Vinyl flooring is sometimes referred to as resilient flooring.
Resilience describes the floors give or elasticity. A resilient floor returns to its original form after someone steps on it.
But resilience is no longer the only reason to purchase vinyl. New technology has allowed for high resolution images and better, more striking textures and patterns. Today, almost any type of wood or stone surface can be replicated.

The benefits of vinyl flooring include:
• Wide array of patterns, textures and colors;
• Softness and resiliency underfoot compared to ceramic or hardwood
• Highly resistant to stain and moisture
• Inner core insulates against heat and cold and helps to absorb sound
• Exceptional performance in high traffic areas
• Easy to maintain
• Incredibly versatile – can be installed almost anywhere in the home, as long as the sub-floor is solid (even if the sub-floor is not perfectly level) and
• Affordable at any budget.

TYPES OF VINYL
Vinyl flooring is available in two basic forms: Luxury Vinyl and Sheet Vinyl.

Luxury Vinyl
• Stylish appearance
• With advanced technology, it can be made to look like natural wood or ceramic and stone tiles.

Sheet Vinyl
• The vinyl flooring that you have seen for years in kitchens and bathrooms
• Very functional, low cost, easily to clean.

Determining the Investment: In Home Comfort System

Like buying a car, a comfort system’s standard features plus optional equipment affect both performance and price. These are the five main determining factors you should consider as you evaluate a new home comfort system: equipment size, energy efficiency, sound level, safety features and installation quality.

1. Size: Properly sized equipment will meet the exact heating and cooling needs of the home.
2. Sound Level: Higher rated equipment will operate more smoothly with less noise.
3. Efficiency: Energy efficient equipment saves more money on utility costs.
4. Safety: Safety features give your family peace of mind.
5. Installation: Professional installation determines long-term, worry-free operation. Ensure your new system comes with an 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Home sellers have one goal: to sell their home for the most amount of money they can get. A home in move-in condition makes meeting this ideal easier.

Many of today’s prospective homebuyers have busy lifestyles and are looking for properties that don’t require a lot of work. Homeowners should be proactive by making needed repairs before putting their homes on the market. Inspect both inside and outside the home, and make a checklist of practical and aesthetic repairs.

Some things to improve upon:

• apply a fresh coat of paint on the walls, doors, and shutters

• clean the carpet and buff and polish wooden floors

• repair cracks in sidewalks and driveways, and clean any stains on them; reseal the deck

• replace missing or warped roofing

• clean or re-grout kitchen and bathrooms

• repair dripping faucets and drains or plumbing fixtures that aren’t operating; tighten and polish hardware

• fix sticking doors and replace old locks and doorknobs

• replace burned-out bulbs and broken electrical sockets, as well as cracked windows, torn screens and broken fencing

• clean up stains on the tiles and countertops

We also recommend hiring a certified home inspector to thoroughly and impartially evaluate the property. A standard report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, basement and visible structure. If the pre-inspection results in a checklist of things to be done, let your agent look over the report with you to help prioritize the list of repairs. Your goals and local market conditions may dictate how extensive your repairs need to be.

When planning a home renovation or any type of home improvement, the most critical step is in the initial selection of the contractor.

There are many different methods of researching the right contractor, including the following :

Referrals

Referrals from family member or neighbors are not necessarily the best way to pick your contractor. While there is value in a nice referral, what was right for one family or individual may not be the right choice for you.

Contractor Rating Systems

The new fad today in this realm is to rate contractors online or in magazines. Contractor ratings have to be taken with a grain of salt. Many of the ratings are outdated or written spitefully. It is just as easy for an excellent contractor to get a bad rating as it is for a bad contractor to get a good rating. Ask yourself who is behind the rating, and whether it could be an advertisement. It’s worth noting whether it’s people who are happy with their renovation writing in the forum or if it’s mainly unhappy people.

Research, research, research

Researching is still the best way to select your contractor. Each individual given this task should carefully interview each contractor, look at his/her portfolio, make sure proper insurance and warranties are in place and then make an educated decision.

A good place to start is, naturally, http://www.homerenovationguide.com.

The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home. It’s where your family gathers for meals, and is always the busiest room at a party. Over the years, the kitchen sees a lot. That’s why when you are remodeling your kitchen, you want the design, and especially the kitchen cabinet design, to reflect your own personality.

Although cabinets can be made from many materials, they usually are made from wood. Typically, they are stained to reflect the wood grain from which they are made. These woods can range from a deep richly stained dark woods to light and airy bright stained woods. You can stain any wood any color, but the outcome will be quite different depending on the wood. So if you put a dark stain on a maple cabinet, it will look a bit different when applied to an oak cabinet.

