Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2023-01-09T09:01:01

(BPT) – Buying your first home is a major milestone which can seem overwhelming — especially financially. Whether you’re tired of renting, growing your family or just want a place that feels like your own, you can take simple steps to prepare for becoming a homeowner. Take time to get your financial ducks in a row before you start visiting open houses, so you’ll be ready when it’s time to make an offer.

Here’s how you can help the home-buying process go smoothly.

Start by looking at your financial picture

Take an honest look at your finances — including your income, expenses, debt and credit score. If someone is buying the home with you, have a candid conversation together about your finances to ensure your household is ready for a mortgage.

If you don’t currently use a budget, this is the ideal time to start. Use this helpful interactive budget worksheet from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. to assess your current financial situation.

How to know how much you can afford when homebuying

Many experts recommend your mortgage payment be below 36% of your household’s monthly income. Remember, you may also need to pay for maintenance and home repairs you didn’t worry about as a renter. To allow for unanticipated expenses, you may want to estimate your ideal mortgage payment at 28% of your income instead. You can use this monthly mortgage payment calculator to help estimate what you can afford and your projected monthly payment.

Next, you’ll need to start saving for a down payment. Choose a goal amount that correlates with your budget for a new home. This can range from 3.5% to 20%, although some areas offer programs with 0% down. Start by saving a small, specific amount every month, as it’s much easier to build a down payment over time. Consider using automatic deposit to put a portion of each paycheck into a savings account for this purpose. Finally, calculate your current debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which estimates how much of your gross monthly income (money coming in before taxes) goes toward your monthly debt (money going out to debt payments). Your DTI ratio is one of the factors considered by lenders to determine the loan amount you qualify for. You can figure it out by totaling your monthly debt payments and dividing that by your gross monthly income (GMI). The lower your DTI, the less risky you will appear to lenders.

Get familiar with your credit score

When you’re borrowing for a major purchase, it’s helpful to review your credit score. You can view your full credit report online for free annually. The better your credit score, the better your loan terms and interest rate may be. Factors that affect credit scores include:

• Payment history
• Amounts owed
• Length of credit history
• New credit
• Types of credit used

If your credit score is less than perfect or if you don’t have a credit score, you’ll need to give yourself enough time to work on improving it. For building on an already established score, focus on building credit by taking actions like:

• Paying credit bills on time each month
• Staying well below your credit limits
• Pulling your credit report and checking for errors

You’ll see positive change over time if you work on reducing late payments and/or resolving accounts in collection that appear on your credit report. Most people have debt, but your track record needs to show lenders you are timely with repayments and handle debt responsibly.

Consider off-site built housing when searching for your home

While today’s housing market can make homeownership seem challenging, there are new homes available at an attainable price point. For example, off-site built homes have an average price point of around $100,000. Better yet, off-site built homes can appreciate just as well as a site-built home.

Off-site built homes are also constructed with sustainable practices, which translates to lower build costs.

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance can walk you through the process of financing a home, or both land and a home. Visit VMF.com to apply.

2023-01-07T05:05:00

(BPT) – Is winter weather putting a damper on your home improvement ambitions? Many people who plan to use concrete as part of their projects believe they need to pause when temperatures dip. The truth: In many cases, this isn’t necessary.

How? Some specialty concrete mixes are formulated for quick curing that allows you to complete projects even during cold months. You just need to do a little research and plan ahead to ensure project success.

The importance of curing

Curing means ensuring the concrete retains adequate moisture, which allows it to gain strength to enhance durability of the finished project. There are three types of curing options:

• Water – spraying a mist over the slab to keep it damp
• Cover – using a plastic film or burlap to keep the moisture from evaporating
• Chemical – using a curing compound on the concrete after its initial set

Concrete options for cold weather

In cold weather climates, concrete projects are still possible. One option the pros reach for time and time again is Quikrete 5000 High Early Strength Concrete Mix. With a faster cure time, it can be used in cooler climates. This allows you to complete your projects before spring arrives.

What you need to know:

Quikrete 5000 is suitable for any concrete use requiring high early strength and rapid strength gains. Because it cures quickly and gains strength faster, it is ideal for colder weather applications. It has a walk-on time of 10 to 12 hours.

Quikrete 5000 can be used for any application requiring concrete in a minimum thickness of 2 inches, such as slabs, posts, footings, steps, columns, walls and patios.

