Redefining Your Home with a Fireplace

01/18/2022 Randy TeschLeave a comment Home Decor

Is your home missing something? Is it not cozy enough for you and your family to come back to after a long day at work? If this sounds anything like the case, then the best thing that you can do is start with adding a fireplace. Fireplaces are beautiful additions to any room in the house, but they also serve many purposes. They provide warmth during cold winter months, they make the perfect focal point for any living area or entertainment space, and they can even be used as functional heating systems! Read on below to find out how these gorgeous features will change your life forever.

It gives your home a cozy feeling

One of the best things about fireplaces is that they add a sense of coziness to any room in the house. This is perfect for those days when you just want to come home, relax, and enjoy your time with family or friends. There’s nothing like curling up in front of a warm fire to make you feel right at home.

It becomes the focal point of any room

Not only do fireplaces add a touch of coziness, but they also become the main focal point in any room. This is perfect for those who want to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere in their living space. Whether you’re watching your favorite movie or just spending time with family, a fireplace is the perfect way to make everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

It can even be used as a functional heating system

Believe it or not, fireplaces don’t just provide aesthetic value – they can also be used as functional heating systems! This means that you can actually heat your entire home by using your fireplace. All you need is a good quality wood burning fireplace and you’re good to go!

So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing through the many different fireplaces that are available and find the perfect one for your home. You won’t regret it!

How to Start a Healthy Home: Quitting Smoking

10/28/2021 Randy TeschLeave a comment Health

How to quit smoking cigarettes can be a difficult task if you don’t use the proper tools. After all, if you can’t find the motivation to stop, then how in the world are you supposed to get rid of the smell that comes from having smoked too much? But once you find the will to get rid of this nasty habit, you’ll find that it’s easier than you think.

Quitting on your own is possible but it takes some work. Most people will go the easy way out and try to quit by taking multiple medications to combat the withdrawal symptoms. And many will fail miserably at quitting because of the strong craving hits they’re experiencing after they quit. It’s hard to fight these intense cravings when you’re not even sure if you’ll ever be able to have another cigarette again. But there’s a method that will help get rid of that terrible smoke craving.

A recent study found that smokers who tried and failed to quit were actually doing their bodies a disservice by using gum and other products to fight off the cravings. There’s nothing more harmful than a person who is addicted to smoking yet has to deal with the fact that he or she needs to breathe in smoke to calm down. When a person is unable to breathe in smoke due to gum or some other device, that person is at an increased risk for developing cancer and heart disease. That’s because when smoke isn’t completely removed from the body, it converts to fat, increases risk for diabetes and heart disease and clogs up the arteries.

So how to stop smoking cigarettes by gradually weaning yourself off them? By understanding how smoking affects your body, you can avoid smoking in certain situations. For example, when you need to be more aware of your surroundings and you feel the need to smoke, try to find a quiet spot to sit and focus on something else. Also, be sure to keep to the rules set forth by your doctor. Make sure that you don’t have any cigarettes when driving, are going to the bathroom or any other activity where you might be tempted to light up.

The best way to fight the urge to light up is to start gradually. That means that when you start to notice nicotine cravings, don’t start puffing away. Instead, take small, slow steps toward quitting. For instance, if you are thinking about smoking when you’re thinking about lunch, try going to a public place like the mall and simply put one cigarette in your mouth. Then, after putting in your share of cigarettes, start taking gradual, smaller amounts of cigarettes.

One of the easiest ways for people to fight off the cravings for cigarettes is to think about their mental responses to cigarette smoke. For example, smokers who realize that they start feeling anxious and irritable after smoking a few cigarettes feel more inclined to pick up the habit again in the future. The smoker’s mental reaction to the taste of cigarette smoke can often be the key to successfully quitting. By focusing on these mental reactions, smokers may be able to get over their addiction faster than if they were to simply dwell on the physical act of smoking.

