Who Needs Garage Storage Solutions?

There is a lot of unused space hidden overhead in most garages and that will play a huge role in finding garage storage solutions for many people.  It seems that garage plans are not on the top of the priority list for many home builders, or at least they weren't in the past.  Learning how to make the most of that potential storage space can free up other parts of your living area that receive heavier use and the bonus is, there are plenty of products to help you do this without spending a fortune.  This is what I've learned in my exploration of garage storage solutions.  What follows is a couple of garage ceiling storage ideas that can really help to open up space without spending a fortune on the project.

Before you go crazy trying to suspend everything you own from the ceiling, realize that sometimes the best thing you can do, as far as getting organized, is to simply get rid of some stuff so that you can see what your garage design has to offer. Take a look at what you have taking up room in your garage. Is there anything that you haven't really had a use for in the past couple of years? Guess what? You will most likely just push whatever it is from side to side indefinitely until you finally tire of the game. Sometimes you don't need a storage solution, you just need a nudge to get rid of some junk.

I decided recently that the time has come to look into some innovative storage solutions.  I used to sell alot of merchandise on eBay, and I also bought truckloads of estate sale merchandise that now take up way too much space.  I haven't been doing any selling recently, but I have too much invested in what I do have to simply throw it all away.  The idea of finding some type of garage storage units has been running through my mind for a while, and I finally decided to take some action.  I've been doing some research on the types of overhead storage systems that are available for purchase recently.  Some people like to build loft type structures themselves, but I'm not particularly handy when it comes to such things.  Besides, I like researching and learning new things!  What follows is what I have learned during my investigations of ceiling mounted storage.  There are many different styles and types of overhead storage systems.  Prices vary of course.  Most people will look for a storage solution that does the job right without costing a fortune.  I think that most people will mainly be considering these four things:

1. Price.  The cost of these units is relatively low as home improvement type items go.  I like to look around for the best prices both locally and online.  I'll be examining two storage units that are both available on Amazon at reasonable prices.  I really enjoy the convenience of having things delivered right to my door.

2. Material.  You will probably want to purchase an overhead storage system that is as sturdy as possible.  Metal is usually used in garage storage racks that are pre-fabricated, but some do it yourselfers prefer to work with lumber because it is easy for them to work with on their own for custom designs.  That rules me out.

3. Capacity.  The units I've narrowed it down to are both rated to hold 250 pounds, but you also have to consider how much space they actually save.  Some people mount these units toward the back of the garage so that they are completely out of the way of the garage door.  This allows you to get the most available storage space out of them as there is no need to worry about the garage door running into anything.

4. Accessibility.  If you are able to get up and down using a ladder and you have a helper to hand things off to, you can usually go with something that stays in a raised position.  Some people need to be able to raise and lower the storage unit for loading and unloading.  This is certainly more convenient, but this added mobility does add to the cost of the overhead storage unit.  Still, having a garage storage lift is very convenient if you have to put away large or cumbersome items by yourself.

Assuming that you have already done away with the things you don't really need, it is time to consider what to use to actually take advantage of all of that overhead storage space in the garage.  The good news is, you can get a very good system put up for a relatively low cost.  If you are a do it yourself type of person, you can build a rig of your own, but honestly, for what quality systems cost today compared to the cost of the raw materials you would have to buy, it might make more sense to go with a product that can be purchased.  I'll be mentioning two products that perform similar functions here.  The main difference is the ability to raise and lower the storage area for ease of access.  Both products are sturdy and made to handle up to 250 pounds according to the manufacturers.  I have narrowed the field down to these two units because they are both well constructed and relatively easy to install.

HyLoft 540 45-Inch by 45-Inch Overhead Storage System,

One great thing about the HyLoft 540 is that several of them can be used together to create massive amounts of storage space.

The HyLoft 540 system is one of the most popular overhead storage systems going.  More than 200 Amazon users felt compelled to come back and comment on its performance, and it still manages to keep a 4 1/2 star rating out of a possible 5.   That is pretty impressive when you consider that a lot of people are more likely to come back to complain rather than to pass along compliments.  There are a few reasons that people are so sold on this product.  First of all, it can hold a good bit of "stuff".  It is rated at 250 pounds.  It is also designed to accommodate several of the standard size storage totes that are so popular today among homeowners.  The number of totes (or other items) that it will hold depends on how you decide to set things up.  These units are adjustable.  How adjustable?  Well, you can adjust their height to go anywhere between sixteen inches and 28 inches.  That one foot of play can help out a lot depending on how high your ceilings are and how much space you want to be available over your head.  It also comes in very handy if you are installing the system in an area with a sloping ceiling (like an attic).

