Don't know what type of dining table you need? Check here

Tables


Don't know what type of dining table you need? Check here

Dining tables generally run 29" to 30" high. For comfort, there should be 7 inches between knees and the underside of the table, taking into account any aprons, drawers or decoration under the tabletop. To ensure that everyone at the table has enough room, allot approximately 24" of space per person. As a general rule of thumb:

38"-40" square table seats 4 people

46" round table seats 5-6 people

60" long rectangle or oval seats 6 people

72" long rectangle or oval seats 6-8 people

84" long rectangle or oval seats 8 people


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With leaves, dining tables can reach as much as 140" in length, which would seat up to 14 people. If you need a longer table than this, expect to have it custom-made. For a table that extends to 120" or more, you should probably look for a metal extension mechanism for the support it provides.

Steal ideas (but not the towels!) from the best hotels

Endless Summer


Steal ideas (but not the towels!) from the best hotels

By Veronique Kipen



"Today" show travel editor Peter Greenberg "borrowed" ideas from 47 hotels.

The right kind of hotel—the best kind of hotel—does things better than you. The towels are thicker, the carpets deeper, the drapes actually keep out the light. The beds are in league with Morpheus. The bathroom amenities would make a Puritan weep.

It's a fusion of form and function so successful, a growing number of guests are replicating hotel décor in their houses. From color and fabric to furniture and fixtures, hotel living has conquered the home.

"We get a lot of questions from guests about the décor of the hotel," said Lucy McIntyre, a spokeswoman for The Standard hotel in Los Angeles. "It's hip and chic and appeals to a wide range of people."

Popular items at The Standard Hotel in Los Angeles are the metallic beanbag chairs and Andy Warhol print drapes.


Silvery beanbag chairs and suede floor pillows add a dash of retro wit. Andy Warhol print drapes, inflatable sofas and hanging Baleri egg chairs help the shag carpet on the ceiling of the lounge and the electric blue Astroturf around the pool make sense.

Borrow both practical and whimsical ideas

Practical ideas like a high-speed Internet connection, multiple-line phones and a small fridge stocked with a whimsical array of snacks are touches easily translated into the home. Giant cacti in oversize white pots seem to float against a white wall.

"It's design you can live with," McIntyre said. "People really love it."

At the luxurious Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, Calif., a good percentage of the items in the guest rooms, such as pillows, mattresses, soap dishes, comforters and flower vases, are for sale in the hotel's Mercantile Showroom. "The guests literally love the room and want to recreate that look in their house," said Terry McPartlan, a clerk at the hotel.


Peter Greenberg, travel editor of NBC's "Today" show, discovered how much he appreciates hotel design and décor when he began rebuilding his Los Angeles home, which suffered heavy damage in the 1994 Northridge, Calif. earthquake. In the course of a conversation with his architect, Greenberg, author of "The Travel Detective," the uber-guide to getting the most from your vacation, cited details from 47 hotel rooms. He had ideas for everything from the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room to closets, a phone system, door locks, door bells and the swimming pool.


There is a resort-like look to Peter Greenberg's hotel-inspired yard.

"These were items and concepts that were resortlike or hotel-like in that they were luxurious, but they were not high-priced," Sheriff said. "They were things whose function was really thought out, like the deluge shower head, beds on platforms rather than on the floor, entertainment centers with doors that rotate out of sight."

Detail from hotels make the home comfortable

When finished, the house was homey yet remarkable for the quality and comfort of each detail. And logical to Greenberg, who has traveled to 120 of the world's 187 countries and figures he spends more time on the road than at home.

Cacti decorate The Standard's lobby.

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"Every time I was in a really cool hotel, or a really cool hotel room, I'd say, 'I'd love to have that one day,' " Greenberg said. "So when it came time to conceptualize what I wanted in my home, I already knew what I wanted."

What Greenberg wanted was the legendary king-size bed from the Four Seasons in New York and the tiles from the Four Seasons in Hawaii, the 15-inch ceiling-mounted shower head from London's Savoy, the bathtub from the Peninsula in Hong Kong, a sink like the one in Caesar's Palace, a toilet like the one in Tokyo's Park Hyatt, door locks from the St. Regis in New York and a pool based on the one from the Westin Hotel in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

"As crazy at this sounds, why not?" Greenberg said. " I had a direct line to the CEOs and general managers of those hotels because, after 15 years of traveling, I knew them all. All you had to do was ask, and yes, I could buy it. And so can anyone else.".


Manufacturers are well-known nNames

A bit of research turned up household names for many of the items. Kohler, Viking and Sub-Zero are staples of kitchen and bath design. Kahrs flooring, Karastan rugs, Closets by Design, Sealy for the mattress, Nortel phones and Howard Miller clocks are within every decorator's reach.

More general details, such has how to make a small space feel larger, can also be copied from hotel rooms. And when it comes to child-proofing, hotel designers are masters.

"You always have to think about how things work when you throw kids into the mix," said Greenberg, whose entertaining ranges from intimate dinners to parties for 300 guests. "I did things like put rubber bumpers behind each door, so when kids go running through the house slamming doors, the walls are protected."

And the finished product?

"It all works—it's homey and very comfortable, " Greenberg said. "And of course we have a three-night minimum."
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A Cool Deal

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Buying updated air conditioner can save energy, money

By Michele Dawson



If your air conditioning unit is getting up there in age or you've noticed unusual sounds or excess humidity, buying an updated model can save you money, help cut down on air pollution -- and, of course, keep you cool.

The Environmental Protection Agency devised the Energy Star label to rate energy-efficiency in a number of household products, including air conditioners. It says that if one household in 10 bought Energy Star cooling equipment, some 17 billion pounds of air pollution would be avoided.

Jay Webb, a remodeling contractor in Sacramento, Calif., where the temperature on summer days often soars above the 90-degree mark, says he gets a lot of requests to update air-conditioning units, especially when the temperature starts to climb.

"Often it's the people in older homes who need a new air conditioner," Webb said. "They either don't have air conditioning at all, or their unit is outdated."

Older units typically cool inefficiently and end up costing more than they should, which translates into higher energy bills.

The EPA says that if your cooling system is more than 10 years old, it might be time to upgrade to a unit that has earned the Energy Star label for high efficiency.


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Turn Your Balcony Into a Retreat

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Go from blah to wow with these easy tips

By Veronique Kipen

A seating area is in one of several rooms Edward Jimenez created on his balcony.A crispy fern flanked by a flapping towel and a bike with two flat tires—sound like a balcony near you? As close as your own French doors, perhaps?

If what you really want is a cozy place to barbecue, or an enchanted and enchanting retreat—no problem. With just the tiniest bit of attention and effort, you can transform even a swath of bleak and cheerless concrete into almost anything.

