by Dave Logan

Let’s face it: winter isn’t the ideal time to take on home improvement projects. Sure, there are some indoor projects you can do, but it’s best to get the bulk of your projects done before the cold, winter months arrive. Here are five projects to get knocked out this fall:

1. Replace your windows. Old or poor quality windows could easily be the leading cause of your heating bill skyrocketing upwards this winter. Consider replacing your windows now to keep your energy costs down. You’ll realize that return on investment sooner than you think!

2. Repair or replace your roof. Get a professional roofer out to your house before the end of October. Being proactive about roof repairs will save you a lot of money (and headache) before winter gets here. A professional can teach you how to locate leaks on your own from the inside as well as provide several seasonal tips for you to be aware of down the road. And if you need an entire roof replacement, well now’s the time to get that done, too!

3. Replace your gutters. If your gutters are leaking or damaged, it can cause a lot of unwanted structural damage. Excess moisture on the interior is also a hotbed for mold and mildew. Trust me, these repairs are potentially far more costly than replacing your gutters, so get them looked at by a professional roofing contractor this fall.

4. Insulate your attic. This one’s a no-brainer. Proper insulation keeps your energy costs down and the heat inside your home.

5. Remodel your kitchen and bath. With school back in full swing, now is a quiet time to take on a kitchen or bath remodel. You will thank yourself for taking on a project like this once the holidays get here!

There are many home improvement projects you should consider before old man winter arrives. Put your trust in your own home improvement professional and get these projects knocked out this fall.

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 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 Dave Logan

Some high-level considerations

The shower in your bathroom should not only be aesthetically significant, but also enjoyable for you to use. If you’ve been considering a bathroom remodel, I recommend investing properly in the shower. A new enclosure, door, and accessories will do wonders for the overall perception and experience of your bathroom. Begin by carefully selecting the hardware for the new shower. Ideally, the shower pieces, frame, hinges, door color, and accessories should match your faucets and tie all the elements of the room together.

Framed doors are still a popular choice for homeowners, but frameless options like thick, frameless glass enclosures are growing rapidly in popularity. The actual glass you choose is important when selecting a new shower door. For example, is privacy important? A modern pattern or design? A balance of aesthetics and practicality? The number of choices you have is almost unlimited these days. Clear, unpatterned glass is still the most popular, however, as it shows off the shower itself and all the accessories.

What about the showerhead itself?

Do not discount the importance of the showerhead. Not only does it play a huge comfort role, but also effects aesthetics and the cost of your water and heating bills! As stated above, take into consideration all of the elements of the room and make sure the accessories match and the entire bathroom is well tied together.

Another very important consideration for your new showerhead is water-efficiency and environmental impact. These are gaining in popularity right along with all “green,” environmental movements. You can increase the output efficiency of a new showerhead these days by more than 35%. Choices abound for folks who demand better water efficiency!

Accessorize!

A new shower demands new accessories for the entire bathroom! Cabinet and drawer handles, towel bars, knobs, hooks, faucets, fixtures, and frames. To make this job a bit easier, consider buying all of your accessories from a single manufacturer under one product offering. This will ensure all of your accessories match, help manage your costs more efficiently, and make it an easy process from purchase to installation.

Spend some time doing research on what’s best for you and your family. There are so many options that you should also consider contacting a contract plumbing professional and interior designer to help you with your decision.

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 Dave Logan

Choosing the right type of roof for your home is important. Many factors influence such a decision, and today we’re going to look at a few options. Aesthetics in color and style, insulation qualities, and durability are just a few considerations. In Colorado, weather extremes are a reality, so we need to be acutely aware of this when it’s time to take on that new roofing project.

The most common type of roof in Colorado is the asphalt shingle. They are available in virtually every color scheme and pattern. The primary reason the asphalt shingle is the most popular is because they are the most affordable for home owners. You should choose an asphalt shingle with a lifespan of at least 15 years if you go with this option, and the longer the lifespan the higher the price.

Metal roofing is a lot more popular here in Colorado primiarly because of the potential for heavy snowfall and moisture, especially in the mountains and higher altitudes. This type of roof is very easy to maintain, is totally waterproof, and you won’t have any problems with mold (which can be the case with asphalt). You will, however, be much more restricted on color choice, but the weather out here in Colorado makes metal option a sound consideration.

Slate roofs are becoming more and more popular because they are both aesthetically impressive and extremely durable. However, they are also very expensive. If budget permits, definitely look into this option.

Another impressive but less practical option for a Colorado roof is Spanish tile. Southwest styles are somewhat popular in Colorado, so you will see these roofs from time to time. In our opinion, this isn’t the ideal option for Colorado because tile isn’t as durable and is quite expensive. Further, you will obviously want to match your roof to the style of your home, so this could elimate Spanish tile altogether as one of your options.

