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Powerwashing Your House: The Do's and Don'ts for a Fresh and Clean Home!

6/2/2023

Ready to give your home a stunning facelift? Powerwashing is the perfect solution to wash away dirt and grime, leaving your house looking brand new. But before you unleash the power of water, it's important to know the do's and don'ts of powerwashing. So, let's dive in and discover how to powerwash like a pro, without any messy mishaps!

1. DO Prepare for a Successful Clean: Before you start powerwashing, make sure you're prepared for the task at hand. Clear the area of any obstacles, such as patio furniture or children's toys. Cover delicate plants or shrubs with plastic sheets to shield them from the intense spray. And remember to wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little wet. It's time to get down and dirty, in the cleanest way possible!

2.  DON'T Blast Away Fragile Surfaces: While powerwashing is great for removing dirt and grime, some surfaces require a more delicate touch. Avoid using high-pressure water on materials like wood, stucco, or vinyl siding, as it can cause damage. Instead, opt for a lower pressure setting or use alternative cleaning methods for these areas. You want a clean house, not a demolition site!

3.  DO Follow a Systematic Approach: To ensure an even and thorough clean, it's best to follow a systematic approach. Start from the top and work your way down, cleaning one section at a time. This way, you'll avoid missing spots or leaving streaks. Think of it as painting your house with water, stroke by stroke, until it shines like a masterpiece.

4. DON'T Get Too Close: Maintaining the right distance from the surface is crucial when powerwashing. Hold the nozzle approximately 1-2 feet away to prevent damage and ensure effective cleaning. Getting too close can lead to unintended consequences, such as paint removal or surface etching. Keep a safe distance and let the water work its magic without causing any harm.

5.  DO Use Cleaning Solutions Wisely: Sometimes, plain water isn't enough to tackle stubborn stains or mildew. In such cases, using a suitable cleaning solution can greatly enhance your powerwashing results. Be sure to choose the right solution for the surface you're cleaning and follow the manufacturer's instructions. A little soap and water can make a world of difference in the fight against grime!

6.  DON'T Neglect Safety Precautions: While powerwashing may seem like a fun activity, it's important to prioritize safety. Wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, to shield yourself from debris and flying water droplets. Also, be cautious of slippery surfaces after powerwashing. The last thing you want is to go from cleaning champion to acrobatic performer unintentionally!

This article is for general information purposes only. Rick Kelley Builders makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information contained herein.

Understanding Quartz, Quartzite, and Granite

5/22/2023

Silestone Miami Vena Quartz

Are you tired of being perplexed by the diverse world of kitchen countertops? Fear not, for today we shall embark on a delightful journey to unravel the mysteries behind quartz, quartzite, and granite countertops. Get ready to demystify these materials and make an informed choice for your kitchen!

Quartz:

Let's begin with quartz, a true marvel of modern engineering. Contrary to popular belief, quartz countertops aren't entirely natural. They're created by combining crushed quartz (around 95%), one of the hardest minerals on Earth, with resins and pigments (around 5%).
The resulting material is known for its exceptional durability, making it somewhat resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. Another advantage of quartz is its versatility in terms of colors and patterns. Whether you fancy a bold, vibrant hue or a subtle, earthy tone, there's a quartz countertop to suit every style.

Quartzite:

Next up, let's explore quartzite, a breathtaking natural stone that exudes elegance and charm. Unlike its engineered cousin, quartzite is 100% natural. It originates from sandstone and undergoes a metamorphic process deep within the Earth's crust, resulting in a stunning and durable material for your countertops.

Quartzite is revered for its mesmerizing patterns and unique veining. Each slab tells a geological tale, creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in your kitchen. However, it's worth noting that quartzite requires a bit more care than quartz. It can be susceptible to staining and scratching, so regular sealing and some mindfulness when using it are essential to keep it looking pristine.

Granite:

Last but certainly not least, we have granite, the timeless beauty that has adorned kitchens for centuries. Granite is an igneous rock formed from the slow cooling of molten magma deep within the Earth. This natural wonder is treasured for its striking variety of colors, patterns, and veining, giving each slab a unique and captivating character.

Granite countertops are renowned for their durability and resistance to heat, making them a reliable choice for culinary enthusiasts. However, like quartzite, granite requires periodic sealing to maintain its luster and protect against potential stains. With a little love and care, your granite countertops will retain their timeless allure for years to come.

