Read This Before You Remodel a Kitchen

1Get the Pros Involved

A kitchen remodel is a big dealnot something to be approached rashly. So before you even visit a showroom or meet with a pro, read our expert kitchen remodeling tips and advice on creating the cook space you've always coveted.

2Make Cents Out of Your Remodel

Worth the Splurge1) Second sink: Place it outside of the main cooking and cleanup zone so that a second chef can prep food, wash hands for dinner, or bartend during parties.2) Paneled cabinet ends: These decorative panels, which are essentially oversize doors fixed to any exposed sides of cabinets, give your kitchen a custom-built, furniture-like look.3) Full-extension, soft-close drawer glides: Installed under or on the sides of a drawer, they allow it to pull completely out of the cabinet so that you can reach everything inside. Plus, they eliminate slamming.

Not Worth the Splurge1) Glazed, distressed, and crackled finishes: These can increase cabinet costs by as much as 30 percent and can start to look dated as trends change.2) Pot filler: It does make filling the pasta pot easier, but it doesn't help with the far worse task of carting boiling water to the sink when your fettuccine is done.3) Wine fridge: Do you really need 18 bottles of Pinot within arms reach and kept at precisely 55 degrees?

3Allocating Project Costs

Photo by Mikael Damkier/Alamy

Whether your budget is $5,000 or $50,000, here's how it tends to be allocated.

4Designer's Cheat Sheet

Illustration by Eric Larsen

To create a comfortable and good-looking kitchen, consider these remodeling tips for installing cabinets, countertops, and lighting.

Easiest way to save big: Keep your current layout. Taking down walls, and moving gas lines, plumbing connections, and electrical wiring will quickly erode your budget.

5Three Ways to Save on Cabinets

1. Choose a manufacturer that offers the door style and finish you want as a standard option, with no up-charge.

2. Don't pay for factory-built or custom organizers. Aftermarket utensil dividers, rollout trays, and back-of-the-door spice racks are a fraction of the cost at websites such as organize.com and cabinetparts.com.

3. Avoid custom configurations. You can often use stock wine organizers, cubby units, and even appliance panels to fill awkward spaces that might otherwise require you to buy a custom cabinet.

6How the Factory's Cabinets Beat the Woodshop's

The big guys may not offer the customization you get from a local craftsman, but factory-made-to-order cabinets have the following benefits:

1. Warranties of up to 25 years on cabinets, accessories, workmanship, and internal hardware.

2. Controlled environment that yields more stable wood, which reduces warping and splitting later.

3. Computerized cutting tools that offer more precise joinery than anything done by hand.

4. Baked-on finishes that are more durable than local guys' air-dried ones. Dust-free finishing rooms also provide a smooth-as-glass surface.

7Which Under-Cabinet Lighting?

For task light, pick one of these low-voltage strips or pucks.

XENON Accurate color, wide beam, and dimmable, but can get hot to the touch. Widely available at home centers and kitchen showrooms. $25$125 for a 24-inch cabinet uninstalled

LED Energy-efficient, long-lasting bulbs; so thin you don't need much of a lip to hide fixtures. Can have a bluish tint unless rated at 3,500 or lower on the Kelvin scale. A new technology, so pricier and harder to source. $75$190 for a 24-inch cabinet uninstalled

8Display Cabinets for Less

Rather than stacking glass-doored cubby units over upper cabinets, just order tall two-panel wall cabinets with squares of glass at the top. You'll save 25 to 45 percent.

9Blind Corners: Half-Moon Lazy Susan

Photo by Courtesy of Cabinetparts.com

An update of the old reach-in-and-spin organizer has two pivoting half-circle shelves that slide out from the cabinet. Rev-A-Shelf Wood Classic Half Moon Two Shelf Lazy Susan, starting at $235; cabinetparts.com

10Blind Corners: Double Sliding Shelves

Photo by Courtesy of Rockler.com

A front set of shelves slide out and to one side, allowing a second set tucked in the corner to slide forward. Square shelves, rather than angled ones, take full advantage of the cabinet interior. Knape & Vogt Slide-Out Base Blind Corner Unit, $660; rockler.com

11Blind Corners: Pull-Out Shelves

Photo by Courtesy of kitchensource.com

Two height-adjustable peanut-shaped shelves snake out and to the side in one fluid motion. The shelves fully extend, so there's no reaching inside for items tucked in the rear. Hfele Arena Plus Corner Pull-out Shelf, $790; kitchensource.com

12Drawers Versus Rollout Trays

If you're starting from scratch with new cabinetry, it's a hands-down tie on price, so decide based on your comfort and the types of items you plan to store.

DrawersWin for ergonomics: They take one step to open. For rollouts, you open the doors first, then pull the tray.

Are better for storing large cookware: Rollouts are slightly smaller, and low sides don't corral tall items as well; they tend to fall overboard if you pull the tray too fast.

13Drawers Versus Rollout Trays: Rollout Trays

Are easy to retrofit: Add them to any base cabinet anytime; add drawers typically only when the base cabinet is made.

