February 2017 – Monumental Home

3 Reasons to Have Your HVAC System Inspected and Maintained Every Year

A lot of people take their HVAC systems for granted and don’t even think about having them inspected or maintained. However, having your unit looked at by a HVAC expert and having necessary maintenance done, as required — is something that you should do every year. These are the three main reasons why.

1. Make Sure Your Unit is Working Efficiently

First of all, having your heating and cooling unit inspected and maintained on a regular basis will help you ensure that it’s working as efficiently as possible. Your repair professional can change the filters if needed, clean your system to make sure that air can pass through it easily and can otherwise prevent it from using more energy than is needed. This can help you drastically lower how much money you have to spend on heating and cooling your home each year. If you’re worried about how much you’ll have to spend to hire a furnace repair pro to come out, consider how much you can actually save by doing so.

2. Prevent Your Unit from Breaking Down

Another reason to have a furnace repair professional come out and inspect and perform maintenance on your unit is to keep it in the best possible condition. If you don’t take good care of your heating and air conditioning unit, you have to worry about it breaking down. This can be a big problem for a few reasons; first of all, you have to worry about your unit breaking down when you and your family need it the most, such as if your furnace fails on a cold winter day or if your air conditioner stops working in the middle of summer. Additionally, it can cause you to have to spend money on heating and air conditioning repairs, which can add up and get really costly. The good thing about having it inspected and maintained regularly is the fact the fact that you can prevent these repair issues, which can save you money in the long term and can also help you avoid having to replace your unit before you would otherwise have to.

3. Maintain Your Unit’s Warranty

During your furnace installation, your HVAC contractors might have told you about the warranty that came with your unit. If you want to be able to take full advantage of your warranty, however, you have to ensure that your unit is inspected and maintained as it is supposed to be.

As you can see, there are a few reasons why it’s smart to have your heating and air conditioning unit inspected and maintained on a regular basis. These are a few reasons why it’s smart to hire HVAC contractors on an annual basis.

Image Credit: HeatingAirConditioningToronto

How Will Wood Flooring Influence My Home’s Resale Value?

Perhaps you’re wondering which kind of flooring to install in your home. If you’d be interested in installing wood flooring, you’re no doubt wondering if it would be worth the substantial upfront investment. One of the most important factors to take into consideration is how wood flooring will influence your home’s resale value.

While no one can guarantee you that wood flooring will boost your home’s final sale price, there’s significant evidence to demonstrate that wood flooring does positively affect a North American home’s resale value. Furthermore, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence provided by both Canadian and American real estate agents confirming that hardwood flooring also helps homes to sell faster, especially in crowded markets where there’s an oversupply of homes for sale.

54% of Home Buyers Are Willing to Pay More for Wood Flooring

Several years ago, USA today performed a study on data gleaned from surveying potential home buyers in the United States. The purpose of the study was to determine which features were important enough to attract higher upfront offers on the homes the respondents were interested in purchasing.

Hardwood flooring was one of the most prominent items included on the list. An impressive 54% of survey respondents indicated they were willing to spend an average of $2,080 US dollars more in exchange for a home that already had hardwood flooring installed. This feature was most important to the demographic group of home buyers they polled that were between the ages of 35 and 54 years old. It was particularly important to those in the group who were parents. This demographic group found hardwood floors desirable for a number of excellent reasons. One of the top reasons they cited was the ease in cleaning hardwood floors as compared to the challenge of performing carpet cleaning.

Real Estate Agents Confirm That It’s Easier to Sell Homes With Hardwood Flooring

The National Wood Flooring Association surveyed a group of real estate agents. The survey results indicated that homes featuring hardwood floors tend to sell more quickly and easily than houses with other types of flooring installed. They also concluded that homes featuring wood floors usually sell for higher prices.

Author Mady Dahlstrom at Time investigated the topic of which is the best flooring for the money spent on it. The conclusion was clear; hardwood flooring was the obvious winner when considering the likely returns on investment.

So if you’re wondering whether it would be a worthwhile investment to install hardwood flooring in your home, the answer is yes. Whether you plan to live in your home for the long term or flip it and sell it soon, hardwood flooring gives you an advantage either way. The Fuse Flooring is a useful source for more information and insights.

Many Locksmith Services for People on the Move

A locksmith is an ally in case of a theft or lockout. Locksmiths come into residential neighborhoods and all types of commercial buildings, such as schools, factories, etc. There are few places where they cannot work, and there are few damaged locks that they cannot repair. Learn more about the many services that locksmiths provide for property owners.

