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Posts Tagged ‘home repair’

Need Your Door Lock Repaired?

February 10th, 2010 No comments

If you have some door lock repair to do around the house, you should estimate whether it is a project you can undertake yourself. Some problems are too heavy for anything but a professional. When it comes to the safety of your house, you can never be too careful. Know your own skill level and do not be too proud to ask for help.

If you damage the lock itself, there may be no choice but to hire a professional. You do not want to risk breaking off your key in a faulty lock, leaving your house unprotected, or making it so that you cannot get in when you need to. The repair of the lock itself (apart from the occasional cleaning or oiling done by you) should be done by a professional.

You clean your locks by keeping the dust out. Once a month or so, you could blow some condensed air through all your locks so dust does not clog or damage the delicate parts. Oil them to keep them well lubricated and healthy. However, locks can get worn and damaged over time just like anything else. They can also get frozen in the winter if they are outside locks. This is where a great deal of damage happens. What you should do in this situation is heat up your key by holding it over a lighter flame. When you ease it into the lock, it should safely thaw it out.

Know, though, that if something in the lock is actually broken, it is probably too delicate or complicated for you to fix. There are far more parts in a lock than one would guess. If you do not have the training and do not want to hire a locksmith, you could always just remove the lock yourself and replace it.

Buy doorknobs from your local hardware store. Make sure they are similar to the ones you have now in terms of size and design. You do not want a door handle that does not fit the door or accidentally get a knob that only locks from one side if your normal locks can be locked from both. Ascertain that they can be attached or removed with a Phillips head screwdriver. Also be aware that you get a key and that it is a key specific to that single lock alone.

Unlock your door and hold it ajar. This is how you should start removing the lock. You should not have to worry about repositioning the hole in the door to accommodate the new lock. Almost all locks are made so they can be interchangeable and positioned the same way. The only consideration is if your current locks are extremely old and part of a very old house that might not match up with modern guidelines.

The knobs should have instructions. Make sure of this when you buy them. If you have a power drill with the correct attachment, it will save you a lot of labor. It can also make sure locks are more secure.

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Omaha Commercial Moving Services Helping Children Move On

February 10th, 2010 No comments

The time has come for a move. Whether the reason is to relocate for a job or just because more space is needed doesn’t alleviate the fact that moving is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have to do. Most vulnerable during this time are children. One of the things that will really help with their transition is to secure the support of companies such as one of the many Omaha commercial movers services who are skilled at ensuring the transition is as easy as possible.

Children become very attached to the familiar. The thought of leaving their friends, their schools, and even the comfort of their own homes can cause stress that they have difficulty understanding or dealing with. This often results in acting-out behaviors that leave parents on edge and tense.

There are many things that can help children during this difficult transition. Sitting down and explaining what is happening and why is a big component. It is important to remember that they are not too young to understand and they will become confused if left out. One thing you can do to help them prepare for a move and understand what is about to happen is to create a schedule they can see daily with check-off boxes they can fill in themselves.

If using a service, such as one of the Omaha commercial moving services, explain that there will be people in the house they do not know. Help them prepare by allowing them to pack a box of their own and set it in their room so they come to understand that their possession are not gone, just in a different place. Also help them sort out the things they may have outgrown then take them to the thrift store and explain that they are going to smaller children who need these things.

Let them meet the commercial moving services and have a mover help pack a box of their treasures then have the child watch their box go onto the truck explaining that they will see it again in their new home. It is also important during this time to take them out for the day as watching the entire house being packed onto the truck can be very distressing to children regardless of age.

Children also need to be allowed to keep the familiar with them. They should pack a couple of toys as well as clothing and bedding that they can keep with them during the move. This will help instill security as will the praise and encouragement they receive from parents for successful behavior. While parents remain clam and enthusiastic about a move, children will feel and reflect those same qualities.

Most importantly, remember that in order to instill that sense of security in the new home quickly, their rooms need to be set up first. They are comforted by the familiar and by putting their lives in order first, the lives of parents will be much less stressful. Services such as Omaha commercial moving services will be more than happy to work this out with parents. It is also important to remember that not only is their new home unfamiliar, but so is everything outside the home. Therefore, helping them to become familiar with their new surroundings is almost as important as helping them feel at home in their new abode. This can begin with an after-dinner walk the first evening at the new home. If handled in a proactive manner, not only will the move be positive for parents, but for children as well.

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How To Properly Install Vertical Blinds

February 10th, 2010 No comments

With so many different colors, textures and styles to choose from, picking vertical blinds that compliment your home can become overwhelming. However, blinds are a great asset to any home. They are made with various materials such as, metal, wood and polyvinyl. This allows people to be unique when choosing window treatments to compliment their home furnishings.

The window blinds vary in price according to the type and material of blinds, but they are fairly inexpensive. Most places that sell window treatments or home improvement products carry a wide assortment of window blinds. Most stores offer installation for a specific fee, but people can save money by completing installation themselves.

A few tools are needed before getting started.

The tools needed are: hammer, finishing nails, tape measure, screwdriver, level, drill, drill bits, pencil and scissors.

Be certain that all parts and pieces needed for blind installation are on hand. Anchors are not included with the window blinds, but are needed for installation. It is important to determine whether the mount will be on the inside or outside of the window.

Measuring for the Best Location

Starting from the inside of the window, measure outwards about an inch on each side. Mark the spot; this is where the brackets will be placed. To avoid lack of privacy make sure the blinds will cover each side of the window.

Use the drill to make holes where the brackets will be mounted. Wall anchors have to be used when drilling into drywall. Screw two screws into each bracket after the holes for the brackets have been drilled.

Positioning the Head Rail

Insert the front edge of the head rail into the clips and rotate back causing the head rail to snap into the clips. To remove the head rail insert a screwdriver between the rail and the release tab.

Adding the Vanes

When adding the vanes to the rail, turn the stems on the rail so you can see through the stem’s slots. Gently push the vane into the stem and pull down until the vane hooks onto the stem’s hook. The vanes should overlap if they are installed correctly. Take the rod and hook it on the rail to make the window blinds function properly.

Placing the Valance on the Blinds

Installing the valance is optional. To install it snap the valance clips on each end of the rail. The clips should be about 2 inches from each end and the remaining clips should be spaced between evenly. Slide the valance onto the rail and installation is complete.

Using and Cleaning Your Vertical Blinds

When opening and closing your window blinds, twist the rod until blinds open or close. The vanes should be open whenever you want to slide the window blinds open for maximum view. To clean the blinds use warm water and soap. Wipe the blinds down with the towel and dry. Vacuuming fabric blinds will keep the fabric fresh.

The popularity of vertical blinds is increasing. Individuals notice the benefits of adding these window blinds to their home immediately. They add more appeal to any room in your home.

Learn more about window blinds. Stop by Jerrikat Jennison’s site where you can find out all about vertical blinds and what they can do for you in your home or office.