Protect your yard from intruders by getting fence installation, and make access to your home easier through trusty gate openers. Contact us at (832) 930-5708 in Spring, TX, for more information. Ezzy Gates and Access 21726 Hedgewick Court Spring, TX 77388 Phone : 8329305708 Contact Email:    gbkiko@ymail.com website:www.ezzygatesandaccess.com Keywords: access control systems, fence installation, spring, tx ...read more

38 N Star Ridge CircleThe WoodlandsTX773823463331834www.nortonindustrialdoor.comnorton.industrialdoor@gmail.comContact Chris Norton at (346) 333-1834 in The Woodlands, TX, for more information about his garage doors and overhead doors.  ...read more

Woodlands Roofing is a full-service roofing contractor in Spring, Texas. Woodlands Roofing 8402 Ginger Drive Spring, TX, 77389 Phone: 2813517333 Email: blante@woodlandsroofing.com website: www.woodlandsroofing.com roofing contractor, spring, tx ...read more

Did you know Texas has a window named for it? Texas Home Exclusive Windows from Texas Home Exteriors and they are made by JD Power Award winning Simonton Windows. The Texas Home Exclusive and Texas Home Exclusive Plus Windows come with a lifetime glass breakage warranty. You will find the same great Simonton quality at a great price! Additionally the lifetime warranty covers the entire window including Lifetime Vinyl, Window Seal Failure and Window Hardware coverage! The Texas Home Exclusive energy efficient vinyl replacement windows are Energy Star rated. The ProSolar Glass is a low-e glass and argon gas filled. The difference between the two windows is, the Texas Home Exclusive is a two pane window and the plus is a three pane window. Both come in a variety of colors and window finish options including lock option colors, grid styles and more! Enjoy lower utility bills year-round, more temperate rooms (no more hot/cold rooms), tilt in for easy cleaning, a quieter home, fresh air locks to allow for airflow safely and more! This is a beautiful, high quality window, perfect for homes in Houston Texas and surrounding areas. Learn more at Texas Home Exteriors or feel free to contact us at 281.919.6999, we are happy to answer your questions or provide you with a free, no pressure, no hype estimate. ...read more

Did you know Texas has a window named for it? Texas Home Exclusive Windows from Texas Home Exteriors and they are made by JD Power Award winning Simonton Windows. The Texas Home Exclusive and Texas Home Exclusive Plus Windows come with a lifetime glass breakage warranty. You will find the same great Simonton quality at a great price! Additionally the lifetime warranty covers the entire window including Lifetime Vinyl, Window Seal Failure and Window Hardware coverage! The Texas Home Exclusive energy efficient vinyl replacement windows are Energy Star rated. The ProSolar Glass is a low-e glass and argon gas filled. The difference between the two windows is, the Texas Home Exclusive is a two pane window and the plus is a three pane window. Both come in a variety of colors and window finish options including lock option colors, grid styles and more! Enjoy lower utility bills year-round, more temperate rooms (no more hot/cold rooms), tilt in for easy cleaning, a quieter home, fresh air locks to allow for airflow safely and more! This is a beautiful, high quality window, perfect for homes in Houston Texas and surrounding areas. Learn more at Texas Home Exteriors or feel free to contact us at 281.919.6999, we are happy to answer your questions or provide you with a free, no pressure, no hype estimate. ...read more

