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Landscaping is a craft that many people are interested in, but they aren’t sure where to start. No surprise, though. With all the effort and intricacies involved, it can be intimidating at first. But the truth is, it’s not as complicated as you think. In this blog post, you’ll beContinue reading6 Landscaping Hacks for Newbie Homeowners
Barns are usually found on sprawling properties, and they can be pretty expensive to build. Choosing what siding to use is a crucial decision for many farm owners. If you’re going to spend that much money on a building, then you might as well go all the way to protect it at all costs. That being said, siding is an investment that will preserve your barn for the years to come. To help you decide, here are the best exterior options to explore.
Affordable and widely available, vinyl siding is an excellent option for barns. This material is made synthetically using polyvinyl chloride. First off, vinyl offers excellent resistance against the weather, rotting, and insect attacks. While vinyl might not have as much character as other materials, it still has a unique look that sets itself apart from traditional exteriors. Moreover, vinyl comes in many colors and textures. Another thing, it is resistant against fire which makes it particularly useful for barns that houses livestock or produce.
Fiber cement is relatively young to the exterior cladding scene. However, this doesn’t mean it offers less than the competition. Manufactured from a mix of water, sand, wood fibers, and of course, cement, this material works best for those looking to save on their energy costs. Why? Because of its high R-value. This means the barn won’t lose much heat during the winter or burn during the summer months. It also offers excellent durability and resistance to the elements. While it was previously known for having issues with sagging in extreme weather conditions, modern manufacturers have worked out the kinks to minimize problems. Moreover, fiber cement can be installed over an existing surface or right onto plywood sheathing.
Wood panels are a standard barn siding option because of their availability. They can be painted in any color, although red seems to be the most popular because it accentuates a distinguished appeal. Although expensive, farmers prefer wood since it’s organic. Plus, its excellent insulation capability ensures that animals will be living in optimal temperatures. That said, wood boards can be attached vertically with narrow seams or horizontally in wide panels. Prepare yourself for some extensive maintenance, though. If you’re looking for a material that will last throughout different weather conditions, it might be worth considering engineered wood. It’s chemically treated wood that is cheaper and offers more longevity.
Steel works great if you want durability and practicality. Of course. Have you ever seen something made of steel that breaks so easily? Rare, right? So there’s little reason for you to worry about extreme temp changes, storms, or even earthquakes. To top that, steel is lightweight and easy to clean. It’s low maintenance and weather resistant too. But there’s one problem: steel can rust. Good news, though. It’s preventable. One option is to install galvanized still, which is coated by a thin layer of zinc. This chemical protects the material from corrosion. Another option is galvalume steel which is coated with both zinc and aluminum. It offers more protection at a higher price.
It’s unusual for a barn to rock a brick exterior, but it’s not unheard of. It’s a good choice if your farm doubles as a tourist attraction. That’s because brick provides a classy aesthetic that is sure to impress visitors. Barns built with brick are often painted red, but you can also find them in blue or grey. So much for looks, brick is highly durable and fireproof, which makes it a good choice for barn buildings that will be used to store hay or other flammable materials. However, a single piece also weighs a lot, so fixing them if they break is not easy. Although brick may not be your first option due to the expense of both the material and labor, the benefits it provides make the investment worth it.
One of the oldest players in the market, stucco has been used for centuries to protect buildings from the elements. It is created from mixing sand, Portland cement, and water and then applied in layers on exterior walls. Stucco siding comes pre-colored but can also be painted after installation. One reason to use stucco is that it provides good insulation against heat and cold. It minimizes energy loss by up to 30% while maintaining cooler temperatures so your livestock won’t get roasted. Lastly, it provides a straightforward design that isn’t too flashy or too bland.
Barns, like residential homes or commercial buildings, also require some love. Your bar needs a good siding for it to survive for a long time. Depending on your budget, any of the above siding types will serve you well.
Gutters are often considered an afterthought. They’re not the most glamorous part of a house, but they serve a fundamental purpose: to channel unnecessary streams of water away from your home. When you invest in quality gutters, you can rest easy knowing that your house is protected from moisture damage. However, gutter installation is easier said than done. It’s not impossible but still a rather complicated process. So, are you going to install it yourself or hire professionals to do it? Here’s a comparison of what you can expect from each method.
Alright. So you’ve got some extra cash saved up. You’re torn between saving it up for future purposes or use the money to upgrade your home. What’s the best choice? While there’s no right or wrong answer here, it still depends on your goals. If you’re contented with the state of your dwelling place right now, then saving up is a good thing. However, if you plan to sell your home in the future, protect its components, and increase its value, you can never go wrong with investing in renovations.
