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Laminate Flooring As an Alternative to Other Types of Flooring
Whenever it comes to decorating a home, everyone wants to make their home look as good as possible. They also want their style and creativity to show through on the projects they undertake. Every part of their home should show a unique pizazz and flair that cannot be matched anywhere else. One of the most difficult decorative choices to make in a home is what types of floors should be used in which rooms. Nowadays hard wood and tile seem like they are the way to go. However, laminate flooring looks realistic and is able to offer several advantages that these floors cannot.
The first advantage is in the maintenance and upkeep department. Hard wood is extremely delicate. There are only certain products that can be used on it, and even then it can only tolerate a small amount of it. Even if these rules are followed perfectly, there is still no guarantee that they will not need to be restained or varnished at a later date. Tiled floors have grout in between them that always seems like it needs to be cleaned and no matter what gets done to it, it still never looks like it did whenever the tiles were first installed. However, laminate flooring is able to tolerate chemicals that hard wood cannot. And, whenever it comes to grout, there is no problem because there is not any. The grout that appears on the laminate is a realistic representation of grout and cleans just as easily as the rest of the floor.
Second is durability. It pretty much goes without saying that wood floors are not very durable. Everyone does their best to protect them from those chips, dents, and scratches that occur so easily. Special pads on the bottoms of furniture and not allowing any woman visitor to walk across in her high heels are just a couple of the preventatives so many have taken. Tiling is more durable than wood; however, if something heavy such as kitchen ware or furniture is dropped on it while moving, the tiles will crack. Laminate, however, is extremely durable. Unlike tile, it will not crack if something is dropped on it. While with extreme force it may be possible to scuff or tear it, it is still able to resist much more than wood flooring is able to resist.
Whenever it comes to decorating a home, everyone wants to pick out things that look decent and are affordable. Laminate flooring fits both of these. It provides the appeal that hard wood and tile provide, yet is cheap enough to not break the budget. This allows a homeowner to also spend time and energy into perfecting other parts of the home while still being able to be proud of the work they have put into their new floors. The many different patterns and styles allow homeowner to express their creativity in a room and create something that is truly unique and different.…
Why Home Buyers Should Insist on a Home Warranty
If you’re buying a home, you’re taking on a big investment and a big expense. Most of us try to buy as much home as we can afford, possibly leaving us with little leftover cash for a while. If an appliance or major system in the home has a problem that we didn’t foresee, it can get very expensive. For this reason, many homebuyers look to new construction so that all the appliances and systems are new and under warranty.
However, it’s not necessary to avoid buying older homes. And, in today’s market, it’s easy to get a great deal on an older home. And, if you get a home warranty that covers the home’s major systems and appliances, you don’t have to worry that you’ll have to pay for a major repair in your new home.
Home warranties can be written to cover plumbing, heating and cooling systems, some structural systems like roofs and your major appliances, like the range. Home warranties can be constructed in many different ways to fit your specific needs. You can get the home warranty for the first year, and then renew at the end of the first year if you choose.
Home warranties are not expensive, but as a home buyer, you shouldn’t worry about paying for it at all. Rather, you should request it from your seller when you are negotiating the contract. In today’s market, sellers expect such a request, and are usually more than happy to provide a home warranty as an incentive to get buyers to consider their home for purchase. And, since they are not expensive, sellers are usually willing to allow you to choose the warranty, up to a certain dollar amount, and have them pay for it at closing.
You may even find that some home sellers are offering a home warranty as part of the sale of their home. However, if they are not, you should ask for it when you make an offer.
A home warranty can provide you peace of mind about the major systems you’re purchasing in your new home. With most home warranties, you call one number for any problem that you have and they find the right professional to complete the repair. Some even offer a toll free number that is open seven days a week. So, don’t forget older homes when you’re house hunting, and when you find the right home, don’t forget the home warranty.…
How Do I Know When I Need a New Septic Tank?
Determining when you need a new septic tank can often feel like you’re playing psychic. Oftentimes, a damaged system can keep working until one day, it suddenly fails – and you’re stuck with tons of repairs, a yard full of septic tank cleaners and a massive invoice.
