In Part 1 of our blog, we examined toilet and sink types. Let’s go on to the other two major fixtures, tubs and showers. Showers basically fall into one of two categories – stand-alone and over-the-tub types. But within these two broad classifications, there is an almost infinite number of choices in terms of materials, […]
Elements of a Bathroom Renovation – Part 1
When thinking about renovating, many folks immediately think “bathroom”. And, in terms of resale value of a house, it’s a pretty good thought. According to the 2018 “Cost vs Value” report issued by Remodeling Magazine, you can recoup in the neighborhood of 70% of the cost of a midrange bathroom remodel at resale. There are, […]
Made in the Shade
You’d like to have a shaded space in your yard to get together with family and friends, somewhere to relax and perhaps knock back a cold one. The deck and the patio are nice, but they’re exposed to the elements and it’s a bit punishing to sit there for very long in the hot sun. […]
Ten Low Maintenance Indoor Plants That Won’t Harm Your Pets
Ten Low Maintenance Indoor Plants That Won’t Harm Your Pets Who can resist the lovely, bright look and feel of plants in a room? But in addition to the added vibrancy and depth that plants can give an area, there are also functional reasons to have plants: They convert carbon dioxide to oxygen They remove trace […]
Popular Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Popular Eco-Friendly Window Treatments When it comes right down to it, there are really only a few types of window coverings — there are blinds, shutters, drapery, and shades. But the choices available within those types are almost endless. Here are some of the more popular eco-friendly window treatment for those who want to adorn […]
Mosquito-Repellant Plants that Won’t Harm Your Pets
Nothing detracts from the pleasure of sitting out on the patio or deck on a fine summer evening quite like swatting at bothersome mosquitos. And while there are some very effective chemical repellants, why cover yourself with harsh chemicals to be ingested through your skin when there are non-toxic and natural ways to deter those […]
Natural vs Synthetic Lawns
A lawn that always looks good and never has to be mowed? Tempting, isn’t it. But before tearing up your natural turf and replacing it with synthetic, here are a few pros and cons to consider. Water conservation: Of particular concern in drought-ridden Texas is water conservation. A 2012 Texas Water Development Board report estimates […]
The Difference Between a Solarium and a Sunroom
There are definite similarities between a solarium and a sunroom. For one, they both involve glass. For another, they both optimize on the collection of natural sunlight. However, the two terms aren’t interchangeable. Solarium Solarium is Latin for “sundial” or, literally, that which is exposed to the sun. The word originally referred to rooftop structures […]
4 Tips for Maintaining Your Sunroom Furniture
Many sunroom owners choose to decorate with rattan or wicker furniture because it gives the space that outdoor feel. The great thing about sunrooms, though, is they aren’t exposed to harsh weather or extreme temperatures, so there is actually a lot of freedom in what decor style you choose. Whatever style you choose, here are […]
The Value of Adding a Sunroom To Your Home
You dream of building a sunroom, the perfect addition to your home that will bridge the in- and outdoors and give you extra room to play, entertain, or just relax. But how much tangible value will the sunroom actually add? An annual Cost vs Value report published by Remodeling Magazine offers a few tips on […]