Many people like to use more than one Hyloft 540 unit in their garage to cover the entire width of the garage.  Each unit is 45 inches inches wide.  That is just under four feet, so if you are looking to have these span your entire garage, you could divide the entire width (in feet) by four to get an estimate of how many units you would need.  Of course how much actual storage space this will provide also depends on how high or low you set them to hang.  These are constructed of steel wire with a powder coating that is meant to keep it free from rust.  That certainly is something to consider if you have a damp garage, but most people are mainly interested in how much storage space they provide.

Installing the Best Garage Storage Solutions

Of course you should follow the manufacturers instructions when it comes to installing this, or any, unit.  Gravity is not a very forgiving force, so you'll want to make sure that everything is secure.  One of the advantages of this model is the ease of installation.  The maker touts it as a one person project, but of course a second set of hands never hurts.  The Hyloft storage system can be mounted from both finished and unfinished ceilings and it does include the hardware needed to complete the installation.  Before you roll your sleeves up on this project though (or any other ceiling storage project) make sure that you have a decent quality stud finder.  If you are going to suspend 200 plus pounds from the ceiling, you want it to be secure.  Some people are comfortable with finding their way around the edges of joists by driving in finishing nails, but I prefer making as few holes as possible.  Although this storage system is built to be a little bit forgiving on the measurements, you certainly wouldn't want to mess up on the main points where you are mounting it.

Analysis:  This is a very well designed garage storage solution that can be put up without a lot of muss and fuss.  With a rating of 250 pounds, it holds its own against the competition and these units lend themselves very well to multiple installations across the entire ceiling which really maximizes your storage space.  The price per unit is very reasonable.  At the time I'm writing this, Amazon has it for sale at well under list price.  You can click HERE to see the current price as well as over 200 user reviews.  The downside of this product for some people would be the fact that it is not designed to be raised up or lowered.  That is not a big consideration for some, but it could be the make or break point for others with personal mobility issues.  For a unit that is meant to go up and down, consider checking out the...

Racor PHL-1R Pro HeavyLift 4-by-4-Foot Cable-Lifted Storage Rack

Why not let the Racor PHL-1R do the heavy lifting for you?

As I mentioned above, this is a unit that IS designed to be raised up and lowered down to accommodate people who either don't want to climb ladders or who have other issues with lifting heavy items onto and off of the storage unit.  Because it does more (raising and lifting), this unit does cost more than the Hyloft model.  It also require more precise installation. With that said, it is still one of the most popular units of its kind. It can be raised and lowered by using an attachment that fits onto a drill.

The installation of this unit seems to be its major downside.  The joists need to be 48 inches apart or you could run into issues.  I don't usually start writing about something by focusing on the downside, but I wouldn't want anyone to buy this without realizing that they may have to have some knowledge and a bit of patience to get the job of installation done correctly.  Of course I suppose you could always pay for a professional installation, but I think that most people prefer being able to put things up themselves if at all possible.  You can read some reviews related specifically to installation HERE.

Now for the upside.  If you need an overhead storage unit that can be raised or lowered with relative ease, the initial installation may be worth any trouble it causes.  This is a four foot square platform that can be raised and lowered up to eight feet.  If you are not a math fan, that works out to 16 square feet of surface on which you can place up to 250 pounds.  That isn't a bad load size, but you are definitely paying for the raising and lowering ability.  The maker does not mention this, but it seems to me that this would also be nice for people who already have a loft area built in a large storage shed.  It would certainly make getting heavy boxes into place much easier.  I suppose that would be using it as an elevator of sorts.

Analysis:  As I'm looking at what I've written, I'm sure my personal leaning toward the Hyloft design comes through.  That is only because I am not in need of lifting and lowering capability though.  The Racor PHL-1R is actually a very capable and well rated unit.  It too has received multiple positive reviews on Amazon because it stands out among its peers.  The installation of this unit is more involved because of what it is able to do when the project is done.  It also has an overall Amazon rating of 4 1/2 stars out of a possible five with 183 people weighing in as of this writing.  That is pretty darn good. Learn more about it HERE.

The unit you will decide upon will definitely depend a lot upon your personal needs.  For me, the Hyloft 540 is a perfect fit.  For my neighbor who has some trouble getting around, it would require making calls to relatives or friends any time he needed to get something down.

