Gatewood Construction and Home Remodeling, Springfield, Illinois

Sharp Guy Sharpening Services – Classified Ad

sonofthunder77 — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:33:27 +0000

Just opened a new business in Peoria IL!!!!! Feel free to spread the word…Thanks!!! Sharp Guy Sharpening Services – Classified Ad.

Mixing Home Decor Trends with Classics @ Bella Grove

sonofthunder77 — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:27:23 +0000

Interior decorating is a lot like fashion. There are a lot of fun home decor trends that come and go, and there are simple classics that never go out of style.

Some home decor trends have the potential to become classics, and these are worth investing in, but others fizzle out just as quickly as they appeared and you won’t want to have spent a fortune on them. So what’s a decorating fan to do? Invest in classic pieces and intersperse the trends that appeal to you in small doses.

Color Trends

One of the best ways to incorporate trends into your home is with color. Take for instance Pantone’s color of the year for 2010 – turquoise. Let’s say you want to use the trendy color but you’re not convinced that you’ll always love it as much as you do now. The solution is to incorporate it in small but effective ways.

Try adding some turquoise accent pillows or throws to your sofa or chairs, add some turquoise ribbon to lampshades or curtains, buy a couple of inexpensive turquoise vases, and add scatter the room with turquoise flowers. By layering the room with the color in a few small ways you’ll achieve the look without any major changes. DO NOT go out and have a sofa or pair of chairs reupholstered because not only is it costly, but they cover a lot of visual space in a room and you’re more likely to tire of it quickly. The same goes for new bedding. The key is to use it in small but effective ways.

Pattern Trends

Some patterns go through trendy periods where they seem to take over interiors. Think back to the big floral prints of the 1980s or the animal print trend of the 1990s. While they can certainly be fun, they eventually go out of style. That said, there’s no reason why you can’t make the most of these trends in small ways.

Take zebra print, which was a big trend a couple of years ago. A great way to incorporate it would be to add small pieces. Accent pillows, a small bench, or a floor mat is a great way to go. When it comes to prints a little goes a long way so you don’t want to use too much. Unlike colors that you want to layer throughout the room, patterns are best when only used once or twice. Don’t do something too large like a window treatment because it can become too much of a focal point and you’re likely to get sick of it faster than you would a smaller item.

Furniture Trends

This one can be tricky. Furniture is almost always a financial investment so you don’t want to buy something that will quickly go out of style. When it comes to buying trendy furniture ask yourself a few questions before buying.

Does it suit your lifestyle? If you’re the type who likes to flop down on the couch and stretch out, an armless sofa (known as a slipper sofa) might not be the best purchase. If you really like the look try buying a slipper chair instead. You can still get the look without making such a large investment.

Is it comfortable? There are a lot of pieces out there that look great but certainly aren’t comfortable to sit in. Do you want a piece you can actually spend time in or do you want a look-but-don’t-touch showpiece? If you want to actually use your furniture, don’t buy it based on its trendy style.

Furniture trends are really tricky. Unless you’re truly in love with a particular piece, try to buy classic furniture and incorporate trends into the room with accessories. When it goes out of style or you tire of it you won’t feel like you wasted a lot of money. You can pass on the small items to your local second-hand store and move on to the next trend.

Check out www.bellagrove.com and talk to the experts. Affordable, trendy, knowledgeable, and the best in my opinion…Brian

Hanging a Light Fixture

sonofthunder77 — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:13:38 +0000

A new light fixture can brighten a room considerably and add flair if you are replacing an outdated fixture. It is a simple and inexpensive way to brighten the mood in a room. There are a few simple steps to installing a new light fixture so that it is safe and also hangs straight.

Turn off Power Source

Turn the power source off at the installation site and also at the electrical box in your home. If your electrical box is not labeled for the room you are working in, turn something on in the room that is running on the same circuit and wait for it to go off when you flip the circuit breakers. If this is not possible, turn off the power for the whole house until you are finished working with the wiring.

Secure Wiring and Support Hardware

Look at the existing wiring in the ceiling. You will probably see a sheathed wire with three smaller wires inside it, one white, one black and one green. Clean it up by removing any old tape. If the ends are frayed, cut back the ends a little and remove some of the sheathing. Connect the matching wires– black to black, white to white and green (or copper) to green (or copper) grounding wire–by twisting them together, applying a wire nut and taping the joined wires with electrical tape, or follow the fixture manufacturer’s directions.
Look at the electrical box in the ceiling. It will either have a central post coming down or a strap to attach the light fixture to. Most fixtures come with hardware for both setups. Screw the mount firmly in place, making sure the wiring is tucked securely into the electrical box and that the mount is flush with the ceiling. Don’t leave any wiggle room when you screw it to the electrical box mount or the light will sit crooked.