Are better for storing small items: Low sides let you see inside and take stock of foodstuffs; also, the height between trays is adjustable, allowing for extra rollouts.

14Best Practices for Open Shelving

Photo by Wendell T. Webber

Anything stored on exposed shelves will collect dust, so consider them only for:

Everyday objects, like coffee cups and cereal bowls, that you wash frequently Cookbooks, which don't show dust and are generally stored in the open anyway Oversize items, like soup tureens and serving platters, if you don't mind giving them a quick rinse Wine racks, since bottles won't fit behind the doors on wall cabinets

15The Pros (and Cons) of a Pro-Grade Range

It tops many a kitchen remodeler's wish list, but is a high-firepower cooker really the right choice for you?

Pros: Burners can put out two to three times the BTUs with controls that go from simmer to sear. 20-plus-year life expectancy Heavy-duty all-stainless-steel construction Comes in many standard sizes; widths of 24 to 60 inches. Handsomely styled showpiece

Cons Needs a 10-inch duct (versus the usual 7-inch) for a high-power vent hood to whisk away that extra heat. Costly parts and service calls Can weigh more than 900 pounds, requiring extra support in floors. May stand out 4 inches beyond typical counter depth. $5,000$10,000 sticker price

18Bottom-Line Fridge Facts

Photo by Colin Poole/Epic Images

1. Get an in-door ice dispenser/beverage center only if you're choosing a side-by-side configuration. Otherwise you'll forfeit fridge capacity for what amounts to a mini freezer on the back of the door.

2. With French door models, make it easier to organize and access your frozen foods by choosing a two-drawer configuration for the bottom freezer. Those garden peas and fish filets are too easily deep-sixed in a single drawer.

3. Even counter-depth fridges stand proud of their cabinetry housings by 2 to 4 inches to provide clearance for the door and hinges. To keep the fridge from sticking out farther, choose a model with recesses in the back to accommodate the plug and water line. Just make sure to align your outlet and water hookup accordingly. Otherwise, furr out the fridge cabinet from the back by an extra inch or so to enclose the sides completely.

4. Safeguard the computer chips that control your fridge by replacing the power outlet with a surge protection receptacle, which you can find at home centers or electrical supply shops for less than $30. Or you can guard all your electronics with a whole-house surge suppressor for about $600 installed.

19Get Drawer Dishwashers if You

Frequently do small loads. Run just one drawer at a time to use less water than a full-size machine.

Have a galley or narrow kitchen. There's no tip-down door to contend with.

Never want to put away another dish. You can pull clean dishes from one drawer when you set the table, load dirties into the other after the meal.

Want to hide a second dishwasher in a butler's pantry or wet bar. Use just one drawer, and hide it behind a wood panel so that it blends with the cabinetry.

20The Most Useful Faucet

Read more:
Kitchen Remodeling Tips & Advice | This Old House

Welcome to W.F. Hann & Sons!

At W.F. Hann & Sons, we offer a wide range of premium products and services to facilitate your heating, air conditioning or plumbing project, protect your investment, and ensure long-term satisfaction. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we are held to a rigid criteria for licenses, insurance, business practices, product knowledge, and technical expertise. Our team of technicians participate in ongoing factory training, focusing on advancements in techniques and technology, and are educated in proper sizing and service procedures that deliver maximum efficiency, comfort, and longevity. We are entirely NATE-certified, having verified real working knowledge through core and specialty exams endorsed by the entire HVAC industry. By bringing together extensively skilled professionals with state-of-the-art equipment, we are uniquely qualified to answer your demands for heating, cooling, plumbing, and hot water heating across Cleveland, Pepper Pike, Chagrin Falls, Highland Heights, Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Lyndhurst, Willoughby Hills and University Heights, OH.

Our conscientious heating, air conditioning and plumbing services are not limited to regular business hours, but provides you with a dependable network of support round-the-clock in the Cleveland area. When your comfort, safety, or property are at stake, waiting for Monday, delayed arrival times, or difficulties with scheduling are unacceptable. Whether you contact the professionals from W.F. Hann & Sons to set up a service call or take advantage of our 24/7 Emergency Service, expect helpful assistance,prompt response, and personalized attention. We respect your busy lifestyle, and work diligently to minimize disruption and downtime, completing all jobs quickly and in an organized manner.

Our team of fully licensed and insured HVAC specialists take great pride in our company wide dedication to excellence. Upholding a tradition that began in 1907, W.F. Hann & Sons continues to focus on the important details that set us apart from our competitors. When it comes to service procedures, business practices, products, materials, and every facet of customer satisfaction, we dont cut corners. Our quality-first approach ensures that your W.F. Hann & Sons technician will arrive on time, dressed in company uniform, with identification.

We safeguard your home and property through the use of shoe covers and drop cloths, maintain a tidy work area, and reclaim all old equipment and debris for proper disposal. Our fleet of fully-stocked service trucks and highly skilled contractors allow us to complete the majority of repair needs in a single visit.

When you schedule installation with W.F. Hann & Sons, whether your project involves air conditioning, furnace, boiler, ductless mini split, water heater, or plumbing installation, we provide an accurate date of completion that you can depend on. Detailed written proposals and upfront pricing eliminate confusion and unpleasant surprises. We adhere to all state and local codes, and uphold strict standards of safety, workmanship, and performance.

