Home Theaters Give You an Escape From Reality

By: Heather Peters

There's nothing quite so satisfying as being able to immerse yourself in total darkness before seeing a crystal clear studio logo pop onto the big screen while a blast of 5.1 digital surround sound overtakes your senses and rumbles beneath you. You are experiencing the rush of watching a movie in a theater. But not just any theater, it's your home theater.



That's right. No one kicking the seat behind you, throwing candy at your head or talking on the phone during the best scenes; if they do you can kick them out yourself!



In many ways the home theater experience far surpasses the big screens of movie theater chains. Not only the annoyances listed previously, but there's also the factors of cost and convenience.



With the price of a movie ticket running somewhere around $10, plus the cost of snacks, you could easily afford your own home theater just by skipping those evenings out for a year or two. Depending on how expensive your tastes are possibly even sooner than that. And there's no need to wait for the 7 o'clock showing or stand in line; you can start, stop and schedule your movie showings whenever it's convenient for you.



As true home theater enthusiasts we'd been designing our perfect escape since before we bought our house. We were just looking for the perfect house to fit our dreams. We found it a few years ago and proceeded to design our dream theater with gusto. We had most of our cinema equipment (just needing a few finishing touches like the 5.1 digital surround and more monster cables) so we dug into planning everything from seating arrangement and style, to carpet color and decor, to the large hinged wall with secret escape route (doesn't every kid want one?)



By doing most of it ourselves we saved thousands of dollars but it also took about a year to "finish." Well, it's finished enough for us to enjoy, we are always working on the little touches here and there. Many people hire professionals to design and build their theater's, which saves a lot of time (but not always money.)



After a long hard day at work, or an evening of frustrating parenting, the need to escape reality can become overwhelming. Being able to drop ourselves into complete darkness and seclusion and then immerse ourselves in a full senses banquet of sights and sounds from Hollywood we can quickly forget our own headaches and get wrapped up in the big screen. Those two hours are sanity savers without ever needing to leave the house (or get candy thrown at our heads).

Author Bio

Learn more about the world of home theaters at home-theaters.diyhomeremodeling.com You can have your own theater experience without the theater headaches.

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How to Buy a Loft Bed (Bunk Beds)

By: Doug Mahopac

Individuals of all ages choose to invest in a loft bed or bunk bed for their home. This classic childhood sleeper is quickly becoming a fun, inventive way for 'tweens, teens, college students, and young adult hipsters to maximize their space without having to roll out a sleeping bag every night. When it comes time to shop for furniture, look to stores that specialize in bunk beds or loft beds.



First things first, there is a major difference between bunk beds and loft beds. Bunk beds are the most common form of alternative bedding, with an upper bunk stacked above a lower bunk. Some bunk beds stack two same-sized mattresses horizontally, while others stack a twin bed above a full size bed or even a futon that can serve as a larger sleeping or living area. Finally, other bunk beds create a playhouse type environment, with a top bunk running horizontally overtop of a vertically running bottom bunk. Some of these alternative bunk beds include stair steps and even slides, allowing the beds perfect for younger individuals.



Loft beds feature elevated platforms for sleeping, leaving much needed floor space below to place a desk, couch, or entertainment center to provide extra space for living. Generally associated with cramped dorm rooms, loft beds are becoming increasingly popular with teenagers who feel cramped in smaller rooms and want to expand their livable space. Also, young adults are also elect to choose loft beds in first apartments that may have less than desirable sleeping quarters. Think of loft beds like the new, hipper version of the classic Murphy bed.



When shopping for a bunk bed or loft bed, first consider the person that will be sleeping in the bed. For children, consider safety above all other aspects of the bed. Teenagers or young adults may want to focus on the size or the style of the bed more so than safety worries. When dealing with children, be sure that the child is ready to upgrade to a "grown up" bed before making the move. Children should be at least 35 inches long or two years of age before he or she should be moved to a bunk bed. Also, ground rules should be made regarding the proper conduct involving the bunk bed, since most injuries occur due to roughhousing or horseplay.



Regardless of your age, you should ensure the bunk bed or loft bed you choose has two sets of guardrails and a sturdy ladder that can support your weight. The guard rails are critical, even though your bed may reside next to a wall. More so with children, but occasional with teens or adults, bunk beds or loft beds without a guardrail next to the wall can cause the sleeper to slip between the bed and the wall during their sleep. Also, a guardrail on the other side of the bed is critical, since anyone can fall out of a bed while asleep.



