How to Design the Layout for Outdoor Kitchens

Having a great design for your outdoor kitchen is essential because you could be able to maximize its function and really be able to use it in its full potential. But why do we need one?
Eating outside, maybe in your backyard is a lot easier if you have an outdoor kitchen that is functioning in its full potential and is equipped with everything you need. Most kitchens are simple; with a grill for barbecue and a tent. Some are as complex; features not only a grill but a functioning sink, wet bar, fire place, oven, refrigerator and lots of other amenities and appliances. It is true that the grill is the heart of the kitchen and it's basically the basic thing that you need but there are grills that features side burners, a shelf for warming, a roasting spit and a smoker.

Today, an outdoor kitchen is a common scenario in the United States. It's like a permanent extension of a modern American house. It extends your living space and allows you to do a lot more things than normal. People have wanted outdoor versions of every amenity and every appliance that they use to have indoors and that's what makes outdoor kitchens and others to be developed into something more complex.
Designing your own layout for your kitchen for the outside is very complex and you need to do it properly. But if you don't want to risk it, you can ask for the services of an architect, a landscape professional or better yet, hire both of them. You can ask them to create a layout that is made up of complex stuff. But know your budget; make sure that you can shoulder the expenses.
However, if you don't feel like hiring these guys, you can design it yourself. Designing your own kitchen can be simple if you know what to do. Basically, you build it on patios that already exist in your house. You could also build it on other areas like your decks or near your pool area. This gives you the ease of access from your house and to your kitchen and the area which you usually hang out. It's all about convenience and comfort.

Another thing to consider is the lighting which is a very important part of any outdoor kitchen. You need halogen track lights to light up the dining area as well as the kitchen itself. This is important especially if you do activities outdoors at night. Countertops should also be considered at an outdoor kitchen since it's a very useful fixture in your regular kitchen.
The next thing to consider is the appliances that you would want to have outdoors. These appliances should comply and withstand outdoor kitchens. Fortunately, there are several kitchen appliances under your disposal.
There are more things to think about when designing a layout for your outdoor kitchen and hoped this would help you and give you something to begin with.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Lanback

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The Correlation Between the Value of Your House and the Amount of Your House Insurance

When you buy a house, it is very important to insure it. Life is full of unexpected surprises, and while one family may never have a problem with their house, another one can have it burned or flooded. A proper house insurance will protect your house from fire, wind damage, earthquake or flood. It will also protect all your belongings in the house from any kind of danger, like fire or theft. Homeowners insurance may provide you and your family with personal liability coverage. This kind of coverage is designed to offer specific protection against third party claims, when payment is not made to the insured, but to someone suffering loss in connection with the danger to your house. A good example may be the losses of your neighbors in case of fire in your house.

The cost and the amount of your house insurance are closely related to the following basic data:

The value of the house. Depending on the criteria, your house may have 3 different values:
- how much you are taxed on;
- how much you can sell it for;
- how much it will cost to rebuild it.

The location of the house has a huge impact on its value. The size and quality of land that goes with the property is another huge factor to consider. Five acres of fertile or simply pretty land can surely be worth more than 10 acres of raw wetland. Combine the location and the land, and you will get a totally new estimate of your house value.

The bank estimate. Banks do not want to underinsure or over insure. As you purchase a home, the bank is going to want you to insure the house for the amount of your loan. This may not be a correct estimate, as it does not take into account the value of the land. It will still be there if the house completely burns down. Or it will suffer losses due to toxic waste, underground waters and similar hazards while the house may be intact. Always be aware of the correlation between your house, your land and your insurance.

Cost estimation tools. The value of your house also depends on its age, square footage, number of stories, type of roof, type of construction, type of siding and all other aspects connected to the structure. Kitchens are important. A basic kitchen does not bring as much additional value as a modern one with custom cabinets, granite countertops and a ceramic tile floor. You may also receive a replacement cost estimate from a licensed contractor in your area.

After you have all the above factors in mind you may be better prepared for the decision re. the amount of the insurance. A small old house in a rocky area with a high incidence of earthquakes should sometimes be insured for the same amount as a newer and bigger house in a quiet suburban area. You don’t want to pay a lot of money for the coverage you are unlikely to receive. On the other hand, you should have a comfortable cushion in the event of a calamity.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/the-correlation-between-the-value-of-your-house-and-the-amount-of-your-house-insurance-504422.html#ixzz1KoVaFi8W
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Fashion Comes Home With Trendy Paints

