Interior & Exterior Project Planning

Home remodeling and redecorating can be very rewarding. There's generally a lot of hard work and elbow grease involved, of course not to mention planning fun.

Among the many areas of focus for project work are stages of planning, getting any required licenses or permits, interviewing subcontractors and getting proposals with bid, looking over materials and making selections and making sure the entire proje16B2ct is on track and remains that way through completion. And many people find enjoyment as well as fulfillment with making material selections: choosing just the right color combinations and patterns, the best products and service for the budget and top quality providers to help build your projects.

Here are a few tips to help with your interior project plans:

1) Budgeting Basics - Start by seeing if you have to completely remodel or if perhaps your can redecorate instead, and save money and time. Because remodeling often means ripping apart old structures and then building new ones; like for extra space for a new window or set of shelves or a new room, ceiling or floor. However, with redecorating you can frequently buy simple add new structures to those in your existing environment like a new bookcase, new curtains and plush carpeting, or new textured ceiling paint with all paper plus new hanging pictures and plush cushions.

2) Contractors, Invoices, Project Materials and More- Next you will have a lot of decision to make: which project materials to buy, which vendors to use, which subcontractors to hire, how to agree to payments, how to handle problems and other important issues and emergencies along the way, etc. So start a project notebook with accompanying folder specifically for this project. And keep all important documents, receipts, bids, business cards, designs, paint colors, fabric swatches and other info there - everything in one place.

3) Project Parts - Some areas of your project may have sub-categories or basic design elements that will involve work with different areas of focus for each part. For example, you may be remodeling one floor, so you'll have several main areas of focus under this heading like: bedroom walls, hallway and bedroom floors, all window treatments, upgraded lighting and new wood furniture. So use dividers in your notebook, extra folders or extra see-through sleeved pocket folders that fit into your binder to handle these separate areas of focus. So you can concentrate on specific tasks within each area.

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On the Front Burner - Hot Trends in Kitchens

When it comes to kitchens these days, flashy, glamorous, and high-end luxury features are no longer the amenity buzzwords. Instead, there is growing consumer interest in energy efficiency, environmentally healthy Green construction and materials, and thoughtful, practical Universal design that is so user-friendly, it's going to be very comfortable even when the years have passed and the homeowners have become senior citizens.

In addition to a concern for the environment, the Green trend is a signal that people are interested in saving money over the life of their house. Because a kitchen is one of the most expensive areas of a house to run and maintain (especially in terms of utilities), Green building helps cut down on energy costs. As for stylish Green sustainable materials for countertops and flooring, what's most in demand is concrete, bamboo, cork and various types of recycled materials.

What are some of the most-wanted kitchen features? Space, for one thing-and lots of it. But consumers want the space to be used in a practical and ergonomic manner. And they want it to be connected with and flow into the home's Great Room in a very natural way. As to what people want to put in their kitchen's large space? Things like efficient and generous-size pantry and storage. Energy Star appliances. Recycling centers. Energy-saving LED lighting. On-demand water heaters. Computer work areas so that kids can do their homework and get on the Internet under the watchful eye of a parent.

Recharging areas for cell phones and other electronic devices. And even pet feeding and grooming areas. In addition, those homeowners who do a lot of "big" entertaining frequently want what used to be called a "scullery"-a very utilitarian food prep area that is out of the visual range of the guests who are being entertained. It offers the cook and/or caterer privacy and ease for moving around, while still allowing guests to hang out in the kitchen-as they have for decades.

So, as it has been for years and years, the kitchen remains the heart of the household. And yes, even that tradition now counts as a trend, too!

The New Homes Guide & iNewHomeSearch.com

Green Roof Revolution

With global warming and pollution being ever-present topics on the news, it is important for everyone to contribute to making the world a cleaner place. One way 1C81to do this is to use ecologically friendly materials when building your home. The wave of the future is green roofing.

A green roof is a roof that is covered with vegetation. Essentially a rooftop garden, green roofs were developed in the 1960s in Germany, and have become quite popular in many European countries. It is only recently however, that green roof technology has begun to catch on in the U.S.

A green roof is excellent for city dwellers who often lack green space such as a yard or a deck. The addition of a green roof can provide a space to express one's creativity, and bring nature back to the city. In fact, by planting native vegetation, you can invite insects, birds, and butterflies that would otherwise have nowhere else to go. As an added benefit, green rooftops are aesthetically pleasing and offer a visual contrast to the pavement and steel that dominates the cityscape.

