Preparing for a Smooth Fence Installation

When planning any home improvement project, a little prep work can go a long way to ensure a happy, hassle-free outcome. Before rushing into installing a fence, you need to do a little homework on possible restrictions to fence installation based on where you live and what's already underground where you propose to dig.

Building codes and local zoning ordinances may restrict your fence installation, both in terms of height and design. No one is unequivocally happy about restrictions, but some of the restrictions are sensible. For instance, fencing on a corner lot should not be so high as to obscure drivers’ views at the intersection of the two roads adjacent to the property -- this would create a safety hazard.

Also, make sure the fence lies well within the confines of your own property, rather than near the border. Contact your local utility companies to help you determine the location of underground gas, water and power lines. The service is usually free. Whereas if you damage a power line while making a fence hole, repairing that damage most certainly will not be free!

Calling Miss Utility and obtaining the required permits are services Long® Fence provides for all fence installation jobs.

Kitchen Restyling: Choosing the Right Faucet

Kitchen faucet styles have expanded greatly during the past 10 years. As you plan a kitchen restyling or remodeling project, look to coordinate it with your kitchen faucet style.

Kitchen faucets run the scope from smooth faucet stems that extend straight out to curved faucet stems with an old-fashioned flair. If your kitchen restyling project includes traditional cabinet styles with raised panel doors and crown molding, consider these faucet styles:

    * A two handled faucet with a high arch.
    * A single handled faucet with a curved stem.
    * Any style with an antique finish, such as antique brass.
    * Any faucet with detailed handles to blend with cabinetry.


If your kitchen restyling project leans toward a contemporary style, with flat panel doors and minimal details, try these faucet styles:

    * Cool metal faucet styles with limited details.
    * Faucet stems with unique geometric shapes cylinders, ovals or chunky blocks.

The days of shiny brass faucets are gone. Today's faucet finishes are smooth, gray or brown metals with sophisticated looks. Among the hot faucet finishes are:

    * Satin nickel.
    * Brushed chrome, a softer gray than traditional chrome.
    * Aged brass, which has a weathered look.
    * Oil rubbed bronze, which adds a dark brown and reddish tone.
    * Brushed stainless steel, which blends with stainless steel appliances.

As you select a kitchen faucet finish, look to your cabinet hardware for guidance. For example, the same cool brushed nickel finish can be used in both areas. If you are restyling your cabinets in white, try oil rubbed bronze hardware and faucet to set off the crisp look of the white cabinets.

As you plan your kitchen restyling, look for a kitchen faucet that will coordinate, yet set the space apart. A subtle contrast can make a world of difference in your kitchen design.

For most residential applications, conventional methods of snow removal are acceptable (ie. shoveling or snowblowing). Care should be taken to make sure the skid plates are set to maintain a clearance between the snowblower and the pavers so as not to scratch the bricks. Note that the use of heavy snow removal equipment may damage your brick or the installation. Ice melting chemical products which do not contain calcium chloride are recommended for use.