Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

(PRWEB) February 21, 2014

HomeThangs.com the Online Home Improvement Store has made their goal to deliver the right product to the consumer. With that in mind, shopping and home design tips, as well as special product selections are being introduced.

For many years now, granite has been the material of choice for kitchen counters. But while granite remains a popular choice, a few clear competitors are finally starting to emerge. HomeThangs.com has introduced a guide to several alternatives that stand to match or surpass the popularity of granite within the next few years.

Solid surface countertops are entirely synthetic and non porous, which means they dont need regular sealing, polishing, or any special cleaners. Solid surface is also one of the few material types that can be installed without any seams at all. It can be custom made to mimic a variety of natural materials (including stone), custom tinted a variety of colors, and even finished with different levels of gloss. Because solid surface counters are made of the same material throughout, small scuffs can be sanded out, but because its softer than stone, this type of counter is susceptible to deep scratches and even scorching when exposed to high heat.

Quartz countertops are both highly durable and very low maintenance. Unlike granite, quartz countertops are nonporous, meaning they dont need to be sealed and are less likely to stain. Theyre also highly heat resistant, and sometimes contain an antimicrobal agent that makes them more hygienic. Quartz countertops are available in a huge variety of finishes, from natural stone patterns that mimic granite to bright, bold colors. Theyre more consistent in terms of pattern than granite, which eliminates slabs with undesirable markings but also means they dont have quite the same natural character.

Concrete has a very industrial look and feel, but can be cast in a variety of unique shapes and tinted or stained just about any color. This is an especially nice option for creating unique or odd-shaped kitchen islands. Unfortunately, concrete is very heavy, and will need strong cabinets to support it. Because its a porous material, it will need to be thoroughly and regularly sealed to make sure it doesnt stain. That said, theyre fairly heat resistant when sealed properly, and very durable.

Paper composite countertops are made of a combination of paper pulp (or other natural materials) and a hardening resin. These are a very eco-friendly option as theyre made from renewable resources and have low or no VOC emissions. Paper composite countertops are similar in appearance to solid surface or laminate, but are much more heat, scratch, and water resistant. Some types are also designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, but all types can be stained by acidic foods or liquids.

Old fashioned butcher block style countertops have a great natural look and feel that will warm up almost any space, and essentially turn an entire kitchen into a giant cutting board. Some types of wood are more resistant to bacteria and water than others, so its important to choose carefully, and regularly disinfect the surface if its used for food preparation. Small scratches can be repaired with a light sanding and application of mineral oil, but knife scratches will show and if left untreated will develop into a natural patina over time.

Soapstone has a medium-gray color with some occasional white veining, but will darken to a deeper gray-black as it ages. Soapstone is a slightly more rustic type of stone, with a coarser, less glossy finish than granite or marble, but is highly heat resistant and wont stain. That said, the rough finish can scuff glassware or china, and because its also a softer stone than granite or marble, its particularly susceptible to scratches and scuffs, and needs regular applications of mineral oil to properly maintain its finish.

Stainless steel countertops offer very practical workspace thats resistant to heat, bacteria, and staining. Like ones used in professional kitchens, these are very durable and very easy to clean, but can show some dints and dings, scratches, and fingerprints. Stainless steel offers the most contemporary look of any of these materials, and can be designed with a very modern integrated kitchen sink.

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HomeThangs.com Has Introduced A Guide To Alternative Materials For A Luxury Kitchen Counter

TattooMo P Diddy Party Interior Decorator

By: mo mohammed

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TattooMo P Diddy Party Interior Decorator - Video

Groups assist area food bank stock boxes for families Groups assist area food bank stock boxes for families

Updated: Saturday, February 22 2014 8:05 PM EST2014-02-23 01:05:22 GMT

Updated: Saturday, February 22 2014 6:35 PM EST2014-02-22 23:35:31 GMT

Updated: Saturday, February 22 2014 6:15 PM EST2014-02-22 23:15:38 GMT

Updated: Saturday, February 22 2014 2:45 PM EST2014-02-22 19:45:39 GMT

Updated: Friday, February 21 2014 10:08 PM EST2014-02-22 03:08:43 GMT

A gospel musician born in south Georgia is bringing his talent back to his roots.

Patrick Lundy andThe Ministers of Musicperformed at theWhite Housefor the 2009 presidential inauguration and are well-known throughout the DC area.

After releasing 5 albums Lundy decided it was time to come home and start a Georgia Unit.

"I've always told the people in DC that there is no place like home, my home people can really sing, and they're very talented, last year we performed in Atlanta,Georgia and everything went so well we wanted to stay together,"

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Gospel singer brings talent back to roots

Restaurant Kitchen Flooring Maryland
http://www.highperformancesystems.com This 4500 s.f. restaurant kitchen flooring project in Baltimore, Maryland was completed in 3 days. We installed a ureth...

By: Epoxy Floor Coating

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Restaurant Kitchen Flooring Maryland - Video

February 22, 2014

Business will continue as normal, despite a roof collapse on Thursday at a warehouse owned by Ray-Sue Family Enterprises on North Third Street in Stroudsburg.

