Are you a reader?  Then invest in a lounge/reading area with thought-provoking artwork and ample lighting. Eye experts generally agree that two reading lamps of at least 175-200 watts are best to avoid strain.  If this seems too bright for a bedroom, consider installing a series of wall sconces behind a comfortable chair and ottoman, which will give you a lot of light and style.  Get lots of pillows.  Maybe your reading area is a cozy nook—think about installing built-in bookshelves.  Does landscape art move you, or something modern and geometric?  It’s best for the eyes not to read lying down, but if you prefer reading in bed, think about installing a padded headboard.

Color is important because it will define the vibe of your master bedroom.  Passion colors include deep red, peach, pink, purple, and gold.  A good masculine accent would be royal blue.  Consider smart colors like ivory, amber, steel blue, or gray-green if you are going with a reading theme.  General sanctuary colors, and ones suited to either gender, should be soothing and earthy, like forest green, mocha, cobalt blue, or rich eggplant.  Play with schemes and consider a subtle stencil high on the walls, which will draw attention up and give your room some lift.

One way to make your bedroom stand out—while saving money—is by painting a headboard onto the wall above your bed.  It’s a great illusion and you can get very creative.  Measure the width of the head of your bed, marking it with painter’s tape from floor to ceiling.  Choose a color that will compliment the existing one on the wall.  Add details like wall decals, if you wish.  Paint stars and birds, or a chandelier.  This is a good master bedroom project for the artistically inclined.  You might even consider a mural.  It’s your room, after all.

A potted tree will be a great focal point in your master bedroom, or a leafy plant.  Do you like golf? Sewing? Classical music? Astronomy?  Decorate according to your hobbies and enjoyments and you will find the room to be much more than a place to dress and sleep.  It will be your safe, lovely retreat.

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/connecticut-contractors/12-designer-decorators/79-design-in-the-master-bedroom.htm

Digital Thermostats
Simply put, digital thermometers have buttons instead of a dial for controlling HVAC zones.  Many have the option of presetting temperature, with “home” and “away” buttons, and timers.  These are called “digital programmable thermostats.”

Digital Contact Closure Thermostats
Using “smart” activation, these are digital thermostats that can be activated and controlled through certain security system commands, or a phone transponder.  Using any remote phone, the homeowner may control the HVAC zones in his home.

Digital Communicating Thermostats
These are highly specialized control gauges.  Each thermostat in every zone of your home are connected at a centralized “controller.”  Often the “controller” is a hardware or software system that is programmable to your computer.  It is ultra-convenient and eco-friendly.  Digital communicating thermostats give the homeowner control of all the zones, any day of the week, any time of the day, throughout the seasons, as long as the homeowner has access to the central controller.

A “damper” is what technically controls the air channeled into a zone.  Using a HVAC damper is more energy-efficient than the old-school method of simply closing a vent.  The damper is set up at the mouth of a pipe that distributes the air, expanding or constricting, depending on your desire.  Manual dampers work at the simple twist of a screw.  Motorized dampers may be an attachment to the screw, or they may be sophisticated and computerized.  The homeowner may choose a specific percent that the damper should be constricted, from 0 to 100.  A 100% damper would be completely open for maximum airflow.

Dampers work at the source to monitor hot or cool air release into different zones of the home.  When a vent is simply closed, the treated air still has to travel to the zone.  This is not a HVAC energy-efficient method.

Different thermostats and dampers are compatible with different HVAC systems, so it’s important to research.  Know whether your home uses gas, oil, or Heat Pump systems.  Most of the “smart” thermostats will be connected virtually the same way as your old thermostat.  However, additional wiring will be needed for connection with remote communicators and alternative control options.

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/connecticut-contractors/21-heating/123-monitoring-hvac-zones-thermostats-and-dampers.htm

It’s important to remember your current location and the design and layout of your home. This plays a major role on the style and selection of energy-efficient windows you select for your home.

A family living in the northern region will need different windows than a family living in the southern region. The environment and climate conditions are entirely different, and windows will need to serve each purpose.

The windows you select should be purchased by the design of your home. The direction and size of the windows are more important than one would think.

In hot or heat dominated regions, windows facing south should be heavily glazed. This is done to make efficient use of solar heat during the cold and bitter winter months. The windows should also possess a solar heat gain co-efficient of more than .6 but a U-factor of less than .35 to assure heat transfer is reduced during the hot and humid summer months.