Some General Information About Overhead Storage

When I very first started looking into the whole area of garage storage solutions, I asked an acquaintance of mine for some tips.  Their response is what follows.  You'll notice that they are more prone to do it yourself projects.  That is why I started doing my research.  I am much more interested in something that is going to make my home life easier, not give me another project to complete.

Some garage doors are almost flush with the ceiling but most are not. Overhead garage storage systems are the perfect solution to make this space available for storage.  Transforming this hidden space into usable storage is an easy DIY project that can be built from scratch or a kit.

To hang a bike from the garage ceiling, buy two large hooks from a local hardware supply store. Stand the bike on the ground and measure the distance between where the two wheels touch the ground.  Space the two hooks this distance apart in a ceiling beam.  Turn the bike upside down and hang it by the hooks from the wheels.  This method can be used to hang many things from the ceiling if space allows.  For heavy items like canoes, attach the hooks to a board and raise and lower the board with a pulley system.  This also works for tall ceilings.  Just remember to anchor the rope around a cleat or the items being stored will come right back down!

Other things that can be hung from hooks include garden tools, fishing rods and plumbing supplies.  Two hooks hung parallel will hold anything long and thin.  Hooks with rubber coating will protect the things in storage better than metal hooks.

To store large outdoor storage boxes or odd shaped items in the garage ceiling, build a suspended platform if you are handy enough.  Use 2x6 boards to build a frame.  Nail plywood or particle board over the frame.  Use slotted steel strips or install another pulley system to attach the platform to the garage ceiling.  The more weight on the platform the sturdier the support will have to be.

There are also storage kits available.  Some of these attach directly to overhead beams while others employ the pulley system.  Storage kits will cost bit more than things you build yourself but they will probably look more aesthetic.

If you are not really interested in doing any work yourself, then you may want to consider paying a company who will get you all set up with your overhead garage storage. Here is a video showing off some of the pre-fabricated garage storage solutions available to homeowners today.

If you are going to own a home, it only makes sense that you should make the very most of every bit of available space.  People who are hesitant to make a move to a new home, are starting to take a second look at what they already have on hand.  Some are finding that they could do quite a lot with the empty space sitting at the top of their house.

Attic conversions are one way to take advantage of usable space that just goes to waste in many homes. Depending on the design of your house, there may be a very usable room just sitting there, waiting to be discovered. One of the most important things you will have to consider is what you are starting out with. If there is only a small amount of room available, you might be best off using the area for storage unless you are ready to get into a major renovation project.

There are a couple of ways that you can start using the space that is just sitting there above your head. Some people choose to use the attic as a storage area for items that do not get used very often. In a lot of cases, the attic becomes almost like a museum. Over a number of years it often fills with the things that people want out of the way. Sometimes these items end up spending a very extended stay in the attic.

If you have more space available in your attic, you might want to go all the way and make the conversion into a living area for your family. This might be an add-on bedroom or just an extra space to serve as a family area. Making the switch will be much easier if the entire area allows people to stand up. Unfortunately, most attics are capped with sharply sloped rooftops that are not really conducive to standing comfortably if you are over three feet tall.

Even if you are going to use the space just for storage, there are some things to keep in mind and to check out before you move anything into the space. The first thing to consider is the condition of roof. If there are any leaks, these should be repaired before putting anything valuable into storage. Of course, if you discover leaks, they should be fixed anyway before serious damage occurs to the inside of your home.

Next, you need to remember that attics are generally not set up to be comfortable places. In the winter they often get quite cold, and in the summer, they can become oppressively hot. Items being stored there must be able to safely withstand such conditions unless you intend to make arrangements for the area to have a more controlled climate.

If you do decide to go with a renovation project, be sure to check to see if there are any local codes or ordinances that will apply to your project. It would also be wise to get some input from local contractors. Even if you are fully qualified to do the work yourself, getting estimates and ideas from several professionals is a good starting point. Likewise, you may want to ask your local building inspector for input before getting yourself too far in to the project.

If your situation is right for an attic conversion, it can increase the resale value of your home down the line. That is not even to mention the fact that it will provide you with more usable living space. Take stock of your situation and make your decision based on what is right for you and your family.

I'm updating this post because a friend of mine was checking out the site and asked me why I didn't include something about one of my favorite shelving units.  Yes, I have a favorite type of shelves for kids rooms, believe it or not.  I've had this in my house for years and it has served us well (and still is).  These shelves serve as a very handy way to teach kids to keep their things organized.  The colorful bins pull out and can be carried to wherever you need them.  I've got white shelves with pastel bins in one room and the natural wood grain shelves with primary color bins in another.  These things are great.  Another bonus is that they are available for very reasonable prices.  If you click on either of the two images shown below, you will be taken to the details page (with other reviews) on Amazon.  I've found that they have some of the best prices going on these.