Modern kitchens today are colorful and many are breaking with the traditional wood stain kitchen cabinet design and going with cabinets that scream with color. Choosing a bold color for the cabinets can make a statement in any kitchen. There are cabinets of deep blue or apple red to match everything else in the kitchen. A colorful kitchen is also a great answer for the problem of older cabinets that are showing their age due to heavy usage. Paint can work to hide the flaws and update these older cabinets.

Your drawer pulls and cabinet knobs are another thing to consider. This is what you’ll be opening and closing your cabinets with for years to come, as well as looking at when you enter the kitchen. Your options for this hardware are many. There are handles and pulls which will require two screws into the wood per cabinet. Long handles are great for long cabinets and drawers. If your cabinets and drawers are shorter, there are knobs and pulls to use with them also.

Pulls are usually mounted in the center of drawers, on the opening bottom side of cabinet doors on the ground and lower opening side of cabinets above the countertop. If you don’t want handles, you also have the option of knobs. If you only want to put 1 screwhole in the cabinets, the knobs are the way to go. On some cabinets, pulls look better, but on others knobs might be a better choice.

Cabinet hardware comes in all different styles and colors. When we think of traditional cabinet pulls, we picture bright gold, black or pewter colored hardware. Today’s consumer has a lot more to choose from. You can buy steel or themed knobs to match your kitchen. You can get knobs that are painted with pretty flowers and ones in whimsical shapes.

Today many people put a lot of money into remodeling their kitchens. Make sure your kitchen is an attractive and comfortable place to be. And your kitchen cabinet design will add to that comfort when you’ve put your own finishing touches on them.

Lee Dobbins writes for Look 4 Decor

With increasing attention focused on health concerns from biological contaminants and dust in the indoor environment, the American Lung Association recommends the use of duct cleaning:

Duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent health problems, nor is scientific evidence currently available to conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g. dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed.

When health problems are believed to be the result of biological contaminants or dust in indoor air, it is important to first determine that contaminated ducts are the cause of the health problems and verify that the ducts are, in fact, contaminated. The source of the problem may lie elsewhere, so cleaning ducts may not permanently solve the problem.

People who have their ducts cleaned should verify that the service provider takes steps to protect individuals from exposure to dislodged pollutants and chemicals used during the cleaning process. This may involve using HEPA filtration when cleaning, providing respirators for workers and having occupants vacate during cleaning.

Safeguard Your Home and Business against Lock Bumping

Videos on lock bumping are all over the Internet and on local news stations throughout the country. It is becoming common knowledge that locks can be bypassed using a method called lock bumping. The spread of this information is causing great concern for individual safety and security for homes and businesses. As a security professional, I am often asked, “Can people really open locks that easily?” “Should I be concerned?” “What can I do about it?” and “What do you recommend?”

The method of lock bumping using bump keys has been around for many years. The recent spread of this information has increased the use of this technique for illegal purposes, and now requires individuals to take precautionary action to protect themselves and their property. In addition to the security concern, there is an insurance issue. If your home or businesses is burglarized and there are no signs of forced entry, does your insurance cover the loss? If the method used to break into your home or business was lock bumping, the signs of forced entry would likely be minimal and might not even be visible.

Installing bump-proof locks will provide better safety and security. One of the best bump-proof locks on the market is the BiLock cylinder. Most locks have both top and bottom pins, and locks with the top pins are susceptible to lock bumping. BiLock is a 12pin locking system with no top pins. The BiLock cylinder also has two sidebars and a trigger mechanism within the key. BiLock is also a restricted key high security system which allows you to have greater key control. These lock cylinders can be purchased as part of the deadbolt or door knob lock. They can be added to most commercial locks and some residential locks without having to replace the entire deadbolt or door knob.

For homeowners, the easiest solution is to purchase the deadbolt with the BiLock cylinder and replace your existing deadbolt. This is normally a simple installation and usually fits within the existing holes currently on the door. The BiLock lock system with its patented U-shaped key design and trigger mechanism within the key requires two proprietary key machines to produce a key. These key machines are only available to authorized BiLock dealers, and helps eliminate unauthorized key duplication. This provides another layer of security, knowing that no one has copied the key to your home or business. All keys are numbered at the time they are issued. Simply keep an accurate record of the distribution of your keys - as long as all keys can be accounted for, there is no need to change the locks.

The cost to upgrade your locks to prevent lock bumping is more than your average lock, but it is a worthwhile investment to maintain the security of your home or business. The cost is small when compared to a denied claim for loss from your insurance company! When the BiLock lock system is installed on your home or business, you can rest assured knowing that you have bump-proof locks on your door.

