Save Money And Stay Warm?

Keeping your living spaces warm during the winter and cool on a hot summer day can be quite an expensive task.  It is a wise idea to find ways on how to trim down your expenses in utility bills.

One simple way to save on heating and cooling expenses is by setting your thermostat on different levels for different seasons, and for different times during the day and night. 

Another ideal saving method for your heating and cooling expenses is by tapping into the natural energy provided by the sun. You need not install solar panels or any solar saving system, but by simply allowing the heat of the sun to filter into your home, you will be able to save a significant amount on energy costs. Aside from its warmth, the sun can also provide natural light, reducing the need to use light bulbs to brighten your room.

But be sure to have insulating materials on your windows facing north during winter. Cold air can easily penetrate windows without insulation. You can use thermal blinds, as well as an added support for your heating and cooling system during the winter.

You also have to make sure that you are able to prevent drafts from coming into your room by putting in caulking or specially made blocking tools, which you can put in front of your door. Proper maintenance can also help a lot in keeping your heating and cooling system functioning efficiently. Properly maintained heating and cooling equipment can use less energy as compared to those with blocked ventilation systems. 

Heating and cooling equipment is important in controlling the temperature to have a more comfortable and cozy ambiance while inside the house. Too much heat or too much cold provides a lot of discomfort, and it also impairs your ability to function well. It is also important to consider that your equipment is energy efficient, which in turn can help you save money, and at the same time, your environment as well.

 
If You Are Thinking About A Green Remodel Of Your Home Or Business, Now Is The Perfect Time To Do It.

Not only because the economy is in a slump and people are hurting for work, which makes the prices go down, the incentive given by the Federal and Local Governments to those who choose to build a “green” home have never been greater.

Green building and eco friendly homes are becoming more and more popular and economically smart. Many state and city governments have programs to encourage green building, and offer programs that help with incentives, finances, and more.   Advice and referrals are given to experts in green building, and seminars are held, along with lectures shared to educate the public about sustainability and green construction.

Solar energy is an important element of green living. The sun's energy is abundant, does not deplete with use and does not scar the earth with drills and landfills. It is there for all to use, without polluting the air with bi products. Solar power is the cleanest, safest energy to use. And each and every one of us can help in this transformation.

Solar panels come in all shapes and sizes; from the smallest cells, as in hand held calculators, to the bigger ones on street lights. They come in panels which makes them very versatile. The size of the solar panels is dictated by the amount of electricity you want to produce.

Not only is it clean energy but it will dramatically cut the energy costs for your home or business. After the cost of the solar power system have been recuperated, usually between 2 to 4 years in which you pay off the system not the electric company, the solar energy will be yours for free, for life.

This is only one example of how to turn a house into a green kind of home. There are many more, just as logical, ways to cut down on emission and preserve nature.

Homeshow Daily  is a home show open to the public and worth visiting. It has permanent displays that allow visitors to learn, see, and touch many different eco friendly remodel ideas.  You’ll see experts in green building and energy efficiency like The NW Home Pro,   Northwest Energy Savers , and NW Natural lighting .

Do you have a kitchen remodeling project in mind?  

Here are some suggestions to help you get started on your gorgeous new kitchen!

Floors
Home improvement can call for new floors; and luckily you have so many options! Wood floors complement both traditional and modern designs.  If they are too costly, try engineered wood, which is affordable, easy to install and environmentally friendly. Tile is another popular option.  It’s available in plain or patterned styles, and can coordinate with your backsplash for a custom look. Don’t forget linoleum, it is perfect for high-traffic areas. Linoleum is made of organic materials, wears well, and is easy to clean. Worried about cold during the winter months?  Install electric radiant heat under your floors and put your slippers away!

Counters
What cook doesn’t hunger for beautiful, durable counters?  Visit Homeshow Daily to see dozens of countertop styles and examples in person. You can go with avant-garde materials, such as concrete, stainless steel, paper composite, or recycled plastic and glass. Or you can select the more traditional look of granite, slate, tile, or butcher block. Homeshow Daily remodeling experts can help you find counters that are affordable, durable, and easy-to-clean, but which still provide the gourmet or cozy country look you desire.

Cabinets
A great renovation means great cabinets! If your construction budget is tight, a new coat of paint or stain, new hardware, or new doors can make old look brand new! Ask our contractors about more affordable stock cabinets, or indulge yourself with custom storage. Islands, spice drawers, pantries and pull-out shelves ensure you have rummage-free cupboards. Cabinets also display your home’s personality. Open shelves provide a craftsman or country look, while chrome hardware and minimalist, flat-panel doors are contemporary. Ornate hardware, detail work, and moldings are more romantic or traditional, while the transitional look allows you to combine all of your favorite looks.