For children, the guard rail should be no more than three and a half inches above the mattress. If the guard rail is too far away from the mattress, the occupant can slip between the mattress and the rail, resulting in a fall. Also, the guard rail should run at least five inches above the mattress to prevent the occupant from rolling over top of the rail.



Keep in mind there are a variety of bunk beds and loft beds on the market. Younger kids may enjoy the activity themed bunk beds, while teens may desire a bed that incorporates a loft instead of a bottom bunk. Also, the size of the room is directly associated with size of the bunk bed or loft bed. Although having a double or queen size bed may be luxurious in comparison to a tiny twin, but carefully think of the available space before choosing.

Author Bio

Doug Mahopac specializes in Clocks www.i-cuckoo-clocks.com

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Unlocking Your Dungeon: How to Finish a Basement Without Finishing off Your Checkbook

By: Donald Lee

One thousand square feet, fifteen hundred square feet, three thousand square feet-however big your home is, you know it could always be a little bit bigger. Whether you're in the throes of parenthood and trying to find spaces to stash your kid's toys, or you're starting a home business, you could probably use an extra room or two. One way to get more space is to buy a whole new house. For those of us in the real world, though, a far more economical and practical solution is to finish the basement.



Yes, that creepy, crawly dungeon can be turned into a playroom for your children, a home office for your bustling new business, or an entertainment room for the weekend's big game. You'll just need to cover over the cold concrete floors and the gray foundation walls. Then there's the pipes hanging from the ceiling that you'll want to hide, and the washer, dryer, and storage boxes that you might want to section off.



OK, maybe this project isn't sounding so practical or economical anymore. But actually, despite the time and effort that goes into it, finishing your basement is basically easy and cheap-if you know how to go about it the right way. There are eight key considerations you ought to make if you're down with finishing your basement. They'll help you figure out how to go about it, as well as help you decide if you really want to go about it in the first place.



No. 1: Just how much value will the basement add to your home. Chances are, a finished basement will make a "cellar" want to offer more to buy your home. But by how much? To be worthwhile, make sure the increase in your home's value will over-compensate what you spent to finish your basement. Talk to neighbors who have finished their basement, or do research online or with your real-estate agent to see what houses are worth in your area, with and without finished basements.



No. 2: Have a good sense how long you will be in your home after you finish the basement. Sure, a finished basement will bump up the value of your house, but you also want to be sure you will get some value yourself out of all that new space.



No. 3: Be realistic about costs and work time. Depending on your basement, finishing it could be more intensive than you first imagine. Can you really spent (or borrow) $10,000 at this time? Do you want contractors in your home for two weeks?



No. 4. I don't need a contractor to do work I can do myself! (Oh, really?). Even handymen or women can get themselves in over their heads when it comes to major projects like finishing a basement. And don't get us wrong. You may be capable of doing all of the necessary work. But are you able-meaning, do you have the time and energy after your 9-to-5 job, your children's sports practices, and a few hours of sleep?



No. 5: Local laws may have something to say, too. Hiring a contractor or doing it yourself-whatever way you decide, you may have to comply with local or state codes for such construction. Again, a neighbor who's recently done a similar home renovation could be a wealth of information, as well as municipal or state Web sites. Following such regulations may seem like a pain, but they may help you prevent real pain that comes from injuries if you carry out your project without safety codes in mind.



No. 6: Sure, it's a good idea to finish the basement-but exactly how? Here's the fun part. Once you determine that it will be worth it to go through with the project, now you need to figure out what sort of room you want down there. Will the theme be a spare bedroom, a playroom, work-out gym, office, home theater, etc.?



No. 7: Are you being realistic about the basement's new theme? OK, it would be great to have a fitness room down there, but do you really have the room for the treadmill and the weights? Do you have the square footage for two couches and a 60-inch high-definition TV? Will you have the ceiling height to fit your 7-foot-tall bookshelves?



No. 8. Your basement can handle your vision of finished glory-great, now make it happen. Start shopping around for all your necessary appliances and furniture. Do your research on price and selection and get your best value. In many cases-such as with office furniture or fitness equipment-buying used is the way to go. Used stuff can be none the worse for wear, and at online classifieds or auction sites, you can more often than not--get great deals on it.



Steps 1 through 8-just like that, it's simple to make your house that much closer to being that figurative castle, or that is, to turn your castle's dungeon into the king's (or queen's) court!

