Thursday, August 7, 2008

Home Improvement - Green Design for Remodeling Projects

Homeowners are going green and saving money with energy-conserving solutions and practical eco-friendly home products. Examples include energy-efficient appliances and furniture made from rapidly renewable resources, wall coverings made from 100 percent post- and pre-consumer waste paper, and water-saving shower heads.

Green design is an important element for homeowners to keep in mind as they consider a remodeling project. Green design reduces the impact on the environment and saves resources, and promotes a healthy lifestyle free of toxic materials and allergies. The increasing availability of new technology, innovative products and efficient materials is making it easier to achieve a green home.

Following are a few ideas for homeowners looking to incorporate green products and materials into their homes:

Appliances. Choose high-efficiency water heaters, low-flow toilets and shower heads, faucet aerators, energy- and water-efficient appliances. Also consider bulk-product dispensers for body care products.

1699Flooring. Reuse existing flooring and sub flooring when possible. For new floors, look at flooring made from natural or rapidly renewable materials. To refinish wood floors, use safe processes with green and safe materials. Don't use carpeting in high moisture areas or where spills could occur. Consider area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.

Lighting. Supplement natural light with efficient electric lighting like compact fluorescent bulbs.

Paint. Use low or zero volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, finishes, adhesives, grouts, caulking and sealants.

Furnishings. Choose cabinetry and other furnishings made from recycled or reclaimed materials. Select compact furniture that incorporates storage. Consider reused, salvaged or antique furniture.

Water usage. Conserve water usage and set water heater temperatures no higher than necessary.

Green design is about improving your home and ensuring a better tomorrow for yourself, your family and your world. When remodeling your home, make it smart and sustainable to improve your quality of life for years to come.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find home improvement tips and resources at http://homeimprovement.myguidesusa.com/

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

A Stair Lift Guide

There are three ways of providing access between floors for the handicapped or disabled; residential elevators, stair lifts and platform lifts. By far the most popular method of residential lift is the home chair stair lift.

The reasons why they are preferred by the majority is because of ease of installation and price. Residential elevators and platform lifts start at around 10k to 16k. The price of a home stair lift will depend on its type. A straight type will range in price from 2.5k - 4k, whereas a curved model is custom made and will cost anything between 5k to 20k. The complexity of the installation ultimately dictates the cost of installing a curved lift. The cost is impossible to know before the supplier carries out an onsite inspection.

Drive Type

There are four types of drive types. However, the vast majority of new stair lifts use the rack and pinion system.

Most cable drive systems use a strong steel cable - aircraft cable is the norm. The main disadvantage of this type of drive system is that the ride can be less than p5B4erfectly smooth. However, technology has moved on and those companies that still use this drive system say that the ride is as smooth as any other type. Summit and Ameriglide stair lifts both use this drive type.

Chain drive systems are used only for heavy duty models. They are loud and not really used in residential stair lifts.

The screw drive uses a lifting mechanism with a screw driven actuator. This is powered by a rechargeable battery. Again, this type is not used in home models.

The rack and pinion drive system is by far the most popular type for residential stair lifts. Rack and pinion systems - meaning gear and teeth - used to have to require regular cleaning and replacement of gear oil. However today's home units have sealed drive systems that require no maintenance at all.

The Track or Rail

This is the base along which the carriage travels. The track is always fitted to the stairs and never to the wall. This means that a track can be fitted to either side of the stairs. Tracks used in straight stair lifts are made of extruded aluminum whereas curved ones usually use a mixture of both steel and aluminum.

Power

With early designs the power source was AC mains. But today, most stair chair lifts are powered by DC 12 volt rechargeable batteries. Batteries are preferred because a trailing cable is used with AC mains powered stairlifts. The cable is reeled out and reeled back in each and eve5B4ry time the chair travels up and down the stairway, which causes wear and tear. Also, battery powered units can still be used during power outages. Some states prohibit the installation of any appliance unless it is installed by a qualified technician.

Swivel Seats

All makes of stair chair lifts offer this option. There are two types; 90 degree and 180 degree swivel seats. A 90 degree swivel seat is mounted on the upstairs side of the chassis and fold in one direction. A 180 degree swivel seat folds in both directions. One manufacturer, Stannah, makes a motorized swivel seat.

Self Diagnosing

Many brands like the Acorn Superglide and the Stannah stair lift have integrated circuit boards that can help diagnose problems with your lift and decrease maintenance costs.

Accessories

All manufacturers offer a mixture of accessories either as standard or optional. What you choose will affect the cost of the stair lift.

Perch stair lifts allow the passenger to remain standing. This is excellent for those who have problems bending at the knee. The Acorn Superglide Perch is one such example.

Just about all home units come with safety belts. Some brands come with retractable lap inertia belts, while others offer 3-point fixed shoulder belts.

