Posted by Jason Gettum on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 06:51 PM
Clothes dryer Safety-Indianapolis home advice
Cleaning your lint trap after every dryer load is an important step to limit the danger of fire and extend the life of your clothes dryer
If your like most households with children you do countless loads of laundry each week. It is easy to take our washing machines and dryers for granted. These appliances are not seen as luxury, but rather a necessity for many.
However, many do not realize there is a hidden hazard lurking in the laundry areas of our homes and that is our clothes dryer. According to the Topical Fire Research Series, published by FEMA, "Clothes dryer fires account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually." The bulletin goes on to add that “Failure to clean” is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings" (source). So, with good reason, there are a number of precautions to take as well as routine inspection to ensure safe function of one of our hardest working household appliances.(photo above by americandryerventcleaning.com
So, what causes lint in a dryer vent duct system? The short answer to that question is when lint gets trapped, it blocks airflow. When airflow gets restricted, heat build-up and ultimately overheating can occur. This heat can ignite both the lint within the ductwork and can spread to the clothing within the dryer.
Beyond the fire hazard the average clothes dryer poses to our homes, most are operating well below their optimum efficiency. So, most of the same steps you can take to reduce the risk of disaster are the same things you can do to reduce drying time and increase the life of your clothes dryer. Keep reading to find tips on dryer venting, what problem areas to look for, and how to keep your dryer safe and clean. This information is brought to you by Gettum Associates Inc, Indianapolis area remodel contractors and home experts. You can get advice to your home improvement and household questions on our "E-mail the home expert" page.
Tips on dryer venting:
-
It is best to use rigid metal duct work, rather than flexible duct work, especially for ducting that is concealed within walls and in the attic. The only acceptable use for flexible duct work is the small length between the rigid duct and the dryer (ex. from the wall to the dryer). Reason: Flexible duct work contains "ridges" that add friction that can grab and trap lint. If you must use flexible duct work, please choose metal flex duct over plastic duct work.
-
Rigid duct work should be installed so that the connections between two pieces of duct work are oriented with the "male" end pointing towards the direction of airflow. Reason: If this connection is reversed, the crimped male end will collect lint and lead to build-up.
-
Use "foil tape" NOT duct tape to seal duct joints. Duct tape will eventually dry out and fail. Also, DO NOT use screws or rivets to connect duct work. Screws or other fasteners will also collect lint.
-
Keep the overall duct length less than 25' as recommended by the IRC (International Residential Code). Here is what the IRC says about dryer duct vent length: M1502.6 Duct length:The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7,620 mm) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet (762 mm) for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet (1,524 mm) for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct.
-
Check out the termination (end of the dryer duct and hopefully a termination cap). Your dryer SHOULD NOT vent into a crawlspace or an attic!! Again, we can reference the IRC for the proper termination of a dryer vent duct: M1502.2 Duct termination: Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building or shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s installation instructions. Exhaust ducts shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction from openings into buildings. Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. Inspectors will see many dryer vents terminate in crawlspaces or attics where they deposit moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold, wood decay, or other material problems. Sometimes they will terminate just beneath attic ventilators. This is a defective installation. They must terminate at the exterior and away from a door or window! Also, screens may be present at the duct termination and can accumulate lint and should be noted as improper.
-
The dryer vent duct should be independent from any other duct system (i.e. chimney, water heater, furnace, etc.) This should go without saying.
Tips on keeping your dryer vent and duct work clean:
-
First, the easiest way to keep your dryer and duct work clean and working at optimal efficiency is to clean the lint trap screen each and every time. Also, be sure to check pant pockets coming out of the dryer for lint. Remove and discard.
-
You should routinely inspect the connection from the back of the dryer to the wall. Make sure the duct work is not crushed and remember a gentle bend is acceptable but avoid sharp turns which can trap lint and ultimately block air flow.
-
You should routinely disconnect, inspect and clean out the connection between the back of the dryer and the wall. This is the first place lint will collect and can be a major "choking" point of air flow.
-
You should have your entire dryer vent duct system inspected and cleaned once per year for average laundry use. Consult the phone book or do an online search to find someone qualified and local to your area.