Author Bio

Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services. Buy, Sell and trade: auto, computers, household items, real estate, pets and much more. For global and localized classifieds, please visit
http://www.buysellcommunity.com - Free Buy & Sell Classifieds

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Radiant Floor Heat: It Warms Your Soles But it Doesn't Empty Your Pockets

By: Harvey Juric

There is no doubt that radiant floor heating is a superior method of heating your home. Its popularity is steadily increasing as people discover that not only is it the most comfortable form of heating, but also the most cost efficient.



Though comfort and cost are the two biggest benefits of this heating system there are many others:

• Silent operation - no hum or whistle of a forced air system.



• Inconspicuousness of the system - you don't see vents or air blowing.



• A healthier home - forced air systems can spread dust, pollen, and germs.



• Even, quiet warmth: even with wood, tile, or uncovered concrete floors.



• Also, radiant heat is less likely to dry out your breathing passages and skin.

The warmth of the floor on a cold winter morning would probably be enough to convince a lot of people that radiant floor heating is the best thing since sliced bread. However, after discovering the cost savings, there is usually no going back.



Radiant floor heating concentrates the heat in the lower half of a room where the human body needs it most. Since heat is evenly distributed in the floor, the thermostat can be set 2 - 4° less than a forced air heating system. This can reduce energy cost by 10-30%. Homes and building with high ceiling will save even more in heating costs as heat generated by forced air systems quickly rises to the top of these structures, where it is of little use.



Whereas a forced air system delivers heat which quickly rises to the ceiling - a radiant floor heating system radiates heat from the floor and delivers the heat evenly throughout the rooms.



In a radiant floor heating system warm water circulates through tubing beneath the floor. This turns the flooring into an efficient, low temperature radiator.



Though Radiant Floor heating is not a complicated system, there are components which are required, and that the homeowner should be aware of - The Heating Source, The Boiler, The Pump and the Tubing.



The heating source can be electricity, solar, natural gas, propane, oil, wood, or any other heating source.



The boiler, with a certified efficiency rating houses the water to be heated. This same boiler can also be used to heat the pool, snow melting, heating a hot tub, or and domestic hot water needs.



A Pump is required to circulate the water though the tubing located under the floor.



The tubing for a radiant floor heating system is located either in the concrete, under wood subfloors, or on a subfloor of wood, precast concrete or concrete slab-on-grade, then covered with gypsum.



Once a homeowner makes the decision to install radiant floor heating system, contacting the right installer is imperative.



Some companies who design radiant floor heating systems may also install the system.



A qualified System Designer and a qualified System Installer will work together and know which components work well together, capacities of various systems, special considerations for installations in your area, and manufacturers' warranties and reliability.



The designer should do a room-by-room heat loss analysis of your home or building done as well as a step-by-step system sizing process.

Author Bio

Harvey Juric, ICF Consultant and CEO of ICFhome.ca is a custom home builder in southern Ontario. He has been in the home construction industry for the past 30 years performing a wide variety of tasks related to the building trades. As one of the pioneers of the Insulated Concrete Form industry, he formed ICFhome.ca to take advantage of, at that time, emerging new construction techniques that promised stronger and better and more energy efficient homes. For more information about the model home, Insulated Concrete Forms or Radiant Floor Heating contact ICFhome.ca by telephone 519 843-7612, e-mail info@icfhome.ca, or visit their web site at Ontario Home Builder

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Add More Storage To Your Bedroom Without Remodeling

By: Lee Dobbins

Everyone can use more storage and one of the best places to add storage to is the bedroom. What with all your clothes and personal items cluttering up the closet and bureau, the bedroom can sometimes seem like a messy catch all for all your household clutter. Here's some ways you can clean up the bedroom and get some extra storage space too boot!



Your Closet

One way to gain a ton of space is to install a closet organizer. It doesn't have to be a fancy expensive one (although feel free if you want one). You won't believe how much extra space you can get from when you use one of these systems.



The metal rails systems for closets are great. You can get acrylic shelves, chrome baskets and special slotted pieces for shoes and hats. The slotted systems are good as they provide ventilation which helps your clothes to breathe and are easy to maintin. These adjustable components come with a non-chip and non stick coating.



When choosing a closet organizer, make sure you pick a system that allows you to double up your rack space. This way you can hang shorter clothes like shirts and skirts on top of each other and literally double your closet space!



Hidden Storage In Your Bedroom

You might already have some storage space in your bedroom that you don't even realize you have! Do you have space under the bed? Are you using it to it's fullest? Clean out all the dust bunnies and throw away the socks and junk that has accumulated under there and use this for long term storage. You can put off season clothing, camping gear, toys or whatever under there when it is not in use. Store the items in Tupperware containers (you can buy the low ones on wheels for easy retrieval) or space bags to protect the items and create a neat storage space.