Installation

Installation of today's straight models is quite easy. Many manufacturers and dealers encourage customers to self-install. However, a custo516mer should never self install and the Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer's Association strongly advises against it.

The installation of a residential lift really can allow someone to regain their home and independence. The chair stair lift that is best for a customer will depend on their requirements and budget.

Follow the links for more information on a stair chair lift, wheelchair stair lift and the handicap stair lift.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Bathroom Renovation for a Modern and Aesthetic Home Space

Kitchen and bathroom renovation in lieu of more expensive complete home renovation is in vogue amongst homeowners. This is not only because of the cost factor but also because these small projects take less time and do not disrupt your routine life. Bathroom renovation can add a touch of modern home dcor to your home interiors and also add to its market value.

Hire a bathroom renovation contractor for best bathroom remodeling results. The contractor will suggest and with your approval implement the new floor plan and dcor theme for the bathroom. Your bathroom renovation can be as simple as just plumbing repairs and as elaborate as complete bathroom revamping. In any case hiring a contractor lessens your hassles.

Bathroom renovation makes sense especially for those who like to keep abreast with the changing home interiors trends. It can really adds to the value of your bathroom and house. These days people like to have two sinks in the bathroom to completely separate the toilet from the bath area. Also, in the bath area the showers are fast being replaced with bathtubs that double up as shower. These pronounced bathroom renovations enhance the functionality of the bathroom, turning it into a modern and aesthetic comfort zone.

Natasha
For more tips and details visit http://www.allremodel.com

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Sunroom Enclosures Styles

Sunroom enclosures are visually appealing due to their unmatched style and design. There are four different kinds of enclosures that you can choose from conservatory, curved, cathedral, and straight. Finding the right design for you and your home is very important. Then you are ready to choose your materials, color, and more.

Sunroom enclosures are not made all of the same. The different designs and styles give you an option to determine which one will look best with your homes design and style. Straight enclosures work best if you are enclosing your patio. They are normally constructed of aluminum on the inside and outside and they may have wooden beams that make up the ceiling. There are a wide range of different ways that a Straight sunroom enclosure c5B4an be built. Solid or glass roofs are one option that you will have, as well as aluminum or wooden framing. If you want your enclosure to mess with your house that has vinyl siding, then you can even have the enclosure vinyl sided if you so choose. The options and designs are endless.

Curved Eave sunroom enclosures feature a more symmetrical look that gives added visual appeal. One side of the enclosures wall curves up to form the ceiling and roof. Glass that has a special coating is used to help make the room more energy efficient.

A Cathedral enclosure has a vaulted or sloped roof with a beam that runs down the center. Many different materials are commonly used, including aluminum. The aluminum makes up the outside and inside walls with a roof that is insulated to help make the entire room more able to handle the different weather situations. There are big ranges of different windows to choose from for your sunroom, including windows that can be raised and lowered or fixed windows. It is entirely up to you. Doors are an important part of your room and you can choose to use French Doors or sliding doors, whichever you prefer.

Conservatory enclosures feature glass panels that make up the roof that come together at a bean in the center. This is the most light-filled of the sunroom choices. There are many different styles that you can find in this style, including the Georgia, Mediterranean, Pavilion, Vict4FDorian, and Edwardian. These are made to be energy efficient with the glass choices and the thermal panels. You will also be able to add details like finials, molding, and windows.

Choosing the design of your sunroom enclosure will take you some time and thought, but you will be amazed at the extra floor space and the added value that it can add to your home.

Adam Peters is the editor of different articles published at http://www.allsunrooms.com with reference to DIY . A website with tips on sunroom enclosures.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Building Your Own House

I started building my own home in 1989 with absolutely no experience in building a home. Within six months my contractor went bankrupt and left me with a half finished house. The problem was the half that was finished was done wrong. The Foundation was already cracking, and the wood framing wasn't built anywhere near what the drawings called for. What follows are the most important lessons I learned from building my own house.

1) Don't count on anybody to do their job right

Just because an architect has a nice office and a good reputation doesn't mean the drawings will be done properly. Just because the contractor comes highly recommended doesn't mean he won't rip you off and do shoddy work. In all my experience I've never run across a group of more shady characters than contractors and sub-contractors. You must stay on top of the entire home building project if you want to keep from losing all your money and getting a house that you hate.

2) Plan Everything about Your Home Building Project in As Much Detail as Possible Up Front

Contractors love nothing more than a home builder who isn't sure what he wants, and decides to fill in the details as the house is being built. Why? Because once the contractor has the job, he can charge you anything for changes that weren't in the contract. My contractor wanted to charge me $10,000 to add a small staircase to a room. I found a sub-contractor to do it for $1800. My contractor wanted to charge me $15,000 to add a fireplace to a den. When I asked how much he would discount the price to NOT build a fireplace in the living room, he said he would discount $1500 from the price. Trust me, when you make changes you're going to get ripped off.

