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50 Features That Home Buyers Love

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:06:48 +0000

1. A sense of historic connection resonates with buyers today. French, English, Tuscan and Spanish homes with stone or stucco walls, tile roofs, iron fixtures, heavy beams and rustic floors are in demand. Old world styles are in demand.

2. The Craftsman style, built in the early 1900′s, is back. Rustic stonework, deep eaves, tapered columns and wide trim, reflect the handmade look over the mass produced.

3. Farmhouses and country homes are sought after for remodeling and are a source of ideas for new homes. Wood windows, simple floor plans, local stone and muted colors connect with nature and earlier times.

4. The retro look is fashionable, and a great fit with fashionable mid century modern furniture styles. Younger folks are breathing new life into their parent’s ranch styles and split levels from the 1950′s.

5. Urban modern is everywhere, with experimental use of space, color, tile, glass, plastic and metal.

6. The preferred ceiling height is about 9 – 12 feet. Two story ceilings are out. In small rooms these feel like towers.

7. Lots of floor level changes are not desirable. These can cause tripping and are not pleasant to live with.

8. Most buyers today want at least two living areas and four bedrooms. Formal dining rooms are still in demand. Formal living rooms are often converted to studies, libraries, or guest rooms. Media rooms are a sought after feature when price range allows.

9. The visual and spatial connection between kitchen and family room is firmly established.

10. Cabinet space is required for large televisions and wall space is needed for the newer flat screens.

11. Three car garages are in demand, especially in areas without basements.

12. Structured wiring is important today for internet, phone, cable and sound. Desk space for computers, fax machines, printers, etc. is required.

13. Good access to the outdoors is a basic design requirement. French doors combine access with light. Sliding glass doors are not as favored.

14. Lots of storage is needed for today’s lifestyle. People have lots of stuff. Huge master closets, pantries, laundry rooms, and extra storage closets are expected.

15. For some people, very spare lofts are perfect. Simplified spaces are an antidote to today’s complex lifestyle.

16. Most buyers are savvy about kitchen design and appreciate good work spaces with easy access to range, refrigerator and sink. Lots of counter space, deep drawers, two sinks, nearby extra refrigerator, and butler’s pantries are all desirable features.

17. Stainless appliances are still in vogue. In urban modern styles, white and colored appliances are back. High end homes conceal some appliances in cabinetry.

18. Eat-in kitchens, with breakfast bar or room for a small table, are a basic requirement for most buyers.

19. Antique tables or cabinets are being refurbished and used as bath cabinets. Kitchen cabinets that look like furniture are a great look.

20. Granite and stone counters are popular. However, granite tops added to 1980′s cabinets do not go over well. Consider your architectural style before adding features. Concrete countertops are perfect for ultra modern, but are not a mainstream feature.

21. Built in refrigerators are desired. Wide, cabinet depth refrigerators have a built-in look, and are not as expensive as the true built-in type.

22. Large rustic stone or ceramic tiles, concrete or wood floors have a warm, functional appeal. Subway tile (3″ x 6″) is popular in bathrooms and on kitchen backsplashes. Patterned cultured marble and laminate are out. Slippery, white floor tile is out.

23. Generous trim is a much appreciated upgrade. Wide, baseboards (6″), and door and window trim (4″) are key features in old European and American styles.

24. Craftsman style doors work well with both old and modern looks. These are simple square frames with flat panels. Iron or heavy wood entry doors make strong statements that buyers love.

25. Rustic finishes on hardware, such as brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, weathered brass, and other non-shiny finishes are the popular choices.

26. Rustic wood beams or wood covered ceilings create a hand crafted, primitive look that buyers like.

27. Wrought iron gates, stair rails and light fixtures compliment the rustic style. Stair rails in ultra modern homes may be wire, pipe or painted metal.

28. Front porches and covered patios are always a strong selling point. Outdoor fireplaces are popping up everywhere.

29. Re-claimed wood used on floors or walls is very desirable. New wood floors that have been distressed or scraped are valued. A variety of wood boards with cracks exposed are being used instead of traditional wood flooring.

