Basement
Discover the Beauty of Cork Flooring With Cork Flooring Reviews
With its many benefits and overall beautiful appearance, cork flooring should either: be high on your list of upgrades to your current home, or be one of the options for your soon-to-be-built home. The bottom line is that natural cork flooring, although not as well known as other floor materials, is fast becoming one of the most popular wood floors being installed today; and for good reason. The remainder of this article will discuss the many advantages of cork; from cork flooring tiles to floating plank patterns and other variations in between. Thankfully, there are many cork flooring reviews you can consult regarding many of the features and benefits of a cork floor. Let’s begin with a few advantages of discount cork flooring.
Durability and Cushioning Effect:
One of the primary benefits of cork as a flooring material is its ability to be long-lasting under years of use as well as its capacity to cushion the feet while being walked, run, or hopped upon. Let’s face it. Sometimes landing on a solid wood floor is not the most comfortable of situations. With cork as your base, that landing is much softer and safer. Even though you might relate cork such as lisbon miro, as being too soft, it’s just the opposite that is true. A real cork floor, when applied and finished correctly, is extremely durable and strong; and only requires routine maintenance to keep clean, such as a gentle whisk broom.
Cork Flooring is Warmer and Safer:
By reading various cork flooring reviews, you will come to realize just how happy thousands of cork floor customers are in two primary areas: warmth and safety. It’s true. A cork floor, due to it intrinsic structure, is a top insulator; which subsequently means a warmer floor. In addition, cork is one of the best materials available for the reduction of certain types of allergic material. Cork floors are hypo-allergenic and better yet, powerfully mold resistant; a pair of features that only increase the benefits of cork. And if you are concerned about the environment and how cork wood is harvested, take ease because cork wood is harvested primarily from the bark of trees which themselves are highly sustainable and replenishable.
To conclude, cork floors are being seen in more and more homes due to its beauty, durability, mold and allergy resistance, and lessened impact on the environment. It’s also available at a very reasonable price, usually costing as much as cheap laminate flooring. Read the latest reviews about cork floors and you, too, will fall in love with the natural beauty of cork floors.…
Simple Ways to Cut Your Hot Water Bill
Your hot water bill can be reduced by making use of some simple tricks that will permit you to consume less water and thus pay less. The first thing you need to know is that the water pipes in your home need to be in good condition and free of leaks to avoid water losses. A dripping hot water connection is literally money down the drain. It is a good idea to do a visual inspection of the piping in your basement every two years or so.
Another good way of saving on your hot water bill is to use other types of water heaters, such as a tankless water heater that heats water on demand. It will save you plenty of energy, because the water gets heated only when needed. This is in contrast to a conventional tank that works to keep the entire tank of water at a constant temperature at all times.
Some other ways of reducing the bill is to make some changes to your shower. The new models of energy efficient shower heads help to save energy and water without reducing pressure. Low flow shower heads use up to 70 per less water than normal ones. Some models provide adjustable spray jets that reduce heat loss and improve comfort. An energy efficient shower head consumes about 5 liters per minute, as opposed to a traditional one that averages about 14 liters per minute.
The reduced flow results in a reduction of water consumption, so you will save on your water bills and sewer bills. For those of you who have septic tanks and wells, it makes for less wear and tear on your pumping equipment and the number of times you will need to have your septic tank pumped out. To further reduce your water consumption, consider installing a shower head with a stop button, or a single handle faucet, which you can press to interrupt the flow. The advantage of this button is that you can interrupt the flow while you soap or shampoo, then turn it back on and rinse at the same rate and temperature as before.
A large number of shower faucets are fitted with safety devices such as valves to regulate pressure and maintain the water temperature at a constant level. In a household with small children or elderly folks, this is an essential way to keep everyone safe from burns that can result from scalding hot water.