For new installation and upgrades, prompt maintenance or repairs in Cleveland, Pepper Pike, Chagrin Falls, Highland Heights, Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Lyndhurst, Willoughby Hills and University Heights, OH, have confidence that W.F. Hann & Sons will satisfy your requirements and highest expectations. By focusing on quality, we bring you HVAC products, services, and results you can trust to withstand weather, use, and time. We recognize the importance of not only reliable solutions, but cost-effective implementation and operation.

Through ground-breaking technology, precision workmanship, and extensive in-field experience, we help you improve efficiency, air quality, functionality, and convenience throughout your home or commercial facility. Have confidence that when you contact W.F. Hann & Sons, your goals will be met.

Read more from the original source:
Home - WF Hann

Course fee

Price: Enquire with a consultant

Learn what is required to install, maintain and repair electrical equipment. The law allows only qualified electricians to connect cables to electrical motors and switchgear as well as to handle electrical wiring of all electrically equipped buildings.

Choose one of the following:

Please note: Total cost of fees dependant on number of subjects taken. You are able to register for 1-11 subjects, please contact us for more information.

The National Certificate in Engineering Studies is a National Qualification delivered under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training.

The N1 to N3 Engineering Studies qualifications are registered on the NQF as follows:

N1: Grade 9 (Std. 7) with Mathematics and Physical Science, or equivalent.

N2: N1 National Certificate or equivalent.

N3: N2 National Certificate or equivalent.

You will be assessed by means of Damelin Correspondence College assignments and Department of Higher Education and Training Examinations. To qualify for a National Certificate, you are required to write an exam per subject for each level.

Upon successful completion of your required exams for each level, you will be awarded your National Certificate: Engineering Studies by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Read more here:
National Certificate: N1 - N3 Engineering Studies ...

This process is used for the Boards that are administered in the Business Standards Division.The various Programs administered in the Division use a similar process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Complaint Process

IMPORTANT

When filing or responding to a complaint, be as thorough as possible. You may attach additional documents to the complaint form to ensure that all pertinent information has been included. The Screening Panel meeting is NOT a hearing, but is a time for the panel to consider the complaint and response. Attendance is your choice. If you attend the panel may ask additional questions. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend.

After acomplainthas been filed against a licensed individual...

The Compliance Office will send a letter of acknowledgment to the person who filed the complaint (Complainant), and a letter requesting a response (with a copy of the complaint) to the licensee against whom the complaint was filed.

The Licensee may submit a written response addressing the complaint to the Compliance Office. The process continues whether or not a response is submitted. The Complainant is not entitled to a copy of the response.

The Compliance Office will notify the Licensee and Complainant regarding the date and time of any meeting during which the case will be discussed.

Complaints remain confidential unless aNotice of Proposed Board Actionis issued, which is a public document along with all subsequent legal filings.

MEETINGSClosed Meeting-During a Closed Meeting only the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or attorneys for either can be in attendance. Minutes of Closed Meetings are not public documents.

Open Meeting-A public meeting which anyone can attend. The minutes of Open meetings are public documents and made available online via the specific Boards webpage.(Adjudication Panel meetings are usuallyopen.)

Individuals may attend a meeting in person or by telephone. Please notify this office prior to the meeting if you plan to attend the meeting.

Screening Panel:A committee comprised of members of the Board. The Screening Panels function is to determine the preliminary action(s) to take on a complaint. Possible preliminary actions include dismissal, investigation, or a finding of Reasonable Cause.

The complaint and response (if any) are submitted to the Screening Panel members.The Screening Panel meeting isnota hearing, but rather a committee meeting to review and discuss the complaint and response to determine if disciplinary action is warranted.

DISMISSAL

If the Screening Panel dismisses a complaint, the complaint can be dismissedwithorwithout prejudice(see definitions below).

Dismissal With Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed and cannot be considered by the Screening Panel in the future.

Dismissal Without Prejudice-The complaint is dismissed but may be considered by the Screening Panel in the future if there are ever allegations of a similar nature.

INVESTIGATION

Only a member of the Screening Panel can request an investigation of a complaint. If an investigation is requested by the Screening Panel, the case is assigned to an investigator who may request an interview with the Licensee, the Complainant, and/or other individuals. Upon completion of the investigation, a written report is submitted to the Screening Panel, which will then determine if there isReasonable Causeto proceed with disciplinary action.

Reasonable Cause-A finding by the Screening Panel that evidence exists that a violation of statutes and rules has occurred which warrants proceeding with disciplinary action.

IfReasonable Causeis found, the Department Counsel issues aNotice of Proposed Board Action(Notice) to the Licensee. Once a Notice is issued, it is public information. A proposedStipulationmay be included with the Notice.

Notice-A legal document from the Departments Legal Counsel which sets forth the Departments factual assertions, the statutes or rules relied upon, and advising the licensee of the right to a hearing.

