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Make your New Home Energy Efficient

October 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Make your New Home Energy EfficientCompare Home Builders

Purchasing a new home will be one of your single biggest investments you will make, and as such, your new home’s energy efficiency should be one of your primary concerns. Now may be a good time to take full advantage of a slow housing market, low interest rates, energy efficient mortgages and homebuilders that are eager to add incentives, allowances and especially, energy efficient upgrades.

Homebuilders today are offering many different types of energy efficient features in their homes, this enables homebuilders to qualify for the EPA’s Energy Star designation. Energy Star ratings are given out by an independent third party and these findings are based on that particular homebuilder’s products, materials, and overall construction methods. New homes with this Energy Star designation should be given careful consideration when you are trying to narrow down your new home selection process. Keep in mind that not all homebuilders construct their homes the same way, so you should begin your inquiries as to the specifics of the homebuilder’s energy efficiency features and compare which will provide you with greatest benefits for your investment.

 

Framing that Counts

The type of framing is a good beginning, 2×4 or 2×6 exterior construction for example, allows you to determine the R-value or insulation thickness of the walls. Most homebuilders use an R-13 batt insulation for 2×4 walls and R-19 for 2×6. Todays new building codes require that all exterior walls must have an R- 20 value, which is achieved by utilizing a foam sheet under the exterior finish in addition to the batt insulation of the home. You may also want to inquire as to whether the builder’s new homes have any exterior plywood wall sheeting as part of their construction, as it enhances the home structurally and adds to the homes R-value. Exterior finishes such as siding or stucco, for instance, do very little in the way of increasing the home’s energy efficiency. Depending on your home builder, another option you should strongly consider is thermo resistant roof sheathing, this product can greatly reduce the summer heat in your attic (30 degrees cooler on average). With a difference of a few dollars a sheet, (5/8”) this roof sheathing may be provided as a standard with the homebuilder, or offered as an inexpensive upgrade in the construction of your home.

 

Air Conditioning and Heating that Saves You Money

The air conditioning & heating system is single biggest consumer of electricity and natural gas in a home. That is why the efficiency of the HVAC system is so very important. The air conditioning system is measured by a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency ratio) rating and is given a coefficient or number, the greater the number the more efficient the unit converts electricity into cool air for your home. For example : new Energy Star homes should have a SEER rating of 13 or 14, which is improved over the standard SEER 12, from years past. There are currently upgraded air conditioners on the market that have a SEER rating of up to 23. These units run at different speeds, which allow them to offer you an even greater efficiency. But remember, no matter what SEER rated air conditioner you have, if your home isn’t adequately insulated and or draft stopped, you won’t be able to take advantage of the air conditioning unit’s full potential.

 

Energy Efficient Windows makes a Difference

If reducing your heating and cooling costs interest you, then having windows with a good R-value is very important to your home’s overall energy efficiency.

When comparing different windows with other homebuilders, here are a few things to consider; there are two R-values to consider for your windows: one, for the glass itself (usually measured at the center of the window) and one for the whole unit, including the frame. The higher the R-value a window has, the lower the U-value should be. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window’s assembly. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better it’s insulating properties.

Your windows should have a low Solar Heat Coefficient rating as well, which means the amount of sunlight passing through a window as heat, the lower the number, the more efficient the window. In addition, a builder that has an Energy Star medallion on his model homes should offer windows with LOW e tinting as a standard.

A Well Insulated Home is the Key

Your research should also include the R-value of the duct work and the attic as well. Typical duct work has an R-value between 6 to 8, this is the minimum, R-12 or better is recommended as it helps in decreasing temperature loss in your heating and cooling system . Attic insulation is also an important issue as to your home’s energy efficiency. The standard on new homes is usually R-38, whether it is Batt or blown insulation will depend upon your home builder. Most builders offer an option to upgrade the attic insulation from R-38 (standard) to an R-45.