In summary, here's a quick rundown of the key differences between quartz, quartzite, and granite:

Quartz: Engineered stone combining crushed quartz, resins, and pigments. Offers exceptional durability, resistance to scratches and stains, and somewhat resistant to heat. Boasts a wide range of colors and patterns to suit various styles.
Quartzite: Natural stone derived from sandstone through metamorphosis. Showcases mesmerizing patterns and unique veining. Requires regular sealing and gentle maintenance to preserve its beauty.
Granite: Natural igneous rock with a stunning variety of colors and veining. Renowned for its durability and heat resistance. Requires periodic sealing for protection against stains.

There you have it. Armed with this knowledge, you're now equipped to make an informed decision about which kitchen countertop material best suits your needs and style. So go forth, create culinary masterpieces, and let your countertops become the envy of all who enter your kitchen!

Get Your Grill Ready!

4/21/2023

Spring is here, and for many of us, that means it's time to dust off the old outdoor gas grill and get it ready for the grilling season. But before you fire it up, it's important to take a few steps to ensure that your grill is clean, safe, and working properly. In this blog post, we'll share some tips and instructions on how to get your outdoor gas grill ready for spring, and how to repair it if there's an issue.

Clean the grill

The first step in getting your outdoor gas grill ready for spring is to give it a good cleaning. Over the winter months, your grill may have accumulated dirt, dust, and debris, so it's important to get rid of all of that before you start cooking. Here's how to do it:

Turn off the gas supply to the grill and disconnect the propane tank.
Remove the grates and any other removable parts from the grill.
Scrub the grates with a wire brush or grill brush to remove any built-up residue. If the grates are particularly dirty, you can soak them in hot, soapy water first.
Clean the inside of the grill with a wire brush or scraper to remove any leftover food or grease. Be sure to remove any debris from the burner tubes and ignition ports.
Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth.
Check the gas supply

Before you fire up your grill, it's important to check the gas supply to make sure it's working properly. Here's how:

Reconnect the propane tank and turn on the gas supply.
Turn on the burners and check the flame. The flame should be blue and steady. If it's yellow or flickering, there may be an issue with the gas supply or burner tubes.
Check the hoses for any cracks or leaks. If you notice any issues, replace the hoses before using the grill.
Check the ignition

If your grill has an electronic ignition system, it's important to check it before you start cooking. Here's how:

Turn off the gas supply to the grill.
Remove the ignition cap and check the battery. If the battery is dead, replace it.
Replace the ignition cap and turn on the gas supply.
Test the ignition by turning on the burners. If the ignition doesn't work, there may be an issue with the spark module or electrode.
Repair any issues

If you notice any issues with your grill while you're getting it ready for spring, it's important to address them before you start cooking. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Uneven heat: If the heat distribution on your grill is uneven, it may be due to clogged burner tubes. Use a wire brush or scraper to clean out any debris from the tubes.
Low heat: If the flame is low or won't stay lit, there may be an issue with the regulator. Check to make sure the regulator is properly connected and the hoses aren't damaged.
Hot spots: If your grill has hot spots, it may be due to a faulty heat shield. Replace the heat shield if necessary.

By following these tips and instructions, you can get your outdoor gas grill ready for spring and enjoy a season of delicious outdoor cooking. If you encounter any issues that you're not comfortable fixing yourself, don't hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.

GFCIs - What the heck are they?

3/31/2023

First, let’s talk about what GFCI stands for. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. They can be found in our kitchens, our bathrooms, on the exterior of our homes, sometimes in our bedrooms, and even in our basements. Go ahead and take a look around your home. I guarantee you’ll find several.

So, what are GFCI outlets, why are they needed, and how do they work?

GFCIs are designed to protect electrical wiring by causing the circuit to close or break whenever an imbalance occurs between outgoing and incoming circuitry. GFCIs are particularly important in areas of your home that are near water…bathrooms, kitchens, etc.

A GFCI looks like any standard outlet. However, it includes a “test” button and a “reset” button and unlike a standard outlet it continually measures the flow of electricity through it. I think most of us know about the effects of electrocution on the body that once a shock occurs the current can be so strong that we simple humans are unable to pry our hands away. So, the GFCI is here to help. They are incredibly sensitive to any change in electrical current and if it senses an issue the GFCI will immediately (like within 1/10th of a second) shut the power off without us having to do anything. For example, if you accidentally drop your plugged-in hair dryer in a sink full of water the GFCI would sense the power variance (as small as 4 to 5 milliamps) and immediately cut the power.

Being the amazing contractor that I am I bet you’re asking yourself what the difference is between a breaker inside your electrical panel and a GFCI. A breaker and a GFCI are both helpful in preventing terrible things from happening, but they are vastly different. A breaker is generally associated with the protection of your home from electrical fires. Really important stuff obviously but little to do with the prevention of electrical shocks produced by outlets. That’s where GFCIs come in by directly detecting interruptions in electrical current and cutting power right then and there possibly saving your life.