Stipulation- A tentative agreement for settlement of the case. A Stipulation is not finalized until approved by the Adjudication Panel.

The Licensee may either sign theStipulationor contest the proposed action by requesting an administrativeHearing(a legal process before a Hearing Examiner). If the Licensee wishes to request a hearing, written request must be received within twenty (20) days from receipt of the Notice. Failure to either sign a Stipulation or request a hearing within twenty (20) days may result in the issuing of a Final Order of Default against the licensee.

Default- the licensees acceptance of the disciplinary action demonstrated by failing to participate in the process

ADJUDICATION PANEL

Adjudication Panel-A committee comprised of members of the Board who areNOTon the Screening Panel. The Adjudication Panel determines the final outcome of a case.

The Adjudication Panel reviews the record to determine appropriate sanctions. A Final Order is issued by the Adjudication Panel, completing the complaint process.

COMPLAINT PROCESS FLOW

Current license status and information regarding disciplinary action(s) againsta licensee can be accessed online at:https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/

Original post:
Board of Architects and Landscape Architects

SafeRacks, is a fast growing, quality focused, highly responsive product line of overhead storage and organizational products.

Can I install SaferRacks into Metal Joists or Concrete Ceilings?Answer: NO!

SafeRacks are designed to be installed into wood joists only. If your ceiling is dry-walled, use a stud finder to locate the joists.

Before you begin, gather the required tools and components listed below and ensure all are accounted for.If any of the listed components in your packaging are missing, please call 877.655.3443 to have them sent directly to you.

Please read through the assembly instructions completely before proceeding to installation. Once you understand all of the installation steps, proceed with the installation.

(These instructions depict a 4'x8' size rack being installed; all size racks can be installed based on the same steps taken with different measurements depending on rack size)

Begin by installing your ceiling brackets (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Next, the vertical posts will fasten to the ceiling brackets (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Finally, the horizontal beams and center support will attach to the vertical posts; the decks are placed on the beams to complete your rack installation (Figure 3)

Figure 3

WARNING: This installation is intended for a wood framed home, if your home is steel framed, stop the installation and call 877.655.3443.

Figure 4 and 5

Figure 6

Option 1: If the ceiling bracket is being placed in the corner of the wall and ceiling, and 2 joists are not available for anchoring, you can install the lag bolts into the wall header if one is present (Figure 7).

Note: If this option is chosen, install the ceiling bracket 1 " from the wall, so that you can access the back of the bracket to install the nut and bolt for the vertical post in the next step (Figure 8).

Figure 7 and 8

Option 2: If the vertical posts are centered on a wall stud, you can screw the vertical post directly to the wall stud. Use 3 washers total per lag screw, 2 against the wall and 1 on the head of the lag screw (Figure 9).

Note: If this option is chosen, install the lag screws loosely at first to ensure room for assembling the rest of the rack and leaving room for the wire decking which sits over the lip of the rack.

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12 and 13

Note:

IMPORTANT: Ensure the skinny sections of the teardrop holes are facing down, and that all vertical posts are adjusted to the exact same length (Figure 14).

Figure 14

Notes:

Our ceiling brackets are intended to be installed with a minimum of two Lag Screws. Please refer to the figures below for the correct way of positioning the vertical posts on the ceiling bracket.

Figure 15 and 16

Figure 17 and 18

Figure 19 and 20

WARNING: Opposite ends may come loose when hammering beams in place. Use a helper to ensure rivets do not come loose during the seating process.

Figure 21

Figure 22

NOTE:

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25 and 26

Figure 27

WARNING: Load heavy objects, distributed equally, nearest the vertical posts and light objects nearest the center. Read the safety label on the rack and do not overload the system. Do not climb on or hang from the storage rack. Routinely inspect the rack over time to ensure rivets and wire decking units are seated properly.

WARNING, DO NOT EXCEED THE FOLLOWING WEIGHT LIMITS

All stated weight limits are based on static loads with load distribution as stated above. Some horizontal deflection can be expected when racks are loaded near maximum limits.

REFER TO THE WARNING PAGE ON INSIDE COVER OF THIS MANUAL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Figure 28 and 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Figure 35

Figure 36

Continued here:
Installation Instructions - Ceiling & Hanging Garage Storage

Planting grass seed is an economical and satisfying way to expand the green space around your home or improve your existing lawn. In order to enjoy successful grass establishment and all the benefits seeding offers, follow these eight steps to grow a lush, inviting green lawn:

The time of year you plant grass seed has a direct effect on its success. Proper timing helps ensure your grass seed will germinate properly, grow quickly and remain healthy while new seedlings become established.

The best time to plant grass seed varies according to your grass growing region and the type of grass you grow. Lawns across the northern tier of the United States typically consist of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue or perennial ryegrass. Planting during cool weather in fall and spring coincides with the most active growth periods for these grass types.

In Massachusetts, for example, early fall is the ideal time to plant grass seed.1 At this time, the ground is still warm enough to aid germination, but the days are cool and sometimes rainy. This combination helps ensure newly planted seeds don't dry out. There's also sufficient daylight in early fall to allow new grass to thrive and become established before winter's arrival.

