Home Renovations Tips to Plan it Right

You might have thought for a long time and realised that it's time to make some home renovations. You already have a general idea of what you want to do with your house, including the floor plans for each room. Everything has to be planned in detail because the time and effort put into home improvements is major. Home renovation costs can get out of control if you do not analyse the details and make a general materials list without having a strict strategy. Here are some tips that you can follow once you decide to carry on some building and home renovations:

First of all, you have to decide if you can do the house renovation on your own or if you engage the services of a professional builder, i.e. a home improvement professional. These professionals provide interior design with the original floor plan of your home. They could also collaborate with you by merging your good ideas with a detailed design plan, to make your house comfortable as well as functional to live in. Truth to tell, some people think that a professional interior design is not that important in making home improvements but these design ideas can really help the owner do the right home renovations-from kitchen renovations to bathroom renovations etc.

Secondly, it is important that the block of land that your house is sitting on is well suited to the house design that you have in mind. For example, if you can sit your house to take advantage of the rise and setting of the sun you will be amazed at the variation it will make. If you are in a warm climate you want the sun coming into your bedrooms and kitchen early morning and then you want to keep out the bright sun in the afternoon.

Third and lastly, when thinking of renovation ideas, keep in mind that the furniture and furnishings of your home play an important role in your daily life. Not only do they add beauty to your new home your furniture and furnishings directly impact on your health in more ways then you realise. For example, accumulated dust in windows and drapes can produce an asthma attack for some members of your household so the interior design should have health considerations. All in all, it is advisable that you have a step-by-step guide in making home renovations and talk to a professional.

Home renovations can be fun and gratifying, particularly when done right. Do some reading on home improvements and collect some renovation ideas. You will get some great tips to design your house so it can be very practical for your family and comfortable. As a final thought, when you decide to do your home addition or extensions, home renovations costs must be planned carefully since you want to finish your home renovations within budget.

Top 5 Reasons to Hire an Architect

For the last 15 years or so it property programmes on the television have been really popular. This has matched an appetite in home owners to improve their property or move up the property ladder.

Programmes like Grand Designs show self-builders keen build the dream and shows like property ladder detail would be tycoons eager to capitalize on the interest in the property market. One common factor that is frequently depicted is the self-builder or property developer who chooses not to employ an architect for the duration of the build as a cost saving measure.

This can be a big mistake. The inevitable often happens as the featured developer or homeowner starts to see that their budget is spiraling out of control; it is over running in terms of the specified delivery date and the materials that turn up wasn't what they thought it would be.

Architects roles extend far beyond simply drawing up some plans and specifying materials to be used. Below are five reasons to hire an architect:

1) Experience

Architects have to train for seven years to qualify so they have significant experience designing buildings which allows them to create the best design for your project whether it is a single story extension or a whole new house. They know how spaces relate to each other and what materials will look good and work with other materials

2) Project Management

A good architect will also have strong project management skills. They will have a good understanding of the timings of each stage of the project, who is responsible for what and getting any materials and supplies to the site on time. This in itself can be a good reason along to hire an architect.

3) Budgeting

Controlling a budget is vitally important to make sure the project can be completed and overruns don’t cause compromises to be made in the design or the materials used. Making sure the contractors are thinking about the costs involved at every stage is something the architect will be on top of.

4) Vision

The architect will take time to understand the needs of your family and how you use your home. For example, where do you watch television? Do you like to cook and spend lots of time in the kitchen? Once they understand how you would bets use your home, they can style the best design for your lifestyle and include you in the design process.

5) Regulations and planning

One of the areas that the architect will have vast experience in is the planning permission process and any regulations that apply to your building or local authority. If you don’t consider this you can be setting yourself up for a big problem later on down the line.

Ultimately the architect or architectural designer will have the experience and skill to design your building project but will also be able to see it through to completion with minimal fuss and budget over runs. He will also be able to make sure the development doesn't fall foul of what is permitted for your home in your area. 

