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by Dave Logan

Tools, tools, tools. No matter how simple or complex the problem, rest assured there is a tool to fix it. Today, we’re sharing ten great tools for basic home improvement projects. These are tools you should absolutely have in your arsenal so you can tackle the common fixes you encouter around your own home.

1. Tape measure. You don’t need to drop $40 on a contractor-grade tape measure. Just grab an inexpensive tape measure, and that will be just fine for the house. We recommend at least 15’-25’.

2. Screwdrivers. Buy a quality set of screwdrivers that will last for a long time. Make sure the set has both slotted and Phillips heads in it with various sizes in length. For more specific functions, look to get hex, square, allen, and torx screwdrivers as well. We recommend purchasing a set that has all of the above so you will always be prepared. Make sure the set has a warranty guaranteeing quality and craftsmanship.

3. Hammer. Your best bet is to buy a framing hammer. It’s a hammer that will dominate any job you could possibly need it for around your house. A good hammer is used for more than just pounding in nails, so buy a good one. Cheap hammers come with problems like the head flying off while pulling nails! This is something you don’t want to happen. Both Estwing and Stanley make top-quality hammers.

4. Torpedo level. Having a torpedo level around the house is extremely useful. It’s handy for everything from hanging photographs and artwork, to checking joint alignment of newly constructed floors or walls.

5. Open-end wrenches. Go with Craftsman. You definitely need wrenches in your home collection. Their useful (if not required) for just about everything.

6. Channel lock pliers. Channel lock pliers are nice and long for good leverage and open wide for whatever they need to lock on to. Most nuts and bolts are no match for a solid pair of channel locks. And you won’t break your hands trying to use them!

7. Combination square. Need a precision cut? Of course you do! You can’t go without a combination square for the house. Great for woodworking and metalworking, you can measure angles quickly.

8. 5-in-1 painter’s tool. This is a necessary addition to your toolset. Dynamic and as useful as about any other tool, you can find one in the painting section of any reputable hardware store.

9. Pipe wrench. Big. Red. Adjustable. Pipe wrenches have a formiddable presence and will intimidate any pipe or other round metal item.

10. Safety equipment. Of course you have to be safe! Pick up eye protection, gloves, dust masks, and knee and elbow pads. You may want more safety equipment in the future, but the above will be good to get started.

Now that you have your home improvement tools list, get to the hardware store and make your purchases. Afterall, there’s work to do around the house!

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

By Joe DiBlasi

Here in the Metro Denver area our sprinkler systems are subjected to freeze damage every winter, spring and fall. Your system needs to be professionally serviced for the winter season. At JKJ Lawn Sprinkler we provide this service by blowing out all the water that is in the system with an air compressor that develops the correct volume of air. We then set all valves, drains and your controller correctly for the winter. If these steps are not taken costly damage may result. This service is performed in October/November.

We do have early freezes in the fall and late freezes in the spring when sprinkler systems are still operational. There are steps you can take to protect your system if this happens:

Step #1- Shut-off - Close the sprinkler system shutoff valve, this valve is usually located in your basement or crawl space. Some systems have outdoor shut off valves in the ground so you want to be familiar with their location. Turn off the sprinkler controller or timer.

Step #2- Insulate - Cover the Backflow Prevention device, this is the part of your system that is usually damaged by freezing temps. There are several styles, but most have a “bell’ on top, and they are usually about a foot of the ground, up against your house. Cover the entire device and piping around it with blankets, insulation, etc. then cover that insulation with a black trash bag securing it with duct tape. JKJ also can provide an attractive insulating cover that can be used year after year.

Steps #1 and #2 will provide the minimum protection against freeze damage. This is usually sufficient for a freeze period lasting 12 hrs. or less. If a freeze period is expected to last more than 12 hrs. you can take an additional step toward protecting your backflow protection device.

Step #3- Drain - To drain the back flow prevention device, complete step #1. On the backflow prevention device there are several drains, these need to be opened completely. Most systems have a valve box in the ground close to the backflow prevention device, inside there is usually a drain, open this one as well. These drains usually require a flat screwdriver to operate. Now you need to open the drain on the system shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space. You will want to have a small bucket to catch the water that comes out. After draining is complete leave drain partially open, with bucket underneath. Now go back to the backflow prevention device and leave all valves halfway open, including the drains you opened completely.

Now complete Step #2- Insulate. Once you have completed these steps your system is well protected from freeze damage.

For more information on blowing out your sprinkler system this fall, or any other sprinkler needs, contact JKJ Lawn Sprinkler today!  

by Dave Logan

Want to know two beautiful things about asphalt shingles? They’re cost effective and dynamic. It’s no wonder why asphalt shingles make up better than 85% of the total roofing market. At the end of the day, they're inexpensive to buy and install. Furthermore, asphalt shingles are great for just about any type of roof and any type of pitch. You can get an almost endless range of quality and styles, and they are easy to cut and shape to any flashing product or accessory. Ultimately, you pretty much can’t go wrong with today’s asphalt shingle.