Dave Jabas is a lock expert with 30 years experience, specializing in door hardware, door locks and bump-proof locks for residential and commercial applications. http://www.wholesalelocks.com/ Copyright 2006 Wholesale Locks

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I don’t know much about lighting up my home. Where should I start?
A: Start by asking yourself if there’s a particular style you prefer for your home, whether it’s modern, contemporary, traditional, eclectic, or any other style. This helps to narrow down what can sometimes appear as overwhelming choice. Then, try to take things one room or one area at a time.

Q: I know what style fixtures I like, but I don’t know how much light I need for different applications. How do I figure this out?
A: There are a few ways to do this. If you’re unsure if something is not bright enough, it’s always better to get too much light than not enough. This is because if there is too much light, there are many ways of reducing brightness, whereas if you do not have enough light, it is much more difficult to adjust to a brighter setting. Lastly, keep in mind that kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms need more light than other rooms.

Q: Why is there such a wide variance in prices for light fixtures?
A: In one word, quality. Though we do not sell poorly made fixtures, there is still a range between economical, very good, and excellent. Country of origin can also be a factor. Despite all of this, however, the first and foremost determinant of price is quality. When buying your lighting, you may want to ask yourself how long you plan on using it for. Are you looking for something for the short term (rental unit) or long term (home owner)?

Q: I’m looking to buy a lampshade. What do I need to know?
A: Simply come into our store and we can help you select the best shade for your lamp from our selection of over 1600 shades. Be sure to bring in you lamp however, as buying a shade without your lamp is like buying a hat without your head.

*Article courtesy of Royal Lighting in Toronto - At Royal Lighting, we are very committed to and passionate about lighting. We have the best prices while always adding new products to our selection (average 100 new items per month). Our selection and service makes us the ideal showroom in Canada for all of your lighting needs. Come in and visit, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Chris Paulsen
cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Open House Tips
Conducting an open house is a terrific way to expose your property to many people in a short amount of time. While your real estate professional will advertise and manage the event, it is up to you to make sure that your home is seen in the best light possible. Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression, so approach the open house as your opportunity to showcase your property. Here are some things you can do to make sure that your home is prepared on the inside and out.

Start with the outside. Do a visual check of the front of the house from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers and replace worn items such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a new doormat and flowering plants at the entrance. Do the windows need cleaning? Are there oil stains in the driveway that need removing? While outside, don’t forget to check the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Tidy around the grill area.

Now focus on the inside of the home where cleanliness, space, smell and lighting are key. First, get your house in tip-top condition by cleaning and clearing away clutter. Steam clean and vacuum the carpet. Make sure your floors are waxed and shiny. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Your kitchen and bathrooms should pass the white glove test. Be conscious of any lingering odors such as smoke, pets or strong-smelling foods. You may need to air out your home prior to the open house. Consider grinding fresh lemons in the garbage disposal. And don’t forget to empty out all the trash. Look at your countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and the tops of your bureaus. Do they seem cluttered? Clear away and store as much as possible. You want your home to seem spacious.

Next, set the mood. You want buyers to be able to picture your home as their own. You may want to rearrange the furniture so that rooms look more spacious. Add accessories from rooms with too many furnishings to those that are bare. Lighting is also integral to creating an atmosphere. Bright lights provide a cheerful environment and make a small space appear larger. Pull back all the drapes and open the blinds. Turn on all the lights. Make sure all the light sockets have working bulbs and install the maximum-wattage bulb that is safe for that fixture. For rooms where you want to portray a warm, cozy feeling, use softer lights.

Don’t forget little touches such as fresh flowers, lit candles in the bathrooms, new logs in the fireplace, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You may even want to set your dining room table with color-coordinated table settings.

Buying a home appeals to the emotions. Sellers shouldn’t rely on buyers to use their imagination; they need to capture it. Remember that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious and the most cheerful.

*Article Courtesy of Prudential Properties Plus - Buying or selling? Get the Prudential Properties Plus team behind you for the best in Toronto real estate services. We provide you with unparalleled expertise in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario real estate market.

Chris Paulsen

cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com

Types of Countertops

Solid surface, stone, ceramic tile, laminate, stainless steel, wood and concrete: the list of materials used for countertops has grown quite a bit over the last 75 years. Choosing the type of countertop for your remodel or new home can be a major dilemma these days. We’ll help you narrow the choice with a look at the various types of countertops to choose from and the pros and cons of each.

Plastic Laminates

Until a few years ago, when someone mentioned countertops, plastic laminate was probably what most people thought of first. In fact, plastic-laminate tops still account for 75% of the market. This product is made of multiple layers of resin-soaked kraft paper, topped by a patterned sheet of melamine that is subjected to heat and pressure. A 1/16-inch laminate sheet is then made into a countertop in two ways, either post-formed or custom-fabricated.