What About Window Types?By; Texas Home Exteriors&Greg Kapitan (the siding man)  281-919-6999 http://www.texashomeexteriors.com/ Posted on April 9, 2013by Kapitan The Siding ManThe window in the center is a “fixed” non-operable window.  The windows on either side are “quarter arches” and the windows above the doors are transom windows also non-operable.Homeowners often inquire about the different  window types that are available.   To help clarify these questions, in this post I compiled a short list of the basic types.Many homes are built with basic types of windows  (standard “builders grade” windows) with very few features and pretty much boring. Updating with new replacement windows can make a nondescript home into one that shines with curb and what I call the “wow appeal!”It is important to know what your options are, what the features are and what they mean before making your window replacement decision.  I am happy to provide you with some insight as your personal window professional and here is some important information you should be aware of about the various window types.Window Types:Fixed – This type of window cannot be opened. It is usually inexpensive and does not allow for ventilation.One sash is operationalSing hung – This is one of the most common types of “builder’s grade” windows used.  Single-hung means that only one of the window sashes is able to slide up and down and be opened.Both sashes operationalDouble hung  - This is the second most common type of window. This window consists of two sashes that move up and down and can be opened either one at a time or both partially at the same time allowing for even better air circulation than a single hung window provides.Vertical hinge, cranksCasement – These windows are common in the northeast USA.  Casement windows are hinged vertically to swing in and out like a door and operate with a crank handle.Hinged horizontally, crankAwning – Awning windows are similar to casement windows but are hinged horizontally.Jalousie – Jalousie windows are horizontally placed narrow strips of glass, lowered by crank. Although out of favor today, they were very popular in the mid-century.Sliding WindowsSliding – Sliding windows move along top and bottom tracks. They are also very common in the mid-west USA and can be inexpensive for the most part.Palladian – A palladian window consists of group of three windows with an arch over the center. These windows have become very popular in the last decade. They provide visual interest and drama to a home.Picture Window& Double HungsPicture – Picture windows are especially popular in ranch-style homes. They are large fixed windows flanked by two casements or double-hung windows on either side of the picture window.Transom – These windows are especially popular in Craftsman like homes. They consist of a strip of small horizontal panes set high on a wall and often above an entry door, doorway or over existing operational windows.Circle Top, Elliptical or ArchedElliptical or Arched (Circle Top)– These windows are often positioned above double hung or fixed windows in many of today’s new homes adding appeal and personality.Add Appeal with an EyebrowEyebrow – This window is often positioned above double hung or fixed windows in many of today’s new homes to add appeal and personality.Protrudes outside of the homeProtrudes out from the homeBay and Bow – This type of window protrudes from the home that often has a small roof built over it as well as a soffit underneath. They are very common when homeowners upgrade from their older windows in the northeast USA.As you can see, there are many types of windows available.  The region you live in will often determine the type of window common in your area.  Making a smart choice in window selection can lead to greater appeal, light and energy efficiency for your home for many years.In future blogs, I will discuss how choosing grid patters, interior and colors of the window frames can make wonderful enhancements to your home. Additionally I will be providing information on many other fun options for your windows. ...read more

