6 Tips on How to Improve Your Garage

Your home is a reflection of your personality. You take care of it, and you work hard to make sure that everything in it is always clean. And one way to ensure that your space stays organized and clutter-free is by routinely cleaning every corner of the house, including the garage. The garage may not be as crucial as other rooms in your home. But it does serve as an extension of the living room, bedroom, hallway, or kitchen. So if you want to give your visitors or guests the impression that you are super meticulous about the cleanliness of all areas in your home, then insist on having this particular room neat at all times.

Here's how to do that.

1. Remodel Your Garage With Cabinets

If your garage is filled with many items that you do not use anymore, then there's a high possibility that you have already searched for options on how to make this room more functional. One of the best ways to optimize space in this outdoor area is by investing in cabinets and other organizational tools. You can check out this website where you can get more information about different types of garage cabinets. If possible, ask others who have installed storage systems for their recommendations because finding inspiration would be the first thing you should do when revamping your garage. According to the function, several online videos can provide ideas about how these tools should be placed and attached to the wall. Garage flooring is an often overlooked aspect of garage design, but it can make a huge difference in both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space. Installing high-quality garage flooring can enhance the durability of your floors, protect against oil and chemical spills, and add a polished and professional look to your garage. Consider exploring various garage flooring ideas to find the perfect fit for your needs and style preferences, because investing in your garage flooring can is a great way to improve the overall value and functionality of your garage.

2. Declutter The Garage

Before you even think of painting the walls, cleaning the floor, or hanging stuff on the wall, take out all unnecessary items from your garage. If you have a car in there, chances are things attached to it that need to be removed. Once everything has been removed from the room, start throwing away unwanted junk pieces. Do not keep broken furniture or appliances in this space when you already know they won't work anymore and only serve as a reminder of your unsuccessful DIY projects and previous owner-failures.

3. Sort Through All Significant Items

Put similar objects together to be easier for you to clean and arrange the items you want to keep. For example, store your gardening tools in one corner while hanging sports equipment on another area of the wall. Organize your stuff according to size or use color coding (if possible) so it will be easier for you to identify what belongs where. Not only by sight but also when you are in a hurry or just trying to find something specific that has been misplaced.

4. Make Optimum Use of Vertical Space

There is a possibility that some of your stuff, like brooms and shovels, will not fit in their designated corner. This would be the time to double up on these items while using all available spaces on the wall. Hanging objects vertically will also help maintain a clean garage, especially if there is no way they can be neatly arranged horizontally. Whether you are using the traditional wooden cabinets or modern-day racks, they will do great to hold your things.

5. Use Garage Corners Wisely

Some people turn this area into a junk pile or an extension of the tool shed. If you want to make your garage look polished from all angles, then place a table in one corner with a couple of chairs around it. It will be used for drinking coffee while planning out your activities for the day or just relaxing. Indeed, high shelves can hardly be used in this part of the house because most people cannot reach them, but it does not also mean that this area should serve as a storage space for your old stuff. Decorate garage corners by hanging potted plants there so they will appear more inviting and cozy even when you are strolling inside an empty room.

6. Use Garage Walls as Gallery

If you are so creative and have so much time on your hands, then go ahead and create a gallery wall in your garage. This can be very timely because there are instances when people do not have enough items to fill every inch of the room's surface with things they want to show off. However, if there is still space left after arranging all your things according to size or category, it would be best to use this area to showcase stunning pieces of art that you made yourself.

By following the tips mentioned above, you will indeed be inspired to create a garage that is more than just an extension of your home. It can serve as an additional living space for your family, or if not for you, then for anyone who wants to fix their car there. In addition, you'll be able to increase the overall value of your home if you should ever decide to sell it because getting rid of clutter is one way to make a place look bigger and more spacious.

8 Projects Beginner Flippers Shouldn’t DIY

Home improvement has the potential to be fun, affordable, and extremely rewarding. But that doesn’t mean every DIY project is worth attempting. In fact, a recent report suggests that 4 in 10 Americans suffer from more DIY fails than successes, and that it takes an average of 5 hours of trial and error before calling in the professionals.

