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Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops in a Kitchen

October 7th, 2010

Laminate countertops became popular in the 1950′s and 60′s, and have remained a popular option for many new and remodeled kitchen countertops today. Although there are many different options for a kitchen countertop including granite, Corian, and tile, laminate is still a viable option for many people. Laminate countertops have their own set of advantages and disadvantages like the other countertop materials, some of the pros and cons include:

Pros:

- Cost. Laminate is generally the least expensive option for a countertop, and is one of the most widely available materials. It is perfect for people who are looking to remodel a kitchen on a tight budget. The low cost also makes it ideal for people who enjoy changing the decor of their home every few years. Laminate countertops are inexpensive enough that they can be changed over the years, something that could cost much more with a granite countertop.

- Easy to install. Installing a laminate countertop is easy enough that a few do-it-yourselfers can easily install a new counter. The new counter can be installed in a brand new area, or it can be installed over an existing laminate countertop. If that is not an option then it is still less expensive to have a professional install the counter as opposed to the other counter materials.

Cons:

- Easy to damage. Because laminate is made from layers glued together, it is easier to damage the surface of the countertop. Hot pans can melt the top, and even a cigarette left unattended can melt a small area. The top is also susceptible to scratches from sharp knives and other items on the counter. It is also not easy to repair just a section of countertop.

- Does not add resale value to a house. Due to the low cost of laminate and it’s wide availability, a laminate countertop generally does not add much resale value to a house.

Depending on what your needs are, a laminate countertop may be something worth installing in your new or remodeled kitchen. It is installed in many kitchens across the world due to it’s affordable price, and durability as a kitchen countertop. If you are looking for other materials, granite, Corian, and tile make for excellent alternatives. The choice is completely dependent upon your needs.

Best Miami Area Beaches

October 4th, 2010

photo credit: joiseyshowaa.

Key Biscayne.

This key is several miles long, situated about three miles from the city of Miami, southeast of downtown. It is connected to the city by a toll bridge that passes by the Miami Seaquarium on Virginia Key before crossing into Key Biscayne. This is the second most popular beach after Miami Beach, with more locals than tourists here. Tens of thousands gather here on weekends to enjoy the clear blue waters along several miles of public beach, sometimes overflowing the extensive parking lots.
At the south end of Key Biscayne is Cape Florida State Park, which houses a historic lighthouse and a quiet beach.

Haulover Park

Separated from Miami Beach to the south by the Haulover Inlet, this park offers about three miles of public beach and has a clearly marked clothing optional section. It is a bit far north, but an easy visit with frequent bus service.

Matheson Hammock Park

This a historic lagoon surrounded by mangroves, situated south of the historic Coconut Grove district and east of luxuriant Coral Gables. A rocky concrete loop encloses the lagoon, with underwater metal grates that lets the seawater in and keeps fish out. A bit out of the way, but a old favorite for many locals.

Miami Beach

Most famous for it’s Art Deco district which has been entirely renovated and transformed into an international tourist playground. The nonstop public beach extends north from Fifth Street and runs along the Art Deco district, continuing for miles until about 79th Street where the city of Surfside begins. The entire beach is only a block away from shops, hotels, restaurants, and several bus lines.

South Beach

Better known as SoBe, South Beach is the world famous jet set playground offering nonstop entertainment and a nonstop traffic jam on weekend nights. It is at the south end of Miami Beach, starting south of Fifth Street. An easy enjoyable bus ride across the MacArthur Causeway from Downtown Miami gets you there.

5 Most Expensive Places To Buy A Home Near Miami

September 30th, 2010

photo credit: milan.boers

The median housing price in Miami dropped from $337,900 in March 2008 to $195,000 in February 2009, but that hasn’t stopped a few of the cities in the South Florida metropolitan area from being some of the most expensive places to live in the entire country. For home buyers looking for the ultimate in luxury, these five places were made for you…but buyers on a budget, beware!

Surfside – ?Surfside is a low-crime suburb located on an island with the Atlantic ocean on one side and the South Florida metropolitan area on the other side. Median home prices are still above $300,000 (down from an all-time high of above $650,000 in 2006), but Surfside continues to attract home buyers drawn to its residential neighborhoods and fewer high rises, compared to nearby beachfront suburbs.