Septic tanks are generally quite hardy, and can last up to three years before they need to be pumped. However, a damaged tank can be quite difficult to fix; add years of wear and tear on top of that, and it often makes more sense just to buy a new one altogether.
If you’re not sure of when you need a new septic tank, then this list of damaged septic tank symptoms should help you determine when it’s time to call in the professionals:
• As previously mentioned, septic systems will only need to be pumped every three years, or even longer. However, if you think you’ve needed to pump a lot more than usual, then it might be time to replace it with a totally new system, as it may be a symptom that you and your family have outgrown your old tank.
• Go out to the landscape surrounding your septic system and examine the water. Are there any puddles that have collected on the ground? Does the ground seem constantly moist, even when it hasn’t rained for some time? That’s a big indicator that your septic system is leaking out water. If the leak is along the ports, a septic tank professional can easily fix it; however, if the damage has occurred on the tank itself, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a new tank, as these repairs are costly and time-consuming.
• While you’re checking the ground, see if any trees surrounding your septic tank system have grown larger over the years. Many professionals report seeing tanks that have been damaged by growing tree roots. If there’s been a change in your landscape, forget calling a tree removal service – contact a septic professional to see if they can install a smaller tank or a new one elsewhere on your property.
• If you’ve had your septic system for a couple of decades, you might want to contact a professional to give your tank a check-up. Older tanks may properly function now, but like with anything, it can quickly break down and result in an expensive clean-up job. Spare yourself the hassle – and the cost – by replacing an old system with a new one.
Self-diagnosing a damaged septic tank can be difficult; that’s why it’s often better to leave the process up to the professionals. If you suspect that you need a new tank, don’t wait for it to completely break down before contacting your local professional.
You’ll be sparing yourself from plenty of hassle, expense and frustration!…
What Warranty and Insurance Do New-Build Homes Require?
When you first plan to purchase a new home, having a good warranty with beneficial insurance is key to the future of your living space. No one ever knows when a problem will come about, so taking the necessary precautions will be vital. After all, you don’t want to get hit with an expensive repair when it could have been avoided by having the right warranty and insurance.
However, you will have to have the right type of warranty for your new build home. This means the Solo for Self Build option. Yes, there are residential, rentals and mixed warranties available, but they won’t fit your needs if you’re trying to purchase a new home. The Solo warranty is a 10-year plan that is geared to offer various options in a two phase system.
During the first phase you will be able to get quality cover and during the building process. If you are using a reputable company, they will continually keep you in the loop to the progress that is being made. If by chance something is out of order you will be the first one to know about it. During each stage there will be a completion process that must be approved. It will then receive a certificate of accomplishment.
Obviously the safety issues are the main goal, but there are also many other benefits that come along with a Solo for Self Build warranty. The most important to some families will be the financing department. Without the proper warranty in place it can be more difficult to receive a proper loan without hassles along the way. Since the mortgage lender will have cover as well, it will make the paperwork trail work faster.
Plus, there is a chance that something could happen during the construction. If by chance the sub-structure is defective while it’s being built, you will not have to pay for any of the costs to restructure it. The most common problem usually revolves around drainage issues in case of a storm. If you don’t have the proper cover, this could end up halting the building until you come up with the money.
When you’re looking over the second phase of the warranty, it will explain in detail all the parts of the home that are covered if a problem occurs. This can range from staircases and ceilings to wall plaster and foundations. In all there are over 12 different areas that are covered, which basically takes up the entire home. When you see it for yourself you’ll have a better understanding of it all.
Then again, there are a few things that Solo warranty doesn’t cover. In this case you may look for additional options to have everything covered. Just keep in mind that this will cost you extra money, so if it’s not necessary, you may not want to get it.
