Tool Rental Rules for Westchester Homeowners

This article will give you some very useful information on how to go about renting tools for your home improvement needs.

It’s a simple fact of life that every home improvement project requires tools of some sort. As a result, just about every homeowner has a toolbox — or at least a kitchen drawer — with a decent assortment of hand tools. But what happens when your project requires a jackhammer, an airless paint sprayer or perhaps even a tractor?

Rather than shell out the money to buy a tool or a piece of equipment that you’ll probably use only once, you’re better off turning to your local rental yard instead. The typical rental yard has a pretty astounding assortment of tools and equipment available, and because they don’t make any money if their tools are in the repair shop, you will generally find late-model equipment in very good working order.

WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED?

The first step in dealing with a rental yard is deciding exactly what you need to rent. That may sound pretty obvious, but if this is a tool that you’ve never used before, you may not know exactly what it’s called or what variations of it might be available. For example, you may know that you need to drill some holes in concrete, but you may not know if you need a small hammer drill, a larger rotary hammer, or perhaps even some diamond-tipped, core-boring equipment. Don’t despair and don’t feel embarrassed. Rental yard personnel are well acquainted with the tools they have available, and exactly what they can and can’t do. Simply explain what your project is, and they can steer you to the right tool to do the job.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU RENT FOR?

Some equipment can be rented by the hour, often with a two-hour-or-longer minimum. Other choices typically include a per-day rate (24 hours) and a per-week rate (seven days), and sometimes you’ll find half-day and monthly rates available as well. The longer the rental term is, the cheaper the rate will be; for example, a tool might rent for $10 per hour, but be just $75 for a full day, and perhaps drop down to $350 for an entire week.

Try to figure out about how long you’ll need the tool for, and then add some time to that estimate to account for your unfamiliarity with the tool’s operation, as well as the problems that almost always creep up on home improvement projects. You may be pretty sure that you can get the job done within their two-hour minimum, but you’re probably money ahead if you opt for the half-day or even the full-day rate, so you don’t feel rushed. And don’t forget that the rental time also includes the time it’s going to take you to pack up the tool and drive back to the rental yard with it.

Once you have a rough idea of how long you’ll need the tool, be sure to ask what the yard’s policy is for returning it earlier or later than expected. Most yards will charge you only for the actual time you have the tool, and will work with you on what the best rate is. For example, you may tell them you want it for a whole day, but if you are able to get it back within just a couple of hours, you will typically be charged either an hourly or a half-day rate, not the more expensive full-day rate. Where you might run into problems is if you need the tool longer than expected — if someone else has it reserved for the following day, you may be required to return it before you’re done.

Also, ask what days the rental yard is open. The yard might be closed on Sundays, so if you rent something on Saturday, your one-day rate will usually extend all the way to Monday morning. The same thing may apply if the yard is closed over a holiday.

 

 

 

TRAINING AND TRANSPORTING

So, how do you get that big trencher home — and how do you use it once you get it there? One thing rental yards have lots of is trailers, in all different sizes. If you rent a larger piece of equipment from them, the rental price may include the trailer as well, or they may give you a trailer at a discounted rate for the term of the rental. If you can’t or don’t want to tow a trailer, or if the equipment is too large to be towed, the rental yard can deliver it directly to your job site for a nominal fee, and then pick it up when you’re done.

As to operation, the rental yard staff will show you the basics of what you need to know. They’ll show you how to start and stop the tool or equipment correctly, all the safety features, how to change bits or blades, how to clean it, and other pertinent information.

CLEANING AND DAMAGE

When you rent a tool from a rental yard, there is the practical and legal expectation that you will return it clean and in the same working order as when they gave it to you. That doesn’t mean that the tool or piece of equipment needs to be absolutely spotless — the yard will clean, check and service it before it goes out again — but if you return it in a condition that will require extra cleaning or servicing time, you’re likely to be charged for it. This is especially true for painting equipment, concrete tools, and other items can be hard to clean if you allow material to harden on or inside the tool.

Another thing you will be asked when you rent is whether you want a damage waiver, which is available for an extra cost. With most types of equipment — especially complex or expensive items, or tools you’re not familiar with — this small charge is well worth the peace of mind it brings.