Choosing Roofing Shingles BY: Texas Home Exteriors 281-919-6999 http://www.texashomeexteriors.com/ Posted on April 12, 2013by Kapitan The Siding ManChoosing Roofing ShinglesWhat many homeowners desire is a roof that’s not too expensive, requires no maintenance, and lasts forever. But most roofs are replaced and or at least repaired every ten to twelve years. By carefully choosing re-roofing material, you can reduce the cost of replacement. In the long run, you’ll use less building material, fill up less landfill space with discarded materials.If you select a light-colored surface or a material that doesn’t absorb heat from the sun, you significantly reduce your home’s cooling needs. When your attic stays cooler, your cooling bills go down. I will post more on “Cool Roofing” shingles in another blog.Popular Roofing MaterialsHere I provide a a of the most popular types of roofing. Remember that cost alone does not determine quality and not all of these products will meet the needs of your home. By carefully selecting the right material, making sure it’s installed properly and by performing occasional modest maintenance, your roof can function properly for 20 to 50 years or even longer.Composition/Asphalt ShingleComposition shingles  (asphalt shingles) are the most common choice for a clean look at an affordable price. Higher quality versions made from asphalt or fiberglass shingles offer a more durable option, we’ll discuss those later.Composition shingles come in a large selection of types, brands and colors. They are versatile, adapt easily to different applications, are relatively easy to install and in some applications can even be nailed in place over an existing roof. This type of shingle is low maintenance and can be walked across without damaging the material. Most brands also offer Class A fire protection and can be recycled.The negative side of composition shingles is that they don’t have the life span of other roofing materials like tile or metal, they don’t offer the dimensional look of tile or wood shakes, and there is a possibility of them blowing off in high winds.Wood shakes offer a natural look with a lot of character. Because of variations like color, width, thickness or cut of the wood, no two shake roofs will ever be the same.  Wood offers some energy benefits, too!   It helps to insulate the attic, and it allows the house to breathe, circulating air through the small openings under the felt rows on which wooden shingles are laid.A wood shake roof, however demands proper maintenance and repair or it will not last as long as other products. Keep in mind that mold, rot, and insects can be a problem with this type of roofing. The life cycle cost of a shake roof may be high, and old shakes cannot be recycled.Additionally, installing wood shakes is more complicated and costly than roofing with composite shingles and the quality of finished roof depends on the experience of the contractor as well as the caliber of the shakes you use. The best shakes come from the heartwood of large old cedar trees, difficult to find anymore thus adding to the cost. Some contractors maintain that shakes made from the outer wood of smaller cedars but the usual source today are less uniform and more subject to twisting and warping causing them not to last as long.Roofing tile is a good choice for homes with a Southwestern, Italian, Spanish Mission designs or even for homes with a modern, clean look.Tile lasts a long time with an expected lifespan greater than the material on which the roofing rests. Tile will not rot or burn and it cannot be harmed by insects. It requires little maintenance and comes in a variety of colors, types, styles and brands.The biggest drawback to tile by far is its weight. Depending on the material used to make it, tile can be very heavy, so heavy that extra roof support may be required. Originally made from clay, new tiles are being made from lighter materials and lightweight metal tiles can be installed over existing roofs. With some new materials, however; color is added only on the surface of the tile which can fade over time.Also keep in mind that some types of tile are fragile, so walking on them can and will often break them making it more difficult to accomplish maintenance like painting or cleaning rain gutters and fireplaces. Initial installation can be complicated and tile can cost more than other roofing materials.Slate is actual shingle-like slivers of rock that commonly shows up on more upscale homes. Although slate is by far an expensive choice, it offers a very natural look and can be laid out in a variety of patterns.The benefits of slate are identical to those of tile with a very long lifespan, good fire protection, low maintenance and an invulnerable to rot and insects. It comes in a good selection of sizes and colors, although colors are limited to those found in nature.Like tile, slate can be very heavy and sometimes requiring expensive extra support. It too is breakable enough that walking on it is difficult for a non-professional and complicating tasks such as rooftop maintenance, gutter cleaning and painting.Concrete is now a roofing material. Shingles, simulated wood shakes, lighter-weight tiles and concrete panels are being manufactured from a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. Some are coated with plastics, enamels, or thin metals with some even containing recycled materials. Although the products themselves are not yet recyclable, they are a good choice for durability and resource efficiency.The advantages of concrete roofing vary from product to product, but generally they all have a long lifespan, require low maintenance, offer good fire protection and are resistant to rot and insects. Concrete mixed with cellulose can mimic the appearance of wood shakes while improving on the durability and fire protection that real wood affords. It can approximate the look of clay tile or slate while mitigating the structural problems caused by the weight of the real material.Concrete is more expensive than some roofing materials and early types of concrete roofing had problems with the material curling, breaking and changing color. Technology has improved, however; and these problems have mostly been overcome. Style and color choices are expanding and by mixing the cement with additives, manufacturers and making lighter and lighter products.Metal roofs are coming back into style. In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing and used for such famous historic buildings as the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello both having metal roofs.Standing-seam steel roofing is the most popular residential metal roofing on the market today. (The term standing-seam describes the upturned edge of one metal panel that connects it to adjacent sections, creating distinctive vertical lines and a trendy historical look.) But metal roofs can also be made to resemble wood shakes, clay tiles, shingles and Victorian metal tiles. Aluminum or coated steel is formed into individual shingles, tiles or into modular panels four feet long that mimic a row of shingles or tiles.Metal roofs are durable, fire-retardant and almost maintenance-free. They are also energy-efficient reflecting heat and blocking its transfer into the attic. Research by the Florida Solar Energy Center in 1985 showed that metal absorbed 34 percent less heat than asphalt shingles (believe it or not) and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported saving up to 20 percent on their energy bills.Well that was a bit of a lengthy list, I know, however: I wanted to inform homeowners of the roofing and shingle trends and options across the U.S. Stay tuned for a block on FREE Solar Ventilation! ...read more

