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Greenhouses have evolved from a simple garden under glass into a way of life. Solar Innovations has developed a short list of tips for customers interested in installing greenhouses. These tips are suggestions for consideration prior to construction. Greenhouses by Solar Innovations are designed to accommodate any grower's ability by providing the simplest to the most complex self-regulating environment.
Greenhouses are either freestanding or attached to an existing structure. Greenhouses by Solar Innovations have the ability to become the focal point of any garden or the perfect extension to any home and Solar's customers are taking notice.
Residential customers prefer attaching a greenhouse to an existing building due to easy access in inclement weather. The greenhouse can be used for passive solar heating of the existing structure during daylight hours while the existing structure can help heat the greenhouse during the limited or no sunlight hours. The attached greenhouse can typically be added to the total square footage of the existing house to increase real estate value if properly planned.
A freestanding greenhouse structure creates a separate hideaway. All structural materials in a Greenhouse by Solar Innovations are aluminum, so decay of materials from moisture is not a concern. Freestanding greenhouses can have their own unique design and can enhance the landscape by providing another attractive feature.
Solar Innovations recommends the following tips when designing a fully functional greenhouse:
Consider the proximity of nearby shading. Trees located close to the greenhouse provide shade during the summer, but will give shadows in the winter. Debris from a tree too close can soil the roof, requiring cleaning.
Be mindful of wind and inclement weather. Winds can provide cooling and ventilation during the summer but can increase heat loss in winter. The bottom of a hill or a hollow may provide shelter from some of the elements but may be more prone to moisture or frost.
Consider the direction of roof slope and drifting or sliding snow, when attached to an already existing structure. Extra gutters, ice breaks, or an impact resistant roof glazing such as polycarbonate may be required to accommodate large amounts of run off and snow.
Orient the greenhouse so plants are not harmed by excessive sunlight. Sunlight penetrates the greenhouse most when perpendicular to the glazing. A free-standing greenhouse's orientation is not as critical because it receives light from all sides. South, southeast, or east facing attached greenhouses will provide the greatest light exposure. Western exposure provides adequate light. Northern exposure is only recommended for plants with low light requirements or if grow lights are utilized.
Build the greenhouse on a solid foundation. If the foundation is unstable, the structure will be subject to shifting, or frame and glazing breaking.
Greenhouses by Solar Innovations are designed to accommodate virtually any situation and provide the perfect options to compliment any level of expertise from the novice to the experienced gardener.
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Monday, May 14, 2007
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6 Steps to Buying a New Home - StylusDecor.com
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(ARA) - Buying a home can be a very intimidating process, especially if you've never done it before. So the first thing you should do before you start is to figure out whether owning a home is right for you.
If you're in a region where housing is at a real premium or is very expensive (such as New York or California), it may be better for you to continue renting. Take into account that if you do buy a home, there are extra responsibilities and costs that go along with it -- such as lawn care, snow removal, home maintenance and repairs, etc.
Ok, then. You've decided that renting is no longer for you and you want to move into your own home. Where do you begin?
Step 1: Check Your Credit Report and Score
Before getting any kind of loan, you should always check your credit. According to the law, you're allowed to receive one free copy of your credit report per year. You can do this by visiting Annualcreditreport.com. Don't forget to check your report for errors.
Step 2: Figure out How Much You Can Afford
You can calculate how much you can afford by starting online. Quicken Loans Home Affordability Calculator can help you calculate an affordable monthly mortgage payment. Don't forget to factor in money you'll need for a down payment, closing costs, fees (such as for an attorney, appraisal, inspection, etc.) and the costs of remodeling or furniture. Remember that you don't always have to put down 20 percent as your parents once did. There are loans available with little to no down payment.
Step 3: Find a Real Estate Agent
To find a real estate agent, it's best to shop around. Get recommendations from your friends and family and check with the Better Business Bureau. Talk to at least three or four real estate agents. Ask lots of questions and make sure they have answers that satisfy you. Don't go with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
You also need to find a lender to get home financing. Most lenders offer pre-qualifications or pre-approvals. Pre-qualifications are only a guess based on what you tell the lender and are no guarantee. A pre-approval will give you a better idea of how big a loan you qualify for. The lender will actually pull your credit and get more information about you. Quicken Loans offers a Mortgage 1st approval before you start home shopping. With an actual approval, you're ready to make an offer, and the sale will go much quicker. Besides, your offer will look more appealing than other buyers' since your financing is guaranteed.
Step 4: Look for the Right Home
Make a list of the things you need to have in the house you buy. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need, how big you want the kitchen to be, if there's an adequate number of closets and cabinet space and if the yard is big enough for your kids and/or pets to play in.
Once you've made a list of your must-have's, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work and the convenience of local shopping. Take into account your safety concerns as well as how good the rate of home appreciation is in the area.
Step 5: Make an Offer on the Home
Now that you've found the home you want, you have to make an offer. Most sellers price their homes a bit high, expecting that there will be some haggling involved. A decent place to start is about five percent below the asking price. You can also get a list from your real estate agent to find out how much comparable homes have sold for.
Step 6: Get the Right Mortgage for Your Situation
There are many different types of mortgage programs out there, but as a first-time home buyer, you should be aware of the three basics: adjustable rate, fixed rate and interest-only.
Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are short-term mortgages that offer an interest rate that is fixed for a short period of time, usually between one to seven years. After that, the interest rate can adjust every year up or down, depending on the market. These are good for people who don't plan on living in their home very long and/or are looking for a lower interest rate and payment.
