Category House

Many residents of rural areas don’t have connected water and sewer systems, but wells and septic systems. These systems aren’t difficult to take care of, thanks to upgrades present in modern technologies. By following basic instructions and these tips, you can ensure your septic system operates properly for years to come.
Watch rainwater
A soggy and wet septic drainfield won’t properly handle liquid waste, leaving it unabsorbed and not neutralized. You’ll need to plan things like landscaping, gutters and drains to divert away water from the drainfield.
Don’t overload
One of the biggest reasons for septic system repairs is an overloaded system. Make sure your system and drainfield aren’t overloaded by checking regularly for leaks from toilets and faucets, and making necessary repairs. Aerators and flow-reduction nozzles on faucets and showers will help lower water consumption, as will reduce water levels for small laundry loads. Other ways to keep the system from overloading is to run the dishwasher only when you have a full load and to use a displacer to decrease the water needed to flush.
Keep trees away
Another reason to call for repairs is root damage from trees. Tree roots are notorious for damaging septic tanks, which can mean costly repairs. Keeping trees at least 100 feet away from your septic system will discourage these costly damages. Willow and other similar trees have very aggressive roots, so they should be kept even farther from the system and drainfield.
Be careful of what you dispose
Your toilet is not a garbage disposal. You shouldn’t flush (even if you are connected to a municipal sewer system) cat litter, diapers, sanitary items, coffee grounds, cigarette butts and other items, as they can quickly clog your tank. Do not overuse heavy cleaners, as they will kill beneficial bacterium that break down solids. Grease can also clog the drainfield, and make it impossible for the soil to absorb liquids. When that happens, you’ll need a new drainfield. Hazardous chemicals like varnish, gasoline and oils can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater sources.
Maintain regularly
If you want your system to work properly, the solids will eventually have to be pumped. The rule of thumb for a family of four with a 1,000-gallon tank is to have it pumped every three to five years. And while you might think it easy to take care of it yourself, never open a septic tank as it contains harmful materials and gases. Always have a professional handle the job.…

Persons moving to a home that uses a septic tank may need some information about this onsite wastewater treatment system. Septic tanks are an efficient way to safely dispose of contaminated water from the home. If properly cared for, the septic tank is a vital key top protecting the environment. Tanks that are not properly taken care of can allow raw sewage to leak onto the top of the ground and into runoff water.
Proper care for a septic tank begins in the home. There are certain items that should not be flushed down drains. Grease, plastic and latex do not break down in the system and should be disposed of in another manner if at all possible. If these items are flushed down a drain or toilet, they tend to add to the scum layer at the top of the tank and cause the tank to need pumping sooner.
While many household cleaners are diluted to the point that they do not cause a problem, occupants of the home will want to avoid overuse of these materials with the tank. In addition, it is recommended that when choosing laundry detergents, persons with septic tanks choose liquid detergents rather than powders.
Septic tanks require regular pumping. Generally speaking, a tank serving a family of four needs to be pumped every three years. If the home has more family members, the tank will need servicing more often. In addition, if the family makes heavy use of a garbage disposal, it can cause the tank to require servicing more often. Pumping should occur before the scum level drops below the baffle or solid materials may leak into the drain field and cause failure of the field.
When homes have septic systems, care must be used to avoid driving over the tank or drain field. Driving over the tank could cause the lid to break and may drop a vehicle directly into the tank. Driving over the drain field can compress the rock and pipe that allow the system to distribute the treated wastewater into the soil.
While it is possible to find many additives for septic systems, most experts agree that there is no need to add these materials to the tank. There is enough bacterial in the materials that fill the tank that will cause a natural breakdown of the substances. Most septic tank additives only add more pollutants to the streams.
Most older septic systems used gravity to distribute the treated water into the drain field. Today, however, in order to place septic systems on property in places where a traditional gravity flow drain field does not operate correctly, many homes are being built with pump systems or sand filters. These systems must be engineered to allow for pollution free distribution of the treated water. They can be very expensive systems and require even more caution at taking care of the system.
If a home uses a septic systems to treat the wastewater from a home, it is important to …

