Storage solutions for all your kids stuff.

Storage solutions for all your kids stuff.

A good result of the housing slowdown

With the slowdown in housing sales the last few years an important trend is starting. Homeowners are finding it harder to sell their homes and buy new ones. This means they will stay in their homes longer. With people staying in their homes longer they are looking for ways to make their homes more inviting and livable. Instead of fixing their homes up for a quick sale they are looking for ways to improve their homes for their long term livability and usefulness. This means homeowners are looking for quality home improvements that will last for years. When looking at home improvements that will last for years, quality and overall design are much more important than a cheap fix. This means that communication with the contractor is much more important. Because you will living in you home for years you want your project to be designed to best meet your needs and fit your style. A quality contractor will have the experience and knowledge to advise you in making your home improvement meet your long term needs. This will require more planning and preparation before the project is started and open communication throughout the construction process.

As homes get older they will naturally need updates to bring them up to current styles and repairs of worn out items. As homeowners stay in their homes longer they will need ways to give them more space and storage. They will want home improvements that will personalize their homes and make them more inviting and comfortable. This could be an addition of a deck to give them more livable space or shelving and closet organization to better store and organize all the stuff that accumulates over time. It could mean adding trim work and molding to give your home a more comfortable feel or replacing doors that wear out over time and are not as energy efficient as newer ones. it could mean adding on to your house or finishing the basement.

In conclusion it is more important than ever to focus on quality and overall design. You will be living in your home longer and will need home improvements designed for the long term and not a quick fix. you will need a contractor that can work with you in the design and planning to make sure your project will meet your needs for years down the road. you will want home improvements that will enhance your home and compliment your lifestyle.

A new way to design your stairs and railing

With all the many styles of metal balusters to choose from, it can be hard to pick the right stair design. There are hundreds of design and layout combinations. To make your stair rail look its best and complement your home it can be hard to make a decision and visualize how your stairs will look.
A new web site has a program that allows you to select from hundreds of baluster styles and layout combinations. It allows you to view what your stairway will look like with any combination of balusters that they offer. You can view your railing going up a stairway or a level section. You can plat around with the layout until you have a design that is unique and is your very own style. With this program I can help you design your stair rail to be the focal point of your home. The address is www.houseofforgings.net/design

How I helped organize a home office

I have a client that works from home and needed more space and better organization in her office. She had and office with very little storage and just a computer desk.

To fix this problem I created a built in desk with large drawers to store files and a large work space to work on. We were able to put the computer and printer in a cabinet with a slide out shelf to keep them off the desk top. The drawers have full extension glides so you can access the back. We were able to hide all the cables and wiring to keep the workspace clutter free.

Above the desk top we created bookshelves that are adjustable and give lots of storage space for books and decorations. Across the top of the shelves is crown molding to further enhance the look.

For more information and pictures go to www.apexcarpentryinc.com

Deck Handrail Options

When building a deck handrail there are several options to choose. You can build the railing out of wood, metal, vinyl or composite. Wood is the cheapest option and you can use redwood, cedar or treated wood. Wood railings can be made in limitless designs and are a good choice if you are willing to keep a good stain on them. Vinyl railing come in only a few colors and styles but are maintenance free. Composite materials are becoming very popular for railings because they have many colors and styles to choose from. Metal railings are the most durable and cost the most. A good option is to combine metal with composites or wood. This gives a unique look that give an open feel.

The use of moldings in you home

There are many great reasons for installing wood mouldings in your home. Whether your intent is to increase the value of your home, to showcase your own unique sense of style, or to simply reduce finishing costs. Mouldings offer you the opportunity to design and create the home you have always imagined!
Mouldings are one of the few things you can add to your property that have the potential for immediate reward. Simply said, installing wood mouldings increases the value of your home or business. Installing crown moulding, wainscot paneling, chair rails or mantel trims enhances architectural elegance and distinguishes your property from others. Using a variety of moulding profiles, in addition to traditional baseboards and casings will upgrade the look of different rooms and highlight the special care that has gone into your property.
Your home should be a place of comfort and inspiration. It is a true reflection of the way you live your life. Installing wood mouldings to your home allows you to display your creativity and authenticity to the world!
In addition to their structural majesty, mouldings also serve a range of functional purposes. Baseboards, for example can be used to conceal the gap between your floor and wall. Similarly, casings serve to disguise the opening between your door and wall. Mouldings also serve in the transition from different materials such as paint and wallpaper, or can be used to emphasize contrasts between the same materials. These extra details can help you significantly reduce the finishing costs in your home.

Fixing a door that dosen't stay closed

If you have a door that opens by it self, there is a simple fix. The doors swings open because the wall or door was installed out of plumb.

Remove one of the hinge pins by using a nail or nail set. put the nail in the hole on the bottom of the hinge and tap it with a hammer Make sure the door is held in place by someone when you have the hinge pin out so that it does not pull off of the remaining hinge. Set the hinge pin on a cement floor  and hit the middle of the pin with a hammer. This will bend the pin slightly. Reinstall the pin by tapping it down with a hammer. Repeat with another pin if the door still swings open. This will put a little tension on the hinge making it harder for the door to swing open by it self.