What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of contractor is just as important as finding a professional and properly licensed contractor.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hiring-contractors-estimates/1167-types-of-contractors-for-home-improvement.html

Dehumidifier Troubleshooting, FAQ, Repair and Parts

What is wrong with my Dehumidifier? The coils frost up, It runs, but no air blows out the front, The indicator light is on, but the unit doesn't run, The container fills up too quickly. Learn how to troubleshoot dehumidifier repairs.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/9996-Dehumidifier-Troubleshooting-FAQ-Repair-and-Parts.html

How to Clean Aluminium Windows

Over time windows naturally get dirty from dust in the air, birds flying by and bugs taking refuge. Keeping them clean is essential to ensure they continue working as they should, but how should you clean aluminium windows without damaging them?

The cleaning methods may vary depending on the age of your windows and the finish on them. Newer powder coated aluminium frames will need a less vigorous clean than aluminium windows that are older than 15-20 years and without a painted finish.

Below we’ve tried to outline the best cleaning options for both types of finish.

Powder Coated Finish

A powder coated finish is a painting technique that gives you a long-lasting finish that won’t corrode, making it highly sort after on aluminium windows.

If yours are like Anglian’s and have a powder coated finish, the cleaning process is much simpler than you may think. It’s recommended you clean your windows at least once every 3 months as this will keep your windows looking like new for longer!

Top tip: Start washing from top to bottom to prevent dirt spreading over where you’ve already cleaned.

• All you need to wash the aluminium is warm soapy water and a soft cloth (microfibre clothes are great!).
• Don’t be tempted to use anything abrasive or harsh cleaning agents as this will damage the finish and invalidate a warranty.
• The only grease you’ll need is of the elbow variety, guaranteed to get rid of any stubborn bits of muck or dirt.
• Don’t forget to clean in hard to reach places or parts that are hidden when the window is closed. A build up of debris here can cause issues with the drainage of the window.
• Once you’ve washed all parts of the window, give it a good dry with another clean cloth and they should be sparkling once again.

Related: How to Clean uPVC Windows

Older Aluminium Windows

If you have older aluminium windows they may not have the this special finish, meaning they could be exposed to the elements, leaving them looking a little worse-for-wear. If they do, it’s worth giving them a thorough clean to see how they’re holding up – you may find as you’re cleaning there are leaks, holes or damage to the windows.

• Warm soapy water is the best place to start when cleaning them, getting rid of the surface dirt and grime. There are special aluminium cleaners out there, but be sure to check the label and sample on a small hidden area first.
• Dry the aluminium once again with a cloth as it should buff them up nicely.
• You may find that the frames are heavily water-marked from years of exposure to Mother Nature, but fear not, you may be able to polish this off with fine steel wool and water.

If you find irreparable damage whilst cleaning your windows, you should consider replacing them with new aluminium windows, complete with the easy to clean powder coated finish. It’ll save you money with more efficient glass, save you time with the cleaning and they will give your home a fresh new look!

The post How to Clean Aluminium Windows appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/clean-aluminium-windows/

Using a Pool Noodle as a Water Hose - Today's Homeowner

Pool noodles make great Simple Solutions. This one involves using it as a water hose to fill buckets that won't fit in the sink or under the faucet.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/using-a-pool-noodle-as-a-water-hose/

Ryobi ONE+ Easy Edge Cordless Trimmer/Edger - Today's Homeowner

Ryobi's Easy Edge ONE+ is is a lightweight trimmer delivers a 10-inch cut width with a rotatable shaft for easy edging capability. It is available at The Home Depot.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/ryobi-one-easy-edge-cordless-trimmeredger/

How to Protect Your Furniture from Sun Damage

Having large windows that let in a lot of sunlight can be nice. It can feel good enjoying the natural light when you are indoors. While it may feel nice for a time, it can cause problems for your furniture.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/bedroom-furnishings/9995-How-to-Protect-Your-Furniture-from-Sun-Damage.html

