Patio awnings are so often used just to cover and cool patios that people forget that these cloth-draped devices can cover and cool so much more. The fact is, if you can get an awning installer to place the awnings in another place, you can use them for several alternative purposes. Here are just a few of those alternative purposes. Covering and Deflecting Sunlight from Big Picture Windows If you have a big picture window built into the part of your home that faces the sun for at least half the day, you undoubtedly have far too much heat and light coming through that window into the room.

If your new set of custom drapery, window shades or blinds do not have the finished look you expected or do what you want them to do--you will never be totally satisfied with them. When it comes to window treatments, it is easy to get sidetracked by the way they look in the store and forget about how they may look in your home. It is also easy to forget the functional need of window treatments.

Once mice have made their way into your home, it can be quite a challenge to get rid of them. Time is of the essence though, as many feral rodents carry a host of diseases that can affect your respiratory health and the safety of the food you eat. Unfortunately though, it's not enough to just lay down traps and hope for the best, so it's important to come with a plan of attack that includes several necessary components.

Outdoor furniture is often composed of a variety of different manufactured and natural materials. Most of the time, people want a piece of furniture that is going to withstand the test of time. They want something that is going to look great and stay attractive despite being outside in all the different elements. Finding furniture that doesn't require a lot of maintenance, is durable and can withstand everything thrown at it doesn't have to be as complicated as one might think.

As a homeowner, having great curb appeal is important. This is going to ensure that your home is both welcoming and easily attractive once you decide that you are ready to sell. In order to create a great landscape design, you will want to consider the following four tips:  List Your Needs:  The first thing you will want to do is to list your needs. Think about whether or not you will need some yard space for your kids to play or an area for you to grow your own fruits and vegetables.

Quartz sand--also commonly referred to as silica sand--is a type of sand that's primarily used in landscaping. Many homeowners don't realize that quartz sand can be used as a simple and affordable solution to a number of common landscaping problems. Specifically, there are four innovative uses for quartz sand that you may have never thought of, but that could very well come in handy in your own yard.  Supporting a Retaining Wall

When you keep finding little bug bites on your body, you must figure out which type of pest is causing the problem. In some cases, these bites are small and red, but what you find around your home can help you figure out which pest is actually in your home. Once you know which type of pest you are dealing with, you can develop a plan for eradicating them. Fleas

With drought conditions around the country frequently in the news, a water fountain can seem like a guilty pleasure. These relaxing and beautiful water features can be a tremendous asset to the appearance of any yard, but they can also be wasteful with water and electricity. With a little extra effort this can be changed and a fountain can become, not just earth-friendly, but beneficial as well. Purchase Responsible Fountains

As a homeowner, your water heater is important since it provides hot water throughout the home. When it is not working properly, you won't have hot water to shower with or to rinse stubborn stains out of dishes. Here are five common problems with gas water heaters and how you can work to resolve them: No Hot Water: One problem you can run into is that there is no hot water in your home at all.

One of the smartest remodels you can do in any home is to install new hardwood floors. Before you decide to invest in hardwood floors, you need to decide what type of floor is best for your property. The two most common types of hardwood floors are prefabricated floors and custom floors. Both can be great solutions for your home. This article will explain the main differences between the two: