Pool envy is worst in summer. While you pack up the kids, their toys and towels to make the hot trek in the car to your community pool, you can hear laughter and the sounds of splashing over at the neighbor’s house. Lucky neighbors. But are they really the lucky ones? Is having a pool worth the cost and time required to maintain it?

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The Pros and Cons of Adding a Pool

The answer depends on a number of factors. The cost of building a pool averages around $20,000 in the U.S., but that price goes up in certain regions. In Austin, TX, for example, where the hills are solid limestone, the price tag goes up to over $50K when you include the cost of stone excavation. Monthly electric bills for a heating system or cleaning pump will vary according to how many trees you have, local average temperatures and what type of system you install. A salt water pool will save you money in chemicals every month but may ultimately damage your pool’s concrete. And if you live in a drought-prone or desert region where water is more expensive, the cost to your top off your pool can exceed $100 a month. Add to all of that the fact that a pool may increase your homeowners insurance premiums, and a pool starts to look like a big, wet money pit.

Return on your investment?

While all these factors can be measured in dollar amounts, the benefit of a pool is harder to quantify. General consensus is that there is no dollar-for-dollar return on investment for building a pool–it may add a few thousand dollars to your home’s value, but not the $20K plus that you spent to build and maintain it. A pool is all about intangible benefits, first of which is the happiness it can bring you. If you live in a hot climate, there is nothing better than a dip in the pool after a run or a marathon gardening session or even just record temperatures. And yours can be the party house, where your kids and their friends spend all their time splashing and laughing (despite the neighbors’ envy). You don’t have to worry about keeping someone else’s hours or even covering up: it’s your pool, so go ahead and skinny dip at midnight if it makes you happy.

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There are other, more cost-effective alternatives to building a full, inground pool. If your family wants the water but not the cost, consider the following:

• Hot Tubs  Hot tubs are larger now than ever before. And they can be left cool in summer and heated in winter for year-round enjoyment.

• Above-ground Pool  While the tacky plastic above-ground pools of your childhood still exist, modern versions are more attractive and better constructed. Plus they can be bought at most big box stores for less than $300.

• Join a Club  For the cost of maintaining your own pool, your family could join your local tennis or golf club. These facilities have larger pools, offer a variety of social opportunities, have a lifeguard, and, most importantly, do not have to be maintained by you. And you can pay to be a member only during the months your family wants to swim.

Pool ownership is a personal decision. For some, owning a pool is a dream worth having at any price. For others, the costs outweigh the benefits. If you’re a landlord be sure to get buy to let advice both from a mortgage and insurance perspective as having a pool could increase your risk of liability. If you can’t get past your pool envy and aren’t yet ready to build a pool of your own, invest a little time instead and make the neighbors your new best friends.

Anne Clarke-Westbrook is a freelance author from North Carolina. She had been lucky enough to always rent appartments with a private pool and when she finally owned a house she couldn’t do without one so she got building. You could do the same.

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Let’s face it, nobody looks forward to cleaning their oven in the kitchen. Indeed, this most thankless of all household chores is usually put off until such time as it becomes absolutely necessary. Either that or pay somebody else to do it!

There is, however, a solution to this perennial problem in the shape of pyrolytic cleaning …

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What is pyrolytic cleaning?

Pyrolytic cleaning technology was developed by high end appliance manufacturer De Dietrich. In a nutshell pyrolytic cleaning involves selecting a function on your cooker, letting it do its thing over the space of a couple of hours, then opening the oven door to a shiny, spotless oven cavity!

How does it work?

When the pyrolytic function is selected, the oven door is locked and the temperature inside the cavity increases to around 500 degrees Celsius for a set amount of time, usually around 90 minutes. This sustained, intensive heat is enough to penetrate and carbonise all of the built up grease and spattered food residue, burning it from the smooth enamel of the cavity lining and reducing it to ash in the bottom of the oven. This process leaves the oven walls and oven furniture – shelves, runners etc – spotlessly clean with the absolute minimum of effort!

Many manufacturers offer higher-end cookers with a choice of pyrolytic cleaning cycles that can be selected depending on the intensity of cleaning required.

Is it safe to use?

As mentioned above, when the pyrolytic function is selected the oven door is automatically locked and only unlocked once the cycle is complete and everything has cooled.

