Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-05-24T09:11:00

(BPT) – Looking to update a room that is short on space during this home improvement season? Converting traditional swinging doors into pocket doors is a simple, practical way to increase the amount of usable floor space. Pocket doors slide along a jump-proof track and disappear into the wall cavity, optimizing space in a way swinging doors cannot.

When installed with the correct pocket door hardware, today’s modern pocket doors are customizable for varying doorway sizes, making any room in the home more fun and functional. These room ideas are proven winners that are sure to enhance your home.

1. Accessible Home Office

As the share of remote workers in the U.S. workforce continues to rise, so does the need for accessible home office designs. Pocket door frame kits equipped with ADA-compliant features bring an effective solution to this growing need, particularly with the rise of work-from-home opportunities for individuals with disabilities. To address this demand, Johnson’s 1500SC Series pocket door frame was designed to improve accessibility and functionality in home office setups. The built-in soft-close hardware ensures smooth, fingertip operation and prevents door slamming, important features for those using mobility devices.

2. Semi-Private Dining Area

With a shortage of senior care facilities and their rising costs, aging in place is now a crucially essential option. The 1560SC Series Soft-Closing Pocket Door Frame Kit seamlessly integrates mobility considerations into home design. Supporting doors up to 4 feet wide and 8 feet high, nearly any type of solid-core door weighing up to 165 lbs. can be installed with the frame.

To put your own spin on the pocket door design, choose a decorative raised handle. Only 5 lbs. of force is needed to effortlessly open or close a door installed with the hardware, ideal for individuals with mobility challenges.

3. Walk-in Kitchen Pantry

Perfect for frequently used pantry doors, the 2000SC Heavy-Duty Pocket Door Frame Kit’s versatile design can handle nearly any extra-heavy door style weighing up to 330 lbs., up to 5 feet wide and 9 feet high. A jump-proof design means the door cannot fall off the track, and a quick-release locking tab allows for door removal without tearing apart the wall. Heavy gauge all-steel split studs provide wall rigidity and galvanized steel plating resists corrosion, giving peace of mind that your door installation will last.

4. Ensuite Bathroom

Need more space in your bathroom? Pocket doors cover your doorway when they’re closed but disappear inside your wall cavity when they’re open. This 2060SC hardware holds large custom doors like this attractive walnut veneer slab, and includes a soft-close feature that is essential in a bedroom. When replacing traditional swing doors, pocket doors save as much as 14 square feet of floor space that is needed for the swinging motion.

Other ingenious features of this pocket door hardware contribute to installation ease and trouble-free use. For instance, self-adjusting floor brackets compensate for floor settling, ensuring pocket doors remain level over time.

5. Multi-Purpose Room

With their open and airy aesthetic, two converging pocket doors with glass lites in a wide entry allow sunlight to pass while giving privacy and reducing surrounding noise. Multi-purpose rooms benefit from the extra usable floor space gained by using pocket doors. Imagine more room for furniture, shelving and wall décor.

Johnson’s durable pocket door hardware exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standard for door width. The ADA requires a minimum clear width of 32” from door face to opposite stop, but Johnson’s hardware accommodates up to 60” for greater accessibility.

For more information, visit www.johnsonhardware.com, or call 574-293-5664.

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2024-05-23T12:53:00

(BPT) – This renovation season, DIY projects are more popular than ever as people look to keep costs down. And whether you’re planning a full bathroom remodel or a refresh of fixtures, paint and style, one of the most impactful and easiest DIY upgrades you can make is adding a bidet seat to your toilet. Haven’t considered it before? There are so many reasons why you should.

You may have come across a bidet in your travels. They have long been a central feature in European toilettes, and bidets are found in almost every bathroom in Japan. Finally, their popularity is growing in the U.S. where they have become a huge bathroom trend. Part of the newfound demand is due to innovative bidet seats like the TOTO WASHLET, which transforms your toilet into a bidet by simply replacing the seat! These allow discerning homeowners and renters to incorporate the luxury and comfort of a bidet into their bathrooms in minutes without having to install a completely new fixture or hiring a plumber.