30. Bamboo floors are popular, especially in modern style homes where light colored floors are desired.

31. Concrete floors – often stained and scored are popular. These go well with the modern look, and are used in Craftsman and rustic European styles too.

32. Colorful laminate floors are a good fit with mid-century modern. Laminate floors that look like wood are out. Parquet floors are out, unless they are hand crafted.

33. Framed or hung mirrors are preferred, although plate glass works in ultra modern styles. Mirrors used on walls or ceilings are a turn off.

34. Colors are in, but soft is the word. Soft greens, yellows, earth tones and creams create a serene background that works with all styles. Complex colors, with more colors in the mix, are a more interesting choice. Deeply saturated colors, such as plums and reds, are used in moderation.

35. Flat paint on walls hides flaws and creates a designer look. Shiny is out. Soft whites are safe for trim.

36. Faux finishes are out. Often these do not turn out as well as expected, and are difficult to maintain. The same (or similar) wall color through adjoining spaces creates a more spacious feeling.

37. Historic paint colors such as sage greens, beiges, muted yellows, and grays work well on the exterior. Bold or harsh colors are a turn-off to most buyers.

38. Wallpaper is problematic and harder to change than paint. Very often it does not fit the buyer’s taste. Heavily textured walls and popcorn ceilings are totally out.

39. Buyers want more windows, natural light, and a greater connection with the outdoors. People today are more discriminating about the quality of light. Windows on two sides of the room balance the lighting and reduce glare.

40. One light in the middle of the room will not do. Under cabinet task lighting is appreciated. Security lighting is important. Wall sconces offer soft ambient lighting. Recessed cans provide area light. Dimmers help to control the lighting.

41. Light fixtures are a decorative element in all styles. Retro fixtures are interesting decorative features in 1930′s craftsman and 1950′s ranch styles.

42. Clean, modern fixtures, such as pendant lights, recessed cans, and wire string lights compliment the urban look. Industrial metal fixtures are in. The un-decorated look of metal or stainless steel is being used with modern and rustic styles.

43. Heavy drapes are out. Light cotton, linen or silk drapes are used. Or, wood blinds. Or nothing. Retro woven wood blinds have made a comeback. Mini blinds are very yesterday.

44. Bath fixtures are finished in rustic bronze, nickel, or chrome. Old style two-handled faucets and farmhouse sinks are in style.

45. Bath sinks may be glass bowls, granite, stone, stainless or traditional china. Free standing tubs are in. Pedestal and wall hung lavatories are in. Cultured marble is out.

46. With fuel costs going up, energy efficiency is important. Buyers want high efficiency AC, good insulation, low-e glass, programmable thermostats, double pane windows, and ceiling fans.

47. Effective passive solar orientation is a great advantage. It shows a smart planning and use of natural solar energy. No one wants foil on windows or stick-on window film.

48. Instant hot water is a perk that buyers like, as are drinking water filters.

49. Do remove solar screens when they are not needed, such as under patio roofs, porches or shade trees. Light is more in demand than ever.

50. Screened porches are back. They create a fun, multi purpose space that is both indoors and outdoors.

Roselind Hejl
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/50-features-that-home-buyers-love-51894.html

The Importance of Renewable Energy Resources

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:19:16 +0000

The modern lifestyle depends tremendously on the use and existence of fossil fuels. With levels of these fuels constantly decreasing, we should act now to become less dependant on fossil fuels and more dependent on renewable energy sources.

The decreasing levels of fossil fuels isn’t the only reason why we should begin to use renewable energy. Pollution is becoming a huge problem in many countries around the world, especially the developing world. With carbon emissions at an all time high, air quality can be very low in some areas, this can lead to respiratory diseases and cancer.

The main reason to switch to cleaner energy production methods is the global warming aspect. The more carbon dioxide we pump into the atmosphere, the greater the effect becomes. We can’t just stop using fossil fuels thinking that global warming will go away, but we can slow down and dilute the effects of global warming through the wide spread use of renewable energy resources.

There are many natural energy sources out there, but you have to decide which method is best for you, as all of these sources depend on your current environment.

