You are always free to hang your hat in your home but then, you should resist the temptation of dropping everything right in your home’s entryway. This is where the mud room comes in, a place where you can conveniently keep those things that tend to clutter homes, a place that helps you create a path to your door that is not only clear but clean. The mudroom serves as a kind of storage unit that is designed in such a way that both the adults and kids in the home can easily access it. With the bench that is always included, it makes wearing and pulling off boots and shoes very easy. Even more convenient are the cubes found underneath the bench which creates individual spaces for every member of the family to keep his or her shoes.
 
You can customize your mud rooms so that there is no conflict in its use. You can start by installing inexpensive hooks for every member of the household to hang their coats and further customize these by hanging framed photos directly above each family member’s designated hook. Your pet also should not be left out in the scheme of things. Creating a space especially for him would make him feel very much loved. The pet’s water and food bowls can be kept under a designated space under the mud room bench. You can also put in corner shelves where you can store the pet’s treats.
 
Designing the mud room to be right off your kitchen is a good way of keeping clutter and dirt away from your house, especially the entryway and your kitchen. You can even install closets for the coats to be hung in. This will go a long way to ensuring that everybody’s morning is stress free since you all know where to get your coats and shoes from. Everything is well organized and saves you the time that would have been spent looking for clothing, footwear or handbags. If you desire your mud room to be of multi-purpose design, you can incorporate a spare bathroom, laundry area and storage area for food items and others.
 
There are several other things you can do to make your mud room one of a kind within your neighborhood. You can start by pasting embossed wallpaper on the wall to create that architectural look within the confines of the mud room. A side table with drawer would also be a welcome development since it can serve as an open storage space for the head of the family. In making the designated cubbies more personal, roll-up shades can be used in decorating them and even the name of each member of the family can be painted on each of them. The inclusion of more hooks inside the cubbies would help the users to store more bags and coats conveniently.
 
You can also create a message board within the mud room. Apart from posting birthday party invites and other types of invitations and mail on the message board, you can also install cup hooks by the edges where you can hang keys for safety and convenience. There are in fact, lots of advantages associated with the inclusion of a mud room within your home since it makes daily living less stressful and more fulfilling.
 
Find a local contractor for your mud room. For FREE estimates, click here!

Aging is not something we can run away from and as such, it becomes a wise decision to put things in the right perspective as far as aging gracefully in your own home is concerned. In this case, it becomes necessary that you start putting your home in order now so that by the time you finally retire, your home would be able to measure up to your future needs conveniently. Except maybe you are planning on moving into a retirement home not wanting to be a sort of burden to your children and grandchildren. If you choose the former, then the time to act is now.
 
First, in deciding whether aging gracefully in your own home is what you actually want, the situation requires extreme evaluation which does not only employ the use of your heart but also your head. Secondly, you have to avoid any form of procrastination so that another person does not have to make the decisions for you. All your thoughts should be channeled towards the future. It is true that where you presently reside is very comfortable, however, will it still remain same when you have gotten older and have difficulties easily moving around?
 
The perfect home that could be described as the best fit for aging gracefully in your own home should have various features which qualify it as such. What are these features? First, your retirement home should be one that is conveniently and strategically situation very close to the church, grocery store or other shops and community centers you regularly visit so that you can easily find your way to these places and back again, even with little or no help from your children and grandchildren. What about the library or post office? The distance between your home and these public places should be such that you conveniently find your way without any stress. The changing seasons should also be considered, if they are the type you can actually deal with as you age.
 
So in all, you have decided that you want to make the most of aging gracefully in your own home. The renovation starts with your home entry. An automatic garage door opener would be a good fit for your retirement home. For the doors, you might want to consider an electronic key security system that is very easy to use or better still, you can settle for single lock keys that come with levered handles that makes it easy for you to access your doors even when you are making use of a wheelchair or a walker. The lighting of the home is another consideration. Installation of shades and blinds that help in controlling glare is advised.
 
Still on aging gracefully in your own home, there is a need for bright lighting for the stairways and hallways. Florescent bulbs are best. Also, the light switches should either be touch controlled or such that can easily be seen even when it is dark. The floors come next and it is always best to have slip resistant flooring in your retirement home. If carpet is preferred, it should be such that allows easy movement of walkers and wheelchairs. In a case where your home has 2 or more stories, installation of sturdy handrails and/or a chair lift is encouraged. Then your kitchen, bathroom and closets should be easily accessible with the use of walkers or wheelchairs. For the bathroom, a handheld shower head is advised. The appliances in the kitchen should be those that are easy to use.
 
