5 Surefire Ways to Add Value to Your Home

Apart from our families, our home is our most prized possession. We decorate it and make it as comfortable and appealing as possible. As the years progress, our homes eventually become outdated and will be in need of updates and upgrades. You’ll also want to keep up with current trends while adding value and style to your property.

Here are five tips for adding value to your property:

1. Make renovating your kitchen a first port of call

The most utilised room in the home is most definitely the kitchen area. It is where we gather and reunite with the family after a long day. We also enjoy relaxing meals and good conversation in this space. More money will be spent on upgrades in this space than any other room. Upgrade kitchen appliances by replacing with stainless steel energy efficient choices such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, sinks and microwaves. Replace old counter tops with stylish granite and marble slabs. Replace outdated flooring with tile, slate or wood. Reface cabinet doors or completely replace cabinets and adorn with stylish door pulls. These changes will make a big difference in the look and feel of the kitchen.

2. Paint breathes new life into a tired home

Fresh paint can liven up living rooms and set the tone for the rest of the home. Consider an accent wall to add a focal point to a room. Keep other colours neutral, warm and welcoming. With careful planning, you can make this a weekend project with the help of several friends. It is the quickest and most effective update that will completely change the feel of a space.

3. New flooring is a huge value add

Carpet is becoming a thing of the past in main living areas. Homeowners are opting for hardwood flooring options that add an extra added elegance to a room. With so many types of flooring, the possibilities are endless. Choose from bamboo, hardwood, tile, slate, marble and stained concrete options. Not only are these current choices, but they will be much easier to maintain that traditional carpets.

4. Curb appeal because first impressions count

Beautiful and tidy curb appeal says that you care about how the yard looks and presents itself to the world. Make sure your grass is healthy and green and trees and shrubs are well manicured and complimentary to the yard. Be sure there is a clear unobstructed pathway leading to the front door, and that bright vibrant flowers greet visitors with bursts of colour. Add texture to the yard by adding decorative rocks and stones and other types of ground coverings. Make it as appealing and exciting as possible.

5. Build a backyard retreat to get away from it all

Outdoor living has become an extremely popular feature in homes especially in regions where the weather is warm throughout the majority of the year. Homeowners want to have a backyard space that feels like there is a relaxing resort setting right outside their backdoor. Outdoor kitchens, water features, fire pits, landscape lighting, covered patios and appealing landscaping will all add to the resort feel. The idea is to not feel like you have to travel anywhere to escape to a private relaxing location. You will have it right there in your very own backyard space.

These tips are surefire ways to add value to any home. With careful choices and considerations, you can give your home much need style and elegance. Your home is your castle. Keep it as current as possible because you never know what the future will bring. Enjoy your home and be proud of the way it looks.

This article was written by Marcus Fulker, Managing Director of Great Aussie Patios, an Australian patio installation company. You can catch Marcus on Google+ as well!

7 Design Tips to Make Your Home Look More Spacious

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the most common reasons that people choose to move home is to get more space, it’s one of the most desirable traits in a property and something that we all want (preferably without too much extra cost!). You don’t necessarily have to move to feel like you have a little bit of extra room though, there are certain changes which you can make to your home to give the illusion of it being much more spacious than it really is. Whether you’re just fooling yourself or if you want to make the property seem more appealing to potential buyers then doing these things will make a world of difference.

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A New Life in the Great Outdoors for Your Old Furniture

Over time, furniture gets old and worn or broken or simply doesn’t match your taste anymore.  No one wants to just throw things out, but what do you do about old furniture that no one else wants or isn’t in good shape to pass on or sell?  Throw it out.  Throw it right out into the back yard and give it new life as a raised bed frame.

(Photo credit: suburbandollar)

Does it make sense to go to the hardware store and buy wood to make raised beds and then haul your old bookshelves or dresser to the landfill?  It does not, unless you just like spending money at the hardware store.

You’ll need to do some work to prep your old furniture for its new life in the garden.  You’ll probably need to sand it down and reseal it with an earth-friendly sealant.  (So yes, you do get to go to the hardware store after all.)

But how exactly can your old furniture work as frame for a raised bed?

