The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Plantation Shutters in Chandler

Posted on November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 by Ralph Slaske

As a homeowner in Chandler, Arizona, you know how important the right window treatments are. Not only do they need to block the intense desert sun and keep your home comfortable, but they also have a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal and style. Plantation shutters in Chandler have long been a favorite choice for their functionality and timeless good looks. However, with so many companies now offering plantation shutters, how do you find the best ones for your home? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find high-quality, custom plantation shutters that are perfectly suited to your home.

What Are Plantation Shutters and Why Choose Them?

Plantation shutters are interior window treatments with horizontal slats that can be tilted and adjusted to control light and privacy. They originate from functional shutters used in the West Indies and Southern United States to shade buildings. Today, they are popular decorative accents that also help insulate windows.

There are several benefits to choosing plantation shutters:

Appearance. Plantation shutters enhance a home’s curb appeal with an attractive exterior and a clean, custom interior look that fits any decor.
Light control. Slats can be tilted to let in natural light while maintaining privacy. This allows you to keep windows open for fresh air flow or close them for full blackout conditions.
Energy efficiency. Shutters form an effective insulated barrier, helping reduce heat transfer through windows. This can lower energy costs year-round.
Durability. High-quality wood or composite shutters are long-lasting and stand up well to regular use. They are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.
Customization. Shutters are made to order for your exact window sizes and specifications. You can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and slat sizes to complement your home’s architecture and interior design.

In summary, plantation shutters are a worthy investment that provides aesthetic, functional and economic benefits for homes. They are well worth considering if you want an elegant window treatment solution.

How to Find Custom Plantation Shutters

To find the best custom plantation shutters in Chandler, do your research to find a reputable company. Look for the following:

Experience and expertise

Seek out companies with at least 10 years of experience installing premium plantation shutters. They will have the expertise to properly measure, design, and install shutters tailored to your space and needs.

High-quality products

Look for companies that offer durable, attractive shutters made of quality materials like basswood, mahogany or composite woods. Higher-end shutters will last longer and provide better functionality.

Customization options

Choose a company that provides a range of customizable shutter types, sizes, colors, and features. Options like moveable louvers, cutouts, and stains allow you to match your home’s style.

Skilled craftsmanship

Well-made shutters require skilled woodworkers and proper construction. See if companies handcraft shutters and double-check references to ensure high-quality workmanship.

Warranties and certifications

Select companies that stand by their products by offering multi-year warranties. Look for certifications from organizations like the Window Covering Manufacturers Association which ensure proper licensing and professional standards.

Free consultations and estimates

Look for businesses that provide free in-home consultations and written estimates, allowing you to get advice from experts and compare multiple bids while finding the right solution for your needs and budget.

Following these guidelines will help you find custom plantation shutter specialists in Chandler dedicated to premium products, skilled service, and customer satisfaction. With the right company, you’ll gain stylish and functional shutters built to last.

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Plantation Shutters in Chandler

Posted on November 14, 2023November 14, 2023 by Ralph Slaske

What Are Plantation Shutters and Why Choose Them?

There are several benefits to choosing plantation shutters:

Appearance. Plantation shutters enhance a home’s curb appeal with an attractive exterior and a clean, custom interior look that fits any decor.
Light control. Slats can be tilted to let in natural light while maintaining privacy. This allows you to keep windows open for fresh air flow or close them for full blackout conditions.
Energy efficiency. Shutters form an effective insulated barrier, helping reduce heat transfer through windows. This can lower energy costs year-round.
Durability. High-quality wood or composite shutters are long-lasting and stand up well to regular use. They are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.
Customization. Shutters are made to order for your exact window sizes and specifications. You can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and slat sizes to complement your home’s architecture and interior design.

How to Find Custom Plantation Shutters

To find the best custom plantation shutters in Chandler, do your research to find a reputable company. Look for the following:

Experience and expertise

High-quality products

Look for companies that offer durable, attractive shutters made of quality materials like basswood, mahogany or composite woods. Higher-end shutters will last longer and provide better functionality.

