Granite Counter Tops Colors

By: Daniel Roshard

Renewable Energy Solutions
Tile Made Easy

One of the most impressive things are walking into a newly remodeled kitchen, with its lovely colors and the elegant look of a granite countertop you can easily think you walked into a professional kitchen, or the home kitchen of some fashionable chef.

But most of us know that this comes at a price, not only the price for the work being made on the kitchen, the workers working to remodel the whole space, but also the cost of the materials used, while its true that the end result is indeed very satisfying most times, this is not something that you can plan and execute in a very short time, and it is almost impossible for one person to do this by himself, as in many other home improvement tasks. This is a work for the experts and its costs according to the quality and the material being used.

One important feature in any house and any kitchen is the lighting solutions, if you take the time and effort to remake your kitchen make sure you place high importance on the light that is going to light up the space, and if you are lucky enough to live in a pace that has sun most of the year, try and make the most of it and enjoy the natural sunlight in your kitchen.

The light is a huge issue, and this is certainly something that is very much connected to the colors that you choose for you granite kitchen counter top. The color that you pick for your granite counter top is going to have a dramatic effect on all the kitchen and you may find yourself adjusting the whole space to go with the counter top color. This is not a bad thing, but it is important that you are aware o fit, before you start looking for a color, and it is also important to remember that granite counter tops have a very strong presence in the kitchen.

The good news are that there are many different colors to choose from, and that you can create almost any color theme in kitchens these days, and that the cost of all that is not too high when thinking about the overall cost of remodeling a kitchen. If you plan to keep some parts of your old kitchen and integrate the new features into the old, existing ones, you should pay extra attention to the colors and the granite counter top appearance in the room.

I always find that combining all the elements in the kitchen to create a general flow of color and design is the best way to go, if you use this concept while thinking of your new kitchen you could avoid a terrible clash of colors, that is sometimes a real problem that is discovered only once you have finished working on the kitchen and most of the money has been spent.

Granite counter tops can serve you well, in its durable usability and its clean and elegant looks, most people find that designing the space so that the granite counter top will seem like it is integrated into the kitchen makes the space looks complete and constant, which is a superior quality when talking about kitchen design.

About The Author


Daniel Roshard is a interior designer fascinated by garden architecture, he is currently studying garden design and integration of house appliances to the outdoors. Daniel writes tips and advice on Granite use at http://granite.zupatips.com/ /

Getting Kitchen Cabinets of Your Choice

By: Rama Krishna




Have you always wanted your kitchen to look like the ones that you see in interior design magazines?

It is not very difficult to achieve especially if you know how to go about it. With the right amount of planning, you too can have a kitchen that looks and functions equally well.

The first step towards a designer kitchen is kitchen cabinets. Do not look at kitchen cabinets as mere storage spaces.


Today, they deliver a strong statement about your tastes and styles. The best part about them is that they are no longer limited to a few designs and styles.

The sky is the limit when it comes to kitchen cabinets. From high quality wood, fiber and modular ones, several designs and styles are available.

Sorting cabinets

Wooden cabinets can never go out of style no matter what look you choose for your home. The classic rich appeal of a wooden cabinet is irreplaceable. Cherry kitchen cabinets have become extremely popular in the last few years. They are the perfect combination of contemporary looks and modern styling.

One of the main reasons for their popularity is that a cherry cabinet blends with almost all kinds of kitchen and room décor. Apart from cherry, there is maple, red birch or oak to choose from. When it comes to selecting a cabinet, it eventually comes down to pricing and personal choice. The cabinets have to blend with the appliances, the flooring, the countertops etc. Add the pricing factor to this and it becomes easier for you to come down to a few choices.

Discounts

On the other hand, if you are ready to sacrifice slightly on the looks and go for a better price deal, then you can look for unfinished cabinets online.

There are several websites that offer unfinished cabinets for much less than what they are actually worth.

For more information on kitchen cabinets Visit :
http://www.kitchenbathmart.com/



About The Author

Rama Krishna
Professional content writer and having amicable knowledge in composing marketing and information articles on various topics.

