Connecticut Home Remodeling Articles

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Kitchen remodeling can be an overwhelming job, but with professional help and some solid kitchen remodeling ideas to get you started, things can go smoothly. The kitchen is the heart of your home so why not do all you can to make it more your own? If you take your time, stay organized and plan things out ahead of time, you can turn your kitchen into something truly perfect for your home relatively easily.

HGTV offers these steps you should take when remodeling your kitchen:

Find inspiration for your new kitchen.
Plan your total remodel budget.
Locate, hire and manage a contractor.
Determine your kitchen layout.
Choose the right flooring material.
Decide whether to replace or reface your cabinets.
Buy appliances that match your needs.
Pick a countertop surface that fits your lifestyle.
Select faucets and sinks with style and utility.
Complete your new kitchen with proper lighting.

The key to successful kitchen remodeling is organized planning and hiring high-quality professional help. Before you even contact a contractor, make sure you have a clear vision in your mind of what you want your kitchen to look like. Browse through design websites and magazines for inspiration. Just remember, though, that it’s always more rewarding and fun to design a unique living space for yourself rather than copying a room from a catalogue.

Along with budgeting money properly, you should also make sure that you budget time correctly. If your kitchen remodeling project falls during an important event that you need your kitchen for, you will run into problems. Check your calendar before scheduling any work to be done.

Kitchen remodeling doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg. There are many budget-friendly ways to make your kitchen look like new! Instead of replacing all of the cabinets, you can just have them refaced if they are in good condition. You can also go for more affordable products such as laminate countertops rather than granite. If you get the right color and style to go with your home, it will look good and no one will know how much was spent.

We can help find you the perfect Connecticut kitchen remodeling contractor near you! Visit our website today and browse our directory or give us a call.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

If you're looking to remodel your Connecticut bathroom, there are many different directions you can go. You can make your bathroom spa themed or add European flair, or you can give it a casual and contemporary appearance that will look good for years. There are many bathroom remodeling ideas out there ranging from difficult to easy and from budget-friendly to pricey, so you should do some research before calling a Connecticut bathroom remodeling contractor.

The Sky's the Limit

If money isn't an option for you, the possibilities for bathroom remodeling are endless. There are a number of new products and systems designed to make your bathroom feel like a personal spa. A Bathroom Guide recommends products like towel warmers and heated bathroom tiles to keep your bathroom feeling warm, comfortable and cozy.

Investing in a multi-jet shower system can turn your regular morning shower into a much more luxurious experience. A professional bathroom remodeling contractor can create a shower system for you with jets installed above you and all around you. Steam showers are a great finishing touch for your spa-inspired bathroom and can provide a relaxing escape.

Budget-friendly Ideas

If money is tight, there are a number of affordable changes you can make to your bathroom to make it feel brand new. A quick and fairly easy way to change the look of your bathroom is to add a new coat of paint on the walls. You can also add some decorations around like scented candles or wall art.

Remodeling Guy offers these tips for budget-friendly bathroom remodeling:

Replace or paint your bathroom vanity
Replace bathroom fixtures
Get some cool bathroom accessories
Replace your bathroom lighting
Paint your bathroom in a hot new color
Or just get a new shower curtain!

There are many options out there for someone who wants to remodel a bathroom so get creative! If you need help, call a professional to make sure it gets done quickly and correctly. Feel free to browse our directory or contact us today to find a Connecticut bathroom remodeling contractor near you!

Landscaping Tips for Spring

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

With May looming on the horizon and temperatures finally starting to hit spring levels in Connecticut, now is a good time to make sure your lawn and garden are prepared for the spring and summer. Make your home stand out from all the rest by getting the help of a certified landscaping contractor in Connecticut, as well, to ensure that the work is being done correctly and as beautifully as it can!

First things first: figure out a design for your lawn and garden. What do you want it to look like? What are your favorite types of flowers and plants? Are you allergic to anything? If you figure out a color scheme, your lawn could look perfectly organized and coordinated.

Danny Lipford offered this great list of landscaping tips to prepare your lawn and garden for the spring and summer:

Prune your shrubs and remove any deadwood.
Inspect your garden for any needed structural repairs and finish any jobs you started last fall.
Remove dirt and debris from drainage ditches, gutters and planting beds, clear brush and undergrowth, and cut back dead foliage.
Turn your compost pile, or start one up now.
Get rid of weeds and protect your garden from pests.
Once your soil is dry, add a couple of inches of compost or your favorite organic mix to your planting beds.
Even out your mulch with a rake to about 2 to 4 inches.
Service your gardening tools, clean out empty flower pots, and prepare other miscellaneous objects sitting in your shed.
Clean out and inspect birdhouses and feeders.
Get your lawn ready by correcting and reseeding it.
Start seeds indoors for later planting in the garden, repot houseplants if needed, and prune any dead foliage or overgrowth.
Plan for the coming year by inspecting your garden and seeing what more you can do for it.

With spring comes a sense of change and rebirth – use it to your advantage! Think creatively and colorfully, and educate yourself on aspects of landscaping. Make your lawn and garden into something you can truly be proud of and keep them healthy and growing all season long.

Find a Connecticut landscaping contractor near you by browsing our directory or giving us a call!

Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Options

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Cabinets and countertops are typically the main focal points of your Connecticut kitchen. They are what add the color, theme, style and interest to a room otherwise filled with appliances and furniture. There are a number of different options for kitchen cabinets and kitchen countertops, and depending on your taste and budget, some options are better for your kitchen than others.

Kitchen Cabinets

There are many different types of kitchen cabinets available to homeowners in Connecticut. Depending on the kitchen, some cabinets may work better than others. HGTV writes that custom cabinets are an expensive option, but they are built to the exact specifications of a kitchen, and have a wider range of options for materials, designs, finishes and accessories.

There are also semi-custom cabinets that are made to a homeowner’s size requirements but are produced in predetermined steps. Stock cabinets are the cheapest option as they are already made and only come in standard sizes. There are also framed cabinets and frameless cabinets available.

Hardware adds a finishing touch of glamour and elegance to any kitchen. Pick out your favorite style of knobs and handles to match the current theme or to add some diversity to the kitchen. There are many relatively inexpensive handles available that can still look good.

If you think your cabinets are in good shape right now, HGTV recommends that you freshen them up a bit to make your kitchen look newer. You can re-stain or paint your cabinets, or even re-face them. Re-facing cabinets is an inexpensive alternative to getting new cabinets altogether.

Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen countertops can add color and flair to your Connecticut kitchen. A local kitchen countertop contractor can help ensure this job gets done correctly. The options for kitchen countertops range from glamorous and expensive to fairly basic and moderately priced.

A high-end option for your kitchen would be granite countertops. Granite is available in polished and matte finishes, and come in a variety of colors including whites, greens, corals and beiges. HGTV writes that the cost of granite depends on color, finish and where the stone came from. Engineered stone countertops come in a wider variety of colors, but are usually the same price as granite.

Marble, limestone and soapstone countertops are softer than granite so homeowners need to be more delicate with these surfaces. There are also solid surface countertops that come in many colors and resist stains, but hot pots or pans can damage them. Concrete countertops are seen more often nowadays and can come in different pigments and finishes. However, changes in temperature can cause concrete to warp and maintenance can be daunting. To keep concrete looking great, homeowners would need to seal it four times a year and wax it every two to three months.

Wood countertops can create a warm look in a kitchen and are relatively easy to clean and sand to get rid of scratches, but water damages them so they need to be oiled. Laminate is the least expensive option and comes in many colors and designs, but laminate is easily damaged by hot pans and scratched.

To find a Connecticut kitchen cabinet and countertop contractor near you, contact us or browse our directory. Our trained professional contractors will have your kitchen looking brand new in no time!

Getting Patios, Porches and Decks Ready for Summer

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Once you have your patio, porch or deck installed by a contractor, your work is not done. There are things you can do as a homeowner each season to keep decks, porches and patios looking like new and ready for summertime. Regular maintenance will keep your Connecticut outdoor living areas in good shape for years to come and add a great incentive for potential buyers if you plan to sell.

One thing you can do to prepare your outdoor space for outdoor activities in the spring and summer is to do some cleaning. Martha Stewart recommends that you frequently sweep deck floors with a broom to remove leaves and other debris. You should also be sure to shovel your deck after a snowstorm as the moisture and weight of snow can damage the wood.

For seasonal maintenance, Martha Stewart suggests hosing down the deck and scrubbing it with a long-handled brush in a solution of all-purpose cleaner and water. You should scrub in strokes that run parallel to the grain of the boards. Use commercial deck brightener to remove tough stains. Power washers can save time if you have a large porch or deck, but they can open pores in untreated wood surfaces exposing them to the elements.

After cleaning a deck, you should check for loose nails and replace them with galvanized deck screws. Check for holes as well and fill with food filler, and replace splintered or warped boards. To keep your deck safe from water and the sun, coat it with water-based waterproofing sealer containing UV protector. For walks and patios outside, sweep them regularly with outdoor push brooms and rinse them with a hose.

If you take good care of your Connecticut decks, porches and patios, they will provide many seasons of enjoyment for your home and your guests. For more information on obtaining your own outdoor living areas, feel free to browse our contractor directory or give us a call and we’ll find a local Connecticut porch, deck and patio contractor near you.

Outdoor Living Spaces: Get ready for summer!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Summertime is right around the corner and that means plenty of food, friends, family and fun outdoors! Whether you have a large or small yard, a garden, a patio or a porch, there are many ways to prepare your home for outdoor summer activities. Get your outdoor living space ready for the summer with these helpful tips.

A good way to make outdoor spaces feel more comfortable and enjoyable is to think of these spaces in the same way you would think about the indoors. There are a number of non-traditional options for outdoor areas, including comfortable sofas, lounge chairs, pillows and soft fabrics. These are especially good for homeowners living in areas that don’t see a lot of rain. No one wants to have to rush outside to grab a sofa if it starts raining!

Traditional decorations are always good for front or back yards not only for comfort, but appearance as well. A cozy hammock hanging from trees, a romantic porch swing, a fire pit to sit around with friends, a screen room in which to enjoy the outdoors without insects, patios, decks and other options can offer a comfortable atmosphere. Adding end tables, benches and other objects in clusters around your property can provide perfect seating arrangements for guests having conversations.

Privacy can also be an issue in some outdoor living spaces. If you have neighbors close by or if your home is located on a busy road, you may want to consider some structures to separate your space from the rest of the block such as fences or stone walls. This Old House recommends perimeter plantings or other garden structures including a shrub fence or several deciduous or evergreen trees. Overhead structures, retractable fabric awnings and umbrellas can not only add privacy but protect guests from the sun.

For an enjoyable summer with friends and family in the great outdoors, you don’t need to leave home. Making the most of your front and back yards can create a fun and comfortable outdoor living space that everyone will love. For help creating an outdoor paradise, contact professional deck, porch, patio and landscaping contractors.

Roofing in Connecticut

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Roofing installation and maintenance are very involved and sometimes dangerous jobs that must be done correctly to keep your Connecticut house protected from nature's elements. The roof is your home’s main line of defense from rain, wind, snow and hail and is exactly what makes your home a shelter in the first place.

If roof work is not done correctly then your entire house and everyone in it is in danger. Trust one of our professional roofing contractors with all of your roof installation and repair jobs in Connecticut.

Roof Installation in Connecticut
Working on a roof is a difficult and tiresome job that should never be attempted by an amateur. A Connecticut homeowner trying to do an extensive roof installation job can get seriously hurt. Calling a professional roofer is vital in order to keep your roof in good shape and protect your house (and yourself!).

Roof Repair in Connecticut

Roof repair is something that is needed once a problem has already surfaced. Because of the difficulty and danger involved in most roof work, many roof repair projects should only be handled by professional roofing contractors.

Trained professional roofers in Connecticut have safety gear, harnesses, proper tools and equipment for roof repair, and they have the know-how to fix roof problems. Our reliable roofers can tackle any roof repair job you have. Browse our directory to find a Connecticut roofer near you.

Connecticut Plumbers: What they can do for you

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The trained Connecticut plumbers that are a part of HRAC are reliable and trustworthy professionals ready to handle all of your plumbing needs throughout the state. They can tackle anything from minor repairs to major system replacements, and they'll do the job correctly. Our plumbers know the plumbing codes and make sure that your installation is performed right.

High-quality plumbers can handle toilet repair, water heaters, faucet repairs, shower heads, garbage disposals, clogged drain lines, sewer lines and washer lines. They can take care of water systems in your bathrooms, kitchen, or anywhere else in the house that you have a faucet or drain system working. Our experienced plumbers in Connecticut will help you with clogs, broken drains, leaks and more.

A good plumber can also repair breaks and replace old piping. Our plumbers can unclog toilets, fix leaky faucets, or check on old warped or leaking pipes using specialized plumbing tools. It is important to trust a professional plumber for these jobs as these fixtures can sometimes get quite complicated. Often times a plumber will find that old pipes have rotted making what might have been a simple job much more difficult.

Installing or repairing a plumbing fixture can be a difficult and expensive job to do all by yourself. Our trained plumbers know how to perform these jobs the right way while abiding to safety codes and regulations. If you install a plumbing fixture improperly or end up breaking something in the system, you could be left without water for an undetermined amount of time. No one wants to deal with the frustration of not being able to use their own sinks, showers or toilet! Make sure your plumbing job gets done the right way by contacting one of our plumbers today.

Look through our directory today to find a Connecticut plumber near you!

Siding: A good choice for your house

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Siding is a very popular product to install on Connecticut buildings. There are many different kinds of siding to use but they're all easy to maintain. The clean, just-painted look of good siding can make any home look newer, and you won't have to scrape and sand wood. Premium vinyl siding won’t rot, warp, peel or ever need to be painted, either.

The expert siding contractors in the RCA/NARI network have the knowledge and skills to make your home look like new! Let them increase the value of your house in Connecticut with the curb appeal and easy maintenance of siding.

Common types of siding include vinyl, wood, various composites and stucco. Each of these requires specific preparation of the area between the siding and your house’s exterior sheathing, which is best left to the experts. Our siding contractors are highly trained professionals with knowledge of the proper installation techniques.

It’s been reported that over two billion square feet of vinyl siding is produced each year in the United States. Siding can give a home a natural woodgrain look, but you won't have to paint it. It will continue to look bright and beautiful for many years to come. You can purchase siding in neutral white and beige colors, but more colors beginning to be manufactured now.

Our professional siding contractors can ensure that the siding installation is done correctly. Wind can cause siding to rattle, and the sun and heat can cause vinyl siding to grow or expand so the siding must be secured properly. Contractors can also use vinyl siding to replace aluminum siding or cover up old wood siding already on your house.

Browse through our directory of siding contractors in Connecticut to find the right one for you!

What Painting Contractors Can Do

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Painting contractors in Connecticut have the knowledge and skills to make any house look bright and new. If you think your home is bland and you want a colorful change, a new paint job is the perfect thing to do. The painting professionals at HRAC can help complete your painting projects all over the state of Connecticut.

Painting is a quick and budget-friendly home improvement

Painting is a good way to spruce up a room without breaking your budget or taking up too much time. When it comes to painting, there's nearly an endless array of types, colors, styles and techniques to use. There are paint types that work best for certain rooms in your home, and a professional painting contractor can help you figure out what options will work best for you.

Specialists will be able to tell you exactly which types of paint and painting techniques are right for your bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen or any other room in the house. The professionals at HRAC know that rooms like bathrooms or kitchens typically get moisture buildup, so a mildew-resistant satin or semigloss paint is the best choice and makes walls easy to clean.

Professional painters will get the job done right

Our professional painters can take care of the steps needed to prepare walls for painting. They can take on large or small, interior and exterior paint jobs in Connecticut, as well as helping you with color selection and using environmentally friendly coatings. We have a designer/color consultant available to help you figure out what you need.

They also know certain painting techniques to add some style and sophistication to your walls. Whether you’d like to have a brightly colored accent wall in your living room or a checkerboard print in your kitchen, our painting contractors can handle it.

To get your home painted the right way by professional painting contractors, search our directory of painters in Connecticut to find one near you.

Deck Building with an HRAC Contractor

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

They say your home is your castle. That’s why you want everything both inside and outside your home to be fit for a king and queen! So when it comes to designing and building a sturdy, state-of-the-art deck, the ace in your deck is the Home Remodeling Association of Connecticut.

All across Connecticut, HRAC contractors design and build decks.

When it comes to designing and building new decks, and maintaining, and repairing old ones, HRAC’s stable of licensed experts has what you need – anywhere in Connecticut. And finding the right contractor who best suits your deck-building specifications has never been easier. Just visit our quick contractor finder, and based on your zip code and search specifications you’ll have multiple, highly trained professional contractors to choose from. (Please Note: Since you’re interested in deck work, please be sure to choose "build a deck or porch" from the list of options.)

To make sure your home will always be your castle, you need building and design experts you trust. HRAC contractors live by a code of ethics that guarantees their work.

Reflective Roofing: Energy Efficiency Through the Roof

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

When many people think of energy efficiency, they think of power sources, turning off the lights, using less gas, maybe the utilization of solar panels for a single home or a wind farm for an entire community. Savvier homeowners might even consider better appliances, and energy efficient retrofits like heat pumps, tank less water heaters, insulation and air sealing.

What not too many people know is that energy efficiency can come in the form of new roofing materials. Because of the way the air moves inside a home, the roof is a fundamental part of the building envelope when energy efficiency is concerned. Heated air raises and escapes through the roof during winter, and a heated roof during the summer can make a home much harder to cool.

A new roof is a major investment, but don’t let the prospect take its toll on your mind. New roofing materials are more resilient, durable and the energy savings alone will help you pay for the project overtime. The right roof can save you an astronomical amount of money in utility bills. Energy Star rated roofs may also qualify for a Tax Credit of 30%, up to $1,500 USD

Energy Star rated roofs are mainly made with reflective materials: metal or modified bitumen. Rather then absorbing sunlight like conventional shingles. There are also Energy Star labeled reflective coatings that can be applied to some types of roofing material but they do not qualify for Tax Credits.

Visit the Energy Star website for more information on energy efficient roofing and Tax Credit qualified roofing materials.

If you live in Connecticut, trust the HRAC certified roofing contractors to help you chose and install your new, energy efficient roof.

Share |

Choosing a Painting Contractor

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Choosing a Connecticut painting contractor can be overwhelming. You can find contractors searching the web, or the Yellow Pages, you can ask for referrals from friends, family and neighbors, but what can you do to make sure that the contractors you hired is actually able to deliver the kind of quality work you expect?

First, you should chose always a credible contractor referral source, like the Home Remodeling Association of Connecticut. All our licensed painting contractors a abide by the HRAC Code of Ethics and will deliver professional, quality work.

Our painting contractors offer simple steps to follow that will lead you to find the right person for the job.

Experience
How long has the company been in business? What are their credentials? Most reputable painting contractors have a website with an extensive portfolio. They will be proud of their accomplishments. You can always call a recent commercial client of a painting contractor and ask questions. Was the job satisfactory? Exemplary? Was it accomplished in a timely and reasonable fashion?

License
Do not hire a company that operates without a contractor’s license. The boards that issue licenses are industry regulators. They create policies that promote better and more reliable services from all contractors. Authentic, reputable companies will be licensed, and also insured and bonded. Make sure your Connecticut painting contractor is able to provide all the State required paperwork, including Workman's Compensation.

Price and Availability
It’s tempting to choose a company that is the least expensive or most readily available, but realize that it may fall short on quality. That’s not to say you shouldn’t recognize a bargain. Don’t always assume the priciest is the best. Do your homework. Your budget is important, but so is getting optimal work. Never go with a company that has not provided you with a written quote that lists all of the details.

Professional Appearance and Demeanor
Reputable companies usually have a physical business address, and listed land line telephone number. They will have marked vehicles in good conditions and fully equipped with their tools, and sometimes uniforms for the crew. Beware of fly-by contractors, and contractors whose business card brings only a cell phone.

Taste
Show a potential contractor your home and inquire what he would recommend in the case of future jobs. Get a feel for his style as well as his level of communication. Bring all of your questions, and he’ll have the chance to shine and gain your respect. Who knows? He might give you some great new ideas. The best workers exude credibility, professionalism and accountability. You’ll have a greater sense of well being in entrusting the aesthetic of your home to this company/individual. Word-of-mouth is important in any industry. A good painting contractor wants your business, and he wants your recommendation. He will execute the task meticulously and timely, so hopefully you will tell all of your friends and neighbors.

There are a myriad of criteria from which to choose when deciding on a painting company—not unlike the palette of colors you’ll be scrupulously examining. Keep in mind the steps, technical or otherwise, and you will soon have a brand new look in your home.

With luck, you’ll also have a great new contractor for future projects and maintenance.

Share |

Countertop Options for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

In general, there are two rooms in the home in which you’ll find countertops: the kitchen and the bathroom. But, what’s good in one might be disastrous in the other. Kitchen countertops need to be durable and functional; bathroom countertops can be dainty and a bit more fragile. Think, when was the last time you cut a loaf of bread or beat a cutlet in the bathroom? Also, bathrooms are like fingerprints—some are strikingly similar, but no two are identical. As a result, most bathroom countertops are custom made, so design choices tend to run the gamut. The kitchen countertops take much more abuse.
    In short, granite countertops are the best, and are appropriate for either room. Elegant and strong, granite withstands high heat and comes in a range of almost 3,000 colors. It’s a natural stone guaranteed to last a lifetime. Installing granite countertops instantly increases the value of your home by quite a bit. The downside to granite is the price—it’s the most expensive on the market. However, it’s getting more reasonable due to its enormous popularity. Be careful cutting on granite, as it has the second-highest hardness rating next to diamonds. Use a chopping block because granite will dull your best culinary knife.
    Ceramic tile countertops also work in both the kitchen and the bathroom. Tile takes heat well, and offers a myriad of design options. Imagine a stenciled country pattern for a quaint kitchen, or fun tropical fish on the tiles in the kids’ bathroom. Tiles can be ceramic, porcelain, or glass, and most are relatively inexpensive. Many people complain about grout lines that stain easily. One solution is to choose a colored grout, not a white one. Again, extra caution should be used with tiled kitchen counters, as some types chip or crack easier than others.
    Wood countertops have a warming effect in the kitchen, but their water sensitivity makes them impractical for the bathroom. Maple and oak are the most common hardwoods, and give the kitchen a homey, butcher-block functional feel. Wood is easy to clean and it can be resealed as many times as you like. Scratches should be oiled or sealed as they occur. Water stains can accumulate if the wood is not sealed properly.
    There are many solid-surface countertops that are designed to look like natural stone, but are synthetic. These practical options can be found under several different brand names, generally custom-made to suit either the kitchen or bathroom. Because they’re solid, any scratches or nicks can be sanded out. These countertops are very user-friendly and easy to clean. However, some are more vulnerable to heat and stains than others. Solid-surface countertops are ubiquitous, so it’s best to do all your homework on specific brands and materials before making a decision based on style or color.

Kitchen Floor Options

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Many homeowners eventually reach the point when it’s time to remodel the kitchen, and changing the kitchen floor is a great way to do so. The reason for kitchen remodeling could be wear and tear, or simply a desire for a new style. Keeping up with the times isn’t cheap, and it’s estimated that the kitchen floor alone costs an average of four percent of the entire budget.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, the most versatile room in the house, whether one lives alone or has a big family. It’s an active room where the meals are prepared, and also a relaxing place where one might sit at the counter or table to chat on the phone, read a book, or gaze out the window. Choosing the right floor for your kitchen must not be taken lightly. It’s where all the rest of the new appliances, counters, cabinets, stools, chairs, and tables will sit. You’ll want kitchen flooring that’s sensible and also announces your style to everyone who sets foot on it.
    Tile works well in warmer climates because it’s cool, and it can be painted to go along with the climate. Maybe a cactus, palm tree or horseshoe pattern suits you. Plain terra-cotta is conservative without being boring, and it goes with anything. Some stenciled foliage would compliment a cozy country kitchen, or maybe some crisscrossed skis in a lodge in the mountains. Tile lasts a long time, but it can chip or crack beneath excessive stress, and it is not forgiving on dropped glassware. Ceramic tile has been used as a decorative building material longer than anything else.
    Kitchens that tend to get much traffic, especially a house with pets and kids, should go with vinyl flooring. Vinyl is the most popular choice in kitchen flooring because it’s durable, inexpensive, easy to install, and simple to maintain. The best kitchen vinyl flooring has “inlaid construction,” rather than painted-on color and pattern, making nicks less noticeable. Most vinyl floors have a thick urethane layer for stain-resistance and shine.
Linoleum is considered kitchen flooring’s “greenest” option. It’s made of all-natural products—linseed oil, pine resin, and wood flour. Linoleum comes in all colors, the solid or marbleized square piecing that’s ideal for a kitchen with a retro-vibe. Pick out a big clock and maybe a jukebox or gumball machine for a fun, diner-style 1950s kitchen.
    A hardwood kitchen floor is a handsome choice, with options like maple and cherry. Hardwood can be dark or light, shiny or distressed. Pine is a soft wood, which may provide the sort of dents and distressing that compliment a country kitchen. Plank, strip and parquet are some of the most popular ways to install a hardwood kitchen floor. Wood floors warm all rooms, but especially the kitchen.
    Whatever kitchen floor designs you decide upon, keep in mind the option to install an interior heating system for your floor to fight the winter chill. Prepare some soup on a snowy day and rest assured your feet will stay toasty.
Remember to be practical when deciding on kitchen flooring, but also be creative and have fun!

Bathroom Floors: Flushing out the options

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

When choosing a bathroom floor you must consider the source. Flooring that works in one room may not work in another. The bathroom is a sensitive area -- maybe the most important, albeit the smallest room in the house. Picking out a bathroom floor that’s durable, practical and easily cleaned, while maintaining style, may seem impossible. Thanks to technology, decorating innovators have created bathroom floor options way beyond boring tile, wood that stains, and icky carpet.
    Cork is a low-maintenance choice and is good for homes with children or the elderly because of its excellent traction. Cork acts as a natural insulator, so trips to the bathroom in the middle of a winter night won’t be freezing on your bare feet. Cork is usually laid in a handsome parquet pattern. It is soft but it does not rot. It also absorbs noise and cleans easily.
    Wood floors are handsome in most areas of the house but are generally impractical in the bathroom. If you wish to have hardwood bathroom floors, you will need to apply two extra coats of polyurethane and reseal the floor annually to keep the wood from acquiring water stains. It is necessary to seal any gaps in the wood with wood putty, and reapply as needed. With the proper care, it is possible to maintain a healthy, happy hardwood bathroom floor. If the look of hardwood is appealing, but the extra work is not, you might consider bamboo. Bamboo is easier on the wallet and is naturally moisture-, mildew-, bacteria- and mold-resistant without the lamination. Bamboo is all-natural, considered one of the “greenest” bathroom floor options.
    Another eco-friendly choice is glass tile, made of recycled jars and bottles. Style meets durability, and comes in just about any color. Be creative with your designs. Go bright in your young one’s bathroom, while expressing yourself in your own. With glass tile, one might choose textured or sandblasted pieces for traction, particularly in homes with children or the elderly.
    Marble and granite are natural stones, and the ultimate in bathroom floor extravagance. Both need special care. In general, everyday cleaners cannot be used on marble and granite because they etch and dull the material. Water and non-abrasive cloth work for routine clean up, with specified cleaners needed for thorough jobs. Contact the manufacturer to be sure of what you can use. Marble and granite may not be ideal for homes with children, as most everyday products with their acid content can cause irreversible damage. A spill could be disastrous. If you have little ones and still want marble or granite floors, it might be wise to keep it to the master bath.
    These modern choices in flooring range from reasonable to extravagant, yet all can help create your dream bathroom. The bathroom may be small, but it’s important. Don’t let functionality override creativity. Be practical and expressive with your bathroom floors.

