Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Location: The unit is situated directly behind the primary house and accessed by a gravel alley in a historic waterfront district. Once known for its large fishing community of Scandinavian settlers, Ballard is now a hip, desirable spot to live. This neighborhood is flat, which is not a common Seattle condition, Prentis adds. Generally, the city is relatively hilly, so building a DADU in this particular section is a little more easily accomplished.

The before: Prentis tore down a rotting garage to make room for the new structure.

The inspiration: Being from the Southwest, the clients wanted a space that the sun would blaze into as much as possible and remind them of home, Prentis explains. The roofline was modified to make a large, south-facing skylight possible.

Square footage: 800 square feet

Budget: Approximately $260,000

Pine wood wall panelingcarries through to the bedroom.

A double-height bathroom with a spa-like tub provides the clients a serene spot to soak.

Main ingredients

Exterior: Nu-Ray Metals standing seam metal siding and tight knot cedar

Door: LaCantina Doors Aluminum Multi-Slide Door. It is a large line item, Prentis admits. But they will never regret investing in it because it pulls off the look they wanted.

Skylights: Fakro Center Pivot Roof Windows. Theyre very energy-efficient skylights that operate more like windows, which gives the loft more of a hangout vibe, Prentis says.

Windows: Andersen Windows & Doors E-Series with dark bronze aluminum exterior and fir interior

Flooring: Radiant concrete slab

Walls: Pine plywood panels and Sheetrock. We used the wood panels to define a lower realm and to give some scale to the high ceiling, Prentis explains. Its an eight-foot line that tracks around the room, so youre in a warm, wood living zone, and then up above you, the light flows in and bounces around the white walls.

Cabinetry: IKEA bases and custom pine plywood fronts with cutout pulls

Countertop: IKEA EKBACKEN

Biggest splurge: The form of the building is not straightforward, which inherently adds complexity and cost to a small project, Prentis reveals. Theres not an economy of scale to balance out a unique gesture.

Sneakiest save: By taking on the role of general contractor, the homeowners saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The best part: The overall form of the project is a strong resolution of what these clients wanted to do, so I appreciate its funky figure, says Prentis.

What Id never do again: I would employ similar moves again, Prentis reflects. Occupying the space is really enjoyable, so I have no regrets.

Final bill: Approximately $260,000

A giant sliding door unites the DADU with the clients treasured garden.

Read more:
This Warm and Bright Accessory Dwelling Unit Was Built to Highlight the Garden - Architectural Digest

Improvements and repairs are needed by homeowners and landlords alike, so if you can paint, lay a floor, assemble furniture and install new fixtures, your business has every chance of expanding.

Nevertheless, new handyman ventures can take a while to get off the ground, and similarly, it can be a challenge to find extra work when youve already built up a client base. Here are a few economical and easy ways of getting a competitive edge and boosting your turnover.

Get your marketing strategy on point

When looking at who your services are needed by, its important not to miss out on any prospective clients. You may believe that elderly homeowners with a good income are your target customers, but not all younger people are experienced enough with DIY to feel confident in using their skills at home.

Similarly, its often thought that older houses need the most attention (and to a certain extent they do) but dont forget more recent builds. Even owners of beautiful new homes will require help to create a bespoke interior and exterior look which appeals to their taste. Once youve got an audience in mind, drop flyers through letterboxes and advertise on social media to get the word out.

Excel in at least one area

Whether you are a trained carpenter, an experienced landscape gardener, or you can lay floors perfectly, your skills can become highly profitable. The most successful businesses are adaptable and can diversify as required, but marketing your expertise in a particular field can encourage customers to trust you.

That is particularly true if you have already carried out other types of work and they are pleased with the result. Once youve got a few niche jobs under your belt, be sure to ask customers for a review on your website or social media page. It can build trust and motivate new customers to pay more for your services as a specialist.

Ensure you are protected by the right insurance policy

It might not be top of your list when things are going to plan, but if you have an issue with property damage or a third-party injury, insurance is crucial. Different states have different laws regarding getting small business insurance, so check out what you need carefully, or go with an experienced provider. Next Insurance offers tailored policies for handyman business with several plans to choose from. Their cover will keep you financially secure and cushioned from legal or medical bills in case of a claim against you.