From improving health to helping the environment, here are nine reasons to add a bidet seat to your bathroom upgrade, from the industry-leading experts at TOTO USA.

Improves hygiene. It’s simply a fact that using a bidet increases the level of cleanliness of your bathroom routine. Thanks to a strong adjustable flow of aerated water and an effective warm-air dryer, you’ll experience a superior clean than toilet paper alone.

A more comfortable bathroom experience. A bidet seat is a refreshing and pleasant way to cleanse. It’s a mini spritz-off, exactly where you need it. A gentle stream of warm water cleanses, followed by a warm air-dry. And all WASHLETS have warm, adjustable heated seats, too — creating a spa-like experience in your own home!

Use less TP. The average American uses more than 140 rolls of toilet paper each year. If you measure that in miles, it’s nearly the distance between Denver and Dallas! The French use half that much. Why? The French use bidets, which clean and dry without the need for toilet paper, as a regular part of their bathroom routine. Switching to a bidet seat is a simple, easy way to help the environment and elevate your bathroom routine in the process.

Better for your plumbing. All of that toilet paper Americans use tends to back up toilets and it also can cause clogs down the line in your pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. With a bidet seat, you’ll experience fewer plumbing issues, backups and headaches.

Easy to install. The TOTO WASHLET attaches to your existing toilet. Setting it up is a simple DIY project that takes all of 15 minutes, with no need to call a plumber. Really. All you need is a toilet and a GFCI power outlet within three feet of it. There’s even an app to guide you through the installation process.

Renter friendly. Because WASHLETS attach to your existing toilet, renters can install them to temporarily uplevel their bathroom without the worry of losing their security deposit. And notably, they are also able to take their bidet seat with them when they move into a new place.

Helps people with mobility issues. This is especially important for older folks who want to stay in their forever homes safely, people with aging parents, or for those who have temporary or ongoing issues with mobility that make wiping difficult. A bidet seat cleanses and dries much better than toilet paper alone, and for people with these issues, it’s a lifeline to help with hygiene, privacy and independence. Bonus tip: If you’re an empty nester renovating your own bathroom with an eye toward the future, make sure you add a bidet seat now.

Keeps your toilet clean. High-end bidet seats like those from TOTO don’t just clean you. They can help clean your toilet, too, with deodorizing and bowl-cleansing misting actions before and after use that keep your toilet and bathroom fresh at all times.

Affordable with a range of price points. There is a bidet seat for every space, budget and need. You can choose what fits your lifestyle best from the introductory WASHLET C2, intermediate WASHLET C5, or new WASHLET S7A, which offers the very latest in TOTO’s technology and design.

All in all, whether you rent or own your home, upgrading your bathroom with a bidet seat is an easy, quick and affordable way to elevate your daily sojourns to the loo into a spa-like experience while keeping you and your family cleaner. For more information, visit TOTO USA.

2024-05-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Balance and harmony. These are two important principles of design to consider during the initial phases of conceptualizing a space. This is especially true in the kitchen, the heart and soul of a home, which must be both functional and visually inviting; a place where people can utilize the space effectively while nurturing purposeful and hospitable surroundings. Create a space of working beauty, while cultivating an environment of imperfection, to fully embody the Japanese design philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi.

Organic Curves and Textures

Form has a distinct impact on the feeling a home evokes. Enhance the home through Wabi-Sabi by incorporating pieces that exhibit shape and fluid movement, instead of highlighting perfectly precise lines and hard angles. Consider the alluring appeal of a curved archway that influences a softer atmosphere or feature a live-edge wood dining table to spotlight the beauty in natural imperfection.

Use organic forms and materials like rounded furniture, a neutral color palette and natural lighting to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, but also foster a sense of tranquility. Mix textures throughout the kitchen via linen curtains, a concrete backsplash, hand-woven rugs and personal touches of pottery to add both visual and physical texture, ultimately eliciting a feeling of quiet luxury. Every detail should be beautiful, and every beautiful object should serve the overall purpose of the space.

The Evolution of Japandi Style

The epitome of balanced harmony can be seen through Japandi style, which artfully merges Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. With fluid lines that speak to minimalist sensibilities and crafted touches that reflect an artisanal soul, the Kintsu^® Kitchen Collection by Brizo perfectly embodies these tenets.