Flooring Options: Carpet or Hardwood?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The question has flummoxed many a homeowner, what to do with those floors. Of course, the proper way to go about it is measuring taste and style with practicality, but the answer is often far from simple. The good news is, the choices for both have expanded, so many long-held flooring tenets have fallen by the wayside. That could be bad news too, if you tend to get paralyzed in the face of interior design decision-making. The important thing is to have fun choosing your floors. It’s decorating, after all. And simply narrowing it down to carpet or hardwood will take a load off.
    Are there pets or children in your home? Carpet softens a room, both literally and figuratively. Carpet has a warming effect on surrounding decor and it creates coziness. It’s easy on the little ones’ knees and softens a tumble. Advancements in carpet fiber technology have given us the most stain-resistant fabrics ever. Carpets are remaining like new longer than ever before. A spilled cup of grape juice or pet accident is never fun, but these days it’s a lot less likely to stain. With children in the house, it’s wise to pick a patterned, multi-looped berber carpet. The three-dimensional appearance and coloring will mask an exceptionally stubborn spill, and the fabric tends to hold up in high-traffic areas. Carpet also absorbs noise very well.
    Even in a household with no youngsters, carpet can be the right way to go. Think of a living room with a plush, solid white carpet on which to contrast your furniture and trinkets.   Solid carpet can have a regal effect; a patterned carpet can have an exotic or contemporary one. Really, the choices are endless, which should be empowering when redoing the floors in carpet. Your floor is your palette. Showcase your taste with confidence.
    Hardwood floors have an exceptionally warming effect on all that sits on top of it. Handsome and charming, it’s astounding how many colors, woods, and panel widths are now available. The North American hardwoods, like oak, maple, ash, and hickory, are most common, with international varieties seen on the market more than ever. Hardwood floors have deep tradition in the American home. They’ve been around for centuries and will never go out of style. Large area rugs make it possible to have the best of both worlds, wood with an expressive fabric rolled out, all one decorating statement on your floor.
    It’s not to say hardwood has no place in a home with children. Manufacturers of pre-finished wood floors have created an improved finish, durability, and ease of maintenance. Many people believe nicks on hardwood add to its charm. Hardwood floors add to the monetary value of your home. Because there are so many different types of wood, natural and engineered, it’s imperative to do your homework in order to decide what is most suitable for each room in your house.
    Do not be floored by all the choices. Ask opinions of friends and family, and don’t forget that many stores have employed decorating sages who will happily assist you in your quest for the answer—carpet or hardwood?

Landscape Lighting: A bright idea

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The art of proper home lighting should never be confined to indoors. Show off your landscape at all hours, while at the same time making your home a more secure place. For many, landscape lighting conjures images of illuminated fountains and bright lights thrown onto the facade of mansions—but no longer is it only for the posh and well-to-do. Reasonable installation rates and low-voltage options have made landscape lighting a practical and aesthetically pleasing reality for more homeowners than ever.

Uplighting
    This is when a focal point is chosen, perhaps a tree, shrub, gazebo, or statuette. A fixture is installed at the point’s base, shooting upward. It will likely be a “bullet” or “well” type of fixture, whatever shape and size is appropriate for the subject.
Commonly used along walkways, another form of uplighting guides your family and your guests along a walkway after sundown. The fixtures are installed to lead your family and guests along the proper path, directing low-voltage light from hardware that is usually shielded to prevent glare. It is a safety measure as well as an aesthetic one.

Backlighting
    Also known as “silhouette lighting.” This technique uses a “wash” light fixture that illuminates large outdoor areas like walls and fences, creating a special silhouette effect.

Low-voltage
    This type of lighting is used in many commonly traveled areas, like pools and driveways. Low-voltage is the “green” way to go for lighting up your landscape; it uses about a third of the electricity that high-voltage uses, giving your home a cool moonlit look. Subtle and chic, low-voltage gives you endless options for dramatic illuminations around your yard.
    Today, the typical modern family has a dynamic, ever-changing schedule. Maybe you’re concerned with who will be there to turn on the landscape lighting, night after night. Timers eliminate this problem. You can control when the lights go on, shifting the time as the daylight hours wax and wane throughout the year. Maybe you can even get creative with colored bulbs around the holidays.
    Landscape lighting is truly wonderful. Not only does it look great, but it also reduces the risk of intruders. Year-round, your family’s safety is important, and robbers are far less likely to approach a home that’s illuminated. The vast array of fixture shapes and colors make choosing a system creative and fun. Say goodbye to groping in the dark for a handrail on the porch stairs, trying not to trip on a dark stairway, or feeling spooked in the pitch-black night. Have outdoor parties year-round. Barbecue in a bright spot under the summer stars, and think of how beautiful the falling snow will look in the wintertime, lit up on the trees, the bushes, the lawn, and the house itself. Your home just might become the nightly neighborhood focal point.

Outdoor Home Theaters

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

It’s summer, and for many of us that means spending more time in the great outdoors and less time in front of the boob tube. However, home theater projectors have made it possible to have the best of both worlds, and as long as you’ve got a couple of citronella candles, you can enjoy the latest blockbuster in the backyard without worrying about the bug bites. Think drive-in, but instead of getting in the car, you can saunter barefoot to the deck, lawn, garage, or campsite.
Most projectors today weigh less than twenty pounds; you can take them to different areas of the house, so why not outside?
Portable screens offer optimal viewing, but in lieu of a screen, you can use a sheet, the side of the house, a garage door, or a painter’s tarp. Keep in mind the “throw” ratio, which is the relationship between the projector’s distance from your screen and the width of the image. The further the projector is from the screen, the larger the image will be. Throw ratios vary from projector to projector.
    Think fun, but think safety: a complete outdoor home theater projection system calls for power cords and lots of electricity. Never, ever use the system in inclement weather or near a pool or a barbecue. Don’t forget to turn off the sprinkler system, and keep all liquids away from the projector itself.
    Summertime is a great time for entertaining outside—but what fun would it be to broadcast horror movies at an outdoor Halloween party? Or It’s a Wonderful Life around Christmas? Again, do not use electronics around the snow. Shovel the driveway and bundle up for a “blizzard barbecue.” Set up some miniature chairs for the kids in the garage, with a holiday cartoon extravaganza on the big, broad wall, away from the moisture.
    Remember, images should be brighter at dusk. It’s recommended to purchase an outdoor projector with at least 1,000 lumens, High-Definition resolution (720p or 1080p), HDMI or component video connectivity, and an audio out jack or built-in speakers. Many packages do not come with everything you’ll need to broadcast, so pay close attention and do your homework before making a purchase.
Because there are so many component factors, resolution capabilities, and construction qualities, outdoor home theater projectors cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Lamp life is between 2,000 and 4,000 hours, with replacement bulbs running $200-$400. Cleaning the filter of your projector and using it properly will significantly extend the lamp life.
    Whether you’re lying quietly in your hammock or hosting a wild party, an outdoor theater projection system will keep you and your guests rapt beneath the cosmos, and that’s five-star entertainment.

Projectors: Home theater entertainment

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

For many of us, the word “projector” conjures memories of long ago, a white slide pulled down in a dark living room, a beam of light through a reel of spinning film, the faces in the audience aglow with an old family vacation, prom, barbecue, or birthday. When the spool was spent, it slapped its celluloid tail until someone turned it off. Today, the word “projector” usually refers to state-of-the-art home theater. The concept is similar, but these days it’s digital. The following three are among the most popular and practical for in-house entertainment.
    DLP is often referred to as “the world’s most sophisticated light switch.” A DLP chip contains a rectangular array of up to two million hinge-mounted microscopic mirrors. When a DLP chip corresponds with a digital video or graphic signal, a light source, and a projection lens, these mirrors reflect a digital image onto a screen. This process minimizes the gaps between pixels in an image, and creates an ultra-smooth picture.
    LCD is known as the “modern analog” version of the old-school projector. LCD stands for “liquid crystal display.” Light is sent from a metal halide lamp through a prism that breaks light down into three poly silicone panels, which are the red, green, and blue components of video signal. Individual pixels either open to allow light, or close to block light, creating a vast array of color and shade in the picture. In the past, the LCD image has been considered inferior to DLP, however, an improved iris in the lens of the projector has many believing the two are now equal.
    LCoS stands for “liquid crystal on silicone.” It’s something of a cross between DLP and LCD, essentially utilizing the best of both worlds for optimal resolution. The liquid crystal panels are modulated in the same three panels as LCD, red, green, and blue, opening and closing for light. But LCoS uses the “reflective” technology of DLP with a single mirror, sending the image to the screen.
    Projectors can be mounted to the ceiling or set on a tabletop. Most projectors today weigh less than twenty pounds, so you can take them to different areas of the house, or even outside, should your screen allow portability. Keep in mind the “throw” ratio, which is the relationship between the projector’s distance from your screen and the width of the image. The further the projector is from the screen, the larger the image will be. Throw ratios vary from projector to projector.
    Because there are so many component factors, resolution capabilities, and construction qualities, home theater projectors cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Lamp life is between 2,000 and 4,000 hours, with replacement bulbs running $200-$400. Cleaning the filter of your projector and using it properly will significantly extend the lamp life.
    New home theater projectors give a nostalgia-inducing machine a high-tech edge, with their sleek shapes and different colors. The way they operate may be more complex, but the endgame is the same, one magical beam of light for the sake of home entertainment.

Create the Perfect Outdoor Living Space

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

You can extend much usable living space to your home by bringing the outdoors in. Outdoor living spaces is the perfect space for entertaining family and friends, adding extra personal space for relaxing, as well as adding value to your home. Here are a few steps to help you create the perfect outdoor living space.

The first step and most important step in creating the perfect outdoor living space is to determine what purpose you will use your new living space for. This is related to function and comfort. Will you use your new outdoor living space for your family, meditation or entertaining? These questions are a must in order to design and create the ideal outdoor living space.

Step Two:

If you’re outdoor living space has been neglected and needs some TLC, now is the time to spruce it up. It is best to start with a fresh coat of interior paint. A fresh coat of paint on the walls will help lighten a dark and decaying porch. It is best to take in consideration a color scheme that correlates with the siding or exterior paint on your home. Popular colors include chocolate brown, sage and hunter green, grays, beiges and basic white.

As you concentrate on the walls, don't overlook the floorboards. An easy fix to a rough or decaying floor is an outdoor woven area rug, but if you have the proper funding it is a great idea to consider floor tiles, stone, or wood deck tiles. Upgrading the floor is a small detail, but it improves the living space dramatically and adds value to your home.

Step Three:

Adequate lighting is a must. Whether you are spending the evening with the family or entertaining friends late into the night, proper lightening will set the mood for a warm and comfortable living space.

Recessed lighting is always a good choice for a new space. It provides balanced lighting. Outdoor wall sconces are also a good choice. It sets the mood and also makes a great nightlight. By adding a decorative light fixture or ceiling fan in the center of the room adds character to your new living space.

Step Four:

Whether you are entertaining family or friends, finding the perfect table and chairs are a must. Round, square, expandable are all good choices. The biggest problem you will have depends on the amount of square footage your new space has to offer.

If you have a large amount of square footage it is a good idea to create "rooms" within a room. On one end of the room add an outdoor sofa or loveseat with end table tables, and maybe a few lounge chairs. On the other end of the room add a dining area or maybe create a cozy nook or computer area.. These are all functional and affordable ideas.

Step Five:

Furnishings are very important; it will set the tone for your new living space. There are many different styles and functions of outdoor furniture. The important thing is to find outdoor furniture that best fits you and your family's needs.

If you are going to spend a lot of time entertaining or dining outdoors, you are going to be surrounded by a lot of open space. If this is the case, it is a good idea to invest in window coverings to ensure privacy. Drapery panels, roll up shades and mini blinds are all good choices. They provide shielding from the sun, create privacy and add a decorative touch.

Step Six:

Make your new living space personal. Since your new living space is part of your extended home; make it personal. Add potted plants, family photographs, throw pillows, flower arrangements and art work. Decorate your new outdoor living space, as you would your indoor living space; after all, your bringing the indoors out.

Use a Porch as an Addition

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Using your porch as an addition to your home can be an easy and inexpensive way to add valuable living space. The location of the porch and how it is accessed to your home will determine if and how your porch can be repurposed.

Here are a few ideas for using your enclosed porch as an addition. If you currently have an open porch, it is best to consider hiring a contractor to turn your open porch into an enclosed room, unless you are a licensed professional or experienced enough to do-it-yourself.

* It is easy to transform a side porch into a greenhouse or potting room. The first step is to replace the walls with windows and add tables and shelves for potting your plants. It is also a good idea to invest and include a storage unit for your tools and supplies, as well as adding a sink with running water.

* Turn your front porch into an informal entryway to your home by creating a sun room. Add or install large windows. Add wicker furniture for added comfort and style. Add finishing touches and decorate with colorful cushions, pillows, draperies, appealing fabrics and potted plants.

* A rear or side porch is a great place to create an exercise room. It is both beneficial and convenient for the person on the go, working parents or people who don’t have time in general to drive to the gym and stand in line waiting to use the equipment.

It is also a good idea to install and arrange your exercise equipment to best suit your needs. Leave extra space for yoga mats and aerobic workouts. Create your own person snack bar by installing a mini bar. This will allow you to store and serve water and healthy snacks to family and friends, without the high cost you would experience at your local gym.

* Take an enclosed porch and create a hideaway guest bedroom. Add a daybed for added space and multiple purposes. Install mirrors and shelving units to create the perfect closet. Create privacy by adding roll up shades, mini blinds or draperies to cover the windows. Make the space personal by adding family photographs, throw pillows, flower arrangements and art work.

* Revamp your porch into the perfect family room. Add or install carpet or area rugs on the floor. Add a decorative light fixture or ceiling fan in the center of the room to add character to your new living space. Select furnishings that are both comfortable and affordable. It is a good idea to invest in window coverings to ensure privacy. Drapery panels, roll up shades and mini blinds are all good and convenient choices.

Make your new living space personal by adding potted plants, family photographs, throw pillows, flower arrangements and art work.

Decorating a Front Porch

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

One way you can extend the living space to your home is by bringing the outdoors in. Outdoor living spaces are the perfect space for entertaining family, relaxing with friends, as well as adding value to your home. Here are a few steps to help you decorate your front porch.

Step One:

Your entry way is the welcoming mat to your home. Your front porch makes the first impression to people who choose to enter your home. It is best to make the entrance to your home both warm and appealing.

One way to make your home stand out is to choose a color scheme that is a lighter or deeper tone than the rest of the home. Always choose a bold color for your front door; shades of red and black are always a good choice. To decorate your front door, add a beautiful, large, over-sized wreath. It will add both character and style to your home, as well as creating a inviting and welcoming appeal.

Step Two:

The front porch is an extension to your home. It is best to try to bring the indoors out. A good way to do so is to decorate your front porch with furniture. When adding furniture, it is best to try to create a seating arrangement that is both comfortable and functional. There are many new styles and functions of outdoor furniture. The most important thing is to find outdoor furniture that best fits you and your family's needs.

If your furniture setting doesn't match, it is easy to change its appearance with spray paint. This will allow you to coordinate all of your furniture pieces in the same color and tie your furniture setting together.

If you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors, you are going to be surrounded by a lot of open space. If this is the case, it is a good idea to invest in window coverings. Drapery panels, roll up shades and mini blinds are all good choices. They provide shielding from the sun, create privacy and add a decorative touch.

Step Three:

Adequate lighting is a must. Whether you are spending the evening relaxing with the family or entertaining friends, proper lightening will set the mood for a warm and comfortable living space.

Outdoor wall sconces are a good choice. It sets the mood and also makes a great nightlight. By adding a decorative light fixture or ceiling fan in the center of the room adds character to your new living space.

Step Four:

Make your front porch personal. Since your front porch is part of your extended home; make it personal. Add potted plants, decorative throw pillows and cushions, flower arrangements, decorative throw rugs and art work.

Decorate your front porch, as you would your indoor living space; after all, you're bringing the outdoors in.

Making a Carport into a Covered Porch

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

A great way to increase the available living space in your home is to turn your carport into a covered porch. A covered porch offers protection from the elements of outdoor living, along with creating the outdoor living experience. There is no need to change or alter your carport's construction; you can create and decorate the space as a covered porch through flooring, outdoor furniture, throw rugs, bamboo blinds, stained glass windows, window treatments, potted plants and decorative accessories.

Step One:

Add floor tile or interlocking rubber flooring over the existing cement floor in your carport. You can find the perfect flooring to meet you and your family's needs at your local home improvement store. Regardless of the color and style you choose, for best results always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Another easy and affordable alternative for flooring is to install indoor/outdoor carpeting to your covered porch floor.

Step Two:

Select and add outdoor furniture to transform your carport into a covered porch. Add a wicker sofa or loveseat with matching end tables. For added seating add a few lounge chairs; this will create added seating and create a cozy and comfy feel to your new space. Add cushions and throw pillows for added comfort and style.

It is also a good idea to create a dining area. Whether you are eating outdoor meals with the family or entertaining friends, finding the perfect table and chairs are a must. The biggest problem you will have depends on the amount of square footage your new space has to offer.

Step Three:

Once you have selected the perfect furniture pallet, add window treatments to your carport to help create the look and feel of a covered porch. Most carports have two open sides that you can easily cover with sheer outdoor fabric or bamboo blinds. When hanging bamboo blinds, attach metal braces according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is also a good idea to attach clip rings to the curtains and thread them on a tension rod. Place the tension rod across the top of the opening with screw eyes.

Step Four:

To create the perfect covered porch, hang stained-glass windows in the center of the openings to create a waterfall of colored glass. It creates a stylish and elegant feeling throughout your new space.

Step Five:

Make your new outdoor living space personal. Create a wall of hanging plants in decorative pottery on the open sides of your new covered porch. In addition to potted plants; add family photographs, flower arrangements, throw rugs and decorative art work.

Decorate your new covered porch, as you would your indoor living space; after all, your bringing the indoors out.

Driveway Sealing

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Your driveway is the road to your home. Keeping your driveway in a good condition is just one way to make your home more inviting and pleasing to the eye (not to mention, keeping the value of your home where it should be). From cracks and blemishes to weeds and overgrowth, driveways accumulate small issues like any other part of your home. You dust your furniture, you shampoo your rugs, you paint your walls, so there’s no reason to treat a driveway any differently. When minor problems turn into noticeable features, re-sealing your driveway is just as important, and functional, as cleaning your bathroom or washing the dishes, only it doesn’t need to be done nearly as often.
 Re-sealing your driveway is something you should consider every two to three years, based on the look and quality of your driveway. Factors that contribute to the need for an upgrade are the amount of sun your driveway is exposed to; oil, gas and grease stains settling in; or strong weeds or grass forcing their way to the surface from below.

The first thing you want to do is make sure your driveway is prepared for sealing. Edge the driveway to remove any grass or weeds. Sweep the driveway as clean as you can, then hose it down. Once the water is dry, sweep it again. For best results, the driveway should be as clean as possible.

Now try to tackle those stains (oil, gas, etc.). Mix any brand of household detergent with water and use a strong scrub brush or push broom to wash away stains as much as possible. Let any water that may have entered cracks or formed puddles on the surface dry before continuing. Once dry, fill all cracks and holes with the appropriate filler. Remember to use the corresponding products for different sized cracks or holes.

Apply a thin coat of driveway sealer with a squeegee, roller or brush (the wider the better for whichever you choose). Continue to mix the sealer throughout the process and don’t stop until the entire driveway is sealed. Your driveway will need 24 hours to dry, so put up some caution tape or barricades to make sure no one goes on it during that time. After the 24 hours is passed, you can put a second, and even third coat on the driveway if you feel it’s warranted. After each coat again allow 24 hours for dry time, and don’t let anyone or anything on it during that time.

With that, your driveway will look fresh and new again. Your driveway projects to the rest of the neighborhood the entranceway to your home and its condition is a direct reflection on its owners. Keep it sharp and you’ll have everyone on your block wondering why your house is looking so good these days.

Siding Types

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

When deciding to renovate a home the exterior is a big concern for many home owners. There are many types of siding that can be placed on a home. The only restrictions on the home owner are price of the material as well as visual appeal. However, with the large variety of siding options there is something that will fit everyone's budget.

The first option is to choose a siding that is easy to install. Vinyl and aluminum siding are the easiest types of siding to install on a home. The cost for these materials will vary depending on style as well as manufacturer. However, these types of siding are the least expensive for the home owner. After choosing the right material, the next step is to attach foam board insulation to the exterior of the home. Then attach the siding directly to the insulation with the appropriate fasteners. Most of these materials will come with instructions on how to properly install the siding to the home. When choosing fasteners make sure that they have a protective coating that prevents rust or corrosion. Using fasteners without this coating can mean additional maintenance for the home owner.

The second option available to home owners is to coat the exterior with wood siding. The cost for this type of siding will vary depending on the type of wood that is chosen. The most common material to use is T-111 boards. These boards are precut pieces of plywood that attach to the insulation. They are the easiest to install, however they do require routine maintenance and must be painted often to retain their beauty. Another common type of wood siding is called clapboard siding. This material is wedge shaped pieces of wood that are installed in an overlapping pattern to the insulation. The benefit of using this material is that is can be painted or left as is. This type of siding is primarily made from red cedar and can therefore withstand the elements better than T-111 siding.

The last option that is available to home owners is cement fiber siding. This material offers home owners the look and feel of a wood siding without the maintenance associated with those products. Cement fiber siding is made from sand, cement and cellulose material. The materials are mixed and curved with pressurized steam, a process that is called autoclaving. This material is extremely durable and requires little to no work to keep it looking beautiful from the first day to ten years down the road. The only drawback to using this material is that is requires professional installation and can be quite costly. However, the benefit of having siding that requires little to no maintenance is what attracts home owners to this product.

The most important thing to remember is that the siding you choose will be on your home for quite some time. The cost of the product as well as the maintenance associated with the siding should be factors to consider. Take your time and choose the product that will best fit your needs.

Roof Repair and Maintenance

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Replacing a roof can be a costly and stressful experience for home owners. With routine maintenance and repair the life of your roof can be extended. There are several steps a homeowner can take to provide routine care for their roof. And as an added bonus many of these techniques can cost little to no money for the home owner.

The first technique that can be employed by home owners is perform a regular visual inspection of the roof. The inspection should be performed once every one to two months to determine the condition of the roof as well as insuring the roof is free of debris. Debris such as branches and leaves from over hanging trees can trap moisture and cause the roof to deteriorate faster. It is recommended that cleaning this debris be performed regularly to minimize the risk of damage. If the roof has a gutter system, debris should be removed from this area as well. Excess debris in the gutters can clog the system, thereby leaving standing water on the roof.

Tall trees are most often the number one cause of roof debris. Therefore, another measure that can be taken is to routinely trim and maintain tall trees. Any trees or other foliage should be trimmed at the beginning of the rainy season. For most areas this season falls within the months of May and April. When trimming these tress the first area of concern is over hanging branches. These branches will add to the amount of debris on the roof as well as pose a risk of damaging the roof if the fall. These branches should be trimmed back so that they are no longer over the roof.

If your roof is in need of repair even after taking these steps, many of the repairs can be done easily by the home owner. The first step to take is to gage the extent of the damage to the roof. Most of the time all the is required when repairing a roof is to replace a few shingles. When performing this repair the first step to take is to purchase some shingles as well as roofing nails. Roofing nails must be used due to the fact that they have a special coating that prevents rust and corrosion. Once you have purchased the proper materials simply replace the damaged or missing shingles. For more involved repairs or for roofs made of tin or gravel you may want to contact a licensed roofer to make the necessary repairs.

Home owners should get in the habit of performing routine roof maintenance at least every other month. While routine roof maintenance can take time from a home owners busy schedule, it will pay off in the long run. Proper roof maintenance can save the home owner both time and money.

Brick Walkways

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. And nothing sums up this notion better than the first time someone approaches your home. Think how many times your opinion of someone’s home has been affected, positively or negatively, by the look of the features outside. If you’re visiting friends for the first time and you have to step around torn up pieces of walkway, or avoid brush (or worse yet prickers) as you head towards the door, the first thing you’re thinking is probably not going to be “I bet the inside is great.” It would be very easy, and likely, for you to carry your negative thoughts right into the house with you and have those thoughts be the ones that you’re talking about on the car ride home.

To prevent your guests from having these thoughts, one might consider some simple, but aesthetically magnificent solutions. They include upkeep of one’s shrubbery and building a brick walkway that is functional, as well as dazzling.

Clearly, the easiest part of this job is to keep your shrubbery in check. No one wants to dodge a branch as they head towards a front door. Not a visitor, not an owner. So keep everyone happy by keeping things neat and symmetrical.
 Once the pruning is completed, you can move on to making your walkway safer and more pleasing to the eye. The easiest way to accomplish this is by building a brick walkway. Brick walkways can provide a homeowner with a professional look, and the bragging rights to say they did it themselves. Of course, bricks come in all different colors and can be put into any design the homeowner wishes. So while there are some steps that are universal in creating a walkway, there are also parts where you can get creative and have a little fun.

To create a brick walkway, you first need to outline the area you plan to use with spray paint or tape. Then you’ll need to dig out the grass and dirt in that area. Dig based on your soil and drainage. If your yard has good drainage, you may need only to dig an inch or two. If not, you may want to dig about 6 inches of depth. Once you’ve dug out the area, pour in about one to three inches of ¾” gravel. (Of course, you could use cement, but gravel is the easier of the two jobs.) After the gravel, pour in a layer of sand (about an inch’s worth) to support the bricks. Next, set up an edge around the outside of the proposed area. Use string or some bender board to create this outer layer.

The next step is to lay down your bricks. You can purchase many different kinds of bricks; different sizes, colors, etc. And, as mentioned above, you get to decide the pattern for your walkway. So do some research, take a look at some pictures of completed walkways and decide which pattern would best fit your home, and your personality.

After you’ve laid down the bricks, you again have a choice between using cement and using sand. Since we’ve started with sand, we’ll continue down that route, but the process is basically the same for both. Fill the cracks in between the bricks with builder’s sand and then hose it down lightly to settle the sand in. Fill again and repeat. Do this until you have some excess sand above the bricks and sweep that away. If, in the future, the loose sand starts to sink below the bricks, simply add some more and repeat the process.
 Building a brick walkway will do wonders for your home’s look, feel and value. It can be done in a reasonable amount of time for a reasonable price. And the real upside is that you can view your new walkway with a sense of accomplishment knowing your efforts produced such a fine, quality end product.

Concrete Steps

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

There’s nothing more frightening than taking a step and not landing on solid footing. With a quick wobble one way or a loss of balance another way, a person could slip, trip, fall, and potentially do harm to themselves or others in the process. No one wants to see that in any situation, but the absolute last place you would want it to happen is on your own front steps. It would be bad enough for you, the homeowner, to have to navigate treacherous steps on an every day basis (especially when carrying groceries!). But the thought of guests landing awkwardly as they take their first steps towards your home brings fear of injury and, in the worst possible situation, maybe even litigation.

To combat this potential downfall, you should take steps to create a safe and attractive, set of stairs to match your home. There are many different types of steps you could build to enter your home. Stone, brick, and wood are all reasonable looks for your front stairs. But the most versatile look and the longest lasting option is to build concrete steps.

The great thing about concrete steps is that they can blend into any home or landscape. Additionally, you can build concrete steps with only a few basic items. While you are welcome to mix your own concrete, the easier path is to buy pre-mixed concrete. Concrete mix can be purchased from any home supply store and will avoid the headache of mixing the concrete yourself. You simply have to add water to pre-mixed concrete.

The first major step is to remove any existing steps to your home. After you’ve removed all the debris from your old steps, you can begin to design your new ones. The design of the step is up to you, but make sure to follow a couple of simple rules. The height of each step should be the same and the depth of each step should be the same.
 After you plan your design, begin preparing the base. You must level the ground in front of the door, remove any debris from there and remove any grass roots. Dig the surface about six inches, then use gravel or sand to fill about four inches to make the surface uniform.

Use stringers to create the outside form of the steps. Place the stringers according to how wide you’d like your steps to be and support them with two inch by four inch stakes. You should have one stake for each step.

Now cut two inch by six inch pieces of plywood and nail them horizontally to the frame where the front of the step will be. Again, the number of steps will dictate the number of plywood pieces you need. If you are going to have four steps, you’ll need three pieces of plywood.

Next pour gravel into the frame. Do this to fill some of the area so that less concrete is needed. Mix enough concrete for each step, so you have enough time to level each step out before it starts drying. After you shovel the concrete into the step area, use a hammer to hit the side of the frame once the step is full of concrete, to prevent cracking. Smooth out the concrete with a trowel and then use a level to make sure you’ve got it just right. Repeat this process for each of your steps.
Once you’ve done each of the steps, use a broom and sweep each step to make your steps less smooth, and therefore less likely to end up slippery when dry. Spray the cement with water periodically to keep the cement from cracking. Allow a full five days for your steps to dry and voila! You have a new, attractive and most importantly safe set of steps to your home for residents and visitors to enjoy alike.

