Thursday, February 26, 2009
by lheraty
Not only is bamboo beautiful to look at, but it is one of the most sustainable materials out there. Other harvested hardwoods are clear-cut and then need another thirty years before harvesting again. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass and is used for so many things that when the last part of a stand of bamboo is harvested, it’s very likely that the first part has already recovered. In other words, it is almost impossible to deplete bamboo’s availability. When bamboo is used for flooring it is sliced, pressed, molded and then carbonized. Carbonization is when the bamboo is exposed to heat so that it will harden.
Bamboo flooring comes in traditional plank styles and is installed similarly to traditional hardwood flooring. It is made with a tongue and groove, an underlayment is set down and then the fitted pieces are tacked down with a nail gun. Bamboo flooring maintenance is almost identical to other hardwood flooring, except that water should be removed as quickly as possible as bamboo’s fibers will expand more easily. Simple sweeping and mopping with a gentle cleanser will be enough to keep it looking clean and beautiful. Avoid getting gashes in the wood as bamboo is more difficult to buff or fill in than hardwood flooring.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
by lheraty
Most kitchens can benefit from even just one or two small changes, simply to make it look fresh again. Here are some ways that you can do this in a very cost-effective manner:
- Update Small Appliances - Keep all of your counter top appliances such as your coffeemaker, toaster and blender all in the same finish. Coordinating these very visible things really makes a big difference in the orderliness of your kitchen’s look.
- Window treatments - Don’t forget to add or update the treatments on your kitchen’s windows as they really can pull the whole design of your kitchen together, as well as add shade or privacy when needed.
- Lighting Fixtures - Get rid of that tired old 1980’s ceiling fixture in exchange for a pretty chandelier or a row of chic pendants, and try not to smile every time you enter your “new” kitchen!
- New Counter tops - Instead of an entire renovation, consider replacing just one thing. Your counter tops. You will be amazed at the variety of what is available now and at the incredible range of prices too. Counter tops remain one of the few things that will actually help sell a home.
- Paint - Whether you really need to or not, who doesn’t love the look of freshly painted walls in a new color?
- Under-Cabinet Lights - Easy to install puck lights are the way to go on this one.
- Sink Faucet - So many beautiful models to choose from and most of the new models can save you money on water and energy costs to boot.
- Cabinet Hardware - Changing cabinet hardware just so happens to be the easiest way to update your kitchen. Imagine simple nickel cabinet pulls in place of the dated ceramic ones you currently have. See what I mean?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
by lheraty
Most people purchase window treatments, such as heavy drapes, blinds or shutters to complete the look they want to establish on the inside of their home. But curtains, drapes, blinds and shutters are also a wonderful investment that will help keep energy costs down, whether you are heating or cooling your home. Attic insulation is also one of the best ways a homeowner can reduce the amount of energy they are paying for in their home, whether it is for heating or cooling. Without proper insulation it will escape via the roof. Expect to pay between $500 and $700 to insulate a 2,000-square foot home. According to experts, insulation can save you up to 25% on heating and cooling costs. Don’t forget to seal air leaks in your home. By simply filling in gaps around your windows and doors and sealing ducts, you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bill. Last but not least, always replace or clean your air filters. By doing this small task each season you can save 7% in electricity costs per year.
Monday, February 23, 2009
by lheraty
Installing
low-flow shower heads and faucets not only reduces the amount of money you will spend on water, but they also reduce the amount of money that you will spend on the electricity or gas that heats your water. Most faucet aerators will cost you about two dollars, and most low-flow shower heads cost around thirty dollars. By using these devices you will be able to re-coup these costs within one year of use. Plus, many utility companies offer their customers rebates for using these devices. Since a
compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) will last six to twelve times longer and use up to 75% less energy than a regular bulb will, experts calculate that the purchase of one three dollar CFL will be re-payed in energy costs within three months of use. In less than one year, you can recover the cost of purchasing a
lighting motion sensor. They cost about fifty dollars and one year is how long it will take to pay back the cost in energy bills in a very expensive state like New York, and as little as five months in a less expensive state, such as Nebraska.