First, figure out what kind of weather your balcony has to withstand, said Elizabeth Blome of Open Window Designs in Houston. A northern exposure will limit plant choices to shade-tolerant varieties, while a west-facing patio will be hard on decorative objects like wreaths and topiaries, which can crack and fade in the hot summer sun.

As for that bike—you get to keep it.


"Our feeling is that if you want something, we can make it work," Blome said. "So if the bike is a part of your life, it stays—behind a screen or a lattice or a nice big plant."

Decide how you want to use the space, said Helene Schultz, an interior decorator who recently tackled a patio in New York and a balcony in the Virgin Islands. And have fun. Whether you're making a private retreat, an outdoor dining room or dividing a large area into several rooms, an outdoor space should spring from your imagination.

Jimenez built an Asian garden for moments of reflection."In some ways, the space in a balcony or patio is a bonus, it's unexpected," Schultz said. "You can go with something as simple as plants and a few chairs, or you can unleash your fantasies and be bolder or more playful than you might inside the home."

Bold and playful were Edward Jimenez' bywords when designing the spacious balcony of his Los Angeles condo over the course of six years. At 11-feet wide and 25-feet long, Jimenez had a space large enough to be daunting. He solved the problem by dividing it into rooms—one for dining, one for a garden, another as a sitting room.

"I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again.

"I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work."

"I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again.

"I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work."

There's even room for a barbecue on the balcony.Trial and error have given Jimenez a patio that keeps evolving. This summer, guests can relax in an Asian garden complete with bamboo and a statue of Buddha, visit the koi pond, stroll through an Italian room decorated with leafy plants and a Florentine fountain, or rest in an English garden hung with ivy and bird houses. A welcoming dining area is perfect for weekend barbecues or a morning cup of coffee.

"It's like a little playground, a place of fantasy," Jimenez said. "The most important things about a patio is that it reflect your taste and your lifestyle; when you go out to water the plants or sit in the evening, you should feel completely relaxed and at home."

Balcony basics

Make a sun/shade map and plant accordingly. It will save your time and money to know your full-sun balcony would be a death zone for to shade plants like ferns and philodendrons, or that the sun-loving rose bush you've fallen for won't survive your northern exposure.

Once you settle on function—dining room, book nook, romantic retreat—define the livable space. Then you can add furniture - maybe a porch swing, a chaise longue, a wicker rocker, a bistro table and a couple of chairs.

An Italian-style statue watches over the patio.Next step—style. Staying within a design parameter will give a sense of order and you'll wind up with a coherent space. Wicker and chintz give an English cottage garden feel, while statues, fountains and a tapestry or two have an Italian flavor. Choose one or more focal points to anchor the space. A seating area, a fountain, an arch or even a beautiful potted tree will give the eye—and mind—a place to rest.

A simple color palette that repeats throughout the balcony or patio is easier on the eye than a riot of shades and hues. Use throw pillows, potted flowers or a piece of art balanced on an easel to add a unexpected splash of color. Mix textures. Concrete paving stones can mask a bland cement floor. Add a small rug for warmth and luxury.

Massed plantings of pots filled with the same shrubs or flowers—bamboo, ficus, decorative grasses, daisies—add the illusion of abundant space. Add privacy with a strategically placed tree, a few panels of lattice or linen curtains draped over an arbor. Mix and match lighting—candles for the table, a spotlight for a piece of art, an up-ight to add drama to a tree, strings of tiny white lights for romance.

If something doesn't work, get rid of it and try again. A balcony or patio is the perfect place to try out your sense of style and give in to flights of fancy. Most of all, enjoy.

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25 Things to Know About Master Baths

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25 Things to Know About Master Baths


Dive into our list of facts and tips for quick ideas on filling a bath with comfort and convenience.

By Amanda Fier

1. Low-flow toilets do not have to mean low-performance toilets. To alleviate low-flow woes, select a toilet with a glazed trapway that measures 2 1/4 inches or larger. Keep in mind that a good toilet may cost $150 or more.

2. Soaking tubs -- often sized to accommodate two people -- are the focal point of many rejuvenated baths. To ensure plenty of hot water, the National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends a water heater with at least two-thirds your tub's capacity.

3. Locating a dressing room and short hallway between the master bath and bedroom lets an early riser shower and get dressed without disturbing a later sleeper.

4. Instead of tearing out an old tub, you can reface it in a day with an acrylic liner. At $850-$1,000 for an average tub, refacing costs less than full-blown remodeling jobs that disturb plumbing, tile, and flooring.

5. Shower benches and shelves don't have to be elaborate or require a large shower. A piece of tile cut into a triangle and mounted a few feet off the floor in a corner can store shower supplies or give you a leg up when shaving.

6. Faucet choice is more than simply a function of styling. Finish quality, valve quality, and warranty length should factor into your purchase decision. Solid-brass fixtures, such as the chrome-plated Soho Manor faucet, cost more but last the longest. Zinc is durable and less expensive but will corrode when the plating wears off and water reaches the zinc. Plastic-bodied faucets are the cheapest and least-durable option. Lifetime finishes, such as Delta's Brilliance, Moen's LifeShine, and Jado's Diamond, that rebuff oxidation are most likely to stay shiny over time. Kohler has a handful of Vibrant finishes designed to fend off scratches, corrosion, and tarnishing.

7. If you dream of a makeup area in your remodeled bath but can't find the space, sacrificing a double vanity in favor of a single sink with a separate makeup area is a trade-off many people have no trouble living with.

8. Artificial lighting from above often casts shadows that make shaving and applying makeup a challenge. If your light fixture must dangle over the mirror, choose a small track system that diffuses light uniformly across the mirror and throughout the space. Mirror-flanking swing-arm lamps also cast light conducive to grooming.

9. Wall-mount faucets are gaining popularity both as a stylistic complement to minimalist design and above-counter basins and as a way to free countertop space for personal items.

10. Even in showers shared by multiple users, everyone can enjoy a customized spray. Many high-end shower systems offer a single-control, programmable, push-button module for selecting water temperature and specifying the operation of showerheads, body sprays, and pulsation intervals. For more affordable customization, try handheld showers and slide bars that make shower height optimal for every user.

11. Partial walls offer a way to create seat seclusion in baths too small to allow a dedicated water closet.

12. Many homeowners are choosing luxury showers over whirlpool tubs because the showers take up less space, don't waste time filling up, and provide multiple types of water massage.

13. When choosing paint for a bath, remember that latex paints are easy to use, quick-drying, and durable. However, oil paints are sometimes preferred because of their superior adhesion and stain resistance.

14. Above-counter basins and vessels are today's hot choice for adding elegance to otherwise ordinary vanities. These sinks work equally well in baths with contemporary, traditional, Asian, and eclectic personalities. Note that vessel sinks require higher backsplashes and taller or wall-mount faucets.