Home Additions: Need more living space?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Most of us when we started out bought as much house as we could afford and were thrilled to finally own our first home. But a lot of families find that time has a way of increasing their housing needs. Most typically that need imposes itself rather insistently when a child comes along, or when kids reach the age when they need separate rooms. But other reasons for wanting more space can vary from Mom moving in, to needing a larger kitchen, to wanting a specialty area such as a garage, workshop or an entertainment room.

If you need more room, the first step in finding the way forward is to think carefully about what your needs really are. Separate needs from wants. Prioritize, because each item will have a price tag, and those price tags can add up quickly. If like most of us you have to work within a budget, prioritizing will give you a framework to decide whether certain items are worth their cost.
A major decision that many will have to make is whether to add on to the existing house or to move to another house (either built to your specs or already built), one that either already has more of the desired new features or at least has more potential for adding on those desired features.

This is where lifestyle factors weigh in. How much do you value your present location? Your neighbors? (Count yourself blessed if you have good neighbors, because bad ones can present a big downside, even when moving to a "better" neighborhood.) How disruptive to your kids would it be to move - perhaps even to a different school system? And which would be worse – to outright move or to put up with messy remodeling? The answer to that will depend on your project and your family.

Be sure to factor in the costs of selling, buying and moving. These include real estate commissions, legal fees, and mover's charges.

After you have considered lifestyle factors and peripheral costs, if the add-on idea is still alive then the next step is to call in someone to advise you on feasibility and costs. The most direct way to accomplish this is to consult with a registered architect. Find out ahead of time if there will be a fee for the architect to come out and spend some time discussing your situation.

Another way to access the feasibility of adding on is to call in a remodeling contractor. Usually they won't charge to come out and take a look, and they can offer practical advice and some rough ideas about costs. Many contractors have working relationships with architects, and some even have their own architects on staff, so they can help you get the process started.

If you're not getting your questions answered don’t hesitate to call in another architect or contractor. As with any discipline, there are vast differences among practitioners. If you do add on, you're going to be living with this guy's work for a long time. Make sure you have someone you feel comfortable with.

Both adding on and moving are big decisions for any family to make, and there's no blanket formula that will fit every situation. But if you take the time to carefully analyze your needs and then find the right people to clarify your options, there is no reason to fear a process that can immensely improve your family's quality of life.

Professional Carpenters

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Oftentimes when a family is new to home ownership, when something goes wrong or it's time for improvements, they don’t really know who to call to get the job done. I'd like to break down the industry a bit to give an idea how it works.

There are three classes of contractor you're likely to encounter. The first is the general contractor. His focus is on larger jobs and he subcontracts out much of the work to get big jobs done quickly.

Next is the specialist. This will be the fencing company, the kitchen company, the electrician, the painter.

And then there's the carpenter contractor. This is a firm, very often family-owned, that does a wide range of jobs that are generally on the smaller end of the scale.

Who you should call depends on the nature and size of the job you want done. A simple fencing project? You'll probably call in a fencing company. But if your fencing job impacts the house or deck in some way, you might be better off with someone more equipped to deal with that – the carpenter contractor.

The carpenter contractor generally is motivated by a love for woodwork, and he can cover a lot of ground for you. He can handle anything from installing cabinets and countertops, finishing your basement, and rearranging walls on the inside, to building a deck or garage or gazebo on the outside.

If you want to exchange that flat living room window for an expansive bay, or to put in a beautiful new front door to greet your guests, the guy to call is the carpenter. He's the one to upgrade your interior doors as well (panel doors generally look better than the slab kind, and solid doors offer a lot more privacy than hollow).

If your involves multiple trades, your carpenter contractor will often have a working relationship with other trades and can either make recommendations or subcontract out the work himself.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but many times even specialty projects are best handled by a carpenter. Say you want a new kitchen. You may save a lot of money by ordering the cabinets yourself at discount and then using a carpenter to do the installation.

Even larger residential projects fall well within the purview of carpenters. Adding an addition or a second level involve dealing with an architect, the building department and subcontractors. Many carpenters are equipped to handle this multifunctional role, and since they do the lion's share of the work themselves, they'll be onsite much of the time – and that can be a big plus.
When your next project arises, give careful thought to whom you should call, general contractor, specialist, or carpenter. The nature and size of the project will bear on your decision, but also give a lot of weight to the character and accomplishments of the people you're dealing with. In the home improvement business, bigger is not always better.

Crown Molding and Fine Woodworking

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Sometimes we can get so used to the way things are that we lose sight of what can be. And with our homes, during times of economic slowdown, tight money may make us think improvements are unattainable.

But slow times are actually the ideal times to get things done, if one has a little bit of resources. In a feast-or-famine industry, slow times are when you are almost guaranteed to have your calls returned!

Often a relatively small investment can make dramatic improvements to your living environment. Take, for instance, the wonderful world of moldings. Crown molding at the ceiling line of common areas such as the foyer, living, dining, or den quickly adds visual richness. Chair rail is especially suited for dining rooms and foyers, but it can be used almost anywhere, and can make a natural break for color changes or wallpaper.

I was in one house recently where wood paneling – the real frame-and-panel kind – was installed in the foyer and going up a staircase open on one side. The effect was absolutely stunning.
Builders usually use a very basic wood trim to delineate windows and doors. Or perhaps in your house the windows were simply framed with drywall rather than molding. Upgrading to a wider and fancier wood casing will almost completely change the feel of the room.

And if your stairs occupy a central place in the house and have basic wrought iron railings, consider converting to a hardwood railing system. Thus can run into a little bit of money, but the effect will be dramatic.

Beyond moldings, also consider cabinetry. You might want to do a mini-upgrade to your bathroom by changing the vanity. Maybe you'd like some modern accessories like pull-out or rotating shelves added to your existing kitchen cabinets. These are improvements that make a big difference without declaring total war on the home improvement budget.

In my house one of the big excitements over the years was the ongoing installation of built-in cabinetry in various rooms. I have custom breakfronts framing the woodstove, and I built wall-hung bookshelves and a night table in my bedroom. With built-ins, the possibilities are endless, and nothing fits an existing room like a well-designed built-in.

One improvement that won't catch a lot of overt attention but which will be appreciated every day is a closet makeover. Extra, deeper shelves, cabinets with drawers, airy metal shelving – these will increase your closets' effectiveness.

Some of these things can be done by the more talented and ambitious homeowner himself. But before you assume that's the best way to go, consider the time and learning curve and mess involved for each project (and projects often expand as they go!) Especially on the bigger and more detailed projects, give more weight to calling in an experienced woodworker who can get the job and its clean-up done quickly and give you a beautiful result you'll be pleased to live with.

Woodworking: How good carpentry can look

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Carpenters and woodworkers make accents and fixtures that can add luxury and class to any room in your home. The one problem home owners run into is whether to purchase pre-fabricated items or hire a professional to custom build them. When hiring a professional to do this kind of work there are many benefits for the home owner. The finished product that these professionals can deliver is worth the additional cost.

Carpenters and woodworkers can make custom cabinets, trim and molding for new homes or a renovation. Cabinetry is a must when it comes to building or renovating a home. Cabinets are used in bathrooms and kitchens for storage purposes. While cabinets must be functional they should also add aesthetics to the space. Having custom cabinets built for these rooms serves both purposes. Custom cabinetry is made to order by the customer. The color, wood type and hardware will be hand chosen ensuring that you get exactly what you want. This level of luxury can be continued in other rooms of the home by adding custom trim and molding.

Trim and molding are accents that can be overlooked by many home owners. However, these pieces will provide a more polished look to any room of your home. Trim and moulding runs along the wall at the top where the wall meets the ceiling and/or the bottom of the wall where the wall and floor join together. These pieces can be simple and elegant thereby adding a sophisticated look to a room. They can also be more ornate and detailed to showcase creativity and add flare. No matter which style is chosen it will give the room a finished look and feel that can only a master craftsman can provide.

A carpenter or woodworker will bring a more professional feel to your remodel. When choosing custom made cabinets and trim that are produced and installed by a carpenter or woodworker the finished product should enhance the room. Products that are mass produced and sold in stores come in just a few sizes and colors. This leaves home owners with little choice in how the room will flow with the new products. However, a carpenter or woodworker will take exact measurements of the area and make the items to fit in that space. This gives the room a more tailored look, instead of installing wood work that is either too small or too large for the room. This tailored appearance is what every home owner wants to see after a remodel.

The finished product is what counts when it comes to redesigning any space in your home. The point of renovating is to enhance the look and feel of a home that has become boring and outdated. Therefore, the accents and fixtures that the home owner replaces need to refresh and add beauty to the home. The woodwork done by a licensed professional will provide these results, thereby completing any home remodel.

Trim and Molding

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Carpenters and woodworkers can make items that add a finished and unique look to any home. One example of the craftsmanship that these professionals can add to your home renovation is trim and molding around doors, windows and wall and/or floor joints. Trim and molding comes in all shapes and sizes from simple and classic to ornate and luxurious. The type that you choose for your home will depend on your taste as well as which room your are renovating.

Crown molding is one of the more popular types of trim for home owners. Crown molding characterized by the fact that the wood is cut to flare out at the top and the bottom. The mid section of crown molding is curved inward and the ends splay out to slightly overlap the ceiling and the wall. The ends of these pieces can be left plain or carved with intricate designs. Crown molding is placed at the top of the wall, around interior doors and around windows. This type of molding is purely used for decorative purposes to give the room a more completed look and feel.

Another popular type of trim is called chair molding. Chair molding is installed in the middle of the wall and runs the perimeter of the room. This type of trim can be large in the middle and tapered towards the edges. Its can also be large at the top then thins out towards the bottom. Chair molding both decorative and functional. This molding is often placed in dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms to prevent furniture from being placed directly against the wall. This protects the wall, thereby allowing less maintenance to the paint and the drywall. This molding is also used for decorative purposes. Some home owners choose to use chair molding as the sole decoration in the room. However, this molding can also be used in conjunction with wall paper and paneling that lies between the molding and the baseboards.

Baseboards are another type of trim that home owners install to complete a room. Baseboards are typically installed at the bottom of the wall where the wall and floor meet. Baseboards are most often plain strips of wood that are used to give the room a more finished look after a remodel or when building a new home. However, they can also be made to have a more decorative appearance with intricate carvings and designs. Once installed in a space, the room will have the look and feel of a finished product.

No matter which type of trim that you choose, the results will leave you in amazement. Trim, molding and other woodworking make a space more ascetically appealing and serve the purpose of completing the room. Adding these accents to the rooms in your home will make your home renovation feel more finished.

Benefits of Hiring a Skilled Woodworker/Carpenter

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Renovating a home can be a fun and renewing experience for home owners. However, there are some facets of home renovation that tend to cause stress due to the fact that they may be too difficult for the do it yourself home owner to complete. Carpentry is one of the aspects that may require hiring a seasoned professional. There are many benefits that come with hiring a carpenter or woodworker.

First of all, a carpenter or woodworker can bring knowledge of the industry to your home renovation. Many of these professionals have worked in the carpentry industry for many years. This experience has given them valuable knowledge to complete any job with quality craftsmanship. A carpenter or woodworker can advise you on the different type of moulding, trim, cabinets or wood designs that will add beauty and style to the room that you are remodeling. Using their experience with woodworking can enhance any room of your home.

Another benefit of hiring a carpenter or woodworker is the fact that these professionals can save you time with their expertise in this industry. Many home owners choose to install pre-fabricated cabinets and trim in an effort to save money on their home renovation. While these items will fulfill the home owners need, they are not made with the same quality a carpenter or woodworker can provide. Which sometimes can lead to problems such as not fitting the space or breakage from installation. That means more time returning the items and obtaining replacements. This can be eliminated by hiring a carpenter to install the products with a high level of craftsmanship as well as detailed accuracy.

Finally, deciding to hire a licensed professional as opposed to performing the work yourself will bring the results that you want. When installing custom cabinets, trim and other detailed pieces there is a level of quality that is to be expected from the finished product. These items are installed to make a home look more complete as well as add a decorative touch. A seasoned professional can produce these kinds of results. A carpenter uses high quality materials to produce the items created. Not only will they look better than mass produced items, but they will last longer. As a home owner, you will be amazed with how much the carpentry produced with these materials can really transform a room.

Many people shy away from hiring a carpenter or woodworker due to the cost that is involved with hiring a contractor to complete the work. However, carpentry is one area of home improvement that will benefit not only from skill but years of experience in the industry. This is one aspect of home renovation that should be completed by a skilled professional.

What Carpenters/Woodworkers can do for You

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Carpenters and woodworkers encompass a group of professionals that provide products for home renovations and new home construction. The work that they do requires a high level of skill and precision to make products that enhance a home. Carpenters and woodworkers can make many items that will add function and beauty to any room in your home.

One of the most important pieces to a home is cabinetry. Cabinets are used in the kitchen, bathroom and other rooms in the home to store personal items, hide plumbing pipes and hold sinks and other fixtures. These products, however, need to functional as well as beautiful. Carpenters can make cabinets that are not only ascetically pleasing, but work well in the space in which they are installed.

Another product that carpenters and woodworkers can provide to the home owner is trim and moulding. Trim can be placed around windows, interior doors, floor joints and walls to complete a room. Trim is a decorative item that is used make a room look and feel more finished after a remodel or a new home is built. Trim ranges from simple to ornate depending on the taste as well as the budget of the home owner .

Flooring is another aspect of carpentry. Carpenters and woodworkers install hardwood floors for renovations as well as new construction. These professionals use materials chosen by the home owner to make hardwood floors that look the best in your home. Carpenters and woodworkers also create the floor base for homes that require a wooden floor. This is also known as rough carpentry.

Rough carpenters make items that do not require a finishing touch. These carpenters erect studs for new home construction. They create foundations, beams and footers for new homes as well as when adding multiple rooms or floors to an existing home. They also create the base for many types of roofs such as pitched, unequal pitched, hip and standard roofs. This aspect of carpentry is very important to new construction as well as to home owners looking to remodel, as this type of work may need to be completed on their house as well.

Another product that is made by carpenters and woodworkers is stairs. Staircases are a vital part of any home with two or more stories. These professionals can create wooden stair cases for a new home or when adding stories to an existing structure. They can also repair staircases and incorporate intricate designs to a staircases that already exist.

These are some of the tasks and products that carpenters and woodworkers can create for home owners. Whether you are renovating an existing home or building a new home, hiring a carpenter to do the woodwork necessary is a good decision. These professionals will enhance any room for which they make and install products.

Granite: A countertop that takes the heat

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

    The beauty and luminescence of a granite countertop can only be matched by its functionality. That is to say, granite can take the heat, so keep it in the kitchen. After all, granite is a natural stone called igneous rock. It is what forms from what was once spewed from the mouth of a volcano. It takes millions of years of compression and heat beneath the surface of the earth. The granite is mined, chiseled, prepped and polished, ready to be cut and installed for your kitchen pleasure.
    If you’re looking for the most culinary-friendly countertop, granite is the way to go. The hardness factor is just about as high as you can get, so it’s more than likely you will dull your best knives and cleavers before you damage the counter. That’s why it’s still best to use a cutting board, considering granite’s strength and hardness. Granite comes from a high heat environment, and high heat it withstands. You can place a hot pot on the counter without using a trivet or pad. Granite won’t blister like synthetic, laminate, or even marble countertops. Granite has a naturally cool surface, polished by professionals, making it ideal for rolling dough for pastries. Many cooks recommend setting a bowl of ice water on the workspace for a spell, creating a chilled place for making a piecrust. Tenderizing meat is also ideal on a flat, strong, and cool plane.
    Granite is naturally porous, which means that it will perform optimally as a cooking and prep place only after it is sealed. Most professionals recommend applied granite sealant at least once a year. It should be sealed straightaway after installation. Sealing granite is easy, if you prefer to do-it-yourself. The sealer can be purchased at your local hardware store.
    Strong as it is, sealed granite will always be somewhat vulnerable to certain materials and foods because of its porosity. Unfortunately, it may still absorb cooking oil spills, grease, and acidic foods like pineapple, lemon, and salad dressing. Hairspray can also leave a residue. A dark stain, dullness, etching, or cloudy appearance, are all signs that your granite has been damaged by outside chemicals. The good news is that there are remedies for specific stains, like fat, oil, acid, coffee, even color stains like ink or wine. It’s always best when in doubt to contact the installer or manufacturer for cleaning advice.
    Granite is hands-down the best and most beautiful countertop option on the market, particularly for creating your culinary delights. Resistant to stress, heat, and heavy objects, you will be pounding the cutlets and rolling out sheets of dough in style, on a true elegant and efficient stone palette.

Granite: Bathroom Luxury

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

It may be the smallest room in the house, but that doesn’t mean the bathroom(s) doesn’t deserve the same top-notch countertop of a luxurious kitchen. Granite is the best material for the job, an organic stone that is resistant to heat and damage. Granite is the hardest natural material next to diamonds. Bathroom counters made from it are impervious to the nicks and scratches caused by razors and hairbrushes, gadgets likely to damage laminate or synthetic counters. Also, granite is formed inside the earth, from cooled liquid magma, a volcanic substance. It will not scorch, blister, or crack due to a hot curling iron or hair straightener.

Granite is a dense, polished, strong material, but remember that because it is naturally occurring, it is quite porous. It must be sealed after it is installed, and at least once a year afterwards. Sealant can be purchased at a hardware store for the do-it-yourself homeowner—the task is quite simple. Sealing granite may also be done by a professional. The bathroom counter will no doubt collect a lot of moisture. Granite will resist it handily, as long as it is properly sealed and maintained. It is important to be careful with acidic products, perfumes, and cosmetics. Hairspray has been known to stain haphazardly sealed granite countertops.

If you’re choosing a new sink, you’ve got two options. Some sinks are self-rimmed and mounted on top of the granite counter. Others are mounted beneath, attached to the underside of the granite, with a finished bowl opening. There will likely be a granite backsplash behind the faucet where the wall meets the counter. Whether your new sink is stainless steel, cast iron, or synthetic, it will no doubt match the intrinsic, beautiful look of this natural stone.

It’s popular to purchase bathroom vanities that have a granite counter, a sink, and wood cabinetry, all in one piece. These are a relatively cost effective way to go, and ideal for a smaller bathroom, maybe the guestroom or kid’s bath. Options are vast as far as granite type and color, as well as wood hue and quality. A bathroom vanity with a built-in granite countertop saves you time along with money. There’s no need to measure old cabinetry for a template. All you need is already constructed, brand new, making one handsome sight.

Installing granite counters in your bathroom won’t be cheap, but it will certainly raise the price of your home in an instant. Today’s homeowner recognizes that when beauty meets functionality, it’s a great thing. Granite is a natural stone that epitomizes aesthetics and practicality, with its strength and three-dimensional regality. A shiny, gorgeous granite bathroom countertop will give your bathroom the look and feel of five-star extravagance.

Choosing a Granite Countertop Contractor

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

If it feels daunting choosing the right style of granite countertop for your new kitchen or bathroom, it may seem just as tough choosing the right company for the job. There are many factors to consider, not the least of which is price. Granite is the most expensive counter material on the market. It is gorgeous, yet difficult to install because of its heaviness and unique physical properties. You want to put your money toward the great product as well as a skilled professional who will do the absolute best job, from start to finish.

First, ask potential contractors his or her opinion. It’s a sure sign of a seasoned professional when someone can give sound decorating advice as well as technical know-how. There are so many types of granite, some more popular than others, some more trendy, and some more traditional. A busy contractor is likely a good one, someone keeping up with the movements and shifts in the market. Ask specifics about the stone itself, its properties, hardness, strength, resistance to damage, etc. A supplier should be able to refer to the American Society for Testing and Materials for specific ratings. When conversing with a potential contractor, take note of his etiquette and demeanor. He should be treating you with utmost respect and care, as this is a sign of how he will treat your home and its new materials.

Be wary of suppliers who offer types of granite with unique names that are hard to find anywhere else. This happens because countries where the granite has originated give the stone their own name. Then, an importer gives that stone his own name. After that, retail stores, fabricators and installers change the name yet again. It’s a head-spinning process that happens when disreputable businesspeople want to create the illusion of an especially unique type of stone, when really it is standard. A sure sign of a polished, professional contractor is to recognize this and call it out.

Look at a contractor’s website. He should have an extensive portfolio of his work. He should have a lot of experience, and he should be proud of it. If you peruse the granite in person at a retail location, take note of the appearance of the business, and the samples themselves. Is the store neat, or disorganized? Are the samples scratched, cracked, or dirty? Or are they clean and presentable? This says a lot about an operation. How large is the company? How long has it been in business? Is it local, statewide, or does it operate on a national level? This will give you an idea of how successful it is. Always get several quotes before making a final decision.

With the proper homework and execution, you will have beautiful new granite countertops in a span of three to four weeks, from measurement to installation. Possibly too, you will discover a wonderful new contractor to tell your friends about.

Granite: Color, Movement and Design

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

    Granite has been used as a building material for thousands of years. It is one of the strongest stones in the world, second only to diamonds, sure to outlast whatever dwelling in which it has been installed. It is a natural stone that forms in the earth’s interior as liquid magma. Heat and pressure take materials such as quartz, mica, feldspar, and other natural elements, and form them into this ultra-hard, dense structure, called granite. The way granite is created makes it luminescent, with an intrinsic, three-dimensional appearance. Each piece of granite is unique, even in the stone’s range of some 3,000 different colors.
    “Movement” refers to the variations in granite’s color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. Movement is really what makes each stone so attractive and one-of-a-kind. Depending upon the look you want in your bathroom or kitchen, you can mix and match movements, or keep it uniform. It’s more than likely you will have at least a 4-inch granite backsplash where your counter meets your wall. Play with color here, going light or dark, or both. Movement in granite allows you to be creative with your countertops, without losing the extravagant feel. There are metallic swirls in some stones, dignified and tight grain patterns in others. Some have a pebbled, flecked look. Others are unvarying. It all depends on the combination of quartz, crystals and minerals in the piece of stone. It’s all an igneous formula from underground. It’s polished, sized and chosen for the specific look you want in your bathroom or kitchen countertop.
    The colors are vast, from light to dark. At the moment, blue granite is creating quite a trend. If you’re looking to brighten a room, think lighter colors with patterns less dense, and don’t be afraid of metallic flecks and accents. It will compliment any lighting or other color scheme on your floor, walls, or artwork. Monotone black, grey, or white is appropriate for a more modern look and geometric feel. Some contemporary kitchens have finished wood cabinetry with clear panels. Darker granite offers a cool contrast.
    Granite is extravagant, yet it’s also the most expensive countertop option out there. Some homeowners opt for a less expensive, partial granite counter space. Maybe half of your kitchen island is regal butcher-block wood, and the other half is modern black granite. Contrast looks like this are growing more popular with today’s dynamic homeowner. Mix match themes, and a granite counter is a strong and ever-suitable foundation with optimal function. Modern cooks swear by the hardness factor in granite, as well as its ability to withstand the high heat of a pan direct from the oven. Granite won’t blister or damage. It is simply your best, most versatile, handsome, and elegant countertop option out there.

Garage Building

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The garage is an extension of your Connecticut home and should be designed with functionality as well as style. If you have a home in Connecticut that is vinyl sided, you wouldn’t want to build a brick garage. And if you own an old Victorian-style home, creating a state-of-the-art garage made of steel may not be the best way to get the neighbors to compliment your sense of flow. When building your new garage, you have many options to choose from. Make the most of this opportunity to add onto the size and value of your home by trusting an experienced professional garage contractor in Connecticut.

The biggest decision is whether you’d like to have your new garage attached to your home or if you’d like it to be a separate building. An attached garage can be very useful. It offers you a way to protect any vehicles you own and any yard equipment as well. It can also raise the resale value of your home by a considerable margin. There are, however, some important things to consider when looking at the options and potential costs of adding an attached garage.

First, the dimensions of the garage will determine the cost of the project, so be sure to keep that in mind from the start. Next is the question of design. This can also be dictated somewhat by dimensions. Oftentimes a two-story garage is less expensive to build than a one story, because with the two-story garage you don’t have to modify the roof. Many one-story homes will require a roof modification to properly accommodate a new garage. This could add to the difficulty of the job and the final price.

Some upsides to the attached garage are comfort, convenience and security (no more worrying about walking from your car to your home or thoughts of strangers lurking in the bushes). With the garage attached, you can just close and lock your garage door and walk right into your safe, secure home. You can also take out the garbage without putting on your shoes, or get from your car to your home in the rain and snow without getting wet.

For some people, a freestanding garage that’s separate from the house might be the best scenario. The position of the home may not allow for an attached garage, or the architectural style just won’t work with one. Additionally, the cost of a detached garage is generally less than the cost to build one attached to the house, and the insurance costs are usually lower. So if money is a significant factor, this could be the answer for you.

A detached garage would also be a good fit if you plan to use your garage for anything from a workshop to a place for band practice. A detached garage could separate your home from potentially hazardous chemicals and flammable substances; therefore, should anything ever happen you’d only have to worry about your garage and not everything you own. The noise of banging a hammer or learning to play drums is also avoided with a detached garage.

Whether you choose to have your garage attached or detached, just remember to build something that suits your needs, as well as your decorative style. Make sure it’s big enough to store a lifetime of your junk, your spouse’s high school yearbooks, and your child’s first shoes!

To find a garage contractor in Connecticut, contact us or browse through our directory today.

What Interior Decorators Can Do for You

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Does the idea of an interior decorator make you feel as though you need to win the lottery in order to hire one? Guess again. You CAN get help with any existing room in your home that’s been crying out for love and attention without paying an arm and a leg for unnecessary services. The trustworthy interior decorators in Connecticut in our network have the experience and knowledge needed to make your home look beautiful on any budget.

An interior decorator is knowledgeable about current trends and the application of finishes — wallpaper, paints, fabrics, and furniture. With a decorator’s assistance, you can get the look you want while someone else does the research and the legwork for you. Working with an interior decorator ensures you get the right wall treatment, a color palette that that is pleasing to your eye, furniture that’s the right scale for your room, and functional lighting. The decorator’s job is to improve your room’s (or your home’s) function by applying the design principles of color, scale/balance, texture and light.

Certain middle-range to upscale stores will offer the services of their in-house consultants. Most consultants have years of furniture experience and a large percentage have been to design school. Ultimately, you are dealing with a store employee, and will be presented with options from their store. You’re not at the mercy of their taste; you do have the option to decline to purchase certain pieces or anything at all.

Before meeting with an interior decorator in Connecticut, you have some homework to complete: pull together a folder or binder of inspiration containing things like photos from magazines and catalogs, paint chip colors, and/or fabric samples that you like. This gives the designer an idea of what your style is, even if you don’t have a clue. If the room is already furnished, decide which items must stay and which ones have the option of being relocated. You should also have a clear idea of what the room’s function is: is it a guest room/office combo? Family home-theater room? Formal or everyday dining room? Another important consideration is your home’s occupants: pets and small children will dictate the use of easy-care fabrics and everything breakable at above eye-level, while empty-nesters have a greater range of items to choose from.

The last and probably most uncomfortable part of interior decorator shopping is coming to terms with your budget. Fees will vary greatly – from hourly to fixed fees, to percentages and retail… or a combination of all. Before you get started have your designer give you an itemized list of everything: furniture, fees, sales tax, delivery, installation, etc. A high-quality and reliable interior decorator will be able to work within your budget without pressuring you to spend outside of your comfort zone.

To find a Connecticut interior decorator near you, browse our directory or give us a call today!

Decorating with Plants: Bringing the Outside In

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

It turns out that real live houseplants have real live health benefits. Decorating your home in Connecticut with a healthy, thriving plant will naturally cleanse the air, emitting oxygen as they do outdoors, and creating a generally relaxing vibe. When redecorating virtually any room, don’t forget to pick out a potted plant or two and follow some simple guidelines for optimal growth and safety.

When you want to use plants to incorporate different looks in various parts of your home, realize that some rooms are more suitable for one type of plant than another. When plant shopping, take note of whether a plant is low-light or high-light, and think of which areas of your home get more sun, or less. It is often the case that higher-light plants require more water. If there are pets or children in your home and you want a low-maintenance floor plant, a snake plant is a much safer choice than a cactus. Always ask when shopping whether a growth is poisonous, and avoid them if you have animals or toddlers that might unwittingly try a bite. In that case, it’s best to decorate with high hanging plants, or perhaps an indoor tree like a ficus bejamina, with leaves out-of-reach.

