Monday, December 9, 2013

DIY Ceiling for your basement










   
  • The Styleline Zip-Up System Is a great way to update the look to your basement ceiling.  The System is easy to install and easy to clean.  It is made of Poly(vinyl chloride), commonly abbreviated PVC,  It has panels that interlock with rails that attach to the ceiling. No glue needed. It sits higher that a drop ceiling giving you more head room on your basement ceiling.  Easy access to Plumbing and wiring with the pull "zip" panels. They are water and moisture resistant that will not mildew.  It cleans with a damp cloth and has a fire rating of Class-A.
  •  The Zip-Up UnderDeck System is the best way to finish off your under deck living space.  Installation is simple with only a few common tools and only has five components. This is a water tight system that effectively channels water to a gutter system and provides a flat, clean finish under the deck.  No other system offers this much functionality and beauty at such an affordable price.

Call for a free quote or a dealer near you at 1-888-323-0594. Visit us at Styleline.biz




Monday, December 2, 2013

Building Your Own Sunroom. Are you ready to DIY?


DIY is trending in the home improvement industry. Television and the Internet instructs us how easy home improvement can be.  It is really so simple?  Can DIY really save you money?  These are some good questions you should be asking yourself when you take on your home improvement projects.  Investing in your home improvement is a important decision that can be rewarding or a money pit if you are not prepared or have the proper skills to do it yourself.

Here is a couple of quick questions you should ask yourself to see if you are ready to tackle a big project as home improvement.

1. Are you a hard worker that is patient and enjoys physical labor?

2. Do you have the skills and tools to complete the project?

3. Are you familiar with the city codes and building permits that are required?

4. Will you be able to get all the materials you need?  If not will your supplier deliver?

5. How long will your project take to complete?  Do you have the spare time?

6. What happens if you have a mistake, do you have the extra funds to get it fixed?

If you could answer "yes" to all these questions, you might be ready to take on you home improvement project. If  "no" was your more common answer you should consider hiring a contractor.

You have looked at your home improvement project and decided it is time to hire a contractor.  Hiring the right contractor for you can save you money, time and stress. Here is some crucial questions to ask a contractor before you hire them for your home project.

1. Do they have creditable references?

2. How long have they been in business?

3. Do they pictures of the work they have completed?

4. Do they have the proper licences for their business?

5. Will they give you a written agreement outlining what work will be done?

6. Will they give you an exact price or just an estimate?

7. Will they take care of the permits and inspections?

8. Is the work they do guaranteed?

Weather you decide do it yourself or hire a contractor, do your homework.  Be prepared, do a budget, and know the project you are going to tackle.


Here at Styleline we offer a DIY window the Styleline Riviera V4 Panel Sliding Window.  Visit our page to learn more at Styleline.biz and Kaufmann Window and Doors.  Quotes are free and if living in the Midwest let us help you find a dealer near you. 1-888-323-0594. #DIY

Monday, November 18, 2013

Storm Safety




Every change of season we can experience a variety of extreme weather. One day it will be an ice storm or a thunderstorm, the next, extreme wind (possible tornadoes and hurricanes).

Severe storms can cause large destruction to our electric systems.  It takes a while to clear away debris and repair damage.  People could be without power for a few days. Take the necessary steps ahead of time to be prepared.

Another reason is flying objects and high winds. These conditions can be havoc on your home. Taking action now to protect your home and your family can save lives and reduce damage.


How to Prepare for Power Outage and Strong Storms

1. If power goes out you need to report it right away.  If you smell gas call your gas company immediately.  Have your power and gas company phone number available.

2. If someone in your household has to depend on a life support device have your special 24 hour hotline number ready.  Have an evacuation plan for all locations. Consider home, work, and school/daycare. Check in your area and see if you have any neighbors with special needs that may benefit from your assistance.

3. Learn how to manually open your garage door, security doors, or any electronically operated devices.

4. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.

5. Keeping the refrigerator and freezer door closed helps keep your food cold. Turn off stoves. Unplug any devices.

6. Make sure your gas is filled in your car, in case you need to travel to a safer location.

7. Fill your bathtub with water and any other buckets or containers you can find.  You will need this to flush your toilets and have spare water for cleaning.

8. Get cash.  It is always good to have emergency cash available unexpected expenses.  And with the power out you might not have access to buy items with your debit card.

9. Plan your family food and lodging needs.  If you are unable to use you electric stove have a gas or charcoal grill with matches available. Plan an alternative destination if you need to evacuate your home.

10. Put together a disaster supply kit, include garbage bags, duct tape, put matches and important papers in plastic bags, disposable wipes, batteries, flashlights, battery operated radio, candles, tools, first aid kit, pet supplies, manual can opener.

11. Find a safe room in your home,  pick a room with no windows preferably a in basement.  If evacuated  because of a hurricane find a alternative location away from the storm.

12. Plan one week of  meals. In your safe room put canned food, water, paper plates, cups and silverware, and a garbage can. Put these items in totes for easy travel if evacuated.

13. Conduct a safety check of your home.  Fix any torn roof shingles.  Keep gutters clear of debris. Consider replacing windows or protecting them with storm windows to protect against flying objects. Windows should be weather tight and trimmed. Put away any lawn furniture or loose objects outside your home, like potted plants and shovels. Repair any broken fences.

Stay calm, be alert and stay up to date on weather conditions. Taking these steps helps you get peace of mind that you and your family are ready when the extreme weather hits.





Monday, November 11, 2013

Honoring All Who Served - Veterans Day 2013

November 11, 2013

DIY Energy Audits


1. Checking your insulation for heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home might be lacking.  Making sure that every corner including the space above the attic door helps decrease the heat you may lose.  Pipes, duck work and chimneys have gaps that may need sealing as well.

2.  Gaps in flooring, faucets, electric outlets, door and windows will need attention.  Filling them with caulk and sealing them with the appropriate materials with ensure that less leakage of air.  Replacing your lighting with a more efficient CFL or LED will greatly reduce energy your home may be producing.

3.  Your heating and cooling systems will need to inspected yearly.  Any unit over 15 years old might need replacing to  a newer, energy efficient unit.  New filters will help the unit run more efficient, otherwise it is working harder to get the dust and dirt out of your home.

Once you complete your own DIY energy audit and you are not seeing a change you might want to consider contacting a professional to better analyze the areas of your home that you might be losing the energy.



Monday, November 4, 2013

Put Some Holiday Fun into your Windows and Doors






 Get inspired this holiday season.  You do not have to spend a lot to dress up your home for the holiday's.  You can find ribbon and plain wreaths at your local dollar store to create a look like this on your 3 or 4 season room.




Find some plain Santa's hat sew together the span of your window and cover with a festive holy pattern on top for a fun window valance.






For a eye popping effect get some party decorations from the store and layer them with different sizes and hues to create a holiday effect.






For a cute craft this season use an old window and bulbs with some spray snow to achieve a great wall decoration.  Can even grab some ribbon and pine from outside to finish the look.












Have fun and safe holiday season from all of here at Styleline.