Special note: Currently, due to the increasing demand for energy efficient homes, many new homebuilders are now providing insulation at the roof deck in lieu of the traditional insulation at the ceiling. Home buyers should give careful consideration of this type of energy efficient construction as it reduces conditioned air loss at the source, the roof. By strapping batt insulation to the roof joist it eliminates the need for attic venting, and creates a conditioned air space in your attic. This type of construction method is a vast improvement over years past and will greatly reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Another type of insulation that is becoming more popular is polyurethane  foam. Although it is more expensive than batt insulation, the price has steadily been coming down in recent years and will soon replace batt as the standard. What makes is so special is it provides your home with a total waterproof and air tight barrier against the elements, in another words, creating a bubble around your home.

If your new home is going to be a two story, your homebuilder should offer an option to insulate the downstairs ceiling. You should strongly consider this option, especially if your new home has two or more HVAC systems (up & downstairs). It greatly reduces your downstairs conditioned air from escaping through the ceiling, as well as creating a nice sound barrier from the upstairs.

The garage is one area of the home that is greatly overlooked by many homebuyers and builders alike when it comes to energy efficiency. Although it is rarely occupied, it is still a part of your home and should be protected from the elements, especially if there are bedrooms or a family room above. An upgraded R-60 insulation in the ceiling is highly recommended.  Insulating the exterior walls and an insulated garage door can help reduce the temperature variations from the garage and the rest of your home.

 

Quality You can Feel

Watching your new home being built can be an emotional time. You will find the urge for constant involvement in your home’s construction. Many new home builders understand this urge and give you an opportunity to closely examine the inner workings of your new home, by scheduling what is known as a “frame or option” walk-thru. This is where you will find the walls still exposed, and you will able to clearly see the internal mechanics of your new home (electrical wiring, recessed lighting, rough plumbing, duct work & venting. This is the phase of construction just before the insulation is to be installed. This walk-thru allows you an opportunity to meet with builder’s representatives and evaluate your home’s progress, construction methods, quality, as well as, reviewing the installation of the options you may have purchased, such as: electrical (additional outlets, recessed lighting & placements, ect.) cable, plumbing and additional rooms or conversions (except insulation). This walk-thru is very informal, although for some maybe confusing, so if you would feel more comfortable you may invite a qualified “third party” or friend to join you.

At this point you should closely examine the quality of construction and express any concerns you may have, such as: the condition of the stud walls (twisted or bowed, if any), the sealing of all draft stops and wall fire blocking (8’above bottom plate). Make sure that all the penetrations (water &waste piping, duct work and electrical wiring is thoroughly sealed with polyurethane foam and not batt insulation. You should also inspect the gap between the frame of your windows & exterior doors and the stud wall are properly sealed with non-expansive polyurethane foam as well, this  product is water proof and totally seals any gaps, and will greatly reduce heating and cooling loss after drywall is installed.

If your new home is to be a two story, the adjacent walls of the home and the garage should be draft stopped above the ceiling line to the bottom of the second floor. Blocking out this air from ventilating into the living area from the garage is important because, one, it prevents fire from spreading from the garage to first floor ceiling of your home, and two, the garage is usually not air conditioned, therefore the ceiling above is subject to radical changes in temperature and venting this air into the rest of the home is costly to the energy efficiency of your new home. This type of draft stopping could be performed easily by your builder at the time the home is first being framed. But these measures are not required, (unless structural engineered) by many municipal building codes (2006 International Residential Code) throughout the country, therefore it is rarely done by homebuilders.

At this stage in construction you will also find that the exterior vapor barrier or in the “south west”, the stucco lathing should have been installed. You should examine this material carefully, (from the inside), and point out any rips or tears that might have occurred. The bottom of this material, at the sill plate, should also be sealed with foam insulation or caulk, this will prevent outside hot & cold air vapor from penetrating the wall cavity. If these items have not yet been performed, you may want to schedule another walk-thru, preferably after all the “foam prep” and insulation has been installed.

After the drywall has been installed, one of the best ways to prevent against heating and cooling escaping into the walls, is to have your builder caulk the new drywall at the floor, (upstairs & down), as well as, the electrical boxes, recessed lighting and plumbing protrusions around your entire house (every wall). All this should and can be done easily by the builder prior to the baseboard and trim items being installed, by the “prep crew”, just before the“rough” painting of the interior of your home.

With energy conservation becoming more and more prevalent today, purchasing a home that is the most energy efficient as possible is an excellent way of reducing carbon emissions, helping the environment, and above all saving you money in energy costs.

