House Design News

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• Is it Time for Septic Pumping?
• How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Needs
• Stop Your Home From Falling Into Decay With These 4 Tips
• Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D’Introno
• The most efficient ways to save energy in your home
• 6 Amazing Ways You Can Transform A Spare Room Into Something Special
• 4 Popular Types of Baths for Your Home

Is it Time for Septic Pumping? Posted: 15 Nov 2013 04:07 PM PST Your septic system is one of the most important (yet overlooked) utilities in your home. It is constantly working to treat and dispose of your household water waste, so it is important to maintain your system. A vital part of system maintenance is making sure your septic tank is not full. When your household water leaves your home for treatment, the first place it stops during the treatment process is the septic tank. Your septic tank must be properly maintained to work correctly. Many modern tanks come equipped with alarms and other technology to alert you when they are full. However, older standard models do not provide this luxury. Consider these tips to help keep your septic tank in top shape. Wet or Soggy Areas Around Your Leach Fields A leach field, also referred as a drain field, removes contaminants from the water waste that emerges from the septic tank. Often, you will experience soggy or wet areas around your leach field when it becomes clogged from backed-up sludge or other waste. This back-up prevents the water waste from moving through the soil like it should. This eventually creates soggy puddles, which is hazardous to your health and the environment. Backed-up Toilets A slow-running or backed-up toilet is often a sign that your septic tank needs pumping. But before you make this assumption, try to unclog it. If you can’t unclog it, then chances are your tank needs pumping. Bad Odor One of the first signs that your septic tank needs pumping is a bad smell inside or outside of your home. This odor can smell like rotten eggs or raw sewage. Check to make certain there aren’t any broken lines. It is easy to mistake a break in the drain field for a full septic tank. If there aren’t any issues with the lines, but the smell is strong, there is a good chance that it is time to pump your tank. It’s Time for Tank Maintenance Regular maintenance is important for the health of your septic tank even if your tank is functioning well and shows no signs of issues. If you have not had your tank pumped in three to five years, then it’s time to consider maintenance. How often you will need to perform this maintenance greatly depends on the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, and the amount of solid build up. If you are unsure of the frequency, check your yearly rate of solid accumulation. If the sludge layer in your tank has reached 25 to 35 percent of the liquid capacity, then the tank needs pumping. There is also an estimated septic tank frequency chart that gives homeowners an idea of when a tank needs cleaning. For example, a 500-gallon tank with a household size of four should be cleaned every year. It is important to clean your septic tank periodically to prevent waste from accumulating. How often it needs cleaning depends on many factors, such as how many people are using the system and its size. While it is recommended that system tanks may only need cleaning once every three to five years, keep an eye out for the signs of a full tank. This article was written by Jared Miret, father and home handyman. He knows first-hand about septic, plastic tanks, plumbing and all things DIY and home improvement. He is happy to share his knowledge with you to shave your family time and money.

