Basement Remodels Need Careful Consideration

There are many important things that you need to consider when you decide to work with basement remodels. The decision to renovate and remodel your basement can be done by yourself, but unless you have all of the latest tools, legal requirements and construction talent, it is much better in the long run to hire a professional basement contractor to do your work.

You need to first realize that your house was not originally constructed to handle extra additions that a remodeled basement might require. Such things as; the structural modifications that might be needed, the air flow in the basement room area, the heating and cooling system and the costs of these basement remodels.

Choosing a competent basement remodeling contractor should be your top priority. This is one of your first decisions when you decide to remodel. The right choice will make a big difference in the quality of remodeling and cost of your project. There are many ways of selecting a good competent contractor. If you have friends that have undertaken a project like this they are good references. You can go on-line to find contractors in your area.

When you have gathered information in the selection process of your basement remodeling contractor, it is very advisable to select 2 or more and ask them to submit bids on your basement project. This will aid you in, not only getting a competitive price, but if they know they have competition in your basement remodels they will know you are serious in finding a good competent contractor.

Having some basement remodels? Discover practical basement remodeling ideas online and turn cheap basement ideas into dream basements at a budget.

Get Solar Panels and Become Your Own Energy Provider!

Going green is the growing trend as people become more aware of the impact they have on our environment. This awareness has led many people to seek out ways they can lessen their footprint on the earth. One option is the use of solar power for the home. Solar energy is the converting of the sun's rays into energy and heat. One way of doing this is to use solar panels on your home to capture the sun's rays. Maybe you are considering solar panels for your home and wondering if it is the right choice for your family. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages.

The benefits are plenty, the first being that you become your own energy provider. You get to crawl out from under the utility companies. As electric rates continue to climb you will be unaffected. Another attractive benefit is that solar panels require little to no maintenance. They cleanly and quietly provide electricity for 25-40 years. Then there are the obvious environmental benefits. The use of solar panels reduces the consumption of fossil fuels. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It reduce the nation's dependence on foreign energy sources. Every little step toward green has a significant positive impact on the environment.

So, even the use of a small solar electric system is beneficial in a big way. There is only one disadvantage and that is the initial cost. The installation of a solar panel system for the home can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. As the popularity of these systems rises the options increase and the prices become more competitive. However, the thought of shelling out so much money for these systems can seem daunting and make one give the deal a second thought. The good news is that there are government programs in place, such as tax credits and rebates, to help offset the cost. Also, those who already use solar panels will tell you that they pay for themselves within a short amount of time as you avoid the rising rates of the electric company. In the long run you save money. So, this one disadvantage isn't really much of a disadvantage at all.

As demand has risen and technology has advanced, the types of solar panels available have become more varied and more aesthetically pleasing. In contrast to those of the past, modern panels blend right into the home. Solar panels can also vary depending on how much power you need. Words such as monocrystalline, and polycrystalline refer to types of panels. The other type is amorphous. The three types work in the same way. The main difference is in the way they are produced which can cause a slight difference in efficiency. When purchasing panels it is important to know how much power you'll need, how much space you'll have for panels and where you want them placed on your home. Knowing these key things will help you decide which panels will work best for you.

Solar power can save you a lot of bucks and solar power kits are now easy to own and afford. Did you know that you can get your own solar panels built and installed for under $200? Get off the grid the easy way and get all the Facts on Solar Energy at: Residential Solar Panels

Choosing a Brick Paving Company

Adding brick pavers to your patio, driveway, or pool deck can be a great investment for your home. However, your dream patio may turn into a long, tiring, money-losing nightmare if the wrong company is chosen for your project. When choosing a Brick Paving company, you should follow some guidelines in order to have a stress-free process.

1. - Testimonials... and lots of them - When in doubt, you should look for a company that has a bunch of positive testimonials and references. Testimonials say that a person loved their work so much, he/she would write a letter or make a video saying how great their job was. Check for diverse testimonials, like for big (+1,500 sq/ft) jobs and small (-1,500 sq/ft) jobs. Videos are your best friend.

2. - ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) certified - This shows that the company knows what he's doing. The last thing you want is an amateur doing your patio, driveway, or pool deck. For something that you have to look at every day, you want an expert doing it. Saving one-hundred dollars isn't worth possibly months of stress and headaches. You want your investment to be done right.