You can also save more water and energy by taking quick showers instead of long baths. You will consume as much as 50 per less hot water depending on the shower head you use. For example, a shower of 5 minutes with a flow rate of 9.5 liters per minute, consumes approximately 47.5 liters of water while a bath, half full, requires an average of about 100 liters of water. A timer, such as an hourglass or a manual timer, can help to control and reduce the time spent in the shower. …
4 Important Tips in Green Architecture
1. Green buildings and homes are expensive.
It has been proven that green-building designs do not necessarily mean higher costs. However, the big challenge in green architecture is thinking long-term. Consider increased durability, energy savings, enhanced worker productivity and several other factors – all these help justify the cost of materials that you will need in making a green home.
2. Building a green home is the architect’s responsibility.
The commitment to make a green home is the owner’s decision. It needs collaboration among participants – architect, green builder and the like. The whole team should be educated in order for them to reach their goals, target costs and the expected benefits of making a green home.
3. Sustainable designs look different from traditional architecture.
The look of green aesthetic does not differ from traditional architecture. In fact, the first few buildings to receive the LEED Pilot Program Certification do not have a common “sustainable look”.
4. Published references on green architecture is limited.
To date, there has been a variety of available information on green architecture. This information does not only come from the academe or construction industry but from the different corners of the intelligent thought.
5. Environment-friendly buildings do not always work.
Green buildings and homes can give occupants a huge feeling of satisfaction. This becomes very efficient to operate while offering a healthy work environment. Contrary to what most people believe in, green architecture is not only about saving the environment. More than that, it is also about making a reliable, energy-efficient and stable building which is at the same time very economical.…
Advice All Homeowners Should Know About Home Security
It is critical that each homeowner educates himself on proper home security. It can be overwhelming, however, to wade through reams of information on the topic. The article below is intended to help distill the most important concepts and assist you in developing a home security strategy that really works.
Does your dog like to play in your yard? This pet may be an excellent storing spot for your spare key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. This is especially useful if the dog does not take kindly to strangers.
Buy a safe to keep all of your valuables in one place at home. You would hate for your expensive jewelry, personal family belongings, etc. to be stolen in case a burglar breaks into your home. Hide the safe in a very hard to reach place like the attic or a closet in the basement.
See what your local police department offers in terms of home protection programs. There are lots of different programs, like home inspections, that will help you take the proper steps to make sure your home adequately protected. Your police department will be able to help you find out what is available in your town.
Put motion sensor lights around your house. These lights will turn on if anyone walks too closely to your home. These lights will not only let you know when someone gets too close, they will also stop potential burglars from breaking in. After all, burglars don’t want anyone to know they are there. Make sure you regularly change the light bulbs to ensure they continue to work properly.
When it comes to securing your home, start by changing your locks. Not everyone who leaves your house will leave happy, and a fresh set of locks will protect you from both former residents and acquaintances of your own looking to cause mischief. This is a very easy process that you can complete within a day.
Go with your gut when choosing a home security company to install a system. If you don’t feel comfortable with the technician, don’t allow them access to your home. You should not hesitate to ask if you can work with a different representative or find a different company if you are not comfortable. Ultimately, the whole point is for you to have peace of mind.
Those living in rural areas often don’t worry as much about intruders compared to city dwellers. On a different note, some people believe homeowners in more rural areas are more likely to experience robberies because of the lack of nearby neighbors. Then again, others think rural areas are not as much of a target.
A secure hiding place can be created in a wall. Small valuables fit nicely inside walls. Use an old switch plate, outlet or phone jack. If there are no unused plates, you can easily install fake ones.
Every homeowner needs to learn about home security. It will take …
Landscaping For Your Location – How To Choose The Right Plants
Can you transform your yard from a dull, boring expanse of grass into something more lively? What do you need to do in order to come up with a landscape that impresses your friends and family? This article will help you answer these questions by giving you some great tips on landscaping.
Fill your yard with native plants. These are easier to tend to since they are already used to your climate. Thus, they are a great choice for anyone who is unwilling or unable to spend a lot of time on maintenance. Information is readily available at any local gardening store regarding which plants may be native to your location.
There are many things to learn before beginning a landscape project. For example, you will need to know which plants work best in your climate and location. Seasonal variations are an important consideration as well. All of these factors combine to determine whether your landscaping efforts will be a success or a failure.