Customization options

Choose a company that provides a range of customizable shutter types, sizes, colors, and features. Options like moveable louvers, cutouts, and stains allow you to match your home’s style.

Skilled craftsmanship

Well-made shutters require skilled woodworkers and proper construction. See if companies handcraft shutters and double-check references to ensure high-quality workmanship.

Warranties and certifications

Free consultations and estimates

What to Expect During a Shower Remodel

Posted on January 20, 2020January 20, 2020 by Ralph Slaske

There’s nothing like a hot shower upon waking or just before you go to bed at night. It’s a luxury we take for granted and that we take seriously. So, for our showers we will spend a mint making our bathroom remodel Houston as comfortable as possible. If you’re planning on having a bathroom remodel Houston or shower remodel, then you may want to know what to expect and what the process is like and that’s what we will cover right here.

What to expect from a shower remodel project

Whether you are doing a shower project, the new bath, walk in bathtubs Houston or shower remodel Houston the one big benefit of doing it is having your home value increase by 20%. Now, the price and what to expect will vary depending on what you’re having done. The more complicated the project, the more time, supplies, manpower and expense it will take.

Variations of shower remodeling projects and walk in bathtubs Houston

If you’re here because you don’t have a clue what you want to do we have listed the most common shower remodeling projects.

Walk-in showers: These are a shower stall mostly without a tub. However, you could get a walk-in tub with a shower head attachment. There’are lots of customization options. It depends why you would need a walk-in shower.

Tub to Shower: this is remodeling the whole piece. The tub and the shower both.

The important thing to think about first, before you choose a style is to understand why you want a shower remodeled. Would it be better to do the whole piece and get a new bath or a walk in bathtub Houston?

Are you doing the project because you’re reselling your home?
Are you making the shower larger?
Is this just a replacement job?
Will you be using shelving and other storage material?
Will you be integrating tech like a TV module?
What types of doors will it have?

Once you’ve figured this out, you can now work on the how to do it:

Yes, there are more questions to ask yourself before you begin.

Are you going to DIY the job?

Too insecure with that so you’ll hire a contractor for the job?
Next, figure out what types of materials are going into the job. For example, ceramic tile? What about the taps and shower head do you want? Is it all one piece like a mold or is it just tile and taps?

Now the work begins:

The first thing you’ll do is interview contractors. Once you’ve chosen the best one for you, you’ll need a written estimate of everything including how they deal with mistakes. You don’t want to open a surprise bill at the end. Don’t pay anything up front, just pay the milestones with a deposit for the supplies to start each one.

Next, the contractors will arrive to perform the demolition. Before they arrive make certain they have told you very clearly what they clear out and protect or what you are expected to. You don’t want to ruin floors, walls and furniture and then be told it’s not their issue. Watch the fine print for that kind of thing and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Also, if you are doing a very big overhaul, make sure you get a dumpster and know who covers the rental etc. Also, where you are allowed to put it. Be clear on how many days you’ll need it and who is responsible for hauling it away.

Depending on what you are having done, you will have quite a mess as they remove cabinets and sinks. The tile is also going to make a mess coming off. If you have small pets, make sure they aren’t around. If the bathroom is in your bedroom ask if you should sleep in another room. Injuries can happen during a bathroom remodeling project. Animal or small child could run into trouble in seconds and you could cut yourself or worse walking around in the night.

Next, typically anywhere from 2 days to a week depending on bath size and complexities they’ll finish installing the new fixtures. Be aware that anything can happen in between. Make sure you maintain clear and frequent communication with the foreman. Always know who the supervisor is in case you have to stop work for any reason to consult them. Speak to them before, during and in-between each milestone.