3. - Year of Experience/Showroom - You want a company that has 'been there' and has 'done that'. Being that nothing is perfect and all humans make mistakes, you want a company that can solve any problem that you or he might face during your project. Also, a company with experience can also assist you in any question you may have. A showroom is one thing that will show you that the company is successful, professional business.

One company that incorporates all these things in his business is N. Ricardo's Brick Pavers, Inc. They do jobs around South Florida and are exactly what you need to get your project started. http://www.brickpaversflorida.com

http://www.brickpaversflorida.com

The Many Green Benefits of Using Green Renewable Energy

Green renewable energy is both cost effective and fantastic for the environment. What this entails is using windmills or solar cells to harness the green renewable energy of the wind or the sun, respectively. These two are the most practical and bountiful sources to tap for the average homeowner as you can easily have your own harnessing tools installed or even make them yourself in your backyard. As windmills and solar cells cost roughly $3000 to have professionally installed, many home owners are learning they can easily and quickly construct their own for around $200 using do it yourself guides which have recently come onto the market to help promote the easy implementation of green renewable energy.

It's been estimated that the average American household spends $2500 annually to power their homes. When faced with figures like that, it's easy to see why so many home owners are turning to free green renewable energy. By using the windmills or solar cells which as I stated you can build in your own back yard with the right information, you can convert their natural forces into natural electricity. This electricity works just as well as that which you currently receive from your power company, but it's completely free. Additionally, you can store any abundance of natural electricity which you produce but don't use in a given month and sell it back to the power company for a profit. Many families in the Midwest with extra land to devote to it do this to earn a handsome second income.

When your produce and use your own natural electricity, you're relying less on the finite sources of energy from the power company. This eases the tension on the energy crisis and is completely clean for the environment. Furthermore, if you do produce an abundance of natural electricity and sell it back to the power company, you're ensuring that others are relying less on finite energy sources, as well, as it works like a chain.

If you're interested in producing your own natural electricity from green renewable energy and saving yourself thousands each year and simultaneously helping the environment at the same time, visit http://www.renewableenergyreviewed.com for reviews on the leading do it yourself guides and start saving and doing your part today.

Cottage Home Plans For Everyone

Cottages are not just little houses built for vacationing. Modern cottages are exciting homes that make superior use of their interior space. Snug nooks and inviting corners await you in cottages of all sizes.

Since the Middle Ages, people have lived in cottages. During the 15th century, cottages were built for farm workers and their families and often included a barn and acres of land. By the 18th century, miners and weavers resided in cottages. Modern cottages are usually one and one-half stories, although single story cottages are popular for waterfront getaways. Modern cottages include ranches, Cape Cods and Katrina cottages. A cottage can be as spacious or small as you want.

Vacation retreats are often cottages because of their efficient design. Waterfront and lake communities are checkered with cottages along the shore. In days gone by, fishermen lived in these cottages to be near the water. Today vacationers flock to cottages near rivers and seas to experience the relaxation of the water. Cottages tucked away in the woods are often referred to as cabins. There are a variety of small cottage house plans to create your ideal oasis away from it all.

Many people rent a vacation cottage and become enamored with its charming appeal. Living in a cottage gives you that cozy feeling all year round. Cottages can be perched on mountains, nestled near a stream or situated right in the middle of a busy suburb or city. Cottage have a small, effective design with inviting amenities that give you a warm feeling no matter where you live. Front porches, winding staircases and doghouse windows give cottages added appeal.

Spacious cottage house plans include fireplaces, study nooks, built-in dining tables and attached outdoor rooms. Space is used wisely to create a variety of living spaces in different areas, such as a fold-out bed in a guest room that doubles as your office or craft room. If you have a cottage built on large property, include a matching garage and gazebo. Add a pool house next to an in-ground pool for an instant vacation right in your backyard.

Decorating cottages is fun and creative. Cottage-style decorating and "shabby chic" are often used in these smaller houses. Distinctive English cottage touches include hanging china on the walls, using a variety of colors and textures in one room and mixing patterns. Include plenty of family photos, lacy doilies, fragrant candles, distressed wood furniture and vintage mirrors for an old-fashioned cottage feeling throughout the house.

The affordable luxury of cottage home plans make them perfect for both vacationing and year-round enjoyment. Create your own personal retreat for a special welcome every time you enter the door.

Shopping online for cottage house plans makes it easy and fun to find exactly what you want for your main residence or vacation home. HDA, Inc. offers more than 17,000 different house plans including small cottage house plans along with ranches, Cape Cods and other unique cottage home plans you won't find anywhere else.