How to Protect Your Furniture from Sun Damage

How to Protect Your Furniture from Sun Damage Having large windows that let in a lot of sunlight can be nice. It can feel good enjoying the natural light when you are indoors. While it may feel nice for a time, it can cause problems for your furniture. Ultraviolet radiation can cause damage to things like furniture, flooring, carpets and a whole range of other items that may be in the home. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to protect furniture from sun damage. Block the Sun Regardless of whether you are trying to prevent sun fading to your furniture or looking for ways to protect your carpet, blocking the sun will be one of the most effective methods. If you are looking to protect your furniture by blocking the sun, you have a range of different window treatments that you could try. Window blinds can also be a good option for protecting furniture from sun damage. Something like a set of sunscreen roller blinds can work well for blocking the sun, and you have a variety of ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/general-household/9995-How-to-Protect-Your-Furniture-from-Sun-Damage.html

Build a Custom Home or Renovate Your Existing House?

There is a difficult choice to be made between building the custom dream home you’ve always wanted or renovating your current residence, the house you know and love

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/improvements-remodeling-building/9994-Build-a-Custom-Home-or-Renovate-Your-Existing-House.html

How to Create a Great Office Space

How to Create a Great Office Space Moving to a new office space can be an exciting time for any business. When planning a new space, you have an opportunity to create a better work environment for you and your staff, and one that can aid in communicating some of your companies’ values to clients. You will need to consider things like the office furniture, the layout, and the different types of work spaces that you want to create. Most companies would likely benefit from consulting with a design firm. A professional that specialises in office design will know how to create an ideal work environment while maximizing the available space. However, many small companies may not be able to afford to hire a consulting firm. For these companies, here are some design tips that can help to achieve a better office environment. Light & Space Two key elements to a great office space are light and space. Every day, staff will spend hours in their workspace, and things like poor lighting ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/real-estate-finance/9993-How-to-Create-a-Great-Office-Space.html

How to Measure a Window for Blinds

How to measure a window for blinds When it comes to getting a new set of window blinds, you have a lot to consider if you want to get the right set. Whether you decide to go with something like dual roller blinds or sunscreen blinds, one of the most important points is getting the measurements right. If you get it wrong, it could cost you extra money in having to send the blinds back for alterations. Measuring blinds is fairly simple, but you do need to follow the right process to make sure your measurements are accurate. If you are getting ready to go shopping or planning to order a set of window blinds online, these instructions will help to ensure that you get the right fit. Mounting the Blinds Along with choosing from different types of window blinds, you also have to determine how the blinds will be mounted. Your choices for mounting the blinds are inside fit and outside fit. In some cases, the choice between these two options will be completely up to you, but there are some ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/interior-design-decor/9992-How-to-Measure-a-Window-for-Blinds.html

Milwaukee Offset Drive Adapter - Today's Homeowner

The Milwaukee offset adapter attaches to your power drill, so you can drive screws at an angle when working in tight spaces. It is available at The Home Depot.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/milwaukee-offset-drive-adapter/

Nontoxic Oven Cleaner - Today's Homeowner

Here's a recipe for an effective nontoxic oven cleaner, using orange peels, vinegar and baking soda.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/nontoxic-oven-cleaner/

A Guide to Improving Your Home

It’s that time of year again; we’re finally saying goodbye to winter and welcoming the warmer weather. Spring cleaning might be at the top of your list, but what about making some improvements to your home?

Not only can it add value, but simple changes such as upgrading to double glazing will make your home more energy efficient and save you money. Sainsbury’s Bank has created a handy guide to improving your home, full of tips on making the most of your space, along with the benefits of expanding with an extension.

You can find the guide here: http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/library/default/resources/guide-to-improving-your-home.pdf

Adding extra living space to your home is one of the best ways to add value to your property. With a plethora of designs and styles to suit all homes, we’ve looked at beautiful installations by Anglian Home Improvements.

Orangeries

Since introducing orangeries to their range of living spaces, Anglian have created some divine rooms such as this kitchen/diner. Utilising the extra space to create a sociable room, the lantern roof and bi-fold doors make it light and airy.

