Many bathrooms and kitchens feature common materials like Formica and cultured marble. As these materials age they can show discoloration and cracks, while still being structurally sound. Tearing out your laminate counter top may seem like the only option to get it looking like new again, but that type of project can be disruptive, time-consuming and expensive.

With a simple refinishing process you can remodel without spending lots of time or money and without creating large amounts of waste.  You get to be environmentally responsible while you save, and you get a fabulous looking kitchen or bath at the end!

Surface Refinishing: The Process

In simple terms, countertop refinishing means creating a new surface layer on top of your existing countertop. When you decide that you want to refinish your counter tops, your contractor will begin by using acid to etch the existing surface so that the new surface has something to grip on to. Once it’s etched, your contractor will neutralize the acid so that the new surface will bond securely to the old. The new surface will then be installed on top of the original, and your contractor will apply epoxy primer and acrylic urethane to make your brand new bath or kitchen countertop resilient and ready for use.  The whole process can be completed in 24 hours. When compared to traditional remodeling projects that can take weeks to complete, leaving you without a functional bathroom or kitchen for that time, but leaving you with a pile of rubble, counter and bath tub refinishing come out the clear winners.

Surface Refinishing: The Look

Aside from the convenience, the minimal waste, and the minimal cost involved in refinishing countertops, there is also the look of the matter to consider. With bathroom or kitchen remodeling there are usually two factors in play – the space you want to remodel is damaged in some way and/or you want that space to have a new look or feel. With refinishing you can meet both of these goals with ease. Because you are creating a wholly new surface, you get to choose what it will look like. You can go for a counter top that looks just like the old one did when it was new, or you can choose a totally new color or style. Your contractor will have countless options to pick from the hardest part of the whole process may be deciding which one you want!

Choosing to refinish your bathroom or kitchen countertop, however, is a win-win situation – you save time, money and resources, and you come out with a counter top that is better than new.

Wet basements are bad news for both home and business owners—from increased risk of foundation deterioration to water damage and mold growth, having water in your basement is bad news. But the good news is that having a sump pump installed may be able to reduce or eliminate your wet basement problems. Working as an emergency water evacuation solution or as an integrated part of a basement waterproofing system, your sump pump can help eliminate your water woes!

Basement Drainage Systems

A comprehensive solution for persistent wet basement issues, basement drainage systems collect and reroute water out of your basement before it has a chance to do any damage. A key part of any basement waterproofing system, a sump pump is the equipment that actually moves the water out of your home—your basement drainage system would only do so much good if it collected the water with no way to eliminate it! Because your sump pump is so important in keeping your basement dry, you’ll also want to consider a battery backup sump pump. Having a back up pump ensures that even if your primary sump pump fails or the power goes out, your basement will still stay dry.

Emergency Water Evacuation

However, if your basement only floods during major rainstorms, a basement drainage system may be unnecessary. A basic sump pump installation may be the solution you need. This set-up will help eliminate the water that seeps into your basement after heavy rains, helping make sure flooding is kept to an absolute minimum and your home or commercial space is protected from major damage.

If you’re suffering from water in your basement, contact your local foundation contractors. These professionals will be able to evaluation your damp basement problems and design the ideal waterproofing system for your needs. So don’t wait for the problem to get worse—call your basement contractors today!

Did you know that your windows are one of the least energy efficient parts of your home? No matter how well insulated the rest of your home is or how efficient your furnace is, up to 40% of your heating and cooling costs are literally going right out the window! With leaks, drafts, and heat transfer right through the glass, your windows can be costing you big on your energy bills. If you’re ready to cut your heating and cooling costs, it’s time to upgrade to energy efficient windows. With two great solutions, window replacement or window insulation panels, you can get the performance you want and the lowered energy bills you deserve!

Window Replacement

One option is to replace your existing windows. An especially good option if your current windows are old, leaky, or single-paned, window replacement enables you to get modern windows with the latest energy-saving features. Replacement windows are typically available in double or triple paned models with additional features like low-e glazing and argon insulation.

Window Insulation Panels

But replacing your windows isn’t your only option. Window insulation panels are also a great solution for making your windows energy efficient. And at just 10% of the cost of window replacement, they’re also an affordable answer for getting the energy efficient window performance you need. An innovative new product, these panels mount to the interior side of your windows, adding increased insulation between your window glass and the inside of your home. In fact, Advanced Energy Panels window insulation can make just about any window—even drafty single pane windows—as efficient as an Energy Star-rated window!

If you’re not sure you need to worry about how energy efficient your windows are, schedule an energy audit from your local window, heating, or insulation company. Showing just how drafty your windows are, an energy audit can quantify how much energy transfer you’re loosing through your windows. After your professional energy audit, you’ll see just how important getting your windows energy efficient actually is!

Get the most out of your fireplace with a fireplace insert. These high-tech stoves can take your fireplace from inefficient to excellent! Increase heat output while cutting pollution with a fireplace insert today!

Who doesn’t love the crackling warmth of a fire in the winter time! But from sooty smoke to inconsistent heat, even the best fireplaces can leave something to be desired. That’s why fireplace inserts are a great choice for upgrading your fireplace while still keeping the cozy charm of an open fire. Essentially a woodstove designed to fit snugly into your masonry fireplace, these units can help you get the absolute most out of your fireplace this winter!

With their efficient firebox construction and warmth circulation systems, fireplace inserts can dramatically increase your fireplace’s heat output. And because these inserts typically burn much hotter than a traditional wood-burning fireplace, they also burn more cleanly—that means fewer toxic emissions and virtually no accumulation build-up in you chimney. From reducing your heating bills with their energy-efficient output to eco-friendly reduced pollution, inserts for your fireplace are a great investment in your home!

