With today’s modern technology there are many alternative products and techniques to build a home other than the traditional stick built home. One of the most popular alternatives is using Insulated Concrete Forms, also known as ICFs.ICFs are forms or molds with built-in insulation which accept reinforced concrete. Read the rest of this entry »
HVAC is the acronym for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. These three elements refer to the equipment, distribution network and terminals that either collectively or individually provide heating, air conditioning or ventilation for your home.Your HVAC system has a significant effect on the health and comfort of you and your family as well as your ongoing energy expenses. Read the rest of this entry »
There are two basic components to a window, the glass and the frame surrounding the glass.
A building envelope is a combination of the foundation, wall and roof assemblies all working together to provide a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family while maintaining the structural integrity of your home. In other words, it keeps your home tightly sealed to prevent the outdoors from coming in. The more tightly sealed your home, the less energy loss you will have. Read the rest of this entry »
Vinyl and linoleum are both very resilient flooring materials and can provide you and your family flooring which is attractive, comfortable underfoot, easily cared for, and slip resistant. They both come in a large variety of colors and patterns, but are manufactured very differently. Vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic made from oil. Linoleum is made from natural linseed oil, wood fiber, limestone, resins and some colored pigments, all compressed onto a layer of jute, a natural grass. Let’s look at these flooring choices in more detail. Read the rest of this entry »
Carpeting in all its various forms has been used in homes for decades. Today, there is a wider assortment of colors, patterns, textures and materials than ever before. Carpets will enrich the interior of your home while providing comfort and warmth for you and your family for many years to come. Read the rest of this entry »
Heating and cooling your home represents almost half of the money you will spend on energy every year. If your home is poorly insulated, those costs can be even greater. The amount of insulation as well as its effectiveness is key to your energy use.
By nature, heat flows from a warmer area to a cooler area due to the difference in temperature. So in winter, the warm air in your heated rooms will move to the cooler, unheated areas such as the attic, garage, crawl spaces, or outside. During summer, the warm outside air will transfer to the cooler interior of your home because of the higher temperature outside as well as the admission of sunlight. In either case, your HVAC system must work to replace or remove the heat lost or gained. The effectiveness of your insulation will directly impact how hard your HVAC system must work which then directly impact your energy costs. Read the rest of this entry »
Whether you are remodeling or building your dream home, you will more than likely be purchasing one, if not several, new appliances. There are so many brands and models on the market, how do you decide which one is right for you and your family? The following are some elements you will want to take into consideration: Read the rest of this entry »
A window performs many functions. It brings light into a room, aids in heating, cooling and ventilating the room. It can be an architectural focal point as well as a means of emergency escape. These functions are found to differing degrees in all 12 types of windows on the market today. Read the rest of this entry »
Countertops are a major element in the design and feel of your kitchen. They are the showpiece of that room, setting the tone for its style and character. Whether planning the kitchen for your new dream home, or considering a kitchen remodel, there is a huge array of colors, textures and materials from which to choose. As you look at the many counter tops available, you will most likely base your decision on your own personal style, the functionality you need and the budget you have available for your project.
There are nine different materials that most countertops are made from today. They vary greatly in price, functionality and look. Read the rest of this entry »