Start planning for the future

With advertising and insurance taken care of, youre all set to make concrete plans for the future. The best way to tackle this particular challenge is to consider where you want your business to be in five years.

When thats clear in your mind, create goals and interim targets that you can work towards achieving. Think about the number of clients youd like to have, the amount of money youd like to make each year, and how many hours you are prepared to put in every day. Try to regularly review your progress and make adjustments to your original plan as required.

Look at what the competition is doing

Even if youve been in the business for a few years, checking out the competition is a great way to pick up tips and tricks you arent yet aware of. Find out what other people are charging for the services you offer, how they are advertising and the area they cover. At the same time, networking with other people in related or similar trades can really pay off.

By establishing a rapport with landlords, architects, and real estate agents, you may enjoy more referrals. Also, by connecting with larger, busier handymen, you may get the chance to mop up the jobs they dont have time to do.

Price your services carefully

Choosing how much to charge clients can be a significant issue when it comes to growing a business. You want to set a price thats fair to you and them but determining precisely what that is can be difficult. If youre struggling, there are formulas that can help you work out exactly what it costs you to provide a service.

These factor in the cost of preparing the work area, your expenses, the time taken and the materials used. Models like this will also add on the taxes youll pay on each job, so you dont get taken by surprise at the end of each business year.

Read this article:
Successfully Expanding your Handyman Business | The South Pasadenan - The South Pasadenan

Following its fall launch, Hotworx is planning a February grand opening for its Augusta Woods studio. (Courtesy Hotworx)

Now open

1. The 24-hour infrared fitness brand Hotworx will hold a grand opening for its new Augusta Woods studio Feb. 26 following the location's soft launch in November.

The studio, located at 25640 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. D, Tomball, features several saunas available for hot, virtually instructed isometric and high-intensity interval training workouts including cycle, yoga, pilates and barre. Free workouts are available for new customers. 832-776-0099. http://www.hotworx.net/studio/tomball-augustawood

Both companies are highly complementary and synergistic. We are pleased to capitalize on this unique business opportunity to create a more diversified firm that will expand our extensive offerings and geographic footprint to a broader clientele base, Corporate Housing Associates owner Diane Berry said in a statement.

The new company, which launched Dec. 1, now offers a range of corporate housing solutions including domestic and international relocation services, property management, and other location and real estate support. The business remains based at 26411 I-45 N., Spring. 281-210-3434. http://www.chahomenow.com

See the original post here:
Fitness, banking, repairs: 4 recent business updates around The Woodlands area - Community Impact Newspaper

Editors note: This is a weekly series focusing on the importance of buying local.

Five months ago, Brian McMahon did handyman-like things as a hobby.

Then everything changed at the end of August when he took over his aunt and uncles business Ace Handyman Services. The company serves the south Pittsburgh area.

McMahon, long an entrepreneurial spirit, is a full-time businessman with a base in Monongahela and craftsmen in Washington, Donora and Monongahela.

(Being a handyman) myself is still a hobby, McMahon said. I do things at home and I do some other stuff. As for our business, I allow and count on our craftsmen to do the work they are skilled in doing.

Previously, McMahon had an online vehicle detailing operation, which he started in ninth grade while attending Trinity Area School District, and later a health and fitness online venture.

Even in the seventh grade, he sold gum in the middle school for a quarter and made $150 in a week before his enterprise was shut down by the assistant principal.

McMahon utilizes longstanding business acumen and the hand skill and knowledge of leading a staff to make a go of things.

He is enjoying his new role.

The joy and satisfaction of the customer is really fulfilling, McMahon said.

Its been great. The best part about this is I can focus on my skill set and our craftsmen can focus on theirs. You dont have to be a handyman to run a handyman company.

McMahon employs four craftsmen and two office managers.

We do a bunch of dry wall, minor plumbing and electrical jobs, and building stairs, he said.

