7 Ways to Check for Water Damage in Your Stucco Home

  1. Damp-Looking Stucco – It shouldn’t be concerning if the stucco sometimes gets damp. The fact that it’s wet will make sense when it has rained. It nonetheless indicates that water has penetrated the stucco if it is still damp a week after the rainy weather. There might be areas of the wall that constantly seem moist. Pay special attention to them since water may be entering there.
  2. Cracks – An obvious indication that there is water in your stucco is a crack in it. Though it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have sustained permanent harm, you shouldn’t panic. You must act right away to prevent things from getting worse because it is a sign that water has entered the building.
  3. Missing Chunks of Stucco – Examine your stucco to check for any siding pieces that may have peeled off. Surface damage indicates that water has seeped underneath and is causing issues.
  4. Cracks and Bubbles at the Bottom of the Wall- Check the bottom edges for any obvious cracks or bubbles during your inspection. Water must follow gravity’s laws, just like everything else, or it will fall. Therefore, the majority of the damage may be located at the wall’s base.
  5. Window Caulking Damage – Do you see any cracks or holes in your window caulking?   Additionally, it indicates that water has penetrated the stucco. You will also need to replace those windows if it has been there for a significant amount of time. Regular stucco inspections are crucial because of this.
  6.  Soft Drywall – You’re heading inside to carry out your probe. Examine the drywall below your windows. When you touch it, does it feel soft? Another clear indication of water damage is that. In these situations, the outside stucco and that part of the drywall will need to be replaced.
  7.  Basement Moisture- And lastly, check the walls in your basement. You’ll observe that if the stucco contains water, it may result in moisture on the walls. However, since there are other potential causes, you should eliminate them before fixing the issue.

Beginner’s Guide to Radiator Placement

Are you getting ready to buy a new radiator? Well, it does matter where you put your new radiator. If you put it in the wrong place, you’ll end up with a heating system that doesn’t work well and will cost you a lot of money over time.

Want to know everything there is to know about where to put radiators? In this article, we’ll talk about where you should and shouldn’t put your radiator so you can get the most out of it.

What You Need to Know About Putting in a Radiator

You don’t know where to put your radiator. Here are some general tips and warnings about radiators to help you make the best choice.

Put a window under your radiator.

Do cold drafts often come into your house? If that’s the case, you might want to put your radiator under a window. This will stop any cold air from coming in through the window and spread the heat evenly throughout the room.

This placement works best if you live in a house with single-glazed windows, which let in cold drafts more easily. If you have better insulation and double-paned windows, you might not need this placement.

Place your radiator on a wall that faces north.

Did you know that walls that face north usually get less sun and are therefore colder? Because of this, you might want to put your radiator on the inside of a wall like this. This will stop cold air from moving around the room, and it will work better than putting a wall on the east side of the room, which is already warm from the sun.

Don’t put furniture near your radiator.

If you don’t like the way a radiator looks, you might be tempted to try to hide it behind a sofa or other piece of furniture. This will only stop your radiator from working at its best and spreading heat. Doing this could also trick the thermostat in your room into thinking that the room is at the right temperature, which would cause it to turn off, which would be useless.

You also shouldn’t put a radiator cabinet behind your radiator. This may seem like a good idea, but in the end, it will block a lot of heat, which will cost you more money and give you less heat.

There are many sleek and modern radiators on the market today, so if you don’t like the one you’re looking at, keep looking until you find one that fits your space.

Don’t put your curtains near your radiator.

Not putting your radiator next to your curtains is another important thing to avoid. If you do this, you will end up pushing out the window instead of into the room, and the radiator’s power will be used up.

If the radiator shorts out next to the curtains, you could have safety problems.

Final Thoughts on Where to Put the Radiator

When it comes to heating your home, where you put your radiators makes all the difference in how much heat and energy you use. By following the tips and tricks in this article about where to put your radiator, you can find the best spot for it.

No matter where you put your radiator, you need to make sure it gets regular maintenance to make sure everything is working right. Here are some tips for taking care of your radiator.

Why Choose Stucco for Your Home’s Exterior

If your home’s exterior might use an improvement, stucco is an excellent option, since this material will alter your property and dramatically enhance its outer appearance. Stucco is a blend of cement adhesive, sand or marble stones, pigment, and water, and is ideal for those seeking a contemporary home finish.