Why A Fireplace Is A Must In Your Home

08/19/2020 Randy TeschLeave a comment Home Decor

For ages, fireplaces have been important for the human being, especially for the first human beings since there wasn’t any other way of providing a reliable source of heat to the body in cold temperatures for that reason, some common and modern houses came with pre-built fireplaces in the property, but why is this still trending even when we count with multiple technologies like heaters that can be much reliable than this older solution? Well, there are some secrets behind these fireplaces, so let’s discover them with the next couple of explanations, stay tuned.

WHY A FIREPLACE IS A MUST IN YOUR HOME?

First of all, forget about the property value because it has been proven that fireplaces don’t increase or reduce the price of the property because is not an important feature for most buyers, so don even thinks of buying a fireplace if you want to increase the value of a home, no one will pay extra money for that. With that being said, let’s begin with the true reasons why fireplaces are a must in every environment.

REASON #1: IT WILL MAKE YOUR FAMILY COZY IN THE WINTER.

This may be the main reason why fireplaces exist in modern homes since in winter days some amazing happens, and with that partial change of the environment, you can take some good family photos with a fireplace while feeling the heat of burning wood near the fireplace, it ‘s a warm experience that needs to be experienced at least once in your life.

However, you need to be careful with this things because a false step or movement and you can cause some major problems in the home like burning something due to the insanely large amount of wood that you added in the fireplace to burn. Unlike alternative forms of electric heating, fireplaces can damage your home’s nearby decorations or gadgets, so it’s important to be careful with that and just enjoy the winter while being cozy.

REASON #2: IT LOOKS GREAT.

Who doesn’t love the look of fireplaces in their home? Even the modern ones that came with windows to see everything much clean and secured as possible. Fireplaces don’t add more value to the property price, but it sure adds more visual interest for people, especially for families that count with multiple kids because it’s known that Santa uses fireplaces to come inside people’s houses and put some gift, so it would ruin the experience if you don’t count with a fireplace for the location, right? Some good moments can be created about this heat provider, it will be worth it.

REASON #3: MORE DECORATION CAN BE ADDED THANKS TO FIREPLACES.

Finally, another good thing about fireplaces is the fact that you can add more decorations and interesting gadgets around the fireplace to make it look even better, which can end into interesting decorations and styles that will make your property more friendly and comfortable at least for your own point of view which is what matters at the end of the day, so consider yourself lucky if you already have a fireplace because it can be must if you think about the different features and benefits that it offers even in these modern days.

How To Keep Your Home Puppy-Safe During a Renovation (Important Tips)

05/17/2020 Randy TeschLeave a comment Pets

Renovating your home is a very challenging and time-consuming task especially when you have a pet because you will need to make sure that your pet is safe during this period. There are many kinds of risks and dangers that your pet is exposed to and hence it is important for you to understand how to keep your home puppy safe during a renovation. This is especially important so that you can prevent the potential issues that might cause injuries or accidents to your puppy. You should put in efforts for making sure that your pet will not face unsafe or threatened during the renovation project. The best way to deal with the issues is to follow the dog training tips that will help you to train your dog so that it will protect itself from all kinds of risks and dangers.

The best way of keeping your pet safe during a home renovation is by introducing your pet to the construction workers. When they will become familiarized with the voices and scents of these workers, it will become easier for the work to be done efficiently without any glitches. The comfort and safety of your pet are of prime importance for you as a pet owner and you should take the responsibility of following the dog training tips to get the desired outcome. The training should involve keeping the pet calm so that it does not run away from the noise created from the construction project. Additionally, your pet will also be exposed to many sharp materials and heavy tools that are used during the construction period. It can cause serious danger to the lives or your pet and you should make sure that your pet will remain safe on site. One of the best ways to deal with this problem is to shift your pet to any of your family members or friend’s homes so that they will not have to face the side effects of the home renovation project. The workers should be instructed to keep all the dangerous materials and tools away from the dog’s reach because he might himself when these things are found lying on the floor.