McMahon said the company has worked with churches, remolded bathrooms and basements for homeowners and others.

Weve built six ramps for patients who wanted to come home and needed some things to function normally in their home, McMahon said. Weve done two bathroom rebuilds related to this. We had to take a tub out and replace with a walk-in shower, equipped with bars.

We look at most any job, if requested. No job is too small for us.

By definition, a handyman is a skilled laborer who provides basic home repairs.

Anyone can call themselves a handyman, although most who do so are skilled with repairs and home projects such as interior or exterior painting, electrical projects, remodeling and plumbing.

The other tasks a handyman can perform include assembling furniture, repairing fences, repairing broken doors or replacing trim, hanging lights, hooking up appliances, and much more.

Handymen may have flat fees for certain services or charge an hourly rate. Handyman rates are often lower than those of a contractor, as they dont have the same specialization.

Some states have no limit on the work a handyman can perform, while others do. For example, Californias Building and Professions Code small operations permits handymen to provide work similar to that of a contractor (floor installation, painting, etc.) provided the total cost of labor and materials does not exceed $500.

A handyman can be another resource for minor home repairs at a lower cost than a licensed contractor, however, for more complex and expansive projects, it can be more responsible to hire a specialized contractor.

Honestly, this has been super, McMahon said. Some of the remodels are nice because it gives us the opportunity to connect with our customers and thats really nice.

People look for a handyman to do a job that a bigger contractor wouldnt be interested in for various reasons. They call it the handyman lane.

Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Chris Slota at 724-225-1326 or by email at chris@belocal.net. Discount cards are available at the Observer-Reporter and Almanac office, 122 S. Main St., Washington.

View original post here:
Be Local: Area professionals ready to help around the house - Observer-Reporter

The European window and door eco-system represented byEuroWindoor, ARGE, European Aluminium, EPPA, ES-SO, and Glass for Europejoined forces to call on National Governments to putWindow replacement at the core of national Resilience and Recovery Plans.

Developing effective plans to replace inefficient windows is a key element of a sustainable and green recovery. Window replacement allows to generate long-lasting energy savings and move towards climate neutrality, while making a noticeable difference in peoples quality of life and supporting the recovery of a crucial sector of the EU economy.

Setting dedicated measures in National Recovery Plans for replacing inefficient windows is a wise and easy step to make EU buildings more energy efficient and to limit C02emissions., says Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe.Long-lasting energy savings could be quickly achieved, if national recovery and renovation plans were effective at supporting the uptake of high-performance windows equipped with the right glazing combination.

To achieve the ambitious climate targets of the European Commission, higher renovation rates of at least 2% are necessary in the building sector. With the replacement of windows in the building envelope, we follow the principle of efficiency first,says EuroWindoor Secretary General Frank Koos.Energy renovations can only be triggered with financial incentives and the gradual introduction of binding minimum standards for energy efficiency.

Installing high-performance windows responds to todays consumers expectations of more comfortable, healthy, and healing indoor space.New windows combined with smart functionalities such as dynamic solar shading, dynamic glazing, solar control glass, are essential for peoples comfort in energy efficient and healthy buildings, concludedAnn Van Eycken, Secretary General of ES-SO, European Solar Shading Organization.

DownloadWindow replacement at the core of national Resilience and Recovery Plans

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Window replacement at the core of national resilience and recovery plans - Glass on Web

Its possible that, like most people, you think your windows look just fine. But windows, like anything else in a home, have an expiration date and you can reasonably expect yours to last about 20 to 25 years before you begin to think about replacing them.

There are other ways to know when theyre reaching the end of their usefulness and when you should consider calling a professional. For instance, when you begin to feel cold air wafting in, or hear whistling winds around the frame, it could mean your aging windows are letting drafts into your home.

At that point, it can be nightmarish for your heating bill in the wintertime, since your furnace will have to compensate for all the extra cold air making its way into the house. Youll also start to see steep utility bills in the summer months when the air conditioner has to work harder than it should. With all the extra money youll be expending to manage the situation (not to mention time and frustration!), it would be better spent in a solid investment in new windows.

