Category: <span>Blog</span>

Your yard is an extension of your home, and you should be able to enjoy the outdoor parts of your home just as much as the indoors. Your outdoor living space should be just as functional as any other living space, while maintaining durability, versatility, and flexibility. And with autumn quickly approaching, it should allow you to enjoy the upcoming cool weather in comfort and style. An aluminum awning can provide all of these benefits and more, making it a wonderful addition to your home.

Durability

When you make an investment for your outdoor living space, you want peace of mind knowing that it was last. Here in Florida, we experience a variety of extreme weather, and it’s important that your outdoor living space is protected. Aluminum awnings can withstand heavy rain, strong winds, and intense heat. In fact, since the insulation within the awning absorbs heat, they provide a cooler outdoor living space than a comparable solution would provide. Aluminum awnings provide a long-lasting solution, protecting your valuables from stormy weather while requiring little to no maintenance.

Versatility

Your new aluminum awning should be as bold or as subtle as you want it to be. The design and style should not clash with your home’s architecture, and it should be able to serve its intended function. Aluminum awnings come in a variety of colors and styles to meet the needs of your outdoor living space.

Flexibility

Aluminum awnings can be used for a variety of outdoor projects. A covered patio can provide the benefits of being indoors and being outdoors. An outdoor kitchen can be great for entertaining guests. A car port can protect your vehicles from harsh weather conditions. No matter your need, an aluminum awning can provide your outdoor living space with protection and comfort.

Custom-Built For You and Your Home

Your next outdoor living space project should be durable, versatile, and flexible enough to meet your needs. An aluminum awning is a great solution to a variety of outdoor living space additions. Tool Time will provide you with an outdoor living space solution that is right for you. We will work with you to determine what your needs are, and provide a product that will work for you and will last.

Tourists are returning north, kids are back in school, and stores have resumed selling Halloween and Christmas decorations. It’s official: summer is coming to a close, and with it, vacation season. For the next several months, your favorite recreational vehicle will be sitting in your yard, exposed to the elements: the Florida heat, sporadic thunderstorms, and hurricane debris.

Instead, you should consider building a metal RV or boat cover – similar to a carport or pole barn – to protect your investment, so you and your family can enjoy the summer for years to come.

Protection from the Florida Sun

They call Florida “The Sunshine State” for a reason. But with that sunshine comes heat, and that heat and direct sunlight can have adverse effects on your vehicle. The paint may fade, or worse, parts may crack or even melt. An RV or boat cover can conceal your vehicle from that harmful heat, providing a cool shade that will ensure that your RV or boat will look as good next summer as it does now.

Protection from Water Damage

Almost as famous as the Florida summer is the Florida thunderstorm. Like the Florida heat, the Florida rain can wear on your RV or boat, shortening its lifespan and reducing its resale value. The rain can cause the metal components to rust, and any collected pools of water can lead to stains, mildew, and pests. An RV or boat cover will act as a canopy, preventing the intense rainfall and subsequent aftermath from weathering your vehicle.

Protection from Hurricanes and Other Storms

We’re halfway through hurricane season now, with the strongest storms yet to come. We’re lucky if we get a few days of prior notice before the next storm strikes. These storms are powerful, and can send debris of all kinds scattered throughout your yard. With a metal RV or boat cover, you can shield your vehicle from storm debris, such as falling branches. An RV or boat cover can also protect your vehicle from hail damage.

Install a Custom-Built RV or Boat Cover

If you’d like to keep your vehicle protected against weather damage, Tool Time can build a custom RV or boat cover specific to your needs. We know how much your vehicle means to you. We know how much of an investment it is. Preventive maintenance like installing an RV or boat cover is the best way to ensure your recreational vehicle lasts.

The summer weather often has homeowners thinking about adding new outdoor structures to their homes. Last year, the top three most popular outdoor structures according to the 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey were pergolas, decks, and fencing. But there is one outdoor structure that will never go out of style: a screened porch addition. Allowing homeowners to enjoy the outdoors without actually having to be outdoors, a screened porch enclosure is the perfect addition to any home. If you’re looking into porch additions, there are a few must-have features you should consider for the added space.

Lighting: Lighting is an important feature of any area in a home. But it’s especially important for a screened porch addition. With the right lighting, you’ll be ready to use the area for a variety of things. For example, if you plan on entertaining at night, you should include some twinkle lights around the ceiling for a festive feel. Or if you plan on reading out there, make sure it’s well lit so you don’t strain your eyes. Overall, it’s important to think about how you’re going to use the space and what kind of lighting you’ll need.