These projects don’t have to be hard, in fact, they can be fun. Just follow the common sense advice here and you should be good to go

Wood vs. Metal Fence, Pros and Cons Of The Different Fencing Materials

Posted on May 20, 2019May 20, 2019 by Ralph Slaske

Wood and metal are popular construction materials. According to home improvement site Bobvila, wood is generally preferred for outdoor structures like pergolas, gazebos, decks and fences. Besides wood, property owners can choose from a wide range of classical and contemporary metal fencing materials, i.e. aluminum, steel, wrought iron and cast iron.

These metals are more durable and DIY friendly, especially when packaged and installed as panels. The use of wrought iron in fencing dates back many centuries due to its strength and durable nature. When comparing different fencing materials, we usually narrow down the search to key aspects like durability, cost, style and pros and cons. According to the Landscaping Network, here are the pros and cons of choosing wood and metal fencing:

Wood fencing

Pros

• Oozes natural appearance

• Generally inexpensive

• Works perfectly for privacy if fitted tightly together

• Can be augmented with stain or paint finish

• Versatile when it comes to style and design

Cons

• The material is susceptible to rotting, warping and may be damaged by pests

• High maintenance

• Cost of lumbering can be prohibitive

Metal fencing (aluminum and wrought iron)

Pros

• Strong and durable

• Visually diverse and appealing

• Better option for high level security

• Aluminum material fits well with modern architecture

• Wrought Iron is little inexpensive compared to the traditional iron

Cons

• Expensive to install

• Aluminum does not rust, but is less durable compared to wrought iron

• Wrought iron rusts easily

Comparing different fencing materials

Compared to metal, wood is relatively inexpensive to buy and install since it is a cheap raw material. The material can easily be cut, shaped and hammered. The decisive visual appeal provided by a wooden fence can complement any landscape or building architecture. However, metal guarantees better security than wood. Without proper care, wood can easily be weakened by the elements and snap out, giving intruder’s access to your property.

The other popular fencing materials include vinyl and chain link fence. The chain link fence is inexpensive, easy to install and works well in a garden setting. However, due to lack of privacy, this type of fence may come off as utilitarian and unattractive. The vinyl fence is easy to clean and maintain. The material is also weather resistant and insect proof. The downside of choosing vinyl fence is the limited color selected and the non-natural look.

Fence installation and maintenance

Before installing a fence on your property, check the demarcations to ensure you are doing the right thing. If there are any issues bordering on easements and underground utilities, seek clarifications and approval from the local authorities. As part of maintenance, a wooden fence should be protected using a stain or paint. Warped or damaged planks must be removed and replaced promptly. If you have a fence made from wrought iron or certain types of rust prone steel, take time to apply rust inhibiting paint to eliminate the effects of corrosion.

The President of Western Fence, Jason McLaughlan has been in the fencing industry for over 20 years. His Utah based firm offers a wide range of durable fencing materials, including wood, metal, chain link and vinyl fencing. The popular metal fencing options offered include aluminum, wrought iron and steel. Jason McLaughlan and his experienced team also provide fence installation and maintenance services to homeowners interested in fencing their property. Jason’s education and skills are grounded in construction management and remodeling.

How To Choose The Right AC For Your House

Posted on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 by Ralph Slaske

During hot weather, the only thing that comes to mind is turning the heat down and having all year cooling Florida; the only way to turn down the heat the way you want is by using an air conditioning unit. If you find the central air conditioner as a far-fetched option, then room scale air conditioners can work well for you because they are more inexpensive and they are energy-efficient ways of cooling the number of rooms you have.

If you plan to turn the heat on its head this coming summer and have all year cooling Florida, you are not alone; there are millions of air conditioners that have been shipped across the country for customer purchase. According to Energy Star, for a typical household, approximately 13% of the utility bill spent on an annual basis is on cooling. With this kind of a budget, it is important to select the right cooling system for your household. If you go for a small cooling system it will struggle to ensure that your room is cool. If you go for a larger option, it will cool the room so fast that it won’t have enough time to remove the moisture, and you will have a cold space that is clammy.