Drawn from “kintsukuroi,” the Japanese method of joining pieces of cracked pottery with gold, “Kintsu” represent the way that Japandi style merges two design philosophies. The Kintsu^® Widespread Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet unites understated sensibility with an avant-garde spirit through the creative use of negative space in the knob handle. Combining this with the functionality and versatility of the new two-handle configuration, the faucet looks to Wabi-Sabi philosophy for abstract, conceptual geometries.

Essential Elements

When it comes to the backdrop of a space, being intentional with the color palette can lead to a cohesive look that highlights the beauty of various elements within the room. Take inspiration from Scandinavian design — cozy, bright and inviting aesthetics — which promotes intentionality when choosing colors, paired with natural light, to create a fresh take on neutrals. Grays can be replaced with warm browns and taupe, providing a natural background to plan around.

Incorporate metals such as chrome, steel and aluminum in the kitchen to add a gleaming finish that is instantly eye-catching and is sure to incite instant glamour. Choose an unexpected, but striking finish such as the Black Onyx finish in the Kintsu^® Kitchen Collection to create a distinctive and intentional focal point in the space.

When deciding which elements to include, consider the concept of mise en place. A place for everything and everything in its place. An organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen, and an efficient kitchen is a thing of beauty.

Through the fusion of Japandi style’s harmonious balance and the timeless elegance of Wabi-Sabi, our kitchens can become more than just places to cook; they can be sanctuaries where we find solace in our surroundings.

2024-05-22T09:41:00

(BPT) – Homeowners across the country are going undercover. It seems no matter where you live, the growing popularity of covered outdoor spaces is evident in backyards from Buffalo to Bakersfield. Here are 10 ways to add shade, shelter and style to your home’s exterior.

Perk up a porch. A covered front porch provides an inviting entryway to any home, offering an elegant stage to greet guests, enjoy a morning cup of coffee or simply sit and watch the world go by.

Throw some shade. A pergola provides shade and style to any outdoor setting, while still allowing for open air flow and sunshine. It also lends definition to deliver the look and feel of an outdoor room.

Create a nature-inspired nook. Turn an underutilized area into an outdoor oasis by installing outdoor flooring, a ceiling and a cozy fireplace. In this design, the neutral Trex decking, exposed roof beams and modern furniture set the stage for relaxation.

Raise the roof. If you love spending time outside in all conditions, consider adding a roof to a portion of your outdoor space. This small shelter paired with privacy curtains provides protection from the elements and prying eyes so you can enjoy a relaxing soak any time and in any season.

Gaze from a gazebo. A deck gazebo provides many benefits, offering shade and protection from the elements while also establishing an elegant space to relax, dine and entertain guests.

Go below deck. The space beneath an elevated deck is loaded with potential. With the addition of a deck drainage system like Trex RainEscape, which diverts water to keep the area beneath a deck dry, this space can be outfitted with furniture, lighting and appliances to create an outdoor room with comfort and function.

Enclose for year-round enjoyment. Optimize usability by enclosing an outdoor space with screens or windows. This affords the benefits of enjoying views, fresh air and natural light without having to worry about insects, rain or fluctuating temperatures.

Bolster a balcony. Make a bold, architectural statement on your balcony with a stylish pergola. Covering half of this elevated outdoor space, the pergola’s dark beams offer the perfect contrast to the home’s light exterior and provide shade over the outdoor kitchen and sitting area.

Bring the indoors out. Seamlessly transition between your home’s interior and exterior living spaces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a covered outdoor area perfect for al fresco dining and parties.

Retreat from the rays. Turn the space beneath your deck into a poolside paradise perfect for escaping the sun’s strong rays after an afternoon of swimming. This covered area features an underdeck drainage system paired with a soffit ceiling and integrated lighting to deliver the finished look and feel of an outdoor room.

For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.

2024-05-22T06:01:00

(BPT) – Move over, gray. Green is having its moment this year in bath and kitchen design and décor. Whether dark, light or somewhere in between, these luscious hues are on trend right now, but they evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, optimism, style and panache.