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Needs Posted: 15 Nov 2013 03:37 PM PST If you’re in the process of choosing siding for your home, you probably realize how daunting the task really is. There’s lots to consider with this type of home improvement project, from cost to colors and beyond. Will you do the siding yourself or will you hire a professional to get it done? Will you go with the standard siding style or something fancier such as shingles or scallops? Your decision will be based in large part on your budget, but the style of your home or business, and your location also play a big role. Factors to Consider When Choosing Siding With so many factors playing into your siding decision, it’s a wonder how anyone gets this job done! But once you know the basics, and arm yourself with the proper knowledge, you’ll be a pro at siding options in no time. Better Homes and Gardens advises considering six basic issues when it comes to siding: Water Resistance The first thing issue to consider is water resistance. Choosing a siding material that is resistant to water will last longer and stretch your home’s value as a result. Installation Next up is ease of installation. If you’re a DIY’er and want to tackle this project on your own or with some buddies, make sure you choose siding that gels with your skill set and requires only basic tools. Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is another important factor. BHG recommends checking the R-value rating to take full advantage of energy savings. Check into what you will need for insulation as well. Aesthetics It should go without saying, but make sure aesthetics is at the top of your list too. You’ll be looking at your home as you come and go for many, many years so make sure you absolutely love the color, style, and corresponding enhancements such as shutters and trim. Even if you plan to move after rehabbing the home, you’ll need to choose a style and color that complements the home and surrounding neighborhood, and that would appeal to potential home buyers. Versatility and Durability of the Materials Keep versatility of the materials you’ll be using in mind. Is a particular style too complicated for you to handle? Does a particular siding type present an added challenge over others? Be sure to assess what adjustments or added expenses you’ll need to tack on if so. Durability is another thing to consider. Not only do you need to make sure the siding type you settle on is able to resist extreme temperatures common to your area, you also should be certain it will stand up to normal wear and tear. Do Your Homework If you’re just starting out on your siding journey, you’ll need to do your due diligence first. Consulting trusted resources like Consumer Reports is a wise idea. There you can find unbiased reviews on not only types of siding but also specific companies in your area. Consumer Reports can provide you with buying advice as well as unbiased ratings and siding reviews to help you choose the best method. If you plan on hiring a professional sider, check out reviews on the company and ensure he or she has the proper licenses and insurance in your state. Meet with several companies first before you make a decision to assess a good fit. This article was written by Jared Miret, husband and home handyman. His is happy to share his knowledge and skills with you. He urges you to consider the environmental benefits of metal paneling during your search for siding for your business.

Stop Your Home From Falling Into Decay With These 4 Tips Posted: 15 Nov 2013 11:34 AM PST If you ever want to sell your home you’ll want to make sure people get a great first impression as they walk up from the curb. The problem with that is that it normally costs a pretty penny to get your house a new face lift. A few simple maintenance routines will greatly improve your house’s looks and you’ll feel proud every time you come home. Lets take a look at four tips to stop your home from falling into decay… Paint Painting the exterior makes the house look cheerier, cleaner, and newer. It protects the house from wind, sun and rain and preserves the surface. A good paint job should last fifteen years. Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to keep your house from looking rundown. In addition, you can check on the condition of the windowsills and trim at the same time and should consider replacing those as well. Roof Cleaning and Repair The roof is one of the most visible parts of the house. Keeping it clean and in good repair is vital to the health and safety of your home as well as to its good looks. Don’t put off repairs. If the repair is a matter of a few shingles, you may do it yourself or, if there seems to be a bit more damage, call on roof repair in Houston for estimates. While you’re at it, clean the gutters, and replace broken lengths of gutters and downspouts. You don’t want water damage to the rest of the house as that is the precursor to mold and decay. Front Entrance If fixing the roof is the most vital repair then sprucing up the entry is the one that adds the most charm. A coat of paint in a new color gives the front door added appeal. Check to see if the steps or walkway have cracks or crumbling surfaces. Do spot repairs, then give the surface an overall protective coat. You can also replace worn out hardware. Improved details will update the whole look. Make sure the porch lights work and all the glass is clean and intact. Lawn and Boarders Lawn upkeep is important to the status of the house. Clutter, whether it’s toys, unfinished projects or leftover building materials, makes the house look like it’s falling into decay. Make a point of gathering up the extra equipment in your yard regularly. Keep the lawn mowed and watered. Trim the hedges. If your property has a perimeter fence, keep it in good condition. Replace missing pieces promptly, and maintain the upkeep of the surface. Keeping the house in good condition goes a long way and pays off in the end, no matter what you decide to do for the future. You’ll have a beautiful home to keep and to show.

Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D’Introno Posted: 15 Nov 2013 11:34 AM PST Antonieta D'Introno is an interior designer located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Here are some her interior design collections. Please visit Antonieta D'Introno site for further detail. Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno Interior Design Idea by Antonieta D'Introno

The most efficient ways to save energy in your home Posted: 15 Nov 2013 04:43 AM PST As the population of this beautiful blue planet is getting closer to the number of 7 billion people, we have to start rethinking and reshaping the organization of the world we live in. The Earth can handle even more inhabitants, but only if it is nurtured with care and taken care of. That has not been the case over the last few centuries. With the industrial revolution and the development of machines and different technologies, we started polluting our home and we have not stopped doing that since then. When the world population was half of today's population, it was not so obvious that we were cutting the branch we were sitting on. However, nowadays it is clear to everyone who wants to see that we must change our attitude towards the place that gives us life and everything nice that goes with it. Because of that, the new home strategy revolves around the simple premise of ecology, just like the Earth does around the Sun, giving us enough energy and conditions to survive and live here. This premise of ecology and eco-friendly homes relies on the fact that energy cannot be produced out of nothing, neither it can be completely destroyed or lost. The feature of energy that it endlessly transforms and changes shapes enables us, its users and spenders, to produce it on our own and utilize all its shapes. 1. Start from small investments Apart from the global need for preservation of energy, there are also some personal advantages of such a handling. If your make your home well-insulated with new windows and doors, you will not waste that much warmth in the days of cold and that will be visible on your monthly home budget. Although the initial investment requires a little bit more money at once, its effects are long-lasting and it will start paying off in a couple of years' time. 2. Long-term investments that will surely pay-off Beside the insulation process, you should think about some further steps for saving energy. Solar panels are an utterly useful device if you want to save energy, warm up your home and become ecologically friendly. They are a more practical solution if you own a house. The panels can be installed on the roof and the complete bathroom water heating process can be done by them. In financial terms, the same goes for them as for insulation – it is a larger amount of money at the beginning of the story, but later savings are significant. Also, there come periods when the local authorities or even the state government give subsidies for energy-saving projects, which usually lead either to discounts or lower interest rates on loans for solar panels. 3. Little steps mean a lot Now that your home is insulated and solar panels heat up your bathroom water, you can do some other things. If your vacuum cleaner has a lot of power and it is almost at the death bed, opt for one with less Watts, but with a shorter and narrower suck-up tube. Namely, vacuum cleaners with shorter tubes waste less energy and they are more efficient than the old ones. Also, the washing machine can also be a great saver. Although people mostly like to buy a spectacularly well-equipped high-tech washing machine, try to choose ones that are eco-friendly and always fill them up with clothes. If they are half-empty, they waste more energy and that way you only have higher expenses. When it comes to homes and energy-saving strategies, we have to get educated about some new and practical methods on how to save energy. This planet and its energy can help us in making life easier and cosier but first we must help it stand on its feet once again. Author Sophie Andersen is an architect, currently working on modern home solutions. Love nature and always give her best to promote eco-friendly living.

