remodel / restore

• Caesar Stone Quartz Countertops: Customized Countertops For Your Kitchen Space

  
  

  Note: this is a partnered post and consideration was received for its publication.

  A kitchen is a place where all the action happens. Countertops definitely see a lot of action in the kitchen space. Because of this specific reason, they should be properly maintained, cleaned and protected. Just like any other surface, these high traffic areas should be cleaned in a proper way depending on the kind of material you have used. Keep reading this post to learn about Caesarstone’s quartz countertops.

  Granite & Quartz: What’s The Speciality?

  A quartz granite countertop is a very popular choice among people who love the appearance of granite but are a little worried about the stones short falls. In simple words, granite is a porous natural stone which can quickly absorb liquids; it can easily soak up any kind of cooking oils and the best thing is that it can be easily etched by acids which are found in any household items i.e. hairspray.

  The reason why Caesarstone quartz countertops have gained popularity among the modern homeowners is because they are not affected by any of the hazards. When it comes to the colour or pattern of granite, it is something very unpredictable, and this sometimes will make things a little difficult for you as you won’t be able to make the right choice. They are even in their colour, pattern and texture.

  Top Benefits Of Quartz Kitchen Countertops

  One of the major benefits of quartz kitchen countertops is that they have some of the best qualities of natural stone i.e. when it comes to the durability and appearance of the countertops. The best thing is that they don’t have any as such cons and you can also get it at a very affordable price if you buy it from a reputed online store.

  Of course, you must be very well aware of the fact that they are man-made. The process of manufacturing usually involves raw quartz crystals which is one of the hardest substances available in the market. After it has been selected and the ground procedure is done, it’s the resin and crystals which are combined together along with resin and different colours.

  Once they all are mixed together, all the components are then heated and then they are vibro-compacted which creates an impenetrable surface. It’s around 95% quartz components which are used in the manufacturing process of quartz countertops or it won’t be durable. The final product is non-porous, strong and has excellent durability in comparison to granite.

  Colours: What Options Do You Have?

  If you have decided to choose engineered quartz countertops, you will be happy to know that they are available in a huge range of colours that cannot be easily found because dye is combined with crushed stone. They are very versatile and appealing. It is the appearance of the countertops which can dazzle the eyes.

  The installation process of Caesarstone’s quartz countertops is definitely a do-it-yourself project. It is advisable to hire a professional who can carry out the task for you. You should do a complete background check of the professional before hiring them for the task.

• Asilomar restored!

  

  

  Celebrated as Monterey Peninsula's "Refuge by the Sea," Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds has been restored to its former glory. Preservation architecture firm, Page & Turnbull, played an important role in the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall and the Mary Ann Crocker Dining Hall. 

  Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall

  In this building, Page & Turnbull removed alterations that were not agreeable to the original design and restored the configuration of spaces in the building to be as close as possible to Morgan’s original layout, while improving its functionality. Restoring the Registration Area and rebuilding the hall’s historic Tearoom returned a sense of harmony and order to the Social Hall. In replacing the non-original existing flooring in the Social Hall, the size and grain pattern were matched to the original oak strip floors. Highlighting the ceiling structure and illuminating the room’s beautiful redwood trusses are replicas of the original wall sconces and historical chandeliers produced with a lighting manufacturer. Stains and varnishes were tested on the new redwood boards in the walls and, where possible, many of the existing boards were reused and salvaged. 

  Crocker Dining Hall

  In this building, a visual connection was created between the historic dining hall and the servery, and the building’s commercial kitchen was completely renovated. 

  Asilomar Background

  The Pacific Grove retreat was originally designed by Julia Morgan, the first female architect to be licensed in the State of California. The grounds were founded by the YWCA as a young women’s leadership summer camp in 1913 and has been part of the California State Parks system since 1956. A National Historical Landmark, the 100-year-old site features the largest collection of buildings designed by architect Julia Morgan, who embraced the Arts and Crafts Movement. 

  You can learn more and book a room at Asilomar online.

