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Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Small Projects That Can Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Upgrading and repairing your home before putting it on the market can help ensure you get a  good return for your property.  You do not have to break the bank though to improve your home’s appearance and value. Minor upgrades and fixes can help make your home look more expensive. Here are some small projects that can significantly boost the selling price of your home:

Upgrade The Doors

Replacing the front door, especially with one that has a bold color, can help your home stand out. According to Remodeling Magazine, replacing the front door is the most valuable home improvement that you can make.

Repairing or replacing the garage door can also make a significant impact on your home’s facade. Garage doors take up such a large space on your home that it immediately draws an observer’s eye. Consider making a repair or replacing your garage door if it is dented or discolored, or it has defects that can prevent it from working properly. This simple change can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Repair The Gutters And Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts may not be noticeable when they are fine but they will be easily noticeable if they have problems. If you have missing downspouts, or sagging and leaking gutters, have them taken care of before you show your house to prospective buyers. Keeping water away from your home’s foundation can help you avoid cracking foundation walls and wet basements.

Paint Your Trim And Touch Up Areas

It may not be necessary to paint your whole house to improve its curb appeal. Repainting your trim and touching up the areas where paint is peeling are cost-effective ways of improving the appearance of your home. Repainting the trim can bring new life to the home’s facade and touching up areas that need fixing will make your home look newer. These kind of projects are helpful when you have a constrained budget, since it is less costly and less time-consuming than having your entire house repainted.

Fixing peeling paint, however, is not as easy as it may appear. It requires several processes that include removing the chipped paint then sanding the surface. Consider hiring a professional to do this job. University Painters can help repair areas in your home with chipping paint. Contact us to get a free estimate of this house repainting project.

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
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home painters, interior painting
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Simple Ways To Brighten Your Bedroom

You need to spend close to 60 hours per week in your bedroom to get the recommended eight hours of sleep at night. This is reason enough to turn your bedroom into a happy and comfortable place.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Upcycle Old Furniture

You may want to give old furniture a second chance and bring them to your bedroom. Do you have a nightstand that appears past its prime? It may have lost its luster after many years of use but you can paint it with a bold color to bring it back to life.  You can do the same to side tables, chairs and dressers. Replacing old drawer pulls with new ones can also make a big difference.

Use Wall Coverings

The walls on your bedroom are a canvass that you can use to personalize your bedroom and even showcase your sense of style. You can opt for a wallpaper with a color and pattern that suits your design concept. New peel-and-stick varieties now make it easier for you to experiment with colors and designs on your wall. If wallpaper is not your thing, you can opt for ready-made murals or tasteful decals.

Expand The Function Of Your Window

The windows take center stage when it comes to brightening your bedroom. Windows create privacy and allow light into your personal space but they also offer you a chance to express your style. You may want to consider having a simple but functional window seat. You can also use window treatments to create focal points, dimensions and neutral contrasts in your room.

Use  A Pleasing Color Palette

Having a pleasing color palette is one of the best ways to create a bedroom that can make you blissfully happy from the time you wake up to when you go to sleep each day. Make sure that you choose colors that you will likely enjoy for a long time without limiting yourself to standard-issue neutrals.

Your bedroom is the best place for you to make a bold color statement. You may want to consider going for complementary but unexpected color pairings or for trending palettes. If you are not sure where to start, you can find a colorful pillow or accessory in your room that you fancy, then find bedding, accessories and paint that can match and balance hues throughout the room. When painting your room, make sure to have it done by a professional painting service provider. Contact us at University Painters to learn more.

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
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interior painting, home painting, University Painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Signs That Mean Your Bedroom Needs A Makeover

Your bedroom is the place where you relax and unwind but it may be time for you to update your room if you no longer feel the zest it used to have. Here are some of the things you need to check out to see if it’s time for a room makeover:

Clutter

Has your bedroom become a dumping ground for old books and magazines, worn-out clothing items and virtually useless collections? Clutter can prevent you from relaxing in what should be your sanctuary at home, so take time to declutter and get rid of things that are no longer useful.

Windows

A gloomy room can deflate your spirits so consider lightening things up if your room is on the dark side. Go for sheer curtains instead of blackout blinds. Adding a new curtain pole may help improve the look of your room.

Beddings

It may be time to buy new pillows if you are sleeping on old and flattened ones. Plump, new pillows are not just beneficial to your health. They can also make your bed look more enticing. Consider accessorizing your bed using cushions and throws to make it look more inviting.