 
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Bamboo Flooring Outpaces Hardwood

Have you considered Bamboo flooring? Did you know bamboo flooring is 73% harder than Jarrah? You may be concerned about your carbon footprint and looking for eco-friendly flooring for your home or business. Bamboo is eco-friendly, available in many colours and compliments any décor. It is as beautiful as hardwood floors and often cheaper.

Bamboo Flooring Increasing in Popularity

Bamboo flooring is booming in popularity in the US. Bamboo is a fast growing grass that is strong and flexible. It will bend without snapping. It does not develop knots or rays as it grows, so can withstand more stress than traditional hardwood flooring. Termites cannot digest bamboo. You can install bamboo flooring on top of concrete, vinyl, plywood, other wood floors and over radiant floor heating.

Why is Bamboo Flooring the Eco-friendly Choice

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Trees are a renewable resource but take 20 or more years to reach maturity. Harvesting a tree allows more soil to erode where the tree once stood. Harvesting a tree reduces the production of oxygen, and more carbon dioxide is left in the air.

Forests cover 31 percent of the planet and are a source of lumber and paper goods. Eighty percent of the world’s species call forests home. Worldwide demand for forest products has grown and forestland is dwindling.

Bamboo can grow over four feet high in a day and grow to maturity in half a year. The extensive root system is left intact when the plant is harvested, and the roots prevent soil erosion. Replanting is unnecessary. Bamboo is re-harvested every three to seven years. Continuous harvesting helps bamboo to be healthy and thrive. Forests are preserved and the supply is reliable.

Benefits

1. Think and tough – It is 73% harder than jarrah, which means it is ideal for families with children, high heels (not highly recommended) and in kitchens.

2. Colour consistency – With controlled process of caramalisation, bamboo provides a consistent colour throughout your home, not like other woods. Visit your providers showroom prior to installation and the finish should be the same.

3. Less maintenance – Bamboo requires less maintenance compared to traditional hardwood flooring.
   Tip: Place rugs at entranceways to prevent grit, sand and moisture from tracking onto your floor.

4. Easy to clean – Bamboo floors do not promote dust, which is ideal if you have allergies. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is about all you need to do. You can use a damp mop occasionally, or use a bamboo floor cleanser on a sticky spot.
   Note: With proper maintenance, solid three-quarters-inch bamboo floors can last for over 100 years.

5. Value for money – The cost of bamboo flooring is 25 to 50 percent less than some other hardwood flooring. The installation cost is about the same as a hardwood floor. Professional bamboo flooring installers do not require any special training.

6. Quick Installation – It is important to get your floor installed quickly so you can be back in your home on the same day. Bamboo flooring is usually supplied polished and ready for quick installation.

7. Any place any time – Bamboo is not affected by temperature changes to the extent of hardwood flooring. Bamboo does not shrink or expand as much.

Disadvantages

One consideration you should keep in mind concerns the manufacturing process used in turning the bamboo into flooring. Low grade bamboo flooring is subject to splitting, delamination, cupping and nondurable finishes.  When choosing Bamboo I suggest choosing a quality Bamboo flooring provider, even if you have to pay that little bit extra.

Bamboo is more water-resistant than the average hardwood but it is not recommended for certain rooms. You should not install bamboo flooring in bathrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or other rooms with high moisture content. The moisture can cause your floor to warp or swell. Clean up spills immediately.

Smart Reinvestment Projects for Your Home

Income tax returns are a great opportunity to invest in your home.  If you’re getting a refund thanks to energy efficiency tax rebates from home improvements in 2012, a custom remodeling project is a smart way to reinvest the money, receive more tax credits in 2013, and create ongoing opportunities for home improvement projects.

On 2012 and 2013 tax returns, homeowners can receive a Federal Tax Credit on qualified Energy Star-approved upgrades. Visit energystar.gov to learn more.

If you’re planning a remodel with your 2012 tax refund, consider one or more of these approved smart reinvestment projects to increase your home’s energy efficiency while earning a refund on your 2013 return.

