Home Improvement Articles

Top remodel trends for the modern home

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:05:00 GMT

(BPT) - Thanks to foreclosures and short sales, home buyers are snatching up great houses at reduced prices and remodeling to create stylish modern homes. Lucky for those buyers, many of today's top trends are relatively easy to recreate, and will add re-sale value to their homes.

"TV interior design shows are mostly about buying and remodeling a home, versus building from scratch or finding a new property that precisely fits a wish list with plenty of personal requirements," says Dani Kohl, program coordinator for the bachelor of science in interior design program at The Art Institute of Indianapolis and a practicing architect and interior designer.

The top remodeling trends include:

Uniting the kitchen and living space for an open-floor concept
Culture dictating an increase square footage for entertainment, haven from a busy work schedule or modern luxuries
Finding multi-functional uses for both spaces and furniture

On average, Kohl's residential clients are spending about $40,000 to $60,000 to renovate and remodel their homes. Most of the money is spent in the kitchens, master bedrooms and bathrooms.

"Gone are the days of the formal dining room and living room," says Kohl. "Walls are being knocked down to join the two rooms."

Parents want to be able to cook while watching kids do homework or entertaining guests. Kitchen islands most often serve as the main division between kitchen and living space, and are the entertainment centers of a kitchen.

"Kitchen islands are looking more like free-standing furniture pieces with elaborate marble tops and wood work, and interior designers are often finding functional yet hidden places to store the trash can and keep the dish washer from view," Kohl says.

Pedro Lima, an interior design instructor at The Art Institute of New York City and owner of Pedro Lima Interiors, says that temporary partitions between the living space and kitchen are also on the rise. These partitions can be of varying heights, whether it's a two-way fireplace or modern book shelving. Partitions are a great option for homeowners who want that open-floor plan for the kitchen and living room, while still maintaining a defined space for each.

Lima says that our current culture and habits are driving the changes in modern, interior spaces.

"When it comes to the master bedroom, we are looking at a more pampering atmosphere," he says. Both Kohl and Lima agree that clients want more of a spa-like feeling than ever before to create a bedroom that is a safe haven for over-worked homeowners.

"Master bedrooms now have their own seating areas and entertainment nooks, and have become personal spaces away from everything," Lima says.

An increase in square footage for closet space is another popular request, according to Lima. "We, as designers, are now looking into proper modular systems of rods and shelving, in addition to our architectural and design duties."

Closets are not just for storage anymore, either. "Now, we're looking at closets to serve as a dressing space in addition to serving as a place to store an increased amount clothes and shoes."-

How are clients gaining square footage for the needs of today's residential space without making a complete renovation and creating add-ons to their homes?

Lima says that downsizing to accommodate upsizing is part of the remodel plans too.

"Designers are spending more time at looking for innovative ways to add versatile furniture that serve multifunctional purposes," he says. "For instance, coffee tables also serve as storage spaces and additional seating, wall units have built-in desks, and couches open up to beds in home offices."

Whichever remodeling trend homeowners choose to apply, all trends point toward integration, simplification and organization, as homeowners seek to enjoy their homes and share it with family and friends.

Sell your home faster with these cost-effective staging tips

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:43:00 GMT

(BPT) - Appearances count, especially when you're trying to sell a home. Even though the housing industry experts predict this spring will be a seller's market, it's important to grab every advantage when you're trying to sell your home. Staging - decorating a house to appeal to the broadest possible range of buyers - can make the difference between a quick sale or a long, painful linger on the market.

Fortunately, many of the most effective staging trips are also inexpensive, from a thorough cleaning to decorator details. Here are five staging tricks that don't cost a bundle:

1. Cleanliness counts - Nothing turns off buyers faster than a dirty house. Before you list your house, give it a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning - something that costs nothing but the price of supplies if you do it yourself and a couple hundred bucks, tops, if you hire pros to do it for you. Don't overlook little details like baseboards, ceiling fans, blinds and shower doors. Include decluttering in your cleanup efforts, and remove excess items from your home, even if you have to rent a storage unit to do it.

