Happy Home

Anyone wanting or already in the process of redesigning their multi-level home should take a look at these cool staircases, which break away from the standard design and add some creative flair. Continue reading to see them all.

This out of the ordinary house was designed for a special exhibition in Trassenheide Germany and is open to the public for visiting. The creators – Klaudiusz Golos and Sebastion Mikuciuk say they “didn’t built the house for a reason, they just wanted to do something different.”

Similar houses were built before but this time not only the exterior is upside down, but every single room in the house and also the furniture. ”The world stands on its head” is the official name of the project. You will notice in the pictures how every arrangement seems very accurate and how all the main items in a normal house appear upside down in this design too.

Did you know you can extract heat from chilly outside air and use it to heat your house? This feat is performed by the magic of the heat pump—an appliance that uses refrigeration technology rather than fuel combustion to provide warmth and cooling.


Heat pumps are not new—they’ve been in use for more than 30 years—but upward-spiraling energy costs and technological breakthroughs have catapulted heat pumps into a popular, sensible alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems. And those with the Energy Star designation offer a $300 tax credit.

Early heat pumps were something of a disappointment—they were noisy and prone to breakdown, and they failed to provide ample warmth on really cold days. Advances have ushered in a new generation of energy-efficient, reliable systems that are winning over homeowners and builders alike.

Heat pumps are most effective at saving energy when in the heating mode. The problem with an air-source heat pump in a cold climate, however, is that your house needs more heat as the temperature outside goes down—but the heat pump works less efficiently at lower outdoor temperatures.

Below a temperature known as the “balance point,” normally from 30 to 45 degrees F., supplementary heat is required—and that means expensive electrical heating kicks in.

A new heat pump can save you money in the long run. But does your furnace or heat pump need replacement? Do you want a new heat pump because your present one isn’t heating or cooling properly or is making too much noise? You may find that simple repairs are all that are needed.
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If your home has ever lost electrical power during a storm or other type of electrical outage, you're probably well aware of how dependent we've become upon electrical power. Without it, practically nothing works, from appliances and lights to computers and air conditioners. Even some types of phones and heating equipment become worthless. Electricity is integral to our way of life.

A home's electrical system includes the incoming power lines, electric meter, service panel, subpanels, household wiring, electrical boxes, receptacles (or outlets), switches, and, of course, the appliances, lights, and equipment that put the power to work. Other electrical systems in a house include wiring for home entertainment, such as cable television, home theater, audio systems, and such. And wiring for home communications, such as telephones, security systems, doorbells, and intercoms.

Working on home electrical systems can be justifiably intimidating. Home wiring can be dangerous, depending upon the type of wiring. Standard-voltage electrical wiring, which serves electrical outlets, lights, appliances, and such, must be handled carefully to avoid shock or electrocution. But it you follow expert DIY instructions and turn off the power to circuits and devices before working on them, you can do this type of work safely. Low-voltage wiring for cable television, speakers, security systems, and the like is very safe for do-it-yourselfers to handle.
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Trying to sell a house in a bad market could be a night mare. You hope your agent could waive a magic wand and sell your house for you. With the real estate market cooling down, lot of effort goes into selling house these days.
This article focuses on providing home owners a few tips for low budget remodeling and staging your house to sell.

Kitchens:
Kitchens are a big selling factor. If you are remodeling your kitchen as a face-lift prior to selling it, it is recommended that you spent no more than 10-15% of the cost of your house. Old cabinets are a big turn off to potential buyers. Consider resurfacing them instead of replacing them. You could paint or stain your old cabinets, add some stylish looking hardware and give it a new fresh look. Replacing your laminate countertop with granite could be a big bonus. Replacing your old appliances with new stainless steel appliances could take your kitchen from old and outdated to ultramodern and chic!!!

Bathrooms:
Bathrooms come second in the list. They need to look spacious and clean. Old stained wall tiles don’t cut it. If you cannot replace them clean them, paint them resurface them. The same goes with shower doors too.


Paint:
A well-chosen selection of wall colors, contrasting trim and accent colors can draw attention to architectural details and disguise design flaws. Go for a neutral color palette with contrasting trim colors and some accent colors here and there to add some interest.

Old fire place:
Ugly brick fireplace could be an eye sore for potential buyers. Give it a fresh coat of paint to match the wall color add a mantel on top of it and make it fabulous!!!

Living room:
Buyers love light and airy living rooms. Open up you blinds and window covering to let some sunshine in. Cheat some sunshine with lots of artificial lighting. Last, arrange the space with lightly colored furniture, and you'll have a living room that brightens your chances of a sale.


Bedrooms:
A soothing neutral wall color and coordinating bedding should do the trick!!! LESS IS MORE here!!!

Closets:
Clutter free is the mantra!!!

Curb appeal:
Last but no the least, curb appeal is very important element to attract potential buyer to look at your house. A fresh coat of exterior paint and well groomed landscaping will be a good start. Buyers love well maintained large decks. Replace damaged wood and stain existing deck giving it a fresh look. Plant flowers in bloom and buyers start buzzing in!!!