Fireplace inserts are available in three main types, each designed to capitalize on the distinct properties of their fuel source. These options include:

• Wood Fireplace Inserts
• Gas Fireplace Inserts
• Pellet Fireplace Inserts

The construction of your fireplace and the heating needs of your home as well as the availability of fuel can help you determine which type of fireplace insert is right for your home. Available in a variety of looks and styles, most fireplace inserts include a glass front that allows you to enjoy the flickering beauty and ambiance of the flames.

Fireplace inserts are available from a wide variety of sources, but you may want to ask your chimney sweep for recommendations. He may provide installation services himself or may be able to suggest a local fireplace contractor with the expertise to correctly and completely put in your new fireplace insert. Get ready to get the absolute most out of your fireplace with a beautiful, high-performance insert today!

Ensure your heating system is ready to go before the cold weather hits! Call your local furnace company today to schedule your furnace service.

Now that the crisp weather of fall is here and the leaves are starting to change, it’s time to call your local furnace repair specialist. Even if your furnace was working great when you turned it off for the summer, having your heating system cleaned and serviced before the weather turns cold is the best way to ensure your home will stay comfortably toasty this winter. Contact your local furnace repair company for service, maintenance, and repairs.

Routine furnace maintenance is especially important at this time of year. Not only does regular service help keep your furnace clean and performing optimally, it can help identify potential issues before you have a major heating disaster! Your fall furnace service should include a full inspection—if a problem is discovered you can have it fixed before you’re stuck without heat in the middle of January. Furnace repair is also typically more cost-effective if performed proactively instead of after the fact—if your heating until suddenly quits and you need to install a furnace in the dead of winter, it’s simply going to cost more than if you’re aware of the issue and can plan to replace your furnace on your own timeline!

A great idea for all types of furnaces, fall service appointments can fill up fast, so call your local HVAC contractor now. Both oil and gas furnace repairs are best done now instead of later in the season when these professionals tend to be even busier with emergency repairs (for homeowners who didn’t think ahead and neglected their fall furnace maintenance and cleaning). For the long-term health of your furnace, boiler, and home heating system, annual fall maintenance is simply the smart decision.

Have your furnace repaired for home health and quality of life. Contact your local furnace company to learn about service and repairs.

It’s important to keep your furnace or boiler in top working condition so they can adequately heat your home. But it’s also an issue of comfort and health! Furnace repair and service isn’t just about ensuring your heating system provides efficient, long-term performance. It’s also about your quality of life. You may be surprised to hear that, but furnace issues can make your home less comfortable. Contact your local furnace repair service to learn more about heating system maintenance and your home comfort levels.

Humidity Imbalances

Furnace problems can also lead to humidity issues. A key factor in your comfort, humidity imbalances can affect your personal comfort as well as the health of your home. Too much humidity fosters mold growth (and its subsequent health dangers) as well as causes woodwork to swell and warp. Too little humidity can cause dry skin, itchy eyes, sore throats, and even nose bleeds! If your home suffers from a humidity-related problem, consider calling your furnace company for an inspection. They can provide furnace repairs and adjustments to help keep your humidity levels—and home—as comfortable as possible.

Indoor Air Pollution Levels

If it’s been a while since your ductwork and furnace have been cleaned, they can be circulating allergens and pollutants like dust, pollen, and other particles throughout your home. Even without a duct cleaning, a furnace cleaning service can dramatically reduce the pollution levels in your air. Frequently included as part of your annual furnace service, cleaning is most important with oil and gas furnace repair.

For your health and comfort, call your HVAC contractor today. Providing boiler repair as well as furnace repair, these professionals can keep your heating system in tip-top shape for optimal heating and comfort!

Custom cabinetry and built-ins enhance the beauty of your home with architectural detailing. Contact your local finish carpenter for gorgeous woodwork in your home!

Whether you’re looking to add a little extra storage or want to enhance the appearance of your home, built-in cabinetry and shelving is a great option. With virtually unlimited options in size, style, and looks, built-ins are the ideal finishing touch for just about any home. If you’re considering adding custom cabinets, shelves, or furniture to your house, contact your local finish carpenters today to learn more!

Custom cabinetry isn’t just for your kitchen or bathroom. While custom created cabinets and vanities do look fabulous, you can also benefit from built-ins throughout your house! Built-ins are perfect for just about any room in your home. From built-in bookcases in the living room to built in entertainment centers in the family room, your woodworking specialists can add the elegance and convenience of custom cabinetry anywhere you’d like. A few ideas include:

• Built-in bookshelves
• Custom bathroom vanities
• Entertainment center built ins
• Fireplace surround built-ins
• Custom cabinets
• Entertainment center built ins

Remember, for the best results, it’s important to pick only skilled carpenters with extensive experience crafting built in cabinets and furniture. While amateur built-ins tend to look mediocre or piecemeal, the professionals can bring you truly gorgeous cabinetry of all kinds. Using quality materials, precision craftsmanship, and knowledge gained from years in the field, your custom cabinetry experts provide durable construction, fabulous performance, and beautiful built-ins.

For fantastic built in furniture and cabinets, call your local finish carpenters today. These professionals will work with you to design and build your bookcase, entertainment center, or other built-in piece to meet your style and performance needs. Emphasizing craftsmanship, quality, and beauty, these woodworkers can help make your home even more beautiful.