In a world full of stress, home is where we go to feel comfort and peace. Here are a few ways to enhance your experience.
Up the fluff to create comfort. Fluff up your pillows or pile them together; soft, overstuffed pillows project warmth, comfort and security, so we feel more relaxed just by looking at them. No wonder photographers and Realtors use this trick to make homes look more ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on February 19, 2010
The basement is usually the last place people think to insulate, yet it can account for up to 1/3 of heat loss in a home. Upgrading basement insulation can significantly cut down on energy use. It also creates a comfortable space - a boon to people who wish to extend their recreation and living space into the basement. The perfect time to consider insulating the basement is during a renovation. Where ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on February 19, 2010
In recent years, granite has become a popular surface choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Granite is beautiful and extremely durable, but some homeowners hesitate to use it because of myths about it being unsafe or difficult to care for. Below, find a list of granite myths dispelled: 1. Granite is absorbent. Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on January 12, 2010
The bathroom is a great place to start if you're considering making smart improvements to your home. This room affords many opportunities for simple yet effective changes that will not only add value to your home, but also make your bathroom safer and more environmentally sound. Here are just a few ideas:
Water Conservation Low-Flow Fixtures Cut down on the amount of water ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on November 5, 2009
"Green” may seem like a relatively new term for describing ideas that are environmentally sensitive, but the concept is timeless – particularly when it applies to the home. Here are 10 simple ways to live a “greener” life in your home.
1. Lower the thermostat. Turning it down by a degree or two can reduce heating bills by 4 percent or more. 2. Use ceiling fans in winter. ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on October 21, 2009
Preparing a home for sale requires more than an average cleaning. Most sellers understand that they must keep their house neat and tidy in order to attract potential buyers, but many may be overwhelmed or sidetracked when faced with seriously removing clutter. Beyond dusting and scrubbing, a de-cluttered home shows off its spaciousness and allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on September 25, 2009
Garages are commonly the most cluttered area of the home. By organizing an area based on the activities we pursue, your garage can be easily accessible for everyone. Garden Tools: The most ideal placement of garden tools is near a side door leading to the yard or closest to the garage door opening. Sporting Goods: Adult bikes can be stored on wall or ceiling hooks. Children’s bikes should ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on September 9, 2009
A home’s curb appeal impacts its first impression- a good first impression is likely to increase the chances of a second meeting. Buyers do not want to be bothered with homes that don’t dazzle them from the start. Only homes that invite, entice and attract with curb appeal are likely to get a second look. Encourage home owners to make their home’s curb appeal a main priority with ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on August 9, 2009
Up to 25 percent of a household utility bill goes to heating water for washing clothes, dishes and ourselves. A solar hot-water system can reduce those costs by two-thirds- without causing pollution. And you don't have to live in a sunny climate to reap the benefits of a solar hot-water system because technological advances have made these systems more practical in areas where the sun is not always ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on June 5, 2009
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to plumbing. Here are a few common questions with some simple steps to follow for a better flowing plumbing system.
Can you pour fats and oils down the drain? Many don't realize that when grease cools and solidifies, it sticks to the inside of pipes. Overtime, it will build up and block the entire pipe. Rather than dumping ...
Posted by Stephan Rill
on June 5, 2009