Rustic home design is the choice. It may be a simple theme to look at but the decors that come with this style are certainly full of character and beauty.

That’s right; there’s more than one style of rustic decor. Nonetheless, all rustic decor centers on wood tones and pieces that convey an outdoorsy feel. You might want the cowboys-and-cattle of the Old West, the canoe-and-paddles or the Upper Midwest, or the high-mountain forests of upstate New York and New England. The point here is to choose your rustic style carefully and then stick to it because rustic styles don’t mix well. A Michigan kayak would look mighty strange in a living room with a cattle ranch theme.

For starters, wood paneling is one of the best ways to begin a rustic decor. If paneling is out, then paint the walls in warm tones that evoke wood: tans, beige’s, browns or warmer whites such as ivory or cream. Wallpaper, especially in a log-cabin style, also can create the desired background. Whatever the wall covering choice, aim toward a sense of being warmed by the sun in the outdoors.

Move next to accents, which are wood-inspired or outdoor-themed. Instead of using colorful flowers, go for the more untamed look of grapevine wreaths, tree branches, wildflowers or wood shavings.

Fabrics that are true to nature’s beauty will make the design more realistic. Corduroy and denim are ideal for a rustic look. Applying a rustic design will ask for some sacrifice though. That is, getting rid of wall-to-wall carpeting. Wood is the flooring of choice. If you prefer the Western ambiance, then Southwestern-style tiles will look great.

For the floor, wood is definitely in and so are braided area rugs. Enhance the theme with Indian rugs and drapes.

Now bring in the animals. No, we’re not talking mounting Bambi and his woodland pals on the walls. Instead, use animal images in fabric and nature-themed artwork for paintings and photos. Audubon bird prints or Ansel Adams reproductions work wonderfully depending on the style.

The final touches in rustic decor focus on vintage accents and collectibles.

In addition to area rugs, one item that is worthy to splurge on are quilts. These decors are must-have items for a rustic design. You can use one as a drape for chairs and sofas or as a wall hanging.

Take your cue in decorating from the things you use in your outdoor activities. Highlight a specific idea, say cattle and ranch lifestyle and use objects that depict it. Mixing and matching is also okay as long as you don’t transform your home into a warehouse-like place. Decorate moderately.

Finally, don’t forget to express your personality in your decors. Call Freedom Builders & Remodelers 815-985-0310 or Contact Us. We are more than willing to help turn your remodeling dreams into reality.

Originally posted 2010-08-12 03:50:08.

There are a number of ways you can perform renovation for your home. You can add extensions to your house, change up the wallpaper, repaint the house or replace your windows. Renovation possibilities are in fact limitless. The only limitations that homeowners often think about are the actual space and their budget.

The cost of your renovation project would depend on how small or huge your project is. It can cost you a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Renovating a kitchen may cost you a mere few thousand dollars. However, adding an extra room or floor can take up tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Before you begin this renovation project of yours, it is highly advised that you do thorough and precise research. It is imperative for you to check how much each aspect of the renovation process will cost in the market.

Do your research by calling a few contractors or interior designers and get different quotations from each company. In addition, ask for a list of what they will and will not take on with those given costs. You can even ask them to describe how the renovation process for your project will work.

Now, the big question is, how can renovation in truth change up your life? Renovation can actually make your life so much more convenient! With renovation, you can change the things you dislike about your home, while dramatically changing the atmosphere. Moreover, with renovation, you get the feel of living in a new home, without a drastic change of environment.

Get a quote Rockford Home Remodeling and I need help with home renovation project! 815-985-0310

Originally posted 2010-06-19 07:24:45.

We can do this for You too! 815-985-0310 or Contact Us

Originally posted 2010-08-26 10:54:28.

Unity: According to this, the whole space should be dealt with as a single unit, which has been partitioned through walls, and this must be taken into account while designing the interiors of the place, which therefore should have some consistency. The core theme must always be kept in view.

Balance: This deals with the optimal spread of different objects in an area. It is crucial to put objects with similar visual character at cautiously chosen positions to get that ideal balance from a particular point. There are three types of balance. The simplest one to accomplish and the most conventional one is symmetrical balance. The second kind is asymmetrical balance, which is very much in vogue, but requires a lot of creativity. The third kind of balance is radial, where you select a proper center and position objects relative to it.