Kohler knows a bit about that. The kitchen and bath fixture giant was the first to bring bold, coordinated color into kitchens and bathrooms in the 1920s. In 1927, Kohler launched precisely matching colors for cast-iron enamel and pottery glaze — meaning toilets, sinks and baths could be coordinated in matching, vibrant hues. Back then, America took a collective gasp when it saw Kohler bathrooms in living color. It set the design world on fire, with this country’s elite clamoring for color, color, color in their kitchens and baths, culminating in an exhibit of a color-coordinated Kohler bathroom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1929.

Last year, Kohler celebrated its 150th anniversary with a limited-edition Heritage Colors collection, and this year, that collection expands with the addition of Heritage Greens — Fresh Green, with its bright, lush vibes that bring the garden indoors; Teal’s dark, rich, vivid drama; and Aspen Green’s soft, soothing shade. These historic Kohler colors were selected to be revived this year because of their connection to nature, relation to well-being and diverse design sensibilities.

Eager to get started? Here are 5 ideas to green up your kitchens and baths.

Paint! The easiest and least expensive way to add a splash of green into your kitchen and bath is to paint one, or all four, walls in this trending shade. For kitchens, painted cabinets are all the rage. Why not give yours a facelift in green? For baths, accent with green towels and floor mats, and go for a vintage feel by including black or pink in the mix.

Large appliances and fixtures. Go for it! Stainless steel reigned supreme for years, but color is the emerging trend in kitchen appliances now. Major, high-end appliance manufacturers are offering lines in many shades of green, from light and subtle to dark and dramatic. But with this trend, you don’t have to go all in at once. One statement piece, like a deep teal farmhouse sink within a white countertop, is a showstopper.

Smaller kitchen appliances. If you’re not in the market for a major kitchen remodel, you can still add a pop of green with smaller kitchen appliances like toasters, ceramic tea kettles, coffee makers and even tools like can openers, corkscrews and other gadgets. Bonus tip: Don’t forget to accent with kitchen towels, hot pads and even new curtains.

Bathroom fixtures. Hold your breath and imagine your bathroom transformed into a spa, courtesy of vibrant green fixtures. A green clawfoot tub? Yes, you can. A pedestal sink in quiet Aspen Green with a toilet to match? It’s yours. These hues evoke the elegance of the past while wrapping you in the comfort of the present, making your bathroom a true oasis.

Tiles. You don’t need to do a major renovation to add some color to your kitchen’s backsplash or around your tub in the bath. Opt for mosaic tiles in various shades of green, or go with the sleek elegance of just one color.

Color can soothe the spirit, lift a mood, brighten a moment. It can make a small room feel bigger, or turn a dark room into an open, airy space. Kohler’s Fresh Green, Teal and Aspen Green can inspire you to bask in living color.

2024-05-22T01:01:00

(BPT) – As spring and summer approach, it’s time to consider how you’ll use your outdoor spaces this year. Your backyard, patio, front lawn and garden aren’t just for outdoor activities. They are natural living areas that you can use to cook, eat, entertain and relax.

Belgard wants to help you take your outdoor spaces to the next level. From eye-catching driveways to stunning patios and serene landscapes, the company offers an array of products to complement any home. Here are four hardscaping design ideas you can add to your home to extend your living spaces and maximize your time outdoors.

1. Pave the way

Paved pathways are a practical and striking addition to front or back lawns. They guide guests through your outdoor spaces while adding visual interest and definition. Consider incorporating curves and bends in your pathways to create a sense of discovery and intrigue. You can also enhance paved pathways with landscape lighting that illuminates the way during evenings for added safety and ambiance.

In addition to a paved pathway, you can also consider a paver patio. Paver patios create a relaxing outdoor space that you can enjoy after a long day at work or use to entertain friends and family. Also, adding a paver patio to your home can potentially increase your home’s value.

Once you choose what you want to pave, you’ll need to decide on the materials you’ll use. Whether you prefer the modern appeal of concrete pavers or pavers that mimic the rustic look of natural stone, there are various options to suit your style and budget.