Always ask what the yard’s expectations are for cleaning, and what the damage waiver covers. Remember, when you rent a piece of equipment you are signing a legal contract, so be sure you’re comfortable with what it says.

Whirlpool Bathtubs in Your Own Home - A Guide to Buying Whirlpool Bathtubs

You may have heard of hydrotherapy and its effects on those who suffer from various kinds of diseases. You probably know about Jacuzzis and may have heard whirlpool baths. The combination of all of these, you might want in your own home to enjoy the experience and the therapeutic effects of a spa bath or maybe just to have a relaxing time in the soaking.

It is a fact that if you have your own Jacuzzi is much better than trips to the spa comes to experience hydrotherapy. However, you may know that the possession or installation of a whirlpool tub in your own home can be very costly. And, you probably do not know what to look for in a whirlpool tub, or what kind of spa bath choice.

There are many types of whirlpool baths available on the market today. You must choose the one that suits your budget and the one that suits your home. Styles and spa systems are also different with each design, it is recommended that you know something about whirlpools, in order to know exactly what you are looking for.

The first step in choosing a spa is determining where your bathtub will be installed. Once you have determined where you want to install the spa bath, choose the type you want. There are 5-foot spa bath models that can be installed in your bathtub alcove, recreation mount-bucket which is installed between the walls, which in the end against the tub rim, the coin trays for a maximum space and the deck is mounted bins require tiles and surround drops in the floor or the platform.

Another factor that you should consider when buying whirlpool is your heater. You must make sure it is large enough to fill about 2 / 3 of your hot tub with warm water.

The person who uses the bathtub, in this case, you should also be considered. That’s because you do not want to find out subsequently that the bathtub is too short and uncomfortable to grow in. Thus, it will completely erase the concept of you buying a whirlpool tub. A spa bath should be comfortable to use. Also, there are Whirlpool Baths, which can be two people. Think about how often you are going to share it with this person at a time because it consumes a lot of hot water that can be very expensive.

The weight of the spa bath should be considered. You may want something durable, and at the same time can be supported by your word.

As you know, all the things that need good mechanical care units and maintenance. Sometimes you need to restore a certain part of a mechanical unit. This also applies to unit’s spa. You should have easy access to maintenance parts of the tank and someone who knows how to replace it.

Another thing you should look for in a Jacuzzis is safety devices. Obviously, you do not want something to happen when you use the bathtub or anything to happen in your bathtub if you accidentally left on. So, here are the characteristics you should look for in a whirlpool tub:

• Low Water Sensor - These sensors will automatically shut off the engine when it detects that the water level is too low. This prevents the engine to burn out.

• Built-in bars and grabs slip floors - A safety device to help prevent incidents such as sliding.

• Internal water heaters - To save money on the water heater, you should consider buying a whirlpool tub with the water heater to maintain a constant internal temperature of the water.

These types of bins re-circulate water and therefore needs constant cleaning. Some spa tubs self-cleaning systems that vent bacteria that cause the residue after each use.

Remember these steps and you will surely enjoy your new brand, therapeutic spa bath.

 

Cost vs Value 2007 Mid-Atlantic

Middle Atlantic   Project Upscale National Averages

Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped Project Upscale Job Cost Resale Value Cost Recouped $77,753 $47,204 60.7% Bathroom Addition $73,145 $50,442 69% $53,598 $32,304 60.3% Bathroom Remodel $50,590 $34,588 68.4% $15,433 $11,601 75.2% Deck Addition - Composite $15,039 $11,672 77.6% $86,245 $48,960 56.8% Garage Addition $82,108 $53,056 64.6% $112,721 $76,672 68% Major Kitchen Remodel $109,394 $81,096 74.1% $230,687 $132,256 57.3% Master Suite Addition $220,149 $141,120 64.1% $37,613 $21,838 58.1% Roofing Replacement (steel) $33,151 $21,769 65.7% $13,359 $11,495 86% Siding Replacement (fiber-cement) $13,212 $11,633 88.1% $12,375 $9,971 80.6% Siding Replacement (foam-backed vinyl) $12,132 $9,668 79.7% $14,394 $11,152 77.5% Window Replacement - Vinyl $13,479 $10,913 81% $18,180 $13,958 76.8% Window Replacement - Wood $17,383 $13,784 79.3%

Design Concepts For New Bathrooms

“Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or taking out a second mortgage on your home, but what it does mean is a well thought out master plan, some drawings and a calculator. Think in terms of an artist starting out with a blank canvas, he or she has their own unique design concepts for what they perceive as art. Creating your dream bathroom takes on a similar approach in that we must first decide on look we are trying to achieve.

