POPULAR POSTS
CATEGORIES
Written by Tracy
|
Tankless Water Supply In Green Certified - more than a month ago |
|
|
For at least 25 years Industrialized nations of the west have been utilizing energy saving tankless water units for home hot water supply. More recently US industry has released compact, efficient producers of hot water that can supply shower, washer and other home needs simultaneously.
Standard water heaters of 20 -100 gallons must use large quantities of fuel to keep water hot 24 hours a.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
The Luxury of a Sauna In Pools, Spas, & Saunas - more than a month ago |
|
|
Everyone is probably familiar with some of the health benefits of a sauna. It would be nice to have one in your own home, wouldn't it? Well you can.
Thanks to engineering, sauna kits are available in a variety of materials and sizes. There are also various electric heating elements on the market for use in home saunas. Some models are operated by the flick of a simple mechanical switch. Others.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Green Contractors & VOC s In Green Certified - more than a month ago |
|
|
Let's talk about facts. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) account for most of the pollution that contributes to the greenhouse effect which is exasperating global warming. Much of the toxic air that comes from things we manufacture and use, can be found right in our homes.
Synthetic paint accounts for 20% of hydrocarbon pollution after gasoline usage. Paint contains high amounts.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Green Retrofits A Must In Green Certified - more than a month ago |
|
|
It is perhaps better to build green than to retrofit a less energy efficient home. Still, to do this does pay in long term dividends and a higher comfort rating.
One example would be replacement windows with low-e and hydrophilic coatings, which limit infrared rays (heat gain) and cause water to roll off the pane with no residue.
The 100 gallon stainless steel water tank serves the dual.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Bathroom Exhaust Fan In Bed & Bath - more than a month ago |
|
|
The bathroom is the one room with the most vulnerability for moisture and mold issues. Without proper ventilation, moisture condenses on walls and floor and the result is more spore growth. The effect over time is discoloration in grout and any crevice in the room. This is one reason why some customers complain about the difficulty of keeping caulked seams and tiled areas clean and.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Freezer In Appliances - more than a month ago |
|
|
The freezer is a separate unit from the refrigerator, used to store bulk items. The average freezer can store up to about 25 cubic feet of storage space.
The upright version can be placed next to the frig and is stacked in a more organized way with shelving that can be accessed quickly. The disadvantage is that opening the upright door allows cold air to escape rapidly and may be less energy.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Chimney In Safety - more than a month ago |
|
|
A chimney is an important part of the indoor environment. It's purpose is to remove fireplace fumes and poisonous vapors from gas operated appliances.
If it is not properly inspected and maintained, the chimney can become a health threat and even a danger. In time, mortar between the fire bricks can crumble, allowing carbon fumes to leak into the house air. Worse, heat and flame from wood.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Basement Remodel In Construction, Repair, & Improvement - more than a month ago |
|
|
Finishing the basement can add allot of practicality and comfort. It can be configured to provide guest bed and bath, recreational activities for the family or a high tech entertainment theatre.
In the case of entertainment, consider having the contractor install outlets, video cable and speaker wire for surround systems. Even specialty lighting connected to a remote dimmer control.
Also.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Gazebo In Construction, Repair, & Improvement - more than a month ago |
|
|
There is a large variety of Gazebo designs, kits and manufacturers. Some are built as an enclosure and others built opened to the weather.
In March a friend of mine purchased a 9ft. octagon, aluminum gazebo kit he purchased from Sam's Club for about a grand. I assembled it in a couple of days and bolted the eight posts to pre-leveled mortar pilons - 12" wide, 24" deep, poured into.... more
|
|
Written by Tracy
|
Contractors - Part I In Construction, Repair, & Improvement - more than a month ago |
|
|
Planning & Mid-course Changes
In this series I'll be chatting about scenarios that can sour relations between consumers and contractors, enhance good relations or cause a project to go bad.
One of the occupational pitfalls of remodeling has to do with the planning. Usually it is the customer who is either ill informed or for lack of a better term, caught in his/her own biases.... more
|
|