Month: February 2016

Stamped & Stained Concrete – Breathing New Life to Otherwise Dull Concrete Floors

stamp concreteWhile concrete is known to be a very reliable and resilient material, sadly it also can be the most boring.  However, advances in the way concrete is applied have given rise to new design techniques and innovations which make concrete one of the most sought after construction material around.  Two particular methods that can transform your floors into works of art is stamped concrete application and concrete staining.

The Difference

Stamped concrete creates unique patterns and textures to your concrete floor. When combined with another method called concrete staining, the result is simply phenomenal.  According to home concrete floor contractor Minnesota specialists it is possible to paint concrete but the approach is quite different as painting places a very thin about 3 to 4 mils. (0.05”) thick layer on top of the concrete. Aside from some pigment that possibly could seep into the concrete pores, largely the pain is present only on the surface.

Staining

According to decorative concrete contractor experts, staining concrete involves a chemical reaction between the acid stain and the cement present in the concrete mixture. Concrete is comprised of binding cement and aggregate. The fact that the stain works through a chemical reaction between cement and stain, the aggregate is left unaffected by the process.

How it Works

The staining process can be done on cured, hardened concrete the process is outlined below.

  1. Cleaning
  2. Sanding/Scuffing
  3. Application of stain
  4. Curing

Once cleaning and scuffing is done the concrete stain may be applied in a variety of ways like the use of rollers, mops and brushes.  The most recommended means however is via an ordinary sprayer similar to the ones used in herbicides which offers a wider and much more even stain distribution.  Once this is done it takes at least 8 hours for the chemical reaction to complete. Do not walk on the stained concrete as doing so may permanently add footprints on the finished floor.

To talk to a decorative concrete specialist today log on to www.concretetreatmentsinc.com

 

Floor Plan Mistakes and How To Prevent Them

floor plansIt is an established fact that a lot of new homeowners make common sense mistakes when selecting a floor plan to fit their needs.  To prevent this often-costly mistake, homeowners and house hunters should keep in mind some basic tenets to guide them through the selection process.  Here are some essential tips to prevent floor plan issues.

Never Assume Each Floor Plan will fit your Lifestyle

According to new home construction Otsego experts, one of the biggest mistakes when selecting the right floor plan is to neglect how you would see your own family cooking in the kitchen or forgot to consider that someone in the family or yourself may have a spine problem and hence will not want to go up 3 flights of stairs. It is important that you assess your lifestyle carefully prior to deciding on a floor plan for your home. Ask yourself how you can benefit if you selected a single story versus a multistory home and vice versa. Would it be better to have an open floor plan or would partitions be better?

 

Don’t Put Too Much Stock in Upgrades Just Yet

When you have begun looking around for a new home for your family, one of the best ways to experience the floor plan is to take a stroll through the new custom home in Blaine MN model unit beforehand.  The biggest mistake home hunters make is to get sold quickly with the upgrades.  Look beyond the gorgeous carpets, the color coordinated wallpaper settings and concentrate your efforts on the layout and flow of the rooms.  This will allow you to make an informed decision on the type of floor plan you will eventually have.

Do not get intimidated with Architectural Drawings

Many home hunters easily get intimidated when they do not understand architectural drawings and floor plan designs.  Talk to your developer. That is why they are there, to answer your questions to give you a clear picture of the home you are interested to get.  If a developer does not want to explain which goes where and what, better look for another one who will.

To know more about this and other topics log on to: http://nihhomes.com/wagamon-ranch/

 

Are Registration Papers Necessary to Sell a Car to a Junk Yard?

junk cars for cash 2When a vehicle gets into a major accident and the insurance providers deem that the vehicle is more expensive to repair than its current actual value it is then classified as a junk vehicle. The only option left to you is to speak with a buy junk car Aurora IL specialist in order to get some money for it. As long as you have the complete papers there is no hindrance but a problem will arise if the vehicle you intend to dispose is unregistered.  Here are a few pointers to consider.

Registration

Vehicle registration is intended for vehicles that are to be driven on streets and highways of a particular state.  If your vehicle has a lot of issues or it figured in a major accident and was wrecked as a result and since then you have opted to sell it to an auto recycling business, technically you do not need to register provided that the said car will be towed and not driven on the street.

Vehicle Title

You do need to present the vehicle title in order to prove vehicle ownership.  If the car has existing liens with a bank or other entity, you do not relinquish those obligations when you sell the car. If this is the case, the holder of the lien will need to sign off first for the deal to push through.

Missing Title

If for some reason, the title went missing, you can always request for a duplicate copy from your local DMV or simply provide a bill of sale to the junkyard directly. Staff at the junkyard can help you out on this process.  As long as the vehicle being sold is intended for parts or scrap metal, title issues will not be a big problem to resolve provided you own the vehicle. The Bill of Sale essentially discharges you of any responsibility with the car and any issues that may crop up with the new vehicle owner.

To talk to a junk car specialist today log on to http://cashforjunkcars-chicago.com/