The information above is not intended to scare, rather it is to inform. Ultimately, this knowledge will keep you and your family safe and your clothes dryer working efficiently for years to come. If you should have any other questions relevant to home maintenance, remodeling and home improvement, please click below:
Posted by Jason Gettum on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 10:35 AM
For a smooth kitchen remodel, hire a professional Indianapolis remodeler
A kitchen remodel or renovation can go a long way to updating the look and potentially increase it's value. So it is no wonder that a kitchen remodel is one of the most popular home improvement and remodel projects homeowner's choose to explore. There are many good contractors in the Indianapolis area, so how do you know who to hire? The answer to that is a hard one. And most often, it boils down to who you feel comfortable with. Having a good relationship with your contractor is important, however, there are a few things you can look for that may help narrow down your choices.
The good news is there are many great Indianapolis area remodel contractors that are capable of renovating your kitchen. Heck, you may even have a relative that is capable of installing cabinets. In most cases, if your replacing cabinets of identical dimensions and in the same layout, cabinet replacement can be a breeze. But, what happens if you want to change the layout? What happens if you want to change the location of your kitchen sink or your oven and range? Is your choice of cabinet installer capable of making those changes also? On a more drastic level, what do you do if you want to remove a wall in your kitchen to open up space into another area of your house, such as the family room? You do not want to hire just anyone to complete this work. In such as case, your best bet is to hire a reputable, full-service remodel contractor.
When it comes to major modifications, which are more and more common, your remodel contractor should be able to handle and coordinate all the trades necessary. This means scheduling and overseeing the work of licenses plumbers and electricians, as well as painter's, flooring installers, and countertop companies. Make sure the contractor your looking to hire will include all this in his price and that you, the homeowner, are not responsible for overseeing or hiring these separate trades.
Another benefit of a reputable, professional remodel contractor is they most likely have access to a wide variety of cabinet brands, in many different price points and have several color, wood, and accessory options. Some, like Gettum Associates, may be dealers of one or more cabinet brands. For example, Gettum Associates offers both Diamond Cabinetry and Candlelight Cabinetry but also has access to almost every name-brand cabinet manufacturer. So, if your set on one type of cabinet you can feel confident a reputable remodeler will be able to purchase it for you.
The availability of several countertop options is another feature to consider when comparing contractors to complete your next kitchen remodel. New countertops can add the finishing touch to any kitchen remodel or renovation project. It seems that material options are almost limitless. Even plastic laminate countertops, which have been considered to be a budget selection now can look great, closely resembling stone and solid surface options, but in a budget-friendly material and construction. Of course, if your all about trends in home design, a well-known, full service remodeler will have samples of natural stone, such as granite as well as man-made stone products. A local remodeler who has been around for a while will have an established relationship with several reputable countertop companies and provide several quality choices.
While it is true that a skilled carpenter can install cabinetry, only a full-service, professional remodeler can package all the services into one. Rather than have multiple companies and people to contact, hiring a professional remodeler gives you only one place to point the finger should a problem arise. In many cases, having a contractor be responsible for all phases of a kitchen remodel can save time and money. And that is never a bad thing!
Posted by Jason Gettum on Mon, Feb 13, 2012 @ 05:16 PM
Need ideas for your screen porch? Search for pictures for visual examples
For those looking to enjoy the outdoors and their backyard without getting scorched by the summer sun, a screed porch might be a perfect option. A screened in porch provides a shady place to read, listen to music or even watch TV in the summer without being stuck indoors. If you have considered having a screen porch built on to your indianapolis area home, chances are you have wondered what it will look like on the back of your house.
Thankfully, many houses are similar enough that there are plenty of examples of what it may look like on the back of yours. Technology now allows access to hundreds of thousands of pictures that can help visualize the end result of such a project. Take your pick, there are many choices when it comes to finding pictures of screen porches, or pictures of any kind for that matter.
Stick with what you are comfortable with. If you typically use Google to search the web, you can use Google to search for picture examples of screen porches. However, to make it easier, instead of typing in your search into the normal search box, click the "images" tab then input your search. For example, the image above and to the right shows the key word search "Greenwood Indiana screen porch pictures". You can click on that screen shot to get a larger version!
Besides typical search engines, such as Google, Yahoo and Bing, there are specialized image sites. Some examples are Flickr, photobucket, SmugMug, and the newer Pinterest. On each site you will be able to search for the pictures your looking for. Honestly though, you can pull up some great pictures by using your favorite search engine. If your looking for area-specific pictures, be sure to include your city in the search query. For example, if your in the Greenwood, Indiana area, a suburb of Indianapolis, you could type in "Pictures of screen porches in Greenwood Indiana" and find some results that way.