With several design platforms to choose from starting with the century old Victorian bathroom that were characterized by claw-footed roll top baths, sculpted pedestal basins, free standing showers enclosures and sometimes a matching bidet.

Today’s modern bathrooms are depicted by the ever changing styles from year-to-year.
Recent modern designs include sleek, straight and geometric lines with white remaining the prevalent choice in bathroom furnishings sporting ultra mod bath and basin mixer taps in polished chrome.

Depending on the size of bathroom, keep in mind that less is best in the way of accessorizing. Over powering the look of the bathrooms with numerous accessories tends to make a small room appear even smaller unless you are utilizing bathroom mirrors which lends way to a more open space. On the other hand when working with a large area, modern bathroom accessories are a welcomed addition to give the bathroom a finished look.

Traditional bathrooms tend to focus more on architectural details bringing nature inside. With the inspired look of wood such as oak, maple, and beech shelves and cabinets, wood finishes enhance the mood by giving the bathroom a warm earthy tone, similar to a country or rustic looking bathroom.

Once you have selected the style of bathroom, think about how you will be using the space. When it comes to function and space planning, calculate the dimension of the bathroom this will also help you to decide on the type of bathroom furniture pieces you can place within a designated area. Assess your bathroom storage needs, will you need a bathroom cabinet, shelving or vanity. For smaller bathrooms a minimalist style means honing in on crucial space and utilizing it in order create a clutter free bathroom ensuring the bathroom furniture has strong clean lines and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Look at several bathrooms designs, with several hundred bathroom design ideas available on the internet choosing a style that fits your style, space and budget can be simple and a pleasurable task. The key element that has to be taken into account is budget, keeping in mind if you are not a do-it- yourself (DIY) person, then it is best to leave the job up to a professionals even though this will cut into your bathroom budget, you are guaranteed the job will be done right. For the DIY’s, making mistakes can be equally costly not to mention frustrating if your plans were not carefully thought out especially when it comes to the plumbing and electrical supply within your bathroom space. According to renovating and contracting firms when homeowners decide to remodel their bathrooms themselves they see a bathroom suite they want, purchase it, and get it home only to run into complications. People forget when transitioning from a standard bath to a whirlpool bath there are several critical factors that must be considered like plumbing, hot water heaters, and floor supports. Bathroom floors are built to bear the weight of a standard bathtub not whirlpool spa baths. Today’s custom homes will accommodate most luxury tubs, but floor joists may require reinforcement in older homes if the tub is oversized especially whirlpool baths. Whirlpool baths have the water capacity of up to 80 gallons, if the proper hot water tank is not installed it will result in tepid bathwater taking away the enjoyment and purpose of a whirlpool bath.

By creating a blue print to your bathroom remodeling project, you will not only save time, but save money on unexpected amendments in order to compensate your bathroom requirements.”

Fall checklist for a safer, warmer home|Improve energy efficiency

The following article has very valuable information for your home. I hope you find it useful.

High energy prices are taking their toll on just about everyone this year, so it’s important to do whatever you can to create and maintain an energy-efficient home. Fall is the ideal time for weatherization projects, so this year’s fall checklist is centered around what you can do to create a warmer home that has less impact on your wallet.

___Check all insulation levels: Improving insulation levels can be a highly effective way of increasing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, so make it a point this fall to check the amount and condition of all visible insulation. This includes the attic, underfloor, kneewalls, skylight shafts and ductwork. A call to your local utility company will tell you what levels are considered optimum for your area, and if repairs are needed and you don’t want to undertake them yourself, they can also recommend qualified insulation and weatherization contractors.

