For most dog owners, we consider them part of our family.  We travel with them, befriend them, and love them unconditionally and very much like our families, they can influence many aspects of our lives.  Even when it comes to home improvement, they can be a factor especially when it comes to flooring.  Many people base their decision on hardwood flooring on how it will hold up against the nails of the family dog.

     One important thing to keep in mind is;  all flooring is susceptible to wear and tear and scratches.  Think about where your dog is most likely to be.  Most dogs take refuge in the kitchen chasing any chance that food may be dropped at any given moment.  That’s definitely worth factoring into the decision on what type of hardwood floors would be best suited for the kitchen, but it shouldn’t deter you from getting them either.  Learn all the pluses and minuses to all products out there, and research what would be most conducive to the lifestyle of you and your family dog. 

     Considering most dogs frequent the kitchen, you might want to go with a natural finish, because it’s less likely than a stained floor to show wear.  If you like the stained look, you might want to consider it for your bathroom.  It’s true that some dogs have been known to sneak a drink from the toilet, but generally most dogs don’t spend any length of time running or walking through the bathroom, which lessens the opportunity for their nails to do damage.

     Our dogs are family, but shouldn’t be given the power of major home decisions.  Familiarize yourself with all flooring options, and you’ll see there’s no reason you can’t get those hardwood floors you always wanted.

With the warm weather upon us and the breath of summer air right behind it, most of us will use any excuse possible to be outside.  Some of the popular activities include; washing our cars, watering the garden, filling up the kids pools, basically anything to allow the sun to kiss our cheeks.  Usually these activities require a substantial amount of water usage, so here are a few interesting facts and tips for water conservation.  Did you know you can save?……..

7 gallons a day, by fixing a leaky faucet right away.

1,5000-2,000 gallons a day by fixing a pinhead-sized hole (with 60 lbs. of pressure) right away.

75-200 gallons per week, by running only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

In your bathroom, avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket or ashtray.  Extra flushes waste water and money.

By following even one of these tips, we can all join “Team Green,” and contribute to moving forward in the struggle to conserve one of our most valuable resources.

We get many questions regarding countertop maintenance.  People want to know the most effective, yet non abrasive way to care for their newly installed stone countertop such as;  Granite, Marble, Quartz, and Soapstone.  The highest recommendation is quite simply, hot water and a sponge or rag.   You don’t want to use any harsh chemicals, or anything with a rough edge that can scratch the surface.  If you have a stubborn stain, that won’t come out with just hot water, add a little dish soap, its mild and should do the trick, but also note that using it everyday can create a build up of film leaving your countertop less lustrous.  As far as “Stone Cleaner’s,” a general rule of thumb is; if its not recommended for your particular stone, don’t use it, as it can eat away at any sealant leaving your countertops more vulnerable to damage.  We also recommend you reseal on a yearly basis for maximum protection against stains and scratches.  These are just a few tips to help you enjoy your beautiful countertops.

A kitchen remodel is a BIG project that affects your everyday life.  To avoid excessive frustration, take some of the following steps.   Start by planning ahead!  Find out the schedule from your designer or installer.  Give yourself plenty of time to box up the contents of your cabinets in an organized fashion.   This will make your life easier when you put everything back in your new kitchen!   Purchase some plastic sheeting and masking tape to drape around the openings, including vent covers, to prevent dust from coating your whole house.  Cover carpets and furniture in adjacent rooms with sheets or drop-cloths as some dust will escape. 

Plan to eat take-out or restaurant meals once or twice a week, any more and you’ll tire of eating out quickly.   Head to the store for some quick and easy meal solutions such as instant oatmeal and cereals for breakfasts; canned soups, frozen meals, etc. for dinners.   Set up a temporary kitchen in another room in your house close to a sink for water.  You’ll need a microwave or hot-plate, coffee maker, maybe even a toaster for quick meals.  Plan to store some disposable dishes, cups, and utensils in a closed container nearby.   Plan to keep your existing refrigerator in another room or purchase or borrow a small refrigerator with a freezer compartment.  Use coolers and ice or cold packs to store fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Plan to cage your pets for the day or even to kennel them for the duration of the project.  If you have small children in the home that are not in school, plan day trips or a vacation with a family member to keep them safely away from the site. 

 If you are replacing your appliances in your new kitchen look for the Energy Star logo.  Energy Star is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.   This symbol on an appliance means that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. These appliances typically use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water, saving you on your energy bills!  Energy efficient appliances can save families about a third on their energy bill without sacrificing features, style or comfort.   

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