There are numerous advantages to this material, and the following characteristics explain why you should pick stucco for the exterior of your home:

Durability

This cement combination is so resilient that it can endure up to 50 years with minimal maintenance. Stucco expands and contracts with the weather, so there is no need to worry about cracking, and this material will not deteriorate under the pressure of the changing seasons. If your contractor properly waterproofs the exterior of your stucco, the material will also be resistant to mildew, mold, and damage.

Maintenance

Stucco requires minimal care because it does not need to be painted or reapplied frequently. Compared to other materials, stucco does not require frequent replacement or cleaning, so you may enjoy these benefits as a homeowner and not worry about your home’s façade. If you believe that your stucco appears dirty, you can easily wash the walls with a pressure washer, and if you desire a change, you can paint the stucco.

Value

Adding stucco to the exterior of your home might boost its worth since potential buyers will take note of this feature. As a result of stucco’s energy efficiency, fire resistance, rot resistance, and low maintenance, the value of your property will increase substantially. Stucco offers sound-dampening properties and will boost your home’s curb appeal, making it an excellent choice. If you decide to sell your property, this material will increase its worth, and if you decide to stay, you can apply for lower homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Simple Installation

This procedure is relatively straightforward, and stucco installation takes approximately two days to finish. This consists of drying time, therefore the process is quick. Moreover, stucco is a versatile material because it can be applied to a variety of substrates, including wood and stone. Once the stucco has been installed, you can choose the color; this is an enjoyable process, so consider your tastes. Keep in mind that, unlike brick, stucco would allow you to change the color of your stucco at any time.

The professionals at CMB Stucco & EIFS Repair Edison can provide additional information on this material. We can assist with stucco repairs and help alter your property, so call us today for more information!

The Best Way To Protect Your Investment Is To Coat The Asphalt

Asphalt coating is one of the services that most people don’t use when they hire a paving company. It’s an extra cost that most commercial property owners don’t want to pay on top of what it costs to pave a lot. It makes sense since a new asphalt parking lot can cost a lot of money. But to protect that investment, you need to take good care of the lot over time. One of the most cost-effective ways to do that is to have an asphalt coating put on the lot.

How an Asphalt Coating Can Help Secure Your Parking Lot

A lot of things can be done with an asphalt coating, which is also called a sealcoat or a parking lot sealer. First of all, an asphalt coating adds another layer of protection to your lot against wear and tear. Sealcoating makes a barrier that water can’t get through. This keeps water from getting into the surface and causing damage to your asphalt lot. This keeps the water from freezing in cold weather and leaving cracks when it warms up.

Every time it freezes and thaws, these cracks, which are often hard to see at first, will get bigger. If these cracks aren’t fixed, they can get big enough to turn into potholes. A parking lot with a lot of potholes is not only ugly, but it is also dangerous. The cost of fixing potholes goes up the more and the bigger they are, but an asphalt coating can stop them from happening in the first place.

Your New Asphalt Can Last Longer

Asphalt is a fairly strong material for roads. Still, even the best-paved parking lots will wear down over time because they are always open to the weather. Putting an asphalt coating on your lot can protect it from these things for an extra three to five years. This makes your lot last longer.

This does more than just stop cracks from appearing, though. An asphalt coating will protect your parking lot for a long time and make it look like it was just paved. Seal coats protect asphalt from the sun’s UV rays, which keeps it from turning from shiny black to a dull, lifeless gray. This makes your commercial property look better from the street, which can help you get more business.

What You Need to Know About Asphalt Coating

It’s true that your parking lot might not need an asphalt sealcoat, but that’s just the truth. At the same time, though, a sealcoat is so good at protecting your newly paved lot that it would be a bad idea not to have one put on. The truth is that if you don’t sealcoat your lot, you’ll have to spend a lot more money on upkeep than you would if you did.

Investing in an asphalt coating is the best thing you can do to save money on overall maintenance costs, extend the life of your lot, and make sure your commercial property looks great for years to come.

Maintenance Tips for Asphalt & Concrete in the Spring

Ah, the first indications that spring has arrived. Birds of the Robin family looking for worms in the backyard. There are pansies available for purchase at the garden centers. The driveway is beginning to show signs of cracking. Not all harbingers of spring are ones that are eagerly anticipated. Asphalt and concrete both suffer damage when the winter’s wear and strain are combined with the spring thaw. Even while a well-laid surface should be worry-free, it will still require occasional maintenance to ensure that it remains healthy and appealing.