Select your plants carefully, as they have a big impact on your overall landscaping project. Don’t plant sun-loving plants in shady areas. If there is not much room for plant growth, it is not wise to place a tree in that location. When you decide on an area to plant a plant, make sure it can thrive there.
There’s much more to landscaping then simply planting some grass and trees. To add texture and substance, look for opportunities to include wood, cement or iron structures. Adding other structures like birdbaths and birdhouses, or an archway in a flower bed will really add complexity and intrigue to your landscape. No matter what your price range, you can find many accent pieces that can fit into your budget.
You can save money by timing purchases. Lumber is usually less expensive in the winter months. Mulch, shrubs and trees can be quite a bit less expensive later in the season. So if you can, you may want to wait to make your purchases then. Try to wait a couple of years to purchase a plant if it is something that is new to the market.
It really isn’t necessary to hire a professional to do all of the work on your landscaping project. The end result will be excessive expenditures. You may want to ask them for advice, and pay them for the service, but doing the work yourself will save you a lot of money.
Spending less is not always the best idea. While you can locate inexpensive supplies, the quality can be below what you want or need. Specialty stores may be a little bit more expensive; however, for newcomers to the subject of landscaping, they can provide a wealth of information and support.
Be sure to carefully estimate your costs when doing your own landscaping. Make a complete list of all the plants, soil, rocks, fertilizer and tools you will need. Next, figure out where to purchase all these materials. Prices can vary widely from place …
Advice On How To Repair Your Roof
Nobody can argue with how important your roof is to your home. However, many homeowners have little experience when it comes to roof repair. Looking at the tips that follow will have equipped with roof repair knowledge.
If you find out that your roof is leaking when the weather is bad, wait until things settle down before doing any repairs. There is not one quick way to patch your leak, and you could get hurt if you try to work on a wet, slippery roof. Therefore, don’t climb on your roof until it quits raining and it is completely dry.
Leaks come from having damaged shingles, but you should also inspect your roof’s foundation. If the sides of your home have dry rot, water can enter your home there. It is important to examine every potential water entry point, like rotting wood, so that you are really resolving all the problem areas.
Always take the time to check the references and credentials of any roofing contractor you want to hire. Follow up on the reference you are given and contact them for their experiences with the contractor you are considering. You should also go and check out some of their previous work. Check out the work and see what it looks like for yourself.
If you’re getting pitched to by a high pressure roofing salesman then you need to tell them you’re not interested. These people are generally shady and try to make you sign a contract that has you losing out on things so it’s a good idea to not allow yourself to work with them.
If you’ve called a roofer, but their visit isn’t for another couple days, use a type of temporary fix on the leaky roof. Nail heavy plastic over the leak. This isn’t the best way to handle a leak, but it will hold you over for now.
Investigate the credentials and reputation of a roofing contractor before signing a contract. Talk to your family, friends, coworkers, etc. for suggestions on roofing contractors. This is crucial since you want to avoid poor roofing work that could be expensive later on.
Have you checked the contractor’s credentials? They need to have a license, so check that it is valid. You should also check that they maintain a policy for full liability insurance, as well as workers compensation.
You need to think about how long a contractor has been doing business. Those who’ve been around for years must have satisfied customers. Anyone that is new to this could be trying to scam you.
Using cheap materials on your roof may seem like a good idea, but usually leads to problems later. Even if the materials are very cheap to buy you need to think over the fact that if they were to wear out quickly you may have to fix things, costing you more money.
There is no questions as to the importance of a roof to the safety and protection of you, your family and the …
Dreaming Of Home Improvement? Tips You Need To Know
Because the amount of information of home improvement available, it can be a daunting task to do these projects. However, there are several important things that everyone should know that will help them on their home improvement journey.
Add elegance to your home with a unique addition. Perhaps you want to add in a library or a wine cellar. This will certainly impress guests and potential buyers.
Determine the style that you desire before engaging in a renovation project for your home. Figuring out what your decorating style is will help you decide what improvements to make on your home. It is easy to fall in the trap of switching styles in the middle of a project, and not seeing the error of your ways until it’s too late. Starting over again may cost you thousands of dollars and add weeks to the completion date.
