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Back to School, Back to Work

The laissez-faire lifestyle of summer is ending; it’s time for order and routine to make their way back into our lives. And with the new school year and fourth-quarter work climate comes the need for efficient, functional workspaces, for both adults and children of the household. To help you revive or create your home’s office/homework spaces, here are some guidelines.

Kids’ Workspace Must-Haves

Board 
Whether it be a chalkboard, whiteboard or corkboard, kids love to be able to draw or pin up anything from notes to pictures with friends,” says Chantale Persinger from Closets by Design. “This is their personal space, so they want to be able to personalize it.”

Workstations (plural)
“Kids should have a space that is kept clean so they can spread out their books, papers and/or laptops,” says Suzanne Pail from Closet Factory. Even if only one child is using this space, multiple work areas enables him/her to multitask. For example, an art project could be drying on one surface while he/she works on math homework at another workstation. Or, if a friend comes over to study, both children have room to work while collaborating with each other.

Organized Drawers
School supplies abound, and kids aren’t known for keeping things tidy. Fortunately, drawer organizers do the work for them, keeping pencils, erasers, scissors and paperclips neatly tucked away.

Accessibility and Flexibility
As children grow, the size and height of their furnishings need to change. “For smaller children, you may need to have a work surface or storage location that is lowered so the child can reach it properly,” Pail notes. Some manufacturers make furnishings that can be adjusted to fit kids as they grow. Otherwise, just plan on buying a new desk or table in 2-4 years.

Photo courtesy of Closet Factory 

Home Office Must-Haves

Photo courtesy of Closets by Design

Surface Area
One thing’s for sure—you can never have too much countertop space! “Homeowners need this space, not only for their scanners, telephone, computer, etc., but that extra space is also needed to be able to work,” Persinger notes.

Path to Power
Every office should have multiple outlets that are easily accessible. “There are many options available to give you more places to plug things in and hid all those ugly wires at the same time,” Pail says, specifically recommending a power center that mounts into your desk’s surface. “They have everything from outlets to USB ports and even iPhone mounts that you can bring right to the desktop.”

File Storage
Papers are usually the culprit of a messy desk. “Remember to accommodate enough file storage to keep official and personal documents organized and accessible,” Pail advises.

Photo courtesy of Closet Factory

Open and Closed Storage
Shelving and storage is a must for a home office, but it’s also important to have both open shelves and cabinet-style storage. “It is important to have some open shelving for items you access often, like books and binders, and for display items, like pictures and souvenirs,” Pail says. Enclosed spaces are equally important, because not everything looks good on display. “Clients like cabinets so when they are finished working, things can be put behind doors,” Persinger says. “This keeps the area always looking tidy when not in use.”

Expert Tips

“Most home offices don’t incorporate enough workspace. Desks often have space only for a computer. Therefore, it’s important to plan for additional surface areas so you can spread out paperwork. If your space doesn’t allow for that, a pullout shelf is a great way to gain some temporary workspace when needed.”
—Suzanne Pail, Closet Factory

“The No. 1 reason clients call us to have their space organized is cabinets. When they go to a local store, they are left with open shelving. Most clients only want the bookshelves open; the rest they want behind doors.”
—Chantale Persinger, Closets by Design

(source link: http://trianglehomeimprovement.com/home-offices-sept14/)

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Makeover of the Month: Maintenance-Free Outdoor Living

Before

After

Adeck can be a lot of work to keep up, and the owners of this Raleigh home were looking to reduce their maintenance workload. So they contacted the pros at Robco Fence and Deck to remodel their outdoor-living space. Aside from their maintenance-free preference, the homeowners were also looking to preserve their potted plants and to incorporate outdoor lighting. The Robco team created a 3-D rendering of their design to illustrate the transformation for the homeowners, allowing time for any needed adjustments before the start of the project.

To ensure the new deck is as low-maintenance as possible, TimberTech composite decking was chosen. To add even more value, the pros at Robco recommended the Tigerwood deck board, which has a color and grain pattern that complements the deck’s Mocha border. The Tigerwood and Mocha trim were also incorporated into TimberTech’s builder rail system with LED post-cap lighting and custom-built planter boxes, tying all of the elements together.

During the construction phase, the pros at Robco encountered several challenges: extra joists and blocking had to be installed to bring the deck up to code and to provide additional support for the dense composite boards; the Mocha border and custom planter boxes, weighing hundreds of pounds, required precise cuts and made for a very labor-intensive project; the lighted railing system required an attention to detail and wiring at every post. Also, as the project progressed, the homeowners asked for two additional features: a balcony with composite decking and a mounted ceiling fan.