The month of March is getting closer by the day, and with it comes rising temperatures during the day with more sun beating down on the asphalt and concrete driveways, which leads to expansion within, and then with the still cold temperatures during the overnight hours, you have a contraction. March is getting closer by the day.

Throughout the winter months, snow and ice will continually freeze and thaw on the asphalt surfaces of your property. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause water to pool and infiltrate into your asphalt surface if your asphalt has uneven parts or if it isn’t graded appropriately. This can happen if your asphalt has uneven areas. Because of the way that water behaves when it freezes, your asphalt will break as a result. These cycles of freezing and thawing can cause homeowners and property owners to deal with issues such as potholes and cracks in their driveways and lots. Some of the factors that can contribute to this issue include moisture, plowing practices, the material itself, and the layout of the driveway or lot.

It’s possible that your driveway could use some work if it’s full of low spots, made of moisture-retaining soil, or surrounded by raised land. Having a crown in your driveway means that it should have a slightly higher place in the center, sloping to either side so that water drains off when it melts or falls instead of pooling up. This will prevent water from becoming a hazard. It is important that water be able to flow away from the driveway and into lower areas on either side, sometimes even into road ditches.

The beginning of spring is the time of year when asphalt pavements are most susceptible to deterioration. The water that is contained within the pavement and aggregate base freezes over the winter, beginning at the top of the pavement and extending all the way down to the subgrade. The spring thaw is the process in which the frozen pavement gradually thaws from the surface of the pavement all the way down to the subgrade. Because the subgrade is frozen, water that has been released from the melting pavement is prevented from escaping into the materials that lie beneath the pavement. his sub-grade, after having been saturated by the, might become much weaker, allowing the pavement to be readily damaged by automobile traffic loads.

The question now is, how can I safeguard my investment and/or my driveway? Protecting your pavement should begin with preventative maintenance as a good first step. The majority of the water will be prevented from reaching the sub-grade if cracks and potholes are sealed and filled. Examine the layout of your home, specifically the driveway. Find out where all of that water is going, as well as where it is coming from, and report back. Is it making its way to a storm drain through the cracks in the pavement? Because asphalt pavements have a natural aversion to water, it is important to ensure that the drainage surrounding your snow heaps is adequate so that the water can be removed from the pavement as quickly as possible.

Consider the following important aspects of the situation:

  1. Asphalt is naturally porous, which means that it is capable of taking in water from its surrounding environment. When water seeps into asphalt during the winter, the water has the potential to expand and freeze beneath the surface of the pavement. This can lead to cracks and other issues. The more cracks that form in your driveway, the more water it will be able to absorb, which will ultimately lead to additional cracking and deterioration of the asphalt. These issues can severely cut down on the amount of time your driveway is useful for its intended purpose.
  1. Because of the persistent presence of ice and snow during the winter, asphalt can suffer significant damage from the season.
  1. Cracks in a driveway can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including excessive weight, the presence of underground tree roots, movement in the soil, and, of course, excessively cold weather. Because it is porous, concrete can be penetrated by precipitation such as rain or snow, which will then swell when it freezes and shrink when the temperature rises above freezing. A driveway may develop cracks, deterioration, and even flaking as a result of the repeated expansion and contraction that occurs over the fall and winter months.
  1. On concrete, you should steer clear of de-icers that contain ammonium sulfate, magnesium acetate, and ammonium nitrate since they might cause the surface to deteriorate. The same rule ought to be followed with regard to lawn chemicals, which ought to be kept away from concrete at all costs. Asphalt can be harmed by a variety of chemicals, including gasoline and oil.
  1. Driveways should likewise be guarded against the growth of creeping plants. Remove the grass from the edges of the driveway, and make sure the tree roots aren’t pulling the surface up from underneath.
  1. Additionally, ensuring adequate drainage is of the utmost importance. Having enough drainage in place enables runoff, which contributes to the elimination of standing water. Even driveways that give the impression of being level have a modest incline that facilitates drainage.
  1. Your gutters are actually an additional significant type of drainage in your home. Make sure the spouts are directed in the opposite direction of your driveway. If you leave your snow blower aimed toward your driveway, snow and ice that has melted could start to flow onto the asphalt. In addition to the potential for causing damage to your asphalt, this also presents a potential risk to people’s safety.