There are a few simple ways to give the appearance of a higher ceiling in your home. Stripes painted on a wall or a tall lamp can make a huge difference. You’ll notice your eye moves upwards. The lines will actually make the ceiling seem taller than it really is.
Spend time once a week to dust all home accessories. Dust can quickly accumulate within days trapping allergens in your home. Cleaning on a regular basis helps get rid of dust.
If you find that you’ve tried just about everything to make a door stop creaking or squeaking, it’s time consider buying a new hinge for the door. Your local hardware store will carry what you need. Take the old hinge off, and follow the directions to put your new one on. Then, align the hinge parts and replace the pins.
To keep your toilets clean, pour bleach inside the bowl. The bleach may have an unpleasant smell, but it will reduce the spread of germs and your risk of getting sick, in addition to giving you a clean and shiny toilet. Bleach with scent can also control the odor.
When you are facing a major home improvement or repair job, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional before going to work on your own. Many times, that opinion will save you quite a bit of money and time. If you dive in without the advice of a professional, you may very well regret it.
You should not work with a contractor before finding out more about their reputation. Look out for this major warning sign: any company that won’t provide you with a physical address should be avoided. This is the sign of a fly-by-night outfit, likely being run out of somebody’s truck. Try to go with companies that have a strong reputation.
An excellent method for improving the safety of your home is to pad sharp furniture. Corner protectors and foam tape are available to minimize those sharp corners and edges. Make sure, too, that you remove a potential tripping and strangling hazard for your children by taping down all …
Landscaping For Any Budget Or Any Home
If you wish to sell your house or make it appear more attractive, a great landscape can help. This article is going to provide you with crucial information, whether you want the assistance of a professional, or you are going to do the work yourself.
Consider edging your garden to create soft and shapely beds. Curved beds create a contemporary vibe compared to sharp, rigid corners. Edging is an inexpensive technique to beautify lawn areas that will really improve the look of your yard.
Fill your yard with native plants. Native plants are a lot easier to take care of because they are used to the area’s climate and soil. This makes them a low-maintenance variety for any yard. Your local gardener probably has lots of great native plant information.
If you are doing landscaping, you need to know the differences between annuals, perennials, as well as which plants survive and thrive in different geographical areas and climates. Make sure to consider seasons when landscaping. It is imperative that you think about these things before planting so that your landscape is successful.
Are you considering selling your home anytime soon? In comparison with other projects, investing in the landscape of your home can easily generate returns of up to 200 percent. Emphasize your front lawn for great curb appeal, or design a landscape in your backyard that is defined for outdoor living.
Trying to work on the entire landscape at once is difficult and overwhelming. Segment your project into discrete phases to make it budget-friendly and manageable. It will also benefit you when you’re changing your design down the road.
Quality products should be chosen; don’t skimp. In many home improvement stores you will normally find low-quality products. Go to landscaping stores that sell only the best products and employ knowledgeable, qualified workers. Though you may end up spending more money, remember that you are paying for the quality of the goods and service that you are receiving.
Consult a professional before starting any major landscaping project. While you might not need to hire them to complete the entire job, you will find that the small amount you pay for a consultation is well spent as it will help you to avoid mistakes and get started on the right foot. Particularly if you do not have much experience in landscaping, this step is an important one.
If you’re trying to landscape your grounds, it is not always necessary to have a professional landscaper do the job for you. This just ends in your spending a lot of money. You may want to consult with a landscaper, though, to get some guidance on how to best approach your project.
Any form of landscaping, whether it’s simply adding a few shrubs and flowers, or giving your garden a complete makeover, will greatly improve the look of your home. With the right techniques, you can make your home the most talked-about property in town. Utilize the information found here and begin to create …
Advice For Planning A Home Improvement Project
It can be fun to do home improvements with your loved ones. Spend an entire weekend getting something great done. Consider all the savings you’ll make by doing it by yourself. This article will show you how to get started.