Furniture

Worn-out and old-fashioned furniture can be expensive to replace but there are other ways to give them a new life. Give the old furniture some love with sanding and re-painting. You may also want to replace the old knobs and handles.

Lighting

You can update you room by simply changing the lights. Ceiling lights can brighten up a dull space as well as serve as an attractive feature. Feature mirrors are a great way to reflect light in your room.

Flooring

Threadbare carpets are an eyesore. Rugs are an inexpensive option instead of re-carpeting if you are on a tight budget.  For your worn floor boards, check if they are suitable for sanding, varnishing, or painting.

Peeling and faded wallpaper and paint can drag down the look of your room so if these characterize your walls, it is time to get decorating. A feature wall using a large piece of art or wallpaper is a great way to modernize your room. Neutral colors on your wall will allow you to make easy changes when your mood strikes.

Should you decide to give your room a new color, avoid sloppy painting jobs by entrusting this work to an experienced professional. Contact us at University Painters for a free estimate of the painting jobs you have in mind.

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
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interior painting, painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Should You Paint Your Home’s Interior During Winter?

People often associate painting as a task ideally done in warm weather. You may have to wait for warmer temperatures if you are doing an exterior painting job. Things are different however if you are doing an interior painting job. Winter is actually an ideal time to get it done. Here’s why winter is the best time for an interior painting job:

You Get Great Deals

Painting contractors tend to be busier during summer but winter is traditionally a lean time in this industry. As a result, you can get better deals for an interior painting job at this time than in the overbooked summer when people want to have their exterior painting work done.

Painting Gets Done Faster

Exterior painting jobs, regardless of the season, begin when the sun comes up and end when the sun goes down. It is not a good idea to keep painting at night for quality and safety reasons. For interior painting jobs, however, it is still possible for the painter to do his job even when the sun goes down because he is indoors. The sun won’t matter for painting jobs done inside the home, giving the painter more flexibility to finish the job faster.

Winter Air Is Great For Curing Paint

Summer may be ideal for painting projects but there are parts about it that painting contractors do not enjoy. One of these is the humid summer air. The more humid it is outside, the longer it takes for the paint to dry, which means more time is added to the tasks, making interior painting job more expensive.

Painting During Winter Gives You More Time And Allowance For Summer Projects

You will have more time and money this summer to focus on other projects that are ideally done in the warm weather if you get your interior painting project out of the way. Instead of doing interior painting this summer, you may want to work on the facade of your house instead.

Make the most of the opportunity to paint your home’s interior this winter. Breathe new life and make your indoor walls more colorful this season. Make sure that you entrust this job to a reliable contractor with years of experience in the industry. Feel free to contact us at University Painters for the interior painting job you want done this winter.

Maintenance, Paint Colors
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Interior painting, Home painters,, repairs
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Most Common Causes Of Peeling Paint

Paint may start to peel off of interior walls or exterior surfaces of your home regardless of when it was applied. Here are some possible causes and how you can fix the problem:

Poor Adhesion

Paint will start to peel off when it does not adhere properly to the surface underneath it. This happens when the wall was not cleaned and primed correctly.

Mildew, oil, dirt and dust need to be thoroughly removed before painting. If you are painting a wall covered in old paint with a glossy finish, you must use an abrasive cleanser to clean and dull the wall to improve adhesion. If you are painting over a wall with an existing paint type, you need to choose the same type of paint. Oil, latex and water-based paints do not mix well together.

Moisture

The paint will not dry correctly if it is applied to a damp surface. This can lead to premature peeling of paint.

Paint That Has Gone Bad

Peeling can happen if the paint used has already gone bad. Latex paints may no longer be usable when they are left stored in open containers in the garage. They start to develop a strong odor and leave a rough finish on the surfaces that can cause peeling. Cheap paints may also fail and peel sooner compared with higher-end paints.

New Wood

New wood has natural oils that can cause paint to peel off regardless if the wood appears dry when you paint it. Cedar is particularly susceptible to this. Wood that was not properly cured may contain too much moisture.

A wall with peeling paint is an eyesore, as well as a health risk, since areas in your home with flaking paints can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. Ensure you make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Fixing peeling paint requires removal of the chipped paint, use of a patching compound, sanding, then use of an oil-based primer.  An easier option to repairing peeling paint is to entrust the job to an experienced professional.

University Painters can help fix peeling paint in your home. Our expert painters can remove old and peeling paint layers then repaint the surfaces using tried and tested techniques that can prevent peeling from happening again. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you repair peeling paints in your home.

