Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

One of the first questions that gets asked in the process of mounting a flat screen TV to a wall is How high should I place the screen? For those who want their viewing experience to be as immersive as possible, this is a vital question. The height of a TV screen can mean the difference between an engrossing, theater experience when viewing movies and shows or a cricked neck.

As Lee Marc, CEO of MantelMount describes it, It can feel like you are sitting in the front row of a movie theater. The problems associated with that can be eye strain, chronic neck pain, and chronic back pain. You are also going to degrade the quality of the TV. People spend all this money to get a clear, beautiful picture and then they watch it at an angle that degrades the picture quality.

Figuring out how high a TV should be mounted is the first step in creating a comfortable, idyllic viewing experience. The general rule of thumb is that, while seated, the center of the TV should be exactly at eye level.

However, much like the English language, there are a series of conditionals that come attached to that statement. Room layout, audience positioning, audience height and even the size of the TV itself can all be influential in determining the height of the TV, as well as what mount you might want to use.

As such finding a truly ideal screen placement requires a little more finetuning. To help elucidate both beginners and experts on this topic, CE Pro reached out to Marc and the experts of MantelMount for additional guidance.

As mentioned previously, the general rule of thumb is to have it so that, when the intended audience is seated, the center of the mounted TV is as high as eye level. To break it down even further, many guides will state that any screen up to 85-inches in diagonal length (which is the general calculation of TV sizes) can be placed 42-inches off the ground, from floor to center of the TV.

However, others will contend that, when wall mounting a TV, the screen should be placed high enough that, when seated, the bottom of the TV is just eye level, and when standing, the top of the TV is at eye level. The reason for this is that, using the general guidelines above, many of the larger TVs will end up with very little floor clearance once installed, which can be problematic for accumulation of dirt, furniture placement, etc.

For Marc and the experts over at MantelMount, theyve developed a set of recommended TV heights based on their experience working on mounting projects over the years. These vary slightly from the generally recommended heights and therefore allow for greater floor clearance while still maintaining a comfortable viewing experience:

Knowing the ideal height to mount the TV at, you can then mark that position on the wall using a simple calculation. Using a 43-inch TV as an example, you simply take the screen height (22 inches in this case) divide it in half (11 inches) and then subtract it from the recommended mounting height. Using this, you can determine that the bottom of the TV should be 45-inches off the ground once mounted, allowing you to mark the wall at that height.

Another element thats just as important as figuring out how high a TV should be mounted is figuring out how far away one should be seated when watching, Marc notes.

Have audiences seated too far from the screen, and it can lead to a lack of immersion when watching movies or shows. However, placing the seating area too close to the TV can lead to its own set of issues. It might not ruin your eyesight like your mom once told you, but the associated eye strain will certainly lead to some literal headaches.

Thankfully, theres a handy method, according to Marc, for calculating the ideal viewing distance based off the size of the display. Lets use a 65-inch TV as an example. To calculate the ideal viewing distance for it, all you need to do is divide it by 0.55, meaning the ideal viewing distance is 118 inches (roughly nine feet) away.

For a 55-inch display, that translates to 100 inches, or a little over eight feet of viewing distance. For 42-inches, its a 76-inch recommended viewing distance. No matter what, just divide the display size by 0.55 and youll have your ideal viewing distance. It even works for projection screens.

The angle at which a TV should be mounted is another issue, Marc notes. This is not often a concern on most mounting projects, but in special scenarios, such as trying to mount a TV over a fireplace or in a corner of the room, viewing angle becomes a core consideration.

If you are using a TV mount that can tilt and swivel, all you need to do is adjust such that the viewer is looking directly at the TV when seated. However, as Marc notes, there are limitations on how much a TV should be angled.

In order to maintain a comfortable viewing experience, you dont want to have a vertical tilt of more than 15 degrees. Anything steeper than that and heads will be craning too far up to get a good viewing angle of the TV.

For horizontal viewing, Marc recommends no more than a 40-degree angling.