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IRS Provides Relief for Homeowners with Corrosive Drywall

October 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

IRS Provides relief for Homeowners with Corrosive DrywallOn September 30, 2010 the Internal Revenue Service has sent out notification that they are stepping in with some financial relief regarding defective drywall that was imported from China and installed between the years of 2001 thru 2009. The problem appears to be that the sulfur content in the gypsum of the drywall is far too excessive and emits a sulfur dioxide gas that permeates anything made of copper in your home, (wiring, piping and electrical appliances). This in turn creates copper sulfide on the wire or pipe and the corrosion process begins. In addition but far more serious, is the sulfur gas vapors(rotten egg odor) that is released into the atmosphere of the home and in many cases has caused severe headaches, nausea and even vomiting in homeowners.

Prior to this ruling, the many homes throughout the United States that were impacted by this corrosive Chinese drywall, left homeowners with nowhere to turn for financial assistance in repairing their homes. Homeowners found their only recourse was to file class action lawsuits against their builders, drywall installers and the wholesale distributors. Ultimately the responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of the builder, and it will be up to him to recover his losses from the drywall install companies.

It was reported that the federal government encouraged lenders to suspend mortgage payments and tax authorities to reduce property taxes on damaged homes. This news should be welcomed help by homeowners, but does not answer the question, how are they going to pay the thousands of dollars necessary to repair their homes. Many homeowners did not find any relief, having to pay their mortgage as well as rent for another home, were forced to abandon their homes.

It was originally reported that more than 6000 homes were affected, but as of the August 2010 a status report of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, only 3,526 incident reports were received by the Commission regarding drywall problems covering 38 states. The hardest hit states seem to be Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Virginia.

This new procedure by the IRS will allow you to treat damages from corrosive drywall and write them off as a casualty loss in the year of payment. Anyone who has paid for repairs in their previous tax years may also file amended tax returns for those years. In addition, losses that were incurred during the sale of your home due to this corrosive drywall may also attempt to recoup those losses.

Revenue Procedure 2010-36 will provide the following relief:

  • Individuals who pay to repair damage to their personal residences or household appliances resulting from corrosive drywall may treat the amount paid as a casualty loss in the year of payment.
  • Taxpayers who have already filed their income tax return for the year of payment generally have three years to file an amended return and claim the deduction. The amount of a loss that may be claimed depends on whether the taxpayer has a pending claim for reimbursement (or intends to pursue reimbursement) of the loss through property insurance, litigation or otherwise.
  • In cases where a taxpayer does not have a pending claim for reimbursement, the taxpayer may claim as a loss all unreimbursed amounts paid during the taxable year to repair damage to the taxpayer’s personal residence and household appliances resulting from corrosive drywall.
  • If a taxpayer does have a pending claim (or intends to pursue reimbursement), a taxpayer may claim a loss for 75 percent of the unreimbursed amount paid during the taxable year to repair damage to the taxpayer’s personal residence and household appliances that resulted from corrosive drywall.

If you are a taxpayer who has been fully reimbursed before filing a return for the year the loss was sustained, you may not claim a loss. If you are a taxpayer and you have a pending claim for reimbursement (or intends to pursue reimbursement) you may still file for additional losses as a deduction in subsequent taxable years, although it will depend upon on the actual amount of reimbursement you will received.

There is a two step identification method that you will need to follow when you file your return, it is published by the CPSC and the Department of Housing and Urban Development in their interim guidance dated January 28, 2010.

This construction defect problem will ultimately be decided in the court system. Since you will likely claim thousands of dollars in losses, it is advised to contact a tax professional to assist you with the paper work that will be evolved  in order to maximize your claim.

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Create a Stunning Master Bathroom

September 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Create a Stunning Master BathroomIf you are planning to remodel your master bathroom, make a thorough inventory of your bathroom’s layout and décor. From there you can determine your budget, whether you need to add more space, relocate a wall or small addition, and what items to replace, tub, shower, vanity, countertops, ect. Your master bathroom could be starved for natural light as well. Adding 2’x 2’or 2’x 4’ skylights and a few 1’ x1’ bullet windows can make a world of difference.