Choose a style like Papyrus pavers for an organic textural experience with a touch of modern elegance. Need material with style and installation efficiency? Check out Basalt pavers for a flame-textured stone design engineered to maximize pallet layout. For homeowners seeking a more traditional aesthetic, choose Charlestone pavers reminiscent of early American streets and walkways for a distinctive look of weathered hand-cobbled stone.

2. Retaining walls and freestanding walls

Retaining walls are a multipurpose outdoor structure that serves functional and aesthetic landscaping needs. They can help prevent soil erosion, create terraced levels for planting, and define different zones within your yard.

Retaining walls can also double as seating areas or garden beds. Whether you’re a gardener or regularly host family gatherings, retaining walls can maximize your outdoor living areas for planting and entertaining while adding visual appeal to your environment.

Freestanding walls are most effective when the ground is flat and often used to divide landscapes into distinct areas to enhance the visual appeal of the yard.

Shelton Wall is a small freestanding wall that exudes old world charm with its rustic finish and earth tone blends. You can create intimate outdoor spaces with the privacy offered by this charming and durable wall, great for moderate height retaining walls to add terraces and more usable space in your landscape. Shelton Wall was also featured in Belgard’s recent project with Tan France to help create his dream home in Salt Lake City.

3. Outdoor living spaces

Think of your backyard as an extension of your home and find ways to seamlessly incorporate indoor luxuries in outdoor living spaces. Whether it’s a cozy patio, a spacious deck or a stylish pergola, these structures provide comfortable areas for relaxation and entertainment in nature.

Integrate features like built-in seating, fire pits or outdoor kitchens to enhance functionality and create a welcoming atmosphere that your friends and family can enjoy. Choose durable materials that can withstand the elements and require minimal maintenance. Doing so ensures you can enjoy your outdoor living areas for a long time.

4. Water features

Create a visual focal point, add tranquility and mask noise pollution from nearby streets or neighbors in your outdoor spaces with water features. From elegant fountains to serene ponds, water features create a vibrant and dynamic outdoor ecosystem.

Once you choose a water feature that suits your taste and space, find other elements to complement it. Rocks, plants and lighting enhance the natural beauty of your water feature, creating a harmonious balance with the surrounding landscape.

These are just four hardscape and design ideas you can easily add to your home this spring. To find all the products you need to build your outdoor oasis, visit Belgard.com.

2024-05-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – May is Electrical Safety Month! It’s a great time to remind yourself of the potential dangers associated with electricity and be proactive about electrical safety in and around your home, workplace and community. People tend to take electricity for granted — our lights, appliances, technology, and everything else we plug into a wall outlet should just work, right? — but it’s important to be mindful of safety to prevent electrical accidents, injuries and even fires.

Here’s an electrical safety checklist from the pros at Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, one of the leading electrical installation and repair providers to homes and businesses nationwide.

Check cords. When was the last time you checked the cords on your lamps, appliances and electronics? The obvious first step is to look for fraying or other damage. But also be mindful of how they’re placed. Are your cords snaking their way under a carpet or furniture? Make sure they have a clear run from the unit to the outlet. And about those outlets…

Check outlets. Overloading is a no-no. Make sure you’re not plugging too many electrical devices into one outlet. But, just as important, and maybe more so, is checking the outlets themselves. Are any loose? Do any of them have discoloration or burn marks? If you see this, call Mr. Electric immediately. That’s a potential sign of electrical danger.

Be mindful of water. Remember to keep countertop appliances away from water sources like sinks and bathtubs. And check the outlets in your kitchen and bathroom to ensure they are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, which cut power if there’s a ground fault.

Monitor extension cord use. If you have extension cords crisscrossing your rooms or using extension cords for appliances like window air conditioners that specifically advise against it, it’s time to rethink that.

Unplug appliances. We’re not talking about fridges and washing machines. But the toaster, the coffee grinder or your hairdryer — unplug those when not in use. Not only will it save money on your electricity bill (they draw electricity when plugged in), but it will add a layer of safety, too.

Consider a whole-home surge protector. With storm season in full swing, it’s time to think about protecting your appliances, technology and other devices with a whole-home surge protector. They work in much the same way as power strips (You have your computer plugged into one, right? If not, do it now.) but they protect the whole house and are built to withstand multiple power surges. To find out more or to get one installed, contact Mr. Electric.

