Assess Drafty Doors
For around $4 a roll at your local hardware store, foam weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to apply. Check the weather stripping around each exterior door every year to make sure that it’s still intact, replacing pieces that are worn out, torn, or missing. Choose the size of your weather stripping wisely, and stick up a test strip before outfitting the whole doorframe. The seal around your door should be snug—the door should just close, with a gentle push to lock—but not tight, such that you need to shoulder it closed. Also consider adding a simple rubber door sweep or an old-school door snake across your threshold, which will eliminate chilly drafts. Don’t forget about interior doors that lead to unheated spaces, as well—think attic doors, crawl spaces, and basements. Read more
Is It Time To Clean Those Gutters?
/in Tips /by embarkpsClean your rain gutters at least twice a year. Otherwise, debris like leaves and twigs can clog up your gutter system, causing potential harm to your house and landscaping — not to mention the gutters themselves. Here’s how to identify and fix a clogged gutter.
Read more
Inside Remodeling Jobs During the Winter
/in Remodeling /by embarkpsMany home improvement projects involve work inside climate-controlled houses. In this case, you’re usually not so dependent upon the weather. Still, you might find scheduling wintertime work can help you finish your project faster and in some cases, for less money. Read more
Prepare Your Homes Plumbing Now For Winter
/in Plumbing /by embarkpsPlumbing is one of the most important components of our home, but the one we take for granted the most. You never know how much you appreciate well-functioning plumbing until something goes wrong. Every time the seasons change, it affects your home’s plumbing system. In the winter, your home’s plumbing is highly susceptible to frozen pipes, burst pipes, and flooding. This winter, use these easy do-it-yourself tips to protect your home’s plumbing – compiled by the professionals at Embark. Read more
Start Now To Winterize Your Home
/in Tips /by embarkpsAssess Drafty Doors
For around $4 a roll at your local hardware store, foam weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to apply. Check the weather stripping around each exterior door every year to make sure that it’s still intact, replacing pieces that are worn out, torn, or missing. Choose the size of your weather stripping wisely, and stick up a test strip before outfitting the whole doorframe. The seal around your door should be snug—the door should just close, with a gentle push to lock—but not tight, such that you need to shoulder it closed. Also consider adding a simple rubber door sweep or an old-school door snake across your threshold, which will eliminate chilly drafts. Don’t forget about interior doors that lead to unheated spaces, as well—think attic doors, crawl spaces, and basements. Read more
Should You Replace Your Windows?
/in Remodeling /by embarkpsWhen you notice that your windows are starting to get drafty, look incredibly worn out, or is starting to get difficult to operate, you might wonder if it’s better to do repairs or replace them altogether. Typically, when a window breaks, the first option is to have it repaired. But the trend to remove, trash, and replace windows took over. Wood-framed windows can now be easily replaced with newer material, such as vinyl, fiberglass, wood, or metal. Read more
Fall Home Improvement Prep
/in Tips /by embarkpsEvent though is doesn’t snow much in Chattanooga, winter’s colder, wetter weather can be hard on your home. It can also be hard on your wallet thanks to higher energy bills. But if you start now, you’ll have plenty of time for all the fall maintenance and home improvement tasks needed to keep your house safe and snug during the cold months ahead. Read more
All About Electrical Panel Upgrades
/in Electrical /by embarkpsAs a rule of thumb, electric panels need replacing every 25-40 years, so if your home is that age, there’s a likelihood that you will need to upgrade. However, there are other key signs to look out for that will tell you when your existing system is becoming outdated. Read more
Liven Up Your Bathroom & Kitchen
/in Remodeling /by embarkpsKitchen renovations usually show the best return on investment. There are many different ways to approach a kitchen renovation. Everything depends on your budget. You can improve your kitchen without emptying your wallet by doing the following: Read more
Make The Most Out Of Your Attic
/in Additions, Remodeling /by embarkpsGiven the right home improvement process, your property can benefit from a properly utilized attic. There are several modifications you can apply to this part of the house, ranging from simple to complex alterations. However, if you’re looking to get the most out of your attic space consider the following improvements. Read more
3 Easy Summertime Remodeling Projects
/in Remodeling /by embarkpsAs we slide into the summer months, the warmer weather and longer daylight hours help homeowners tackle their home improvement to-do list.
But since summer also brings a laundry list of added activities – including piles of actual laundry – if you’re going to accomplish anything, you need a plan.
To get you started, here are five home improvement projects to do this summer. Read more