Miami Beach - Like Surfside, Miami Beach is a suburb located on an island strip across from Miami proper and served by the Miami-Dade public school system. Miami Beach features home prices above $300,000, especially nearer to the shimmering Florida coast.

Bal Harbour - A village of 3,000 people on the edge of Miami, Bal Harbour features home prices at $450,000…but prospective buyers won’t have to look hard to find houses and condos above the $1,000,000 million mark.

Coral Gables?- The median home price has fallen by over $400,000 in the past few years, but home prices still remain elevated above $350,000. That hasn’t stopped buyers from snapping up homes in Coral Gables, known for its leafy streets and bustling downtown area.

Pinecrest?- 15 miles south of Miami is a dazzling suburb of nearly 20,000 people that could be mistaken for a luxury resort. Median home prices in Pinecrest are at $767,650, and the cost of living is 150% higher than the national average. In 2009, Bloomberg Business Week rated Pinecrest the most expensive suburb in Florida, and one of the most expensive suburbs in the entire country.

What’s the right kind of bathroom for me?

September 27th, 2010

photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design

There are many things to consider when moving to a new residence; location, price, size, number of rooms, and much more. However some don?t realize that the bathroom is such a key room in a home, so a good amount of thought will help in finding a bathroom that will fit your needs with the right additions if necessary.
The size of the bathroom needed depends greatly on the size of the family who lives in the home. Also, if the family member count is higher, then a home with multiple bathrooms would be a much better decision. As far as the dimensions, there should be enough room for you to move around comfortably. You also need a good amount of space for personal care products for each member of the household. If there is not already ample cabinet or shelving space in the room, make sure there is enough open space for you to install these pieces yourself.
Another very important part in a bathroom is the size of the bathtub, or the option of having a shower as well. All the better would be a bathroom with a tub and a shower separately installed. However many homes come with a bathtub in which you can bathe or shower.
One more important part, more so for females, is the amount of natural and artificial light that is in the bathroom. A good sized window (or two) is great for the natural light to aid in getting ready for work and knowing what you see in the mirror is what you?ll see when you walk out the door. However artificial light can also be helpful if using the right light bulbs. So make sure there are enough light sockets to your liking so that you will have the brightness you desire at any time of day.
Finally, it all comes down to personal choice. But if you keep in mind what your current bathroom looks like and offers, and consider the points mentioned above, you should be able to find a bathroom that will give you much comfort and relaxation.

Engineered Stone Countertops Pros And Cons

September 23rd, 2010

photo credit: Allen Chu

Homeowners are choosing to update their kitchens with Engineered Stone countertops. Composed of 93% quartz particles and scratch resistant these kitchen countertops come in a wide range of colors. While this may be the perfect solution for some homeowners, it is always best to weigh out the pros and cons before making a final decision on which countertop will meet your needs.

Pros

The most desirable feature of the Engineered Stone countertop is the durability and soundness the countertop maintains. During the manufacturing process additional resins are added to the stone, making the countertops stronger then regular stone countertops. This type of countertop is resistant to heat, scratches, chemical, staining, chipping and fungal growth.

Many homeowners like to add Engineered Stone countertops to their home because it is easy to maintain. With the stone being non-porous the countertops require very little care. A sponge, warm water and soap make the countertops shine and look like they just came off the show room floor. With other types of stone countertops, there are many that require certain cleaners or chemicals that is used when cleaning.

Unlike other stone countertops Engineered Stone will not chip or crack and will retain its sheen and luster. With the stone countertop being so low maintenance most homeowners are satisfied when placing the countertop into their home.

Cons

Created and installed in solid slabs, the seams are visible along the front and top of the countertop. Water, food and other contaminates can collect in the seams if the homeowner is not cautious. The continual collection of these deposits will eventually create a smell which will require professional cleaning.

Engineered Stone is expensive. Constructing and manufacturing the product is labor intensive and require many hours to design. Although much more expensive then regular stone countertops, the high price tag is enough to discourage many homeowners.

There are more pros then cons when it comes to having stone countertops in your home. Shop around and compare different types of stone countertops, think about the purchase before making the final decision.