The installation of a solar panel or a wind turbine to boost every homes power supply would be an amazing step forward. Some governments are in the process of supplying solar panels to hundreds of households to test this method of energy saving.

A technology set to be very important in the future is geothermal energy. With geothermal energy, you are able to extract heat from within the earth and transform it either into a hot water system, or if there is plenty of this energy, a geothermal power plant. Huge amounts of money have been flowed into research of this method, especially in recent years, in order to make the current technology more effective.

So there we have the reasons why we should turn to renewable energy resources which are more than likely to play a very vital and important role in our future society.

http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com

James Bratley
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/the-importance-of-renewable-energy-resources-107389.html

Cincinnati Schools’ Environmentally Sound Building Featured in National Education Magazine

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:17:20 +0000

Cincinnati Schools’ Green Renovation

Cincinnati School’s has in effect a long term $1 billion building project that will help to renovate and rebuild many of its older buildings. One Cincinnati School ‘s elementary school, Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, has been recently featured in District Administration. This national magazine focuses on issues in K-12 education. The article from the August issue discusses the growing concern and interest in green building and environmentally friendly construction. The article states that even though the upfront cost can be more the long term benefits of green construction are quite clear. The construction of Cincinnati Schools’ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School is not only a gain for green construction strategies but it also teaches the students important lessons about the environment and responsibility.

Cincinnati Schools’ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School will be the first LEED School in Cincinnati Schools upon its completion. The LEED Green Building Rating System was devised by the U.S. Green Building Council which has helped Cincinnati Schools write its new building plans and codes. The article refers to the work of Ginny Frazier as one of the major influences on the Pleasant Ridge Elementary School project. A private citizen who lives in the area, Frazier is the head of a local group that advocates environmentally friendly building. She went to the Cincinnati Schools’ authorities and administrators with proposals on how the school in her neighborhood could be rebuilt using green materials and environmentally friendly tactics. Some of the ideas she proposed included according to the article, “geothermal heating so the new building uses the earth’s temperature for cooling and heating, using natural building materials, noxious-free cleaning products and art supplies, as well as natural water filtration systems.”

The article discusses the five key areas that the Cincinnati Schools’ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School project uses innovative techniques or old-fashioned common sense to improve the building design. The Cincinnati Schools’ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School project will improve the lighting of the schools in several ways. The lights will feature sensors that will automatically turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Currently Cincinnati’s City Hall is using a similar system that has greatly reduced energy costs. The Cincinnati Schools’ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School will also have photovoltaic panels, which convert solar energy into electricity. Saving energy with heating and cooling systems is also a concern. All the new and renovated Cincinnati Schools will have central air systems. The article states that, “Air conditioned classrooms prevent pollution from outside, and in the end, help asthmatic children breathe easier, he says. And moisture from hot, humid days can also cause ceiling pads to buckle or gym floors to sag”

Another area the article talks about is indoor air pollution. Cincinnati Schools’ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School project is using less carpet in the design in order to help reduce pollutants indoors. Plans for reducing the amount of water use in the Cincinnati Schools’ would also be based on sensors that detect movement around sinks and toilets. The article comments on the concerns that the Cincinnati Schools’ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School project has in this area. The main concern is in using faucets that have an automatic shut off system or a push button system.

Stacy Andell
http://www.articlesbase.com/k-12-education-articles/cincinnati-schools-environmentally-sound-building-featured-in-national-education-magazine-62255.html

Different Types Of Swimming Pools And Their Features

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:53:16 +0000

The inconvenience of traveling to the beach and the crowded conditions of local pools are key factors in influencing the decision to buy a pool of your own. The health benefits pools offer are another consideration. Swimming is one of the best exercises because it benefits the entire body. Many different exercises can be performed in a pool, including a number specifically designed for arthritis sufferers. Without a doubt, a major factor in owning a pool is that it is just plain fun.

There are, however, some downsides to purchasing a pool. Besides the price of buying a pool, maintenance is also expensive. Whether the owner does the servicing himself or hires a pool service to come on a regular basis, the equipment and chemicals required to maintain a pool are costly and the process time-consuming.