Since you’ll save up on the labor, the DIY gutter installation will undoubtedly require less than hiring experts. Generally, the cost of installing gutter by yourself is around $ 750 – $1500, depending on the type of material you use and other additional supplies. On the other hand, expect to spend about $2500 and up when hiring professional gutter installers.
First, it’s time to talk about the advantages of tackling gutter installation on your own. It’s not the most comfortable of tasks, yet there’s definitely several perks to it, as stated by spoutgutters.com:
While it might seem interesting and challenging on paper, gutter installation is no easy task. You will have to exert effort, learn the craft, and spend time on the project. And this doesn’t even guarantee that it’ll come out perfect. There’s also the risk of injury, leakage, and damage to your house because of an improperly installed gutter system.
When you’ve got the cash to spare or are too busy to do the project yourself, you can always hire experts that spent their lives installing gutter systems. Some pros of hiring them include:
Honestly, the only drawback of professional gutter installers would be the cost the comes with hiring them. However, you should also be careful of rogue contractors and scams. Make sure to double-check every credential of your potential company.
Gutter installation requires knowledge and expertise. Although you might be able to save money upfront on a DIY approach, it doesn’t guarantee the longevity of the end product. As much as you can, seek professional help to ensure the integrity of your investment.
Building your first home? That’s a massive undertaking filled with challenges and exciting events! Knowing this, you must know what you’re getting into. Plan ahead of time, map out your building strategy, and scout for proficient professionals involved in the process. But still, no matter how prepared you are, nothingContinue reading7 Crucial Mistakes to Avoid When Building a House
It’s a priceless feeling to finally own a house after years of hard work. Though it might seem perfect at first, you’re going to want to improve it over time. But that’s easier said than done. Home renovations are often expensive, and they also require a lot of planning and effort as the homeowner. No worries, though! Unless you really want to commit to a massive project, here are some affordable home improvements you can try!
A cheap and easy way to improve your home from the inside is by simply repainting. Using different shades, you can completely change a room’s mood! And this project doesn’t require any special skills or expertise — just some time, effort, and creativity on your part. That being said, if you want a chill vibe, go for cool tints like blue, green, or purple. Opt for lively colors, such as bright red, yellow, and neon green, if you wish for an energetic atmosphere. However, most people prefer the modern feel and neutrality of white, gray, and black combos.
Stairs serve as the gateway between the upper rooms and the ground floor. You might not think much about yours, but it often catches the eye of visitors. If you want to make your stairs more appealing, install stair brackets. This is a quick home improvement project that doesn’t only enhance aesthetics but also reinforcers the structure to avoid injuries.
The fireplace is the heart of your living room. To survive the freezing winter months, you want to ensure that this section of your home is in tip-top shape. In addition to cleaning out the ash and embers, take time to spruce it up with new paint or tiles and achieve a cozier vibe during cold nights. All this maintenance helps keep your family safe while making your space homier than before.
You already know that health is wealth. Installing a sink filter ensures your family is getting clean water. To top that, it only costs around $100 – $200, making it less costly than visits to the doctor! But keep in mind that installing one can be complicated. Make sure to call the plumber if you’re unsure of what to do next!
On top of being energy efficient, LED lights also last longer than traditional bulbs while providing a modern feel to your home. You can easily find them on Amazon or in most hardware stores, with prices ranging from $30-$50 for a single fixture. Just watch a tutorial on YouTube on how to install one correctly.
Improve your kitchen today by installing a backsplash. If tiles seem to be out of your league, for now, don’t be shy to settle for solid surface materials. Yes, they’re cheap, but they pretty much do the job. Plus, you can completely tackle this project by yourself. This will not only add some color, but it’ll also make the space look more modern. Simply buy some sheets for your local hardware, measure the area you want them installed in, cut the appropriate dimensions, then set them into place.
This one might seem like a small thing, but it will make your house a better place. Take a look at your closet and check what sections can be improved. Once you’ve figured that out, hit the nearest store to buy closet organizers. It’s really not worth spending money on fancy closets when you can do it cheaper and get the same result.
It sounds simple enough, right? Painting cabinets is something even amateurs can proficiently do. Still, the results often make an enormous difference in how bright, welcoming, or cheery your kitchen feels. Not to mention paint isn’t that expensive!
If you want to achieve a minimalistic vibe, shelving your walls is an easy way to add storage space. You can place and organize your books, pictures, or collectibles there. On the bright side, shelves are undoubtedly cheaper than having to add another room for storage, right?
Adding greens in any room makes it more relaxing and increases oxygen levels. Add the fact that they’re aesthetically pleasing too! Try potting some succulents on top of bookshelves or next to windows without much sun exposure. A nice touch would be placing figurines near some for color contrast.
Home renovation doesn’t have to bleed your bank account dry. With a bit of effort and a touch of creativity, you can always improve your home even if you’re on a budget.
