Five Ways to Make Your House Younger Forever

we mention it because reading the LA Times review on the show we saw a funny line - "To think we spent all the time and effort and money trying to look 10 years younger and 10 pounds lighter," said Malick, soap star recently unemployed now being offered the role of grandma, "and all we had to do was crash-land in Cleveland."

You must be at the age of who knows what we are talking about!

Which brings us to this point, you know your home can look 10 years younger, too? Most people do not realize this, but the way we decorate our house is very similar to the way we dressed, literally able to add or subtract a few years.
Here are five ways you can instantly update your home:

1) Use fresh and happy colors via use of wallpapers, paints and fabrics.

Wallpapers are so in now. We love, love it. Not as much to wallpaper every room like they did in the sixties, but by wallpapering just one wall or a small bathroom or dining room, you can instantly freshen things up.

Thibaut.com

2) Get rid of things that are outdated.

You know how mom's jean just add 10 years to your age and 10 lbs to your butt? Outdated things like ivy silk plants, sofa arm covers, oak furniture, shabby chic sofas (so 80s!) are the equivalent of mom's jeans. Worse yet, it screams "grandma"!

3) Update your furniture

Furniture is like fashion. It changes with time. You probably notice that furniture are not as heavy as they use to be. The heavy, ornate look for furniture (think Real Housewives of Orange County/New Jersey/Atlanta) are as out as McMansions. Rather, look for furniture that are modern and clean-lined with fresh designs. If you have upholtery pieces with good bones (say, a very comfortable sofa), consider re-upholstering it with new fabrics. The fabric choices nowadays are amazing.

4) Get small little things that count.

Sometimes things are so tough that shopping is not an option (2008-2009, anyone?). But you know how sometimes a little thing can make us feel much better, say, a tube of pretty lipstick? It's like that for the home too. We spend so much time in our home, it's ok to treat yourself a little bit. Little things like dressing your bed with really good sheets, make your bathroom like a spa etc. goes a long way. You see this with a good hotel--it's the little details that make all the difference.

So consider buying a new rug, a couple of pretty pillows--it doesn't have to be expensive. Homegoods is a good store for bargains like this. Buy lots of books secondhand. They make you look smart (and great accessories too).

Note: A good source for hotel things is American Hotel Registry. They sell actual hotel sheets, pillows and mattresses and from what we can see, the prices are pretty good and that you can buy directly from them. (We are not affiliated with this site in anyway)

5) Go contrarian.

The problem with trend is that after a while everything looks the same. Remember how Juicy Couture was all the rage just a couple of years back? What happened now to those velour tracksuits?

Home trends are like that too. After a while everyone's house look the same. Enough with the granite counter already. Enough with one paint color for each room. And please, do we need 10,000 square feet home?

The best styles are the ones that buck against the trend, stay true to the classic, and retain its integrity.

Go with your personality and your style, unless, of course, you have no style (in that case, consider hiring help).

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Getting new flooring for Xmas

I spec a lot of quality, not the thin box store crap, bamboo flooring. It is beautiful and comes in colors from white through the whole spectrum, to black. It is a renewable resource. It breathes and has greater durability than hardwood. Depending on what you buy, you can get it to nail down or float as engineered flooring. Check out Duro Design to start for some ideas. A client recently installed a Lumber Liquidator's bamboo product recently because it was cheaper and the right color for her. Installers didn't scream and it was nice material. You might even get a green credit or something for installing it. It will transition perfectly to your new deck.

http://www.duro-design.com/index.cfm/bamboo-flooring/

Not sure what the rest of your house looks like but there are some great companies out there recycling exotic wood or just plain antique floors. You might go online to see what you find that intrigues you. Cork is a great flooring material for family rooms also and can be especially beautiful if you lay out the pattern for the floor like you would large tiles and so forth.

If you had water damage, do see to your subfloor before doing anything else. And do look at both the structural and surface warranties for whatever flooring you buy. Ask for recs and hire your own installer. Most work as contract, not employee workers, of the flooring places anyhow.

Think about a cork underlay under whatever you put down if it is wood, cork or bamboo for the final floor. It will quiet things amazingly and will not cost you that much more than alternatives.

Your laminate floor installer should have left you with some replacement pieces? Sure you cannot match it if that is what you want to do?

Merry Christmas! Sounds like a great gift to me!

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How do I Make A Greener Home?

It’s not as difficult to “green out” your home as many may think it is. Every little thing helps. From taking shorter showers, in order to conserve water, to switching to a push lawnmower, which will reduce carbon monoxide emissions; living in a greener environment is what many consumers want in their new home.
Trying to design a green home overnight isn’t always a realistic goal, especially when considering the recent advances in green technology offering an array of new products and materials. Without careful planning, your green building project can quickly become overwhelming, so be sure to take your time educating yourself on your options. When taking on the task of designing a greener home, you might consider the following green products.