15. The flexible design options of open showers continue to inspire homeowners. If you choose this kind of shower, plan abundant ventilation at the shower entry to prevent humidity from afflicting bathroom surfaces such as the vanity.

16. Squeezing laundry features into a bath lets you wash clothes right in the room where they tend to pile up. A stacked washer and dryer unit is a space-savvy way to make a bath double as a laundry room; these units require a space about 27 inches wide and 27 inches deep.

17. Some whirlpool tubs and power showers require a plumbing upgrade. Designer or European fixtures often require 3/4-inch pipes instead of the standard 1/2-inch. If you buy a luxury shower, which can use 9 gallons of water per minute, you may need to buy a second water heater as well.

18. Flooring options. In a recent National Association of Home Builders survey of customer preferences, prospective homeowners ranked the following materials as their top choices for bathroom flooring: 53 percent ceramic tile, 31 percent vinyl, 7 percent carpet.

19. Wood can work in bathrooms. Wood tubs and sinks are possible thanks to special stabilizing and polishing processes, epoxy resins, and the use of water-resistant woods such as teak. Check each product's fabrication process and warranty. Wood is also a flooring option, but you'll need to prevent puddles and expect some shifting of planks.

20. Wall color plays a vital role in determining whether your bath lives large or small. Soft, airy hues open up a room significantly, while flashier, rich tones are a sure way to shrink a space.

21. The design concept of work zones is as practical in baths as it is in kitchens. Thinking of bath space in terms of a toilet area, bathing area, and sink area leads to plans that let multiple users use different parts of the bath concurrently.


22. Elongated toilets are considered more comfortable than round ones, but they occupy more space.

23. Claim adjacent space. If you're looking to grow your master bath, you might not have to look far. Designers often turn to seldom-used closets and bedrooms when seeking space for a bath expansion.

24. An easy way to add luxury to a bath is by installing a radiant floor heating system, which costs $4-$6 per square foot. Adding a timer lets you set the heater to provide a warm surface for the first footsteps of the morning.

25. If you're adding the relaxing power of a steam shower to your bath, the key is finding a place for the steam generator, which requires its own cold water and electrical supplies and drain. The generator must be within 50 feet of the shower but can be located in a closet, vanity, basement, or heated attic. Costs vary based on installation and shower features, but Dan Reinert, vice president of sales and marketing for the Sussman Corp., which manufactures MrSteam and MrSauna, recommends allocating an additional $2,500 to a bath project that will include a steam shower.




21. The design concept of work zones is as practical in baths as it is in kitchens. Thinking of bath space in terms of a toilet area, bathing area, and sink area leads to plans that let multiple users use different parts of the bath concurrently.


22. Elongated toilets are considered more comfortable than round ones, but they occupy more space.

23. Claim adjacent space. If you're looking to grow your master bath, you might not have to look far. Designers often turn to seldom-used closets and bedrooms when seeking space for a bath expansion.

24. An easy way to add luxury to a bath is by installing a radiant floor heating system, which costs $4-$6 per square foot. Adding a timer lets you set the heater to provide a warm surface for the first footsteps of the morning.

25. If you're adding the relaxing power of a steam shower to your bath, the key is finding a place for the steam generator, which requires its own cold water and electrical supplies and drain. The generator must be within 50 feet of the shower but can be located in a closet, vanity, basement, or heated attic. Costs vary based on installation and shower features, but Dan Reinert, vice president of sales and marketing for the Sussman Corp., which manufactures MrSteam and MrSauna, recommends allocating an additional $2,500 to a bath project that will include a steam shower.











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Cut Your Electric Bills Painlessly

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A few simple tricks can save you a bundle

By Burt Ramone



Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last six to 10 times longer.

When Mom told you to turn out the lights, she was thinking of saving energy dollars, not rolling blackouts and bankrupt utility companies. Rarely have Moms words of wisdom been as fitting as they are now and not just in California. Electricity rates are going up everywhere.

Besides switching off lights, there are several other painless methods to conserve energy and save money on your electric bills.

Plug ins

Look for those electronic devices, especially those with digital time and date displays that are infrequently used such as alarm clocks, TVs and VCRs in a guest room and unplug them.

Unplug devices used to recharge electronics/batteries when they're not being used.

Transformers consume energy. Consider unplugging devices like calculators that are not in use.

Appliances

Wait until you can fill up your dishwasher before running it. And if you have a heated-dry option, switch it off. Prop open the door a bit after the cycle to air dry your load.

If you have an electric cooktop, turn the burners off a few minutes before the allotted cooking time. The heating element will stay hot long enough to finish the cooking without using more electricity.
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Krabi property Agents: Teak: The Near Perfect Wood

Krabi property Agents: Teak: The Near Perfect Wood: "Teak: The Near Perfect Wood Category: Blogging Koh Lanta apartments Teak: The Near Perfect Wood Teak, known as an exotic wood,..."

Krabi property Agents: Modern beach house

Krabi property Agents: Modern beach house: "http://krabiagents.multiply.com/Modern beach house Category: Blogging Modern beach house by AliceM 14/03/2010 http://krabiagents.mult..."

Modern beach house

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Modern beach house


Category: Blogging

Modern beach house

by AliceM
14/03/2010 http://krabiagents.multiply.com/Krabi Property Agents

For most, the idea of living by the beach will only ever remain a fantasy. But the Frazer family are living the dream in their new home on the NSW Central Coast. By copying some of the ideas featured below, you too can live the seachange dream, even if it's only pretend.

Create a textural focal point

Mosaic splashback in a contemporary kitchen will inject the space with a textural focal point. Try Intasink's mosaic range made from premium grade stainless steel. It combines the delicacy of the mosaic technique with the durability of steel and is sold by the sheet for easy installation

Use a frameless shower screen

Unobtrusive frameless glass shower screens featured helps create a spacious feel. Once confined to luxury hotel suites, frameless screens are appearing in the home more often as they can be custom-designed to fit any space, making them suitable for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.

Stegbar has both standard and custom-style frameless shower screens available, which can be fixed into place with either clip or channel fixing, depending on your bathroom layout and operating requirements.

Install an outdoor shower

There's an almost therapeutic quality to showering out in the open, under the sun or stars. Although outdoor showers are particularly popular in coastal homes, you don't have to live near the beach to indulge in such a luxury. Simply find a quiet area of your home and, if necessary, use screens to ensure complete privacy.

Fill a wall niche with timber screens

Use of carved timber screens will bring a dramatic exoticism to this otherwise minimalist space. Set into a series of shallow wall niches and back-lit via strategically placed halogens, the screens will not only create a striking juxtaposition between the a home's modern design and furnishings but also bring it something truly unique.

* Article written by Laura Hanks





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Home Theatre Overview

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Category: Blogging

Home Theatre Overview

by CurtisCooper
14/03/2010http://krabiagents.multiply.com/Krabi Property Agents

Matching a new entertainment system with your home and lifestyle is more important than getting all of the latest technology and top-range models.