In summary, many of us have trouble visualizing the end result of a remodeling project. By using the internet to seek out pictures of your specific project, you can most likely find a suitable example. Don't be afraid to experiment. You can even search for specific features such as porches with Eze Breeze porch panels, or porches with skylights or any other thing you can think of.
Happy searching!
If you would like to see pictures of porches and other remodel projects, specific to the Indianapolis area, check out the before and after remodeling picture galleries on the Gettum Associate website at http://www.gettum.com/Indianapolis-remodeling-picture-galleries.htm
Posted by Jason Gettum on Fri, Feb 10, 2012 @ 08:52 AM
Creative ways to add closet space to your master bedroom
With most people staying in their current homes longer, many struggle to find ways to increase the amount of storage space they have. Not everyone has the budget to add an addition to their homes, however with a little creative space planning and a modest budget, you can add valuable extra closet and storage space to your Indianapolis area home.
It seems anytime we talk of modifying or adding a feature to our homes, it conjures images of wall demolition and dust! That is not always the case. A perfect example is a recent project completed by Gettum Associates Inc, added storage and closet space without removing walls. Well, kind of. In fairness, the installation of two new closets was one part of a larger project. However, it illustrates the point perfectly: Yes, you can install closets without significant demolition and it can be made to look as though it was always there! (click to go to the project gallery)
Thankfully, in this example, the master bedroom was large enough to accommodate two new closets and not feel crowded. Take note of the existing or before photo (above) and note the window centered in the existing wall. Having the window centered, allowed for the installation of two closets which create a nice, eye-pleasing balance. Further, the addition of the bench seat, with hinged lid, ties in the two closets and provides that "extra touch" that really sets the project off!
So, two new clothes closets and a built-in bench seat with flip-top storage all without major demolition or construction. True, the closets are not huge. However, with proper thought and design, closet shelving and rod can be arranged to provided the maximum amount of space possible. (click to go to the project gallery)
And, in comparison to a master suite addition that would add more space, this renovation was relatively inexpensive. Let's face it, storage space is a hot button for prospective home buyer's. You can really never have too much! It's even better when it doesnt cost an arm and a leg to achieve. If you need to add more closet space to your Indianapolis area home, call the professionals at Gettum Associates.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Mon, Feb 06, 2012 @ 09:07 AM
How often should I clean my chimney?
Indianapolis home expert advice-Ask the expert
Question:
How often should I have my chimney swept? I have a 5-year-old chimney and use it mostly on weekends during the winter months. - Jason Hill
Answer:
Jason, according to professional chimney sweeps, it's a good safety habit to have your chimney inspected annually. Your inspection should tell you if your chimney needs cleaning AND if your chimney needs repairs.
Why? (further info)
Read more on the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) website at http://www.csia.org/faqs/tabid/120/default.aspx
Do you have questions about your Indianapolis area home? Need advice? E-mail the expert
Posted by Jason Gettum on Sun, Feb 05, 2012 @ 01:00 PM
Spring maintenance is vital to your home
Spring is right around the corner and now is a great time to begin planning necessary maintenance projects. Gettum Associates Inc, an award-winning Indianapolis remodel contractor recommends routine maintenance for your home at least twice a year. Spring and fall are perfect times to accomplish these tasks.
Spring is the most popular time for projects such as replacement windows, kitchen and bath renovation, new siding and new gutters. It's easy to understand why, after being cooped up in your home for several weeks you've had plenty of time to come up with a healthy to-do-list.
Let's take a look at some additional home improvement projects that are ideal to have done before summer.
Your Driveway — Once the flowers and buds have fallen off of the trees and overnight temperatures stay well above freezing, consider having your asphalt driveway resealed. This job is a small investment that can prevent an early breakdown and adds curb appeal.
Your Lawn — Invest in your lawn early and you'll enjoy it through the Fall. Professional aeration, fertilizing and reseeding, will make you the envy of the neighborhood. In the long run you'll also benefit financially because you're watering will go further and you'll have fewer problem areas to deal with the rest of the year.
Your Wood Deck — Having a sealant applied on your deck is important, especially if you haven't done this in years. It will extend the life of your favorite outdoor gathering spot and by having a professional do it, you can have repairs performed before they become full blown issues.
Your Garage — Do you hate clutter? Of course you do! Then again, the garage is the usual place where all of our stuff tends to gather. Have your garage overhauled with rugged cabinets, shelving, and other organizational helpers. You'll be amazed at how a professional can turn your garage into one of the nicest rooms in your house.
