Architects by Day
Home Maintenance by Night
About Page Steele
Page Steele, now owned by Nick Peters, consists of an architectural and home maintenance lifestyle blog. He takes his 30+ years of experience as a commercial architect and funnels his experience into helping home owners properly maintain their property in today’s modern world. Our mission is to share our knowledge and experience to pass it on to those it may help make a better decision regarding their home. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments. Stay tuned for more posts!
Articles Written By Nick Peters (Retired Architect)
Some Ideas on How An Architect Designs A House You Need To Know
Using a series of conferences and a survey, Architects work with you to find what you anticipate in a house. Designers map your expectations and needs both quantitatively (the number of square feet, spaces, types of areas, variety of cars to be parked, unique areas within your home, total size, variety of stories, your anticipated or economical budget) and qualitatively (your unique desires, your need for light, how you wish to use large and small areas, your ability to be mobile or special physical needs, the relationship in between the areas you will use, individual dreams that you and your family may have about your home, the value of light at various times of the day and for different activities, how the seasons and seasonal usage might affect the style and layout of your home.
8 Easy Facts About How Architecture Works Shown
At Rhodes Architecture we develop two distinct guides to designing a home. A “program” which catches types, sizes, and locations of area and spatial relationships and an initial “proforma”, a file that estimates the expenses of building your home. The construction cost, the cost of labor and materials is one part of the costs of constructing a home.
A well-planned structure gain from a certified Architect, Structural Engineer, Landscape Designer, and potentially a Civil Engineer to plan energies, grading, drain, roads and walks. Energy costs and preparation charges, for instance a signed up survey to specify your land, slopes, trees, and ecological functions, may be extremely prudent or obligatory to meet the requirements of your city or county.
How An Architect Designs A House for Beginners
The builder you work with (who is essential) together with a Designer and your instructions, will determine construction expenses consisting of the expenses of excavation, structures and structure, energies and utility charges, products and finishes, constructing labor and a home builder’s overhead and revenue. These expenses will differ with the building and construction need in your location, your particular building area and land, and an area’s cost inflation.
Signs That It's Time to Repair Your Roof
A home’s roof protects its occupants and their belongings from the elements. Though roofs are built to last for decades, they all eventually need to be replaced. No one wants to do the job too early, but it’s just as costly to put it off. In this guide, you’ll learn a few signs of the need for roof repair.
It’s Old or Severely Damaged
A roof’s age and level of damage may make the difference between a minor repair and a full replacement. If a roof is relatively new and only slightly damaged, a simple repair may suffice. However, if the roof is reaching the end of its lifespan and the damage is severe, a complete re-roof may be the only option. Furthermore, if all the homes in your neighborhood are the same age and neighbors are replacing their roofs, it may be time to consider doing the same.
Visible Proof of Leaks
Leaks come in all sizes and the problems they cause may be subtle or obvious. Sometimes, damage manifests itself as rotten wood, mold, or water stains. If you’re seeing water where it shouldn’t be, or if there’s visible water damage, there may be a hidden roof problem that requires repair.
Moisture or Daylight in the Attic
If the roof feels spongy or soft, it might mean that moisture has seeped into the decking. Inside the attic, moisture from a damaged roof is typically found inside the insulation and close to the eaves. Visible daylight is another reliable indicator of the need for roof repair. If there’s a beam of light coming through the roof decking, the entire system may have been compromised.
Missing, Damaged, or Misshapen Shingles
Shingle deterioration and damage occurs in many ways. Curled or cupped shingles have lost much of their durability and broken shingles may lead to severe moisture damage. Damaged shingles are more likely to be torn off during storms, and misaligned shingles may show that roof ventilation is inadequate. Decayed or Damaged Flashing Roof flashing plays a crucial role: it prevents moisture from entering the roofing system’s joints. Decayed, missing, or damaged flashing brings a greater risk of water damage and immediate repairs will help you save time, trouble, and money. To help avoid a lot of damages, you can always consider of getting metal roofing in houston texas.
Moss Growth
Though a bit of moss on the roof may seem harmless, it can cause problems if it’s allowed to grow unchecked. Moss is highly absorbent and it can grow into the smallest spaces between shingles. When moss grows on a roof that’s already been compromised, the sheathing becomes saturated and decay is accelerated.
Pest Infestation
If small animals such as birds and squirrels have taken up residence in the attic, it may be because the roof has been damaged. Animals can cause serious roof damage, which is often magnified by the occurrence of severe weather. Once holes form, water (and pests) will quickly cause roof problems.
In Closing
Your home’s roof protects it and your family from wind, rain, and other harsh weather conditions. Though roof replacement is costly, delaying repairs is even more expensive. By paying attention to these warning signs, you’ll find it easier to schedule roof repairs in a timely manner.
What You Need to Know About Tree Pruning
Trees are an integral part of both residential and commercial landscapes. Arborists estimate there are around 60,000 tree species worldwide. Trees can be deciduous or evergreen. As living, breathing extensions of the earth, trees must be properly maintained to maintain healthy growth throughout their lifespan.
What Is Tree Pruning?