Conservatories

If more natural light is what your home is in need of, a conservatory is the ideal solution! This conservatory with verandah is stunning: the luxurious outdoor seating area is a great use for a verandah, providing you with a sheltered area to relax and enjoy your garden.

A dining room is often the purpose of a conservatory thanks to it’s appealing view of your garden and natural feel – many a dinner time conversation has been had in a conservatory.

Extensions and Contemporary Roofs

If you’re looking to add an extra bedroom, bathroom or living room, you could go down the more traditional brick built extension, but have you considered mixing it up with a contemporary roof?

Anglian added this to their range recently, offering a tiled roof with a modern roof window to naturally brighten up the room.

What do you think of the guide? How will you be improving your home this year? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

The post A Guide to Improving Your Home appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/guide-improving-home/

5 Features that Will Sell Your Home Faster

A lot of people focus on things like return on investment (ROI) when it comes to updating their homes before selling. And with some returns only netting you less than 50% of what you spent, it can be tough to swallow some of the hotter trends and renovations of today.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/real-estate-finance/9991-5-Features-that-Will-Sell-Your-Home-Faster.html

DaVinci Roofscapes Cedar Shake Roof: Real Versus Synthetic - Today's Homeowner

Time and the elements can take a toll on real cedar shake. Synthetic shake from DaVinci Roofscapes are made of virgin polymers with built-in UV inhibitors to ensure they maintain their color and performance for years to come.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/davinci-roofscapes-cedar-shake-roof-real-versus-synthetic/

How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets - Today's Homeowner

There are several steps to refacing cabinets, but it is a DIY-friendly project if you take your time and do things the right way.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-reface-kitchen-cabinets/

All About Elastomeric Stucco Painting

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/painting-wallpaper/9990-All-About-Elastomeric-Stucco-Painting.html

Hidden Dangers in Your Home Due to Broken Furnace and AC System

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hvac-air-conditioning/9989-Hidden-Dangers-in-Your-Home-Due-to-Broken-Furnace-and-AC-System.html

How to Get More Natural Light Into Your Home

If your home is less of a sun room and more of a cave, starving you of vitamin D, you should have a look at how you can harvest more natural light. Luckily, we’re here with tips to turn your home into a naturally lit beauty, so put away those multivitamins, and let’s get started.

1. Mirrors

If you have a narrow corridor you’re not sure how to make brighter or your room doesn’t have much natural light coming in, think about putting up a mirror or two. If you put it opposite or adjacent to a window, natural light will reflect off the mirror, bouncing light around your room.

If it’s placed opposite a window, you’ll get the view outside too, which gives the impression that you have more windows than you actually do.

2. Extra Windows

If a room is lacking light, is there space to add a window somewhere? If it does, it’s an obvious method to embrace more daylight. Choose a window without any decorative glass or cottage bars to maximise the light entering your home.

Alternatively, if the room that’s in desperate need of light leads straight into the back garden, French Doors could be another option to let light flood in. They give you quick and easy access to your garden and offer beautiful views of the great outdoors from the comfort and warmth of your home.

If you’ve got the space and budget, a conservatory should be considered. Traditionally a room built to cultivate exotic fruits such as oranges and lemons, these are a glamorous addition to any home and one that will harvest natural light.

 

Related: Can You Tan Through Windows?

3. Light Tubes

These little inventions are great for rooms like hallways or corridors where getting extra light in can be tricky. If a mirror just won’t cut it, you should see if you can get a light tube fitted.

A light tube is a tube filled with mirrors, which runs from the ceiling of the room you need to brighten all the way up to the roof to gather the light. These work especially well in bungalow hallways where it’s not as easy to light.

4. Reflective Surfaces

Kitchens can often be darker rooms in the house, so utilise surfaces such as splashbacks and worktops to brighten it up. By choosing a back painted glass splashback behind your oven or sink, the reflective surface will bounce more light around the room.

 

5. Cleanliness

This may seem a bit of a no-brainer, but the cleaner your windows are, the more light they will let in! If there’s a layer of dirt and grime on your window panes, give them a good clean and you’ll soon notice the difference. Here’s a helpful guide on cleaning windows to help.