Those who live in cooling dominated regions should focus on the north-facing windows. It is a good idea to have the windows facing the south shaded by trees, bushes and porches to minimize the sunlight and heat. Tinted or reflective windows are not suggested for these climates. It has been suggested they reduce the SHGC and allow more heat in during the spring and summer months.

In the regions where temperature fluctuates higher, wooden frames should be avoided. This has been suggested because the materials have been known to expand and contract. Wood laminate window frames are a better option and maintain the same aesthetic appeal.

If you live in heat-dominated regions, glass-filled windows are the best choice. They provide better insulation and considerably reduce the U-factor. Tinted glass is popular and a good choice. The only downside to tinted glass is it can cause indoor plants to die due to the lack of sunlight.

Glaze glass is another good choice. They have multiple panes of glass. Such types of glass are recommended for cooler climate regions. However, the cost of double-pane or triple-pane windows is much higher than single-pain windows, but they last indefinitely and dramatically reduce cooling costs in the hot summer months.

Before making any quick decisions you should consider the variety of glass before buying energy efficient windows. This is what will determine the amount of energy you conserve. Whatever your choice may be, remember to always take into consideration the available options and select one that best fits your needs.

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/connecticut-contractors/36-windows-doors/140-tips-for-purchasing-energyefficient-windows.htm

When it comes to transforming your basement into a gameroom, the possibilities are truly endless.  After enlisting the help of a basement finishing contractor, the fun begins.  Do you want a theme room, like your favorite sport, a casino lounge, or pub decor?  To be wise, it is best to avoid a cluster of posters, street signs, and beer logos.  You don’t want your final, finished space to look like an adolescent bedroom.  Even if you do not want a single theme, a gameroom should be well put together and organized, with a professional design.

For lighting, consider touch lamps, clap machines, and hanging florescent fixtures over any game tables.  You might want to invest in pub lamps or lava lights.  For game rooms with a bar, look for lights that advertise your favorite drink or pub fare.  Vintage and antique machines are available if you are willing to pay extra.  Or if you’re thinking beach bar, buy some Tiki lamps and rattan bar stools.  You want to be strategic with the lighting in your basement gameroom.  Games like pool and ping-pong need a fairly bright light.  Arcade machines will light themselves.  Dim or colored bulbs will be great on top of the bar, or in a fixture above a poker table.

Will the gameroom be for adults, or will kids be joining in the fun?  It is wise to get mixed age-appropriate activities.  A real poker table is great for adult-night, so it is best to distract the kids with an arts and crafts table, indoor hockey net, bowling set, basketball hoop, or board game area.  Otherwise, kids will be too tempted by the adult game fun.

Wall color schemes for basement gamerooms include the use of complimentary colors.  These are two colors on opposite ends of the color wheel that create a striking affect.  Complimentary colors are often used on sports uniforms—blue and orange, purple and yellow, green and red.  It is best to use the darker color as trim, and the lighter color on the main wall.  The lighter color will make your pictures, clocks, and signs stand out more.  Or try a large diamond-shaped design across the walls.  Create a geometric mural if you are artistically inclined.  Paint your favorite arcade character, sports star, or muscle car.

You can always mask the functional components of your basement with moveable paneling if you want to hide a rattling furnace and water heater.  An unfinished ceiling will have an industrial effect, or install panels and a handsome ceiling fan for ventilation.  You can still access any pipes or ceiling ducts with drop ceiling panels.

A basement gameroom has fun meeting functionality, and who can argue with that?  A finished basement will also significantly raise the price of your home.

Article originally published here: http://www.totalbasementfinishing.com/basement-finishing/basement-finishing-ideas/articles/turning-a-basement-into-a-gameroom

When you want to use plants to incorporate different looks in various parts of your home, realize that some rooms are more suitable for one type of plant than another.  When plant shopping, take note of whether a plant is low-light or high-light, and think of which areas of your home get more sun, or less.  It is often the case that higher-light plants require more water.  If there are pets or children in your home and you want a low-maintenance floor plant, a snake plant is a much safer choice than a cactus.  Always ask when shopping whether a growth is poisonous, and avoid them if you have animals or toddlers that might unwittingly try a bite.  In that case, it’s best to decorate with high hanging plants, or perhaps an indoor tree like a ficus bejamina, with leaves out-of-reach.

