For Your Home

[ Up ] [ CONSUMERS ] [ Simple Redecorating Tips to Improve Your Home and Your Mood ] [ Make Your Kitchen Luxurious in a Few Affordable Steps ] [ Exclusive Offers Registration ]

For Your Home ....
Visit www.homeandgardenupdate.com for more articles and information about your home and garden ...

The latest Home Improvement Trend -- Making Whats Old New Again
Top 10 Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2010
Radiant barriers - a brilliant way to reduce your cooling costs
Top 5 improvements for spring home sellers
Make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood

The latest Home Improvement Trend -- Making What's Old New Again

At a time when costs for just about everything seem to be going up -- gas, food, building materials, etc. -- a lot of attention is focused on the concept of reduce, reuse, recycle. This is particularly evident in the home improvement sector.

Rather than buying new cabinets, homeowners are updating kitchens by refacing cabinets they already have. Rather than buying new furniture, they are rearranging current pieces, adding pillows and throws. And when it comes to floors, rather than buying new carpet, they’re showing growing interest in reclaimed wood flooring.

Reclaimed wood floors -- salvaged from Industrial Revolution-era mills and factories, barns, piers, and other structures -- offer homeowners a way to do their part for the environment without compromising on style or durability.

Once discovered -- often in buildings that have stood idle for decades -- these seasoned woods are procured, milled, and prepared for reuse in residential and commercial spaces.

Your Environmental “Footprint”
Environmentalists talk about our ecological “footprint” or the amount of impact each person’s actions have on the natural world. When a homeowner reduces consumption of new building materials, that footprint shrinks considerably:

* Less demolition or “teardown” waste that clogs the nation’s landfills.
* Old-growth and virgin forests are preserved.
* Less energy is expended to make raw building materials.
* Fewer chemicals are used in producing and finishing your floor.
* Regional or national shipping emits less carbon than global shipping of products such as new hardwood, imported bamboo or cork.

A Quality Difference
Of course, the environmental advantages are only part of the appeal. Like fine wine, good wood improves with age. After decades in place, the fibers of heavy oak beams and gleaming heart pine floorboards have compressed, adding strength to what are already extremely stable building materials.

Old wood typically comes from factories, mills and barns that were originally built with timber sawn from slow-growth forests, especially those in the cooler climate of the U.S. Northeast, where cold winters result in denser tree rings and harder timber. Timber harvested today, on the other hand, often comes from second- or third-generation forests and are simply not as robust.

The Other Options
Bamboo and cork are sustainable flooring options, but they are made from grass and bark, respectively, not wood. And although they come in almost any color you can imagine -- not just blond and caramel but also, for example, cobalt blue and fire-engine red -- they don’t suit everyone’s taste.

With reclaimed wood, there’s no reason to gild the lily. We don’t need to stain our wood. The rich patina and deep, natural color of each of these boards fill them with character, enhancing both traditional interiors and contemporary settings.

Which is to say, “antique” wood is not just for antique lovers. From its headquarters in Ruckersville, Virginia, Mountain Lumber Company has supplied antique flooring for modern loft apartments in New York, rustic ski retreats in Colorado and airy beach houses on the South Carolina coast.

Top 10 Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2010

Does your kitchen or bathroom look like it's stuck in a time warp? Then it might be time to update the most-used rooms in your home. For inspiration, look no further than the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.

To compile the findings and determine the latest kitchen and bath trends, the organization surveyed those members who designed a kitchen or bathroom during the last quarter of 2009. According to NKBA, the top 10 trends for 2010 are:

1. Shaker style kitchen design
2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes
3. Quartz countertops
4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets
5. Polished chrome finishes
6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers
7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads
8. Marble vanity tops
9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks
10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

In the kitchen
Making a big statement throughout the kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functional drawer appliances. One such example, which has been specified by nearly a third of NKBA's kitchen designers, is modern refrigeration technology. Turning convenience into a luxury, under-counter refrigerated drawers feature adjustable horizontal and vertical dividers to keep frequently used items close at hand. Perfect for the ultimate entertainer, refrigerated drawers are quite roomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-liter bottle and wide enough to hold items such as serving trays and pizza boxes.

If you're tired of running the dishwasher when it's only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it's independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens, as well.

