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Archive for the ‘Mixed Bag’ Category

Pros and Cons of Adding a Built In Outdoor Bar-B-Que to Your Home

August 30th, 2010

One thing that can really make a nice backyard improvement for your home is an outdoor Bar-B-Que. Not to be confused with a simple grill an outdoor Bar-B-Que is full service outdoor kitchen that many spend thousands on designing. Outdoor Bar-B-Ques have been a stereotypical site in Europe for years and lately the craze is picking up steam across the US in cooler climates. When choosing the features of your on outdoor Bar-B-Que it?s important to carefully consider all of the Pros and Cons of adding a built in outdoor bar-b-que to your home.

One of the first major choices you?ll have to make is the type of grill you?ll install in your outdoor bar-b-que. There are many types of grills to choose from with the most common being gas, electric, charcoal and wood. Each has its very own set of pros and cons from fuel cost to how environmentally friendly they can be. This choice should be carefully considered as the entire outdoor bar-b-que is centered on the grill.

The next major decision to make is what kind of extras you?ll want to install in the outdoor bar-b-que. Some people add refrigerators, sinks, and storage. All of these things come with significant pros and cons. Adding a refrigerator can let you store condiments and various other items directly in your outside kitchen which can reduce the amount of trips you?ll have to take to your primary kitchen. The con to adding one is the added electric cost and often times these outdoor rated appliances can get pricey. Another feature many add is outdoor storage for plates, pots and cutlery. This can also cut down on your trips in and out of the house.

When you make the decision to add an outdoor bar-b-que to your home it?s important to consider all of the pros and cons associated with your decisions. Making the right grill choice is almost always the most important followed by any additional appliances and extras you add to your kitchen. Whatever choices you make you?ll truly enjoy and be thrilled with your addition to your home.

Pros and Cons of Adding a Stone Patio to Your Home

August 26th, 2010

photo credit: Robert S. Donovan

Stone patios can bring beauty and charm to the outdoors. These stones will also help to elevate value to the home as well as bump up the curb appeal of the home. There are numerous varieties of stones that homeowners can choose from while creating the patio. Flagstone, concrete, brick and natural stones are among some of the more popular choices when it comes to patio flooring.

Benefits of installing a stone patio floor is abundant. Stones make rich, charming, permanent patio floors that are durable and can withstand the outdoor elements for many years. It can efficiently adapt to any type of outdoor decor used in the patio area and can even help to enhance the look. Stone patios are almost maintenance free. The maintenance needed to keep the patio beautiful will depend greatly on the type of stone used for the patio.

One con for using stone for creating a patio is the price. Natural stones cost quite a bit more than other forms of patio flooring and the price for laborers will synchronize with that. The mass of natural stone is something that should be considered if the homeowner is planning to attempt the installation of the patio floors themselves. These stones are quite a bit heaver than other patio flooring materials and are sometimes difficult to maneuver into the correct position.

Patio stones can be sealed to help to enrich the natural beauty of the stones. However, the downside of sealant is that sun and rain will cause it to wear away quickly. When the sealant wears off the stones it doesn’t do it in an uniform manner, it wears off in spots. This creates dirty looking stones thrown in with a mix of beautifully shiny ones. Stone patio flooring is also not a very forgiving type of material when used for patios. If it is not installed correctly it can create an uneven patio and furniture will not work well to use on it.

Pros and Cons of Adding a Deck to Your Home

August 23rd, 2010

photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design

Adding a deck is useful for increasing the value of the house. The cost of building a deck is lesser than building a room. A deck increases the outdoor living space of the houses. It increases the fun and enjoyment of and offers a good entertainment. It provides a large space for the family get together and BBQ with the family. Individuals can sit relaxed in the decks and enjoy their morning coffee and newspaper. Along with the deck, a swimming pool can also be added for extra fun and excitement. This is a perfect place for including a hot tub. Decks are very useful for spending time in the outside of the house during the pleasant weather conditions. Adding a deck can be completed within three to four days. Deck provides an attractive look to the house which will be helpful even at the time of selling the house. The resale value of the houses will be increased by adding the deck to the backyard which has a steep hillside. Several activities like reading, enjoying and sitting can be performed in the deck. A deck can bring back 80% of the investments. The recent trend of adding extra outdoor space to the house is by building a deck. Decks can be combined with several accessories like furniture, plumbing and refrigerator for additional enjoyment.