Even though Quikrete 5000 can be used in cooler temperatures, it’s important to plan ahead and avoid freezing temperatures. You should take precautions to protect concrete from freezing during the first 48 hours. Plastic sheeting and insulation blankets should be used if temperatures are expected to fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more at Quikrete.com.

Tips for success:

• Air temperature is different than ground temperature. You may need to heat the ground or surface to get it above freezing.
• Keep materials in a dry and warm location.
• Use products designed to set quickly.
• Monitor the temperature often throughout the pouring and setting periods.

Things to avoid:

• Never pour concrete on frozen ground or substrate.
• Never pour concrete if freezing temperatures are expected within 48 hours and you can’t take proper precautions.
• Never use cold or freezing materials and tools.
• Don’t remove any framework before the concrete reaches the appropriate strength.

Cold weather months can be the ideal time to get concrete projects done before the more temperate seasons arrive. While others will be working in spring and beyond on their home improvement projects, you’ll already be done with yours and have time to sit back and live life to the fullest.

2023-01-05T18:13:00

(BPT) – If you love being up to date on the latest home innovations, you can’t do better than the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) each January. Viewing the highlights from CES lets you explore the newest technology to entertain you and your family or make household chores that much easier. For tech-savvy consumers and anyone seeking great new solutions in home technology, this year’s offerings do not disappoint.

Here are four outstanding innovations from LG Electronics featured at CES 2023 that can enhance your home.

Be ahead of the curve

If you’ve never watched movies or played your favorite video games on a curved TV screen, this belongs on your list for 2023. With the new LG OLED Flex, you get the perfect combination for gaming, productivity and TV viewing — that can switch from a flat to a curved screen at the push of a button. Viewing and gaming on a curved screen offers a more immersive experience, providing more depth and sharper visual contrast. You can sit back and enjoy 4K UHD video content through webOS, streaming services and TV Tuner, or lean into an epic video game with built-in streaming game services. This TV is also tilt and height adjustable, so you can set up the most comfortable space to enjoy your favorite content.

Whether flat or curved, this TV’s built-in evo technology delivers the same exceptional picture quality and performance that have made LG OLED TVs so popular.

Get your serious game face on

For the ultimate gaming monitor, the new LG UltraGear™ Monitor is the world’s first OLED 240Hz gaming display. Available in 27- and 45-inches, its ultrawide screen provides a rapid 0.1 millisecond Gray-to-Gray (GTG) response time, while the innovative OLED display provides outstanding picture quality and high contrast ratio to help gamers easily detect enemies in any gaming environment, even in the darkest scenes. The anti-glare coating minimizes screen reflections in dark environments, while its curvature maximizes immersion. The V-shape stand offers tilt, height and swivel adjustment to allow gamers to enjoy the large screen just as they want it.

This UltraGear monitor’s large screen, high refresh rate and fast response time make it the perfect solution for gamers looking to experience next-generation games with cutting-edge equipment.

Indulge your shoe obsession

If you love shoes but are guilty of leaving them in boxes in your closet, here’s your opportunity to show your shoes some love. The new LG Styler^® ShoeTower combines LG Styler ShoeCare and ShoeCase, creating a smart, convenient dual shoe care and storage solution to clean and display your favorite footwear.

ShoeCare meticulously sterilizes and deodorizes the interior and exterior of any shoe using LG’s unmatched steam technology. It features an intuitive 2.4-inch touch LCD display, allowing you to select cleaning mode, operation process and more.

The Styler ShoeCase is a welcome addition to any home with its modern, streamlined design. This new storage concept features a technologically enhanced design ensuring the optimum humidity and temperature to keep your footwear looking its best. With a modular design that can be configured in various forms and transparent panels for easy viewing, Styler ShoeCase is a space-friendly solution for storing and showcasing your footwear.

Through LG’s ThinQ app, the dual ShoeTower system can be controlled remotely via your smartphone, making it a truly innovative must-have, whether you’re a shoe lover or just need a shoe maintenance solution for the whole family.

Reimagining laundry

For those seeking practical solutions to the problems presented by laundry appliances, especially in limited spaces, the LG’s newest LG WashTower^™ model is the answer. Offering a full-size dryer above a full-size front-load washer, these machines provide increased capacity while lowering the height compared to existing 24-inch stacked washing machines and dryers — so you can clean more without sacrificing space. Unlike conventional stacked laundry pairs, LG’s exclusive Center Control™ panel is positioned in the middle of the unit, providing easier access to all functions to optimize your laundry experience. The washer’s AI DD™M Technology provides optimal washing performance by detecting load size, fabric softness and soil level of clothes, adjusting the proper detergent amount based on soil level, and even reduces fabric damage by 10% when washing delicate items.