Your Attic — It's so easy to forget about your attic until there's a major problem. Have the flooring, walls and roof checked to see if anything was damaged over the winter. This simple preventative investment saves wise homeowners thousands of dollars.
Your Home's Exterior — Have your gutters cleaned and covered with gutter protection. Have a professional touch up paint under the soffits, around the windows and shutters, and your doorways. If your home has siding, examine for damage and replace panels as needed. Consider repainting the home if it hasn't been touched up in years; this is another preventative measure that has the fringe benefit of adding curb appeal.
Your Home's Interior — Have rooms painted throughout the house or consider repainting every room. If it's not time for a major bathroom renovation; how about a minor one? Have your shower and tile grouted to keep your bathroom watertight. Have new light fixtures and accessories installed. Have your windows and doors examined. Make sure that they are still doing their job before the summer heat arrives. Arrange an inspection of your central air-conditioning system to make sure that it is ready to go when the first heat wave rolls in.
If you're tired just reading this article, check out our Spring Home Maintenance Guide at http://info.gettum.com/spring-maintenance-tips-for-your-Indianapolis-home/ or give us a call to discuss your needs. We've got the know-how to get the projects done right. We'll do all the heavy lifting and you just get ready to enjoy the summer!
Posted by Jason Gettum on Tue, Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:15 AM
Handyman or a full-service remodel contractor?
When should you hire a handyman and when you should hire a reputable, full-service remodel contractor for your project
Remodeling and renovation a home can mean many things to many people. Often times, people confess "they have renovated their kitchen" by adding a coat of paint. And they are right. They made a change. Other's choose to update the bathroom fixtures, mirrors and accessories and even replace their bath vanity cabinets and countertops. In other areas of the home, homeowner's may choose to replace the interior doors and interior trim. Or, even change hardware or door handles or door locksets.
For many renovation and updates in your home, you can most likely complete the project on your own and in you own time. However, for those that are busy, sometimes it makes sense to hire out. You can do a quick search for qualified contractors in the Indianapolis area. You will most likely find a couple of highly recommended and highly qualified contractors to satisfy your needs. But, your neighbor hired Josh Smith, a handyman from your newspaper. Josh can do simply, handyman task....change your light bulbs, change the hinges on your doors and even change the handles or locksets also.
Josh is a great option for many home improvement tasks. Changing your light bulbs, changing locksets, and other minor maintenance or improvements are most likely tasks that Josh can complete for a great price and above average results. So, when do you go for a reputable, establised contractor? Sometime that line can get blurred.
However, there are a few quick answers to those questions. First, anytime you are making a change to the structure of your home, it is better to consult an experienced contractor to make those modifications. Second, anytime you may need a permit in your location, you shouldl hire a reputable Indianapolis remodel contractor. Reputable constractors can research, submit and obtain permits for your project and complete your project in a "legal" fashion. This would include bath and kitchen remodels, in most cases, where fixtures are being relocated. Do your research, and make sure check into your contractor's background, records and past customer reviews.
One of the biggest questions we get as a professional contractors is do you do small handyman projects? The short answer is yes. We do project of all sizes. In some cases, you may feel better with us coordinating and comleting your work. In other cases, we may refer you to your local handyman! Sure, we could do it, but it may be well within his range of comfortable of work. If it will save you time and money, we will tell you. If your having other renovations done to your home by a contractor, you can usually save some money by having your odds and ends and handyman type projects completed at the same time as another project.
For the most part, if you have only minor improvements to make, hiring a handyman might make sense. BUT, protect yourself.Get the terms in writing prior to starting work. And beware that your contractor of choice is licensed and bonded according to local regulations. If you are leery of contractor, stop! Review their history, status with the BBB and consult with a local reputable contractor to verify your information. Don't gamble with your project!
If you have questions on your next remodel or home improvement project in the Indianapolis and surrounding areas, submit your question to "E mail the Expert" at or click below:
Good luck!
Posted by Jason Gettum on Tue, Jan 24, 2012 @ 10:17 AM
Can I do a room addition if I am on a well and septic system?
Indianapolis remodel questions and answers
Answer:
Yes, it is entirely possible to complete a room addition to your home if you have a well and septic system. While there are many differences between city sewer/water systems and septic field/well water systems, in both cases there are underground lines and other components to consider. However, with careful planning, these obstacles can be overcome.
