projects Archives - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

How to Choose Roofing – 6 Types to Consider

February 25, 2016 By Casey Danton

Whether you’re replacing an existing roof or researching options for a new home, deciding between roofing styles, materials and costs can be complicated. To help you determine the correct roofing materials for your home, here are the pros and cons of the six most popular roofing types.

#1 Asphalt Shingle
The most common roofing material, asphalt shingles, are affordable and simple to install. Asphalt shingles are produced when a fiberglass shingle is mixed with asphalt and finished with a textured surface. Asphalt shingles come in two basic configurations: single-thickness and laminate.
Pros: Asphalt shingles are available in an assortment of colors and are the most economical material available.
Cons: Asphalt shingles have a shorter life span and don’t offer the same level of insulation as other roofing alternatives.

#2 Wood Shake
For centuries wood was a common material used in residential roofing. But, due to its flammability, modern day use is less common.
Pros: Wood offers a natural, rustic look.
Cons: Wood shingles are flammable and can potentially suffer from mold or rot. The life span of wood roofing is also limited (similar to asphalt shingles).

#3 Metal (various types)
Aluminum, steel, copper, copper-asphalt and lead are the most popular metal roofing alternatives. Metal roofs are extremely durable but costly to install in both material and installation time.
Pros: Metal is strong and offers high solar reflectance, allowing for efficient cooling and heating of homes.
Cons: Metal is typically the most expensive roofing alternative.

#4 Ceramic and Cement Tile
Rounded tile roofing products are common with Spanish Colonial and Mission-style homes. Homeowners considering tile for their roof should be aware of the cost — anywhere between $400 and $800 on average per tile.
Pros: Tiles are durable and energy efficient.
Cons: The weight of tile roofing is heavy and may require additional framing for support.

#5 Slate Roofing
Slate is extremely durable and known for its many variations in origin, thickness and color.
Pros: Slate is dependable and considered to be a sustainable, recyclable roofing material.
Cons: Slate is expensive and requires additional roofing support to supplement its weight.

#6 Synthetic Roofing
Synthetic roofing products (rubber, plastic and polymer roofing) have been developed to provide the color, look and texture of other roofing materials (without the high cost).
Pros: Synthetic roofing is durable and affordable.
Cons: Due to their recent development, some synthetic materials have been known to absorb moisture.

Conclusion
When considering a roofing material for your home, consult with a local roofing specialist to ensure that you choose the appropriate material for your home’s aesthetic (and budget).

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Home Decor Projects for When You’re Snowed In

February 3, 2016 By Casey Danton

Sometimes it’s hard to see the upside of harsh winter weather, especially when snow storms leave you stuck inside. However, you can take advantage of a snow day by using the opportunity to improve your home decor. Here are some simple DIY projects for when you’re snowed in. Ask your children to help out (safely) for family fun time that may add a bit of luxury to your living space.

Decorative Lampshade
Add some pizzazz to a lampshade by gluing an inlaid paper cutout on its inner surface. Use a blade to cut a design from paper (either freehand or from a template), making sure to place a rubber mat down first to protect the surface underneath. With a mixture of 50% glue and 50% water, decoupage the paper cutout inside of the lampshade. Once it’s dry, turn the lamp on and admire the glowing design!

Fabric Wall Art
If you have some bold print fabric, use it to create art that pops. All you’ll need to buy are wooden frames of varying sizes and a hot glue gun. Cut the fabric wide enough so that there will be two inches leftover when stretched across a frame. Cover, glue, and voila! Create a gallery wall to display your new pieces.

Hanging Planters
If you have small planters in your indoor garden, consider hanging them for a fun look that will free up surface space. Simply drill two small holes close to the top edge of the planter. Make sure they’re exactly opposite from one another. Knot a thin but sturdy rope or twine inside each of the holes so you can hang them from a hook. Tip: Install the hook near a window so your plant can still get the sunlight it needs.

Memory Table
Memory tables are a great way to personalize your home. You’ll need a deep photo display and a similar sized coffee table. Using a strong wood glue, adhere the back of the photo display to the table. You can now place objects in the display to create a sentimental scene. Try using objects that are cohesive, such as trinkets and photos from a memorable family trip. You may want to glue the objects in place so they are not disturbed when the table is moved.