Post forming is done at a fabrication plant to create tops with rounded backsplashes and nosing. These tops can be purchased off-the-shelf in limited colors, or special ordered. The result is the least expensive, easiest to clean and quickest way to install plastic laminate.

Custom fabricating results in a range of styles. Laminate sheets are glued to the particle board, then edged with laminate, wood or solid surface strips.

Pros: Laminates are low cost, have an extensive choice of colors and patterns and can be easily installed and maintained.

Cons: The product is not as durable as stone or solid surface, and most of the time, it can’t be used with undermount sinks. It will also scratch and can be tough to repair. If your family is careless, this may not be a good choice, as hot pans and sharp knives will damage the countertop.

Solid Surface

Today there are more than two dozen manufacturers of solid surface countertops. Most are 1/2-inch thick and made of acrylic, polyester and fillers. Edges are built up with two or three layers of material for a thicker appearance. A predictable product, solid surface installation should be handled by a professional who is certified to fabricate and install that specific product.

Pros: Solid surface is sometimes called a “near-perfect” product. It is non-porous, difficult to stain, has a long life and can be made in nearly any size and shape. It is seamless, and scratches and burns can be buffed or sanded out. Sinks can be undermounted and backsplashes can be integrated into the countertop, making them seamless.

Cons: Most problems with solid-surface tops come with improper installation. Damage can occur if a hot pot can makes the product melt. Some critics also say the product looks artificial. It can be rather expensive to purchase and have installed.

Granite or Stone

The most durable option of all countertops, stone is becoming more popular among homeowners and is no longer seen as an “exotic” option. Granite countertops are made from natural products and come in a wide range of colors, patterns and depths, yet each is absolutely unique. The cost, which a few years ago was prohibitive for most budgets, has come down due to increasing imports, new technologies and thinner blades that allow the product to be cut with less waste and cost. A good store with probably the best prices, service and selection is Ariston Marble and Granite - be sure to mentions where you found them.

Pros: Granite surfaces resist most stains, and are even tougher if sealed. A variety of edge styles including bevel, radius, half-radius, ogee and square are available. Sinks can be undermounted and the product can handle hot pans.

Cons: Granite is hard and cold. It can be scratched, and if neglected, can be stained by hot grease. Seams are more evident with granite that has a strong pattern or grain. This product really needs to be installed by a professional who has special tools. On-site repairs are difficult to make.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone combines the functional benefits of solid-surface material with the great look of natural stone. Engineered stone is mostly made of crushed natural stone (93 percent) that is bound together by acrylic or polyester resins. It’s a fairly new product in the U.S., but has been popular in Europe for more than a decade. Anyone looking for zero maintenance on a kitchen countertop should consider this product. Products made of marble and limestone are best suited for bathrooms.

Pros: Engineered stone is non-porous and nearly impossible to stain. It never needs sealing and resists scratches. They have a nice natural look, but can be tinted to create colors not found in nature.

Cons: Expensive, with a cost falling between solid-surface and natural-stone prices. The product can crack or change color if exposed to extreme temperatures. Some feel the surface is too slippery, cold and unforgiving.

Stainless Steel

A common material in restaurants, stainless steel countertops are less common in homes, largely because they’re expensive and hard to find. There are different grades and thicknesses of stainless steel. Make sure the steel is wrapped completely around the edges of the substrate to protect it.

Pros: Stainless tops are very sanitary, provide good heat-proof surfaces and are easy to clean.

Cons: A very expensive choice, this product shows fingerprints and water spots easily, especially when it is new. As it ages, it can show nicks, dents and scratches. The product usually can only be found in limited sizes.

Tile

Granite, porcelain and glazed tiles are most commonly used on countertops, as they are less porous and more durable. Install backerboard over plywood to create a good surface to install tiles. Then use an epoxy grout that is more durable. If standard cement grout is used, make sure you seal it often and well.

Pros: Tile is reasonably priced and tile countertops can be installed by pros and amateurs alike. It comes in a variety of styles and colors.

Cons: Tile is hard and never totally even along the surface. Grout lines are vulnerable to staining. High-gloss and solid-color tiles show scratches.

Concrete

Concrete countertops seem to be growing in popularity. They are durable, heat resistant and can be formed into any shape with the ability to embed patterns or dye them. Concrete tops are not recommended for those who don’t want to do the maintenance, as they are surprisingly porous and need to be sealed and re-sealed.

Pros: Concrete countertops allow for uniqueness, flexibility and fun. It can be mixed with a variety of colors.

Cons: Concrete tops are expensive and easily stained, even with a lacquer finish. They chip easily and are hard, with an industrial look. They require diligent maintenance.

Chris Paulsen cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com