Kitchen area: With more homeowners cooking outside, it’s important to have a nice kitchen area to use. This is especially great in the summertime when the whole family wants to be outside. Working with your home remodeling contractor, you can include a kitchen area in your enclosed porch to use all year round — with the right set up, you and your family can enjoy eating right in a dining area in your enclosed porch. It can be a convenient way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about bugs bothering you while you’re eating.

Entertainment: If you’re planning on using the enclosed porch as a room for relaxation and fun, then it’s important you have the right entertainment equipment. One option is to include televisions. Family movie night just got a whole lot better when you can watch your favorite movies with fresh air blowing through. Or if you want to have parties, then music is a must. Installing outdoor speakers is an easy task that can allow you to blast your favorite tunes whenever you want. With the right equipment, you’ll never be bored in your enclosed porch.

A screened porch addition is a great option for any home. Whether you’re looking for additional entertainment space, a safe area for the kids to play, or a way to enjoy the outdoors without being bothered by external elements, consider adding an enclosed porch to your home.

After a long, harsh winter, you may find that your house, garage, or garden shed is in need of a new roof. When it comes to choosing roofing materials, there’s no better choice than metal roofing. Not only can metal roofs last at least 50 years when taken care of properly, but they are durable and easy to maintain. Let’s talk about why metal roofs are so great.

They’re long-lasting
As previously mentioned, metal roofing can last over 50 years! Metal roofs keep out the water, resist fire, can withstand strong winds, and are overall very durable. If you take care of the roof properly, you won’t have to worry about insects, mold, or rot. Because this roofing material is so durable, roof troubles are one less thing you’ll have to worry about. You’ll be able to save both time and money on roof repairs or replacement.

They’re easy to install
Metal is one of the most lightweight roofing materials available. Because it’s so lightweight, it can be installed quickly with ease. The materials come in large sheets, meaning it takes much less time to install than other materials. Furthermore, depending on your existing roof and the type of metal you choose, you may be able to have the metal material installed right on top of your current roofing materials. If that is the case, you’ll be able to save significant time and money without having to tear up your existing roof. And because of the easy installation, you’ll be able to save on labor costs as well.

They add insulation
While it’s true that the metal material itself is not a good insulator, the way the metal roofing is installed can significantly improve energy efficiency for your heating and cooling system. Many many roofs are installed with leaving space between the metal and the roof deck. This means the dead air space in between can act as an insulating barrier. Additionally, the sunlight can be reflecting off of the metal, keeping your house cool.

As you can see, metal roofs have plenty to offer. If you’re looking for a low-cost, durable, reliable material that will leave you worry-free, choose metal roofing.

When homeowners begin to find that their home is simply too small for their needs, they may consider adding an addition. Additions can make great options instead of having to buy a bigger house. However, most homeowners don’t know where to begin when planning to add on additional space to their home. This article will discuss a few common additions homeowners can consider.

Sunrooms: Sunrooms are often underrated. Poor installation of materials can lead to sun rooms being too hot or too cold and uncomfortable to use. However, with today’s technology and knowledge, sunrooms can make a wonderful addition to any home. Think of a sunroom as halfway between an outdoor deck or a screened in porch and a complete room addition. Sun rooms allow homeowners to enjoy the view of their outdoor environment with more of an indoor climate. With materials like thermal resistant glass, homeowners can enjoy the outdoors all year long — without dealing with the varying temperatures and other external elements like pesky insects.

Room addition: This is the most simple and common type of house addition. For homeowners who are simply looking for an additional bedroom, more living room space, or maybe a dining room, a standard room addition is a great option. Generally, if homeowners are going to the trouble of adding additional standard living space, they’ll add more than one room during the project. This may be a much longer project than a one-room addition, but it can pay off big in the end.

Garage conversion: If a garage goes mostly unused, homeowners may consider converting it to additional living space. This makes a convenient choice because the area is already there; it just needs to be finished off. Depending on the size and foundation of the garage, it can be used for almost anything – like an additional bedroom or extra entertaining space. With a little renovating work and some furniture, homeowners can turn their unused garage into a functional part of their home.

If homeowners are looking for additional storage space but don’t necessarily want to add to their existing structure, there are options for unattached storage buildings. Portable garages, sheds, and pole barns all make great options for additional storage and usable areas without having to add on to a home. When purchasing sheds and other storage structures, it’s important to determine current needs for space and add an extra 25% for future storage needs.

