Preventing Basement Flooding in Windsor, Are you Ready?

 

Weather in Southern Ontario is kind of hard to predict but overall, the weather here is quite a bit like a pendulum. But one thing you can usually be sure of is that it will rain in April!

This is going to cause major problems for those homeowners who haven't prepared for it. In the past, homes were built with the eaves trough downspouts leading directly into the ground and hooking up to the weeping system around the foundation of your home, as below:

This presents a problem when there is a particularly large volume of rain added to the system because the floor drain in your basement and the sump pit (if you have one) are directly connected to it. When all that water is suddenly injected into the system, it can't get away fast enough through the storm sewer hookup and there's just no way the sump pump can move that much water that fast. The only place left for all that water to go is straight up through your floor drain or sump pit.

This is in fact such a huge problem that it is now against local building codes in most areas to hook the eaves trough to the weeping system of new home construction.

Fortunately, this is fairly easy to deal with for the average DIY'er. All that is involved is to cut the downspout off and re-direct the water flow away from the foundation of your home, and then fill in the resulting hole in the ground either with cement or with a vinyl cover. A very good example of the proper re-direction method is seen below:




If you're not very adept at taking care of this type of project, don't worry too much. There are now a selection of various vinyl products on the market to make it easier for you to accomplish this very important improvement. The example shown below is available at most hardware outlets for less than $10.00 and can just be added to the shortened downspout after you cut it off. Then just add a vinyl cover to the hole that's been left in the ground, and you're finished! Easy peasy!




If you would not feel comfortable however, attempting to take care of this project, then by all means, feel free to call us here at Lakeside or send us an e-mail & we'll be happy to come to your home and take care of it for you. But, whatever you do.......don't leave it un-attended to, because when the spring rains get started, you may end up doing the backstroke in your family room!


Part of our new look is a completely reworked company website as well as a completely reworked company blog, there are many new pages added as well as bi-weekly articles on the blog to help you plan any projects you have around the house. These articles will be written by me as well as by "guest" bloggers from around the area.

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, there are comment windows for you as well as a form for you to fill out to send a message directly to my personal inbox.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you may have, especially any ideas you may have concerning future articles you would like to see.

Thank you, once again for your business and I hope to hear from you again soon!

Sincerely,

Keith

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underprivileged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know.

Check out the latest blog posting, who knows, it might just be the information you've been looking for!

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This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
In Barrie, call 705-881-4456 or,
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

Maximizing a Small Kitchen Layout in Windsor & Barrie

Do you think your kitchen is too small to do anything with? Do you often find yourself wondering how you can make your small kitchen layout work better? Is bringing in a contractor to redmodel your kitchen not an option? There are some things you can do to help yourself out. 

Identify and Plan Accordingly

First, take a good look at your kitchen. What is the layout? Most small kitchen layouts are galley, two-way galley, L-shaped, and U-shaped. You need to identify the type you have.  A galley layout is one where your kitchen is positioned along one wall. The two-way galley has appliance, cabinets and countertops on two sides of the room, with an aisle running through the middle. The L-shaped and U-shaped layouts are pretty self explanatory. 

While each of these layouts has its pros and cons, each can be used very efficiently. Keep in mind the natural flow of traffic in each room. Do not put extra furniture or utensils in the way of this natural movement. For example, if you have a galley layout place dishes in the cabinet closest to the table, so short quick steps with get you there. This will allow you to move about the small kitchen nook without blocking the aisle where others may be entering. Remember to take the "work triangle" into consideration during your planning. See (Designing Your Kitchen to Fit Your Needs).

Place the Fridge at the End

If you have a family with children or teenagers the most commonly used appliance in the kitchen is probably the refrigerator. You can make the best of your small kitchen layout by placing the refrigerator next to the entrance of the kitchen. This will allow anyone to come into the kitchen and get a drink or snack from the refrigerator, without disturbing the person who is preparing the meal. Also, and easy way to not take up space, is to make sure the refrigerator door swings out towards the entrance it is next to instead of the into the kitchen.

Add a Workstation

If you find that your small kitchen layout works fine to feed your family of four but is not big enough to prepare a meal for a larger group, add a portable workstation to the area for the evening. There are many different types of workstations available, including those that have cabinet space underneath or those that will fold up and go into a closet at the end of the night. 