What about running costs?

One of the often overlooked advantages of pyrolytic cleaning is the cost saving. Consider it like this – a typical pyrolytic cycle takes around 90 minutes and costs in the region of 40p. When this is compared to the cost of oven cleaners, scrubbing pads and the time spent on this most disliked of household chores, the extra expense of a pyrolytic function doesn’t seem such a bad investment – especially when one considers the extra efficiency a cooker gains when air is allowed to circulate correctly and unhindered around a clean oven cavity.

Which manufacturers utilise pyrolytic cleaning?

An increasing number of built in ovens are available with pyrolytic technology – Hotpoint, Smeg, Bosch and De Dietrich all offer such a feature on their upper end models. When it comes to range cookers, the choice is greatly reduced however. Rangemaster and Rosieres both utilise the technology, Rangemaster with their excellent Professional Plus FX model and Rosieres with the old favourite Paul Bocuse RBC127. More and more manufacturers are investigating the application of pyrolytic cleaning so the choice of models should increase significantly.
Rangecookers.co.uk are renowned as the UK’s range cooker experts and offer a comprehensive collection of cookers from premium manufacturers such as Rangemaster, Stoves, Britannia and Lacanche, among others. Click here to view range cookers.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Cleaning is a never ending job to attain a healthy, relaxed and comfortable living. Our floor covering is one item in our homes and offices that needs regular cleaning to preserve and prolong its life. Carpet cleaning is one of the challenges in the process of cleaning our houses or offices.

The Benefits of Professional Cleaning

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Carpets are extremely difficult to clean because the dirt and dust are embedded and accumulated in it. When the dirt is embedded in the carpet, it causes the carpet to wear down. It loses its form and texture it once had. If the carpets are not properly cleaned, it can cause extreme allergy problems to those who come into contact with it.

Expert Results

Carpets need deep cleaning in order to get the dirt out of it. Proper carpet cleaning will result to a better carpet smell and will make the carpet looks like new again. If you want your carpet to be cleaned properly, it is best to hire a professional carpet cleaner who knows best about proper carpet cleaning and in getting the best dirt out of the carpet while keeping it in its best shape. A carpet cleaning technician is a person expert in removing the deeply-seated dirt, grimes and stains from carpets. They usually use cleaning solutions, equipment and techniques in carpet cleaning.

Professional carpet cleaners accumulated, worked and practiced set of skills for carpet cleaning. Professional carpet cleaners are able to determine the content of the carpet fibers and padding to know the best cleaning technique and solutions he will apply. He is aware that some carpets are highly sensitive. He knows which chemicals are harmful to a particular carpet fiber.

Best Cleaning Solutions

A reputable carpet cleaning technician is also knowledgeable on the best cleaning solutions that work best for particular stains and grimes on the carpet. He usually uses chemical s blended with biological technologies for a long lasting and anti-soiling effect. He also uses appropriate spotters and does not use highly concentrated spotting agent that can damage the floor covering.

Professional carpet cleaners are also aware that the carpet should not be over wet and because this may cause carpet shrinkage and adhesion. He will not also over use shampoos and detergents because this may leave residue on the floor covering that may not be removed even by thorough vacuum cleaning.

Extracting the Carpet

One of the most difficult parts of carpet cleaning is extracting the carpet. If this is not done properly, molds may develop beneath the padding. Thus, there is a need to employ the services of a carpet cleaning technician who has mastered this skill. He is perfectly aware of how much extracting a particular carpet needs, and how much drying it needs to be considered dry.

Hiring a professional carpet cleaner may mean an additional expense, however, it is not. The little amount of money that you will spend to hire one is practically nothing compared to the amount that you need to spend for the repair of your carpet. More important, professional carpet cleaners’ main concern is to endure that their clients get the best quality of service.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

People have an obsession with size. Bigger is thought to be better. Everyone seems to want more. Sometimes, however, more is less, and bigger is a gigantic waste of money and space. Sometimes it is better to be smaller, tidier, sometimes it is better to be brief. Nowhere is this more evident than in the size of your home.