Even better: Vent installation is not required in the dryer, allowing for even more flexibility. Thanks to LG’s Dual Inverter Heat Pump system, the dryer uses up to 50% less energy than other models and drying at lower temperatures to better protect your clothing.

The unit is also compatible with LG’s ThinQ Care service, helping ensure optimal performance by providing usage alerts and maintenance tips LG’s ThinQ app. Starting in March 2023, the unit will also be compatible with LG ThinQ UP, which provides regular downloadable updates to give users a personalized experience.

Explore these and other great innovations for your home at LG.com.

2023-01-05T18:11:00

(BPT) – Each year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) reveals amazing electronic innovations, and this year’s lineup is no exception. CES 2023 highlights a stunning variety of cutting-edge products to make home living more beautiful, more convenient, cleaner and even more fun. Among the many intriguing products featured in this show are surprising new technologies you didn’t know you needed — until now.

Here are four top products from LG Electronics showcased in this year’s CES.

Turn your TV into art

It’s not just a TV anymore: With the new LG OLED Posé, your TV resembles a high-end piece of furniture or art rather than an entertainment center. The TV provides stunning OLED evo picture quality, but that’s not all. When you’re not watching your favorite shows or movies, the TV can be switched to Gallery mode, displaying a photo or your choice of artful pieces on the digital canvas, transforming your space into an art gallery.

The Posé’s soft, smooth lines create a quiet, neutral look suitable for any interior. It’s framed in a muted, calming beige fabric finish, adding stylish charm perfect for your space, and you can personalize the media shelf to show off favorite books or magazines. Even better, the Cable and Accessory Organizer conceals wires behind a Clean Cover to minimize clutter, keeping everything tidy. With the OLED Posé, you can create an artistic interior that’s uniquely you.

Use your TV wherever you want

Tired of your TV being a fixed object you can’t move from one location? The LG StanbyME TV is for you. The portable design lets you take your screen anywhere in your home, from your workspace to the kitchen or living room and back, hassle-free. Offering maximum versatility, StanbyME provides a wireless private 27-inch TV screen with a built-in battery, allowing for three hours of viewing before recharging — enough for a movie, workout or study session. Its movable stand has five concealed wheels, making it easy to move around your home.

Multiple adjustment options let you watch in comfort wherever you are, with a swiveling screen and adjustable height so you can customize the position to suit your location. The TV also features near field communication, so you can wirelessly mirror content from your phone, tablet or laptop, and supports AirPlay, allowing you to stream, share and mirror content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac.

A fridge to match your mood

For anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen with friends and family (or making culinary masterpieces on your own), the LG STUDIO Refrigerator with MoodUP™ technology will make your kitchen time extra festive. With vibrant color-changing LED panels, you can create a customized lighting scheme for your refrigerator using colors to suit your mood or environment. Through LG’s ThinQ™ app, select from 23 colors and 190K color combinations for the upper and lower (refrigerator) door panels, transforming your kitchen into a lively, creative environment. You can create a customized lighting scheme with a wide range of vibrant colors or themes including Season, Healing and Pop. When the LED door panels are off, the refrigerator offers a traditional look with a mix of Lux Gray and White Sensors.

In addition to its stunning changeable colors, the refrigerator brings music into your kitchen with a built-in Bluetooth speaker that can connect to your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. Match your mood with songs from your favorite music streaming apps or a Music Collection playlist on the ThinQ app. Advanced Al technology lets you access upgraded voice and vision recognition, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Ready for a party? The refrigerator’s LED panels can change color in sync with the music, adding even more fun to your get-together or everyday routines.

Design and function that delivers clean, comfortable air

For cleaner air without sacrificing style and space, LG PuriCare™ Aero Furniture merges a modern table-top design with 360 degrees of powerful air-purifying functionality. You can enjoy fresher air at home thanks to multi-stage filtration, along with LG’s UVnano™ technology that reduces viruses and bacteria on the purifier’s fan blades by up to 99.99%. The multi-fan modes and multi-directional purified air flow offer multiple airflow modes and fan speeds to ensure optimal comfort at home. Using LG’s ThinQ technology, you can monitor air quality in real time throughout your home and choose between eight different mood lighting features using your smartphone. And there’s more: You can even charge your smartphones and wireless earbuds via the tabletop’s built-in wireless charger.