Correctly Nailing HardiePlank Siding Form Texas Home Exteriors 281-919-6999 http://www.texashomeexteriors.com/ Posted on April 9, 2013by Kapitan The Siding ManBy: Greg Kapitan (the siding man)In all my years in home improvement, I have witnessed what works as well as what does not perform well.  I cannot begin to tell you how many HardiePlank Siding jobs I have come across with face nails and just after a few years are showing cracks in the surface due to the improper nailing procedure that was used.Figure 9 – HardiePlank siding cracked from improper nailingIn our extreme Southeast Texas summer heat and humidity, there will be some expansion and contraction in the James Hardie siding product.If the HardiePlank Siding is face nailed at the vertical edges (the ends of the plank), this is what could happen (Figure 9, at the right).When HardiePlank is face nailed, it should always be nailed in the main run areas away from vertical edges so cracking does not occur.  If face nailing should be needed, it should be kept at a minimal use and away from each end of the plank if possible.  If face nailing should ever be required, for instance, let’s say if a plank is not lying flat, it should be nailed at least ¾” away from either edge (see Figure 11 left).Figure 11 – Proper Face Nailing Technique90% of the blind nailing should occur at the top of the lower panel of the siding that is being installed (see Figure 10 below).By nailing this way, the nails will also be covered and hidden by the next panel that is installed above it which is more visually appealing.Figure 10 – Blind nailing procedureThis will ensure that there is no chance of breakage due to expansion and contraction after the HardiePlank crews are long gone.The beauty of properly installing HardiePlank siding will result in no cracking from the installation.  This in turn will provide a HardiePlank exterior siding job that will last for years!James Hardie Siding Installation ...read more

Its really sad when a competitor rates you with a bad rating. I know this competitor personally and all his buisiness is from the internet mostly Service Magic.  ...read more

Remember how cold your home was last winter.... well, you haven't seen anything yet! Just wait for the long hot summer. You can fix that and save money on your energy costs at the same time. Just call Woodlands Glass Products at 281-367-4489 and set up an appointment for a FREE ESTIMATE on new energy efficient windows. Do you still have one of those nasty shower curtains? Or is your current glass shower enclosure looking a little sad? We can fix that also... We can get you set up with a new frameless shower enclosure as well as new mirrors and glass shelves. Update your bath rooms and your entire home will look great! Another way to keep that hot summer sun out of your home is to let us install new Super Solar Screens! They not only cut down on the heat, they save your carpet and furniture from being faded by the sun. We are just starting to ramp up for the busy season... call now to set an appointment for your FREE ESTIMATE so you can be the first one in your neighborhood! Helpful tips: Try using WD40 to clean your shower glass... many times it will remove things that regular cleaners won't. Once it is clean, make sure to use a squeegie every time after you shower and then spray on a daily shower cleaner... this will keep it looking like new for years to come. Unfortunately, if your glass is damaged or pitted by hard water the only solution is to replace the glass. Did you know we can come to your home and trim the edges off your mirrors if they are chipped or turning black? Another solution is to have us install bevelled mirror strips on the edges to frame the mirror and cover up any bad spots. ...read more

Bathroom remodeling remains America's most popular - and profitable - home improvement. Recession aside, homeowners - and prospective buyers - still want stylish bathrooms that offer a relaxing, comfortable place to recharge and rejuvenate.   While today's bathrooms are likely smaller in overall square footage, they can feel larger through better space planning and innovative solutions.   With some clever forethought, small bathrooms can be just as enjoyable as their larger, more extravagant counterparts.  It starts by designing an efficient floor plan that is as inviting as it is efficient and leverages available space.   Select fixtures that extend your room's size. There are now wall-mounted flush toilets that conserve water and save valuable real estate by placing the toilet's water reservoir in the wall.  Such wall-hung lavatories are the perfect small-space solution for a down-sized, but feature-rich, bathroom.   You can extend a room's physical square footage through built-in or wall-mounted fixtures that provide a 'big-bathroom' feel to smaller spaces.  Likewise, shifting from a tub to a shower is a better match for how we live today, as well as a means of adding more features in less square footage.   Multi-function showerheads and hand showers provide the same relaxation as a soaking tub in far less time and with significantly less clean-up.  Another luxury easily incorporated into a small bathroom is a residential steam shower, which offers a spa-like experience in the same footprint as a conventional shower. The steam generator can be located away from the bathroom, so that even in a downsized space, homeowners are able to relieve tired muscles, enhance skin tone and treat respiratory conditions.   Radiant floor heating is a way to deliver consistent room temperatures more efficiently and in a healthier way than conventional systems provide. Ideal for new construction and retrofit applications, modern radiant systems heat objects instead of air. In fact, people with radiant heating systems can be comfortable at temperatures six to eight degrees lower than with traditional forced-air heat.   Finally, small spaces seem larger and more inviting when filled with natural light - a task easily accomplished through the use of operable acrylic block and decorative glass windows. The fully-customizable windows come in a broad range of styles, helping homeowners add natural light and fresh air to a room without sacrificing privacy. Operable acrylic block windows are Energy Star-qualified in most areas of the country and make privacy a breeze in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways and other living spaces.   With upfront planning, small bathrooms can feel larger and more luxurious, as well as maximizing functionality and providing a strong resale investment. Don't wait, the time is now to take advantage of the tips to make your small bathrooms feel and live larger. Contact the professionals at Handyman Matters today - click here to find a location near you or call 281-358-6666. To receive $25 off your next service call from Handyman Matters click here to download the coupon. ...read more