If you don’t want the renovation project to create stress and chaos for your dog, you should plan this work accordingly so that the daily routine of your dog is not affected in any manner. You should also put in efforts for giving a good workout to your pet so that it will have some amazing time while remaining fit, active, and healthy. A good workout session or walk can leave your pet with less energy so that it will not be afraid or anxious due to the construction-related commotion. It is also important that you warn the construction workers beforehand about the safety and comfort of your pet. You should also instruct them to clean up the property after the completion of the work every day so that the risk of injuries and accidents can be eliminated completely.

How to Fill Cracks in Concrete

04/24/2020 Randy TeschLeave a comment Foundation

In the construction industry, concrete is known for being a super solid material that can last even for centuries, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t still develop cracks, crevice or holes. Temperature changes, moisture, and ground movement are the reasons behind these cracks. Apart from being a tripping hazard, when your driveway, patio, or walkway concrete has cracks, that lowers the value of your home.

Does your property have concrete cracks that need filling? If yes, hiring a professional to fill them may make sense, but another option that’s pretty easy and time-saving is to do it yourself (DIY). In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll help you learn how to fill these cracks with ease.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

•Concrete repair mix
•Hammer
•Wire brush
•Chisel
•Mason’s trowel
•Protective gear
•Putty knife

STEP 1: Choose your concrete repair filler product.

You cannot use concrete to fill or repair concrete surfaces. The right product to use is a concrete repair mix. You can purchase it at a nearby store or online. Some examples include latex patching material, epoxy compounds, and mortar mixes. If the cracks you want to fill are large or chipped edges, mortar mixes will be your most suitable pick. But if the concrete is ⅛-inch wide or narrower, then the other products are right for them.

STEP 2: Prepare the area that has cracked for filling

Begin by using a small hammer and chisel to knock away the areas of the concrete that has cracked and is crumbling or losing concrete. Chip deep enough to reach a one-inch depth beneath the surface plane. At that point, rinse the area well as you scrub it using a wire to get rid of any loose particles.

Make sure to protect yourself from dust using protective gear. For cleanup, you may have to spread a tarp below the work area.

STEP 3: Fill the concrete crack using your selected product.

Epoxy or latex

If you are filling concrete cracks that are ⅛-inch wide or narrower, get an epoxy or latex patching product to apply on it. Mix it as per the specifications of the manufacturer. Whether you use it with a mason’s trowel or putty knife, it’s all the same. Force the product deep into the cracks and smoothen the level of the product with the surrounding concrete. The effectiveness of each material bases on the way it is mixed. So again, follow the manufacturer’s direction as listed on the product.

Mortar mix

If the cracks on your concrete are larger, fill them with a mortar mix. You won’t find it difficult to create the mix as it involves combining a part Portland cement, three parts masonry sand, and plenty of water to create a thick paste. Or you can as well buy repair mortar mixes at a nearby store or online. Make sure to moisten them but without flooding the cracked area before applying the mortar mix using a mason’s trowel or putty knife. Press down very well to get rid of any air pockets from the product being applied and smoothen patch to flush with the level of the surrounding concrete. Within two hours of curing, lay plastic sheeting on the area so that it stays moist. As you wait for the surface to harden up, keep sprinkling water on it.

How To Replace Drywall

04/19/2020 Randy TeschLeave a comment Demo

Drywall has replaced the traditional cement plaster walls in the modern construction industry. Drywall is a product of gypsum plaster, which is usually hard-pressed between two paper sheets. Any water leakage on drywall can make it rot and look ugly. Now let us have a look at how to replace drywall with several working tools for the project required.some of these tools are; a joint tape, some drywall screws, drywall saw, utility knife, a prybar, screw gun, joint tape, approximately five-inch drywall knives, and a drywall compound. With the tools ready, the procedure is pretty straightforward.