It’s wise to select plants with a look that compliments the interior design of your home.  A more modern interior would do well with a funky marginata or colorful bromeliad.  A country kitchen would be lovely with a hanging ivy or pothos, and an Asian-themed living room would be suitable for a collection of bonsai.  Always take into consideration that plants grow.  Choose a pot that will give the roots plenty of space to spread.  Large plants like tropical trees and exotic palms must be in big potters, or else they are liable to topple onto the floor—or worse, perish.

Designing with plants gives you the option to cover up areas of the home like stained carpet and damaged walls.  You can brighten a splintered windowsill or unsightly radiator with a small orchid.  You can liven up an unused fireplace with a collection of warm ferns.  All plants usually do best when stationed in one area, as they become used to the same temperature and sunlight factors, day in and day out.  It’s best not to move them or shuffle them around unless absolutely necessary.  Flowering plants tend to wilt around heating vents or close to a stove.  Try to keep your houseplants in an area with the most consistent surroundings, and even one slightly humid.

Be careful of overwhelming your space with plants.  One single tree is usually sufficient as a warm focal point in a living room or large entry.  The bigger the foliage, the more oxygen it gives off, so a considerably leafy plant may be good in the bedroom to help you sleep better.

Have fun decorating with plants.  Be cautious and creative—your new plants just might last for decades.

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/connecticut-contractors/12-designer-decorators/76-decorating-with-plants-bringing-the-outside-in.htm

One of the easier outcomes for your garage is to turn it into a home gym.  This process will create a more convenient situation to exercise, as there will no longer be a need to drive to the gym.  It can also save you loads of money in the long run when you no longer have to pay the monthly gym fees. Some ideas to make your garage more appealing for this are to put down a carpet, put up a television or install a radio system, or install shelves and hooks to store less heavy equipment.

Some people might find it a more useful and pragmatic approach to turn their garage into a home office.  For people living in warmer climates around the country, putting an office in the garage is a great way to spend a day because garages tend to be naturally cooler than the main portion of the house.  Additionally, one can always put an air conditioner in one of the garage windows or a heater for those cooler winter months.

The most obvious choice for any garage is to create a workshop.  As the garage is a place where many people already store their tools, one needs simply to organize their supply and create a few additional tables, hangers and storage units.  The first thing to do is create a list of all of your tools and equipment.  Maybe write down some categories on a piece of paper in a way that makes sense to you.  Then, you can use that list to organize your tools accordingly. If you need cabinets, shelves, hooks or racks, plan for them first and the process will be easier in the end.

Once you’ve created your plan, it’s important to clean out the entire garage to get it ready.  When that’s completed, it’s time to work on the main ingredient for any workshop: the bench.  As you can imagine, a work bench can expect to hold a great deal of weight, so this step is not as simple as throwing some plywood over a couple of hobby horses.  You must create a framework with a bracing system designed to hold whatever weight you think will suffice.

Remember, garages today no longer need to be four walls and a roof where you keep your car and other random items.  The garage can easily become a second home for your health, your office, or your favorite hobby.  All it takes is a little time, a little energy and a little commitment and your garage remodeling job can be a success!

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/connecticut-contractors/19-garage/90-garage-remodeling-in-connecticut.htm

Paint
Paint is a simple and inexpensive product that can go a long way.  Are the bathroom or kitchen cabinets too expensive to replace?  Sand and paint them.  Is the floor etched and dull?  Most flooring material can be painted.  With all the colors on the market, you can get creative, even on a tight budget.  Consider stencil patterns.  Maybe you want a ski or fir tree pattern in a lodge-like living room, or a comforting foliage design in a country kitchen.  The possibilities are endless in a child’s room—rainbows, baseballs, clouds, dolls and animals.  If you are artistically inclined, paint a mural on the wall.  Before painting anything, however, make sure the paint you have purchased is compatible with the intended surface.

Fabric
Instead of buying new furniture, invest in a slipcover for that aging sofa.  Cover-ups are similar to paint in that they’re an inexpensive and quick way to an entirely new look.  Are the wood kitchen chairs nicked and stained?  Cover them with handsome, durable fabric.  Does your bed need an extra something?  Go with new throw pillows with a fun pattern.  Curtains add charm, and there are all kinds available that are very inexpensive.  It’s amazing what a difference some new fabric can make in a room.

Mirrors
Budget-friendly wall mirrors can be purchased to really open up a space.  Think about a pattern of small mirrors for a geometric affect.  Or frame a single mirror for a “mock window.”  Place a mirror behind a collection of stones or a houseplant.  Mirrors add light and seem to give a room greater size and dimension.