The disadvantage of deck building is that sometimes the decks may collapse. If the decks are installed in a wrong way, many people will be injured seriously. Building a hillside deck will cost more. The costs of building decks increase with the type of materials used. Proper maintenance is necessary if the decks are built using natural lumber materials. Power washing and resealing are required each year. The home owners should spend time in hiring a professional licensed contractor for building the deck. The installation of the decks should be performed by the professional people for safe fun and enjoyment for a long time. As the prices of fuels and gases are increasing, having fun at home will be preferred by most people. Decks are very useful for providing fun at home at an affordable cost.

Pros and Cons of Upgrading to a Luxury Bathroom

August 19th, 2010

photo credit: srbyug

Inevitably as a homeowner you’ll one day want to make an upgrade to your home. Often times in older homes the first thing that gets outdated is the bathroom so it?s no surprise that is one of the most frequently remodeled areas of a home. When remodeling your bathroom it?s important to understand all of the pros and cons of upgrading to a luxury bathroom.
One of the most obvious pros of upgrading to a luxury bathroom is the obvious enjoyment you’ll get from your own extremely nice bathroom. A lot of times it?s important for a homeowner to realize that an upgrade to a home may increase its property value but it?s also got to be something that makes the homeowner happy. Instead of focusing so much time and attention on what the potential homebuyer might want try just doing things to your bathroom that you have always wanted.
Asides from making the home more enjoyable another pro of upgrading to a luxury bathroom is the increase in property value that will be realized from the update. If the bathroom is upgraded properly with luxury materials the bathroom will make a significant increase in the property value of the home. Often times a homeowner can see a 20% increase in the home?s value over 10 years from an upgrade in the bathroom.
While there are many more pros and cons of upgrading to a luxury bathroom one thing that you as a homeowner must consider is the budget. Luxury materials can be expensive and while they do add significant value to your home it?s important to carefully consider the area around your home. If you as a homeowner are looking to upgrade to a luxury bathroom solely for the property value increase its important not to upgrade too much past the norm in your neighborhood. This basically means that if the norm bathroom in the area is title with some granite and a garden tub you may cause your house to be to ?nice? for the area if you install heated tiles, all granite, glass backsplashes and his and her vanities. Essentially you may never realize the total value increase for your bathroom if you don’t carefully consider the surrounding area.
Remember when you go to upgrade your bathroom to carefully consider all of these pros and cons of upgrading to a luxury bathroom.

Pros and Cons of Upgrading to a High End Kitchen

August 16th, 2010

photo credit: mescon

Many people make the mistake of updating their kitchen for the wrong reason. Most people update their kitchen for reasons of style or for economic benefits. Style is fluid, and you want a kitchen that flows with the trends. A kitchen upgrade makes good economic sense for some, but not for everyone. Knowing the pros and cons of upgrading to a high end kitchen will tell you if it is the right thing for you.

First, if you are considering upgrading to a high end kitchen, that must mean that you think your kitchen now is not so high end. This is something to be considered. If you are thinking of upgrading because you want to sell the home and want to make more from it, a high end upgrade may not be for you. If you are not in a high end neighborhood, you will want a moderate upgrade. Change some cabinets, maybe retile the floor, and get any old appliances upgraded. If you do more than the buyer needs, you will not get back all of the money that you put into the kitchen.

Some people are looking for an upgrade in hopes of lowering their bills. Appliances are what will really save you money if you are upgrading from older models. The payback in savings will be a few years, but it is a real savings and worth upgrading for.

Style is probably the most predominant reason that people look into upgrading their kitchen. A kitchen can look dated pretty easily, and if your does, an upgrade might be for you. Just be careful not to create the same problem that you are running from now. There are lots of fun new sinks on the market right now, but who knows how long it will be before those look dated?

A more classic look will give you more satisfaction over the years. If you want something trendy, get some fun cabinet handles, which can be easily switched out in a few years. Also, don’t skimp on style when it comes to accessories and lighting. Things you can easily change should be trendy, but items that will cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars to replace should be classic. Keep these thought in mind when choosing to upgrade to a high end kitchen and you will be all set.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home with a Pool

August 12th, 2010

photo credit: andy_carter

Paradoxically, there is a considerable amount of enjoyment and expense involved in having a home with a pool, and there are many factors you should weigh before making a final decision. It can affect the value of your home positively or negatively, provide hours of fun for your friends and family, and is also a serious responsibility. Once you have a pool, your backyard can be transformed into an oasis, and if you live in a warm climate,, you can enhance the atmosphere further by adding some tropical greenery.