Local building and health department codes will dictate how close a structure can be to a septic system. The last thing you want is your room addition to be placed over a septic tank. For good reason, local code officials will say "no". But, lines can be extended and tanks can be relocated to avoid new room additions. Also, keep in mind that adding space to your existing home may required you to increase the capacity of a septic system. Again, local building and health department codes will dictate what needs to be done.
Although you can investigate requirements on your own, it is recommended to hire an experienced remodel and renovation contractor in the Indianapolis area to research what will need to be done prior to starting construction. And many of these details will need to be explored before applying and submitting for permits. DO NOT allow a contractor to begin work without proper permits as you will possibly face fines and a stop work order. Planning for such issues with well and septic systems should begin early on in the design phases of your project and before you sign a contract. A reputable Design/Build remodel contractor will be your best bet!
If you are on a city sewer and water system, the above will apply the same in many ways. However, most of these utilities generally are installed from the road and up through the front of the house making it less likely you will have to deal with these issues. However, even additions to the front of the home can be planned to address water and sewer lines. Again, an experienced, reputable contractor will know what will need to be done to comply with local building codes.
Im summary, room additions can be constructed even if your home utilizes a well and or septic system. Proper planning before you get too far in the planning phase can go along way to be sure you are satisfied with your overall remodeling experience and will keep costs in line with your budget. For any questions, consult your local building or health department. If your in the Greenwood or Indianapolis Indiana area, give Gettum Associates a call. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have.
For a complimentary consultation to discuss your options, click below:
Posted by Jason Gettum on Sat, Jan 21, 2012 @ 12:25 PM
How to clean your tile grout
Question: How do I clean the grout between my tiles? - Jim Kennedy
Answer:
Hi Jim, thanks for the question. And it's a popular one! Here are the steps to take to clean your tile grout, brought to you by the Indianapolis home experts, Gettum Associates Inc.
- Step 1: While cleaning (steps 3 through 5), be sure to wear rubber or latex gloves and safety goggles, and throw open the windows to avoid exposure to the harsh chemical fumes of bleach-containing solutions.
- Step 2: Spray on a commercial grout cleaner or a heavy-duty all-purpose cleaning solution with bleach. Wait for several minutes
- Step 3: Scrub the grout with a stiff scrub brush or a grout brush, then rinse thoroughly.
- Step 4: Blast mold, mildew or stubborn stains with a bleach-containing cleanser, or make your own using 1/4 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) chlorine bleach and 1 qt. (32 fl oz/1 l) warm water. Let the disinfectant sit at least 10 minutes to thoroughly kill the mold and mildew.
- Step 5: Scrub the grout with a stiff brush or a grout brush, rinse, then dry with a white towel or paper towels.
Do you have questions about how to maintain your Indianapolis area home? If so, you can ask the Indianpolis home experts by clicking below:
Posted by Jason Gettum on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:12 AM
Reusing existing granite countertops in your kitchen and bath
Question: Can I reuse my existing granite countertops for my next kitchen or bath remodel?
ANSWER:
More Indianapolis homeowner's are choosing to stay in their homes and renovate or remodel what they have. Kitchen and bathroom remodel projects are among the most popular improvements. In some cases, homeowner's already have upgraded their countertops in the past, but now choose to replace the cabinetry beneath.I have heard many owner's voice there concern of whether they put the cart before the horse, so to speak, and if they made the wrong choice initially. The good news is with a little care and time, your beautiful natural granite countertops CAN be reused!
However, there are a couple of caveats:
-
You will want to keep your existing cabinetry layout.
-
You will want to keep your existing sink location
-
You will want to hire a professional company. Granite can be heavy and bulky, let a professional do the work for you and preferably the same company that installed the countertops originally. They will know the best way to go about a successful removal and reinstallation.
-
You will need to accept the fact that no company can guarantee your countertop will not be damaged or break during the attempt. In fact, most companies will have you sign a waiver disclaiming this risk.
That being said, you can save A LOT of money by reusing your existing granite countertops. If you have installed granite countertops to your kitchen in the past, consult with a reputable Indianapolis granite countertop supplier, such as Marble Uniques, about your project.
Do you have other questions about remodeling and renovating your Indianapolis home? Do you need advice on how to select a contractor? Check out our free information guides by clicking below:
(Photos courtesy of Marble Uniques, Inc. )