The Top Reasons You Should You Consider Moving to Miami

September 16th, 2010

photo credit: tylerdurden1

If you hate cold weather and are considering a move to a warm climate year round, consider Miami Florida. The weather is great, the beaches are beautiful and there are so many interesting things to do year round. While Miami used to be the spot that senior citizens choose to retire, today?s Miami has a heavy Latin influence making it a multi-cultural multi-generational city like no other. If you are young and unmarried there is no better city to live in.

Along with the rest of the country, Miami is struggling to keep employment numbers from falling further than they already have. Due to having some of the highest unemployment numbers in the country, it is wise to have a job lined up before making the move. The top employers in the area are in the service industry like: Publix Super Markets, Baptist Health South Florida, The University of Miami and American Airlines.

Because Miami has so many diverse cultures, selecting a neighborhood to live in without knowing what to expect can be a very stressful situation. Consider renting a home or apartment for six months to a year before you buy. This will give you an ample amount of time to explore the Miami area to find the perfect place to call home.

Finally, if you are an outdoor person, Miami is a brilliant place to live! The sun and beaches are one of the main reasons that Miami is still such a hot tourist attraction. There are hundreds things that you can do to enjoy the outdoors here, including taking a fishing charter on the Atlantic Ocean, a day cruise to The Bahamas, Swim with the Dolphins, go snorkeling and the list can go on and on. If there is one thing for sure about a move to Miami, you would never be bored.

If those aren?t enough reasons to start looking in the want ads and call a Realtor right now, I don?t know what would be. The fact is, Miami, was and still is one of the top locations in this country to relocate.

Top Attractions in Miami

September 13th, 2010

photo credit: Stig Nygaard

Miami is known for it’s extremely sunny weather, relaxing beaches, and active night life. Miami, Florida is a top tourist location in North America. It’s beautiful scenery captures the heart of locals and tourists alike. The beautiful city offers a variety to see and do including visits to the beach and animal jungles. Topping the list of top attractions in Miami, Florida is a must-see trip to South Beach. Metrozoo, Seaquarium, The Everglades, Miami Children’s Museum, Parrot Jungle Island, Monkey Jungle, and Coral Castle are also immense attraction locations.

South Beach is a trendy location filled with shopping and entertainment. The location offers several restaurant options. In fact, most of Miami’s top ten restaurants are in the heart of South Beach. Or, perhaps a comfortable locations to relax and soak up the Miami sun is more ideal for a weary individual. The miles of beach offer the lustrous white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. As the sun goes down, dress up and check out the variety of entertainment available. It may be possible to catch a glimpse of Will Smith, Madonna, or Gloria Estefan whom are just a few of Hollywood’s A-Lister’s who reside in South Beach.

Housing animals from Asia, Australia and Africa, Miami Metrozoo is unlike any other Zoo in North America. Each exhibit is absolutely cage-less, allowing animals to mimic a natural lifestyle. Animals are grouped together by geographic territory, and those that cannot live together peacefully are separated by a moat. Exhibits closely resemble that of the animals natural habitat, including foliage soil and trees. The Miami Metrozoo is one of Miami’s most profound attractions, and a must-see hot-spot that should be visited by everyone!

The Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual public parks in the United States, with roughly 1.5 million acres of swamps, saw-grass prairies and sub-tropical jungles. The Everglades are home to endangered species such as the American Crocodile. The location is unlike anything ever seen and is considered a true spectacle in the Miami area.

Miami, Florida encompasses over twenty-five attractions for individuals, and families. There is almost something to see, do, or visit on a daily basis. While the beaches and animal spectacles are astounding; there is an array of options that will please everyone!

Top Rated Miami School Districts

September 9th, 2010

photo credit: sylvar

Miami, Florida is known for its beaches and nightlife but how many people look beyond that and see what Miami’s students are doing? Miami-Dade County School District is a unified school district that serves 454 public schools in the Miami-Dade County. With 395,597 students ranging from pre-k to 12th grade Miami-Dade County School District is the largest school district in Florida.

Miami-Dade County School District is the 4th largest school district in the United States and is the 2nd largest minority-majority district in the country. The school district is comprised of 62% Hispanic, 26% African-American, 9% Non-Hispanic White, 1% Asian & Pacific Islander and less than 2% other students. The diversity of the student body encourages unity and growth for all students.