Proportion: This deals with the relative dimensions of things in an area. It is crucial that different articles are in sync with each other and with the room in terms of proportions. Lack of proportion will cause imbalance that will adversely affect the look of the room, as some objects will be over emphasized while others will not receive enough visibility.

Focus: A focal point in interior design of a space is essential for its attractiveness. Focal objects can be anything ranging from a furniture article to an attractive painting or some other art work. It is important that this object be in line with the design of the overall room and that it has an impression on the observer. It must be appealing without appearing irrelevant in the room.

Rhythm: This is again a necessary factor of good interior design. The design must seem to flow as per a pattern from one point to another. This can be attained through the use of arcs, patterned walls or floors, through decorations or furnishings, and through alternating colors or shapes.

Interior designing of a space will be consistent if these fundamental principles are taken into consideration. It is recommended to engage a good interior design expert who can take care of all these factors and also assist you with the details.

Contact Freedom Builders & Remodelers 815-985-0310 for your next home remodel

Originally posted 2010-06-09 06:53:10.

Home Cooling Tips For Summer

 

Home Cooling Tips For Summer

By Tom Kraeutler Created 02/17/2009 – 13:24

With summer upon us, keeping your home cool creates a welcome escape. But you don’t have to get hot-headed in your attempts to beat the heat. There are lots easy ways to cool down – and cool off – without spending a fortune.

Central Air Conditioning: If you are lucky enough to have a central air conditioning system, now is the time to have it serviced. Central air conditioners work by using a chemical refrigerant, like Freon, to soak up heat inside your house and then transfer that heat to the exterior.

Central air conditioning systems must be in tip top shape for cooling a house efficiently [1]. When properly working, the system should produce a temperature “differential” of 15 to 20 degrees, between return and supply air. This means that if the air being drawn into the system is 75 degrees, the air coming out should be at least 60 degrees. If it’s not, your air conditioner is probably low on refrigerant and you are wasting electricity.

Even after servicing, make sure your central air conditioning system stays in shape by changing the filter at least once per month. At less than a dollar a piece, a clean filter can save you thousands on repairs by keeping the central air conditioning system [2] free of clogs that can cause the compressor to break down.

Window Air Conditioners: Unlike central systems, window air conditioners don’t need to be serviced each year. The installation however, can make a big difference in how well the window air conditioner unit runs and how long it lasts. When setting a unit in the window, make sure it pitches slightly downward, towards the exterior, so that condensation trapped inside the window air conditioner unit will run out before it causes rust.

Next, make sure the gap between the half open window and the window frame is filled with foam insulation. This keeps both warm air and insects from making their way into your house.

If the window unit has a three-prong plug, make sure to connect it to a grounded receptacle. If you must use a two prong adapter, make sure you properly connect the adapter’s grounding tap to the outlet. If you’re unsure about electricity, don’t take a chance – call in a professional electrician. Window air conditioners consume a lot of power so it’s important that they’re wired properly.

Finally, once you have your window air conditioner unit [3] installed, the window locks will no longer work. For security, cut a stick to fit between the top of the sash and the upper window frame. This may prevent a burglar from prying open your window.

Storm Windows: Keeping storm windows down when air conditioning is on actually helps keep your home cooler! Storm glass improves the thermal efficiency of your exterior windows and keeps cool air inside. One hint: make sure the bottom of the storm window has “weep” holes. These small holes let water out of the inside of the storm window [4] so trapped moisture won’t rot your wooden window.

Room Fans: Ever wonder just why you feel cooler when you stand in front of a fan, even though the air doesn’t actually get cooler? The reason is something called “evaporate cooling”. Basically, the moving air causes moisture on your skin to evaporate. As it does, the evaporation process cools your skin so you feel more comfortable. To take advantage of this effect, position room fans for maximum air circulation. If you’re using a window fan, open another window across the room to provide good cross ventilation.

Ceiling Fans: Paddle fans are another popular version of the room fan and can help keep your home cool. While attractive, these ceiling fans [5] are costly to run and an inefficient way to cool your home. One advantage paddle fans do have over other types is a reversible motor. By controlling the direction of the blades, you can use the fan to “pull” colder air up in the summer and “push” warm air down in the winter. Fans installed at the peak of cathedral ceilings can be very effective in winter by helping to re-circulate warm air that would otherwise be wasted.