Bathroom remodeling remains America's most popular - and profitable - home improvement. Recession aside, homeowners - and prospective buyers - still want stylish bathrooms that offer a relaxing, comfortable place to recharge and rejuvenate.   While today's bathrooms are likely smaller in overall square footage, they can feel larger through better space planning and innovative solutions.   With some clever forethought, small bathrooms can be just as enjoyable as their larger, more extravagant counterparts.  It starts by designing an efficient floor plan that is as inviting as it is efficient and leverages available space.   Select fixtures that extend your room's size. There are now wall-mounted flush toilets that conserve water and save valuable real estate by placing the toilet's water reservoir in the wall.  Such wall-hung lavatories are the perfect small-space solution for a down-sized, but feature-rich, bathroom.   You can extend a room's physical square footage through built-in or wall-mounted fixtures that provide a 'big-bathroom' feel to smaller spaces.  Likewise, shifting from a tub to a shower is a better match for how we live today, as well as a means of adding more features in less square footage.   Multi-function showerheads and hand showers provide the same relaxation as a soaking tub in far less time and with significantly less clean-up.  Another luxury easily incorporated into a small bathroom is a residential steam shower, which offers a spa-like experience in the same footprint as a conventional shower. The steam generator can be located away from the bathroom, so that even in a downsized space, homeowners are able to relieve tired muscles, enhance skin tone and treat respiratory conditions.   Radiant floor heating is a way to deliver consistent room temperatures more efficiently and in a healthier way than conventional systems provide. Ideal for new construction and retrofit applications, modern radiant systems heat objects instead of air. In fact, people with radiant heating systems can be comfortable at temperatures six to eight degrees lower than with traditional forced-air heat.   Finally, small spaces seem larger and more inviting when filled with natural light - a task easily accomplished through the use of operable acrylic block and decorative glass windows. The fully-customizable windows come in a broad range of styles, helping homeowners add natural light and fresh air to a room without sacrificing privacy. Operable acrylic block windows are Energy Star-qualified in most areas of the country and make privacy a breeze in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways and other living spaces.   With upfront planning, small bathrooms can feel larger and more luxurious, as well as maximizing functionality and providing a strong resale investment. Don't wait, the time is now to take advantage of the tips to make your small bathrooms feel and live larger. Contact the professionals at Handyman Matters today - click here to find a location near you or call 281-358-6666.  To receive $25 off your next service call from Handyman Matters click here to download the coupon. ...read more