___Check and seal heating ducts: Crawling around in the attic or crawlspace isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun afternoon, but it’s the only way to examine and repair your heating ducts. Check for gaps between ducts and fittings, and seal them with a quality metallic tape — not regular duct tape, which doesn’t last. Also, check to be sure that all of the ducts are up off the ground and adequately supported.

___Check weatherstripping: Gaps around doors and windows — no matter how small or seemingly insignificant — allow cold outside air to enter your home. The result is uncomfortable drafts and wasted energy. Closely examine each exterior door and window to see that the weatherstripping is doing its job. There should be no visible gaps, the weatherstripping should be clean and undamaged, and windows and doors should operate smoothly and close completely. If any repairs are necessary, you can find everything you need at your local hardware store or home center, or contact a qualified weatherization contractor or handyman.

___Seal exterior penetrations: Weatherstripping is not the only culprit when it comes to air leaks. Spend a day working your way around the outside of the house with a caulking gun and a couple of tubes of high-quality, flexible caulking, and seal any gaps around window and door trim, plumbing and electrical penetrations, flashings and other openings.

___Add outlet gaskets: Shut the power, remove switch and outlet plates, and add precut foam outlet gaskets, which are available from home centers, hardware stores and other retailers. Do the interior walls as well as the exterior walls, and don’t forget exterior outlets as well. It’s a small thing, but small things definitely add up.

___Change furnace filters: Fall is always the perfect time to put in new furnace filters. It’s another one of those simple and inexpensive tasks that can add to your home’s efficiency and your family’s comfort.

___Upgrade your thermostat: An older thermostat that’s a couple of degrees off can result in a lot of wasted energy, and so can forgetting to set the thermostat down at night. You can take care of both of those problems with an upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are digital and typically very accurate, and they allow for easy, set-and-forget programming of temperatures for different times of the day, including energy-saving nighttime and workday setbacks.

___Clean and service fireplaces and woodstoves: Make sure that your gas, wood, and pellet-burning fireplaces and stoves are clean and operating correctly. Check door gaskets, blower operation, flues and flue caps, thermostats and all other aspects of these important appliances. If you’re not sure what to look for or how to do any cleaning or repairs, check with a qualified, licensed fireplace shop or chimney sweep.

___Install a carbon monoxide detector: If you have any gas appliances in your home, there is always the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning should any of them ever malfunction. This is a very real danger, especially as we close our homes up for the winter, so make it a point this fall to install a carbon monoxide detector. These lifesavers are inexpensive, easy to install, and available from most home centers and hardware stores.

___Check smoke detectors: Same warning every fall — check to see that your smoke detectors are operating correctly, and install fresh batteries. If you have an older home with a limited number of detectors, install additional ones outside each bedroom, and make sure that you have at least one on each floor of the house.

Patio Design Choices

The size and style of your patio depends on how you plan to use it. It should be a comfortable, well-planned solution to your family’s outdoor needs. If you entertain often, you’ll want an area large enough for guests to comfortably converse, mingle and dine. If the patio is used only for occasional family barbecues or for relaxing and reading, it can be fairly small. A well-designed outdoor room features different areas that fulfill a variety of expectations. There can be cooking centers, meditative retreats and outdoor musical stages, often all at once. Listing your primary goals is the first step toward effective patio design planning.

A patio is placed directly on the ground, and the final design often depends on the shape of the terrain. To some extent, machines can alter land into a new topography. Of course, extensive site work will affect the cost of your outdoor renovation project-expect to pay several thousand dollars for site work that includes grading your land and adding retaining walls. Imaginative patio design often can solve problems, including uneven land or steep grades. Before you call in the bulldozers to carve flat areas into your backyard, be sure to consider other options that could be more cost-effective, such as creating a series of smaller, stepped patios or adding a deck that vaults over the landscape.

1. Covered patios:
Usually are constructed next to a house, where extended eaves or an overhead structure shelters the outdoor room from sun and rain. Often a portion of the floor in this outdoor room extends beyond the sheltering roof so part of it is in full sun. A covered patio is much like a porch, except that the flooring is usually masonry installed directly on grade.