Find one that works for your specific situation. If your small kitchen nook just needs some extra space to chop or put ingredients, get a workstation that has wheels and can be moved throughout the kitchen as you work. Another option is to get one with hooks or a drawer to hold utensils so you can keep the station out of the way, but still use the available space.

Efficiency is most important in a small kitchen layout. If you are able to identify the type of kitchen you have you can make it work for you. Just keep your utensils close to where you will use them and allow traffic to move naturally, and you will minimize your problems.

Lakeside Interiors specializes in renovating existing kitchens as well as bathrooms and basements so, if you aren't looking for a "full contact" DIY experience, get together with us and we'll make your dream kitchen a reality for you!

If you would like to learn, we will be happy to have you work with us and acquire a few new skills as well as reduce the labour costs for your new kitchen.

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, feel free to ask in a comment window or contact us directly.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or disabled free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

705-881-4456 in Barrie or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

To receive this blog in your inbox,

Insert your email address at the

top of this page.

To receive our FREE weekly,

"Home Maintenance Tips" 

newsletter click here.

Designing Your Kitchen to Reflect Your Needs

In order to design your new kitchen, you first need to sit down and decide two things........ 

1. You will need to know how much room you have to put your kitchen in.  
2. You'll also need to know what you want to be able to do in your kitchen!

If you're looking for a lot of food preparation area, for example, you'll want a different kitchen design than somebody who is trying to find space to fit lots of food and cooking utensil storage.


Once you've decided on the basic layout for your kitchen, then you'll need to think of what appliances you're going to put in there.  You'll need to make sure that there is enough room in your kitchen for the refrigerator and oven – and probably a dishwasher as well.  Therefore, once you have a general idea of where you want to put your appliances, you should decide exactly which models will be put in and get the exact measurements from the distributor.

Remember to take into consideration the "work Triangle", using a triangle to plot the best location for your appliances in the room. You don't want to be taking lots of extra steps to the fridge, every time you need something for the dish you're preparing.

Then, once you have the measurements for those appliances, you'll be able to decide how to finalize the rest of your kitchen design, adding cabinets etc. to fill the spaces between appliances.  

Some things that you should consider regarding the design of your new kitchen are how difficult it will be to install or repair the appliances that you have in your kitchen.  If you make it difficult to reach the back of your refrigerator, you'll have a hard time getting back there if it ever needs to be repaired.

Additionally, you should avoid having gaps between counters in areas where you will be cooking or washing dishes often.  The reason for this is that gaps allow food or water to get down into hard to reach places – which means that when you finally do get to that part of the floor, it will be even messier than you would have expected and may even be an invitation to unwanted pests.

You will next want to consider what activities you will need included in your design, will you be having dinner for a family of four, or will a breakfast bar for two suffice for your family? Will you need office space for a computer or space for a T.V. included in the design? Now is the time to consider these things, not the day after the cabinets are installed.
There are two main things that you should think about using while you're designing your kitchen.  The first is always a good step – that's just using a pencil and paper to draw out what you want to put in there.  However, if you don't trust your artistic skills, you can also find online programs that will help you make a great kitchen design.

If you'd rather have help in designing your kitchen and implementing your plan, feel free to contact us here at Lakeside Interiors and we'll be happy to assist you and even give you a computer rendering of what your kitchen will look like when it's completed.

Lakeside Interiors specializes in renovating existing kitchens as well as bathrooms and basements so, if you aren't looking for a "full contact" DIY experience, get together with us and we'll make your dream kitchen a reality for you!

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest Home Maintenance tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, feel free to ask in a comment window or contact us directly.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or disabled free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor & Barrie Ontario

705-881-4456 in Barrie or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

226-946-9651 in Windsor or,

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

To receive this blog in your inbox,

Insert your email address at the

top of this page.

To receive our FREE weekly,

"Home Maintenance Tips" 

newsletter click here.

5 Ideas to Transform Your Basement in Windsor

If your basement has become the home's default storage room, what you need are some basement remodeling ideas.  Fortunately, we're here to help. Every day many homeowners try to think of ways they can transform their boring basements into something new. The first thing you must do as a homeowner is throw away any preconceived notion that a basement is just a dark, cool place to use as storage. Think of it as extra space with the potential to become something amazing. 

There are many ideas for transforming your basement depending on the needs and wants of your family. Some of these ideas include:

Game Room: Turn your basement into a space that the whole family will love. A great game room will first need some fun colors for the walls to give the room some extra life. This room will be all about fun and will need to look like a happy exciting place. This type of remodel will need the most comfortable furniture you can find that will also be durable. How about a refrigerator? A pool table, foosball table, video games, and pinball machines are the most popular types of entertainment. Include a bar area and you won't be able to drive away your guests. This idea will bring the family and friends together and be a positive experience for everyone.