Water heater upgrade. Tankless water heaters don’t take up much room because they heat water on demand, instead of storing and heating 50 or more gallons of water continuously. For conventional water heaters, a recirculation systems keeps hot water on demand at the tap to eliminate the energy and water wasted while waiting for hot water to arrive all the way from the tank.

A tankless water heater doesn’t require a lot of space. Image courtesy of Allstar Air Conditioning and Heating

Furnace and appliance upgrade. Homeowners who replace older furnaces and appliances with approved energy efficient models can take a deduction on a percentage of the total cost. Take the opportunity to purchase a much-needed laundry machine, oven, cooktop, dishwasher, water heater, or furnace.

Windows, doors, roofing, and insulation. These upgrades can all dramatically increase your home’s energy-efficiency. While new windows, insulation, and roofing can all be big home investments, this year’s tax refund can help offset the initial cost, while credits on next year’s return may provide some cash back. You’ll also notice immediate savings on your monthly bills, giving you some additional incentive with immediate rewards.

Energy-efficient windows increase solar heat capacity and reduce air escape. This pictured custom remodeling project is courtesy of Case Design/Remodeling Birmingham.

HVAC and energy system upgrades. Heating, cooling, and ventilation upgrades that improve efficiency and performance can qualify for a federal rebate. The cost of converting to a more efficient heat source may qualify for certain deductions on your state tax return as well. The federal government gives a 30% deduction on the costs of converting to a renewable energy source such as solar power, geothermal heat, or residential wind turbines.

Radiant in-floor heat. You can off-set some of the costs associated with energy-efficient radiant heat, by taking deductions on materials and labor when installing a more efficient water heater and upgrading to a qualified heat source.

About the Author:

Brianna Perkle is a freelance writer who enjoys home décor and remodeling.

Making Your Builder Grade Home Unique to You

Having a home built can be an amazing thing. Not only are you able to pick the layout, square footage, and small fixtures but everything is brand new. Typically when you build a home, you go through a company that offers a few models to pick from and then you go from there. This still gives you a variety to choose from and decisions to make but it can also leave many people feeling like their homes are the exact same as their neighbors. Yes, wall colors and light fixtures might be virtually identical to that of your across the street neighbors but there are ways to make your builder grade home unique to you and your family.

When I was building my first home, one of the biggest things I told the home builders in Utah that I was working with was that I wanted top of the line appliances, cabinetry, and flooring but everything else was better off left to the basics because I could change them out as trends changed and as I found my own design personality.

Light Fixtures

A wide array of lamps and light fixtures can make your home truly shine (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Light fixtures are typically the last thing people think of when they think of making their home customized and personable but they can be some of the best and easiest ways to obtain the look you are going for. By simply changing the front entrance light fixture from a general light fixture to a one of a kind chandelier, suddenly your home is transformed into something that is more inviting and enticing.

Hardware Fixtures

In the 80′s brass fixtures were in and now oil rubbed bronze is the trend, whatever trend is in feel free to play around and when it goes out of style replace bathroom fixtures and even lighting fixtures that are reminiscent of previous decades

Rugs

Whether your builder grade home has hardwood flooring, tile, or carpeting, rugs are a great solution to turn an otherwise drab flooring situation into something that is enticing and appealing to the eye. Rugs are also a great opportunity to play with color and add a little bit of excitement to your interior decor. They are also a great way to save money on having to replace flooring. Even if your builder grade home came with the highest quality flooring, adding rugs to a few areas of your house will dress up your home without being overbearing. Just remember to use rugs sparingly, you’re not running a rug gallery.

Paint Color

Paint colors give you many options (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

Paint is one of the most overlooked and underestimated ways of transforming a home into something that is unique to you and your family’s style. Paint is also something that if not done tastefully can turn your home into something that resembles that of a circus. If you’re unsure of what paint color to pick, follow these easy guidelines:

a. Contemporary- For a more contemporary look, try all white walls, ceilings, and moldings

b. Traditional- Try a beige/tan that isn’t too pink

c. Modern/Traditional- Grey tones are a great way to bring both traditional and modern on the same platform

Exterior

• Doors

Don’t be afraid to paint your front door a fun color. Although alder wood doors are gorgeous and timeless, nothing will make your house distinguished from your neighbors quite like a robin egg blue door.