How can you tell when a GFCI is going bad or is bad?

Just like most everything else in our world nothing lasts forever (my knees are a great example). GFCIs do wear out with age so it’s important to know how to test them. It’s pretty easy. All you have to do is grab some sort of electrical appliance and plug it into the GFCI and make sure the appliance is on and receiving power. Then while the appliance is on push the “test” button on the GFCI and the appliance should lose power and turn off. If that happens, you’re halfway there. Finally, push the “reset” button and your appliance of choice should regain power. That’s it. If the appliance lost power after pushing the “test” button and then regained power after pushing the “reset” button you’re good.

If your appliance didn’t lose power after pushing the “test” button or regain power after pushing the “reset” button then you need to immediately, without delay, either fix the issue yourself or call an expert. It could be that the GFCI is bad (just like my knees things we use all the time don’t last forever) or it could be that there’s a larger issue with how the GFCI is wired. Seriously, if you think you have an issue or one of your GFCIs fails the test procedure get it taken care of.

Finally, there are certain instances when a GFCI can trip repeatedly when there isn’t really an issue. This type of nuisance tripping tends to be caused by slight variations in the electrical current running through them. Here are some ways to avoid this issue…

Maintain all your power tools in good condition…no frayed wires, no sticky buttons, etc.
Use GFCIs only for circuits that are 100’ long or less
Do not connect stationary motors to a GFCI outlet

This is so important that I’ll say it one last time…if you suspect (even just a tiny bit) that you have an issue with one of your GFCIs replace it. They’re pretty inexpensive for something that can literally save your life.

10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

3/26/2023

Spring seems to finally be here and with it brings about much-needed spring home maintenance including leaf-filled gutters, possible shingle issues, and HVAC maintenance. Following are 10 tips for spring:

Take a good look at the exterior of your chimney for signs of deterioration. Make sure the chimney cap is still there and in good shape and check out the siding around the chimney and make sure it’s all there and in good shape. If you have brick or stone grab some binoculars and take a close look at the grout joints and make sure that the joints are intact and in good shape.
Since you have binoculars out walk around your house and check out your shingles. Make sure they aren’t cracked, buckled, loose, or even missing (we’ve had some crazy high wind in Central Ohio lately).
Since you’re already walking around your house look at all the trim (gables, soffits, around windows) and the windows themselves. Look for missing caulk (that could let in water and cause rot), soft spots on the trim and windows (indicates rot), and missing paint.
While you’re walking around your house looking at the trim also keep an eye open for low areas in the yard and especially around your foundation. All low areas (especially around the foundation) should be filled with compacted topsoil to help prevent basement water issues and eliminate low areas (pooling water) where insects can breed.
Check for loose or leaky gutters. Bad drainage can lead to water in your basement or crawl space. Make sure all downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear of debris.
Remove firewood stored near your house. It should be stored at least 18” off the ground and at least 2 feet from any structure.
Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service will keep the system working at peak performance levels.
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and test each one of them to make sure they are all functioning correctly (if one works it doesn’t necessarily mean all of them are working). According to the National Fire Protection Association an average of 1,450 fire deaths occur every year in homes with missing or non-functioning smoke alarms.
Clean out your dryer vent. There are several companies that will do this for you or you can do it yourself with an electric (NEVER use gas-powered equipment inside your home) leaf blower. Just unhook your dryer from the duct, stick the business end of the ELECTRIC leaf blower into the duct, wrap a wet towel around the opening to keep lint from blocking back into the room, and turn on the blower. Again, DO NOT use a gas-powered leaf blower inside your home!
Finally, before outside temperatures are regularly warm enough that we can enjoy having the windows open check your screens. In fact, I’m typing this in my home office and just looked out a window and noticed I have a torn screen. Most local hardware stores will replace screens (assuming the frame is in good condition) for a reasonable amount.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring - Why is it so great?

8/4/2022

I’m not talking about the old-school vinyl flooring that was shiny and arrived at your house in a big heavy roll that had to be glued down to ¼” thick luan underlayment. No…I’m talking about vinyl plank flooring that looks incredibly realistic and is unbelievably popular due to its durability, versatility, and ease of use. Just like with other products not all brands of Luxury Vinyl Flooring are created equal so read on to find out what might make this a good flooring choice for you and why we recommend it to many of our clients.

What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Within the realm of Luxury Vinyl Flooring there are basically two types - luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Both types offer styles that mimic all sorts of surfaces such as wood, concrete, slate, marble, and tile complete with “grout” joints. The tiles or planks are constructed from multiple layers of plastic and padding which vary in thickness by manufacturer.

