Monday, December 31, 2012

Is a Walk-In Shower in Your Future?


If a man could simply drop his shorts and walk in to a shower, would he be inclined to take one more often? Perhaps he would if he could see something tantalizing waiting for him on the other side. And what about a woman? Could a glass enclosed, high-tech shower help wash away the stresses of her day? Could it perhaps even make her a bit more risqué?

These are compelling questions and one way to find out the answers is to install a walk-in shower and see what happens. Walk-in showers are THE latest trend in bathroom decorating. They’re sleek, contemporary, and practically maintenance-free and right now they’re more affordable than ever.

When it comes to the bathroom, too many people take this room for granted. As long as the bathroom is functional and houses the essentials, most won’t give this part of the home much thought. And that’s a mistake. Go take a look at your bathroom. Are you happy with what you see? Is it soothing and relaxing? If its appearance is somewhat sterile or worse, if it’s seriously outdated, it’s time to turn your attention in that direction. It’s time you give that room a makeover.

Need even more reasons to take the plunge, so to speak? Here are not one but six compelling reasons why Brits are falling in love with the walk-in shower.

Walk-in showers lend an air of luxury to the morning routine.

And luxury is what today’s bathroom is all about. No longer is the bath being thought of as simply the place to take care of routine, mundane business. It’s now THE place to go for pampering. With a walk-in shower as the centerpiece of the bath, it’ll be easier than ever to find coordinating fixtures no matter what your decorating style. You can accessorise to your heart’s content with stainless steel, brushed nickel, silver or chrome taps, wall-mounted mirrors, luxuriously absorbent towels, aromatherapy candles and more. You’re in total charge of creating the type of escape you long for; one that’s functional but best of all, one that’s reminiscent of the 5-star accommodations at your favorite holiday hide-away.

Walk-in showers allow room for showering with a mate.

Take a moment to let your mind wander here and just imagine the possibilities. Go ahead, be adventurous. What a great way to break out of the bedroom rut and add a bit of excitement to your life! And if those kinds of thoughts are too much for your innocent mind, just think about the water you’ll conserve when showering together. You’ll be doing your part for the environment while at the same time you can be setting the stage for lots of exciting things to come.

Walk-in showers raise the resale value of your home.

When it comes to a home’s value, you’ll almost always get the maximum return on your investment when you update the kitchen and the bathroom. A frameless, clear-glass walk-in shower will instantly update the look of any bathroom, no matter how old. Walk-in showers create a more spacious environment, which is a terrific benefit especially when space is already limited. This popular look is trendy yet timeless meaning you won’t have to worry about the money you invest – the walk-in shower you install today will look good even 10 years from now!

Walk-in showers are easier to clean.

You won’t have to spend another moment inhaling harsh chemicals while laboriously attempting to remove built-up mold and mildew from shower curtains and doors. Simply wipe down the glass when you’re finished and you’re done. You’re busy enough already so anything that helps cut cleaning time is a blessing. You’ll likely be even more inclined to keep the walk-in shower area clean so that you’re assured a crystal-clear view of what’s waiting for you on the other side.

Walk-in showers are easier for the old and young to use.

When you install a wet floor shower, you won’t have to step over any raised edges to get inside which greatly increases mobility. The safety aspect alone is the deciding factor for many. The addition of a seat and a flexible hose with hand-held showerhead means that showering will no longer be an unbearable task. Children love walk-in showers, too. And guess what? The more they enjoy taking a shower, the more inclined they’ll be to do it!

Walk-in showers are easy to retrofit into an existing bath area.

Installation is possible (and not that difficult) even on out of true walls. Walk-in showers can be installed in any recessed area or in any corner. With easy-to-follow instructions included with every walk-in shower, do-it-yourselfers can handle most installations without hiring a contractor. You likely won’t need to hire a plumber, either!

So there you have it – several reasons why you should consider installing a walk-in shower. You’ll benefit, your home will benefit and quite possibly, your love life might benefit, too!

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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Doormats For Your Home

When you want a quick and inexpensive new look in your home consider a change of rugs! Doormats and accent rugs can be an easy way to spice up your home and are a fun way to welcome in the change of seasons.

There are thousands of different types of doormats and accent rugs available for your home. Some can be personalized with your name or your street number. Some have pictures of seasonal characters such as pumpkins and witch's and snowmen and Santa Claus. Others show wildlife such as cardinals and bluebirds and some show flowers like sunflowers or fall leaves.

Some indoor doormats and accent rugs look like expensive oriental rugs, but are safe indoors or out. Made with polypropylene or olefin these are all weather outdoor rugs that can withstand blistering sun, rain and snow. They won't fade or mildew. They wash easily with a squirt from the hose.

Some manufacturers are making decorative doormats and accent rugs with coco. Coco is great at trapping dirt at the front door. Coco is an extremely durable fiber which won't pill. Coco is quick drying and mildew resistant.