Tim Tavender is an experienced writer and blogger. He writes on a range of subjects both online and offline. This blog was written with the help of http://www.metthermwindows.co.uk.

Best Interior Design Tips For Your New Home

New homeowners have what is seemingly a daunting task to decorate their home from scratch. Truth be told, anything you start from scratch requires time and energy, but this is where you will find one hidden misconception. Investing your time and energy in order to turn a house into a place you can call home is not an overwhelming task. Just think about the final result, and you will easily find inspiration to decorate your home with style and according to your own preferences. In addition to this, we have selected some of the best interior design tips to help you decorate your home with ease, and make the right decisions when necessary.

The Measurements

The process of measuring your room and furniture you plan on placing in it are your first steps. This is the golden rule of interior design, and if you decide to skip this step, a number of problems may arise. For one, you risk the chance of buying furniture that does not fit into your room, or just looks awkward. You want to be able to walk around your new home without running into any obstacles, so be sure to take measuring tape prior to anything else, and start planning.

After you have measured the dimensions of furniture that will fit perfectly into your new home, you can actually start shopping. Another piece of advice that should not be ignored is related to the space between your furniture and the ceiling. Make sure that there is always at least 20 to 30 centimeters between these two. If your furniture is too close to the ceiling, the whole room will appear smaller visually.

Selecting Floor Coverings

After you have gotten an idea of which furniture you will place in your room, it is time to select floor coverings for your home. One of the best solutions in this regard is an area rug. Not only it will add style to your home, but also serve as a great focal point in your room. In case you have a spacious room to decorate, placing several area rugs will help you divide space into several areas, and make the entire room look well-decorated.

Mirrors and Lighting

Mirrors are essential when it comes to interior design projects. Aside from their practical purpose, mirrors can bring light to your home, serve as a focal point with the right frame, and make your room look bigger. Lighting is another important part of decorating your home, as without proper lighting even the most stylish pieces of furniture and accessories won’t be given a chance to shine. Therefore, make sure that there are enough light sources in your home in order to complete its look, as well as put an emphasis on different parts of your room you want to stand out from the rest of the space. You can use lamps with the most diverse lampshade patterns and colors, chandeliers, as well as any other source of light that will help you bring enough light into your home.

Finding The Right Style Flooring For Your Home

One of the most important parts of designing or redecorating a home is fitting the right flooring. The right decision can ensure your house transforms into a beautiful and cosy place in which to live. However, it can often be difficult to decide on the flooring that is right for your home.

Wood is currently the most popular home flooring material for various reasons. It enhances the decor of any room, is ecologically friendly and provides warmth and a timeless beauty that increases in value as the years move on. If you decide to fit wood flooring, consider each of the three types of wood flooring available to you.

Types of wood flooring:

1. Solid wood flooring.

These are wood planks or blocks (parquet) that are cut from logs and dried in a kiln to a moisture level of between 8% and 12%. They are then machine cut into various lengths, widths and grades and are later processed at the factory with wax or lacquer. Solid wood flooring is usually left unfinished for the installer to finish when fitting on site.

2. Engineered flooring.

This type of wood flooring is a hardwood veneer placed atop a cross plywood base. Engineered flooring comes in various thicknesses ranging from 10mm to 21mm. They have several benefits over solid wood, including ease of installation.

3. Laminate flooring.

This flooring is a photograph of a wood grain that is then laminated atop a wooden composite base. It is not real wood; however it does have many advantages over the other floor types. Laminate floor is durable, not sensitive to moisture and the easiest to install. The photo grain is also so good that you would not easily know it is not real wood.

Whichever flooring you choose, it is important to familiarise yourself with the methods used to fit them.

Fitting Methods:

Floating.

Floating is where the flooring is not fastened to the sub floor. This method is usually only ever used where a solid sub floor (such as concrete) is already in place. It is recommended to only use adhesive floor fitting foam to fit floating floors. It is never recommended to glue together floorboards and float them.

Mechanical fitting.