• How Underfloor Heating Can Save You Money

  

  Note: this is a partnered post and consideration was received for its publication. Creative Commons-licensed photograph by Martin Pettitt.

  Underfloor heating provides a high spec and luxury alternative to the traditional radiator system that many households use, and its benefits are well-known throughout the industry. However, the installation of underfloor heaters equates to more than just an aesthetically pleasing finish, in fact an underfloor system could just work wonders for your bank balance too!

  Check out our essential guide to how an underfloor heating system can save you money, and even make you money in the long run, especially during the cooler months when energy costs tend to spiral out of control.

  Heat your home efficiently all year round

  In comparison to radiators, an underfloor system is a much more efficient and effective way of heating your home, whether you are looking for a consistent temperature throughout your property during the warmer months or want to maintain a warm and cosy environment during Autumn and Winter.

  Radiators operate by rapidly heating surrounding areas, however, as heat rises, the warmth is slowly distributed throughout the wider room, which can cause cold spots and inconsistent temperatures. Larger rooms in particular are more difficult to heat using a radiator system, especially if the room is not sufficiently insulated and energy is lost through walls, doors and windows. The installation of underfloor heating ensures heat is distributed evenly throughout the room so you can turn down your thermostat, cut your carbon footprint, save money on your energy bills and enjoy a constant and comfortable temperature throughout your home.

  Increase your home’s value

  According to a recent study conducted by Nationwide Building Society, inefficient central heating is a major issue for buyers and can actually decrease a home’s value by around 9%. The installation of underfloor heating is becoming an increasingly popular feature on the average buyer’s most wanted list and is an excellent selling point if you are looking to sell your home in the near future.

  Teamed with good quality insulation, the luxury that consistent temperatures offer and the prospect of lower energy bills can in fact push your resale value up and ensure you get the best possible price for your home. Whilst underfloor heating can be an expensive addition, this eco-friendly home improvement is certain to pay dividends when you put your home on the property market.

  The ultimate energy saver

  As we’ve mentioned the use of radiator-based central heating systems can result in rooms taking much longer to warm up and lead you to cranking up the temperature on your thermostat to create the warm home environment you are looking for.

  Radiators require water to be heated to at least 70˚C, whilst an underfloor system is heated to between 30˚C to 50˚C. The large surface area covered by underfloor heating and consistently low operating temperatures ensure you, your household and your purse strings benefit from lower and more manageable heating bills. The installation of underfloor heating can actually reduce your heating bills by up to 30%, offering the ultimate energy and money saving solution for properties of all shapes and sizes.

• Things You Have to Know About Demolition

  infographic courtesy of DuroVac – OSHA compliant vacuum

  There is absolutely no way to deny the fact that demolition is exciting and a really fast part of the construction places. The home can be removed entirely even in 2 days when working with a professional and in thorough remodeling jobs, everything will usually last for around 7 days.

  While demolition is usually messy and fast, it is something that is a lot more complicated than what many think at first glance. You cannot simply put some explosives and expect the building to come down properly. You need a strategy or you would end up with so many different problems.

  In order to help you make a correct decision, let us share some things that need to be known about all demolitions.

  1. Never Do It Alone!

  While many of the home remodeling jobs can be done alone, whenever referring to a demolition, it is something that you should never try alone. It would be as if going into a heart surgery and playing the doctor. You need the help of experienced professionals that would keep the entire process safe. Most people do not know anything about demolitions so it should come as no surprise that help is necessary.

  2. Always Get The Permits

  Even if you just plan to demolish one wall in your home, obtain the permits that are necessary. Neighbors will surely notice that there is a part of the house missing and if you end up inspected by a building inspector, you can even end up in jail. Permits show when it is safe to do some demolitions so you have to be careful.

  3. Talk With The Neighbors Before The Demolition

  Everyone in the neighborhood should know when you plan something like this. A lot of noise will be heard and the mess will most likely be disturbing for a few days. You do need patience and understanding from the neighbors.

  4. Never Live In The Home During Demolition

  It is quite surprising to see that some people actually do this. Make sure that you have a place to live in during the demolitions. A lot of dust will be present and this can definitely be hazardous and dangerous for your health.