Before starting your drywall replacement, select items and areas you do not want to get dusty and dirty and cover them. Such areas, like the floor, need to being covered with polythene or cloth. You need to cover air conditioners and vents using masking tape to protect them from the fine dust. Furniture will need to be either moved out or appropriately covered. Power connections also need to be cut off, and all electrical appliances removed as well. The reasons for drywall replacements vary from replacing a damaged one, upgrading the wall, or fixing a pipe. When you have done this, make sure the drywall you are repairing does not have crisscrossing pipes and wires, and with that, you are good to go.

Step One

Assess the drywall that needs to being replaced. The damaged part of the wall can be removed using a prybar or by the use of a utility knife. Use a screw gun to remove all the visible installation screws that were initially used to erect the drywall. Pull the drywall having nothing holding it in place.

Step Two

The second step is to make a replacement of the drywall and maintain the initial arrangement if a sheet was vertical replace with a vertical panel and if a panel was horizontal, replace it with a horizontal one. Use a screw gun to fasten screws on the drywall and drive the screws until they are slightly submerged on the drywall face, but remember the top part of the drywall is a paper, so do not break it.

For other drywall replacements like doors and windows, cut the same size of the drywall parts being removed; this can be achieved by using a drywall saw or a utility knife. Be accurate when measuring and cutting to avoid having a lot of drywall wastes.

Finally, you can now tape all seams of the replacement, now apply the joint compound over every seam. Allow the compound to dry and reapply two other coats allowing the coats to drying time before a consecutive coat is applied. The same compound is used to coat all the screws until they are no longer visible. When all this is done, you now get a pole-mounted sander for sanding the compound until the drywall surface becomes smooth. Some fine dust here may be harmful to your eyes. Therefore you need some goggles when sanding. Having done that you will have replaced your drywall

How To Paint An Ugly Wall

04/14/2020 Randy TeschLeave a comment Painting

Ugly walls can ruin the overall look of your home. No matter how hard you try to fix your furniture, it will still look bad. The best thing to do is to just paint it so that it will look better. However, there are some issues when painting uneven walls. You have to fix those issues first before doing any painting job.

1. Fix the Surface First

Before doing any painting, make sure to fix the surface of the ugly wall first. It can look chipped, damaged, or just uneven. You can still do something about it. No matter how ugly the wall is, all it takes is patience and hard work. Thorough surface preparation is a must if you want to have a beautiful wall after all your hard work. Skim coat is the best way to prepare your wall surface. Depending on how bad it is, you may need to do the skim coat entirely.

If you have the skills needed to do this by yourself, then go ahead and start doing it. However, it can be tedious and you may want to consider a professional to do this for you. But if you’re not aiming to have a super smooth wall surface, you can just go ahead and do it on your own. Just make sure that you have all the tools and materials that you need to make that surface smooth.

2. Just Cover It Up

If you’re not into making your walls smooth, why not do a textured painting instead? It can be a good idea instead of skim coating everything first. The textured wall painting technique can give your wall a different personality compared to the usual smooth surface. However, the imperfections can still be noticeable even if you have some paint on it already. But it’s not a bad idea if you want to save some time and effort.

How to paint an ugly wall depends on your plan. If you just want to make it look better, then textured painting can work well already. You can even have more styles to choose from. If you feel like being creative, you can even have used different tools to do your textured painting. Try sponge, brush, brooms, rags, and even your fingers.

3. Be Creative

Ugly walls can inspire you to be creative. You can use how it looks and it’s texture to look better. Try the faux painting technique. Instead of hiding the flaws from the wall surface, you can highlight and enhance it instead. Instead of trying to smoothen the uneven surface, you can use two-toned paint color so it will look as if it’s intentional but will look creative.

The best idea to create a better look with your ugly wall is to play with colors and textures. Then you can use a sponge instead of brushes to paint it. You can just do some rubbing and sponging so that it will look more creative. You don’t have to deal with ugly walls after you are done with this technique and you don’t even have to do too much painting job from there.

Conclusion

How to paint an ugly wall depends on what you want to achieve to be its new look. You don’t have to make it too perfect to make your walls look nice. All you need is to have a little creativity and you should have a better-looking wall in no time.