• Construction

    Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window Replacement Contractor

    Replacement Contractor

    As you know, home window replacement is a top project. It is a project that should be left to people who are knowledgeable and trained on it. Before you sign a contract, these are some of the questions you should ask your window installation contractor.

    Are You Insured and Licensed?

    glass workersThis is an important question you ought to ask a contractor you want to hire. Most states require professional contractors with licenses.  That is the same case with insurance that includes liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation. Remember, these questions are meant to protect both of you: you and the contractor.

    Do You Give Itemized Estimate?

    Itemized estimates can allow you to see the expenses that are projected for the project. Labor, parts, and even cleanup are required. A reliable contractor will not have any problem providing you the breakdown of expenses that can come in handy if there are disputes.

    Do You Offer Interior Finishing and Painting?

    You should note that not all window replacement companies that provide finishing services. Fortunately, you can find companies that offer interior finishing services that include trimming out the window and painting. All these services are important for the homeowner. Ensure you ask all the services that are included with window replacement. Check whether they are part of the itemized estimate.

    How Long Will the Project Take?

    Specialized windows do take time. Thus, projects can take several months before they are fully completed. Knowing when the windows will be completed is vital, particularly when you come upon the seasonal change. The good thing about knowing the timeline is that you can have peace of mind knowing when your project will be completed.

    Is there Specific Window Brand You Recommend?

    You should note that certain contractors do not like working with certain brands of windows. Others like working with a few types. You can get these preferences before signing the contract. The contractor should offer various reasons for recommending certain brands. You can also get this information from professionals who have installed windows for many years.

    What Type of Warranty Do You Offer?

    No matter how well-installed your windows are, problems are likely to rise after a few weeks or months. You can get these details in writing, and the warranty policy should you require it. Moreover, ensure you keep the contractor’s contact information in a safe place.

  • wheelchair
    Construction

    How To Make a Home Wheelchair Accessible

    Have you ever wondered what you can do to your home to make it wheelchair accessible? This article will share some useful tips that you can use around and in your house to ensure that a wheelchair can move around freely. For instance, you can make your house/home inviting to everyone by installing a wheelchair accessible door.

    This is a low-cost renovation project that will make your house easier to maneuver, especially for those people in wheelchairs. This will not only make it more accessible but will also make it easy for people to access object or items in various parts of your house. This means that people can do their daily activities worry-free. Let us have a look at the proven tips of making a home maneuverable by wheelchair;

    Removing Gravel From the Walkways

    walkway

    Gravel driveways and walkways are challenging to manage for those in wheelchairs. Where possible, you should replace the gravel with leveled paving stones or concrete. Alternatively, you can consider using small stones and keeping the surface weed free and level. Adding edging along the drive and pathway to reduce unwanted plant growth is also recommended

     

    Installing Grab Bars in Your bathroom

    Installing grab bars near handrails in your tub area and toilet makes it easier for one in a wheelchair to access the toilet and bathtub. Grab bars can hold a weight of up to 250 pounds when installed correctly. To make them more efficient, you should install them direly into studs. People can easily hold onto studs with no-slip surfaces.

    Raising the Furniture

    Raising furniture makes it easy for those in wheelchairs to reach items on coffee tables or sit comfortably at the kitchen tables. Securing some blocks of wood to the furniture’s legs is the easiest way of raising the furniture.

    Adjusting the Doorway Widths

    doorway

    Most of the conventional doorways have average widths of about 24 inches. This is quite narrow to a wheelchair to maneuver. Homeowners can hire professional door installers to widen the doorways. The recommended width of a wheelchair accessible doorway is 30 inches. If this is not a viable option, then you should consider removing doors from the hinges to install pocket doors. This is an effective way of providing additional room for wheelchairs. Replacing doors with drapes or curtains also works.

    Changing Faucet Levers and Doorknobs

    This involves replacing the standard round-doorknobs with lever-type handles. Tying a string to the lever handle makes it easier for one to pull the door closed or open. You can consider exchanging the round handles on kitchen and bathroom sinks with lever handles.

  • Storage
    Construction

    Tips on Getting a Steel Building Made

    Steel buildings have been making more appearances in today’s industrial, commercial and residential areas. The reason for this is that steel is one building material that can be shaped into many designs and it can be easy to work with, and any structure can be completed in about half the time of brick and mortar structures. Let us take a look at the different types of steel buildings that are being constructed today.

    Commercial Buildings

    There are many companies that require space for Steel Building Madestoring their goods and even running an office. Constructing an office building can be expensive and take a long time. However, designing a structure that is made from steel can be very cost effective as it can be done to double as a warehouse or storeroom as well as the administration office.

    Industrial workshops

    Many firms that are involved in the manufacture of machinery operate in buildings made from steel. The reason for this is that the design can actually be changed if needed and steel is a very durable material that can handle the elements as well as the machinery that will be used in such workplaces.

    For residential use

    If you need to add a storage room, barn or even a garage to your home, getting one made from steel may be a suitable choice for you. The reason is that it will cost less than getting it done with wood or bricks. The time needed to build one out of steel will not be as much as what it takes with bricks. Steel can also be made to look beautiful as they can be coated to be weather resistant and also shaped to look rather neat and smart.

    Steel Building MadeHow to find a steel fabricator

    If you are looking for a company that specializes in building steel structures, you will have to do a little research. The people you hire must be able to do a complete job, from placing the foundation to painting and finishing the interior. They must also provide insulation services if you require them as steel can get rather hot or cold depending on the weather in the area. Before you give the green light, always ask for a quote so that you will know how much it will cost you. The last thing you want is to be presented with a bill that is much more that you expected or wish to pay.