Before you even start researching at the latest and greatest plasma television or projector, have a good look at the spaces where you intend to install the television, speakers and other components. How much space do you have? Will they block out light or impede access from one room to another? The next step is to sit on the "tv couch" and figure out the most suitable screen size not just for yourself, but for other members of the household.

There is always a debate about the "right" size of a television screen. We've all seen someone we know get a television that's way too big, dwarfing everything else in the room. Trying to watch an oversized screen can be like sitting in the front row of a cinema, unable to see everything without constantly looking left and right, up and down. Other people prefer an oversized television for that immersive viewing experience.

Don't get too caught up in the debate over the technical merits of plasma, LCD and projector televisions, just focus on getting a television that suits your home, lifestyle and viewing patterns.

Remember that home theatre system is a selection of components working together, not just a television with some other bits attached to it. Getting a quality DVD player, AV receiver, speakers and cables will do wonders for your home theatre experience. In other words, don't spend all of you budget on the television itself, because that will force you to compromise on everything else.

Most commentators don't consider the furniture as part of the home theatre, but we recommend that you invest in quality seating to maximise your viewing experience. Getting the right TV stand or AV cabinet will help you get the television screen at the correct height. The right furniture will conceal the unsightly mess of cords, and give you somewhere to store all of those components, DVD boxes and video game equipment.

Finally, remember that televisions, DVD players and similar components all generate heat, so the area needs to be adequately ventilated to avoid "cooking" them slowly over time.

* Article written by Andrew Gregory





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Mountain view land close Ao Nang

Mountain view land close Ao Nang

Smart insulation strategy: One of Australian Living’s keys to sustainable success!

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Smart insulation strategy: One of Australian Living’s keys to sustainable success!


Category: Blogging

Smart insulation strategy: One of Australian Living’s keys to sustainable success!

by AliceM
28/06/2010 http://krabiagents.multiply.com/

Australian Living is leading the way forward by using smart insulation strategies to assist in achieving an eight star home (equivalent for thermal comfort) as part of the Australian Living Eco-Challenge in Rose Bay NSW.

Cameron Rosen owner of Australian Living explains. “From the outset, insulation was to play a key role in assisting us to design our eight star home (for thermal comfort). Working closely with a thermal comfort assessor, wKrabi Property Agentse determined what insulation strength we required to achieve our sustainable goal. We also determined where we needed to insulate so we decided to insulate under the concrete slab, internal and external walls, under the first floor slab and the roof.”

Cameron continues, “Another goal was to maximise floor space. We then went on a global search to find the best insulation for our needs. We were looking for insulation that, not only met our required R (resistance) Value, was health aware, environmentally friendly and produced by a company who lives and breathes sustainability.”

After conducting a global search and review, Australian Living awarded the insulation contracts to Dynamic Composite Technologies (DCT) and Kingspan Insulated Panels. DCT are a major supplier of Kingspan insulation in Australia and are highly experienced in providing sustainable insulation solutions and were also able to supply Dow Styrofoam for under slab insulation. Kingspan Insulated Panels supplied the insulated roof panel system.

Rav De Silva from DCT comments “The attraction for DCT with the development in Rose Bay was an intension to design with the end in mind, that is, design a sustainable home that used sustainable building materials that assist in maintaining long term R-Values. Cameron challenges traditional building systems and it was important to spend time getting the details correct.”

Rav continues “For DCT it is a great opportunity to work on Australian Living’s development that will deliver energy efficiency without the sick home syndrome, our goals are complimentary with the stakeholders, that is, developing the knowledge to produce a solution.”

The thermal comfort assessment was performed by Graham Hunt working closely with Cameron to optimise the location of the insulation.

“We isolated the crucial living areas, sleeping and living, that need to be kept at optimum temperatures from service areas such as bathrooms that do not need such a high level of thermal comfort,” says Graham Hunt.

“The level of insulation used in this project is 2 to 2½ times that used in most new homes,” Graham observes. “As a result of this, combined with other crucial factors such as thermal mass and careful window design, the house should achieve comfort conditions with minimal additional heating or air conditioning.”

"Kingspan Insulation is very pleased to be associated with Australian Living. Kingspan Kooltherm K10 insulation was installed internally and externally to various wall configurations (concrete and timber frame) to dramatically improve the thermal efficiency of the homes, helping one of the homes achieve its 8 star equivalent thermal comfort rating. Australian Living are innovators in the home building industry and it's great to see a company thinking outside the box and developing true energy efficient homes.” says Steven Huxham, Kingspan Insulation.

To construct a home using these insulation solutions for a comparable cost to that of a traditional build, the key is to design and combine building material solutions that balance the scales for cost.

Cameron concludes, “We are using a Kingspan Composite Roof Panel which is more expensive than traditional roof sheeting and insulation. The benefits of a combined roof sheet and insulation panel, that spans great lengths, means that there are a lot less roof structural members giving us the ability to construct quicker and cheaper thus balancing the scales. You also gain more ceiling space which is an added bonus.”

About Australian Living

Australian Living is a Sustainable Building Management and Consultancy helping to promote and challenge the sustainable building industry.

Australian Living was incorporated by Cameron Rosen (B.Building UNSW) in 2008. Cameron has been building and renovating residential, retail and corporate premises since 1992.

Cameron has created a unique development called the Australian Living Eco-Challenge to challenge home owners and architects to design sustainable homes. The Australian Living Eco-Challenge also challenges suppliers to raise the bar when designing sustainable products and services. Situated in Rose Bay NSW, this pioneering development is comprised of four individually designed highly rated sustainable homes on one block of land. Each home is individually owned and each is designed by a different architect.





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Home security basics explained

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Home security basics explained


Category: Blogging

Krabi Property Home security basics explained

by JoeyJ
15/03/2010 http://krabiagents.multiply.com/

When planning how to secure your home, there are a few basic measures you should take into account before even considering anything fancy.

Line of sight

Lines of sight to the main window and door entry points of your house should be kept clear of trees and bushes. This means prospective burglars can't loiter there, taking their time to break in.

Buy quality locks

Buy both window and door locks: good quality deadlocks fitted to all external doors and proper locks on your windows, which bolt through the frame, are essential as a starting point.

You should also buy both window and door grilles. It is recommended that external doors should also have proper mesh security doors fitted. The hardware store cheapies will keep flies out but can be fairly ineffectual against an experienced house breaker. Steel security grilles or roll down shutters can also be fitted to windows.

Use sensor lights

Sensor lights on the outside of your house work as a deterrent, as anything which interrupts or startles a burglar will make them think twice about continuing. They can be wired into your mains (a job for a qualified electrician) or powered using an extension lead running from inside the house.