2. Work those walls - Painting is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to help your home look fresh and great. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to the broadest range of buyers. Don't forget that neutral doesn't have to mean bland, either. Consider dressing up an accent wall, easily and cost-effectively with repositionable wallpaper or a removable wallpaper mural. Websites like MuralsYourWay.com offer a wide variety of repositionable wall coverings, called SmartStick, in a variety of designs. A patented adhesive makes it easy to install the mural - creating an eye-catching focal point for any room - and remove it later if buyers decide they don't want it. It's a great way to get a designer look at a fraction of the cost - and without the commitment of traditional wallpaper.

3. Fix up the fireplace - Sure, you're heading into summer selling season, but fireplaces charm buyers no matter what the weather. Make yours look its best. Old brick fireplaces can get designer flare from a coat of paint. If your fireplace is wood-burning, remove and clean the screen. If it looks tired and rusty, give it a fresh look with a coat of heat-resistant spray paint. For gas fireplaces, keep the glass clean and make sure everything is in working order. For a nominal cost, you can install a remote starter - a winning feature for buyers who can envision themselves starting a fire without ever having to leave the comfort of their couch.

4. Spruce up outdoor living spaces - If you have a deck or patio, do whatever it takes to spruce it up, from power-washing pavers and deck boards to staining tired-looking wooden decks. If you don't have a patio or deck, and don't want to spend a lot of money adding one, you can still create an appealing outdoor seating area. Mark off an area using stones or plastic edgers near the house or in a shady spot in the yard. Fill in with pea gravel or wood chips, then add an attractive bistro set - with umbrella - to create a pleasant seating spot.

5. Brighten the bath - Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, yet many sellers are reluctant to sink any additional money into staging a bathroom. You don't have to spend a bundle to make your bathroom more appealing. After a deep cleaning, invest in some designer towels that only come out for showings. Put up a fresh shower curtain and get rid of those nasty area rugs that will make buyers think "germs." Add a small vase of fresh flowers on the vanity. Bring in more natural light by removing blinds and ensuring privacy with removable film that makes windows look frosted. Have a bathroom that doesn't have windows? You can really brighten it - and make a designer statement - by placing a removable wallpaper mural on the ceiling. Pick a sky scene with fluffy clouds on a blue background and you can even brighten a windowless powder room.

Staging a home can help make it more appealing to potential buyers, and ensure you sell it faster.

Greenest of the green: Top efficiency-boosting home improvements

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:19:00 GMT

(BPT) - Forget wondering who's the fairest; when it comes to choosing home improvements that make your home look good - from the curb and to potential buyers - it may make more sense to ask "Who's the greenest of them all." Sustainable home improvements not only help reduce utility costs and boost owner satisfaction with their homes, they also make a house more appealing to potential buyers.

In fact, buyers are willing to shell out up to 10 percent more for new homes certified green, according to a January real estate report by Harvard University. Return on investment for certain types of green improvements - such as replacing older, less efficient doors and windows - also tends to be high, meaning sellers recoup much of the initial cost of the improvement when they sell the home.

If you're looking for eco-friendly home improvements, these five are among the greenest you can make:

1. Switch to a solar water heater - Switching to solar power for heating water can be a huge energy and money-saver. Solar hot water systems rely on free energy from the sun to heat a home's hot water. A typical system can use 50 to 80 percent less energy than traditional heating systems, according to Velux America, marketers of solar-powered hot water systems. That reduction can help a typical household trim its annual energy costs by 10 to 15 percent.

"While the initial cost of installing a solar-powered system is often higher than installing a traditional water heater, most homeowners find the energy savings allows them to recoup that cost in just a few years," says Jim Cika of solar system manufacturer Heliodyne. "What's more, homeowners may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost to buy and install a residential solar water heating system." Visit www.solar.veluxusa.com to learn more about solar water heating.

2. Eliminate incandescents - You'll have to do it soon anyway, so it may pay to start the process now and phase incandescent light bulbs from your home. Federal law banning incandescent light bulbs means that by the end of 2014, you probably won't be able to find one of the old-fashioned power-guzzlers on store shelves anymore. Instead, more energy-efficient bulbs such as LEDs and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) will dominate the marketplace.

3. Add or upgrade a skylight - Installing a skylight, or replacing an older model skylight with a new Energy Star-qualified one, can help reduce utility costs. The natural light from a skylight can help reduce the need for artificial light sources, thereby paring down electricity costs. When you pair no leak solar-powered fresh air skylights equipped with automatic rain sensors and efficiency-enhancing, energy saving accessories like designer solar powered blinds, you gain a new source of fresh air while improving energy efficiency by up to 37 percent, according to skylight manufacturer Velux.

