Three Things to Consider When Planning a Kitchen Remodel

A homeowner who’s planning a kitchen remodel has a great many things to take into account even before the first floor tile is laid. It’s sometimes a good idea to start with just a few good ideas and build on them. Here are three things for a homeowner to consider while the kitchen remodel is still in the planning stages: 1.Focus on One Element and Expand On It Instead of a lot of improvements and embellishments in the kitchen, the homeowner might pick out one element of the renovation and build the new decor around it. For example, if there’s a marble countertop, the homeowner can pick out colors, textures, patterns, hardware, lighting fixtures and other elements that can complement or contrast with the marble. 2. Make Some Less Expensive Upgrades A homeowner who finds that a complete remodel isn’t in the budget can transform his or her kitchen by some quick upgrades that won’t break the bank. A movable butcher block island can add needed counter space. Cabinets can be fitted with inserts like lazy Susans or wire racks to add storage. Cabinets can even be removed from a kitchen that looks too crowded and replaced with open shelving. 3. Have An Indoor/Outdoor Kitchen The kitchen can be a transition point between the interior of the home and the yard, garden or patio. Sometimes, all that’s needed are picture windows on two or even three sides of the kitchen for a great view of the outdoors and an abundance of natural light. Skylights can also have a place in the kitchen as can a Dutch door. A Dutch door’s top can be opened to let in light and air while its bottom can remain closed to keep pets and little ones inside. These three things can help a kitchen remodel stay within the budget and be far less stressful than it might...

Learn More

How to Clean your Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fences are available in an incredible range of styles and finishes, so you don’t have to settle for a basic privacy fence in white. In fact, you can enjoy anything from a ranch rail to a full privacy fence in fashionable colors like clay, almond, pebblestone and woodtone. Once you choose the right fencing for your needs, you’ll want to learn more about caring and cleaning your vinyl fence. Here’s what you should know about basic vinyl maintenance in Festus, MO. Hose and Soap Use some dish soap to remove most dust and even mildew in Ste. Genevieve, MO, and surrounding areas. Start by hosing the fence off to wet it, and then gently scrub the soap into the surface. This method is a lot like washing your car, and it’s just as effective. Be sure to rinse the fencing regularly to prevent the soap from drying on it. Bleach and Brush Stubborn stains like mold may need a heavier treatment. If the household soap doesn’t do the job on your Farmington, MO, fence, then use a diluted bleach solution and a scrub brush. Take the time to spot-check the color on the fence before using the bleach on large areas. It should also be rinsed away completely once the fence is clean. Pressure Washer on Low The trick here is to keep the washer on a low setting. You don’t want to damage your fence, but 1,200 to 1,500 PSI will provide you with the power you need to clean it without harming the surface. In between sweeps, use a soft-bristled brush and a little soap to remove grime. Creative Touch wood products can also be treated for scuff marks with a pencil eraser. Just rub the eraser over the scuffed area and watch it vanish. The great appeal of vinyl is that it can be the final choice for your fence. It lasts for years, and it doesn’t require the regular maintenance of wood. When you work with the right manufacturer, you can even get a lifetime warranty against breakage and...

Learn More

How to clean your wood cabinets

The process of cleaning wood cabinets without damaging them is challenging. Specific cleaning materials and cleaning techniques must be used. However, proper cleaning is required because cleaning increases the lifespan of wooden cabinets. They will look like new for several years. Creative Touch wood cabinets are highly recommended. The company provides cabinets to homeowners in Festus MO, Farmington MO, and Ste Genevieve MO. Cleaning Procedures Whenever dust is found on a wooden cabinet, use a dry cloth to clean the surface. Cleaning the outside of the cabinet is very important because steam and grease can cause major problems. Over time, grease will generate on the surface; if the cabinet is not cleaned regularly, basic cleaning tasks will be harder. Dusting is also important. All items must be removed from the cabinet before dusting. The items should also be cleaned. If the items are not cleaned, they will bring dust back into the cabinet. After the items are removed, use a dry cloth to wipe down the interior shelves. Next, clean the exterior of the cabinet. How To Clean Wood Cabinets With Glass Panels Use a spray cleaner to clean the glass. However, do not spray the cleaner on the glass directly. This cleaning procedure stops streaking and varnish damage. Instead, spray the glass cleaner on a paper towel. Wipe the surface efficiently; the glass should not have any spots or streaks. Polishing Procedures Wood cabinets should be polished often because polish gives the wood a lustrous and warm effect. Select a polish that blends with the cabinet’s varnish. Place the polish on a dry cloth. Next, rub the polish on the cabinet’s exterior in a small area. After the polish is applied, use another cloth to buff the area. How To Clean Lightly Soiled Cabinets Use a cloth that is slightly damp to clean a lightly soiled cabinet. Proper cleaning will remove light stains, such as smudging. However, test the area before cleaning because water could damage the...