If you have decided to renovate your entire master bathroom, then your shower is a good beginning. Enhance your master shower by adding some custom features like dual temperature controls, body sprays, a rain dome or a steamer can turn your master shower into your own private spa. Once you have experienced these features in your shower you will find it to be a wonderful way to begin and end every day.

When you are researching for new master shower fixtures, try to find some of the less expensive brands on the market, such as Moen & Delta, they will offer you the same benefits as the more expensive brands and allow you to budget for additional items you may want, such as a frameless shower enclosure with a pivot transom.

Consider incorporating some convenient features in your shower, like installing a bench, built-in shampoo niches and tiling the ceiling to giving your shower a finished, custom look. The use of glass block as a partition wall is a great way to add natural light and privacy to your shower, as well as giving your master bathroom a touch of sophistication

When selecting a new décor for your master bathroom, tile selections for your bathroom floor can be your biggest challenge. There are many different types, styles and sizes, so choose your colors, patterns, as well as your grout color that will create a smooth transition throughout your entire bathroom. If your master bathroom is tight on space or narrow, consider rectangular or elongated diamond shapes, running the length of the room, will give you a stunning design, and keep your bathroom from looking too busy.

Travertine, polished limestone and marble are still a very popular tile because of their soft and neutral tones. Arranged in a rectangular, square, or brick pattern and a tight grout line, is a very attractive style you may want to consider. Give your master bathroom a little pizzazz by adding small polished stones, mosaic or glass tile as an accent. Creating medallions, using different shades or finishes is an excellent way to bring your cabinet, countertop and paint colors together. A tile wainscot is also becoming very popular with many homeowners, incorporating your floor designs onto to your walls and carrying that pattern throughout your shower walls, tub surround & deck.

Be sure to finalize your tile design by arranging your patterns, including your grout color and width, on the bathroom floor and shower area. This will give you a good visualization of your project, determine where the short “cuts” in your tile will be, and allow you time to consider any changes you may want to make. Remember to seal your new grout and upgrade your shower floor pan and walls with the latest “water proof” underlayment and sub-strait systems such as: Kerdi Board or Tile Ready®.  Both of these shower pan systems are perfect for steam and sauna applications. This will insure against leaking, mold, mildew and provide a lasting job for years to come. If you are going to re-tile your bathroom floor over a wood sub-floor, you should also nail down new Hardi-Backer Baord® before tiling. This will give you a solid and level surface with which to work.

If you are considering updating your tub, many manufactures are offering new and exciting products. You can replace your outdated built-in garden tub with a more efficient and modern design such as the ones offered by Moen or Jacuzzi. A new tub style may also allow you to redesign your tub deck, creating a more spacious feel in your master bathroom. A claw foot soaker is another great option, eliminating the need for a tub deck altogether, and giving your bathroom a roomy, elegant décor.

Your vanity and countertop is also a very important feature of your master bathroom. With many different combinations, it allows you to showcase your vanity as a beautiful enhancement to your bathroom’s décor. You can maximize your wall space with a traditional built-in and dressing table combination, or vanities separated by a linen cabinet, (doors below & open shelves above) will give you a, his and hers look, as well as offering you additional storage and countless decorating ideas. Many home owners are stepping away from the norm and looking towards traditional or antique furniture to convert into vanities. If your counter space permits, tall & slender glass front cologne cabinets on top of the counter will create a marvelous custom look.

Compliment the look of your vanity with a marble, engineered quartz or unmistakable granite countertop. Add a little flair with a custom chiseled or wide bull nose edge. Finalize your design with a unique vessel or porcelain sink and reduced version of your tile design as your backsplash. Make sure to select your sinks and faucets at the same time, this will ensure each will work beautifully together on your new countertop.

Complete your remodeling project with new lighting. Recessed lights placed around the perimeter in a soffit, and a few wall sconces separating your portrait mirrors, you will have created a stunning master bathroom.

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Eco friendly Room Additions

September 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A room addition can provide you and your family with many different benefits as your lifestyle changes. A room addition with a ¾, full bath or even a ADA tub, shower combination, can give you that extra bedroom as the members of your family grows and matures.