One of the more popular mounting options that comes with its own berth of consideration is the decision to mount a TV over the fireplace. The reason for this is that fireplace mantels generally dictate a mounted TV height far higher than the general recommendation to avoid damage from heat and soot. In this scenario, having something like a drop-down TV mount can help combat the high viewing angle.

Another element to consider is the placement of stands or cabinets beneath the TV. Say you mount a TV on the wall but choose to store media players and other devices beneath the TV in a cabinet or dresser on the floor. For obvious reasons, the TV will need to be positioned higher than the surface height of the furniture.

This can also lead into how you intend to hook cables up to the TV. If you happen to be running wire behind the wall, this may not be as much of an issue, but for a more traditional install hooked up to a wall outlet, where you choose to place the TV may heavily depend upon available outlets, especially if you want to keep visibility of wires to a minimum.

Installers should also avoid wall locations where the TV will be in direct sunlight as this can not only result in an annoying glare on the TV itself, but it could potentially damage image quality over time if it gets hot enough in that one location.

You may still be wondering how to mount a TV to the wall now that you know the ideal placement, or what the best types of wall mounts to use are. Maybe youre even curious about more specialized projects, like mounting a TV over the fireplace as we just mentioned. In that case, we have plenty of articles to follow for more information.

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How High Should a TV Be Mounted? and Other Questions - CE Pro

There are more than 420,000 plumbers in the United States - which one should you hire?

Plumbing systems are important components of any home or business. At some point in time, everyone will need a plumber to fix a clogged drain or a leaking toilet. How do you find a great company and get a competitive price?

It's important to carefully select who you contact - ensure that every plumber has the following qualifications:

The services of plumbers come in handy for many different situations, from tasks as simple as a clogged drain to more complex projects such as piping a home. Some of the most common functions that plumbers undertake include:

Blocked drains are perhaps the most common cause for plumbing services. Various drains within homes and businesses can become clogged due to food debris, oiland foreign objects going down the drain. A blocked drain can be aninconvenience, with the potential of causing kitchen sinks, bathroomsand showers to become unusable until the blockage is addressed. A hand snake or machine auger can typically resolve this issue.

In some casesplumbers are called outdue to a broken or damaged pipe. Corrosion is common if two types of metal pipes connect to each other that have different material, such as copper pipes connecting to galvanized steel pipes. This leads to small leaks that turn into larger issues.

Another popular service offered by plumbers is the unclogging of toilets. It's pretty obvious why someone would want this fixed.

More common is a toilet that won't stop trickling water. An constantly-flowing toilet can eventually result in further damage to pipes and the sewage system, along with a higher water bill.

Plumbing Manufacturers International - Advocacy for safe and efficient plumbing products | Plumber Hiring Resource Center - For consumers looking for information on hiring plumbers | Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters Pay Information - Bureau of Labor Statistics median pay and other information on plumbers

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This is it: Dads brush with death during Geelong Ring Road disaster  Geelong Advertiser

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This is it: Dads brush with death during Geelong Ring Road disaster - Geelong Advertiser

Its Almost Like an Illusion- Mario Creator Shigeru Miyamoto Reveals the Ideology That Keeps Nintendos Legendary Plumber Welcoming to All Generations  EssentiallySports

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Its Almost Like an Illusion- Mario Creator Shigeru Miyamoto Reveals the Ideology That Keeps Nintendos Legendary Plumber Welcoming to All Generations -...

Its the Dynamic of This Guy- The Super Mario Bros. Movie Star Seth Rogen Reasons on the Choice of Donkey Kongs Voice  EssentiallySports

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Its the Dynamic of This Guy- The Super Mario Bros. Movie Star Seth Rogen Reasons on the Choice of Donkey Kongs Voice - EssentiallySports

