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home renovation, painting jobs, interior,exterior painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

5 Signs That Your Entire Home Needs A Renovation

Renovating your home can be stressful for you and your wallet. If the overall quality of your home is deteriorating, then it’s time to plan your next remodeling project. Here are some ways to tell when it’s time to have your home renovated.

Your Roof Is Leaking

It’s not fun to hear water dripping late at night or to wake up to brown water stains on your ceiling. Leaks in your roof can mean the roof is old and has rotted away. It could also mean that the roofer you hired didn’t do a good job. Either way, your roof needs to be replaced.

Do you still have popcorn ceilings from decades past? Then your ceilings are due for an update as well. Popcorn ceilings are more susceptible to leaks and water stains than other types of ceilings.

The Paint On Your Walls Is Chipping

Another clue that your home needs renovating is when the interior paint starts to chip. Many factors affect your walls such as dirt and the chemicals you use. Apply a fresh layer of paint to your walls on the inside and exterior of your home. Touch up your cabinets, drawers, and other areas in your kitchen and bathrooms.

Outdated Paint Colors

Outdated colors are one of the most noticeable signs that your home needs a renovation. You don’t want your home to look like it came out of a bad 80’s movie. Consider using timeless colors such as black, white, and gray. More homeowners are now choosing timeless palettes that add a very modern or minimalist look but still looks trendy.

The Plumbing Literally Stinks

When your bathroom smells like an old bathroom, then you know you have plumbing problems. It’s time to replace those old and rusty fixtures with modern fixtures that conserve water and express your sense of style. You should also replace the toilet’s wax seal and fix any other leaks that exist.

Your Entire Home Feels Outdated

If you’re seeing a lot of vintage finishes inside and outside your home, then it’s time to start a remodeling project to update it. Older homes may have brass or gold door handles or gold finishes everywhere. The bathrooms may have gold fixtures and faucets.

You can do this project yourself without the help of a contractor. You can replace your fixtures inexpensively thanks to home improvement stores and online websites. New fans and light fixtures can be easily found too. It’ll probably cost you less than $400 to make some of these improvements.

If you feel it’s time for a remodeling project, contact University Painters today. We can update the interior and exterior of your home to your liking.

home painters, repairs , maintenance
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.

Home Painter , Painting ,Carpentry,
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.
Home Painter, Interior, Painting Exterior Painting
Written by Josh Jablon

Important Fall Home Maintenance Tips!

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Your home is one of your greatest investments and it is extremely important to protect it from the upcoming harsh winter conditions! See below for some helpful 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. You can also check these windows and doors for drafts on the inside. Caulking these areas will help keep the heat inside where it belongs!

  • Remove window and door screens and replace with storm windows and doors.

  • Check the exterior of your home for any areas of paint failure where there may be cracking, peeling or bubbling paint. If not rectified, this paint can further deteriorate over the winter and become more costly to repair!

  • 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 don’t forget to get those gutters cleaned out! With all the leaves falling this may need to be done more than once this season!

  • Is the interior of your home insulated? This can cut back on heating and air conditioning bills greatly!

  • Do you have a wood burning fireplace? Before using it this winter season make sure to have your chimney and flue cleaned by a professional and ensure everything is in proper working order.

  • It’s time to change the direction of your ceiling fans!

  • Change or clean your furnace filter and clean out your humidifier. It will definitely be put to work over the winter!

  • Vacuum out dust from the vents around your house and cold air returns.

  • Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in proper working order.

  • Drain your garden hoses and turn off exterior water sources to prevent pipes from busting.

  • Make sure you have properly stored and covered any deck furniture and lawn equipment to prevent damage.

Thanks to Bob Vila’s Article “Fall Home Maintenance Checklist” for some of these great tips. For a full printable  checklist, click here.