Most people associate downsizing with financial reasons. They attach the term to individuals who overextended themselves on a large domicile and can no longer afford to pay the hefty mortgage and exorbitant property tax bill. While downsizing will save you money in this regard, it can also enhance your overall quality of life. The following are 5 such advantages of downsizing your home:

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1. Cleaning and Maintenance

A large home means a large space to care for. Dust and dirt compile all over the house, which can be bothersome from a cosmetic standpoint as well as bad for your health. Entire days must be devoted to cleaning a big home, only to watch as the inexorable march of dirt envelopes your space once more. A smaller house makes cleaning a more manageable chore, and forces you to dispose of excess clutter. Whereas in a large home there is always some place to stash your junk, a smaller space provides the motivation to rid yourself of the stuff you don’t need.

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2. Family Time

Families who live in cavernous homes spend little time together, as each person can retreat to his own space. Like an underground warren, these homes also tend to have numerous exits which allow residents to slip in and out without even saying hello. A more compact home with a single entryway means foot traffic often intersects. The cozy living room area makes it the perfect centerpiece for family entertainment. Overall there is more interaction and a warmer, cozier ambiance.

3. More Neighborly Atmosphere

A big house is typically built on a huge lot. Simply waving to your neighbor requires a set of binoculars and a giant foam hand. A smaller house means you are more likely to get to know your neighbors, especially if the two of you have children of similar age. Although much of it depends on the neighbor, the more intimate atmosphere is usually more agreeable than being stuck on an isolated concrete island, and certainly is less awkward when the kids swing by for Halloween.

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4. Filling Space

Just as a smaller home will help you dump your clutter, it will also prevent you from making unnecessary purchases. Part of the burden of owning a large home is having to fill it. Every space must be designed, decorated, and upgraded when the stuff you just bought becomes fashionably and technology out of date. A smaller home means a more concise decor.

5. Good for the Environment

Small homes require less building materials and consume less energy. Purchasing one therefore reduces your carbon footprint. These homes are generally built in more compact communities, which means you will be able to walk to areas rather than driving every time you need to purchase a carton of eggs.

All of these benefits come in addition to the monetary advantages that come from buying a smaller home. You will have lower property taxes, mortgage payments, and a smaller debt obligation to the bank. This extra purchasing power can be spent on trips, activities, and good food. With the extra financial flexibility, you can make the world your home, and your house merely the place you sleep.

Mike Edwards writes for EquityRelease.net covering a wide range of retirement finance topics.

For more downsizing ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! If you’re contemplating adding a tile backsplash to your kitchen, you know the time, materials, and mess can be more of a chore than you had anticipated. Today, my Guest Blogger gives tips for applying a self adhesive kitchen backsplash.

See what the advantages of this type of finish can add to your kitchen, and watch a Vimeo video showing this great peel and stick technology.

Self Adhesive Kitchen Backsplash

SmartTiles Ang from Sylvain Dube on Vimeo.

Spruce up your kitchen with a self adhesive backsplash

Renovating can be a hassle. Sometimes, just want to add a little something extra, like a backsplash, to spruce up the look of your kitchen without having contractors invading your home for days. You could always try to install something yourself, but even professionals sometimes have a hard time installing tiles.  You can still try to bite the bullet and do it yourself, taking the risks that come along with that type of renovating project, or, you might want to try out self adhesive tiles that will allow you to obtain professional looking results, in half the time, and here are the reasons why:

Short preparation time:

Installing tiles can be problematic. You have a whole list of things to do before you can even get started. In your kitchen, you have to cover up your counter to prevent it from getting damaged in the process. You also might want to empty your cabinets because removing old tiles to install new ones creates a lot of dust. The surface you plan to decorate with the new tiles needs to be sanded down to insure that the tiles will adhere to it completely. Self adhesive tiles take virtually no preparation time at all. All you need to do is clean the surface before the application can begin. They stick to virtually any surface and they can be placed over old tiles, so no dust will be lifted while you prepare to install your new self adhesive backsplash.

Waste less material:

When you’re using regular tiles for a project, it’s always wise to buy some extra ones because some tiles will be destroyed in the installation process. Adjusting tiles to fit on the desired space you want to decorate is complicated, even professionals have a hard time doing it. Once the tile is cut, it cannot be used anymore, and you have to run back to the hardware store and pray that they have enough of the model you’re using in stock in order to complete your redecoration. Self adhesive tiles are a breeze to fit on your wall. The only tools you will need on hand are a regular box cutter along with a ruler or measuring tape. Just measure the length of the surface you want to decorate, transfer it on your panel of tiles, cut and trim, that’s all that needs to be done and less material will be wasted.