The modern, elegant PuriCare™ Aero Furniture encompasses sleek, multifunctional design with a choice of styles and colors to fit any home decor. You can even create a pleasing atmosphere with its mood lighting feature, with eight different colors to choose from. Better yet, this unique air purifier also incorporates sustainable design, with components fabricated from reusable plastic from old appliances and electronics and reusable packaging materials.

Learn more about innovative products bringing more style and function to your home at LG.com.

2023-01-04T14:23:03

(BPT) – Ignited by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, alternative housing options continue to trend upward — even while the overall housing market has cooled. Remote work has opened possibilities for living almost anywhere, even working while traveling, which has led to increased interest in options like tiny houses.

A recent survey by Fidelity National Financial subsidiary IPX1031 found that over half (56%) of survey respondents would consider living in a tiny house. Even more surprising, 86% of people who were not homeowners said they would consider a tiny house as their first home purchase, and 84% said a tiny home was an option they would consider for retirement. Other alternatives like modular homes, trailers and converted vans have emerged as potential options for anyone alarmed by exorbitant home prices, rising mortgage rates and soaring utility costs — and for those seeking a greener lifestyle.

Nontraditional homes offer benefits including economy, mobility (tiny houses with wheels or vans, for example), simplicity and sustainability. But they also present challenges. Beyond learning to de-clutter and simplify, you also have to learn how to meet essential needs, including most importantly: plumbing. Any living situation requiring above-floor plumbing solutions demands extra thought, so whatever space you call home is livable, practical — and comfortable.

Fortunately, implementing plumbing in a nontraditional home or even a portable setting is easier than ever, thanks to the development of user-friendly products that make workable bathrooms, kitchens and laundries possible for almost any setting.

Innovative bathroom solutions

For tiny homes, modular homes or other kinds of nontraditional housing, today’s effective above-floor plumbing technology can also improve water conservation. For example, macerators, grinders and drain pumps specifically designed for small spaces allow you to install efficient plumbing systems virtually anywhere, even for portable bathrooms.

Having to connect to a septic system 100 feet away, which was too far for conventional drainage, tiny home builders Mario and Ciarra Soto chose an option that offered the convenience of a traditional flushing toilet. Because tiny homes like theirs aren’t usually connected to a municipal sewer system, the Sotos had to figure out how to connect to their nearby property’s septic tank. The solution? The Saniaccess 2 macerating toilet system fit right behind their toilet, taking up little space. Meanwhile, its half-horsepower pump and macerator blades rotating at 3,600 RPM handled their drainage needs efficiently and quietly — and they even installed it themselves.

Kitchen options for tiny houses, food trucks or basements

In settings ranging from tiny houses to food trucks or even modular homes, optimizing limited space is key to a successful kitchen setup. Ideally, you’ll want to install a drain pump unit that not only handles drainage of gray water (water used for purposes other than sewage) from your sink and dishwasher, but also fits inside a kitchen cabinet.

One choice is the Sanivite, about one-third the size of a standard drain pump, which can discharge gray water away from a variety of fixtures up to 16 feet vertically and/or 150 feet horizontally to the drain line. The Sanivite offers quiet performance by emitting less noise and vibration. This solution was ideal for Dane Perkins, project manager and co-owner of GMH Construction. His clients wanted to add a basement bar to their lakefront home — which would have involved breaking through their basement’s concrete floor. Instead, this new unit could drain water easily to meet their clients’ needs for far less cost.

Laundry solutions for smaller spaces

While the ability to do laundry is crucial to daily living, adding laundry facilities often seems impossible in modular settings. With a more compact profile than other drain pumps, the Saniswift Pro is a heavy-duty drain pump made for hard-to-reach, tight spaces common in modular settings — such as beneath a bathroom or kitchen sink. This unit can handle gray water from up to three fixtures (such as a shower, dishwasher and/or washing machine) and doesn’t store waste, but uses a short-cycle motor to begin draining immediately. The result? More efficient, effective drainage with no unpleasant odors.

If you’re considering a nontraditional housing option or need solutions to above-ground plumbing problems, visit saniflo.com to explore a variety of products that can make a difference, no matter what kind of housing you choose.