Repairs on All Types of Locks

Keyless entry locks seem tricky, but repairing these is not hard for the experienced professional. The keyless system works by remote control – press a button to open and close the car door. The automatic door opener works the same way, and this device is repairable by a lock expert, too.

Problems with deadbolt locks are more common in residential homes. Many problems are found within the door and not even visible to the eye. Some locks are so damaged that replacements are the only solutions.

The keypack lock is another sophisticated device that you use with a PIN. When something goes wrong, a repair person arrives at the property, unscrews the machine and reprograms the system.

There are plenty of DIY repair guides for door locks, but many are written by amateurs. Plus, most guides are written in general and do not pertain to your specific situation. Your only guaranteed solution is to contact a professional who has worked with many types of lock systems.

Lockout and Key Duplication Services

Lockouts occur during the most inconvenient times – before you go to work or when you need to pick up kids. Avoid lockouts by making and storing spare copies of your keys. The locksmith uses the technique of key cutting to duplicate however many keys you need.

Fast Next-Hour Services

Depending on how close the locksmith is, expect him to arrive in one or two hours. Many locksmiths work during the times when people use locks the most – so they work the most convenient schedules. They may are able to drive to remote locations in the middle of the highway or countryside.

Nearly everyone has gotten stuck at some point. The key gets stuck in the keyhole, the lock falls apart in your hand or the lock does not budge. In some businesses, a deadbolt lock is needed to enhance security and reassure employees. Locksmith services come in a larger variety than you think – from key cutting to keypad repairs. Hire this expert to remove the many different problems that get people stuck. If you want to learn more, visit Lock-Up Services Inc.

Tips on How to Create an Awesome Landscape Design for Your Home

Landscape design refers to the process of planning, construction, and laying out of gardens to create space that can be used for outdoor activities around the house and to enhance the general appearance. Humankind has been manipulating the land for both aesthetic and practical reasons for centuries now. Construction of various structures such as a gazebo, changing the existing terrain and the addition of plants all constitute a landscape design. When it comes to landscaping, you can choose to go DIY or employ the services of Royal Decks Mississauga. If you opt to do it yourself, you can browse through design pictures online to gather a few ideas.

Choosing a Landscape Layout

Just like every other thing in life, people have different tastes and preferences when it comes to landscape design. Some people want a space where they can entertain family and friends complete with a swimming pool, fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen. Others want to recreate a tropical, modern or any other garden style they find appealing. Or maybe you want a sustainable landscape project that creates a natural habitat and saves water. Take a look at the local landscape design projects to figure out what works best in that particular area. Conduct in-depth research on the specific landscape features you would like to include in your garden. Whatever you choose to go with, make sure you explain it clearly to the person or company you will be working with.

Perk up Your Patio or Deck with Flowers and Plants

We all love enjoying our homes both outside and inside, especially during summer when we spend most of our time just lolling on our patios and decks. Royal Decks can landscape around your deck or patio by adding plants and flowers to is going to enhance its appearance and make it more enjoyable.

Check out the following landscaping ideas to get the best out of your patio or deck.

If your courtyard is at the base of a slope or somehow slanting, you can create a terrace garden around it to build some kind of a backyard amphitheater. Build the walls, stairs, and paths with complementary materials.
Use small shrubs to soften the edges of your deck. Surrounding the deck with small shrubs will minimize hard edges and preserve the view at the same time.
Use ornamental grasses or tall shrubs to shelter your patio or deck from the wind or if you need some privacy. A combination of fast-growing vines and lattice panels is also a good option if your house is next to a busy street.
If your patios get stained by one of the plants, you can easily remove the stain with a mixture of hot water and unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid.

Image Credit: My Tech Ref

6 Reasons Hardwood Flooring Is a Sustainable Choice for Residential Interiors

Is sustainability is one of your top priorities when selecting materials to use for building or renovating your home? If so, there are 6 excellent reasons to consider installing hardwood flooring. Wood is definitely one of your most sustainable choices of flooring materials, and it offers you many benefits over carpeting or other materials.

1. Given the Right Care and Maintenance, Hardwood Floors Will Outlast Other Types of Floors

If you install hardwood flooring in your home, it’s a lifetime investment; the floor is likely to outlast you assuming you maintain it well. This longevity makes hardwood flooring ideal from the perspective of its sustainability. It’s a far greener choice than carpeting or any other type of flooring that would need frequent replacement.