Tree pruning is a type of maintenance that is performed by arborists. Pruning involves a range of cutting methods, including those carried out on dead or dying limbs, damaged areas, buds, and roots. Great care must be taken to perform these tasks so the tree remains healthy and strong.
Why Is Tree Pruning So Essential?
There is a multitude of reasons why tree pruning is an essential part of tree maintenance. Many property owners do not understand the importance and intricacies of tree care. The following offers insight into why this task is so vital for the health and safety of all types of trees.
- Structural stability is one of the reasons pruning is so crucial. Trees can become dangerous when they are not properly maintained. Dead and diseased limbs need to be removed for two reasons. First, these limbs are more likely to fall during periods of heavy rain or wind and they could cause damage or serious injuries. Secondly, dead or diseased limbs pose a risk to the health of a tree. Removing these allows the tree to focus on healthy new growth, making it stronger.
- Pruning can also help to control the way the tree grows, especially in its younger years. Pruning can force the tree to grow taller or encourage fuller growth. It is important trees are pruned by professionals who know the species and the proper trimming methods. Improper pruning practices can lead to catastrophic tree damage and even the death of the tree.
- If trees are close to a home or commercial building, they can begin to cause damage. Aggressive tree roots can affect buried plumbing lines, and overhanging limbs can cause roof damage or even allow wild animals access to the home. Keeping trees trimmed helps to prevent damages done to a home or business.
Rely on the Professionals
While it may be tempting to grab pruning sheers and a ladder and start to work on removing limbs, this is not recommended. For most pruning chores, it is wise for property owners to rely on arborists.
Pruning trees can be a dangerous job, especially if the tree is older and large. Without the right training and equipment, serious injuries and even death can occur.
Arborists are tree experts and they understand the unique growth patterns and needs of all types of tree species. They can properly advise property owners on shaping their trees and ensuring they continue to have healthy growth and look attractive. I have personally always referred to this tree service in Harrisburg PA for my needs. If you are in a nearby area, I would highly recommend them.
Conclusion
Trees provide shade, beauty, and essential oxygen for humans. A landscape without trees looks barren and unattractive. To keep your property safe and beautiful, it is important to rely on the services of an arborist. Arborists recommend pruning mature trees every three to five years, depending on the aggressiveness of their growth. With proper pruning, trees will continue to be beautiful, strong, and healthy.
What You Should Know About Tree Removal
Trees provide many benefits to humans and animals alike. Although some species of trees can live up to 5,000 years, they can become damaged or begin to die well before their lifespan is up. Being able to recognize the signs a tree needs removing and taking decisive action will help to ensure injuries and damages do not occur.
Common Reasons Trees Need Removing
There are multiple reasons a tree might need removing. Trees can become damaged by storms and disease, making them a danger. A tree that is not healthy or is dead can fall over during periods of heavy rain or wind. Catastrophic damage often occurs because of damaged trees. Removing diseased or damaged trees as soon as possible protects the occupants of a home from being injured or suffering structural damages to their property.
Important Signs It May Be Time to Remove a Tree
Most homeowners do not want to part with their trees because of the benefits they offer and for sentimental reasons. If any of the following signs are occurring in a tree, it is wise to call in an arborist to remove it for safety reasons.
- If removing a piece of bark shows dry, dark brown wood underneath, this is a sign the tree has died or is in the process of dying.
- Physical damage to the trunk, such as large fissures, missing bark, and peeling bark signal problems because this means the tree’s health is in trouble.
- When fungi, such as mushrooms, begins to take over the growth of the tree, homeowners should call an arborist to have it inspected. Fungi can rapidly cause tree destruction.
- Should cavities occur in the trunk or significant damage is done to the scaffold branches, removal becomes necessary.
- Dead twigs that are hanging from the upper crown of the tree are a clear indicator of problems with the tree’s health.
- If there are a lot of thin limbs without any buds near the ends of the branches, this can indicate the tree is in danger.
With one or more of these being present, homeowners should seek a consultation with an arborist. Arborists are tree experts and will perform a thorough inspection of the tree to determine its health. If the tree is in poor health or has suffered too much damage, removal is often the only option.
Do Not Take a DIY Approach
Tree removal is a delicate process and is not something for DIYers to carry out. Serious injuries and damages can occur when homeowners attempt to take care of tree removal themselves.
Routine tree maintenance can help to keep trees healthy and strong so they do not need to be removed. When a tree begins exhibiting signs of damage or disease, waiting too long to remove it can spell disaster for homeowners.
Conclusion
If you have noticed any of the above signs, now is the time to act. Call an arborist today at Lancaster PA tree service to schedule a tree inspection. Relying on the professionals for tree removal allows homeowners to protect themselves and their property.
Home Maintenance Checklist
Most property owners are well aware that all homes need regular maintenance, but not everyone knows how to prioritize their maintenance to-do lists. That’s why home experts recommend doing some planning now to ensure important items are not missed. There are several items that should be on every homeowner’s maintenance checklist.
Maintain Your Yard
Caring for a yard may not be at the top of every homeowner’s to-do list, but it should be. The yard is the first thing anyone sees when visiting the home, and a poorly maintained yard suggests the home itself probably receives the same level of care.