Having a pool also requires that you put a lot o effort and time into maintaining it, and your utility bills could increase sharply as well if you plan on heating it. For approximately $1,500 to $2,000 annually, you can hire someone to do the maintenance, or you can invest in a machine that you can use to clean it.

Be aware that your home insurance premiums will go up, because your carrier will be concerned about possible slip-and-fall accidents and drowning. You will be urged to carry $1 million in coverage and erect warning signs and fencing, which is usually required by local law to pass inspection.

Safety will be a particular concern if you have small children, and along with being vigilant, you might also want to purchase a pool cover or gate that is designed to protect them. We live in a society that is quick to sue, and you will suffer severe legal consequences if any adult or child is harmed when using your pool.

If you consider buying a home with a pool, be sure that that the pool has been well-maintained and that the concrete has not begun to buckle, which can be costly to repair. As a rule, a pool can add approximately 7.7% to a home?s value. In the southwest, where the weather is hot and dry, this figure rises to 11%, and in the mid-west, it decreases to 6% and the pool may attract fewer potential buyers as well. Note also that an above-ground pool can actually lower a home’s value by 1.9%.

Remodeling Your Bedroom for Senior Living

August 9th, 2010

photo credit: Pacopus

Your bedroom is private and personal and as you age you want it to be as comfortable and accessible as possible, without any health hazards. You can remodel you bedroom and make it more accessible and safe by making several easy changes.
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One thing you can do to achieve a more accessible senior bedroom is to install low-pile flooring. You can also arrange your bedroom so that you have plenty of open space. This can be achieved by putting your furniture up against the wall.

In addition, keep a lamp in the bedroom on an end table or on the top of a dresser drawer. Night lights in an adjacent bathroom and touch lamps also add convenience and safety.

To keep your bed safe and accessible you might also want to consider an electric bed; a bed that is a lot like a hospital bed, where the top and bottom can be adjusted to give you more comfort while in bed. And, when buying a mattress make sure that it is either firm or soft, according to your needs and that the height of the mattress is good for you. Some need a mattress that is lower, while others need a mattress that is higher.

Also, a different bedspread and bedding can make a big difference in the atmosphere and feel of a bedroom. By choosing colors that complement the look of your bedroom and fabric that is pleasing, you can recreate a bedroom that will be more to your liking and at the same time, give an inviting look to the room.

A comfortable, attractive and accessible bathroom also helps when recreating a bedroom for seniors, especially if the bathroom is attached or close to the bedroom. A bathroom that is simple in design, that has a large sink and bathtub, with large towels and good lighting, with a secure flooring can add accessibility to a senior?s bedroom.

In addition, there are other cost effective and safe ways to renovate and keep a senior?s bedroom comfortable and accessible. Buy and use throwaway pads that will help protect furniture. If the room doesn?t have them, think about installing shades or blinds that will keep the room dark and also provide privacy. A chair is also very nice for seniors because it provides an area where bedroom clothes can be stored when not in use. Also, keeping a flashlight handy on an end table can come in handy when looking for something or if there is an emergency.

Remodeling Your Kitchen For Senior Living

August 5th, 2010

photo credit: juhansonin

The kitchen is the true hub of a home. Yet as the years go by, many features never considered in a kitchen, become an obstacle in the Senior years.

Accessibility and convenience in a kitchen now is no longer a luxury, but essential for Senior living. The young person climbs up to get things out of high cabinets. One never thinks of the number of times bending down or reaching back into a cabinet. Does the floor need cleaning? Getting on your hand and knees to do the job comes almost instinctively. At some point, however, in everyone?s life, these options are no longer as simple, and to some may become impossible. So, do you call in the kids or hire someone to make your meals? Do you abandon the home you love because you can no longer care for yourself?

Three main considerations highlight remodeling a kitchen for Senior living: the floor, the lighting, and accessibility.

Floors

To prevent falls and to reduce strain:

1. Remove area rugs.

2. Install softer, natural flooring, with texture.

Lighting

Seniors need three times more lighting and are more sensitive to glare.

