By Debbie Davis
Creating a home that is environmentally friendly not only helps you, but helps the environment both now and in the future. "Green" has become the buzz word for making decisions in your home that make it a healthier place to be. Here are 5 ways to get the most for the money you will spend when creating a green home.
1. Using double or triple pane windows, and thermal doors with tight seals mean you keep out the heat and the cold more efficiently which means you use less energy to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
2. Look for appliances that are energy star rated. The Energy Star is awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and holds manufacturers and their products to a high standard in terms of its consumption of energy. And although these products sometimes cost more up front, they make up for the initial expense with lower power usage.
3. There are many innovative and creative products on the market now which give home owners the option to use earth friendly materials such as floors and furniture that are made from recycled products. Using old flooring, furniture, and architectural pieces that have been salvaged from older homes is also an excellent way to reuse and recycle. These seemingly small touches, when used by enough conservation- minded people, make a big difference to the environment and make an elegant addition to any home.
4. The use of organic fabrics, carpets, and other products mean fewer chemicals to off gas into your air. This means you and your family breathe less chemicals, and healthier air quality which means a healthier lifestyle.
5. Look for alternate sources of energy such as solar panels. Harnessing the sun's energy for heating and cooling is a clean source of fuel and uses less of the earth's resources. Low energy light bulbs, and dimmer switches are additional ways that you can choose to use only the power you need when you need it.
6. Consider using a programmable thermostat for heating and cooling that allows you to use less energy when you are away during the day. These timers will also allow you to set timers to keep the temperature slightly cooler at night during the winter months, and slightly warmer during the day if you work outside your home. This may seem like a lot of trouble, but the saving in costs and the environment add up to a considerable amount over time.
7. Regardless of how green your home is, there are certain indoor air pollutants such as household dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and pet dander that are impossible to keep out. And once they are inside, a green home, because it is so well insulated, unless you do something, getting the pollutants out is all but impossible. Using a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air purifier that has earned the Energy Star Seal will take your indoor air to the next level of healthy.
An excellent HEPA air purifier that has earned the Energy Star Seal is offered by PurerAir.com-- the ECO10 Air Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/blueair_eco10.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Davis
For information on do-it-yourself projects and to keep your home a "green" castle:
http://knkhomeimprovements.com
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
HOME::Home-Improvement/Remodeling
By Mel Inglima
Some homes are just not worth the trouble. They're old, cut up, and often structurally unsound. Any attempt to modernize would just be a waste of money. On the other hand, a well-built home in a good neighborhood that suffers from poor interior design could be ripe for a major interior make-over.
How do you know? You need some professional help. Structure Soundness and the Built-in Limitations Builders will tell you that pretty much anything can be done, if you want to pay for it! Builders talk about bearing walls and other structural components. Sometimes engineers will have to get involved and certainly experienced builders will have to solve those structural issues when want a major change.
Older homes have more limitations than newer ones. In the past 20 years or so it has become more common to put the structural features on exterior walls leaving interior walls for partitions rather than bearing walls. Yet, even with many current designs, this cannot be accomplished.
Two story homes, stairwells, and other features require support from the roof to the foundation and interior bearing walls often provide the cheapest solutions.
Single Story Homes and Trussed Rafters Provide Flexibility The best candidates for knocking down interior walls and creating bigger rooms and better flow are one story homes. In recent years, roof rafters were likely made as trusses. These are structurally engineered to span from one outer wall to the other (or a limited number of interior walls) to allow interior walls to be non-load bearing. Even the interior walls that are load-bearing, can sometimes be removed without too much expense if the load can be easily transferred to nearby structural components. In these cases, a lot can be done to change the interior of the home for relatively low cost.
Permits, Professionals, and Procedures Never guess. Always get professional help when removing or moving walls. These kinds of remodels usually require permits as well. But whether or not you get permits, you simply must know what you're dealing with. Licensed builders, structural engineers, architects and interior designers are your best bets. The first step is often to hire an interior designer. Many are experienced with structural issues and can point out potential problem areas. They will help you devise a plan and steer you to the other professionals you need. They could even act as your remodeling coach. A great way to get started.
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com. You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
Check out http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com for more information on do-it-yourself projects and help to get it done.
Some homes are just not worth the trouble. They're old, cut up, and often structurally unsound. Any attempt to modernize would just be a waste of money. On the other hand, a well-built home in a good neighborhood that suffers from poor interior design could be ripe for a major interior make-over.
How do you know? You need some professional help. Structure Soundness and the Built-in Limitations Builders will tell you that pretty much anything can be done, if you want to pay for it! Builders talk about bearing walls and other structural components. Sometimes engineers will have to get involved and certainly experienced builders will have to solve those structural issues when want a major change.