It's wise to select plants with a look that compliments the interior design of your Connecticut home. A more modern interior would do well with a funky marginata or colorful bromeliad. A country kitchen would be lovely with a hanging ivy or pothos, and an Asian-themed living room would be suitable for a collection of bonsai. Always take into consideration that plants grow. Choose a pot that will give the roots plenty of space to spread. Large plants like tropical trees and exotic palms must be in big potters, or else they are liable to topple onto the floor—or worse, perish.

Designing with plants gives you the option to cover up areas of the home like stained carpet and damaged walls. You can brighten a splintered windowsill or unsightly radiator with a small orchid. You can liven up an unused fireplace with a collection of warm ferns. All plants usually do best when stationed in one area, as they become used to the same temperature and sunlight factors, day in and day out. It’s best not to move them or shuffle them around unless absolutely necessary. Flowering plants tend to wilt around heating vents or close to a stove. Try to keep your houseplants in an area with the most consistent surroundings, and even one slightly humid.

Be careful of overwhelming your space with plants. One single tree is usually sufficient as a warm focal point in a living room or large entry. The bigger the foliage, the more oxygen it gives off, so a considerably leafy plant may be good in the bedroom to help you sleep better.

Have fun decorating with plants. Be cautious and creative—your new plants just might last for decades.

To talk with an interior designer in Connecticut near you, contact us today or browse through our directory.

Designing the Bathroom

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The good news about redesigning your bathroom in Connecticut is that it doesn't take much to make significant improvements. The bathroom is likely the smallest room in the house, so creating more space is a priority, along with comfort and ease of cleanliness. You want a warm, pleasant bathroom, and a fresh look can be stunningly rewarding. It may be a small space, but it may also be the most important.

A fresh coat of paint is likely necessary to rejuvenate walls that may have mildew stains, or that are smudged with cosmetics or fingerprints. Neutral colors, such as white, give the impression that a space is larger than it actually is. However, having color on the wall is desirable for many, particularly in a children's bathroom where you might install some fun, splashy tiles. The best colors for a bathroom are pastels, like a soft blue reminiscent of the ocean. Keep it solid, because busy stenciling or wallpaper makes the room feel more cluttered. One piece of art is likely enough.

You might consider covering visible plumbing. This could mean sliding in a shelved storage unit over your toilet to deter attention from the unsightly tank. You might want to purchase a small curtain to hang at the underside of the sink, if pipes are in plain view. Covering metal will warm the space and add charm.

Storage is key in the bathroom. Get rid of all unused products, old cosmetics, expired medication, etc. These things accumulate quickly and take up what little space your bathroom has to offer. A lot of bathrooms have unnecessary towel rods—how many of these do you really need? Buy a hook for the door for your towel. Consider a mirrored medicine cabinet for storage, or a small wall piece with shelves. Bathrooms accumulate magazines that may sit for months. Regularly de-cluttering and maintaining order in the bathroom is imperative to making it less claustrophobic.

One way to heighten the bathroom is to draw attention to the ceiling or the top of the walls. A small, tasteful stencil along the top of the walls, like seashells or fish, may do the trick. If it’s possible, installing a window or skylight will really open up the room, even if the window is above the door letting in light from another room. Wall sconces will add an elegant touch, and can be bought at discount stores for quite a bargain. Candles in the bathroom give a romantic glow. Decorating with a series of small mirrors will make the light dance and reflect, and add a new dimension.

Little changes for a little room can work wonders. You can give yourself what will feel like a new bathroom without spending a whole lot of money—in as little as one day.

For a Connecticut bathroom remodeling contractor near you, contact us today or browse through our directory.

Designing the Kitchen

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The kitchen is the heart of the home -- a high-traffic place that’s dynamic and functional. For this reason, kitchen remodeling in Connecticut is different than remodeling other rooms of the house. The goal is an aesthetically pleasing space, as well as a practical cooking and dining area that’s a warm, welcoming, and important room in your home.

Decide on a kitchen design look and stick with it. Do you want country, or contemporary? Are you thinking retro diner, or Old World European? Kitchen remodeling will be much easier if you stick with a plan. It doesn’t have to be an explicit theme, but going for one look will narrow down the options and make for smoother decision-making—particularly when it comes to art and decorating. A small, homey kitchen might do well with homemade artwork, like framed sketches by your children. Or you could frame your family’s favorite recipes. A country kitchen would be appropriate for stenciled cabinets, perhaps with foliage, or the names of comforting spices. Pick up some vinyl stools and Americana tokens, like kitschy salt-n-pepper shakers or a fun Elvis clock for retro diner chic.

Wall space tends to be limited in kitchens, which is a great reason to go a little bold with the paint. On smaller wall areas, a warm red or bold orange won’t overwhelm, and it will certainly add splash. It’s wise to go with a neutral paint job in a contemporary kitchen, which will keep the look minimalist. Adding a backsplash along the counter is a great way to get creative because you can use colorful ceramic tile or modern metal. Or hang small plates as a backsplash substitute beneath the cabinets.

Lighting in the kitchen should be strategic. The brightest lights should be above the work areas, with warming glows in the rest of the room. Perhaps you want to install a dimmer for the main fixture over the table—the place that may be the site of anything from homework to entertaining guests. The lighting will illuminate your new accessories, which should coincide with your overall taste or the kitchen’s theme. Make the functional items look a little more charming by purchasing cute canisters for coffee, sugar, and flour. Dishwashing soap and sponges can be hidden in stylish containers. Don’t forget about seasonal touches for holidays. Candles are available to cozy up any kitchen, for all tastes and styles.

If you are redesigning extensively, granite countertops are a worthwhile investment that will last forever and instantly raise the price of your home. Stainless steel appliances are durable and contemporary, and they are very popular with today’s homeowner. These options can be pricy. A more wallet-friendly way to a new look in your kitchen is refacing the cabinets. Glass front cabinets are popular and can really open up a smaller space. Staining or repainting old cabinets and adding new hardware can single-handedly create the appearance of a new kitchen.

Find a Connecticut kitchen remodeling contractor near you by contacting us or browsing through our directory.

Design in the Master Bedroom

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Too often, designing and decorating the master bedroom falls to the back burner. It is generally a room out of the way, not in plain view of guests, so the kitchen, living room, and main bathroom tend to get more attention. But remember that your bedroom in Connecticut is your sanctuary. Kids and teens decorate their bedrooms with posters and accessories of what they admire, enjoy and adore. So should you. What are your favorite colors? What do you like to do? How do you relax? Incorporating your pastimes and pleasures into the look of the master bedroom will give you peace of mind when you start your day, end your day, or retreat midday.

Are you a reader? Then invest in a lounge/reading area with thought-provoking artwork and ample lighting. Eye experts generally agree that two reading lamps of at least 175-200 watts are best to avoid strain. If this seems too bright for a bedroom, consider installing a series of wall sconces behind a comfortable chair and ottoman, which will give you a lot of light and style. Get lots of pillows. Maybe your reading area is a cozy nook—think about installing built-in bookshelves. Does landscape art move you, or something modern and geometric? It’s best for the eyes not to read lying down, but if you prefer reading in bed, think about installing a padded headboard.

Color is important because it will define the vibe of your master bedroom. Passion colors include deep red, peach, pink, purple, and gold. A good masculine accent would be royal blue. Consider smart colors like ivory, amber, steel blue, or gray-green if you are going with a reading theme. General sanctuary colors, and ones suited to either gender, should be soothing and earthy, like forest green, mocha, cobalt blue, or rich eggplant. Play with schemes and consider a subtle stencil high on the walls, which will draw attention up and give your room some lift.

One way to make your bedroom stand out—while saving money—is by painting a headboard onto the wall above your bed. It’s a great illusion and you can get very creative. Measure the width of the head of your bed, marking it with painter’s tape from floor to ceiling. Choose a color that will compliment the existing one on the wall. Add details like wall decals, if you wish. Paint stars and birds, or a chandelier. This is a good master bedroom project for the artistically inclined. You might even consider a mural. It’s your room, after all.

A potted tree will be a great focal point in your master bedroom, or a leafy plant. Do you like golf? Sewing? Classical music? Astronomy? Decorate according to your hobbies and enjoyments and you will find the room to be much more than a place to dress and sleep. It will be your safe, lovely retreat.

To find a Connecticut designer or decorator near you, browse our directory or contact us today.

Ceiling Types

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

To most of us, when we think of the ceiling in our Connecticut home, it is just that: a ceiling. It's a basic boring, large, white, flat surface that provides shelter over our heads. However, architects and designers are striving to make our homes distinctive from a creative designer's point of view; a ceiling is not just shelter, but an opportunity to create a unique, stylish and attractive element in our homes. There are numerous ceiling designs, but each one is associated with positive and negative aspects.

A conventional ceiling is a basic, standard or Plain Jane version of a ceiling. It is basically no more than a wall laid on its side covered with drywall or plaster. It usually stands 8 feet high to fit the standard construction size. Conventional ceilings are functional and have the advantage of being easy to build, but they are pretty basic and there is nothing distinctive about them.

A suspended ceiling is another version of a conventional ceiling. A suspended ceiling is a flat ceiling built underneath an existing ceiling. Suspended ceilings are great at hiding old ceilings, wiring, plumbing or mechanical fixtures. A suspended ceiling consists of metal grid work suspended from the existing ceiling or to the floor joists from the floor above, with ceiling panels built of lightweight acoustic material laid into the grid.

Suspended ceilings are known to have an industrial look, but there are decorated panels available for those who want a more stylish or decorative look in their room.

A cathedral ceiling is a high sloping ceiling that is attached directly to the roof trusses and rises to the top of the house. A cathedral ceiling provides a dramatic design and a wonderful element to any home, as well as provides an open and spacious feel to any home.

Although cathedral ceilings are visually attractive, they too come with practical problems. Due to the ceiling panels being attached directly to the roof trusses, the trusses need to be at least 12 inches wide to allow proper insulation and ventilation behind the ceiling. In those cases where the trusses are too thin in width, it is almost impossible to properly insulate your home.

Another problem tends to be the height of the ceiling. It is difficult and can be quite expensive to paint or change lighting fixtures. In addition, high ceilings and the large volume of air can create issues when trying to move air for heating or cooling your home.

A shed ceiling is somewhat similar to a cathedral ceiling, as the ceiling line slopes upward at one end. The raised angle of a shed ceiling is not as steep and is commonly built with an attic for insulation and ventilation purposes. A shed ceiling does not have the same drawbacks as a cathedral ceiling, but due to the angle of the incline being so steep, the same concerns or issues can arise when it comes to insulation and ventilation.

Vaulted ceilings angle or arch up from the walls towards the ceiling to provide height, as well as an open and spacious feeling.

A tray ceiling resembles a serving tray turned upside down. Tray ceilings have a flat center with the sides sloping in from the walls to join the level ceiling surface. At times, tray ceilings are built in a series of stepped square edges going from the wall to the flat part of the ceiling.

Cove ceilings have a rounded concave surface joining the walls and the flat ceiling.

All of the above ceiling types provide a transitional and dramatic element between the vertical walls of a room and the horizontal ceiling. Used as decorative elements, ceilings provide increased volume and height to any room.

Before you consider making any structural changes to your home it is best to consult a structural engineer or architect. Keep in mind, if the original floor plan or design of your home does not include high ceilings, changing the original ceilings will more than likely require structural changes to your home.

To find a ceiling contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory.

Finding the Right Interior Designer

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Deciding on an interior designer in Connecticut may seem more daunting than deciding on the actual new look for your home. First, understand that there is a difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer. A decorator is ideal for helping with light to moderate changes like different color, new wallpaper, paint or furniture. Any changes more intensive than that ought to be referred to a designer. Like an artist, a decorator does not need to be licensed. In most states, a licensed interior designer must have a college degree in the subject, and pass an extensive two-day exam.

Doing your homework is key to finding the right interior designer in Connecticut. Word-of-mouth recommendations are important, as well as finding someone whose fees will fit into your budget. Since interior design is a subjective business, it is imperative to research and narrow the choices down to those whose styles and work you admire. Most reputable designers will have an online portfolio, showcasing work of which they are proud. Contact the designers who wow you and move you the most. Check out local magazines for pictures of model rooms, or advertisements that strike you, and find out who is responsible. No matter what, when you find an interior design photo that you love, clip it and save it. The more visual images you accumulate of what you like, the better your designer will understand your taste—whoever that person might end up being. Make color copies so your designer can have a set of your ideals to which to refer for inspiration.

The best designers are often the most versatile, with specialized skills, yet able to adapt to different styles. Doing the same type of room over and over again is a sign of limitation—or worse, stubbornness. Talk in-person to prospective design candidates to gain a sense of his or her communication level. It’s important to have a rapport. It may be a business relationship, but one regarding the interior of your home, your personal space. Be honest with your expectations and start with the fees. Some charge a flat rate, some an hourly, or a percentage of the purchases. Get all estimates in writing and itemized, including deposits, how you will be billed, the products you will be receiving, and when the work will be done.

Remember the difference between a decorator and a designer and choose accordingly. Think of a decorator as cosmetic, an external preparation like a paint job or arranging furniture. A designer is surgical, physically manipulating and redoing the interior extensively, giving you a brand new space in your Connecticut home.

Interior Design in Small Spaces

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Whether you live in a studio apartment or a modest house, you might feel constrained in your choices for interior design in Connecticut. But there are great options for making the most of a smaller living space. The best way to go about it is thinking of your room(s) as efficiently stylish, like a luxury vehicle that has comfort and functionality meeting a most desirable look.

Furniture
Priority is key, and that means no unnecessary sofas, tables, chairs, etc. Make the most of what you do use. Many people believe a large, comfortable couch in a small living room would look awkward, but not necessarily. As long as it is designed simply, and not elaborate, a large couch can work in a den or small office. It is best to stick to a solid color or very simple print so it doesn’t overwhelm the room. If you do choose a large piece of furniture for a smaller space, be aware that you’re vulnerable to a cluttered look if you have too much more. For a table, consider a handsome chest or a hollow ottoman that will give you an option for storage. Be cautious of furnishing hallways, or areas you’re not likely to utilize for relaxing. The furniture will just be in the way.

Color
In smaller spaces, it’s best to keep the walls light colored. If you want a splash of color in your Connecticut home, consider painting one wall a warm red or regal gray, and leaving the other walls neutral. A good trick is to paint wall insets and nooks a different color, which creates a deeper sense of space. Use a high gloss paint that will reflect light and open up the room.

Lighting
It is important to place lights strategically in smaller spaces, because a simple fixture at the center of the ceiling makes the walls feel drawn in. Use multiple recessed light sources, like uplights and downlights, along the wall. It’s a playful technique that gives the illusion that a room is larger than it really is. Decorating with mirrors is a great idea because reflections have a deepening effect. Call attention to your windows and don’t over-curtain. You might want to hang a large mirror opposite a window to give the feel of openness.

Accessories
Less is more. A small space should be a simple yet elegant space. Too many accessories, knickknacks, and collectibles on display will be overwhelming and cluttering. Instead, pick out your absolute favorites and place them strategically.

One of the best parts of living in a smaller space is the efficiency. Buy cubbies for the closet, install built-in bookshelves, or remove doors to create flow and openness. Always keep your space clean and free of debris, maintaining your design priorities, and your interior design in Connecticut will make the home feel cozy, homey and intimate, instead of claustrophobic.

Interior Design on a Budget

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Interior design in Connecticut can sometimes be expensive. But if you want to do a little redecorating without breaking the bank, it is possible to give a room a great new look on a budget. The key is researching and doing your homework before you begin. Preparing and prioritizing—deciding exactly what you want—will give you focus and help you envision the desired layout, color scheme, etc. One of the main reasons why people go over budget when redecorating is changing minds, which often leads to wasted materials. Interior design in Connecticut is fun but it’s easy to get carried away.

Paint
Paint is a simple and inexpensive product that can go a long way. Are the bathroom or kitchen cabinets too expensive to replace? Sand and paint them. Is the floor etched and dull? Most flooring material can be painted. With all the colors on the market, you can get creative, even on a tight budget. Consider stencil patterns. Maybe you want a ski or fir tree pattern in a lodge-like living room, or a comforting foliage design in a country kitchen. The possibilities are endless in a child’s room—rainbows, baseballs, clouds, dolls and animals. If you are artistically inclined, paint a mural on the wall. Before painting anything, however, make sure the paint you have purchased is compatible with the intended surface.

Fabric
Instead of buying new furniture, invest in a slipcover for that aging sofa. Cover-ups are similar to paint in that they’re an inexpensive and quick way to an entirely new look. Are the wood kitchen chairs nicked and stained? Cover them with handsome, durable fabric. Does your bed need an extra something? Go with new throw pillows with a fun pattern. Curtains add charm, and there are all kinds available that are very inexpensive. It’s amazing what a difference some new fabric can make in a room.

Mirrors
Budget-friendly wall mirrors can be purchased to really open up a space. Think about a pattern of small mirrors for a geometric affect. Or frame a single mirror for a “mock window.” Place a mirror behind a collection of stones or a houseplant. Mirrors add light and seem to give a room greater size and dimension.

Light
It’s stunning what replacing a lampshade or lighting fixture can do for a room. Fabulously original fixtures are often available at discount stores. Funky, simple, or chic, lighting matters perhaps more than anything else, yet often its importance is often overlooked. After all, the lighting is what will illuminate your vision.

When redecorating on a budget, stick to your priorities but always leave room for spontaneous buys. Little purchases can become large style accents in your space. Interior design is an art in itself—one that doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money to make a bold, new statement.

For help with your interior design in Connecticut, call a professional designer near you!

Garage Remodeling in Connecticut

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Most Connecticut residents think about their garage twice a day: when they're getting into and getting out of their cars. But the garage is an untapped resource in many homes -- one that can be re-organized, re-adjusted or just plain re-worked into something fun, practical or even good for your health. Here are some tips for garage remodeling in Connecticut.

One of the easier outcomes for your garage is to turn it into a home gym. This process will create a more convenient situation to exercise, as there will no longer be a need to drive to the gym. It can also save you loads of money in the long run when you no longer have to pay the monthly gym fees. Some ideas to make your garage more appealing for this are to put down a carpet, put up a television or install a radio system, or install shelves and hooks to store less heavy equipment.

Some people might find it a more useful and pragmatic approach to turn their garage into a home office. For people living in warmer climates around the country, putting an office in the garage is a great way to spend a day because garages tend to be naturally cooler than the main portion of the house. Additionally, one can always put an air conditioner in one of the garage windows or a heater for those cooler winter months.

The most obvious choice for any garage in Connecticut is to create a workshop. As the garage is a place where many people already store their tools, one needs simply to organize their supply and create a few additional tables, hangers and storage units. The first thing to do is create a list of all of your tools and equipment. Maybe write down some categories on a piece of paper in a way that makes sense to you. Then, you can use that list to organize your tools accordingly. If you need cabinets, shelves, hooks or racks, plan for them first and the process will be easier in the end.

Once you've created your plan, it's important to clean out the entire garage to get it ready. When that’s completed, it's time to work on the main ingredient for any workshop: the bench. As you can imagine, a work bench can expect to hold a great deal of weight, so this step is not as simple as throwing some plywood over a couple of hobby horses. You must create a framework with a bracing system designed to hold whatever weight you think will suffice.

Remember, garages today no longer need to be four walls and a roof where you keep your car and other random items. The garage can easily become a second home for your health, your office, or your favorite hobby. All it takes is a little time, a little energy and a little commitment and your Connecticut garage remodeling job can be a success!

Interior Painting

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Interior painting in Connecticut is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to create dramatic changes in the appearance and character of your home. Some of the most popular painting techniques are described below. Most of these techniques use more than one color of paint to achieve the appearance of depth and texture. Glazing compound is usually used to thin the consistency of the paint to allow it to be applied in thinner layers, and to prevent it from drying too rapidly.

Before you start on any painting project, remember: don't skimp on preparation. Sand off flaking paint and fill holes with spackle. Cover all surfaces you want to protect with a good drop cloth, wipe down your walls and remove any grease, handprints or dirt and tape all trim edges, switch plates, outlets and knobs before you open that first can of paint. And if you have any doubts in how to complete the job, contact a professional painter in Connecticut to help you.

Rag rolling
The rag rolling technique uses a special fabric cover for your roller to either apply color (ragging on) or to remove paint that has already been applied to the wall surface (ragging off). Some painters prefer to use damp rags loosely balled up and held in the hand to apply or remove paint, instead of using a roller cover.

Sponging
Like the handheld rag technique, sponging uses the ragged texture of a dampened natural sea sponge to achieve a mottled effect on walls and ceilings by adding or removing layers of paint. Both sponging and ragging techniques require practice to make sure you are able to achieve consistency over a large surface.

"Leather" look
This technique can be a little more difficult to master than ragging or sponging, but with a little practice, the results can be spectacular. The key is to work in small areas – no larger than 3' by 3' for best results. In this method, while glaze or paint is still wet in the treatment area, sheets of plastic wrap are applied to the surface and then removed to achieve the lines and wrinkles common in aged leather. This effect can also be achieved using strips of chamois cloth, stacked up and tied in the middle. Holding the strips up by the center, the appearance is that of a loose mop head. Dampen the chamois mop head and scrunch it gently in your hand, applying the ends of the chamois to the wall to remove some of the paint or glaze.

Color glazing
One of the simplest techniques to complete, color glazing involves the use of a base coat of one color of paint, with one or more layers of different colors of paint, thinned with glaze, on top. By thinning the upper coats with glaze, the base coat can show through, creating the illusion of depth. Color glazing is often combined with ragging or sponging on the uppermost layer of color.

A fresh, interior paint job can change the look of a room and create a completely different feel for your home. And one of the best things about paint is its relative low cost: even if you don't achieve the look you want with one technique, it's a simple matter to cover it up and start all over again.

Get in touch with a painting contractor in Connecticut to make your home look like new!

What HVAC Technicians Can Do for You

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Many HVAC technicians in Connecticut focus on residential services, and all technicians require schooling, an apprenticeship and additional testing before certification is awarded. Programs now offer training in environmental sustainability so that an HVAC technician can offer more environmentally friendly services to the clients who request them. When you hire an HVAC technician, you are working with a knowledgeable professional.

An HVAC technician specializes in installing and repairing heating, cooling, and ventilation systems that rely on a shared set of pipes and ductwork. An HVAC technician is usually associated with either the installation process of the new heating or refrigeration system (the technician), or the repair and maintenance of systems already in place (the mechanic). The technician is responsible for ensuring that the installation is in compliance with local regulations, and that the unit will work efficiently within the space. The mechanic, generally speaking, focuses on servicing the systems.

HVAC maintenance is one of the more important aspects of caring for your Connecticut home. Unfortunately, most of us don’t consider it until our heating, cooling, or ventilation system begins to malfunction, and by that time, repairs need to be done. Proper maintenance includes professional tuning (changing belts and filters, greasing bearings, refilling coolants and making necessary adjustments) and cleaning. The technician will inspect each component in the system, to ensure that it is still functioning within acceptable levels of efficiency. If a component is found in danger of breaking down, the technician will make the necessary repairs and adjustments. This helps to extend the life of your system, improves its overall efficiency, and most importantly, makes it safe for you and your family. Your furnace and air conditioning systems should be professionally serviced on an annual basis.

An HVAC technician can help you with some common home complaints, such as improving the air quality in your home creating a consistent temperature throughout your house, all year long.

The air quality in your home can be improved adding a whole-house humidification system (to help minimize winter-dry skin, and help improve some allergies), or by updating or improving filtration systems (to minimize volatile organic compounds that are found indoors).

Are some areas of your home warmer or cooler than others? One solution an HVAC technician may be able to offer you is a two-stage variable speed furnace. It will allow you to customize your comfort in different zones of your home, thereby allowing you to control your energy bills.

Duct systems throughout your home in Connecticut can let out mold, dust, and other particles, can exacerbate allergies. Duct systems that are poorly designed, incorrectly installed or dirty will increase the amount of contaminants and allergens in your home. Duct sealing and cleaning may help improve this situation. A certified HVAC technician or mechanic in Connecticut can help you improve these circumstances in your home.

Fence Options in Connecticut

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Fence installation for your Connecticut home and yard does more than clearly define your property lines. Chosen carefully, fencing can add drama and character to your home in Connecticut, enhancing your home’s style or adding a new element that can change the overall character of your property. Fencing can also accentuate specific areas of your yard, highlighting garden features and creating outdoor “rooms” that can expand your living space and essentially add square footage to your home’s footprint. Fencing can also offer protection by separating pools and pets from curious children, and protecting precious flower and vegetable gardens from the sharp blades of the lawnmower.

Chain link
One of the least expensive fencing options, and one of the most durable, is chain link fencing. With its heavy metal, crisscrossing links and protruding rough upper edge, chain link fencing also offers an added level of protection, and is an ideal option where extra security is warranted. Its durability also makes it an ideal choice for yards where large dogs and other pets might damage other fencing materials by chewing or scratching.

Because of its relative low cost, chain link fencing is often used in commercial and business applications, as well as around schoolyards, public pools and playgrounds and other government properties. Chain link fencing is available in an uncoated metal finish and with vinyl coating, which is available in several colors. Some chain link fencing is sold with vinyl strips woven through the links to afford additional privacy. Because of its industrial appearance, chain link fencing is usually best reserved for the back property lines of homes, where it is not easily visible from the street, or for pet or pool enclosures.

Wood
Since the days of the pioneers, wooden fencing has dotted the American landscape. Offered in a wide variety of styles, from Victorian picket to rustic split rail, wooden fencing is a versatile option that can enhance a home’s appearance, or redefine a new style. Reminiscent of western vistas and country homes, split rail fencing is a perfect option for homeowners looking to define their property’s boundaries. Offering a more open profile than many fences, split rail fencing is not an ideal solution where privacy is desired. Wooden picket fencing is available in 4-foot and 6-foot heights, and the style is often defined by decorative cuts along the top edge of the pickets. Popular styles include Gothic, stockade and dog-ear. Some fences incorporate lattice panels to add a decorative element.

Wooden fences require continual maintenance to prevent insect infestation and water damage. Using fencing made from pressure-treated lumber can eliminate some of the maintenance chores, as can wood that resists moisture and insect damage. Homeowners can avoid the need for repainting by using a stain to add color to their wooden fence, or choosing a wood like cedar, that ages to a pleasing shade of gray.

Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is one of the most versatile fencing options, and also one of the most expensive. Owing to the wide variety of styles, many of which mimic more traditional wooden styles, and its ease of maintenance and long life, vinyl fencing is becoming more and more popular among homeowners who want an easy-care fencing option. Vinyl fencing is available in different colors, including the most popular shades of white, gray, tan, forest green and many wood tones. Some vinyl fencing can fade over time, so look for one that incorporates UV protection during the manufacturing process. Maintaining vinyl fences is simple: simply wash with water and a mild detergent as needed to keep the finish looking great.

Today’s fencing options offer more variety than ever before, and for any Connecticut homeowner planning on adding a fence to their property, it’s worthwhile to take some time to consider the different materials and styles of fencing, and how their use can influence the style and character of your home and property.

Energy Saving HVAC Systems

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

As much as half of the energy used in your Connecticut home will go to heating and cooling. As such, making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system, or HVAC system, can have a substantial effect on your utility bills, not to mention your own personal comfort. While having a reliable HVAC system in Connecticut is a great step towards lessening your bills, it’s also important to follow certain steps to increase your HVAC system’s efficiency.

First of all, a regular filter check every month is required, especially during months of heavy use like summer and winter months. If your filter looks dirty after a month, change it. Or, at the very least, change your filter every three months. A dirty filter could slow down your air flow, which will make it harder for the system to keep your home warm or cool. A clean filter can also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which if left unchecked, could lead to some expensive maintenance calls and possibly system failure. So make sure that filter is checked on a regular basis.

In addition to your own checks, make sure to have a technician come out and give your HVAC system in Connecticut a regular check up each year. Like any other complex piece of machinery, it’s important to have a professional give it a once over periodically.

Some other ways to save energy through your HVAC system are to install a programmable thermostat, seal your heating and cooling ducts and to make sure your equipment is properly installed.

A programmable thermostat is a great asset to people who are not home during the day or away for business on occasion. Just by setting your thermostat to pre-programmed settings, you can save you potentially hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs.

