The Wine Cellar
There are many spaces that can be converted to "Specialty" rooms in the house. Popular ones are Home Theaters, Media Rooms, Libraries, and Home Offices. Today I will focus on one - the Wine Cellar
Wine Cellars can be very simplistic or incredibly extravagant. Some people have a very small collection of wine to store and can get by with a refrigerator style unit that can be placed under a counter or in a small closet. Others may have very extensive collections that require quite a large space. This is what truly makes the difference between simple wine storage and a dedicated wine cellar. Wine cellars are generally large enough to walk in and require some special considerations before constructing.
A true wine cellar should be capable of controlling the following:
A stable floor and well framed/insulated walls with a sturdy rack system will solve most of the vibration issues.
A wine refrigeration unit that is specifically designed for the space, based on room size and volume of wine stored, will be able to maintain correct temperature and humidity levels.
A vapor barrier is a must and is the most commonly overlooked item in the construction of wine cellars. It is crucial that a proper vapor barrier be installed to keep the required humidity in the wine cellar from migrating to other parts of the home.
Lastly, the rack systems. These are generally wood systems that are made of redwood, cedar, mahogany, pine and others. Racks can be custom designed to accommodate any amount of wine and various bottle sizes. There are many custom wine rack companies that will take the dimensions of your space along with the amount of wine you plan to store and design a system that will maximize your storage capability while minting an attractive look and feel to the racking system.
…courtesy The Wine Enthusiast
If you are a wine enthusiast a Wine Cellar is a must have. If properly design and constructed the space will operate trouble free for many years. Although this is something that could be considered a do-it-yourself project I highly suggest that you consult a professional first. At the very least you need to have the wine cooling unit sized properly for your space.
Cheers,
Writing by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.)
Wine Cellars can be very simplistic or incredibly extravagant. Some people have a very small collection of wine to store and can get by with a refrigerator style unit that can be placed under a counter or in a small closet. Others may have very extensive collections that require quite a large space. This is what truly makes the difference between simple wine storage and a dedicated wine cellar. Wine cellars are generally large enough to walk in and require some special considerations before constructing.
A true wine cellar should be capable of controlling the following:
- Light: A dark space such as a basement is an ideal location since light can be controlled by the user and light infiltration can be kept to a minimum
- Humidity: 55% to 75% is the range that most wine cellars need to operate in. The type of wine you store may require more specific numbers
- Temperature: 55 to 58 degrees F is considered acceptable for wine storage
- Vibration - Wine stored for long periods of time can be susceptible to vibration. A firm floor and rack system is a must
A stable floor and well framed/insulated walls with a sturdy rack system will solve most of the vibration issues.
A wine refrigeration unit that is specifically designed for the space, based on room size and volume of wine stored, will be able to maintain correct temperature and humidity levels.
A vapor barrier is a must and is the most commonly overlooked item in the construction of wine cellars. It is crucial that a proper vapor barrier be installed to keep the required humidity in the wine cellar from migrating to other parts of the home.
Lastly, the rack systems. These are generally wood systems that are made of redwood, cedar, mahogany, pine and others. Racks can be custom designed to accommodate any amount of wine and various bottle sizes. There are many custom wine rack companies that will take the dimensions of your space along with the amount of wine you plan to store and design a system that will maximize your storage capability while minting an attractive look and feel to the racking system.
…courtesy The Wine Enthusiast
If you are a wine enthusiast a Wine Cellar is a must have. If properly design and constructed the space will operate trouble free for many years. Although this is something that could be considered a do-it-yourself project I highly suggest that you consult a professional first. At the very least you need to have the wine cooling unit sized properly for your space.
Cheers,
Writing by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.)
Don’t Get Caught in the Dark
09/19/2011 08:13 AM Filed in: Products | General Remodeling
In the US, approximately 3.5 million people lose their power in any given week. While an outage is no fun to experience, chances are you may come up against the situation of not having electrical power to your home at some point. This dilemma can be caused by electrical shutdown for maintenance or failure, or more likely the loss will be caused by weather. In either case, you will want your living conditions to be disrupted as little as possible.