There are two types of swimming pool for a private home: above-ground and in-ground. In-ground pools come in three main types, concrete, vinyl and fiberglass. They offer a variety of features and come in a range of prices. Different finishes, water features and hot tubs are available for all types of pools.

Concrete pools offer more design flexibility because they are custom built. The disadvantage of concrete pools is that they may take between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. Vinyl pools are typically pre-fabricated shapes of vinyl panels stretched over steel frames. They can be installed faster than concrete pools. Fiberglass pools are one-piece shells that are manufactured offsite and shipped directly to the owner. Once the hole is dug and leveled, the fiberglass pool is placed into the hole. Installation time is quicker than concrete pools and similar to vinyl. The best way to determine the advantages and disadvantages for each type and decide which is right for you is to consult with experts.

There are several options for controlling water temperature in the pool, including standard heated, solar heated, and non-heated traditional. For solar heated pools, location is very important, and the builder should install the pool where it will receive the most natural sunlight. For any pool, the color of the bottom dictates the temperature of the water. Dark colors attract and retain heat for a more comfortable water temperature, while a light colored pool bottom allows the heat to escape for cooler water.

It is very important to be aware of and fulfill all building regulations to ensure that the new pool is not a future problem. The homeowner and contractor confer should meet with the city’s zoning department for any codes related to building a pool. The neighborhood association, if applicable, should also be contacted regarding guidelines for any new construction on the property.

Above-ground swimming pools are less expensive than in-ground pools. Prices range from a few hundred dollars for the smaller, simpler pools to thousands of dollars for hard-sided above ground pools with decks and other features. In addition, they can be installed quickly either by a professional installer or by the pool owner. There are two main varieties of above-ground swimming pools, hard and soft-sided. Hard-sided pools are constructed of fiberglass or metal and are usually more expensive and more durable than soft sided models. Soft-sided models are made from latex, rubber or a similar material.

It is fun to own any type of pool and have guests over. Children love playing in the pool, but must be carefully supervised at all times to avoid accidents. Pool chemicals should be stored in a safe place that is inaccessible to children and pets. For optimum safety for everyone, all accessories, such as waterslides and diving boards, should be professionally installed. There should be safety barriers in the pool area, such as a fence and a pool cover, to prevent accidental drowning.

Joe Goertz
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/different-types-of-swimming-pools-and-their-features-67753.html

Camping Made Safer – Essential Supplies to Keep in Mind

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:43:11 +0000

So, you are getting ready for an upcoming camping trip and are thinking about the “essentials” for your weekend in the woods. You probably have all of your gear for setting up a camp site including a tent, sleeping bag and other equipment. You are also probably thinking about cooking, bathing and even some “luxuries” like communication and any emergency needs.

This is a wise approach to an enjoyable weekend or camping trip because many people forget about some of the more difficult realities while they prepare for a vacation. For example, what will you do in the event of a medical emergency? While you may know that a hospital is about twenty miles from the camp site, the problem may be that you have no idea how to find the hospital! What kind of facilities are at the location? Will there be hot water? What kind of lighting will be available?

Luckily modern technology can provide solutions and answers to all of these questions through solar powered products, and a frequent camper would be wise to invest in some of the best solar powered camping essentials.

Beginning with communications; like millions of other consumers you probably have a cell phone, mobile device or GPS. Each of these remarkable gadgets can function in a wide number of ways, but each of them also requires a fully charged battery. The problem then is just how to charge a battery in the middle of the woods? The answer is a portable solar charger. These are lightweight and completely portable solar panels that are constructed of durable and flexible materials that will provide a small, personal electronic device with a full charge. Some backpackers will even drape the waterproof units over the exterior of their pack and use it to feed their GPS with a constant charge throughout the day! This is also great for emergency situations where a cellular phone or other device may be required to call for help. Often times, a good solar charger may be your only life line when out in the wilderness.

The next area where solar equipment can help out on a camping trip is lighting. There are an enormous range of solar powered lamps and lights that can provide up to twelve hours of service on a single charge. This saves campers from lugging the significantly heavier, battery powered units traditionally used in the woods, and it also eliminates any concerns about running out of light when batteries die.

