Whenever we approach a new season, there are always projects and chores to do around the house! Since the weather is starting to cool off, it is a perfect time to do outdoor home improvement chores! Consider the following to get a jump on household tasks before the weather gets cold: 1. Get in the yard and rake leaves and aerate the lawn. Fertilize the [...]
There are currently 3 programs across the nation that offer a third party certification for energy efficiency. Included in this threesome are: Energy Star rated homes are considered 20-30% more energy efficient than a traditionally built home. There are energy saving features that are required which include more effective insulation, tighter construction practices , higher performing windows and more efficient heating and air conditioning. In [...]
If you are thinking of changing your kitchen in a really bold way, do it with your countertops! This can be a very dramatic change that you make in your kitchen that will have a ton of “bang for your buck”. There are so many materials, old and new, that are available today and depending on your desire for maintenance, cooking, clean up and cost, [...]
f you are interested in updating your home in a fiscally responsible way and still want to "go green" by using environmentally friendly products, there are some changes that you can afford to do for your home. These updates will add lifestyle value to your home by reducing the energy costs of running a home in addition to creating a healthier environment for your family [...]
I have been remodeling homes for people for over 6 years in the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex. Many of these families are updating a home in which they have been living for a while or making personal changes to an older home that they have just purchased. Either way, there are always usable construction materials that I have left over during the remodeling process [...]
Have your heard about induction technology for cooking in the kitchen? What is it exactly? Induction cooktops use an induction coil below the cooktop surface to heat the cookware with a magnetic field. This type of cooking is the only method that directly uses the pots and pans as part of the cooking process. Induction cooking heats only the pan and its contents and can [...]
I work with a terrific Heating and Air Conditioning Company and they have assembled some really great tips for saving energy, now that we are in the hot months of July in Texas. 1. Consider spending some money on some insulated drapes for the windows; this will help withenergy savings in both summer and winter months. 2. Three to five per cent more energy is [...]
I just read a great, short article on what to do when lighting is part of the weather forecast and how you should respond. Lightening Safety Awareness Week is June 22-28, so a great time to dispel rumors about how to handle lightning and learn about what the National Weather Service suggests are the best steps to take for your safety and that of your [...]
The concept of outdoor rooms for outdoor living and maximizing outdoor spaces such as gardens and patios has really taken off in recent years. The reasons can range from shrinking square footage in modern housing to improved products for outdoor living, but we can all agree that the extra space provides added flexibility. Before you begin furnishing an outdoor room you have to decide how [...]
f you are thinking about a master bathroom remodel, consider these suggestions for a more spa-like luxurious bath. You might even think ahead about the needs of aging and make some changes with that in mind. 1. Place plywood behind the shower and by toilet rooms so that grab bars can be added at a later date. 2. Raise the heights of the countertops to [...]