Ducts that move your air to and from a forced furnace, central air conditioner or heat pump can also be huge energy wasters, which is why sealing and insulating these ducts is so important. Doing so can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system a great deal, and of course save you money in the process. Focus initially on sealing ducts that run through your attic, basement or garage. You can use a duct sealant or metal backed tape to seal the seams and duct connections. After you’ve sealed the ducts, make sure to wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting too hot in the summer or cold in the winter. After that, check for any other accessible ducts you can seal in the heated or cooled part of the house.

It seems obvious, but it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is installed properly. Replacing your old system with an energy efficient model is a great start, but you won’t get the performance you’re expecting if it’s not installed correctly. If the system is not installed properly, your home (and your wallet) could take a bit hit when your first utility bill arrives, not to mention possibly shorten the overall life of the equipment. If you think you’re not saving as much as you should be, contact your installation company and have them come out for a check up.

Aspects that should be checked for proper installation include the proper sizing of equipment, sealing ducts, the proper refrigerant charge, and optimizing air flow. All these things can and should be easily checked by a professional HVAC technician in Connecticut to create the best possible outcome for your home, your family, and your finances.

Remodel Your Bathroom and Add Value to Your Home

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Whether you are planning to sell your home in Connecticut or live there for the duration, remodeling the bathroom can increase the value of your home and improve your home's decor. There are many home improvement projects you can do, but remodeling the master or family bathroom can be one of the most valuable.

Many real estate agents will tell you that remodeling the master or family bathroom is a good investment, as it always increases the value of your home and is appealing to potential buyers. When people are purchasing a home, they tend to look for updated, elegant and lavish living spaces.

Remodeling your bathroom offers a number of benefits to you and your family, as well. In addition to the kitchen, the bathroom is the one room in the house that gets the most attention when it comes to used space, remodeling or home improvements.

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is determining if you want to do it yourself or hire a professional contractor. Keep in mind that all tasks are not created equal and even the smallest remodeling job can have its fair share of problems. Performing surface alterations and installing a new toilet can sometimes be simple tasks, but wiring, plumbing, installing floor and shower tiles should be left to the pros.

If you decide to hire a professional bathroom remodeling contractor, make sure he is properly licensed. A licensed contractor usually stays current on the all codes requirements of your area. When hiring a bathroom remodeler it is best to ask friends, family and even a licensed real estate agent for a good licensed contractor. Although you hire a licensed professional, having a license does not promise quality workmanship, it just means they have fulfilled the basis and minimum requirements through a licensing agency.

If your desired outcome of remodeling the bathroom is to increase the resale value of your home, it is very important to plan a remodeling project accordingly. Always carefully analyze your options and double think your decisions; this will avoid any unwanted stress or grief further down the road.

There are a large number of improvements that can and will have a strong impact on the resale value of the home. By focusing on those improvements, it can maximize the value.

Regardless of your reasons for wanting to remodel your bathroom, first you need to plan the remodeling process to assure your efforts run smoothly.

Cost of Bathroom Remodeling

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Before you consider starting any remodeling project ask yourself, is remodeling your bathroom a good investment?

The answer is quite simple, yes! Remodeling your bathroom offers a number of benefits, the most important being the added value to your home. In addition to the kitchen, the bathroom is the one room in the house that gets the most attention when it comes to used space, remodeling or home improvements.

If you have read any of the latest trends about remodeling your bathroom, you will quickly discover the cost to remodel can quickly run into a large sum of money. Many people see remodeling their bathroom as an investment, and if or when they resell their home they will profit from their initial investment.

Most real estate agents will tell you remodeling the kitchen or bathroom is a good investment and a wise choice, as these two rooms are what can sell a home. Potential buyers tend to look for extravagant kitchens and bathrooms.

A real estate agent will also tell you once you reach a certain point you can throw money away remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, as it no longer increases the value of your home. When you reach this point, careful analysis should be made on any remodeling project decisions. This will avoid throwing money away or can save you much grief later down the road.

The first thing to consider is whether you wish to simply renovate, knock-out-walls, replace or put-in-custom-plumbing type of remodel. A typical bathroom upgrade would be removing and replacing new updated fixtures of the home owner’s choice. A new vanity would also be installed, using pre-manufactured assemblies.

The room would be painted and new flooring would be installed. The new install would consist of existing plumbing. The ceiling or walls would not be changed or updated. This does not does include removal or replacement walls.

A complete bathroom remodel would be much more expensive. It would include all the above, plus a new exhaust fan system, new lighting vanity and mirrors; all of the home owner’s choice. The existing plumbing would be utilized. The contractor would paint the walls and install a new flooring of the owner choice.

If you go for the whole bathroom remodeling job, you are talking serious money. If you plan on the contractor doing everything as previously listed, in addition to more and better amenities. Add a new shower enclosure, install tile in the bathtub and shower area, as well as new electric and plumbing would be installed up to code.

Regardless if you plan on doing the work yourself or you hire a professional contractor, always set a reasonable budget and stay within your limitations.

Remodeling the Bathroom: A return on your investment

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Remodeling your bathroom is no different than any other investment you may consider. Return on your investment is hard to figure in a bathroom remodeling project. Although most real estate agents recommend upgrading your kitchen and bathroom, studies have shown there is no guarantee that kitchen and bathroom upgrades will increases the value of your home, in the event you choose to sell, but it will increase the odds of selling!

Research has shown your return investment will be approximately 86%. In plain terms if you spend $10K outright to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, your return investment is about $8,600. Although it is up to the individual to determine if the upgrade is worth the initial investment, considering if or when you decide to sell your home.

There will be times you have no choice but to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom; especially in older homes. It is best to take into consideration other homes in your surrounding area, and consider your asking price, if or when you decide to sell your home. Always take into consideration what you will stand to gain on your return investment if you sell your home. For most average home owners, this is a hard decision to determine.

Take into consideration a bathroom that has not been upgraded in over 25 years. It is likely this bathroom will have several problems with the wiring and plumbing. After further investigation, you may also discover other problems such as the possibility of black mold when installing new plumbing behind walls, or when removing old carpet from your bathroom.

Some remodeling projects are more challenging and difficult than others. You may have to make major adjustments on your home’s existing electrical or plumbing, depending on the location of your home. It is a good idea to call the City Clerk’s office in the town where you live before deciding on any major renovations. The City Clerk’s office may suggest how you can bring your home up to code. If this is the case, your budget is going to have to be re-evaluated for addition costs.

Another consideration to take is who may be interested in buying your home if you decide to sell. Research has shown that people purchase homes that best suit their overall needs. For instance, married couples with children will more than likely want a bathroom with a tub for the convenience of bathing their children, while an elderly couple would rather have a shower instead of a bathtub.

In any case, it is hard to foresee the future or who may buy your home, but always consider the neighborhood you live in for potential buyers; the choice will affect the price of your resale or finding a buyer willing to purchase your home in its existing condition.

For help with your bathroom remodeling project in Connecticut, contact us today for a bathroom remodeler near you!

Bathroom Remodeling: Worth every penny!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

In addition to the kitchen, the bathroom is the one room in the house that gets the most attention when it comes to used space, remodeling or home improvements. So although the thought of remodeling the bathroom in your Connecticut home might be scary, bathroom remodeling is certainly worth it!

Adding special features, such as a Jacuzzi bathtub to the adjoining master bathroom, can be a valuable asset to your home. These Jacuzzi tubs are a wonderful addition to any home when it comes to relaxation, and their presence adds luxury and elegance to any new or old space. When purchasing one of these great tubs, always shop around carefully and you will quickly learn adding a touch of charm and elegance to your master bathroom may not be as difficult or expensive as one may think. When purchasing a Jacuzzi tub always consider the lighting. Consider adding mood lights around the tub area to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation or setting the mood for a romantic evening with your spouse.

Many people want a whirlpool tub for their master bathroom, but they have a hard time determining the difference between one with air jets or water jets. What is the difference? Air jets generalize more of a sensation and can range from a delicate touch of fingers to the intense rushing water of a mountain stream. Air jets tend to be less noisy and have a wider range of pulsations, while water jets are basic. One can add bubble bath, sea salts, exotic oils and therapeutic herbs to air jet tubs, but this is not recommend for water jets.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when purchasing a new bathtub is determining the proper size. Always take into consideration the size of the tub and if the tub you selected will fit into the available space. Make sure the tub you selected has adequate depth to assure comfortable bathing.

Adding a steam shower can also be an elegant and luxurious addition, as well as create a relaxing atmosphere to any bathroom.

There is a large selection of beautiful tubs and shower enclosures, which come in a number of shapes, sizes and styles, that will add the "WOW" factor to any bathroom-- large or small. By adding one of these elegant and luxurious additions to your bathroom, it will perk up even the dullest or ugliest of bathrooms. Potential buyers should be aware, some of the fancier models of steam showers offer several modern touches such as MP3 players, built-in radios and aromatherapy machines!

When installing a Jacuzzi tub or steam shower always be sure to follow the proper directions recommended by the manufacturer, as well as the code requirements in your area. For helping with your bathroom remodeling job in Connecticut, contact one of our bathroom remodelers today!

Plan Your Bathroom Remodel

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

The days of overly expensive bathroom renovations are over. It is easier than ever to remodel your home at your own pace and cheaper than ever before.

Planning to remodel your bathroom takes time and a lot of effort, but in the end, the money you will save will be well worth your time and energy. Here are a few steps to get you started.

Step 1:
First and foremost, the most important step is to determine the purpose of the remodel. Do you want to sell your home, or is the size and layout of your bathroom no longer fitting your family’s needs? Do you want a total upgrade or just a few improvements from a visual standpoint?

Answering these questions will give you an idea of how you want your bathroom to change to meet your specific needs.

Step 2:
Get an estimate of the overall cost of materials. Make your selections well in advance and this will help determine how much professional help you will need.

* Electrical supplies include wiring, light switches and outlets. Carefully weighing your selections will determine if you need to hire a professional electrician.

* Plumbing supplies include copper pipe for supply lines and PVC for drain and vent lines, pipe fittings, couplings, elbows and T-fittings, solvent cement, flux and solder.

* You can make a dramatic change through the flooring you choose. The best options are vinyl and ceramic tile. Always make your selections carefully, as wood and carpeting options are all good choices but can create moisture and dampness.

* Always be selective and choose water-resistant materials for the bathroom. In addition to the drywall, you will need special drywall screws, tape, and joint compound.

* There is a large variety of hardware to choose from: sink faucets, shower heads, toilets and ventilation fans. These choices are based on the degree of the remodel.

Step 3:
It is always a good idea to create a budget for materials and labor. Always leave an extra 15% for “Wiggle Room,” just in case the unknown occurs and something unexpectedly happens during your remodeling project. Having a small overhead budget can save you a lot of time and unwanted stress.

More problems can occur if your remodel is in an older house. You may be forced to fix or replace something you didn't originally intend to.

Keep in mind that a small problem can easily become a big problem and will need to be performed by an expert, especially looking at it from a safety and house building code standpoint.

Once the renovations are done, the ways you are able to decorate the bathroom are endless and only limited to your own imagination. Be creative is the best advice in this stage. Your bathroom is yours and it represents you so take your time, let your personal style shine through and make a statement.

For help with your bathroom remodeling job in Connecticut, browse our directory to find a bathroom remodeler near you.

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

It is more than likely one of the top reasons you've been delaying your bathroom makeover or remodeling project in your Connecticut home is you're not exactly sure which design element you want to incorporate into your living space.

There are a lot of choices and selections in bathroom remodeling, which are not always easy to choose from. What color theme will you use in your new bathroom? Do you want a furniture-style vanity or a modern pedestal sink? Will you incorporate new faucets or fixtures? And, if so, will they look good and perform to meet your family's and your needs.

In recent years, manufacturers have made it easier to answer these questions in a painless, affordable fashion. The elements of each individual collection are literally made for each other. Clean lines, shapes, color tones and textures can carry through giving the entire bathroom a new look that typically comes from a professional designer.

Here are a few ideas to consider when choosing stylish, but critical elements for your new bathroom.

Painting your existing bathroom can be easiest and most effective way to update and remodel an existing bathroom. With the minimal cost of a gallon of paint one can easily remodel a bathroom on a budget.

The sink and vanity are a very important element to any bathroom. For small powder rooms, storage isn't as important or critical as it would be in a family bathroom. If this is the case, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn't meet your style, function or needs consider a furniture-style vanity. It can have a significant impact on your bathroom's overall decor and add extra storage you and your family need.

Choosing the proper faucet is always a concern. Make sure your selection is consistent with the overall décor and coordinated with the style and design throughout your bathroom. A soft brushed nickel or bronze finish will add a distinct detail and style to the décor of your bathroom.

Today many people are going "Green" right down to their toilet. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving the homeowner two or more gallons of water with each use compared to many older toilets that were installed in the early 1980s or prior. Today, manufacturers sell individual tank levers that have a variety of finishes and styles to match any bathroom's décor.

Many people are choosing showers over standard bathtubs, which is another way to go "Green." Several years ago, homeowners had minimal choices for showers or showerheads. Today, there are thousands of styles, finishes, functions and components to choose from.

Shower curtains and window coverings are a big part of any bathroom décor. By changing your existing shower curtain or window coverings you can create a whole new look and style for very little expense and expertise.

The bathroom is an extension to your home. Like any other room in the house, make your bathroom personal. Change the linens and accessories such as the towel and wash cloths, soap dishes, wall art, bath mats and rugs. Add potted plants for a warm and homey feeling. These are all inexpensive features, but ones that create dramatic and impressive results.

For a bathroom remodeling contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today!

Decorating Your Bathroom

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

After the bathroom remodeling process is complete, now comes the fun part: decorating this new space in your Connecticut home. Always take into consideration who the bathroom is for. Are your children primarily going to occupy the space, or is a master bath off the master bedroom? Is this bathroom going to be used by guests? All of these are good questions and each factor is important when decorating a bathroom.

Always remember when decorating a bathroom that there are only two real goals to keep in mind. First, you will want to make the bathroom as relaxing as possible. Second, you will want to create an open feel and make the room look as large and airy as possible. All of these statements depend on how you approach a color scheme, and what added accessories you will use in your new space.

Many professional decorators have a theory, "light for the paint, medium for furniture and window sills, and dark for accessories." A lighter paint makes the room look larger and serves as a base for trim and accessories. Dark accessories stand out and draw the eye to them. If accessories are added in a tasteful way, it will add excitement and intrigue to any bathroom décor.

Experts claim if your bathroom is solely occupied by children, decorate in a fashion best suited for children. These same experts suggest decorating in a sea or water theme. Walls can be painted in tones of blues or greens, and a shade suited for the color of sand can be used for accessories and accents. Adding a chair rail fish border is also a good suggestion for a water-themed room. Always be creative -- stencil a beach theme on the walls from the starfish in the water to a beach ball or umbrella in the sand for an added touch.

If given the opportunity to decorate a guest bathroom, do so. This will give you the place to test your creative and decorating skills. Painting the walls in your guest bathroom gold with added accents of black will set the tone for a feeling of wealth and luxury. Many people are stepping outside the box and staying away from traditional colors in the bathroom. Many are going with deep, dark shades of chocolate browns.

Experts warn people against using shades of yellow, peach or lime green because one can and will quickly become tired of the color. Best selections include warm tones that are appealing and welcoming to the eye. After selecting the perfect pallet, coordinate towels, shower curtains, window draperies and tile in a compatible color. Suggested colors schemes are off white and eggshell for the walls. Always accessorize to suit your own individual needs, style and taste.

Decorating your bathroom is only limited to your imagination. It is best to research all your options and see what the popular trends and styles are available, and make your choices wisely.

Happy Decorating!

Enlist the help of a professional bathroom remodeler in Connecticut by searching our directory!

10 Tips to Take your Bathroom from Ordinary to Extraordinary

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

For many Connecticut residents, a good bathroom remodeling job is essential to make a home more modern and add resale value. However, bathroom remodeling doesn't always have to be complicated. Here are a few simple tips to change your bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary:

Tip #1
The right color choice can set the mood to any bathroom. Always consider colors that are calming to you and your family. Experts state it is best to stick to neutral colors and tones for a subtle appeal. Bright colors or tones should be used through accents and accessories.

Tip #2
Lighting is an important factor to any room, but creating or setting the perfect mood in your bathroom can be created by the lighting you select. There are a number of styles from wall sconces to light fixtures, but mood lighting can be added around your bathtub or Jacuzzi area setting the mood for a relaxing evening alone or a romantic evening with that special someone.

Tip #3
Choosing the right wall color can be a task, but after you select the prefect shade or tone, give your bathroom a special lift by adding a subtle print wall covering or a border to give the walls an added touch of class and style.

Tip #4
Instead of painted walls or standard wallpaper, consider adding a wall of mirrors. Creating an entire wall of mirrors in your bathroom will give your bathroom an updated, sleek and modern look. It will open up the space and make the room more inviting to the eye.

Tip #5
Wooden cabinets or vanities can add warmth and style to your basic bathroom. Also consider using darker wood tones like cherry and mahogany, both add depth and character to your bathroom.

Tip #6
It is a good idea when remodeling your bathroom to consider replacing old countertops with newer countertops; slate and granite are two of the most popular selections. Basic Formica countertops have a tendency to make your bathroom look old, outdated and dull.

Tip #7
Custom shower components create a relaxing shower experience. Consider installing new faucets, showerheads and other additions to give your bathroom the look and feel of a spa.

Tip #8
Consider adding a small radio or stereo system to your bathroom. Music can sooth the soul and set a relaxing tone for you and your family.

Tip #9
Replacing your traditional toilet with a new, sleek model can save on the use of water and can be purchased at any home improvement center. Changing the color or style of your toilet can change your bathroom's style or décor.

Tip #10
In addition to regular wear and tear, over time sinks can become stained, worn and outdated. Remove old sink basins and replace them with newer "Green" models. The family bathroom has quickly changed from a place just to wash and groom, to a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

Remodel Your Bathroom on a Budget

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Today it is easier than ever to create the bathroom of your dreams in Connecticut at a fraction of the expected price. Most homeowners want everything new and are blind to the fact by changing your bathrooms existing fixtures, wall color and art or shower curtains and window treatments you can create a new look and style to your existing bathroom. Even the simplest bathroom has the opportunity for big improvements without a large investment.

The most important consideration when planning to remodel your bathroom is moisture. Moisture can create many problems, but there have been major developments in building materials that can handle ongoing exposure to dampness and water, such as green board. Green board is a water-resistant drywall, and the water-repellent cement-based products for wet locations.

The smallest to largest bathrooms can benefit from generous lighting. The right light can defer from sconces and fixtures to create subtle mood lighting.

Changing the bathroom floor can change the entire look of your bathroom. Ceramic tile is certainly the most favorable, but not the only choice for bathroom flooring. Other popular and affordable choices are wood, stone, and vinyl.

The larger pieces, such as vintage or painted cabinet vanity, easily set the tone as a focal point and create a classic feel. Instead of a traditional acrylic sink, a vanity serves as another piece of furniture in your home. The sink can make a dramatic edition to any bathroom, with materials such as glass or granite. Hardware, such as sink and tub fixtures, come in a large array of designs, styles and finishes.

Replacing a shower is no longer limited to a fiberglass unit with a bathtub. With proper and effective waterproofing, eye-catching tiles can be installed. This will create the look and feel of a spa in your home.

If you choose the option of a separate bathtub, there is the option of an oriental soaking tub. These tubs are larger in size and provide extra relaxation than the standard bathtub. These tubs include features of aromatherapy or chromatherapy for added relaxation.

Once the renovations are done, the way you decorate your bathroom is only limited by your own imagination. Your bathroom is yours and it represents you, so take the time and really make a statement.

For help with bathroom remodeling projects in Connecticut, contact one of our certified bathroom remodelers today.

What an HVAC Technician Can Do for You

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

If you're considering upgrading your Connecticut house with a new HVAC heating and cooling system, the person to call is a qualified HVAC technician. Switching to an HVAC system makes a lot of sense because they are unrivaled for maintaining air purity and proper humidity levels year-round, and the latest systems do so much more efficiently than ones from even just a few years ago. With an HVAC heating system, adding central air-conditioning is merely a matter of hooking up the main unit to the existing system and taking advantage of ductwork that's already there. Your HVAC tech can match your needs to an optimally-designed system, for maximum comfort and economy.

But even if you already have an HVAC system and are not in the market for a full upgrade, it pays to call in your HVAC technician on a yearly basis to check your system's health and make any necessary corrections. Making relatively small adjustments now can save big money later on in mechanical repairs and lost fuel savings, let alone in other costs stemming from system failure, such as Winter freeze ups, which can be very expensive indeed.

When examining your existing system, your HVAC technician will make sure everything is running right and he will advise you about making improvements. He may, for example, suggest upgrading your thermostats to programmable models. There are several models available, and their use can save into the hundreds of dollars each year. But some are complicated to program and may end up not being utilized to their full capacity. So choosing the right model to fit your needs is important.

Since HVAC systems operate on the movement of air, air distribution must be optimized for your home to have even heating and cooling. If you have any cold or hot areas you should discuss them with your tech, and he can adjust the system to even things out. He can also adjust things like the minimum humidity level, which makes a big difference in comfort and health during the dry Winter.

Your HVAC tech also will inspect your ductwork. One of the great ironies of life is that duct tape, that canvas and rubber-cement wonder that is good for just about every use under the Sun, is not good for actual ductwork. Many states even have outlawed its use on ducts, because it cannot stand up to the rigorous temperature changes ducts go through. So a common task that needs to be done on older systems is the resealing of the ducts, which these days is done with either mastic or a high quality aluminum tape. The government's Energy Star Website reports that sealing ducts can improve efficiency by twenty percent, and sometimes by much more than that.

If your ducting is exposed to high humidity, it should be insulated to prevent mold-generating condensation. Your HVAC tech will discuss this with you.

If your system operates off a burner your HVAC tech will see that the burner is working properly. He will ensure that the heat exchanger is intact, which is important, lest combustion gases get into the domestic air. He will check to see that the motors are receiving full voltage, and are lubricated and running correctly. He will clean evaporative and condensing coils, check refrigerant levels, see that thermostats and other controls are operative and that drains are clear, all for maximum efficiency and system life.

Lastly, he will change filters and will advise you if the inside of the ducts needs cleaning. This is your best defense against the spread of dust and bacteria.

With basic routine maintenance, and some relatively minor improvements such as smart thermostats and sealing of ducts, a qualified HVAC tech can help keep your family more comfortable and healthy, and save you a lot of money in the long run.

For a professional HVAC technician in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today.

Got HVAC?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

While for many years the use of forced air heating was only in the purview of large commercial buildings and heating systems for less expensive homes, in the past few decades, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technology, or HVAC, as it is known, has come into its own in Connecticut housing of the highest quality.

There are several good reasons architects, developers and homeowners increasingly have been choosing HVAC systems for quality homes. As we have become more aware of the important role interior environmental conditions play in maintaining good health, we have placed more value on systems that not only can heat or cool those environments, but that also can monitor air quality, clean air of contaminants such as smoke, odor, dust and bacteria, regulate moisture, and introduce fresh air systematically. Maintaining air quality has become especially important to large numbers of people, as the population bulge approaches retirement age and becomes more health conscious.

At the same time, the cost of energy has been relentlessly climbing. Department of Energy data shows average home fuel oil prices rising from $.35 in 1992 to $1.94 in 2008, an increase of almost 600% in sixteen years. And this climb is unlikely to abate anytime soon, as energy becomes a weapon of choice in geopolitics, and terrorism continues to threaten the stability of existing energy supply channels.

Finally, recent years have seen an increased awareness of the need to protect the earth's environment by containing the emission of pollutants.

The HVAC industry has responded to these dramatically changing conditions by focusing on developing new technologies and more efficient ways to use energy. Organizations such as The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers have devoted themselves to advancing standards and regulations through research and education. The result is that today the homeowner has the choice of well-designed residential systems that are the most efficient ever, delivering safe and comfortable interior environments at substantial operating savings over systems of only ten years ago, and helping protect the ecosystem in the bargain.

Because of these factors, many older homes are prime candidates for changing to a modern HVAC system. Homeowners that pay for more expensive types of heating, such as electrical resistance, should be especially eager for the cost savings an HVAC will bring. And homes that already operate on HVAC can most probably take advantage of existing ductwork to substantially lessen the installation costs of a new installation, while adding features such as air conditioning, humidity control and air filtration, all at lesser operating cost than the older system.

There are several online calculators which will help you to estimate the savings an upgrade will yield. For example, I ran some rough numbers for a very small house in our area, and assumed it had a heating/cooling system that was only ten years old. Over a twenty year period – a reasonable lifespan for an installation before advancing technology makes it obsolete – I saw savings of almost $9,000! Again, this was an absolutely minimal example. Increase the size of the house, and then the age of the existing system, and you'll see those numbers climb. And all the while the home's comfort and air quality would be improved.

It's worth noting that utility companies, concerned about their overloaded grids, are willing to pass along savings to homeowners who install high-efficiency heating and cooling units. So you should check with your utility to see what programs they might offer. At this writing, for example, Connecticut Light and Power is offering a sizable rebate for qualifying installations.
You can see that the reasons for considering an upgrade to a new, high-efficiency HVAC system are impressive indeed. The first step is to call a qualified HVAC installer and request a home evaluation. He's an experienced expert who can size up your needs and match them to a modern, efficient system. He will discuss features and costs, and he will show you both the environmental benefits and long-range savings you can expect by upgrading.

For a Connecticut HVAC technician near you, contact us today!

Interior Doors: Styles and functions

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

If you're planning significant remodeling in your Connecticut home, or even if you're wondering how to enhance your home's interior with only some minimal changes, give some consideration to your interior doors. Interior doors come in a variety of materials and configurations, and finding the right door to suit your needs can make a big difference.

At the bottom of the door list is the humble hollow-core flush, or slab, door. Since the building boom after World War II, more of these slab doors have been used than any other type, possibly more than all other types combined. Builders find its low cost irresistible.

With a luan wood face, this door is only moderately good as a base for painting and can only be stained in darker colors. For a better look, specify a birch face. Its closed grain is perfect for painting, and it will take any color stain or a clear finish, which works well for today's light interiors.

Another low cost alternative is the pressboard door. These are textured and embossed to look like a wood panel door. If you're content with a paint-grade finish, these doors may be an inexpensive way to step up from the flush door look.

One limitation on all hollow-core doors is that they readily transmit sound from one area to another. For the entry into any room where privacy is important, you should specify a door with a solid core.

Solid-core birch flush doors are popular in business settings where a more sterile look is desired. Unless you are trying to achieve a modern look, when stepping up to a solid door you should consider the classic panel door.

The panel door most often comes in a six-panel configuration, but both simpler and more elaborate designs are available. They usually are made using either pine or oak. Pine makes an excellent base for paint and a good base for stain. The rich look of stained oak can't be beat, but its open grain is not ideal for painting.

Also consider different door configurations. While sliding doors are sometimes necessary on closets facing narrow areas such as hallways, the very limited closet access they afford is undesirable. Better for most openings are bi-fold doors, which give almost full closet access, and which usually require less than eighteen inches of swing room even for wide door openings. Also, a closet might be the ideal place to employ a mirrored door. These come in swinging, sliding and bi-fold configurations to fit standard sized openings.

Many houses have been built with open passageways between the central hall and common rooms such as the living room, dining room, den or study. Adding doors to these openings can dramatically change the feel of the room. For wider openings leading to living and dining rooms, consider adding elegant French doors, which are double doors with small glass panes. If you have high ceilings, a matching glass transom over such doors lends a very rich look and maintains a more open feeling.

For a room such as a den or study, where you want to keep sound either in or out, you might add a wood panel door, or double doors for wider openings. And if there isn't adequate space to swing double doors, you might consider using a pocket door frame, which will enable the doors to slide invisibly into the wall.

Finally, one other type of door that has found some residential use is the accordion door. This door is composed of many small panels that fold back on themselves. They vary widely in quality, from cheap vinyl to custom rich woods. The better quality units will fit in with a home's décor and can be used to literally extend partitions on demand.

For a door installation contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today!

Exterior Doors: Consider the possibilities

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Maybe you're to the point where that cold draft coming from your door during Connecticut winters is getting to you, and you're tired of heating your yard due to faulty weatherstripping or broken air seals. Or maybe you're looking for ways to add zest to your home's appearance. Comfort, energy, style - these motivations are excellent reasons to consider upgrading your existing exterior doors. Few things can so quickly make such a large impact in each of these areas as a door with up-to-date weatherstripping, core insulation, and glass technology.