Generators offer a vital supply and communication line to a household that has lost its connection to a main power source. There are generally two types: Smaller portable units and larger permanent whole-house models. There are also various power types such as gasoline, diesel, and natural gas or propane.
Whole-house Generators
A whole-house backup generator does just what it says: in the event you go off the power grid, these provide most of the backup you need to run your home smoothly during this time. Whole-house generators are convenient since they are "back-fed" directly into the house’s electrical system and -- in some installations -- can come on automatically during an outage. Whole-house systems are much more expansive than portable systems.
These are an important investment that should be on any home’s priority list. Determining which whole-house generator is best for your house requires a little prep work. The main focus should be on purchasing a unit that is adequate for your home. The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your household without power. Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last days or weeks. What would you miss most during an outage?
You will need to know how big your home is and if your heating unit and water heater are electric. Also list all the appliances you will want to run off your generator. Begin with the essentials and then go through your home room-by-room; after that you can add on the extras. When you finish this list the easiest thing to do is to visit your preferred manufacturer’s Web site and review their sizing sheets. Use these to determine the wattage and size requirements for whole-house generators before signing on with a professional to do the installation.
Which Fuel Suits You?
If you are not going to be using a fixed generator that is connected to your main natural gas line you will need to choose which fuel is best for your whole-house generator. This should be decided by availability and cost. First, you have the typical gasoline or diesel engines. These are fine, but you will be forced to refuel on a continuous basis, day and night. For example, a standard 1000-watt generator uses approximately 1 gallon of fuel every two hours. Whole-house diesel generators are a good choice. Robust and easy to maintain, they do cost a bit more initially; you can also investigate a used diesel generator, which will be more affordable. Diesel is also a cheaper fuel so the running costs will be lower. However, if diesel is difficult to find in your area or you have to travel to get it then this is not your best solution.
Next, there are generators that use LP or propane gas. These can be connected directly to an LP or propane tank and you will have power as long as you have gas. It would be a good idea to maintain a higher level of gas in your tank going into the winter in case you also have to tap into it for generator purposes.
Whole-house generators can last up to 20 years if maintained correctly and kept in the right environment. A good, well-installed, whole-house generator will add value to your home if you decide to sell. Keep this in mind when deciding which type of standby generator to purchase. Remember to always go for bigger than you currently need. Think about the future, allowing for growth and the things you may have forgotten about.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are convenient since they can be move from place to place but are generally limited to the amount of devices they can power. With these, you have to plug in the devices directly to the generator.
Wheeled, portable generators are the biggest sellers but you might need plenty of fuel on hand since filling stations often shut down during blackouts and most home-sized models use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline per day. You'll also need to preserve that fuel with stabilizer and store it in a well-vented shed or other area, which is deemed to be a sufficient distance -- for safety factors -- from the house and any ignition source.
Portable models typically may put out enough wattage for plug-in appliances and lights, but not nearly enough for heavy power drains like central air-conditioning. Again, add up the watts for the items you need before purchasing. Keep in mind you will need a power-transfer switch to power hardwired circuits and to avoid using extension cords.
Alleviate the Risk Factors
There are several key precautions to remember when using a generator backup system, including:
Make sure to hire a professional to conduct an installation that is safe -- both now and in the future. Choose wisely and you will be rewarded with many years of good service -- minus the worry of what to do when the power goes out.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Generators offer a vital supply and communication line to a household that has lost its connection to a main power source. There are generally two types: Smaller portable units and larger permanent whole-house models. There are also various power types such as gasoline, diesel, and natural gas or propane.
Whole-house Generators
A whole-house backup generator does just what it says: in the event you go off the power grid, these provide most of the backup you need to run your home smoothly during this time. Whole-house generators are convenient since they are "back-fed" directly into the house’s electrical system and -- in some installations -- can come on automatically during an outage. Whole-house systems are much more expansive than portable systems.
These are an important investment that should be on any home’s priority list. Determining which whole-house generator is best for your house requires a little prep work. The main focus should be on purchasing a unit that is adequate for your home. The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your household without power. Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last days or weeks. What would you miss most during an outage?