  5. Asbestos Removal – Be Extremely Cautious

  Nothing ends up shutting down projects like asbestos related violations. You need to do your homework. Make sure that you understand the many different regulations that need to be respected. You need to go through removal inspection and it is vital that you obtain extra security permits.

  One way to go around the difficulties is to basically hire a company that is specialized in asbestos removal. They will know everything that needs to be done.

  6. Always Consider What Demolition Workers Tell You

  Let’s face it! You do not know everything about demolition. The person that you call, at least for inspection purposes, will tell you some things. Make sure that you listen. You might receive some helpful pointers that you never actually knew anything about.

  And if you’re anywhere near London, whether clearing waste yourself or cleaning up after a large demo project, you’ll need a reliable skip hire, such as Mackers Skip Hire in Essex, who have done this sort of thing for many years.

  article written for Hewn And Hammered by Focus Demolition, professionals in safe demolition work and asbestos removal • partnered post

• 3 Home Improvements that Appeal to Modern-Day Buyers

  infographic content provided by RentSimple – property management resources

  Given the wide variety of home upgrades available today, house hunters are even pickier about what they are looking for in a potential home. Without the proper fittings, a standard home can get lost among those with voice-activated garage doors and state-of-the-art wine cellars. A Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate study found that 77 percent of young to middle-age homebuyers expect properties to reflect the technologies and upgrades seen in mass media.

  In order to keep up with high expectations, consider these three home upgrades to attract home shoppers in the ever-growing real estate market.

  Home Office
  

  It seems as though more entrepreneurs, web developers and professional bloggers are entering the workforce each day. Sellers who implement organizational tools and work-related technologies – like charging stations for electronics – into their homes help professionals envision living and working in the space. Consider converting unused square footage into a home office with built-in shelving, a new desk with ample storage and décor to inspire creativity and productivity.

  According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value 2013 Report, a home office remodel typically costs around $27,292. While expensive, the potential return on the investment is $11,911. Homeowners concerned about taking away a spare bedroom and potentially reducing the number of interested parties should install temporary home office essentials such as a lightweight desk and rolling chair. This way, the room can be transitioned back into an extra bedroom to suit the needs of future homeowners.

  Hardwood Floors
  

  Wall-to-wall carpeting was popular decades ago because of its heating qualities and comfortable design. However, today’s homebuyers aren’t interested in purchasing a home with used carpet. Plus, hardwood floors are much more aesthetically pleasing as a modern design trend. If a home has carpeting, it may be worth investigating the material underneath. With refinishing, the original hardwood floors can look as good as new. However, homes built in the latter half of the 20th century may not have hardwood floors underneath, making this project slightly more labor-intensive for homeowners. Pre-finished wood floors cost $8-12 per square foot after installation. The National Wood Flooring Association conducted a national survey amongst real estate agents and 90 percent of those agents stated homes with wood floors sold faster. Regardless of refinishing flooring or fitting brand new planks, sleek and modern hardwood floors impress house hunters.

  

  Technology-Equipped Rooms

  Media rooms have been popular in the housing market for more than a decade. However, technology has come so far that standard home theatres just don’t cut it anymore. Automated locks, HVAC touch screen controls, bowling alleys, webcams and home audio systems are just some of the newer features homeowners should consider installing. Companies like Smarthome feature a variety of home automation gadgets, from wireless plant sensors that regulate garden health to hidden security cameras monitored via homeowners’ smart phones. It seems like a risky investment considering how quickly technology changes over time, but incorporating some of these features help homes stand out in today’s competitive market.

  Depending on how intricate the office is, the type of hardwood floors used and the number of tech gadgets installed in the home, these upgrades can range from low cost to extremely pricey. However, even the slightest improvements can leave lasting impressions on home shoppers.

  partnered post by Tali Wee of Zillow

• How to Maximise Your Living Space on a Budget

  

  Note: this is a partnered post and consideration was received for its publication.