If you are considering a door upgrade, you need not be locked into merely replacing like for like, because there are many design possibilities available today. Many homes are built with a safe, minimalist approach of using only basic materials. When an original unit eventually wears out, it becomes the homeowner's task to consider if a little extra investment might pay back significant rewards.

So if you have a simple door in the front of your home, before you replace it with something similar, consider if a more elaborate unit would add value. From outside the house, the eye intuitively comes to rest on the front door, so it is here that a lot of design impact can be achieved relatively easily.

There are several ways to go about this:

Instead of one door, you could install a grander double door unit.
On the outside of the house, consider framing your new door with a millwork surround. These typically consist of fluted pilasters on the sides and a fancy pediment above. This is a most dramatic way to add curb appeal and value.
You could add sidelights. These are glass units typically about a foot wide that go on one or both sides of the door unit.
You could add a glass transom above the door unit. High glass like this will throw light deep into the house interior.
Consider glass panels in the doors themselves. This can be a good way to go when there isn't room for sidelights or a transom.
For the ultimate aesthetic effect, the upscale leaded glass options for doors these days are truly breathtaking.

Often, a home's rear or side door is also ripe for upgrading. If it's a single door, it might be converted to a brighter, more airy sliding glass patio door. Patio doors most commonly come in six and eight foot widths, but other sizes are available. If you have an old patio door, chances are good that it's an energy liability. Newer glass technology, with argon gas between glass panes, Low-E coating, and improved weatherstripping, can make a huge difference in comfort and energy savings. And if your older patio unit has a cold aluminum frame, you are indeed a major candidate for a new, warmer unit, framed in either wood or vinyl.

You might also consider other glass door options such as swinging patio units. These typically have a stationary glass door with a swinging door hinged to it. This can be an ideal solution when wall space is at a premium, because the stationary unit comes in different sizes, allowing the entire unit to fit into a space of five feet or less.

And of course, another alternative to the sliding patio door is simply the classic French door. The beauty of this double door, outfitted with divided glass panes, will never go out of style.

So when it's time to upgrade existing exterior doors, instead of automatically replacing like for like, give some thought to expanded possibilities. Consult with a Connecticut remodeling contractor and look through catalogs. It may be that adding a little extra to your investment will yield a much greater return.

For a door installation contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today.

Upgrading a Door to Save Energy

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

As wonderful as our Connecticut houses are, they wouldn't be of much use if we couldn't get in them. And so, at some point a very long time ago, someone invented the door. Consider what we ask the door to do. A good door will keep out extremes of temperature, the wind and the elements. It will keep out unwanted intruders, of either the two- or four-legged variety. But we also expect the door to let us into and out of the house when we want, quickly and with ease, and we often want to be able to see through the door, to enhance our view and to qualify visitors. And because the door is very often the focal point of the house exterior, we of course want it to be attractive.

Because of the ever-increasing cost of energy, the aspect of doors that has received the most attention over the last thirty years has been their insulating properties. Wood, the standard material for doors for millennia, is thankfully a good insulator, but doors with foam cores have become popular since the first energy crisis back in 1973. This is for good reason. COEnergy assigns the following R values to doors made of various materials (R value is a measure of resistance to heat flow; the higher the value, the better the insulating value of the material):

1-¾" Wood panel door: 1.85
1-¾" Wood solid flush door: 3.03
2' Steel door with foam: 15

The steel door number is going to be a little high because most residential doors are only1-¾" thick, but even so, a foam-filled door's R-value should be a factor of seven over that of a standard wood panel door.

Steel doors are very useful and cost-effective, and manufacturers have made them appealing to the eye by embossing them to look like panel doors, applying decorative moldings, and adding glass. For most situations, the steel door is more than adequate aesthetically. Some homeowners, however, especially those who want a stained-wood look rather than the paint-grade look that steel doors offer, are looking for a more enhanced appearance. Manufacturers have responded to this upscale demand by making doors similar in construction to steel doors, but with stainable fiberglass skins.

The fiberglass door is the epitome of doors because it incorporates the best features of all the materials. When stained, one will be hard-pressed to distinguish a fiberglass door from its rich-looking oak counterpart. Filled with foam, the fiberglass door offers much higher R values than wood. And because it's not dependent on traditional mortise and tenon joinery, the fiberglass door has little chance of the warpage or sagging that often characterizes wood doors over time.

Another aspect of doors that is worth considering is the use of "lights", or glass, in or around a door. Modern door glass will be high quality double-pane, and often will be filled with inert gasses and have a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating which further enhance the R value, to help keep heat loss under control. This becomes especially important as the glass area becomes large, as is the case with patio doors. If your patio doors have substandard glass, worn weatherstripping, or have lost their dry air seal, upgrading to more efficient doors will both save energy and make your home more comfortable.

Modern doors have actually become so efficient that the Department of Energy no longer recommends the use of storm doors for most new installations, and warns against their use when direct sunlight can build up inter-door temperatures.

Finally, if you have a heated garage, consider the state of its doors. Because garage doors are so large, energy loss can be very significant. Manufacturers have made the switch to foam-filled doors, and they also have improved weatherstripping to prevent drafts. Upgrading garage doors can save large amounts of energy, and doing so can at the same time often dramatically enhance a house's exterior appearance.

For a door installation contractor in Connecticut, contact us today!

Feng Shui for your Bedroom

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

As far as positive and calming energy goes, the bedroom might be the most important place in your Connecticut house. That’s why you should establish a most desirable “chi,” which is Feng Shui for “energy”. Feng Shui is a popular option for modern interior designers. It is an ancient, extensive set of Chinese rules for creating a harmonious space. In a bedroom, this extends to nourishing and embracing sensuality, as well as peace and rest.

Obviously, the bed is the most important piece of furniture, the room’s focal point. A solid, strong headboard should be against the wall that has no doors or windows. The bed should face the door so if you are in bed, you can see anyone who enters the room. At the same time, the bed should not be in line with the door. The bed should be placed so that it is accessible at three sides. There should be two nightstands on either side. The mattress should be firm and the sheets made of a high-quality, natural fiber. Natural materials in the bed are essential for creating positive “chi.”

There should be several lighting options in a Feng Shui bedroom. Invest in a dimmer switch, and natural candles that do not have any toxins or chemicals. Light is our primary nutrient and a powerful transporter of energy. For color in the bedroom, Feng Shui dictates that “skin colors” are essential. That is, the color of the human skin, which is a broad range, yet natural, soft and familiar. Color emits energy that gives us a most restful, restorative sleep. As far as decorating, Feng Shui suggests art that shows images and evokes emotions that you would like happening in your own life.

If the weather permits, keep the windows open in your bedroom. Stale air negatively affects your “chi.” Feng Shui does not promote houseplants in the bedroom, as they are believed to disrupt proper sleep in untainted air. If you have a big bedroom, plants may be kept farthest away from the bed. Feng Shui advocates the use of a top-notch air-purifier in the bedroom for extra oxygen and airflow.

Do not have electronic equipment such as a computer, television, or workout machines in your bedroom. Bulky electric items destroy positive “chi”. One of the best ways to a harmonious and restful bedroom is by channeling energy properly. This means keeping the bedroom doors closed at night, the closet and bathroom doors included. Funneling the right energy at night will give you pleasurable dreams, restoring sleep, love, and spiritual healing. A Feng Shui designer can transform your bedroom into an inviting, calm space that is also fun and functional.

For a Feng Shui interior designer in Connecticut, contact us today!

Feng Shui for your Office

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Feng Shui is the Chinese philosophy that all things are connected. It is a system that employs a complex series of rules to ensure positive energy, or “chi.” Feng Shui is over 3,000 years old, but it is very popular with modern interior designers and decorators. In regards to interior design in Connecticut, the rules of Feng Shui tend to give rooms a clean, efficient appearance. What better room to incorporate this vibe than your office?

Feng Shui can be used in a home study, suburban corporate park, or downtown skyscraper. Much of Feng Shui has to do with the five elements that represent the five phases: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These phases are associated with different colors and directions. For example, if you have a safe in your office, Feng Shui would dictate that it is stored in the West or Northwest because these are the directions of Metal. A safe represents wealth and security. An aquarium or fountain should be placed in the East, North, or Southeast part of the office. North symbolizes Water. East and Southeast symbolize Wood. The elements are also represented by color. Some would suggest blue or black fish in an office aquarium, as these are the colors of Water. Water is considered a Feng Shui route to igniting and maintaining the success and flow of your business.

Feng Shui dictates that a desk should be placed in the farthest corner from the office door so you will feel in command of the room. It is recommended to not sit in line with the door because this creates a negative “chi.” If your office is in a downtown city, place your desk at a window with a tall building behind you, to feel its powerful, mountain-like support. A desk facing the office door means you are always welcoming new business. If you have a computer on your desk, placing it in the North or West part of the room inspires creativity. A computer in the Southeast area is good for generating income.

Mirrors should not be hung in an office or study outside the home, according to Feng Shui. Mirrors can reflect the negative “chi” of others who may enter. The office should reflect your energy only. You should be in control. In general, clutter should be maintained to the utmost, and this means keeping cords minimally visible, and keeping papers and files organized. Organization means respect for your work and your associates. Feng Shui always dictates balance. In an office, this means using both hard and soft surfaces, light and dark colors, throughout the workspace area. Maintaining the yin and the yang is essential for stability in all forms of business.

For a Feng Shui interior design specialist in Connecticut, contact us today!

What is Feng Shui?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Feng Shui is the name for the Chinese philosophy that it is possible to incorporate harmony and balance into the spaces around us. In reference to interior design, it means taking rooms, furniture and objects, and arranging them according to the Feng Shui principles. The harmonizing energy is called “chi.” It can be channeled and maintained by adhering to the many rules of this 3,000-year-old Eastern way of thought.

A Feng Shui interior designer in Connecticut will use the five elements, known as Wu Xing. They are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are often used to represent color. Wood is associated with green, Fire with red, Earth with yellow, Metal with white, and Water with blue or black. Besides color, direction is an important aspect of Feng Shui. There are eight directions represented by the elements: South is Fire, Southeast and East are Wood, Northeast and Southwest are Earth, West and Northwest are Metal, and North is Water. Using these associations, Feng Shui designers will shape and arrange rooms using compasses, and an eight-sided device called a Pa Kua.

Feng Shui is based on the idea that everything is connected. Simply moving a dresser or purchasing a new bedspread can affect your “chi”—positively or negatively. Feng Shui enthusiasts believe the uniquely uncluttered appearance of the properly aligned and decorated room can be most beneficial to its function. For example, a bed should be against a wall that has no doors or windows, and should face the door. This is so that when you are in bed, you can see anyone enter the room. The bed should be easily approachable from both sides. In an office, your desk should be furthest from the entrance, so you will feel in command of the entire space. In a kitchen, the door should not face the stove because if you are cooking, you might want to look back to see anyone entering the room, creating a burn hazard.

These are some of the easier-to-grasp, functional reasons to employ Feng Shui. It gets quite complex when a designer utilizes the elements and colors because the possibilities are endless, the use of an aquarium as Water, the proper color of the fish. Another way for the designer to get creative is in artwork. Think of the color and shape of a painting or sculpture, in regards to its placement, and the specific function of the room. Often the Chinese Zodiac is consulted in Feng Shui. The philosophy is so old and practiced that there are scores of maps, charts, definitions, and theories, to find the right “chi.”

Feng Shui is utilizing sets of rules to create the proper energy in your home space. The rules are there for function and harmony, executed and effective in corporate environments as well as private homes.

For a Connecticut Feng Shui interior designer near you, contact us today!

Decorating and Designing for a Kids Room

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Decorating a room for a baby or child makes fun meet functionality, but it's important not to get carried away with either one. A key factor is keeping in mind that children grow. Especially if you are planning on raising the little one in the same Connecticut home, there are some design tactics that will help you and your child change seamlessly with the times—while keeping the little one entertained and safe.

Theme rooms are popular, but it's best to keep the faces, logos, and slogans to areas that can be quickly changed. Favorite cartoons, shows, and characters can be quite fickle, so avoid paint-on decals, heavy furniture, wallpaper, and tough-to-change theme decor. Instead, pick bedding, nightlights, lampshades, etc., that can be removed on a dime when your child's next fixation sets in.

When it comes to walls, obviously the tradition is blue for boys and pink for girls, but many have moved on to gender-neutral colors like red, yellow, and green. Water-based paint is easiest to clean. Wallpaper comes in a lot of fun options—but remember to keep it age-appropriate within years of your child's actual age, or you might be re-papering sooner than you would like.

For lighting, consider fun floor lamps with spaceships, dinosaurs, or mod shapes. Lighting can add real drama and style to a play area. For babies and toddlers, keep all light sources out-of-reach and all outlets covered. A lava lamp will be great entertainment for a middle school-age child. For all ages, consider a dimmer switch. This is great when reading to a child at night, or for a child that's uncomfortable with turning the lights all the way off to go to sleep.

Flooring should be slip-proof and non-allergenic. Hardwood floors should be covered with cushy area rugs with insulated padding, or you might want to install wall-to-wall carpet. There are copious styles and types of child-friendly flooring on the market. Safety is what is most important here.

Safe, effective window treatments are imperative, with all cords out-of-reach. You don't want to tuck in your little one, and have the waning sun coming through poorly constructed blinds, or have the rising sun awakening him each morning. Be sure all drapes are the proper height. Consider easy-to-peel stickers for your child to decorate his window.

Shelf displays are a fabulous way to get creative in your child's room. They can be easily altered and the possibilities are endless, from dolls and trophies to hobbies and collections. You might want to frame your child's own artwork. This will give him a sense of comfort and pride in his own room. A globe may entertain a child while educating in the process. Rest assured that as they grow, your children will be vocal and proactive about decorating their rooms. Safety comes first, followed by practicality, and then sheer fun.

Enlist help from a professional interior designer or decorator in Connecticut today by contacting us!

Interior Design and Color

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Color is one of the most underrated aspects of interior design. A perfect arrangement of furniture in the most ideal layout of a Connecticut home will not be satisfactory without the right scheme of color. Color is not simply the icing on the cake; it is an integral part of the recipe. If interior design is an art, then the palette must have the proper colors for the canvas—in this case, the interior of your home. Color draws attention, plays on feeling, and affects mood. There are a lot of colors out there, but do not be overwhelmed. Most of them fall into groups that have specific purposes, to make selecting a little bit easier.

Neutral
Calming, stabilizing, and harmonious, neutral colors run from white to black, including all shades of gray. Some consider brown a neutral. Neutrals balance brighter colors and handsome woods. Maybe you’re considering a single red wall to give your living room some pop. Natural elements like a stone fireplace and lodge-inspired wood beams will do well with stabilizing neutrals.

Complimentary
Complimentary colors schemes lie on opposite sides of the color wheel, yet simply match, and are familiar side-by-side hues. Complimentary colors exist in harmony but add uniqueness, as they seem to burst and glow quite well together. A common complimentary scheme is red and green around the holidays. Think blue and orange, and purple and yellow. Complimentary color schemes are often seen on sports uniforms.

Analogous
Again, interior design is art. Analogous color schemes are used to show dimension in painting—and when designing and decorating a home. It is simply the use of colors that come from a common hue on the color wheel. Green is a combination of yellow and blue, and earth tones like brown and terra cotta come from green. Playing on green, one may create tones sharp and vibrant, like lime green, or quiet, calming, and natural, like sage green. Analogous color schemes play on one hue they share, to create depth and thoughtfulness.

Monochromatic
This is the technique of shading and tinting by adding black or white to a single color. It is similar to analogous scheming, but with a bit more structure. If a single blue hue is taken, and white is added for a lighter blue, and black is added for yet another hue, three wavelengths of the same blue exist—monochromatically.

Warm and Cool
Simply, some colors have a cool vibe, and some colors have a warm vibe. Warm colors are yellow, red, orange, and perhaps some browns. Cool colors include blue, purples, and greens. Some prefer to keep rooms either “warm” or “cool.”

Preferred color schemes, like much of interior design and art in general, is a matter of taste. While some like to keep it structured and elegant, others prefer to mix and make noise with color. The home is your canvas. Consider all the colorful options when creating the right picture.

For a Connecticut interior design specialist near you, browse our directory and contact us today.

Interior Design: Shelf displays

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Maybe you have a collection you would like to display in your home in Connecticut, like miniature plates, dolls, stones, or candles. Or maybe you just have a few framed photographs and accessories you would like to make more visible. Shelf displays are a great way to organize and design in any given room of your home. From color to theme, the entire thing can be a work of art in itself. Just follow a few simple steps and you will have an admirable conversation piece, a shelf display of which you will be proud.

To begin, it is important that the shelving piece is clean. Dust before painting or staining, or arranging. Then, decide on color. It should suit the overall color of the room. You might go for the same hue as the broad windowsill or door frame. An earth tone like chocolate brown or steel blue will be minimalist sophisticate. If your display is a nautical theme, consider navy blue or white. Keep in mind that the color of the shelving should make the display stand out—so don't display light-colored items on beige or white. Handsome contrasts are key to visibility. Also, you might think about a stencil on your shelving, but keep it simple because you don't want it to overpower your items.

Your display items may have a theme or they may not—it really doesn't matter. What counts is the general aesthetic of the shelf display as a whole. If something seems too small and out-of-place, pick a favorite hardcover book upon which to place it. If you have a color photograph, surround it with candles that compliment the colors in the picture. The picture frame itself might be incorporated into your display. You can use a brown leather, studded frame for a Western display, with miniature horses and maybe a small cactus. Consider an elegant, stainless frame if you have retro pieces on display, 1950s cars or dolls from that era.

Whatever you decide upon, it's important not to overcrowd. Prioritize and decide what matters most. Leave some empty spaces on the shelves so it isn't cluttered and overwhelming. Balance the size of the items. A plate on display beside three miniature dolls will be better than one whole shelf of large items and one whole shelf of small items. However, special collections should always be kept together. A shelf display may simply present one hobby or passion. There may be a succession of family photographs arranged from long ago to the present, on faux-aged wood. There may be coins on display, the most common pieces at the bottom and the most rare at the top. You can paint the shelves a green the color of money.

There are limitless possibilities with shelf displays. You might consider an uplight below, or spotlight above your display. Regardless, color and arrangement are key design factors that will affect the aesthetic as a whole, no matter what you want to present, exhibit, and proudly show off.

Lighting and Interior Design

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

It's true that simply altering the lighting can drastically change the appearance of any given room. There are two sources of light, natural and artificial. Natural light is what comes in through the windows, and also from the interior, fireplaces and lit candles. The sun should be a factor when decorating a room. Do the windows face east or west? It is imperative to consider this when deciding on window treatments. Your bedroom might face the rising sun each morning, or your kitchen might take in an exceptionally strong sunset each night while you’re preparing dinner. Natural lighting is called "kinetic lighting" because the sun moves, waxing and waning through the days and the seasons. You can't control the sun, but you can control the amount of its light that comes into your house, with the proper blinds and treatments.

Accent Lighting
This type of artificial lighting illuminates a specific object or point of interest in your home. Do you wish to show off a sculpture of which you are particularly proud? Or an exotic plant? Or an interesting architectural feature of your home? Accent lighting includes uplights and spotlights, and requires only a single bulb and a shield to direct the luminescence.

Ambient Lighting
This is simple, single source lighting that is intended to make an entire space glow and reduce shadows. Included in ambient lighting are chandeliers, wall sconces, floor lamps, ceiling fixtures, and even Japanese paper lanterns. Ambient lighting will make a room seem less dimensional. Adding a dimmer to your ambient lights is a good way of keeping your brightness options open, throughout the home.

Task Lighting
Task lighting is just what it sounds like—lighting that assists in tasks. This is everything from a bedside light for reading to a light over your kitchen island, so you can see well for cooking and food prep. Task lighting should be shielded, usually with a shade or guard that will prevent glare. It is a practical way to accomplish and enjoy hobbies and interior activities—without straining your eyes.

Many interior design experts believe it is best to use a triangular pattern when lighting a room. For example, a den may have two table lamps at each end table beside the sofa, and a floor lamp behind the recliner. A dining room may have a chandelier with a dimmer option, and two ornate wall sconces. Kitchens should be the brightest for cooking, food prep, etc. Versatile rooms like family rooms and living rooms may have several options. These are places where one might read, watch television, knit, or entertain. TV is best enjoyed without a glare from a bright light, but if you’re sewing, you will want the brightness for all the detailed work.

Today, energy-saving options are plentiful, like compact florescent bulbs and LEDs. Solar-powered panels are becoming ubiquitous and less expensive, one more eco-friendly way to illuminate your home any way you would like.

Browse our directory today to find an interior designer in Connecticut near you.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

You've seen them in magazines: those sleek, full-color photographs of custom-crafted kitchens found in today's high-end homes. Offering updated kitchen cabinets, rich wood tones and gleaming glass accents trimmed in coordinating molding, these kitchens are the stuff of dreams...or are they?

Statistics show that kitchen remodeling in Connecticut pays back 98.5 percent of the cost. As far as remodeling is concerned, an updated kitchen is a great investment in the value of your home. But big-ticket upgrades, like new kitchen cabinetry, can cost thousands of dollars, and if your cabinets are solidly constructed to begin with, it seems like a waste to tear them out.

Fortunately, homeowners who are looking for an easy, cost-effective way to upgrade their cabinets have an alternative to ripping out the old and starting from scratch. Cabinet refacing - replacing old, worn door and drawer fronts, as well as cabinet side panels and trim details - can give you the look of new kitchen cabinets at a small fraction of the cost of cabinet replacement, and in far less time than it takes to rip out old cabinets and install new units.

Today's kitchen cabinet refacing options are solidly constructed to your custom specifications, and offer superior wear and finish details over low-end cabinets, yet cost less to install. Just like the high-end cabinet manufacturers, refacing designers update cabinetry finishes and options every season to reflect the most current options in contemporary kitchen design.

Solid woods, veneers and laminates, raised, inset or glass panels, and custom trimwork can turn your kitchen into the showcase of your home. Whether you're looking to create a country French theme, with hand-rubbed white finish drawers and door fronts, or a modern loft look, with boldly colored laminate fronts, refacing has an option that’s right for you.

Just like selecting new cabinets, when choosing refacing options it’s important to consider the overall look you’d like to create. Your refacing installation expert may have design guides to offer you, or use the web to browse through design ideas in the comfort of your home.

To get you started, here are a few simple guidelines:

Don’t forget practicality. An all-white kitchen looks clean and airy, but in some cases – especially if you have children – keeping them clean can be a full-time job. Instead, choose an antiqued finish to help hide fingerprints and smudges between cleanings.
Mix it up. Some of today’s most popular styles incorporate two styles of cabinets into one kitchen, highlighting an island or baking center with a different finish to create the appearance of custom cabinetry. To be on the safe side, combine a wood finish or colored laminate with white to help pull the look together.
Go modern. Today's laminates can add an unexpected and fresh burst of color to your kitchen. Clinical tests have proven that bright red actually stimulated appetite, and adding a few bright red drawer fronts or door fronts can spice up your contemporary kitchen.
Ups and downs. Another common method of combining two types of cabinet styles employs one design on the upper cabinets and a second design style on the lower cabinets. Most designs incorporate white cabinets up top, to give an airy feel, while anchoring the look with wood-toned or colorful laminate cabinets on the bottom level.
Add class with glass. A few glass-fronted cabinets can add a touch of style to a large kitchen, helping to break up an otherwise monotonous line of cabinets. Choose clear glass fronts for cabinets displaying china and other serving ware, or frosted glass for cabinets storing pantry items, to help conceal the contents.

To find a kitchen cabinet contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today!

Benefits of Cabinet Refacing

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Kitchens are one of the primary areas in your Connecticut home where a little investment can offer a big payback. Complete kitchen remodels can cost a significant amount of money, and when funds are limited, the key is to choose the areas where your dollars will have the biggest impact.

One of the most significant features of any kitchen is the kitchen cabinetry. Often employing materials or finishes no longer considered popular, cabinets can instantly date a kitchen, making it look old, worn and uncared for. In fact, if you’re planning on selling your home, cabinets with nicks and dings can imply a certain level of neglect that can have a major effect on your asking price.

Unlike appliances, which can be easily removed and replaced, upgrading cabinets takes more time and effort, often requiring a major overhaul. Fastened deep into studs or anchored into walls, removing existing cabinets is a big job, and one that can end up emptying your bank account.

Fortunately, there is an alternative. Cabinet refacing is a much simpler option that can have your cabinets looking fresh and new at a fraction of the cost of replacing your old cabinets.

The craft of cabinet refacing has been around for a long time, and has come a long way since it was first introduced as a cost-effective option for cabinet replacement. In the early days of cabinet refacing homeowners were faced with limited styles and finishes that often made refacing an unlikely option. But today’s cabinet refacing techniques truly are an attractive and inexpensive solution to old, worn-looking cabinets. New doors, panels and drawer fronts can be easily installed, and a professional installer can have your kitchen looking new in no time.

Refacing materials have changed, too. Today, materials and workmanship rival those of high-end cabinetry makers. And while refacing used to mean you could choose from only a few select styles, all that has changed. Thanks to today’s wide range of styles and designs, your choices are virtually limitless. Solid woods and wood veneers, as well as laminate materials, are available to create a truly custom, one-of-a-kind look usually only seen in high-end, designer showcase kitchens.

With cabinet refacing, you can create a warm and cozy focal point with the rich tones of real wood, or brighten up a dark kitchen with cheery white cabinets. From country French to sleek modern styles, cabinet refacing can change the entire character of your kitchen practically overnight.

In addition to raised and inset panels, refacing options include glass-front doors, with both clear and frosted glass, so you can create one of the most popular styles in today’s kitchens right in your own home.

In fact, cabinet refacing is a smart, economical choice for anyone craving a designer look at a budget price. In addition to refacing options, your installer may also offer additional pieces, like moldings and other design features, in the same design and finishes as your new door and drawer fronts.

With an average payback of 98.5 percent nationally, kitchen remodeling makes good sense, both from economical and aesthetic points of view. Cabinet refacing means even the most expensive-looking kitchen treatments are within reach of any homeowner.

To find a Connecticut kitchen cabinet contractor near your, give us a call or browse our directory today!

Kitchen Cabinet Types

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

When it comes to kitchen cabinet style, the choices for your Connecticut home are numerous: finished or unfinished; painted or stained; stock or custom; oak or maple.

According to experts, half of the estimated cost of any kitchen remodeling job will go towards installing new kitchen cabinets. Additional costs will vary depending on the type and style of the cabinets and the cost of added materials, accessories, hardware and finishing treatments.

Kitchen cabinets can be divided into three basic categories: stock, semi-custom and custom.

Stock cabinets are both a popular and affordable choice. They are available in many selective styles and can be purchased through retailers or manufacturer's stores or catalogs. However, these cabinets are pre-constructed before they are purchased by the consumer, and a majority of the time they require filler strips to fill in the gaps between the cabinets and walls or cabinets and appliances.

The construction of semi-custom cabinets only begins once the order is in the final stages. This is done so sizing and modifications can be made. The quality is usually better than stock cabinets. Delivery time takes about a month or more.

Custom cabinets are usually built sound and can be sized to fit any space. Custom cabinetry allows you to also incorporate most any door style and color. This is the best quality of the three choices, but with higher quality comes higher costs. Custom-made cabinets take at least six weeks or more to be completed.

Regardless of your budget, you can have the kitchen of your dreams with a little time and imagination. For a Connecticut kitchen cabinet specialist near you, browse our directory and contact us today!

How Air Conditioners Work

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

We're thankful for air conditioners on those sweltering Connecticut summer days, but how exactly do they work? The answer is: not unlike the refrigerator in your kitchen. Air conditioners are a part of HVAC systems, an acronym that stands for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. The air conditioning process is based not on cooling the room but drawing heat out of it by using chemicals that change easily from liquid to gas and back again.

Refrigerant is a chemical that can change from a liquid to a gas in a short amount of time. Freon is a commonly used refrigerant. The refrigerant is pumped into the air conditioner at the factory where it is made. Also installed at the factory is lubricating oil for the compressor, an integral part of the cooling process, along with a condenser, an expansion valve and a thermostat.