Another overlooked storage area is a room divider. If you have one sitting in the corner as a decorative item, you might want to look at the space behind it. This can be used to store items that you don't need to get at every day like craft supplies or maybe even cleaning supplies.



Storage Baskets

Storage baskets are a great place to store various objects and can also add decorative touches to your bedroom. You can use them for small stuff like keys, holding bills or correspondence, toiletries, towels, jewelry and just about anything else that will fit in the basket. You can buy large baskets for your laundry and smaller ones to use as catch alls.



When buying baskets to use as storage in the bedroom, make sure you pick ones that match your bedroom décor. There are many types of storage baskets available in the market in many different sizes and shapes and colors, and in different materials. Some are utility oriented, while some are meant as decorative items. You can choose from willow, woven ash, rope, wrought iron, woven sea grass, bamboo, woodchip and a variety of other types with all different kinds of embellishments so you should be able to find a basket that matches any bedroom décor.



Adding more storage to your bedroom can help you get better organized and even help you remove some of the clutter from other rooms in the house. Now you just need to remember to put that stuff away in the right place!

Author Bio

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.

Design Tips For Your Master Bathroom

By: Lee Dobbins

When you redecorate your master bedroom, don't leave the master bath out in the cold! You can add some zing to your bathroom too and create a cohesive theme between the two rooms that will give you a real sweet master suite.



One thing you need to do when redecorating your master bath is to be sure to tie in some of the elements from your bedroom. You don't have to make it an identical match, but using a common color or theme will really unite the two rooms. If your bedroom has a cottage theme, carry this over into the bathroom by putting out some shells in dishes on the vanity. If your bedroom is more shabby chic with big floral wallpaper, then think about carrying the color of the flowers into the master bath.



One of the big design elements in the bathroom is the hardware. Faucets and spigots, in addition to tubs and toilets are made in a variety of shapes and materials which can be the centerpiece of your design. Open showers are currently popular with the younger upwardly-

mobile crowd, and claw-foot bathtubs are almost always considered to be classic and

attractive. When selecting hardware and figuring out a floor plan, think about privacy issues and don't put the toilet and tub too close together.



Another big element in the bathroom is the tiling. The more expensive tiles

should have durability, aesthetic value, and a non-porous surface. Make sure your tiles can be easily cleaned and sanitized, and that it is easy to install and does not require special adhesives which can become costly. When choosing tile, think out of the box. You don't have to use only porcelain tile, consider marble, clay and anything else you see in the store that catches your eye.



Once you have the design down and selected the major elements, focus on decoration accessories to bring out personality and individualism. The bathroom doesn't have to just be functional and putting interesting items on the walls or shelves is a great way to give the room some character. Don't be afraid to use your own ideas and put what you want into the room when redecorating your master bathroom.

Author Bio

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.

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Create A Lounging Area In Your Bedroom With Floor Pillows

By: Lee Dobbins

If you want to add another dimension to your bedroom but it is too small for a separate sitting area, you can create a lounging area in less space by simply using floor pillows. Not only will this create interest in a boring corner, but the pillows can help add to the design elements already in the room.



A floor pillow is simply a large cushion that can be used for relaxing on. They are great for sitting on to chat with friends or reclining on when reading a book or watching TV. They are taller than regular pillows and make great foot rests as well as decorative accents.



The color combinations and the patterns used in floor pillows almost fit any decoration, any style. They come in a variety of fabrics as well. Wool, cotton, polyester and chenille are the primary material used to make floor pillows and floor pillow covers. These pillows are plump, soft, comfy and fun - a perfect look and use for any bedroom.



Floor pillows can also be custom made. You can get them to match your other fabrics and furniture which will help give a sense of completeness to the room by repeating fabrics throughout it. They lend a casual look to the room when used in a bedroom but you can get a more formal looking pillow if you prefer that type of look. These pillows are generally sturdier and firmer and do not flop. They are more rectangular or slightly squarer and used primarily for seating purposes only.



Floor pillows with removable covers are great for the bedroom. The covers can be taken off to change the look or to be washed. These floor cushions usually have zippers but may have other types of closures such as Velcro or snaps.



Since they need to be more durable than regular pillows, floor pillows are filled with tougher stuffing. This is to ensure that the shape of the pillow does not get distorted easily. One type of floor pillow that is seeing a resurge in interest are ban bags. These are great for sitting purposes, for playing, for lying and mould to ones posture easily. Bean bags are capable of being refilled and are washable.