1. Insure 60 watts light bulbs.

2. Install under cabinet lighting.

Accessibility

General rule is to keep as much as possible at waist level. Eliminate reaching up or bending down.

1. Elevate the oven and dishwasher. Install the microwave at a lower level or keep on the counter.

2. Consider induction cooking.

2. Install slide out drawers or lazy susans in cabinets.

3. Replace knob faucets on kitchen sink with lever or motion sensitive faucets. Additionally, be sure to adjust water temperature to a safer, non-scalding temperature.

4. Have countertops at convenient height, insuring there are rounded corners.

5. Use D shaped handles on all cabinets, rather than knobs or curved handles, for easier gripping.

The time to think about remodeling your kitchen for Senior living is before it becomes an insurmountable problem. There are so many features available that make a kitchen safer and more convenient now, which also serve as insurance for your future independence in your own home.

Remodeling Your Bathroom for Senior Living

August 2nd, 2010

photo credit: basheertome

Advances in medicine prolong life but create a whole new set of challenges for seniors wishing to continue living at home. Aging has a way of making everyday activities like using a bathroom difficult, if not downright impossible. Luckily, there are a number of solutions available for remodeling a bathroom that will enable seniors to continue living in the privacy of their own home.

Remodeling a bathroom for senior living usually involves the removal of the traditional bathtub and replacing it with a safe, convenient walk in shower that also accommodates wheelchairs and walkers. The shower floor and built-in seat utilize non-slip surfaces and sturdy handrails, which decrease the risk of a dreaded fall and an expensive hospital stay. Using a licensed and bonded contractor to perform remodeling work is highly recommended.

Toilet height is often a problem for seniors with physical limitations who, once seated, find it difficult to stand up again. Removing the standard toilet and installing a higher seat with handrails on either side eases a dilemma that many face multiple times a day. The toilet paper dispenser will also need to moved higher to prevent accidental falls caused by leaning too far forward.

Remodeling the sink and surrounding area is also important. Those in a wheelchair cannot reach the sink, let alone the cabinets beside or above it and others using a walker usually require both hands to keep themselves balanced. Dropping the sink and towel bar down a couple of feet allow a person to remain seated while washing and drying their hands. Lower the cabinets as well and consider installing large handles on the doors instead of small knobs that arthritic hands may find difficult to grasp.

Removing rugs, magazines and wall hangings also make a bathroom easier to navigate. Most people prefer living in their own homes rather than an assisted living facility or worse, a nursing home. Making small but important changes to a bathroom not only permit a person to continue living where they choose, it also makes the strain of daily living with a physical limitation a little less difficult.

5 Most Expensive Places to Buy a Home in San Diego

July 29th, 2010

photo credit: ricardodiaz11

The housing market has streaked up and plummeted down over an over since the recession really kicked in, but you wouldn’t really think much had happened from some of the prices in San Diego’s most expensive places to buy homes.

The residents in these area’s aren’t shy about their desire for the finer things in life and you shouldn’t be either if you’re in the market for a top of the line home.

With that in mind, let’s look at the Top Five Most Expensive Places to Buy A Home in San Diego.
LA JOLLA

With some of it’s homes qualifying for the FORBES “Most Expensive Homes In America” list, at $41 Million Dollars, you won’t be short of luxury or strange gates that take a scientist to work them.
RANCHO SANTA FE

In the 92067 zip, you’ll find some of the hottest and most expensive homes in San Diego. There’s no lack of architect artistry in this area and no expensive is spared to get them there. Just check out some of the images available on web searches and you can see the beautiful views that might be available to you from a Rancho Santa Fe home.
DEL MAR

With a housing marketing that hasn’t gone up or down in the recent recession, you can be assure that your expensive taste and desire for quality won’t be left wanting. Del Mar is the image of Stability-meets-Luxury that will never leave you with buyers remorse.
SANTA BARBRA

Sunny San Diego has much to offer in the luxury and style housed in beautiful and expensive homes. With a poll and view, you’re sure to find yourself relaxing in luxury in a Santa Barbra home.
SANTA MONICA

One of the only area’s in the world that is able to beat out the prices of homes in Hollywood itself, Santa Monica offers some of the ritziest homes that seem to be designed from dreams and movies. Selecting a home in sunny Santa Monica also leaves you with plenty of entertainment options with the same luxurious taste in mind.