Building Up Vs. Building Out

Image Credit: Honolulu Magazine

Thinking about adding on to your home but not sure whether to build a second story or just add on. Read below to find out which direction you should go.

One reason homeowners decide to build up is because they do not have enough land to build out or they choose for other reasons. When building up it’s important to check with your city to find out if there are limits on housing height in your area. Some locations will place limits on what you can and can’t do. For example, if your home is considered in a “historic” area, then there will be limitations as to what can be done to the outside of the home. An advantage to building up is that you are able to save space for a yard and potentially have an ocean view from your second story.

Homeowners may chose to build out for many reasons – expanding the kitchen, adding a family room, or simply to live in a one-story home. Building out may be a less intrusive project because your entire home will not be affected and there will be areas to still live in during the project. Building up will make it more difficult. If you have a large piece of property, building out might be your desired choice. 

Tips on the Best Practices to Reduce the Amount of Energy Your Refrigerator Uses

Image Credit: Whirlpool

According to EnergyStar these five tips will help to reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses:

1. set the appropriate temperature. keep your refrigerator at 35 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. place your fridge in a cool place. position your refrigerator away from a heat source such as an oven, a dishwasher, or direct sunlight from a window.
3. allow air circulation behind the fridge. leave a few inches between the wall and the refrigerator, and keep the condenser coils  clean if you ave an older model. read the users manual to learn how to safely clean coils. coil cleaning brushes can be purchased at most hardware stores.
4. check the door seals. make sure the refrigerator seals around the door are airtight. if not, replace them.
5. keep the door closed. minimize the amount of time the refrigerator door is open

Upgrading Your Home with Bamboo Floors

It's time to tear out that old linoleum floor and upgrade with beautiful hardwood! Hardwood floors are so easy to clean and take care of. Plus it comes in a wide variety of different wood, so it can fit in any budget. 

Image credit: Home Depot

Bamboo flooring is a popular type that is fairly inexpensive but will still look and feel the way you want. Homeowners enjoy Bamboo because of the durability and it's eco-friendly. It can also add a unique look and adapt to any decorating style. Bamboo flooring can be dyed into a variety of colors or it can come in natural, finished or unfinished. 

When it come to maintenance, Bamboo floors can be fairly easy to maintain. A simple vacuum or sweep regularly will help remove the small debris. Occasionally you can mop or clean it with a hardwood or bamboo floor cleaner. However, it's important to clean up after every spill so the liquid doesn't damage, stain or warp the flooring. 

There are many other types of hardwood floors available. Take a look at these others, Mahogany, Chestnut, Oak, and Maple hardwood.

Benefits of Remodeling an Old Kitchen

The greatest benefit to having your kitchen remodeled is the increase in your home's value. Most of the time remodeling projects will increase your home's value, however, it depends on the quality of the remodeling done. If poor quality work was completed then it may lead to future problems, which in turn will lead to spending money to repair. Also take into consideration what other neighbors in your area are doing. If they are not upgrading or remodeling, then your home value may not increase to its highest potential. 

After Remodel

Another benefit of remodeling is now you have control to design your dream kitchen. Of course the possibilities depend on your budget and the space available. You may be able to de-clutter and create more of an open floor plan, which can make a room feel bigger and more spacious than it once was. A kitchen remodel is a great place to start before remodeling other areas of your home. 

Here are the top three benefits of remodeling your old kitchen:

1. Increases home value
2. It's a brand new kitchen!
3. Designing your new kitchen

Before Remodel

Creating a Focal Point for your Kitchen

Image source: Better Homes and Gardens

It's time to redesign your Kitchen. Where do you start? First off, details are extremely important to receive your desired outcome. Every where from the style or mood desired to the finishing touches of color, material, appliances, and a focal point of the kitchen. The focal point should be determined during your design process. However, this can change somewhat as the projects moves forward. 

Focal points can serve a variety of different functions in the space. Some focal points draw attention and others add that "special" touch. Areas that are most commonly emphasized are cooking centers, often creating a custom ventilation hood or an intricate backsplash pattern. However, other areas of the kitchen are looked at as well. Sometimes an island with a contrasting finish, a uniqued colored appliance or a countertop made of a special material. Even a piece of art located or a window design to showcase a breathtaking view can be a focal point. 

Image Credit: Better Homes and Garden