Another potential sign that its time to replace your windows: faulty mechanisms. If windows are difficult to open and close or an absolute workout! it means something is not right. Yes, your lock should be sealing to prevent air from escape, but it shouldnt be next to impossible to jimmy a window open. If it is, it may be time for new windows!

Excessive condensation and buildup of moisture can also be a sign of aging windows. If your windows are frequently fogging or frosting up, its a sure sign that theyre not doing their job as well as they once were. And if your windows are double-paned, you can tell your seal is cracked and your windows need replacing if moisture is frequently collecting on the outermost pane.

READ ALSO:Infinity pools: endless glamour at a glance

Occasionally new windows will fog up too but that means theyre doing what theyre supposed to be doing and keeping the cold air out. The difference is, with new windows the condensation should remain on the outside. But when the condensation appears to be on the inside, then its cause for homeowner concern.

If youre concerned about controlling moisture levels in your home, you can always install vent fans or employ a dehumidifier. But keep an eye on any condensation on your windows in case it turns out to be a sign they arent energy-efficient and need to be replaced by a professional.

Another thing to notice is whether theres too much noise traveling into your living space. This is particularly a problem with older, single-pane windows which offer little by way of soundproofing your home. With time and age, youll start hearing more and more subtle noises outside and it may drive you to distraction. Replacing single-pane windows or any older window letting in excess noise will not only reduce your energy bills by keeping out outside air, but it will increase your homes livability by keeping outdoor ambient noise where it belongs: outdoors.

There are more visible, aesthetic signs that you should be thinking about replacing your windows. If theyre warped, foggy, damaged, or cracked, then they arent able to do the job theyre meant to do of protecting your family from wind, cold, weather conditions and UV rays. Window frames, too, are prone to damage and rot, since theyre exposed to so much moisture on a regular basis. Examine yours closely to see if theyre deteriorating or if theyre growing mold. Replacing your windows can only improve the curb appeal and market value of your home, so its worth considering if you have any doubts at all about the longevity and serviceability of your current windows.

Once youve decided to replace your windows, its important to shop around for a company that you feel comfortable with. Youll find numerous window options at your disposal: double-hung windows, sliding windows, garden windows, awning windows, bay and bow windows, hurricane windows, casement windows, picture windows, and so many more. Black windows are another trend that is popular in Texas that doesnt seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

There are pros and cons of every style. Double-hung windows are among the most common and are available nearly everywhere, as well as easy to open and close unless their springs wear out and require replacement. Casement windows, which open horizontally and are among the best at keeping out unwanted drafts, but can potentially be broken off by inclement weather. Awning windows are one of the best at protecting against intruders, but dont always let in a cool breeze as well as other types.

Whatever you decide, youll want to speak with a professional to help assess whether your windows are due for a replacement and then decide what kind of replacement to look into!

Once you do, a simple renovation like replacing your windows will become a feature of your home that you can enjoy for decades to come.

See the original post:
How to tell if your windows need replacing - mySA

LAKE SUPERIOR, MI - After a harsh winter storm blew out a window in the very remote Stannard Rock Lighthouse in Lake Superior, a team from the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder recently hitched a ride on a Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City to make the icy repair.

Teams had been worried the missing window could threaten the electronics inside - and even the working light - at the historic lighthouse that sits off the eastern shore of Michigans Keweenaw Peninsula.

Built 24 miles from the Upper Peninsula shoreline, Stannard Rock is considered the lighthouse farthest from shore in the contiguous United States. That has earned it the grim moniker as The Loneliest Place in the World.

The Coast Guard is sharing with MLive readers their photos from last weeks helicopter and repair trip.

Stannard Rock sits 24 miles from the Upper Peninsula mainland, making it the farthest from shore of any lighthouse in the contiguous United States.

Petty Officers Craig Campomizzi and John Ziemba, part of the Aids to Navigation Team aboard the Duluth-based cutter Alder, made the Jan. 26 trip out to Stannard Rock with help from the Traverse City-based chopper crew.