With all these steps and more taken, your days of aging gracefully in your own home are really assured and you are sure of making the most of your old age, with or without the help of your children and grandchildren. Work with a local contractor that specializes in senior living. For FREE estimates, click here!

For nearly two decades now, geothermal heating is one technology that has been begging for acceptance from the general public. Presently, little glimmers of hope are beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel for developers of this unique technology. This however is a result of change in attitudes and improvement in technologies. This does not mean that a lot of sales are being recorded as far as geothermal systems are concerned; it is just that there has been an increase in the number of people taking notice and actually making purchases of the system. This means that gradually, geothermal is gaining recognition and acceptance.
 
Geothermal heat pumps, also called ground-source pumps were actually invented in the 1940s. They were designed to make use of the earth’s constant temperature as exchange medium instead of making use of the outside air temperature. This is why geothermal heat pumps maintain 300% to 600% efficiencies on very cold nights unlike the air-source heating systems that do not exceed 175% to 250% efficiency. You may not know this but research has confirmed that whether we are experiencing extreme seasonal temperatures – extremely hot or sub-zero cold, the ground maintains a constant temperature just a few feet from the surface of the earth.
 
What this means is that during winter, the ground temperature is found to be warmer than the outside air while during summer the temperature becomes cooler than the air outside too. This is exactly how the geothermal heating system distinguishes itself by utilizing these unique features of the earth through a ground heat exchanger. It depends on how your geothermal heating system is programmed but it is a technology that is designed to not only cool your home but to also heat and where possible, supply the whole house with hot water. There are designs that come with variable fans and two-speed compressors which enhances its convenient and energy saving features.
 
There are still lots of features and advantages of installing and making use of the geothermal heating system that makes it a better option than the air-source heat pumps. When compared to the air-source heat pumps, you will find out that the geothermal heating system makes less noise. Also, they need less maintenance in comparison to the other type of heat pumps. In terms of sourcing their temperature, they do not rely on the temperature or air outside; they source within the earth’s confines – the ground source.
 
It is a fact that when it comes to the cost of installing a geothermal heating system, it is several times more expensive than the installation of air-source heating systems but it has more advantages. Its ability to save energy would, within a period of 5 or 10 years, make up for whatever expenses you may have incurred in the course of installing it. Its lifespan is one that is estimated to be at 50 years plus for the ground loop system and 25 years for the inside components.
 
Save energy and cash today by installing a geothermal heating system in your home. Need a local expert? For FREE estimates, click here!

In talking about the top 2012 remodeling trends, after all the Christmas festivities, the New Year is finally here. This means a lot of things to different people. However, we all know that it signifies new trends and styles in virtually everything including remodeling. Due to the effects of the depreciation in the economy, the remodeling industry has taken a new dimension in making people’s homes more comfortable without over spending. This is achieved through practical trends that are not only cost effective, but utilitarian as well. Yes, you no longer have to spend extravagantly in order to transform your home! Listed below are some of the top 2012 remodeling trends that are currently making waves.
 
Steam Showers: This trend is one that has gained a lot of popularity mainly because it has therapeutic effects associated with its use. It also conserves water which means that you achieve maximum comfort and also save money in its use.
 
Mud Rooms: This is a room set aside in the home where all the items you no longer need in your home are stored in closets, hooks and cubbies that are in the room. It is for the sole purpose of de-cluttering your home.
 
Welcoming Workspace: This is a new trend where your office space is transformed into a room that is equipped with computer and lots of other types of electronics which enables even the kids in the home to carry out their homework in an environment that is conducive.
 
Radiant Heating throughout the house: Another practical trend that allows efficient heating and added comfort to your home.
 
Outdoor Living Space: This is achieved by creating or adding a patio to an already existing property. It also makes your home look and feel larger.
 
Bare Flooring: In this case you make use of laminate flooring, cork, hardwood and even tile in place of carpet.
 
Energy Saving Updates for HVAC, Windows, and Insulation: This trend involves upgrading of HVAC equipment, ducting and windows which are known to be more cost effective than replacement.
 
Install a Geothermal Heating System: This trend is suitable for retrofit installations and saves you lots of money.
 
Adding Color: This year, people are sure to embrace warmer colors and tiles. A preference would be given to earth tones more than flashy colors.
 
