Remodeling is very much like investing in the stock market....most of us do it at the wrong time. We wait; we wait until something minor becomes major and we're forced to accept a price that could have been avoided.
Take roof replacement as a very good example. Your roof is 25 or 30 years old, you've had repairs done in the past and you HOPE it will make it through the next Spring. But, the heavy rains come and you get a leak. This time not a small one, but one that now rushes in ...damages your ceiling. You call one roofing company after another and find out it will be weeks before they can even look at it, in the mean time it rains some more. You finally get an estimate or two and you are staggered by the cost.
You could have save all those head aches and gotten your roof replaced for probably thousands less in December or January...this is the slow season for roofers and they want to keep crews busy and will make deals...you save money.
Interior remodeling, say a new kitchen...buy it in December and have it installed in January or February. Everyone's thinking about the gift giving season and December is the Kitchen and Bath industries slowest month. Again, you will get your best deal by helping the remodeler fill his back log. You may even give that special someone the absolute perfect gift for the holidays.
So don't "buy high and sell low" like so many of us do with our stocks...invest in your property now, increase it's value and give yourself the comfort of knowing you are getting the most for your buck.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Cleaning Tips
We are asked all the time about how to care for the many products we sell and install.
The first thing we tell everyone is read the care and cleaning instructions that may have come with the products. Always follow these before relying on anything we may recommend.
First, most everyone spends far too much on "fast acting" "easy clean" "set it and forget it" cleaning products....we have not seen any of these that really work all that well and most have very harsh chemicals that can actually do more harm than good.
Stay away from any product containing acid. Whether or not the products you buy contain acid can sometimes be hard to tell from reading the label. If you are in doubt, call the phone number listed on the product.
Why stay away from acid? Acid will cause caulk to 'de-laminate' from the surfaces it is trying to seal. Many metals will have a negative reaction to acids. Acid will also break down sealers, rendering them useless.
Ammonia based products are also very tough on caulk and sealed surfaces and should be avoided. What about vinegar? Believe it or not, vinegar though good on some surfaces is also an acid and will harm caulk and sealed surfaces.
What CAN be used?
The tile, granite and caulk folks are all calling for PH balanced cleaners. These will not cause caulk to fail or harm sealers. Many of the "green" cleaners are PH balanced and are good to use...just read your labels, you should also avoid the citrus based cleaners.
We have had very good luck over the last few years with 'Simple Green' for harder to clean surfaces. This product is bio friendly and seems to work very well in tubs/shower areas.
Granite should be cleaned with simple dishwater soap and water. If you experience streaking, rinse with distilled water and dry with soft cloth.
Cabinets may be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild dishwater soap. Do not attempt to add furniture polish or oils to the cabinet surfaces. Use of a non-stick shelf liner will help protect the interiors and add to life of your new cabinets. Do not oil or grease the hinges or glides, this will actually violate the cabinet warranty.
Floors, always follow product directions for hardwood. Tile and vinyl can be cleaned using a mild mixture of the Simple Green or like cleaner. You may add a product like Lysol to kill bacteria.
As mentioned, always follow label directions first. The above hints have been passed on to us over the years from our many customers or by first hand trial.
Save money, time in the long run and help the environment....nobody can object to this formula.
Good luck and enjoy your new remodeled kitchen or bath.
The first thing we tell everyone is read the care and cleaning instructions that may have come with the products. Always follow these before relying on anything we may recommend.
First, most everyone spends far too much on "fast acting" "easy clean" "set it and forget it" cleaning products....we have not seen any of these that really work all that well and most have very harsh chemicals that can actually do more harm than good.
Stay away from any product containing acid. Whether or not the products you buy contain acid can sometimes be hard to tell from reading the label. If you are in doubt, call the phone number listed on the product.
Why stay away from acid? Acid will cause caulk to 'de-laminate' from the surfaces it is trying to seal. Many metals will have a negative reaction to acids. Acid will also break down sealers, rendering them useless.
Ammonia based products are also very tough on caulk and sealed surfaces and should be avoided. What about vinegar? Believe it or not, vinegar though good on some surfaces is also an acid and will harm caulk and sealed surfaces.
What CAN be used?
The tile, granite and caulk folks are all calling for PH balanced cleaners. These will not cause caulk to fail or harm sealers. Many of the "green" cleaners are PH balanced and are good to use...just read your labels, you should also avoid the citrus based cleaners.
We have had very good luck over the last few years with 'Simple Green' for harder to clean surfaces. This product is bio friendly and seems to work very well in tubs/shower areas.
Granite should be cleaned with simple dishwater soap and water. If you experience streaking, rinse with distilled water and dry with soft cloth.
Cabinets may be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild dishwater soap. Do not attempt to add furniture polish or oils to the cabinet surfaces. Use of a non-stick shelf liner will help protect the interiors and add to life of your new cabinets. Do not oil or grease the hinges or glides, this will actually violate the cabinet warranty.
Floors, always follow product directions for hardwood. Tile and vinyl can be cleaned using a mild mixture of the Simple Green or like cleaner. You may add a product like Lysol to kill bacteria.
As mentioned, always follow label directions first. The above hints have been passed on to us over the years from our many customers or by first hand trial.
Save money, time in the long run and help the environment....nobody can object to this formula.
Good luck and enjoy your new remodeled kitchen or bath.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
New Windows...Keep the Winter Cold Out
Even though the tax incentives are all but expired; It's still not to late to bennefit from the savings you can pile up this winter.
New energy saving windows are PROVEN to save energy, while keeping you warm in your home.
With Dalco's Energy Star rated vinyl replacement windows, you will begin to notice savings almost right away. You will also now be able to actually open those drapes you used to leave closed to help cut down the drafts from your old leaky wood or aluminum windows. Gone too will the ice build up on sash frames.
So even though you may have missed the tax breaks, call Dalco and start your savings now and have a warm and safe winter 2011.
The Dalco Team
New energy saving windows are PROVEN to save energy, while keeping you warm in your home.
With Dalco's Energy Star rated vinyl replacement windows, you will begin to notice savings almost right away. You will also now be able to actually open those drapes you used to leave closed to help cut down the drafts from your old leaky wood or aluminum windows. Gone too will the ice build up on sash frames.
So even though you may have missed the tax breaks, call Dalco and start your savings now and have a warm and safe winter 2011.
The Dalco Team
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