When to send out the bat signal

Social media platforms have given homeowners the confidence to attempt their own home renovation projects, or “DIY” projects in the last couple of years. We think this is an amazing movement that has led to many people achieving the desired design of their home, without the large price tag! However, it is vital to understand the obstacles to most home renovation projects, and to know when to call a professional for help. Most construction professionals are in their field because they are good at working with their hands, they are strong enough to complete large tasks and they have the experience and knowledge to do them correctly.

First of all, projects that have to do with the electricity in your home have many dangers associated with them. If you are not careful, you could end up electrocuting yourself, or those around you. There is also the risk of accidentally shutting off the power to your home. If you are determined to do this yourself, learn all about the electrical box in your house. Where is it located? Did you turn off all power to the area you are working? These are all things to ask yourself before working with electricity in your own home.

Another element to look out for is the structural integrity of your home. If you are going to take down a wall to get the open concept living room of your dreams, first make sure that wall is not holding up the roof. I don’t think I need to explain why this could be extremely dangerous. Besides knowing whether a wall is load bearing, you should also know where the studs are in your house. If you are hanging shelves, or décor, or anything that will has any weight to it, you will need to drill into the studs to ensure it stays put!

Some home renovation companies get a bad reputation because they over charge on their supplies, and underdeliver on their promises. This leads homeowners to believe that they would have better luck just doing it themselves. While in some cases we believe this can be true, construction companies have a lot of insider knowledge that the average homeowner does not have. They are aware of all permits and inspections required by law for home renovation. They know which tools to use, and have all necessary tools on hand. Anything they can’t do, they hire out to subcontractors, meaning they have endless resources at their fingertips.

We are not telling you to stop doing your DIY projects, and hire everything out. We do feel that it is our responsibility to ensure that homeowners are renovating their home in the safest manner possible, and sometimes that means hiring a professional. Whether you hire Renovations Arizona for your next home project, or design and execute your own plan, the goal is always to ensure you have the knowledge and resources you need to finish the job.

How to Install a light fixture yourself.

DIY Tips and Tricks!

Step 1: Turn Off Electricity to the Room

Ensure safety by turning off the power to the room at the circuit breaker to avoid any electrical accidents.

Step 2: Remove the Old Light Fixture

Id there is an existing light fixture, remove it by unscrewing any decorative covers, followed by disconnecting the wires. Take note of the writing for the new fixture.

Step 3: Inspect the Electrical Box

Ensure that the electrical box in the ceiling is securely attached and can hold the weight of the new fixture. If that box is not secure, replace it or add mounting hardware.

Step 4: Connect the Wiring

Typically you’ll have a black (hot) wire, a white(neutral) wire, and a green or bare copper (ground) wire. Connect the corresponding wires from the fixture to the wires in the ceiling. Black wire to the black wire, white wire to the white wire, and ground wire to the ground screw in the electrical box. Use wire nuts to secure the connections, then wrap electrical tape around the wire nuts for extra security.

Step 5: Secure Fixture

Depending on the type of light fixture, it may need to be mounted using screws and bolts. Follow the fixture’s instructions for how to attach it to the ceiling. Id your fixture uses lightbulbs, screw them in according to the type of bulb your fixture requires (e.g., LED, incandescent, etc.)

Step 6: Final Check

Go back to the circuit breaker and restore the power to the room. Then, test the light switch to ensure the fixture is working. Check the fixture for stability and ensure there are no loose wires. Make sure the light is functioning as expected.

And if all of this is too overwhelming, we are just a phone call away! No job is too small for Renovations Arizona to help out.

How it all started..

Renovations Arizona has stemmed from a seed planted 31 years ago by Tom Reilly. He grew his successful renovation business, while maintaining an excellent reputation in Prescott, Arizona. Since taking over Renovations, I have worked closely with Tom to learn the ins and outs of this business he started. I am incredibly grateful to Tom for the opportunity to build upon Renovations, I’ve got some big plans for our future! We have already started expanding our range of services, including insurance restoration. Whether it’s fire damage, water damage, or anything in between, we want to bring your house back to life.

Also, you can now find us in the East Valley, as well as Prescott. Our new office is located in Mesa, near Falcon Field Airport. Our goal is to work on a wider range of projects. I am looking forward to getting to know those in our community, and serving as  your local Renovation expert!

Sincerely,

Randy Brewer, CEO.

Lets Talk Tile

Before picking out the tile for your project, there are a few things to consider. First, what is the purpose of your space? If you are using tile in a high traffic area,such as hallways or kitchens, your tiles should be durable. If you are focusing on low traffic areas, you could afford to go with a less durable, more decorative tile. Another thing to consider is whether or not the area you are putting tile is prone to moisture. Bathrooms specifically need tiles that are water resistant and easy to clean such as ceramic or porcelain.

Once you’ve considered the environmental factors, it’s time to pick the material! Each tile material has different properties, and understanding these will help you select the best tile for your needs:

• Porcelain: Durable, water-resistant, and versatile. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, especially in high-traffic or wet areas.

• Ceramic: Easier to maintain, affordable, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Great for indoor applications like bathrooms and kitchens.

• Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Slate, etc.): Elegant and unique, but requires sealing for protection against stains and moisture. Best for lower-traffic or decorative areas.

• Glass: Offers a sleek, modern look with a reflective surface. Often used for backsplashes or accent walls. Can be more fragile and harder to clean.

• Cement/Concrete: Great for industrial or rustic looks, but can be porous and requires sealing. More suitable for indoor or covered outdoor spaces.

• Vinyl or Rubber: Affordable and durable, great for commercial spaces or areas needing easy maintenance, such as kitchens or laundry rooms.

So you have now picked out the tile you need for the specific area of your home, considered the style you are looking for, and probably set a budget for the amount of tile that you need. Now what? We recommend getting sample tiles to test them in your space. Determine if you still like the look of the tile under your home’s lighting, and if it goes along with existing décor. You will also want to consider the maintenance requirements of the tile you have chosen. Some materials, like natural stone, require more maintenance (e.g., sealing and periodic cleaning) to preserve their look. Others, like porcelain and ceramic, are much easier to maintain, especially in areas that see heavy use, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

This might seem like a lot more than you bargained for with your home project, but by understanding the space's needs and considering the material, size, color, finish, and installation requirements, you can confidently choose the perfect tile for your project. Don't rush the decision—take the time to explore your options, and you'll end up with a tile that looks great and performs well for years to come.

Happy Tiling!

Renovations Arizona