And, in addition to long-term savings, the cost of solar powered skylights and blinds, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit as a green home improvement. For a tax calculator that will show you the tax benefits of new or replacement skylights for your home visit www.veluxusa.com.

And, if you would like to see exactly how skylights would look in your home, there's an app there that allows you to take pictures inside your home and superimpose skylights and blinds on the image of your ceiling.

Sunlight entering the home through a skylight can help reduce winter heating bills. EnergyStar.gov says installing an EnergyStar-qualified skylight, windows and doors can trim a home energy bill by 7 to 15 percent over non-qualified products. Visit www.EnergyStar.gov to learn more.

4. Replace an old HVAC system - In the typical American home, up to half of total energy consumption goes to heat and cool the house, EnergyStar says. Replacing old, inefficient heating, ventilation and cooling systems with newer, more efficient models can dramatically reduce a home's heating and cooling costs.

5. Upgrade old windows and doors - A home can lose a tremendous amount of air - hot in the winter, cool in the summer - through poorly sealed doors and windows. Older units, obviously, tend to be less energy efficient than newer ones. Upgrading from drafty windows and doors to more air-tight models can result in significant savings on your heating and cooling costs.

What's more, replacing windows and doors are among the home improvements that deliver significant ROI at the time of resale. Replacing old windows with new vinyl ones can recoup more than 71 percent of the cost when you sell; 73 percent for wooden replacement windows, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. And installing a new front door earns you back nearly 66 percent for a fiberglass door and a whopping 85.6 percent for a steel door.

American hardwood millwork transforms an aging room into a dazzling showcase

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:11:00 GMT

(BPT) - Looking for a simple, inexpensive way to turn an aging family room into a dazzling showcase? Inspired design professionals will tell you one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to transform a plain space into a room with sizzle is to adorn it with millwork crafted from American hardwoods.

Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center agrees and reminds us that, "From intricate crown mouldings and filigreed fireplace mantels to traditional wainscoting and baseboard trim, generations of designers and homeowners have counted on hardwood mouldings and millwork to add warmth, character, and beauty to their favorite living spaces." So let's get started.

Where has all the millwork gone?

Years ago, most American homes were built with at least a minimum level of interior ornamentation. Builders used hardwood details to make each residence unique, reflecting the individuality and taste of their owners. Unfortunately, after World War II, the popularity of millwork began to wane. Builders sacrificed craftsmanship for speed in order to keep pace with an unprecedented demand for new homes in the country's booming suburbs.

Today, most new homes in America continue to be built with time and cost-efficiency in mind, leaving homeowners with few options for endowing their residences with a sense of individuality. But that doesn't mean homeowners have to settle for cookie-cutter designs.

What's a homeowner to do?

Susan Muschweck, a Pittsburgh-based interior designer, says painting walls and upgrading floors is a great way to dress up a listless space, but for many clients, she often suggests another cost-effective option. "I like to recommend hardwood moulding," she says. "Trim brings a room to life. And by using hardwood, you really add permanent warmth, distinction and value to your home."

To make the best of your hardwood investment, Muschweck says consistency is critical. "When adding millwork, use crown, baseboard and other millwork patterns that complement each other," she explains. "Be sure to maintain the same style throughout your home, but capitalize on the design flexibility different spaces offer. In the dining room, for example, choose wainscoting or a chair rail to create a sense of charm or formality."

What's the best wood to use?

Nothing stands up to wear and tear better than American hardwoods, yet experience tells Pittsburgh architect Mary Cerrone that certain hardwood species are more suited to particular applications than others.

"For millwork that is likely to get bumped or beat-up, such as window and door casings, baseboards, paneling and chair rails, I suggest using a harder species, like white oak," she says. "For mouldings and millwork in less accessible areas - especially those that will be painted - homeowners can save money by using less expensive hardwoods, such as poplar."

Imagination makes millwork affordable

Custom moulding can be pricey, but the American Hardwood Information Center says there are simple, creative ways to get the custom look you want, at a cost you can afford.

"Lumber supply centers and home improvement stores can have up to 350 off-the-shelf moulding patterns available," Jovanovich says. "Combining or 'stacking' two or more stock moulding 'profiles' creates the effect of a single, hand-carved piece of wood and provides the unique look of custom millwork at a fraction of the cost."