What's old is new again . . . and this is especially true with today's design trends. While everyone loves to have a new look to refresh their homes, design experts report that traditional styling remains the most popular home decor choice in the U.S. -- often featuring detailed, Old World accents and deep, rich colors and finishes. However, in today's challenging economy, most homeowners don't have the necessary funds to completely renovate their homes. Instead, they are looking to "remodel lite" by adding simple and inexpensive updates to refresh the most frequently used rooms, like the bathroom. Luckily, you can easily create a new look for your bath with Old World charm and on a budget. With just a few new items - and a bit of elbow grease - your bathroom will be more stylish (and safer) in no time. Subtle safety. One of the most important (but least thought of) updates you can make in your bathroom is to add bathroom safety accessories. Luckily, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style. In fact, many brands now offer a variety of products, such as grab bars and hand grips in attractive designs and popular finishes, such as Old World Bronze and Brushed Nickel, to coordinate with the rest of your bathroom. And, to help with installation, most allow you to install the decorative bars anywhere on the wall - no stud needed - so they can be placed in the most ideal and aesthetically pleasing locations.  Your local Handyman Matters office can also provide the assistance and expertise needed to renovate and install these items with a minimum of fuss and inconvenience. Fast fix with fixtures. To get the most enjoyment out of your bathroom, update the parts you touch every day - like your faucets. Retailers offer a wealth of reasonably priced, high-quality and attractive faucets in deep, Old World-inspired finishes, like Oil Rubbed Bronze, to coordinate with the rest of your newly updated bath. Look for water-conserving faucets, so your bath will not only be fashionable - but you'll be going green, too!. Sensational showers. Nothing starts or ends your day better than an enjoyable shower, and it's easy to make your experience stellar. Start with a curved shower rod to add additional elbow room and swap your current showerhead for one with a more powerful and enjoyable stream. Be sure to coordinate the finish of both to ensure you keep with the rest of your bath styling. And, for added elements of safety, add tread strips for more secure footing or a quality shower chair. Storage and space savers. In addition to creating a style statement for your Old Worldbath, bathroom accessories are ideal for creating storage and organization and adding useful space to your bathroom. To pull all your finishes together, add towel bars, towel rings, decorative shelves and robe hooks in an oil rubbed bronze finish to create an easy place to keep towels and robes. And, for a unique new accessory, add towel bar hooks or shower rod hooks. These fixtures help keep everyday items close at hand - yet off the vanity or floor. Amazing accents. Finally, once you've updated the many "hard" surfaces of your bath, it's time to add the soft elements. Soft, fluffy towels and rugs, along with a beautiful fabric shower curtain create a warm and inviting atmosphere. And, for an added tranquil feel, try placing live - or artificial - plants and flowers throughout the room. Remember, when choosing colors for these accents, feature a mix of both deep shades and neutrals for the perfect balance. Soon, with minimal budget and effort, your bathroom will be safer and more enjoyable, featuring a new look with beautiful Old World-style your guests will envy. If you are in the Houston area and would like to speak to our Customer Service group, call (281) 358-6666. or to find a Handyman Matters location near you click here - no job is too small for our professional craftsmen! Courtesy of ARAcontent ...read more

What's old is new again . . . and this is especially true with today's design trends. While everyone loves to have a new look to refresh their homes, design experts report that traditional styling remains the most popular home decor choice in the U.S. -- often featuring detailed, Old World accents and deep, rich colors and finishes. However, in today's challenging economy, most homeowners don't have the necessary funds to completely renovate their homes. Instead, they are looking to "remodel lite" by adding simple and inexpensive updates to refresh the most frequently used rooms, like the bathroom. Luckily, you can easily create a new look for your bath with Old World charm and on a budget. With just a few new items - and a bit of elbow grease - your bathroom will be more stylish (and safer) in no time. Subtle safety. One of the most important (but least thought of) updates you can make in your bathroom is to add bathroom safety accessories. Luckily, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style. In fact, many brands now offer a variety of products, such as grab bars and hand grips in attractive designs and popular finishes, such as Old World Bronze and Brushed Nickel, to coordinate with the rest of your bathroom. And, to help with installation, most allow you to install the decorative bars anywhere on the wall - no stud needed - so they can be placed in the most ideal and aesthetically pleasing locations.  Your local Handyman Matters office can also provide the assistance and expertise needed to renovate and install these items with a minimum of fuss and inconvenience. Fast fix with fixtures. To get the most enjoyment out of your bathroom, update the parts you touch every day - like your faucets. Retailers offer a wealth of reasonably priced, high-quality and attractive faucets in deep, Old World-inspired finishes, like Oil Rubbed Bronze, to coordinate with the rest of your newly updated bath. Look for water-conserving faucets, so your bath will not only be fashionable - but you'll be going green, too!. Sensational showers. Nothing starts or ends your day better than an enjoyable shower, and it's easy to make your experience stellar. Start with a curved shower rod to add additional elbow room and swap your current showerhead for one with a more powerful and enjoyable stream. Be sure to coordinate the finish of both to ensure you keep with the rest of your bath styling. And, for added elements of safety, add tread strips for more secure footing or a quality shower chair. Storage and space savers. In addition to creating a style statement for your Old Worldbath, bathroom accessories are ideal for creating storage and organization and adding useful space to your bathroom. To pull all your finishes together, add towel bars, towel rings, decorative shelves and robe hooks in an oil rubbed bronze finish to create an easy place to keep towels and robes. And, for a unique new accessory, add towel bar hooks or shower rod hooks. These fixtures help keep everyday items close at hand - yet off the vanity or floor. Amazing accents. Finally, once you've updated the many "hard" surfaces of your bath, it's time to add the soft elements. Soft, fluffy towels and rugs, along with a beautiful fabric shower curtain create a warm and inviting atmosphere. And, for an added tranquil feel, try placing live - or artificial - plants and flowers throughout the room. Remember, when choosing colors for these accents, feature a mix of both deep shades and neutrals for the perfect balance. Soon, with minimal budget and effort, your bathroom will be safer and more enjoyable, featuring a new look with beautiful Old World-style your guests will envy. If you are in the Houston area and would like to speak to our Customer Service group, call (281) 358-6666. or to find a Handyman Matters location near you click here - no job is too small for our professional craftsmen! Courtesy of ARAcontent ...read more

Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. While typically the refrain for most brides, this adage holds equally true for the top home decorating trends for the coming year. Here are the top 10 decor trends for your home from Handyman Matters. What's old is new again Whether they're genuine period pieces being repurposed or home furnishings reproduced from popular items from the '50s, '60s or '70s, forecasters as saying that vintage will be hot next year. Examples include chair frames redone in new upholstery, traditional lighting fixtures in newer brass or pewter finishes, or products imported from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic such as chairs done in old grain sacks, or old carts from factories used for end tables or coffee tables. A spectrum of colors Color trends will carry over from 2010 to 2011 with the soothing aqua and green hues that draw their inspiration from the verdigris deposits found on weathered copper statues, design experts predict.  For outdoor furniture and accessories, sassy colors like lime green, bold orange and Caribbean blue will dominate, along with more subdued hues such as sage green, barn red and mocha brown. The mad, mad world of furniture Taking a nod from the award-winning AMC series "Mad Men," we will see furniture styles returning to the '50s and '60s with round tapered legs on angles, geometric accents and seating with curved backs. Classic wood pieces made from sentimental stock like fallen trees or scrap wood from ancestral or historic structures will become heirlooms to pass from one generation to the next. A trend that will stick around A small change in a room can make a huge difference - and wall coverings make a dramatic, yet cost-effective statement. Repositioned wall murals and paintings make it easy for homeowners, renters and even college students to add a fresh new look to indoor and outdoor walls, floors, doors and windows.  This is a perfect temporary - or long-term - decorating solution for consumers.  Illuminating insights As living green becomes more ingrained in our lives, LED lighting will continue to light the way.  For a casual, contemporary twist, hang chandeliers in new areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, and embrace today's art glass applications, which are much more chic and casual than the Tiffany lamps of the past. You've gotta have heart It comes as no surprise that the kitchen remains the heart of the home.  Consumers interested in remodeling their kitchens should consider a well-designed, open, airy layout that integrates the kitchen into the rest of their homes. The trend is toward new countertop materials in lieu of granite, such as quartz stone or binding crushed recyclable glass underneath a solid, smooth surface for those seeking green alternatives. Underfoot, but not underrated Designers are now envisioning rich-looking herringbone-patterned hardwood floors in an ebony oak finish, paying attention to board thickness and giving special consideration to products that meet industry LEED requirements. For a green touch, hardwood flooring from reclaimed wood or sustainably grown and harvested sources is a great alternative. To add warmth, add a round rug or two - the bigger, the better. Things are definitely looking up Ceilings are now being embellished and noticed more as the "fifth wall," painted or architecturally enhanced to play more of a focal point in a space. Homeowners might also consider a painted metallic ceiling with a large, eye-catching chandelier. Green continues to be keen Products and materials such as bronze, copper, clay, cotton, linen and hemp, which are environmentally friendly, contribute to healthy indoor air quality, and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their lifespan. Using such natural textures as hemp, jute, organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo fiber, organic wool and linen, and soy silk will help keep things simple, yet still green. If you're looking to spruce up your home for the new year, Handyman Matters professionals can help with any project around your home. From painting trip to bathroom remodels, we can fix just about anything in your home. Click here to find a location near you, or call us locally at (281) 358-6666.  Courtesy of ARAcontent ...read more