Less of a mess:

You won’t be able to avoid it; using regular tiles will cause a mess in your kitchen. Once the sanding is over and the surface of the wall is prepped for installation, the tiles need to be applied with mastic and covered in grout. You’ll have to be careful when you apply the grout. You want to put enough so that everything remains in place, but, you’ll also have to avoid getting it on the tiles because it could leave some permanent stains. With self adhesive tiles, all you need to do is peel and stick, but be careful, once the tiles are stuck on your wall, they will be very hard to remove, so make sure you are certain of the spot you want to put them on before you do it.

Less maintenance:

Once the grouting process is over, you’ll need to (once again) clean the mess that has been left behind in your kitchen. If you want to protect your backsplash from moisture, you’ll need to apply sealant to it. This process will protect your tiles and it will help them retain their color longer. You’ll have to repeat the process a couple of times to maintain the beauty of your backsplash. On the other hand, self adhesive tiles will retain their beauty for many years to come. They are resistant to both heat and humidity and are unbreakable. You might get tired of your design and will need to update it before your tiles show any sign of deterioration.

Valerie Gravel blogs for Smart Tiles .  For ideas on how do it yourself renovating projects for your home, visit the Smart Tiles website today.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Wood flooring can be a beautifying finish in your home. Depending on what type of wood you choose, the decision to warm up your interiors with wood flooring can also be a challenge. Bamboo and timber flooring have their own advantages, and our Guest Blogger gives tips for enriching your home with each.

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Foundational to any home, the flooring is what conveys warmth, beauty, and long lasting enjoyment for all who stay or visit. It is the first point of contact in every room and the first thing that is noticed, whether directly or indirectly. The appearance of good flooring engenders a welcoming response both aesthetically and artistically. It is no surprise that the smart choice in floor covering to enhance hearth and home tend toward the hardwoods over carpet, cork, tile or polished concrete. All have their appeal, but few have as many of the additional advantages that bamboo offers, even when compared to timber.

Timber Flooring

Timber flooring exudes elegance and stature, providing a wide range of colors and grain qualities. It also possesses variable densities that are measured for hardness by the Janka Test, which assigns a number relative to a given wood type. The harder the timber, the higher the number it receives in a rating of how dense it is. For example, soft Tasmanian Oak receives a value of 4.9 whereas black-butt has a value of 9.1 as one of the hardest floor covering materials, outside of bamboo.

Bamboo Flooring

For many years now, the new home and renovation markets have been making use of the scratch and dent resistant bamboo flooring that not only compares well in appearance with traditional wood grain and hardwood qualities, but it has many attributes that mark it as an improvement over much of the timber that has been all but used up today.

As the characteristics of timber have changed, the result of clearing forests of supply, bamboo ranks highly among the “green” movement, as it is considered to be a grass that grows quite profusely. Within hours of harvesting the material, bamboo is already replenishing itself again, growing as much as three foot in a single day and able to reproduce mature material in as little as 3-5 years, contrasting with the 30 years it takes to reforest timber. Regrowth occurs in place, eliminating the need to replant in continually expansive territory. As a more sustainable material option, bamboo has gained in popularity.

Compared to timber flooring, bamboo possesses a stunning wood grain that achieves an exquisite finish that only gets better with time through sanding and polishing for a traditional finish. Bamboo is actually 70% harder than jarrah (rated at 8.5) and is far more adaptable to conditions of humidity. Bamboo flooring uniquely acclimatises in various environments without twisting, warping or buckling. It is a premium choice for use in kitchens and bathrooms, as it naturally resists attacks of mold and mildew. It is also less appealing to insects as the manufacturing process successfully destroys the starch content in the wood. Bamboo can be fabricated in layers the same way plywood is produced making it very easy to install. Available in classic tongue and groove strips, it can be permanently attached to the surface upon which it sits.

If you want beautiful and resilient bamboo flooring in your home, Bamboozle are Western Australia’s premier bamboo flooring suppliers and bamboo flooring installation experts. Contact Bamboozle to request an obligation free quote.

For more hardwood flooring ideas on Stagetecture, click here.