Design your room addition as an office for your expanding business, add a pull down bed, this will instantly become a bedroom for visiting family or guests. A room addition can take other forms as well, such as an extension for your master bedroom, kitchen, dining, bath or a new family room, which can create a whole new atmosphere in your home.

Decide on what type of room addition you want and a location that offers the greatest benefit, above the garage, extending your front or back living area, and whether you want a single or two-story.

If your home is a two story, maximize your investment by taking advantage of the increased living area upstairs and down.

Create a realistic budget, have it include the amenities you will need, A/C, plumbing (if necessary), electrical options:  (ceiling fans, recessed or track lighting, convenient outlets for office equipment ect.). Add some custom features into your room addition,  the warmth of a fireplace or stove, vaulted or open beam ceiling, a soffit around the perimeter to give depth, built-in bookcase or entertainment center.

Building a new room addition will give you an opportunity to install some Eco friendly and energy efficient products. If the size of your room addition can accommodate, solar panels would a good investment. Providing power for your new addition as well as you entire home and with allowances from your local utility company, it may pay for itself. In addition, you might want to consider maximizing the R-values in the construction of your room addition: 2X6 framing with blown cellulose insulation, additional insulation wrap on all duct work, French instead of sliding exterior doors, radiant barrier roof sheeting, 1/2″ or 5/8″ exterior sheeting, dual or triple pane windows with Low E tinting, R-38 batt or polyurethane foam insulation at the roof deck is preferred.

During the construction of your room addition, make sure to seal all fire blocking and draft stops in the bare wall cavities. Also make sure to caulk along the base, (at the floor), of your new drywall, this will ensure against your conditioned air escaping up into the wall. You might want to research the cost of using polyurethane foam insulation throughout the entire room addition, thereby greatly reducing your heating and cooling needs. Even with a small room addition, the benefits of these ideas will greatly reduce your energy costs for your room addition, and probably out way the additional costs.

Because this is your home and a room addition is such a sizable remodeling investment, it is recommended that you employ the services of a licensed Design-Build Remodeling Contractor. A remodeling contractor will be able to provide you with Architectural & Structural plans, all permits necessary, as well as, assisting in locating financing (if needed) for your new room addition. If you are member of a Home Owners Association, your remodeling contractor can assist you in your plan submittal for the HOA’s review and approval.

Eco friendly Room Additions

With your budget in mind, a remodeling contractor will be able to assist in the creation of your room addition, by offering the latest products & materials and affordable design solutions to showcase the interior and exterior of your home.

A remodeling contractor will be able make the addition appear seamless and as if it was always a part of your home.

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Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

August 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Remodeling bathrooms is very popular with Todays’ home owners, turning their ho hum bathroom into something warm and inviting.You should first determine whether you want to do some upgrading because of wear and tear or a whole new decor is your goal.

If you are considering a total renovation of your bathroom, and space is your motivation, consider an expansion of a few feet, either by moving a wall or a small addition. This will give your bathroom a more open and relaxing feel that you are looking for. If expansion is not an option, there are still many other creative ideas that you can do to give bathroom a lot of sparkle.

If your bathroom is small or narrow, consider elongated diamonds or narrow rectangle shapes, running the length of the floor, will make your bathroom appear more spacious. Installing small ¾” or 1” (ceramic or stone) tile on the floor , is also another way to give your bath a beautiful beginning.

Upgrade your bathroom with a tile wainscot, sprinkle in some well placed tile accents can help enhance your cabinet or counter top colors. When creating your tile designs, first assemble some samples in your bathroom. This will ensure the colors, patterns and overall design you have selected will be the right fit for your bathroom. Remember to use a sub-strait such as; Hardi-Backer Board® over any wood sub-floor for a uniformed level surface for tiling. You should also always seal the grout in your bathroom or (any room) to add strength, durability and ease of cleaning.

If you are going to install a new bathroom floor then you should consider replacing the vanity as well. With so many different styles, sizes and shades of vanities on the market today, your options are endless. Open toe kick and a skirt sink can give bathroom a beautiful, distinctive charm. When purchasing a new vanity, make sure that it doesn’t overwhelm the space in your bathroom and it has plenty of drawer space. Highlight your bathroom remodel with a new “solid surface” counter top such as; granite, quartz or polished limestone.