If there comes a time when you decide to move, the Solo warranty can be transferred over to the new home owners. …
The Use Of Moroccan Decor In Your Home
If the goal for your home is a combination of elegance and exotic then Moroccan home decor may be just the style you are looking for. Moroccan decor and decoration has become a very popular choice in the Western world because of the flair for drama and a touch of mystery that this style brings, giving your home a unique look and feel. The country of Morocco has a number of influences which involve different cultures, as well as plenty of mystery. Because of the location you will find both European and African influences, as well as Mediterranean and Atlantic aspects in Moroccan decor and furniture. One of the reasons that Moroccan home decor has become so popular is that it takes all of the positive aspects from each culture and blends them for a unique appearance not found in any other country. The Moroccan style of decoration involves styles adopted from the Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Because of this blend of exotic influences this style is extremely eye-catching and appealing. Luxurious fabrics including reach velvets and sheer silks, exquisite Moroccan furniture, strategic Moroccan home lighting, and a potpourri of the exotic scents all combine to make Moroccan home decor and excellent choice.
Moroccan Decor And The Use Of Color- The country of Morocco includes a vivid mix of colors because the combination of long coasts along the shore, the deserts, and a sun which is extremely powerful. The people of Morocco are surrounded by colors that are rich and vibrant. Colors included in Moroccan home decor are reds and oranges which are bright and eye-catching, greens and blues in various hues, and silvers and golds that sparkle and shine. Color combinations which are perfect or precision placement of Moroccan furniture is not necessary, instead this style is all about turning your home into a comfortable oasis which includes many different colors, textures, and smells. The rich colors that are used are not just used as accents, but rather they are the base as well and are used in all areas of the house. With Moroccan decor it is not unusual to find rooms which are completely painted a single bright color, such as the orange of the setting sun reflecting off the sand of the desert or the green of moss.
Furniture Used With Moroccan Home Decor- Moroccan furniture is generally set lower than typical furniture, so that it sits closer to the floor. This furniture is created using wood or wrought iron and generally includes significant scrollwork and inlays which are mother-of-pearl, as well as being exquisitely carved. Moroccan decor allows you to create an oasis inside, and in Morocco this is important because of the powerful sun which makes being outdoors uncomfortable.
Moroccan Decor And Texture Use- Textures and fabrics which are rich and luxurious are liberally included in Moroccan home decor. Fabrics are used in every possible place, and numerous throws and cushions which have a variety of textures and eye-catching colors are included. Lush velvet …
High Quality Discount Hardwood Flooring
Whether you are planning a remodel of your existing home or you are building a new home, saving money is a top priority. There are now available many styles, grains and colors of beautiful discount hardwood flooring. If you have chosen to forgo the option of having laminate hardwood flooring in your home and instead, choose the real feel of hardwood, you know that it can be quite costly. You can save money by installing discount hardwood engineered flooring. This beautiful choice will leave your home warm and welcoming, while keeping you within your budget. Whether you are matching or complimenting existing cabinets, or your new flooring is driving the rest of your home design, you will certainly be able to find a style that meets your needs.
The discount hardwood flooring on the market today comes in a variety of tones, grains and styles. If you have existing cabinets you need to work with, you can either choose to match your new flooring or choose a different color that compliments. Some individuals like a consistent look throughout their home, which creates continuity. Others prefer to have dark cabinets and light floors or light cabinets and dark floors. Typically they keep the grain styles similar, which will bring the different woods together. This design trick is often used for cabinets, mill work and flooring. Whatever your particular style, you can create it easily with the use of engineered hardwood flooring purchased at discount prices.
Laminate hardwood flooring comes in a variety of color tones, as well as different grains. Before making your purchase, it is important to ask yourself a few questions. Do you have indoor animals which will scratch your floors? Do you prefer the look of hardwood or is it important to you to have the real thing in your home? If you have animals that will scratch your floors, you may want to go with a laminate style flooring. If you prefer real hardwood, you will want to purchase the original flooring. Either way, you can find what you are looking for in the discount hardwood flooring available options. You are sure to be satisfied while keeping your budget on track.…
Purchasing a Home Warranty – Important Things to Remember For Home Buyers
Purchasing a home is a very important investment especially for first-time home buyers who are new in the real estate industry. Making sure that you undergo legal and proper processes in buying your house is essentially important. One of the vital components you need to consider during home purchase is securing a home warranty. Home sellers and home buyers alike need to learn and understand the mechanics of home warranty in order to get the most out of it for their advantage.