Older homes have more limitations than newer ones. In the past 20 years or so it has become more common to put the structural features on exterior walls leaving interior walls for partitions rather than bearing walls. Yet, even with many current designs, this cannot be accomplished.
Two story homes, stairwells, and other features require support from the roof to the foundation and interior bearing walls often provide the cheapest solutions.
Single Story Homes and Trussed Rafters Provide Flexibility The best candidates for knocking down interior walls and creating bigger rooms and better flow are one story homes. In recent years, roof rafters were likely made as trusses. These are structurally engineered to span from one outer wall to the other (or a limited number of interior walls) to allow interior walls to be non-load bearing. Even the interior walls that are load-bearing, can sometimes be removed without too much expense if the load can be easily transferred to nearby structural components. In these cases, a lot can be done to change the interior of the home for relatively low cost.
Permits, Professionals, and Procedures Never guess. Always get professional help when removing or moving walls. These kinds of remodels usually require permits as well. But whether or not you get permits, you simply must know what you're dealing with. Licensed builders, structural engineers, architects and interior designers are your best bets. The first step is often to hire an interior designer. Many are experienced with structural issues and can point out potential problem areas. They will help you devise a plan and steer you to the other professionals you need. They could even act as your remodeling coach. A great way to get started.
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com. You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
Check out http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com for more information on do-it-yourself projects and help to get it done.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
NOW ! Do It Yourself, But With Our Help.
Guides, Projects, Tools-- What else do you need??
A kind listening shoulder. Some sound knowledgeable advice.
Maybe some hands-on help. Let us be that for you. It's here.
For more information, click here: http://knkhomeimprovements.com
And thanks for thinking of us.
Home improvement made easier.
A kind listening shoulder. Some sound knowledgeable advice.
Maybe some hands-on help. Let us be that for you. It's here.
For more information, click here: http://knkhomeimprovements.com
And thanks for thinking of us.
Home improvement made easier.
Friday, June 5, 2009
The truth is YOU can do it yourself
What do we mean by YOU. We mean all of you that think you don’t have the knowledge, the tools, the guiding help, the instructions, the courage to tackle that home improvement needed to make your home into your castle. Can we lend a hand to get it done? Do we have the right guide for you? We have information to get you started. We have information to finish the job. Tell us what you want. We offer honest answers and the encouragement to do it yourself. For more information: http://.knkhomeimprovements.com Thanks for viewing us.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Home Improvement & Remodels - Discover the Ten Top Home Remodeling Ideas Today
By Mel Inglima
You know you want to do something to your home, but what? What makes sense in today's economy? What would have the biggest benefit and perhaps create the most extra value?
In good economies or poor, the types of home improvements people make change very little. What does change is whether or not they move ahead and how many of the projects they decide to do.
What is a Home Improvement?
I focus on remodels or home improvements in this article rather than a home addition. While all home additions are home improvements, not all home improvements are home additions. That's an important distinction.
With a home improvement or remodel, we're typically not talking about adding square footage, foundation, or roofline to the home. You would be working within the confines of the existing exterior walls and under the same roof. I discuss home additions in other articles.
The Most Popular Home Remodeling Projects
To help you decide, here is a list of the ten most widely popular home improvements today. Ultimately, you will decide based upon your specific needs. Use this list for ideas and inspiration. Please note that they are in no specific order. You should base your decisions on your own personal desires and needs.
1) To modernize your home for your enjoyment or resale: Homes become out of date in a few years. Carpeting, wallpaper, countertops, fixtures, appliances, cabinets, lighting, and other finishing materials can become old and outdated.
2) To improve the looks and functionality of the kitchen: This very popular remodel is a very practical one. Kitchens are central to the home and it's more about creating conveniences than adding luxury.
3) To revitalize a tired old bathroom: Often bathrooms are too small for the latest styles of tubs and showers. Bathrooms (as well as kitchens) tend to provide the biggest bang for your buck when trying to build equity in your home.
4) To improve the feel and flow of the home: Many older and smaller homes are too cut up and crowded. Eliminating rooms and hallways and conjoining popular living areas can really add to the livability of a home.
5) Convert a home for handicap accessibility: More people are doing this as the population ages. Making homes accessible to the handicap will make the home more marketable and potentially worth more.
6) Energy efficiency, insulation, and greening up the home: Lowering your recurring energy bill expenses add to your comfort, peace of mind, and your homes value.
7) Adding curb appeal with an exterior make-over: This can be a more expensive project but by changing the siding, window framings, roofline, and landscaping, you can make a dramatic and profitable upgrade to the look of your home.
8) Restoring historical homes to their original look: There are times when government grants can help with this project. This project can be very rewarding and offer a uniqueness that you may not otherwise be able to achieve.
9) Remodeling and finishing off the basement: Often this is a pretty cost effective way to add square footage to your home. It doesn't require more foundation or roofline. It's a very popular remodel in certain areas and markets.
