Archives

February 28, 2011

The Home Improvement Season: Preparation Tips

Spring time is closing in.  Its pace may not be as hurried as some would like, but I am confident warmer weather is on the way.  Spring is usually when homeowners begin their home improvement projects.  The days leading up to spring can be spent enjoying the last of your yard work free weekends or preparing for your projects.  Whether you are replacing your home windows, remodeling your kitchen or adding a patio, planning is essential.  Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for the beginning of the home improvement season. Read more…

January 25, 2011

5 Forgotten Energy Vampires

These days, it seems like you can’t swing a bag of garlic without hitting something vampire related.  From television shows, to tween romance novels to even my beloved comic books everywhere is a nesting ground for vampires.  We rarely ever consider the vampires we encounter in real life.  I’m speaking of energy vampires.  The appliances and practices we use daily that suck up energy unbeknownst to the user.  Alone, they are not a fearsome force, but when you have several operating in your home simultaneously the costs really add up.  After the jump, we will point out 5 ways you are unknowingly wasting energy. Read more…

November 16, 2010

Home Remodeling For The Holidays

With the holiday season among us, homeowners may be hesitant to invest in their homes.  Not including an expiring tax credit, there are several reasons to plan a remodeling project before the end of the year.  From inexpensive materials to readily available contractors, this post will document the five best reasons to remodel – NOW! Read more…

November 2, 2010

The Kitchen Lab: Give Ideas, Get Ideas

When was the last time you remodeled your kitchen?  Kitchen remodeling is a fairly involved project, but it presents plenty of opportunities to be creative.   Did you know Long Kitchens also offers design consultation?  You may have your heart set on one idea, but getting a professional’s opinion will open your eyes to new possibilities.  They’ve walked in to a lot of kitchens and have had years of experience understanding a client’s concerns, ambitions and budget.  Even the pros need practice however.  Here is an exercise to help get those creative juices flowing. Read more…

October 5, 2010

Kitchen Remodeling: The Problem With Granite

You might recall our past post on this subject, but it is always great to have video evidence.  You can take the video in two ways.  1.  Granite, given it’s propensity to harbor decaying uranium, should be left out of the home.  2.   Granite, even though sometimes found with high levels of radiation, can be a suitable option if you take the proper precautions.  However you feel about the story, the issue is worth bringing to the surface.  Even if you have your heart set on the look of granite, there are materials available that do a fantastic job of mimicking the appearance of the natural stone.  Quartz can take on the look of granite and involves less maintenance.  Interested in other materials?  Read this article for more ideas.

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