You will need to know how big your home is and if your heating unit and water heater are electric. Also list all the appliances you will want to run off your generator. Begin with the essentials and then go through your home room-by-room; after that you can add on the extras. When you finish this list the easiest thing to do is to visit your preferred manufacturer’s Web site and review their sizing sheets. Use these to determine the wattage and size requirements for whole-house generators before signing on with a professional to do the installation.
Which Fuel Suits You?
If you are not going to be using a fixed generator that is connected to your main natural gas line you will need to choose which fuel is best for your whole-house generator. This should be decided by availability and cost. First, you have the typical gasoline or diesel engines. These are fine, but you will be forced to refuel on a continuous basis, day and night. For example, a standard 1000-watt generator uses approximately 1 gallon of fuel every two hours. Whole-house diesel generators are a good choice. Robust and easy to maintain, they do cost a bit more initially; you can also investigate a used diesel generator, which will be more affordable. Diesel is also a cheaper fuel so the running costs will be lower. However, if diesel is difficult to find in your area or you have to travel to get it then this is not your best solution.
Next, there are generators that use LP or propane gas. These can be connected directly to an LP or propane tank and you will have power as long as you have gas. It would be a good idea to maintain a higher level of gas in your tank going into the winter in case you also have to tap into it for generator purposes.
Whole-house generators can last up to 20 years if maintained correctly and kept in the right environment. A good, well-installed, whole-house generator will add value to your home if you decide to sell. Keep this in mind when deciding which type of standby generator to purchase. Remember to always go for bigger than you currently need. Think about the future, allowing for growth and the things you may have forgotten about.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are convenient since they can be move from place to place but are generally limited to the amount of devices they can power. With these, you have to plug in the devices directly to the generator.
Wheeled, portable generators are the biggest sellers but you might need plenty of fuel on hand since filling stations often shut down during blackouts and most home-sized models use 12 to 18 gallons of gasoline per day. You'll also need to preserve that fuel with stabilizer and store it in a well-vented shed or other area, which is deemed to be a sufficient distance -- for safety factors -- from the house and any ignition source.
Portable models typically may put out enough wattage for plug-in appliances and lights, but not nearly enough for heavy power drains like central air-conditioning. Again, add up the watts for the items you need before purchasing. Keep in mind you will need a power-transfer switch to power hardwired circuits and to avoid using extension cords.
Alleviate the Risk Factors
There are several key precautions to remember when using a generator backup system, including:
- Prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning by always running your generator outdoors and at least 15 feet away from the house. Never run it in the basement, garage, or any other enclosed space.
- Install a transfer switch to connect the unit to your home's wiring system. Never connect a generator directly to your house.
- Reduce fire risk by turning off gasoline-powered generators before refueling them.
- Store gasoline in an ANSI-approved container and in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Make sure to hire a professional to conduct an installation that is safe -- both now and in the future. Choose wisely and you will be rewarded with many years of good service -- minus the worry of what to do when the power goes out.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Back to the Future -- In Your Bath
09/12/2011 07:47 AM Filed in: Remodeling | Design Ideas & Trends
Bathroom accessibility is becoming increasingly popular for today’s designs and remodels. In this economy, more homeowners intend to remain in their current house for the long term -- including the Golden Years -- so many have begun thinking ahead and planning for their future bath needs.
Universal Design is the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone -- regardless of age, ability, or status in life. A bathroom remodel styled in this manner will not only add value to your home in case of a resale, but will help ensure your age-less bathroom is ready if and when it may be needed. Of course, Universal Design features aren’t only for the elderly but are also for those who’ve been in an accident or perhaps suffer from arthritis or a disability.
Recently we have been installing quite a few "curb-less" showers and also are steering clients toward "Aging In Place" and "Barrier Free" bathroom designs. Houses in the past have not been designed with these issues in mind. As the population ages and the Baby Boomers reach retirement age there is a growing demand for bathrooms that are easily accessible.