10) To improve the quality and luxury of the home: This is similar to the first item concerning modernizing the home. The difference here is that with this reason for remodeling, you're looking more for specific design and taste to move into something spectacular rather than away from something unsatisfactory.
Get Professional Help & Don't Overdo It
Remember, it's all your goals. Why do *you* want to remodel? What's in if for you? Any of these ideas could be reason enough move forward in today's economy. Home building and remodeling coaches and other professionals can help you with the costs of your project. Know why you want to complete the project and stick with your plan. Don't be frivolous in a tougher economy.
The most beneficial advice I can give is to keep informed, improve your knowledge, seek out good professionals and ask a ton of questions.
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* eCourse that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Inglima
Contact http://knkhomeimprovements.com
You know you want to do something to your home, but what? What makes sense in today's economy? What would have the biggest benefit and perhaps create the most extra value?
In good economies or poor, the types of home improvements people make change very little. What does change is whether or not they move ahead and how many of the projects they decide to do.
What is a Home Improvement?
I focus on remodels or home improvements in this article rather than a home addition. While all home additions are home improvements, not all home improvements are home additions. That's an important distinction.
With a home improvement or remodel, we're typically not talking about adding square footage, foundation, or roofline to the home. You would be working within the confines of the existing exterior walls and under the same roof. I discuss home additions in other articles.
The Most Popular Home Remodeling Projects
To help you decide, here is a list of the ten most widely popular home improvements today. Ultimately, you will decide based upon your specific needs. Use this list for ideas and inspiration. Please note that they are in no specific order. You should base your decisions on your own personal desires and needs.
1) To modernize your home for your enjoyment or resale: Homes become out of date in a few years. Carpeting, wallpaper, countertops, fixtures, appliances, cabinets, lighting, and other finishing materials can become old and outdated.
2) To improve the looks and functionality of the kitchen: This very popular remodel is a very practical one. Kitchens are central to the home and it's more about creating conveniences than adding luxury.
3) To revitalize a tired old bathroom: Often bathrooms are too small for the latest styles of tubs and showers. Bathrooms (as well as kitchens) tend to provide the biggest bang for your buck when trying to build equity in your home.
4) To improve the feel and flow of the home: Many older and smaller homes are too cut up and crowded. Eliminating rooms and hallways and conjoining popular living areas can really add to the livability of a home.
5) Convert a home for handicap accessibility: More people are doing this as the population ages. Making homes accessible to the handicap will make the home more marketable and potentially worth more.
6) Energy efficiency, insulation, and greening up the home: Lowering your recurring energy bill expenses add to your comfort, peace of mind, and your homes value.
7) Adding curb appeal with an exterior make-over: This can be a more expensive project but by changing the siding, window framings, roofline, and landscaping, you can make a dramatic and profitable upgrade to the look of your home.
8) Restoring historical homes to their original look: There are times when government grants can help with this project. This project can be very rewarding and offer a uniqueness that you may not otherwise be able to achieve.
9) Remodeling and finishing off the basement: Often this is a pretty cost effective way to add square footage to your home. It doesn't require more foundation or roofline. It's a very popular remodel in certain areas and markets.
10) To improve the quality and luxury of the home: This is similar to the first item concerning modernizing the home. The difference here is that with this reason for remodeling, you're looking more for specific design and taste to move into something spectacular rather than away from something unsatisfactory.
Get Professional Help & Don't Overdo It
Remember, it's all your goals. Why do *you* want to remodel? What's in if for you? Any of these ideas could be reason enough move forward in today's economy. Home building and remodeling coaches and other professionals can help you with the costs of your project. Know why you want to complete the project and stick with your plan. Don't be frivolous in a tougher economy.
The most beneficial advice I can give is to keep informed, improve your knowledge, seek out good professionals and ask a ton of questions.
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* eCourse that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Inglima
Contact http://knkhomeimprovements.com
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Kitchen Makeover - Do I Need a Modern Kitchen Design?
By Felicity Lightbody
Redesigning one of the places in your house can be very taxing and although the kitchen is one of the most frequently done, it can still be puzzling to know where to begin at the start. With many out there and traditional styles to select with plenty of good choices, often a modern kitchen is selected as it is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing, 2 items which are hard to ignore.
A modern design is mostly thought of as a simple, uncluttered and clean look with the use of simple lines in the design and some geometric themes. Many designers find balance in contemporary design along with a minimalist style, because of the clean and uncluttered look that modern design gives. These two styles often live alongside each other as they complement each other very well.
The equipment used in contemporary design are not just restricted to man made items such as chrome and glass (as is traditional), resources such as granite and stone can also be used to complementthe clean angles with some shapes and curves.