This is a popular method for fitting hardwood flooring. It involves using hand tools such as tape measure, carpenter’s square and hammer to nail or screw the floor onto existing floorboards, sub floor, joints or battens. There are different ways of completing the task with this method, including secret nailing where a nail gun is used to drive nails through the side of the tongue at angles of between 33 degrees and 45 degrees.

Gluing.

This method is suitable for fitting flooring on a solid sub floor. Always ensure that the sub floor is completely dry and free of dirt and solid particles. Install a continuous Damp Proof Membrane when using this method to ensure the floor remains dry.

Installation tips.

The key to successful installation is proper planning, preparation and execution. Ensure the relative humidity in the room where the floor is to be installed or even stored is between 50% and 65%. Too much humidity can damage the flooring and give poor results.

Also, check that the floor you get is kiln dried to the appropriate moisture content level: ideally 10%. The floor should also have been stored in temperature controlled conditions prior to your collection. This ensures the floor will require little if any acclimatisation before lying.

Finally, if you are installing the floor yourself, follow the manufacturer’s instructions fully to attain the desired results.

Your Next Weekend Home Improvement Project Could Be Spectacular

The next weekend home improvement project you do, could be the best one ever, if you follow a few little tricks, tips, and advise. Did you know that the next weekend chore that rolls around could have you chomping at the bit with excitement ready to get started on your weekend home improvement project, if you do it right!

It's All In Your Head

The best way to approach any weekend home improvement project is to do it with excitement. Your mind is a powerful, thing, so use it in a positive way. Say to yourself, this is going to be fun and very worthwhile. Make a game out of it and reward yourself with something nice when you complete your goals.

Planning For Some Fun Time Will Guarantee Success

Next time you have maintenance or remodeling jobs to do around the house you should create some fun things to do too. Maybe you could have some close buddies over for a cookout or ask them to join in on the project and you'll generously serve the meal. Make it a pleasant event rather than a job, and see what happens. The best way to do this is to prepare some solid plans and then look forward to the event.

Break Big Jobs Up

If the job at hand is a rather daunting task, you may want to break it up into bite size accomplishments. That way you will not dread the weekend home improvement project when it comes around. Make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed and then prioritize them accordingly. Maybe you could even hire out a couple of the dirty jobs, and enjoy the weekend home improvement project even more. The key thing is, to not get burned out by trying to get everything done in one shot. Give these ideas a try next time a weekend home improvement project rolls around and see how enjoyable it really can be.

Georgia’s 2012 Southern Living Idea House

Southern Living magazine has chosen Senoia, Georgia as the site of its 2012 Idea House. This is the second time the small Georgia town, located 32 miles south of Atlanta, has been the Idea House location. Senoia was the site of the 2010 Southern Living Idea House. The 2012 home is within the town’s historic district.

Southern Living’s newest Idea House is unusual in that it is not a new construction, but a restoration of an 1830s farmhouse. This is the first time the magazine has renovated an historic home as its Idea House. The home is one of the oldest in Senoia, and has seen a number of additions and renovations over the years. Southern Living worked with architects from Historical Concepts, an Atlanta based firm, to rescue the house and redesign it for modern living. The architects were careful to stay true to the home’s original details. The structure was moved forward on the lot, gutted, and completely reconfigured inside. Old windows were replaced with new energy efficient windows. The house was clad in low maintenance exterior siding by James Hardie. A new dining room, keeping room, and a two story garage addition provide additional square footage. A wraparound front porch welcomes visitors and adds inviting outdoor space.

The interior spaces were designed by Tracery Interiors, with studios in Mountain Brook, Alabama and Rosemary Beach, Florida. The new floor plan of the farmhouse is a more open layout and lets in lots of natural light. Original materials were salvaged and reused when possible. The interiors are light, comfortable, and functional for today’s families. Fabrics and other fixtures are durable. Many of the decorating ideas can be used with any style of home. The designers have mixed old and new elements to maintain the home’s historic charm. A thoughtful landscape design adds curb appeal, and backyard living spaces provide private entertainment areas for a modern family to enjoy.

