General Article

Southwestern Home Decor

The best designs I have ever seen in a home is western decor. People never really realize how good a home can look until they have seen a house with western decor. The feeling of being home is emphasized very greatly when there is western decor and western items in a home. Almost every person in the United States or other country comes from a western background if you go back far enough. The designs that can be managed with western decor are not are actually very easy and simple to do, but you have to be willing to spend a couple dollars on the little items first such as a place-mat.

The place-mat is recognized a lot when people come into your home they look around then they focus on the place-mat. If you are someone who likes when people ask questions about your house. Like why did you decide to do it in western decor its a simple answer, it takes people back to their roots and for some it even sparks the desire to find out where they come from. Makes them want to see if they have a wild western cowboys in their family. Personally I love the western designs in my home and I think a lot more people would like the same designs also if they just knew where to look and what to start out with. Well I would start with a place-mat first then maybe even some coasters. They only cost maybe ten dollars at the most, but they will make your home feel like a western home in no time at all.

You can expound from them and get even more western decor and eventually your home will be a western home with its own unique it will take to get started is a couple place-mats then the possibilities are endless with western home decor.

Green Building Materials

When it comes to “Green Building Materials” there are many options to choose from whether you want to go completely green all at once or gradually. These options are available to be utilized on the exterior or interior or both of any project. The outside materials are metal roofing, solar panels, and EcoClad siding. The inside materials are bamboo or cork flooring, recycled counter tops, and recycled wood planks, and insulation.

Exterior

Metal roofing is considered a green building material because it helps reduce heating and cooling costs and they last a very long time and are more resistant to damage from all weather conditions. Metal roof pricing range from $3.50 to $15.00 per square foot.

Solar panel are considered a green building material because they use renewable energy from the sun to generate electricity. Solar panels are made up of crystalline silicon and gallium arsenide. Solar panel prices are from $125.00 to $1500.00 per panel.

EcoClad siding is made from recycled paper, wood fibers, and bamboo fibers which is all mixed with a co-polymer resin base. This building material is used for exterior siding. The price range for this material is between $9.00 to $20.00 per square foot.

Interior

Bamboo flooring is considered a green building material because it only takes about 3 to 6 years to regrow. Floors made from bamboo look a lot like real hardwood floors but they last a lot longer. Bamboo flooring prices range from $2.00 to $8.00 per square foot.

Cork floor covering is made up from the bark of a tree called Cork Oak Tree and it is found in the Mediterranean. The bark from these trees are harvested every 9 years. The price for this kind of floor ranges from $4.00 to $10.00 per square foot. The fact that it’s harvested every 9 years makes it a relatively fast renewable resource.

When it comes to recycled counter tops there are also many options. One option is a recycled glass counter top and its price range is from $30.00 to $80.00 per square foot. Another one is made from bamboo and the price range for this one is about $20.00 to $30.00 per square foot. Next is a counter top made from recycled paper in a resin base and the price range for this one is about $20.00 to $40.00 per square foot. Last but not least is a recycled aluminum counter top and the price range for this one is about $30.00 to $100.00 per square foot.

There are also very many different kinds of recycled wood panels. These are Doug Fir panels, Medite II P panels, Skyblend panels, Kirei, Homasote. The price of these panels range from $15.00 to $150.00 per panel.

Recycled insulation is another green building material and it is called Ultra Touch Cotton Insulation. This insulation is made from denim waste products and the price range for this material is about $55.00 to $125.00 but it depends on the square footage ordered.

There are also many ideas on the internet for all kinds of little stuff that be done inside or outside the home to make it more green. Like compact fluorescent bulbs is one good thing.

Bathroom Renovation – Thoughts for First Timers

Your bathroom is the best reflection of your personality. Nowadays most home owners would prefer to design their own bathroom. Bathroom renovation is not an easy task and requires time and commitment in order to succeed. For someone who loves to do detailed work it can provide you the challenges you need and that sense of satisfaction of competition the job. DIY bathroom renovation is ideal for people who love to learn new things and has the patience and will to do finish a task.

Let me explain how DIY bathroom renovation works. First you need to consider certain factors like the size of your bathroom, the needs of your family, how many are using the bathroom, planning and design, the time it will take to finish the job, the cost and any planning and safety. Here are some more details about this exciting process.

Initial planning

First determine what type of work you are going to do undertake. Decide whether you are going to renovate the entire area or you just want to do a minor make over. Also consider if you have kids that will share the bathroom, you might want to add features that are suited for youngsters.