Finally, one of the most enjoyable experiences provided by solar power on a camping trip is a hot shower. Specially treated bags can be filled with ice cold stream water and left in the sun for a few hours where the bag superheats the water and provides a steaming hot shower for a lucky camper!

Jonathan Gal
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/camping-made-safer-essential-supplies-to-keep-in-mind-732211.html

What is the temperature of the water after 2 hours?

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:56:07 +0000

A solar hot water panel is used to heat 8.0 x 10 kg water, initially at 30*C. If the average rate that heat is absorbed over a one hour period is 725J/min, what is the temperature of the water after 2 hours? The specific heat capacity of water is 4.18 x 10³ J/kg/*C.

Let UNITs guide you; always USE THEM in your calculation to prevent errors

Firstly, the eqn: warm water + heat = hot water

heat absorbed over 2 hours = (725 J/min * 2h * 60min/h) = ??

heat absorbed = (4.18 E3J/kgC * 8.0E1 kg) * (T-30)C

Plug and SOLVE for T

Basic mathematics is a prerequisite to chemistry – I just try to help you with the methodology of solving the problem.

Bamboo Shower Update- 50 Gal Solar Hot Water Tank (Part 2)

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:04:28 +0000

After thinking the bamboo shower project was completed for the summer, I ended up figuring out a way to make a $35 solar hot water tank for our outdoor bamboo shower. These three videos demonstrate the innovations and adjustments that we had to make to bring hot water to our shower.

Duration : 0:8:37

[youtube LYQ0WdB1Amk]

The SOLAR HOT WATER HEATER SOLUTION

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:57:09 +0000

An interview with Environment California’s Clean Energy Program Director Bernadette Del Chiaro on the drive to have California regain its lost position as a leader in the transition to a clean energy future.

Duration : 0:47:24

[youtube Na1M9BzsTS8]

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Technorati Tags: 1470, AB, Act, and, Bernadette, california, Chiaro, Del, efficiency, environment, heating, hot, solar, water

Creating Solar Panels in your Backyard -Batteries, Fuse Box

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:03:59 +0000

http://top-3-products.info/solar â â SOLAR ENERGY FOR UNDER 200 DOLLARS â IS IT POSSIBLE??? – Creating Solar Panels in your Backyard -Batteries, Fuse Box

solar system solar power solar panels wind turbine wind turbines wind energy earth4energy earth for energy earth 4 energy wind generator review scam instructions save money save energy save electricity energy bill eliminate power solar panel panels wind turbines turbine alternative efficient efficiency renewable system how to build electricity earth home house technology generate go green residential homemade made free home made heating cost

Duration : 2 min 14 sec

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Is it better to store solar energy into ice or hot water?

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 04:15:00 +0000

I’m usually gone most of the day at work. when i come home, the only two appliances that are on, is the AC and refrigerator. since their is no grid where i live, would it be more efficient to have the solar panels creating ice or hot water, while the sun is blazing during the middle of the day, and then us the ice and hot water to condition my home when i get back at night? or would buying and replacing batteries ever few years be more efficient, environmental friendly, and sustainable?

If you’re away from the grid, I think it would be expensive to expect to heat and cool your home with solar alone. It could be done, but just very expensive.

I don’t know the details of your place, but it would likely be more efficient to super-insulate the house, or even build it below ground. I visited a house in Wyoming when it was 110 F outside, and it was a pleasant 80 degrees inside in the afternoon. They had foot-thick insulation, and a fan to bring in cool air at night.

Certainly, don’t use electric panels to create hot water. Use solar thermal panels designed especially for heating water. That will be 6-10 times more efficient. Then store the water in a big tank.

But to answer directly, unless your refrigerator vents to the outside, it only redistributes the heat in the house. It takes the heat out of water, making ice, and puts that heat into the air. Ultimately, if you were to take the ice out and use it for cooling, it would not compensate for the heat put into the air. An air conditioner take the heat from the house, and pumps it outside.

Is there any possibility of cooling your house with deep well ground water?