  Decorating a small home or cosy apartment is never easy. From tight corners to tiny hallways, choosing furniture and accessories that make your home feel bigger than it really is requires a creative mind and an eye for detail.

  From carefully placed mirrors to intelligent furniture selection, read on to learn four tips that will help you get more living from less space when decorating your home.

  Using mirrors to your advantage

  While mirrors obviously can’t make a room physically larger, than can be used as a helpful tool to increase the amount of visual space inside a room. Interior designers have long used mirrors to ‘expand’ small rooms – now, you can too.

  In a living room, mirrors should be placed on a wall that is perpendicular to your TV or digital display. In a bedroom, they’re best installed on the doors of your closet or on the bedroom side of your door – two places that combine style and function.

  Creating ‘perceived space’ with light

  Mirrors create visual space by reflecting light, but they’re of little value if your room is poorly lit in the first place. One of the easiest ways to ‘expand’ your room is with a strategically placed window.

  Try to maximise the amount of light that enters your room while minimizing glare and excess heat. Large windows are doubly good for creating space – not only do they allow light to enter, they also open your room up to the outside and make it seem more spacious than it really is.

  Choosing the perfect furniture

  Picking the right furniture is tricky, especially when you’re starting from scratch. In the living room, focus on furniture that’s the right size for your room – a sofa that’s too big will do far more harm than a loveseat that’s slightly too small.

  In the bedroom, look for furniture that serves a dual purpose. Bed frames can have built-in storage, closets can have mirrors for makeup and hair styling, and shelving can be mounted on the wall so that it doesn’t take up valuable floor space.

  Decorating around a focal point

  Focal points are just as important in interior design as they are in painting. Choose a single focal point for every room in your home – it could be a doorway, a television, or a staircase – and use it as a magnetic force that guides your furniture placement.

  In the living room, this could mean arranging your sofas, recliners, and coffee table to point towards a television or fireplace. In the bedroom, it could mean using your bed – particularly if it’s a very large bed – as the centrepiece of your furniture.

• Vertical or Horizontal Blinds: Which One Should You Pick?

  
  

  Among the window treatments available in the market, window blinds remain popular among homeowners for good reasons. When properly selected and installed, they can make a big difference in the overall interior aesthetic of a home. They can also significantly reduce heat transfer and reflect most natural light streaming into a space, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs, not to mention help enhance the privacy of a home.

  When it is time to purchase window blinds from blinds.com, your final decision will likely involve choosing between two popular options: vertical or horizontal. So how will you know which one to pick?

  As both types of blinds look and perform differently, it is a good idea to carefully understand their advantages and disadvantages and use them as a basis to guide you through your choice.

  

  Vertical blinds

  Neat and elegant, vertical blinds are characterized by slats that hang vertically from a head rail that houses mechanical components that control the slats when they are adjusted. The individual slats can be rotated 180 degrees or can also be completely pulled out of the way.

  One of the main advantages of vertical blinds is that they can cover large expanses of glass. They also help elongate the height of a room, allow for better air circulation and provide sufficient privacy and light control. Vertical blinds are also easier to clean, as their slats don’t easily collect dirt or dust. You can also find them in a number of colours and sizes, with some verticals having the capability to be aesthetically improved by slipping strips of materials into the vanes, thereby making them design flexible.

  The problem with vertical blinds is that if you purchase cheap ones, their slats will clank together and the components that operate them are visible if there is no headrail in place. When not properly chosen they can be imposing in a room and may even make the space look too corporate.

  
  

  Horizontal blinds

  Horizontal blinds are the exact opposite of vertical blinds. Also referred to as Venetian blinds, these treatments are made up of long horizontal strips that hang on top of each other through a ladder system that is connected to a rotating drum that is used to rotate the slats. They also feature a pull cord or wand which when pulled or rotated raises and stacks the slats together at the top of the hang rail. The same cord or wand is used to drop the slats down when privacy is needed or when natural light has to be blocked.

  The good thing about horizontal blinds is that they work well for almost all types of windows, including those that are compact or thin. They can also control light direction by twisting their slats. Like vertical blinds, they are available in a wide variety of colours, sizes and materials. Hidden brackets and no valance options for these blinds allow them to easily disappear into the inner window frames.