What is home warranty?
It provides protection for new home owners against any maintenance or repair problems which may occur during the first year of occupancy. It is quite a nightmare for home owners to realize that even if they have just moved in, they are already dealing with various breaks or malfunctions in their new home. Repairs and fixtures certainly cover myriads of systems and items in the house, therefore to have a total peace of mind and worry-free living, it is a sound idea to invest on home warranty. This is an important notion to consider especially for first-time home buyers who basically do not have any home maintenance experience.
How much is it?
When purchasing home warranty, you need to prepare approximately $250 to $400 depending on your preferred coverage. Most companies offer home warranty with special discount rates and policies. The policy may expire or can be renewed since it is paid in advance for one year.
In buying a home warranty, make sure that you have substantial knowledge about it since most home warranties are mistaken with home insurance. Home warranty covers house repairs and replacements of appliances which are not functioning like refrigerator, stove and air conditioning among others. It also deals with roofing or plumbing issues inside the house. Home insurance on the other hand deals with protecting your house from fire or theft and is also liable for injuries incurred in your property or by a member of your family.
How does it work?
Here are some of the things you benefit from for purchasing one.
o Any home system or appliance that breaks or malfunctions are taken cared by the company.
o Home warranty company calls a qualified service provider to cater to the problem covered by the policy.
o The service provider fixes the problem of the policy owner and if an appliance seized to work or functions and is beyond repair, the company pays for the replacement and installation of the appliance. It is important to note that replacement of appliances depends on the policy bought by the home owner.
It is an indispensable tool you can always access especially during hassles inside the house. It is important to ensure that your home systems are functioning well in order to conveniently do your daily chores and activities in the house without worries and delay. With the right warranty company to provide you with your personal and distinct needs, you are sure that you are protected from the …
Wood Flooring – Types and Caring For Your Floor
Wood flooring has continued to be the most popular choice of flooring for a house. This is because it gives a feeling of warmth and adds value to ones home. There is a wide range of wood flooring options available for you to choose from.
You may use wood in almost all parts of your home except for the kitchen and bathroom where wood is not advisable to use due to moisture retention. If you are searching for the type of wood that you will use, you should consider the overall decor and theme of your home.
Choices in Wood Flooring
The most common choice of wood flooring is the hardwood. Some popular hardwood choices are hickory, oak, maple, cherry, Bella wood, and walnut. They come in different colors and shades. Cherry and walnut do not need to be applied with artificial colors as they have natural rich tone.
After you have chosen which type of wood you will use, you have to decide on the floor finish that you will apply. You may opt to buy pre-finished wood with clear coating as protection. Purchasing pre-finished may require you a huge budget but you will definitely save a lot of time and effort.
If you do not want to buy pre-finished, you may choose to do the finishing yourself. After installing the floor, you need to apply urethane as protective coating. You may need to apply several coats of urethane for a more durable floor. After every coat, you should sand the floor for a smoother surface. It takes several days for this process to complete.
Another option that you may consider is distressed or reclaimed flooring. Though this type of floor does not have smooth feel, it is naturally beautiful and has a unique character. One advantage of this type is that scratches do not easily manifest unlike in urethane flooring.
Aside from the traditional flooring choices, another option is laminate flooring. It looks like real hardwood and can be bought at cheaper price. Armstrong Flooring is one company that offers laminates of high quality. Bamboo and cork flooring are also other options.
Proper Care of Wood Flooring
Whatever type of flooring you choose to have in your home, you can make your wood flooring durable and last longer by giving it the proper care and maintenance. Below are some care tips for a long lasting wood floor.
1. Remove dirt and dust by regularly sweeping or vacuuming the floor. Do not let your floor accumulate dirt and dust as this may cause scratches on the floor.
