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Think you are having pressure issues at your faucet?

Design/build firm general contractor dream kitchen and bath Benicia, CA 94510

Frequently what is perceived as a lack of pressure is really a reduction in volume.  This is an important distinction.  Pressure will be consistent through out your plumbing system and is rarely low through out the house.  This can be easily tested with an inexpensive gauge form your hardware store, sold usually near sprinkler system parts.  Testing is done by screwing the gauge onto a hose bib (normal pressure will be between 55 and 75 psi.). On the other hand low volume can be specific to an individual plumbing fixture or through out the entire plumbing system. If both hot and cold water are affected in only some of the faucets, probably the aerator is congested with rust and corrosion. The aerator is located on the end of the faucet spout to introduce air into the water as it come out of the faucet. On newer faucets, it also restricts the water flow. You should be able to remove the aerator by hand. Disassemble all the parts, being especially careful to lay the parts out in the order they are removed. Clean the rust or corrosion from each part and reassemble in exact order. If that doesn’t work, the problem may be in the faucet or the plumbing system and you should call a plumber, or call us. We can contact our plumbers who we know and trust. Source: http://kennedyplumbing.com/tips.htm#Low_Water_Pressure

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Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips

Design/build firm general contractor dream kitchen and bath Benicia, CA 94510

Installing a hardwood floor is an elegant and classy choice. Hardwood floors have a way of enhancing the look of any room in a way that most other floors cannot do. However, having a hardwood floor means doing proper maintenance and care for it. Otherwise, overtime it will start showing its age. The following are some tips to retain the looks only a hardwood floor can give. The first basic tip to keep in mind is that the floor should be kept as clean as possible at all times. Dust and dirt particles remaining on the wood is a sure way to slowly destroy the surface of a hardwood floor. This is because dirt can scratch the polished exterior of the floor as a result of foot traffic. The best way to clean up dust and dirt is by using a fine broom. If possible do not use a wheeled vacuum cleaner. This is because the wheels of the vacuum cleaner can scratch the wood. Sweep the floors at least every alternative day. When vacuuming, it is important to use a soft vacuum brush. Vacuuming should be done once a week sumo wrestling suits for sale. The next tip has more to do with preventing damage to the floor. This involves using synthetic mats at the entrance point of the house. This is an excellent way to collect any residual dirt from people’s shoes. There is a wide choice of mats available today and finding one that suits the interiors of

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9 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof

Design/build firm general contractor dream kitchen and bath Benicia, CA 94510

If you have done any home improvement projects in the past several years, you know the costs are very high. Projects which you might consider small (power washing, tree removals or pumping you septic system) are not cheep. You can find yourself spending hundreds and often thousands of dollars. Larger projects like roof replacement are substantially more expensive and most of us don’t want to replace the roof before it really needs to be done. That said, there are several questions that need to be answered before a decision can be made, when a roof should be replaced, when is it necessary to remove the existing roofing and what type of shingles should be installed. These are important factors that that will have a dramatic affect on the cost of roof replacement. The first thing you need to decide is if it is time to install a new roof. Most asphalt roofs have a life expectancy of 20 years. Newer shingles are touted to last as long as 40 years but history has shown that it has not been the case. While technology has improved, roofing materials and the shingles manufactured today may last longer than 20 years, but 20 years is a good rule of thumb. If there are signs of aging like leaks, loose granular particles, lifting or curling shingles and you roof is around 20 years old, it’s most likely getting near the time to replace it. These are all signs that it is time to call

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Television service: How to choose among cable, satellite, and telco TV services