Sometimes all of the books and toys in kid's rooms seem to cover every inch of the floor. It is hard to keep up with the clutter, especially if more than one child lives in the room. Having lots of good organizers that take advantage of all of the space helps provide a home for all of the miscellaneous items. Hanging up some wall shelves is a great way to put to dead space to use and to create a spot for a few trophies, favorite toys or other kid things that need a permanent spot in the room.

White wall shelves will match almost any other color and decor. They will brighten up the room and help make it look neater and more organized. White shelves look nice in a baby's room, a toddler's room and even in a teenager's room so they may last through the different stages of redecorating. And if you did want to change the color some day, it will be a simple task to paint over the white or even add a design such as big dots or a stripe.

Deluxe Four Level Wall Shelf

To be honest, a lot of shelves are pretty much alike.  I like looking for shelves that make a statement, or are just a little bit "different".  It seems to me that there is no reason to keep wall space boring.  The walls are often the forgotten part of a room's design.  That's a real shame, because they take up so much interior design real estate.  One of my favorite shelving units is shown at the left.  It is a deluxe four level floating shelf.  It is shown here in white, but it is also available in a bunch of other finishes.  You can see all of the color options HERE.  It is a simple design made up of hardwood shelving pieces, but it is so much more interesting than the typical single shelves that most people end up using.  It actually makes the wall space look GOOD.  It doesn't look like an afterthought.

White Wall Cubes

When my two daughters were still quite young, we decided we would let them choose the color to paint their room. That may or may not have been wise, but they chose a very bright fuchsia color that really didn't seem to have any matching colors, at least not to us. We found that going with white accessories like the cube shelves shown here along with some white furniture worked well to tone things down just a bit. We still have that brilliantly blinding fuchsia on the walls, and I'm sure it will take some work when they want to change it, but the white furnishings are working well with it.

There are dozens of white wall shelves to choose from in home stores, discount stores and online. You can find simple floating shelves or shelves that come with brackets for support. Make sure that the hardware you use to attach your shelf is made for the amount of weight you plan to put on it.

Think about how your child will probably use the shelf to judge what height would be the best for installing the unit. Will it be a spot to store trophies and better off out of the way? Or is it a shelf that should be within easy reach so your child can easily put his or her favorite toys back on when picking up?

Wall units made up of several shelves are ideal when you have a lot of stuff to store or display. Wall cubes are also a fun way to decorate a wall in a kid's room. Get your child involved in the process of choosing where to hang up the shelves or cubes and what to display in them. They will probably change their mind many times, but that will be half the fun!

If you've ever driven through an industrial park, you've almost certainly seen corrugated metal siding. Now, however, you are increasingly likely to see this versatile material applied to residential uses.

For those who are unfamiliar with the product, it can be identified by the presence of raised ridges evenly spaced along the metal surface. It can be compared to what you see if you strip off one side of a piece of cardboard. The corrugations add rigidity and strength to the relatively light gauge metal.

It is sometimes (and increasingly!) referred to as 'architectural siding'. That may seem like mere window dressing, but modern technology and metal processing techniques really do allow the metal siding to be formed into a range of configurations that allow for a great deal of creativity.

Probably the greatest recommendation for corrugated metal siding is it's fire resistance. After that, in most people's minds, is its low maintenance. It's also heat reflective, but in an ironic twist, manufacturers have come up with a perforated style of metal siding that shows tremendous performance in reducing heating bills when mounted on the south wall of a building. For the warm months, when heating is not needed, the structure has built in a dampered bypass system that directs accumulated hot air upwards into the atmosphere.

photo credit: Jeremy Burgin

Corrugated metal siding is available in steel and aluminum, each of which is preferable for certain applications. Steel is sturdier, and is more resistant to dings than is aluminum.

If you live in an area prone to hail storms, steel is likely to be your better choice, other factors being equal. Steel corrugated siding can be painted or powder coated, or zinc can be incorporated into its manufacture, making it quite resistant to rust.

Still, steel will almost surely come to show evidence of rust with the passage of time, but repairs are not difficult. Re-coating with a durable paint will allow the material to remain useful and attractive for additional decades. Curiously, and in keeping with the notion of 'architectural' use, some people order their steel siding without protective coatings in the desire to have their building take on that rusty hue.