Generations ago, the porch was where all the action happened a place to converse with neighbors, cool off in summer and watch kids play in the yard. Today, porches are making a comeback as homeowners look to channel those relaxing days with front stoops and wraparounds. As you browse porch ideas, keep in mind that yours should feel like an extension of the home's interior. Read further for more porch design tips. What kind of porch should I add to my home? The size and type of your house porch is primarily dictated by your budget, space and overall look. A typical one is integrated into the roofline, so keep that in mind that youre likely looking at an expensive remodel. Wraparound porches takes up quite a bit of yard space and often require a change to multiple areas of the house, while small sun porch designs out back are a little less tedious. Adding a front stoop is a quick way to enhance your curb appeal, and is a less expensive option as well. In general, all of them have a predominantly traditional feel, so you might try a patio or deck if it doesn't fit your desired style. What type of porch railings should I have? The railings, or balustrade, you decide to use can help set the overall style of your porch design. While you can always go with simple vertical balusters for a more craftsman look, there are tons of other porch designs that will make your railings pop. Try turning those same vertical posts diagonally or varying the spacing to create unique patterns. Alternatively, traditional turned railings give a more classic look and will surely make your space sturdy for years to come. For an intricate showstopper, go with a custom sawn wood design that will instantly give a Victorian vibe to your space. For industrial or modern styles, consider metal railings, or sleek horizontal cable railings. To keep your views from being obstructed, glass is always a good option (plus, all of your gorgeous decor wont be hidden from neighbors). Regardless of the style you decide on, make sure you adhere to local building codes and implement your porch ideas safely. How should I decorate my porch? There are no formal rules when it comes to porch decorating ideas, other than to make sure they reflect your lifestyle. You can easily create additional living space by adding plenty of outdoor furniture. Try creating an afternoon nap spot by adding a hammock, swing or daybed, or include simple rocking chairs and adirondack chairs for sipping and chatting with friends. Many porch ideas Include a table or two to set down drinks or snacks, whether it be a small side table or a larger bistro set for summertime meals. Be sure to leave enough space to walk around any furniture, as climbing over your friends and family is not ideal. In general, remember porches are outdoor spaces, so some metals and fabrics can rust and absorb moisture, or fade from being in the sun. Bring in sensitive items when the weather worsens, and opt for more versatile weatherproof pieces overall. To bring your personality into the space, add decorative items like wall hangings, potted plants, throw pillows and rugs for additional color and comfort. Ultimately, its all about relaxation and simplicity, so be sure that's reflected in your porch decor and furnishings.

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75 Porch Ideas You'll Love - April, 2023 | Houzz

Like any other outdoor room, porches are simply a continuation of your living space. Although all porches provide a space that bridges the gap between the outside world and the inside of your home, not all porches are created equal. Some porches are meant to greet visitors, while others are designed more for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors in an enclosed area.

When it comes to considering the type of porch you want for your home, you have many different options to choose from. To name a few, you can construct a wraparound porch, screened-in porch, farmers porch, veranda, bungalow porch, or detached porch.

Its important that you are aware of all the different types of porches so you can make the most of the space both visually and functionally. Continue reading for our comprehensive guide on the most popular porch configurations.

Also referred to as a front entry porch, a portico is an excellent porch for those on a relatively limited budget. Front porches are the most traditional type of porch and serve as a great welcoming space for visitors. In most cases, porticos are small in size and only cover the area just above the stairs leading to the homes main door.

If you want to embellish your portico with plants or chairs, youll likely want to build it wider. Regardless, an effective portico will provide shielding for your guests from the weather as they wait to enter your home. It can also create a charming outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air.

The wraparound porch is one of the most common types of front porches you can choose from for your home. Frequently seen on Victoria-style homes, these porches are perfect for areas of the world that experience mild weather for most of the year. They can extend the living space of your casual family room or provide a space for your guests to enjoy the outdoors while connected to a dining room or more formal living room.

When you open up a wraparound porch to the rooms inside, it can make your entire home feel more expansive. Though, its important to note that a wraparound porch is going to shade the interior of your home so youll want to be aware of where the sun travels on your property.

Since wraparound porches are large and literally wrap around your house, you can create various zones. For example, you can set up a seating area for visitors, a lounge area with a hammock for relaxing and reading, or even add a gazebo for some visual interest. For homes in the country, a wraparound porch is the perfect way to establish a deeper connection between the interior of your home and the stunning landscape.

A screened-in porch is exactly what the name indicates: a porch that is screened. This type of porch is ideal if you want to enjoy the breezes and fragrances of the outdoors, but without the harsh sunlight and bugs. Having a porch that is screened allows you to appreciate your porch on a more regular basis and makes it suited for more activities.