The weather wasnt the most conducive at single-digit temperatures and frequent snow squalls, but thanks to the keen skill and professionalism of the air crew, they were able to make five hoists using a rescue basket to get Petty Officer Ziemba, myself, and our gear safely onto the icy structure, Petty Officer Campomizzi told MLive. While Petty Officer Ziemba ensured the light was operating within specified parameters and the structure was sound, I got to work boarding up the missing window until the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy can get out there in the spring to affect a permanent window replacement.

Built in 1883, the Stannard Rock station is well-known among Great Lakes lighthouse lore lovers. Its exposed crib - or base structure - is considered one of the Top 10 engineering feats in the U.S., according to the National Park Service. And it was built to mark a huge underwater reef that was considered one of the most dangerous obstacles to shipping in Lake Superior. The top of a large underwater mountain was found to sit just 4 feet from the surface of the water in some spots.

As such a remote lighthouse, Stannard Rock was considered one of the stag stations, where male keepers and assistants could work, but could not bring their families like they could at other assignments.

Heres a little more history to give you a feel for this place, courtesy of a recent social media post from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Marquette: The old keepers told terrible tales of life on the Rock. Violent northwest storms sent 30-foot waves smashing into the tower and spray cascading over the lantern room 110 feet above the Lake. Louis Wilks from Marquette holds the record for consecutive time spent on the Rock 99 days. No other keeper even approached this remarkable feat. The men were rotated off the Rock, three weeks on and one off. In 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard took over the lighthouse and overwhelming loneliness remained a problem.

The broken window that put the electronics inside Stannard Rock Lighthouse at risk.

The lighthouse was automated in 1962, a year after a fatal fire and explosion that left survivors stranded at Stannard Rock for days until they were noticed by a passing ship. In 1971, the lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It remains a working aid to navigation and can be seen by boat, airplane or - last weeks case - a winter helicopter ride.

There is a lot of interesting history that accompanies this lighthouse and its very rewarding to be able to get out to, the loneliest place on the continent to help out another agency on behalf of the U. S. Coast Guard, Campomizzi said.

Air Station Traverse City gave a shout-out to its helicopter team for making the trip possible: Our crew from Air Station Traverse City hoisted the ATON team, along with their gear, down to the lighthouse allowing them to ensure the light was in good working order and to board up the broken window. Great job on a successful mission!

A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City pilot aboard the Jayhawk helicopter used to take an ATON team out to Stannard Rock to fix a window and check the lighthouse.

READ MORE

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Lighthouse mystery: Air Force pilot crashes, leaves heartbreaking note before vanishing

Fate of crumbling Lake Michigan lighthouse uncertain after its nonprofit dissolves

View post:
Coast Guard flies out to fix remote Michigan lighthouse known as the Loneliest Place in the World - MLive.com

A sheet of transparent new material at a University of Maryland lab looks like it might be plastic. But its actually woodand it could eventually be used to make energy-efficient windows or even see-through buildings.

Compared to glass, wood has lower thermal conductivity, and its lighter, stronger, and more environmentally friendly, says Liangbing Hu, a materials science professor at the University of Maryland and one of the authors of a new study of the material. The idea is to employ the material in buildings. With a window made from transparent wood instead of glass, for example, a building would take less energy to heat and cool. Because of the structure of the wood, the windows could also reduce glare from the sun while allowing in natural light.

Researchers have experimented with transparent wood in the past, but the new method is more sustainable. Other methods usually soak the wood in a chemical compound called sodium chlorite to remove lignin, part of the wood that gives it structure. But this can weaken the wood, and it produces waste that is hard to recycle. Hu and his team tweaked the process so it doesnt fully remove the lignin. By brushing hydrogen peroxide over the wood and leaving it under a UV light, they removed only the parts of the lignin that give it color. The result is transparent wood that can be coated in epoxy.

Its just one of a number of ways scientists and engineers are rethinking how we can use this renewable resource in construction. Skyscrapers made entirely out of wood are gaining popularity in cities around the world. And scientists recently discovered a technique to grow wood in a lab, opening up the possibility of using wood without having to chop down a forest.