Install Light Bulbs and Glass Parts

Screw the correct wattage bulbs into the sockets so that they sit snugly but are not overtightened. Don’t use a higher wattage than recommended; the heat buildup will either burn out the bulbs faster than normal or you run the risk of an electrical short and a possible fire. Attach the rest of the glass parts of the light fixture, keeping the gaskets between the glass and metal hardware. Turn the power back on.

Great Bathroom Remodeling Alternative!

sonofthunder77 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:14:54 +0000

Check out this great alternative to Bathroom Remodeling!

Bathrooms Plus is Your One-Stop-Shop from

Concept to Design to Completion

Tired of your outdated bathroom? Whatever its size, from tiny powder room to spacious master bath, in most cases, the experts at Bathrooms Plus can completely remodel it from stud to stud in merely four days with the products and materials you custom select with personalized guidance from a professional onstaff designer.

Locally owned/operated by Mike and Mandy Troesser, Bathrooms Plus specializes in custom solutions to make your bathroom remodel project come to life. With over 100 combined years’ experience in the remodeling industry, the Bathrooms Plus staff is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to exceed your expectations. All team members undergo continuous training to remain current on the latest styles, trends and techniques available for a unique bathroom design that’s functionally beautiful.

“We’re registered with the Better Business Bureau and stand behind our work 100%, providing unlimited lifetime warranties that are transferable for the life of your house,” Mike explains. “We’re proud of the fact that we do not use any subcontractors for our installations. Our in-house staff is composed of professional designers, licensed plumbers and electricians, factory certified tile setters and installers, a plasterer with over 50 years’ experience and administrators available to answer all of your questions.

Come see, touch and learn about the products you’re considering for your new bathroom design scheme, and let a Bathrooms Plus designer create the ideal plan for your needs.

Bathrooms Plus provides quick, convenient, hassle free professional installations of bath liners, shower bases, wall surrounds, cabinetry, shower doors and accessories. They also specialize in countertops, custom showers and floors, ceramic wainscoting and a wide variety of tile products. Other specialty products include handicapped tub to shower conversions, handheld showers, safety tubs and other special needs bathroom accessories.

Offering free in-home estimates, Bathrooms Plus remains central Illinois’ trusted one-stop source for intriguing bathroom remodeling products and services, featuring one-of-a-kind designs and the solutions you’re after. Their skilled technicians strive to complete your project on time and on budget using only topquality products and installation techniques to transform your outdated powder room into the bathroom of your dreams.

7024 N. University • Peoria, IL 61614

Ph: 309-693-8827

www.BathroomsPlus.com

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Customer Testimonials

I had Bathrooms Plus out to my home to completely renovate the current bathroom I had. I was impressed they had a one-stop-shop. I went out to the store and worked with their designers. They were friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. I got the bathroom of my dreams for a fraction of the cost. Now they are completely remodeling my kitchen. I would recommend Mike and his staff to anyone.

K. Fenney

Our bathroom looks excellent! The guys did an outstanding job. We got more then we expected for the amount of money we spent. We feel the tile installers are the best in the area. We will gladly call Bathrooms Plus when we are ready for the 2nd bathroom.

Horack Family

TOH Small-Space Solutions

sonofthunder77 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:59:53 +0000

Great information for Do-It-Yourselfers!

Use Paint to Open Up a Room

Paint crown molding to match the ceiling to widen a narrow room. Painting both the crown and ceiling white in this skinny space creates the illusion that the ceiling is wider than it is, minimizing the tunnel-vision effect. Here’s another trick: Install flooring, whether it’s wood or tile, in a diagonal pattern to help make rooms appear wider than they are.

TOH Tip: Keep compact rooms simple by using small-scale furniture instead of overstuffed pieces.

Flooring: Lumber Liquidators
Floor installers: Neale Flooring, 973-748-7105
Carpet, furniture, and accessories: ABC Carpet & Home
Window treatments: The Shade Store
Pendant light: Rejuvenation Hardware
General contractor: MRS Inc, Brooklyn, NY; 718-832-5958
Woodwork restoration: John M. Thomas Studios, New York, NY; 646-573-7105

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20301933_20665668,00.html

How To Get Home Addition Estimates

sonofthunder77 — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:43:40 +0000

The first step toward finding the right contractor for your home addition is requesting accurate estimates. The boundaries of home addition estimates are determined by the size of your project and the level of service provided by the contractor. You need… How to Get Home Addition Estimatesby eHow.com

Painting Tips For The Weekend Warrior

sonofthunder77 — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:36:43 +0000

A room looks wonderful with a fresh coat of paint. But if you have a “Love-Hate”relationship with painting, you’ll want to read our tips on getting a great finished product. You might even enjoy the project as much as the finished product!