With screened-in porches, your porch will not be impacted by weather, bugs, or insects, and you still get to enjoy your porch just in a more controlled environment. That said, here are some of the most prominent advantages to screened-in porches:

Also called an open porch, a farmers porch is a common feature on New England and farmhouse-style homes. Farmers porches may wrap around the sides of your house or extend along the front of the house. These porches can be distinguished by their tailored railings and sturdy beams that support the structure.

A farmers porch may either be elevated or ground level. These porches extend your living space into the outdoors. In addition to shielding from rain and providing a stunning spot to sit and relax, farmers porches deliver a very traditional look and feel to your home. The types of farmers porches include:

As the name suggests, a detached porch is a separate structure from the main house. It is usually connected to the home via a walkway, whether its a wooden pathway, gravel, or pavers. Detached porches may be open-air, screened-in, or enclosed in glass.

These porches offer a lot of versatility, with numerous feature options to create the porch of your dreams. Since detached porches are a separate structure from the house, they are often more expensive to construct than other types.

Bungalow porches are very common in Florida, typically featuring oversized stone, timber, or brick pillars or columns. This type of porch provides a front space that is open to the yard, which allows you to extend your living room. The most popular flooring options with bungalow porches are ceramic tile, asphalt, and oak.

These porches are traditionally furnished with rustic furniture, serving as an extension of the living space. The bungalow porch may be covered with a roof or pergola, with some newer styles offering a combination of the two. The roof itself is usually supported by columns or thick beams, positioned underneath a front-facing gable.

Supports are often battered (tapered) wooden posts atop stone or brick pedestals. The posts may also be divided into groups of two or even four.

Gable-style porches are narrow features that sit at the top of a stepped path, leading to the entrance of the home. These few steps lead to a landing before the doorway. The porch itself is topped by a roof that is ridged, dual-pitched, and gable-style.

Back porches are typically more informal than front porches, offering more flexibility. Installing a back porch is an excellent way to connect your kitchen to your outdoor garden. They can be used for enjoying nature or waterfront views or serve as a protected area for watching your kids play in the yard.

When compared to front porches, back porches tend to be larger and more functional. During the designing phase, its important to consider how your back porch will connect to the main home. Things like a mudroom, cooking area, or gardening shed are great additions to add functionality to your back porch.

Loggias are outdoor corridors with an outer wall that is open to the outdoors and a fully shielded roof. This type of porch typically runs the length of at least one side of the house and is supported by decorative columns or arches. Opting for a loggia is a luxurious way to upgrade the exterior of your home. Youll often find loggias around the world connected to palaces and other grand buildings.

Lanai porches originated in Hawaii but have since been introduced in other warm climate areas, including Florida. They are similar to traditional porches, but often open up into wider living areas of the home. Like loggias, lanais are roofed but they have more than one wall that is open to the elements. They may be screened in or covered in panels to help regulate the indoor temperature. With lanais, you can enjoy year-round outdoor living.

Verandas are an open-air style porch or platform with a roof, running across the sides and front of the home. They are typically enclosed by a railing and are leveled with the ground level of the house.

Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

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11 Types of Porches (With Photos) Upgraded Home

Project detailsSkill1 out of 5EasyThe sheets are heavy and a bit unwieldy, especially when covering the ceiling.Cost

$8 to $10 per -inch x 48-foot sheet

6 to 8 hours

Call it wallboard, plasterboard, Sheetrock, or just plain rock, like some pros do, drywall revolutionized the way walls and ceilings are covered. Before the 1950s, when these paper-wrapped gypsum panels came into widespread use, it took days for lathers and plasterers to create a firm, flat foundation for paint or wallpaper. With drywall, it takes a fraction of the time. Two pros can typically cover a 12-by-16-foot room in about an hour.

To work that fast takes practice and a few specialized tools. But hanging drywall is not just about speed. Doing the job right means using screws of the correct length, off-setting panels so seams dont line up, and making sure wires and pipes arent vulnerable to puncture.

