To keep your thumb on the pulse of current home design, check out what’s trending at the International Builders’ Show. The awards section of the show is a pretty sure indicator of coming attractions in residential design: Paint colors will shift considerably; whites will layer across interior finishes inside new homes and bolder exterior colors […]
Providing Fresh Air in Our Homes
Ventilation is vital in all homes. Investigate these strategies for proper air quality maintenance: 1) No ventilation; this requires constant breezes or stable temperatures. 2) Natural ventilation, a non-mechanical option drawing air up and out of the house via vents and solar chimney. 3) Exhaust-only mechanical ventilation uses exhaust fans to remove stale air and […]
New Home Trends for 2014
What design trends does 2014 have in store for those wishing to revamp and remodel their homes? First and foremost, open floor plans still provide the flexibility and entertaining areas people crave. Classic design and function with softer lines make a comeback as people move away from a more industrial look. Aging populations and increased […]
Green Building Is Good Business – Fine Homebuilding
Green building is growing and builders should take note. By 2016, 114 million dollars will be tied to various aspects of the green-building market. A recent study from McGraw Hill Construction found that new-home builders have been more apt to take advantage of green building opportunities than remodelers. Only about a third of remodeling projects […]
Home Remodeling Expected to See Growth in 2014
When it comes to construction, it looks like home remodeling is no longer a dream deferred. Homeowners are more confident about their ability to see renovations through to a satisfying end. Those in the remodeling business are more than happy to get to back to work meeting their needs. The Joint Center for Housing Studies […]
Green Builders Weather Recessions Better
Sustainable construction is the name of the game, and if you know how to play you’re probably a winner. According to a recent study by McGraw Hill Construction, homebuyers see the investment value of green homes and sustainable products have become increasingly marketable. A large number of builders and remodelers reported that 2012 buyers were […]
Eliminate VOCs When Planning a Home Remodel
When remodeling your home, look for ways to improve the air quality as well as aesthetics and functionality. Be sure to choose products that will not increase the level of breathable Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in your home. On the walls surrounding you, choose primers and paints that are VOC-free and currently available on the […]
Searching for America’s Top (Re)model
Are you in the mood for a remodel? Whether you are hoping to win renovation funds from This Old House’s search for the best remodel in the country or just looking for some design inspiration, their website provides project ideas and plans for every room, from the attic to the basement. When planning a remodel, […]
Should Occupants Control Their Ventilation System?
Should homeowners be able to control their own home ventilation? Are they informed enough to detect potential indoor air quality hazards or knowledgeable enough to know what levels of ventilation are necessary and when? Clearly, education and good control options would be key in ensuring that homeowners understand the benefits of their ventilation system and […]
Costly, Uneccessary Home Improvement Projects
Beware salespeople trying to convince you of the following costly and unnecessary home projects: 1) Regular duct cleaning. If you needed it at all, it would be a one-time thing, for extremely clogged ducts. 2) Chimney repair and gutter cleaning. Ignore solicitors who do more harm than good. Hire someone reputable or do it yourself. […]