The septic system is an astounding and innovative piece of technology. The device is natural and energy efficient. If you are planning on installing a septic tank, you will need septic lines, a septic tank, permit from your local government, and choose the appropriate location for installing the tank.
A septic tank operates by sewage being carried from the house to the tank using gravity instead of using motors and fossil fuel energy. The sewage moves by means of gravity from the tank to the drain field. Microbes in the ground digest and sanitize the bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. When the soil is healthy, clean water returns to the water table. The location of the tank and lines will depend on the percolation test. Another important feature is the size of the septic tank.
There are a few ways you can determine the size of the septic tank for your home. The size of the septic tank can be determined by basing it on the water usage or home size. The most productive and efficient way to calculate the size of the tank is through water usage. The size of the septic tank that will be required is based on the amount of water it will conduct through the field lines.
Calculations by Water Tank
Based on the total water usage of a home, the following is the expert and local government recommended tank size:
Up to 500 gallons per day: 900 gallon tank
Up to 700 gallons per day: 1,200 gallon tank
Up to 900 gallons per day: 1,500 gallon tank
Up to 1,240 gallons per day: 1,900 gallon tank
It is important to be aware that the minimum size tank normally permitted for use in a residential home is 1,000 gallons. Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.
Calculations by House Size
This type of calculation assumes that all rooms in the home will be used. The following is the expert and local government recommended tank size based on calculating the house size:
One or two bedrooms: 750 gallon tank
Three bedrooms: 1,000 gallon tank
Four bedrooms: 1,200 gallon tank
Five or six bedrooms: 1,500 gallon tank
Make sure you check with your local governmental official to obtain their regulations of size.
For single-family homes, tanks normally vary in size from 500 to 1500 gallons of sewer storage capability. For a one or two bedroom house, a 1000 or 1200 gallon tank is used most often.
The costs of septic tanks will vary. The average 1,000 gallon septic tank will cost between $500 and $700. If you want to install a 1,250 gallon tank, the price can range from $600 – $800. One can install a tank in either the front yard or the backyard. The area must be able to hold the tank and drain field. The cost of installing a standard septic tank can be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500
Septic tanks are a necessity and …

A lot of people are fond of outdoor activities. For that reason, it gives way to the popularity of patio, decks, gardening and so on. Recently, houses are in constant renovation and upgrades to improve their exterior such as their lawn or yard. Almost all of the homeowners want to beautify and increase the function of their outdoor area that is why patio decks were also in demand. Decorating your lawn will surely make your guest and visitors attracted and stunned with your charming designs with the latest fashion and style. Though there are so many tips that can help you in decorating your yard, here are some of the best ideas in town for outdoor decorating. You might consider applying these ideas to your home as soon as you are done reading it.
Since winter is fast approaching, it is certain that spring and summer will follow. It is best to install a patio in your backyard wherein you can rest and enjoy the breeze of fresh air. It is very interesting and exciting to prepare for the sunrise. Your kids will definitely love some outdoor activities with the best patio decks in town. With that, you may start searching for the appropriate patio for your lawn and make sure that the materials used have good quality. Maximize the availability of your outdoor space and turn it to a more fun and exciting place that everybody could enjoy.
Consider planting some trees that will cover your yard from the direct heat of the sun. It is the best solution if you think that your outdoor area is sunny. Trees give natural shade and fresh air. You can also have another option to make your place comfortable and convenient by placing a tarp to produce a good quality shade that will protect you from ultraviolet rays as you will do your outdoor activities with your kids.
Place some decorative lights that will look best especially during night hours. You can choose different colors of light bulbs to make it more attractive and appealing. There are so many kinds of lights in the market that are appropriate for outdoor use. You can also place some candles with a handle or jars beside your patio to create a more romantic ambiance for your loved ones. Enjoy a starry dark night and throw all the tensions and pressures you had at work. Relax and feel the beauty of nature.
If you wish to make your outdoor area more functional, it is best to find outstanding furniture that will complement your outdoor design or home exterior. There are several sets of umbrellas with corresponding colors of chairs and tables in the market. Try browsing the Internet so that you can gather different ideas that will make your outdoor great. Aside from that, fire pits are also good as one of your outdoor decorations especially during winter season. There are so many latest designs of fire pits in town nowadays. Always consider your theme or …