Spring seeding is your second best option for planting cool-season grasses. Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination. Spring sunshine and rain both contribute to strong grass growth.

For lawns across the southern half of the U.S., warm-season lawn grasses such as Bermudagrass, Zoysia grass, Bahiagrass and Centipede grass are the rule. These grasses are best planted during their optimal growth period, which falls in spring and early summer instead of fall. Wait to plant warm-season grasses until daytime temperatures stay near 80 F or higher and all danger of a late spring frost in your area has passed.

If you intend to replace the entire lawn, it's important to do a thorough job of removing the old turf. Use a sod cutter to take out the old grass at the roots. Another option for clearing the area is to spray the lawn with a non-selective herbicide, which kills both grass and broadleaf plants. If you choose to spray, follow label instructions for your product closely and avoid any contact with grass or plants you want to keep.

After the product's designated waiting period, reapply as needed to kill any remaining grass. Once you're certain that the turf you want to replace is dead, clear the dead grass from the site and make any needed adjustments to the grade to prepare for seeding.

Optimum soil conditions boost successful seed germination and support healthy turf growth. To prepare your soil for planting, do the following:

To succeed at growing a healthy lawn, it's important to buy quality grass seed that is well-suited to your climate and your growing conditions. Premium, purebred Pennington Smart Seed grasses are water-conserving, drought-resistant and developed for superior performance in home lawns.

Whether you grow warm-season or cool-season grasses depends primarily on where you live. Warm-season lawn grasses are best suited to southern climates and grow most vigorously during the warm months of the year. They typically go dormant and brown in the winter. Cool-season grasses are typically used in northern and transition zone lawns, growing best where summers are moderate and winters are cold. They remain green all year, but can go brown and dormant in heat and drought.

In many areas of the country, you can opt for a mix of seed specific to your region. Smart Seed mixes are designed for lawns in the Midwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest and Pennsylvania State. If you're growing lawn grass in shade, choose a grass seed product such as Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade, which is formulated especially for challenging low-light conditions. For lawns with variable shade and sun, Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade provides the solution you need.

Choosing the right type of spreader for your situation helps you get the results you need. A drop spreader drops seed straight down in a path the width of your spreader as you move across your lawn. This type of spreader maneuvers well in tight spaces and is ideal for small lawns (less than 5,000 sq. ft.), which typically require more precision in where the seed lands.

A broadcast or rotary spreader comes in walk-behind and hand-held types that spread seed by fanning it out in all directions, providing more uniform coverage. These spreaders are ideal for large lawns, but they lack the precision drop spreaders provide.

Once you finish spreading the seed, use a rake to lightly work it into the soil at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Don't bury the seeds any deeper; grass seed needs adequate light to germinate quickly. After raking, pass over the area with a roller, which helps ensure the good seed-to-soil contact your new seed needs.

Overseeding is the process of planting grass seed into an existing lawn. This is done to improve your lawn's overall look and health, thicken your grass, minimize weeds, fill in bare or damaged areas, or convert to another type of lawn grass. Also, southern lawns are often overseeded with a cool-season grass to provide green color during winter months. When overseeding, broadcast the seed over the lawn, and water it in well, following the same instructions as for new lawns.

Keeping grass seeds and seedlings constantly moist but not soggy is critical to successful grass-seeding efforts. Water newly seeded areas two to three times a day with a light spray to keep the seeds moist. Stop watering when puddles begin to appear on the soil surface. Once the seeds germinate and grass seedlings begin to grow, gradually transition to watering less frequently but more heavily. Taper off watering as the grass becomes taller and more mature.

Depending on the type of grass you're growing, germination may take anywhere from five to 21 days. Expect your new grass to take another four to 10 weeks to root well and become established. It will take a full season for most grasses to mature to the point where they're ready for steady foot traffic.

Once your new seedlings reach about 1 inch in height, examine the newly seeded area for any bare spots or places you may have missed. Reseed the bare areas, and repeat the process as needed until new seedlings are thick and you're satisfied with the results.

Once your grass reaches 3 inches high, it's ready to withstand mowing. Always follow best practices for mowing lawns, including the recommended mowing heights for your type of grass. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing or you can stress your grass and invite lawn disease, problem weeds and weak growth. With fall-planted cool-season lawns, your first mowing may need to wait until the following spring.

During the first season of establishment, young grass is still tender, so avoid as much foot traffic as possible. Keep your grass growing strong with regular maintenance, including irrigation. Water as needed to supplement rainfall so your lawn receives about 1 inch of water per week under normal conditions.

Begin fertilizingcool-season lawns four to eight weeks after seed germination, but never later than November. For warm-season grasses, wait until the following spring to feed your new lawn. After initial feedings, you might need to fertilize up to four times a year, according to your soil test recommendations. Retest the soil every three to four years, and adjust accordingly.

By choosing the best grass for your region and your lawn's conditions and following these simple guidelines planting grass seed is a straightforward project that will transform for your yard.Penningtonis dedicated to providing you with theresourcesandpremium productsyou need to grow lush, beautiful turf. You and your family and friends can enjoy all thebenefits of a beautiful, natural lawn.