Get an electrical home inspection. Not only is this important for the safety of your home and everyone in it, but getting your home’s electrical system checked by a professional will also offer you peace of mind. When Mr. Electric does an electrical home inspection, they thoroughly examine your entire electrical system to ensure that all electrical wires, systems and components meet legal safety standards, using the National Electrical Code (NEC) as their primary guideline. Upon completion of your electrical home inspection, a Mr. Electric inspector will provide a detailed, prioritized checklist, including areas needing immediate attention, recommendations for improvements, and potential upgrade possibilities.

To learn more or schedule a home electrical safety inspection, contact the pros at Mr. Electric. And then exhale, knowing your family is safe from electrical hazards.

2024-05-13T15:01:00

(BPT) – May is National Home Improvement Month! As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to breathe new life into your living space, whether you’re looking to revamp your kitchen, upgrade your landscaping, or tackle that long-overdue bathroom renovation.

To get you started, here are some ideas from the pros at Neighborly’s trusted network of local home service brands, including Mr. Rooter, Mr. Electric, Aire Serv, Mr. Appliance, Mosquito Joe, Precision Garage Door Service and Molly Maid.

Invest in sustainable features. Updating your bathroom? Investing in eco-friendly upgrades like a tankless water heater or water-conserving toilet is good for the environment. It can lead to a higher return on investment when you decide it’s time to move.

Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans get the air moving in your home, and are a decorative addition to any room. Look for styles that complement your decor, and even add a dramatic flair.

Declutter. Take a look around your bedroom, living room or family room. Too much clutter? Decluttering your home can seem like a daunting task, but Molly Maid says it boils down to this: take note of what the room is supposed to be used for and remove anything that doesn’t pertain to that use. A pro tip to make it even easier: designate bins for items to keep, donate, sell or discard. Just toss the items in the appropriate bin and you’ll be halfway there.

Inspect your dryer for allergens. When you hear the word “allergies,” it’s easy to think of the more common allergens like pollen and dust, but there are several hidden allergens in homes that can cause a host of health issues. Inspect your dryer vents for mold, lint or animal droppings, and call Dryer Vent Wizard to remove dangerous foreign objects. And while you’re at it, organize your laundry room with new shelving or a hanging rod.

Switch to an HVAC zoning system. This allows you to regulate the temperature levels throughout different areas of your home to help keep every nook and cranny comfortable. Aire Serv also helps reduce energy consumption by allowing you to adjust temperatures in your home according to use.

Install kitchen ventilation. Properly ventilating your cooktop can help improve the overall air quality in your home and add a decorative, even dramatic, touch to the space.

Install crown molding. The best way to elevate your living space and make your ceiling appear higher is by installing crown molding. Not only is crown molding classic and timeless, but it also draws the eye upward. This will make the rooms in your home seem bigger than they are.

Replace your garage door. A new garage door can significantly increase your home’s value and curb appeal. Choosing an experienced, highly-rated company like Precision Garage Door Service can save money in the long term and give you peace of mind that your garage door is functioning optimally.

Landscape with retaining walls. Retaining walls help manage a sloping landscape and add character and beauty to your property. Transform your yard and property by using retaining walls to add terraces filled with flowers, herbs, vegetable gardens, or even small fruit trees.

Keep pests at bay. Invest in an outdoor mosquito control service if you’re looking for a powerful solution to handle a mosquito problem for outdoor areas. A company like Mosquito Joe can clear your yard of biting bugs and allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces again — itch-free!

Paint your front door. This is one of the easiest, least expensive ways to give your home a dramatic pop in curb appeal. A company like Five Star Painting can give your front door and home a new, updated look with a new coat of paint, making it stand out.

Install new windows. Windows can set the tone for your home’s aesthetic and enhance your living space’s comfort. Choosing the right window for your home comes down to thinking about where you live, where the window would go, and your goals. Glass Doctor offers homeowners full-service window repair, replacement and installation.