The bathroom is the most common room of the house to suffer at the hands of inexperienced DIY-ers, followed closely by the kitchen and yard. Even though the idea of hauling out your drill and cutting some home improvement costs is tempting, it’s important to remember that some tasks are simply best left to the professionals. 

It doesn’t mean you can never go for DIY projects that are within your range of expertise. It just means knowing when to hand the baton over to an experienced contractor. 

Here are eight DIY projects that beginners (and most intermediates) should never try. 

1.     Electrical Installation 

Aside from the odd light bulb change, almost all electrical installations should be reserved exclusively for professional electricians. The dangers surrounding electrical installations are vast and recurrent, making this form of DIY a very unsafe process to execute, no matter how confident you feel. 

Whether you want to install a new light fixture, replace your electrical panel, or perform a demolition of electrical components, these are all jobs that you should never attempt alone. 

The US Electrical Safety Foundation found that improperly handled electricity is annually responsible for 400 deaths, 4,000 injuries, and up to $1.6 billion in damages to property. So, next time you catch yourself gazing wistfully at the electrical box, promptly identify a good distraction. 

2.     Window Replacement 

Window replacements are tricky to execute because of how precise every component needs to be. Even the tiniest crack or mismeasurement around the walls, framing, and window in question can result in long-term water leaks and mold damage. 

Even though window installation may seem like a straightforward job, it’s the kind of project that requires a meticulous, experienced hand. 

Furthermore, any damage repair needed will not be cheap. And you may wind up spending more money fixing damages than it would have cost for a contractor to do a proper job the first time around. 

3.     Wall Removal 

The demolition or removal of a wall is a highly ambitious home improvement project that amateur DIY-ers should steer well clear of. This is due to the fact that only a professional will be able to tell whether or not a wall is load-bearing, meaning it is an integral support structure of the house. 

If you attempt to remove a wall without having performed the proper load-bearing analysis procedure, you could place yourself, your home, and everyone in it at risk. Having your ceiling cave in is not worth the time or energy it takes to attempt this project. Rather, get a professional to do the work for you. 

4.     Removing Chipped Paint 

Removing old paint from a wall might seem like child’s play. But in reality, it can result in serious health consequencesif you’re not careful. Buildings erected before 1978 (yes, even if they have been remodeled), are likely to contain lead-based paint, which is extremely toxic to humans. 

If you just decide to go for it and strip away the newer layers of paint, you could uncover the lead-based paint chips which lay beneath. In doing so, you put yourself at risk for lead poisoning, which can cause anemia, brain damage, and kidney damage. 

5.     Roof Leak Repair

 Your roof is an integral part of your house, and tampering with it when you don’t have professional experience can cause a lot of damage—while costing you an arm and a leg. If your roof has a leak, doing a simple patch-up job might seem like the best option. But in reality, it’s far more complicated than that.

To repair a roof leak, you have to identify the weak spot and replace the individual shingles (or other roof components) without causing more damage to the surface. A solid roof job should last anywhere between 13-18 years, but amateur repairs could just mean more problems in the long run. 

6.     Painting Kitchen Cabinets 

When it comes to painting the kitchen cabinets, choosing the perfect color is the least of your concerns. The job may seem simple, but there is far more to it than taking a foam roller and applying the latest shade of periwinkle. 

Particularly if the kitchen itself is old, there is likely to be a thick build-up of grease, finger oils, and cooking stains embedded in the surface of the wood. This means that an extensive preparation process is needed before fresh paint can go anywhere near the cabinets. Failing to prep the surfaces properly can lead to flaking paint, bubbles, and unsightly, hard to hide streaks.

7.     Repairing Drywall

If you think you’ve got what it takes to repair broken drywall, think again. This brittle material is finicky enough to deal with when it’s new. But there is so much more to repairing old drywall than what meets the eye. Even a small crack can reveal a huge issue with the joints or fastenings, and a simple patch job can cause more issues in the not-too-distant future.

Whether you are installing, repairing, or removing drywall in your home, there is a substantial amount of expertise needed to accomplish the job properly. Rather, get a quote or estimate from a professional and work the job into your budget than trying to tackle it yourself. 