Guest Room: Decorating a guest room or in-law suite is a great way to utilize your finished basement.  It adds extra space as well as provides an area for out of town family and guests to relax while visiting your home. This type of room should be filled with tranquil, comfortable furnishings.  It should provide all of the conveniences of a home away from home. It should also provide a place for your guests to retreat after a long day.

Gym or Workout Room: This is ideal for those who would like a dedicated room for exercise equipment without losing the space in their home. It is amazing to know that when you want to work out you don’t have to get in the car or leave the comforts of your own home.  A place to exercise in your home will pay for itself in more ways than just the value of your home; it will pay in added years to your life.  For the health-conscious, this just might be the greatest of the basement remodeling ideas. 

Office or Study Area: Turning your basement into a home office is a great way to provide a quiet, tucked away workspace in your home. A basement turned home office provides a perfect “work away from work” space when you need to be at home or just need a change of scenery.

Children Play Room: If you have a house with small children, a play room might be the perfect remodel for your basement. Because a basement often provides a blank canvas with which to work, a play room could easily be made with any style and any budget depending on the needs of your family. This is the perfect time to get more creative with paint-polka dots or stripes on the walls, hiring someone to paint a mural, etc. Bean bag chairs for reading, or small tables for tea parties will provide hours of entertainment for years to come. 

There are many basement remodeling ideas besides these, there are also many basement finishing ideas and basement ceiling ideas.  The key is to consider what would benefit the entire household--and go with that.

This article was published by:

Keith McGorlick,

Author, Blogger,

Home Improvement Expert &

President of, Lakeside Interiors

Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario

226-787-5835 or,

lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

Basement Renovation Money-Saving Tips in Windsor, Ontario

Summer has arrived here in Windsor, or as we call it here…..construction season! Many families here are considering a variety of DIY projects around the house, one of the most common is to expand useable floor space by renovating an unfinished or partially finished basement area. Here are some money saving tips that we use in the industry to reduce cost, increase useable space or improve appearance of the finished product. I hope you can make use of one or more of them in planning your project.

 · Make use of wasted space under the lower end of the stairway leading into the basement. Consider roll-out bins or shelves to hold laundry or other supplies.

 · Finish off the floor if your plan is to incorporate a family room or home office. If the floor in your basement is concrete, decide on the flooring you will use; laminate or engineered flooring, or carpet.

 · If you decide on carpet, and your floor is smooth, carpet and padding can be easily tacked down and stretched directly on top of the concrete. It’s important to know that once the carpet is stretched that it will lay flat across the entire floor. An uneven floor will cause the carpet to be unsupported underneath any low spots. If you prefer not to go to the expense of leveling the floor properly, then glue the carpet down, otherwise the carpet will wear much quicker in the unsupported areas.

 · If you decide on laminate or engineered flooring, you will have a great looking basement. The material and installation is more expensive than carpeting a floor, but usually cheaper than using a ceramic tile. Laminate is essentially saw dust and glue, made under great pressure and a lot of heat. The finishes on laminate are very tough; the floor is sturdy and wears very well – and good for high-traffic areas. Engineered flooring is essentially made by laminating a thin layer of hardwood flooring to the top of thin plywood and will wear similar to actual hardwood flooring of the same wood, however since it is plywood, it will resist warping under the high humidity conditions generally found in basements.

 · If part of your basement renovation includes a bathroom, time and costs can be cut if bathroom fixtures are located near existing plumbing. This means designing the bathroom floor plan close to the main waste-vent stack and house drain – with reduced cost involved in the installation of underground pipes.

 · When deciding on small bathroom design, it is easier and less complicated to arrange the bathroom fixtures along a line on one wall. Check local codes for plumbing and electrical requirements for your project.

 · Always remember when planning for ANY basement project that wood must NEVER touch concrete, under ANY circumstances! Concrete is inherently porous and absorbs small amounts of moisture directly from the ground under itself and will eventually rot any wood touching it. Any wood product which must be touching concrete, such as the base of a wall, should be installed with a gasket under it.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please dont hesitate to contact us.

 Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or underpriviledged free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know.