Renewable Energy Solutions
Tile Made Easy

When Do I Remodel

The Time to Remodel Your Home is Now
by: ARA Content


(ARA) - Remodeling your home can be a daunting task and devoting quality time to make your house a home can be a challenge any time of the year. If you’ve been thinking of remodeling, now is a great time to freshen your home’s appearance and make it more energy efficient (www.abcseamless.com).

It's a good idea to inspect your home now. As you do this, ask yourself these questions:


Do I have high heating and cooling bills?

Is my current siding rotting, warping, fading or discontinued?

Can I hear outside noise when the windows are closed?

Do I have excessive heat gain in my home from the sun?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be in the market for a home-remodeling job. Knowing where to start can be very important. You might be wondering: Can I do a project like this myself or should I leave it up to the professionals? How much is this going to cost?

Here are some tips from ABC Seamless Siding (www.abcseamless.com) on how to choose a contractor:


Ask for references and visit some of the homes they have remodeled. Ask questions while you are there, too.

Check credentials and find out how long they have been in business. Are they a member of the National Association of Home Builders? Are they up to date with their licensing and insurance?

When it comes time to sign the contract, go over it thoroughly with the contractor and discuss any final questions with them before signing it.
Remember, quality is never cheap and the lowest bid isn’t always the best. It may seem like a headache at first to do research, but it will save time and money in the long run.

Once you’ve chosen a contractor, prioritize your projects.

With the rising costs of heating or cooling your home, the best place to start might be making your home more energy efficient. The U.S. Department of Energy says one-third of a home's air leakage comes from the walls, floors and ceilings.

One of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient is to install seamless steel siding. ABC Seamless, for example, can install its seamless steel siding year-round. Since it has the strength of steel, it is not vulnerable to extreme cold or heat. Vinyl siding expands and contracts greatly with changes in temperature, which limits its installation to certain times of the year.

Each home sided by ABC Seamless is wrapped with a blanket of Energy Star approved insulation before the siding is installed. With the increase in heating and cooling costs, this added insulation can save you money year round. The seamless steel also eliminates ugly seams and is virtually maintenance free.

Home remodeling can be a big project, but if you hire professionals, you can save a lot of time and effort. And an investment in a home-remodeling project now can save you money for years to come.

For more information on ABC Seamless Siding, visit www.abcseamless.com or call (800) 732-6577.

About The Author


Courtesy of ARA Content, http://www.aracontent.com/ ; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

ABC Seamless Steel Siding manufactures seamless log siding and seamless steel gutters on the job site. Based in Fargo, N.D., ABC Seamless Steel Siding has 125 franchises in 38 states.