Having selected your counter top, a new sink is the next item to consider. Today’s sinks come in many different styles, price and materials: hand chiseled stone, hammered copper, vessel and porcelain to name just a few. When choosing your sink, consider the type of install your looking for; self rimming or under-mount. You should select the type of faucet you want as well, to ensure everything will fit comfortably on your counter top.

Replacing the toilet can also be a challenge. With so many colors, styles and tank combinations it can be little confusing. Make sure that the style you choose, it doesn’t protrude into your bathroom and if you have a water closet, that the toilet allows the door swing free. Before purchasing, you should consider a raised or taller toilet 17” +, one that is flapper-less, quiet and most of all, efficient. When you are installing your toilet on a tile floor, to prevent rocking, use your tile grout around the base. Make sure you stuff it thoroughly with your finger, let set a few minutes, then sponge off excess for a smooth finish, let dry & cure.

To complete your bathroom remodel, you will need to decide whether to preserve or replace your bathtub. If your bathtub is in relatively good shape you may want to keep it and retile the surround or deck. If your goal is to replace it, then make sure of your bathrooms space, and your overall design before you make your decision. There are several bathtub styles to choose from; the old world charm of a claw-foot soaker or the more traditional Jacuzzi, either way they will make an excellent centerpiece to your bathroom.

If your bathroom remodel involves replacing the shower or bathtub surround, make sure to re-tile the surround to the ceiling, this will give your bathroom remodel a more professional appearance. Remember to always replace your shower walls and pan with a “water-proof” sub-strait and underlayment such as: Kerdi Board or Tile Ready®. In addition, you might want to upgrade your shower valve as well and purchase a popular brand to ensure replacement parts are always readily available when needed.

Never overlook the importance of light in your bathroom remodel. Brighten your bathroom with natural light, by installing a larger window or skylight. Recessed or track lighting, wall sconces in lieu of a light bar, frame-less glass enclosure & medicine cabinet, or portrait mirrors, is an excellent way to accentuate your bathroom’s appearance.

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Custom Patio Covers

July 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Custom Patio Covers

A custom built patio cover can be a beautiful way for you to entertain large parties or intimate get-togethers with family and friends. Begin your project with the type of conveniences you want in your new patio cover (ceiling fans, lighting, heating or a fireplace ect.). Based on what features you select, make sure you budget includes the installation of power, water or gas, for your project. Then decide on the type of patio you want, standard grey/stamped-colored or stained concrete, tile or pavers. If you already have an existing patio that fits your needs, save that added expense and only install the concrete foundations for the support structures.

Custom patio covers are framed primarily out of wood, providing you with excellent strength, durability and an endless number of design possibilities.

Give your patio cover an open, airy feel with a vaulted or raised ceiling. Add some architectural flair, such as exposed beams or heavy timber trusses. Enhance your covered patio with a tongue & groove wood ceiling, a sound system, down rod ceiling fans and track lighting.

You can design a more modern style covered patio, one with a smooth finish on the ceiling; recessed or indirect lighting. Incorporate some of your home’s exterior features, such as: smooth or rough stucco finish, pop-outs, radius arches,Grecian or stucco columns with tile or stone accents around the base. Installing a built-in fireplace or wall mounted heating creates a year round use for your covered patio.

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Built-in BBQ Ideas

June 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Built-In BBQ Ideas

Summer is here and outside dinning is a terrific way to bring family and friends together. Convert that grill on wheels to a custom built-in BBQ that you will be proud of. With so many different products on the market today, such as weatherproof cabinetry, you can design your own outdoor kitchen.

You should begin your project with a drawing of how you want your built-in BBQ layout to look. Make sure your BBQ design includes plenty of counter space. Today’s built-in BBQs are primarily constructed out of steel–studs, because of it’s ease to work with, it allows you the freedom to create almost any size and style BBQ you desire.

Your design can have many different features such as: a bar top or an elongated island with an umbrella, trellis or even a grass Palapa to provide shade for your guests. A raised back splash behind the grill can give your built-in BBQ a beautiful finished look. It also enables you to add decorative lighting and brighten your work surface during the evening. Consider adding a tabletop fire bowl or a built in fireplace giving your guests a warm place to gather in the cool evening.