The environmental benefits of a green roof are many, and include the reduction of water runoff that occurs with typical homes. A reduction of runoff is good for the entire community, as too much runoff can result in flooding and water contamination. Because green roofs feature soil and plant life, these roofs are able to absorb as much as 75% of falling rainwater. This moisture is then released back into the air through condensation. A typical roof on the other hand is built to be totally waterproof, so every drop of water runs off and drains into the sewers.

Besides reducing water runoff, green roofs are also able to reduce the presence of toxins in the environment. Pollutants in the air and water, as well as carbon dioxide are absorbed by plant life and rendered harmless. These plants also produce oxygen.

Not only are green roofs great for the environment, but they are also an excellent investment. A properly installed green roof can last at least twice as long as typical roofing material, thereby saving you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

Green roofing can also significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills throughout the year. According to a recent study, building a green roof can reduce your heating and cooling needs by 26%. In cities especially, changes need to be made to the way that structures are built. Temperatures in cities are much higher than in surrounding areas because there is such a prevalence of buildings in a small area. These buildings are made with traditional materials, which absorb and then re-direct the sun's heat. Cities are therefore much hotter than rural areas where there are less structures, and more green space. In order to combat the rising temperatures, some cities are offering incentives to builders to add green roofing to their projects.

If you decide to build a green roof, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, there are two types of green roofs. Traditional style roof gardens, which feature large plants or lawns, require a great deal of maintenance. Feeding, watering, and soil care are all necessary to keep this garden in good condition. Extensive roof gardens on the other hand, have only a thin layer of soil, and require very little work to maintain.

Great for the environment, good for your pocket book, and pleasing to the eye, green roofs are a budding trend that can have a positive impact on the environment. Not only that, but a well constructed green roof can increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars.

Doug Jones is an award-winning San Diego REALTOR with a solid reputation for getting results. Learn more about San Diego real estate today!

A DIY Guide to Installing a Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fencing is more exciting that you can imagine and not just a matter for providing privacy from your neighbor next door. At first glance, it appears to be a difficult task to accomplish as many people believe, but if you enjoy do-it-by-yourself, you will find that a vinyl fence has certain attractive aspects.

Galco holsters are more than tools for tactical fence climbing, but also a vinyl fencing complement. Vinyl fences help you keep privacy for your home, protect you from burglars and other thieves, and even make your surroundings a beautiful environment.

Privacy vinyl fences are as strong as any other made of wooden, metal or wire. These types of fences are usually designed with groove pickets locking together for full security and privacy and the most sophisticated have elegant aluminum reinforcement on the bottom rail, or with special designs on request or available at the time of your purchase.

Professionals can also install vinyl fencing for residential needs. From this approach, you can assure full privacy and minimal maintenance in faster time that doing the installation yourself. Among the fences available in the market, you can choose from picket toppers, lattice, and horizontal rail configurations that renew and enhance the look of your home.

There are mistaken ideas when it comes to vinyl fences, dating from decades ago when vinyl turned yellow over time, sunlight and weather exposure. Today, vinyl fences have a treatment with titanium dioxide from DuPont and/or another chemical additives, which increasing the fences durability and prevents ultraviolet degradation, a guarantee often included where Galco holsters are distributed.

If you want to install your vinyl fencing by yourself, make sure that the sizes of the fence and picket match the area in which a vinyl fences will be installed. Verify also the material since some fences are more durable than others, depending whether you want a flat vinyl board or a dimensional look that increases privacy.

Vinyl last for a lifetime, so go ahead and bring your level, a tape measure, a string line and a post hole digger to begin your fencing job. Vinyl fences usually come with detailed instructions on how to install them and a customer's support phone or website to submit your inquires and receive further directions.

However, before starting try to survey your property so you can make sure you will not dig into your neighbor yard when installing the fence. If you can talk to your neighbors about Galco holsters, vinyl fencing, and related matters that are about to modify their mutual environment, you will be gaining a battle of good faith for susceptible individuals feeling offended by a fence.

Natalie Aranda writes on home and gardening. There are mistaken ideas when it comes to vinyl fences, dating from decades ago when vinyl turned yellow over time, sunlight and weather exposure. Today, vinyl fences have a treatment with titanium dioxide from DuPont and/or another chemical additives, which increasing the fences durability and prevents ultraviolet degradation, a guarantee often included where Galco holsters are distributed.

From Basement to Beautiful - Steps to Waterproofing and Finishing your Basement

The Monster in the Basement

Picture this: Your upstairs floor leaks whenever it rains. Water is dripping in and pooling on the floor. Even when it's not raining, it always seems to be damp, humid, and musty up there. Everything you store there grows mold, and if you've laid wood floor and carpet, it's growing moldy, rotting, and the wood is buckling. The windows are rusting and jammed, with spider webs growing in them, and the floor is cold and clammy underfoot. The ceiling is sagging and moldy. Simply put: your upstairs is ugly, uncomfortable and unhealthy. You avoid it whenever you can. Under any circumstances, is this acceptable? Of course not!