How To Choose An Interlocking Wood Decking Tile

By: Malcolm D Kay
Interlocking wood decking tiles or patio pavers are rapidly becoming a very popular product for quickly and easily covering drab concrete patios with an attractive solid wood surface. They have the big advantage that you don't need to rip up the old concrete and can simply lay them over the top, without any special surface preparation. And the beauty of these convenient patio pavers is that you don't need to be an expert handyman and you won't need a special set of power tools to install them. They just click together like a jigsaw puzzle. However there is now a increasing number of manufacturers offering such products, so making an informed choice between what's available is becoming more difficult. In this article, we discuss some of the main features of the tiles that you probably should consider before making a final decision on which tile would suit you best in your particular circumstances. Wood species This is probably one of the most important aspects in choosing a decking tile. Ideally you would choose a wood species with the highest natural durability, but there is the colour aspect to consider as well. Wood species can range tremendously in colour, from light straw through chocolate browns to deep orange red colours. But based on durability considerations alone, then one of the most durable and hard wearing species is undoubtedly Ipe wood from South America. Under this there are then a number of other wood species also from South America and a few from Southeast Asia. Rather than listing all the individual species, we suggest that you check the durability and other characteristics from an authoritative web site such as the USDA Forest Service at http://www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/Menu.ssi . Note that some species, although they may be durable in respect of climatic considerations, may still be subject to insect attack such as termites which could be an important consideration in your particular region. Other considerations when choosing the wood species of course are whether the wood has been responsibly harvested or comes from managed forests. Wood thickness Most tiles on the market use wood slats which are approximately 5/8” (15mm) thick. Some manufacturers supply tiles with 3/4" thick slats and others with ½” thick slats. The product you choose to some extent depends on the location where you intend to lay the tiles. For interior situations such as basements, covered patios and other areas not subject to extreme weather conditions, then the ½” thick slats maybe entirely suitable. However in areas with more extreme climatic variation, we would suggest that the thicker wood is a better choice. Plastic base composition Plastic tile bases may be made of many combinations of plastic including polypropylene, polyethylene or other plastic materials. Whilst different manufacturers have their particular reason for choosing a specific plastic compound, the main considerations you should be aware of are the brittleness of the plastic, the low temperature characteristics (if you happen to live in a very cold area), and the UV stability of the plastic used. The latter point is extremely important as unless a plastic product used in exterior conditions contains a UV stabiliser, it can degrade very quickly. Interlocking mechanism Broadly speaking, there are only two types of interlocking mechanism used on decking tiles currently in the marketplace. Firstly there is the type that has female connectors on two sides and male connectors on the other two sides. Generally speaking, the female connectors are a series of loops which mesh with the pins on the other two sides. The other type of locking mechanism is completely symmetrical so that any side of any tile will lock with any side of any other tile such as SwiftDeck tiles from http://www.swiftdeck.com/. The disadvantage of the loop and pin style is firstly that it requires a bit more thought in laying the tiles as you must effectively only start in one corner of the area to be covered and keep on moving from that corner. It is difficult to install or remove one of these type of tiles in a central area without disrupting at least three of the tiles around it. The other problem is that on the outer edge of final row you will have one tile with loops on the edge and the next tile with pins on the edge. There are also tiles on the market which are effectively one way connectors. Once you click the tiles into position, you cannot easily lift them up again. Whilst this may not be a disadvantage if you have no intention of changing the tiles at any time, it does limit your options if you intend to move your home or if you wish to change the design of the deck. The other problem with the loop and pin design is that if the manufacturer provides an option of clip-on transition strips, then you need two types of these - one which will connect with the pins, and one which will connect with the loops. And similarly if corner transition pieces are supplied as an option, then you also need two types of these as well. Availability of different designs Some manufacturers only supply one design of deck tile, generally with four slats of wood running in the same direction. Sometimes there is an option of a five or six slat tile. With other manufacturers you may have an option of more than one design. The advantage of this is that you can then mix and match the different designs to make attractive borders, centrepieces etc. Optional accessories If you are using the tiles to cover an existing concrete patio, you would probably have at least one open side. Thus on the final row tiles, you would be able to see the plastic base and the connecting pins unless they are hidden somehow. Some manufacturers therefore provide clip-on transition strips which also have the advantage of reducing the danger of shipping on the outer row of tiles. Corner transition strips are also normally available from such suppliers for the external corners. This covers the main design and material factors that you should consider when choosing a wood decking tile / patio paver. Of course as well as the above factors you would probably also want to take into consideration the price of the tile, the warranty being offered, any trial period being offered, the after sales service, return policy etc
About The Author
Malcolm Kay is the CEO of HandyDeck Systems Inc. a supplier of DIY exterior home improvement products including interlocking wood patio pavers. For more information see http://www.swiftdeck.com/.

Survival Tips When Remodeling

10 Building or Home Renovation Survival Tips
By: Joe Ovidi




Building or the renovation of an existing home can be an extremely stressful experience.

So here are 10 quick tips to make the whole process easier

1. Think of the project as a new diet.

Who doesn't want to lose at least 2 kilos? This is one way to do it. Between running to stores all day and evening long, meeting with contractors, inspecting the work, searching the Sydney metro area for the perfect light fixture, who has time to eat? Provided you don't sabotage this new, unorthodox diet plan, with McDonalds drive through, you're good for losing two kilos. If you are a masochistic type who does some of the work yourself - whether it be painting, laying tile, landscaping the yard - you can count on another five to ten kilogrammes of weight loss. Just think, you may be miserable, frustrated, exhausted, nd down right cynical about the good of the humankind, but your jeans will fit nicely!

2. Write cheques as aerobic exercise.

These workouts are great for toning the wrist and fingers. Usually done in hectic spurts as you race out the door in the morning while the contractors are breathing down your neck and your kids are beating each other with the lunch boxes you just prepared, the stress and frantic activity are sure to raise your heartbeat for a good hour. Grumbling under your breath that the plumber, electrician, or you name it, isn't really worth this much money adds greater intensity and calorie burn to this little publicized exercise regime.