When purchasing a home, hire a professional home inspector. This way, you do not have to figure out on your own or rely on a seller let you know about things that must be repaired or replaced if you purchase the home. Having a professional that is neutral will also be beneficial to both parties.
Think about using stain instead of paint on your baseboards for your next home improvement. This gives your baseboards that look of real wood that blends very well with a modern or classic home. Also, unlike painted wood, the stain is able to hide a lot more in terms of scuffs and other imperfections. There is a wide selection of colors in wood stain that can match most looks.
Before any home improvement, consider the overall character of your neighborhood. A Victorian house is going to stand out blaringly on a block that only has saltbox cottages. Your resale value may be affected if the renovation is not in line with the surrounding homes.
It’s time to pop those flooring bubbles! Simply slice it to let out the trapped air. Doing this will only flatten the bubble for a short period of time. It can come back if you do nothing. You’ll need to inject some fresh glue, however, to hold the repaired section to the floor. Buying a form of glue that comes inside a syringe is an ideal solution.
It is possible to update the appearance of your refrigerator and other appliances without spending a bundle. Stainless steel is popular right now, but that doesn’t mean you should replace all of your appliances. You can purchase affordable appliance paint and spray them any color your heart desires. You can change your kitchen in a few hours!
Even one with little do it yourself knowledge can repair a leaking faucet. If you can figure out how to fix these issues quickly, you will minimize the water that gets wasted every day. The savings you get from this will add up since your water bill will go down.
When you start a new home improvement project, be careful that you don’t demolish things too quickly. Check for structural integrity in the wall cavity before you remove something. If there is electrical wiring there, it can be a costly mistake to fix.
Have your list ready before you go shopping for home improvement items. This will make ensure you don’t have to go back in case you missed something.
Houses with good curb appeal often sell for considerably higher prices than other similar homes. What constitutes a good view can vary from one person to the next, however. How much a view is worth is up to each individual person. Future buyers may not find the …
Don’t Take Residential Pest Control Services Lightly
Pest control is usually left to someone that’s an expert, but it doesn’t have to mean you aren’t able to try something first. The following tips will give you some strategies to try before you call the exterminator. Keep reading so you can find out more info.
Vacuuming the carpets inside your home can reduce pests. Vacuuming will allow you to suck up the bugs as well as the crumbs that are attracting them. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in an outside receptacle as soon as possible.
Make certain to check local ordinances and codes to find out which types of pest control are allowed in your area. If you are trying to sell your house, you might not want to spray pesticides that are illegal. Though this does not happen often, it does indicate a need to do your research.
Does your home have brown recluse spiders? If so, trap them with sticky traps. Such poisonous specimens hide easily and can be tough to kill with chemicals. However, during the night, they come out to find food. Good places to put these traps are behind furniture and along baseboards.
Consider using a perimeter spray outside your home to keep bugs at bay. Spray the foundation and all other outside areas near the home. Look for cracks and small holes through which pests could enter your home. Use a filler such as caulk to seal the area.
Be cautious when trying to eliminate bed bugs. Bedbugs can remain dormant for up to a year. You need to plug all holes in the home. It can prevent them from hiding there.
You should fix screens around the house if you have flying insects. Screens are effective at keeping out both flying and crawling pests. Fix or replace any holes or tears in your screens to seal off pests.
Is your home overrun with ants? Borax and sugar can help you eliminate them. While they are attracted to the sugar, they will be killed by the borax. To create the mixture, get a jar the size of a quart and mix one cup borax and one of sugar. Poke holes through the lid to allow you to sprinkle it around the foundation and baseboards.
Look around your house for standing water. This can attract many pests, including mosquitoes. Check thoroughly regarding any leaky pipes, and make sure you clean house plant trays. Without water sources, pests will not thrive in your house.
If you have any plumbing leaks, immediately fix them. All pests need a water source to survive. They can end up finding water in the most obscure places. You do not want to be invaded by pests in your home. Inspect your plumbing regularly and contact a professional if you notice a leak or need help with inspecting the plumbing that is not easily accessible.
Having reviewed these tips, you should have a few good ideas about handling your pest problem. There are many methods for dealing with pest …