8.     Adding A Skylight 

Adding a skylight to your ceiling might sound like a whimsical, fun DIY home project. However, the reality of the installation process is far more complex than what you might like to believe. 

The main challenge is around the installation, which is especially tricky when mounting onto a ceiling. The potential for gaps and leakage points becomes even greater with a skylight than with a normal wall window—which, as we’ve already covered, comes with its own set of troubles. 

Wrapping Up

When it comes down to it, just about any major infrastructure repair or installation to your home is best left to the pros. But don’t let that stop you from experimenting with some lower-stakes projects!

Guest Contributor: Nina Sharpe

My Taco in Frankfort

Are you looking for a new local taco place with flavorful, authentic tacos? My Taco, located at 7940 Lincoln Highway, Frankfort IL 60423 is the place to go. Our plumbers love stopping here for a quick bite in between jobs. They have a great variety of food to choose from, and great prices. The workers make it even better, they are very nice and always helpful. This place will definitely become a favorite for you, hands down.

Noteworthy food:

• Guacamole

• Tamales

• Steak Taco

• Salsa

“This authentic taco place is not one you want to pass up ! I got a chicken taco , el pastor taco , and guacamole and all were fantastic ! The prices are fair and the workers are friendly ! We did ours to go and it made for a great taco night” - Paige N. via Yelp.com

“I've had many steak tacos in the area. By far My Taco has the best steak tacos, the tamales are excellent too! Friendly people and great service.” - Kelly G. via Yelp.com

“I woke up this morning and had such a taste for Mexican food. Unfortunately for me there really aren't any great Mexican restaurants. I'm talking about authentic Mexican food, not Americanized Mexican food. Well, oh my gosh I think I found my new Mexican restaurant. This place is fantastic! The owner and workers are pleasant and professional. My wife and I had 4 different tacos and a tamale. All were absolutely delicious! It's a little ride from where I live but it is definitely worth the trip. Please patronize this place because they definitely deserve it! Thank you!” - Nick M. via Yelp.com

Photo source: Yelp.com

Eggsperts Cafe in Orland Park

If you haven’t been to Eggsperts Cafe by now… You’re totally missing out. Located at 9218 W 159th St, Orland Park IL 60462, you won’t be disappointed. We recently did an episode of Blue Collar Eats on this restaurant, where Kevin himself, with the help of his buddy Gerald, they did a huge taste test and gave their honest review of this place. They source their ingredients from local farms, so the quality of the food is never compromised. This place isn’t some average pancake house with the very few selection of pancakes, this restaurant takes it to a new level. They have a wide selection of pancakes, such as Oreo Red Velvet, Taffy Apple, Banana Pecan, Pancake Tacos, German Pancake, Baked Apple Pancake, etc. You won’t regret coming here to see the other things they offer!

Noteworthy food:

• Breakfast Pizza

• Pancake Tacos

• Oreo Red Velvet Pancakes

• Steak Skillet

“Eggspert's offers a mix of classic and unique breakfast items with a full barista station and smoothie bar. Hubby and I are huge fans of the baked apple cinnamon pancake and their breakfast egg rolls (and that dipping sauce!!)!! The breakfast burrito is HUGE and soo good. It's served with your choice of classic, cheddar bacon or parmesan garlic hash browns. Talk about DEELISH! We ordered a breakfast pizza to share, and it was truly the star of our table. The cinnamon rolls pancakes look yummy--- hoping to try those next time! Oh--- and that churro waffle!!” - Sana H. via Yelp.com

“Great food options! From the steak breakfast rolls to the churros french toast- I would highly recommend this cafe. Theres Something here for everyone! The food was great! Very nice atmosphere.” - Wendy B. via Yelp.com

“I would have to say there really isn't anything wrong with this business from the food coming out hot and prepared good up to the place being very clean and abiding by all the new covid rules we have now.

We went and tried a few things it was very well priced. We went with the breakfast eggrolls which were very good and came with a good portion size. The breakfast tacos not what you think they are pancakes wrapped up and tasted amazing and really fresh fruit inside! The hashbrowns covered in bacon and cheese are amazing id suggest those without a doubt.