6 Amazing Ways You Can Transform A Spare Room Into Something Special Posted: 14 Nov 2013 11:40 PM PST Do you have any rooms inside your home that you do nothing with? Lots of people usually have one that they go into a few times per week. It maybe gets used as storage space and nothing else. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can ever make because you’re throwing away a chance to make your life better. Do you have any idea how much people wish they had a spare room to do something amazing with? It’s probably more than you can ever imagine and they’d be cursing you if they knew you were wasting a whole room. Why don’t you do something amazing with it? The reason I said you were throwing away a chance to make your life better is because you can turn the room into anything your heart desires. It’s your home and it means you can do whatever you want with it. The only thing stopping you from turning it into something amazing is your imagination. If you don’t believe me then let’s look at some of the things that are possible. You could choose to use one of these ideas or you could come up with your own, but you must do something. Your very own gym If you want to start turning your life around in the health department your very own gym is going to be perfect. You can crawl down the stairs and soon as you get out of bed in the morning and you don’t even need to get dressed before you start exercising. Most people don’t have the motivation to go to the gym because they are preoccupied with other things, but having a gym inside your home means you have no excuses. If your room is big enough you will have room for any piece of equipment you need. A games room If you want to bring a bit of excitement back into your life then having your own games room will be great. Instead of hogging the television to play your computer games you can take yourself into a separate room. It doesn’t just have to be for the computer and there will be enough room for a pool table or ping pong table too. Maybe you can even get one of those old arcade machines to add a touch of style to the room. All your games will be perfect for the children too. A relaxing study A lot of people prefer to read books rather than watch television and if you fall into this category I bet you would kill for your very own private study. You could line the walls with lots of bookshelves so it resembled a library. This wouldn’t look great if you didn’t have books to fill the spaces, but if you did it would be perfect. All you would need is the most comfortable chair you could find and you would probably end up spending all your time in there. An office space It’s not uncommon for people to work from home now and some of them still refuse to build a home office . You can’t expect to be great at your job if you sit in the middle of the living room every day. Privacy is underrated and your productivity would increase. It’s something you wouldn’t regret, but you might not be able to appreciate this until you can sit down and get to work in your own space. Even if you don’t work from home it’s still great to have an office if you enjoy writing books because you’ll feel more professional. A crèche for the kids You can’t go away and turn your spare room into somewhere special without at least considering doing something for the kids. If they had their own crèche they would have the greatest childhood ever. It would also be a lot easier on you because you wouldn’t need to keep them entertained all the time. Do they have anywhere inside the house they can play at the moment? If they’re stuck playing inside their bedroom or making your living room a mess, build them a crèche. A private cinema Nothing beats going to the cinema to watch a movie because you get to watch it on a gigantic screen. Sitting and watching one in your living room is OK, but if you had your own private cinema  it would be even better. The screen might not be as big as one you’d get at a proper cinema, but because you’d be sitting so close to the screen it would still feel amazing. At least now you can watch any movie you like and you’re not restricted to brand new ones. Leslie Kramer, the author of this post, is a freelance blogger who often writes for Habitat1, a leading  interior design and construction company. Leslie likes to bake and read in her free time.

4 Popular Types of Baths for Your Home Posted: 14 Nov 2013 11:34 PM PST Choosing a new bath for your home is a big decision. There are literally hundreds of types of baths out there for all types of styles and budgets, and often the only way to know which is the right bath for your bathroom is to go through a wide range of styles to find something that stands out to you. If you are just getting started with the process of choosing a new bath, here are four of the most interesting styles that will help you to create a stylish and unique atmosphere in your bathroom. 1. Roll-Top Baths Roll-top baths are one of the most attractive styles of bath if you are after something really stylish. They are called roll-tops because they have curved edges, which provide a classy appearance and make them particularly comfortable after a long, hard day. Roll-top baths are often free standing, and this makes them even more attractive. Place yours in the centre of the room and you can design your entire bathroom around it, using the bath as the centrepiece. One of the issues to consider is the taps. Some of the most stylish designs make use of free-standing pipes, but you could also mount the taps on the wall next to the bath. Some baths even have a special area on the top where the taps can be placed. 2. Corner Baths Corner baths look fantastic and can help you to make more use of the space in your bathroom, which is especially useful if the space is limited. Corner baths come in all sorts of styles, including standard rectangular baths as well as baths with curved edges like a semicircle. If you want to keep your bath tub out of the way, but still want it to be a stylish feature of your bathroom, these could be a fantastic option. 3. Stone Baths Stone baths don't come cheap, but they will last you a lifetime. On top of that, there is nothing quite like lying back and relaxing in a natural stone bath – it really is the height of luxury. Stone is always classy, and a stone bath can look particularly good in your home if you have other stone fittings in your bathroom like a sink. Stone baths tend to be freestanding, which is another element that makes them even more stylish. 4. Whirlpool Baths If it's luxury you're after, you cannot go much better than opting for a whirlpool bath. Whereas standard baths are great for relaxing in warm water and chilling out, whirlpool baths go one further and provide a whole system of powerful jets to relax and massage your body as you soak. A whirlpool bath is like enjoying your own private spa treatment every day. They come in a wide range of styles, and some of the best come with showers included. Choose Your Perfect Bath With so much choice on the market, choosing a new bath is never easy. However, start by looking at some of the above models if you are serious about finding something stylish and classy for your bathroom because you can't go far wrong with any of these. Author Bio: Alice Clarke works for Better Bathrooms and writes widely on the topic of baths and other bathroom fittings. If you want to explore a wide range of stylish baths and other fittings you can find more information here.

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