2. Wood Is an Easily Renewable Resource

When more wood is needed, trees can easily be planted. The renewable nature of wood is one of the characteristics contributing to its status as an ideal material to use in flooring and other applications. However, it is important to ensure you’re working with wood that was sustainably harvested, particularly if you are installing hardwood flooring made from an exotic species of wood such as Brazilian cherry or Brazilian ipe.

3. Wood Is Natural and Non-Toxic

There are many toxic building materials in current use, but wood is not one of them. Wood is a natural product. Homeowners who install wood flooring can choose how they would like to finish it; for those who prefer to avoid chemicals, there are natural oil and wax finishes that can be applied. Those who don’t have cause to avoid chemical finishes also have plenty of options.

4. Wood Is Biodegradable

Once your wood flooring is installed, you’re probably not going to want to rip it out and dispose of it. However, if you do need to remove the wood flooring at some future date, it’s comforting to know that the wood is biodegradable and won’t need any special handling. It will break down in the environment easily and will not clog a landfill for centuries after its disposal.

5. Wood Waste From Flooring Does Not Create Environmental Hazards

There are plenty of building materials such as PVC and lead that can create environmental hazards under certain circumstances, but thankfully, wood is not one of them.

6. Wood Waste From Flooring Can Be Used for Manufacturing Other Products

Manufacturers are finding creative ways to use wood waste for manufacturing a wide range of different products including medium density fiberboard furniture and housewares. Since there are readily available outlets for getting rid of wood waste, it’s less likely that the wood waste from flooring will end up clogging landfills in the short term.

Pondering these 6 considerations brings you to the conclusion that wood flooring is clearly an outstanding choice from a sustainability perspective. Compared to carpet, wood has a longer upfront lifespan, and it’s easier to dispose of when the time comes that it has outlived its usefulness. Visit Relative Space if you want to find more resources and information.

Types of Steel Buildings

You are due for an update if the image that comes to your mind whenever steel buildings are mentioned is that of gray, boxy structures. Today, metal constructions are available in a bewildering variety of designs. As a result, the once common hangar-like structures are now practically non-existent. You can use a steel building as a prefab garage, office, school, church, gym, or storage facility among others. As such, this type of construction has indeed come into its own as one of the most viable design options for developers, especially when cost and function are considered. However, having some basic knowledge of each is important since different types of steel buildings are currently available.

Types
Steel buildings usually fall under one of the following categories:
• Pole building
• Steel arch
• Metal framed

Pole building
Pole buildings are also known as steel pole barns. When it comes to metal buildings, employing the pole building design involves using steel poles to which you attach the structure’s posts and trusses. In this particular type of construction design, the walls and roofs are usually made of other materials but not metal. Structures made using the pole building design are mostly seen in the form of steel garages and farm storage buildings.

Steel arch
Among the three types of steel buildings, steel arch structures are generally the easiest to construct. This particular type of steel building design involves the use of arched steel panels to form structures and is often used for applications related to agriculture and fabrication. In steel arch buildings, the entire structure is made of steel that has been fashioned into an arch. The arch functions as both the roof and walls.

Metal framed
When it comes to the construction of metal framed buildings, high-grade steel is used only for the frame. Apart from being light, inexpensive, and easy to construct, this building design offers much more flexibility compared to structures made using other materials. In addition, you can erect steel panels without needing as many support columns as you would need for other types of structures. As such, metal framed buildings are ideally suited for constructions with large space requirements. You can use metal frame buildings with many of the other materials commonly employed in both internal and external construction. This type of building design is, therefore, a feasible option if you want to incorporate conventional design touches. As a matter of fact, when constructed with stucco, brick, or stone exteriors, most people cannot distinguish metal frame buildings from structures made out of traditional building materials.

Even though steel buildings are among the easiest structures to construct, considering a few specific concerns is important because they have some unique characteristics. When it comes to steel buildings, every component has to be designed and engineered at the factory. Pre-engineering only happens once it has been confirmed that the design meets the client’s requirements and local building codes. You may be able to find more information at Future Buildings.