3. Save money through shopping burnout.

Yes, even the most die-hard shopper will come to dread setting foot in any store. This affliction starts innocently enough as you go to look for light fixtures. How hard can it be? Hard! Either the light you want is being shipped from Europe and won't arrive until your youngest child buys his own home, or you just can't find the one you want. You'll shop every lighting and electrical store you know. You'll search Home Depot. You'll haunt hardware stores. And then there's plumbing fixtures. Sink centers, tap handles, finishes, special orders. What's all that about? And the cost. You'd think you were outfitting the palace for a former third world dictator. Of course, there's carpet, tile, hardwood, stairs, and windows. Enough already. And you thought it was a pain picking mints and sweet table treats for your wedding!

After your 1000th trip to Bunnings (or Mitre 10 or whatever), in addition to all the other trips you've made for items that shouldn't count as shopping (toilet seats, for example), you've had it. Your friends won't be able to bribe you to check out the latest sale at Grace Bros. You'll think it will be better when you can pick out "fun" things like paint, wall paper, curtains, fabric, furniture - but don't bet on it. At this point, the pressure to make your home look like something other than an empty rat maze will counteract any joy in shopping. Spending this much money has never been such a miserable experience. As a result, when your home becomes half-way presentable, you'll refuse to shop again - even for groceries - for at least six months. The money you save during this shopping hiatus will be sufficient for you to resume this previously pleasurable past time once more without guilt.

4. Impress your friends with obscure facts.

Only someone that has built or remodeled their home can explain the fluid dynamics of a proper toilet water swirl. Or cite the Australian Building Code that calls for no more than 150mm between electrical outlets. Or brag that triple glazed windows are really the wave of the future for light emitting device technology. See what I mean?

5. Pride yourself on your new creative skills.

You'll discover a creative side that you never knew existed. Like how to wash dishes in the bath. And how to make a full course meal for a family of four using nothing more than a toaster and hot plate. Or how to fit an entire family in a house smaller than your first flat. They say that necessity is the mother of invention. That's probably true, but I also think that the only thing that separates modern and pioneer life is just one kitchen or bath remodeling project.

6. Yell at someone other than your kids - and not feel guilty.

Honestly, as a modern man trying to juggle the running of our homes, possibly a job, and the future Olympic soccer aspirations of our children, you have the primal need to yell. At someone. Anyone. Often our spouse and children suffer from this need of ours to release pent up negative energy generated from nothing more than some miniature human leaving smelly gym shoes on the kitchen table. (Ok, that probably deserves a bit of yelling - we eat at this table!) But when you remodel your house, you have a whole cast of characters - and believe me, they're characters - that often deserve a good scream from time to time. Like when they tell you that they tore out the fireplace because they didn't think it looked right. Or when they show you a mistake made three weeks ago that now requires half the house to be torn down in order to fix. Yelling isn't immature or a result of too many steroids, it's therapy.

7. Throw out all of your junk that you have gathered over the years. You know what I mean, all the space grabbers like the old wardrobes, execise eqipment gathering dust in your garage, clothes that haven't been worn for over two years. You'll be surprised at the reclaimed space that suddenly is available.

8. Grow closer to your family through forced bathroom sharing.

The saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Perhaps that wise pundit had to share a closet sized bathroom with three kids and a spouse. In reality, there's no greater way to create intimacy in a family than by all trying to get ready for the morning in the same tiny space. You'll learn new exciting things about your children - like toilet paper is purely optional for little boys. You'll discover that there is no bond quite like the one created when the entire family brushes their teeth together over the same sink. You'll realize why the older generation of your relatives only washed their hair once a week instead of facing communal bathroom time. But most importantly, you'll no longer need to yell at your kids to hurry up for school - they're standing right next to you.

9. Earn free flights from all of your purchases.

In what is admittedly (and somewhat sheepishly) the only practical survival tip on this list, get a Fly Buys credit card. Charge everything on it - lights, plumbing fixtures, windows, doors, lumber, carpet. The windows alone can get you close to one free trip. Whether you decide to share your miles with anyone else in the family or to escape on your own to a world of quiet solitude and, preferably, an open bar, is entirely up to you.