In the end, the deck is a beautiful blend of the Tigerwood boards and Mocha frame, illuminated by the integrated rail-lighting system. Jay Robinson, owner and president of Robco Fence and Deck, says, “This beautiful transformation will provide the homeowners with a lifetime of enjoyment.”

Before

After

Before

After

After

(source link: http://trianglehomeimprovement.com/makeover-of-the-month-sept14/)

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Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Landscaping your garden to be energy efficient can help you reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable to live in. To do it properly takes some planning, but a well-designed landscape can save enough energy to pay for itself in less than eight years.

This "Xeriscaped" yard in Texas uses very little water and hosts native plants.

FIRST, MAKE A PLAN

• Start with a to-scale drawing of your home and surrounding property, and include: sheds, fences and decks, flower beds, trees, play areas, walkways, overhead utility lines, and slopes in the ground.

• Mark areas where sun and wind (summer and winter) impact your house and yard to determine which walls and windows need protection. Also to determine the survivability of plants in those locations.

• Be aware of following factors:
  • Certain trees don’t do well in windy locations.
  •  Many types of flowers can’t handle direct sunlight or excessive moisture.

• Improve air quality by planting more trees; they trap pollutants, pollen, and dust, while producing oxygen.
  • Trees also improve soil quality by feeding it with organic matter.

PLANT WITH SUN AND SHADE IN MIND

• Plant a couple of tall-standing deciduous trees 15 to 20 feet around the sides where your home receives the most daily sun to reduce intense solar heat.
  • Deciduous trees with high-spreading, leafy branches will provide shade over your roof.

• Consider using vines and climbing plants like Boston Ivy and Clematis to create shade.
  • It could reduce annual air conditioning costs by anywhere from 10% to 50%.
  • Improve the efficiency of your air conditioner by shading the outside unit.
    • Keep the air intake free of leaves, branches, and debris.
    • Plant shrubs at least three feet away from the compressor to maintain good airflow.

• Shade hard, dark surfaces (i.e., driveway, sidewalk, patio, etc.) to keep surrounding outdoor spaces cool.

• Placing a row of evergreen trees to shield your home from harsh winter winds can cut heating costs by 10% to 50% yearly.

• Plant shrubs and bushes around the perimeter of your home, around one foot from walls to act as an insulator in summer and winter.
  • Shrubs can help trap snow and reduce drifts when placed along the windiest side of your home.

BASE STRATEGY ON LOCAL CLIMATE REGION

• Temperate Region – Mid-East Coast U.S.
  • Take advantage of winter sun for heat/light.
  • Shade your home from hot summer sun.
  • Use windbreaks to deflect winter winds coming from north and northwest.

• Hot Arid Region – Southwest U.S.
  • Shade your home’s walls, windows and roof.
  • Take advantage of summer winds to naturally cool your home.
  • Use plants to cool the air around your home.

• Hot Humid Region – Southeast U.S.
  • Channel summer breezes to cool your home.
  • Use trees to provide cooling shade in summer but warming sun in winter.
  • Avoid locating planting beds that need lots of water near your home.

• Cool Region – North-North East Coast
  • Use dense windbreaks to protect your home from cold winter winds.
  • Ensure winter sun reaches south-facing windows.
  • Shade south and west sides from sun if summer heat is a problem.

- See more at: http://www.greenbuildermedia.com/blog/landscaping-for-energy-efficiency#sthash.rLvK1I2E.dpuf

(source link: http://www.greenbuildermedia.com/blog/landscaping-for-energy-efficiency)

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What’s Overhead

Tips for maintaining and upgrading your roof
By Kathy Kantorski

Your home is your most valuable investment, and yet you likely overlook your roof in your home improvement plans. “The old saying of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ relates because what we don’t see, we don’t know or think about,” says Ed Ramadan, owner of S&A Construction. “Your home’s roof requires the attention it deserves—after all, it protects us and our belongings from outside elements.”

To protect your home, be proactive about maintaining your roof. “Most owners are not aware that continual maintenance can actually extend the life of the roof and minimize the entire life-cycle cost,” Ramadan says. Continual maintenance consists of biannual inspections: in the spring to address any winter damage, and in the fall to prepare for winter snow and rain.