After the air conditioner is turned on, the refrigerant begins filtering to the compressor, usually located on the outside air portion of the system at the bottom. The compressor is most likely the heaviest part of the machine. It squeezes the refrigerant, creating pressure and closing the liquid molecules together, heating them. The heat creates energy, and makes the liquid into a gas that flows into the condenser, which is a series of coils or fins. As the refrigerant gas reaches the end of the coils, it has cooled significantly. The gas cools so much, in fact, that it changes into a high-pressure liquid.

Next, the liquid is forced into a tiny opening called the expansion valve. What happens at this valve is something like a trickle into another set of coils, and then evaporation. Again, the liquid refrigerant becomes gas. It is at this point that the room cools. The evaporation extracts heat from the inside because heat is needed to separate the molecules to complete the chemical process of fluid to gas. The metal fins inside the air conditioner assist in the exchange of the energy with the environment.

There is a fan connected to the evaporator that circulates the cool air around the home. Heat rises naturally, so the forced circulation of air is important. Also, air conditioners have a vent that sucks air into ducts, cooling it, and blasting it back into the home.

The air conditioner's internal thermostat monitors the temperature. If the heat level rises, the thermostat triggers the compressor to being another cooling cycle. When the temperature of the room reaches the set cooling power, the compressor will shut off.

There are ways to get the most energy efficiency from your air conditioner, such as shutting the shades against sunlight, which naturally heats a room. Keep doors closed to reduce unwanted hot air flow. This can save you money on energy bills, as your air conditioning system won't be kicking off and on all day and night. Of course, when running an air conditioner or any other HVAC, keep the windows tightly shut.

For an Connecticut air conditioning specialist near you, contact us or browse our directory.

Cleaning Air Conditioners: When to call a professional

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Your Connecticut home's air conditioner cools the interior, but one of the important functions of an HVAC is also cleansing the inside air. This requires regular maintenance of the system. An air conditioner is great when it is hot outside, but if it is allowed to accumulate dust, debris, mold, and bacteria, it can spread these undesirables throughout the household, making the inhabitants ill or vulnerable to long-term diseases. It's best to familiarize yourself with how to clean your air conditioner for its optimal performance—and the health of your family.

Today's standard window air conditioners are easiest to maintain. Older models usually have a foam screen instead of the more effective polypropylene electromagnetic mesh. Foam is not microbial-resistant, whereas the polypropylene mesh has a static charge that prevents ions from entering the air conditioner. You might consider creating this type of filter by purchasing polypropylene at your local hardware store and cutting it to size. The material is relatively inexpensive. On most window air conditioners, the filters easily slide in and out. There will be overlapping layers that you can scrub with soap and water, using a lint-free rag. Be sure the filter is dry before replacing it because standing moisture can breed mold, another toxin, and you do not want the machine's components to sustain water damage.

The larger, standing air conditioners outside the home usually have more than one filter. It is recommended to simply replace these filters every couple of months, rather than clean them. The filters outside get quite dirty, accumulating leaves, dirt, animal hair, twigs, etc. Cleaning them will involve high-pressure water spray, brushing and combing the screens, scrubbing the fins, and sweeping. If you decide to clean your air conditioner this way, it is extremely important to shut off all electrical power to the unit when using water.

Simple air conditioning maintenance is fine to perform for the do-it-yourself homeowner, but all HVAC systems should be checked regularly by a professional. This person should be a licensed technician. There are industry guidelines to which the technician must adhere, such as factoring in climate and ductwork. High-humidity areas tend to see more microbial contamination. If you live in this type of climate you should call a professional for cleaning. Some types of ductwork are more fragile than others and a technician will know when to proceed gingerly with vacuuming, or when to use air whips and brushes on standard sheet metal.

The most responsible way to go about maintaining your air conditioner is to handle the small jobs yourself, like window unit filter cleaning, or maybe larger unit filter replacement. Other HVAC tasks should be handled by a certified technician. The interior air you inhale is worth it to avoid a clogged, malfunctioning system and potential sickness.

To find a Connecticut HVAC specialist near you, browse our directory or contact us today!

Monitoring HVAC Zones: Thermostats and Dampers

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

A HVAC zone refers to a precise area of a building that is heated, cooled, or ventilated by a HVAC system. Zones may be specific rooms or whole floors of a home. Commercially, a zone may be one office, a section of offices, or a story of a building. Today's residential homes are generally built with three to five HVAC zones. Each zone has its own thermostat to monitor different areas for desired temperature and comfort level. Most homes are fitted with standard dial thermostats that may compromise energy consumption. However, there are specialized "smart" alternatives for the modern homeowner.

Digital Thermostats
Simply put, digital thermometers have buttons instead of a dial for controlling HVAC zones. Many have the option of presetting temperature, with "home" and "away” buttons, and timers. These are called "digital programmable thermostats."

Digital Contact Closure Thermostats
Using "smart" activation, these are digital thermostats that can be activated and controlled through certain security system commands, or a phone transponder. Using any remote phone, the homeowner may control the HVAC zones in his home.

Digital Communicating Thermostats
These are highly specialized control gauges. Each thermostat in every zone of your home are connected at a centralized "controller." Often the "controller" is a hardware or software system that is programmable to your computer. It is ultra-convenient and eco-friendly. Digital communicating thermostats give the homeowner control of all the zones, any day of the week, any time of the day, throughout the seasons, as long as the homeowner has access to the central controller.

A "damper" is what technically controls the air channeled into a zone. Using a HVAC damper is more energy-efficient than the old-school method of simply closing a vent. The damper is set up at the mouth of a pipe that distributes the air, expanding or constricting, depending on your desire. Manual dampers work at the simple twist of a screw. Motorized dampers may be an attachment to the screw, or they may be sophisticated and computerized. The homeowner may choose a specific percent that the damper should be constricted, from 0 to 100. A 100% damper would be completely open for maximum airflow.

Dampers work at the source to monitor hot or cool air release into different zones of the home. When a vent is simply closed, the treated air still has to travel to the zone. This is not a HVAC energy-efficient method.

Different thermostats and dampers are compatible with different HVAC systems, so it’s important to research. Know whether your home uses gas, oil, or Heat Pump systems. Most of the "smart" thermostats will be connected virtually the same way as your old thermostat. However, additional wiring will be needed for connection with remote communicators and alternative control options.

To find a professional HVAC technician in Connecticut, contact us today or browse our online directory.

Preventing Mold in an HVAC System

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Mold grows where there is moisture, so heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are likely areas where unwanted mold spores can begin to thrive. Mold can use the machines as a vessel to get to different areas of the home. Mold spores can cause anything from mild flu-like symptoms to severe allergic reactions, chronic health problems, and even life-threatening illnesses. HVAC systems are generally out of sight, and they have piping and drain pans ideal for spores to grow and cause potential sickness. The key to prevention means understanding the parts of the system, and how each one may breed mold.

Ducts
This is where the air distribution takes place. In the past, HVAC ducts were installed with an interior lining. However, this lining was often porous and trapped dirt along with moisture. Consider replacing old duct lining with a smooth, nonporous material. Watch for leaks and water damage around the ducts.

Drain Pans and Coils
As air-conditioning coils cool, they create condensation that drips into a drain pan and exits through a sloped seal trap. Invest in double-sloped drain pans that will ensure the least amount of leftover water. Modern drain pans are also made out of corrosion-resistant materials. Any standing water in the drain pans has the potential to create a mold environment. Enough growth will clog the drain line of your HVAC.

Air Filters
HVAC technicians should replace your air filters seasonally. This will eliminate any spores accumulating on the old ones. If winter is coming, they should tend to the heating system. If summer is on its way, the air conditioning filter should be replaced. Fans should be turned off when filters are being replaced to avoid the spread of spores.

Dehumidifying and Humidifying Equipment
These machines deal directly with moisture. Empty the drain pan of a dehumidifier as often as possible. Clean the duct linings of your humidifier. No duct lining should remain moist from water spray. If you use these HVACs regularly, you might want to hire a technician to drain and treat the entire system.

There are certain symptoms your HVAC will exhibit in the case of mold growth. Listen for a change in its sound. Is the system performing inefficiently? Are the filters excessively dirty or damp? Is the system old in general? If so, you might consider a new HVAC. Modern systems are built with mold-resistant materials. The also operate more efficiently and can save you a bundle on energy bills.

In the case of HVAC mold growth, your best bet will be to call a remediation professional. Technicians will have the proper chemicals and know-how to kill existing spores while preventing new ones in the future.

To find a Connecticut HVAC technician near you, contact us today or browse our directory.

Indoor Air Quality

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

It is estimated that 80% of our time is spent inside. Therefore, it is imperative that the air we breathe in our homes, offices, schools, and stores is healthy air. Most of the symptoms of poor-quality indoor air can be easily misidentified. These range from mild and flu-like to serious illnesses like liver disease and cancer. Because most buildings today are equipped with HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning), the importance of the maintenance of these systems cannot be underscored enough. Improper filters and dirty or clogged systems circulate unhealthy outdoor air making inhabitants ill.

Common sources of indoor pollutants include tobacco smoke, pesticides on potted plants, carbon monoxide from gas and paraffin heaters, pet allergens, mold, rotting food, radon, and emissions from building materials, furnishings, and office equipment. Ozone can emit from printers, copiers, and ultraviolet light. Formaldehyde may be in wooden products in the home or office. Chemical emissions from carpets and soft furniture can make us sick. Bacteria and dust spread easily through HVACs. If these are poorly filtered—or not filtered at all—it can have devastating consequences.

Respiratory illnesses are a common sign of poor indoor air quality. Symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, snoring, and chest tightness are results of tobacco smoke, bacteria, and badly filtered HVACs. Allergies, asthma, and skin irritations point to mites, pets, mold, and insects.   Lack of oxygen can lead to cardiovascular disease. Secondhand tobacco smoke is a proven culprit, particularly when overall ventilation is poor. Studies show that when tobacco smoke is inhaled unwittingly with radon over time, there is a six to ten times jump in the likelihood of cancer.

The good news is that all of these can be avoided through responsible actions and cleaning habits. Clean well and regularly, including soft furniture where mites may grow. Inquire at your workplace about whether night cleaning crews are an option if they don’t already service your place of employment. Get rid of old food, at work and at home. Make sure coworkers aren’t leaving moldy food in the office fridge. Photocopiers are usually a necessity, but make sure yours is not emitting dangerous gases. Keep printers and copiers away from high-traffic areas. Dispose of old gas heaters.

Employers are responsible for limiting indoor workplace pollutants. Many of the symptoms of poor indoor air quality do not visibly show up or are not discovered until a serious illness has taken effect—and this includes cancer. Many states have outlawed all indoor tobacco smoking, even in bars and restaurants. An enormous factor in eliminating indoor pollutants is by maintaining all HVACs and making sure the filters are clean and fitted.

To find a Connecticut heating and air conditioning specialist in your area, contact us today or browse our directory.

Ventilating a Finished Basement

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

After you've decided to finish your basement, ventilation and air quality might be one of the first things to creep into your mind. Unfinished basements tend to have a dank, musty odor and chilly feel. If you want to make the space a desirable destination for you and your family, the air will have to be temperate and pleasant to breathe. Many heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems already set in place can handle the added space of a finished basement. You will need to make sure that it is properly insulated. Also, you might have to add fans and ducts to evenly distribute the treated air. You might have to extend your heat distribution pipe so its openings are set about 16 inches from outside walls. If this is the case, you will have to run the pipe to the location and install a boot. After the ceiling is completed, you will install the register.

Sometimes it is the case that the existing HVAC does not have the sufficient capacity to treat the air in a basement. A homeowner will need to consider his options. One way to go is installing a self-contained heat pump or separate air-handler. It is possible that this route is more energy efficient and all-around practical. It will give you heat and cold-treated air in one unit. You will avoid having to install extra piping, wiring, and penetrating the basement walls.

If your home's HVAC system was not built to handle the basement space, you might consider revamping or replacing the entire thing. It may seem costly, but it quite possible will save you loads in the long run. If the system is older than fifteen years, it is not up to today's energy-efficient standards. If you decide to replace the existing HVAC system, make sure you install one that is not oversized. It will simply make your energy bills higher and sometimes provide more complications in treating the air in your home, from the attic to the basement.

To ensure proper basement ventilation, it is imperative to seal all air leaks. This will avoid humidity and overall stuffiness. Also, you might consider investing in a dehumidifier, particularly in the summer months. In the winter, your HVAC should emit enough hot, dry air that humidity won't be a problem. One way to reduce humidity in the basement is to install hot air ducts at floor level. In the summer, the air-conditioning should take enough return air from the basement, reducing moisture. Year-round, a modern dehumidifier will reduce chill in a finished basement, as well as give you a break on your heating costs—truly an eco-friendly way to save.

Painting Home Exteriors

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

One of the biggest problems people have when painting the exterior of their home is not properly preparing the surface for the painting process. Like anything else, there are steps one needs to take in order to assure a quality and professional outcome. Sometimes house painting is best left to professionals, though, and there are a number of experienced painting contractors in Connecticut ready to help out.

Preparing your home's surface for paint is an important and crucial step so the paint sticks properly to the surface and lasts for many years. These five basic steps are directed towards wood surfaces. However, most of the information applies to vinyl siding and other surfaces.

Step 1
In order to apply paint, one must first clean the surface. It is a good idea to pressure wash the exterior of your home using a mix of water and bleach to remove all dirt, mold and mildew that may have acquired over time do to weather conditions.

If your pressure washer does not come equipped with an applicator to pick up bleach, consider using a garden hose and scrub brush. The mix should be a rate of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Wet the exterior of your home, spray bleach mix onto the exterior and leave set for five minutes before rinsing. It is best to do so in a short time span. This is to avoid the bleach from laying on the surface too long and causing damage to your home.

Another option is to use a scrub brush and dip into the mix, scrub thoroughly, and followed by a good rinse. It is best to cover all shrubs, trees and plants to protect them from the harmful contents in the bleach and paint.

Step 2
As important as it is to remove chipped, cracked or peeling paint, it is just as important to remove loose caulking. Once you have removed the old caulking, always re-caulk with a quality painter's caulk. Always caulk any holes, cracks, dents, holes or other imperfections, as well as around the doors and windows to keep the weather out.

Step 3
After you have cleaned the surface thoroughly; carefully check over the exterior of your home. Look for any imperfections.. Once the surface is dry, scrape loose any remaining paint. A decent paint scraper can be purchased at any home improvement store. When selecting a paint scraper, choose one that feels comfortable in the palm of your hand.

On some areas of your home you may experience thick paint build up. If this occurs you may want to sand the surface, smoothing over where the old paint ends and the new paint begins.

Step 4
Once you have scraped and sanded the surface, you may experience or see bare spots. If this does occur, it is a good idea to apply a thin coat of primer. By applying a primer, the paint will take better to the surface and will assure a even coat, during the painting process.

Step 5
Allow proper time for the surface of your home to dry. Once it is dry, it is time to apply the paint. Always purchase quality paint to assure a professional and quality outcome.

For a professional painting contractor in Connecticut, contact us today or browse our directory.

10 Steps to Painting Home Exteriors

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Painting the exterior of your home consists of a lot of time, dedication and hard work, but the end results can be a rewarding experience. Today, our homes are our biggest and most profitable asset. By painting the exterior of your home every few years, it can maintain a visual appeal and add value to your home.

A quality paint job can extend the life of your home's siding and trim. Long term, this will save you a lot of time and money. Completing the job and getting it done right consists of more than just applying a new coat of paint to your home's existing exterior. A successful and quality job requires some careful planning and a lot of prep work. Here are a few steps to help you achieve a quality and professional outcome.

Step 1
The biggest and hardest decision you will have to make is choosing a color to paint your house. If you are unsure, your local paint dealer or home improvement center carries a large variety of sample colors. If you have your heart set on keeping your home the same color, it is a good idea to bring a small piece of your existing siding and trim to your local paint dealer or home improvement center to properly and correctly match the existing paint.

Step 2
This can be hard to determine, but do your best to estimate the amount of paint you will need to complete the painting process.. The amount of paint you will need will vary depending on the type of surface you are painting and the amount of square footage to be painted. It is a good idea to consult with your local paint dealer or home improvement center specialist, who can help you determine an estimated amount of paint you will need.

Step 3
Once you select the color of your choice, it is time to use a paint scraper to remove any loose, chipping, cracking or peeling paint from the surface of your home. Always place a drop clothes to collect paint chips, this will avoid contaminating the earth.

Step 4
Once you scraped the old paint from your home, carefully examiner the exterior for chips, cracks, holes or other imperfections. Fill all holes, cracks or existing imperfections with the appropriate caulk or filler; always include the siding and trim work.

Step 5
It is a good idea to pressure wash the exterior of your home using a mix of water and bleach to remove all dirt, mold and mildew that may have acquired over time do to weather conditions. The mix should be a rate of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Wet the exterior of your home, spray bleach mix onto the exterior and leave set for five minutes before rinsing. It is best to do so in a short time span. This is to avoid the bleach from laying on the surface too long and causing damage to your home.

Step 6
Once your home's exterior is clean; sand all surfaces to be painted. This will buff out any rough patches on imperfections on the surface of your home.

Step 7
It is important to repeat Step 5, cleaning your home's exterior.

Pressure wash the exterior of your home using a mix of water and bleach to remove all any dust from the sanding process. The mix should be a rate of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Wet the exterior of your home, spray bleach mix onto the exterior and leave set for five minutes before rinsing. It is best to do so in a short time span. This is to avoid the bleach from laying on the surface too long and causing damage to your home.

Step 8
Allow proper time for the surface to dry and apply a thin coat of primer. Cover the entire surface you plan on painting with primer. Using a primer will allow the paint to grab, stick and hold stronger to the surface.

Step 9
Allow the primer proper dry time. Now it is time to apply the first coat of paint. As important as it is to use high quality paint, it is just as important to use quality paint brushes and rollers.

Step 10
After you have allowed the first coat of paint proper dry time, apply a second coat of paint. Allow it to dry before re-installing the shutters or other hardware.

Paint Finishes Made Easy

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Painting the interior of your Connecticut home consists of a lot of time, dedication and hard work, but the end results can be a rewarding and blissful experience. Today, our homes are our biggest and most profitable asset. The most successful way to ameliorate the beauty of your home, as well as add value is maintaining the interior of your home and painting the walls and trim every few years.

The two hardest decisions you will have to make when painting is choosing a color and determining which type of paint finish best suits you and your family's needs. Should you use satin or flat and more importantly why? Is there a difference between eggshell and glossy? These are all tough questions and it’s hard to get the right answer until you know the facts. Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect paint finish for your home's interior.

Matte Finish: Whether you call it a flat finish or basic wall paint, this type of interior paint has a matte surface. This paint finish is used on the interior of your home and is a wonderful product to camouflage, cover or hide imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. Today, most flat paints claim to be durable and washable. However, under certain circumstances you may need to touch up scratches, cracks or other imperfections with a bit more paint. Once you have completed the painting process it is a good idea to keep some touch up paint on hand.

Flat Enamel: This is durable flat paint with a matte finish. This is a good choice for hallways, dens and powder rooms, as it stands the test of time and holds up well for occasional cleanings.

Eggshell Finish: If you have any concern of what this finish of paint will look like on the walls, close your eyes and envision an egg. This type of paint has a very low sheen as the shell of an egg, but the benefits of a slight hint of shine or gloss. This is a durable finish when it comes to the cleaning process, as it holds up better than flat paint.

Satin Finish: This finish of paint is more durable than an eggshell finish and has a smooth, velvety look with the added bonus of being glossier. This finish is most often and best suited for trim; windows, doors and ceilings, but can also be used on the walls. This finish is best suited for kitchens, bathrooms, kid's bedrooms and other areas of your home with heavy traffic. This finish will hold up to a good cleaning or light scrubbing.

Semi-Gloss: This finish is more durable than a satin finish and is best suited for cabinets, trim and doors in the kitchen, bathroom or other heavy traffic areas of your home. It is easy to clean and is accompanied with a subtle shine, without being overly glossy or glitzy.

Glossy: If you are looking for a reflective, shiny finish of paint that mimics the look of plastic or shiny enamel, your best option is to select paint with a glossy finish. Although it is not a popular choice for the walls of your home, it is a good choice for cabinets, doors, trim and furniture. This finish is best suited and will magnify imperfections on any surface. It is very important to carefully prepare and sand the surface before using or committing to such a high gloss paint.

To get help from a professional painting contractor in Connecticut, contact us today or browse our directory.

Painting for your Family's Needs

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Regardless what you are painting the biggest decision you will have to make besides choosing a color is the type of finish you want. There are a few specific applications one should consider when selecting an interior paint finish for your home. It's also a good idea to enlist the help of a professional painting contractor in Connecticut.

One should always select a paint finish that will best suit you or your family's needs. The biggest mistake people make is selecting the wrong finish and living with the consequences afterwards. Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction when selecting a paint finish for the interior of your home.

Durability: With today's technology manufactures have developed numerous paint finishes with good cleaning qualities. A basic rule is the shiner the finish, the better the product will hold up to a good wash or cleaning. This is especially important in kitchens, bathrooms or high traffic areas of your home.

Any room, such as a bathroom or kitchen will be exposed to water and constant air changing temperatures, and it is best to select a semi-gloss paint finish. A small powder room or guest bathroom will have less traffic, and could be painted in a lower gloss finish. If this is the case, choose a satin or eggshell finish.

When selecting paint always consider the room and the amount of use or wear and tear that room will receive.

Kid-Friendly: When selecting a paint finish for your children's bedroom or connecting bathroom, many experts recommend using a satin or eggshell finish for the walls and a semi-gloss finish for doors and trim work. These two finishes will serve the purpose and are better formulated to withstand vigorous and repeated cleanings.

Shine: Although many people are fond of a high gloss shine, always reconsider painting the whole room with a high gloss shine. Use sparingly, on doors, molding and trim work.. Using a sleek and shiny tone in a whole room can make the room appear cold and uninviting to friends, family and guests. Always take extra time preparing any surface you hope to paint in a high gloss finish, as this finish tends to show even the slightest imperfection.

If you're looking for an old, worn or rustic look, consider using a flat finish. A flat paint gives you the desired look of age, as well as covering imperfections on the wall. If you are concerned with cleaning issues, select a flat enamel for the molding, doors and trim or an eggshell finish for the walls.

Ceilings: When people repaint their walls, they tend to overlook the ceiling. Painting a ceiling is one of the easiest decisions you will have to make when it comes to selecting paint. Most people select a basic white ceiling that you can purchase pre-mixed in a matte finish, which can be purchased straight off the shelf at any home improvement store.

When it comes to painting a ceiling most people select a flat paint, as coverage or cleaning purposes are not particularly important. To give your ceiling a flawless look, one could select an eggshell finish.

For a Connecticut painter near you, contact us today or browse our directory.

Paint the Perfect Kid's Bedroom

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Paint is an easy, fun and inexpensive way to give a child's bedroom a new look without the high cost of a remodel. Painting a child's room is not much different than painting any other living space in your Connecticut home, but it is important to select a paint finish that is both practical and durable.

Step 1
Select a paint that is durable enough to withstand a good washing or cleaning. This is important as small children tend to easily mark the walls with toys, crayons, markers, pencils, pens and fingerprints.

Step 2
Always select a color choice carefully. Allow your child to select two colors he or she likes and dislikes to give you an idea of their personal style and taste. Experts believe some colors can make a huge impact on a child's development and growth.

Dark blue and black tend to create sadness and sorrow, where soft shades of pink, yellow and greens create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

Step 3
Once your child has made their color selection, tape off any areas of the space you don't want painted. It is a good idea to place drop cloths on the floor and over existing furniture. This will avoid paint from splattering on areas you don't want painted and will reduce clean up time.

Step 4
Shake and mix your primer. Pour it into a paint tray and apply to the walls. It is a good idea to use a paint brush on areas that are hard or impossible to reach with a paint roller, including corners and edges near the ceiling. Allow proper dry time. It is a good idea to read the label on the paint can and to follow the instructions accordingly. By applying a primer, it is likely you will only have to apply one coat of paint, instead of two coats.

Step 5
Shake, mix and pour your paint into a paint tray. Roll the paint on the walls with a roller. Try to roll the paint evenly. It is a good idea to use a paint brush on areas that are hard or impossible to reach with a paint roller, including corners and edges near the ceiling.

Step 6
Allow the paint proper dry time, which is important for a professional outcome.

Step 7
Once the paint has dried, it is time to remove painter's tape from the walls. Before you peel the tape off, gently run a razor blade or box cutter slowly along the edge. Avoid pressing too hard, as it will scar or cut the wall. Once this process has been completed, gently pull the painter's tape off the wall.

Step 8
Once the hard work is done, it is time to make the space personal. Add accessories that reflect your child's many interests to really make it feel like their home!

For difficult paint jobs, enlist the help of a professional painting contractor in Connecticut by contacting us or browsing our directory.

Painting Problem Living Spaces

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

It seems that many Connecticut homeowners have at least one room in their house that leaves them in despair. They want to change it, but how? Did you know you can fix most problem living spaces with a simple can of paint? Yes! One can change the entire look and feel of a living space and fool the naked eye with a fresh coat of paint. Believe it or not, it is all done with color. Here are 5 easy and quick fixes that can be achieved through the simple process of painting.

My room is too long, how can I make it look and feel like a normal sized room?

Changing a space can be done by simply tricking the naked eye with color. If this is the case, paint one wall in a warm shade in a neutral or cool room. The warm color on the wall will make the room seem less like a bowling alley and will become an accented feature in the room.

My room seems to be too short, so how can I make the room appear longer?

Again, focus on an accented wall. Paint one wall a cool shade or color. Leave the remaining walls a warm and inviting shade. The cool-colored wall or the accented wall will appear to recede; creating the illusion the room is slimmer, larger and longer.

The ceilings in my home are too high, how can I make them appear lower?

Some homeowners see high ceilings as a nightmare, but others who do not have them find them divine. If the ceilings in your home appear to be too high, paint the ceiling a darker color than the walls. After completing this step if you still feel your ceilings are too high, paint the top 12 inches of the wall in the same color as the ceiling. This will immediately create an intimate feel in your living space.

The ceilings in my home are too low, how can I make them appear higher?

Some Connecticut homeowners find that low ceilings add an intimate feel in a living space, where others find them to be constricting. One trick of the trade in making your ceiling appear higher is to paint the ceiling a lighter color than the walls and bring the wall color up on the ceiling about six inches, or paint the baseboards in your home the same color as the wall. This will create the illusion of height in any living space.

A room in my home has no windows, so it feels closed in and dark. How can I open the space and add light?

Without adding a window to your living space, consider painting the walls in a light or pale color. This does not necessarily mean your walls have to be white, but lighter colors reflect light and give the illusion of a larger, brighter, open space.

For help with your painting job in Connecticut, find a professional painting contractor near you by contacting us today!

Basement Finishing Raises the Value of Homes

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

You've got a couple of options if you would like to make your home in Connecticut larger. One is adding an addition, and the second is finishing the basement. Whether you want a playroom, entertaining space, game area, office or home gym, look down to the dank, dark basement and reconsider its function. Refinishing the basement can take an efficient basement finishing contractor two weeks, or a do-it-yourself homeowner six months or more. The result can raise the value of your home by a significantly large margin. In fact, studies show that a finished basement and a redone kitchen are first in the best financial returns of all home renovations. But it must be planned and executed properly to get the most out of your investment.

Many homeowners believe that the more exotic or unique a space is, the more it is worth. It is the opposite that is true, especially in the case of a finished basement. Specialized functions such as a darkroom, bowling alley, or home theater with stadium seating, actually hinder your financial return when it comes time to sell your home. These novel ideas, while interesting, do not appeal to a broad range of folks. A separate wine cellar is one thing, but the best value will come from neutral themes and components. If a prospective buyer wants to have the finished basement be a rumpus room, he might not mind a wet bar in the corner. However, a built-in home sauna might be a deterrent.

Make the space suit your needs, but make it interesting and a desirable place for others to be. A finished basement is separate from the rest of the house, so you might want to hire a contractor or designer who is experienced in the challenges of finishing a basement. It is a one-of-a-kind task because there are functional components like furnaces, support poles, ducts, pipes, and valves, to mask and make flow with the room. A good designer might incorporate the clunky, industrial features of a basement into its scheme. It will cost more to have special design features that are universally appealing, but it is worth it in the end.