The contracting business, which does installation work for Sears-Roebuck, had been renting the building for the past few months as storage and night-time parking for four trucks.

No injuries were reported in the collapse, which happened at noon.

"We were very lucky, because things can be replaced but people cannot," said business owner Susan Saunders.

Ray-Sue Family Enterprises does carpet cleaning, as well as garage door installation for Sears-Roebuck.

Employees pick up the trucks from the North Third Street warehouse first thing in the morning.

When employees return depends on when the job they are working on is completed.

Employees could return anytime between noon and 6 p.m., Saunders said.

In fact, an employee driving the company's carpet cleaning truck returned to the warehouse just 15 minutes after the collapse.

Originally posted here:
Stroudsburg roof collapse won't deter local business

When considering all of the various investment options available, most people don't think of the home they already live in as an option. However, there are several things you can do to your own home that can not only increase its value, but make it more appealing and easier to sell, should you decide to.

Here are some of the best ways to add value to your home that will give you the best bang for your buck in property value (as well as a nicer house to live in).

Source: Grey World

Windows and doorsA general rule is you will get more added value for your money with replacement projects as opposed to remodeling. So, things like new windows (especially the energy-efficient type), a shiny new front door, or replacing that tired siding should be pretty high on your priority list, if they haven't been done in a while.

According to RealEstate.com, you can expect a 72% return on investment for these types of replacement projects, and more if the existing windows or doors are in bad shape.

Finish that attic! (Or basement)According to Remodeling magazine, the number one project you can do is to finish an unfinished attic or basement. Converting an attic into a bedroom will cost you around $50,000 and about 72.5% should be recouped when selling the home. A basement can be converted into a sports den (aka a "man cave"), a game room, play room, or extra bedrooms. An in-law apartment is one of the more popular conversions for an unfinished basement. In the meantime, you will have extra useable space to enjoy!

Source: Posh Living, LLC

A bathroom can pay for itself and moreNow, if you decide to build an over-the-top bathroom suite, remember one thing: while it will certainly be appealing to prospective buyers, it will not raise your home's value by anywhere near the amount it cost to put in.

On the other hand, a modest bathroom can be a good idea. According to the National Association of Home Builders, adding a half bathroom could raise a home's value by 10.5% and a full bathroom by 20%.

The price of adding a new bathroom can be very high or very low, depending on where you live and how difficult it is to put in the necessary plumbing. For instance, if there is easy access to sewage lines right under where you want your new bathroom, it can make the job cost thousands less than it otherwise would.

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The 5 Best Ways to Invest in Your Own Home

MILWAUKEE -- Newly-released legal documents indicate a long-serving Milwaukee County employee may have been using side businesses to funnel money intended for county projects into work done on his personal property.

Milwaukee County prosecutors could soon charge 53-year-old Dennis Dietscher with misconduct in public office. Dietscher has worked for the county for 27 years, awarding restoration contracts.

Legal documents say in 2011, Dietscher approached a worker contracted by the county to do work on a relative's private property. Dietscher later paid the worker $2,500 with money from a project assigned by Milwaukee County to Belfor Restoration for work at McCarty park. But the project manager told police Belfor never did any work on that project.

A later instance shows a Belfor employee did remodeling work on Dietscher's basement and kitchen. Belfor does not do work on private homes. That led Belfor management to look into activity between an unnamed sales employee and Dietscher. The company found several instances of money for county jobs going from Belfor to work done on properties Dietscher owns.

Police used a search warrant to go through Dietscher's home earlier this week. They found work materials from the basement project with markings indicating it had been sold to Belfor.

CBS-58 went to Dietscher's home in Hales Corners Friday, but no one answered the door.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele's office issued a statement Thursday announcing Dietscher's suspension. The County Executive declined an interview pending charges, but said in that statement: "Taxpayers should know that we take their trust seriously anyone who works for me who violates that trust will face appropriate consequences."

The district attorney's office hasn't charged Dietscher yet. They tell CBS-58 any charges would come Monday at the earliest.

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Documents accuse Milwaukee Co. employee of funneling county cash for personal projects

Multimedia II - Setting up your Indoor Lighting
I created this video for my Multimedia II class at Keiser University Lakeland to illustrate how lighting in different arrangements can affect a scene in video.

By: Kerri Gilpin

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Multimedia II - Setting up your Indoor Lighting - Video

GoPro Hero 3+ "Black Edition" Magician Cardistry and Flourishing
1st film on my GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition. Testing Indoor lighting filmed at 1080p Super Wide 30fps With a little bit of cardistry and flourishing Music: Al...

By: TheDeceptiveArts

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GoPro Hero 3+ "Black Edition" Magician Cardistry and Flourishing - Video

Pennsylvania Cabinet Refacing by Earth Smart Remodeling
http://earthsmartremodeling.com Pennsylvania Cabinet Refacing Testimonial: The Sokolowski #39;s Earth Smart Remodeling offers Cabinet Refacing for homes in Bucks...

By: Earth Smart

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Pennsylvania Cabinet Refacing by Earth Smart Remodeling - Video