The 2012 Southern Living Idea House is open to tour through December 23, 2012. It is located at 57 Morgan Street in Senoia. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-5pm and Sundays from 1-5pm. The house is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $12 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit charitable partner Camp Southern Ground, a camp for special needs children. Beginning in October, the Idea House will be decorated for Christmas. It will be included on Senoia’s Candlelight Tour of Homes on December 9.

Fast Service for Faster Solution: Fast Unsecured Loans

Suddenly you need cash, you cannot borrow it from your friends as the amount is bit higher, you do not have any property against which you can avail a fast secured loan. Then... is there any other option that you can opt for? Big question... isn't it? Do remember that every problem has a solution, same as to solve your immediate cash crunch, the ultimate solution is fast unsecured loans.

Fast unsecured loans- from the name, it is easily understandable that these loans are obtainable without pledging any property as security. Thus all sorts of borrowers, homeowners or tenants, bad credit scorers or good credit scorers all can apply for these loans easily.

As the name refers, fast unsecured loans are approved quickly. Thus, fast service for faster solution is possible with these loans. Since these loans are provided without any security, thus formalities like, valuation of property, execution lots of paper works are absent. So no doubt, it saves times and gives extra pace to get the loan approved.

However, some common features of fast unsecured loans have mentioned below:

oFast unsecured loans provide fast cash to solve problem faster.

oThese loans can be used for any purposes including debt consolidation, investing is real estate sector, buying new car etc.

oWith this option one can borrow the amount ranged from ₤1,000 to £25,000 along with a repayment period of 3-25 years.

oThe interest rate of these loans is relatively high as these loans are offered without any property. Normally the interest rate varies between 7% and 30%.

oPayment protection plan is the also an added benefit of fast unsecured loans.

In order to get unsecured loan fast, choice of lenders also does matter a lot. There are many lenders who are well-known for their swift service. If one opts for such kind of lenders, then getting fast unsecured loans will be truly possible. But one may not be aware of those lenders. In such cases, lending brokers can assist a borrower to get the fast unsecured loans. Generally, these brokers have adequate knowledge of different lenders in the loan market. So they can guide a borrower from where they can avail unsecured loans within a minimum time according to his own personal circumstance. One may also opt for online option as well.

Fast unsecured loans, a profitable loan program assures borrowers to get the loan fast. With this loan option, borrower can avail fast cash and meet their needs faster. And moreover, for that they do not need to pledge any property as security. So these loans are meant for all- home owners, non homeowners, all can access these loans without any hassle.

Tips And Guide To Facts About Advantages Of Using Soft Furnishings To Decorate Your Home

When decorating your home or room, consider applying simple decor and colors to the main pieces such as the couch, chair, tables and wall paint. By keeping these major factors on the mainstream, you can play around with colors, textures and accessories to your heart's delight. Use your accent colors on soft furnishings such as your curtains, rugs, and throw pillows.

You will save on decorating costs by maintaining a neutral look to your main pieces and interiors. Use smaller and cheaper items like throw pillows, curtains and throw rugs to add personality to your home. You may replace or change these small accent pieces every few months if you want to make your room look different. This will be less expensive than repainting your walls of having your couch reupholstered.

Getting your couch reupholstered or your home repainted will come out to be too expensive just to achieve having a new look. You can spruce up your interior design by replacing throw pillow covers, curtains and other small decor pieces. Retain a neutral tone to larger parts of the room and just change smaller pieces that do not cost as much as repainting walls and upholstery work.

You should spice up a plain beige sofa with colourful throw pillows and a blanket. Use the same color on your window dressing to complement your other accent pieces. This will make your whole room blend magnificently. When using this concept to decorate a room, stick to 2 or 3 colors only. Applying more than 3 shades to your theme may create a disorganized and mismatched look.

It is going to be less difficult to replace small cheap items as compared to repainting entire walls or having your living room set reupholstered. If you want to be more creative, get more pillow covers, area rugs, curtains and throw blankets in various colors, patterns and designs. It is that easy to change the entire look of your living room without spending too much for a total renovation.