Tips for Modernizing Your Home’s Exterior in 2022

Your home’s exterior fulfills a number of vital purposes. The outside of your house may represent your style and personality in addition to providing shelter for you and your family from the weather. These suggestions from the staff at CMB East Brunswick Stucco & EIFS Repair might inspire you and show you how to highlight the finer features of your home’s design and architecture if the outside of your house needs updating.

Change the siding

Covering or replacing the external surface of your house is a terrific way to enhance both its aesthetic and functionality. A variety of lovely, strong materials may give your home an updated, modern appeal.

Vinyl siding – may significantly improve the outside beauty and usefulness of your house. It is also inexpensive and simple to install.

Stone veneer –  Manufactured stone veneer is a cost-effective, eco-friendly material that delivers the stunning impression of genuine stone.

Stucco – has been adorning the exterior and interior walls and ceilings for generations. It is versatile, strong, and beautiful.

Brickface – resurfacing may revitalize the façade of your house and provide a reliable barrier against the elements if you enjoy the appearance of brick but don’t want the effort or expense of a complete replacement.

Blend It Up When

Updating the outside of your house, using various siding types, colors, and styles enables you to create unique designs that emphasize various features. For instance, installing elegant vinyl siding just above the stone veneer on the bottom portion of your house will produce a striking contrast that will draw the attention of onlookers. Almost everywhere, including the chimney, higher floors, towers, garages, and eaves, may have siding of a variety of styles, colors, and textures.

Give your house a facelift with a new coat of paint.

It is true that a fresh coat of paint may breathe new life into your house. Paint may start to peel and break over time, becoming dull and dirty. Even if your current paintwork is in good condition, a color change could be necessary to modernize your house.

If money is short, think about painting just the trim and external doors with eye-catching accent colors. No of the size of the painting project, it’s essential to work with seasoned experts that have painted a variety of external surfaces. This is crucial if you’re thinking of painting stucco.

Change Your Roof

Your property might appear completely different and gain in value with a new roof. Additionally, it shields the inside from issues like leaks, water damage, mildew, vermin, and others. There are many different designs and colors of roofing materials to select from. Taking preventive measures to replace your roof may also help you avoid future, more expensive issues. A few times a year, you should check on the state of your roof to make sure it’s in excellent shape.

Replace your gutters

Gutters that are damaged, rusty, or old may make your house seem more run-down than it really is. Furthermore, they are crucial in defending your house from water and debris, which may harm your roof, siding, and foundation. High-quality gutter and leader installation may improve curb appeal and guarantee that water is effectively drained away from your property. No matter whether you need new gutters or not, be sure to clean them at least a few times a year.

Select a reliable contractor

Make sure the task is done correctly the first time while doing exterior house upgrades. A qualified contractor for home improvements will pay attention to your demands, assess the state of your house, and provide clear recommendations for what would be the most practical for your particular objectives. Working with skilled contractors guarantees you the most for your money and obtain a finished product you’ll appreciate for many years.

Make Contact With Us To Arrange A Free Estimate

Our team of home improvement experts at CMB East Brunswick Stucco & EIFS Repair is committed to assisting you in making your house the best it possibly can be. We have restored buildings for both business and residential clients in East Brunswick, New Jersey for almost 70 years. Our top goals are providing quality workmanship, materials, and customer service. Contact us online or give us a call at (732) 631-8828 to arrange a free consultation if you have any questions regarding house exterior upgrades or any of the other services we provide. To meet your goals and budget for home improvements, we provide numerous financing solutions.

4 Things to Know When Buying Window Replacements

It is not always easy to choose the appropriate windows for a house, particularly when it comes to aesthetic considerations like color, material, and design. It is vital to know what types of things you should be looking out for when acquiring replacement windows for your house. This is true regardless of whether you are trying to lower your energy cost, repair damaged windows, or just want to give your home a new appearance. Dayton Stucco & EIFS Repair will provide you with some useful information on the purchase of replacement windows.

1. Take Stock of What You Already Possess

You should first examine the windows that are already in your home before making any decisions on the replacement windows that you want to acquire. The replacement windows you choose for the windows you want to replace could be influenced in some way by the architectural design and the natural setting of the old windows. You may have a bit more leeway in the design of the new window so long as it will fit in the same space as the window that is now there, but changing the design of the window is still a possibility. However, what you want to use the piece for is an important consideration when selecting a design that would look well in your house. For instance, if the sun shines a lot through the window that you already have, you may want to choose a model that provides a higher level of protection against UV rays.

