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Chino, CA (PRWEB) -- Hot tubs are hot all over the U.S. because they offer a beautiful, often simple way to create a leafy, natural retreat around an inviting water feature. As both a private and a social extension of the home, a hot tub-centered "living room" brings the indoors outside -- for personal relaxation, intimate family time, or the fun of inviting guests for a barbecue and hot tub party. Leading manufacturers such as Jacuzzi Hot Tubs and Sundance Spas offer tips for consumers for back yard renovations, entertaining and more.
One of today's hottest design trends is the "outdoor room," a relaxed environment for private enjoyment or casual summer entertaining. While planning these outdoor living spaces, more and more homeowners are discovering the beauty and pleasure of integrating water features. Many families choose to add a touch of luxury with an easy-to-enjoy hot tub. The inviting sight, natural sound and refreshing contact with warm, bubbling, sparkling water almost magically soothes the senses.
Hot tubs are hot all over the U.S. because they offer a beautiful, often simple way to create a leafy, natural retreat around an inviting water feature. As both a private and a social extension of the home, a hot tub-centered "living room" brings the indoors outside -- for personal relaxation, intimate family time, or the fun of inviting guests for a barbecue and hot tub party.
Large properties and a pond or a brook around a home may have been typical before, but with urbanization, that tradition is fading. Today, Americans build larger houses on smaller lots. "Our customers see that a hot tub, with its compact footprint and range of water features, can provide the pleasures of a water environment in a more space-efficient, cost-efficient way than a larger project, such as a pond or a swimming pool," said Anthony Pasquarelli of Jacuzzi Hot Tubs, the legendary brand that recently celebrated 50 years of hydrotherapy. "A hot tub creates a four-season outdoor room, which is ultimately more versatile than a summers-only pool."
Homeowners don't necessarily need professional landscapers to create the right outdoor environment for luxurious hot soaks. Simple design elements, such as colorful indoor/outdoor fabrics and furnishings, an attractive, easy-to-install gazebo or some natural stone and plantings around a hot tub can make even a small-scale yard rise far above the ordinary.
"Our local dealers can help homeowners design a Sundance spa installation with a luxurious, built-in look, easily and at an affordable cost, by installing the hot tub half-in, half-out of the ground and using stone, brick or wood decking and attractive foliage," says Erica Moir of Sundance Spas, the world's largest acrylic hot tub manufacturer.
"Take time to consider what type of hot tub environment will fit your tastes, your budget and the space available in your backyard," notes Mr. Pasquarelli from Jacuzzi Hot Tubs. Moir from Sundance Spas agrees, "A backyard design doesn't need to reinvent the wheel. Just a few tweaks to a current landscape may be all that's needed to create a personalized, ideal garden hot tub environment." Some additional tips:
Consider your family's specific needs and desires. Do you entertain small groups of friends? Do you play with the kids?
Do you read or quietly meditate? Identify sun and shade spots as well as wind directions to help ensure maximum enjoyment of the hot tub.
Home and garden magazines are a great source for design ideas.
Today's hot tub offers high-tech water massage features that can enhance the enjoyment of a warm bubbling hot tub on a cool evening in a leafy outdoor room. Good for the body and the spirit alike, water massage is an easily accessible, affordable, health-enhancing way to spend leisure time. For more backyard design tips and suggestions, visit Jacuzzi hot tub spa or back yard entertaining hot tub spa.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Greenhouse Tips
StylusDecor.com
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.
Visit us at StylusDecor.com
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.
Visit us at StylusDecor.com
Saturday, May 12, 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.
Website: http://www.stylusdecor.com/
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