This can instantly change the way your room looks and even brighten up your mood. Even your guests will notice a pleasant change each time they visit your house. The room will appear like it had just received a make-over when in fact, you had just replaced the rug, curtain or covers of some pillows. It is a great way to create a dramatic effect the cheap way.

You will have the benefit of a completely renovated look without the expense of one. It is practical and so easy to accomplish that you can change your room's appearance as seasons change. You can use current popular colors or use suitable shades to go with the time of the year, whether it is fall, winter or summer. Textures of fabrics can also be change accordingly.

Applying the use of soft furnishings will achieve what a total redecorating project can. The only difference is you can keep changing the appearance of your home as often as you want. Spending on smaller decor pieces is more reasonable than performing a total renovation. Think about this option the next time you are thinking of giving your home a make-over.

Learn How To Accessorise Your Home With Style

Homes are everyone’s castles, no matter how large or small they may be. They reflect the resident’s personality, their individual tastes and their sense of style. The accessories have normally been chosen because they match the décor of the home, or because they hold a special place in the hearts of the residents. A sense of style is always much personalised and people will generally try to stylize their homes according to their own perception of what is considered stylish. Yet, there are a few guidelines which can be followed while purchasing and placing accessories in a home.

Choose a Theme

If the home has furniture that is reflective of days gone by, then the accessories should also have a touch of an earlier era or have a vintage feel to it - accessorise in line with your main furniture items. Other basic style rules for inspiration cane be; in a room where the furniture has straight and simple lines, choose modern lamps. In a room where the furniture is carved or has a heavier look and feel, choose Turkish and Indian carpets.

If you're able, carry a different theme in each room and make sure that none of the accessories clash with the theme or vary too much from other rooms. With the large variety of accessories available in the market, not only is this easy to do, but you can also find a way to create some continuity through the rooms.

Choose the Correct Colours

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is when they choose colours that are not coordinated and which tend to clash with each other. It is important that one chooses colour schemes carefully, and makes sure that it is not a hotchpotch of colours, but a harmonious medley of shades in the room. Bold furniture upholstery goes well with muted walls, a brightly coloured lamp will immediately liven up a quiet simple room. Use accessories to balance the colour schemes in a room, since colour should be distributed equally all around the room, without focusing on any one area.

Choose What You Like

Sometimes what is in fashion may not reflect personal tastes and choices. Always choose accessories that are personally pleasing, since they have to be a part of your own home. If there is a particular piece of art which is much loved, then it should be placed first and everything else should take the lead from its colours and theme. An heirloom carpet can become the focal point of a room, and all other colours and accessories can be derived from it.

Every Accessory should Serve a Purpose

Often accessories are purchased because they look good in a store, but at home they do not coordinate well with the rest of the items in the room. Each accessory should be there only if it has a specific purpose. It could have a sentimental or nostalgic value, it could be a part of a coordinated theme, or it could even be there to add colour to the room. Do not over accessorise, if an accessory does not fit, then it is better that it is removed from the room.

Correct Placing

A symmetrical arrangement of furniture is generally done for a formal room, and an asymmetrical one is done for informal lounges and bedrooms. Placing the furniture and accessories correctly is very important while attempting to achieve a stylish neatly decked room. Place the largest pieces first, and then coordinate the other accessories around them. Mirrors should either reflect light or beautiful art pieces. Lamps should give light and also adorn table tops and dressers. Paintings or photographs can be grouped together to achieve a focal point in the room without spending too much money.

Trust your Instincts

Trust your own sense of style to prepare a room where you would be happy to spend time in. Follow the guidelines given above, but also follow what your heart says. Every room should be a reflection of your taste and your personal choices, and if these differ from the latest fashions, it really does not matter at all. Fashions are constantly changing, but style and good taste is perennial. Accessories are chosen to last for a longer time period, and you are the one who is going to be living with them the longest. Spend some time making a plan, and then follow it through using your personal preferences and tastes as the benchmark.