Last but not least the breakfast pizza get one they are so so good about 20 minutes for it to be done they are beyond worth it and again priced great for what you get. I would highly suggest this place. The owner/manager was very nice came around and really just made us feel at home hanging out talking.” - Sean L. via Yelp.com

Tandoori House in Tinley Park

Are you looking for a new Indian restaurant to try? Look no further than Tandoori House in Tinley Park! Located at 7982 167th St. Tinley Park IL 60477, this is one of the best Indian cuisines around. They have a variety for everyone, even those with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, gluten-free or vegan. They have freshly baked tandoori bread, curry, tandoori style meat and vegetables and to top off the meal, traditional Indian deserts. These four brothers created a menu full of rich, flavorful, traditional Indian food, and it’s a must try.

Noteworthy food:

• Chicken Tikka Masala

• Saag Paneer

• Garlic Naan

• Chicken Biryani

“Indian food is my favorite and this place is seriously some of the best Indian food I've had! I got my family to try Indian food for the first time and they wanted it twice in one week after trying Tandoori House lol
The paneer tikka masala and shrimp masala are delicious- amazing flavor!
I'm so impressed with this place and so glad to have a gem like this in the south suburbs!”- Kate Z. via Yelp.com

“All I can say is WOW! Now this being my 4th/5th getting food from here you would think I would be upset about something or have something to complain about. Nope! The food here is extremely consistent and delicious. If you are interested in trying Indian Cuisine I would suggest this place in a heartbeat.” - Ryan M. via Yelp.com

"Tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala and goat biryani is to die for. Authentic Indian taste and they know how to use the right amount of spices. Chicken is always extremely tender and flavorful.
Staff is very courteous and always greet you with a big smile.
If you want authentic tasty Indian food in the area then this is your spot!” - Julian C. via yelp.com

Photo source: Yelp.com

What To Look For Before Hiring Any Electrician

Guest Contributor: gainesville-electricians.com

Fratello's Deli & Café in Tinley Park

Craving to go to a new deli but don’t know where to go? Our plumbers love to stop at Fratello’s located at 7101 West 183rd St, Tinley Park, IL 60487! They are committed to sustainability and running a “green business”, meaning they use only the freshest and all natural herbs, spices, vegetables and proteins! They offer gourmet coffee, teas, meals and sandwiches! They have delicious dishes that can be found all over Italy, but their menu is expanding and includes hundreds of other dishes. Marco Caso and Adriano Martino are the owners, and have been cooking together for over 30 years. “Fratello’s” actually means brothers! These fratello’s are determined to prepare the tastiest dishes for everyone to enjoy.

Noteworthy food:

• Jam Burger

• Homemade Alfredo Sauce

• Chicken Salad Sandwich

“This place has something for everyone. Their home made soups are so delicious, as well as every sandwich, salad, and wrap I've tried! They use the freshest ingredients and you can tell. We have also picked up large trays of home made spinach and sausage lasagna that is amazing and keeps well in the freezer to enjoy whenever you get a craving. Every time I pick up food there there are busy with phone orders and people dining in, yet they are quick and efficient. I recommend this place to all my family and friends. It's a must try!!” - Haley D. via Yelp.com

“Great little Italian deli, everything has been really good. Beef sandwich is loaded, chicken parm is really good, and so are there deli sandwiches.” - Joel J. via Yelp.com

“The aroma as you walk in says it all. I didn't have an Italian Grandma, but if I had, this is exactly how I imagine her kitchen would have smelled. Whether dining in, carrying out, choosing from the deli or take-home sauces and pastas, or catering for a crowd, you cannot go wrong at Fratelllo's.” - Pamela K. via Yelp.com

Photo source: Yelp.com

5 Common Water Heater Problems to be dealt by Professionals

Whenever your water heater gets disrupted, most of the chores come to a standstill. Washing clothes, showering, cleaning dishes, bathing, and other minuscule tasks become cumbersome. Being the most commonly used electric appliance, your water heater needs regular maintenance. This doesn’t infer that you will stop confronting water heater problems. It will occur, but it might happen very rarely. There are some reliable water heater brands whose problems can easily be resolved by professionals, whereas some call for the entire water heater replacement. So before buying you should always go for the brand who have brand value, great customer support etc. For more such factors visit Stephenkale. 