Design possibilities include:
1. Pulling out a cumbersome tub and replacing it with a curb-less shower, as mentioned above; another viable option is to install a walk-in tub. There are many people who for one reason or another cannot negotiate the high curb of a traditional shower.
2. Consider widening the doorway to the bath, keeping accessibility in mind throughout the design. Keep in mind there may be the need for such things as a walker or wheelchair in the future.
3. Installing curbless shower pans is a great safety option. This means essentially the floor of the bathroom becomes waterproofed and a gentle slope directs all water into the shower drain, if installed properly. Some shower pans make it possible to place tile over them, delivering more decorative flair.
4. Designing a bathroom for accessibility doesn't mean it has to look institutionalized. Grab bars, shower doors, and seating now come in a wide range of styles and colors.
Then There’s the Wet Room…
Of course, you can always go Euro ahead of the curve in the US and install a wet room, which may very well meet all your needs. The entire bathroom floor can be converted to a shower floor, with everything removed from the room and either eliminated or later reinstalled on top of the new floor. Typically you’ll end up with a wall-mounted sink, a toilet, and the shower. The walls are covered with tile at least halfway up in areas outside the shower, which can be used with or without a curtain since everything in the room is impervious to water. Wet rooms are perfect for both large and small spaces such as a windowless box room, a downstairs bath, or as part of a master suite bath. Water drains through a small channel in the non-slip floor so you don't need a shower tray or enclosure. Naturally the room must be watertight with suitable drainage and must have enough structural support to accommodate the materials’ weight.
All we’ve discussed pertains to remodeling, thus everything has to be adapted and retrofitted. In new construction, accessible showers or wet rooms can be planned and constructed with relative ease. Concrete and wood subfloors can be depressed in the areas where showers are to be built. Additionally, doorways can be wide enough to easily accommodate wheelchairs.
Efficient and Lovely
Building barrier-free bathrooms and showers is a good idea whether they are needed or not. Properly designed, they don’t take anything away from the appearance of the bathroom and are certainly convenient. For those of you who value independence in life, both today and in the future, now you can have the best of both worlds in your home -- beautifully designed bathware that makes living life easier.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Universal Design is the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone -- regardless of age, ability, or status in life. A bathroom remodel styled in this manner will not only add value to your home in case of a resale, but will help ensure your age-less bathroom is ready if and when it may be needed. Of course, Universal Design features aren’t only for the elderly but are also for those who’ve been in an accident or perhaps suffer from arthritis or a disability.
Recently we have been installing quite a few "curb-less" showers and also are steering clients toward "Aging In Place" and "Barrier Free" bathroom designs. Houses in the past have not been designed with these issues in mind. As the population ages and the Baby Boomers reach retirement age there is a growing demand for bathrooms that are easily accessible.
Design possibilities include:
1. Pulling out a cumbersome tub and replacing it with a curb-less shower, as mentioned above; another viable option is to install a walk-in tub. There are many people who for one reason or another cannot negotiate the high curb of a traditional shower.
2. Consider widening the doorway to the bath, keeping accessibility in mind throughout the design. Keep in mind there may be the need for such things as a walker or wheelchair in the future.
3. Installing curbless shower pans is a great safety option. This means essentially the floor of the bathroom becomes waterproofed and a gentle slope directs all water into the shower drain, if installed properly. Some shower pans make it possible to place tile over them, delivering more decorative flair.
4. Designing a bathroom for accessibility doesn't mean it has to look institutionalized. Grab bars, shower doors, and seating now come in a wide range of styles and colors.
Then There’s the Wet Room…
Of course, you can always go Euro ahead of the curve in the US and install a wet room, which may very well meet all your needs. The entire bathroom floor can be converted to a shower floor, with everything removed from the room and either eliminated or later reinstalled on top of the new floor. Typically you’ll end up with a wall-mounted sink, a toilet, and the shower. The walls are covered with tile at least halfway up in areas outside the shower, which can be used with or without a curtain since everything in the room is impervious to water. Wet rooms are perfect for both large and small spaces such as a windowless box room, a downstairs bath, or as part of a master suite bath. Water drains through a small channel in the non-slip floor so you don't need a shower tray or enclosure. Naturally the room must be watertight with suitable drainage and must have enough structural support to accommodate the materials’ weight.