Floor pillows are a great choice for the bedroom since they are soft and fluffy, like your bedding and bed pillows. They are decorative by nature and can add a little pizzaz to your room while not taking up too much space. They make excellent, inexpensive alternatives for extra seating as well as add an element of whimsy to your bedroom décor.

Author Bio

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.

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Tips For Removing Linoleum

By: Lee Dobbins

When it comes time to get new flooring you can save money by removing the old flooring yourself but if you have old linoleum on your floors you might be in for quite a challenge. Depending on how old the linoleum is and the type of adhesive that was used it can be extremely difficult to get up.



First of all, it's unlikely that you'll be able to just remove the linoleum and adhesive all at once. The surface under the linoleum and the damage you might cause it needs to be considered - especially if that surface is wood. Concrete floors can take a lot more in the way of rough treatment. The type of scraper you use has a lot to do with your success as well as the damage to the floor underneath. Many people use paint scrapers but those with a razor blade are usually more efficient. Be prepared to break some blades it if the adhesive is hard, and you're working on concrete.



Try cutting the linoleum into strips or sections instead of removing the whole chunk at once. This will make it easier to get an edge to pry up. Of course, the linoleum probably won't come up in nice neat sections so be prepared to deal with a lot of left over backing and glue that is still attached to your floor.



One way to deal with those remnants that just won't come up is to apply some kind of solvent or remover. A popular brand is Krud Kutter, which appears to work very well from the customer feedback comments. Follow directions on the label of whatever product you employ, and wear gloves to protect your hands. Do a small section at a time, and then move to the next one.



Another technique is to use boiling water and pour it directly on the backing and adhesive. Let it soak and then scrape up. If you don't want to use water, you can try to heat up the glue with a hair dryer or heat gun. Pick a very inconspicuous area, such as behind a door, to try it. Heat the adhesive with the hair dryer and scrape it up with a straight-blade scraper (like a stiff putty knife with a beveled edge). Move the scraper in the direction of the grain of the wood if you are uncovering a hardwood floor. Have a pan or some other container handy to drop the scrapings into - one that is unlikely to either melt or ignite when coming in contact with hot materials. Be very careful if you are using a heat gun as this can easily damage the floor underneath if it is wood.



If worse comes to worse and you are left with some stubborn adhesive on the floors, it might be time to sand. Of course, if your floors are wood and you plan to refinish them you would need to sand anyway, but during this step you must be careful not to damage the particular area by keeping the sander on it for too long.



Once you finally get the linoleum and all traces of adhesive up, you are ready to seal the floor as recommended for the type of flooring and apply the new floor as recommended!

Author Bio

Lee Dobbins writes for A Kitchen Decorating Idea where you can find more tips on kitchen remodeling and decorating on a budget.

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Wood Counter Tops, a Consistent Choice for Modern Kitchens

By: Adrian Laza

Wood countertops are becoming popular again in modern kitchens. We now know that wooden countertops, when properly cared for, are both long lasting and sanitary. The modern adhesives are strong enough to keep the wood staves bonded together even the butcher block is submerged into the water. The finishing oils (mineral oils) are safe in contact with food products and preserve the wood surfaces.



The solid wood, as a material of choice for counter tops, exhibits incontestable advantages such as:



Aesthetics

Imparting a warm, relaxing feeling, the wooden top is the natural complement of any solid wood or veneered cabinetry. The wooden tops will wonderfully go together with hardwood floorings, moldings, cornices and mantels, conferring a genuine sense of balance to your kitchen space.



Functionality

A hardwood top is very easy to cut to templates and even easier to install. Unlike the solid surface or laminate, wood tops have a minimum of chemical components, which make them extremely safe in contact with foods. Unlike the other countertop materials, any occurring scratch can be easily removed by sanding the area; the wood tops actually constitute the only known surface that can be renewed without employing special tools or requiring special skills. Hardwood surfaces can be used as kitchen island tops, inserted sink covers, sections of countertop, or as butcher block hidden under the countertop that can be pulled as drawer or cart. Your imagination will surely find plenty of other interesting, visually attractive applications.



Durability

If properly sealed and installed, a wooden top can literally last a lifetime. Unlike marble, granite or tile, the wooden tops have a great shock absorbing capacity that further assures considerable life span.