Day in and day out, your home serves as sanctuary, pit stop, storage facility, and entertainment venue. It can also get stale, outdated, and even threaten your health. Drapes, pillows, upholstery, and carpets can harbor dirt, dust, grime, and insects that cause respiratory and other health-related problems. These textiles can also cause bad odors to persist. Refreshing your home, both literally and figuratively, is easier and more affordable today than ever before with cheap Pergo laminate flooring, inexpensive accent pieces, live plants, a few buckets of paint, or some new curtains. Each of these redecorating activities can be done by the homeowner with a minimal investment of time and money.
Instead of hiring contractors and disrupting your home and bank account, refresh the appearance and improve the healthfulness of your home by replacing old window treatments, adding new accent pieces, or buy laminate flooring. Painting walls and replacing cabinet hardware can also result in an affordable, do-it-yourself home improvement project with lasting benefits.
Give Hardware A Hand
Cabinet hardware is easy to replace, affordable, and there are many styles from which to choose. Your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can go from dreary and damaged to smooth and elegant with just a few turns of a screwdriver. For a bigger effect, the faces of the cabinets, drawers, and doors can be refinished or painted at the same time. Very often, stripping off old paint reveals beautiful natural wood grain that has been well preserved and looks lovely with nothing more than an application of sealant!
Strike A Pose
The artwork and accent pieces found in a room can completely alter its personality. Throw pillows, live plants, statuary, and art can turn a chaotic mess into a stylish showplace without breaking the budget. Family photographs in simple frames, layers of colored stones in a glass vase, or a living aquarium can provide affordable renovations to the look and feel of practically any room in the house.
Coat With Color
Painting the walls of a room is an inexpensive way of changing the decor and creating a completely different atmosphere. Painting does, however, require an understanding of the risks of lead found in old paint. Keeping safety issues in mind, the colors selected can generate any mood or style the homeowner chooses.
Window Wonders
Homeowners can also redecorate a room affordably with window treatments, such as drapery, shades, sheers, and blinds, just to name a few. There are many online sources available that offer a wide range of window treatments, allowing homeowners to select or create their very own style using materials that suit the interior decor of their liking.
Build A Solid Foundation
A home’s foundation is its primary source of strength and stability. In the same way, flooring protects us from the outside world, it provides a smooth surface for feet and furniture, and it sets the tone for the style of the room. Flooring also plays a major role in a family’s health. Ratty, old carpeting can harbor dust mites, …

There are a few tips and tricks that you can follow in order to repair any minor marks or gouges in your polished concrete or terrazzo floors.
Cracks in flooring:
There are a few methods depending on the size of the crack in your polished concrete. If you have a pneumatic needle scaler for cleaning up small cracks with a little dust it can be beneficial to help repairing cracks in your polished concrete floors. Another method is with your own do it yourself “sand” formula.
For small cracks
A� aluminum oxide
A� local fine washed river sand
For larger cracks
1/3 aluminum oxide
1/3 local river sand
1/3 local fracture rock
Gouges:
Repairing gouges in your concrete flooring is really pretty easy. However you want to make sure the old concrete bonds to the new concrete or your repair could last you less than a year. There are a few necessary steps to follow in order to repair gouged concrete flooring.
Make sure you clean out the noticeable gouge. This means you will want to remove all the dust, stones, and dirt. You will need to do a good portion of this by hand. Once you have the larger stuff out you can use a bristle brush to clear out the remaining.
Mix up concrete paint. This is really considered to be watered down concrete. Mix a tiny portion of concrete in a 5 gallon bucket. Usually you will keep adding in water until it is very thin.
Make sure the surface is lightly damp. Paint the inner portion of the gouge and the area that is located around it with water. Just get it damp, don’t try to soak it.
Paint the inside of the gouge and around the outer edge with the concrete paint. This will create something for it to attach to.
Mix up your concrete using the 5 gallon bucket. You will want to add in water and stir it up.
Fill in the gouge with the concrete. The concrete mix will stick onto the concrete paint which creates a firm seal between the new and old. Spread it evenly with the original concrete.
You can see that the entire process of repairing gouges within polished concrete is really fairly easy and can be done with a few ingredients and tools. Polished concrete flooring is really beneficial all around, and requires little to no upkeep.…