  If you will be opting for horizontal blinds, one of the major issues associated with them is that they clank against windows when breeze enters the room. Those with route hole in the centre may also allow anyone to peek inside your home. The slats also tend to accumulate dust, making them a bit difficult to clean.

  Making the choice

  There are a number of factors that you’ll need to take into account to arrive at an informed choice. These include the size and shape of your windows your need for privacy and light control, the style of the room where the blinds would be involved, and your budget.

  However, there are cases where vertical and horizontal blinds perform better than the other. For instance, large individual windows are a prime territory for vertical blinds as the vertical nature of the slats will provide proper coverage against prying eyes and sunlight. They will also emphasize the height of the windows. Vertical blinds are also suitable to use for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic since they are easier to clean.

  Horizontal blinds, on the other hand, suit smaller and deep windows best as well as those windows whose panes are opened by raising or lowering. They also work well for less used areas, such as the bedroom.

  partnered post

• Home Remodelling the Green Way

  infographic content provided By Columbus Worthington Air – air conditioning columbus ohio

  If you are remodelling your home, then making eco-friendly considerations is an excellent way to make sure that any additions or modifications to your home are not only long lasting, but also energy efficient and carbon friendly. Although the most commonly held conception of a green home is one that is ugly and low powered, this is actually not the case. Green home improvements have taken advanced a great deal over the last few years, and as a result most green options for home remodelling not only look great, but do a great job of lowering household energy bills, are recyclable and eco-friendly as well. So let’s have a look at what those home improvements are.

  Windows

  If you are remodelling your home, usually one of the main and most important considerations is the windows. Windows are exceptionally important for any overall home design and look and so if you are conducting major works of any kind on an area of your home with windows, then now is the time to make those windows green! Windows are responsible for the level of natural light that can come into a room. They can be a beautiful focal point, or a dark and dingy light absorber. They can either insulate a room, sending your bills skyrocketing whilst leaving you cold and shivering all winter, or they can insulate and crank up the heat notches whilst saving you money and keeping you warm. For this reason, if you are remodelling your home, and windows are part of your overall plan, then make sure you go for eco-friendly options and opt for windows that allow for plenty of natural light, save heat and insulate your home as well.

  Insulation

  If you are remodelling your home, now is a good time to add insulation to your home improvement to do list. Insulation is the adding of cold resistant foam like material into cavity walls in your home. Although many people would like to insulate their homes, the truth is that it is a lot of hard work and noise to do. But, if you are remodelling, then make sure you include insulation. In some UK areas, your local council will do this for free if you qualify, and as you are already making a mess and a noise, a little more to insulate your home will go a long way towards making your home more eco-friendly.

  Power usage

  If you are remodelling and you are using power tools, generators and external power supplies then of course you are at risk of producing more waste than necessary. Fear not. No matter how powerful the tools you are using, todays generator market has excellent, eco-friendly options for powering tools and other heavy equipment so you don’t have to feel guilty each time you switch the generator on.

  Recycle, reuse and recycle

  When remodelling it is quite amazing how many things that can be recycled or reused end up in the tip or the dumpster. Rather than throw everything you don’t need away, consider using a green company for your waste instead of a traditional skip. As well as this, send reusable items to second hand stores, or hold a yard sale to get rid of them in a green way, and use recycled materials like 100% recycled rubber cable protection, where you can to up the green points in your home.

  partnered post • CC-licensed photograph by Jeremy Levine Design

• Ways to prevent window condensation

  Note: this is a partnered post and consideration was received for its publication.

  Do you find you have a build up of condensation on windows in your home? If so, then you will need to take some simple steps to keep this to a minimum as over time, it could begin to cause problems.

  What is condensation?

  Condensation forms when warm air meets colder air, such as on the colder surface of a window. The reason why this happens is there is more moisture in warm air and when it meets a cold surface, it is unable to hold on to this moisture, releasing it as condensation. Whilst you may see a large amount on the window, it may also be present on the walls too, as they tend to be cooler than warm air within a room too.