Need help with any of these projects? Neighborly’s trusted network of local home service brands is dedicated to connecting you with reliable and skilled professionals in your area. When it comes to repairing, maintaining or enhancing your home, Neighborly is here to give your home the makeover it deserves. Visit neighborly.com or download the Neighborly App today to explore their services and connect with a local Neighborly pro.

2024-05-13T06:01:01

(BPT) – Over the past few years, more and more American families have opted for multigenerational living arrangements. A survey by Generations United found that 26% of American adults live in multigenerational households.

With so many people under one roof, it can be hard to make space for everyone to live their lives without stepping on anyone’s toes, literally and figuratively. Luckily, a new trend may make living with family more feasible and economical: accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

ADUs — also known as in-law suites or granny flats — are affordable detached living spaces, usually 600-1,200 square feet, that allow families to live close together. They’re especially useful for supporting aging parents or housing younger adults just starting out in life.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, almost anything can be an ADU with the right setup, such as detached garage-style conversions or those attached to main homes in basements or separate units.

Because ADUs tend to be small compared to other housing alternatives, space is at a premium. ADU owners will need to downsize their possessions to live in one comfortably, especially their appliances.

When you think of household appliances, refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry machines are probably the first things that come to mind. However, one appliance that you can’t live without and that can take up a considerable amount of space is your water heater.

A conventional tank water heater in a residential area can vary in size. Still, even a 1-2 person household needs at least a 30-gallon tank. As you can imagine, a tank that large takes up a considerable amount of space indoors.

You may be able to install a water heater outdoors, but you may not have enough space on your land to do so. Also, if you live in a colder climate, your water heater must work much harder to heat water, driving up your electricity bill.

Tankless water heaters: A space-saving solution

You don’t have to give up space to have hot water in an ADU. A technology that efficiently heats water with minimal space already exists, and it’s the perfect fit for small dwellings.

Unlike traditional water heaters with large tanks, tankless water heaters save valuable square footage in an ADU. They’re typically wall-hung, requiring zero footprint. In milder climates, tankless water heaters can be mounted outside the home on an exterior wall.

How small are tankless water heaters? Noritz sells a unit that is about the size of a carry-on suitcase. The company also offers wall-mounting brackets that provide easy installation and flexibility in placement. Units can slide from left to right, allowing installers to adjust post-installation while freeing up valuable floor space.

A world of benefits

Space isn’t the only thing you’ll save with a tankless water heater. You’ll also save on energy. Conventional tank water heaters store 30-80 gallons of water and continuously heat it, using energy 24/7 year-round. It would be like leaving the stove’s pilot light on all the time to keep it warm for when you decide to cook.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water on demand. Because the heater does not store water, it flash heats water on demand. If you’ve ever used a Keurig to make coffee, then you’ve seen flash heating at work. As soon as the demand for hot water stops, the burners turn off, and no more energy is used.

This “on-demand” heating reduces energy consumption by eliminating standby heat loss, resulting in potential energy savings and lower utility bills in the long run. ADU homeowners can save up to 40% on their utility bills over the life of the tankless unit.

Additionally, local gas and utility rebates help offset the upfront cost of tankless water heaters. These rebates are provided by local governments or utility companies to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient appliances like tankless water heaters. Coupled with the potential savings from on-demand heating, these rebates offer significant utility bill reductions for ADU homeowners.

Convenience is another benefit. A tank water heater can run out of hot water, and when it does, you’ll have to wait until the tank refills and reheats. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters provide a continuous hot water supply at the desired temperature, so you’ll never have to worry about running out. No more arguments between family members about using up all the hot water!

When choosing between tank or tankless, you should also consider durability. A typical tank water heater lasts 10-12 years on average. Over time, mineral sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank, decreasing efficiency as it ages. When a key part breaks, you have to replace the entire unit. And if the tank fails, it does so in a dramatic fashion. Nearly three of every four water heaters fail due to a tank bursting or leaking 30 to 80 gallons of rusty water — depending on tank size — in your finished basement, attic or garage.