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Maintenance, Paint Colors
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Painting Jobs, Home painters
Regular Post
Written by Colleen Kalil

Choosing The Right Paint Colors For Your Home

People often have a hard time picking out paint colors. Colors can transform your house into a home but the challenge for most homeowners is having to choose from thousands of available colors and picking the perfect one. Should you choose a dark or light color? Cool or warm? Neutral or bold? Here are some tips to help you pick out the perfect paint color:

Consider The Location Of The Room

There are several questions that you need to answer when choosing colors for particular spaces in your home. What is the purpose of the room you want to paint? Will the room serve as a dining area where you plan to entertain guests and spend time with your family every night for dinner? Will it be a laundry room, or will it be the master bedroom that will serve as your sanctuary after a busy day at work?

Different colors have different impacts. A pale blue, for instance, helps you feel relaxed so it is often painted in the bedroom. A bright color, on the other hand, can make you feel more active so you can use it in a work area.

Pick A Color Palette

Once you know the purpose of the space and what you want yourself and others to feel in this particular room, it is time to pick a color palette. Look around you. You should pick a color that goes well with everything in your room, You can also choose the color first then work around this color by accessorizing with curtains, decors and painted furniture.

See The Colors In Action

It is a good idea to give your colors a test before you proceed with the painting job. Paint the colors you’re considering onto white poster boards and place these next to your furniture, carpet and cabinets. Move the poster boards to different places in the room and look for color undertones at night in artificial lighting, during the day with natural lighting, and during rainy days.

Once you have chosen the colors for your home, be sure to choose a professional to perform the paint job for you. Feel free to contact us at University Painters to learn more about the house painting jobs we provide.

Design, Maintenance, Paint Colors
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home painters, repairs , maintenance
Regular Post
Written by Josh Jablon

Home Issues That Homeowners Should Not Ignore

Homeowners do not have to fix minor cosmetic issues around the house right away but it is important to know how to identify problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Here are some of them:

Pest Damage

Many homeowners think that pest infestations are a mere annoyance but rats and termites do not just bring germs and other pathogens into your home. They can also cause tremendous amount of physical damage to your home in a short period of time.

Water Leaks

Figures from the United States Geological Survey agency show that a slow leak can cost a family more than $200 a year in wasted water. Besides wasting money on your utility bill, water leaks will damage virtually everything that it touches.

Broken Garage Door

A broken garage door can pose a safety risk to your family. Thieves can easily break in if you have an unfixed garage door. A garage door that does not close all the way also gives easier access to pests.

Damage To The Roof

A damaged roof can decrease the value of your property. It can also result in structural problems when rainstorms occur. Homeowners need to check the roof and the attic for signs of water damage at least twice a year.

Frayed Wires

Many homeowners ignore repairing damaged wiring unless they run into important home appliances such as the refrigerator. Frayed wires are unfortunately one of the most common causes of house fires. The condition can create short circuits that may possibly escalate into a fire hazard.

Flaking Paint

Colors can transform your house into a home. Adding an extra coat of paint will not only increase the value of your property, it can also improve insulation and protect the structure of your home.

Peeling paint is a common problem for ceilings and bathroom walls because of possible water leaks and high humidity. Flaking paint can be an eyesore in what could be an attractive bathroom but there is another reason why peeling paint warrants attention: areas with flaking paints serve as a prime breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria and mildew.

If your home was built before 1978, it likely used lead-based paint so it’s a good idea to hire a professional who can handle the repair. University Painters can provide you with the professional painting services that you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your painting issues in your home.

Design, Maintenance
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Home painter, interior painting
Regular Post
Written by Josh Jablon

How To Change The Size And Shape Of A Room Using Paint Colors

Paint colors can affect the way we see a particular space. Wall colors, for instance, can change how we perceive a room’s size and shape; how should you choose and use colors to achieve the effect you want for your home?

Lighter and cooler colors generally tend to recede so they appear farther away. Darker and warmer colors, on the other hand, advance so they appear to move towards us. This basic color concept can be used to paint rooms so they appear larger or smaller, change the room’s shape, and hide the ugly features of the home.

Make A Room Appear Larger Or Smaller

The eyes stop at lines where the color changes and this makes the edges and size of the room more apparent.  Lighter colors allow your eyes to travel continuously around the space so this gives the effect of a room appearing larger.

Using different colors make it easier to see boundaries and this can make small rooms appear smaller. You cannot easily see boundaries when the same color is used creating an illusion that the space continues.