Light
It’s stunning what replacing a lampshade or lighting fixture can do for a room.  Fabulously original fixtures are often available at discount stores.  Funky, simple, or chic, lighting matters perhaps more than anything else, yet often its importance is often overlooked.  After all, the lighting is what will illuminate your vision.

When redecorating on a budget, stick to your priorities but always leave room for spontaneous buys.  Little purchases can become large style accents in your space.  Interior design is an art in itself—one that doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money to make a bold, new statement.

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/connecticut-contractors/12-designer-decorators/89-interior-design-on-a-budget.htm

Before you start on any painting project, remember: don’t skimp on preparation. Sand off flaking paint and fill holes with spackle. Cover all surfaces you want to protect with a good drop cloth, wipe down your walls and remove any grease, handprints or dirt and tape all trim edges, switch plates, outlets and knobs before you open that first can of paint. And if you have any doubts in how to complete the job, contact a professional painter to help you.

Rag rolling
The rag rolling technique uses a special fabric cover for your roller to either apply color (ragging on) or to remove paint that has already been applied to the wall surface (ragging off). Some painters prefer to use damp rags loosely balled up and held in the hand to apply or remove paint, instead of using a roller cover.

Sponging
Like the handheld rag technique, sponging uses the ragged texture of a dampened natural sea sponge to achieve a mottled effect on walls and ceilings by adding or removing layers of paint. Both sponging and ragging techniques require practice to make sure you are able to achieve consistency over a large surface.

“Leather” look
This technique can be a little more difficult to master than ragging or sponging, but with a little practice, the results can be spectacular. The key is to work in small areas – no larger than 3′ by 3′ for best results. In this method, while glaze or paint is still wet in the treatment area, sheets of plastic wrap are applied to the surface and then removed to achieve the lines and wrinkles common in aged leather. This effect can also be achieved using strips of chamois cloth, stacked up and tied in the middle. Holding the strips up by the center, the appearance is that of a loose mop head. Dampen the chamois mop head and scrunch it gently in your hand, applying the ends of the chamois to the wall to remove some of the paint or glaze.

Color glazing
One of the simplest techniques to complete, color glazing involves the use of a base coat of one color of paint, with one or more layers of different colors of paint, thinned with glaze, on top. By thinning the upper coats with glaze, the base coat can show through, creating the illusion of depth. Color glazing is often combined with ragging or sponging on the uppermost layer of color.

A fresh, interior paint job can change the look of a room and create a completely different feel for your home. And one of the best things about paint is its relative low cost: even if you don’t achieve the look you want with one technique, it’s a simple matter to cover it up and start all over again.

Article originally published here: http://www.homeremodelingct.org/connecticut-contractors/28-painting-staining/91-interior-painting.htm

In general, homes with slanted roofs will use energy efficient metal or tile roofing materials.  Metal reflects sunlight and is very durable.  Tile is made of clay or concrete, both of which are sustainable and eco-friendly.  Often, tile roofing can have an additional energy efficient coating added.

For flatter roofs, membrane roofing can be expensive but it is long lasting and it installs quickly and easily.  Membrane roofing is common in commercial buildings more than private homes.  Sprayed-on polyurethane foam roofing is less expensive than membrane roofing and very resistant to leaks because there are no seams.  This is also used primarily in commercial buildings.
There are key terms to be aware of when deciding on an energy efficient roof.  Emissivity is the rate at which a material releases heat as it is absorbed.  Reflectivity is a number—the higher it is, the more the material reflects heat.  Insulation has to do with additional energy efficient weapons.  What lies beneath the roof now?  Will it work with any new roofing materials, or will it need to be changed?  Be aware that the right new roof may make you eligible for an energy efficient tax break.

“Energy Star” is an international program backed by several governments.  It assists individuals and businesses with protecting the environment by way of excellent energy efficiency.  Energy Star roofs meet the tough criteria that will save you money—and support the “green” cause.

You should get at least three estimates before deciding on a contractor for your new roof.  It’s a major home-improvement project.  Take time to consider not just the cost of materials and labor, but also the cost of maintenance.  Do you have a warranty?

Technology will keep producing state-of-the-art building materials that will lower demand on utilities and reduce chemical emissions, leading to cleaner air.  What’s better than a future where it costs less to have a healthy environment?  Take part in the green progression.  Be proud of playing a role in energy efficiency, and the money you’ll save doing it.