Mowing the lawn is only one component of the yard that requires routine care. Shrubs, flowers, and any other plantings need to be taken care of to look their best. Taking care of trees is also vital, as mature, healthy trees can add thousands of dollars of value to a property. Local arborists and landscapers will gladly work with any property owner to make sure the yard always looks its best.
Inspect the Home’s Exterior
The majority of exterior issues will be less expensive to repair if they’re caught early. At least twice a year and after any major weather event, take the time to examine the home’s roof for damage. Loose or damaged shingles should always be replaced immediately, but other problems may not be as obvious. Roofing experts recommend contacting a contractor to inspect a home’s roof at least once per year to detect developing problems.
Issues with siding, windows, and doors don’t normally happen overnight, so set up a regular schedule to catch problems and deal with them before they become serious. Damaged paint, deteriorated caulking, and bad weather seals should be replaced as soon as possible.
Check the Home’s Major Systems
Heating and air conditioning systems should be serviced once per year at a minimum. Most heating and cooling experts recommend having an HVAC tech service those systems in the spring and again in the fall.
Electrical and plumbing systems should also be checked periodically to spot problems. Lights, switches, and outlets should be checked often. If lights flicker, sparks are seen at outlets, or switches don’t function as they used to, have an electrician inspect the system. Plumbing leaks, slow drains, toilets that don’t flush properly should all be dealt with by a plumber.
Water heaters, garbage disposals, dishwashers, and other appliances should be serviced to make sure they’re operating properly. Most appliance repair shops offer some type of inspection and maintenance program to make sure your home’s appliances don’t fail at the most inopportune times. Those services are cheap and often end up saving homeowners money by preventing future repairs and high utility bills.
Set Up Seasonal Checklists
Some items need to be inspected several times per year while others may only require infrequent checks. For example, the roof should be looked at often, but the water heater may only need servicing once per year.
The age of the home and its components determine how frequently specific components should be checked. Ask your plumber, electrician, and other contractors how often they recommend checking each of a home’s important parts. From those recommendations, it will be easier to develop a checklist and maintain your home properly. If you notice any of the above items have some type of issue, it would be in your best interest to search for a home inspector clarksville tn to give you their best recommendation.
Tips for Maintaining Your Home
People invest a great deal of money in their homes. To protect those investments, proper maintenance is a must. There are several things every homeowner can do to make sure their home is kept in the best shape possible. Keep in mind that these are only a handful of the chores that should be completed periodically.
Clean the Gutters
It may seem inconsequential, but cleaning the gutters is vitally important. Clean gutters allow water flowing off the roof to be sent to downspouts that direct the water away from the house. If the gutters are plugged, all that water will flow over the tops of gutters and flood the ground around the home’s foundation. That flooding often leads to foundation damage and water in the basement.
Inspect the Home’s Windows and Doors
When a home’s windows and doors are not kept in good condition, leaks allow outside air in and make it far more difficult to heat and cool the space. That means utility bills go up and residents are uncomfortable because of drafts and cold or hot spots.
Look at the seals around windows and doors to make sure they are in good condition. If there are any signs of damage, replace the seals. Check the caulking around both windows and doors at least once per year. Remove old, damaged caulk and reseal those areas with newer caulk that’s labeled as being able to expand and contract with the weather.
Replace any damaged screens and contact a window and door contractor if cloudiness develops between the panes of dual- or triple-pane windows. Repair or replace damaged locks and latches to keep the home as safe from intruders as possible.
Check the Condition of Electrical Components, Appliances, and Fixtures
At least once per year, use a checklist to review the condition of the home’s fixtures and appliances. Look for any damage to electrical components and contact an electrician if there are any malfunctions of lighting, outlets, and switches. Have the electrician check the distribution panel at the same time to make sure the service is adequate for the home’s users.
Appliances tend to fail at inconvenient times, so don’t let minor issues go unrepaired. Loose knobs, faulty seals, and leaks all create even more problems when the issues are not taken care of quickly. Faulty appliances also tend to cause increased utility costs, so don’t put off needed repairs.
Leaky faucets, plugged showerheads, and slow-flowing drains should be dealt with promptly. Homeowners are generally able to deal with minor issues like plugged showerheads, but don’t be afraid to contact professionals for help anytime you’re uncomfortable dealing with even minor problems.
Don’t Ignore Your Yard
Most homeowners are comfortable mowing the lawn, and a few are able to deal with trimming shrubs, but it’s also important to maintain a home’s trees. That type of work calls for the experience of an arborist and trained workers.
If you’re planning to plant new trees, it also pays to contact an expert for advice. An arborist will work with property owners to choose the best options for each type of space in the yard. The tree experts will also recommend when and how the new trees and any existing trees should be maintained.
Start Planning Now
Proper maintenance isn’t something you do once. There are regular maintenance chores that need to be dealt with throughout the year. It pays to make a list of items that need to be handled during each season. If you’re unsure where to start, landscape experts, plumbers, electricians, and other contractors are generally happy to recommend when and how to deal with all types of home maintenance. I’ve had a lot of people recommend using this handyman in Pittsburgh for their home maintenance necessities and projects.