Make The Room Feel More Spacious

If the room is very large, a ceiling with a darker color than the walls can make it appear lower and thus make the room feel cozier. If a space makes you claustrophobic, then paint the ceiling a lighter color to raise its apparent height and make the room feel more spacious.

Alter The Shape Of The Room

Painting the two short walls in a long room with a shade darker than the main wall color will make the room appear more of a square shape. For those with large, bare walls, you can break up the space with molding above and below. Paint the bottom with a darker color than the one above to ground the space.

Disguise Unattractive Items

If you have features in the room that you do not want to look at, have these “eyesores” painted in the same color as the walls. This would make them blend in and become less noticeable.

For rooms with lots of angles and architectural features that you want to downplay, try painting all the surfaces the same color.

University Painting can provide you with the house painting services you need to change the size, shape and appearance of your space. Contact us to set an appointment for a free estimate.

Maintenance, Paint Colors
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painters, exterior painting
Regular Post
Written by Josh Jablon

Home Improvement Ideas That Can Increase The Value Of Your House

You do not need to spend large amounts of money to make your house market ready. Here are some simple things you can do on a weekend to help increase the value of your home.

Declutter

It will be hard for you to show the true beauty of your home if personal items are all over the place. Your goal is to let your prospective buyers see themselves in the house and this will be challenging if your personal things such as pictures, small trinkets, and your children’s toys are everywhere. Consider removing these things before putting your house on the market.

Change Your Hardware

Your home may look old and outdated because of the dated faucets, cabinet knobs, and door handles. Switching out the old hardware with new ones is an inexpensive way of updating your home. Go for hardware that is natural and mainstream but ensure you follow the overall design scheme and architecture of your house.

Landscape The Yard

Those bushes and weedy grasses outside could be the reason why your home won’t be a magnet for potential buyers. Experts said that more than 90 percent of home buyers start looking for houses to buy online. This means that photographs and the appearance of your property are everything. Make sure to trim the grass regularly and consider adding plants and flowers.

Do Minor Repairs

Fixing broken faucets and changing old light bulbs may appear to be small acts but these can significantly increase the value of your home. Nothing could be worse than showing your house to a potential buyer only to discover a light bulb is burnt out when you attempt to turn it on.

Check your house for bulbs that do not work and faucets that do not run. You should also check for door knobs that do not turn and then fix everything that needs fixing. No one wants to purchase a house that appears not to have been cared for.

Paint Your House

Many experts agree that giving your home a fresh paint job is an inexpensive and easy way to upgrade the house. Neutral colors like white and beige are recommended for inside and outside. Make sure that all areas such as the crown molding and trims are also painted.

Hiring a professional to do the painting job will help ensure your house will get an extra clean look. University Painters can provide you with a thorough painting job that can help improve the value of your home. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Design, Maintenance
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Home Painter , Painting ,Carpentry,
Regular Post
Written by Josh Jablon

Home Maintenance Tips For Spring!

Home Maintenance Spring Checklist

Your home is one of your greatest investments and it is extremely important to properly maintain it!  Winter weather can be rough on your homes exterior, see below for some helpful home maintenance tips to keep everything in tip top shape!
  • Check the exterior of your homes foundation as well as windows and door frames for cracks that may need to be caulked or weather stripping needs to be replaced. Caulking and sealing these areas will help keep the summer heat outside and keep those air conditioning bills lower!
  • Remove storm window and doors and replace with screen windows and doors. If you did not wash your screens in the fall, wash them with a mild detergent before replacing.
  • Check the exterior of your home for any areas of paint failure including cracking, peeling or bubbling paint. Look closely under eaves and gutter downspouts for any water stains or damage to indicate improper drainage.
  • Perform a ground inspection of your roof and if you feel there are any issues be sure to call a professional for further inspection. Also check for any paint failure on fascia as well as damaged flashing. Lastly be sure to inspect your gutters and downspouts for any damage.
  • Is the interior of your home insulated? This can cut back on heating and air conditioning bills greatly!
  • It’s time to change the direction of your ceiling fans!
  • Change or clean your air conditioner filter and check all hose connections and drain pans. It will definitely be put to work this summer! Any questions or concerns be sure to call a professional.
  • Vacuum out dust from the vents around your house and air returns.
  • Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in proper working order.
  • Check your deck for any warped, loose or splintered boards. Experts say decks should be cleaned at least once a year to help extend their life

Thanks to Bob Vila at www.bobvilla.com for the inspiration for these great home maintenance tips.
Maintenance
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