Total Time Required to Transform Your Lawn:6-12 weeks, depending on the region, weather and grass type.

How hard you'll have to work on a scale of 1-4:3 (a little work goes a long wayespecially during the prep phase)

Time breakdown:

Pennington and Smart Seed are registered trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.

1. University of Massachusetts Amherst, Lawn Renovation and Overseeding."

2. Ricigliano, D., "Lawn Establishment, Renovation and Overseeding," University of Maryland Extension, 2016.

3. Nathan, M. and Fresenburg, B., "Soil Testing for Lawns," University of Missouri Extension, June 2008.

4. Grande, J., "Seeding Your Lawn," Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, February 2004.

See the original post:
How to Plant Grass Seed - Pennington.com

Growing From Seed

Growing a lawn from seed offers an affordable option, especially for smaller lawns. Success hinges on selecting the best grass seed for your situation. Turfgrass breeders make advances every year, so its worthwhile to do some research to discover available options. Local grass seed vendors typically carry tried-and-true seed types. You can find newer seed types at a nursery or landscaping business that specializes in lawn installation. Always buy top-quality seed. Its worth the investment.

Before spending any money on grass seed, test your soil. You can select the ideal grass seed and still grow a lackluster lawn if your soil pH is incorrect. Most turf grasses thrive in well-aerated soil with a slightly acidic pH (between 6 and 7.5). Obtain a soil test kit from your local extension office. To take a soil test, gather soil samples from several places around the area youll be seeding. Mix the soil, and place it into the soil testing bag. Expect to pay at least $15 for the test (price varies by region). It takes about two weeks to get results back, and it will take more time to adjust soil as specified by the results. Plan accordingly: dont do your soil test the day before you plan to seed.

Grass falls into two general categories: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses are the ones that grow in warmer regions of the country. These include grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, buffalo, centipede and zoysia. Warm-season grasses achieve their peak growth when summer hits its stride. These grasses typically require full sun to thrive, although St. Augustine can tolerate some shade in the Deep South.

Cool-season grasses are the ones that grow in northern regions of the country. Fine, tall and red fescues, perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass are cool-season grasses. This type of turf grows the most during the cool seasons of spring and fall. Cool-season grasses tend to be more shade-tolerant, especially the fescues. One key factor in choosing the right grass seed simply depends on where you live. You dont want to plant warm-season turf in Vermont or fine fescue in South Texas.

Its important to consider how much wear and tear your lawn will experience as you select a grass seed. If you have a family with young children who enjoy a summer pool and running on the lawn, opt for a grass other than fine fescue, which doesnt stand up to foot traffic. Kentucky bluegrass is the turf of choice for athletic fields, and its also self-mending. When damage causes bare spots, the turf can creep in to fill in holes. However, Kentucky bluegrass can be more demanding in terms of care, needing more mowing, fertilizing and watering to look its best.

Consider irrigation needs when you choose your grass seed. If you live in a region subject to droughts and water restrictions, select a grass like tall fescue, zoysia or buffalo grass. Floratam is the St. Augustine variety thats the most drought-tolerant, but it does require some shade. If you plant Kentucky bluegrass, you will need to water regularly to maintain a healthy lawn.

Some cool-season turf types go dormant during summer, while warm-season zoysia enters dormancy during the years chilliest months. Some municipalities now require home builders to install lawns with summer-dormancy capabilities. If you choose turf that needs watering to look its best, consider adding an irrigation system before seeding, especially if soil is bare. Its better to dig up the yard before grass is growing. Consider what your lawn will look like in winter as you select seed. While you can remedy a winter-dormant lawn by overseeding with ryegrass, you might want to consider taking a break from lawn care.

Different types of grasses tolerate differing levels of shade. By far, most grasses crave sun and need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Specialized shade-tolerant grass blends thrive in four hours of dappled sun or partial shade. In the cool-season grass category, the shade-tolerant grasses are rye and fine and tall fescues. Warm-season grasses that grow in shade include zoysia and St. Augustine. A quality seed blend for a shady lawn should include several different types of shade-tolerant grasses. That way, if one grass fails to succeed, theres another to take its place.

When youre seeding a sloping area of your yard, choose a seed blend that includes a high percentage of perennial ryegrass. This grass is quick to germinate and establish. Its fast-growing root system will reduce erosion while other turf types in the seed blend establish. Avoid purchasing a seed blend with more than 20 percent perennial ryegrass, or it may overpower the other grasses in the mix. A blend is always better, because it effectively hedges your seeding bets.

Consider lawn maintenance when you select grass seed. Grasses like fescues have higher ideal growing heights and dont need mowing as often as a Kentucky bluegrass lawn. Among warm-season turf, youll typically mow centipede and Bermuda grass more frequently than zoysia. Native grasses like buffalo grass require the lowest amount of mowing. Turf that goes dormant in summer heat or winter chill also demands less mowing during periods of dormancy. Factor all of these considerations into your selection of a specific grass seed.