Bath Vanity Options For Larger Bathrooms

The bathroom is often an area of the home that is not heavily decorated, yet the right decor can create a bathroom that is pleasant and reflects your personal style just as much as any room in your home. The centerpiece of the room is typically the vanity. The right unit can be found to provide the best combination of storage and design.

Whether you are working on a bathroom from the ground up or remodeling an existing bathroom, be aware of the variety of vanity options available. Vanities designed for smaller bathrooms can look out of place in a larger setting. Make sure that you have a clear picture of the room layout and your dimensions when shopping for your particular unit.

Consider how many people will use the bathroom. If the room will only be used by one person, there are many possibilities. An ornate single vanity serves the needs of one person while providing a large amount of storage space and a nice design aesthetic to the room. This extra counter space will add the space necessary to warm up a straightening iron or lay out a shaving kit. If you are interested in a more minimalist look and storage is not a concern for you then choose a vanity without cabinet space. These are usually very clean in design and give a bathroom a very sleek and contemporary look.

If the bathroom is being shared by two people, a double sink vanity may be the best option for you. Double units come in a wide variety of styles, antique to contemporary, and everything in between. A double vanity provides you with plenty of counter and storage space for both users.

Another important decision is whether you want a free-standing or a wall mounted unit. This is really dependent on taste, but is an important part of bathroom design. A very popular look currently involves a wall-hung sink combined with a floating vanity. You can get really creative.

Most retailers will offer you the opportunity to select your wood finish. Dark woods remain popular; add a glaze to give it a contemporary look. One of the hottest finishes at the moment is a dark cocoa color, which appears nearly black and has an opaque finish. Choose from antique, traditional, or contemporary styles. Mix and match aspects of each in your bathroom to make it your own creation.

When deciding on your color palate, try matching the vanity accents to the colors in the room. It's much easier to change the accents and drawer pulls later than it is to repaint the entire bathroom. Fixtures come in many finishes and can either match the look of the bathroom or completely alter it. Popular fixtures come in nickel, brushed chrome, satin nickel, antique brass, and more.

Whatever choices you make, your bathroom should be a beautiful addition to your home, an extension of your personal style, and a functional room for everyday use. There are a lot of options to consider in a large bathroom, but with a little shopping and some creativity you'll find the perfect vanity to complete your master bathroom.

Julia Ritzenthaler is Owner of boutique multiple online furniture stores, For more information about unique bathroom vanity ideas, visit us online or email us with your questions at uniquevanities@msn.com.

Can You Green a Home on the Cheap For a Faster, Higher Sale?

Offering something unique and timely can always help sell a home more quickly and possibly closer to the listing price. Aside from the usual home staging techniques, implementing some easy, but key energy and water saving options too might just do the trick! Savvy buyers will ask what utility costs are or to see actual bills, especially in older homes, and be impressed at measures taken to reduce those costs.

Here are some easy, yet smaller projects that can increase a home's appeal in a time of high energy costs and an extraordinary focus on being green. Oh, make sure you of course market the home with these positive, new features.

• Replace regular light bulbs in permanent fixtures with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs use about one-fifth as much energy as regular bulbs, and last about 12 times longer).
• Install low-flow showerheads, which will save on water heating and use.
• Install an ENERGY STAR qualified, programmable thermostat
• Close the damper on the fireplace. It sounds simple, but is often forgotten season to season and causes drafts and high energy loss.
• Add insulation to an attic.
• Seal basement rim joists. This is along the top of the basement wall where the cement or block comes in contact with the wood frame. This is a common area of air leakage.
• Insulate water heater tanks for energy savings.
• Repair water leaks in tubs, showers and sinks. Not only are they big water wasters, but a leak really shows the home is not cared for anymore.
• Perform duct sealing or hire a contractor. 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.
• Other visible changes that may attract a buyer are using renewable sources in any flooring you might replace prior to listing such as recycled carpeting, bamboo, cork or other flooring from fast-growing wood sources.

You can also recommend a home energy audit to help your clients identify other easy, but important fixes and also demonstrate to potential buyers the sellers are serious about home maintenance and improvement. It will give buyers a fun jump start too on accomplishing more efficiency improvements in their new home.

Being willing to partner a bit with the buyers creates an air of security that the home is still cared about and all parties want them to have as great an experience in it with their family as the previous family did.