There are both advantages and disadvantages when comparing laminate flooring with hardwood flooring. Both of these materials are excellent for any home, however they are also very different. First, let’s examine wood floors and why you might want them in your home. Wood floors are classic, traditional, beautiful and with the right maintenance, can last a lifetime. The problem is that wood flooring requires buffing and refinishing to maintain its beauty.
On the other hand, laminate flooring does not require this kind of maintenance. And, when compared with how difficult it is to install wood floors, laminate definitely comes out on top. The majority of laminate floor choices can be snapped together like puzzle pieces, without the need for glue or nails. Even if you’re not handy with tools you can lay one of these floors in a matter of hours. And, you can walk on your new floors immediately after they are put down, you don’t have to wait. These floors are durable, and are coated with space age crystal clear finishes for strength and shine.
You’ll be amazed at how authentic these floors appear when made to look like wood, stone and other flooring materials. Some laminate is textured and even sounds like the actual material it looks like when walked upon. And with a good installation job, no one but you will realize your floor is laminate, it might for example look identical to exotic teak or sophisticated mahogany.
There are just so many different choices. Whether you like wood, stone, cork, bamboo or some other material, your floor can look exactly as you like. Many flooring choices are made to appear seamless. Some are tiles, some are strips and some are planks. What you should choose depends upon your particular household needs.
Laminate flooring is easy to clean and care for. All it requires is a sweep and damp mop. There are affordable cleaning products made for this type of material. Another benefit is the vast selection you’ll find when shopping around for this type of floor. There are hundreds of different laminate flooring choices from numerous manufacturers, many of which are household names.…

Join the latest trend in construction with green home plans that are good for the environment, better for your health, and easy on your pocketbook. With an increase in demand for eco-friendly and energy efficient homes, more builders are becoming educated in this area and offering a variety of green options that will help you do your part in preserving the planet without compromising quality or style. Recycled and environmentally friendly products are more aesthetically pleasing than ever before so it is easy to build your dream home while also saving money, conserving natural resources, achieving energy independence, and ensuring a safer and healthier world for future generations.
Whether you are building a new house or renovating an existing one, green home plans offer many benefits that make them a wise, responsible, and stylish choice.
1. Energy cost savings.
Build your house with energy efficient windows that are made from recycled glass and tinted to help regulate indoor temperatures in every season. Also, incorporating the use of active or passive solar concepts will decrease energy costs by using the sun to reduce dependence on costly and toxic fuels. Passive, or climatic design is a natural way of generating energy and allows the residence to store heat in the winter and release it in the summer so you can use the weather to your advantage and enjoy maximum cost savings. You can even purchase appliances that operate on solar generated energy, lowering electricity bills while protecting the environment.
2. Conservation.
Green homes are usually built with sustainable design in mind, using materials that are non-toxic, recycled, or quickly renewable. Also, systems can be installed to prevent soil erosion and focus on water conservation. Installing low-flow fixtures, collecting rainwater, and using filtration systems that allow water to be reused for non-drinking purposes such as laundry and cleaning are features that can be included in your green home plan and will help you save money as well as the environment.
3. Health benefits.
Our homes are often filled with toxic materials, chemically treated or finished wood, products that contain formaldehyde or other dangerous substances, and heating and cooling systems that emit unhealthy by-products. Wouldn’t you like to know that you are protecting yourself and your family by providing a healthy environment that uses natural energy, non-toxic materials, and ventilation and purification systems that ensure pure water and good air quality? Look into the options and find out how green homes can make you happier and healthier.
4. Mortgage savings.
Many banks and lending companies are now offering “Green Mortgages” for homes that are built or improved using energy efficient or environmentally friendly products and systems. Such things as solar panels, wind turbines, water conservation features, and high quality windows can translate into greater borrowing power or a discount on rates. Some areas even offer tax incentives for eco-friendly construction. Building a green home can offer better resale value, reduced utility bills, and lower mortgage payments while also giving you the peace of mind …