Another popular element to include in the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers, it's an easy way to make a design statement at the kitchen sink while increasing functionality. The new Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly brings simple sophistication to the kitchen with its transitional styling that complements virtually any decor. It's available in a chrome finish, which is another 2010 trend to look for in appliances, accents and hardware throughout the entire kitchen. For more information about the Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

In the bath
Granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels - used by seven of every eight designers - however, in 2010 alternative natural materials, like marble, will continue to grow in popularity.

According to NKBA, just under half of bathroom designers utilize marble, as it provides a sophisticated look that's reminiscent of Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface - ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day.

NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients.

Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You'll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a completely coordinated look.

Radiant barriers - a brilliant way to reduce your cooling costs

What is a "radiant barrier?" Well, according to the U.S. Department of Energy it's a way to reduce your monthly energy bill. Radiant barriers are designed to help block the summer heat from reaching the inside of your attic and home, and blocking heat means less energy costs to cool your home in warm weather.

"With an effective radiant barrier, your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature," says David Drew of Nashville-based LP Building Products, a nationally recognized leader in the field of residential energy efficiencies. "This can save energy and lower the cost of cooling your home, as well as make your home more comfortable regardless of the season."

However, not all products that claim to create a "radiant barrier" provide the same level of performance. To learn more about LP's radiant barrier sheathing product, visit LPCorp.com.

The most cost-effective form of radiant barrier is a thin layer of aluminum attached to the underside of your roof deck material. When the sun heats up your roof in the summer, the aluminum blocks much of this heat so it cannot radiate into your attic.

Ideally, the home builder will select roof sheathing that already includes a radiant barrier. In these cases, it is important to select a perforated (or incised) sheathing that will block heat, but not trap construction moisture in the wood.

It is also possible to install a layer of aluminum to an existing home. The aluminum is simply stapled to the roof trusses or rafters. Homeowners are cautioned not to allow an installer to apply the aluminum sheathing to the attic floor. Although this is easier for the installer, a radiant barrier can lose its effectiveness in less than a year if dust is allowed to accumulate on the surface. Studies have also shown concerns with moisture development and the aluminum being too close to electrical wiring and fixtures.

When correctly installed, radiant barrier sheathing and retrofit aluminum material will block up to 97 percent of the heat that radiates off your roofing materials from entering the attic space. This can lower the temperature of your attic as much as 30 degrees and reduce your cooling bill up to 17 percent during the summer months.

A variety of paints also promise to perform a similar function, but with lesser results. These paints are infused with ceramic or aluminum powder and can be sprayed onto existing roofing materials.

"Homeowners are often tempted to select paint over retrofit aluminum materials because it is less expensive to install in an existing home," Drew says. "However, homeowners should be aware that these paints do not technically qualify as a radiant barrier under today's industry standards, even if they say 'radiant barrier' on the product."

"Be sure to do your homework before purchasing one of these paint products," says Mary Edmondson, Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association's executive director. "If it's being called 'radiant barrier paint,' beware."

Homeowners can check the quality of a paint product by examining the label for an emissivity number. This number should be 0.1 or lower for a radiant barrier or 0.25 or lower for an Interior Radiation Control Coating. Without an emissivity number, homeowners will not know the quality of the product they are selecting. It is also important to know proper installation methods with the IRCC materials. Some require two or even three coats to meet the stated energy savings.

Issues may also arise from the application of an aluminum-infused paint that will limit its effectiveness. An uneven coating of paint will allow heat to escape into the home in less thick areas. Also, installers must regularly mix the paint to ensure the aluminum does not settle to the bottom. Unfortunately, a visual inspection of the painted surface will not reveal if the mixture or thickness of paint is sufficient to achieve the emissivity number indicated on the label.

Homeowners have a variety of options to reduce their energy bills by applying aluminum to roofing products. Although paints can offer limited protection at a lower cost, properly installed aluminum radiant barriers provide superior performance and greater reliability.

Top 5 improvements for spring home sellers

To get your home sold at a good price in a buyer's market, you need to know what to invest in - and what not to invest in.

Which of these features is more appealing to home buyers: custom cabinetry in the kitchen or a home security sign by the front door? The answer may surprise you.