Aluminum siding is softer than steel, and won't stand up to bangs and bumps as well without marking. However, it's ideal for use in coastal areas, where salt air will attack steel. As the material reacts with the air, a coating of aluminum oxide is formed which shields the underlying material from damage.

Manufacturers can make almost any desired profile these days, and do so relatively economically. These products are easily available in custom runs of color, profile and size. These assets make them uniquely suitable for projects that wish to avoid a cookie cutter sort of appearance.

If you have been looking for log cabin floor plans, you have probably figured out that there are a few sites that sell overpriced, generic looking plans for very high prices. If you haven't found them yet, save yourself some time. There is really no reason to spend thirty of forty dollars for a few cheesy plans. You can easily get books filled with ideas and floor plans for under twenty bucks.  It took me less than a minute to find these titles on Amazon, and all three of these have ratings of at least four out of five stars (two of them are 5 star books).  They are all well under twenty dollars.

Log Cabin Floor Plan Books

Build Your Own Low-Cost Log Home (Garden Way Publishing Classic)

Compact Cabins: Simple Living in 1000 Sqaure Feet or Less; 62 Plans for Camps, Cottages, Lake Houses, and Other Getaways

How to Build and Furnish a Log Cabin: The easy, natural way using only hand tools and the woods around you

I don't know about you, but when I think of log cabins, Abe Lincoln comes to mind. Next, I think of a cabin that belonged to family friends that I used to visit when I was young. I can still remember the rustic feel as I sat by the fireplace. Since I was still pretty young, I also remember being just a little freaked out by the animal heads hanging on the wall, but I also found them fascinating.

Most people probably think of small log cabins when they are considering plans for their own home or cabin to use as a second home. This is probably because they are a little bit concerned with the prices involved if they go for something larger. The truth is, there are many different floor plans available and they have a very wide range of costs. If you are considering building a log cabin, you should definitely check out the books pictured above.

Tiny log cabins, as small as 320 square feet, can only accommodate one main room, a small bedroom, and a bath. Smaller cabins are popular for remote access fishing lodges, hunting camps, or overnight cabins at a lodge.

Cabin floor plans with a bedroom on the first floor and an open loft typically are 750 square feet or more. When a cabin has an open second floor there is a unique and economical way to install the flooring. Flooring of 2x6 tongue and groove is installed on top of the floor joists. The grooved side serves as the ceiling for the first floor while the upper side serves as the finished flooring of the second floor. Then the flooring only has to be stained and varnished to totally finish the upper level.

For every home constructed the first step is to browse through log cabin floor plans. The majority of small cabins are less than 1,000 square feet. In 1,000 square feet there is not a whole lot of room, but with special planning these cabins can be just right for a weekend get away, guest cabin, or for a retired couple who prefer to not clean a large house.

Most lofts in cabins are half lofts. This allows the loft to be open to below and still give the great room a high cathedral ceiling. To gain a bedroom on the second floor as well as an open loft, the loft can be extended to cover three quarters of the second level instead of only half. This makes the area that is open to below much smaller but also maximizes the square footage of the cabin. Having an open loft of some size is important to retaining the ‘cabin feel’.

photo credit: starlord

To maximize the dollar spent on a cabin and to gain the most benefit from it, the home owner benefits by selecting small log cabin plans that are just under 1,000 square feet. Cabins in that square footage allow for a roomy main living area, nice size first floor master bedroom, and an open loft.

When choosing log cabin floor plans it is useful to have several to choose from. Plan books and other sources for floor plans have many to browse through in that square footage. When choosing to build a small cabin the homeowner must accept that there is only so much "Home" that can be squeezed into that area.

If evaluating cost per square foot it is more expensive to build a smaller cabin than a large one. The reason for this is that there is less square footage across which to spread the building costs. All log homes need four solid log walls, a bathroom, kitchen, well, septic, and heat system. So smaller does not always mean a home will be less expensive. It is best to be willing to compare building costs of a smaller home and a larger one is the best way to maximize someone building budget. Then the optimum log cabin floor plan can be chosen for your budget and building site specifics.  

River Rock Tile can be a great alternative to the more traditional and old fashioned methods of tiling. It is a great way to create that natural outdoor look within the comforts of home, or even in a business setting. Using River Rock products is an affordable way to have a more unique look for a floor.

