Author: Gemma Lester

Reasons to Invest in a Kitchen Remodel

Gemma Lester

Kitchen Remodel Near Me is one of the most valuable home improvement projects that homeowners can undertake. With benefits including enhanced functionality, increased aesthetic appeal and substantial returns on investment, it’s easy to see why!

Kitchen Remodel

Be careful not to over-customize your kitchen, as this can limit its marketability to a broader set of potential buyers in the future. Work with a remodeling professional to find the right balance of style and functionality.

Cabinets are the foundation of any kitchen, and they play an essential role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. Cabinets come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. They also offer a wide array of features, including custom storage solutions like pull-out spice racks, wastebasket roll outs, and cutlery drawers. These features can add up quickly, so it’s important to keep them in mind when planning your budget.

Cabinet color trends are always changing, but neutral shades remain a popular choice. White cabinets are especially popular, and they can make even the smallest spaces feel brighter and bigger. However, if you’re looking for something more unique and bold, shaded greens are currently rising in popularity, and they can add a beautiful pop of color to any kitchen.

The term “cabinet” is used more often in the United States, but some retailers and manufacturers use the word “cupboard.” Cabinets are typically mounted to the wall and serve as a place to store your bowls, plates, serving dishware, and other kitchen items. They’re a great way to keep your countertops clear and provide easy access to small appliances, utensils, and cooking equipment.

When shopping for new cabinets, you’ll want to consider their material and build methods. Lower-end cabinets are usually made from MDF or particleboard covered with melamine or thermofoil, while more expensive models utilize plywood. Wood veneers are a better option than solid wood, but they can be more expensive and harder to work with.

If you’re remodeling a small kitchen, you may choose to install open shelving instead of cabinets. This trend is gaining popularity, and it can be a great way to showcase your beautiful dishes and cookware. However, it’s important to keep in mind that empty shelves can look bare and unorganized, so you’ll need to do a thorough kitchen declutter before you start installing them.

Countertops

Countertops are the workhorses of your kitchen and play a big role in the overall design of the room. They must be durable enough to withstand heavy use, but they also need to be attractive and blend well with the cabinets and flooring.

There are many different countertop options available, and it depends on your budget and style preferences which one you choose. Granite countertops are popular and come in a wide variety of colors, including neutral tones that can complement almost any cabinet color. Marble is another beautiful option, but it is softer than granite and can scratch or stain easily. However, it is heat-resistant, which makes it a great choice for kitchens where food preparation takes place.

Solid synthetic countertops, made of acrylic and resin, offer a huge selection of looks, including some excellent dupes for natural stones. They are more affordable than stone and are easy to clean, but they do not resist heat as well as other materials. They can be thermoformed into a wide variety of shapes and can integrate the backsplash, sink and other features into a seamless whole.

Wood offers a natural, traditional look that fits in with most kitchen styles, but it scratches, dents and wears under kitchen conditions. However, it can be refinished to restore its beauty and is an economical option. Wood can be integrated into an island for a bar-height counter and extra storage space, and power outlets can be built in to provide flexibility for cooking, dining and entertaining. Recessed ceiling fixtures and pendants can be installed to brighten the workspace and highlight the countertops, backsplash and cabinetry. They can also be placed over the islands to provide ambient lighting and avoid shadows on the countertops and food prep areas.

Flooring

Whether your goals are to create a more pleasant go-to space or increase your home’s value, kitchen upgrades can make a significant difference. However, it’s important to set a realistic budget and only change what you can afford to without overcapitalizing. This ensures that your investment improves your quality of life while still adding to the overall value of your home.

Choosing the right flooring is an important consideration, as it can make or break your design aesthetic and overall cost. It’s also a good idea to consider how the flooring will hold up in your kitchen over time. It’s best to choose a product that will be durable and stand up to heavy traffic. Wood floors are a popular option that add value and beauty to any kitchen. However, you should be aware of the cost of hardwood versus manufactured wood (sometimes called laminate).

A well-executed kitchen remodel can add 50-70% back to your home’s value. It’s the highest return on investment among all home improvements, and it can help you sell your home faster.