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

Basement Renovations in Windsor

If you’re afraid to go down your steps and into the dungeon, you may want to start thinking about basement remodeling. There are a many different options that can be adapted to basement construction with today’s building technology. It’s up to you to decide what will work for your family and what type of activities you would like to use the area for. You should have a reasonably good idea of what you want before you call someone to help you to get it the way you want it. Remember though, a professional contractor will be able to explain options to you that you may not have considered. Contractors who are “in the know” are aware of technology and product upgrades before they even hit the market.

Before you do any type of basement remodeling you need to know what’s already there. A number of different things can be done as long as the structure and room size will allow it. Basically you need to make sure all that you want to do will fit in the area you have. Also, you need to look at the layout and make plans according to what you want to put in and what existing structure is supporting the building.

You need to know what you want before beginning work on your basement. Would you like a game room, or are you looking to create a new place that you can use to increase your living space? Do you want to make another bedroom, or are you simply trying to find the best way to use the space and take full advantage of your home? There are many things you can do but you need to decide before you call someone in. A good contractor can help you with planning and ideas but you should at least know what type of space you’d like to end up with.

As with any major improvement to your home, the first thing you need to consider is the budget, how much can you afford to spend on this project and will it create the space that you need? Your contractor can help with this a great deal by guiding you toward selecting items which will be within your budget and still allow for the finished product that you wish. Remember that you drive the cost of the renovation with the selections that you make in regards to finishes and fixtures etc.

Most of all you need to be able to trust the contractor doing your basement remodeling. This means you will need to be comfortable with them and to enjoy having them around, remember you will be working closely with your contractor for an extended period and you should at least like having them around!

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
705-627-4909 or,
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
226-946-9651
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com

How to Install Kitchen Cabinets in Windsor

Whether you are doing home improvement projects to prepare your home for sale, or you are just trying to give your home a more updated look, new cabinets in your kitchen are a great way to create the look you desire. It does not always mean that you have to hire a professional to install your cabinets, but it does take some special tools and skills in the remodeling field.

If the cabinets that you are replacing are outdated you will want to remove them very carefully so that wall damage can be minimized and exact measurements can be made. The best way to remove these old cabinets is to take off all the doors, followed by the drawers and shelves, then remove the body of the cabinets from the walls.

The first thing you need to do is measure the space carefully and get some brochures from several manufacturers so that you can decide exactly what you want your finished kitchen to look like. These pamphlets will also tell you what sizes and finishes are available in the various designs. Then you need to draw some plans of what you want your finished space to look like so that you know how it should all fit when the project is complete.

The next thing that you need to do when replacing your kitchen cabinets is to make sure that you have all the supplies that you need. You will need to list all screws, nails, a level, and whatever else the project may require. A home improvement store can help you find the tools that you need for your cabinet project.

Once you have your measurements and supplies, you can begin the process of cabinet removal. Make sure that they are completely empty before removing them from the wall as it will make the project easier to accomplish when things aren’t bouncing off your head. Once the cabinets have been removed, you will want to replace the tile and paint if that is part of your remodel plans.

Once your cabinets have been removed, and any painting and floor refinishing have been done, it is time to put in the new cabinets. Usually you start with the upper ones as it is easier to install them first without the lower ones getting in the way. Before you can hang them, however, you will need to find the studs, so that you can fasten the cabinets directly to them and NOT the drywall or plaster. You will want to hang them on the wall before putting the doors on them. Once your uppers are on, you can then install the lower cabinets in much the same way, making sure the floor is level first.

Once your cabinets are in place, you can then fit in the countertops, sink, and appliances. Now your kitchen remodel is complete. If you don't feel as though you are qualified to do this project yourself, however , you can simply contact us at Lakeside Interiors and we will take you through the planning step by step and then do the installation and remodeling for you.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

Interior Decorating for Winter in Windsor

Everybody wants to decorate the inside of their home in a modern and trendy manner and transform their interior area while planning for every season. Applying trendy interior planning ideas based on the months is an invaluable option for keeping your home’s interior up-to-date. House decor which looks trendy and classy in the summer time is probably not appropriate for that winter months. Applying season appropriate design ideas can be a useful method of improving the overall appearance of your home. If you are looking at changing your interior for the winter months, here are a couple of interior planning tips and concepts which will certainly warm your interior space up and produce a comfortable, welcoming feel in your home.