Installing drywall is easy enough for a homeowner, as long as theres someone to help; the heavy sheets are difficult to lift, particularly when doing ceilings. Follow the drywalling tips below to learn how to hang drywall like a pro.

Despite their drab, if-youve-seen-one-youve-seen-them-all appearance, these flat sandwiches of gypsum plaster and recycled newsprint come in a variety of types and sizes to suit the specific demands of a job.

There are 14-inch-thick flexible panels to cover a curved wall or ceiling and 58-inch-thick abuse-resistant panels that are less likely to develop holes or dents. Greenboard keeps its integrity in the face of high humidity, making it a good choice for bathrooms. Type X resists fire, making it well-suited to furnace rooms and between-floor chases.

Massachusetts contractor Paul Landry often installs blueboard, so-called because of its indigo paper. It bonds tenaciously with veneer plaster, a finish much in demand in Landrys area. The light-gray product known as drywall is the type in widest use.

When butted end-to-end, its factory-beveled lengthwise edges form a shallow swale for a topping of joint compound and tape. Half-inch is the preferred thickness for walls and ceilings; 58-inch works best if studs or joists are 24 inches apart, where thinner drywall would sag. The sheets most commonly available in hardware stores measure 4 by 8 feet, but lengths can reach up to 16 feet and widths up to 54 inches, which speeds the installation and minimizes the number of seams.

Bigger panels have their downside, however: Theyre heavy and unwieldy. A 12-foot sheet of -inch drywall weighs about 80 pounds, nearly 30 pounds more than a standard 8-foot panel. Thats why manufacturers have developed 38-inch thick gypsum panels that weighs 16 percent less than standard sheets. These, however, are used only to cover existing drywall.

PLANNING AHEAD

Tip: Add a screw next to any screw head that breaks the paper.

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How to Hang Drywall in 8 Steps - This Old House

Installing drywall is not rocket science, but it will go faster and look better if you learn the fundamentals before you start (instead of after you're done).

Drywall is one of the easiest-to-use and cheapest construction materials in the world. Even a serious mistake will make you chuckle, knowing youve wasted little time and probably less than five bucks. And the money you save handling the task yourself will come in handy when furnishing that new room.

Hanging rock (short for sheetrock) doesnt require a lot of finesse, but it is heavy work. But if you are in reasonably good physical condition, dont be afraid to tackle one, two or even three rooms on your own. Its sometimes hard to interest a pro in hanging just a room or two, or even get on the schedule. Besides, defining and covering the walls with a finished material can be satisfying.

This how to install drywall article will demonstrate the basics of hanging drywall. If you do a good job of hanging drywall, the drywall can be taped and finished smoothly and easily. Taping refers to the process of filling fastener holes, applying joint tape and three layers of taping compound to seams and corners, and then sanding. (Read more about drywall taping here.) Poor drywall hanging techniques make it difficult for even a seasoned taper to deliver a flat, uncracked surface thats free of nail pops and ready for paint. Well show you the techniques and tools the pros use to get the drywall job done fast and in a way that makes taping as painless as possible.

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How to Hang Drywall Like a Pro (DIY) | Family Handyman

A Versatile Construction ServiceOur company is a well-known provider of various services for your home construction of drywall, additions, renovations, remodeling, and more. But we dont stop with just that. Our years of experience made us highly skilled professionals who are able to build new, custom homes. Thats right, we make the designs of our clients come to life and build the homes that they want to live in or sell for a profit. Whatever you need for your new home, we will do it. Share the details of your plans and before long, you will see us completing your project with flying colors.

Our ServicesAs the name of our drywall company suggests, we specialize in drywall installation and repairs. Besides that, we offer remarkable painting solutions for both exterior walls and interior living spaces. We use incredible faux painting techniques that add many features to your property. If you are looking to add a touch of intimacy or warmth to your bedroom, our finishes will turn your bare walls into any kind of texture you would like to replicate, including Venetian plasters, stripes, and much more. Whether it comes to a one-time, residential drywall repair service, or a big commercial remodeling project, we are ready and eager to assist you!

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Local General Contractor - Garcia and Sons Construction LLC