Make sure you locate your BBQ in an area of your backyard that offensive smoke won’t be drawn in to your covered patio or home. In many cases a new foundation may be necessary. Stamped–colored concrete or brick pavers can be a beautiful beginning to your built-in BBQ feature.

Power, water & gas will be the basis for your backyard entertaining, providing the modern grill master with the necessary appliances and fixtures at his fingertips. You will need to establish the connection of some or all of these utilities at the start of your project.

Design-Build features to consider:

  • Sink
  • Refrigerator/Ice maker
  • Built-in condiment trays/Side burners
  • Custom weatherproof cabinetry
  • Open shelving for extra storage
  • Dishwasher
  • Smoker
  • Misting system
  • Stainless steel doors and shelving

The finishes of your built-in BBQ depends upon your personality and budget. First decide on the type of theme you want to create (Tuscany, Modern, Caribbean, Southwest ect.) in your backyard. There are many different wall surface combinations you can use to achieve your goal, such as; stucco with pop-outs, ceramic or slate tile accents, medallions, mosaic tile insets, stone or brick. When selecting your countertop surface, it should be a hard durable surface such as granite or ceramic tile, easy to clean and maintain.

A custom Design-Build BBQ is a great way to enhance the value of your home and create the perfect backyard.

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Lighting Ideas for your Home

May 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lighting Ideas for your Home

New lighting is an excellent way to compliment any interior of your home. Recessed lighting, placed in different distinct patterns, can update your kitchen & bathroom or highlight any room in your home. Placed around the perimeter of your dinning room, recessed lighting can add depth and glamour.

Very unique and versatile track lighting can highlight your bookcase, mantle or paintings. Cove lighting, behind a soffet or crown molding offers a soft glow that will enhance your dining, theater or family room. Built-in custom lighting centered in your kitchen, with wood trim and a modern style diffuser, can really accent your cabinets or island. In addition under mount cabinet lighting can add a beautiful warm glow to your countertops. Wall sconces can add life to any hallway or staircase.

If your thinking of adding a dimmer switch to your existing  lighting, make sure your lighting circuit is either a single or a 3-way switch and the dimmer you purchase is also rated for the volts, amps and  the total wattage of the lighting you are connecting it to.

Enhance the curb appeal to your home with elegant outdoor lighting. Accentuate your landscape and the front of your home with strategically placed flood lights. Give your home a touch of sophistication with antique style coach lanterns on either side of your front and garage doors.

Gas or electric post lanterns are also very popular with many homeowners, placed at the end of the walk or around your backyard will create a traditional illuminating glow. Target dark areas of your backyard with flood lights, tight up against your wall will create beautiful shadows and depth. Stone or copper fire pots is also a very classy way to show off your patio and pool.

If your thinking of purchasing low voltage flood, tropical or landscape lighting, be sure of all your distances and number of lights you will need. There are many different manufacturers and all there systems have different limits on there lighting circuits and transformer placements. In addition, try to select a system with a quick and easy wire connections at each light, this will help if relocation of any lights will be necessary.

Creating more natural light in your home is very important as well. Installing a window(s) or skylight(s) is an excellent way to brighten the decor of any room: kitchen, bathroom or family room.

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Kitchen Remodeling Tips and Ideas

May 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kitchen Remodeling Tips and IdeasOne of the best home improvement projects you can make to your home is remodeling your kitchen. According to the National Remodeling Statistics and the National Association of Realtors has reported that you can expect a 72.1 – 88.9% return on your  investment. This should be welcome news when you are trying to maximize every remodeling dollar.

If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, create a realistic budget and be sure of your needs and goals. First, you should examine your kitchen’s layout, your appliance locations, countertop and storage space. If you are comfortable with it, then updating your kitchen by painting or refinishing your cabinets might be one inexpensive idea. Replacing the cabinet doors with glass fronts, new hardware, drawer fronts and converting some of your cabinets to open storage, can give your kitchen an open airy charm.