DuPont SmartStrand Carpet
Corn Carpet – DuPont engineers, working alongside Mohawk Industries, created a new type of biodegradable carpet, 100% recyclable, known as SmartStrand® carpet. According to sources, the only thing that will stain SmartStrand® is blood. This eco-friendly carpet is created through a chemical process that transforms corn sugar into plastic, then the plastic is spun into fibers and woven to produce carpeting that is rumored to be as soft and durable as its nylon counterpart. Producing SmartStrand® carpet reduces the need for petroleum, saving a gallon of gas for every seven square yards of carpet manufactured.

Radiant Barrier Sheathing
Radiant Barrier Sheathing – There are quite a few options for going green when it comes to your home’s roof. One in particular is radiant-barrier sheathing, which can reduce your monthly energy bills by up to 17%. The sheathing is composed of thin sheets of aluminum and laminated to wood panels that are installed above your roof’s rafters and below the shingles. This process helps to block the sun’s radiant heat during summer months and reduce heat loss during winter. Many roofing companies provide this product and prices range, so be sure to get more than one quote before hiring a contractor.

Low-E Windows
Low-E windows – Low-Emissivity windows are constructed with special coatings that are designed to reflect the sun’s infrared light. This process helps to keep the heat of the sun on the outside of your home, while preventing heat loss during winter. The R-value assigned to windows is a measurement of the window’s thermal resistance. For example, the standard double-pane Low-e window averages around an R-2 or R-3 rating. The higher the R-value, the more resistance the window provides towards reducing the movement of heat.

from: http://www.newhomessection.com/blog/how-do-i-make-a-greener-home/2009/08/12/

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Ways to Find Cheap Home Insurance Policies

by alien

A home insurance policy is as important as your home. Some people think that home insurance is waste of time and money. This is not true. Like all other insurance policies home insurance is a good investment. It is investment for your good future. Home insurance protects you from any kind of financial burden that may come with damage to your house. Think of the situation when your house is burnt down due to fire or is damaged due to flood. The cost of repairing or rebuilding the property can shake your financial position. To protect yourself from any of the financial problems it is very important to invest in home insurance policies.

If you cannot afford a very expensive policy then there are so many policies that are very cheap and affordable. You just need to look for such policies. There are many ways to make your home insurance policy very cheap and affordable. There are many factors that are not negotiable and determine the cost of your policy like location of your house, risks in that area, etc. apart from these terms there are other ways to reduce the amount of premium. You can reduce the premium amount by installing various safety or protective devices such as security alarm in your house. This helps you reduce the premium charges by about fifteen percent. If your house is registered under night surveillance companies of your locality then even that can help reduce the cost. Then you can increase the amount of deductibles so that the premium charges are low. Also if you combine all your insurance policies like car, health, home, etc. and insure with same insurer then you can ask for some extra discounts and special benefits from your insurer.

You can go to the internet and find a site that has quotes from different companies. Just type the zip code or postal code of the place where your house is located and answer few questions about the type of policy you are looking for and you will have list of all the appropriate policies with the quotes from there companies. Just compare the quotes and find the one that is cheapest and most affordable according to you. This helps you to find a policy that is best for you. Go ahead with the policy and finalize it with the company. But make sure the company you choose is reputed and trustable with good records.

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Steps To Find Cheap Home Insurance Policy

People think that home insurance are very expensive. Gone are those days when home insurance were not that affordable. These days more number of people is buying home insurance policies for a secure future so more number of insurance providers have come up with flexible policies. All people have different needs so that need different types of coverage plan and thus a very different type of insurance policy.

But for some people it is still not easy to cut down some share if the budget every month and pay for the premium. So for such people there are cheap insurance policy. As such people need home insurance policy mare than others so that they don't come on road when there is some damage done to there house or house is completely destroyed because of some calamity. Below are few steps that can help one find cheap home insurance quotes:

* Nicely estimate the value of all your belongings including furniture, jewellery, accessories, appliance etc. also the replacement value of all these items should be rightly determined. Try and keep the estimate as accurate as possible. * Shop for the policy like you shop for all other items. Look with different companies for there home insurance rates. You can request for quotes from various insurance providers. * Reevaluate all you estimate and then look for prices and coverage from various companies you have. You should have an idea about the kind of coverage you want. Keep in mind that a cheap policy might not meet all your needs and not cover your property as you want to so think rightly and logically before deciding the type. * If you are willing to perchance some other insurance policy as well then you can combine all the policy and insure with the same provider to have some extra benefits and discounts. If you already own other insurance policy then also you can approach your old company itself for the new policy. This way you can enjoy lower premium rates. * You may also get some extra discount if you have security system installed in your house. These insurance companies shave tie ups with some such security services so if you go to these services then you can enjoy discount on both the services. A cheap policy should also be a decent one that can keep you protected at all times and also the service of the company should be quick.