When you install or replace a tankless water heater, you’re investing in an appliance built to last a quarter of a century. Tankless water heaters are equipped with technology to prevent sediment buildup and corrosion, while their modular parts are easily replaceable, thereby extending the water heater’s life. If you choose a model like one from the Noritz EZ series, you’ll get the industry’s only 25-year warranty. You can rest easy knowing your ADU will have hot water for years to come.

Whether you’re planning on adding an ADU to your home or have an ADU water heater that needs replacing, consider ditching your tank water heater for tankless technology fit for small dwellings. To learn more about installing or replacing a conventional water heater with a tankless version in your ADU, visit Noritz.com.

2024-05-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Following historical trends, spring and summer months represent an active time of year for the housing market. For sellers in 2023, homes listed in the first two weeks of June sold for 2.3% more, a $7,700 increase on a typical U.S. home, according to new Zillow data*. This should come as welcomed news for those homeowners who are considering selling their home and have the luxury of timing the market.

But before listing your home — and well in advance of staging photos for online real estate sites — experts suggest evaluating your home’s curb appeal and other cosmetic features that can help attract potential buyers. Consider this: The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics reports that excellent curb appeal alone can raise your home’s value by as much as 7% and many Realtors will tell you the same.

With the right tools and a bit of creativity, even new DIYers can undertake home improvement projects designed to enhance aesthetic appeal and add value to their living spaces. One such versatile tool that can help you achieve significant upgrades without spending a fortune is the rotary tool. Capable of tackling a wide array of projects with its ability to cut, carve, engrave, polish and beyond, the rotary tool opens a world of creative possibilities for enhancing your home’s aesthetics and functionality. To help homeowners unleash their DIY creativity, Dremel^®, the creator of the high-speed rotary tool, shares five tips and project ideas:

Tidy up flooring. Over time, the grout in between tile can be susceptible to buildup — whether it’s grime, mold or mildew — causing it to look dull or dirty. While cleaning it by hand can be a tedious, time-consuming task, enlisting the help of a solution and tool will have you knocking that item off your to-do list in no time. Start with a bathroom cleanser to clean any grout stains, followed by a rotary tool to quickly and easily remove the dirty or missing old grout. Top it off by regrouting where needed and from there, you’re well on your way to impressing prospective buyers.

Refinish outdoor furniture and fixtures. Can you see rust on your outdoor railings, lawn furniture, mailbox, doorknobs, hinges or other metal outdoor features? Are they discolored, weathered or worn? With the Dremel 8250 Cordless Rotary Tool, you can grind away rust in small, detailed sections, then sand or buff the surface before painting using one of the many compatible Dremel accessories. A key benefit is that the tool is cordless, allowing you to ditch the outlet and move wherever you need to address projects across the yard.

Stand out from the others. A home with custom shelves can be an effective, easy way to add appeal and differentiate your house from the ones around you. Express your creativity while incorporating sleek added storage with a shelf, effectively concealing clutter and optimizing space. Simply grab your favorite rotary tool and get started! From cutting wood to routing, the various rotary attachments on the market make this tool the right one for the job. For project inspiration, see here.

Customize the look of your home. In preparation for selling your new home, the 7350 Cordless Rotary Tool from Dremel is ready to help you elevate your space and infuse some personality. This lightweight tool is a go-to, whether it’s engraving your home address into your wooden mailbox, or adding the address number to the perimeter of your home. As the brand’s lowest priced rotary tool in the corded and cordless line-up, the 7350 is an approachable introductory tool for new and pro users to execute home improvement projects.

Leave them floored. Flooring can be a challenge to maintain, especially if you have little ones or pets running around. Looking to paint or refurbish? Make sure you start with an even base. With a sanding accessory on your rotary tool, you can easily smooth dents and gouges or sand splinters in wood flooring to create a prepared foundation to work off of before painting or sealing and save yourself time and money by avoiding replacing the floors completely.

Increasing your home’s curb and cosmetic appeal doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or require a pro’s help. With the right tools, you can help DIY your way to a higher asking price and a quicker sale! For more ideas about DIY projects, visit Dremel’s project site at https://www.dremel.com/us/en/projects/project-plans.

*Zillow: March 7, 2024; “Homes Listed for Sale in Early June Sell for $7,700 More”