Below are some common water heater problems that you may experience from time to time. All that is required on your part is to respond promptly and troubleshoot the problem by calling the professionals. 

Inadequate Or No Hot Water 

If your water heater is producing no or very minimal hot water, this can be quite frustrating. The reason behind this issue can be poor functioning of the water heater’s thermostat. Secondly, inadequate production of hot water can arise due to the small size of the water heater. 

To overcome this problem, you can check if the pilot light is on or not. If it is not working, you need to contact an expert. Else, you can even consider installing a tankless water heater. Though it carries a pretty hefty price tag, however, they are undoubtedly worth the money spent. 

Colored and Smelly Water 

Sometimes you may experience colored and smelly hot water. The colored water implies that water is rusting and corroding. This can be rectified if you replace your anode rod which prevents rust from collecting. 

The smelly hot water can be due to the accumulation of bacteria which exudes a rotten egg-type smell. You can overcome this problem by flushing the tank and filling it with a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide and allowing it to sit in the tank for two hours. After that flush it with clean water. In case this doesn’t work, you can call a professional or get your water heater replaced. 

Noisy Water Heater 

Does your water heater make a strange noise? If yes, this indicates a major issue in your water heater. The eruption of noise can be due to the accumulation of sediment in the tank. If the heating element is burning the sediment, this can even worsen the situation. Secondly, it can also arise due to excess building of scale. 

Sometimes, it could be resolved through the DIY process if you identify the noise early. However, if the heating element has failed, you need to immediately call the expert and get your water heater repaired. 

Water Is Too Hot Or Too Cold 

Experiencing too hot or too cold water is yet another common water heater problem that you can confront. Usually, this occurs if the thermostat is set too high or too low. To get this corrected yourself, you can adjust the thermostat to the position of the desired temperature. If you end up failing in this, there can be a fault in the thermostat or large sediment build up in the tank. 

To get rid of this situation, you can try draining the water heater, cleaning it, and then filling it with new water. If this too doesn’t work, it’s high time to call a licensed plumbing professional. 

Leaking Water Tank 

If you notice a leaking water tank, don’t ignore it and get it replaced as soon as possible. There can be a multitude of reasons for water leakage. It can be due to a broken drain valve, a high-pressure build-up in the tank, corrosion, condensation, and rust. Some people think to resolve the problem by applying the tape. However, this is not a recommended solution. 

To prevent the tank from bursting, it is quintessential to immediately call a professional. After proper assessment and diagnosis, he will fix the problem. 

Bottom Line 

As long as the water heater is functioning well, it is one of the most neglected electric appliances of the home. Once it stops working, it becomes a major cause of concern as most of the household errands come to a halt. Upon closer inspection, it is apparent that the aforementioned water heater problems can arise anytime. To ensure the long life span of your water heater, carry out its regular maintenance. If any major problem arises, prefer calling a proficient plumbing expert who after carefully diagnosing the issue, troubleshoot it. 

Are Self Cleaning Water Heaters Worth It?

Water heaters require proper care and maintenance. Many people being busy in the daily rut of life don't find time maintaining their water heaters. As a result, they end up facing a myriad of water heater problems. For such people, technology has brought a self-cleaning water heater that doesn’t require much effort on the part of the user. They function effectively, save time and money, and conserve valuable energy resources. 

How Self-Cleaning Water Heaters Work? 

Powered by electricity or gas, every self-cleaning water heater is designed and built to function in the same manner. As you know with the passage of time, water-sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. This sediment even accumulates in the heating element thus causing a problem in the functioning of the water heater. 

The self-cleaning water heater automatically circulates the water to reduce the sediment build-up. It is equipped with a fitting on a curved dip tube that swirls the water at the bottom of the tank. This stirs the sediments in the water that come out through a hot water outlet whenever you use hot water. 

Here are some components of self-cleaning water heaters that ensure its effective functioning. 

• Self-cleaning system 

• Drain Valve 

• Anode Rod 

• Heat Trap Nipples 

Why Self-Cleaning water heaters worth the money spent? 