Proceed with planning the color, check if you need to replace the tiles and fillings. You can use computer software to help you with the overall design or ask someone who’s got at it to make one for you. Do not complete electrical or plumbing work without expert advice, they will help you in the development of your overall blue print plan for the renovation.

Duration of the Renovation

It actually depends on the amount of work involve. Usually it takes 1 to 2 weeks to get the job done. For major projects it could take you up to a month.

Legalities

If you are doing a minor bathroom renovation, consider asking the local authorities if you need to secure papers. You may need a council permit for major construction.

The Cost

For minor bathroom renovation it usually cost around $10,000 or less if you are going to hire a company. For medium to major renovation it plays around $15,000 to $20,000. Of course these figures will go down if you do it on your own.

Although to a beginner’s perspective, bathroom renovation can be done. But it actually requires experience, skills and on top of that motivation. It can provide you that sense of self-achievement every time you visit your bathroom. For those of you who wish to hire professionals, make sure that they have all the qualifications that you need before making a deal with them and talk to their previous customers. Checking references of your general contractor is very important and time well spent.

Bathroom Mirrors – The Focal Point of Any Bathroom

Picking out a new mirror for your bathroom seems like a simple enough task. However, with such a wide variety of styles and sizes available today, it can actually be a difficult process to find the right one. Listed below are a few things you should consider when shopping for a new bathroom mirror.

Similar to any other accent or accessory in your home, a bathroom mirror is an expression of your personal style. When visitors come over to your home for a dinner party or informal gathering, this mirror is something they will more than likely see at some point. Since it is something that will be seen often, it should reflect the overall design and style of your home.

Another important consideration to keep in mind is the amount of time you have available to clean your home. Framed bathroom mirrors take much longer to clean than a frameless mirror. Not only do you have to clean the glass, but you will have to clean and polish the metal frame. If you work 60 hour weeks, you might not have the time to keep a framed mirror shining and clean all the time.

Whenever shopping for any household items, budget is always a deciding factor. Figuring out your allotted budget for a bathroom mirror before you start shopping is always a smart idea. While a mirror is important part of your bathroom’s overall appearance and decor, it is definitely not worth going into debt for.

If you are thinking about a bathroom renovation, you have to think about what accessories and decorative items will help transform it into the bathroom of your dreams. It helps to be aware of the various styles and designs available so you are fully aware of the options available to you.

Keep in mind that bathroom renovations have one of the highest returns on investment when it comes to home improvement projects. Since a bathroom mirror is essentially the focal point of any bathroom, you want it to not only tie the room together, but reflect your personal style and taste.

Consider A Makeover For Your Bathroom

Whether your motivation is to enhance your usage experience or to enhance your home’s resale value, a bathroom remodel project is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. In terms of maximizing the benefits, few can argue that renovating your bathroom will offer the most bang for the buck in terms of payback when it comes time to sell while allowing you the extra comfort and enjoyment while you are still in your home.

Much like a kitchen, the bathroom tends to be one area where potential home buyers have strong emotions. A functional and stylish bathroom can literally make or break the deal when you put your home on the market. But resale potential is not the primary reason to consider your bathroom renovation. Sure we all would like as much money as we can get, but why not enjoy your home to the fullest while you are still in it? Plus, with the economy in a down trend, more and more people are choosing to spruce up their existing homes instead of moving to a new home. You can save a lot of money by remaining in your home and simply improving it instead of moving. For the long-term, that decision makes a lot of sense financially.

Your renovation project can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. It is amazing what a new mirror and a new coat of paint can do for a bathroom. If your budget and energy allows, you can get really ambitious and knock out walls, install a new tub or shower, add new cabinets, and a number of other things. The only limit to your project will be budget and imagination.

Before you begin any project, you need to plan carefully. the last thing you want to do is begin a bathroom renovation that renders it useless for weeks because you didn’t realize the impact of changes you made or because you ran out of funds before you finished. The best way to avoid these types of planning mistakes is to use the services of a professional contractor. A professional will know the process, know the right subcontractors, and be able to steer you towards a successful completion. If your project is relatively small, then you can probably do it yourself without any help. But when pipes need to be moved or electrical outlets need to be moved, unless you really know what you are doing, do not attempt these types of tasks by yourself. Always leave these types of jobs to the professionals.

A bathroom renovation can make a big difference in your enjoyment of your home while adding potential resale value. If you don’t have the bathroom of your dreams already, look into an upgrade. Whether you want a major facelift or just new counters and lights, you will be happy you did. And the older and more worn your current bathroom is, the more you will probably enjoy your new one. The best part is that there are many options available regardless of your budget, just get creative and enjoy the experience.