Here’s what to consider when selecting an air conditioning unit as proposed by the owner of all year cooling Tommy Smith.

Noise

AC models that scored Very Good or Excellent in the noise test, run in a quiet mode and the only noise you will hear while its running comes from the fan. If you find an air conditioner that scores fair, it can disturb people who are light sleepers when the cooling system is set to low and it will become distracting if it is set on a high mode.

Check for energy consumption

New room air conditioners for Energy Star are packed with clear instructions and better insulating materials to ensure that you have a unit that has a good seal around it to minimize leaks.

Window location

Air conditioners for windows perform better by blowing air in a certain direction. This can be a challenge if the window is not located in the center of the wall. To cool the room uniformly, you will require air to be directed to the center, so you have to check your AC if it needs to blow air to the left or to the right. There are other fans that swivel.

Installing the fan correctly

An AC has to be properly installed if you want to get the most out of it. Most of the AC units work are designed for double hung windows. If casement windows are present in your rooms, you might want to go for a through the wall AC. Ensure that your window unit is placed level in order for it to drain properly. Additionally, move the heat-generating device like a lamp or TV away from the unit.

Check the location of the filter

Ensure that you can access the filter of the AC for cleaning purposes because it will be a common task in order for the AC to operate in its preferred condition. Among other cleaning routines, consider having an all year cooling duct cleaning.

Check if the AC has intelligent cooling

There are AC’s that have become smarter, they allow you to adjust and control them using a mobile app. Also, you may interconnect them with other cooling units in your home.

Check on the warranty

Some air conditioners have warranties that extend a long period of time compared to others. When purchasing a new unit, you need to check the information on the website of the manufacturer and ask the retailer about the model and brand warranty you want to purchase.

Why Mold Presents A Unique Challenge For Florida Residents

Posted on June 4, 2018June 4, 2018 by Ralph Slaske

The growth of mold across the U.S. has become a major issue but the state of Florida has seen many major issues with mold spores growing as the high levels of humidity seen in areas such as Clearwater Florida. In recent times, even local government buildings such as fire stations have been affected by mold growth with the Palm Beach Post stating two of five fire stations in the South Florida community of Boynton Beach affected by severe black mold growth affecting the health of firefighters. The community is now looking at ways of researching whether firefighter’s health has been affected after dead mice were discovered during a routine air conditioning inspection in one fire station.

What is mold?

One of the problems facing the residents of communities such as Clearwater Florida is the fact mold is a common issue in outdoor areas across the state because of the high-humidity across the area. Mold growth is a part of the outdoor environment with spores found in the natural landscape used to break down plant matter and waste in a natural and efficient way.

The main issue the people of Clearwater Florida face is the fact mold growth can occur on a regular basis within homes and buildings because of high humidity levels through the state. Mold Zero states the most serious form of mold is commonly referred to as Stachybotrys or black mold which causes a high level of allergic reactions often rated at as much as ten percent of the general population. This form of mold is often present when water leaks indoors or the humidity levels in a property are above 20 percent.

Cleanup should be done by a professional

The EPA states the major issue of mold should be cleaned up depending on the overall size of the affected areas which should be inspected by a mold expert such as those at Mold Zero. An area of fewer than three square feet can be addressed by a homeowner or renter looking to eliminate the issues themselves but for larger areas, the problem should only be addressed by a professional cleanup company capable of addressing the issue safely and effectively. A common mistake is seen by many Clearwater homeowners as they use bleach to remove mold spores from their homes without realizing all that happens is the spores move from black to a lighter color blending into the walls of a property.

Effects on health

Florida Health reports the development of mold can have an adverse effect on the health of an individual who is often seen to have issues with their respiratory system when they breathe in large amounts of mold spores for a prolonged period of time. For many individuals, health issues include the symptoms of a cold which refuse to leave and many eyes and sinus irritation problems along with other seeing issues with concentration and fatigue problems because of the inhalation of mold spores.