Or achieve the look of a more expensive hardwood, like cherry, by using a cherry stain on a less expensive hardwood. This technique works especially well in decorative applications above eye-level, such as crown moulding and recessed ceiling patterns.

How to transform plain into sizzling?

Use your imagination and be sure to visit the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo.com to see a multitude of ways that mouldings and millwork crafted from authentic American hardwoods will dress up your home.

A simple 12-month lawn-care plan for 2013

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT

(BPT) - You may think having golf-course green grass requires hours of work each day, but if you want the best lawn on the block, it's as easy as coming up with a plan. The secret? When it comes to lawn maintenance, it's never too early to prepare your course of action. Starting now and focusing on specific to-do's each month ensures you'll have grass you can be proud of all year long.

Here are 12 simple lawn-care tips you can use throughout the year, from the natural-turf specialists at Grass Seed USA:

January - Generally a month that requires little lawn maintenance, January is a great opportunity to get your lawn mower prepped and ready for spring's punctual arrival. Take some time to get your mower's blades sharpened and oil up the engine; your lawn will reap the benefits of a finely tuned mower when grass cutting season arrives.

February - Now that we're on spring's doorstep, you'll want to get your lawn ready for the end of its winter dormancy. Dethatching your yard is an essential step in preparing your lawn for the new grass that will emerge as the temperatures begin to rise and your lawn sees more sunlight.

March - Raking may seem like an odd task when there are no leaves to clean up, but it can be a beneficial addition to your lawn-care routine. Raking cleans the top layer of your lawn, allowing healthy green grass to make its way to the surface.

April - Have some thin patches or bare spots that emerged over the winter? April's warming temperatures provide a great window of opportunity for reseeding the heavily impacted areas of your lawn, or seeding areas where you'd like to grow new grass.

May - Now that you're likely to be mowing your lawn on a regular basis, change the mowing direction or pattern each time you mow your lawn. Different mowing patterns reduce soil compaction and turf wear from mower wheels.

June - As the temperatures warm and drier conditions emerge, you're likely to be watering your lawn more regularly, and knowing when and how much to water can be a challenge. A simple trick to determine whether your lawn needs watering is to stick a screwdriver into the grass. If it enters the soil easily, your lawn has plenty of water already. If you have trouble getting the screwdriver into the ground, it's time to give the grass a drink.

July - Try to avoid mowing or watering your lawn during peak temperature hours. Performing either of these activities when it's sunny and hot can actually "sunburn" the grass and add additional stress to your lawn. The best time to mow and water your lawn is during the cool of the morning or evening.

August - Summer activities and hot, dry conditions can compact the soil in your yard. August is a great month to aerate your lawn, loosening the soil and creating good conditions for fall maintenance.

September - Autumn is the best time for establishing new growth in your lawn. With temperatures beginning to cool down, seeding new areas and overseeding existing lawn areas will allow grass to germinate and grow strong before the cool winter temperatures set in.

October - Winter is coming, so be sure to mow your lawn one last time before the first freeze. Grass is much more likely to develop mold and other turf diseases if it goes into dormancy at a taller height.

November - As the autumn leaves pile up on your lawn, you can put away the rake and blower. Running your mower over the leaves without the grass catcher grinds that clutter into a fine layer of mulch that will be naturally composted into the soil, providing rich nutrients for your grass.

December - Enjoy the holiday season and let your lawn take a breather. Come spring, you will be the envy of your neighbors as your healthy, well-cared-for lawn gets a jump start on growing season.

Green home improvements that can make a real difference in home value

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT

(BPT) - What your home is worth to you is one thing; what it's worth to someone else may be totally different. If you want to boost the value of your home for yourself and in the eyes of others, one of the best ways to do that in today's real estate market is to make green home improvements.

Going green can mean a lot of things, and it's easy to start with small changes like switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and unplugging appliances when they're not in use. Not only will you be doing good for the environment, you might end up saving on utility bills and, ultimately, increasing your home's value when the time comes to sell.

Green projects aren't all necessarily in the do-it-yourself category, and making an investment to have the bigger jobs done right will pay off in the long run.

"It's important for homeowners to consider cost-saving efficiency projects as part of their overall home renovation plans," says RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly. "And a trained real estate agent will be able to identify the projects that cut current expenses and pay potential dividends when you're ready to sell."