Hygiene

For a quite few decades, the plastic and laminate surfaces, due to their non-porous structure were considered much safer than wood for applications such as chopping meat or slicing vegetables. The wood, because of its porosity was thought an ideal surface for harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Staphylococus or Escherichia coli to thrive. However, a study undertaken in 1993 by the microbiologists of Wisconsin Food Research Institute and another one carried out in 1998 at university of Florida discovered the strong antibacterial properties that wood surfaces exhibit, properties that no other cutting surface appears to possess.

According to these studies and to others that followed them, on wood surfaces, bacterial populations disappear quite fast, without external intervention, while on plastic surfaces they persist and actually multiply. Although these properties vary among wood species, the wooden cutting surfaces are increasingly accepted as the first choice of health-conscious individuals.



Price

Hardwood is usually priced higher than laminate but are far less expensive than stone, granite, solid surface, tile or steel.



The butcher block counter tops supplied by Lafor Wood Products (www.hardwoodcountertops.com) come in beech wood, cherry, walnut, oak, whitebeam (hickory look), acacia (black locust) or hard maple with a large variety of dimensions and grades. Mineral oil is supplied for free along to the purchase and helps to finish and preserve the butcher blocks. Availability is immediate and they offer samples of butcher blocks free of charge. Details at www.lafor.ca

Author Bio

Adrian Laza, Sales manager at Lafor Wood Products www.lafor.ca

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A New Type of Home that Leaves Your Wallet Fatter and Your Life Easier to Manage

By: Harvey Juric

A home for the 21st Century is not about the latest in gadgets and wireless alarms, internet connections or top of the line intercom system. It is about strength, comfort and energy efficiency.



Baby Boomers are buying their last home and they know what they want.



Enter a new type of home. A home that stands up to fire, noise, sun, wind, rain, snow, bugs, mould and inevitable acts of God like, earthquakes and hurricanes; a home that gives you unprecedented comfort and a breath of fresh air 24 hours a day; a home that can resist hurricanes in Florida as well as sub artic temperatures in the Canadian North.



Imagine an airtight, steel reinforced concrete cube with about 3 inches of styrofoam insulation on both sides of the wall and body temperature heated floors.



Fresh air from the outside enters the house through a series of pipes buried 5 feet below the ground where there is always a constant temperature - 8 Degrees Celsius.



If you really wanted you could open high efficiency Low-E Argon filled windows, but why would you want to?



During the summer the incoming air is pre-cooled; during the winter it is pre-warmed. The flow is strictly controlled, pre-conditioned and filtered for a breath of fresh air - 24 hours a day.



Computer modeling of this type of air pre-conditioning shows that just this one idea saves 11% on heating and cooling costs comparable to conventional venting system.



This new type of luxury home is built as a combination of some of the newest technologies in modern home building: Insulated Concrete Form (ICFs), radiant floor heating, a tank-less water heater and a low energy consumption air conditioning system (that that you may need to use but very rarely).



The outside walls, which are built out of steel reinforced concrete make this home wind and fire resistant, bug and mould resistant and provide excellent protection from hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.



Outside voices, traffic noises and police sirens are muffled by the walls thickness which allows you to sleep soundly every night. Gone are floor squeaks, drafts and the rattling of glass in your china cabinet.



Because of the exceptional insulation of insulated concrete forms, there is significant ongoing savings in energy costs and greatly increased comfort levels for the homeowner. The savings are anywhere from 35% to 60% depending mostly on the style of home and the size and type of windows.



Features, such as a high (92%) efficiency tank-less water heater heats the whole home, while providing an endless supply of potable hot water.

It turns itself on when you turn your hot water tap, therefore there are no standby losses as with a conventional hot water heater. This equals approximately 25% of energy savings just to heat your hot water.



It is also easy to incorporate a full solar heating, so you can achieve a complete independence from the grid.



This type of home costs only about 10% more than a comparable wood framed home and considering a long term savings, comfort and security why would anyone build homes differently is a merited question.



If you are thinking of building, or simply want to see for yourself what all the fuss is about, the model home can be viewed on Jan 15, and every Saturday after that until the month of April. It is located on 252 Pearson St. by the golf course in Meaford, Ontario.

Author Bio

Harvey Juric CEO of ICFhome.ca has been building Insulated Concrete Form custom homes in Ontario since 1995. For more information about the model home, Insulated Concrete Forms or Radiant Floor Heating contact ICFhome.ca by telephone 519 843-7612, e-mail info@icfhome.ca, or visit their web site at www.ontario-home-builder.com or www.luxury-home.ca

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Add Warmth To Your Bedroom With An Oriental Rug

By: Lee Dobbins

When it comes to the bedroom we all know that bedding and accents are important, but a key area of bedroom design that is often overlooked is the flooring. Many people have wall to wall carpet in their bedroom and, therefore think that they are "stuck" with that color or design. The truth is that you can jazz up your flooring by simply laying a carpet on top of your wall to wall carpet.