On July 20, 2010 the Miami-Dade County School District superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, Coral Gables mayor Don Slesnick, and other officials will be announcing a new high school that will house the International Studies program. The international studies program offers students an international curriculum that includes world languages and is the only program of its kind in the country. The bilingual education is offered in Spanish, Haitian Creole and Mandarin Chinese, opening a variety of opportunities to the students. The Miami-Dade County School District is the only school district in Florida to offer bilingual education in Mandarin Chinese.

With all of the diverse opportunities being presented to the students in the Miami-Dade County School District it is no wonder that four of their high schools were ranked in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual “America’s 100 Best High Schools” ranking as gold medal high schools. One of their four high schools also ranked number 2 in the “Top 10 Magnet High Schools” in the country.

Miami-Dade County School District’s academic opportunities speak volumes of the amount of cooperation and dedication given to the students. The parents have given the district an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars and they are pleased.

The Pros and Cons of a Hot Tub

September 6th, 2010

photo credit: dave_stone

Hot tubs can be a great addition to any home today but you should be sure to look at all angles of the purchase, good or bad, before jumping in with both feet.

Pros

Health ? Soaking in the warm, soothing water of a hot tub can bring relief to a person who is suffering from a chronic illness such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and many other ailments. It has been proven over and over that the increased blood circulation while in the hot tub can bring tremendous relief from daily aches and pains.

Entertainment ? Having friends over for a visit can be accentuated by the addition of a hot tub in the environment. A nice soak and great conversation can be a wonderful end to a fun-filled evening.

Relaxation/Romance – In today?s fast-paced, stressed-filled society, after a day of work, kids, homework and more, people are desperate for some way to come home at the end of the day and being able to unwind and throw off the cares of the day. A warm hot tub with soothing lights and bubbles can take the worst day and make it fade away and make time with a loved one even more special.

Cons

Cost – The initial cost associated with a hot tub or spa can add up quickly. There is the cost of preparing the site in which the hot tub will be located; the cost of have the area plumbed correctly and having an electrician ensure the wiring is adequate. Also any custom items can add up fast. Decking, stairs, lighting and any specialty jets will raise the price significantly.

Maintenance – The maintenance on a hot tub can be tough too. Not only do you have to routinely purchase chemicals to treat the water and keep it safe; you also have to routinely drain and clean your hot tub. You will also need to have a technician from either the manufacturer of your tub or their authorized representative come out and inspect all of the working parts of your hot tub system to keep it in optimal working order.

Learn the Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops in your Kitchen

September 2nd, 2010

photo credit: avidtile

Learning the pros and cons of marble countertops in your kitchen is a vital step toward finding what you want for your home. The choice of surfaces for this part of your home is extremely important. It is a high-traffic area that will see a lot of use, so you should be aware of the facts in order to make the most informed decision possible.

Perhaps the main reason for choosing these surfaces is their beauty and elegant appeal. They have a timeless look that is unlike any other surface material, and are often considered a luxury item. Their use in palaces and other beautiful historical structures have solidified their status.

These surfaces can be very expensive compared to other materials. Their rich beauty is quite sought after by many interior designers. The cost can make it difficult to acquire, but many of those who are determined to incorporate it in their home may use it for just one surface, such as an island.

Though they are very expensive, the natural stone can last over a hundred years if cared for properly, making it a good investment. Since the stone is so hard, it can withstand pressure and be affected very little by breaks and cracking. It is also excellent in withstanding heat, making it an obvious choice for this area of the home.

This particular stone is porous, which means that may be susceptible for staining. However, there are sealers available for the stone which may be self-applied or professionally administered. These sealers are crucial for a long-lasting beauty.

Even though the stone itself is able to withstand heat, the sealant used may be damaged by placing your hot pans on it. The color of the stone can even be altered. However, if only the sealer is damaged, it can easily be reapplied to look brand new once again.

The surfaces are created using cultured stone, and its exact color is determined by where it is from. The options available for using this stone in interior design are plentiful. Learning the pros and cons of marble countertops in a kitchen can be very helpful in making your decision and perhaps even increase your home’s overall value.