There are some very decorative doormats that are silk screened and printed with durable inks. These doormats will withstand heavy traffic and have UV protection.

If you have a very sunny entryway to your home you may want to consider a plain mat, unless you don't mind replacing that faded one a new one every few months. What you can do is consider one of the newer doormats made of rubber or one made of aluminum.

Doormats made of rubber are gaining in popularity. These doormats are non slip and resist mold and mildew and fading and clean very easily with a hose. They come in many intricate designs and different shapes.

A very classy way to say "welcome" to your guests is to have an elegant aluminum doormat. These can also be personalized and are offered in protective powder coatings of black silver, copper, bronze and pewter finishes. These are very heavy mats that will not move under foot. Mats made of cast aluminum will withstand many, many years of outdoor use.

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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Insulated Concrete Homes 101


In this article I wanted to talk a little about ICF - insulated concrete forms.

With growing concerns about health, quality of life, energy costs and natural resources rapidly being depleted, an increasing number of homebuilders around the world are turning to “green building.” This natural approach to homebuilding emphasizes quality construction, energy efficiency, good indoor air quality and livable neighborhoods.

There are many companies that sell this new green construction building blocks.

they are basically foam forms with plastic ribs that are built into the foam, rebar is set inside them and then they get filled with 3000 psi concrete making an air tight home with about a R-50 - which is very green.

A Healthier Home : On average, we spend an amazing 90% of our time indoors, yet inside air can be ten times more polluted than outdoor air. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks such as cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Properly ventilated green ICF homes can have far fewer problems with mold or mildew and the fresh air inside will keep your family breathing easy.

The cost is about 10% more compared to regular stick frame construction.

People report savings in utilities of up to 60%

There are a myriad of tax incentives and rebates offered in the USA and Canada for new residential and non-residential green buildings. Listed above are a couple of links to give you a sense of what is available.

If you are considering building with ICF you have to know about these programs. The problem is that these programs are listed all over the place and finding the right forms and information is usually a time-consuming and painful process.

A Healthier Home: On average, we spend an amazing 90% of our time indoors, yet inside air can be ten times more polluted than outdoor air. Unhealthy air inside can pose serious health risks such as cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. Properly ventilated green ICF homes can have far fewer problems with mold or mildew and the fresh air inside will keep your family breathing easy.

A Quietly Comfortable Home

A ICF home is a serene and quiet place that is insulated from intrusive outside noise from traffic, neighbors and the like.

Energy Efficiency : energy efficiency is the cornerstone of every green home. Green ICF homes tend to be up to twice as energy efficient as traditional homes built to code. Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources are effective ways to reduce the potential of energy supply interruptions, improve air quality, reduce the impacts of global warming, and slow the rate at which we need to build new power plants. Energy efficiency also makes good sense for home-owners: green ICF homes are more comfortable and cost much less to heat and cool.

A Strong, Durable and Sustainable Home

Concrete walls are one of the most durable building materials available and are designed to last for centuries. ICF walls are over 8 time stronger than conventional wood-framed walls and are able to withstand the damaging effects of strong winds and dangerous storms.

A Quietly Comfortable Home : A ICF home is a serene and quiet place that is insulated from intrusive outside noise from traffic, neighbors and the like.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of every green home. Green ICF homes tend to be up to twice as energy efficient as traditional homes built to code. Improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources are effective ways to reduce the potential of energy supply interruptions, improve air quality, reduce the impacts of global warming, and slow the rate at which we need to build new power plants. Energy efficiency also makes good sense for home-owners: green ICF homes are more comfortable and cost much less to heat and cool.

A Strong, Durable and Sustainable Home

Concrete walls are one of the most durable building materials available and are designed to last for centuries. ICF walls are over 8 time stronger than conventional wood-framed walls and are able to withstand the damaging effects of strong winds and dangerous storms.

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Friday, December 28, 2012

Black Mold spores unseen

Toxic<a target= black mold"> Don't underestimate the harmful effects black mold can have on your health. Many home owners live and breathe unknowingly with toxic black mold in the air. Imagine eating dinner and mold spores are right under your nose - literally. Now you understand how black mold can seriously have a huge impact on your health and way of life. Rather than give up and live with this toxic mold invasion, there are people who can help. Mold Removal Specialists, also known as mold remediation specialists are trained, licensed and should be insured to defend against this toxic mold invasion. Always think ahead, because remember, health deteriorates the longer the body is exposed to it. Testing to see if the effected area can be cleaned or removed is the answer.

Try to make sure the home you're living in does not provide opportunities for toxic black mold to grow rapidly. The first thing you need to do is keep the humidity levels down in your home - particularly in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Another place that black mold growth is prevalent is the closet area.

Black Mold seems to be on the rise and testing, and ultimately removal, should be done if the property owner is concerned about the safety of the occupants. Black mold needs to be tackles right away and the best way to do that is to contact a mold removal specialist.