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Tips for Searching Cheap Quotes

Do you feel at times that you are spending a little extra on what you could get for a cheaper amount? Is it your home insurance for which you are paying extra? You can save a little amount if you look for cheap home insurance specifically. It won't be hard to find a cheap home insurance policy as there number of choices available in the market for you. These companies want to remain in business and make profits so they understand needs of different customers and give them the required policy.

These insurance companies provide cheap home insurance quotes for its customers. But before looking into these quotes and deciding on one that you think is appropriate for you, you should prepare yourself and get the information that is important before finalizing the contract. You have to make a right decision as it is a very important one. It is the right kind of home insurance policy that will protect you against all dangers ahead. Therefore you need to be well informed before taking the decision and you should also take your own time before signing the policy.

Here are some important things that you should keep in mind while searching for cheap quotes. The policy that you choose should be the one that promises quick results. Also with good services, money is also very important. If you can save some money and still have a decent policy then it is simply awesome. While looking for home insurance quotes see for the company as well. If you choose a company that is reputed with good past record and customer satisfaction then it is worth investing with that company. Ask in the market and also some customers to find out about the company. Also company should be reachable at the time when customers go to file claims. The response of the company and the services should be up to the mark. Also company should be efficient in handling emergency requirements.

To save more money and time you can look for home insurance quotes on internet. You don't need to enter any of your personal details while searching for quotes on these sites. Just you are required to answer few questions about the kind of policy you are looking for and your postal code. It is the easiest way to get home insurance quotes from all the companies and compare these quotes.

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Free Grant Money For New Homes

By Melissa Sabella

First time home buyers who are purchasing a new home shouldn't forget to consider the free government grant money that may be available to them. This is cash that the buyer can receive to help them with their down payment, closing costs or mortgage rate, and the money never has to be paid back.

At the government tries to stimulate the economy and get home sales back to a normal pace, they have implemented many programs to incentive people to buy new homes. First time home buyer grants are just one of those programs, which can provide you with thousands of dollars towards the purchase of your new home.

When you take in to consideration how much savings that few thousand dollars would be over the course of your 30-year mortgage, the figures are substantial. Especially when you consider that finding and applying for these programs may take all but an hour of your time. That, for most people, is time well spent.

As you search the grant database for the available federal grant programs and first time home buyer grants available in your area, you'll quickly realize that there are hundreds of other grant programs - many of which you may qualify for as well. There is no limit on the number of grants you can apply for and receive, so don't hesitate to submit multiple grant requests. Chances are they are different agencies providing the funds, so the applications shouldn't interfere or slow down the process in any way.

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Simple Home Security Guidelines For Protecting New Homes

By Laila Jefferson

There's nothing quite as rewarding as having the keys to your very own place, especially if it symbolizes the moment when renting becomes buying. A huge step in growing up, getting serious, and being established is home ownership. In addition to being an exciting part of life, the amount of work and details that come with making such a huge financial decision can be a little bit stressful for anyone, let alone someone going through the process for the very first time.

On top of moving, signing the final paperwork, and making sure that everything is up to par, home security might not be the thing on new homeowner's minds. But after spending all of that time and effort choosing and buying a house, it would be a shame to not protect it in the same mindful manner. After all, a first home isn't just about owning property--it's about finally having a place that is truly, actually one's house.

Making smart choices for security actually start as soon as the move-in begins. All of those fancy boxes that advertise flat-screen televisions, computers, fancy stereo systems, and other desirable electronic equipment? Break them down and throw them away in other, plain boxes. Would-be robbers are known for casing neighborhoods, and nothing arouses interest quite like a moving van. Be sure to not leave any evidence out by the curb that there's a house packed full of items worth stealing.

If there's already a home alarm system in place in the new house, make sure the previous owners left clear instructions on how it works, and be sure to immediately change the PIN number or password. With realtors and previous owners all moving in and out before the closing, it's important to start fresh with a number that only you and your family know.

Even more importantly, it might be time to reassess the current system, and consider upgrading or updating. There might be an elderly member of the family who needs one-touch response, or children, which make the door opening and closing beep noise that much more important. Make sure the system in place does the job for your family, not the previous inhabitants, so that it can be that much more efficient.

After all the boxes are unpacked and things are getting settled, take the time to get to know your new neighbors. One of the most effective ways to keep everyone's home safe in a neighborhood is to foster a dialogue and have people know each other. It does wonders for everyone's home security when trusted neighbors are looking out for one another, so be friendly and get to know everyone. The other benefit of knowing the neighbors is recognizing when someone is hanging around a lot who shouldn't be, too.