Whole House Fans: Probably one of the most effective and efficient, low cost, systems for cooling your house is the “whole house fan [6]“. Not to be confused with smaller attic fans, these large fans are mounted in the ceiling of the uppermost floor of your home. They work by drawing air from open windows in the house into the attic, where it is released through enlarged vents to the exterior. The air flow in the house can be controlled by the number and location of open windows, as well as the speed of the fan, which usually has several settings. Also, by using a time switch, you can set the whole house fan to run for an hour or so while you’re falling asleep, then automatically switch off at night. The whole house fan then automatically switches off and won’t run all night when the temperature drops.

Attic Insulation: While most people think about installing attic insulation [7] in the fall, insulation works equally well in the summer to keep hot attic air temperatures from penetrating the attic ceiling. Well insulated homes should have a minimum of 8 inches of ceiling insulation. Insulation is easy to install with just a few precautions. Make sure to cover exposed skin, especially when using fiberglass insulation. Also, be sure to wear a dust mask to prevent breathing in fiberglass particles and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. If doing the attic insulation job in the summer, start early in the morning and quit well before the sun heats the attic to uncomfortable temperatures.

Attic Fans: Attic fans, mounted on the roof, are important when cooling your home by reducing the temperature of trapped warm air in the attic. If the attic is cooler, the house temperature will be lower and air conditioners will not have to work nearly as hard to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. Attic fans [8] are inexpensive and run by a thermostat which turns the attic fan on automatically whenever the attic temperature gets hot.

Attic Ventilation: Drafty attics, not drafty houses, make for very efficient heating and cooling. In fact, a well ventilated attic [8] should be as close to the ambient outside air temperature as possible. To achieve this, most homes should have a combination of ridge and soffit vents. The ridge vent, mounted along the entire peak of the roof, will allow trapped warm air and moisture in the attic to escape to the outside.

To make this happen however, lower vents must be added at the “soffit”, which is at the underside of the roof overhang. With these vents installed, air is pushed into the soffits, rides up the underside of the roof sheathing, and exits the home at the ridge.

The nice thing about an attic ventilation system [9] is that it works year round. Unlike attic fans which run only in the summer and cost money to operate, ridge and soffit vents work together to take out hot air in the summer, cooling your home, while taking out trapped moisture in the winter which can cause insulation to become damp and inefficient.

Read more about Heating and Air Conditioning

We don’t do HVAC, but there is a lot we can help you with here is a basic list of Freedom Builders & Remodelers services or give us a call 815-985-0310

Originally posted 2011-02-09 14:43:23.

“If you want up to 1.5 times the return on your investment when selling a house, kitchens and bathrooms are the only two rooms in the house that can make this kind of return, and even more.”

The kitchen was outdated and small, not exactly what you would call an eyesore, but not something that could put them over the top from a buyer’ perspective. The floor was 8 year old laminate that looked like a plastic picture of hardwood (which is what laminate is, it just should not look like a picture). The cabinets were aged white and the appliances 10 years old although the refrigerator was new. The counter top was 20 year old Formica and there were a few bubbles of damage from when something very hot was placed on the countertop and the Formica could not withstand the heat. “Many people thought our kitchen was cute but we felt some buyers, especially those that liked to cook, would be turned off by the small spaces and lack of and island.

With a $20,000 budget, they decided to pour all of it into the kitchen. On one side of the kitchen was a long hallway or “mudroom” which contained the front door of the house. Since the kitchen sat on the back side of the house, they decided to break through the wall to almost double the size of the kitchen. Yes, the mudroom hallway was no longer even half the size, but no one used the mudroom to walk to the back of the house and for the most part it was wasted space. Of course, the wall that separated the mudroom from the kitchen was not load bearing and was easily knocked down in one day of demolition.

In the new space the Brown’s decided to create more work space adding 7 more feet of countertop and a kitchen island (without plumbing). To tie the room together the existing Formica countertop was torn up and replaced with countertop to match the new countertop in the new space and on the island. “We used Formica again which is very much improved in the last 5 years. There are all sorts of colors and textures and some Formica resembles stone like granite, and does a very good job fooling people.” Because we needed a new range and dishwasher, we just did not have the budget for concrete or real granite.

Again, the budget limited the choice of flooring to laminate, but we found some very nice selections to choose from manufactured by Mohawk, they were so nice we had a hard time choosing. In the end we choose a darker wood look with heavy grains. The floor was snap together and took less time to install than the demolition took.