If you keep one (or more) of these projects in mind for your next snow day, getting snowed in might not seem so bad!

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5 DIY Projects to Tackle this Year

January 6, 2015 By CENTURY 21

With the New Year in full swing, take this fresh start as a time to complete some fun DIY projects. You’ll save money and get the satisfaction of having made something yourself. Take out your paint brush and your tool kit and get started.

Tackle one project at a time and you can have an improved home in no time.

1. Install a new backsplash: You can instantly alter the aesthetic of your kitchen by sprucing up your backsplash. There are lots of creative ways to DIY a backsplash. Tile, stainless steel, glass, chalkboard, or mosaics are all lovely options. Regardless of what you choose, you can pay a fraction of the price by doing it yourself instead of hiring a professional.

2. Change your architecture: Change your architecture – without hiring an architect or needing a wrecking ball. Add a chair rail and/or crown molding to give your room texture and depth. Take the proper measurements, then head down to your hardware store to get the materials you need.

3. Paint cabinets: Whether it’s your bathroom or your kitchen cabinets, adding a fresh coat of paint can make the room feel brand new while also adding value to your home. This DIY project doesn’t take much time or money.

4. Curb Appeal: Make a good first impression. Paint your front door, change the address numbers, add a unique knocker, and repair or paint the exterior trim. This is another quick and easy DIY that project that can make your home feel new again.

5. Paint: Paint your interior for an instant upgrade and shift to your decor. Change a light colored wall to a dark one for a completely different look, or simply repaint with the same color to make the room look fresh again. You can also put up wallpaper to add a more detailed design.

DIY projects don’t have to take a lot of time or money. Projects like these can be done in a few days and you could end up with an improved home at a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional.

Recommended Reading:

-Creative DIY Projects You Can Do with Wallpaper

-Just DIY It: 5 Natural Cleaning Products

-How to Style a Gallery Wall

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Five Simple Chalkboard Paint Projects for the Home

January 22, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Chalk it up! Five simple DIY projects to make with chalkboard paint.

Chalkboards are not just for the classroom. Use chalkboard paint to decorate your home with these five simple DIY projects.

GET ORGANIZED USING CHALKBOARD LABELS Use chalkboard paint to label just about anything. The possibilities are limitless, but some of our favorite ideas include: labeling Mason Jars for beauty accessory storage, labeling food storage boxes to create the ultimate organized kitchen, labeling spices in a spice rack, and labeling file drawers, cabinet doors, and dresser drawers to easily identify the contents. Make entertaining a breeze by painting labels on wine glasses, pitchers, cheese trays, coasters, and table runners (no more forgetting whose glass is whose). Paint the outside of shelves in a bookcase to organize books alphabetically by author, title, or genre or take it outside by using chalkboard paint to make garden tags and garden pot labels.

MAKE A FORGET-ME-NOT STATION BY THE FRONT DOOR Write out helpful reminders like “Pick up the kids at three!” “Don’t forget your keys!” and more. We can’t promise that you’ll never forget anything again, but this will certainly help!

PAINT ROOMS You can use chalkboard paint to paint any room of the house, but we recommend using it for kid’s rooms, home offices, and kitchens. How many times have you heard parents tell their children not to draw on the walls? Chalkboard paint gives kids a large canvas in their own space – your son or daughter might be the next Rembrandt! Use chalkboard paint in a home office to make a calendar, a to-do-list, and a brainstorm board. Use kitchen walls to display a menu, shopping list, or your favorite recipes.

PAINT STAIRCASES Make a statement by painting your staircase. Use the chalk space to make note of your favorite quotes, mantras, and reminders.

PAINT FURNITURE Use chalkboard paint to give old furniture a budget-friendly makeover. For example, write love notes and inspirational quotes on a headboard, to-do-lists and reminders on a desk, table setting and dining etiquette reminders on a kitchen table, a television show schedule on a coffee table, or reading lists and reminders on a nightstand.

Did you try one of these projects? Send us your photos on Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr with the hashtag #C21 or by Tweeting at us at @Century21. What are your ideas for DIY projects with chalkboard paint?

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