Our final option for today is wood shingles. Ultimately, this is one you may want to simply avoid for your Colorado home. Wood shingles offer a very attractive look but not much else. They’re expensive to buy and install. Many insurance companies will charge significantly more to go this route, and there are asphalt shingles today that accomplish the look of wood right along with the lifespan and durability you need for our high-altitude climate.

Take a little time to look into your options and weigh them against your budget and geography. Make sure your choice is prioritized around leak prevention and durability. Color scheme and patterns will be an obvious consideration based on your home’s style. Finally, hire a great roofing contractor to consult and help you get the job 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!

by Dave Logan

Cabinets bring both practical and aesthetic joys to your kitchen. If you’re ready for new cabinets in your kitchen (and find yourself somewhat handy), you can take a crack at installing them yourself. Otherwise, call a pro and get the job done right. Either way, we’re going to discuss a few basic tips on base cabinet installation.

First and foremost, you need to think about the end product: sturdy and square installation. If you live in a new home, you probably have flat, square fIoor and wall surfaces for your cabinets to rest. In older homes, floor and wall imperfections are more common, so you may have a trickier job ahead of you. A professional contractor will be able to get around these imperfections and get you the end result you want. Afterall, they have the tools and experience for the job.

Base cabinet installation is a pretty straightforward process for the most part. Again, floor and wall imperfections can cause challenges, but they can be overcome with the right steps. First, locate the highest area on your floor and mark it with a pencil on the wall. The back of the base cabinet must be plum with the front. Use a level and shims to accomplish this. If the high point on the floor is close to the wall, shim the front. If the hight point on the floor is away from the wall, shim the back. It’s critical to get this right, or your base cabinets will not be level and consequently your countertop surface will be off as well.

Many professionals will fasten the base cabinets together before attaching them to the wall. Typically, this is simpler and just makes more sense. You can use bar clamps to secure the cabinets prior to installing the cabinet fasteners if you like. Your contractor may have more sophistiated tools, but a standard bar clamp will get the job done if you’re doing the project yourself.

Once you have the base cabinets fastened to one another, you are now ready to secure them to the wall. Make absolutely sure that the cabinets are flawlessly aligned vertically and level across the top for the mounting surface. Again, you can use shims to address any imperfections in the vertical and horizontal alignment. The cabinet fasteners must always be driven through the cabinets and diretly into the studs in your wall.

Now you’re ready for hardware! Some cabinetry comes with existing hinges and even pre-drilled holes for installation. Whatever the case with your base cabinets, just make sure you install all drawers and doors so they line up perfectly across the face of the cabinet space.

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 Handyman Matters

This is the decade of right-sizing. The economic reset triggered by the excesses of the last decade is forcing our society to rethink its definition of “enough.” One area under enormous scrutiny is housing. How much space does it really take to house the average American family of 2.61 people?

Our definition of “enough space” is changing, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The year 2008 saw the first annual decrease in average new-home size since 1994. During the intervening 15 years, the average rose by 21 percent – from 2,050 square feet in 1994 to a peak of 2,507 square feet in 2007 – before slipping to 2,392 square feet in 2008. The 2008 decrease in home size was also the largest annual drop since 1980.

Due to the economic state of our county in the past few years it’s no surprise that consumers have held off on remodeling bigger and better kitchens and bathrooms. Now we see an increase in homeowners seeking to create a more efficient and functional space within their home. They’re looking for more storage, less waste and more flexibility – Handyman Matters has put together the following items to think about when making your smaller bathrooms live larger.

Style still in demand
As builders downsize the American dream home, consumers are saying that compromises on space do not automatically mean giving up conveniences. Currently, 60 percent of new homes have three or more bathrooms, and while the size of each may not be as expansive as in years past, that is no reason to compromise on style.

In fact, the trends shaping society today – smaller, smarter living spaces, value and efficiency over conspicuous consumption and the need for a greener lifestyle with a smaller environmental footprint – are having a profound impact on bath-product manufacturers. These trends are also making the job of creating more stylish statements in a smaller bathroom easier than ever.

Handyman Matters has seen a growing trend in maximizing efficiencies around the home and specifically in the bathrooms. A good example is creating more counter deck space on pedestal lavatories, or more storage space in vanities even with a smaller footprint. While this trend to efficiency cuts across all styles, it tends to require fixtures, faucets and furniture that take simpler forms and shapes.