If you're setting these lamps up yourself, make sure that trees moving in the wind or family pets aren't going to be setting them off all night long as you may find yourself distinctly unpopular with your neighbours.

Look after valuables

It is always better to store your valuables in a safety deposit box at the bank rather than in your home, but this may be impractical for regularly used items. For items that must be kept at home, a properly installed safe is far more secure than the top drawer of your dresser.

Cameras and electronic equipment should be engraved with a security number and records should be kept of makes, models and serial numbers. Your local police station will provide advice on how best to do this.

Limit access from the garden

If you have a shed, keep the door locked. Use a quality case-hardened padlock with a hardened shackle. Garden sheds often present burglars with a soft target and things like mowers, leaf blowers and bicycles are easily converted into cash.

Ladders, if left out, can not only easily be sold by a thief but can also provide them with access to second floor windows or skylights.

These basic physical measures, when used in conjunction with electronic security, are the best protection you can have.

For personal protection, install a peep hole in the front door and fit a security chain or latch which will allow the door to open a crack. The safety of these measures can't compare to having a video-intercom at your door, but they're better than nothing at all.

Security and insurance

Before you can get home and contents insurance you will generally have to satisfy some basic security requirements, particularly if you live in an area with a high incidence of burglary. If you install a higher level of security in your home, such as a window and door alarms or a motion detector you may also receive a discount on your insurance premium.

Security and fire

Although making your home into an impenetrable stronghold might make you feel secure against theft, don't forget that danger can come from inside as well as out. A fire in your home is always going to be disastrous. But if door deadlocks and window grilles prevent you from escaping your home easily, it could be deadly. Make sure that when you install your security you leave yourself an escape path through in case of emergencies - contact your state fire authority for more information.

* Article written by Angela Erini





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Holiday security tips

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Holiday security tips


Category: Blogging

Holiday security tips

by JoeyJ
15/03/2010 http://krabiagents.multiply.com/Koh Lanta Agents

There's nothing more tempting to a thief than a house which is obviously empty and the golden rule is not to advertise the fact that you're away.

Tempting theives

An overgrown lawn and a pile of newspapers in the driveway is the equivalent of a big billboard in the middle of your front yard saying, "I'm on holidays, help yourself to my stuff".

Other telltale signs for thieves include forgotten radios blaring 24 hours a day, lights that stay on all night and curtains, which are normally open during the day, being left closed.

So, what can you do to make sure your home is not a target for burglars while you're on holidays?

Make sure all windows are closed and locked

Activate deadlocks on all doors

Don't forget to lock garages and sheds

Set timers to turn certain lights on for a couple of hours in the evening, or to turn the television on for certain programs

Set alarm systems. Put your valuables in a safety deposit box

If you have a monitored electronic alarm system, it is critical to let base station know when you're going away; and to give them contact details for key holders in case the alarm goes off

If you have home automation, program it to turn lights and appliances (televisions and radios) on and off at times when you're normally home. You may even be able to have your blinds adjusted at different times of the day

Get a neighbour or friend to clear the mailbox, put your bins on the street on bin night and take them in the next day. If necessary, give them a spare key and the PIN for your alarm system so they can get into the house and adjust curtains, blinds, etc.

Don't leave a spare key under the mat or in another 'secret' hiding place. Experienced burglars have seen most of them before and know where to look

Get the post office to hold your mail and cancel any other regular home deliveries

Get a neighbour to park a car in the driveway

Put some old clothes on the washing line

Trim the bushes and arrange for lawns to be cut if you're away for more than a fortnight

Lock your power box with an electricity authority lock (to which you and the electricity company have a key) so that alarm systems can't be cut off from the power supply

* Article written by Carl Holm





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Get a Mortgage?

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Get a Mortgage?


Category: Blogging

Krabi Property Agents





Get a Mortgage?

If you decide to buy property one way or another, then you will discover that the banks in Thailand don't have the same attitude as the banks in western countries as regards new mortgages. In fact, the banks in Thailand have nearly stopped offering new mortgages on real estate. The banks have suffered heavily from mortgage defaults, and in today's property market, as a matter of their official policy they just aren't going to take the risk of taking on still another dead piece of property. Most of the property on the market is viewed as grossly overvalued anyway, whereby the price doesn't come down to the post-1997 market value of their property because the owner is unwilling to take a heavy loss in the end.

Given the heavy burden of nonperforming loans (NPLs), the banks don't have much money to lend out, and they prefer to lend it to other entities. Thus, if you want to buy property in Thailand, then you're going to either need to pay cash or else get a loan from a foreign bank. Especially to a foreigner who could skip the country any time. The Thais who are successful in getting a mortgage are those who keep enough money in the same bank as collateral (e.g., savings for retirement or childrens' future college education, totalling at least as much as the property is worth), have a strong financial track record, and have an established salary more than enough to pay for the mortgage. Others are usually wasting their time in trying to apply.

To buy a condo or another property on a loan, you're going to need to get a loan in your home country and then transfer the money to a Thai bank account. But before you do this, you'd better thoroughly check with your bank and your lawyer, of course, to make sure everything's going to work. You should be able to line up your ducks clearly in advance.





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Scams and Complications property Thailand

Scams and Complications property Thailand


Category: Blogging

Koh Lanta





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Real estate agents run advertisements saying that you, the farang, can now own property in Thailand, and that the laws have changed. This is often just a ploy to get you thru their door first, before you get hooked by any other real estate agent. What you will find (or should find, if they're trustworthy at all) is that yes, you can own property, just like you could 10 years ago in a certain sense, and yes, the laws have changed ... a little bit.

There are scams out there. Make sure that the land coordinates on the deed of the property you buy are accurate, and that you're not signing to buy a swamp in another location than the one they've been touring you in and around and negotiating a price on. This is a scam that is simple to protect yourself against, but it's happened, and not just once. The land title deed is a public document available from the Land Registry, so it's straightforward to verify, for those of us who can read Thai.

If you are considering buying a condominium, rather than renting, then you should be careful about great deals on high rise condos that are sparsely populated. There are many stories of condos which have not been kept up because the building owner and management company are out of money or have decided not to put any more money into the property at the moment. Stories include things like lifts (elevators) not being repaired, amenities like swimming pools being neglected, security disappearing, overgrown lawns, etc. You're left to deal with these matters on your own together with the other tenants, and it's probably less expensive and more productive to deal with the physical problems directly (and quickly) than to pay lawyers to deal with the owner and management company via the court system while you live for time without an elevator. Because labor is cheap here, this should be no problem with either your neighbors or an operation like ThailandGuru dot com just a phone call away.

Likewise, if you are buying land with a house on it, there should be paperwork and deeds on both the land and the house. Sometimes, there is only for the land, not the house. Why is a mystery, but may have to do with taxes.

Make sure you get the full scoop on taxes before you buy.





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Make Money Off The Property Market?