So, now I bet you’re wondering what each of those layers are, right? The outer layer or top layer is called the wear layer. This layer is vitally important and is what you walk on, so the thickness of this layer is unbelievably important. Basically, the thicker the wear layer the more durable and long-lasting your Luxury Vinyl Floor will be so pay attention to the data provided by the manufacturer. The thickness will be listed in mils and 1 mil is one-thousandth or an inch.

The next layer down from the wear layer is called the core. The core gives the floor stability, so it won’t buckle or warp. Under the core you’ll find the underlayment layer which usually consists of cork or foam which helps reduce noise transfer and provides a cushion to make the floor a little more forgiving.

Now here’s a bit of a twist…some Luxury Vinyl Flooring are manufactured with rigid-core vinyl that have reinforced engineered wood or even a stone core. Products that contain these cores are widely considered to be more durable which makes them a good choice for families with kids and/or large pets.

Where can I use this stuff, you ask?

LVF is a great choice for really any room in your house especially where there could be spills, kids, or pets as the flooring is usually waterproof and moisture friendly. It’s great for kitchens, mudrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and especially basements. Honestly, it a great flooring choice for just about everywhere.

OK, so now you’re wondering how you clean this stuff, right?

Really the easiest way to clean your new LVF is to sweep or vacuum it and mop with a mild soapy water. That’s pretty much it. Obviously, always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines but mild soapy water is about all it takes.

Again, not all brands of Luxury Vinyl Flooring are created equal so be sure to read through the manufacturer’s specifications and don’t hesitate to call our office as we would be happy to help you!

Air Conditioner Struggling?

6/15/2022

With the extreme heat this week many of our home air conditioners are struggling to keep our houses cool. Assuming you are one of the lucky households with power right now there are a few things you can do to help. Some are easy and some require a little advance planning…

Install ceiling fans or use the fans you already have

Set on counterclockwise in the summer months ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that will make you feel cooler without having to lower the temperature setting on your thermostat. Operating the fans counterclockwise draws the cooler air upwards.

Maintain your air conditioning system

Even if you have cold air blowing out of your vents it doesn’t mean your air conditioning system doesn’t need maintenance. This maintenance includes simple things like replacing the air filter, cleaning the condenser coils on the exterior unit (clogged coils will reduce airflow and force the system to work harder), inspect the condenser unit fan, inspect wiring, etc. All this work can be done by an HVAC contractor at a reasonable cost.

Keep your windows covered

When direct sunlight shines into your home through the windows it heats the interior of your home causing your air conditioner to work harder to cool the house. By closing your blinds or curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool the space.

Limit oven use

During particularly hot days consider cooking on a grill outside. The use of your oven, especially if you’re not cooking low and slow, can really heat up your kitchen and cause your air conditioner to work even harder to keep the house cool.

Keep interior doors open

This simple act is vital in keeping your home cool as it allows air to circulate freely keeping hot spots to a minimum thereby regulating the temperature within your home.

Install heat reducing film

Did you know that on average 30% of all energy used to heat and cool homes escapes through your windows? 3M and other similar manufactures make some interesting Low-E window films that they claim block up to 78% of the sun's heat without blocking natural light and your view.

The Rest of the Story...Design Trends for 2020

1/15/2020

A couple weeks ago I received an email from a Columbus Dispatch reporter asking if he could interview me about design trends for 2020 (see article HERE). I’ve been in the remodeling business a long time and fancy myself a fairly talented designer, but I never thought that anyone would want to hear what I had to say on the subject. I love what I do and love to talk to people about it, so I tend to ramble on and on about construction, design, and, well, anything really. My wife says that I’ve never met a stranger. She’s probably right. In fact, she’s usually always right – just ask her.

Anyway, because I tend to ramble, I thought it wise to sit down before the interview and organize my thoughts. I started writing down some thoughts. Yes, I was literally writing down my thoughts using a pen and yellow legal paper…old school baby. As I was furiously writing on my yellow legal pad, I started to get really excited because it appeared that I actually have learned something over the past 20 years of being in the remodeling business and that I did have some interesting stuff to tell the reporter.

Fast forward a week or so and the day came for the interview. I was ready and sitting at my desk with my trusty legal pad in front of me. My iPhone rang and away I went with the interview. I think the article is great but after reading it I realized that I came up with some really great stuff that didn’t make it into the article.