The handmade process is one of the things that make River Rock tiles such a good purchase. More than 40 different types of rocks are handpicked from local quarries in the Pacific Northwest. They are all hand crafted in the shop as they are personally cut to 3/8” thick and then put through a tumbling process to make them as smooth and flat as possible so they are comfortable to walk on. All rocks are personally inspected for quality assurance so each product is of identical high quality.

The price of the products at River Rock is also extremely affordable. Basic 6”x6” tiles are only $11.95 a piece (at the time of this writing). For more unique designs, River Rock tile sheets can be purchased for $22.95 each at 6”x12”. All River Rock orders can easily be placed over the phone during business hours.

The River Rock website is another place to find these great deals on natural looking floor tiles. The option to place orders quickly and simply is available online. There are numerous different products available and the many sites use PayPal for quick and secure payments. Shipping for River Rock products is very affordable at generally only $5 or less per product.

When choosing flooring for an interior space, River Rock Tile is a great company to turn to. They offer affordable and unique styles of flooring. Their hand crafted tiles are a great, affordable and natural look for any space. Their simple ordering process makes purchasing these items easy and hassle-free.

For those who are familiar with shopping through Amazon.com, there are also some interesting and affordable alternatives. Just click on any of the product descriptions below to learn about more river rock tile options.

Arizona Tile ST-208 Sterling Honed River Rock on a 12-by-12-Inch Mosaic Mesh, Multi-Color - 10-Pack

1 Set of 12 River Rock Garden Stone Molds, OOR-05

River Rocks pebble mosaic for backsplash fireplace 1 sq.ft #AM1001-2

This past winter was pretty tough on the homes in my area. We received a ton of snow during February. In fact, I believe the local weather folks said that our total for the month was more than we usually get during the entire winter. Once we made our way out of that cold and nasty month, the weather turned much milder, but the damage to houses was already done for the most part. I've been seeing tons of roofing work going on over the past month. Much more than I usually do at this time of year.

We have known for a while that we needed to get a new roof. The current one is the original that was slapped on in 1962 using the cheapest materials available as they threw up entire neighborhoods in this area over the space of a couple of years. A very nasty little storm that blew through around the end of April knocked off several shingles and encouraged us to set the wheels in motion on getting our roof replaced.

If you have never had a new roof put on your home, but are thinking about it, you should realize that it is not an inexpensive project. Depending on what needs done, it can be quite expensive. It is also not the type of job that you will want to take on as a do it yourself project if you are not qualified and experienced. There is a lot of work involved and the materials are not cheap. This is why you should definitely take the time to get as many estimates as you possibly can before giving any roofing company your business.

Contractors are not created equal. It would be great if we could just automatically expect fair pricing for quality work, but that does not always happen. When we were selling our previous house, we needed to get a new roof before it would sell. One roofing company we got a bid from had people on their payroll that did nothing by sales and estimates. The guy who showed up was very much a salesman. I'll always remember him saying that we should chain him to the picnic table before he escaped after he gave us his fabulous offer. It turned out that his company was, by far, the most expensive of the ones who submitted bids. Seriously, they were about $3000 more than the nearest contractor. What amazes me is that this company keeps getting work at their inflated rates. The work they do is adequate, from what I've seen, but I honestly don't see how it is worth the extra that they charge. I can only assume that the people who hire them really enjoy the salesman's friendly banter and they don't even bother getting other estimates.

Most quality roofing companies will offer free estimates. Take them up on the offer and pay attention to how they treat you from the time you first contact their business. If alarm bells start going off as they try to hurry you into a contract, get their offer and then move on. Likewise, if they only seem interested in pushing you to the next (more expensive) option, take a step back. Don't let them pressure you into agreeing on anything until you have all of the information you want from several contractors.

Ask to see examples of work they have done in the area. Most will be happy to let you see what they can do for you. Also, ask friends and family for the names of anyone they were happy with. One caveat here is that you should probably think twice about hiring friends or family to do the job. If you don't like the results, you could find yourself in a sticky situation.

As you meet with contractors, ask them a ton of questions about what their work will include. Be very careful when it comes to the cost of replacing wood. Some companies will tell you that they will replace bad wood at some specific price per square foot. Realize that one sheet of wood that measures 4' x 6' will contain 24 square feet! That one can add up in a hurry. It is possible that your roofers will find unexpected damage when they get into the project, find out what the extra materials and labor are going to cost you if they do find something.

Finally, make sure that you see all of the required insurance data from the company. Trying to save by getting yourself a fly by night roofing crew could cost you dearly if something goes wrong. A quality company should have all of their qualifications and insurance information at the ready for you to inspect.