Make Money Off The Property Market?


Category: Blogging



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Koh Lanta Ocean Apartments

Make Money Off The Property Market?

In my home country of the USA, it was common for investors to buy a property and then rent it out, whereby the rent covered much of the mortgage, and often exceeded it. In Thailand, this is not true, i.e., rental prices usually do not come close to mortgage prices. This is the nature of the Thai property market and the values in the local economy.

Notably, right now, the ratio of sale to rental value in Thailand is around 200, i.e., if you collect rent for about 16 years then you'll break even. In the west it's around 100.

However, many properties have been appreciating in value at a high rate in Thailand, whereby many investors have bought a property and simply sat on it for awhile before reselling it to turn a profit, the property having never been occupied. This is particularly true in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Under those circumstances, the rent could be seen as pure profit, in view of the eventual resale of the property for profit.

However, every property and situation should be analyzed independently.

Kind Regaards

Brad

089 727 0689

krabiagents@gmail.com





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Insulation of Houses

Insulation of Houses


Category: Life

Koh Lanta Apartments

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Insulation of Houses

The house I live in (bought by my wife) was built in 2002 by Property Perfect Public Co., Ltd., one of the biggest real estate developers in Bangkok. However, just many other "high end" properties I've lived in and inspected for others in Bangkok and Thailand, there was no insulation in the ceiling. None.

(There were a number of other shortcomings, too, such as no power outlets grounded/earthed, one window mounted by just 2 screws which proved disasterous later, and so on..., but that's beside the point in this article.)

At the first nice house I moved into back in the mod-1990s in a hi-so suburban Bangkok neighborhood, it had powerful air conditioners in all the upstairs bedrooms, but I noticed they were running all the time, yet the rooms weren't cooling like it should. I stood up on a desk and felt the top of the ceiling. It felt hot. I got a ladder and looked above the ceiling and was shocked to find absolutely no insulation.

The result:

Electricity bills very high

Rooms don't cool well

Air conditioners fail prematurely

Thailand's power supply problems during hot months could be solved

Thailand's consumption of natural gas and oil for electric power (especially peak on hot days) could be reduced

Thailand's burning of polluting coal and lignite could be reduced

In every instance, I just went down to HomePro (and other outlets before HomePro came to Thailand) and bought rolls of insulation. Then I paid some laborers to put them on top of the ceiling.

This insulation pays for itself in just a few months in terms of electric bill alone. The additional benefits are obvious.

It's really in Thailand's best interests to deal with this problem one way or another thru consumer incentives and public inspectors.

I must advise you to be careful if you try to install insulation yourself. Many of the ceilings are very cheaply made, just hanging from wires from the roof. In the attic, you can walk around only on top of walls, or by hanging from the ceiling (swinging like a monkey). In my ceiling, we had to use a long pole to roll out the insulation to the end, and push things around.

The insulation in Thailand tends to be thin. Nonetheless, one layer will make a huge difference. Two layers is best.

If there's no ventilation in the ceiling (or very little), you may want to cut couple of holes and put in a vent.

While up in the ceiling, don't jump if a rat suddenly runs somewhere. (We had several but catch them in rat traps put up there. They come and go depending on whether a local restaurant conforms to hygiene practices.)

Condos don't have these problems, of course, unless you are on the top floor. However, I've been in condos where the top floor of the building was very hot (again, by standing on a desk and putting your hand on the ceiling, after noticing heat problems). This is simply very bad design by the builder, and there's not much you can do except add another ceiling (lower your ceiling).

Kind Regards

Brad

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Krabi Rock Climbing - Rock Climbing in Krabi Thailand

Krabi Rock Climbing - Rock Climbing in Krabi Thailand


Category: Sports

Krabi Pool Villas



KrRai Leh (also known as Rai Lay) is the major rock climbing site in Thailand and Malaysia and probably also in the whole of South East Asia.

It offers a unique combination of breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches with soft sand, an excellent tourist infrastructure, many climbing shops and schools and an overwhelming number of routes suitable for both absolute beginners and experienced climbers.Rock Climbing

The limestone cliffs that dot the entire area surrounding Krabi are heaven for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who come from all over the world to take up the challenge of climbing.

Over 150 odd routes have developed since the late 1980's when Krabi first witnessed the sight of people scaling it's craggy mountains. Routes include high quality limestone, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites, with some accessed by boat belay, others involving jungle walk approaches or abseils into the sea.

The headland between Tham Phra Nang and Rai Leh Beaches harbours some particularly popular spots, with good climbing for beginners and more experienced climbers alike. Guided climbs and instruction are available in most of the more populated tourist areas, particularly in the resorts and bungalows of Ao Nang and Rai Leh Beach. Climbing gear is readily available for hire as is information on routes and bolting. Extreme care must be taken however, to ensure that your guides and equipment are reliableabi Rock Climbing - Rock Climbing in Krabi Thailand.



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Confused about real estate commissions? You're not alone. Here are some answers to a few of you

Confused about real estate commissions? You're not alone. Here are some answers to a few of you


Category: Blogging

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Krabi Pool Villa

Real estate commissions: What you need to know

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Confused about real estate commissions? You're not alone. Here are some answers to a few of your most common questions.

There’s no question a good real estate agent can be a valuable resource when it comes to buying or selling a home. But how much is that help going to cost?



First of all, if you’re the one buying the home, it isn’t going to cost you anything. The agent’s commission comes out of the selling price. That means it’s deducted from the amount the seller receives, not added onto the amount the buyer pays. Of course, it can be argued that as a buyer you are indirectly paying the commission by virtue of the fact that it’s included in the price. But following that logic, all homes for sale by owner should cost less than those being sold through an agent, and that certainly isn’t always the case.



Second, if you’re the seller, you don’t have to pay an agent anything up-front to market your home. A real estate agent generally doesn’t receive any commission until closing, at which time they will receive the amount stipulated in their contract -- typically somewhere between five and eight percent. But chances are (unless you’re in a particularly hot market) your agent is going to have to work hard to earn that commission by investing a lot of time and effort into marketing your home. And they’re going to have to give a cut of that commission to both their brokerage and the buyer’s agent (unless they represent both the buyer and the seller).



To help take the mystery out of real estate commissions, we provide the following answers to a few of your most common questions.



Q. What is the average commission on a home purchase?

A. The average commission is about 5 percent, although 6 percent commissions are still common.



Q. Who pays the commission?

A. The seller. It is paid out of funds received from the sale of the home.



Q. Does the commission go entirely to the seller’s real estate agent?

A. No. The broker whose firm lists the house sets the commission. The listing broker then offers part of the commission -- often 50 percent -- to the broker whose firm represents the buyer. Both brokers then share their portion of commission with the agents who work with the seller and buyer. The agents’ share may be as little as 50 percent or as much as 100 percent, depending on their arrangement with the broker. If either brokerage is part of a franchise, it may also pay part of the commission as a franchise fee.