All we’ve discussed pertains to remodeling, thus everything has to be adapted and retrofitted. In new construction, accessible showers or wet rooms can be planned and constructed with relative ease. Concrete and wood subfloors can be depressed in the areas where showers are to be built. Additionally, doorways can be wide enough to easily accommodate wheelchairs.
Efficient and Lovely
Building barrier-free bathrooms and showers is a good idea whether they are needed or not. Properly designed, they don’t take anything away from the appearance of the bathroom and are certainly convenient. For those of you who value independence in life, both today and in the future, now you can have the best of both worlds in your home -- beautifully designed bathware that makes living life easier.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
Window Shopping Takes On A New Meaning
09/06/2011 08:09 AM Filed in: Remodeling | Products
How do you know when the time is right to retool your home’s windows? Obviously energy efficiency is one of the main reasons for replacement but consider that perhaps you can save on the project by retrofitting -- replacing the window sashes and leaving the frames intact -- vs. replacing the entire unit. If the exterior frame is in good shape this is a smart solution because it’s cheaper than a full replacement.
What if you do choose replacement to pare down costly energy bills when your old single-pane windows are not efficient, thus forcing your furnace and air conditioner to work harder? A solution to consider is the replacement of your windows (and doors) with Low-E (Low-Emissivity) insulating, double- or triple-pane glass. For maximum energy savings, purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products.
Other reasons and solutions for updating windows include:
Choose the Right Contractor
The right contractor can install your new windows at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, but don’t forget the importance of the professional’s credibility and reliability. Some points to cover before selecting a contractor include the following:
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).
What if you do choose replacement to pare down costly energy bills when your old single-pane windows are not efficient, thus forcing your furnace and air conditioner to work harder? A solution to consider is the replacement of your windows (and doors) with Low-E (Low-Emissivity) insulating, double- or triple-pane glass. For maximum energy savings, purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products.
Other reasons and solutions for updating windows include:
- Aesthetics: windows have lost their visual appeal on the frames and panes due to chipping, cracks, deterioration, or water stains, for example. Solution: New windows will dramatically improve the beauty of your home -- inside and out.
- Operability: some units are simply too hard to operate or do not operate at all for fresh-air access, cleaning, or as emergency escape routes. Solution: Today's replacement wood, fiberglass, aluminum clad, and vinyl windows open and close almost effortlessly. They’re designed to make cleaning the exterior glass from inside your house easy and require little maintenance. Another bonus is you won't find yourself hunting for obsolete replacement parts.
- Sound: many older windows do an inadequate job when it comes to blocking exterior noise that makes its way into your home. Solution: Recalibrate using double-pane glass, which is better than single-pane glass in terms of noise blockage and reduction.
- Functionality: when embarking on a project you want to make sure you end up with enhanced results compared to what you are used to with the current windows. Solution: Sometimes changing from one style to another -- such as double hung to casement -- will allow easier operation or promote the movement of outside air.
- Sub-par performance: Air is leaking in and out of your windows causing hot and cold drafts, or perhaps there is unsightly fogging between the panes. Solution: New windows with high-performance, insulating-glass technology helps eliminate drafts and will help keep the glass from conducting heat or cold making your home more comfortable and energy efficient year-round.
- Fade damage: the sun’s fading rays make their way through, damaging your furniture, carpet, and window treatments. Solution: Again, replacement windows with Low-E glass coatings reflect the sun's UV rays away from your home, to help protect your home’s interior from fade damage.
Choose the Right Contractor
The right contractor can install your new windows at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner, but don’t forget the importance of the professional’s credibility and reliability. Some points to cover before selecting a contractor include the following:
- Obtain and check references from a prospective contractor.
- Assess prior work firsthand and peruse the contractor’s portfolio.
- Ensure the contractor is licensed with insurance coverage and a building permit for your city.
- Share project details with the contractor and listen to feedback and recommendations before comparing this input with that of other potential contractors.
- Compare cost estimates provided by contractors.
Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).