2. Consider the Different Styles and Colors Available to You

Changing the design and color of your house may do more than simply bring it up to date aesthetically; it can also make it more efficient in terms of its use of energy. Selecting the appropriate window type is essential if you want to increase the amount of natural airflow that enters and exits your house. This is because various window designs allow for differing degrees of airflow. If, on the other hand, you want to make a significant difference to the way that your house appears, having an idea of the colors that you want for your new windows will make the process of replacing them much simpler for you to manage. It is not a secret that the color you choose for your windows can help define the aesthetic that you are going for. Because of this, it is recommended that you consult with an expert at Dayton Stucco & EIFS Repair before making any purchases so that you can learn about all of the available options.

3. Give Some Thought to the Materials You Have Available

Knowing the materials you need for your replacement windows may also be an important part of evaluating how well they will function for you in the long run. If you don’t know which materials you need, you won’t be able to install them properly. Find out more about the benefits that various window materials may provide your house by reading the following:

Fiberglass

Windows constructed of fiberglass material are both good to the environment and have minimal maintenance because of their composition. Because you won’t have to worry as much about things like rotting, corrosion, or cleaning when you go for replacement windows made of fiberglass, most homeowners will find that this is a simple and handy option to make. You may not only modernize the appearance and atmosphere of your house by installing fiberglass windows, but you can also reduce the amount you spend on your monthly energy bill.

Vinyl Windows

Vinyl windows are the more popular choice since they provide a number of advantages to your house and are also an affordable alternative to consider. Because your house will have better insulation characteristics and a stronger seal, you won’t have to be concerned about air entering your home and driving up your energy expenditure. Additionally, vinyl windows are simple to clean and maintain thanks to their design, which does not need painting or staining. Because they are resistant to ultraviolet light, rot, and corrosion in addition to being resistant to UV light, you may rest assured that your investment will survive for many years to come.

Wood

If you want your house to have a more classic appearance, you might consider getting new windows made out of wood. Wood windows are a choice that is natural and kind to the environment, in addition to having a design that is long-lasting and robust. These windows will also look excellent in any house. Because of their simple construction, wood windows are simple to paint, and they also have excellent insulating capabilities, making them an excellent choice for a window that will endure for a long time.

4. During the process of window replacement, collaborate with a reputable business.

Even while the materials, design, and capabilities of your replacement windows are important, the quality of the end result will only be as good as the competence of the crew that installs them. Dayton Stucco & EIFS Repair is ready to assist you in making the decision that will be most beneficial to both you and your house when you are seeking to replace your windows in Dayton, Ohio. Get in touch with us right away if you have any questions regarding the window replacement services that we provide.

White Will Always Make Your Kitchen Look Good

house painters - white kitchen

Shades of white make a great background for a kitchen because they go well with all other colors and materials and textures.

Here are five different ways to add style to a white kitchen with accents and furniture to make it feel just right.

Clean and clear: Use black or stainless steel appliances and accessories or glass surfaces to create contrast. Add the finishing touches with a few brightly colored accents, such as chair covers, vases, sculptures, and brightly colored flowers.

Wood will keep you warm and comfortable: Think about using dark or light wood floors, furniture, and wall accents like decorative wood utensils (as mentioned above). White-on-white paper on one wall can add softness and interest, and a vase of flowers in warm or pastel colors can make the room feel more welcoming.

Modern and sleek: Combine modern furniture with architectural lighting (see the beautiful pendant lights below!) Abstract sculpture, art, and photography can be used as finishing touches.

Retro and chill: Appliances and flooring patterns that look like they came from the past can bring the past and the present together. Photos and old movie posters in black and white look great on white walls. Places like antique shops and yard sales are good places to look for finishing touches.

Eclectic: If you like a mix of styles, this is for you. We paint a lot of old homes. These cabinets used to be made of cherry wood! We often see great combinations of old and new. It’s your kitchen, so get creative!

No matter what style you choose, plants, flowers, and fruit bowls will add color and freshness. Use recessed lighting and unique or classic pendant lighting to make a room more interesting. Use art and other decorations to add splashes of color.