It’s a good idea to work with a Kowalske designer during the remodel process. This will give you the chance to discuss all product and cost options before your project starts. Our designers are trained to provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision about your new kitchen.

In this era of environmental consciousness, incorporating energy-efficient features during your kitchen remodel can further increase your ROI. This includes refinishing existing wood floors and choosing energy-efficient appliances and lighting. This can appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and contribute to long-term savings in utility costs. Additionally, installing a smart home feature like a smart refrigerator can add an extra layer of interest to your kitchen and boost the overall value of your home.

Lighting

The lighting choices you make for your kitchen can have a significant impact on its atmosphere. While some types of lighting serve a clear utilitarian purpose, others offer a more subjective appeal. For example, a dimming light can set a mood that influences the overall atmosphere of the room, while bright or colorful LED lights can energize and encourage you to cook and entertain.

Ambient lighting is a great way to bring a soft, cozy glow to the kitchen at the flick of a switch. This type of lighting is often recessed or hidden so it doesn’t interfere with your kitchen style. This type of lighting is best used in combination with other types of lighting, such as task and accent, so you can control the amount of brightness to suit different scenarios.

Task lighting is an important element of any kitchen. It eliminates shadows and illuminates work surfaces so you can complete precise tasks like cooking or cleaning with ease. It’s also crucial to ensure your safety while working in the kitchen. Task lighting typically includes recessed can lights above work surfaces, pendant or track lights over islands or dining areas, and under-cabinet lighting.

Accent lighting is a common choice for kitchens to highlight decorative elements, such as artwork or crockery on display. It’s also a great option for highlighting the finish of cabinets or adding depth to open shelves. This type of lighting is usually more decorative and functional than ambient lighting, but the options are limitless.

The height of your ceilings can influence the type of lighting you choose. Low ceilings work best with flush-mount or recessed fixtures, while higher or vaulted ceilings can accommodate chandeliers and longer pendants. You may also want to consider maintenance and cleaning when choosing your kitchen lighting. For example, fabric drum lampshades or pendants can quickly become greasy and sticky, so you should opt for nonporous materials.

Appliances

Appliances are more than just a utilitarian kitchen component; they play a key role in the functionality of your space. If your appliances are on the older side and not working as efficiently, it may be time to invest in a kitchen remodel to upgrade to more efficient, smarter models. Not only will this improve your cooking and storage capabilities, but it can also enhance the overall look of your kitchen.

A new refrigerator, dishwasher and range are typically the largest purchases during a kitchen remodel. When choosing appliances, keep in mind a few factors including quality, brand and style. Typically, more mainstream brands offer reliability and performance at an accessible price point ideal for the average kitchen remodel. On the other hand, luxury brands like Sub-Zero and Wolf offer advanced features and sleek design that can transform your kitchen into a culinary haven.

Lighting is another important investment in a kitchen remodel. However, it is not usually a major cost factor as most kitchens utilize both general (overhead) and task lighting (undercabinet or directly over islands) in some combination. Lighting costs rise only when you add upgrades such as dimmable LED or designer fixtures.

Other kitchen remodel upgrades include a hidden microwave that blends with the cabinetry, a warming drawer for savory dishes, or a beverage center equipped with a built-in fridge and ice machine. Besides the functional improvements, these upgrades can also elevate your home’s design and increase its resale value. Another benefit is increased storage for all those cooking-related knick-knacks and secret ingredients. Lastly, replacing old appliances with updated models brings the kitchen up to current safety codes and standards. For example, older kitchens often lack circuit interrupter outlets that can result in dangerous electrical problems.

Patio Awnings

Gemma Lester

Patio Awnings Near Me help protect furniture, outdoor structures, and your house from sun damage. They also reduce heat absorption, cutting your electricity bills and keeping indoor temperatures comfortable.

Patio Awnings

There are many options to choose from when picking an awning, including its style and materials. The best option for you depends on weather conditions and how you use your yard.