Start Out Right

You’ll enjoy the job more if you get everything together at the start. Organize a tool station in the middle of the area you’ll be working in. Gather together your paint, brushes, rollers, hammers, screwdrivers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, rags, paint can opener, and drop cloths.

Plan a Day for Prep

Don’t try to get everything done in one day. Use the day before painting day to gather furniture in the center of the room, patch cracks and holes, put blue painter’s tape around doors and windows, and cover wall and ceiling light fixtures (light bulbs removed, of course!) with large plastic bags.

Clear the Decks

If you can, clear out all the furniture and accessories. Take everything off the walls. If you can’t move everything out, place the furniture and lamps in the middle of the room and cover them with a good drop cloth. Be sure that you tape the cloth around the furniture. Then put a second cover of plastic or old sheet over everything.

Remove All Hardware

It may seem easier to paint around door knobs or cabinet hinges, but unless you’re a professional, very experienced painter, you’re bound to get drips around. So carry around some zip top bags and remove all cabinet knobs and hinges, door knobs, light switch plates and outlet covers, and light fixtures. Place the pieces together in separate bags and clearly mark the contents and location (top left cabinet, bathroom door, etc) you took them from. This is a great time to clean the hardware! Put them back when you’re done painting.

Get Yourself Ready

No matter how hard you try, you’re bound to get drips (or more) of paint on whatever you’re wearing. So take off all jewelry. Reserve some old, but comfortable, clothes for your painting jobs. Slip-on shoes are easy to take off if you need to leave the room. You won’t have to worry about tracking drops of paint into other rooms. When you paint the ceiling, put a scarf, shower cap, or old baseball hat over your hair and some plastic over your eyeglasses.

Don’t Paint Over Problem Walls

If your walls have holes or cracks, fix them before you start with the paint. Any home center or paint store has knowledgeable personnel to guide you to the best products for the job. Wide cracks and large holes can be “bridged” with fiberglass tape, spackle will fill small holes and cracks, and texturizing products are available to match your existing wall finish.

Insulation Tips

sonofthunder77 — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:05:03 +0000

Insulation

First, check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area. Insulation is measured in R-values—the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat. DOE recommends ranges of R-values based on local heating and cooling costs and climate conditions in different areas of the nation. The map and chart below show the DOE recommendations for your area. State and local code minimum insulation requirements may be less than the DOE recommendations, which are based on cost effectiveness. For more customized insulation recommendations, check out the Zip Code Insulation Calculator. This tool provides insulation levels for your new or existing home based on your zip code and other basic information about your home. Although insulation can be made from a variety of materials, it usually comes in four types; each type has different characteristics.

Rolls and batts—or blankets—are flexible products made from mineral fibers, such as fiberglass and rock wool.

They are available in widths suited to standard spacings of wall studs and attic or floor joists: 2×4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2×6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.

Loose-fill insulation—usually made of fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose in the form of loose fibers or fiber pellets, it should be blown into spaces using special pneumatic equipment. The blown-in material conforms readily to building cavities and attics. Therefore, loose-fill insulation is well suited for places where it is difficult to install other types of insulation.

Rigid foam insulation—foam insulation typically is more expensive than fiber insulation. But it’s very effective in buildings with space limitations and where higher R-values are needed. Foam insulation R-values range from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch of thickness, which is up to 2 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness.

Foam-in-place insulation—this type can be blown into walls and reduces air leakage, if blown into cracks, such as around window and door frames.

Insulation Tips

Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-values for your home.
Use higher density insulation on exterior walls, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls.
Ventilation helps with moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow from the soffit to the attic to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient. Do not ventilate your attic if you have insulation on the underside of the roof. Check with a qualified contractor.
Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss, but you need to be careful how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked IC—designed for direct insulation contact. Check your local building codes for recommendations. See Lighting for more about recessed cans.
As specified on the product packaging, follow the product instructions on installation and wear the proper protective gear when installing insulation.
Long-Term Savings Tip
One of the most cost-effective ways to make your home more comfortable year-round is to add insulation to your attic.

Adding insulation to the attic is relatively easy and very cost effective. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of the insulation. If it is less than R-30 (11 inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 8 inches of cellulose), you could probably benefit by adding more. Most U.S. homes should have between R-30 and R-60 insulation in the attic. Don’t forget the attic trap or access door.

If your attic has enough insulation and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls as well. This is a more expensive measure that usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost if you live in a very hot or cold climate. If you replace the exterior siding on your home, you should consider adding insulation at the same time.

You may also need to add insulation to your crawl space or basement. Check with a professional contractor.

