July 10th, 2009 — Basements
With families growing and homes being harder to sell these days, one of the quickest ways to add long-term value – and get the additional family space you need – is to have your basement remodeled.
Before you start, however, it’s important to know the trends in basement remodeling. This will keep you from wasting a lot of money. This is particularly true if you plan to move soon (say within three to five years).
July 9th, 2009 — Bathrooms
In bathroom remodeling, the minimalist style is one of the most popular, perhaps because it feels spa-like. Following are some tips for achieving this look.
Declutter: Minimalist, as the name implies, means less is more. Hence, one of the first things you want to do is declutter. And this means everywhere; even in places that can’t be seen (eg, under the sink). Why is decluttering where you can’t see important?
July 7th, 2009 — Bathrooms
One of the quickest ways to update the look of your bath - without suffering through a complete bathroom remodeling project - is to change the fixtures. Of these, lighting is perhaps the most important, for it sets the mood of the room. While there are many bathroom lighting fixtures, the sconce is a popular option for many. Following are some reasons why.
Before we delve into why sconces are so popular as bathroom lighting fixtures, let’s clearly define what they are.
What is a Sconce?
In its simplest form, sconce lighting consists of fixtures that hold only one shade and one light bulb. They can be thought of as mounted wall lamps and are a perfect complement to any other type of lighting you may have in the bathroom.
July 6th, 2009 — Flooring
Hardwood floors are extremely popular; and with good reason. They’re easy to clean, long-lasting and most of all – beautiful. Most consider true hardwood flooring the best. However, there are many options on the market today that only an expert can tell is not authentic wood. They are just as beautiful and some say more practical, for a number of reasons.
One of these options is engineered wood flooring.
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
This type of flooring is a man-made, wood product. Consisting of five to nine layers, the wood is laminated together using a cross-ply construction method. The top layer of engineered wood flooring is made from a solid wood veneer. It’s known as the “wear layer.” How thick this layer is determines how much it costs. The thicker this layer, the more expensive the flooring.
July 3rd, 2009 — Exterior
If you’re thinking about replacing the windows in your home, double-paned windows are an excellent option. They have superior insulative properties, which saves on energy. Double-paned windows also reduce outside noise and protect your home from sun damage. Add to all of this the fact that they are pretty easy to clean, and it’s clear why they add value to any home.
What Exactly Are Double-Paned Windows?
Double-paned windows are so named because they are constructed by using two, glass-facing panels. Each piece of glass is a solid panel which is set in a frame and separated by a small space.
July 1st, 2009 — Additions
It’s summer and the perfect time to have new home additions like a swimming pool installed. If you’re thinking about getting a pool for your family, following are two things to consider.
1. The Size of the Property
This is probably the number one thing to keep in mind when getting a pool. The size of the pool you get is going to be determined by the size of your yard. Your pool should not push the limits of your space. For example, you want to leave enough space to be able to walk around the pool comfortably.
This is for safety, as well as aesthetic reasons. Also, you may decide to put in a deck or do landscaping around your pool. You need room for all of this.