Open Floor Plans: This trend involves the removal of interior walls which leads to more spaces being opened, making older houses look more modern.
 
Go Solar: This is another trend that encourages the use of grass thatched roofs, bamboo flooring, bark siding, installation of solar power systems and lots more.
 
Planning for the Future: This trend involves remodeling homes so that they are suitable for senior living after retirement by installing hand-held showers and easily accessible baths and kitchens.
 
Bronze Bathroom Fixtures: You can achieve this by installing distressed hardware, oil rubbed bronze and metallic appliances in your home.
 
Soaker Tubs: People used to see this tube as a decorative piece but all of that is going to change this year as lots of people are ready to indulge in the luxury of deep and rich soaks in the tub.
 
Other top 2012 remodeling trends to be looked out for include:
 

• Color therapy LED bath lighting
• Quartz and granite bathroom counters
• Four season pool remodeling
• Remodeling with recycled materials

 
This 2012, it is all about dumping expensive luxuries and opting for most of the top 2012 remodeling trends that are not only cost effective but also practical and sustainable. Find a contractor in your area. For FREE estimates, click here!

Everybody is not the same and that is why when it comes to pet-friendly home improvement, there are certain pet owners who would go to any length to ensure that they create a suitable environment for their pets even as they improve on their property. This is not the case with others who even as pet owners, they don’t consider their pets at all when they engage in any form of home improvements. The earlier we understand that pets play a key role in home improvement decisions, the safer and more comfortable your home will be for everyone. Listed below are some of the ways you can ensure that your pet is considered in your home renovation projects.
 
Indoor Pet Retreats: This is a room in your house that is specifically designed to make your pet feel loved and pampered. It can be accessed by an outside back door through which your pet goes in and out. Some of the things you can include inside are drinking fountains, automatic feeders and in the case of a dog, a doggy shower.
 
Heated Floors: If you have a cat and also have a radiator installed in your home, you would have noticed that the cat likes curling up to the radiator. This is because it needs to keep warm. Based on this, you can create a pet-friendly home by including heated floors on your list.
 
Disguised Litter Boxes: With this type of inclusion in your home improvement, you are offering your pet some privacy as he does his business. Presently, there are designs that are made to look like furniture. You can even put these litter boxes in separate rooms like the garage but ensure there is a secret door for the cat or other litter trained animal to pass through for their convenience.
 
Cat Ramps and Cat Trees: If you own a cat, you don’t need to be told that they love climbing up and down. So, as you engage in your home improvement, please create a cat ramp for your pet which could be in the form of stairs that run diagonally up the wall to a shelf which in turn, runs below the ceiling’s perimeter. Your cat would love you more for this.
 
Doggy Overlooks: Sometimes your dog would just want to be alone but at the same time, keep an eye on you and other members of the family. You can reciprocate that love by creating a doggy overlook which enables him to stick his head through lofted space railed off on the second floor. Through here, he can maintain privacy while at the same time, keep watch over the household.
 
Wood Floors / High-End Linoleum: As a pet owner, you will always witness one or more accidents from your pet. In order to be on the safer side, your pet-friendly home improvement should include linoleum floor installation since they are easier to be cleaned up in the case of pet accidents. It is also more resistant to scratches from your pet as he runs all over the place.
 
Other tips include:

• Applying low VOC paints on the interior walls
• Installing cat friendly windowsills
• Installation of energy efficient lighting, plumbing and heating systems, including appliances
• Purchasing pet friendly furnishings and fabrics
• Installing pet fencing and containment system
• Pet exterior access doors.

 
Find a pet-friendly contractor in your area. For FREE estimates, click here!

With the winter holidays fast approaching, the best you can do to make you, your family, and guests comfortable in your home is by updating your existing fireplace. Listed below are some fireplace update ideas that are sure to transform your mantel and improve your home décor.
 
Monochromatic Design: With this type of design, you can display a monochromatic brown color that is targeted towards emitting a feeling that is nothing short of soothing and calming. The addition of floor-to-ceiling mosaic glass tile is designed to surround the fireplace and at the same time, increase the height of the fireplace.
 
Natural Beauty: With this fireplace update, you achieve a hearth that is not only made of soaring stone but also turns out to be the focal point of your living room. To open up the room, you can place a long mirror directly above the mantel. The rest of the room décor can even derive their colors from the various shades of fireplace masonry. Hues such as taupe, caramel and sage are all the rage.
 