The transparent wood is 50% stronger than previous transparent wood and could even be used to build load-bearing walls in a building. It could also potentially be used in other ways, such as layers used in solar cells. A new spinoff company called InventWood is working to commercialize the technology.

Continued here:
Impact This see-through wood could replace glass windows - Fast Company

According to IBISWorld, nearly 15 million windshields are replaced in the U.S. each year, generating some $5 billion in revenue for more than 16,000 businesses.In Phoenix alone, there are nearly 400 auto glass repair companies not surprising, as Arizona leads the nation in windshield replacements.

The competition for this business is fierce among the national chains, independently owned, local businesses, franchises, auto repair shops, car washes, and mobile-only businesses. The cost of entry to the market is minimal;Entrepenur.com and various franchise operations quote start-up costs as $2,000 $10,000 with the ability to operate your business from your home, in a mobile-only model, on a full or part-time basis.

Many, in fact, most of these companies feature Cash Back Offers to attract customers. This article addresses these offers, how they work, and how to select an experienced, reputable glass repair company that provides quality materials and service a companythat partners with and is trusted and respected by the major insurance providers and their clientele.

Obviously, there is a cash back component to the offer. In Phoenix, google cash back windshield replacement, and the amounts range from $100 $500! But buyer beware. If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is. Disreputable companies are notorious for windshield replacement scams. Some of their tactics:

One important rule is to get your agreement in writing and read the fine print! Although these scams may not cost you directly,insurance losses are passed along as increased premiums to everyone.

The first step of your due diligence process is to ensure the company you select is experienced, reputable, and trustworthy. The Windshield Replacement Cash Back Offer by SunTeccomes from a locally owned and operated, company with more than twenty years online in the Arizona market auto glass business.

How SunTecs Windshield Replacement Cash Back Offer Works

Suntec knows the price range insurance companies are willing to pay for a new windshield from years of experience.As a trusted partner, SunTec handles the entire process, bills and reclaims the money from the insurance company, and rebates a portion of the funds back to you.

What determines the amount of your cash back?

SunTecs expert technicians can assess any glass situation and determine if a repair or replacement is required, always in accordance with the appropriate Arizona Statutes. If possible, your technician will always recommend a more economical repair if chips are smaller than a dime and cracks smaller than a quarter provided theyre not too deep or near the edge of your windshield.

The SunTec Cash Back Promo includes expert, full-service window replacement by our hand-selectedtechnicians,famous for their knowledge, work ethic, and reliability.

In addition to cash back and full-service window replacement, SunTec will meet or beat any valid offer. If youve been comparing offers for the best cash back windshield replacement in Phoenix, check out SunTec.

We have found that not all insured customers are interested in cash back, so we also offer Free Gift Cards to restaurants, groceries, and movie tickets to local businesses. If you prefer this option, simply advise our representatives, and a coupon/promo booklet will be sent out to you within fourteen days after the windshield replacement service has been completed.

We hope this article has helped explain the nuances of cash back promos, what to look for, and what to avoid in auto glass replacement offers. Informed consumers always make our best customers.

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Cash Back Windshield Replacement in Phoenix What You Need to Know - IMC Grupo

I never thought Id hear the phrase Windows 7" ever again, but a Lifehacker reader recently reminded me that, yes, some people are still using Microsofts end-of-life operating system. Its not that they wouldnt want to upgrade, I assume, but some people just cant; they probably tried, were met with an error message, and gave up.

Is clinging to Windows 7 going to be a security problem going forward, though? Lifehacker reader Suzann asks:

I have an old computer running windows 7 and cant be upgraded. I only it for a few things like printing my bank statements, emails, word documents, storing photos, stuff like that.

I was worried that I dont have the safest WPS3 and unable to get it. I currently have WPS2 psk or something like that. Am I at risk? Do I need to buy a new computer?