Choosing warmer and more dark color tones is fantastic for winter, developing a warm and welcoming feel to your interior space. Use warm and vibrant colors like Brown, red-tones, beige, gold, dark green, burgundy and ochre for upholsteries, mattress covers, sheets, pillow covers, and curtains along with other textiles. Choosing from these palettes for wall coverings or draperies may also transform the whole look of your home and produce a warm feel throughout the winter season.

Carpet is a superb design element for warming your home up as opposed to hard flooring, as carpets and area rugs are not only seen to be visually appealing but are good insulators as well. In addition, a soft, tufted or plush rug on wooden or other hard flooring material will certainly produce a cozy, warmer feel to your home.

Another trendy method for improving your interior specifically for the cold months is to alter the lighting system. Replace your overhead lights with tungsten lights which will warm your room and give a summer time touch throughout winter. Small candles and lamps may also be used to create a warmer atmosphere. Candles and lamps of red or orange shades won’t increase your budget too much but could also help your home feel warmer in winter.

Setting up an electric fire place in your family or living room is yet another prudent option to warm you up all through the cold months . A fire place won’t keep the entire house warm but can help you save money by only heating the area you’re using while you reduce the temperature in the rest of the home. Purchasing a fire place is initially a bit pricey but will go on saving you money year after year. Indeed , it’s a valuable investment that can create a warm atmosphere during the winter season.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-946-9651 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com

How to Survive a Renovation in Windsor Ontario

Despair and misery are oftentimes the common emotions that surface when partners begin a home renovation project. She wants a cozy living space, similar to a cottage in the countryside while he wishes for a recreation room with futuristic furnishings. Both refuse to give in to the other.

A full-blown domestic disturbance can develop anywhere between the time that the building materials are delivered and the moment that the final wallpaper is in place in its destined location. Below are some tips that can help ease the brewing tension when partners decide to go for a major home renovation.

Tip # 1: You and your partner should agree what type of renovation is needed. Couples often fail to draw up a master plan before a major home renovation starts. Usually, they take it for granted that they know which areas around the house call for fixing up. Then, when the renovation is already underway, they discover that certain areas also require repair or remodeling; however, their money has already been used up for another renovation going on at another part of the home. This causes tension. So, to avoid this, the simplest thing to do is to take time to sit down, talk about, and agree as to what parts of the house need to be fixed or spruced up.

Tip # 2: You must never forget what is most important in your life. Can you really squander away a bond that you’ve forged with your better half over the color of the bathroom tiles, kitchen counters, or the bedroom walls? Some couples lose sight of the most important thing when they are so caught up with their crusade in home renovation. Always remember the most important thing whenever things begin to get out of hand and tempers are running short. Never sacrifice the relationship because you and your spouse cannot agree on whether to use granite or Formica for the new kitchen countertops.

Tip # 3: Never forget that you and your better half must work as a team. Never, ever argue in front of the home renovation contractors. Because of this, the people you hire to renovate your home might lose their respect for both of you; as a result, they might give you substandard results since they figure that you would not mind anyway since you are both busy taking each other down. Always remember that you and your spouse are in this together. Show those around you that you and your spouse support each other, that way, you will earn their respect.

If you require assistance in crafting your plan for the upcoming renovation, we will be glad to assist you, just ask us.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Epoxy Floor Paint- Why Is It a Better Flooring Option For Basements in Windsor?

Basement flooring has always raised great concern in the minds of homeowners considering home improvement and renovation. One can alter anything in their home with ease but not the concrete surfaces in your basement.Not only has changing the surface been difficult but also it has been quite expensive as well. The traditional surfacing options like the granite, marble, slate etc are very difficult to maintain, while ceramic tile is somewhat difficult to install.
So such things gave rise to a new concept of flooring. It was thought that something should be developed that could alter floors just like we change wall paint colours.
The solution was epoxy floor coating paint. The epoxy resin paint completely changed the whole scene of basement improvements. Changing floors has now become exceptionally easy. You just have to apply the epoxy floor paint just like you paint your walls and you’ll see a completely transformed basement. Epoxy is a resin material that can be applied over the concrete flooring surfaces which after being dried, becomes extremely durable and gives an entirely new look to your basement or garage.
Epoxy floor paint is widely recommended due to the number of properties that it possesses. It’s easy to apply and maintain. You just have to apply it like you paint your wall. It’s resistant to water, dust, chemicals and grease, which makes it easy to maintain. Epoxy resin is a very affordable concrete flooring option. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to cover the concrete flooring as you would with traditional flooring options.
With epoxy floor paint you can alter the surfaces any time and in any way you want. The epoxy floor paint can be customized, to give it the desired durability and strength required, which makes epoxy floor paint a very nice option for home renovation. This concrete floor paint is highly durable and can withstand high pressure and weight. This property makes it ideal for concrete garage floors since it can bear the continuous movement of vehicles over it.
If you are considering home improvement and want to change the look of your basement or garage floors, but you aren’t the DIY type, but still want to save money, then you can simply hire professionals who are experienced with epoxy floor paint application. A professional can help you have the desired colors and textures using  epoxy floor paint.
They can also help you gain the customized durability with your epoxy garage flooring. Moreover the epoxy floor coating can be altered any time the homeowner desires. So if you are looking for more insight into whether epoxy floor covering would be the right choice for your home, write us at lakesidewindsor@gmail.com.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Should Your Windsor Bathtub Be Replaced?