Then why would you let these conditions develop DOWNstairs?

You shouldn't. It's unacceptable. A basement represents an entire floor's worth of space- a gigantic percentage of the potential living space in your home. To allow it to go unused is to deny the full potential of your home. And given the current housing market, this is a fantastic time to think about taking full advantage of every bit of space available in your home.

Make the Most of What You've Got!

Finishing your basement runs at about 50% of the cost of adding a new addition to your home. Remodeling Online reports that nationwide, finishi5B4ng a basement can increase the resale value of a home by about 61%-97% of the cost of the installation! If you'd like to see the full report by Remodeling online. stop by http://costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/index.html .

All numbers aside, if your basement is leaking, you have an opportunity to take a problem in your home and change it into an asset. Here are some disadvantages to a damp basement:

1. If you have cement or block basement walls or floors, water collecting around your foundation in the looser backfilled earth is seeping through your porous cement basement structure. Even if your basement walls do not look damp, you can be sure that the moisture is seeping through and being pulled up by the air, much like the dirt in a potted plant does when the soil is wet but the surface is dry.

2. Humid basement air creates a reliable environment for mold growth. If you allow that moisture to remain, there's nothing stopping mold from collecting on any and all organic surfaces in your basement, including drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors.

3. If your basement has a musty smell, that would be from the airborne fecal material from dust mites and mold spores in your basement air. Because this air travels upwards in your house (like in a chimney), these airborne materials will rise through your house and enter your lungs when you breathe. This has been known to create and intensify a variety of breathin5B4g related ailments.

4. A leaking basement is not a reliable storage space. Any valuables you have there will be vulnerable to the flooding conditions.

A Beautiful Living Space

If you want to use your basement as a clean, dry area instead not using it and keeping it as a moldy, wet and health-compromising space, then you have no reason to invest in it. However, this is what your basement could become:

• A beautiful family room with couches, game tables and a TV
• A naturally quiet and secluded-feeling home office
• A home theater with a flat screen mounted on a hardboard wall
• A personal gym with mats, weights and treadmills
• A safe, secluded play room for the children
• A beautiful and sophisticated wine cellar

To accomplish this, you're going to want basement finishing and remodeling products that can create a vapor barrier between your living space and the cold, wet basement surfaces. On the walls, I'd recommend a solid, free-standing cement board and hard foam insulation so you can attach shelves, photographs, a plasma TV or anything else to their surface without concern. Your windows should be double paned vinyl windows for optimal insulation and soundproofing. On the ceiling, you're going to want a drop ceiling that will absorb noise from the basement and above floors alike. The floors should be laid down in a way that b5B4locks water vapor from the basement floor and creates a thermal break on your basement floors so they don't feel as cold as the concrete below. Finally, ALL surfaces installed in the basement will need to be resilient to water damage.

Even if a basement is completely waterproofed and a vapor barrier is placed on all surfaces, your basement is still susceptible to leaks from water heaters, bursting pipes, overflowing sinks, bathtubs, toilets, dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, and the countless other things that hold water and can run downhill, creating a flood in your basement.

The Best Basement Waterproofing Contractor and Basement Remodeling Experts for You

It's important to find a basement remodeling contractor that is still going to be in business if you need to service your installation or have warranty work done. The small business administration reports that 50% of contractors have their business fail within the first year and over 96% within five years. It's best to pick a company that you're confident will still be there when you need them.

DryGuys Basement Systems of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland have been in business for more than 20 years and would like to help you with your basement waterproofing and finishing- as well as your foundation repair, dehumidif5B4ication, and crawlspace encapsulation needs. Our basement waterproofing system will keep your basement from leaking while our finishing products create vapor barriers on all concrete basement surfaces. Our Total Basement Finishing basement finishing ideas insulate the room and make the whole house more energy efficient.

Our finished basement wall panels can each hold a weight of up to 300 pounds, making them perfect for mounting heavy shelving, plasma TVs, large photographs or whatever your heart desires. Our windows are made of vinyl framing and beautiful crystal clear double thermopane glass, making them more than twice as long-lasting and almost three times better as an insulator than single paned steel basement windows. None of our products support mold growth, and they're all either water resistant or completely waterproof. We offer a written warranty, a long history of business, and the international support of Basement Systems, the largest network of basement waterproofing contractors in the world. There's no doubt that we'll be here if you need us. Call or visit us for a free no obligation estimate, and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

DryGuys Basement Systems
20 N. Main Street
Woodstown, NJ 08098
(800) 462-3191
http://www.dryguys.com

Improve Your Bathroom, Improve Your Home

A bathroom does not have1C83 to be a drab or unexciting room although in many older homes this was the case. Here are some bathroom renovation ideas that will bring bathrooms to life.