Beautiful and durable, oriental rugs can add warmth and charm to almost any bedroom. This type of rug goes with many bedroom design styles, romantic, Victorian, shabby chic, Tuscan, Morrocan, oriental and many more.



Oriental rugs come in many different designs and colors so you should be able to find one that suits your bedroom décor. You can buy them in different sizes so you can add a splash of color and elegance to any part of the bedroom. You can buy them in a variety of price ranges as well, but as with anything else, the more you spend the better quality your rug will be.



A real oriental rug is hand tied - that's right each piece of wool is tied onto the backing by hand. These rugs are really works of art, and you might think they are fragile but they are actually quite durable. I have been to many antique auctions where rugs that were over 100 years old have survived to look almost as good as they day they were made.



When selecting an oriental carpet for your bedroom, you should only look at carpets that are 100% wool as these will be the best quality. To determine if the carpet you are looking at is hand or machine made there are a few things to take into consideration. First off it's good to be able to compare two rugs - one you know is machine made and one you know is hand made. Look at the backs - the hand made rug will be much more colorful than the machine made. The machine made rug will have an overall stitch pattern across the back and you won't see any knots since only hand made rugs are knotted. Another thing to look at is the fringe. On a handmade rug, the fringe is made up of the wrap strings from the end of the rug, on a machine made it is simply sewn on.



When selecting your oriental rug, make sure to choose colors that go with the colors in your bedroom. If you are placing the rug over wall to wall carpeting, it is best to choose smaller throw rugs that you can use as splashes of color around the room and avoid putting furniture on them unless you buy a large rug that covers almost the entire room.



Love the look of oriental rugs but don't want to put them on the floor? Why not try using one as a wall hanging? You can use it to jazz up a large boring wall or hang it behind the bed in lieu of a headboard.



No matter how you use them, oriental rugs add warmth and character to your bedroom or any room in the house!

Author Bio

Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.

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10 Important Things to Consider Before Designing a New Kitchen

By: Harvey Juric

Here are 10 important guidelines for your kitchen design project.



1. For efficiency, the work triangle (the space between the sink, refrigerator, and stove) should measure 26' or less with no single side longer than 9', or less than 4'.



2. In kitchens smaller than 150 sq. ft., opt for at least 13' of base cabinets, 12' of wall cabinets, and 11' of countertop. In kitchens which are larger, go with at least 16' of base cabinets, 15 1/2' of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2' of countertop.



3. For convenience, plan work aisles to be at least 42" wide for one cook, and at least 48" wide in multi-cook kitchens.



4. Specify a minimum of 24" of counter space on one side of the sink and at least 18" on the other.



5. To create the most accessible landing for unloading groceries, allow at least 15" of counter space on the handle side of a standard refrigerator; on both sides if it's a side-by-side model. Or include a landing area directly across from the refrigerator, but no more than 48" away.



6. For cleanup ease, install the dishwasher within 36" of one edge of the sink and allow for at least 21" of standing room next to it.



7. For microwaves and ovens, provide at least 15 " of counter space nearby, at least 16" deep.



8. For optimum clearance, no entry, appliance, or cabinet doors should interfere with another.



9. For comfort and to help avoid repetitive-motion injury, plan for work counters of different heights; between 28 and 36" off the floor (easier for chopping and seated-use access), and between 36 and 46" for general tasks (higher counters accommodate taller cooks).



10. To install a cabinet unit above the cook top, make sure the clearance is at least 24" for a fireproof surface, 30" for an unprotected surface.



Designing a kitchen is as much a science as it is an art. Knowing the recommended measurements to use when planning the project can make all the difference in the final outcome.

Author Bio

Harvey Juric, is a veteran custom home builder in Southern Ontario. If you like this article, there is more at: www.ontario-home-builder.com

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Is a Silent Invader Attacking Your Home?

By: Adam Jackson

Expensive repairs from water damage might be needed in your home. Repair them before they multiply! Water damage is possible any time in the year-from the weather, malfunctioned appliances, clogs, or by poorly done home repair. You can save on most home repair costs by ensuring that your home is safeguarded from water damage seasonally before anything turns into expensive repairs.



What does water damage look like? Standing water can weaken a surface, causing it to rot, rust, or mildew, and eventually turn into expensive repairs.