2022-12-30T05:11:00

(BPT) – Colder weather does not mean you have to stop tackling all your important home DIY projects. If you’ve been putting off tiling your basement or carpeting the spare bedroom because the surface is unlevel, there’s an easy solution. You can use Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer to help you make the most of basement rooms or other spaces that may have sloping, uneven or cracked floors.

With this product, you can resurface most floors with a single application, creating a smooth surface for the installation of ceramic tile, carpet, resilient flooring or other finishes. The product can be installed from 5/8-inch deep to a feather edge, and can even be used outdoors with precautions (such as temperature or eliminating a slope necessary for proper drainage) for areas like patios if the temperature is not below freezing.

You can improve your basement or other floor over a weekend, with the right preparation. Your resurfaced floor will be ready for applying tile or carpet — or leaving just as it is, for lightly trafficked areas.

Before using the resurfacer, you’ll need to assess the current floor’s surface and do some preparation.

Temperature considerations

Quikrete’s Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer can be used at any temperature above freezing, but for best results, the temperature should be at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temps will slow the setting time for the product, although it will still set faster than typical resurfacing products.

Check for damage and amount of slope

First, examine the floor for large cracks, holes or damage that may need repair before applying Quickrete’s Floor Resurfacer. If you have deep cracks (more than 5/8″ deep) or large chunks of floor to repair, use a fast-set repair mortar and cure such as Quikrete Commercial Grade FastSet Repair Mortar before resurfacing. Small hairline cracks will be easily filled by the floor resurfacer.

Then, use a level to determine how much slope you have. You can apply up to 5/8 of an inch of lift but not more than that in a single application, so if your floor has a bigger slope, you’ll want to use more than one application to level the area.

Gather your materials

All you’ll need is the Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer, a heavy-duty drill with a paddle mixer, water, a 5-pound bucket, impervious gloves and Quikrete Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). The resurfacing product is self-leveling, so no trowel is required. Make sure to follow safety precautions and wear impervious gloves such as nitrile when using products.

Clean and prime your floor

It’s essential that all surfaces are clean and free of foreign substances including dirt, dust, oil, grease and paint. After cleaning, you’ll need to prime the clean, dry floor surface with diluted QUIKRETE Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). Follow the product’s instructions for use and allow time to dry. The bonding adhesive should be dry to the touch (drying takes about 1-2 hours, depending on conditions) before using the resurfacer.

Apply the resurfacer

Mix the resurfacer with water according to the product instructions. Starting in the center of the space, pour the material directly from the mixing container in continuous strips of about 1 foot (30 cm) wide across the narrow section of the application area. Placing should be done as one continuous operation, with no screeding or troweling necessary. The mixed material will remain fluid for approximately 20 minutes, and will level itself to a smooth surface. Pour the next strip adjacent to the edge of the previously placed material. The adjacent strips should be poured within 15-20 minutes to ensure a smooth, continuous surface. Continue to work without breaks until the entire application area is covered.

Allow the resurfacer to cure

Curing time will vary depending on area conditions. During the first 24 hours, keep the area covered or damp to prevent excessive loss of water, which can cause cracking. You can also use Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal, plastic sheeting or the application of a very fine fog spray of water to help prevent shrinkage cracking.

Following these steps can help you maximize your home’s underused basement or other spaces, providing rooms with smooth, level floors. Visit Quikrete.com for information about this and other home DIY products.

2022-12-30T01:01:00

(BPT) – 2023 will reveal a few new outdoor design trends, but two of them — mixed materials and bringing the indoors out — are maintaining their previous popularity into the new year. New trends landscape designers are anticipating include more interest in sustainability, expanding the use of outdoor spaces and maximizing cutting-edge technology.

Growing from the pandemic, interest in outdoor living is now at an all-time high — and the top 2023 trends in outdoor design reflect that continued interest, according to Joe Raboine, director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard.

Supporting sustainability

Caring for the environment is an increasing priority for homeowners, especially those who love the outdoors and want to ensure the environment is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“Homeowners are asking designers to create spaces inspired by nature that also help conserve it,” said Raboine. “This can mean choosing long-lasting materials for hardscaping, finding products made from recycled materials and/or using permeable pavers to help reduce water runoff.”

Extending indoor spaces

Bringing the indoors out is hardly new, but as more homeowners view outdoor spaces as extensions of their home, the trend is definitely here to stay. Creating outdoor spaces that reflect your lifestyle and design aesthetic is not only a goal for larger homes and lots, but also for smaller lots needing more privacy. Shade structures like pergolas, shade sails and screen panels offer seclusion as well as protection from the heat, helping outdoor spaces become more private and livable, no matter the size.