Photo courtesy of S&A Construction

The Options

Material	Description	Pros	Cons
Asphalt Shingle	A fiberglass material that’s been mixed with asphalt, then given a surface of sand-like granules	Low cost, easy to install, a variety of color options, suitable for most residential applications, easy to repair, fire resistant	Short life expectancy (15-30 years), high maintenance, not friendly to the environment
Metal	Aluminum, steel, copper or lead	Durable, fire retardant, low maintenance, energy efficient, low weight, a variety of style and color options, recyclable, can be installed over existing roofs	High initial cost, may need periodic painting, difficult to install
Terra Cotta	Clay-like material	Attractive, long lasting, low maintenance, a variety of color options, non combustible	Heavy, some colors may fade, expensive, complex installation, walking on roof may break tiles

—Ed Ramadan, owner, S&A Construction

Don Your Inspector Cap

A to-do list for evaluating your roof’s condition

• Check the flashing. Check around vents, exhaust pipes and chimneys to ensure the flashing is covering properly (it isn’t bent or punctured, and the sealant isn’t dried or loose).
• Remove overhanging tree limbs. Trees that are growing too close to the house can be a hazard to your roof. There’s not only the risk of branches breaking and damaging the roof in their fall but also if the tree limbs hang over or rest on shingles, they can abrade the protective coating over time.
• Inspect the attic. The underside of the roof is where you’re most likely to spot leaks before they become too serious. Look in unfinished areas of the attic for streaks or staining, and look around the chimney or vents to see if there are signs that water may have trickled in. Also, look for soft spots in the wood and indications of animals or insects.

—Ed Ramadan, owner, S&A Construction

(source link: http://trianglehomeimprovement.com/roofing-aug14/)

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The Way Home

When you arrive home every day, what do you see? Are you happy with your home’s first impression, or could it use some improvement? If your answer is the latter, it’s time to take a hard look at your curb appeal, and your driveway and front walkway is a great place to start. After all, it’s not only important to “wow” your neighbors and guests, but you should “wow” yourself, as well, making that arrival home even more sweet.

Fix it up
Replacing a driveway is costly, and may not be your ideal solution. In the Triangle area, most driveways are concrete, and fortunately, there are several options for cleaning and repairing concrete that you can look to for a boost in your curb appeal.

Discolored or dirty concrete
When concrete is dirty or discolored, homeowners often turn to pressure washing, unaware of the damage they could be doing to their slab. “Pressure washing concrete is more difficult than it looks,” explains Chris Miller with Renew Crew of the Triangle. “Incorrect spraying can leave pockmarks and dangerous cracks, which invite additional stains and outside elements that weaken concrete. If pressure washing is done without precision and attention, it’s easy to chip away cement and damage its integrity. While it might look good at first, fissures and splits made during a pressure wash can cause vegetation to grow through and cause bigger cracks.” Instead, Miller uses a three-step modified-pressure process to both clean and seal the concrete. The process is void of caustic acids and damaging pressure levels, and finishes with a polymer sealant that keeps the concrete looking newer longer. He notes that he not only cleans and seals full driveways, but also works on smaller projects, like oil stains in concrete driveways.

Cracked or crumbling concrete
There are two repairs that can be performed on damaged concrete. “If the driveway is broken into small pieces, that section of concrete would need to be replaced,” says Will Hooton with ExactJack Inc.“However, if your concrete has cracked in the joint or has settled or become unlevel, polyurethane foam lifting is an inexpensive way to repair, thus saving the driveway.” He explains that this process involves an injection of polymer, which can repair cracks and raise unlevel slabs. “Repairs are non-invasive, immediate and permanent,” he adds.

Tips to Prevent Cracks
• Ensure trees aren’t planted too close to the driveway, as tree roots can raise and crack the structure.
• Maintain proper drainage around your driveway—water management is vital to slab stability
• Ensure the driveway has proper backfill to prevent erosion, which causes slab instability
• Fill cracked joints with proper concrete caulking to prevent erosion in the substrate
• Avoid parking oversized commercial vehicles in the driveway—this is a common cause of cracked concrete driveways
—Will Hooton, ExactJack Inc.

Paving the way
Concrete is a common and functional driveway material, but if you’re looking for more of a “wow” factor, pavers are the material for you. “Interlocking pavers were invented by the Dutch after World War II, when brick, their traditional paving material, was in short supply,” says Daniel Godfrey with Outdoor Patio Pros. “Billions of chunky blocks found their way onto European roads, and many of the originals are still in good shape, despite 50 years of traffic. It’s little surprise, then, why we offer our customers a lifetime warranty on pavers—they make the perfect driveway material.” Godfrey is especially excited about Eagle Bay Pavers and Eco Bay Permeable Pavers, which offer a myriad of style and color choices, and actually have UV protection built into the paver. “The Eagle Bay collection can satisfy your design aesthetics, along with your desire to limit your footprint—the permeable pavers significantly help filter contaminants in the groundwater, and reduce runoff. This is a win-win for homeowners,” he says.

If you’re not able to afford a full driveway replacement, adding pavers in certain sections of the driveway or as an outline along the sides of concrete can also enhance the driveway’s aesthetic.