In terms of design specifications, frameless cabinets with frosted class cabinetry panels, metallic chrome elements or even stainless steel are specifically the 'in' things. Although geometric themes are mandatory in modern kitchen design, work tops or cabinets can still give that ideal curve here or there to give a balance to your specific requirements, after all, you will be living in it.
The next key thing a contemporary kitchen should have is outstanding lighting, track lights is very well liked but so is spot lighting in light clusters or all over the kitchen, as it helps to give light and a shimmer to the clean, counter tops and the shiny stainless steel or chrome features. Whilst wood is sometimes used, it is mainly only light coloured wood from ash and birch being used.
Make your existing kitchen more contemporary without remodeling
With the philosophy of modern design being the functionality, clean and uncluttered feel, you can for yourself put in storage cabinets with sliders, pullout shelves or any space saving gizmos that really helps to give function and to keep a tidy space! Lighting under cabinet bottoms, can help when working in the kitchen as well as giving a beautiful romantic, homely feeling.
I want a Green kitchen
Lots of people often enquire as to, if they may be able to have a kitchen that is at the same time earth sustainable as well as modern. The reply is always yes, even if this comes at extra charge. LED spot lights for example is very cost effective and great as it uses little energy, flooring can be purchased from places where they sustain the forests that the wood has been taken from and a design can always incorporate your readiness to reprocess materials such as paper.
A up to date or contemporary kitchen can reliably provide a home proud person with a smart, fresh, crisp look that will remain the quo and desirable for several years, whilst at the same time being able to be scalable for when you may have children for example.
Felicity is a intermittent columnist, writing infrequent columns on designer kitchens birmingham, who specialise in tailor made kitchens. You can even get a free design experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felicity_Lightbody
For help with your do-it-yourself home improvement check us out at knkhomeimprovements.com
Redesigning one of the places in your house can be very taxing and although the kitchen is one of the most frequently done, it can still be puzzling to know where to begin at the start. With many out there and traditional styles to select with plenty of good choices, often a modern kitchen is selected as it is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing, 2 items which are hard to ignore.
A modern design is mostly thought of as a simple, uncluttered and clean look with the use of simple lines in the design and some geometric themes. Many designers find balance in contemporary design along with a minimalist style, because of the clean and uncluttered look that modern design gives. These two styles often live alongside each other as they complement each other very well.
The equipment used in contemporary design are not just restricted to man made items such as chrome and glass (as is traditional), resources such as granite and stone can also be used to complementthe clean angles with some shapes and curves.
In terms of design specifications, frameless cabinets with frosted class cabinetry panels, metallic chrome elements or even stainless steel are specifically the 'in' things. Although geometric themes are mandatory in modern kitchen design, work tops or cabinets can still give that ideal curve here or there to give a balance to your specific requirements, after all, you will be living in it.
The next key thing a contemporary kitchen should have is outstanding lighting, track lights is very well liked but so is spot lighting in light clusters or all over the kitchen, as it helps to give light and a shimmer to the clean, counter tops and the shiny stainless steel or chrome features. Whilst wood is sometimes used, it is mainly only light coloured wood from ash and birch being used.
Make your existing kitchen more contemporary without remodeling
With the philosophy of modern design being the functionality, clean and uncluttered feel, you can for yourself put in storage cabinets with sliders, pullout shelves or any space saving gizmos that really helps to give function and to keep a tidy space! Lighting under cabinet bottoms, can help when working in the kitchen as well as giving a beautiful romantic, homely feeling.
I want a Green kitchen
Lots of people often enquire as to, if they may be able to have a kitchen that is at the same time earth sustainable as well as modern. The reply is always yes, even if this comes at extra charge. LED spot lights for example is very cost effective and great as it uses little energy, flooring can be purchased from places where they sustain the forests that the wood has been taken from and a design can always incorporate your readiness to reprocess materials such as paper.
A up to date or contemporary kitchen can reliably provide a home proud person with a smart, fresh, crisp look that will remain the quo and desirable for several years, whilst at the same time being able to be scalable for when you may have children for example.
Felicity is a intermittent columnist, writing infrequent columns on designer kitchens birmingham, who specialise in tailor made kitchens. You can even get a free design experience.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felicity_Lightbody
For help with your do-it-yourself home improvement check us out at knkhomeimprovements.com
Monday, June 1, 2009
Love Your Tools
Power tools for home repair are great. They make the task quicker. It takes less physical labor on your part. Even so much that you can do a job by yourself.
And isn’t nice to be able to finish it without waiting for Tom or Joe to help you. It keeps the “honey-do” list to a minimum. And that keeps your wife happy.
So why aren’t you buying them? Cost too high. Don’t know what I need. Too confused. Whatever the reason, we’ve got a list of good basic tools to start with.
Come on over and browse awhile.Click here: http://www.knkhomeimprovements.com/toolville
Thanks so much for checking us out.
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