White walls go well with a wide range of kitchen backsplashes and islands. Marble, hexagon patterns, nickel or mosaic tile, and brightly colored block patterns are all popular choices for backsplashes among designers. The tops of prep and serving kitchen islands can be made of granite, marble, quartz, wood, or a combination of these materials.

White has always been a popular kitchen color, but this season, it has become even more popular. It’s a color that designers and homeowners often choose when they want something that looks and feels fresh and goes well with a lot of different things.

If you’re looking for a professional commercial and residential painting company in Apex, North Carolina, contact CCT Apex House Painters today and get a free estimate of your business or home improvement projects!

How To Prepare Your Meeting Room For Visitors

meeting room

The meeting room is often ‘where the magic happens’ for many businesses. Whether you’re impressing potential clients, masterminding smart strategies that will take your company further or nurturing your team with inspiring training, meeting rooms help make it all happen.

That’s why a well-presented meeting room is a crucial asset for any ambitious company. From winning new customers to cooking up creativity, it’s not easy to be at your best when your surroundings are lackluster.

There are all sorts of ways meeting rooms can let you down. Some are stuffy with a distract scent of stale coffee and lunchtime sandwiches. Others feature noticeable rings from last week’s cups of tea. Some spaces are little-used and dusty, while others are multi-purpose and show signs of scruffiness, wear, and tear.

Our team has some expert pointers which will leave your meeting room spick, span and perfectly professional.

1. A breath of fresh air

Many 21st century offices are open plan these days – with the exception of closed-off meeting rooms. This means that many meeting spaces can feel stuffy and feature-poor ventilation. Stuffy, stale-smelling rooms are not conducive to creativity or productivity, which is why it’s so important to keep them feeling fresh.

Consider adding a subtle plug-in air freshener or reed diffuser to your meeting room (as long as it’s not too overpowering). If your space has windows, air the room out an hour before any visitors arrive. You may also consider banning food from the area to make sure space smells inviting at all times.

2. Clear the decks

Clean, tidy meeting space is far preferable to a cluttered space which feels neglected. Make sure you keep these spaces free of surface clutter and take a moment to wipe down all surfaces before or after each meeting so that it’s ready to go for the next session. A twice-weekly vacuum (dependent on the amount of foot traffic) will keep the floor clean too.

3. It’s the little things

Although many meetings are productive, we’ve all sat in sessions which seems to last an eternity. In such meetings, there’s ample time to really scrutinize the room you’re stuck in. That’s why it’s important not to overlook the little things which can make meeting rooms look less-than-lovely. From mildew on the inside of window frames to unsightly bundles of wires and dust-besmirched TV screens, pay attention to the little things – your guests are likely to notice them all.

4. Finishing touches

From wiping down the whiteboard so that every session feels like a fresh start to adding welcoming touches such as fresh flowers, a water cooler or a bowl of snacks, “little extras” can really make a difference to how people feel when they visit your meeting room. Invest in these extras to get more from every meeting.

Sprinklers Rule!

sprinkler

So, after years and years of struggling with my grass, I decided to do something about it. My grass was always getting brown and it never seemed to get enough water.  Finally, someone said to me “are you watering your grass during the day? in the sun?” I had to say yes, because it was, you know, well, true.  And I wanted good advice on what to do.

It turns out that if you water your lawn under the hot sun, the water evaporates very quickly, and a lot of it does not even end up in your soil.  Worse, the water acts like tiny little magnifying glasses and can magnify the sun and burn your grass blades.  So not only is my grass not getting water, I am also wasting all this water that doesn’t even get used.  My water meter does not care that the water is evaporating.  Once that water passes through that little gear in my meter, I get charged, even if the water is steam in the air one minute later.

So what do I do? Get up late at night and water my lawn, or do I get a sprinkler system of some kind.  I had heard that they were really expensive, and required a lot of digging.  So, I did some research and it turns out there is a really cool solution, and it is really easy to install, and really easy to operate, and it does not cost an arm and a leg. Its Called LAWNBELT and its a DIY sprinkler system you can do for your house over a weekend.  The hardest part is visualizing and then laying it out on paper so that it covers your yard with sprinkled water.

Anyway, I got a plumber to come out and install a new custom hose bib in the right part of the front of my house (the other outdoor faucet hose is in a bad place) and that turned out to be my worst expense.  Once that was done, the rest was easy, and I even got a wifi timer. So I can control the water on my lawn, from anywhere. And it is finally getting green.  Almost!