2. Put mats at the entrance doors to minimize dirt from entering your house.
3. Gently clean the floor with mop when needed. Use a nearly dry mop instead of wet one. Water may be retained in the floor causing it to wear out over time. Molds may also grow in between the slats of the wood, which will eventually damage your floor.…
Wastewater and Sewage Treatment – For Residential Properties
Most of us flush the toilet without a second thought, but what happens to the wastewater if the property’s not connected to mains drainage?
There are several options available to homeowners:
Cesspits and cesspools
A cesspit or cesspool is simply a holding tank for receiving and storing wastewater from a property. The wastewater enters the cesspit where it remains until it is emptied by a vacuum tanker. As the cesspit merely holds the wastewater rather than treating it, the tanks tend to fill quite quickly resulting in the need for frequent emptying which can be costly.
Cesspits are usually only used as a temporary measure until the property is connected to mains drainage or because the Environment Agency doesn’t allow the property to discharge. Cesspits are typically viewed as the least desirable wastewater treatment system due to a number of unfavourable factors. As the cesspit receives all the waste from a property they have to be large enough to cope with this; the sizing criteria is based on a loading of 180 litres per person per day and must have the capacity to hold 45 days’ worth of effluent which inevitably leads to a large tank.
Septic Tanks
Septic tank systems store and minimally treat sewage and usually consist of a storage tank with two or three chambers to separate the solid and liquid waste. The chambers within the septic tank hold the sewage solids long enough to allow the solids to form sludge at the bottom of the tank and are designed to retain any floating matter.
The sludge is partially broken down through anaerobic digestion and the remaining liquid passes through the outlet to a soakaway drainage system. A soakaway system disperses this partially treated liquid (known as effluent) into a drainage trench where the pathogens, nutrients and organic material are dispersed into the gravel and are removed or neutralized as the liquid moves through into the soil.
The remaining sludge in the septic tank needs to be emptied regularly; the frequency of septic tank pumping depends on the amount of waste entering the septic tank and its size.
Sewage Treatment Plants
A sewage treatment plant is by far the best method of wastewater treatment. In a sewage treatment system, the wastewater enters the plant where it is treated, producing final effluent that is of a high enough standard, as set by the Royal Commission, to be discharged to a watercourse or groundwater.
Most home sewage treatment systems comprise a primary settlement chamber, biological zone and final clarification. Depending on which make and model you choose, these components could be in separate units, or enclosed in one.
Some systems have a primary settlement chamber where the raw solids separate from the liquor; the solids need to be periodically taken away by a tanker (tankered) and the liquor is then biologically treated. Other systems don’t have a separate treatment chamber, and the solids are continuously mixed in an aeration chamber with bacteria and oxygen to allow aerobic organisms to …
Professional Home Design Made Easy
Have you ever browsed through a design magazine and wondered how the pros do it? You’re not alone-every homeowner wants a professionally designed home, the kind where the colors, patterns, spaces and lighting just work perfectly together. Well, the good news is that it’s not that hard to pull off, and you don’t even have to spend a fortune for it. The pros really go by just a few simple rules, and the rest is a matter of creativity.
The first thing you have to decide on is color: after all, it’s the first and last thing that people notice when they look at a home. For the most part, it’s a personal decision. You want a color that you can live with for a long time, but is also versatile enough to go with changing tastes and trends. If you’re not sure what to pick, you can play it safe by just using neutrals like black, white or beige, and then adding colorful pieces as you see fit.
Textures are the second most important element in home design. Sometimes a home may have the perfect color combination, but still appear flat because it lacks texture. Wherever there’s an expanse of space, think of ways to liven it up. Use textured paint or wall art to break up the monotony of a blank wall. If you have lots of bare floor, lay out a rug or runner for some variety. Just make sure not to overdo it, as it makes the room look messy.
Finally, you need to find a focal point-a point of interest that draws the viewer’s eye and directs it around the room. It can be a lighting fixture, a painting, or a window with a view. These days, many designers are using area rugs as focal points, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they bright and colorful, they also add a nice warm glow to any space. You can use one rug for a small room or two larger ones if you have a larger area. Look for a rug that fits your décor theme, and place it somewhere visible like the middle of a floor or the front of your fireplace.…