Remodeling: February 2006 Monthly archive
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends home sprinklers be installed in all new home builds as well as retrofitted to existing homes. They cite the cost of installing sprinklers in a new home is approximately 1 percent of the total cost of the home. "Home sprinklers are smaller than commercial and industrial sprinklers, and they can be aesthetically coordinated with any room décor".
February 28, 2006 | Comments (1)A well insulated home in the winter is a must, but you don't want to just seal yourself in your home. You also need open-ventilation which prevents mold, controls moisture, and is energy efficient.
February 28, 2006 | Comments ()This information comes from New Zealand but it's very relevant to American home renovators. Before you remodel or renovate the exterior of your home and plan to change the footprint or build up, you must first check the local codes. Failing an inspection costs time and money.
February 28, 2006 | Comments ()
The fireplace is making a comeback thanks to better construction through the use of safer materials as well as more energy efficient models. Gas options have expanded and wood burning fireplaces no longer have to be as dirty or dangerous.
February 26, 2006 | Comments ()
Make use of the extra space below your cabinets. Toekick drawers are perfect for pans, untensils or linens.
February 25, 2006 | Comments (1)
Prefabs are all the rage and for good reason. "The promise of affordable modern housing through prefab design. It’s a concept that is cost-efficient, often environmentally sensitive, and likely to offer practically instant gratification." - GQ
Wired
Time Magazine
GQ does prefab
Washington Post
Treehugger: Push-button prefab
February 23, 2006 | Comments ()
For all the remodel and renovation geeks out there who can't get enough, here's a peek inside a New York brownstone during mid-renovation.
February 23, 2006 | Comments (1)
Bathrooms are tough enough for adults to keep clean and for kids...fugghedaboutit! Brownstoner installed a vintage trough sink for the kids bathroom that is both fun and functional. All surface areas to clean are inside the sink and when the kids get dirty (as kids sometimes do), they can easily wash all the way up to their shoulders.
February 23, 2006 | Comments (1)
Creating cozy spaces is difficult to do in large open rooms or small studio apartments but the project files on the Trading Spaces website shows you how to build a freestanding room divider from start to finish that can even support lighting and artwork.
February 21, 2006 | Comments ()Please refer to the many links along the right side of this page. You can search the categories to help you find exactly what you're looking for. The ten most recent postings are also easily viewed. And our evolving blogroll contains helpful links to msm (mainstream media), design, remodeling, and renovation websites. We've also included some individual blogs to some great projects that are well documented and may help you with your own remodel or renovation.
February 19, 2006 | Comments ()
One of the least expensive ways to change the look and feel of a room is to paint it. But what is often overlooked is the prep time to prepare a wall or surface for paint. The proper pre-paint prep will ensure your paint adheres correctly and you'll enjoy the full life-span of the paint. Please follow the links below for prepping and painting interiors.
DoItYourself.com
Hometime
Benjamin Moore
The Secrets of Pro Painters
MyGreatHome
February 17, 2006 | Comments ()
If you've always been curious about the differences between Victorians, Colonials, and Federal styles, About.com has a brief description as well as photo gallery of 22 different American home styles.
February 17, 2006 | Comments ()
We love modern design and one of the current print vanguards is Dwell magazine. Not to be overlooked but their sparse online component is buoyed by excellent forums where you can discuss the latest beds from Flou, to building "green". The forums are also divided geographically so you can find and share with local modernists.
February 16, 2006 | Comments ()Hardwood floors can boost a homes selling price by at least 6%. That may be enough for you to consider pulling up that 80's shag that should probably be replaced anyway. Who knows - you might already have that oak floor you've been coveting.
February 16, 2006 | Comments ()
These days you've got no excuse not to have the kitchen of your dreams. Check out these Dream Kitchens from DIYnet.com, HGTV.com, AOL Home, and IKEA.
February 16, 2006 | Comments ()