Getting a new roof on your home can really improve the look of your property. It is a major job though and it deserves to be taken seriously. The small amount of time you put into doing the proper research and getting estimates can save you thousands of dollars and tons of grief down the line. Get as many free roofing estimates as you can with as many details as you can. You will be glad you did in the end.

Many people each year make the choice to move into mobile homes. This is a particularly popular option among retirees whose children are grown and out living on their own.

The lure of living in a milder climate induces many folks to sell their ordinary homes and move south, where there are hundreds of mobile home communities set up to provide low maintenance living among people with similar backgrounds and interests.

Other people choose to live in mobile homes for a variety of reasons. For some, it's an opportunity to live economically as a permanent choice or while saving money to build or buy a regular house.

One thing that many, if not most, people fail to realize is that the construction and systems of a mobile home are not in all cases quite like those found in an ordinary house. This is particularly true in the case of the mobile home furnace.

Due to the construction realities of mobile homes, the furnaces intended for installation in them must be designed differently from an ordinary furnace. Space limitations are critical, and mobile home heating systems must account for smaller ductwork, tighter angles in the ductwork, and a different system of venting than in the ordinary furnace they may be familiar with.

Unless someone is planning on moving to the very warmest parts of the country, a well-functioning furnace is a necessity. If someone is lucky enough to buy a brand new mobile home, they can rely on the manufacturer to properly install a suitable unit in a safe and efficient way.

However, if one is buying a used mobile home, there are some things that ought to be considered to avoid financial loss or even disaster. While a furnace installed in a house may be expected to last upwards of thirty years with proper maintenance, this isn't necessarily the case with a mobile home furnace. Although mobile home furnaces have closed the longevity gap with regular furnaces to some extent, they operate under more challenging conditions and may not last so long.

If one is contemplating buying a used mobile home that is more than fifteen years old, it's very wise to have the furnace inspected by a technician qualified and experienced in dealing with such units. A thorough inspection will involve some dismantling of the unit and a careful examination of the combustion chamber for cracks. This is essential to ensure that combustion gases don't escape into the living area, which could be deadly.

A qualified technician can give some estimate of the useful remaining life (if any) of the furnace being inspected. He will ensure that all the electrical connections are safe and functional. If the determination is made that the furnace will need extensive repairs or is no longer safe, there are some options for the mobile home owner or potential buyer.

While electric furnaces are just about always more expensive to operate than gas fired units, they do provide a safe means of supplying heat. In some more remote areas where natural gas lines have not reached but electrical service has, some people have opted for electric mobile home furnaces.

However, in light of the reality that electricity is an expensive option for heating, manufacturers for many years have offered propane fired gas furnaces. If you opt for such a unit, it will be necessary to provide a large tank for storage of the gas and arrange for reliable deliveries of it. It will also be necessary to install appropriate venting to account for the release of combustion gases. This is also true if natural gas service has been extended to areas where there was formerly only electricity.

A qualified technician can provide expert advice regarding whether or not a conversion from an electric mobile home furnace to a gas one will pay long-term dividends. He or she will have access to professional software that calculates the amount of energy needed to effectively heat the living space. In many cases, the cost of this analysis will be forgiven if a new unit is purchased.

Used mobile home furnaces can also be found for sale. However, unless such a unit is being sold by a certified expert in the field with a safety guarantee, these should be avoided in light of the risk of there being hidden safety defects.

Here is a video I came across that some people may find helpful.

Not Your Grandmother's Radiator
While many people over the years have enjoyed the even warmth provided by radiators, it has only been relatively recently that anyone came up with the brainstorm to design a vertical radiator.

For all that traditional radiators have been effective and efficient means of providing heat, they have been nightmares for those interested in attractive design of their living space. The very design that has made traditional radiators effective and efficient have also made them rather like elephants in the room, and ugly elephants to boot. Being tied to a system of plumbing that allows of no movement, aside from being unattractive, traditional radiators with their horizontal layout are prodigious gobblers of floor space in themselves.

This problem is compounded by the fact that placing furniture in front of them greatly reduces their efficiency in delivering even heat throughout a room. On top of that, furniture placed close to a heat source like a radiator tend to dry out and even fade over time. The need to leave a radiator unobstructed has driven many a room designer to distraction.

While a room may be of virtually any dimensions with regard to floor space, an overwhelming majority of ceilings are located eight feet above the floor. Furniture tends to take up more horizontal than vertical space, and thus is in competition with radiators for use of that floor space.