Inserted Elegance: This is a gas fireplace update which can be inserted into the wall of any room, including walls separating the bedroom from the bathroom! With this type of design, both the bedroom and bathroom are kept warm simultaneously. Complement the fireplace with a mosaic tile facade that runs all through the bathroom wall, shower and custom built bath tub.
 
Raise It Up: This is another gas fireplace update where the gas fireplace is designed with sleek stainless steel and installed at a height that serves every corner of the living room. It is then surrounded by a stone façade that can only be described by the word, awesome. At the end of the update, you get a fireplace that is not only natural but also contemporary and practical.
 
Illusion of Grandeur: With this update, the mantel of the fireplace is painted in the same color as the rest of the living space, which helps it to command more presence in the room. In a case where the fireplace is flush with the floor, it is always better to put in place an aesthetic screen for two purposes – safety and ambiance.
 
Striking Focal Point: This is one gas fireplace update that has increased in demand due to its drama and beauty. It comes in the form of floor-to-ceiling glass combined with marble mosaic tiles in shades of grey, gold, cream and brown. With this elevated fireplace, you end up achieving both physical and visual warmth for all your friends and family that come to gather around the hearth.
 
Create that uniqueness today in your home by making the holiday seasons bright through excellent fireplace update ideas. These are designs you would be glad you invested in. Find a fireplace expert today. For FREE estimates, click here!

The winter holidays make way for home decorating, cooking, and entertaining. With these activities, there are higher possibilities of fire outbreaks and other domestic accidents, including burglary. Listed below are some holiday home safety and security tips that would help you ensure a hassle and accident free holiday. They include the following:
 
Fire Safety: When you make use of faulty plugs and overload electrical sockets, it could lead to fire outbreaks. Another hazard is the lighted tree, and it is advised that you keep candles and any other combustible materials away from such decoration. Always make use of flame-resistant and non-combustible materials in your decoration. Where possible, make use of bulbs with LED lights since they have very low chances of causing fire outbreaks.
 
Child Safety: Since the holiday is a perfect time for family reunions, it means that young children will accompany their parents to visit numerous relatives. With this at the back of your mind, see it as your responsibility to watch out for your kids and those of your guests. Little ones are always curious to find out about new things hence, it becomes your duty not to allow their inquisitiveness to lead to ghastly consequences by keeping them away from any danger spots like electrical outlets, candles, decorated trees and fireplaces. Your décor should be childproof.
 
Entertainment and Decor: Although it is a challenging task to prepare for the arrival of your guests as you have to decorate the home and also prepare sumptuous meals for them, don’t forget to put their safety in mind. As you decorate, avoid the temptation to use nails and tacks in holding decorative lights in place, rather use insulated stables to avoid electrocution. Don’t connect electric lights to metallic trees since any leakage from a faulty light could charge the tree and it becomes a potential death trap should any of your guests touch the tree branches.
 
CO Poisoning Prevention: It is estimated that not less than 400 persons die yearly in the US from CO poisoning. In order not to be a statistic, it is advised that you first install a CO detector in your home and make sure that the batteries are changed every six months. Secondly, avoid running a power generating set, pressure washer or any other engine that uses gasoline inside an enclosed area like a garage or basement. Furthermore, avoid the use of hibachi, portable camping stoves, charcoal grill or lantern inside a tent, camper or even your home to avoid CO poisoning.
 
Home Security: Yes, the holiday season is a time to treat your guests and loved ones to sumptuous meals using the finest collection of china you may have but then, caution is advised in the display of these expensive collections to avoid putting them on a burglar’s wish list without knowing it. Also, since the holiday is a time to give and be given, ensure that every expensive gift you receive is kept from the prying eyes of the public. Break down or better still, send those boxes of flat screen TV, DVD player or computer gifts you received to recycling center since you would be advertising such items to burglars by keeping the boxes outside your home. Most of all, invest in a deadbolt that is of the highest quality. They tend to offer a double locking mechanism, which is more secure than most handle locks. You can also install a patio bar which keeps your door from sliding back in its track even when the lock has been picked. If you don’t already have one, consider a home security system and have existing alarms serviced to make sure they are up to date.
 
Make the most of the holiday season by keeping most, if not all of the above mentioned holiday home safety and security tips. Need a local professional to inspect your home? For FREE estimates, click here!