3) Plan On the Project Costing 50% More and Taking Twice As Long

I'm sorry to burst any bubbles here, but this is a fact of building your own home. Whatever you think it's going to cost -add 50% more to the price. And however long you think the project is going to take -double. The only exception to this is if you have a top of the line contractor who gave you a very high quote to begin with, or if you have incentives in the contract to pay the contractor more if he gets the job done sooner.

Get the latest home improvement tips at: http://www.buildingmymansion.com

The Lasting Appeal of Monterey Architecture

Monterey architecture helped define the look of many Southern California cities, and is still one of the region's most popular home building styles. It's not uncommon to see entire neighborhoods of Monterey homes, especially in coas5B4tal areas where the abundantly-windowed style helps keep the ocean in clear view, and enables residents to transition easily between indoor and outdoor living. The timelessness of Monterey architecture, with its emphasis on clean, vertically-oriented features and functional layout, continues to make it an attractive choice for new home builders; Monterey neighborhoods often feature a mix of new and antique homes built to the same specifications, in a testament to the style's lasting appeal.

Monterey is a quintessential southwest coast style, but it also relies heavily on east coast building traditions. That's because the style was pioneered by an east-coaster, Boston merchant Thomas Larkin, who relocated to Monterey, California in 1939. Larkin envisioned a new home style for his new city, one that merged the New England Colonial look with adobe construction. A wealthy and influential businessman, Larkin was able to quickly channel his vision and build one of Monterey's most prominent homes.

The finished product was unlike anything people in the region had seen, offering all the majesty of an eastern seaboard estate mixed with traditional southwest understated elegance and functionality. Larkin's home also introduced a new building feature in Southern California construction: second floor balconies. At the time homes with one story designs dominated the region, and the second floor balcony concept was seen as a breakthrough f58Bor lifestyle and aesthetic appeal.

As the capital of the Mexican territory of California, Monterey was an important cultural center, and the origin of many regional trends. Monterey architecture blossomed throughout Southwest California during the last years of Mexican rule, and became even more popular when California was made a U.S. state in 1849. During the Spanish Colonial revival of the 1920s and 30s when southwest building forms flourished throughout the country, Monterey architecture was one of several styles preferred by new home builders, along with Spanish mission architecture. Today Monterey homes are common in warm coastal markets from California to Florida.

Modern Monterey homes can most easily be identified by a cantilevered second-story balcony - a balcony extending from the exterior wall without ground supports, and held in place by strong beams, often backed by full length windows. Other characteristic features of the style include low-pitched gabled roofs, usually finished with shingles or tiles, and exterior stucco, adobe, or brick walls, sometimes with exposed wood beams.

Learn more about California homes for sale by owner at HomesbyLender.com The website features regularly updated 2E8home for sale by owner listings in California and every other state in the nation - buyers and sellers interested in FSBO can use this site as their primary source.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Contemporary Bathrooms - Where Do I Get Design Ideas From?

What was once a purely functional space, the bathroom has now become an environment in which to relax, unwind and gather your thoughts; and to some, the ultimate sanctuary. With the correct combination of design, planning and negotiating with space; calculating and managing a budget; as well as a good sprinkling of creativity, you will be able to create the oasis of peace and relaxation that you have longed for. But where do you start and how do you source new ideas?

When planning a new contemporary bathroom, design ideas can be found in a wide range of areas. You can start by browsing the latest homes and interior magazines. Supermarket shelves are full of home improvement titles which provide up to date information, news and reviews. You can visit your local book shop or library.

Once you start to formulate some initial ideas and concepts, visit your local bathroom and home improvement stores on the high street. Pick up literature and make notes while in store. You can even speak to the staff to gain knowledge on what the current trends are in contemporary bathroom design. If you're feeling adventurous, you can visit trade shows and fairs, which will provide the opportunity to meet manufactures and distributors face to face and discuss their products further.

If you do not want to venture out of your home, use the internet. There are thousands of websites that cater for home improvements with the emphasis on bathroom design. They will also provide an idea of costs and what level of investment will be required to create your perfect bathing environment.

You may want to keep a scrap book or file of cuttings, leaflets and brochures which you have sourced in magazines and books or book mark various websites and store in your web browser under 'Favourites'.

If you are feeling creative why not prepare a mood/ideas board. Include photographs and visual images, fabrics and paint swatches, tiles and any notes or artefacts which will provide a working 'picture' of the look and feel you want to achieve. You may want to share these ideas with others before embarking on any budget planning and purchasing.

Once you have the basics clearly mapped out then you can begin to formulate your ideas into a scaled plan for your dream contemporary bathroom.

For further inspiration and ideas for contemporary bathroom design please visit http://www.bathingblissbathrooms.co.uk/