If you have any tips on how to get more natural light into your home, let us know in the comments below, Facebook or Twitter.

The post How to Get More Natural Light Into Your Home appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/how-to-get-more-natural-light-into-your-home/

More Tips on Home Inspections for Maintenance Purposes

Not all problems with a property are easy to spot. Leaks and broken shingles, cracked windows and other, more visual issues are problems you can spot yourself by walking around the house and doing a thorough inspection. Other issues such as mold or clogged drainage system are more difficult to see. It takes a more thorough set of checks to spot them before they turn into bigger problems. There are a lot of companies that will survey your house at no charge. These companies usually offer home maintenance services; the free inspections are part of the way to attract your business and get clients. Since most of these potentially severe problems are difficult to handle on your own, getting a team of professionals do the inspections and repairs is actually a good idea. Here’s how you can get started. Seek More Opinions Yes, it is actually okay to invite several companies to inspect the house; there are just a few important things to keep in mind when you want to compare service ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/cleaning-maintenance/9987-More-Tips-on-Home-Inspections-for-Maintenance-Purposes.html

Creating a Strong Home Security Plan

Crime remains a major concern for most homeowners. The reality of becoming a victim is frightening, yet many people don't know what steps are most effective at preventing crime.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/safety-security/9986-Creating-A-Strong-Home-Security-Plan.html

4 Tips for Decorating your Studio Apartment

If you live in a small to medium-sized living space, you may need to get creative with decorating. It’s not uncommon to pay a great deal for a studio apartment in some areas. In fact, the rent for a 550 square foot apartment in New York City is $2,300. This is sure to be the motivation you need to do all you can with this space.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/interior-design-decor/9984-4-Tips-for-Decorating-your-Studio-Apartment.html

4 Tips for Decorating your Studio Apartment

If you live in a small to medium-sized living space, you may need to get creative with decorating. It’s not uncommon to pay a great deal for a studio apartment in some areas. In fact, the rent for a 550 square foot apartment in New York City is $2,300. This is sure to be the motivation you need to do all you can with this space.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/interior-design-decor/9985-4-Tips-for-Decorating-your-Studio-Apartment.html

Security Improvements To Make On Your Custom Dream Home

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/safety-security/9983-Security-Improvements-To-Make-On-Your-Custom-Dream-Home.html

Guess The Anglian Product To Win A Voucher!

Last year we ran a ‘Guess the Anglian Product’ competition and it proved so successful, we thought we’d give you all another chance to guess the product and win a £50 John Lewis voucher!

There are 3x £50 vouchers up for grabs, so make sure you share the competition with all of your friends and family.

The competition has multiple choice answers, all you have to do to enter is follow Anglian Home Improvements on their Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram and post your answer with #AnglianProductGuess on your chosen network. (For Instagram, the competition picture will be posted for you to comment on)

Once again, we recommend doing some research on Anglian Home Improvements‘ website to see what product this could be!

Here is the mystery Anglian product:

The answers:

a) Conservatory
b) Orangery
c) Porch
d) New contemporary solid roof

The competition closes on Tuesday 28th February, with the winners being randomly selected and contacted on the social network they entered. Good luck!

Terms and Conditions

‘WIN A £50 JOHN LEWIS VOUCHERS BY GUESSING THE PRODUCT’

Opening Date: Friday 17th February 2017

Closing Date: Tuesday 28th February 2017

Entry Details
To enter our competition to win one of 3 £50 John Lewis vouchers, go to Anglian’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and post your answer with #AnglianProductGuess.

This competition is open to residents of the UK, excluding Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland. Entrants must be aged 18 years. Competition excludes employees of Anglian Windows Limited and their families, agents or anyone else professionally associated with the prize draw.

Details of how to enter form part of the terms and conditions. It is a condition of entry that all rules are accepted as final and that the entrants agree to abide by these rules. The decision of the Promoter is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The winners will be selected by 1st March 2017.