Q. Is it possible to negotiate the real estate commission?

A. Yes. An agent may be willing to negotiate his or her commission in order to get your business. This is especially true if the agent is independent and doesn’t have large operating costs. In some cases, both agents might agree to cut their commissions in order to bring down the price of the home if the buyer’s offer doesn’t quite meet the asking price. Sometimes a buyer’s agent may offer concessions such as paid closing costs, a repair allowance or a rebate in order to help close a deal. Buyer rebates are legal in most states.



Q. Will I pay less if I buy a house without using a real estate agent?

A. You might be able to negotiate a reduced price. Since the listing broker won't have to share the commission with another agent and broker, he may agree to a reduced commission and pass the savings on to you. This may also be possible if you use the same agent as the seller -- for example, if you toured an open house and retained the listing agent. This is called dual agency, and is legal in most states, although it may be subject to special laws and regulations.



Q. Is a real estate agent likely to push me to buy a more expensive home so he can make a higher commission?

A. There isn’t a big incentive for an agent to push you to buy a more expensive home because of the way commissions are divided. Your agent may be entitled to 65 percent of his broker’s share of the commission -- perhaps 3 percent of the sale price. Under that scenario, if you were to buy a home for $260,000, rather than $250,000, your agent would earn only an additional $195. However, there could be an incentive for the agent to steer you toward a house on which his broker has been offered a larger share of the commission. This practice is not prevalent, but it does occur.



Q. Are there other commissions that buyers don’t see?

A. In some cases, a seller, listing agent or builder might offer the buyer’s agent a cash bonus or other incentive to help sell the house. The buyer’s agent should disclose these fees if you ask.



Q. Can I get a lower fee by using a discount broker?

A. A discount broker may offer you lower fees, or a deal in which you pay only for the services you receive. However, discount brokers may be more suitable for those with a good knowledge of real estate, since they may not offer a full range of services.



Kind Regards

Brad landkrabi@hotmail.com krabiagents@gmail.com mob:089 727 0689



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Garden Ideas Tips & Advice

Garden Ideas Tips & Advice


Category: Blogging

Koh Lanta Ocean View Apartments landkrabi@hotmail.com

Ideas Tips & AdviceGarden

For many gardeners, tending to growing plants is a labor of love. People with busy lives love the solitude of their gardens. They look forward to digging into the rich earth and watching tender shoots basking in the sun.



Gardening is hard work, though. Successful gardeners have to learn a great deal about such topics as growing seasons, garden pests and soil acidity. They must keep weeds at bay and spend many backbreaking hours enriching the soil, planting, watering and nurturing their crops.



Fortunately, the experts are eager to share their knowledge. If gardening is a new venture for you, you'll find many wonderful tips here to help you get the most out of your new venture.

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Basic Gardening Tips: Working With Nature

Gardening is both an art and a science. From the minute you decide to start a garden, you'll need some basic information that will help you make decisions about what to plant and how:

Inspect the area that you've chosen for gardening. You'll need information about drainage, sun exposure and soil composition.





Geography and climate are important basics. You'll need information about weather, growing seasons and the types of plants that grow best in your part of the country.





Mother Nature can send you some delightful visitors: deer, birds, rabbits, groundhogs, insects . . . Unfortunately, many will be attracted to the edibles and flowers that you had planned to keep for yourself. Do you know how to protect your garden without harming the environment?





Assuming that nature will reward your efforts with a bountiful harvest, you should also learn what has to be done at the end of the growing season to ensure that next year's garden is also a success.

Here Comes the Sun

Some plants thrive in sunlight while some enjoy the shade. Make sure your garden plants will have adequate space to spread out and grow. Plants that require "full sun" should get at least six hours per day of direct sunlight. A shade garden can also be lovely if your space and climate are better suited to specific varieties that do best without too much direct sunlight.

A Good Gardener Knows the Dirt

The three main constituents of soil are sand, silt and clay. The ideal garden soil is a combination of all three. Test your soil. Good soil breaks apart easily. If it doesn't, it has too much clay. Add peat moss, compost and a little sand to soil that's primarily clay.



On the other hand, if you squeeze a fistful and it doesn't hold its shape, it's too sandy. Add topsoil or peat moss to soil that's too sandy.

Soil Moisture

You should know the moisture level in your garden's soil. Some of the moisture content is a function of climate and rainfall, but the positioning of your garden plot is also a factor. Is it close to the bottom of a hill, for example? Then it might be wet from runoff for days at a time. Choose plants that thrive in wet ground. Is it an especially dry plot of ground? Then select plants that are happier in a dry spot.

Gardening and Your Health

Gardening is fun. It's also a physical workout. When weeding, planting or raking, you'll be using muscles and stressing joints that should be monitored carefully. Follow these gardening health tips:

Warm up first: gardening is exercise!

Use appropriate equipment. Protecting your wrists and your back is especially important.

Minimize your exposure to sunlight.

Stop to rest at the first sign of pain.

Gardening: Tips and Ideas

The best gardening tips and the brightest gardening ideas are based on one important premise: you can't fight nature. If you know the basic elements of sun and soil, and choose your plants accordingly, your hobby will be a richly rewarding experience.





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Teak: The Near Perfect Wood

Teak: The Near Perfect Wood


Category: Blogging







Koh Lanta apartments

Teak: The Near Perfect Wood

Teak, known as an exotic wood, is cherished for its aesthetic beauty and is prized for its durability. As a result, people have found numerous ways to incorporate it into their homes. From teak furniture to teak floors, there are many ways that teak can accent and add beauty to your home.



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Teak is a deciduous (broad leaf) tree that can grow as tall as 150 feet. It grows in mixed-species rainforest ecosystems and at a relatively low elevation, often where the terrain is somewhat hilly. Although teak trees take about 120 years to mature, they are commonly harvested at half that age.



Teak is native to just four countries, though it can be grown outside of these areas. You can find natural teak forests in:

India

Laos

Myanmar

Thailand.

As teak is such a valuable and versatile hardwood, teak forests are highly prized. In recent years, countries have taken steps to ensure the survival of teak forests.

The Advantages of Teak

Teak has many advantages over other types of wood. Here are just a few:

Over time, teak will naturally develop a silvery gray patina. Thus, it doesn't require paint or varnish.





Teak can withstand severe winter storms, rain, excessive heat, dry climates and humidity. Thus, it can be used not only indoors but also outdoors.





Teak features natural oils, making it resistant to crack.





Teak has a high silica content, providing traction and making it ideal for constructing an exterior deck.





Teak is easy to work with, making it an ideal wood for making furniture. Being so versatile, teak can be used to make both indoor furniture and patio furniture.