Appliances
Now is the time for that new refrigerator or stove.  Stainless steel appliances are popular; choose traditional models or go for high-end brands, such as Wolf, Subzero, or Viking. It’s even possible to revisit retro appliance colors and styles; just ask our Homeshow Daily remodeling expert for sources. In Homeshow Daily makes remodeling easy. Whether you’re redoing your kitchen, bathroom, or any room, turn to our local experts to make your project a success!

Homeshow Daily’s remodeling professionals have the expertise to help you create a truly green and energy efficient remodeling project.

Flooring
When choosing flooring, look for recycled or renewable choices.  Bamboo grows quickly and is harvested every seven years (plus, the variety used for floors isn’t what pandas eat, so your second-grade environmentalist can relax!). Cork wears well and is harvested without cutting the tree. It comes in many finishes and colors, and is allergy friendly. Reclaimed wood recycles old materials and requires less preparation energy. Stone and tile are also available in recycled form; if you choose new or custom options, rest assured that they can be recycled one day as well.  . Made of linseed oil, wood resin, and other natural ingredients then dyed with organic materials, linoleum is strong, easy to clean, and keeps dust mites at bay. Install under floor radiant heat with an Energy Star rated thermostat to stay warm without breaking the bank during the cold winter months.  

Materials
Paying attention to construction materials will keep your home improvement project green. Homeshow Daily remodeling suppliers have many choices available. You can find reclaimed and recycled moldings, light fixtures, tubs, sinks, and other architectural supplies that can be refurbished and brought up to code if necessary. You can also use innovative products such as wheat board, which is made of wheat straw and non-formaldehyde resins. It’s a moisture-free, light substitution for particle board. Paper composite, used for counters, is another uniquely green product. It’s made of recycled paper and low VOC resins, is scratch-resistant and is available in many colors. Use stainless steel for sinks and counter-tops; it’s strong, easy to clean, and recyclable. Recycled plastic and glass also make beautiful custom counters to complement any kitchen or bathroom.

Appliances
Look for Energy Star rated appliances to conserve energy and save on utilities.  A convection cook top or oven uses magnetic energy to direct more heat at your food.  Select a top/bottom refrigerator-freezer; it will use less energy than a side-by-side model.  Eliminating the ice and water dispenser will even save more.  When it comes to lighting, add natural light through windows and skylights, and don’t forget those energy-efficient light bulbs!

Going green? Consult our Homeshow Daily experts for environmentally friendly home improvement.

Tired of that out-of-date bathroom?  

Longing for a spa experience?  Or do you have to fight with your kids every morning just to brush your teeth?  Find local remodeling and construction experts that have everything you’re looking for!

Tubs 
A tub is the centerpiece of your bathroom; you want it to be perfect. If you simply want to replace an old, damaged tub, ask your contractor about refinishing and reglazing or installing a bathtub liner, both of which cost less than replacing your bathtub. If you want a spa bath, however, you’ll want a new tub. How deep? One person or two? Water or air jets? Your home improvement consultant can help you decide. Water jets supply a strong massage, while air jets allow you to use bath oil, and provide a gentler experience. There are many tub styles to consider: large corner tubs, walk-in tubs, copper or clawfoot, plus colors to match every décor; there are even cushioned tubs! Remodeling suppliers suggest adding mood lighting or a dimmer switch to truly enhance a relaxing soak.

Showers
There’s nothing like a great shower to get you ready for the day—or to help you recover once it’s over!  Rainshower heads provide a gentle experience, while massaging showerheads are more invigorating.  Another popular option, is the multi-jet shower, with an electronic touch pad that allows you to adjust intensity and direction. You might also like a steam bath, or even a small sauna for that home spa experience. Want to preserve that warm feeling?  Heated towel bars and radiant underfloor heating take the chill out of cold weather.

Sinks and Vanities
No more pitcher and basin! Today’s sinks are fashion statements. You can find them in stainless steel, glass, and porcelain. Gemstone sinks are made of crushed gems and ores, bound with resin and polished to make one-of-a-kind jewel-toned basins. Blown-glass sinks are custom-made for your family, while copper sinks are maintenance-free and anti-bacterial. Your renovation isn’t complete without a new vanity. Choose one that reflects your home’s personality; whether contemporary, romantic, country, ethnic, or eclectic, you’ll find it at Homeshow Daily. Match cabinet hardware and faucets to complete your design.