Fiberglass Dominates There are essentially two kinds of asphalt shingles available today: Fiberglass and organic. Yes, both are made with asphalt, but the fiberglass product utilizes a fiberglass reinforcing mat; while the organic flavor uses a reinforcing mat originated from wood. Fiberglass shingles are typically easier to work with because they are thinner, lighter, and easier to carry around. They also come correct with better fire retardancy. Organic asphalt shingles used to be much more ubiquitous, but today fiberglass nearly monopolizes the roofing marketplace.

Installation Is Key No matter which product you choose – organic or fiberglass – its overall effectiveness on your home is based on the quality of the installation. There are many factors that go into quality installation of a roofing product so do your homework. You should be actively involved in the entire process, from selecting your professional roofing contractor to installation. A few things to consider:

• Is your contractor qualified to install your roofing product?
• Ask for references, certifications, and examples of their work. How long has the contractor been in business? Got insurance?
• If you have unique requirements (ventilation or other), how will he/she handle it? How long will it take to complete the job?
• Make sure your contractor is willing to commit to a deadline; you don’t want them banging away on your roof for an eternity! ;)

At TeamDaveLogan.com, you wil find only the best Denver and Boulder roofing contractors, so be sure to give one in your area a call to help you make the right choice for your home.

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!

By Jennifer Langfield

If you are contemplating a major remodel such as the addition of a room or garage, a new kitchen, a basement finish, or even adding a hot tub, you should consider upgrading your electrical service.

50-60 years ago, the average new home was equipped with a 60 amp electrical service.   40 years ago, it had increased to approximately 100 amps.  The current home is built with a 150-200-amp service. Therefore, any home improvements you may decide to do on an older home will need an upgrade.

In addition, 2008 electrical code changes require that all new circuitry in homes have arc-fault/GFCI protection throughout the house.  More than likely, this would require an upgrade to your electrical service.

In addition, many old-style distribution panels can be considered fire hazards, especially those with screw-in fuses.  The contact points can degrade and often, oversized fuses are mistakenly installed, causing the potential for high currents on smaller grade wire.  This can cause the conductor to overheat and the insulation to break down, which can be a fire hazard.  In many areas, insurance companies will not renew homeowner insurance if the home is equipped with an electrical distribution panel that has screw-in fuses.

There are also some types of electrical panels that have been reported to fail calibration test requirements.  There are several expert opinions about panels made by Federal Pacific and Zinsco.  According to Douglas Hansen, Code Consultant, Expert Witness, Instructor, and Author (CodeCheck Series, “FPE Panels – Hazard or Hype?”):

“Federal Pacific panels have at least five design issues that are no longer allowed by code: the gutter space, the wire bending space, spring-mounted bus, breakers that are on when down, and the split bus service equipment. These issues mean that a panel that has been sitting on the hardware store shelf for 20 years would not meet today’s code, despite the UL listing of the panel at the time it was manufactured.”

We recommend that our customers who have these panels investigate the data that is available regarding the safety of these panels.

As you plan for remodeling projects in your home, if your current electrical service is less than 150 amps or if it has a distribution panel that uses screw-in fuses, its replacement should be at the top of your priority list.   Please contact Specialized Electric Company for more information on electrical service upgrades or for more information on this article.

by Dave Logan

The bathtub is a very important feature when it comes to the overall design and perception of your bathroom. Before you rush out to buy a new tub, take some time to consider what your family wants most: ist it quick, regular showers? Long, relaxing baths? Both? A few considerations come into play here, so give it a little thought before making your new purchase and moving forward with installation.

A Few Considerations First of all, where are you installing the new tub? A Standard 50-gallon bathtub that measures 5’ long by 30” wide isn’t very challenging to get to your bathroom on the second floor. However, if you’re buying a luxury whirlpool or bath, you may have to look into other options: removing a second-floor window, for example. If you don’t have a window option, look for bathtubs that come in multiple pieces. This way you can get the tub up the stairs and assemble it on site.

Bathtubs that don’t have enclosures come with either a left-end apron or a right-end apron. This is dictated by faucet placement. A safe route is to buy a bathtub with a reversible option so it works no matter what.

Your water heater, existing plumbing, and floor strength are every bit as critical as your bathtub selection. If you have smaller, half-inch water pipes, filling your giant luxury tub may prove to be more time-consuming than you want. Three-quarter inch pipes will do the trick for a big, deep tub. Also, a smaller water tank won’t give you the satisfaction of nice, hot water in a big tub! If you are looking to buy a bathtub with 80 or more gallons of water, you need a water heater with about a 75-gallon water capacity. You may consider purchasing an inline heater as a solution, however. This will ensure you have a consistent, hot water temperature throughout your bath. Finally, make sure your floor can handle a large (or luxury) bathtub. Most modern homes can handle the weight; if you are in an older home, floor joists may be required.

As always, consult a professional contractor for help. You want to make sure the job is done right!

For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!