Running out of space in a home is often a common problem. But with the right contractor and a good plan to add a functional addition, homeowners can enjoy their current home, just with more space.

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of a home. Not only is it important for aesthetic reasons but for functional purposes too. A roof is responsible for keeping a home dry and protecting it from external elements. Because of this, choosing a roofing material is a decision that should not be made hastily. If you’re looking to upgrade your roof, consider one of the popular roofing options discussed in this article.

Metal: Metal roofing is durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. After a hurricane, tornado, or ice storm rips through an area, some of the only roofs left standing have metal roofing.  Metal roofs also come in a variety of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and copper, all of which are recyclable and thus a great environmentally friendly option. Not only can it be utilized to harvest rainwater, but with its high solar reflectance it can keep heating and cooling energy use low. In fact, choosing a metal roof can help homeowners save as much as 25% off of their annual energy expenses. Furthermore, metal roofing requires very little maintenance.

Asphalt: Asphalt is one of the most common residential and commercial roofing materials. Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective choice and are relatively easy to install. Additionally, asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles. This makes it a common choice due to the fact that it can match well with many architectural styles. Because of their durability and water-shedding capabilities, asphalt shingles are suitable for a wide range of climates.

Flat Roofing: Low slope or flat roofing can be a great option for many homes. Homes that have porches or other additions may have a flat roof system. There are many different material options for flat roofs, which makes it easy to match with the rest of the structure. However, if you’re designing or re-doing a project with a flat roof, it’s important to let a professional handle the job. Because of the low slope feature, if the roofing is not done properly, it can lead to water draining issues. Working with a professional will allow homeowners to rest assured their new flat roof not only looks good but functions properly too.

It’s important to remember that every roofing material has its advantages and disadvantages. Because of this, it’s important to trust your local roofer to help choose the right roof for you.

Everyone wants to have a safe, functional, beautiful home. We spend so much time and money making sure the inside of our homes are incredible. We paint everything to match our version of the perfect aesthetic. We put in functional furniture and shelving to make our lives a breeze, and we even install home security systems to protect ourselves and our families 24 hours a day.

Something that many homeowners overlook is putting those same style, function, and safety features on the outside of the home as well. What is the perfect way to do that, you ask? Fencing. A 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey revealed that pergolas, decks, and fences were projected to be the top three most popular outdoor structures of the year. And putting up fencing in your yard has incredible benefits. Here are just a few, given to us by Zillow. 

Privacy
This one is pretty obvious, but fences offer amazing privacy. Imagine you are enjoying a nice picnic dinner with your family in your backyard, and all you can see and hear are your neighbor’s rowdy kids splashing and screaming in the pool next door. Putting up a fence will give you the privacy you need to relax and enjoy the summer days and nights outside with your loved ones.

Safety
Your children and pets will be safe and sound playing in a fenced-in yard. They have the ability to roam without the danger of going outside the limits of your property. Fences also prevent strange animals or people from wandering into your yard while your kids or pets are outside. Fencing also provides a safety net for your neighbors’ children so they cannot stumble into your yard and fall into your swimming pool, for example.

Noise Reduction
This one goes hand and hand with privacy. If you live on a busy street and/or you have neighbors that are very close by, having a fence up can reduce the noise from your surroundings. According to Zillow, “an 8-foot-high solid fence can knock 6 to 10 decibels off traffic and other ambient noise. Fences can reduce noise levels by 60 percent to 85 percent, depending on fence height, elevations, and noise frequencies.”

Design
Last but not least, you can add a lot of aesthetic appeal to your home by adding in fencing. There are many different styles to choose from, so you can pick the one that is just right for you. Having a fence in your yard can both define your property boundary and attract the eye through thoughtful landscaping, according to Zillow.

Remember these awesome advantages to having fencing in your yard the next time you think about home improvement. It’s not just the inside that counts, it’s the outside too.

A portable garage unit can be the perfect addition to any home. Not only does it greatly increase the amount of storage space that homeowners have at their disposal, but it also helps house vehicles in enclosed, secure spaces. There are many benefits that come with adding a garage or shed unit to your property, but there are some essential things that property owners need to know about garage security.

Here are the basic tenets of garage security that every property owner should be aware of:

Design And Structure Impact Security

The structure of your garage is the primary cornerstone of your garage security. This is why it is crucial that property owners take the time to choose the right company to provide their custom portable garage. Neglecting to do so is a truly costly misstep that will affect your security in the long run.