The winners will be notified via the social network they entered within 2 days of the closing date of the prize draw.

If the Promoter has had no reply from the winner within 48 hours of the notification, the Promoter reserves the right to re-draw and award the prize to another entrant.

The prizes are 3x £50 worth of John Lewis vouchers. One voucher per randomly selected winner.

No Anglian purchase is necessary to enter this prize draw.

There is no cash alternative.

The prize is non-transferable.

By entering the competition the winners agree to participate in competition publicity, which could include interview and photographs of the winners.

Events may occur that render the competition itself or the awarding of the prize impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter and accordingly the Promoter may at its absolute discretion vary or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the Promoter as a result thereof.

Promoter:
Anglian Home Improvements
PO BOX 65
Norwich
Norfolk
NR6 6EJ

The post Guess The Anglian Product To Win A Voucher! appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/fun/guess-anglian-product-win-voucher/

3 Different Ways To Use Your Conservatory

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/interior-design-decor/9982-3-Different-Ways-To-Use-Your-Conservatory.html

5 Safety Tips for Heating Repair Services

One of the most important things for you to do in your home is to ensure that it’s safe. And one of the most dangerous aspects of your home can be your heating equipment. From fireplaces to stove tops to your heating system – if you’re not careful, you could end up with a charred kitchen or worse.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/safety-security/9980-5-Safety-Tips-for-Heating-Repair-Services.html

Save Money This Winter By Rearranging Your Furniture

There are several ways you can save money on your electricity bill this winter. Some are obvious, such as scheduling maintenance, changing filters, or using programmable thermostats, but something as simple as rearranging furniture is also a great way to save money this winter.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hvac-air-conditioning/9977-Save-Money-This-Winter-By-Rearranging-Your-Furniture.html

6 Signs to Know That Your Kitchen Needs Remodeling

All of our homes need a bit of a remodel every now and then. And that’s the most accurate in our kitchens. This is the one room in our home where we spend most of our time – cooking meals, preparing our kid’s lunches, and eating that midnight snack that you shouldn’t have.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/kitchen-bath/9978-6-Signs-to-Know-That-Your-Kitchen-Needs-Remodeling.html

7 Decor Tips to Make Your Home Look Luxurious

Your home is your sanctuary. And it should look as luxurious as you want to feel. There are tons of ways you can make your home luxurious without breaking the bank, too! Whether you’ve bought some beautiful waterfront villas on the French Riviera

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/interior-design-decor/9979-7-Decor-Tips-to-Make-Your-Home-Look-Luxurious.html

6 Benefits of Listing Your House on Sale Online

When you’re deciding to sell your house, there are plenty of choices out there for how you could go about selling it. You could get an agent to help you out and contact potential buyers for you. You could even just speak around with friends and family to see if anyone they know would be interested.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/real-estate-finance/9981-6-Benefits-of-Listing-Your-House-on-Sale-Online.html

How To Prepare Your Home For Moving Day

When you've decided that you want to move to a new place, there is a lot of things that need to get done. You need to find a new home, get in touch with a good moving company, get a moving quote, and start selling your current home.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/real-estate-finance/9976-How-To-Prepare-Your-Home-For-Moving-Day.html

Putting Your Home On The Market?

I know most may not think that including a quality house cleaning is an important factor to aid in the attempt to sell their house. Well, I would even go beyond one cleaning and advise a consistently clean home environment, either do it yourself or hire a maid service for as long as it takes to sell.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/real-estate-finance/9975-Putting-Your-Home-On-The-Market.html

Tip for Removing Broken Light Bulb - Today's Homeowner

Here's a tip for removing a broken light bulb using an empty plastic water bottle.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/tip-for-removing-broken-light-bulb/

Putting Your Home On The Market?

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/general-household/9975-Putting-Your-Home-On-The-Market.html

Joe’s 3 Favorite Painting Tips - Today's Homeowner

Painting is the No. 1 do-it-yourself home improvement project. Here are Joe Truini's three favorite painting tips.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/joes-3-favorite-painting-tips/