Allison's Blog

Does your house smoke? Or does it at least smell as if it smokes? If you are looking to buy a home, but the one you really like smells of smoke from the previous owner, don’t discount it completely. There are ways to get rid of the smoky smell, if you are willing to put a little effort behind you...

By Anna Jamison of Kharisma Design Nearly 200,000 people are injured annually in their bathroom, according to statistics from the National Safety Council. The most common accidents are slips, falls and scalding from hot water. Although not all accidents will ever be eliminated, the National Kitch...

One of the major complaints and issues that I have seen in working with concrete floors, is the ugly black carpet glue left behind from 10 years ago. To hide it, one would put down more carpet, or try to cover it with tile, or linoleum. But some, wanted the concrete floor to be part of their déco...

Even with the best intentions and the most skilled stainer, concrete has a mind of its own, and sometimes, that does not show through until the sealer goes on. We scraped the concrete, we put stain remover on the concrete, we grinded it, we hand sanded it, and all looked well. The stains were out...

So you want to install a new concrete driveway because you are tired of looking at your “bumpy” asphalt. You have noticed that over time, your asphalt keeps breaking up and your tree keeps growing bigger roots that are cracking the driveway. You think, “I will dig up the asphalt, cut the tree roo...

Here are a few tips to look for when you are having concrete poured for a patio, walkway, etc. 1. Usually a 4” depth is used when pouring concrete. A frame is laid to hold the concrete until it sets. Four inches is usually used when pouring a walkway or patio. If a driveway is poured, then make s...

When you compare concrete to lumber, for instance when building a patio, there are several disadvantages to wood. One is an environmental disadvantage, as the trees used to make the lumber that makes the patio takes years to grow and harvest. Secondly, the upkeep on a wooden patio is much greater...

Everyone says that installing a toilet is pretty simple, but if you are not careful, you may get in over your head. Some tips to know while you or your plumber is installing a new toilet. 1. Make sure the water supply is turn off. You may think this is common sense, but so many get into the momen...

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. Radon can be found all over the U.S., and comes from the natural (r...

It is by the forces of nature that concrete, no matter how experienced the mason is, can crack. Even with the best of care, the most skillful laborer, and the most leveled ground, concrete can and will crack. When concrete is prevented from moving and is exposed to a force greater that its abilit...