2. Getaway patios:
Located away from the house. They’re usually small, intimate areas surrounded by plants and landscaping features that provide a sense of privacy. Getaway patios can be open or covered by simple structures such as an arbor or gazebo. They are connected to the main house with a path, and are often built in yards large enough to create separate outdoor rooms. They include simple furnishings, such as outdoor benches, tables and chairs.

3. Poolside patios:
Provide durable, waterproof surfaces and open areas for outdoor sitting or sunning. Slip-resistant surfaces, such as textured concrete or split-face flagstone, are commonly used for poolside patios.

4. Entry patios:
Built at the front of the house. These public outdoor spaces are relaxing and inviting. They’re characterized by wide, paved areas and often include landscaping features such as built-in planters, casual seating and pathways leading to side yards and garages.

I hope you found this information helpful in designing your future patio for you and your family.

CRECCOGROUPREMODELING

914.214.4500

Home Maintenance

Video on getting your home ready for winter

Fall Checklist for your home

10 tasks that improve energy efficiency, save lives

Source: Inman News

The following article has very valuable information for your home. I hope you find it useful.

High energy prices are taking their toll on just about everyone this year, so it’s important to do whatever you can to create and maintain an energy-efficient home. Fall is the ideal time for weatherization projects, so this year’s fall checklist is centered around what you can do to create a warmer home that has less impact on your wallet.

___Check all insulation levels: Improving insulation levels can be a highly effective way of increasing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, so make it a point this fall to check the amount and condition of all visible insulation. This includes the attic, underfloor, kneewalls, skylight shafts and ductwork. A call to your local utility company will tell you what levels are considered optimum for your area, and if repairs are needed and you don’t want to undertake them yourself, they can also recommend qualified insulation and weatherization contractors.

___Check and seal heating ducts: Crawling around in the attic or crawlspace isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun afternoon, but it’s the only way to examine and repair your heating ducts. Check for gaps between ducts and fittings, and seal them with a quality metallic tape — not regular duct tape, which doesn’t last. Also, check to be sure that all of the ducts are up off the ground and adequately supported.

___Check weatherstripping: Gaps around doors and windows — no matter how small or seemingly insignificant — allow cold outside air to enter your home. The result is uncomfortable drafts and wasted energy. Closely examine each exterior door and window to see that the weatherstripping is doing its job. There should be no visible gaps, the weatherstripping should be clean and undamaged, and windows and doors should operate smoothly and close completely. If any repairs are necessary, you can find everything you need at your local hardware store or home center, or contact a qualified weatherization contractor or handyman.

___Seal exterior penetrations: Weatherstripping is not the only culprit when it comes to air leaks. Spend a day working your way around the outside of the house with a caulking gun and a couple of tubes of high-quality, flexible caulking, and seal any gaps around window and door trim, plumbing and electrical penetrations, flashings and other openings.

___Add outlet gaskets: Shut the power, remove switch and outlet plates, and add precut foam outlet gaskets, which are available from home centers, hardware stores and other retailers. Do the interior walls as well as the exterior walls, and don’t forget exterior outlets as well. It’s a small thing, but small things definitely add up.

___Change furnace filters: Fall is always the perfect time to put in new furnace filters. It’s another one of those simple and inexpensive tasks that can add to your home’s efficiency and your family’s comfort.

___Upgrade your thermostat: An older thermostat that’s a couple of degrees off can result in a lot of wasted energy, and so can forgetting to set the thermostat down at night. You can take care of both of those problems with an upgrade to a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are digital and typically very accurate, and they allow for easy, set-and-forget programming of temperatures for different times of the day, including energy-saving nighttime and workday setbacks.

___Clean and service fireplaces and woodstoves: Make sure that your gas, wood, and pellet-burning fireplaces and stoves are clean and operating correctly. Check door gaskets, blower operation, flues and flue caps, thermostats and all other aspects of these important appliances. If you’re not sure what to look for or how to do any cleaning or repairs, check with a qualified, licensed fireplace shop or chimney sweep.

___Install a carbon monoxide detector: If you have any gas appliances in your home, there is always the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning should any of them ever malfunction. This is a very real danger, especially as we close our homes up for the winter, so make it a point this fall to install a carbon monoxide detector. These lifesavers are inexpensive, easy to install, and available from most home centers and hardware stores.