Design/build firm general contractor dream kitchen and bath Benicia, CA 94510

Even if you’re not in the market for a new TV, you might be wondering whether it’s time to change your TV service. Ads from cable, satellite, and phone companies promising more HD programming, improved picture quality, easy recording, and more could tempt you to upgrade your package or switch providers. Many TV-service providers boast of offering 100 to 150 HD channels, up from barely 20 channels a year or two ago. There’s no agreement on what constitutes a high-definition “channel,” so it’s hard to compare claims. Some providers classify each regional sports network feed as a channel, for example. It’s safe to say that all service providers have been adding more HD channels to remain competitive, but you’ll have to check to see what’s available in your market. The surge in HD is being driven largely by competition. As Verizon, AT&T, and others roll out fiber-optic networks that can handle TV, voice calls, and Internet access, more consumers have a choice of service providers. The telcos, as the phone companies are called, are expanding fast. Verizon was the top-scoring TV service provider of any type in a recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. Price, shop & save on cable/satellite plans If you want to sign up for HD or change providers, consider the following: Determine what’s available Cable is accessible in most parts of the country except for some rural regions. About 98 percent of markets are served by a single cable company, so you probably

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Are You Thinking About Doing Your OWN Electrical Work? Not a Good Idea.

Design/build firm general contractor dream kitchen and bath Benicia, CA 94510

You need to check with your local community to determine their regulations when it comes to doing your own work. Most local governments will require you to have a permit to do any electrical work. Although it is not recommended, if your local government allows it and if you are qualified and know the proper safety precautions, you can perform your own electrical work. Anyone performing the work must do it in compliance with the National Electric Code. When you sell the building most municipalities will require an inspection letter from a licensed electrical contractor. If you do the work without meeting the local requirements, you could be taking on the electrical no permit liability. Before you attempt any electrical work, remember that about 1,000 people die every year from electrocution. Source: www.rlelectric.net

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Quick Tips on Clogs

Design/build firm general contractor dream kitchen and bath Benicia, CA 94510

Clogs are one of the most common homeowner problems. They are not only an annoyance, but can also lead to overflows and water damage. Keep your drains clog-free by implementing these easy preventative practices. Never flush sanitary napkins, baby wipes, or very thick toilet paper down the toilet. These can expand or get caught on corroding pipes and cause clogs. Instead, dispose of them in bio-degradable bags, such as the ones produced by Golden Group International. This not only prevents clogs but also is an eco-friendly way to dispose of soiled sanitary products. Do not use liquid cleaning supplies meant to clear clogs. These cleaners can damage pipes. Rather, try using a plumbing snake or plunger. Utilize strainers to catch hair in showers and tubs. Never put fat, grease, or cooking oils down the drain. These fats solidify in cold pipes and cause clogs. To dispose, put it in a Tupperware and leave it on your counter until it solidifies. Then dispose of it in a compost bin for garbage collection. Source: http://www.elocalplumbers..

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How to Remodel Your Bathroom for Senior Living

Americans are living longer — the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the average life expectancy was 78 as of 2009. Many older people want to stay in their homes as long as possible, but adjustments are often are needed to allow them to “age in place.” You can make some key changes in your bathroom to make sure it is safe and easily accessible as the years go on. Instructions 1 Remodel the bath/shower area with a walk-in shower or a tub with a seat; some models are accessible for wheelchairs or walkers. Choose a model with a nonskid surface on the floor and the seat. Include a fixed showerhead, plus a handheld shower with an adjustable height, recommends the National Aging in Place Council. 2 Install a senior-friendly toilet. Sometimes called chair-height toilets, these fixtures make it easier to get up and down. 3 Place grab bars in key locations. Install at least one handrail next to the toilet to provide additional leverage when pulling yourself back to a standing position. Include grab bars in the shower/tub area to provide safety while getting in and out inflatable abominable snowman. 4 Lower the bathroom sink to provide easier access. Include knee clearance under the sink for wheelchair users. 5 Enlarge all doors into the bathroom so a senior with a walker or wheelchair can pass through easily. Remove thresholds to eliminate tripping hazards. Source: eHow Contributor| updated October 05, 2011 http://www.ehow.com/how_2141939_remodel-bathroom-safe-seniors.html  