Getting started now - even if that just means planning - is a good idea, particularly if you're thinking about selling in a few months' time. Talk to a real estate agent about what improvements are popular among potential homebuyers, and consider these ideas:

Insulation: Regulating the hot air your home lets in during the summer and lets out in the winter can have a short-term impact on your heating and cooling bills. To find out whether you need additional insulation in your attic or walls, order an energy audit. Perhaps you could benefit from adding blown-in insulation to your walls. If your attic is unfinished, it's particularly important to make sure that it's appropriately insulated to avoid wasting energy.
Windows: Caulking and putting up energy-saving window film is a great start, but a more dramatic change might make a world of difference if you want to make a sale. Replacing your existing windows with high-efficiency versions can be an expensive proposition, but the return on your investment can be dramatic, particularly if you're hoping to attract buyers.
Landscaping: While planting isn't always possible in the coldest months of the year, putting together a plan for energy-conscious plantings is a great idea. Consider adding trees that will bring shade to the sunniest spots, like the west side of your home, to cut summertime electric bills. Trees that lose their leaves in the fall will let light in during the winter, as opposed to evergreens which will block it throughout the year.
Water: Take the first step by turning down the temperature setting on your water heater. For more savings, consider replacing older heaters with energy-efficient models or even solar water heaters. Adding insulation to your pipes can also make a difference in how much energy is used to heat water.

Most homeowners put a lot of effort into making their homes attractive, welcoming spaces. With green updates, you can make your home not only more comfortable and more energy-efficient, but also more appealing to buyers. Add the potential energy savings and the possible boost in home value and you have even more reasons to bring your home into the green age.

For recommendations about making your home green, talk to a knowledgeable real estate agent. Green agents at RE/MAX have a commitment to sustainability and specialized knowledge that you can tap into when making improvements. To learn more or to find an agent in your area, visit-www.remax.com.

Small energy improvements that save big money in the new year

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:09:00 GMT

(BPT) - The beginning of the year is a great time to make positive changes in your home. While many will wait until March to embrace "spring cleaning" season and make home improvements, a few simple changes can be made now to help you conserve energy and start saving money right away. Here are some steps that can help lower energy consumption - and associated costs - in your home this month and throughout the year:

Turn your house into a "smart home"

From heating and cooling to ceiling fans, lighting and security systems, homes can now be wired for a number of automated functions to optimize the energy consumed by the systems they run.

"Smart home" technology, like the ADT Pulse home automation system, can help save homeowners money by allowing customers to remotely manage thermostats and lighting controls. In addition to helping protect homes against intrusion, fire, flood and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, integrated home automation systems can help users plan ahead to create schedules to turn off lights when they're not needed, or decrease heating or cooling settings when no one is home. In fact, according to ENERGY STAR's website, using a programmable thermostat alone can save up to $180 a year in energy costs. Users can control their home automation system either through in-home panels, or through smartphones, tablets and computers.

Don't forget the basics

Every home requires insulation and sealing, whether you live in the steamy south or wintery north. Plus, adding insulation can prove to be economically beneficial for homeowners, who can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs by sealing and insulating the "shell" of their homes (exterior walls, ceilings, doors, windows and floors), according to EnergyStar.gov.

Sealing and insulating is well within the abilities of most do-it-yourselfers, but you can also hire a professional to:

* Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent drafts.

* Add insulation to attics and exterior walls.

* Replace old, inefficient, worn-out or damaged windows.

* Seal heating and cooling system air ducts.

Lower your light bills

If your home is like the average American household, a significant portion of your energy bill each month could be attributed to lighting costs. Since you need a basic amount of light to function in your home, reducing the number of light sources is probably not an option. Instead, look to reduce the amount of energy needed to power the lights in your home, or increase the amount of natural light that enters the house.

Start by replacing incandescent bulbs - which are energy inefficient - with energy-saving bulbs. Energy.gov says replacing just 15 incandescent bulbs could save you about $50 a year. Energy efficient bulb options include halogen, CFLs and LEDs. And while some homeowners may balk at the higher initial cost of these types of bulbs, keep in mind that CFLs last 10 times longer and use a quarter of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs, according to Energy.gov. LEDs are even more energy efficient, lasting 25 times longer and using only about 20 to 25 percent as much energy.