___Check smoke detectors: Same warning every fall — check to see that your smoke detectors are operating correctly, and install fresh batteries. If you have an older home with a limited number of detectors, install additional ones outside each bedroom, and make sure that you have at least one on each floor of the house.

 

Top ways to enhance curb appeal

Here are some very good ways to quickly and inexpensively enhance the look of your home

You’ve no doubt heard the term “curb appeal,” which is the first impression that your home makes when a visitor arrives. Whether you have your home up for sale or just want things to look a little nicer when you or someone else pulls up out in front, the best place to start is by giving the front of your home a critical examination.

Driveway: A driveway, by necessity, tends to be a fairly dominant feature, and it is often one of the first things that a person sees when they arrive at your home. If you have a concrete driveway that is oil-stained, check with your local home center for cleaners that can spruce it up. While you’re there, get a crack repair compound and take care of smaller cracks before they become larger. For asphalt driveways, a seal-coat can often make a big difference in appearance and help prolong the asphalt as well.

For concrete or asphalt that is badly damaged, it’s time to be thinking about replacement. You can replace the driveway with the same material as before, or consider an updated look by using paving stones instead — they hold up well in all types of weather, and can even be a very satisfying do-it-yourself project.

Walkways: When someone arrives, is there a clear and safe path to your front door? You may not mind walking across your front lawn, but guests and prospective buyers would definitely prefer a walkway. There are lots of options for creating a new front walkway or replacing an existing one, so check out your home center or some landscaping magazines for ideas.

Landscaping: Speaking of landscaping, do you actually have any? Is it well maintained? Few things look worse out front than an overgrown or neglected yard, and you can often remedy things with a little hard work and some minimal expense. Cut back or remove trees and bushes that have gotten out of control. Feed the lawn to get it to green up again, or consider removing all or part of it and replacing it with low-maintenance materials.

If you have planter beds, be sure they’re weeded and have fresh bark in them. Plan your landscaping to create a visual appeal by not having all the same type of plant. Intersperse some plants that provide spots of color at different times of the year, and mix plants for different heights as well.

Shade Trees: Consider adding a couple of new shade trees in front. Trees are good for the environment in general; they help a home look more established and appealing; and they can help lower your summer cooling costs as well. Trees look best planted in odd numbers — a grouping of three or five, for example — and the folks at your local nursery can help you with proper spacing.

Exterior Paint: There is probably nothing that will help or hurt the outside of your home as much as how your paint job looks. A fresh coat of paint in up-to-date colors works wonders, while old, peeling paint in a color scheme that went out of style when Eisenhower was president can really ruin a first impression.

If the paint is in generally good condition and just has a few bad spots, spend a couple of hours with a paint scraper and a can of exterior primer to get things ready for touch up, then have your local paint store match you up a gallon of paint and touch up the primed areas so they blend in. You might also want to consider repainting the eaves or window trim in a fresh new color to liven things up a little.

A New Entrance: Your front door is one spot that every visitor has to pass though, and it can make a lasting impression. A fresh coat of paint or stain can sometimes do the trick, but if your door is badly beat up you should consider replacing it. Check with a local company that specializes in doors (not a home center) and see about having a new door matched to your existing frame. The door company will cut the door, mortise the hinges, and drill for the locks using your old door as a pattern, so you can slip the new door right into place without expensive frame alterations or extensive carpentry.

Whether you’re getting a new door or working with your old one, make sure that there are no squeaks or groans when it opens, and that it fits well in the frame without binding. Check the operation of the door handle and deadbolt; check the condition of the weatherstripping; and don’t forget the operation of any screen and storm doors.

Cleaning: Last but far from least, clean things up a little. Pick up any trash that’s accumulated, including dead leaves, cigarette butts and other small debris. Wash the siding to remove dirt, dust and cobwebs, and wash the windows. Hose off the walkways periodically, and make sure that all exterior lighting is operational. Finally, clean off the front porch — including porch furniture and knick-knacks — so that that area is clean and inviting as well.

 

Winterize Your Home

 

 You can find me at www.1800NewRemodel.com

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