Are you thinking about using insulated concrete forms (ICF) to build your new home? We’ll cover what ICF is, how it works, and the pros and cons of ICF construction. Here’s what you need to know about this energy-efficient building material. What Are Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)? Insulated concrete formwork, commonly known as ICF, is…
In today’s modern age, homes are being built faster than ever. With the advent of nail guns and other specialized tools in the 1950’s, homes could be built nearly 30% faster than before. Since that time, however, there really haven’t been any substantial improvements. The process of building a home has stayed all but the…
1. Don’t trust someone just because your recognize them. A burglar could look familiar. They might have been cleaning your carpet, painting your shutters or delivering your new refrigerator last week. Perhaps they made a trip to the restroom while you were working in the yard and unlatched the window so they could return easily….
Hidden Custom Built Wine Room httpv://youtu.be/ymMcNxFAls0 A hidden door cleverly disguised as a bookshelf will surprise even the most sly. Push the shelves open gently to reveal limestone steps, which wind down to a hidden wine cellar. The ceiling, faux painted to resemble old weathered brick will make you feel as if you have escaped…
Murphy Bed in a Custom Home httpv://youtu.be/n8EXlO_saWI Sometimes it’s hard to make the call between an extra guest bedroom or a study. A murphy bed perfectly converts the flex space back and forth between both! This bed folds up and down in a matter of minutes and is completely concealed behind shelves when up. When…
Just in time for remodeling season, learn what’s new in windows from an Andersen expert. Automatically Closes in Rain Andersen’s automatic operator is built into the window frame and comes with a wall-mounted controller and a handheld remote that controls up to four windows — and a sensor that closes the window when it starts…
Think your kitchen is squeaky clean? Not so fast. “Moisture and food particles make it the perfect environment for growing germs that can make you sick,” says Kelly A. Reynolds, PhD, an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona’s Zuckerman College of Public Health in Tucson. “If you’re not killing them, you can go from…
In a recent article posted on the Architectural Digest website, author Ian Volner describes the impact the “3-D Printing Revolution” is having on the design and manufacturing worlds. He writes, “For consumers it means that fully customized on-demand housewares, trinkets and accessories, jewelry, even clothing and furniture might one day be no further away than…
Double Duty Tips for Household Items We have some solutions for you. Here, some alternative uses for household items. Rubber Bands 1. Coming in and out with your hands full? Loop a single rubber band around a door’s inside and outside knobs, twisting it as you do so that the “X” presses the latch open….
From a refrigerator that dispenses seltzer to a dishwasher that connects to Wi-Fi, these new appliances and kitchen trends deliver more than hot water. Featured online: House Beautiful. Connected Dishwasher It monitors performance and diagnoses problems. With a Wi-Fi connection, it can even contact Miele to schedule a service appointment. This quiet machine also boasts an…