Today’s homeowners are also equipping spaces with fully operational kitchens, quality outdoor furniture, firepits and games to upgrade their outdoor living experience. The backyard is becoming the go-to spot for fun, with outdoor games including life-size chess, billiards, mini-golf and more.

Exploring color and texture

As outdoor spaces become extensions of the home, designers and homeowners see these spaces as more than just a place to host barbecues. Mixing natural materials including wood, stone and plants (as in living walls) with man-made materials like glass and metal creates interesting variety in texture and color that transforms any space into a more attractive environment. Textured pavers are also becoming more popular, such as those that mimic natural stone or textile finishes.

“Homeowners are becoming more adventurous with color and texture,” noted Raboine. “While shades of gray are still dominant, warmer tones like browns and tans together with greens are adding depth and dimension.”

Patterns can also be created using modular designs, textured pavers and hardscaping features to make any outdoor space both calming and energizing. Outdoor lighting provides more visual interest to your space while extending its usable hours — with color-changing lights turning any patio into party central.

Creating multi-purpose spaces

Today’s backyards fulfill multiple purposes, with Zen gardens or labyrinths extending off traditional patios for additional relaxation or meditation areas. Gardening is also resurging, as homeowners are growing herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers using raised and vertical gardens, small greenhouses or hot boxes.

“You can add built-in seating and benches to create a firepit area or mini theater,” Raboine added. “These can be beautiful spots for resting or entertaining, plus a practical dining area for your family.”

Optimizing technology

With mixed-use spaces becoming more complex, using augmented reality (AR) can streamline the design process for homeowners and contractors alike. AR technology allows homeowners to see small details in design down to plants, shadows and even animations. Today’s technology helps manage the growing popularity of outdoor living, with AR and mixed reality letting designers and homeowners visualize and communicate their plans.

Belgard Rooms’ newest feature uses AR so homeowners and contractors can view a templated outdoor design plan in their backyard, offering a better visual representation of how their yard can look. Homeowners select their AR plans and drop them into their outdoor space to view, walk through and scale the templated outdoor rooms, bringing the plan to life in their own backyards. Homeowners can test various rooms, features and styles, helping them bring their vision to life. Currently, 32 AR Rooms can be viewed on any device.

“AR Rooms help turn dreams into reality through a seamless design process,” explained Raboine. “Homeowners and landscape professionals have adopted the technology quickly, helping homeowners envision different outdoor living plans — and simplifying the design process for any project.”

Ready to reimagine your outdoor space? Visit Rooms.Belgard.com/ar-rooms.

2022-12-24T05:15:00

(BPT) – Just because winter’s here doesn’t mean you have to put household DIY projects requiring grout on hold. As long as you take precautions, indoor projects like setting tile can go smoothly and easily. And whether you’re a novice DIYer, seasoned home decorator or hiring a professional contractor, your decisions don’t stop at what kind of tile to use — selecting the best grout also makes a huge difference for the look and wear of your space, as well as how easy it is to apply.

1. Consider design goals when selecting grout color

While tile gets most of the attention when people plan their kitchen, bathroom or other space, the grout you choose can make or break the look you want. Choosing the best color option for grout depends on what you’re looking for with your overall design. Want to make the tile appear seamless, enlarging the feel of your space? Or do you want to highlight the graphic element of the tile pattern itself? In other words, do you want the grout to fade into the background so it’s mostly the tile we see, or use grout to enhance the look?

When you want seamless tile to be the star of the show and the space to appear larger, you’re better off with a neutral grout color that’s lighter than the tile — which is why many choose white or off-white shades for grout. However, if you’re looking to make the tile pattern pop, grout colors like shades of gray that are darker than your tile will stand out, becoming part of the design. Given the many grout colors available today, some designers even choose grout matching a color used elsewhere in the room, such as in wall paint or another design element.

2. Be choosy about your grout

To ensure you’re using the best possible product for virtually any tiling product, consider a top choice of construction pros: Prism Ultimate Performance Grout, the uniquely formulated high-performance cement grout from Custom Building Products. Known for its incredible color consistency in an array of 40 color choices, this product is also long-lasting and highly stain resistant, requiring no sealing — even for challenging applications like a kitchen backsplash or high-traffic floor. Its exclusive calcium aluminate formula controls hydration to ensure color consistency without shading or mottling, regardless of the conditions of the space. You won’t see any efflorescence, either — that unsightly whitish crusty deposit that can sometimes appear on the surface of the grout joint. Beyond being very easy to work with, Prism creates super dense grout joints that resist stains better than any other cement grout.

