800-913-3873

http://www.crawfordhomeimprovements.net/