We did not have the space for an exhaust hood in our new design, however, we felt it was very important to vent the cooking fumes outside so we chose a downdraft system with the fan housed underneath the cooking top, and we were able to vent directly outside though a duct that was only 4 feet long.

Since we had maxed out our budget we had nothing left for backsplash so we simply painted the backsplash a consistent beige above each of our countertops, making sure we used a semi-gloss paint so spills would be easy to wipe off and clean up. The house goes up on the market tomorrow and with this complete refacing of the kitchen, we expect to get very close to our listing price.

Originally posted 2010-07-05 06:53:44.

What Don’t You Like about Your Current Kitchen Cabinets? – To help pinpoint exactly what you are really looking for in new kitchen cabinets it really does help if you can determine exactly what it is about the ones you already have that you do not like.

Do you think that your current cabinets lack storage space or do you just dislike them because they are somewhat ugly and outdated? Do you like the way your cabinets are currently laid out or would you like a more efficient set up now that you are remodeling? Cabinet refacing can be a cost effective option to give that New Kitchen look and feel at a lower cost.

Maybe you are quite happy with your current kitchen set up but just want more tools to help you keep everything organized. If you take the time to answer these questions you can go to the showroom with a better understanding of what it is you really need.

How Long do you Plan to Stay in your Home? – If you are pretty sure that your current home will be just that for the foreseeable future then investing in top of the line kitchen cabinetry really is the best way to go. If however you are already planning to sell and the kitchen upgrade is at the advice of your real estate broker you may want to limit your investment to a functional but more cost-effective cabinet style and construction.

What is your Kitchen Style? – Existing decor, appliances and furniture may play a role in your kitchen cabinetry decision but conversely if you are planning to start again from scratch the reverse will hold true. If you have a basic idea of how you eventually want the whole kitchen to look (including the floors, walls and windows) it will be far easier to make good kitchen cabinet choices.

Whatever kitchen cabinets you eventually decide to go for making sure that they are properly installed is as important as making sure they are the right color. Even if you spend thousands of dollars on the fanciest and most extraordinary kitchen cabinets on the market they are pretty much useless if the doors are not aligned properly and won’t close or all the different cabinets are installed at different heights.

For installation, consultation & help contact Freedom Builders & Remodelers 815-985-0310

Originally posted 2010-08-03 11:29:39.

A master plumber is a licensed professional plumber who installs, maintains, and repairs residential, industrial, and commercial plumbing systems. A master plumber can be specialized in such areas as: laying or fitting pipes, designing new systems, and making repairs and performing maintenance work on plumbing fixtures as well as appliances. You can find master plumbers working in the construction industry, local governments such as municipalities, and they are often self-employed. They can have various specializations and they can have a number of different skills in advanced repair and maintenance for both indoor and outdoor plumbing systems. They are also certified, licensed, and have extensive knowledge on governmental plumbing codes.

In the construction industry, master plumbers supervise plumbing installation and related work at the site of construction. They have the knowledge and experience to install pipes that will carry high pressure gases and they are able to draw up plans for complicated plumbing systems such as government systems, industrial systems, and building systems. Engineers will work with a master plumber to produce the plumbing system design blueprints. Master plumbers are essential to designing residential, commercial, and residential water systems. After a project has been complete, a master plumber will perform an inspection to make sure the system complies with current governmental codes and the system is operating properly.

Master plumbers also perform residential work such as installing and repairing pipes, fixtures, and appliances. When there is a problem, the plumber will come to the home, inspect the system, identify and diagnose the problem, provide a quote to repair the problem, and then make the repair. They can also install plumbing systems and fixtures and work with such systems and components as the septic system, hot water tank, and the water pump.

Handling a plumbing repair when you do not have the expertise can result in causing more damage and more expense. There are a wide range of problems that can occur in the plumbing system, so hiring a plumber is essential to keeping the plumbing system in proper working order. When you are in need of a plumber, master plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and skills, to get the job done. They are also experienced with all sorts of plumbing issues. If you are going to hire a professional to get the job done and finished correctly, the master plumber is the best choice. When using the services of a master plumber, you will have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system and all components are in the hands of a professional.

Looking for a local plumber to fix your plumbing problems? Then contact the plumbing experts at Warren Plumbing offering plumber services for new construction, renovation and rework in the Rockford, IL & surrounding areas.