After the weakest year on record for new home sales, real estate agents and homeowners alike are anxious for sales to rebound this spring. For home sellers, staying competitive with strategic home improvements will be the key to success. So before you plant that "For Sale" sign in your yard, check out the five home improvement hot spots that could help your home stand out in a crowded market.

1. Kitchens and baths
Any realtor will tell you - kitchens and bathrooms are the most important rooms in your home. But in today's market, a major remodel is probably not worth your money. Modernizing older styles may be all that's necessary to maximize your return on investment. Ditch your plans for custom cabinets and consider resurfacing and replacing hardware. If you are going to spend money, use it for high-quality flooring, countertops and updated appliances.

2. Front yard landscaping
Your house can only make a first impression once, so the outdoor appearance is nearly always a safe investment. Take a moment the next time you pull into your driveway to spot problem areas. Simple updates such as planting fresh flowers, weeding and edging the lawn, power washing siding and resealing driveways and sidewalks can make a huge difference. And keep it simple. A high-maintenance yard can detract from your home's selling potential.

3. Windows
Buyers see outdated windows and immediately wonder what the cost will be to replace them. Old, worn or cracking frames remind people of the age of your home and could be significantly decreasing your chance for an offer. Take advantage of the incentives that are available for energy efficient renovations and make these important updates now. You'll start making money back immediately with tax credits and energy savings, and potential buyers will notice the difference.

4. Security systems
If someone does not feel safe in your home, they will not want to buy it. Every detail counts when helping a potential buyer imagine their life in your home. Often overlooked, alarm systems can be pivotal selling points in competitive real estate markets. Installing a wireless security system will also deliver immediate benefits to you as a home owner and also may lower your insurance. Shop around to see if major brands are offering deals on security systems in your area.

5. Small-scale updates
Fresh paint, crown moldings and new trim can do wonders for the look and feel of a room and are relatively inexpensive updates if you have the time to do them yourself. Similarly, projects such as built-in shelves or new lighting fixtures can make your house the one that stands out amongst the competition.

This year is full of potential for the real estate world. If you are putting your house on the market, remember to be realistic about your budget and your competition. Do not upgrade beyond the value of the other homes in your neighborhood. And put a hold on non-essential projects such as add-ons, garage conversions and pools. Shrewd home improvement decisions now could make the difference between a sale and a standstill on your block this spring.

Make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood

Curb appeal is something homeowners always have tucked into the back of their minds, even if they aren't planning on selling or moving any time soon.

Curb appeal is the look and feeling your home exudes when strangers drive by. And if you want your home's curb appeal to receive comments like "clean," "maintained," "beautiful" or "Wow!" you need to make sure your lawn is looking beautiful.

Unfortunately, lawn care requires ongoing maintenance. You can't just plant a new tree like you can put up siding and expect everything to look good for several years. Getting a greener, healthier landscape takes a lot of work.

For some ideas on how to improve your landscaping this spring, consider these tips from TruGreen:

* If you plan to plant new trees, wait until the threat of frost has completely left.

* Mulching can be done at any time of the year. Spring is a great time since you won't have to deal with snow or ice decomposing the new layer of mulch. Just make sure the mulch doesn't touch the plant bark because that can lead to rot.

* Look over your landscaping equipment and make sure it is in good shape for the season. Check your irrigation or sprinkler system to ensure it works.

* As the temperatures get warmer, start maintaining a good watering system for your yard. Review the plants you have in your yard to determine how much water they really need, and don't over-water.

If you are a homeowner with a lawn that is a disappointment, or a homeowner who wants the best-looking lawn on the block, but struggles to keep it looking beautiful, TruGreen's customized lawn care solution is worth considering.

TruGreen provides a combination of weed control and fertilization treatments designed to target every lawn care issue. In addition, its tree and shrub care program provides you with scheduled feeding of ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as fertilization with insect and disease control measures to protect your plants.

Another important factor to remember is how much you want to enjoy your yard during the spring and summer months. Because that is the time when pesky little insects invade your yard, consider solving your landscape pest issues with TruGreen's service.

With a well-maintained yard, you and your family can enjoy your house and its beautiful curb appeal. And you'll have all the neighbors driving by, wondering how they can make their own yards look as good.