The first glimpses of fashion trends could be seen in the medieval ages in the form of elaborate hairdos and robes. As time has progressed, fashion has literally entered our homes in the form of trendy paints. These paints are also called water based paints, and are available in various shades and textures. Most modern families the world over are now switching to these paint jobs.
Trendy colours not only give your home a new feel but bring in character. One may choose a subtle aqua blue or a bright Spanish red. If the normal colours are not trendy enough for you there are always textured options. These trend colours are also customizable to delight the artist within, which means you can give your walls the effect you desire whether it be ripples or a sponge finish. However in certain cases expert advise maybe necessary.
Most paint manufacturing companies have their catalogues and outlets where you can see samples. In case of confusion they have their specialists at hand to assist you with all the advice necessary. Alternatively water based paints can be selected from a web site and then a painter can both purchase it and complete the job. If hiring a specialist does not fit your budget you always have the option of painting on your own.

Painting walls is a simple but tedious task. A first time painter is always better off starting with one wall, completing it and then moving to other walls. You may reduce the tediousness by calling over a few friends or teaching your children. This brings us to another advantage of water based paints. They do not require pre-plastering, they are ready to use and with a steady hand can give your home a complete make over.
Once you have finished painting your walls your home will appear as good as new. Home owners now also opt for different coloured walls. Trendy paints due to their affordable nature allow you to choose various colours for the same room. As the modern trend goes one may colour the wall behind the couch differently from the others. These colours though beautiful can look awful if one does not choose the right combination and therefore it is always advisable to be careful.
Do be cautious since water based paints are meant to last long and getting them off is costly and time consuming. A trendy paint job done well will render unmatched character to you walls and even welcoming. After all your home is where your heart is.

Colour gives us lot of things in our life, so don't think just painting a home. Use trend colours which gives a new look to your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wilson_Treavor

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Carpet Cleaning Tips: How to Vacuum Carpets

Keeping carpets clean is quite simple if you follow a regular maintenance schedule for vacuuming and deep cleaning, and ensuring that all spills are blotted up and stains attended to immediately. If you have bought a new carpet, you are more fortunate than old carpet owners, as the new fibres have the ability to reflect light rays and to offer resistance to soiling and staining.
If you follow a strict vacuuming schedule, you can easily retain the original look of the carpet and also extend its life by quite a few years. Some manufacturers recommend that the number of times you clean your carpet in a week should be equal to the number of persons residing in your home. For example, if you have three persons staying in your home, you need to vacuum your carpet at least thrice a week. Vacuuming at least twice a week is the least you can afford if you want to safeguard your carpet.
Using doormats and rugs in strategic spots like entry and exit doors, entrance to corridors, bottom of stairs, etc, can reduce the amount of soil brought into the house. Use pads or rugs for resting feet near desks and sofas. Dry soil has an abrasive quality that can badly damage carpets if it is allowed to be ground into the carpet. Try to remove the soil when it is still on top of the carpet instead of letting it be walked on.

Buy a vacuum cleaner that has a dual motor to power the suction and the rotation brush. A good rotation brush can loosen up soil that has been ground into the carpet, and can suck out all particles even from the backing. Also check that the brush height can be correctly adjusted to the height of your carpet fibres. It should have good filtration and a top loading bag is preferable to a bottom loading bag for ease of use. And make sure you change the bag when it is half full, as the efficiency of the cleaner reduces as the dust bag gets fuller.
Using a rotation brush whenever you vacuum easily brings out the soil so it can be sucked up by the vacuum cleaner. Slowly push the vacuum cleaner forward in the direction of the pile and then in reverse as many times as needed. But, if you have a thick pile carpet, do not use the rotation brush as it can damage the fibres. Instead use only suction. Run the vacuum at least three times over heavily trafficked areas, in slow, deliberate back and forth strokes.

Sprinkling salt one hour before vacuuming will make the carpet look brighter. If there are indentations in the carpet, fill them with ice cubes. Once the ice has melted, the fibres of the carpet will stand upright again. After vacuuming, you will notice that your carpet has a flat look. To revive the fibres, hold a hot steam iron just over the carpet taking care not to let it touch the carpet. This should bring the fibres up.
Keeping your vacuum cleaner in good shape is also very important. Clean the brushes, hoses, and other attachments on a regular basis and replace all worn out parts immediately. Change the dust bag frequently.
With these measures, and calling in professional carpet cleaners at least once in three months for deep cleaning through hot water extraction, you can keep your carpet looking as good as new.

Luchito Ruiz, a massage therapist, has developed a new interest in carpet cleaning. He writes about various aspects of how to keep your carpets clean and looking brand new. If you need more information on this topic, visit Carpet Cleaning Templestowe and Carpet Cleaning Toorak.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luchito_Ruiz

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