Remodel
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September 14, 2012
Kitchen Remodeling Advice - Update Wiring
Updating Knob and Tube Wiring If you are doing some kitchen remodeling in a pre-1950's house that has not been previously remodeled, you will most likely have Knob and Tube Wiring. This is an obsolete form of wiring. Though it is not inherently dangerous, it is often considered hazardous, and you should seriously consider replacing it. Local codes might even require it once you open up the walls. Of course, you should always have electrical work done by a licensed electrical contractor. Knob and Tube (K&T) wiring is insulated copper wire which passes through holes drilled in studs. The wires are protected from chafing by porcelain tubes. Periodically, the wires are supported by and passed through porcelain knobs that are nailed down and keep the wire suspended. These are single copper wires so current passes through in one direction, the hot wire, and returns through a separate neutral wire. There is no ground wire.During the first half of the twentieth century, homes were wired with electricity primarily for electric lights. The only appliances found in most homes consisted of small appliances such as tea kettles or toasters. Therefore as refrigerators, televisions, and other electrical devices came along with their increasing electrical amperage demands homes often received a patchwork of modifications to their K&T wiring as each new device was added. Many of these modifications were improperly done, resulting in shock and fire hazards caused by reverse polarity, crossed neutrals, and overloaded -
April 08, 2012
Planning a kitchen remodel? Let's talk appliances.
A recent blog on kitchen remodel costs asked readers to report on their costs not including appliances. Basic costs came in as low as a few thousand dollars and a high of over $80,000 not including appliances. Whether you are considering an Ikea job or a professional remodel for an Architectural Digest spread, we can offer some suggestions for appliances. Shop now and lock in models and prices early in the process. Too often appliances are not considered in the design process and costly mistakes occur. These errors can be avoided if buyers will consult on their appliances with the experts so that they have the proper electrical and gas supply lines in the right locations, dimensions are confirmed, and prices are locked in. Spend some time with the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to make your appliance selections, and purchase early in the process for the best prices. Go to Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center in Studio City at 12050 Ventura Boulevard, PH 877 696-2982 -
March 29, 2012
Suffering from "appliance duress"?
I recently heard a pundit comment that most major appliance purchases these days are "duress" purchases. That means that the old clunker quit working and you need to go get a new one NOW. Of course, the old one only quits when you're trying to scrape together the cash for junior's tuition, you just found out you owe the IRS thousands in taxes, and your insurance company rejected the claim for your facelift. I hate it when that happens! So here are three ways you can avoid appliance duress, and live the life that you've always wanted. 1. Don't wait! Shoot your tired old refrigerator now and put it out its misery. Seriously, waiting for disaster to strike when you're least able to handle it makes no sense. 2. Calculate how much you'll save (versus how much you'll spend) by acting now. You know that if your old washing machine is more than just a few years old it's gobbling up gas and/or electricity to heat the water and make all that noise. Don't forget to consider the money you're spending on clothes that are wearing out too soon because that rattle trap you call a washing machine is beating the heck out of your delicates. The point is that these savings are real and will help pay for your new appliance. 3. Set up a Christmas Club for your new purchase. It's a monthly deposit into a separate savings account to build a nest egg for your dream kitchen.
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