10. Hire some good looking female contractors and feel like you're 18 years old again. Who says Hooters are restricted to bars?

Finally, remember, the end result of your new house will be worth the aggravation of the process. Plus, think of all the good stories you can tell!



About The Author

Joe Ovidi is a veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects. Joe has been in the building and termite prevention game for over 20 years and has been involved in the entire spectrum of home improvement. He shares his home renovation tips, home building ideas, and other various topics.

You can contact at http://www.home-builder.com.au/

Remodeling Your Bathroom

Bathroom Remodeling Don’ts - What Not To Do
By: Frank Johnson




Bathroom remodeling takes time, careful planning, and precise execution. The objective of a bathroom remodel is to upgrade the appearance of your bathroom with the latest bathroom fixtures, designs, and styles. However, bathroom remodeling can be a bit overwhelming. Even if you don’t install your new fixtures and furnishings yourself, simply selecting that perfect bathroom vanity, sink, and mirror can be more complicate than you think, especially if you’ve never remodeled a bathroom before.

Below are a few tips on what NOT to do when remodeling your bathroom. Use these tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure that the look you intend for your bathroom is actually what turns out.

Bathroom Remodeling Tip #1: Don’t Wing It

Some people think that remodeling a bathroom is a piece of cake and simply involves swapping out an old sink or vanity with a new one; however, because the bathroom involves plumbing, you need to carefully plan out your remodel. You need to make sure the new fixtures you select fit the space and the plumbing of your bathroom, or at least understand that rearranging the layout of your bathroom may involve rerouting some pipes (which is an arduous task). So, before you even think about the new vanity or sink you want to buy, establish the basic layout of your new bathroom. If the layout is staying the same, take note of the plumbing layout and keep that in mind when you’re shopping for a new sink, toilet, or vanity. If you’re rearranging a few items, draw out how you want your bathroom to look, measure everything to make sure your vision is realistic, and then see if you need to reroute any plumbing. In some cases, you won’t know if your new bathroom layout will call for new plumbing to be installed, so call a plumber and get his/her professional opinion. After you’ve mapped everything out and established the basic layout of your new bathroom design, then you can start shopping for your new lavish bathroom furnishings.

Bathroom Remodeling Tip #2: Don’t Buy the First Thing You See

The key to successfully remodeling your bathroom is to shop around. You never want to buy the first thing you find. If you’re not already set on a specific vanity or sink design, go online and check out the latest bathroom furnishings. This way, you’ll get a better idea of the number of different styles available without having to leave your home. Shopping around will also give you the opportunity to comparison shop. Today, modern bathroom furnishings are more available and affordable than ever before. Thanks to wholesalers who purchase bathroom furnishings in bulk, you can get that elegant vessel sink you’ve always wanted at a price that won’t bust your remodeling budget. Before you buy, you better shop around.

Bathroom Remodeling Tip #3: If Don’t Know, Don’t Install It Yourself

Getting a new toilet is a different experience from getting a new bed. With a bed, you pay the extra $50 to get it delivered and put in your home. However, with a toilet, getting it delivered and put in your home is only the beginning. Bathroom remodeling almost always involves plumbing work. Even if you aren’t rerouting pipes or drainage systems, installing new bathroom fixtures (such as a toilet, sink, and faucet) takes a little plumbing know-how. However, not all of us are as “handy” as we would like to be. And when you’re dealing with running water, it’s important to know how to properly uninstall and install bathroom fixtures. So, if you’re a novice at plumbing, call a professional. Many bathroom remodeling shops offer installation with the purchase of their products (for an added fee) or know of plumbers in your area who can install your new bathroom fixtures for you. Either way, if you’ve never installed a toilet, sink, or faucet, or had a bad previous experience with plumbing, it’s worth the money to have your new bathroom furnishings installed right.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, it’s very important to plan out your new layout, shop around, and install your new bathroom furnishings properly. Failing to do so could cost you more money in the long run and result in a less-than-perfect remodel.


About The Author

Modern Bathroom offers the latest bathroom furnishings and fixtures at discount prices. From contemporary bathroom sinks to modern bathroom vanities, you’ll find the bathroom furnishings you need for less at http://www.modernbathroom.com/