Originally posted 2010-08-14 08:24:56.

Header and lintel wrong and not code

As homeowners deal with economic pressure, many are trying to save money by doing jobs around the house themselves. Often, they end up with disastrous (and more expensive) results such as this tale of a of a guy doing a simple toilet repair.

A recent Angie’s List member poll found 83 percent of respondents go the do-it-yourself route because they want to save money. However, one in five who attempted a DIY project still had to call in a pro to finish the job, and in many cases, undo the damage they had done.

“One of our members installed his own deck, but the problem came later, when he realized he installed the planks upside down,” said Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks. “Hence, the wood began to warp and has become a tripping hazard. Needless to say, that member is now calling in a professional to redo the job.”

More than a few DIYers ended up in the ER, including one member who nearly cut his fingers off with a table saw. In a turn of events worthy of a prime time sitcom, he ran to the bathroom, tripped and hit his head on the deck he was trying to build, ending up with a twisted ankle, three cut fingers and a concussion.

We recently polled professionals on CompanyConnect to see what DIY disasters they’ve remedied for homeowners. More than 88 percent of respondents said they’ve fixed at least one DIY disaster, and of those 80 percent of respondents said the fix was more expensive than hiring a professional in the first place.

Common issues that needed to be fixed were plumbing and electrical work, carpet installation and painting, but problems extended to pet grooming mishaps, tree removal and stair installation. One respondent even says that DIY jobs keep him in business!

If you’re contacted by a homeowner with a DIY disaster on their hands, here are things to consider:

Communicate ideas: Listen to what the homeowner wanted to accomplish and explain what updates and repairs you’ll need to do in order to satisfy their wants.

Put it in writing: Once you understand the project at hand, write out an estimate to avoid billing disputes once the job is complete. Both you and your customer should sign. Documentation is often your best defense if things go wrong.

Seize the moment: A DIY disaster often comes with a bruised ego. While some clients might be sheepish, embarrassed or downright angry, (gently) ask about any other upcoming projects they were thinking about tackling and explain why certain tools, know-how and experience can help get a job done efficiently and correctly the first time around.

Link to accompaniment video: Angie talks DIY disasters

Originally posted 2011-05-09 06:12:26.

Although not eligible for a rebate like the Energy Star appliances, these new energy efficient windows can save you a lot of money that you would normally spend on monthly utility bills, plus up to $1,500 will be deducted of your income tax.

As part of the stimulus bill, the tax credit is available to homeowners who upgrade their primary residence with energy efficient appliances and exterior additions such as windows, skylights and exterior doors. This offers you a chance to lower your income tax for next year by up to 30 percent of the product’s cost.

This tax credit will only be available to you once, but the other advantage you will get from this deal is that you will be able to reduce the monthly utility cost in your home for as long as you own it. Some estimates are that savings can be in the hundreds each year. Your savings also translate into environmental savings as less energy is needed for your home and into a more comfortable environment inside your home as well. These new windows and doors and skylights will certainly increase the value of your old home on the real estate market, should you decide to sell it.

To qualify, the windows, doors or skylights should be accompanied by a statement from the manufacturer stating the product meets the criteria for the credit.

Even if you’re good with handiwork, it wouldn’t be a bad idea if you hired someone to install your windows. Your best bet may be to take advantage of the services of a company that measures your windows, has new windows made to fit, removes your old, drafty windows, and puts the new windows in, all in the period of a few weeks. These local companies that may be able to offer better prices.

Before choosing a window or company, do your homework. Whether you consider a national brand of window, or one locally produced, find out the window’s ratings for energy transference – in keeping cold air and solar energy out. Energy performance, which shows on the windows label and should be in company literature, should show a U-factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less to qualify for the credit. Before you make your choice, not only do you have to make sure that the window qualifies for the tax credit, but you also need to compare window and installation costs, so that you get a good price. When the windows are ready to be installed, you will want to schedule the work on a day when temperatures are mild and you can be at home.

Even when the tax credit is no longer available, with new windows and doors in your home you can look forward to a life of comfort and lower utility expenses.

Freedom Builders & Remodelers 815-985-0310 works primarily with a Pella contractor representative to come up with out of the box solutions for your window and door replacements.

Originally posted 2010-08-02 07:24:45.