Heres the deal: regular people using Windows 7 arent getting any more updates for the operating system, save for incredibly critical and rare issues that Microsoft identifiesand I doubt those updates will land via Windows Update. Youd have to hear about them, visit some website Microsoft hosts, and download and install the update yourself. Most people wont do this, nor would I expect it to be something that happens with any regularity in the coming years.

G/O Media may get a commission

What does this mean? Your PC is a ticking time bomb, of sorts. Theres certainly a chance that some future vulnerability will be found and exploited by those looking to take advantage of an operating system that wont ever be able to stop them; theres also a chance that your system will completely fly under the radar and youll be fine to continue your basic activities.

Is it a risk you should take? I dont think so. But Im also not going to fault you for continuing on, because not everyone has the time, budget, or interest in buying a brand-new computer to keep doing basic tasks that worked just find on their older, paid-for machine.

Before I get to the real advice, though, heres one quick and easy answer: Dont worry about WPS3"really, WPA3, which is a security standard for wireless networking. The WPA2 youre using to encrypt your wireless network is more than sufficient, Id argue, as long as you have a reasonably strong password. I doubt anyone is sitting outside your house or with a laptop to your shared apartment wall, trying to brute-force their way into your wireless network. Just make sure youre using WPA2-AES, not WPA2-TKIP or WPA2-TKIP+AES, for the best possible wireless speeds.

But back to Windows 7. I have another hesitation with suggesting you should continue using the operating system, which is that, eventually, your browser will stop receiving security updates. That just adds one more unpleasant vector that attackers can use to mess up your digital life. You might have a year; you might have two yearsbut one day, your web browsers manufacturer will stop updating it for Windows 7 machines. That is definitely the time Id recommend upgrading to Windows 10or pulling out some other crafty trick.

Lets talk about those crafty tricks. Have you tried upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 10 recently? I would give that one last shot before you throw in the towel, using the simple use a USB key for the installation media technique Ive previously described. Its possible that youll have better luck now.

If not, I would go a second route: Back up all of the important stuff on your system, even if that means buying an external drive to do itsomething you should already have on-hand and be using to regularly back up your data. Dont create a full image of the drive, as thatll cause some havoc later, but copy all your important files somewhere else, either using good ol Windows Explorer or any number of free backup tools.

Once youve done that, use that very same installation media (your flash drive) to attempt a clean install of Windows 10. That means youll be wiping your drive of all its data during the installation process and installing Windows 10 on a fresh digital canvas.

If that works, great. You might be able to activate it for free if you use your old Windows 7 key, too. If it doesnt work, though, dont worry.

Since you dont do very much on your system, you could also explore installing Linuxyes, Linuxwhich would give you security updates and an experience thats pretty similar to your existing desktop. Its a different operating system entirely, which means some things will be a little weird (and some esoteric apps might not work). However, it would suit you for all the basic tasks you described.

I recommend using Linux Mint, which is both easy to install and easy on the eyes, or something like Ubuntu Mate. Youll need to use your laptop (or borrow a friends) to make the USB key for this if youve already wiped your Windows 7 system. Youd install Linux Mint basically the same way you attempted to install Windows 10, and once its up and running, you should be able to pull up your external drive (or favorite cloud service, or whatever) and restore your data.

Again, this would take a little getting used toits not Windows, after allbut it would be a much more secure prospect than sticking with Windows 7 for the next few years. If this all sounds like way too much work, you could always pick up a new budget Windows laptop or cheaper Windows desktop. Its not an approach I love, given that your old PC should be good enough to do what you do, but its an option.

No matter what, make sure youve backed up your dataideally in multiple placesbefore you start messing with your Windows 7 PC. I cant stress that enough. Dont lose the best parts of your existing setup because you were mucking around. In fact, you might want to have a Windows 7 installation disc (or flash drive) on standby in case you throw your hands up and want to go back to the way things used to be.

Do you have a tech question keeping you up at night? Tired of troubleshooting your Windows or Mac? Looking for advice on apps, browser extensions, or utilities to accomplish a particular task? Let us know! Tell us in the comments below or email david.murphy@lifehacker.com.

Read more:
Do I Need to Replace My Windows 7 Computer Yet? - Lifehacker