Ideally, your garage unit should be built with sturdy materials that signal longevity and security. Even if you employ the use of extensive physical security measures, there will be an inherent vulnerability that can always be exploited. As you make the decision to have a portable garage unit installed, pay close attention to the way it is constructed, and learn more about how it will hold up over time.

Locks Are A Crucial Part Of Garage Security

Most property owners do not give their garage structures the same security that is afforded to their homes. A garage unit is often used to store valuable items that range from cars to tools and equipment, so it goes without saying that it also deserves the appropriate security. Regardless of what is being stored in a garage, property owners need to understand that locks are an integral part of garage security.

It is a grave mistake to neglect the use of locks or to rely solely on one lock to get the job done. Most burglars can easily circumvent a basic lock if they are given enough time, and the last thing you want is a burglar making their way through your garage. Ideally, homeowners should invest in some of the best shed locks, which can be used to secure the main egress and ingress points of your garage.

Taking this a step further would involve pairing your garage door locks with other physical security deterrents that also elevate security. Common examples of these deterrents include surveillance cameras and monitored alarm systems. These measures can be used alongside secure locks to really give property owners more versatile garage security.

Alternate Entrances Have To Be Secured

It would be fairly easy for most property owners to think that if they invest in a garage from a reputable building company or install some high-security shed locks that their garage security will be complete. However, security measures that rely heavily on one thing are often bound to fail. This is why property owners have to actively ensure that all alternate entrances are sealed off to prevent unauthorized access.

The first step to accomplishing this involves identifying all the possible points of entry that could be used to exploit your garage security. Once all these possible access points have been identified, you merely have to take measures to keep them secure. For instance, a common access point that burglars exploit is windows. If you identify this threat, install window locks that serve to keep your garage secure. Another great deterrent might be to use privacy fencing that helps keep your garage closed off to unauthorized individuals.

Final Thoughts

As far as home additions and home improvement projects go, the inclusion of a garage is one of the most rewarding things, so do not let the lack of garage security negatively impact you. The information above should help give you insight into the way property owners should view garage security. I hope this information helps you choose the best portable garage unit, and that it also helps you keep said unit secured.

Ralph Goodman is a security expert and lead writer for the Lock Blog, the #1 locksmith blog on the Internet. The Lock Blog is a great resource to learn about locks, safety, and security. They offer tips, advice and how-to’s for consumers, homeowners, locksmiths, and security professionals. Ralph has been featured widely throughout the web on sites such as Business Insider, Zillow, Bluetooth, Apartments.com, CIO, and Safewise.

According to the 2017 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey, the three most popular outdoor structures for this year are expected to be: decks, fencing, and pergolas. However, porch additions and garages are also expected to be in demand. Space is a commodity that many homeowners want, which is why a home addition is a great way to get this space without spending money on a new home.

Not only that, but adding extra room or outdoor entertainment space to your home can increase the value of your property. When making a home improvement, it is important to think about how it will impact your home’s value as well as your quality of life. Porch additions, for example, make a great sun room for relaxation and a location to store your belongings. There are other benefits to home additions as well.

Add New Life To Your Space
If you’ve lived in your home for at least a decade, chances are it might feel like it needs an update. Both interior remodeling or a home addition can add new life to your living space. That could mean increasing the storage space, adding energy efficient features, or just giving the deck an expansion. Whatever route that you choose, you’ll feel like your home is a little bit newer and more exciting than it was before. If your family has been growing over the past few years, then it’s time that your house did, too.

Save Money Compared To Moving
As stated at the start, moving is expensive. A home addition can be a less costly and less stressful way of “up-scaling” than moving to a new home. It’s a convenient solution that will allow you to get the space you need in a much cheaper way. A bigger garage for more vehicles and work space is always going to be cheaper than moving into a new home that already has a workshop. 

Improve Aesthetic Appeal
You, and homeowners like you, want your home to look good. Adding porch additions to a home can increase its overall aesthetic appeal, and it will give it a fuller and more expansive look. Exterior renovation projects tend to be much less invasive than interior renovations, but if you like to spend a lot of time outside, then its impact on your quality of life can be equally positive.

If you’re considering projects to improve the value of your home while also giving new life to it, consider an addition. Adding a structure like a porch or a deck can be a great investment that won’t completely drain your bank account. And if you’re looking for easy to install screened in porches here in Panama City, Florida, give us a shout to discuss the design and building plans today.