Keep humidity levels low

There are many problems seen with mold growth in homes across Florida where residents have seen spores develop without being inspected and eliminated for a prolonged period of time. Water is seen as the key to the development of mold spores as dirt and water must combine to encourage the growth of mold in its many forms. Fortunately, the black mold many Florida residents see in their bathrooms is not actually the most dangerous form of black mold but can still cause health issues if left unchecked.

In Florida, mold spores have been a problem for a number of decades because of the high levels of humidity seen outdoors in the state. When water is present within a commercial or residential building in much of Florida humidity levels rise indoors meaning Mold Zero experts are left with the problem of cleaning up these issues which can remain in place for many years causing health problems for residents in the long term.

Why Your Real Estate Business Cannot Ignore Advances In Big Data And Analytics

Posted on November 8, 2017November 8, 2017 by Ralph Slaske

Technology advances notably in the data and analytics continue to yield considerable benefits to those who take advantage. Real estate, especially construction industry tends to be a slow adopter. Not just how we collect information within the industry, but also how we process that information.

Mobile technologies are only getting mainstream acceptance in this industry, yet they have been in existence for decades already. The repercussions are dear because, unlike other industries that are swarming with real-time and digital information, most companies and people within the building and development of property world are crowding with analog volumes of data in files and shelves.

Companies that adopted mobile technologies such as the use of servers, online enterprise management software, internet and other mobile technologies five years ago can comfortably move to the analytics phase because they already have data in usable form. Those that did not, they have to start today or digitize reams of data in silos before they move to the other steps.

For a company that is already in analytics, it can study trends, implement recommendations from analysis of data, and grow faster. On the other hand, it would be a time-consuming affair for the other firm to try to adopt the technologies today, but on overall, they don’t have another choice but to play catch up to their counterparts. That is how different one firm will be today from the other, yet they were all on the same page five years ago.

The construction business tends to be complicated. Even small projects can turn very complex if viewed as simple. This is because, apart from the owning the property, constructing, and leasing or selling, there are many other decisions in between.

Such decisions include what type of property to develop, how much to spend, which design to implement, taxes, legal issues, among many other things. To do that, you need to operate from the point of information. According to Tweed Financial Services, most people tend to seek funds before they even understand the environment they are working in.

The problem with such an attitude it that, reliable information does not back decisions. It is a gamble when one ought to control the factors that are within their control such as the target market, how to market, and what to add to make it appealing to the intended market.

To achieve that, you need more than industry information. You need to leverage on details about how the customer thinks, lives, earns, dreams, and much more. Such insight is only available through analytics. Firms such as Tweed Financial Services look out for your ability to harness industry information to your advantage.

For most people, analytics are industry reports, outlooks, and projections. However, that is not always the case. Analytics is more about how that report is read using your company information to inform you about what you are doing right, wrong, or simply not enough. For example, if the reports say that 40% of potential buyers use online apps to search for property, you must ask yourself whether you are available on such apps. If you are not, you had better be or you’ll miss out on that part of the pie.

For every decision, if unsure, always rely on information available about the industry as a whole and your company. Recent studies show that companies are increasingly finding it hard to implement ambitious technologies. The main reason being, the economies of the project just don’t add up. Your projects ought to be backed by a rational monetary sense. Sometimes the most important thing is where the customer will appreciate a technology, if not, he or she will probably not pay for it.

1 Stop Maintenance Reviews Contractor Ralph Slaske

Posted on January 21, 2016January 21, 2016 by Ralph Slaske

Every business, product of the business and even CEO of the business has their reviews. Everywhere you go, you’ll find someone who has an insightful opinion either of their own experience with the business or of someone else’s experience. Certain setups, such as the way apps on a smartphone are contained in the AppStore, only allow a person to review the product after it had been installed and tested for themselves. This approach helps cut down on the thinking of giving a product review, whether positive or negative, simply because a friend gave a positive or negative review. It does happen.

