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Zinc Roofs: Costs, Benefits, Installation
When it comes to roofing, there are the popular choices namely asphalt shingles, tiles (clay and concrete), metal, slate, copper, wood shingles and shake and more. Zinc roofs are normally not a part of the conversation simply because homeowners feel that the more popular choices are better. While this can be the case, there could... Read More
What is Xenon: Uses and More
What is xenon? It’s not something that common people encounter on a daily basis. This could be the first time that you’ve heard of it. If you’ve heard it before, you didn’t really mind it. Nowadays though, you can benefit from knowing what it is, its uses and more. This is because it’s actually found... Read More
5 Quick Ways to Differentiate Your Split-Level Home
Just how desperate are people to “fit in,” to adhere to a sameness, a trend? Does it extend to home design? We did some research in an average neighborhood populated with split-level homes. It’s a typical cul-de-sac in suburban Ohio…exactly 850 feet long, 16 houses. Of these 16, 11 houses are some type of split,... Read More
Background of the Vernacular: The What, How & Why of Bi-Level, Split-Level and Raised Ranch Homes
Virtually every type of home in the USA is an adaptation of something earlier…an evolution of design, ideas, and architectural styles. Some, like the Queen Anne and Victorian, trace their roots to Europe. Others, like the adobe home and Adirondack, trace their roots to native concepts. Regardless of the origins, the ideas are adapted to... Read More
Updating Your Kitchen Cabinets: Converting Raised-Panel or Flat-Panel Cabinets to Glass-Front Cabinets
IMPORTANT NOTE: This website makes no guarantees as to the suitability of your cabinetry nor your abilities to perform these functions. You are responsible for your own actions. Our best advice is to have a back-up plan in case you really foul things up. If you have any doubts whatsoever, best to pass on trying to... Read More
Focus on the Countertop: Corian versus Silestone
…or Zodiaq, Cesarstone, Granyte, Granirex, Zylstone, Hi-Macs, Volcanics… So what is the difference between Corian and Silestone? Well, very little — or quite a bit — depends on who you ask. We’ll just give you the facts, and let you decide. Backgrounder: Solid Resin Countertops In the 1960s the E.I. du Pont de Nemours company... Read More
Remodeling the Kitchen in Your Split-Level Home
Understand the Process Start to Finish In any “split-level” home, whether it’s a sprawling California split or a compact bi-level in Buffalo, the steps involved in remodeling the kitchen are the same. Depending on the degree of remodeling, some of the steps listed may not apply to you. Below this list is a brief explanation... Read More
True Splits: A Primer on Three-Level and Four-Level homes
also Raised Splits and Split Entry Homes. If you haven’t already, please familiarize yourself with the history that gave rise to the split level as an important American vernacular. Much of this primer assumes a knowledge of the background of split levels, how they became popular, and how they work with graded terrain to create a... Read More
Remodeling the Kitchen in Your Split-Level Home: Focus on the Countertop
Pros and Cons of Various Countertops… Countertops can essentially be divided into five basic types: Metal Stone Synthetic (Solid Surface) Laminate Tile/Wood/Other We’ll list them, as well as pros and cons, in what is generally the descending order in terms of cost immediately below. Keep in mind that there are numerous exceptions where costs are... Read More
Landscaping 101 for Split-Level Homes
What is the purpose of landscaping? Beautification? Style? Creat curb appeal? All important, yes, but none get at the very heart of landscaping. The most basic, underlying reason for landscaping a home is to create a smooth transition from the outdoors to the indoors. Landscaping (growing stuff) and hardscaping (stuff like steps, decks, walkways) combine to create... Read More
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