So, in the immortal words of Paul Harvey here’s “the rest of the story” …

Sustainability is becoming less of a trend and more of an expectation. One might even go so far as to say that it’s now a demand from clients. From low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint to cabinetry made from sustainable products this “trend” is here to stay. This is especially now because sustainable materials are becoming more and more affordable.
Less is more. I know you hear people say that a lot but for 2020 it really seems to be the case. Since I’m no expert in the human condition I can’t say for sure, but I think it’s a response to all the chaos occurring in our world these days. It seems that more and more folks want a kind of calm and pared-back look in their homes. You know…refined but also comfortable and lived in.
Spa-like master bathrooms. This may also be a result of the chaos in our world as homeowners look to create a sanctuary in their homes away from all the noise of life. Benches, window seats, shaped tile (no more rectangles or squares), framed mirrors, integrated lighting (built into mirrors, cabinetry, woodwork), freestanding tubs, and partially tiled walls are all ways of creating a more spa-like atmosphere.
Less of the same. I can’t tell you how many times I hear “We don’t really know what we want but we do know that we want something different than everyone else”. Whether or not this is a trend it’s definitely something I’m hearing more of so I believe that within reason anything that is unique will shine in 2020.
Excitement in other areas. Homeowners are definitely looking to spice up areas of their homes that may not have received attention in the past. The most popular right now is the laundry room. Cheerful colors, creative storage solutions, quartz countertops, chalkboard walls, fun patterns on the floor (tile) or walls (wallpaper) are all popular with laundry room remodel projects nowadays. Have fun in your laundry room and maybe try some things that you wouldn’t necessarily do in the more public areas of your home.

Finally, and this may come as a shock to some of you…

Wallpaper. Yes, I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Hell, I’ve even spec’d it out on some of our projects and not just as an accent but in whole rooms or areas. There are some great papers out there people so don’t be afraid to go that route. I have a whole thing here in my notes (yes, my paper notes) about what wallpaper colors, patterns, etc I think will be popular in 2020 but I won’t list it all here because, well, my fingers are getting sore from typing. So, if you want to hear more of my thoughts on wallpaper send me an email at jeremy@rickkelleybuilders.com.

As always, we’re here to help so don’t hesitate to hit the “contact us” button here on our website and ask away. If you missed the link to the Dispatch article that I put in the first paragraph of this blog, well, here's the LINK again.

Big Tiles? Little Tiles? Which is Best?

8/28/2019

If you’ve shopped for tile sometime in the past, well, 30 years or so, you know that it is offered in a zillion different sizes and even more shapes (yes, even more than a zillion). From one inch mosaics to massive porcelain squares and rectangles there seems to be an option for every room size and every taste.

The tile size and shape you choose will impact your room greatly so be sure to give the following tips some thought:

Big is Better:

For a sleek contemporary look
If you despise cleaning grout because, well, the larger the tile the less grout you have
For a smaller space to make it look larger. Yep, it seems a little contradictory but that’s the case.

Small is perfect:

When you find a fun shape or cool patterned tile that jumps out and grabs you. I love patterned tile in small bathrooms…it’s a great look but be prepared to commit to a pattern and then embrace it.
For a more traditional and timeless look
When you have a tiny space such as a powder room or a separate potty room off of a larger master bath.

Obviously, this blog post doesn’t really delve into the details of this because there’s just so much available to choose from. If you are thinking about using tile in a remodel project don’t hesitate to contact Rick Kelley Builders and we’ll be thrilled to talk with you about the possibilities for your space.

To Divide or Not to Divide? That's the Question...

5/30/2019

Captain Obvious here…the sink is a vital part of your kitchen. The sink plays a role in virtually every aspect of meal preparation and clean-up not to mention the occasional dog bath, houseplant watering, and hopefully washing of your hands.

Kitchen sinks are used a lot so it’s worth learning about the different types of sinks.

Single vs Double Basin

Single Basin:

Pros: No center divider so it’s easier to wash large items such as dogs, babies, large baking pans, and large pots.

Cons: Can’t separate clean and dirty dishes or thawing meat from other things

Double Basin:

Pros: One side is dedicated to the disposal so you can wash veggies in one side and cut/peel in the other. It’s also easier to hand wash dishes…wash in one side and rinse/dry in the other

Cons: Harder to wash large pans, dogs, babies, and cookie sheets

Now, there’s one other type of sink and it’s a hybrid of the two listed above. It’s a double basin sink except the center divider is low. Believe it or not, they’re called low divide sinks. Some of our clients believe low divide sinks are the absolute best of both worlds as they allow almost all the benefits of a standard divide sink but allow you to wash large pots, pans, and baking sheets.

Still can’t decide? Call our office and we’ll be happy to help.

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Jeremy Kelley is a home builder and remodeler in the Columbus, OH area. He is an avid volunteer, family man, and knows the difference between your and you're.

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