1 Stop Maintenance called upon the services of contractor Ralph Slaske after having read some of his reviews on social media and on blogs scattered throughout the web and decided to give Mr. Slaske’s custom home building business a go. “I was not expecting from Ralph Slaske the professional customer service and incredible detailed work of craftsmanship that I received from Ralph Slaske,” said 1 Stop Maintenance CEO. “Everything was done perfectly. The reviews I had read don’t give him enough credit to do him or his business justice,” he continued .

1 Stop Maintenance CEO gives a detailed description of his new home in Ohio saying the most impressive part to him from working with Ralph Slaske and his custom home construction business is being able to have the home made from the materials he chose. “With most homes I’ve lived in, the house was build for me just like every house in the neighborhood. Everything had to blend in and be totally uniform. There was no freedom to customize.”

1 Stop Maintenance CEO gives Ralph Slask two thumbs way up and high recommends his business to friends, family and employees saying everyone deserves a custom home to call their very own.

Home Customization By Slaske Builders

Posted on November 26, 2015November 26, 2015 by Ralph Slaske

When I first bought the land for my home to be bought on, I went with a building company that was the best of the best. I had decided that this since this house was going to be my dream home and take in all the remaining years of my life, this was going to receive the best possible. Mind you, of course, this was way before I had come into the business myself as my own building company.

When the house was finally finished, I was happy and excited, of course, but something wasn’t quite right. I couldn’t exactly place my finger on what it was until one day I was driving home and I took a look at my house from afar as I drew nearer to it. I looked at the foundation and thought to myself, “This would have been better if it was built with quartz or something other than brick. I wish they had asked me.” That was it! I didn’t get a say in what building materials I wanted to use. That is where Slaske Builders different from what was the best of the best. Today, they aren’t the best anymore.

When you come to Slaske Builders, we give you an ideamensch.com styled interview and ask the important questions about what is going to make a home perfect for you. Choose your building materials, your layout, floor plan and customize every piece of the home right down to the door knobs to your liking. We will work with you on the finer details simply because we want a home to be part of your family.

No one really knows where the concept of home customization comes from, but I have a slight idea that this idea that was incorporated into Slaske Builders is the root and the birthplace of this freedom of unique expression of your home. Nowadays, other building companies offer very similar customize options and details, but none do it like Slake Builders.

Ideamensch.com Interviews About Slaske Builders

Posted on November 21, 2015November 21, 2015 by Ralph Slaske

It’s always good news for a company when the CEO or the vice president of the corporation gets some face time with the public and represents the company in a professional way. When this happens, it create business by word-of-mouth advertising. Just recently, ideamensch.com called me into their offices for an interview. They said they had heard a bit about my company, Slaske Builders, and they wanted to know what we were all about. I couldn’t help but to grin from ear to ear after hearing them say they wanted to meet up with me. This would be great for both my business and theirs.

The interview was perhaps the easiest interview I have ever done in my life. They asked me questions both about me and my company as they were trying to get a decent understanding of what who I am and what I am about as well as what my company is all about and what we do in this business. I told them my business is a home construction business, but we are more focused on building dreams than building houses. In other words, we make dreams come true with the home you’ve always wanted.

Having the chance to meet up with Ideamensch.com was a wonderful, one time opportunity that I wasn’t about to even think about passing up. A few days after the interview was finished, our phones were ringing off the hook! As I was saying, opportunities like this to get some spotlight is a big benefit to business. Ever since the interview has taken place, our business has gone up by a big 30% and for the first time in a long time, we are booked all through the month of January. I look forward to building a home worthy of becoming part of the family and creating memories in for all our clients both present and future. It’s going to be a highly busy and productive next few months and I welcome it all with open arms.

I’d like to give a special thank you and shout out to ideamensch.com for their time and consideration of me and my company.