Teak naturally repels termites and resists rot, making it ideal for accenting the outside of your home.

Interestingly, the conditions in which teak trees are grown will have an impact on the quality of the teak wood.

Management of Teak

If you have unfinished teak products outdoors, you may need to clean them from time to time. To do so, you should purchase a bottle of teak cleaner, which will kill any mold or mildew that might be growing on the wood. Follow the directions on the bottle and then rinse the wood thoroughly.



After cleaning, you will need to apply oil to the teak, not only to make the wood "shine" but also to protect it. You might also consider applying a teak sealer to further protect the wood.



Teak Flooring

One way that people like to bring the beauty of teak into their homes is to install teak flooring. While teak floors can cost as much as three times the price of an oak floor, the wood is extremely durable and is able to withstand high traffic, rot and termites. As a plus, it also features a decorative grain and comes in a variety of colors, from a light golden brown to a dark chocolate hue.



Teak flooring comes in a variety of shapes, such as strips, planks and squares, and is relatively easy to install. In fact, you can glue teak directly to a concrete slab foundation using a high-quality polyurethane product.



Due to its natural resistance to water, you can even install teak flooring in your bathroom or kitchen! However, if you do choose to use teak in these areas you will need to apply a high-quality finish.



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Home Remodeling: Kitchen & Bathroom

Home Remodeling: Kitchen & Bathroom


Category: Life



Home Remodeling: Kitchen & Bathroom

If you're looking to increase the value of your house, you should think about remodeling your kitchen or your bathroom. By updating your cabinets, installing new floors and fixtures or simply by brushing a new color of paint on the wall, you can dramatically improve these areas of the home and add to your home's resale value.





Even if you're not looking to sell your house, kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects can help you get more enjoyment from your home. In this section, we'll not only offer some remodeling suggestions but also give you advice on how to carry out your improvement projects!



Kitchen Decorating







A complete kitchen overhaul can be an expensive and daunting task. If you want to change your kitchen's appearance without ripping out the cabinets or tearing up the tile, why not consider redecorating your kitchen?



Many people don't think kitchens need to be decorated. However, a decorated kitchen can add a lot of character to a home. For instance, a rooster-themed kitchen can conjure up images of the country.







Kitchen Flooring

The kitchen not only gets a lot of traffic but can also experience its share of accidents and spills. That's why your kitchen flooring is so important. However, with all the choices, choosing a kitchen floor that is right for you and your family can be a daunting task.



In this article, we'll discuss the different types of kitchen floors and help you decide which will work best for your lifestyle.





Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling your bathroom can be as simple as installing new light fixtures and faucets to as complicated as designing a new floor plan. One common way to remodel your bathroom, however, is to choose a new shower or bathtub. But how do you know which is right for you?



In this article, we'll discuss the different types of showers and bathtubs on the market and help you decide the style that best fits you needs.



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Ceramic Tile: A Versatile Addition Krabi Property Agents

Ceramic Tile: A Versatile Addition


Category: Blogging

Krabi Land





Ceramic Tile: A Versatile Addition

Whether you're redecorating your kitchen or your bathroom, ceramic tile offers many attractive options. Ceramic tile can turn an ordinary room into an elegant spot. Tough and durable when correctly installed, ceramic tile is a solid investment that can last as long as your house stands.



Kitchen and Bathroom Uses for Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is popular, in part, because it can be used in so many ways. A ceramic tile floor looks impressive in both the kitchen and the bathroom, but ceramic tile can also be used as a wall cover (for both showers and regular walls), as a countertop cover or as a sink backsplash.



Ceramic tile also makes a wonderful decorative accent where a kitchen or bathroom counter meets the wall. Plus, it can protect the wall from damage.

Ceramic Floor Tile Advantages

Ceramic tile flooring absorbs heat, and, thus, is a natural choice for the kitchen. As an added bonus, with proper installation and maintenance, ceramic tile flooring should never chip or stain.



Ceramic floor tile can be slippery when wet, however, so you should place mats or rugs in the bathroom to prevent someone from falling. Ceramic flooring responds to the temperature of the room, so floor tiles will be warm in the winter but pleasantly cool in the summer.

Choosing Ceramic Tile

It's one thing to see a style of tile and think it's attractive and quite another to have the tile function properly in your home. When searching for the right tile it's important to choose a type of tile that is right for your home, your family and the area you are tiling.



Types of ceramic tile include:

Glazed Ceramic Tiles: Generally man-made, these tiles come in a large variety of colors and, because they are glazed, are incredibly stain-resistant. Glazed ceramic tiles are often used on countertops and walls.





Porcelain Tiles: Because they are fired at a high temperature, porcelain tiles are very dense and, therefore, the most durable. They are versatile and don't wear down, even under heavy traffic. Porcelain tiles can be used in any room as well as outdoors.





Terracotta Tiles: These tiles are made of baked clay and offer a natural, handcrafted look. Terracotta tiles are the most high-maintenance because they are very porous. A coat of sealer should be applied once a year.





Unglazed Quarry Tiles: Naturally stain- and slip-resistant, this tile offers both durability and style. Unlike glazed tiles, the natural color of quarry tile is there from the start and is actually part of the tile.

Tools of the Trade

Before you begin your installation be sure you have all the required equipment on hand. Here is a short list of most of the tools you'll need:

buckets (you'll need several)

grout float

hammer

knee pads

level

notched trowel

pliers

putty knife

rags

rubber mallet

safety glasses

sanded or non-sanded grout

setting material

sponges (you'll need several large sponges)

tape measure

tiles (both full and trimmed tiles)

tile spacers

tile nippers.

Installing Floor Tile and Ceramic Wall Tiles

You should install floor tiles very carefully. If you doubt your own abilities, it's better to hire outside help when installing ceramic tiles. Incorrectly installing ceramic tiles will lead to chipped, stained and/or loose tiles.



The type of glue you use when installing ceramic tiles is very important. Installing ceramic floor tiles requires floor mortar glue. Mosaic glue should be used when installing ceramic tile on walls.



Chose the grout you use between the flooring tiles carefully. A dark grout is better for high-traffic areas, as lighter colors will get dirty quickly. White or light grouting is not the best choice for flooring tiles and requires constant cleaning.



If ceramic flooring tiles are glazed, the flooring is protected against stains. However, if you are using non-glazed ceramic floor tiles, you will have to apply a clear seal to finish the flooring.

After Installation: Ceramic Tile Care

Once you've finished installing floor tiles, maintenance is quite simple. Simply wash your ceramic tiles with water and a gentle, non-foaming detergent. Rinse with clean water.



Avoid using abrasive cleaners and cleaning tools and never wax a ceramic tile floor. Use floor protectors to prevent furniture feet from scratching your ceramic flooring and avoid placing sharp objects on the tile. If you treat your ceramic tile right it'll be gorgeous and will last a lifetime!





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