Figuring out exactly at which point a bathtub needs to be replaced is the million-dollar question. Here, we’ll break down the basics of how frequently bathtubs should be replaced.
These days, while many people prefer to use stand-alone showers, they still want to keep the bathtubs in their houses. When it comes to the lifespan of bathtubs, unfortunately, there is no scientific or sure-fire way to know when it is absolutely time to replace a tub, and when you could get away with using it for a couple more months or years.
General Thinking
Usually, how much you use a tub will have a lot to do with how long you can keep it looking good. If, for example, you have a bathtub in a guest bathroom that’s seldom used, then that tub could theoretically last forever. But at the same time, if you have a bathtub that you use daily, then I would say you could probably expect to get about 10 to 12 years of use out of it. Unfortunately there is no exact answer as to when a bathtub should be replaced, generally speaking, it should be done once the paint and finish starts wearing thin. By the time a bathtub's finish has started wearing thin, and when it gets to the point where you can see that it is worn through the paint in certain areas, it is probably past time for you to replace it with a new tub.
Signs of Deterioration
You should also look for any sign of deterioration to determine whether your bathtub needs work. Anything like cracks or that sort of thing is a sign that you need to call in an expert for help.
Cost Comparison
Just because the paint is wearing down on a tub or it is starting to show signs of age does not necessarily mean you need to replace it entirely.
Many people out there specialize in bathtub repair and refinishing. With a lot of these refinishing techniques, they can actually make the tub look like new.
Additionally, you could even have the tile around your bathtub refinished by a professional rather than replace it. If you do decide to go this route, take into account that you will get nowhere near the life out of the job that you would with a replacement tub and/or tiles.
Whether you have a basic tub or hot tub, the above tips are suitable for use with all.
As always, if you have any problems or concerns that I may be able to help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Taps Causing You A Headache in Windsor?

Have you ever gone into your kitchen or bathroom to wash your hands, put the liquid soap on your hands and turned on the taps, only to find that nothing happens?

Many of us have and when you check the taps in another room only to find them to be working correctly you get that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, that this is not going to be good.

It dawns on you that there is a specific problem with your tap and that it needs to be fixed.

If you are not big on DIY, this can only ever mean one thing – it’s going to cost you money. The first port of call may be to look on the internet for a solution, or even to find out what course of action others have taken who suffered the same problem.

Usually, the upshot is that you need to take the inevitable step of picking up the phone directory and dialing the local plumber.

After deciding whether or not the problem warrants a same day call out charge, you arrange a suitable time.

The plumber arrives and you explain the problem, and he proceeds to investigate. After a little bit of tinkering your tap is miraculously fixed, all in about 10 minutes. For the privilege your plumber will relieve you of about the same cost as a full tank of fuel in your car. This is not to say that a plumber should not charge this amount for what is really a simple job. It is just worth noting that it may be useful and valuable to have a basic knowledge of how simple every-day items like taps actually work.

So, how do you go about finding out how your taps work? There are many options but perhaps one of the best comes from our modern friend, the internet. There are hundreds of websites out there offering help and advice to DIY enthusiasts so this is a great place to start. A word of warning here though, you must make absolutely sure you have fully understood the procedure before undertaking any kind of DIY, especially when it involves your water supply. The last thing you want to do is to create an even worse problem than the one you are trying to fix.

If you take your time, and take precautions, you should be fine. Make sure you turn off your main water supply if you are working on your taps. Failure to do so could result in you flooding your house.