Retractable awnings protect outdoor areas from sun and wind. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles to fit any aesthetic. They’re also an affordable way to add shade and increase the usefulness of a patio or deck area. In addition, awnings play a vital role in temperature regulation and can lower indoor temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning and cutting energy costs.

Unlike permanent awnings that cannot be adjusted, retractable awnings can be partially or completely opened for precise shading and to accommodate rain. This makes them ideal for smaller yards and urban spaces where every square foot counts. Additionally, they can be repositioned or removed in winter, allowing sunlight and ambient heat to penetrate through windows for improved indoor comfort and warmth.

Awnings can protect your furniture and carpets from fading caused by direct sunlight and can even prevent water damage. They can also keep glare out of your home, making television and computer screens easier to view. Additionally, a well-designed awning can block up to 20 degrees of the direct sun’s rays and reduce the heating impact on your house or commercial space, saving you money on energy bills.

We recommend the Aecojoy retractable patio awning as our top pick for a variety of reasons, including durability, versatility, and affordability. It features a polyester fabric with 30+ UV solar protection, a fade-resistant finish, and a powder-coated aluminum frame that is lightweight yet strong enough to withstand high winds. It’s also easy to open and close and can be mounted on brick or concrete. This model is available in four different sizes and comes with a manual crank so it doesn’t require electricity.

Solar Screens

Awnings can dress up a deck, but they can also help you keep your home cool and save energy. This is because awnings can shade the interior of your house, which in turn lowers the temperature inside and reduces the need for air conditioning. The type of awning you choose will depend on your specific needs. For instance, if you’re designing the backyard dining space of your dreams, your requirements will be different from someone who wants to keep their carpeting and draperies protected.

For homeowners who want to stay cool without blocking all the natural light, solar screens are a great option. These screen systems consist of dark, tightly woven mesh that goes outside your window or porch frames and deflects sunlight to prevent glare and UV damage. They block heat without obscuring your view and can also help to prevent the formation of condensation in windows.

These screens come in a range of colors, textures and patterns, so you can find the perfect match for your decor and style. There are even options that blend with your drapery and other window treatments for a seamless look.

DIY solar screen kits include heavy-duty screen frames, your choice of solar fabric and detailed instructions. Textilene 80% solar screens provide privacy and daytime sun blockage while allowing for good ventilation and visibility. They’re ideal for living rooms, kitchens and enclosed porches.

If you want more solar protection, opt for a 90% Suntex Solar Screen. This pet-resistant screening blocks up to 90% of the sun’s rays, protects against bugs and is easy to clean. It’s suitable for use in door, window and patio screening applications as well as marine/boathouse shades.

Valances

Awnings for outdoor spaces such as decks and patios transform the space into a functional area protected from sun, heat, damaging UV rays and light rain. They also provide privacy, beautify the space and increase curb appeal. The type of awning you choose depends on how you use the space, whether it’s for family fun or entertaining friends and can either be a permanent fixture or a retractable structure that extends outward from a wall or roof to offer shade and protection.

Valances are the finishing touch that can set your awning apart from others. They are typically strips of fabric that hang from the bottom edge of the awning to add flair and style. Valances are most commonly used on windows but can work as an attractive alternative to other window treatments like curtains or blinds.

Adding an awning to a window, balcony or porch is one of the best ways to protect furniture from sunlight and weather damage. The awning’s fabric cover creates a barrier between the furnishings and the elements, so they stay cool and vibrant over time. In addition to keeping furnishings looking their best, the awning helps keep home and energy costs down by preventing UV rays from heating up indoor spaces.

If you want an easy-to-use solution for shading your backyard patio or deck, consider a retractable awning from Outsunny. Its steel and aluminum frame is reinforced with a premium acrylic canopy that guards against fading, tearing and water. The breathable material doesn’t trap hot air inside, so it stays comfortable on warm days. This model comes with a hand crank for manual use and has the option to be motorized so you can control it from a switch, a smartphone/tablet app or a remote control.

Lighting

Awnings are a great addition to any outdoor space, providing shade and shelter while also creating an inviting ambiance that invites you to spend time outdoors with friends and family. However, the right lighting can take your patio awning to another level of appeal and transform it into a space you’ll want to stay in long past sunset.