An important investment that all new homeowners should consider making, too, is a small safe at home. While not quite as foolproof as a safe deposit box in a bank, a home safe is a great place to store important papers that shouldn't be out in public, in case of a robbery. Make sure there's a spot for jewelry and important documents where they will be safe in the new house, and it greatly diminishes the damage a robbery could do. Another great thing to keep in the safe is an external hard drive that backs up important information from computers, since robbery is a lot more high-tech these days.

The best protection for any new home is an alarm system that will help protect it. A great starting point for homeowners is a phone call to ADT home security, who can set up a system to your exact specifications. ADT alarms help keep both your new house and your family safe and sound.

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How Many Bathrooms Do You Really Need? Building New Homes

When my dad was a kid, they lived in a two bedroom house with one bathroom and the family consisted of him, his two brothers and his mother and father. When I grew up, we have it a little bit better. We had the same sized family as my father did, but we lived in a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms.

How many bathrooms do you really need? Think about it. Here's what I would like to suggest, if you have more money than you know what to do with and would love to help the economy, then you should put as many bathrooms as you need in your home.

If you really need to tell your friends, that you have a 250 bedroom house with 275 bathrooms, and you have the money to pay for it, do it and knock yourself out. However, if you are building a new home, I would like you to consider, this question. How many bathrooms do you really need?

If you want each one of your children to have their own bathroom, then go for it. It will require more cleaning, more money to build these bathrooms and is it really necessary.

Here's what I would suggest as a guideline for deciding, how many bathrooms you really need. One bathroom for two or less people, two bathrooms for five or less people and three bathrooms for eight or less people. You could actually add one bathroom for every three people as a general rule of thumb.

Don't get carried away and start installing bathrooms all over your house, it doesn't make sense. Bathrooms are expensive and I have been in the homes, where I was the only person that used at bathroom. Some bathrooms might not ever be used.

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Why Do We Need to Build Energy Efficient New Homes?

By Amy Nutt

Wasting energy not only hurts your wallet, but also the planet. Homes use energy from fuels such as oil, coal, and electricity which add toxins to the air and water, contributes to global warming, and increases habitat loss. With the unstable oil and gas markets, many people are looking for ways to cut down on energy costs. Fortunately, new homes are being built to increase energy efficiency and lower energy costs.

There are many benefits to building energy efficient new homes that include:

Reduced Costs: An energy efficient new home is constructed to keep heat from escaping so you are not running the furnace 24 hours a day. Many mortgage companies offer incentives to people building energy efficient new homes. There are also federal tax incentives for building these new homes.

Sound Investment: Each year more people are looking for these kinds of homes. Building an energy efficient new home now will increase the future value of the home.

Peace of Mind: Building an energy efficient new home allows homeowners to enjoy their home knowing they are meeting energy efficiency guidelines.

Fewer Pollutants: It is estimated that 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. When you use less energy, you decrease the amount of pollutants being released in the environment. This will lead to less of an impact on global warming.

Improved Air Quality: Cold drafts blowing through the home can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of sickness. An energy efficient new home ensures air tightness keeping the home cozy. These new homes also protect against cold, heat, drafts, and moisture. Not only does an energy-efficient new home improve indoor air quality, it keeps temperatures consistent.

General features of an energy efficient new home include: Engineered Lumber: Build a new home using lumber from trees that are identified as a renewable species because they grow fast and help protect the environment.

Roofing: Selecting durable roofing materials such as cement reduces the amount of regular roofing waste entering landfills.

Improved Insulation: Better quality insulation that is properly installed in attics, walls, ceilings, and floors, will decrease energy use and reduce energy costs.

Energy-Efficient Windows: Manufactured and installed windows using new technologies that include protective coatings and improved frames. These windows ensure that heat stays outside during the summer and inside during the winter. Energy efficient windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight.

Energy Efficient Doors: Installing improved seals around doors and patio doors will stop cold air flowing into homes or warm air escaping.

Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling systems: Furnaces, heat pumps, and thermostats that are energy efficient allow new homes to use less energy and save money. Heating and cooling systems are quieter and reduce indoor humidity.

Solar Heat: A number of new energy efficient homes are designed to benefit from solar heat coming through larger windows

Ducts: Sealing the heating and cooling duct systems reduces drafts, moisture, and dust. Tight ducts will ensure that the proper amount of warm or cool air is reaching every room.

Energy Efficient appliances: Modern and energy efficient appliances allow you to save money while using less energy. Appliances include ovens, dish washers, washer and dryer machines, and refrigerators...etc.

Low-Flow Faucets, Shower Heads, and Toilets: Decreases water use and reduces hydro fees

Air Filtration Systems: Installing energy efficient air filtration systems is healthy for the family and saves money.

Whether your home energy comes from oil, gas, or coal, it has a direct impact on the environment and your wallet. These energy sources contribute to global warming, habitat loss, and increases toxins in our air and water. By building an energy efficient new home, you can do your part to help the planet while lowering your energy costs.

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