The demographic
The first thing an outstanding designer does when putting pen to paper on a home design is find out exactly who is going to live in that home–the exact demographic of the inhabitant. This is specially true about the kitchen which is often the most lived-in space in the house and around which many more activities occur any more nowadays than just cooking. Luckily, today’s demographic in the kitchen ‘mass market’ is easy to define–it is mostly ‘baby boomers’ aged 55-65, followed by ‘leading edge GenX’ers’ aged 45-55 years old. These two demographics between them make up the bulk of the folks looking to design a kitchen as opposed to simply taking what comes with a new house. People older than 65, the ‘seniors’, are no longer the dominant home owning demographic and don’t spend as much time in the kitchen while those younger than 45 are considered entry-level homeowners and are also not as numerous as the first two.
Activities in and around the kitchen
A baby boomer’s kitchen is very likely to have a large flat screen TV as part of it that is easily visible from several activity areas surrounding it. The kitchen is no longer a ‘room’ but a space around which a lot of family activity revolves. This activity could be video games, watching the news, searching for data and even doing homework with access to outdoor grilling and a deck just a step or two away. The common factor is that it all revolves around the kitchen. This often manifests in a ‘living room’ or ‘family room’ area complete with sitting or lounging furniture joined to the kitchen with an informal ‘dining’ area, both divided and united by a cabinetwork peninsula, perhaps with a sink and cooktop on one side and an open area on the other with tall stools for the kids to do their homework on or simply help make dinner.
Baby boomers are no longer willing to risk a back injury by bending down to open an oven door and will likely have wall ovens installed at a carefully measured height. Similarly, the efficiency-demanding boomer will insist on having the pantry close at hand at most 3 or 4 steps away, not in another room and certainly not behind another door. This can manifest as another ‘area’ adjacent to the cooking areas, perhaps with a dividing wall of overhead cabinets and counter spaces open to both areas.
The GenX’er is even more tech savvy and may have several appliances hooked up to the internet with sensors and alarms to remind and warn of upcoming events, like a “cake is ready” message flashing on TV screens all over the house. She may switch on the oven with her phone on her way back from work and set the temperature for baked fish when she is 10 minutes away. Her priority is “get it done quick” and therefore all appliances will likely be electric with a few being dual fuel, all …

First, some basic science:
A. Heat naturally flows from warmer areas to cooler areas. Its speed of movement depends upon how much a difference there is between these two temperatures. The greater the difference, the faster the flow.
B. Heat flow can be reduced by insulation.
C. Heat can be artificially made to travel in the opposite direction – from cold to hot. This is done by any device that “pumps” heat. Air conditioners pump heat out of the home. Pumping heat costs about one third the cost to create heat.
D. When heat enters your home, during the summertime, it must be removed by the air conditioning system.
E. Radiative heat, from the sun, can easily flow through glass. It heats up whatever it lands upon. Because of certain physical characteristics (called “black-body” radiation) that heat can’t pass back through glass. It is effectively trapped. This is called the “greenhouse” effect.
F. When you install or provide something which operates without need for additional energy, this is called a passive operation.
Okay – so based upon these simple rules, here are 10 basic actions that will improve a home’s energy efficiency which will save you money. I’ll mention the rule and then what you can do:
1. Rule B – Insulation is likely one of the best investments you can make. There are few actions that can give you a better cost to benefit ratio. This is passive in that it takes no energy to operate (rule F).
2. Rules D and E – Increasing the size of your eaves and other overhangs will reduce sunlight entering your home which just has to be removed by your air conditioner (costing money). This is also passive (rule F).
3. Rules D and E – Windows on the west side tend to bring in the most heat from the sun. It is best to limit western exposure either by design or by blocking the windows with shrubbery. This is a passive action (rule F)
4. Rule E – Using reflective glass can be extremely helpful. Curtains and shades do not work because by the time the sun light hits them it has already entered the home (remember greenhouse). Any time something heats up in your home your air conditioner will have to remove that heat. Sunlight must be stopped before it goes through the glass. This is a also a passive method and will save both energy and money during the summer.
5. Rule A – Place foil on the bottom of the plywood roof sheathing of your home. This is easiest to do while building a new home. If your home exists, then consider a radiation barrier in the attic. This will keep the attic cooler. This is also passive (rule F)
6. Rule A – Ventilate the attic. This can be passive or active. It reduces the attic temperature which slows the flow of heat into your home. The active, but effective, way is with a powered fan system …