Finding the right plumber can be a difficult and timely process, but finding a slow leak from a pipe fitting that costs around a dollar; if not properly taken care of in a timely fashion may cost you thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention disrupting your family household or delaying the remodeling process for weeks. So hiring a licensed, insured plumber is always a must. You may also want to consider hiring a well-trained apprentice that works under your plumber’s license.

There are two different categories of plumbers: those who handle basic repairs and are often called upon in an emergency type situation and plumbers who specialize in home remodeling.

Family Plumber

There are several situations that you can save on the cost of a plumber, such as daily drips or clogs, but beyond these minor repairs you will be forced to call upon a professional. Waiting or trying to fix it yourself can run into bigger problems or end up costing you more money than you planned in your budget.

Plumbing isn’t all that difficult, but it does require knowledge of code requirements, parts and experience with the tools and materials. For instance, knowing how much pressure you can apply or how hard you can crank PVC before it breaks or cracks takes a certain amount of knowledge, as well as time to master the procedure. Without proper knowledge, you can turn a relatively cheap repair into a nightmare.

Always establish a relationship with a plumber before you actually need his services. It is a good idea for your plumber to know you and your home’s needs before walking into the situation with blinders on. If you can, hire him to complete a few non-emergency repairs, it’s much easier for a regular customer to call on their plumber than it is a panicked stranger calling in the middle of the night asking a plumber to come to your home and fix a broken, gushing pipe flooding your basement.

When choosing a plumber always be selective and ask to see their license; a good respectable plumber will always be eager to share their background or history with you. Most states require plumbers to carry a valid license and usually provide a phone number you can call to verify if their license is in order and the plumber has no active complaints against them.

Another good idea when hiring a plumber is to always take into consideration if they carry a current workers’ compensation policy with a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance. This is very important just in case your plumber is hurt on the job.

The best and easiest way to find a good plumber is to ask family, friends, neighbors or local contractors in your community, as well as real estate agents. There is nothing that will delay the sale of a home faster than plumbing issues; so most realtors usually carry a reliable list of licensed plumbers.

Once you find a decent and reliable plumber keep their phone number close by, just in case of an emergency.

Costs of Plumbing

Once you find a reliable plumber and you receive the bill for the costs of emergency plumbing services, you will probably be shocked. Your first thought; is my plumber taking advantage of me? But the answer is quite simple: NO!

Although the plumber may have only spent a few hours at your home, you must consider his costs of driving to and from your home, picking up the parts and his knowledge and basic skills used to fix your plumbing dilemma. Once you consider his costs, you will better understand his high rates.  Most problems can be fixed in just a few hours, but always take into consideration if it is a weekend or night call, as this will add to the hourly rate.

Most of us need help with basic plumbing services; repairing leaks or installing new traps. Always be prepared to pay extra for additional parts, which in turn your plumber may mark up the costs from his wholesale price.

At the cost of weekend or night calls, you don’t want to spend too much time standing around or chit-chatting with your plumber, but don’t be afraid to ask or question your plumber about his repair procedures or his choice of part options. Always seek advice for the best possible way to prevent the problem from happening again, as well.

Remodeling Plumber

For non-emergency projects or remodeling your home you will want a good plumber who understands the residential-system design and is properly educated on, understands and is up-to-date on all the code requirements in your area. It is also a good idea to be sure your plumber understands your needs and can work in an unfinished environment.

A general contractor is the best source to find a reliable and licensed remodeling plumber. This allows the contractor to see the plumber’s work before it is covered, so it can be properly inspected.

The contractor will inspect and be looking for clean solder joints, sharp, crisp 90-degree angles and properly sized holes in joists, studs, and floors. These are all important details to ensure you as a homeowner are getting quality work.

A good contractor will not allow or risk working with a dishonest or reprehensible plumber. The smallest, slightest error can be devastating and very costly. A leaky PVC line can be extremely devastating to a homeowner and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to walls and hardwood floors, complicating the process with lost time, insurance claims and lawsuits, not to mention damaging the reputation of both the plumber and the contractor. In most cases, contractors usually tend to work with the best plumbers they can find.

As important as it is for your plumber to be licensed and carry active workers’ compensation and insurance, it is just as important that your contractor carry a license and license number. It is also a good idea to verify that your contractor’s workers’ compensation and liability insurance policies are up-to-date and active.