Research to be sure you understand the fertility needs of the turf type you intend to grow. If youre someone who likes to pursue organic fertilizing with compost and other earth-friendly brews, make sure the grass you select responds well to that type of fertilizer program. Some turf requires more frequent fertilization. Do your homework to be certain youre not planting a high-maintenance lawn when you only have time to grow a low-maintenance one. Ultimately, no matter what type of grass seed you buy, the label should show weed seed content less than 1 percent and inert material content less than 4 percent. Never buy grass seed with a germination rate less than 70 percent.

Read the original:
How to Choose the Right Grass Seed | DIY

Popular Types Of Grass Seed

There is a wide range of grass varieties, but there are just two basic categories of grass types: Warm Season grasses and Cool Season grasses. As you might imagine, all of the different varieties in each of these grass types is best suited for a certain type of climate.

Warm Season grasses are generally native to tropical regions and thrive when they are in hot climates with a lot of daily sunshine. They tend to grow best in temperatures ranging from 75F to 90F and will often turn brown or go dormant in the cooler late-fall and winter months.

The majority of the growing of Warm Season grasses happens in the summer months. Some examples of popular Warm Season grass varieties include St. Augustine grass, Buffalo, Bermuda, and Centipede.

Cool Season grasses do well in areas that have cold, freezing winters and very hot summers. They grow the fastest when temperatures are from 65F to 80F, or during in the spring and fall months.

While Cool Season grasses are suited to climates that have regular intervals of rain in the summer, many of them can withstand long periods of drought by going dormant. Some popular examples of Cool Season grasses include Perennial and Annual Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue, and Bentgrass.

You can start you search for the best grass seed for your lawn by learning which type of climate you live in. If you are in the Warm Season zone, you should be researching the different varieties of Warm Season grasses and vice versa for the Cool Season zone.

Each grass variety has certain applications where it does best. For example, Bahia grass and Buffalo grass are both Warm Season grasses, but they have different characteristics. Bahia grass does best in full sun conditions and in areas with sandy, slightly acidic soil. It needs regular watering, but is relatively resistant to short periods of drought and is ideal for high activity areas.

Unfortunately, while being an extremely hardy grass, it doesn't create a very uniform lawn and it doesn't handle the cold very well. On the other hand, Buffalo grass has a smoother, more manicured look and can withstand near freezing temperatures for short periods. It can also survive through extended drought periods, but doesn't do well in high activity areas.

To choose the best grass variety for your home, start by testing the pH of your soil. You can adjust your soil pH as needed, but why not choose a grass variety that does well in your soil type and skip the hassle? Next you should consider how much maintenance you want to put into lawn care. If you don't want to deal with regular waterings, go with a variety that is drought resistant.

If you don't want to have to mow so often, choose a slower growing variety. You'll also want to consider how much traffic you'll be subjecting your lawn to. Some grass varieties can deal with cars being parked on them regularly, while others can't even withstand minor foot traffic.

Not everybody lives in a Cool Season or Warm Season grass climate. There is a narrow band across America known as the Transition Zone and picking the right grass variety in these areas can be trickier. If you live in the Transition Zone, you'll want to consider Kentucky Bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, Thermal Blue, Perennial Ryegrass, or Tall Fescue.

Creating the perfect lawn isn't just about picking the right variety. You'll also need to maintain it correctly and plant at the right time of year. A general rule of thumb is that Warm Season grasses should be planted from March through September, and Cool Season grasses should be planted from mid-August through mid-October, but refer to the directions on your specific grass variety to further narrow down the best seeding time.

You need to make sure to prepare your lawn before laying down your seed as well. If you are planting a new lawn, start by loosening the top few inches of soil with a cultivator or hoe. Next, remove large debris and break up any big clumps of soil. If you have any low spots where water might collect, you should level them out, so no grass seed is left in standing water for too long.

After your lawn has been fully prepared, you can spread your grass seed. For best results, you should fertilize with a starter fertilizer after seeding and then water twice a day. Once you have mowed your new lawn one or two times, you can revert back to a normal watering schedule.

If you are overseeding an existing lawn, you'll want to mow your grass as short as possible, loosen any bare soil spots, remove dead grass clumps, and then spread the seed as evenly as possible. As with a new lawn planting, you should water twice a day until after the first or second mowing and lay down a starter fertilizer.

Continued here:
The 7 Best Grass Seed - Ezvid Wiki: The World's Video Wiki

Other Services We Specialize In:

Mistubishi Ductless Split and Multi-Split Systems

For decades, split-zoning air-conditioning and heat pump systems have been the quiet solution for cooling and heating problems around the world. Our quiet and powerful systems have three main components: an indoor unit, outdoor unit, and remote controller. Installation is as simple as mounting the indoor and outdoor units, connecting the refrigerant lines, and making a few electrical connections.

Mitsubishi Electric is the industry leader in split-ductless air-conditioning technology period. Compare and youll see that no one surpasses the Mitsubishi Electric brands performance for quiet, easy-to-use, and energy-efficient operation. And because our split-ductless technology carries the Mitsubishi Electric name, you know every product is built to last. The bottom line is, Mitsubishi systems deliver the ultimate in comfort control for your home or office. Its true today and will be comfortably evident for years to come.