Learn More

5 Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Building a House

When you are considering building a house in Festus MO, Farmington MO or Ste Genevieve MO there are some things that you should be aware of before you find a contractor and before you start building. Consider asking your contractor the following questions to ensure you get the most out of your home building experience. What Can I Expect to Pay? Make sure that your contractor is up front with you when it comes to the costs of building your home. While it is nearly impossible to get an exact amount of what your home will cost, a ball park estimate is good. Can I See Your Other Work? A good contractor will be proud to show off the work they have done in the past. They will have examples of places they have looked at and will be able to give you an idea of their work. Are Your Other Clients Happy? Contractors who do a good job are not afraid to have their clients let everyone else know. Consider getting referrals from the company of previous clients you can talk to about what they experienced while they were working with your contractor. Will You Build to Code? It is important to make sure that your contractor is working hard to build your home up to the specific codes of your area. Make sure they will be able to follow all of the building codes that are specific to your area. Is it Guaranteed? While a contractor may not be able to guarantee your entire house, they should be able to guarantee the work that they do. They will give you an idea of how well they stand behind their work and what exactly they stand behind. Choosing the right contractor can feel like a dream come true, but remember it may be too good to be true. Ask your contractor these important questions to get a feel for the type of service you are going to get from them and to ensure your home is built...

Learn More

5 Most Common Cabinetry Woods

Cabinets reflect the atmosphere of a home’s decor. Choosing the perfect wood for cabinets is an important step in new home building or when revamping an older home. Choosing the source of cabinetry materials such as those from Ste Genevieve MO Cabinets or Custom Cabinets Festus MO along with the type of wood used assures the homeowner that the investment made in such an important part of the building or redecorating process is a sound investment for the home. Common Woods Used in Cabinets 1. Red Oak– This wood is chosen frequently due to its strength and durability paired with the low-cost factor. It comes in many different finishes and styles. The grain of the wood adds to its beauty. 2. White Oak– A step up in strength from red oak, white oak is just as durable. Colors range into the golden hues with a less pronounced grain. This type of wood is used mostly for custom-made cabinets. 3. Hard Maple– With a finer grain, this wood is a bit more expensive than oak. It has a lighter hue that is not as dense. Maple is a good choice if wanting to customize a color as it is can be stained accordingly or can be coated to achieve a more natural finish. 4. Hickory– If looking for a lighter wood than oak, hickory is a good choice. Its grain is very much like oak and is a strong wood. Its light color allows for easy staining, but with a clear finish, it is perfect for a more rustic decor. 5. Cherry– When seeking a hard wood that is more versatile, cherry wood is a good fit. Its hardness withstands scratching and is perfect for a more formal decor. Wood is of a very fine-grain with a reddish to brown hue that takes on even more personality with age as it tends to darken. Choosing the perfect match of wood for cabinets is indeed an art. Finding a manufacturer that works closely with the consumer to fit the type of wood geared to his or her lifestyle along with the chosen cabinet style is often a challenge. Custom Cabinets Festus MO or Ste Genevieve MO Cabinets is one avenue that can steer consumers in the...

Learn More

3 Benefits of Having Vinyl Fencing

If you’re on a mission to take care of your Festus, MO fencing needs, then look no further than Creative Touch. If you’re looking for vinyl fencing in Farmington, MO, then do the same. Our handy fencing company provides vinyl fencing installation services for residents of the Festus and Farmington areas alike. Vinyl fences offer a lot of convenient benefits. If you’re on the fence (pun not intended) about getting vinyl fencing installed in your yard, it helps to learn about its numerous advantages.1. Vinyl fences withstand time a lot better than wood fences. They’re significantly tougher and more durable than wood fences. They can manage well in severe weather conditions, whether aggressive winds, rain or snow. If you want a fence that has low odds of falling down or breaking, vinyl is definitely the way to go. Unlike fences made out of metal, vinyl fences don’t pose the risk of unsightly corrosion, either.2. Caring for vinyl fences is relatively simple and straightforward. If you want a low-maintenance fence, make sure that it’s made out of vinyl. Vinyl coloring generally doesn’t fade, which is why repainting typically isn’t necessary. Coatings of primer for rust defense aren’t necessary either. If you want to keep your vinyl fence in top-notch condition, all you have to do is occasionally clean it using good old-fashioned water and soap — nothing more and nothing less. 2. Safety, last but not last, is another good reason to invest in vinyl fencing for your home. If you want a non-toxic fence option, look to vinyl. Since it isn’t treated with any dangerous chemicals, it’s markedly safer than many other types of fences. If you want to feel comfortable and secure with your choice in fencing, vinyl can make an A plus choice. Before making important decisions regarding your fencing needs, do your research. Vinyl fences in Ste. Genevieve offer a lot of exciting benefits beyond just these listed. Not only are they safe and low-maintenance, for example, but they’re also extremely light. This, in turn, makes them a piece of cake to move and install. Fences made out of metal or wood, on the other hand, are often pretty heavy and awkward. If you’re convinced that you need a vinyl fence...

Learn More