New Construction

For new homes in most climates, you will save money and energy if you install a combination of cavity insulation and insulative sheathing. Cavity insulation can be installed at levels up to R-15 in a 2 in. x 4 in. wall and up to R-21 in a 2 in. x 6 in. wall. The insulative sheathing, used in addition to this cavity insulation, helps to reduce the energy that would otherwise be lost through the wood frame. The table below shows the recommended combinations. For example, in Zone 5, you could use either a 2×4 wall with R-13 or a 2×6 wall with R-21. For either of those two walls, you should also use an inch of insulative sheathing that has an R-value of R-5 or R-6.

Today, new products are on the market that provide both insulation and structural support and should be considered for new home construction or additions. Structural insulated panels, known as SIPs, and masonry products like insulating concrete forms are among these. Some homebuilders are even using an old technique borrowed from the pioneers: building walls using straw bales. Check online at www.energysavers.gov for more information on structural insulation.

Radiant barriers (in hot climates), reflective insulation, and foundation insulation should all be considered for new home construction. Check with your contractor for more information about these options.

All of Alaska in Zone 7 except for the following boroughs in Zone 8:

Bethel
Northwest Arctic
Dellingham
Southeast Fairbanks
Fairbanks N. Star
Wade Hampton
Nome
Yukon-Koyukuk
North Slope

Zone 1 includes

Hawaii
Guam
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands

How Much Insulation Does My Home Need?
For insulation recommendations tailored to your home, visit the DOE Zip Code Insulation Calculator at www.ornl.gov/~roofs/zip/ziphome.html.

*These recommendations are cost-effective levels of insulation based on the best available information on local fuel and materials costs and weather conditions. Consequently, the levels may differ from current local building codes.

How to Sharpen Tools | The Family Handyman

sonofthunder77 — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:40:44 +0000

And yet another great DIY job! How to Sharpen Tools | The Family Handyman.

Filed under: Home Improvement Tips

Electrical How To.

sonofthunder77 — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:20:44 +0000

Unless you have x-ray vision, it’s hard to know exactly what’s inside wall and ceiling cavities. That’s why fishing a cable, like any fishing expedition, takes time, patience and a certain amount of trial and error. Keep in mind that studs and joists are typically spaced with 14½ or 22½ inches between them. Taking time up front to figure out how your house was put together can save lots of work later on.
With patience and luck, you can bring cable to the site of your new outlet without chopping a bunch of unnecessary holes in your walls and ceilings. But in some situations, surgery can’t be avoided. Any cable fishing calls for one or a combination of these techniques.

Run Cables From Above
If you have an unfinished attic, you can probably route cable from there to an outlet in the wall immediately below. Locate the wall’s top plate and bore a ¾-inch hole through it. Thread fish tapethrough the hole into the wall and have a helper yell when the hooked end of the tape reaches the wall opening. Your helper might need a coat hanger to grab the tape.
Connect cable to the fish tape, then reel in the tape and cable. Cut the cable so that 7-12 inches protrudes from the opening.
If the tape hits something about half-way down the wall, you’ve encountered blocking nailed horizontally between studs. To get cable through a stop, you’ll need to open up the wall there and notch the blocking.

Run Cables From Below
If your basement has an unfinished ceiling, you can run cable from there to a first-floor wall outlet. Drill a 1/8-inch locator hole at an angle through the floor next to the baseboard. Shove a coat hanger into the hole, then go to the basement and mark a point under the wall 2¼ inches from the locator hole. Drill a ¾-inch hole here straight up through the subfloor and wall plate.
You can probably just push cable up through the larger hole to the wall opening. If pushing doesn’t work, try fishing from above. Cut the cable so that at least 7 inches protrude from the opening.

Run cables Across Joists and Studs
Sorry about the mess and extra work, but the only way you’re going to get cable past studs and joists in finished walls and ceilings is by making strategically located holes in the surface, then notching or drilling the framing.
In plaster (top) open up the ceiling along the entire cable run, and remove parallel strips of lath. Bore ¾-inch holes through the joists. After running the cable, patch the opening with strips of drywall.
With drywall (bottom) make an opening at each framing member and cut a ¾-inch notch into its edge. After cutting the notches, run the cable and shield it at each notch with nail plates. Patch the holes.

Run Cables for a Ceiling Light
First, thread fish tape from the new ceiling outlet down a wall to an existing receptacle. Make an opening at the juncture of the wall and ceiling as shown. Notch the wall’s top plate to accommodate the cable. After you run the cable, protect it with nail plates.
In this example, cable from the receptacle to the switch and from the switch to the light was notched into wall studs behind the baseboard.
The Pros Say: If you have lots of corner notches to cut, consider renting a reciprocating saw. Its replaceable blades can get into spaces where nothing else will saw. Use your wood chisel only as a last resort, because you’re bound to hit a few nails.

Filed under: Home Improvement Tips