Finished Basements and Project Budgeting – Wall Options

Posted on February 6, 2023
When budgeting for a new finished basement project, depending on the level of finish you are expecting, there are a couple options for walls. A list of the wall options are -  New drywall installed on standard framed walls and door openings.Leaving the foundation walls and applying Drylok. Hanging curtains over foundation walls.Accent walls with trim-work or thin brick products or...

Finished Basements and Project Budgeting – Flooring Options

Posted on January 19, 2023
Budgeting for a new finished basement project can be done, with careful planning, in controllable steps.   For instance, flooring can be done inexpensively now and then upgraded at a later date. Flooring is one of the larger decisions homeowners have to make regarding a finished basement project budget.  The four options below for finished basement flooring can be discussed with y...

Finished Basements and Project Budgeting – Ceiling Options

Posted on January 3, 2023
The cost of a finished basement is primarily related to square footage, assuming a few other factors.   If the project involves solving wet basement issues or installing a weeping system or a drainage system with new sump pumps, then the costs will be based on other factors not directly related to square footage. Regardless, there are a few budget planning options for reducing the over...

Finished Basements – Project Planning for Full-value ROI

Posted on January 10, 2022
Planning for a new finished basement involves much more important details than just how the new living space will be utilized. It is essential to be aware of how to earn full-value ROI, or return on investment. To achieve full-value ROI, the project will need to be documented according to the requirements of adding new finished living square footage to the property’s deed. To accomplish this...

Home Office Planning Guide for Remote Workers & Self-Employed Individuals

Posted on January 28, 2021
Whether you’re a self-employed individual or you recently started working from home for the long haul, a home office is a great addition to consider. This guide will help with everything from choosing the location of your home office to planning the design and build phase of the project. Choosing a Location for Your Home Office When choosing the location for your home office, one of the m...

Finished Basement Ideas

Posted on January 28, 2021
There are many reasons why you may be considering finishing the basement in your home. Whether you want to create more recreational space for the family, you are planning to build a home office for yourself, or you are seeking to sell the home soon and want to increase your return on investment, an unfinished basement is a great place to start. This in-depth guide will provide you with a solid ju...

Fine Carpentry Ideas: Mudroom Cubbies & Benches

Posted on January 4, 2021
If you have kids or dogs, you’re very familiar with the “drop zone” that can accumulate around entryways. Even if you live alone, the areas near your garage or mudroom entrance can quickly become cluttered with shoes, bags, coats, and a variety of other items that are the artifacts of daily living. If you’re looking to tame the clutter, there is no better solution than mudroom cubbies ...

On Trend: Dining Room Wainscotting

Posted on October 12, 2020
When we talk about decorating trends, we know that some are transitory. For example, while advancements in wallpaper make it easier to put up (and remove) now, for years this decorating idea fell out of favor but is making a return to popularity. However, wainscotting is different. It almost doesn’t seem fair to call it a trend. As a trim carpentry feature, wainscoting has remained consisten...

The Exterior Painting Expert – The Key to Quality Prep Work

Posted on April 14, 2020
With the weather turning warmer daily, homeowners are beginning to search ardently for painters in Wayne and in the surrounding Main Line communities. Now is that lovely time when homes in Devon, Berwyn, and Malvern start to blossom with new Spring flowers and begin to sparkle with newly painted surfaces on the exterior of houses. As many homeowners begin their search for an exterior painter, ...

The Exterior Painting Expert – Product Knowledge is The Key to Quality

Posted on April 10, 2020
As Spring arrives across the Main Line, the newness of outdoor projects and exterior painting season takes full blossom. Now is when homeowners across the Philadelphia Area start searching for painting contractors in Wayne, Devon, Bryn Mawr, and surrounding towns.  While screening a local professional painter, it is customary to perform due diligence with researching online reviews and in...

How To Plan for Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets

Posted on January 20, 2020
One of the most inquired specialty painting projects homeowners want done is painting of their existing kitchen cabinets.  This common restoration project is often done as a cost-saving uplift to old kitchen cabinets, but if done correctly can offer a high-quality appearance that can last for many years. This is also one of my favorite projects to service, as painting kitchen cabinets ...

How To Remove Wallpaper Like a Pro

Posted on January 13, 2020
A Main Line Painting Contractor Gives Away His Secret Tips on Wallpaper Removal As a general contractor based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, we specialize in interior painting and wallpaper removal. Needless to say, wallpaper removal can be very costly, as the labor time for removing wallpaper can add up quickly. And though it may look easy, removing wallpaper is anything but easy if it is done right...

Which Brands of Paint Do Main Line Contractors Prefer

Posted on September 20, 2019
Why TJ's Now Prefers Benjamin Moore Paints As a premier painting contractor based in Wayne, Devon, and Ardmore for the past 19 years, TJ’s Painting & Renovations Co. has used all of the popular brands of paints. We have even used the high-end paints on occasion such as Fine Paints of Europe. All paints have various properties and chemical agents that affect coverage, performance, and ...

An Introduction Into Modern Recessed Lighting

Posted on September 16, 2019
New Recessed Lighting Options & Understanding L.E.D. Recessed Lights If you recently had your local electrician install recessed lights, you may have been introduced to L.E.D. recessed lighting.  The newest in recessed lighting technology is based in a relatively common form of lighting – L.E.D. lights.  Though, this lighting technology has evolved to become more user-friend...

3 Important Screening Guidelines for Hiring a Licensed Electrician on the Main Line

Posted on September 10, 2019
There is a plethora of licensed electricians on the Main Line, making it look easy to hire on price because of a competitive market.  Though it may look easy, hiring a licensed electrician is the most important home improvement decision you will ever make. If a painter or carpenter makes a mistake, they simple redo the work. However, if a local electrician makes a mistake the consequences...