Before buying a self-cleaning water heater model, you need to consider whether it is worth your money spent. If yes, then how? 

Energy-Efficient 

Though the self-cleaning water heaters are valued at a hefty price tag as compared to standard water heaters, however, this cost is worth the benefits it offers. Such water heaters are highly energy-efficient and lead to greater energy savings. In addition to this, you don’t need to indulge in flushing the water heater as you used to do in standard models. 

Effectiveness 

Earlier, you have to clean the water heater after 6 months-1 year approximately. Once you invest in a self-cleaning water heater, you might not have to indulge in the cleaning process as these water heaters automatically circulate the water to reduce the sediment build-up. In the extreme case, the cleaning requires to be done after 3 years. 

Some arguments against self-cleaning water heaters 

• Self-cleaning water heaters are pricier than the standard water heaters. Therefore, they are not meant to cater to the needs of a budget-friendly person. 

• Though these water heaters automatically reduce the sediment, still you can’t sit back and enjoy peace of mind. The cleaning is required once in 3 months. 

• Sediments which are mostly calcium carbonate will be flushed out through the hot water tap thus making the water harsher on your skin.

Bottom Line 

Before investing your hard-earned money in the self-cleaning water heaters, it would be excellent to take into account numerable factors such as cost, the water holding capacity, energy efficiency, type of model type, warranty, and additional features. Though, these water heaters reduce the sediment build-up and require less maintenance, however they come with a high price tag. But, you can expect a notable cut-off in your energy bills. 

Inexpensive Ways to Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Many homeowners are looking to have the most beautiful home on the block, but there are plenty of other reasons why it’s time to enhance your curb appeal. If you’re considering selling your home quickly or just want to put some time and effort into your home’s exterior, there are plenty of options that don’t cost a small fortune. Regardless of your reasoning, here are some inexpensive ways you can make a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal. 

You could spend a lot of money to renovate your home, but the exterior is the first impression. The star of the show is your lawn. It’s the first thing interested buyers notice, and having a nice lawn can really make all the difference. If you only had to choose one instant curb appeal enhancer, making sure your lawn is well-maintained and healthy should be your first choice. Patchy grass, dead shrubs, or grass that hasn’t been mowed in ages will reflect poorly on your property, and interested buyers may be immediately put off. Fixing your lawn can be inexpensive, but it will take time, effort, and commitment from you to fix. Picking up some lawn care products from your local home and garden store, doing some research, and spending time fertilizing and watering will have your lawn in the best shape of its life. Your home’s appearance will be instantly improved when you spend some time on your lawn.

Along with lawn care, keeping the exterior of your home clean is another instant and easy way to boost your curb appeal. Depending on where you live, you may see a diverse range of weather conditions. If you have a lot of wind, the siding can become filthy, you may have garbage blown into your bushes, and excess leaves and debris could find their way onto your lawn. Keeping your lawn raked and mowed will allow you to see any debris as you’re working, and you can clean it up as you go. Pressure washing your home can improve the look of your home immediately. It also allows you to check for any damage along the exterior, so you can repair small cracks before they become significant issues. 

After a thorough pressure wash, if you’re still not satisfied with how your home looks, you can give your paint a refresh. You can get a can of exterior paint for relatively cheap if you’re on a budget, or you can opt for a more expensive option. If you have painting experience, you can tackle the job yourself. Otherwise, it might be best to consider investing in a professional. There will be plenty of time spent on the ladder, so if you’re not comfortable, hire a reputable, local contractor. 

Beyond these big jobs, there are plenty of little details you can take care of that make a huge difference. You want your home to feel welcoming to interested buyers, so painting your front door can be a great way to stand out from other homes and add a little fun. Upgrading your door’s hardware, mailbox, window sills, and adding a fun welcome mat are great options as well. Investing in some lovely outdoor furniture or spending time planting some stunning flowers can be an excellent addition. 

Whether you’re wanting to spend a little time improving the overall look of your home or you’re ready to put your home on the market, these inexpensive ways to enhance your curb appeal can make a huge difference. You can also check with your realtor to see what other improvements they recommend. Even the smallest changes can make a big difference during the sale of your home.