You can give your kitchen new life by adding a new countertop, (granite, quartz, sandstone) windows, skylights or new built-in & track lighting. Design a new full height custom back splash, create your own special mosaics, utilize some glass tile into your patterns to enhance the beauty of your kitchen. Installing an inexpensive soffit or crown molding with indirect lighting around the perimeter, is a beautiful way to highlight your kitchen. Along with new flooring, wall accents, a deep well sink and swan neck faucet, you will have made a small investment paying big dividends. A helpful hint; when using rectangular or elongated shapes always run the length of the kitchen wall, making your kitchen look spacious.

If work space or appliance location is a problem, you may want to consider remodeling your entire kitchen and creating a new layout. Removing or bumping out an existing wall can give your kitchen the additional work space you need or an island you always desired.

Having a kitchen island can become an integral part of your kitchen’s design. Framing a pony wall around your island cabinets, with a raised or lowered countertop allows you to have family or guests nearby while you are involved in the kitchen. Installing your sink or cook top in a kitchen island may also improve your kitchen’s overall appearance and layout. With a stainless steel hood vent over your cook top will be a stunning addition to your gourmet kitchen.

When you are creating your new layout, make a sketch or mark on the floor with masking tape the new location of your appliances and sink(s). This will give you a good visual idea of how your kitchen will look, keep in mind that your appliance location will be the driving force behind your new layout. When relocating your appliances make sure you budget includes any utilities you may need to relocate (waste, water, power & venting).

Today’s cabinets offer several different styles, finishes and shades. Prices can vary as well, based on wood species, door & drawer details and cabinet heights, built-ins and style type; (frame-less, door & drawer flush with frame or framed). They also have many new and exciting storage solutions, deep pull out drawers for cookware, pull out lazysusan, pantry & corner sections, sectional compartments for vertical storage of kitchen utensils and spices.Very popular with homeowners today is combining different cabinet heights and depths. This will give you a unique and defined look to your kitchen design.

Cabinet manufacturers offer many enhancements to complete your cabinet design, crown molding, radius corners and glass fronts, face panels for your dishwasher & refrigerator, a light skirt for under mount lighting and finished end panels for the side of your cabinets. All will be a stunning addition to your new kitchen.

When you are researching for new cabinets, it is very important that you review your cabinet designer’s layout and elevation drawings thoroughly. Make sure the appliance locations are where they should be. That the door and drawer combinations of the different base cabinets (elevations) look symmetrical, that they line up with the uppers, and your overall design is pleasing to the eye. You should also be sure of what each cabinet has to offer, such as; (pull out shelves, deep drawers, ect.).

Before selecting your new cabinets, try to examine a (sample) finished cabinet. Take a look at the type of construction of the box and drawers. Make sure they are well made (dove tail assembly), that the interior has a durable finish and it will hold up under daily wear and tear. Also examine the drawer guides, make sure they are sturdy and will hold up under the additional weight they will have. In addition, inspect the door hinges, they should re-track or close smoothly, and are easily adjustable, up & down and in & out, this will ensure that the doors will sit flush and level against the face of your cabinet.

Highlight your kitchen remodel with granite, engineered quartz, butcher block, polished slate or a limestone counter top. A new deep well sink, built-in hood vent, faucet and tile or stone back splash is a great way to accessorize your kitchen. When considering new flooring the selections are endless, make sure to determine your kitchen’s usage first, travertine, granite stones, ceramic tile are ideal for busy kitchens, wood flooring is especially beautiful, but requires a bit more care.

Helpful hint: before you replace your kitchen floor with any surface make sure that the new height of the floor does not conflict with installation or removal of any of your under counter built-in appliances, such as; the dishwasher or wine refrigerator.

Make sure that the appliances you are going to replace are selected in advance of designing your kitchen and cabinet layout. This will ensure that you, (your contractor) and the cabinet manufacturer are all on the same page and avoid any confusion as to their location and measurements.

If your kitchen remodel involved replacing you cabinets, consider reusing them in your garage. The upper & lower cabinets can be inexpensive way to have additional storage for your holiday fixtures.

Remodeling your kitchen, as well as any room in your house can be a time consuming and sometimes a frustrating experience. That is why you may want to consult a licensed remodeling contractor. He can provide you with new and inspiring ideas, the latest products & materials for your designs and show you affordable solutions to your kitchen remodeling project. He will also be able to provide you with a detailed budget for your kitchen remodel.This information will be extremely helpful to have when researching for financial resources for your project.

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