• Landscape Elements

Incorporating unique yet classy landscape elements to your front or backyard will definitely set your yard apart from your neighbors. Try adding boulders, fountains, trees, or other landscape elements.

About the Author

Leslie Mason is a homemaker and garden expert. Leslie enjoys writing, gardening, do-it-yourself projects, and fixing up the house. She currently lives with her husband George in Seattle, Washington.

Converting to GCFIs: How Older Homes Can Safeguard Against Electrical Hazards

You love your old house—it has so much character and charm. However, one thing it might not have is a safe electrical system. While most homes today are equipped by law with GCFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets, older houses may not have made the transition to these safer alternatives because they are protected by the grandfather clause. Even though you may not be required to switch over, electricians recommend replacing all non-GCFIs for greater safety in your home.

An example of a main circuit breaker  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What are GCFIs?

The main purpose of the GCFI outlet is to detect fluctuations in current with the appliance it is connected to. If there are changes in current, the GCFI cuts off power to the object immediately. A GCFI outlet looks like a typical outlet but is recognizable by its “Test” and “Reset” buttons on the face. When a current fluctuation does occur (e.g. a power surge), you will need to press the “reset” button to restore power to your appliance. Because of their quick response, GCFIs offer homeowners greater security than a traditional circuit breaker or fuse can. These outlets are not only smart choices for preventing electrical shock, but they reduce the risk of electrical fires and damages to your appliances.

Protecting You and Your Home

GCFIs were not required by law until 1971. If your home was built before this time, you may want to check your electrical system with a licensed professional. Although you are not obligated to replace your electrical system, you can safeguard against personal and home damages by switching over.

You may wonder, “I have a circuit breaker, isn’t that enough?” However, traditional circuit breakers only prevent against fires. When wires overheat, that can cause an electrical fire within the walls of your home. To safeguard against this, the circuit breakers shut off the flow of power when a wire has too much demand for electricity. However, they cannot protect you against electrocution. For example, let’s say an electrician from Salt Lake City is working outside on his home on the weekend. He is holding a drill when it begins to rain lightly. Once the drill becomes wet, a path is created from the hot wire inside it to him and the ground. When working properly, electricity in an appliance is balanced in a flow from the hot wire to the neutral wire. However, if the flow of current were to be redirected from the hot drill to the ground through the electrician, he could suffer from fatal electrocution. GCFI outlets protect against this occurrence by sensing irregular current flow and tripping the power. This protects you (and that electrician) from a painful (and potentially deadly) shock.

While local codes may vary, GCFI outlets are required for most areas of newer homes. This includes both the interiors and exteriors of the home. You should consult your local building codes for your area for the specific requirements in order to update your home to meet those safety standards. GCFIs not only protect our home from possible fire, but they guard against potential electrocution in areas with proximity to water and other electrical hazards. Especially for households with younger children, investing in GCFIs is the smart decision.  As you make these changes to a GCFI electrical system, you will safeguard your home and family, giving your old house its best chance for surviving many more years.

About the Author:

Michael David graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. He now lives in New York City and works as a freelance journalist. Michael loves writing about DIY projects, home improvement, and garden-related topics.

The Benefits of Installing a Combi Boiler

Many people remember having to share bath water with their siblings when they were growing up to avoid having to heat up another tank of water to fill the tub. And do you remember the days when you suddenly fancied a bath but had to wait around for the boiler to warm up enough water to have a good soak?

Thankfully, modern boiler systems are far more advanced and none more so than the combi boiler, which has quickly become established as the system of choice.

If you are thinking about having a combi boiler installed and perhaps looking at Vaillant Boilers, you might need to know just why this type of heating system is right for your home. Here are some of the benefits of combi boilers.
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7 Ways to Perk Up Your Home This Spring

Springtime is all about rejuvenation. New Year’s resolutions of losing weight and getting fit are under way, the snow has finally melted, and your home is ready for the attention it lacked all winter long. Spring cleaning is just a small piece of what you can do to revive your house from cold season hibernation, try one of these 7 ways to perk up your home this spring. You might just be surprised!

