All Posts in "HOME DESIGN"

Knowing More About Sunrooms in Your Homes

Knowing More About Sunrooms in Your Homes

Comfort and leisure are two of the most important things one needs to have in an abode. That is why people who need them almost always go for a sunroom in their homes. It serves as a great way of bestowing inmates the feel of being in open while being in the comfort and convenience that one gets inside a house. Now, there are different types & styles when it comes to build one. It is only when you learn more about them that you can make a better choice.

Four Season Sun Room

It is also commonly referred as an all season room, as one can enjoy throughout the year. It is a very comfortable type of room, equipped with all the features and amenities that other rooms in a house might have, with some even better aspects that others lack. Adequate insulation is one of the basic requisites of this type of a room in a home, so that it prevents drastic temperature fluctuations. With cooling and heating systems extended to this room, it becomes the best one offering better protection against the severity of any season of the year. Such a room might be referred as a 3 season room when it is not insulated appropriately and it reduces the significance of a sunroom greatly.

Patio Rooms

A patio room takes shape when an existing patio is enclosed. Some of them that are insulated appropriately can be used as all season sunrooms, while the ones lacking in proper insulation are considered to be three season rooms. You can enclose patio using full glass, partial glass or even screened in. Depending on your choice and budget, you have to decide whether you are going to make it an all season sunroom or a three season one.

Partial or

… READ MORE
Harry Newman by — March 12, 2019 in Home Design Tips
Home Security Via Blinds and Shutters

Thames Valley Police worked on over 1100 burglaries in November 2018. On their website they advise homeowners to take control of their windows and doors, effectively manage the locks, the times they are open and closed, and to have the most practical materials in position to aid security.

Simple tricks like not leaving a bin to be climbed on to gain entry or ensuring walls don’t provide somewhere to jump from are recommended. Window opening restrictors make sure the windows can’t be unlocked from outside. Lastly, they urge people replacing windows to obtain products tested to British standards (PAS 24 2016) which are insurance approved.

That all makes perfect sense but how can your window dressing help you to improve home security?

A manual blind is an unwelcome obstacle for burglars, but it also conceals whether there are people within the property. If a burglar isn’t confident that they are alone or that they won’t be interrupted, they rarely take a chance.

Automated blinds offer the above benefits but have the additional advantage of being managed via a home automation system, remote control or on an app, even when there is no one on the property. Sun and temperature sensors react to changes; as darkness descends the sensors facilitate blind closure without any physical action from the humans, wherever they may be.  Consider the benefits of being able to tap a button when you’re out at the gym, kept late at work or in a seemingly endless tailback; no one will be able to discern that you aren’t at home, even on the darkest winter days, thanks to the window blind movements.

No cords, no reaching into awkward spaces and the motors are housed within the blinds, so the aesthetic appeal is as significant as the security benefits.

Automated blinds are … READ MORE

Harry Newman by — February 1, 2019 in Home Design Tips
Benefits of Outdoor Sheds and Materials Used to Build Them

Having a well-made storage shed helps consumers reduce clutter, and it provide more space in the home. It is a place to store items that are only used on special occasions and for special projects. A good storage shed helps owners clear out the garage or rooms. It creates more room in the house and garage.

Benefits of Outdoor Sheds and Materials Used to Build Them

Sheds are ideal places to store yard and gardening equipment. They are large enough to fit lawn mowers, rakes, tools, hedge trimmers, electric saws, and other equipment. Storage sheds are designed to store heavy bulky equipment easily. In a shed, equipment can be organized neatly for easy access when needed. There are many considerations to think about when buying an outdoor shed.

One of the most important benefits of a shed is storage. Consumers can store Christmas decorations and toys. It can protect your children from safety hazards because, it can be locked up. A shed provides room for a hobby in the home or workspace. A shed can help organize the home and garage. It stores items from those messy rooms in the house, attic, or basement. A new shed adds value to the home when selling it. Home owners are always looking for extra storage space.

Inside the shed, shelving, hooks, or peg holes can be added to organize items. A shed protects equipment from rain and cold winter weather. A shed with windows can serve as a greenhouse to grow plants. Some sheds can be outdoor buildings for gardening and hobbies. It can be a fun place to have outdoor parties and gatherings.

What Shed Materials To Consider 

There are many styles of sheds for outdoors, made from durable materials. Plastic resin or vinyl sheds have a professional appearance, and with mold injection parts can be made in many designs. These sheds have … READ MORE

Harry Newman by — January 5, 2019 in Home Design Tips
The Five Best Home Upgrades for a House

Considering an upgrade for your home? You’re making a smart decision. Home renovations can dramatically increase your home’s value and make the years you spend there more pleasant. However, not all home upgrades are created equal. Choose the upgrades for your situation that will pay off the most. The following five home upgrades will give you the biggest return on investment (ROI). 

The Five Best Home Upgrades for a House

Improve Energy Efficiency 

While it won’t necessarily do anything for the looks of your home, improving your home’s energy efficiency will give you more bang for your buck. Even by just adding more attic insulation, a homeowner can recoup more than 100 percent of the cost by saving on heating and cooling costs while making the home more attractive to potential buyers. Since more energy efficient homes are now on the market, you will be better able to compete. In addition to upgrading the HVAC, don’t forget about replacing older windows and water heaters. 

Minor Kitchen Remodel 

If you can only renovate one room in your home make it the kitchen. The kitchen is a focal point in your home and an upgrade can pay off handsomely. Don’t think a kitchen upgrade has to break the bank. Expensive new appliances aren’t necessary. Focus on cabinets and countertops instead. If cabinets are in good condition, they can be refinished or painted instead of replaced. You can make an impressive kitchen by merely adding new knobs and an attractive backsplash. 

Upgrade the Bathrooms 

After kitchens, bathrooms are the second most important selling point for your home. Only a minor bathroom upgrade can result in a 100 percent ROI. Regrouting tile is a minor project that makes a major difference in your bathroom’s appearance; so, can removing and replacing caulking around the tub and shower. Replace … READ MORE

Harry Newman by — January 5, 2019 in Home Design Tips

A durable, well-built deck is a structure that can be added to any home and bring the increased enjoyment of the property. It’s perfect for areas that get too wet to plan a feasible patio area. You can place outdoor entertainment furnishings where they are elevated to prevent water damage.

Increase Your Usable Living Space With a New Deck

Expand Enjoyment of Your Property

A deck can be added to many areas of your property to help increase overall enjoyment for outdoor activities. You can add them near an above-ground pool, the side of the home, back of the home, or extend them from an upper level of the house. Comfortable take in fresh air and sunshine with a new deck created by expert Chicago deck builders.

Outdoor Living Space Uses

A deck is a great location to add extra table seating for large gatherings of friends and family, summer barbecues, birthday parties, or just kick back and relax in the fresh air. You can add outdoor living room furniture, patio tables, grills, or complete outdoor kitchen equipment. Make it the outdoor living space you’ve always wanted.

Improve the Looks and Value of Your Property

The addition of a deck will immediately improve the value of your home and make it a more inviting property if you ever need to sell. You can choose from a variety of styles and materials to match and complement the looks of your home.

Get All-Season Use Out of Your New Deck

A deck can prove useful any time of the year. It gives you an elevated surface that allows snow to melt faster and keeps you out of muddy patches in the yard. Barbecues can be enjoyed any time of the year, even in Chicago. You can have a designated area to enjoy outdoor time for you and the whole family.… READ MORE

Harry Newman by — November 8, 2018 in Home Design Tips