Don’t let this put you off though. By carrying out a few simple tasks yourself over the course of a year you could save yourself hundreds of dollars. The next time something goes wrong with your taps, perhaps you’ll think twice before reaching for the phone book. Instead, get your tools out of the basement and try fixing the problem yourself. You’ll be glad you did, since you’ll be saving money and you will have learned a new DIY skill, which many of us would be proud of.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Today’s Kitchen in Windsor

Your kitchen is where you and your family spend a great deal of time and is most likely the heart of your home, where meals are cooked, homework is finished, and where your family enjoys spending time together. It’s often the place where friends, neighbors and family automatically gravitate, drawn by the aroma of food cooking and the warmth of the room. Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your house; shouldn't it be as beautiful and functional as possible?

There are many options for updating your kitchen, ranging from easily accomplished, bare-bones budget plans, to a full kitchen remodel. With a full remodel, you can do a nice job with a relatively small budget or go for a complete luxury kitchen remodel. When it comes to what is available to update and remodel your kitchen, the sky is the limit!

If you are going for the country look or the shabby chic look, add lots of baskets to put dry flowers, plants or fresh cut flowers in. Also load a basket up with fruit for a walk by snack. Going modern means lots of stainless steel, sleek racks and décor with clean lines.

Countertops can feature the beauty of natural materials such as granite and limestone. Butcher block and concrete are also popular materials. The same is true of flooring-in today's kitchens, durability does not mean sacrificing beauty. The selection of lighting is staggering and ranges from traditional ceiling lights, to track or recessed lighting to a chandelier. Perhaps you'll want to choose a combination fan and light for your kitchen ceiling.

Changing just the front of the cabinets with interior recessed lighting really updates the look. Consider too, changing out your appliances if need be. Another consideration is a hanging rack from the ceiling for utensils and pots. They add lots of interest to the kitchen and free up more cabinet space. Adding bead board or wainscoting gives the kitchen a nostalgic kind of feel. If you feel your kitchen is the way you want it but still not completely satisfied with the overall look, change the flooring! Go from vinyl to hardwood, for warm ambiance or go with stone for the cozy old world feel.

Your flooring should always reflect the theme of your kitchen. If the idea of being outside cooking is more your thing, consider installing an outdoor kitchen. A well-designed outdoor kitchen can also be an added bonus for your home with hours of fun for family and friends. No more indoor messes! The animals and kids can have a blast being loud!

To start, visit home improvement stores and wander the aisles, looking for ideas for your kitchen remodel. Leaf through kitchen magazines and study the ads and read the articles to familiarize yourself with what's available, including the many new products that are constantly being developed. Start to form ideas about what will and won't fit your budget. At this step, when you see all the possibilities for a new kitchen, you may decide to put a bit more into it than originally planned.

Begin your plans to update your kitchen today. Whether you decide to add a few small improvements or do a full-scale remodel, you'll never regret your commitment to creating the wonderful kitchen of your dreams.

Your kitchen is where you and your family spend a great deal of time. Your kitchen is most likely the heart of your home, where meals are cooked, homework is finished, and where your family enjoys spending time together. It is often the place where friends, neighbors and family automatically gravitate, drawn by the aroma of food cooking and the warmth of the room. Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your house; shouldn't it be as beautiful and functional as possible?

If you have any additional questions I can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Kitchen Renovations - Finding Your Perfect Colour Scheme in Windsor