The most expensive repairs are foundational damage and mold growths. Such home repair can force you to vacate if the home is deemed unsafe even after treated for water damage by professionals. Take control by learning how to home repair or prevent potential water damage sites.



Outdoor water damage prevention home repair tips:

1. Do-it-yourself home repair for gutters are simple and not expensive. Repairs can be minimized if you remember to check for water damage or leaks and clean out the gutters and downspouts each season.

2. Block debris with gutter guards, and use downspout extensions to help divert the runoff from the foundation to prevent further expensive repairs from water damage.



Indoor water damage prevention home repair tips:

1. Home repair any loose window and door caulking to prevent rain or snow from seeping in and causing water damage.

2. In below-freezing weather, keep the water running at a trickle and allow heat to reach the pipes. This will avoid having them burst, with the potential for water damage.

3. Avoid expensive repairs to your basement's sump pump by keeping it in working order.

4. Replace or home repair the sump pump as needed, ensuring the surrounding area remains dry and water-damage-free.

5. Check refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines regularly for water damage itself, or for leaks that can cause water damage to floors or walls.

6. Avoid needless expensive repairs or home repair to bathroom drains and pipes by using drain guards to trap hair.

7. Home repair clogged drains with a plunger or a bent wire instead of professional products.

8. Replace leaky faucets, run bathroom exhaust fans during use, and thoroughly clean and dry surfaces regularly to prevent water damage and mold from building.

9. Don't use carpeting in areas exposed to water-damage can occur if carpeting is damp.



When to call on professional help:

1. To thoroughly dry carpeting/floor after flooding.

2. When home repair fails to correct a problem.

3. If water damage causes you to vacate the home.

4. To service your air conditioning unit.



Before you can file a claim for expensive repairs caused by water damage to your home, your insurance company expects you to have followed through with all safeguarding measures. Otherwise, be prepared to pay for any home repair due to your negligence.



When water damage comes from floods, make sure your home insurance includes flood coverage, for it to pay for each home repair-including all of the expensive repairs-caused from water damage. In the U.S., the reality is that flooding and water damage can occur anywhere. Home insurance covers home repairs needed as a result of structural damage or theft, but in most cases you will need to purchase a separate flood policy if you want any water damage home repairs covered as a result of flooding. Flood insurance is truly a safeguard on home repairs, an affordable investment that pays for itself.

Author Bio

Adam Jackson is a home repair expert striving to bring you the best free home repair and improvement information on the web.

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Cabinet Refacing Offers a Quick Pick-Me-Up for Your Kitchen

By: Heather Peters

Kitchens are one of the most popular rooms in the home and probably the number one room where remodeling can add tremendous value to your property. House flippers will focus a large portion of their budget on the kitchen as it is the biggest draw for house shoppers. What if your kitchen is in need of a face lift but you don't have the major budget of a seasoned house flipper? You can benefit from a strong first impression by simply refacing your kitchen cabinets.



Essentially this requires a redo of the front faces of the cabinets and the hardware. This includes the doors, drawer fronts, cabinet handles and the cabinet body fronts.



One of the most common methods (and probably the cheapest) is to repaint all cabinet surfaces and doors. This doesn't have to be a time consuming process, usually you can accomplish the entire job in 2 or 3 days. It does make a bit of a mess so it's advised that you do all the door and drawer painting outside or in a well ventilated area of your home. For the cabinet body fronts you'll paint them where they stand so put up plastic sheeting over the doorways to prevent excess paint and fumes from leaking into other rooms of your house.



The other most popular method is to simply replace all the doors, drawers and hardware while leaving the cabinet bodies in place and either painting or refinishing those. This method allows you the fun and freedom of shopping for new cabinet doors but also saving hundreds or thousands of dollars over the price of entirely new cabinets.



Cabinet refacing also allows you a lot of creative freedom. Crafty individuals will often cut out the middle section of cabinet doors and replace them with all sorts of materials including punched copper, shiny objects between panes of glass, or even dried food materials in colorful arrangements. Simply using glass insets will provide a more open space visually, but be sure you're on the neat side as visitors will see the entire contents of your cabinets!



Before starting your cabinet refacing project check out various kitchen remodeling photos on the internet and in your local home improvement stores. They will have hundreds of great ideas to suit any budget. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the pick-me-up!

Author Bio

Learn more about cabinet refacing at http://kitchen-cabinets.diyhomeremodeling.com/kitchen-cabinet-refacing.html

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