Taking proactive steps to improve your home's energy efficiency early on is a great way to save money this winter and throughout the year. It's a lifestyle commitment that will begin to pay off right away and continue for the rest of the year to come.

Home remodeling tips for baby boomers entering their golden years

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 20:58:00 GMT

(BPT) - As America's 77 million-strong baby boomers reach retirement age, one thing is absolutely clear -- they are not going to quietly retreat into their golden years. The most active generation in America's history wants homes that will support their active lifestyles, and homes that will accommodate the challenges boomers will face, from bad knees, to working from home, to taking on grandchildren.

That's why building and remodeling homes for aging baby boomers represents one of the biggest trends in the home improvement industry today. It's primarily in response to how baby boomers view themselves, many of whom don't believe "old" starts until a person turns 80, according to a Del Webb survey. While many boomers see themselves running, cycling, downhill skiing for many years to come, the reality is that aging creates physical challenges, ranging from arthritis to stiffness to balance issues that could result in debilitating falls. Expecting so much of themselves, many are starting to rethink the design of their homes to accommodate their changing lifestyles.

To meet the needs of this active generation, home builders and remodelers are developing new design and building techniques that incorporate universal design principles. -Universal design means creating products and designing spaces that allow the widest range of people, of varying physical abilities, to use one space, from babies to 80-year-olds. Because the typical American home is designed for an active American family whose adults are in their 20s and 30s, many do not meet the needs of boomers who want to age gracefully in their own homes.

"Universal design is about balancing style with the functionality we need as we move from one stage of life to another," says John Gardner for APEX Siding System, a manufacturer of low maintenance, high durability siding and trim. "Universal design allows empty nesters to live in their homes longer, allowing them to pursue their goals and passions regardless of the physical abilities that aging may impose upon them."

If you're among America's baby boomer generation, here are some tips offered by Gardner on how to design and remodel your home to meet your needs today and in the future:

Don't wait until the last-minute - If you intend to live in your current home into your 60s, 70s and 80s, don't wait until health challenges force you to make changes to your home. Create a master plan using universal design principles that can be implemented over time to spread out the costs of your remodeling investment.

Get an expert - Seek out builders and remodelers who have earned the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) age-in-place certification. These design/build firms are knowledgeable about universal design principles and in building and remodeling homes that meet the needs of aging boomers.

Plan for one-level living - As you remodel your home, create a plan so that everything you need is on one floor, easily accessible to your main entrance on the ground floor. This includes a bedroom, a bathroom with shower, washer and dryer, kitchen and dining area, and access to technology (TV, computer and phone).

Low-maintenance - High maintenance projects, like painting a home, cleaning the exterior side of windows, or sealing cracks and seams in your siding are physically challenging and time-consuming. For example, if your home needs to have the siding replaced, instead of wood or fiber cement siding, which requires re-sealing and repainting every few years, consider APEX pultruded fiberglass siding with Ultrex, a new type of siding that doesn't need to be repainted or resealed when properly installed by a remodeling professional.

Zero-step entry - Whether you're maneuvering a stroller through the front door, carrying a load of groceries, or navigating your mother's wheelchair, invest in a new, wider front door system, featuring a low-maintenance fiberglass door frame, door and lever handle (not door knob) for easy entry.-

Task lighting - Add more lighting for close-up tasks such as cooking, reading, hobbies (knitting, fly-tying) and working from home.

Remodel the bathroom - Create an accessible ground-level bathroom for guests of any age by installing a zero-entry threshold shower base, a handheld showerhead and shower rails. Don't forget to give the shower a non-skid floor treatment and to add anti-scalding protection to the sink and shower.

For more information about universal design and remodeling for baby boomers, visit www.apexsiding.com.

Injury-prevention tips for DIYers

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:15:00 GMT

(BPT) - When you finally tackle that home improvement project you've been planning for a while, you're probably eager to get the job done quickly, well and on-budget. Injuries can delay your project, and cost money for medical expenses or even time lost from your job. It's important to take steps to prevent injury.