In classical times, the bathroom was a room of great beauty. This was mostly because indoor plumbing was unknown and the function of the bathroom was to provide a place for bathing. This was often done in tiled baths surrounded by works of art and fancy tile mosaics. While space restrictions would prevent most modern bathrooms from copying the look of Roman baths, it is not impossible to add a little classic beauty and comfort to this room. Here are some bathroom renovation ideas that can accomplish this little trick.

One of the best ways to recreate a classic look is the use of tiles. Tiles were one of the earliest decorative motifs of classical bathrooms. The use of glass tiles on the walls of a bathroom or ceramic tiles on counter tops can add a classical look to an otherwise drab bathroom. Along with the use of tiles, lighting is something that is often overlooked in older bathroom designs. Attention to the improving of internal lighting and the subsequent brightening of the bathroom often changes the ambience of the room completely.

When you are working under budget restrictions in your renovation project, consider leaving as many original fixtures in place as possible and designing your improvements around them. If the plumbing fixtures are in good condition, it is not economical to tear them all out just to move a sink a few inches or relocate the toilette bowl. It is true that most bathroom designers in the past decades did not seem to appreciate the use of space, but you can often find creative ways to increase space without tearing everything out and starting over.

One of the new products being used in many modern bathrooms are under tile heating coils. These radiant heating systems produce warmed tiles on the bathroom floors. The installation is not too difficult and can be done as part of the floor tile replacement. Many bathroom renovations are based on the replacement of a tub with some type of shower. This involves a major investment in plumbing and can be avoided by considering the use of a handheld showerhead that can be used to convert the simple tub into a shower. The problem of installing shower curtains is not quite as expensive to solve as running behind the wall pipes to provide a conventional shower.

These are just a few bathroom renovation designs and ideas. The bathroom does not have to be the forgotten room of the home. The idea of bathing has always been as much to promote relaxation as well as cleanliness. A well lit and beautiful bathroom will recapture this classical feeling of comfort and can often be achieved with little effort.

Aazdak Alisimo writes about bathroom design ideas for http://www.BathroomDesignSupply.com

How Often Should You Renovate Your Home?

For some individuals or families, the fears of cost overruns and lengthy stays in a construction zone are enough to dissuade them from undertaking a major home renovation project.

This could be quite understandable. However, it's a shame because there are a lot of good reasons to renovate. If you like the neighborhood where you live, for example, but feel cramped in a small, outdated kitchen, upgrading may be a better alternative than moving.

A well-planned home renovation could also increase your property value. If your home is older than most in your area, new flooring or other updates can help to bring your home up to par with others on the market. Knowing the basic factors about the renovation process, as well as getting assistance from the professionals involved, helps in avoiding unnecessary expenses and delays.

Plan A Renovation Project In Advance

A home renovation project makes for an opportunity to create the space you've always wanted. In the initial planning stages, draw a list of the things you wish to do. Write down everything you would want to add or change in a room. For instance, you may wish to install a convec5B4tion oven or a larger refrigerator in the kitchen or new flooring and a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.

Later, when you get an idea of cost from a professional renovator and from your own research, you can decide which options to keep and which ones are too expensive. To help you better plan your renovation, check on magazines and online home decorating Web sites.

In addition, also visit home shows and home decor shops to see some of the latest innovations in building products, countertops, appliances etc. Take note of product prices and energy ratings as you shop. You may find that certain upgrades will pay for themselves over the long run in terms of energy and water savings. A professional renovator can also be a good source of ideas and product suggestions.

Lastly, look for houses that have been recently renovated and see how the changes made affected the overall feel of the neighborhood. Everyone will appreciate it if the changes you make to the exterior of your house will compliment the architecture of your city block, or neighborhood.

What To do Before Starting Renovation Work

Before starting major home repair work, first take a good look at your own house. Try to respect the main features of its original design. You don't want your work to contradict it too much.

Make sure to check your renovation design against the Building Code and requirements set up by your local government. Some types of cha5ACnges generally do not require any special permits, and these include replacing interior doors, existing plumbing fixtures with similar items, cabinets or countertops without repairing or replacing drywall, or relocating rough utility lines.

The next move is to solicit bids from professional renovators. It is a good idea to get more than one opinion on the best way to proceed with the project and the estimated cost. They will quickly examine the areas you wish to upgrade, along with the items on your wish list in order to give you a complete estimate. They can also advise you if the project requires further design or architectural retooling.