Colours matter. That is an undeniable fact. A room's atmosphere can be pleasant and relaxing, or it can be cozy and invigorating, depending on the colour of the walls or the furniture. That's why, if you are planning to do a kitchen renovation and  you want to do a total make-over, then it would be nice to pick a fantastic colour for your kitchen that will uplift your mood. So here are some suggestions from our great kitchen renovation ideas compendium that will surely help you find the perfect colour for your kitchen.
If you want the more upbeat and happy colours, you can choose from the bright tints of red, yellow. Studies show that red could increase one's food appetite, yellow gives off a cheerful atmosphere. A deep red colour puts on a very romantic, serious ambiance but it's not really good to paint all the kitchen walls red since it quickens your pulse rate and has a tendency to induce feelings of anger or annoyance. A bright and sunny yellow is a playful colour and kids really like it. Fast-food restaurants usually use either a combination of these two colours or some tints of both to influence the costumers' mood and appetite.
And you could take a good shade of blue, if you want to achieve a calming ambiance and a classy, elegant look. Studies tell us that this colour is an appetite suppressant, which is why we often skip this colour in the food we prepare. But it could be a good colour for the kitchen if you use it to balance the very vigorous feeling that red and yellow exudes. It's very tricky to use in the kitchen, but when you select a good colour that would match this, it would look wonderful in your kitchen.
Brown is also a warm and homey colour, which emits a comfortable feeling because this colour is very natural. Old-style kitchens usually have brown colours for their cupboards, cabinets, tables and chairs. A perfect shade of yummy brown increases your appetite, so it would be great in the dining room, and it would be nice for your kitchen. If you combine it with colours like blue or pink you would achieve a modern yet classy kitchen look.
White probably is the favorite kitchen colour because of its clean look. If you want a more contemporary look, you could take white and combine it with another clean color such as black, or pair it up with some glossy or metallic color. It provides for a futuristic and modern atmosphere in your kitchen. There's also the colour purple, which is very chic and elegant, and would be a good addition to the white and black colour scheme. However, it's also tricky to use purple in the kitchen. So instead of a white-black-purple kitchen, it is easier to have white and peach. Peach is bright and relaxing, and cozy, which is why it is a very popular colour for the kitchens. A white and peach colour combination would give a clean and comfy atmosphere.
It would be better to avoid a monochromatic colour palette so that your kitchen won't look too boring. You can mix and match any of these colours, or you could take one colour from these suggestions and combine it with your favorite color. Don't be afraid to show your personality when trying to find a good colour for your kitchen. You can have a bold and daring colour scheme, or you can choose a serene and calming one. It's your kitchen, so it's you and your choice that matters, even if you do consult a designer.
Just a little reminder from our collection of kitchen renovations ideas - make sure that your lighting goes well with your kitchen colour scheme so you will have a wonderful kitchen that will be the subject of people's admiration.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com

Discover The Amazing Benefits Of Solid Wood Flooring for you Windsor home

Solid wood flooring enhances the aesthetic quality and appeal of your home.  In fact, it can easily increase the value of your home substantially.  No one can deny that wood flooring evokes a unique sophistication that easily blends into any type of home decor and furnishing.  In other words, wood is a perfect flooring option for your home.  It is stylish and offers numerous advantages for every homeowner.  And the most amazing thing is that solid wood could last for hundreds of years as long as you take good care of it.   


There are several benefits that you can enjoy from solid wood flooring.  First of all, hardwood is a highly versatile flooring material.  It can match any type of home decor and furniture.  It can provide a special accent to your home furnishing whether contemporary or classic.  The timeless appeal of wooden floor provides warmth, neutrality, and soothing elegance.  These qualities will give you flexibility in decorating and redecorating a room.  Most interior designers love homes with solid wood floors.  That’s because the material gives them enough opportunity to unleash their creative talents.

You too can have an easier time furnishing your home if you have wood floors.  

The incredible strength of solid wood flooring is simply amazing.  This is one of the biggest benefits of solid wood.  With proper maintenance and care, your floor could last for generations.  Wood floors also age well and will always look elegant as if they are new.

The good part is that the technology in preserving wood is far superior nowadays.  You can easily find waterproof hardwood.  Before the materials are released to the market, wood producers apply state of the art treatments to make the floor boards extremely durable and longer lasting.  Because of their proven durability, wooden floors can provide good savings for you.  It is true that wood is expensive. But you can get the full value of your investment because of its proven longevity and durability.

This might surprise you, but did you know that solid wood flooring is easier to maintain?  It actually requires a minimum of care and maintenance.  All you need to do is to follow the recommended maintenance procedures approved by the manufacturer.

As the years pass by, the tone and grain of wooden floors will improve.  This will make your home more elegant and sophisticated.  And in the event of accidental scratching, there are many effective treatment solutions that can restore the original beauty of your floors.  

Lastly, wooden floors promote a healthy home environment.  There are so many homeowners today who are struggling with allergies, respiratory problems, and mite control simply because they have carpeted floors.  With solid hardwood floors, all these problems can be eliminated.  You will not have to contend with fibers, allergens, and bacterial or parasite accumulation on the floors.  You can easily sanitize wooden floors and keep them clean for longer periods.  So if you want to make your home healthier and child friendly, then your best option is solid wood flooring.


This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor, Kitchener & Barrie Ontario
In Windsor, call 226-787-5835 or,
lakesidewindsor@gmail.com
lakesidebarrie@gmail.com
lakesidekitchener@gmail.com