(source link: http://trianglehomeimprovement.com/driveways-aug14/)

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5 tips for maximising small gardens

Make the most of your outdoor space whatever its size with these tips from garden designer Matt James.

1. Introduce a tree

Every garden needs a tree, to provide privacy and shade, act as a focal point, encourage wildlife and help to screen eyesores. Flowering cherries, crab apples, flowering hawthorn and snake bark maples shout ‘look-at-me’ all year round, and many varieties are ideal for small gardens.

2. Reduce bedding

Cut back on bedding. Summer displays need work, so keep them small or switch schemes to big tubs and half-barrels as these don’t need watering so often. Alternatively, use colourful perennials, which don’t need to be replaced every year.

3. Add focal points

A garden focal point acts as a visual full stop or offers distraction from an eyesore beyond. Statues, sculpture and water features are most effective, but pots or even lumps of shapely driftwood are good ideas.

4. Alteratives to a lawn

Tiny garden? Bin the lawn and go for additional paving or cheaper gravel in sunny spots, and bark in shade. Quality artificial turf is also an option; you’ll cut maintenance time in half and, with no need for a mower, free up precious storage, too.

5. Use big accessories

Small pots, plants and paving units will make a small garden feel smaller. Think big, even if space is tight.

(source link:  http://www.realhomesmagazine.co.uk/how-to/expert-advice/5-tips-small-gardens)

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10 updates for your outside space

Bring style and comfort to your garden this summer with these great design ideas and updates.

1. Replace your barbeque

The new outdoor ovens allow you to barbecue as well as bake, cook pizza, roast and grill, or can be used simply to generate heat on a cold evening.

2. Add a rug

‘A simple and easy way to update your outdoor space is with a colourful outdoor rug,’ says Susan Heeger, garden and interior design specialist. ‘As with indoors, a rug outside will encourage guests into a space, draw furniture into groups and offer feet an alternative to bare ground.’

3. Invest in statement seating

Garden furniture is very style-focused this year, reflecting the trend for making the garden an extension of everyday living.

4. Prepare to party

‘Create an exotic feel with hot, tropical tones – whether a planting scheme or a brightly coloured parasol and a scattering of lanterns,’ says Joanna Bolt, head of trends at Homebase and Argos. ‘It’s a great, energising look for barbecues with friends.’ Design a party zone with coloured sheets pegged on lines across the garden, scatter multicoloured lights from trees and hang fairy lights on bushes.

5. Plan zoned areas

Decking is an effective way to separate areas in a garden. ‘Consider where the sun will be throughout the day and whether your deck will be sheltered from wind by walls, fences or buildings,’ says Zoe Lewis of timber specialist Richard Burbidge. ‘Size is also important to consider. Over-sized decking can look out of place in a compact outdoor space, while small decked areas in large grounds can also be incongruous. If using your deck for dining, ensure it is big enough for your furniture. A balustrade helps define a deck, giving the impression of an outdoor room.’

6. Feature a fireplace

‘To really create the feeling of an outdoor living room, add a garden fireplace or chimenea as the centrepiece of your entertaining space,’ says Kate Mooney, founder of Occa-Home. Gone are the days of shivering outside wrapped up in blankets, scarves and socks. Outdoor heating has gone sophisticated, and many of the latest new-look styles can also be used indoors – ideal for warming up a conservatory.

7. Hang wall art

A great way to bring personal style to your outside space, wall art comes in many different styles, materials and designs to choose from.

8. Escape to the shade

At times, a parasol isn’t enough to shade you from the sun, or provide cover during a downpour. ‘A contemporary-style arbour will make a real statement in your garden,’ says Joanna Bolt, ‘especially one of the new slatted designs (shown), which allow you to choose how much sun or shade you want, and where you want it.'

9. Create holiday ambience

Design a stylish outdoor scheme with all things Moroccan – one of summer’s hottest trends. For the finishing touches? ‘Team with ikat cushions and metal laser-cut lanterns for the right vibe,’ says Steve Rowe, head of design at Tesco. Bring it all together with one of the best new trends – the outdoor bar!

10. Focus on lighting

‘Light chains, table lights and ground sticks will add atmosphere and colour to your space – the perfect evening look for a large garden,’ says Gemma Arranz, country communication and interior design manager at Ikea UK and Ireland. A lighting scheme will enhance your garden’s best features. Sharon Elalouf from Ash Design London interior designers, says: ‘Spotlights at ground level, and uplights into trees and shrubs, always add a glamorous, luxurious feel.’

AND

Canopy is the one of best item for garden party or barbeque!

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(source link:  http://www.realhomesmagazine.co.uk/decorating/decorating-ideas/10-outside-space-updates)