Achieving the perfect ambiance can be difficult when stringing up lights. Not only does this process require a lot of time, but it can also be frustrating when the strands get tangled or the bulbs break. Fortunately, with awning lighting you can skip the hassle of stringing up your own light and let the built-in LED lights set the mood for any gathering.

You can also add recessed lighting for nights by the pool. Not only will this enhance your poolside experience, but it will also help your guests see the area better while they are swimming or relaxing on the lounge chairs.

While there are a variety of different types of awnings, they generally fall into two categories: fixed and retractable. Fixed awnings are often used in commercial spaces like bakeries and small cafes. These are positioned against the wall and extend outward, much like a window shade.

Retractable awnings, on the other hand, are usually installed on a deck or patio and can be extended and retracted with the push of a button. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners because they allow you to customize your shade and protection according to the weather conditions. For example, you can have your awning extended and then retracted as the sun starts to go down to avoid harsh glare and the occasional storm.

Plants

Adding plants around patio awnings is an easy way to increase privacy, cool the environment and add a splash of color. Many shade-loving greens will thrive under a patio awning. Ferns in a variety of varieties are great choices and spread well, as do many mosses and hostas. Vines like Jacob’s ladder and English ivy also work well in the shade. Awnings can block excessive sunlight and help to regulate the temperature of the soil, which is better for growing herbs and vegetables.

If the soil is too hot, it can prevent a plant’s roots from absorbing oxygen and can damage its health. In addition, too much direct sunlight can cause a plant to wilt, and if the wilting continues it may eventually lead to death. Awnings protect the plants from direct sunlight and shield them from its harmful UV rays.

In addition, patio awnings can be used to deter insects. If the awning is covered in bugs, spray it with an insect repellent or a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. This will kill adult mosquitoes and destroy any eggs the pests might have laying in wait for their next meal.

Other ways to deter mosquitoes and other insects include keeping the area around the awning clean. Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes, so be sure to keep downspouts and gutters clean to avoid clogging that leads to stagnant water. In addition, clearing away tall grasses and fallen branches can reduce their hiding spots for ticks and other insects. Mosquitoes are also attracted to odors, so try hanging a scented sachet that contains rosemary and lavender or lemon thyme to deter them. Also consider placing a few pots of citronella or scented candles on the porch to keep the bugs at bay.

Tree Trimming Basics

Gemma Lester

The right pruning techniques can keep trees looking great and help prevent damage from snow, wind, or storms. PRV Tree Service can also reduce the weight of a tree, making it less likely to fall or cause injury to people or property.

tree service

Learn the basics of trimming a tree, including proper cuts and how to deal with crossing branches.

While pruning and trimming may seem similar, each plays a unique role in the health of your trees. Understanding the difference between the two techniques can help you identify issues that should be addressed and when.

Pruning is a practice that removes damaged, dead, or diseased branches from the tree to maintain its structural integrity and improve its appearance. When done properly, the tree can use its energy on healthy branches instead of putting effort into repairing and supporting weakened or damaged ones.

For example, if you notice that some of your trees are growing toward or brushing power lines, it’s likely time to call a professional tree trimmer for an inspection and possible pruning work. Keeping branches away from power lines can reduce the likelihood of outages, injuries, and property damage in the event of a power outage.

Other common reasons for trimming include removing suckers, reducing crown density, and maintaining a uniform shape. Pruning can also correct crooked, leaning, or overcrowded trees. By lowering their density, you can allow more sunlight into the center of your tree canopy, making it more visually appealing.

If a branch is dead or diseased, it should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to other healthy branches. The signs of a sick limb range from spots and cracks on the branch to its wilting and lack of leaves.

Lastly, when a limb becomes too heavy for the support it receives from its neighboring branches, it can cause structural failure and a dangerous fall. It’s important to prune these limbs before they become too large or break under their weight.

When considering a pruning job, it’s best to do so in the spring. This is when the sap is rising, and it’s easier to see any problems that need to be corrected. It’s also less stressful for the tree than doing it in the summer when the leaves are fully expanded.