Once you have chosen a professional renovator, it is time to go over your wish list in detail. They will inspect your home to take measurements and ascertain the locations of electrical and plumbing lines. The renovator may be able to offer logistical suggestions on your design such as improving the flow of traffic in a kitchen. If a room requires a change to the electrical wiring or plumbing, they will likely be able to tell you at this point.

A successful home renovation project requires good team effort between you and the professionals that you hire. To ensure a good outcome, you need a clear plan and good communication. Then all that's left is for you to sit back and enjoy the results.

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

http://realestatepress.org - Real Estate Press

Buy A New Home Or Remodel - Let's Discuss The Benefits Of Both!

For most people our first homes are known in the market place as a starter home. The home was most likely chosen primarily for financial considerations. It probably lacked some of the features that we would have wanted if our budget had been unlimited at the time. Now that your income has grown, and possibly the size of your family it is time to consider either moving or investing in your current property to add additional features and living space.

Although the decision on whether to stay and remodel or relocate has affected all of us, the decision is usually based on emotion rather than fact or situation. Before you decide on whether to remodel or relocate you should consider the following points:

• Return On Investment: Most of us are concerned that any investment we make, and doing a major remodel to a home is definitely an investment, will eventually provide us with a payback or at worst case we wont loose any money. In order to determine if an investment in your current property is likely to have a financial benefit it is important to look at the other homes on your street and in your area. If your home is the same size as the majority of other homes, it is most likely that if you add an addition to your home it will become the most expensive home in the neighborhood. From an investment standpoint, one does not want to have the most expensive home in the neighborhood. On the other hand, if your home is currently smaller than the majority of homes, it may be a very smart investment to add an addition to expand the livable floor space. This should have the effect of increasing your home value by more than the investment.
• Architecture: The cost of adding additional floor space is usually determined by the size of the lot and current building codes for that lot. Would adding additional floor space mean adding a second floor or is their room on the lot to add to the main floor level. Dont forget that by adding to the main floor level you will be eliminating some of the homes outdoor space. It is also important to realize that with some homes, depending on how the original Foundation was installed, adding a second story may mean adding to the strength of the footings. This alone could mean that the project is not economically feasible. Whether you are considering a second story or an addition on the main level, try to visualize what the finished home will look like. If in your mind you are satisfied that what you want to do will be visually acceptable it is probably time to call in an architect to discuss what can and cant be done with your property.
• Budget: Although construction costs vary from city to city and state to state you should allow a minimum of $200 per square foot for the addition of basic living space, providing the addition does not include a kitchen or bathroom. Your architect will be able to give you a budgetary number for finished construction cost based on the city and state where you are located. Higher quality finishing materials such as hardwood flooring, and natural stone tiles such as marble or granite can easily double the per square foot cost. Once you have a detailed set of Building Plans, you will be able to obtain firm prices from the contractors in your area. For budgeting purposes, it is always wise to add an extra 10% to the costs, as there are generally changes and modifications during the construction phase.
• Sweat Equity: One major advantage to a remodel rather than a relocation is that a remodel allows you to put some sweat equity into your property. Depending on ones capabilities, a lot of the remodel work, especially items that are labor intensive, can be accomplished by a reasonably competent homeowner. These include simplistic items such as wallpapering, painting, installing light fixtures, and window coverings. For the more experience home handyman, installing finished flooring, doors and trim can provide cost savings and increased equity. Landscaping and gardening are two other areas that can become family projects and increase the homes value. However, if you do decide to relocate rather than renovate you may find that you are doing all of the aforementioned items at your new home!
• Inconvenience: Living through a construction project, especially if involves bathrooms and/or kitchens can be a very trying experience. If you havent been through a major remodel, it can mean the loss of utilities for periods of time, continuous noise, dust, dirt, and a parade of workman marching through your home. The concept of having peaceful enjoyment of your home is lost completely. Relocation is not necessarily a project without heartache. There is the packing and unpacking phase, new schools, changing utilities, changing all addresses on personal documents, credit cards, and other companies that you do business with. Let us not forget the new neighbors and the loss of the old and our childrens friends and classmates.

Want biased advise on whether you should renovate or relocate, its available from most real estate brokers. Remember that a real estate broker makes a living when people buy and sell homes, not when they renovate. They do not receive any benefit from you deciding to stay where you are and to remodel your current property.

As with most home improvement or remodel projects, planning is the key to success!

For additional information on remodeling your home or other home improvement projects, including landscaping and gardening visit Renovation Headquarters.