In todays fast pace world most of us have little to no time for anything more than work. The small amount of time left in the day you would rather be relaxing and enjoying rather than maintaining your deck. That is why Timbertech composite decking has become so popular around the world due to its low maintainance.

 

Treated lumber decks are still a popular choice around the world but require yearly maintanance to keep wood from cracking and checking. Over time the flooring and railings will have to be replaced. Usually at this point the floor joists are still in good shape so composite flooring can be installed over your existing deck structure.

Flooring on this deck is Timbertech Pacific Walnut with hidden fasteners. Hidden fasteners leave a beautiful clean look with no screws exposed.

Benefits of Composite decks:

• Low maintainance

• Added value to home

• No splinters

• No replacement of flooring in years down the road

• No painting/staining

• More time to enjoy your deck instead of working on it

  

  Whether composite or treated lumber, a new deck is always a great retreat to your beautiful backyard. Outdoor living has become priority to many and there is no better place than your own home. Vacations can eat up thousands in a week leaving only memories and and an empty pocket. A new deck/backyard enhancement will create value, memories and a lifetime later you will still have your deck. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Your bathroom is old and outdated? You might be thinking about a quick sale or a quick fix? The thought about price and upsetting your home has you considering a quick fix? A quick fix isn't always the answer and you might just be throwing your money down the drain. You might want to consider a full bathroom remodel that will add more value to your home and more peace in mind that all mold and mildew has been removed. Within 1-2 weeks you will have the bathroom of your dreams!!

Many franchise companies promise to reface your bathroom by covering up your old tub and shower walls. In the picture above, Rebath came for an estimate to put a cover over this old deteriorated tub. Thats like putting a cap over a rotten tooth!

Top reasons not to use franchise bath covering companies:

• Mold and mildew will be trapped and left to keep growing inside your walls and floors

• Any rotted wall studs and/or flooring cannot be detected and will just be covered

• Walls will eventually start to come loose as the adhesive breaks down

• Rebath is not cheap! It is probably the most expensive recycled plastic out there! 

• The end result is always a cheap look. You can spot a Rebath install a mile away

• Tubs and shower bases become smaller after capping

This is a before and after picture of a franchise company installation. I can see why people would like the idea because it gives instant gratification but most people aren't aware of the downfalls.

Besides appearance, what you don't see:

• Ceramic tile almost always has a glossy surface. Even the best adhesives have a hard time staying adhered. The walls will eventually start to pop off.

• New divertor was changed from a three hand diverter to a single hand diverter. Thats fine, the only difference is that it should have been moved up another foot minimum. As water hits your body it will tranfer onto the diverter at the lower height and eventually penetrate into your wall creating mold and mildew.

• The new drain was installed with a pop up. Your trip lever was discontinued and now if you want to take a bath you must push down on the drain. The only problem with this is that your old drain had a strainer cover on it for catching hair and other debris from entering your drainage system. Now your drain is wide open so look for major issues down the road.

• Notice you have lost any shelving and soap dish. They may equip you with a cheap built in shelf.

• The rest of your bathroom is still old and outdated so now you will still have to upgrade all the contents.

Here is another franchise companies cover up job. Makes you cringe to think all that mold, mildew and bacteria is still living under your new tub. Don't be fooled, these installations are nothing more than a quick cover up job.

Benefits of a full bathroom remodel:

• All of your old moldy and mildew contents are removed down to the studs

• New fiberglass insulation is installed and brought up to current R-values

• All your plumbing valves are changed inside the walls

• Electrical is updated and extra lighting can be installed

• Shower area walls, cement board will be installed and new moisture resistant sheetrock on the rest of the walls and ceiling of bathroom

• Opportunity to add in wall shelves or recessed vanity

• Freshly painted walls

• Opportunity to notice any unseen problems

Newly renovated bathroom with WMB Construction

 

No matter what room in your house, Pergo has a floor that will completely transform the appearance. Pergo is the company that invented the floating floor system that mimics the real wood appearance. Pergo floors offer extremely high durability and easy clean up. Get rid of those rugs that hold in dirt and debris and create the perfect ecosystem for bacteria and allergens.

Basements are one of the areas I find Pergo flooring to be very useful. Real wood floors are extremely difficult to install in basements because basement floors are made of concrete. With the inability to nail into the concrete, real wood floors must be glued to the concrete. Pergo floors float right over top of the concrete with the aid of a vapor barrier. Pergo floors also have a more durable finish that real wood floors.

 

What you gain by installing Pergo flooring:

• Added value to your home.
• Easier clean up time than carpet.
• No sanding and smells of polyurethane that contain high VOC's
• Ability to change flooring easily.
• High durability.
• Cheaper purchasing and installation than real wood floors.
• Great for pets. Does not hold hair and dander like carpet.