Author: b2

Florida is known for many things – the balmy weather, gorgeous beaches, championship golf… and how tough it can be on homes. Here are five Florida home improvement hacks to keep your home in tip-top shape.

1) Paint the walls

You won’t believe what a fresh coat of paint can do for your interior space. It’s a cost-effective home improvement hack that won’t have to withstand the intense Florida sun outdoors.

2) Finish your moulding

Get down on your moulding’s level and take a good look at it. Chances are, it’s time for an update. With chipping caused by  the vacuum cleaner, kids and pets, a coat of paint may not do the trick. Finished moulding finishes a room and updating yours is a fantastic Florida home improvement hack that will make your home’s aesthetic appeal feel great. If you’re not sure where to start with finishing the moulding in your home, look here.

3) Improve the landscape

Landscaping is everything, especially in Florida. Improving the landscaping in your yard is a great place to start with your home improvement plans. If you’re not a botanist, enlist the help of a local garden center or ask your neighbors about their landscaping materials. Splashes of color in the front yard are a plus but for maximum impact or use one color and vary the height of other plants. A focal point such as a fountain or walkway will also add value to your property. 

4) DIY a minor bathroom remodel

The average return on resale for a bathroom remodel is 102 percent. You don’t need to hire a contractor to reap this reward, however. Your DIY bathroom remodel with simple home improvement hacks like re-caulking the tub, removing dated wallpaper and adding a fresh coat of paint, adding new cabinet hardware, etc., can increase the value of your home without breaking the bank.

5) Upgrade your front door

This hack can be on the pricier side, but upgrading your front door is a great way to improve your home. Not only will it add curb appeal, but it can make your home safer. Your new and improved door will be better at standing up against would-be intruders and Florida’s weather. Not to mention, picking a door that’s Florida building code compliant and hurricane-rated is a Sunshine State must.

Begin your home improvement project at Smith and DeShields, Inc., a family-owned business that has proudly served the South Florida building industry for over 60 years. We pride ourselves on the quality of the products we offer in door, hardware and moulding lines, which is why we only work with top-quality vendors. For more information, contact us.

Kitchens are truly the centerpiece of our homes. It’s where we cook, spend time with our families and make lasting memories. Your kitchen should be a place of enjoyment. If your kitchen needs an upgrade, but you’re not ready for a full remodel, here’s how to upgrade your kitchen with new kitchen cabinet hardware.

Decide what metal your new kitchen cabinet hardware should be

Updating your kitchen cabinet hardware should breathe new life into your kitchen. Experts and designers recommend limiting different metals in the kitchen to no more than two to keep the look clean and cohesive. If you have stainless steel appliances, this will count as metal number one, leaving one other metal to bring into your kitchen and lots of options to choose from such as brass, nickel, steel, etc. However, if you have a light fixture that’s another metal such as brass, that’s your second metal. It’s recommended to choose nickel or brass for your cabinet hardware.

Would you like to add knobs, handles or pulls?

After picking your type of metal, it’s time to decide if you would like to add knobs, handles or pulls to your cabinets. Many homeowners will go for a combination. For example, you might pick a knob or handle for the cabinet doors and handles or pulls for the drawers.

Visit your local hardware store and browse their inventory

Now that you’ve decided what metal you prefer for your new kitchen cabinet hardware and whether you prefer knobs, handles, pulls or a combination, it’s time to visit your local hardware store to browse their inventory. If you live in Southwest Florida, there’s no family-owned hardware store with more selections, competitive pricing and best-in-the-industry experience than Smith and DeShields.

Smith and DeShields knows that the little details matter, and their sales associates and large showrooms are among the best in the industry to help you pick the perfect kitchen cabinet hardware in your home. Even after deciding what metal and style for your hardware, if you’re not sure what exactly you’re looking for, they are more than happy to help you explore the various options available to help you make an informed decision.

Serving Southwest Florida for over 60 years, Smith and DeShields, Inc. has four locations in Boca Raton, Jupiter, Naples and Fort Myers. For more information, visit smithanddeshields.com.

The curb appeal of your home is its first impression – and first impressions matter. If you’re looking to upgrade the curb appeal of your home, here are five modern doors that are sure to wow those who pass by.

Exclusive Wood Door’s Swinging Wood Entry Doors

The Swinging Wood Entry Doors by Exclusive Wood Doors are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. These modern front doors are traditionally hinged entrance doors that are custom made-to-order to your exact specifications to meet the requirements of your project. Not to mention, they also offer two types of concealed adjustable hinges and a variety of lock options that are made to compliment the architectural design of your home and complete the modern look. As an added benefit to Florida homeowners, these swinging, modern front doors are hurricane impact approved.

Custom Modern Front Doors by Millwork 360

Millwork 360’s line of sleek and modern front doors are custom created to perfectly fit your home’s modern aesthetics and add instant curb appeal. All exterior doors are built-to-order, however, no matter the size of the project the company guarantees a 12-14-week turnaround. Millwork 360’s flexibility in customization allows any homeowner to create the perfect modern front door. If you can envision it, they can build it.

PlastPro’s Modern Series

PlastPro recognizes that doors aren’t just doors, they are a reflection of your home. Their Modern Series of front doors are crafted for today’s homeowner with security in mind. Effortlessly designed to make a contemporary design simpler, these doors have a cleaner style by incorporating clean, simple lines and single patterned glass. The clean look can complement any homes interior and exterior.

Therma-Tru’s Classic-Craft^® American Style Collection^™

Therma-Tru revolutionized the industry when they crafted fiberglass doors what were nearly identical to wood. Now, the Classic-Craft^® American Style Collection^™ is providing homeowners with fiberglass entryways that blend timeless looks with modern design for an entry that is the perfect complement to a variety of homes.

MasterGrain Contemporary Collection

MasterGrain’s premium line of fiberglass door systems also offers a Contemporary Collection. Clean, clear lines and a focus on direct set glass define the series making the modern doors desirable and unfussy. Homeowners can pick the color and hardware to truly make this door their own and the perfect fit for their modern look.

Because first impressions matter, your front door should be one that leaves a lasting impact. While aesthetics are certainly important, your front door should be able to stand the test of time, weather and would-be intruders. Smith & DeShields, a family owned business that has proudly served the South Florida building industry for over 60 years, has a wide variety of doors to suit all your needs. With your safety in mind, our exterior doors are Florida building code compliant. We pride ourselves on the quality of the products we offer which is why we only work with top-quality vendors, like the ones listed above and then some. For more information, contact us.