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2101 W. 28th Terrace
Lawrence, KS 66047
(785) 841-0370
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Jane's Window Pane
August 2012 Newsletter

Greetings!  

 

 

    Have you ever thought about doing your own home improvements?  Read this month's article for mistakes to avoid. 
    Whew...it's still hot!!  Are you having trouble keeping the summer heat outside?  Then don't forget to check out our specials for the month. 
       
Enjoy!

Home Improvement Mistakes to Avoid 

 

If you are doing any home improvements, you'll want to avoid serious, costly errors. Be aware of these common mistakes so you can prevent injuries, save money, and get the jobtool time  done quicker. 

 

Ignoring safety

Even with simple home improvement projects, you must consider safety.  Don't forget safety goggles. Turn off circuit breakers. Wear appropriate clothing. A few extra minutes of preparation will save you from potential disaster.

 

When using a ladder, make sure to position it on a flat, firm surface. Keep your weight centered at all times. Never stand on the top two rungs.

 

Hiring the wrong professional

When you hire a professional, make sure the person is qualified for the job. If you are working on the wiring in your home, hire only a licensed electrician. When your project involves plumbing, use a licensed plumber.

 

Skipping the prep

Although you may want to rush right into re-painting, you cannot forget to properly prepare your walls. A successful paint job requires at least one coat of primer. This will seal the surface, provide durability, and create a bond for the paint to adhere.

 

Forgetting the permits

Look into all necessary rules for building permits, codes, and inspections before you start any remodeling project. The last thing you want is to spend time and money creating a beautiful space, only to find out it must be ripped out because the right permits weren't obtained.

 

A professional can help you figure out what is needed, and some can even apply for the permits for you.

 

Not having a budget

Know what you are willing to spend on your home improvement project before you start. Price out everything, and then expect for the unexpected (15 - 30% more). You don't want to be surprised in the middle of a project. Many home improvement endeavors have been halted because homeowners ran out of money. If you are prepared from the start, your job will finish more smoothly.

 

 

When you learn from the mistakes of others, you can avoid some of the classic problems and enjoy your home improvement project.

 

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Window Fashion of the Month

 

Usually I select a fabric treatment for the window fashion of the month. But I wanted to highlight interesting windows and how they can still be treated. This shows an arch window that is treated with a shutter. Some might want to leave the top arch open since probably no privacy is lost on a window that high. But privacy is not the only issue on windows. Sun control, especially this summer, is very important. Pictures hanging on walls can fade, the paint can fade which you notice when you move the picture, and wood floors fade which you notice when you move the area rug or the furniture.

 

 shutter arch

And we have found it cheaper and certainly easier to order the rectangular shutter and the arch shutter at the same time so they fit together well as a unit. As you can see the frame is all one piece with the louvers operating separately on the arch and on the window section.   That gives you maximum control over the sun and your view.

 

Don't be afraid of shaped windows. There is a solution for every window size and shape.   We just need to explore options based upon the dilemma you are trying to solve.

 

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Monthly Tips 
  • As they say, time is money. Consider the amount of time you might take to do a project. If you need to research how to do the project, buy all the materials that you might only use once, and take each step slowly so you don't make a mistake, it might be cheaper to hire a professional. Someone who does this task daily will do the project in a fraction of the time and the cost of paying a professional will be minimal.paper and pencil
  • To help with your budgeting, make a list of wants then reorganize the list in order of needs.
  • Adding value to your home is important but enjoying the process and enjoying the results are essential. Make these improvements while you are still living in your home instead of waiting until you are ready to move out. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the upgrades.

 

 

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Did You Know.. 
  • We hang pictures and wall hangings. Call us after yourpicture hanging  remodeling is done and we will help you with the finishing touches.
  • We repair blinds and shades by replacing broken cords, replacing broken cord locks, and replacing tilters. Repairing what you have can be much quicker and less expensive than buying new.
  • We restring traverse rods and can replace broken slides that hold the draperies on your rods. 

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  specials   

To continue celebrating our 35th anniversary,wood blinds  we are offering installation on all custom wood blind orders for $35, whether you buy one or ten!

Check out our website for more special offers.

What are you waiting for?

Call today!

Excludes all prior sales.

 

   

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I am the only interior designer in Lawrence specializing in window fashions.  We love to help you find solutions to your problems. These solutions can be beautiful, individualized, and practical.  They can solve your problems and still look extraordinarily stunning.  Or they can solve your problems and still look simple and unpretentious.  
 
The goal is to help you solve your challenge in the manner that fits your life style and your cravings. And although we do specialize in window fashions, we take a whole room approach.  We can help you with colors, furniture, flooring, and room arrangement.

Sincerely,
 
Jane Bateman
Jane Bateman Inc. 

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In This Issue
Home Improvement Mistakes to Avoid
Window Fashion of the Month
Monthly Tips
Did You Know...
This Month's Special
Meet Jane
Quick Links
wood blinds          
Installation only $35 on all custom wood blind orders. 

 

 Call today for details!