The Advantages of Hiring a Plumbing Company

Because most people would not pass up the chance to save some money, more and more homeowners are now fixing their plumbing issues by themselves. With the possibility of an easy fix for every minor problem, you can always repair common plumbing issues like leaks and clogged drains if you have the necessary tools and a little knowledge. Unfortunately, the same does not apply to bigger the plumbing problems. Complex problems require the services of a professional plumber, which is why engaging a reputable plumbing service company is important.

Typical services
Professional plumbers specialize in an array of services because plumbing needs differ from one household to the other. Regardless of specialization, emergency plumbing, as well as complete sewer and drain services, are some of the most notable services.

Emergencies
Because they are in a better position to provide quick and efficient services, you should call in a professional plumber to handle your problem in the case of an emergency. On top of their quick response time, reputable plumbing service providers also have the knowledge and equipment necessary to prevent issues like over flooding, most of which can cause a major catastrophe. Because it can result in huge bills, a leaking tap is an emergency.

Immense skills
Apart from being well equipped, the technical staff of a reliable plumbing company has the expertise and training to handle a variety of plumbing issues regardless of magnitude, which is why such companies come highly recommended. Although you can use do-it-yourself skills to correct some simple issues, professional plumbing contractors have the ability to handle every type of installation and repair while maintaining the required standards. In addition to reaping the benefits of their advanced and highly effective equipment, you will also benefit from their knowledge about plumbing systems and the parts necessary for repairs. For a proper project completion, professional plumbing technicians will give advice about the right parts. In general, their immense skills will improve efficiency regardless of whether the job is a repair or initial installation.

Save money
In a bid to save money and labor fees, trying to perform repairs is the first thing most homeowners do whenever a plumbing problem arises. Unfortunately, most of them are prone to costly mistakes because of ignorance, inexperience, and lack of proper equipment. As such, do-it-yourself attempts at repair usually end up costing more, which is why you need a plumbing service provider who knows what is required and can, therefore, order the correct replacement parts and provide a guarantee on repairs done. A professional plumber knows how to perform repair and maintenance services while minimizing errors.

Irrespective of the type of plumbing system installed in your home, having a reputable plumbing company’s emergency contact number at hand is always wise since you can never foretell the time of need. Having a flooded house just because you cannot trace the contact number of a plumbing company is regrettable. It may be worthwhile to visit ExpressRooter Plumbing for more information.

Why Homeowners Should Invest in Preventative Maintenance and Routine Plumbing Services

Arranging to have a professional plumber service pipes, inspect fixtures and perform routine maintenance on a seasonal or annual basis can allow home and property owners to save far more than they might imagine. Addressing small leaks, performing basic drain repair and ensuring that all equipment and installations are kept in good working order can ensure that minor issues are less likely to create big problems. Working with a professional plumbing company can ensure that homeowners and households are able to reduce future maintenance costs while minimizing the risks associated with some of the most serious and costly plumbing problems.

Basic Maintenance and Upkeep

Pipes that have been poorly maintained, fixtures that may have been improperly installed and other maintenance issues or concerns that only an experienced plumber may be able to identify are never issues that should be taken lightly. Something as simple as failing to arrange for professional drain repair at the first sign of a problem can lead to far more serious issues. Ignoring leaks, clogs and the other concerns that a plumbing company may be able to address and resolve quickly and easily can find homeowners faced with far larger repair bills or cleanup costs. Routine maintenance services and professional assessments can turn up several mechanical issues that might otherwise result in water damage or do harm to other equipment and components.

Routine Service Can Provide Long-term Benefits

Prolonging the useful operational life of pipes, joints and plumbing fixtures can have numerous long-term benefits. Ensuring that all equipment and plumbing components can be kept free of issues ensures that households will be able to enjoy a more dependable level of service. Contracting with the right plumber or plumbing company to perform simple drain repair, equipment inspections and other routine services may also ensure that property owners will be less likely to find themselves making a costly and premature replacement for any equipment that may have suffered from a preventable mechanical issue.

Choosing the Right Plumber

Not every plumbing company may be able to provide the full range of services that may be required in order to keep a plumbing system in good repair. Finding a service provider who has the equipment, resources and know-how needed to deal with everything from basic drain repair to new-fixture installation can make it easier for homeowners to address any concerns or issues that may crop up in the days to come. Knowing where to turn in order to find the best maintenance services or repair solutions is a concern that homeowners would do well to consider. Working alongside a plumber who has more to offer may provide households with a greater overall value as well as the means to deal with a wider variety of potential problems and issues. Learn more by visiting Drain Rescue Plumbers.

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