The average person will spend twelve to twenty-five percent the cost of the actual home on finishing the basement. If you are spending less, consider what you are paying for. The goal is to make it a place in which you and your family will spend time. A less-than-desirable space may be the end result if you do not expend on high-quality materials—and this includes carpentry components. You want top-notch, moisture-resistant floors, walls, and ceilings to keep out the dankness. You want to walk down the stairs and be wowed at the functional space that will be sure to pay off when it comes time to sell.

For a basement finishing contractor in Connecticut, contact us today or browse our directory.

Basement Home Theater

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Finishing your basement in Connecticut may be quite a worthwhile expenditure for your household's film buff. A finished basement is the ideal spot in the home for an extensive home theater system and media center. There are several ways to make this separate space as sound efficient and comfortable as the local multiplex.

The first and most important step is taking care of all moisture problems, including a wet foundation. Water and electricity do not mix, and the last thing you want is mold or mildew spores on your expensive electronic equipment, so basement waterproofing is the way to go. Structural work, including earthquake retrofitting, must be completed before you think about building your home theater.

Next, think about exactly how many people you expect to enjoy the system at a time. Will all the neighbors be coming over each week for Monday Night Football? Or will it be the family watching a movie together? Will you be investing in rows of stadium seating, or just a large couch and a couple of beanbag chairs? Seating and furniture is an important but often forgotten part of a home theater budget.

Speaking of budget, when it comes to electronics, expect more than half of your investment to be on speakers and video. There are a plethora of options and many of them are a matter of taste. You will probably be going high-definition for video—but do you want flat-panel plasma, rear projection, front projector and screen, or LCD? The high-quality video should be matched with top-notch sound. If you spend $2500 on a projection system, expect to spend at least the same amount on a 5.1 channel speaker system (or more for 7.1 channel). Cables, wiring, receivers, and other electronics can cost you an extra $1,000. Do your homework as far as the shape of your room and the appropriate screen size, especially if you are going with a projector system. Calculate the “throw” distance and zoom ranges, keeping in mind where you will be sitting in the basement. Audio professionals suggest placing surround-sound speakers on the side and rear walls of your basement home theater, not the ceiling, for the maximum experience.

Don’t forget to insulate the basement. The explosions in an action flick, or crowd at a football game, can travel through walls and disrupt other members of the household. This should be done early in the process. Insulate the floor beneath the main level of the house, which is the basement’s ceiling, with soundproof material. The floor of the basement should be wood, vinyl, or carpet. Concrete floors will create an echo with your home theater system. For the same reason, cover cement walls with sheetrock, drywall, or panels. Hang blackout blinds on basement windows— and you’ve got the ultimate night or day home theater experience.

For a basement finishing contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today!

The Basics of Windows

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

When you consider remodeling your Connecticut home, you are faced with a lot of unfamiliar questions. Some contractors can take your knowledge for granted and assume you know as much as they do, but the truth is most homeowners have little to no skills or knowledge on the subject, and it is easy to become frustrated when you are confronted with selecting building materials you are unaware of. As a homeowner, the hardest decision you will have to make is deciding what windows will best suit your needs.

During the process there are a few basic questions you should ask yourself. Are wood windows a good selection for my climate or will they require constant maintenance? Is the added cost of wood windows in my budget? Are vinyl windows common for my local area? Does the contractor charge extra to install wood or vinyl windows?

Here is a list of window terminology to help you through the tough process of selecting the perfect windows for your home:

Grid - A grid is a decorative design placed outside or between the glasses.

Frame width - In wood window applications, the term frame width should match the size of the studs.

Mulled - This is a contractor's term best used to describe two windows being built together at the factory.

Rough opening - A rough opening is a term used to describe the wall opening needed to allow for proper installation of the window. The size is listed on the window quote to assure proper window installation and function.

Tempered glass - This is the term used for a specific type of glass that is shatter resistant.

Transom – This is the term for operable window placed above a larger window. They are usually used for added lighting or ventilation, but are most commonly used as decoration only.

Window type - This term is used to describe windows that are available in many different styles; fixed, single hung, double hung, slider, casement and awning.

The first step towards making any solid decision is to research the various styles and types of windows. This can be done by visiting well-known window manufacturer's websites. Most websites will provide technical information, photo galleries and other resources to help you find a local dealer in your area.

For a Connecticut window contractor near you, contact us today or browse our directory.

Tips for Purchasing Energy-Efficient Windows

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Purchasing replacement windows in Connecticut will put money back into your pocket if you choose to replace your old existing windows with new energy-efficient windows. You will especially notice a difference during the hot summer months and cold winter months.

It's important to remember your current location and the design and layout of your home. This plays a major role on the style and selection of energy-efficient windows you select for your home.

A family living in the northern region will need different windows than a family living in the southern region. The environment and climate conditions are entirely different, and windows will need to serve each purpose.

The windows you select should be purchased by the design of your home. The direction and size of the windows are more important than one would think.

In hot or heat dominated regions, windows facing south should be heavily glazed. This is done to make efficient use of solar heat during the cold and bitter winter months. The windows should also possess a solar heat gain co-efficient of more than .6 but a U-factor of less than .35 to assure heat transfer is reduced during the hot and humid summer months.

Those who live in cooling dominated regions should focus on the north-facing windows. It is a good idea to have the windows facing the south shaded by trees, bushes and porches to minimize the sunlight and heat. Tinted or reflective windows are not suggested for these climates. It has been suggested they reduce the SHGC and allow more heat in during the spring and summer months.

In the regions where temperature fluctuates higher, wooden frames should be avoided. This has been suggested because the materials have been known to expand and contract. Wood laminate window frames are a better option and maintain the same aesthetic appeal.

If you live in heat-dominated regions, glass-filled windows are the best choice. They provide better insulation and considerably reduce the U-factor. Tinted glass is popular and a good choice. The only downside to tinted glass is it can cause indoor plants to die due to the lack of sunlight.

Glaze glass is another good choice. They have multiple panes of glass. Such types of glass are recommended for cooler climate regions. However, the cost of double-pane or triple-pane windows is much higher than single-pain windows, but they last indefinitely and dramatically reduce cooling costs in the hot summer months.

Before making any quick decisions you should consider the variety of glass before buying energy efficient windows. This is what will determine the amount of energy you conserve. Whatever your choice may be, remember to always take into consideration the available options and select one that best fits your needs.

Enlist the help of a professional window contractor in Connecticut by contacting us or browsing our directory.

Replacing Ceiling Tiles

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Over time, old or existing ceiling tiles in our Connecticut homes may need to be replaced for various reasons. While some reasons may be quite obvious, others may be far more subtle and undetectable. Here are 4 signs to look for to indicate if your existing ceiling tiles may need to be replaced.

Sign 1
With time and age the appearance of your existing ceiling tiles can become discolored and unattractive to look at. Breaking pipes or leaks, as well as your home's heating source over time can cause tiles to yellow and stain. The biggest problem and reason that is responsible for yellowing the ceiling tiles in your home is cigarette smoke.

When your ceiling tiles become discolored, they are no longer attractive to look at and it is time for them to be replaced.

Sign 2
Like anything else, ceiling tiles have a life span. There life span usually lasts 10 years. With time, ceiling tiles can stain, warp, and become weak and brittle causing them to break. If this occurs it is time to replace them.

Sign 3
Ceiling tiles made prior to 1981 may contain asbestos and should be replaced. Asbestos may and can be extremely hazardous to your health. There are strict guidelines one must follow to remove asbestos ceiling tiles from your home.

Sign 4
If you recently renovated or updated your home, your existing ceiling tiles will more than likely show their age and take away from the new elements of your home. Always include your ceiling tiles as part of the process when renovating your home.

For a ceiling contractor in Connecticut, contact us today or browse our directory.

Ceiling Maintenance

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Regular ceiling maintenance will help keep your Connecticut ceiling in good shape for years to come. Ceiling tiles come in a large variety of different styles, colors and materials such as acoustic, metal and tin. Each comes with their own set of challenges, especially when it comes to cleaning. For cleaning techniques and cleansers it is best to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

When you decide it is time to clean a room, it is recommended you start from the top of the room and work your way to the bottom of the room. If you choose only cleaning the ceiling tiles, be sure to cover the furniture and flooring to protect them against dust particles. Here is a list of guidelines that will explain what and how to clean different types of ceiling tiles.

Porous ceiling tiles are best known as acoustic tiles. This type of ceiling tile is found in older homes and some commercial buildings. These ceiling tiles are the hardest to clean and maintain, as they consist of porous fibers. They are neither smooth nor sealed. When cleaning these tiles use a feather duster. It will remove most of the loose dust.

Another alternative for cleaning is to use a vacuum cleaner and its attachments. This will easily remove dust, dirt and spider webs.

Metal ceiling tiles are pressed together from detailed designs. It is easy for dirt and dust to build up in the grooves. Certain metal ceiling tiles are shiny and polished, where others are painted. These tiles are usually found in older homes. To clean metal and tin ceiling tiles, use feather duster and lightly dust over the surface. A gentle touch is required to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.

If your metal or tin ceiling tiles get really dirty, wipe them clean with a gentle mix of water and dish soap. The dirt should easily wipe off leaving your metal ceiling tiles fresh and clean. You may want to replace ceiling tiles that refuse to come clean.

Some people don't know, but the most common household ceiling tiles are synthetic. They are made of vinyl or PVC plastic. Synthetic ceiling tiles come in a large variety of finishes and styles. They are equally as detailed as metal and have a clean, smooth surface, as well as being waterproof and very easy to clean and maintain.

Once you have cleaned the ceiling tiles, they should look and shine like new. Like other types of tiles, if you have one that refuses to come clean the best option is to replace it with a new tile.

Considering a Home Sauna

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

When it comes to planning a home sauna in Connecticut, there are several practical points to consider. From placement to building materials to energy source, the proper planning is of the utmost importance for the sauna’s function and for your personal safety. Installing a home sauna is challenging for even the most seasoned do-it-yourself homeowner. Those less handy should go with a pre-fabricated or portable sauna, rather than building from scratch.

First, decide on your heat source. The most popular options are gas, electricity, and wood. Gas is likely the most economical, but be sure you test regularly for carbon monoxide. Electricity is convenient for indoor and outdoor saunas, and it is the standard energy source for infrared saunas. You should consult an electrician when planning the size of an electric sauna because if the heater is too large it can dangerously overheat. Wiring should be rated for 194 degrees and it should be set on the wall’s coolest side. Many swear by heating a sauna with wood, with its relaxing, comforting aroma. Be sure your homeowner’s insurance covers a wood stove—and also if it is legal by local building regulations. Be forewarned that wood requires cutting, hauling, and regular ash disposal.

A sauna can go almost anywhere, indoors or out. The energy source can be a factor when it comes to location. For example, electricity might not be a wise decision if your sauna will be close to water. For indoor steam saunas, you may need extra plumbing and drains. This is the case for outdoor saunas, unless you can collect water from another source like a remote faucet or lake.

To avoid moisture accumulation, install a foil vapor barrier in your sauna. For insulation, go with conventional fiberglass that has an R-13 rating. Because heat rises, the ceiling will need insulation with a higher rating, R-22 to R-26. A fresh air intake vent is imperative. The best place for it is near the floor below the heater. Doors of the sauna must open outward, as your building plan will require. The exhaust fan should be placed across from the fresh air intake vent to keep the oxygen flowing. If you want your sauna handicapped-accessible, make sure the entry is level, with a 36-inch wide doorway instead of a 24-inch one.

A home sauna will raise the price of your home. It will give you your own spa experience whenever you want to step inside. With this in mind, you should plan on making the most comfortable environment. Do you want to sit or lie down in the sauna? Use a good backrest and invest in high-quality benches. How many people will be using the sauna at once? Do you want a shower attachment? Or do you want a cool down area or changing room? Size and accessories are big budget factors, so plan accordingly.

To find a sauna installation contractor in Connecticut, contact us today or browse our directory!

Hot Tubs

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

There are several points to consider if you are thinking about adding a hot tub to your Connecticut home. Of course there is the fun factor, but the practicalities are just as important. Style, location, jet system, cost, and safety precautions are all things you must think about before you take the plunge, so to speak. Proper planning and execution will help you relax that much more, when your new hot tub is full of welcoming water.

First, figure out your budget. Smaller, two-person hot tubs begin around $4,000. Larger, six-person hot tubs can cost $10,000 or more. A good dealer can give you an estimate of monthly usage costs. The hot tub is an investment. You will save money in the long run if you decide on extras like full foam insulation surrounding the shell and plumbing. Plan on purchasing a custom-fit hot tub cover that creates a well-insulated barrier around the bar top. These factors will save you a bundle on monthly energy costs.

Many hot tub dealers will allow you to take a dip before you decide, so bring your swimsuit to the showroom. Think about how many people will be using your hot tub. Multiply 75 gallons of water by the number of people who will be using the hot tub, to arrive at the desired water capacity. When "test driving" in the showroom, take note of the ease of entry and exit. Is the seat depth too high or too low? Is there enough foot space? Can you access the controls easily? Are there headrests? Take stock of general comfort factors. Of course, notice the jets. Some folks prefer more powerful jets than others. It is important to note the variety of jets and their positions throughout the hot tub. How loud is the jet noise? Some hot tubs are created exclusively for hydrotherapy, and these will address all major muscle areas. You may want to have customized regulation of the amount of air and water that is supplied to the jets, called "jet flow adjustability."

Most modern hot tubs are made of acrylic, which is easily maintained and very durable. Some are made of natural materials such as redwood. These are charming, however, they are harder to clean and more susceptible to insect and fungus damage. They also do not have the contoured seating of acrylic hot tubs. It is always wise to have a hot tub cover with a lock, regardless of whether or not there are children in your home. You want any model of hot tub you are thinking about to be listed by a known independent testing agency. A licensed electrician should connect the unit at your home. Adhere to your new hot tub’s testing and cleaning instructions, and you will enjoy the unit for many years to come.

To find a Connecticut hot tub specialist near you, browse our directory or contact us today!

Gazebos

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

For those of you with a green thumb, the idea of a garden gazebo in your Connecticut home may be especially appealing. If you spend a lot of time sowing, cultivating, and harvesting, wouldn't it be a pleasure to sit inside a gazebo enclosure, surrounded by the growths to which you lovingly tend? Fresh veggies, fragrant spices, and bright flowers— there may be no better place in the yard to entertain, or relax on your own.

Probably the most popular style for a garden gazebo is the Victorian. It is the classic gazebo shape, an eight-sided floor with lattice walls and posts holding up the peaked, closed ceiling. You might think about installing climbing vines such as ivy or wisteria along the lattice walls for added quaintness and privacy. A variety on the Victorian gazebo is a square style. With this shape, there is an option to install in the corner of your garden for optimal space.

Open roof gazebos are for the garden dwellers that enjoy basking in the sun, or stargazing on summer nights. Lattice walls are often used on this style as well. Again, consider wall growths for a cozy feel or if privacy is a concern. Some open roof gazebos are designed to block the sun with cathedral-like rafter construction, or a trellis-like sloping roof.

A garden gazebo should be made out of wood—a natural material in a natural setting. Red cedar, pine, and bamboo are most popular. Especially in the garden, bugs and moisture can cause rapid decay on any wood that is not properly treated. Seal and stain regularly to prevent cracking and eroding. Stick to earth tones with your garden gazebo. For paint, consider a calming brown or green that will meld gently with the surroundings. A gentle blue would be perfect if you live near a lake or the ocean.

If your garden is small, stick with a small gazebo. You don't want the gazebo to overwhelm the area; you want it to be an accent sanctuary. It shouldn't take up more than one-quarter of the garden, and it shouldn't be so tall that it overshadows. If you want a big gazebo, consider planting more seeds and expanding your garden.

Benches, a hammock, even planter boxes lining the lattice walls. Make the garden gazebo a place you will want to spend time. The investment will cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, the least expensive option a little gazebo that is meant only for decoration. The more elaborate, the more the cost rises. But it is a worthwhile investment for those of us who want to spend more time in the garden, but completely leisure. Paint whimsical stencils, or keep it solid and handsome. All day you can enjoy your garden gazebo, from the morning coffee and newspaper, to an evening glass of wine beneath the stars.

For a gazebo contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today!

Patio Options

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

There are a lot of options to consider if you are thinking about a new patio surface for your Connecticut home. Factors to consider include style, cost, climate, and the amount of traffic and stress your patio will endure. If choosing indoor flooring seems tough, choosing outdoor surfaces may seem especially daunting. Who will be using the patio, and how often? Do your homework to narrow down the choices significantly.

Brick
Red or yellow brick has been a popular patio choice for a long time. There are two important things to consider with brick. The first is to pay attention to the weather rating. Severe Weather, Moderate Weather, and Negligible Weather are applicable to any given climate. Second, remember that a brick is uneven—not a particularly friendly surface for small children or the elderly.

Patio Stones
Patio stones are square or rectangular slabs of pressed concrete. This material is a well-recognized patio surface, easily installed and relatively inexpensive. Many people edge patio stone with a contrasting material such as brick, wood, or landscape rock.

Slate and Stone
AKA flagstone, which is a natural material cut often irregularly, which looks nice but makes it a little more difficult to install. The stones must be set tightly beside one anther, yet the thickness and different cuts make this a challenge. The technique is often called “crazy paving,” as the varying shapes are laid in random patterns. Handsome and elegant, this material is more expensive than patio stone.

Rubber
This is a wise choice if you will have toddlers or small children running around the patio. Outdoor rubber flooring will cushion a tumble and provide a smooth playing surface for tricycles and toys.

Poured Concrete
This is often less expensive than stone or brick, product cost and installation. Poured concrete can be shaped to any patio pattern. It can be finished to your choice of color and texture. The concrete must be laid with “rebar,” or steel rods in a crisscross pattern. It will set, and then it must be weather-treated. Poured concrete is the most popular patio surface option.

Gravel
Gravel is an inexpensive patio surface option that can be quite elegant, paired with rock, brick, and other materials. The texture and color options are endless. It is easy on the feet, and can make for an interesting surface option for a Southwest look or art deco motif.

There are a few more viable options for your new patio surface. Cork is an eco-friendly material, and a soft smooth material on which to play. It is not waterproof, however, and will likely need to be covered. Vinyl and laminate flooring are possible outdoor options, but be sure you get the outdoor, waterproof variety.

To find a patio contractor in Connecticut, contact us or browse our directory.

Swimming Pool Landscaping

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Whether your pool in Connecticut is recently installed or you are looking to jazz up the existing one, there are some great exterior design options that go along with the theme of having fun in the sun. Of course, safety comes first. With that in mind, consider some surrounding summer accents to enjoy each time you take a dip or sunbathe.

Cool patio paving choices

The last thing you want is a dull parking lot-style patio around your pool. Also, keep in mind that the people using the pool will be most likely barefoot. The walking surface should be comfortable and cool to the touch, smooth bunt not slippery.

For that reason you may want to avoid pavement and concrete, which will become overheated under the sun and burn your bare feet. Wooden pool decks and vinyl are the patio materials of choice where the sun beats hard.

Paving stone and ceramic tiles are handsome surface options for a pool patio.

Consider sun-reflecting paints on an existing pool patio, or resurface the patio with a stay-cool product.

Patio Furniture

Get creative with patio furniture. Think of your pool patio as an extension of your home interior. Do you like edgy? Contemporary? Classic?
Think about reclining Adirondack chairs with water-resistant cushions.
Invest in big sturdy umbrellas for the patio table with nautical stripes.
Wrought iron glass tables add an air of extravagance, if you plan on entertaining poolside.
Keep it comfortable, functional, and stylish.

Be sure to provide shady shelters around your pool. Large umbrellas, pergolas, and trellises work great. Think about a low-maintenance climbing vine to train through the trellis or overhead latticework. This will add shade and greenery charm. Scented vines such as jasmine are lovely, be forewarned that the fragrance tends to attract bees. You may want to keep these a little further off the beaten path.

Pool Landscaping

When it comes to plants and pool landscaping, stay away from growths that tend to drop fruit or excessive leaves. This can lead to damaged pool filters and constant cleaning.

Also, while a freshly planted tree or large shrub will add handsome aesthetics as it grows, it may just end up a burden. Roots may burst through the walls of your pool—quite a costly problem. It is nice to add plants around the pool to your taste, but do your homework or seek the advice of a Connecticut Landscaping professional before you regret what may become a green headache.

The pool patio is a fabulous place to “garden.” Install planters around the border, tiers of plant stands, and hanging pots. A patio “fire pit” is a pot that sits in its own self-contained stand, is great for night pool parties, along with tiki torches.

Remember, no matter what, that a safe strong fence and ample lighting are imperative choices for your swimming pool landscape.

To find a swimming pool contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today!

Share |

Whimsical Sheds Become Garden Accents

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

Sheds are no longer shabby little service outbuildings, hidden in a corner of the property. New sheds are being built to become a valuable asset to the landscape, if not the main focus, following the architectural style of the house or in a whimsical, playful style of their own.

They are not just used for service and storage either. They are being turned into play houses, ateliers, workshops, meditation rooms.

There are several styles of sheds available, and many stand out simply by the material by which they are constructed. Thinking about a new shed for your Connecticut home's backyard?
There's a myriad of cool shed plans and ideas available over the Internet, to inspire you, and a trusted HRACT Specialty Contractor will build a shed you can be proud of.

What will your particular outbuilding be used for? Deciding this can reduce the options significantly and make for a much easier road to completion.

Tool Shed
This is probably what comes to mind for most of us when we hear the word "shed." If you are looking to provide yourself with a place to store garden and lawn equipment, household tools, and chemicals like paint and fertilizer, construct a traditional tool shed. Consider wall pegboard to hang tools and reduce clutter, and L-shaped brackets for keeping equipment off the ground. Install double doors if you will be housing your lawn mower or tractor. Particularly if you have children or pets, put a lock on the door if you are storing chemicals in the shed.

Firewood Storage Shed
This outbuilding has one function: keeping your firewood dry. Often this is a lean-to, with an open design and slanted roof. Stack the wood close to the wall as you can and seal any cracks in the wall and ceiling. Exposure to dry air is good for the wood—but not exposure to rain and snow.

Chicken Shed
Home chicken coops have always been popular in rural areas, and are now on the rise in suburbia. Raising your own chickens gives you a healthy organic alternative to store-bought eggs and poultry.

Post and Beam Shed
These stylish outbuildings resemble a Tudor home. It is possible to make your handsome shed more than one story with high rafters. A post and beam shed makes for a great hobby hut, play area, garden office, or simple place to unwind away from the main house.

When it comes to outbuilding materials, wood is the traditional choice and extremely durable if constructed properly. Plastic makes for a nice, simple storage space for garden tools, toys, and bicycles. Constructing an outbuilding of metal has numerous benefits. Metal is recyclable, which makes it the ultimate sustainable choice. It lasts longer than plastic and wood and it has the strength to stand on its own without needing extra beams or reinforcements. Steel, in particular, is an extremely strong and wallet-friendly metal outbuilding option. Metal may be coated with vinyl or plastic, and also painted at a low cost. The drawbacks to a metal shed include draftiness and lack of warmth—temperature is tough to manage in a metal building that is not insulated. Talk to an outbuilding contractor about your design and building material options before making a decision. It really matters what you want the shed to function as. An outbuilding can come in a prefabricated kit or you can build from scratch, which will take quite a bit longer—but may be more rewarding.

To find a shed contractor in Connecticut, browse our directory and contact us today

Image Credits:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22280677@N07/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Share |

New Ideas for Old Interior Walls

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 15:26:13 -0500

We all know that the main purpose of interior walls is to separate rooms, provide privacy and organize the floor plan. However they are more than simple room dividers.They can provide a showcase for family photographs, artwork, serve as a backdrop for your furniture and other home accessories. Walls provide support for storage units, books shelves and flat screen TVs, which can save some space in the room.

New interior design trends call for smaller spaces, re-purposed, multi-function rooms, in which walls play an important role. In the next few decades of the new millennium walls, (or even the absence of them) will literally define the tone, style and atmosphere of the whole room.

If you are planning to remodel and update your Connecticut home, start by looking at your existing interior walls and the inumerous possibilities they offer. Painting,moving, demolishing, cutting, building, re-surfacing or re-purposing them can, many times, create a whole new look, enhance functionality and define the style of your project.

Interior Wall Types

The most common material for interior walls is drywall. Walls made with drywall are lightweight and incredibly easy to puncture with little to minimal force. They are also easy to cut through, move and take down, provided they are not load bearing walls.

Some older homes may contain interior walls made of brick, wood, rock, adobe or wooden frames covered in layers and layers of plaster. These walls are made much strudier, which can be an advantage if you are planning to use them to support shelves and heavy fixtures, but they arenot as flexible as drywall. Building and demolishing them is usually more expensive and involve a messier, more disruptive process.

Re-purposing Walls.

Interior walls have potential. They don't have to be a big, boring or white slate. They can be turned into an accent, a decorative or functional element, a storage unit, a work of art. They can make rooms bigger or smaller, they can define task areas.

Before re-purposing walls, which usually involve cutting through, moving, demolishing or using it to suport another element, consider it's structure. Load bearing walls, which support the home's structure should not be modified or demolished without the help of an experienced wall remodeling professional, able to perform the task without compromising structural integrity.

When dealing with drywall, the frame and location of the studs, needs to be considered. It is also important to consider wiring and plumbing configurations, when applicable.

Creative ways to re-purpose existing interior walls include: moving them, demolishing them and cutting doorways, passages, and service windows. For example, a popular trend, which interior design specialists say will last way into the second quarted of this century, are family rooms with adjacent dining rooms and kitchens. Walls no longer separate the cook from the rest of the family at meal preparation time, or the busy host from guests at home parties. Kitchen walls are either inexistent or gained service windows.

Transforming the wall into a book shelf, storage or display unit is also great way to utilize an existing wall, and save some space. Instead of a bulky entertainment center, for example, a wall-mounted flat screen TV and some shelves to store media and display decorative elements will save you some useful space in a Home Theater project. Modern electric fireplaces, which have designs made to match just about any architectural or decoration style, can be mounted in existing walls and add a cozzy, romantic touch to the room.

Painting and decorating interior walls

Giving your existing interior walls a a new color is probably the easier and most inexpensive way to completely update the look of your home. Today with the large variety of interior paints and wall covering products, there are so many colors, tones, patterns and textures to choose from, that having the old plain, white or off white treatment is almost a waste of a perfectly good wall. With a little elbow grease, time and a paint roller you boring walls can be a masterpiece, and make the rooms come to life.

Applying texture with special compounds and tools, or using faux-finish techniques give interior walls personality and a one-of-a kind customized look.

Wall papers, and even more popular and very inexpensive wall decals can define patterns and themes for any room of the house. Try to elect a single wall in the room and transform it into an accent wall by applying contrasting colors, or eye catching textures and patterns by wainscoting, stenciling, faux finishing, using velvet appliqués and wall decals.
Make an statement with wall word stickers, now quite popular.

Don't feel like getting your hands dirty? If you live in Connecticut call one of our reputable painting contractors for a professional looking finish and none of the hassle. Or have some fun with your walls and hire a Connecticut mural artist to create a trompe a l'oeil.

Resurfacing and trimming walls

Adding wood, plaster or plastic trims and accents, such as crown molding, decorative baseboards and architectural elements gives walls a sophisticated, high-end finished look.
Modern wall panels, made with different materials can give walls a contemporary look. Wooden wall panels, which were popular during the 70's, were given an updated look and made a huge come back this past decade remaining as a big trend for the next. New materials currently being used to resurface walls include stainless steel, mirrors, tile mosaics, acrilic, formica and, another huge trend, panels made with "green" or recycled metarials.

Room dividers made of wicker, decorative jigsaw-like cardboard puzzle pieces, iron, stained glass, silk on a wooden or metal frame or any other material that can be used to serve as a wall are also growing in popularity.

Interior walls under a different light

Sometimes, the most creative solutions are also the simplest ones. Changing the lighting in a room and the way it shines upon the walls can give them depth, character and drama.You like your existing walls but feel like there is something missing? Install some new light fixtures that will enhance color, texture or create dramatic shadow effects and you wil have an instant upate without any of the mess!

What is important to know is that, no matter what you decide to do to update your Connecticut home , the Home Remodeling Association of Connecticut has the right and most reputable wall and ceiling contractors for the job. Contact us and let us help you make your remodeling dreams come true.

The projects featured in this article were executed by a Artizon Construction LLC, a trusted HRACT Member in Stamford.

Share |