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Home Maintenance Checklist

Below are just a few of the preventative maintenance services that should be done on a regular basis. The homeowner can also take part in protecting their greatest investment. MONTHLY Fire Extinguisher: Check that it’s fully charged; recharge or replace if needed. Sink/Tub Stoppers and Drain Holes: Clean out debris. Garbage Disposal: Flush with hot water and baking soda. Water Softener: Check water softener salt drum and replinish salt if necessary. Forced-Air Heating System: Change filters once a month if user’s manual inflatable sumo wrestling suits recommends fiberglass filters. EVERY 2 MONTHS Wall Furnace: Clean grills. Range Hood: Clean grease filter. EVERY 3 MONTHS Faucet: Clean aerator. Tub Drain Assembly: Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if needed. Floor and Outdoor Drain Grates: Clean out debris. EVERY 6 MONTHS Smoke Detector: Test batteries and replace if needed. Toilet: Check for leaks and water run-on. Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating. Forced-Air Heating System: Change semi-annually if user’s manual recommends high efficiency pleated or HEPA-style filters. Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners. Clothes Washer: Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking. Clothes Dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas. Wiring: Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed. Range Hood: Wash fan blades and housing. EVERY SPRING Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed. Gutters and Downspouts: Clean them out or install no-clean version. Inspect and

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Preparation For Remodeling

What to Expect During Your Kitchen or Bath Remodel To help ensure quality work, Cook’s Kitchen and Bath, Inc. offers the following helpful tips.You will not have use of your kitchen for at least two weeks. Usually a total of six from start to finish of construction is necessary and depending on client selection.Plan on eating out or BBQ, toaster/microwave.Set up a table in another part of your home for such things as cereal, coffeepot, toaster, etc. Use paper plates, bowls, cups, plastic silverware and paper towels to get you through buy commercial jumping castle. Your refrigerator will still be available but not like you are used to using to using it. It may be relocated to the garage or nearby room.There will be a lot of dust. We will do our best to keep the area closed-off (i.e. tenting) but dust tends to permeate throughout the house. Plan on removing everything from your cabinets prior to demolition. We will give you advance notice of when this will need to be completed (give yourself several days to do this). Put your dishes, pots, pans, etc. into boxes. Organize items by those you won’t need at all vs. those you may want to access. You may want to get the plastic containers with lids for your food items and don’t “stock up on food” before the remodel. It is easier not to have to pack them up.If you work out of your home plan on either working at the office, or at another

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10 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Remodeler

The Homeowner: Doesn’t bother to check the remodeling or building contractor’s license status at all, if just to verify that he/she has one and that it is in good standing. Checking the license is a necessary formality but it does not guarantee a favorable outcome. (Not all States require licensing) Assumes that just because a building contractor is licensed in his/her state that they will be ethical, will abide by the contractors laws in their state and perform quality work that meets industry standards. Many homeowners stop here without doing further background checks on the contractor. Doesn’t thoroughly interview the contractor, asking key questions about job performance, employees or subcontractors and material suppliers he uses, projects he has done similar to yours and how he handles problems when they come up – because they will come up. Has an uncomfortable “gut” feeling about the contractor but ignores it and hires him/her anyways because they want to get going with their project.Does not verify if the contractor maintains a permanent physical business address – not a PO Box or Postal Annex type address with a suite number – a mailing address, published phone number, fax, and cell phone or voice messaging system. Does not verify if the contractor maintains a permanent physical business address – not a PO Box or Postal Annex type address with a suite number – a mailing address, published phone number, fax, and cell phone or voice messaging system. Doesn’t verify that the contractor has all the

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WHAT WE DO

Cook’s Kitchen and Bath, Inc. is a design / build firm; specializing in start to finish residential remodeling. As a general contractor (CSLB # 835584), our goal is to create the kitchen and bath of your dreams. “We take the guesswork out of remodeling, guaranteed.”

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Contact us

  • Cooks Kitchen and Bath Showroom
    701 Southampton Road, Suite 105
    Benicia, CA 94510
  •   707-342-2820
  • [email protected]

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