  Where is the condensation on your windows coming from?

  There are a variety of sources such as breathing (including when you are asleep), cooking, washing or showering, heating and drying clothes in the house is one of the largest culprits releasing 5.5litres or more moisture into the air. If condensation builds in your property, over time it will start to cause problems. Window condensation is an indication that damp within your property could be an issue and you will need to start taking steps to deal with condensation.

  What to do about window condensation

  1. Single paned windows or ill-fitting windows where there are draughts and cracks can make window condensation worse. You will also need to check the outside of the window unit as a sealant that was used in older style windows known as caulking, should be acting as a seal. Over time, this seal can become less effective. Fitting double glazed uPVC windows will make for an effective solution.
  2. Preventing the build up of window condensation can also be helped by ensuring there is adequate ventilation, even if you do have double glazed uPVC windows. Ventilation allows dry air to circulate around your home.
  3. Extractor fans in the kitchen and bathrooms in your property can be used to effectively expel moisture laden air, reducing the build of condensation on windows throughout your home.
  4. Do you have vents in your walls? If so, many people block then to reduce draughts but by doing so, are blocking circulating air. Just try uncovering these vents for a few days and nights and see how condensation on windows diminishes.
  5. Even though air circulation is important within your home, but insulation is important too. Having draughts in places where you should not – around window frames and exterior door frames – will cause an excess of cold air.
  6. Have you had work done on your home recently? Renovations will change how air flows around your property. If you notice a build up of window condensation, it may be that you need to take a look at how the air is now able –or unable – to circulate around your home.

  Poorly fitting windows can present condensation problem in a property. If you have noticed more condensation than usual, take a look at your windows. Do they need upgrading to uPVC double glazed windows?

• Five Simple Ways to Improve Your Kitchen

  

  Note: this is a partnered post and consideration was received for its publication. CC-licensed image by Susan Serra, CKD.

  They say that good food is often a product of love—love for family, love for service, or love for cooking. However, without a conducive environment, this love may not translate into scrumptious meals. A conducive environment in this regard means a kitchen that you love, one that you’re completely comfortable in. If you feel that yours could use a bit of an overhaul, do so—you won’t want to compromise the place where all the magic happens, after all. With that said, there are tons of ways you can improve your kitchen. Below are some examples of how you can transform your kitchen into the perfect venue for cooking.

  Paint everything white.

  White somehow gives off the illusion of a more spacious environment. Hence, painting everything white—the walls, the cabinets, and the cupboards—can make your kitchen feel larger than it really is. For smaller kitchens, this is a very practical option since this can eliminate that cramped feeling.

  Improve the lighting.

  Dim lights should be switched out for the brighter variety. Excellent lighting goes well with the white motif of your kitchen and goes a long way in improving the atmosphere even more. And you need not spend a fortune to enhance your kitchen lighting. All that’s necessary is a lighting fixture (or a few) that can adequately illuminate the room. Also consider affixing lights under the shelves if you find these areas to be insufficiently illuminated. Beacon Lighting offers a wide selection, so you might want to check out their site.

  Add an instant boiled/chilled tap water supply.

  This is one of the finer additions that your kitchen can receive. A tap that can readily provide filtered water that’s chilled or boiled is clearly a huge convenience—both for cooking and drinking purposes. Now, you have various options for this, but your best bet would be The Water People.

  More storage couldn’t hurt.

  If you find that a lot of your kitchenware is just lying about, then you should consider adding more shelves. Build these up high so that they won’t get in your way. You can also attach under-shelf baskets to these if you require even more storage.

  Install drawer and shelf liners.

  Drawer and shelf liners are a must-have for your kitchen. For one, it protects your drawers and shelves from spills and the like. Liners with cushions can also help in safeguarding fragile kitchenware. On top of those, they’re just pretty—choose liner designs that complement the colors of your kitchen. If your kitchen is already equipped with liners, then just remember to replace them periodically. Stick with non-stick liners, though, so that changing them won’t be much of a hassle.