Before starting the work on your next home improvement project, consider these safety measures to help keep you injury-free and your work accomplished on time:

Stretch those muscles - Home improvement projects often require you to use muscles that you may not exercise often. Give your entire body a good stretch, from your head to your feet. Be sure to include your fingers and hands, since you'll be using them frequently.
Appropriate clothing - Wearing the right clothing for your project helps to protect you from scrapes, contact with harmful chemicals and other injuries. Closed-toed shoes, work gloves, a hat or hard helmet, long-sleeved shirts and heavy pants are all a good start. Also, remove any jewelry and tie long hair back to avoid getting something caught in machinery.
Eliminate muscle strain - Fastening drywall with nails and screws, sawing wood, painting large walls - your wrists will be subject to a lot of strain, which can easily result in pain after a long day of work. Wearing the IMAK SmartGlove encourages the hand and wrist to remain in a neutral position - reducing the amount of straining movement, and has flexible support for the full use of your hand. This SmartGlove is also good for carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis, hand fatigue and other wrist and hand pain. The material is a washable cotton blend for easy care.
Wear eye and ear protection - Safety goggles and ear plugs are two tools you, and anyone around your work area, should be wearing while you're working on your project. Safety goggles come in handy when sawdust is flying through the air, and ear plugs are recommended when using any type of machinery.
Take breaks - Make certain that your schedule includes breaks where you can sit down, grab a drink and rest for 15 minutes. If you're working on a project in warm weather, schedule breaks more frequently and drink plenty of water. Use the time to also stretch your muscles, keeping them as limber as possible while you continue to work. Don't overexert yourself attempting to get the project done in a shorter amount of time. Your body will work better and longer with less pain at a slower pace, and when the project is completed, you'll be able to enjoy the results of your work in comfort.

Protect yourself while working on your DIY home improvement project, so that you'll be able to accomplish the project in the time you scheduled, without any injuries to slow you down. Visit imakproducts.com to learn more about protecting your hands and wrists from pain.

Why more people are installing saltwater pools

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:52:00 GMT

(ARA) - One of the hottest summers in US history has sent everyone scurrying into their pools to cool off, and the biggest new trend in swimming pools is salt water. First developed in Australia, saltwater pools offer several advantages over conventional chlorine and have become incredibly popular in the last decade.

People no longer have to tolerate the eye-burning, nose-curdling sting that comes from chlorine. Saltwater pools only have one-tenth the salt of ocean water and about one-third when compared to human tears. They are also gentler on the skin and hair than traditional chlorine pools. And pool owners don't have to purchase, store, and handle harsh chemicals, so maintenance is easier, more convenient, and saves time and money.

Across the country, more chlorine pools are being converted to salt water and today there are more than 1.4 million saltwater pools in operation nationwide. An estimated 75 percent of all new in-ground pools are salt water, compared with only 15 percent in 2002, according to data published in Pool & Spa News.

Since the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, Mich., converted its 65,000-gallon pool to salt water, members have been pleased with the results. "The minute you walk into the pool area you notice a big difference," says Jodi Owczarski, the center's community relations director. "There is no longer that chemical smell. People also tell us that the water is much softer. In the old pool, people said they sometimes had to wash twice to get all those chemicals off, but in this pool, they only have to wash once. All in all, people have been thrilled with this new system."

In saltwater pools, chlorine is automatically produced as water passes through the generator. As the water exits the generator and enters the pool, the sanitizing chlorine reverts back to salt, and the process repeats itself, conserving salt and keeping sanitizer levels balanced.

Saltwater pools require less maintenance than traditional pools, but pool owners still should test weekly for pH and chlorine, and monthly for other water balance factors and for salt levels, which can drop due to splash-out, rain and filter back-washing. Most pool owners test their pool water themselves with test strips and periodically bring a sample in to a pool retailer for testing.

Anyone who has made the decision to move to a saltwater pool should make certain they use salt specifically designed for that use. An average 20,000 gallon pool requires 530 pounds of salt at startup; with quantities that large, even small amounts of contaminants within the salt can cause pool problems. That's why ultra-pure salt is best for salt water pools. Salt water systems can also save money in the long run over chlorine-based alternatives.

There have also been questions about the effect of salt water on pool construction materials, decks and surrounding structures. When pools are properly constructed and normal maintenance is followed, salt water has no effect on pool finishes, equipment and decks. Most materials are suitable for salt water pool construction, and most kinds of stone and decking materials will last if treated and sealed properly and periodically rinsed off.

If you're considering a saltwater pool, talk to a knowledgeable builder or retailer, or get some insight from other saltwater pool owners. You can also find more information at the Salt Institute website.