September 12, 2008

Top Ten Remodeling Tips

Filed under: home — admin @ 7:07 am

My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It was a period renovation of a Victorian Gingerbread Craftsman. (I’m so thrilled I can talk about it in the past tense). We haunted architectural salvage houses for just the right windows, bid on eBay for period-correct light fixtures, spent an entire afternoon driving all over L.A. for a screw that they stopped making in the thirties and generally worked to the point of insanity. Tiptoed up to the line but never crossed it.

So here, ripped from the headlines so to speak, are my
Top Ten Tips for Remodeling. Read ‘em and weep.

1. There is a solution to every situation. But it’s
not necessarily yours. You go where the solution is - it
doesn’t come to you.

2. There is no medicine for whatever ails you quite like hard, exhausting, purposeful work.

3. Chew your own food. Don’t make your
problems other peoples. They’ve got their own.

4. I’m not psychic. Maybe you are.
Guesstimates of time and money are just that.
Reality has a way of intruding. When in doubt - go
with Reality. (I don’t know when I’m going to die
either).

5. Pain fades with time. Remodeling is like giving
birth. When you’re in the middle of delivery you
swear you’ll never do it again. But then the kid turns out to
be a looker, a few years go by…..Yadda yadda yadda - you’re in escrow.

6. There are no problems - only opportunities
for creativity, action and collaboration.

7. You’re born alone, you die alone - you don’t
have to win alone. Everyone can win. Some win more
than others but there’s enough in the pot to spread
around. If you squeeze a vendor to bid a job so
low that they can’t make money, harbor
resentment and cut corners - you both lose.

8. Nobody owes you anything. If they help you
it’s because they’re generous people. Acknowledge
them.

9. Everything comes to an end. And then it starts
up again.

10. Remodeling really is like Improv. You show up
without a script. You have no idea what’s going to
happen next ( except you can be sure that whatever
you think it’ll be - you’re wrong). You’re dependent
on others for their performances. So help them shine.
You make it work by paying attention to everything
and dealing with whatever Reality presents to you. Do
the best you can with the resources you have and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

11. Okay, I lied. There are more than Ten Tips to Remodeling. There are actually thousands. This last one, though, is the most important. Don’t forget to put yourself on your own Punch List. No pressure of work or money is reason enough not to eat right,sleep enough, monitor your health and appreciate your
family.

Mary Rosendale is a Certified Life Coach, Author, Speaker and serial remodeler. Visit her on the web at http://www.TheConstructedLife.com and sign up for her one-of-a-kind newsletter.

Tags: coaching, , , , , , , , , , , Home, home improvement, house, humor, love, problem solving, real estate, remodeling, stress, work

September 6, 2008

Storm Windows Will Give You A Sense of Peace of Mind

Filed under: home — admin @ 5:20 am

Protecting your home is surely forefront on your mind. Storm windows are a huge aspect of that protection, but not only that, they can also raise the value of your home, as well as enhance its appearance. A Storm window can replace nearly every type of window in your home, such as patio windows, or even a garden window.

Not only will storm windows protect the house you live in, but it can also save the lives of those that live in the home as well. In the event of severe weather, including strong winds and hurricanes, you can have the peaceful feeling that all is being protected.

You’ll be happy to know as well, that storm windows come at an affordable price much of the time. Especially when purchased in off season, such as winter in a hurricane prone zone.

Adding these windows will also add security from unwanted intruders as well. Not only that, but the way in which they are designed will help provide your home with energy efficiency, and with noise reduction. Just think that now those neighborhood cars with pounding speakers will be blocked out and you’ll be living in peace and quite once and for all.

If you’re worried about installing these windows yourself, this can be a simple do it yourself project, provided that you’re prepared to follow the instructions from the manufacturer. However, if installing hurricane window protection, you’ll want to opt for the installation to be done by a professional, because not installing them right could lead to the destruction of your home. Not only that, many insurance companies will not cover hurricane damage if these windows were not installed by certified professionals.

Just because they have a function, doesn’t mean that your storm windows need not be attractive. They in fact are exceptionally nice in appearance, and this appearance can be enhanced as well with the use of decorative window hardware. From the locks and latches to the hinges, you can surely find something to match your homes current d

Tags: Home, , , improvement, windows

August 31, 2008

Replacement Windows to Improve Your Home

Filed under: home — admin @ 3:38 am

Windows are a very important part of any home for many reasons. The humble window lets light and air into the home, can provide protection to the home, can improve security and safety to your property, and can really change the appearance of any property. This is why having the right type of window in every room in your home is important. Replacement windows can help to add to the value of your property, and can improve your standard of living whilst you are in the property. They can also make your home stand out from the crowd by giving it a complete overhaul and adding to its character and overall appearance. You can select from a wide choice of window options, ranging from casement windows and vinyl replacement windows right through to storm windows such as hurricane windows. You will find the perfect choice for every room in the home, from the garden windows to the patio, and you will be amazed at just what a difference the right window choice can make to each individual room as well as to the house as a whole.

How replacing your windows can improve your home

There are many ways in which replacement windows can improve your home. If you have old wood framed windows that are rotting away, replacing them with vinyl ones can really improve the look and the security that your home enjoys. Having storm windows fitted in an area prone to bad weather can provide your home with an addition degree of protection, giving you peace of mind. Every house has its own character and charm, and the right window choice can really bring out that character and make your house unique. And with high quality replacements you can look forward to improved energy consumption and even reduced noise pollution within your home. If you are good at the old DIY then you should be able to fit your replacement windows yourself as you will receive full manufacturer’s instructions. And whether you want something decorative or something subtle, you will find a great range of window choices to suit every needs and budget - as well as every home.

Complement your replacement windows with a choice of fabulous hardware

In addition to replacing the windows in your home, you can add to the new look and the security of your home with a choice of hardware designed to complement any window. From window locks to keep undesirables out to decorative features and hardware to bring out the best in each window and room, you will find everything you need to perfect the look of each replacement window. You can order both the windows and the hardware with ease online, and by browsing the various option available to you, you can quickly determine what sort of replacement will best suit your home as well as your pocket. So, if you want to add value to your home and enjoy a wide range of benefits, this could prove the ideal - and affordable - solution.

Peter J. Wilson is publishing for the most part for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com, an online publication covering information on garden windows, window hardware and other ideas.You can learn about his publications on replacement windows over at his site and various other sources for doors and windows tips.

Tags: Home, , , , improvement, replacement, windows
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