No matter what you need for a beautiful kitchen or bathroom, you’ll find it when you consult Homeshow Daily’s remodeling experts!

 
Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Bathrooms have acquired an important status in the house due to modern trends. They are no longer considered just a functional area, but are looked upon as a decorative and appealing room. Bathroom renovation is one of the most popular remodeling projects that people undertake for their home. If you are going for a bathroom remodeling project, here are a few ideas for your upgrade.

Water Resistant Flooring
The flooring should be water resistant. Linoleum and tile are the most popular choices for flooring, but laminate flooring is also a good choice as it is water resistant and can exhibit a warm feeling to the area. When installing tiles for the bathroom or kitchen, remodeling contractors use concrete board as sub-floor. Concrete board is resistant to mold and is solid enough that it can support the heavy tile, resulting in less cracking.

Go For Drywall with Green Board or Green Paper 
Walls require special care as the moisture present in the room can result in the growth of mold and mildew. You can use standard drywall, but you are advised to go for drywall with green board or green paper because of its moisture resistance quality.

Re-glaze the Bathtub
The main focal point of a bathroom is the fixtures. You should be quite particular in choosing them so that they blend well with the other items in your bathroom. It is not absolutely necessary to change your fixtures in your renovation job, but it is advised if they are worn out. You can also repair them at a much lower cost than the cost of replacing them. If changing your bathtub is not within your price range, ask your contractor to re-glaze your bathtub to give it a fresh look. This way, you can get a new look of the existing bathtub in a very budget friendly way.

Hire Trusted Remodeling Contractors
If your remodeling job is a big task, ensure that you are hiring an expert. Before hiring, make sure to visit Homeshow Daily in Seattle, Federal Way, or Salt Lake City to find out who is most suited for your type of job. You can also request multiple bids to ensure you're getting reasonable rates. 

Top 10 Remodeling Tips for Your Dream Bathroom

Bathroom Remodeling will add style and value to your home. Redesign your bathroom so that it effectively addresses all of your needs. The time you spend in the bathroom may be the only time you spend alone all day, learn how to make your bathroom into a nice place to relax and enjoy your moments of solitude. 

A bathroom remodel can add elegance to the room, and now is the perfect time to get started. With the economy being the way that it is, contractors are competitively bidding to get your project into their work load. You will get better prices and a great return on your investment, as a bathroom remodel typically has an 80-90% return on its value. Remodeling your bathroom can be easy with the right help. If you are in Seattle, Salt Lake City or Federal Way, you can check out Homeshow Daily to get several bids from great contractors all in one spot, in addition to some innovative ideas.  

There are many aspects that go in to a bathroom remodel. Keep the following tips in mind before you get started on your project:

1.  Settle on your budget. Make sure to include the cost for labor and supplies. Look for different ways to save and make sure to set some extra money aside for unexpected costs. 

2.  Decide on a theme. There are many themes to choose from for your bathroom remodel. Whether you want a more contemporary look, a modern feel, or a Tuscan style to your bathroom, a well thought out theme will prove to bring the whole format together. 

3.  Make certain to match the faucets and fixtures together. It pulls the bathroom together when the fixtures all go with one another, especially when the theme ties in. 

4.  Be bold with your countertops and floors. Get creative and use products that will last for a long time and withstand the pressures you put on them. It will add a beautiful twist to your bathroom to have floors that stand out. 

5.  Remember the importance of good lighting. Lighting gives you the chance to use beautiful fixtures that differentiate your bathroom from others. Make sure to install enough lighting over the vanity to brighten up your entire bathroom. 

6.  Choose a mirror for your bathroom that inspires. The options you have for a mirror are endless. Find one that suits you and fits in well with the rest of your bathroom’s theme. 

7.  Add space to your bathroom with a storage cabinet. The piece of furniture adds even more style to your bathroom while providing you with the extra room you need to store your belongings. 

8.  Enhance the attractiveness of your bathroom with decorative art. Hang up a picture that will personalize your design style and add uniqueness to the feel of your bathroom. 

9.  Find a bathtub or shower that suits your needs. Make sure your tub is the right size for you or if you prefer a standing shower find one that fulfills your relaxation requirements. 

10.  Consider your options. There are many choices when it comes to turning your bathroom into a luxurious spa. Heated floors, towel warmers and soaking tubs are just the beginning. Look in depth at all of the different options you have to turn your ordinary bathroom into a lavish day spa. 

Your bathroom can become your favorite room in the house. By making the right choices when doing your remodel and making sure to plan accordingly, you can affordably attain the bathroom of your dreams.