Fixed-rate mortgages are more traditional and offer a fixed interest rate (and thus a fixed monthly payment) for a longer period of time, usually 15 or 30 years, though they're available in 20 or 25 year terms. These are good for people who like a predictable payment and plan on living in their home for a good long time.
Both fixed- and adjustable rate mortgages can have an interest-only payment. What this means is that for a certain amount of time during the loan term, you're allowed to pay only enough to cover the interest portion of your payment. You can still pay principal when you wish, but don't have to if your budget is tight. There is a myth that with interest-only mortgages, you don't build equity. This is not necessarily true, since you can build equity through home appreciation. The benefit to interest-only mortgages is that you increase your cash flow by not paying principal.
Buying a home for the first time doesn't have to be a hassle if you're prepared and you know what to do and when to do it. Call a Quicken Loans at (800) 963-2177 for help figuring out all your home financing options.
Courtesy of ARA Content
(ARA) - Buying a home can be a very intimidating process, especially if you've never done it before. So the first thing you should do before you start is to figure out whether owning a home is right for you.
If you're in a region where housing is at a real premium or is very expensive (such as New York or California), it may be better for you to continue renting. Take into account that if you do buy a home, there are extra responsibilities and costs that go along with it -- such as lawn care, snow removal, home maintenance and repairs, etc.
Ok, then. You've decided that renting is no longer for you and you want to move into your own home. Where do you begin?
Step 1: Check Your Credit Report and Score
Before getting any kind of loan, you should always check your credit. According to the law, you're allowed to receive one free copy of your credit report per year. You can do this by visiting Annualcreditreport.com. Don't forget to check your report for errors.
Step 2: Figure out How Much You Can Afford
You can calculate how much you can afford by starting online. Quicken Loans Home Affordability Calculator can help you calculate an affordable monthly mortgage payment. Don't forget to factor in money you'll need for a down payment, closing costs, fees (such as for an attorney, appraisal, inspection, etc.) and the costs of remodeling or furniture. Remember that you don't always have to put down 20 percent as your parents once did. There are loans available with little to no down payment.
Step 3: Find a Real Estate Agent
To find a real estate agent, it's best to shop around. Get recommendations from your friends and family and check with the Better Business Bureau. Talk to at least three or four real estate agents. Ask lots of questions and make sure they have answers that satisfy you. Don't go with anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable.
You also need to find a lender to get home financing. Most lenders offer pre-qualifications or pre-approvals. Pre-qualifications are only a guess based on what you tell the lender and are no guarantee. A pre-approval will give you a better idea of how big a loan you qualify for. The lender will actually pull your credit and get more information about you. Quicken Loans offers a Mortgage 1st approval before you start home shopping. With an actual approval, you're ready to make an offer, and the sale will go much quicker. Besides, your offer will look more appealing than other buyers' since your financing is guaranteed.
Step 4: Look for the Right Home
Make a list of the things you need to have in the house you buy. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need, how big you want the kitchen to be, if there's an adequate number of closets and cabinet space and if the yard is big enough for your kids and/or pets to play in.
Once you've made a list of your must-have's, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work and the convenience of local shopping. Take into account your safety concerns as well as how good the rate of home appreciation is in the area.
Step 5: Make an Offer on the Home
Now that you've found the home you want, you have to make an offer. Most sellers price their homes a bit high, expecting that there will be some haggling involved. A decent place to start is about five percent below the asking price. You can also get a list from your real estate agent to find out how much comparable homes have sold for.
Step 6: Get the Right Mortgage for Your Situation
There are many different types of mortgage programs out there, but as a first-time home buyer, you should be aware of the three basics: adjustable rate, fixed rate and interest-only.
Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are short-term mortgages that offer an interest rate that is fixed for a short period of time, usually between one to seven years. After that, the interest rate can adjust every year up or down, depending on the market. These are good for people who don't plan on living in their home very long and/or are looking for a lower interest rate and payment.
Fixed-rate mortgages are more traditional and offer a fixed interest rate (and thus a fixed monthly payment) for a longer period of time, usually 15 or 30 years, though they're available in 20 or 25 year terms. These are good for people who like a predictable payment and plan on living in their home for a good long time.
Both fixed- and adjustable rate mortgages can have an interest-only payment. What this means is that for a certain amount of time during the loan term, you're allowed to pay only enough to cover the interest portion of your payment. You can still pay principal when you wish, but don't have to if your budget is tight. There is a myth that with interest-only mortgages, you don't build equity. This is not necessarily true, since you can build equity through home appreciation. The benefit to interest-only mortgages is that you increase your cash flow by not paying principal.
Buying a home for the first time doesn't have to be a hassle if you're prepared and you know what to do and when to do it. Call a Quicken Loans at (800) 963-2177 for help figuring out all your home financing options.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Stylus Decor
Stylus Décor is an Online Wholesale Shop that specializes in Home and Garden Décor. We offer weekly promotions for our members to receive items at a clearance price. Also, for the convenience of our members all orders will receive Free Shipping. Stylus Décor offers over 500 Home and Garden Décor products to help give your home a makeover inside and out.
Our Home Décor section offers the following products:
- Clocks
- Furniture & Décor
- Indoor Fountains
- Indoor Planters
- Lamps & Lighting
- Luxurious Furnishings
- Picture Frames
- Shelves & Racks
- Vases
- Wall Décor
Our Garden Décor section offers the following products:
- Bird Feeders
- Bird Houses
- Garden Plaques
- Garden Statues
- Hammocks
- Lawn Ornaments
- Outdoor Planters
- Plant Shelves & Racks
- Wind Chimes
Thanks for reading our company blog. Feel free to leave us any questions, concerns or comments and we will be happy to answer.
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