Read More

If a room is too hot or too cold, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating can handle it! Mitsubishi split-zoning systems are specifically designed to improve the comfort level in an uncomfortably hot or cold room of an existing building. Because they dont require ductwork, theyre the perfect heating and cooling systems for renovating older buildings that were constructed before air conditioning was available even those with plaster walls and brick facades. The versatility and variety of applications for Mitsubishi Electric systems are virtually unlimited. Theyre an excellent choice for almost any spot cooling or heating situation, including enclosed sunrooms, upstairs bedrooms, classrooms, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, hotels, workout rooms, computer rooms, offices and churches.Theyre also equipped with an anti-allergen filter and prevent the cross-flow of air with contaminants. And because they can be controlled by zone, its easy to set the controls for the exact room temperature you want.

How does it work? Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating can fit into almost any space because their innovative engineering optimizes the capabilities of the INVERTER technology and R410A refrigerant for more efficient systems with smaller indoor and outdoor units. R410A refrigerant is environmentally friendly, with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). The units themselves are also made of recyclable materials. To find out more about Mitsubishi Electric split-zoning products simply contact us.

Zoning

Your home is already designed and zoned for plumbing and electrical. Why not have each area or rooms of your home zoned specifically for cooling and heating in a particular area. Why waste money heating or cooling rooms that arent in use. Zoning is a great way to reduce your electric bills while delivering customized comfort where you want it, when you want it. Contact us for further information on zoning.

Duct Remodification

Improperly sized or poorly designed ductwork is the reason why most homeowners are not very comfortable in their homes. In fact, 70% of systems have inadequate airflow, and the average HVAC system only delivers 57% of the systems rated capacity to the home. Through testing and modifying your duct system, your home can achieve the desired comfort level and save on energy costs.

Read More

Realizing the condition of your ducts is vital to the health and comfort of others in the household. An improperly designed duct system will experience lots of problems. Its actually one of the most common problems that a homeowner is faced with. You may experience the following with a leaky or poorly designed duct system:

When it comes to your comfort, we dont guess. We test and use proven science and math to determine exactly what is required and then provide you with options available to deliver your desired results.

If higher energy bills and discomfort have gotten you down lately, then take control of them by having your duct system inspected and tested by one of our NCI Certified technicians. Using these results, we can custom-design the right modifications for your home, and you can enjoy the comfort and energy savings you deserve in your home.

Contact Us

Original post:
Heating and Cooling Installation | Heating and Cooling ...

Durable. Beautiful. Custom crafted, made to order, and professionally installed.

Energy-efficient replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen offer the elegance, strength, and stability of wood, with the low-maintenance features of vinyl.

Investigate window styles below, or browse our differentcolor,frame,grille, andhardware optionsto find the right style for your home. Ready to get started right now?Set up a free appointmentto work with one of our design consultants.

Made from the Andersen-exclusiveFibrexcomposite material, your new windows will stand the test of time+ and look great doing it. Whats more, youll have peace of mind knowing they were installed by one of our own crews of certified master installers true craftspeople who have experience replacing windows in homes of all shapes, sizes, and styles.

Learn more about ourinstallation process and the dedicated individualswho will be working in your home.

Pick a performance metric: efficiency, strength and durability, maintenance, beautywhichever factor is most important to you (and we hope they all are!), your Renewal by Andersenreplacement windows can make a difference.

Energy EfficiencySuperior thermal insulating properties helps your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer and can help yousave money on your energy bills.

Plus, 40% of the raw material by weight used to make Fibrexmaterial is reclaimed wood fiber. Our windows are Green Seal certified, and available withglass optionsthat make them ENERGY STARcertifiedso not only will your home stay more comfortable, you can help keep your corner of the world is just a little bit greener.Strength and DurabilityTwice as strong as vinyl, thedurable natureof Fibrex material means that it can stand up to even the most extreme temperature swings, maintaining its stability and rigidity in all climates.

Low MaintenanceYour Renewal by Andersenwindows arewarrantiednot to flake, rust, blister, peel, crack, pit or corrode.+And years down the road, they will be as easy to operate as the day they are installed.*

BeautyThe strength of Fibrexmaterial means narrower frames; narrower frames mean more glass and more view. Plus, the extrusion process allows us to craft your windows to any shape meaning you can match the architectural style of your homeordefine a new look.

The process also fuses the color into the material, offering you awide palette of long-lasting colors+to choose fromincluding dark exterior colors not found with most other replacement windows.

Withstainable wood interiorsincluding oak, maple, and engineered pine,12 hardware finishes, and a variety ofgrille patterns, including colonial, prairie, and custom-designed, you can match your new windows to your homes current architecture, change your look, or complete a historically accurate renovation.

Need help deciding? Looking for a quote? Schedule a free in-homewindow consultationwith our window design experts orvisit one of our showrooms.

[+]Seelimited warrantyfor details

[*]Based on testing of 10 double-hung units per ASTM E2068, 20 years after installation.

Go here to see the original:
Replacement Windows - Renewal by Andersen