It's remarkable that it's taken so long for anyone to come up with the simple, but brilliant, notion to reduce that competition by the simple expedient of installing the radiator vertically! Could this development have been the brain child of some engineer sitting high in an office tower, pondering how high-rise buildings came about as a result of competition for valuable and scarce land at street level?!

This simple development in recent years has the added benefit of allowing the vertical radiator to take advantage of advancements in technology generally. Gone are the days when radiators were designed like Model-T's-, all virtually identical. Now, radiators can be had in a variety of appearances and dimensions.

You can get a vertical radiator in varying widths, typically in the range from twelve to thirty inches, although they are typically of a height of about eighty inches. This doesn't generally pose a problem, however, as that additional height takes up space that would otherwise be unoccupied in any event.

A major development that benefits the vertical radiator has been the advent of powder coating. This is a process in which a durable color coat is electrically applied to the metal surface. It's available in many colors and will provide a long life of beauty and shine.

Also, the appearance of the radiator can vary by its shape. They are available as flat panels and tubular designs, to name just two. As more manufacturers enter the field to meet the burgeoning demand, expect to find even more choices.

A trip to your local building supply will provide you with a glimpse of some of the options available. A number of suppliers also advertise on-line.

However, since the installation of a vertical radiator is sure to require the services of a trained installer, he or she may be the best source for information on available products. Don't get so totally caught up in the glamour (what a concept- a glamorous radiator!) that you neglect to become aware of the engineering and practical desirability of a model that catches your eye.

There may be no more cost-effective way to enhance the value of your home than by the relatively simple expedient of refinishing kitchen cabinets. Consider that quality kitchen cabinets have always been a substantial investment. As time has gone on, manufacturers have sought ways and means to produce acceptable looking cabinets at lower and lower cost. Thus, they have increasingly abandoned the use of quality woods in favor of particle board assemblies with finishes of varying qualities.


Particularly if you own an older home, you may find that those worn-looking kitchen cabinets are actually a treasure in the rough if they are made of solid wood, and we will be talking here about refinishing wood kitchen cabinets rather than vintage metal kitchen cabinets.

Looking for an inexpensive, comprehensive guide? Click the image above.

Another factor in favor of refinishing kitchen cabinets is that there really isn't a tremendous range of facings employed in their manufacture. They may be flat or finished with some type of molding and a recessed panel, but old cabinets and new tend to share the basic designs. A sixty year old cabinet with a fresh finish will not be readily distinguishable from an expensive new cabinet by reason of an unacceptably dated profile.

However, refinishing kitchen cabinets is not necessarily the walk in the park that some writers would lead one to believe. It will take a serious commitment of time and energy to get the sort of results that most people would find acceptable. After all, there are professional cabinet refinishers making a good living at selling their expertise and experience. If it were such a simple matter as one might be led to suppose, they would not be investing their lives in the work.

The simplest finish to apply to old cabinets is paint. Given that it covers completely and will hide whatever may be underneath, it takes less preparation than refinishing with a stain or clear finish. When choosing paint for a kitchen cabinet refinishing project, oil-based paints are much to be preferred over latex, at least as far as the finished product is concerned. It will dry to a harder and longer lasting finish than latex paint, but it involves more work to apply, particularly with regard to cleaning up and maintaining your tools. Latex washes up with water; oil-based paint requires a chemical solvent.

You should start by determining what sort of finish is currently on your cabinets. If you have painted kitchen cabinets, it's best to apply a coat of oil-based primer. Before doing so, however, you should go over the cabinets with a degreasing cleaner and perhaps give them a light sanding.

If you want to go with latex paint, make sure that you are not applying it over an oil-based non-primer paint by testing the existing paint. Rub an inconspicuous area lightly with denatured alcohol on a rag. If the paint softens, it's latex; if not, it's oil.

Latex paint applied over an oil-based non-primer paint will tend not to grip properly. However, latex may be applied safely over an oil-based primer. Thus, an oil-based primer is appropriate for use under oil or water based paint.

If your kitchen cabinets are stained, you can use a stripping agent to lift the finish according to its directions, but be prepared to do some sanding. If you intend to paint over the stained finish, you can apply a shellac based primer rather than bother to remove the old finish. This will work under an oil or latex based color coat.


If you want to re-stain your cabinets, it will be necessary to remove as completely as possible all traces of the original stain. This is likely to be the most challenging of refinishing projects, and is not to be lightly undertaken. Once the old stain finish is removed, you can apply any sort of modern stain you prefer to the raw wood according to the instructions provided.