Monday, February 16, 2009
by crussell
Estate sale, handicapped accessible, large deck, attic fan and window air cools entire home, Culligan water sofener, cozy home in quiet neighborhood, built-in drawers/shelves in bedrooms. pre-approval with offer.
This cozy home in a quiet neighborhood offrs built-in drawers in bedrooms, hardwood floors, large deck, and basement. Cool the entire house with the attic fan. Ready with handicap accessible entrance.
Monday, February 16, 2009
by crussell
Sale and commission subject to bank approval of short sale! Stairway off kitchen. Fifth bedroom has no closet, was used for a den. Carpet needs replaced. Great deck, gorgeous landscaping plus 2 car garage. Preapproval with offer.
What a great rural setting! Exceptional country home looking for a family. Open the front door to beautiful cherrywood floors, masonry fireplace, and cheery interior colors with open floor plan to a family friendly home with four large bedrooms, spacious closets and two and a half baths. Large master bedroom has exceptional ceramic tile bathroom, walk-in shower and heated towel bars. Retreat to the second level office, or play room, for privacy from the first floor public area. Enjoy summer evenings viewing the wildlife including many fruit trees and bushes. The attatched 2 car garage offers workshop area. This home is ready to move-in condition. Short sale subject to bank approval.
Monday, February 16, 2009
by crussell
Great family home with huge master bedroom, upstairs family room, lots of room to entertain, storage under stairs, electric and gas to range, appliances 5 years old--maytag, fenced yard, Home warranty available, play set negotiable, pre approval with offer.
Fun abounds in this distinctive, two story home on family friendly Poland Hill Drive! Lots of room inside for formal or informal entertaining. Enjoy the great outdoors in the fully fenced-in back yard complete with deck and play equipment (negotiable)
If you've always yearned for a special place in your home you'll love this house! Mom and dad can get away from it all in their HUGE master suite or join the family in the upstairs family room.
Everyone will appreciate the newer appliances and extra storage under the stairs. You'll be close to Tecumseh Middle School, Jefferson High School and shopping areas any way you turn.
This home offers a Home Warranty for peace of mind! Don't let this one pass you by. You'll WANT to come to 3331 Poland Hill Drive.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
by crussell
[gallery]Well kept, neutral colors, vaulted ceilings in master bedroom
Well maintained, traditional home 2-story, home in popular Amberleigh Village in West Lafayette. Over 2300 of spacious family living, fireplace, neutral colors and master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, in a great family neighborhood makes this home desirable. Hurry.... this home won't last!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
by lheraty
Every homeowner has probably considered the idea of installing solar panels at one time or another. Unfortunately, when they find out that buying and installing a set of panels can cost at least ten thousand dollars, most people decide that the upfront cost is simply too high.
Brilliantly, in some states there are companies that lease them to homeowners. They will install them on your property and then you are billed for the power that the panels generate. This cost is generally lower than your regular utility rate. Many customers have committed to them for environmental reasons only.
As always be wise and shop around if you are considering panels, as some companies will charge you an upfront fee as a down payment. Many companies do not, and their plans will save you up to 11% on your utility bills. Other companies fall somewhere in the middle and charge an upfront fee, but that fee is considered a prepayment on the solar-power part of your monthly bill, so you will pay a bit less for power each month.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
by lheraty
Yes, you can actually save money by installing a Drain-water Heat-recovery system in your home. It works to warm up water for your shower by using heat from waste water as it goes down your drain. These systems are available for other appliances as well, such as dishwashers.
According to experts, if your house uses enough water to take four seven-minute showers each day while using a standard shower head, you will save 183 cubic meters of natural gas per year. If you have electric water heating, you can save 1,479 kilowatt-hours per year. These systems cost between $500 and $700, and cost an additional $100 for installation. So, depending on your type of energy and the rates you pay, the system could actually pay for itself in as little as 2 1/2 years.
Always shop around for rebates if you decide to install one, as many power companies do offer them.