Trimming is the process of removing dead or dying branches and stems and promoting new growth. It helps trees look their best and prevents excess growth from blocking sunlight to other areas of the tree. Trimming also helps protect property by reducing the risk of damage from falling branches or debris.

A well-trained tree specialist will know how to prune various types of trees. They will be able to identify dead, diseased, or damaged branches. They will also learn how to thin the crown to help promote healthy tree growth. The thinning technique is done by cutting selected branches back to their point of origin or major limbs to create an open crown.

For most trees, the first step in the pruning process is to remove any dead or diseased branches or parts of the trunk. This will reduce the risk of damage to the tree and prevent the spread of diseases or pests from one branch to another.

Once these unhealthy pieces of the tree are removed, the next step is to identify overlapping or crossing branches. These should be trimmed as soon as they are noticed. This can be a very time-consuming task, and the correct cuts must be made.

It is important to note that when a branch is trimmed, it should be cut just outside the branch bark ridge. This rough, usually darkened area forms where a branch meets the parent stem. It should never be cut flush with the tree trunk, which can lead to rot.

It is also important to remember that any cuts must be made at a downward angle. This will ensure water does not settle into the wound and cause rot. It is also crucial to leave a short stub of the branch, allowing the tree to form a callus over the wound. This will protect the tree from problems such as fungi and insects.

The way you cut a branch is very important. For the sake of your safety and to keep your tree healthy, make sure that you use sharp pruning tools. Dull tools can cause you to cut yourself on the branches or to create sloppy, improper cuts that could lead to disease or pest problems down the road. Keeping your tools sharp is one of the best ways to prevent these issues.

It would be best if you also took the time to inspect your trimming work regularly to ensure that you are removing all of the correct limbs. If you have removed too many limbs, the tree will likely weaken or die from the stress. It is also important to note that removing more than 25% of a living tree’s canopy at one time is unsafe. This is known as topping and can be a major problem for your tree’s health.

When removing large branches, it is important to follow the three-cut rule. This technique will help prevent bark stripping around the wound created by removing the limb. The first cut should be made on the underside of the limb about 6 inches past the branch collar, the swollen area where the trunk meets the limb. The second cut should be several inches higher, and the third will remove the branch stub.

For smaller branches, the rule is to cut back to a bud, branch, or twig pointed in the direction you want the growth to go. This will help to encourage healthy new growth. It is also a good idea to thin out areas that are overly dense so that air can circulate and the plant can grow properly.

It is also important to remember that the wounds that you create should never be allowed to bleed. This can allow disease-causing pathogens to enter the tree through the open wound and can lead to rot. Always make your cuts at a downward angle to keep water from settling in the wound and potentially causing damage.

It would be best to use proper safety precautions to keep yourself and others safe when trimming a tree. This is especially important when working near power lines, removing large dangling branches, or on trees near homes or buildings. It is also important to ensure all your tools are in good working condition. This means ensuring they are sharp, as dull blades can cause excessive bark damage and create harmful rips that expose the tree to pests and diseases.

You should always wear protective equipment when working on a tree. This includes a hard hat to protect your head from falling limbs, gloves to prevent cuts and puncture wounds, and boots to help you keep a steady footing on the ground and reduce the risk of slipping or falling. You should also ensure you are properly trained to use the tools and equipment you will be using.

Finally, you should ensure all of your cuts are made at a downward angle. This will help to prevent water from settling into the wound and causing rotting. Additionally, you should avoid removing branches growing upward, as this can lead to the formation of suckers that will eventually weaken and kill the tree.

When it comes to pruning a tree, many things need to be done to maintain its health and appearance. The most common is removing dead or decaying branches, which can be done by examining the tree for brown outer coloring and dry interior tissue. This will help reduce the risk of falling limbs and improve the tree’s overall look.

Another common procedure is thinning the canopy by removing smaller branches from the tree. This can help increase sunlight and airflow within the tree, improving its overall health. Finally, it is important to remember that pruning a tree does not have to be done routinely. However, if the tree is overgrown or in poor condition, it may be necessary to prune more frequently.