Try a little planning
Whether your preference is traditional, contemporary or the in-between transitional, creating stylish smaller bathrooms that work is simple, with a little planning. Handyman Matters offers these two important areas to consider in your planning:

Storage: Vanities that offer ample storage space within a smaller footprint can hide hair dryers, towels, bath products and cleaning supplies, creating an uncluttered look to make a space seem larger. Vessel sinks that sit atop a vanity add a dramatic touch to a bath, while maximizing cabinet space and creating deck storage space. If a pedestal lavatory fits your floor plan better, look for models with generous deck space. Don’t forget a toilet with a flat tank top: The top of the toilet tank is valuable bathroom real estate.

Lifestyle: As we try to do more in the same number of hours, bathroom rituals necessarily change. Shifting from a bathtub to a shower fits our lifestyle and integrates better into the smaller overall footprint of today’s bath. Multiple showerheads and body sprays provide the same relaxation as soaking in a tub, but in far less time and with significantly less cleanup. Most modern showers also use substantially less water, which appeals to growing ecological awareness.

There are many different ways to bring efficiencies into your bathrooms and the rest of your home. If you’re looking to make your living spaces easier for you to live then call your local Handyman Matters at 303-545-6460– the professional craftsmen can bring your vision of a useful bathroom to life.

Whether you need to make an everyday home repair or want to make a home improvement, choose the professional handyman services of Handyman Matters. Contact your local branch today HandymanMatters.

by Dave Logan

Spring is the perfet time of year to begin planning and working on some exciting outdoor projects. Today, we’re going to recommend some considerations before you build a deck for your home. A deck is the perfect home addition for entertaining guests and relaxing with your family.

1. What is the best size?
Before you begin building your new deck, make sure your design meets the zoning requirements in your area. Try planning the size of your deck so that it flows nicely with your existing landscaping or fits with your plans for new landscaping.

2. What materials should I use?
Most decks out there are made from wood. Cedar, redwood, oak, and pine are probably the most common materials. Consider pressure-treated wood for resilience against rotting and erosion. If budget doesn’t permit, then be sure to adequately seal any untreated lumber so it lasts for many years to come. Today, many companies are transforming recycled plastics into decks. The advantage of plastics is that they will not warp, erode, or rot. The recycled plastic material is also non-toxic, and you can find this product with guarantees for 20 years or more. Another advantage is that you don’t ever have to stain or paint a deck made from recycled plastics!

3. What style do I want?
Chances are good that you will be able to go with just about any style of deck you would like for your home. However, check with your city’s building department to see if there are any potential violations with your desired design. For example, historical districts often have architectural restrictions. You don’t want to learn the hard way that your dream deck isn’t up to code!

4. What about safety and stability?
As a general safety rule, your deck needs to be able to support the same weight as the floors in your home. In Colorado, however, you need to plan for the weight of snow and potentially excessive moisture. In some areas of Colorado, you may want to consider safeguards for wind as well. If your deck is 2-3 feet above the ground, you will want (and will be required to have) a railing system to keep children from falling off and potentially injuring themselves.

5. What permits do I need?
Just about every large project is going to require a building permit. Check with your local city government for all the details. Charges for permits vary, but are typically based on the overall cost of your project. Don’t hesitate to ask your professional home improvement contractor as well. They will be able to point you in the right direction, and even help you take on the project. And if you don’t have your own professional contractor, check out our team of pre-screened pros here at Team Dave Logan!

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 Dave Logan

There are many options available today for home kitchen countertop surfaces and designs. Essentially, you can accomplish just about anything within your imagination and…your budget! The following are five popular kitchen countertop options and a few pros and cons of each.

1. Granite Countertops
Granite is probably the most popular choice of countertop surface material when price is not an object. Having said that, we’ve seen prices coming down as supplies increase, making the granite coutertop option more accessible to everyone.
What’s good? Thousands of available colors, totally heat resistant, elegant look, lasts a lifetime, low maintenance, wide appeal for buyers.
What’s not so good? Expensive, can absorb stains if not properly sealed, cracks can happen during installation, your nice cutlery will dull if you cut on it.

2. Concrete Countertops
Concrete is becoming more popular as well given its wide versatility and consumer appeal. Like granite, there are thousands of available colors and you can experiment with stamped concrete options and textures as well. If your counter space demands unique shapes or cuts, concrete is great because you can set the molds and cast the surfaces right on the spot.
What’s good? Thousands of available colors and texture treatments, unique and original appeal, dynamic for unusual shapes, high heat and scratch resistance, can be molded and applied right in your kitchen.
What’s not so good? Custom work is expensive, cracking is possible during installation, porous (but this surface can be sealed).