Get your spring cleaning done right this year, and make your home look gorgeous!

1. Try Bringing the Outdoors Inside

   Bringing a taste of the outdoors inside doesn’t mean hanging a deer head above your fireplace or adding a bear rug to your floor. It can, however, include incorporating some of the more natural elements into your home. For a large statement piece, consider adding a wooden plank wall stained in an ash gray color. For a more subtle approach, add a sisal rug, sisal baskets, or a rope surrounded mirror.

2. Lighten Up Your Furniture

   In the 1990’s dark furniture was extremely popular; anything from oak to cherry wood were taking over kitchens and bedroom furniture. However, things are starting to lighten up in a big way. Bring a fresh new air into your home by painting your cabinets white, and even introduce some white furniture into the mix. White lacquer furniture is especially popular this spring, and can be introduced into your home in a small way such as a coffee or side table.

3. Add an element of the unexpected

   2013 is all about mixing textures, colors, and styles. Magazines such as Elle and Vogue are especially indulging in this trend. Why not join in on the fun this spring? Try adding a cowhide rug under a white lacquer table to give your living room the edge it deserves. Not only will the rug offset the brightness of the coffee table but it will keep the onlookers eye entertained.

4. Fresh Flowers

   Fresh flowers strewn across any house, act as the best springtime accessory for every household. Whether you pick them directly from your garden or purchase them for a local market, incorporate them into any room for a large impact. Add flowers to your bedroom, bathroom, foyer, and living area for an inviting feel to all of your guests. Group larger flowers in broader mouth vases and single groupings in small stem vases.  For a more eclectic feel, try using glass bottles, jars, or tea cups as vases for your home.

5. De-Clutter

   De-cluttering is probably the most dreaded, yet most effective part of spring cleaning. Even if you think you run a clutter free household, sometimes you will find clutter in the most unexpected places. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, the chances are that you won’t use it again. Donate your items to the local Salvation Army or try consigning some of your items for a little more change in your wallet. De-cluttering is also a great way to give you an idea of any household items you may be in need of.

6. Rearrange Furniture

   Rearranging the furniture you already have is an easy and free way to bring a whole new look to your home. Sometimes it’s also a great solution to finding more space within your home. By simply moving a couch from an angle to a wall can free up square footage you didn’t even know you had.

7. New Pillows

   Pillows are one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to add a whole new feel to your home. This spring, lighten up a dark couch or bench with some grey and white Chevron patterned pillows.

About the Author

Nina Hiatt has worked helping clients find balance and beauty in their personal space through landscape and interior design. She specializes in helping young designers build their portfolios and start their own business. In her free time, Nina enjoys anything to do with home improvement, from gardening to drain cleaning. She wrote this post on behalf of Need-A-Plumber, in Calgary.

Floating Floor Installations: Benefits and Methods of Elastilon

Floating floors have become more and more popular in today’s market. Many DIY’ers prefer choosing this method over the traditional nail or glue down methods as it is easier, requires less tools and allows just about anyone to install a new floor in no time at all. What is a floating floor and what are its benefits? Is it good for the long run or maybe it is only a temporary trend?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A floating floor is a method of installing a floor without nailing or gluing the flooring to the subfloor beneath.  The boards are connected to each other so they become a single unit.

The benefits of floating floor installations:

1. A floating floor minimizes gapping that you would see in a nail or glue down installation, where each board is expanding and contracting independently of the other boards. The reason is that floating floor boards are connected to each other as one unit. So when expansion and contraction happens, it happens as a whole.
2. Humidity problems – In a comfortable home with slight humidity variations through the seasons, wood flooring responds by expanding and contracting. This seasonal movement is a normal characteristic of wood flooring, and it never stops, regardless of the age of the wood or even the installation method. A floating floor is favored in regions with these extreme changes in humidity. Floating engineered flooring is also beneficial in basement installations because of this increased stability in higher moisture environments as it allows the floor to move and expand in response to changes in the room’s humidity
3. Floating engineered floors can be installed in any room and any level of the home, including the basement.

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