3. Stainless Steel Countertops
If you have an industrial, modern flare and crave uniqueness in your home, then stainless steel may be the perfect option for you. Stainless steel countertops are highly heat resistant and extremely durable.
What’s good? Heat resistant, original/unique, easy to clean, seamless installation and appearance.
What’s not so good? Expensive, can scratch or dent, increased noise, cannot use your cutlery directly on the steel surface.

4. Ceramic Tile Countertops
Ceramic tile looks great in almost any kitchen, it’s easy to clean, and it’s pretty solid as well. A big plus is that it’s relatively inexpensive compared to the above options, making it a great choice.
What’s good? Highly heat resistant, easy to clean, inexpensive, multiple colors, textures, and designs available.
What’s not so good? Cracking tiles, custom designs can still be expensive, grout lines get stained over time.

5. Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops are beautiful, practical, and available in tons of different colors and finishes. Obviously a butcher block countertop must be made of a hardwood, so oak and maple are the two most common types.
What’s good? Affordable, beautiful appearance, useful for all cutting, easy to clean, can be sanded, refinished, and resealed as appropriate.
What’s not so good? Prone to damage from water and stains, easily scratched from cutting and everyday kitchen acitivities, sanding, oiling, refinishing, and sealing may be too arduous for some homeowners.

by Dave Logan

Lead poisoning is serious business. From deficient physical development, to kidney problems and muscle irritations, to brain damage. None of it sounds too appealing. Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning in children and can also affect adults. In Colorado, contractors can now face extremely steep penalties and fines if they don’t actively test for lead on painted surfaces.

The challenge with lead is that you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it. You might have it in your home and not even know it. Lead also doesn’t break down naturally over time, so it will remain a health threat until you have it removed.

About 75% of all homes built before 1978 contain at least some lead-based paint. Lead paint is most common on exterior surfaces, windows, and doors. After 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned all use of lead-based paint in housing.

It’s simple: if you live in an older home, you are at a higher risk of lead-based paint exposure. So how do you check for it? If your home was built before 1978, the first thing to do is purchase a test kit from your hardware or paint supply store. It’s important to remember that these kits are designed to detect only the presence of lead. The kits will not tell you if the lead levels are low or high. If necessary, ask for help in choosing a kit, and follow the instructions on the kit to test a surface.

The bottom line is that in order to completely – and safely – remove lead-based paint from your home, you will need to hire a Colorado professional painting contractor. Not only will a professional have the knowledge and skills for the task, but also a pro will likely be able to inform you of Colorado lead paint regulations. Check out our list of qualified painting and home improvement pros in Denver, Boulder, and the front range. And finally, consult the Colorado Department of Health and Environment – Air Pollution Control Division for lead-based paint questions and more information.

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 Dave Logan

Basements are a great thing. They offer lots of storage space or even the perfect area for an entertainment room. However, basements can also be susceptible to something not so pleasing: leaking and excess moisture. To avoid potential structure damage and very expensive repairs, we’ve provided some things below that you can easily do yourself to help waterproof your basement. Call a professional contractor or sturctural engineer if you would like more advice or want to hire someone to help you.

What you need:

➢ Gutters and downspouts
➢ Shovel for your landscaping
➢ Rocks or gravel
➢ Insulation for your pipes
➢ Exhaust fan
➢ Dehumidifier
➢ Water-resistant primer and paint

What you need to do:

Install gutters and downspouts. Your home needs a solid system for collecting water. If you don’t already have them, install downspouts so that they route water at least 5 to 6 feet away from the house.
Flow water away from your home. It could be your own landscaping that’s causing excess water accumulation around the foundation of your home. The ground around your home needs to slope away from the foundation such that it doesn’t push water toward the home or form standing water near the foundation.

Place rocks or gravel around your basement. Rocks and gravel absorb water and dry quickly. This is a great formula to battle excess water accumulation. Place some rocks or gravel around the outside of your basement for an effective, cost-effective solution.

Insulate all pipes carrying water. Insulating your water pipes eliminates the condensation that forms on the outsides of the pipes. While you’re at it, make sure there are no cracks or leaks in the pipes themselves.

Install an exhaust fan in your basement bathroom. Exhaust fans are great for removing moisture from your basement bathrooms, which are significant contributors to humidity levels. Exhaust fans are inexpensive and easy to install.

Place dehumidifiers throughout your basement. It may take one. It may take several. But dehumidifiers are extremely useful in terms of removing the excess moisture from any living space.

Use water-resistant primer and paint on your basement walls. A high-quality, water-resistant primer and paint will do wonders in terms of repelling moisture from penetrating your basement walls. Consult a professional painting contractor to advise you on what primers and paints are best 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!