Prism Grout is ideal for grout joints from 1/16” up to 1/2”, and you can use it in any sanded grout application or in place of non-sanded grout in narrow joints like plank tile assemblies. This grout also performs exceptionally well in the extra wide and deep joints found with pebble or irregular tile and can be used for challenging applications such as wet areas, exteriors or submerged tile. Unlike some grouts, Prism sets up quickly and can be walkable in as little as four hours.

3. Use grout correctly

As with any product you use in your home, make sure to follow the product instructions exactly. For example, be sure you’re using the precise amount of water recommended for mixing your grout so it will bond correctly.

Because a cold environment can negatively impact the grout setting correctly, be careful that your grout powder is both stored and used in rooms with temperatures between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The water you use to mix your grout should also be in this temperature range. After applying, make sure the room temperature stays between 50-80 degrees for at least 72 hours while the grout is setting. In addition, avoid foot traffic on floor tile until you are sure the grout is fully set and dry.

With the right grout product and using these tips, you can update the look of any space using tile, even during colder months. To learn more about Prism Ultimate Performance Grout and to see a video highlighting its uses, visit CustomBuildingProducts.com. The product is available at Home Depot and other leading home improvement stores.

2022-12-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – House Beautiful’s Whole Home is back for its fifth year, loaded with modern conveniences and timeless charm. Located in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, this home marks the first time the project has featured renovating an existing property.

If you’re planning to build or renovate in 2023, you can find inspiration from this elevated modern Tudor that focuses on living better at home. Keeping that in mind, two of the most important spaces in a home for ease of modern living are the kitchen and the owner’s suite.

Kitchen: English vibes and upscale appliances

Indianapolis-based designer Whitney Parkinson took a traditional approach to the kitchen remodel, adding English flair with the high-end chef in mind. The space features warm woods, quartz countertops and antiqued mirror tile that make this brand new kitchen feel like it’s been there forever.

Featuring a number of award-winning Signature Kitchen Suite appliances, the kitchen and entertaining spaces are filled with technology and smart organization. The oversized eat-in kitchen features the first-of-its-kind 48-inch built-in French Door Refrigerator with a unique combination of precise preservation technology and features, including a dual compressor system with exceptional capacity and functionality in a sleek, innovative design.

Offering several unique design features, the refrigerator can elevate the overall aesthetic of any kitchen and is available in stainless steel and panel-ready options. Its purposeful design offers one of the most versatile and larger width interiors in the industry with a total capacity of 26 cubic feet, Lift and Go drawers, fully adjustable door bins and LED lighting that is hidden away and focused on the food. The WiFi-connected unit includes a Dual Ice Maker with slow-melting, spherical Craft Ice to elevate beverages of all kinds.

Parkinson also selected the Signature Kitchen Suite 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range, the first range on the market with built-in sous vide functionality — in addition to induction and gas, all on the same cooking surface, along with two ovens below. Adjacent to the kitchen is a walk-in scullery and pantry, featuring the ultimate chef’s tool — the wall oven with Speed Cook, steam-combi, microwave, convection, sous vide and broil — and the advanced PowerSteam ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher, marrying high efficiency, high performance and high style.

Owner’s suite: Walk-in closets and laundry care

One of the primary suite’s walk-in closets features the stylish, unique LG STUDIO Styler clothing care system that refreshes, deodorizes and sanitizes clothing with the gentle power of steam. This appliance takes fabric care to the next level with increased capacity for up to five hangers along with a pants press in the door, and an exclusive black tinted mirror for a full-length reflection.

Also featured in the primary suite and upstairs laundry room is the ENERGY STAR certified LG STUDIO WashTower, a single-unit vertical laundry solution that takes up half the floor space without sacrificing capacity. The smart design features an industry-first Center Controlpanel that offers convenient access to controls (no step stool needed). Plus, its built-in intelligence takes out the guesswork thanks to AI technology that selects optimal washing and drying settings for each load to deliver the best in fabric care.

To explore these rooms and learn more about the appliances and other features, visit HouseBeautiful.com.

2022-12-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – Before winter sets in, you should prepare your home for winter to avoid expensive repairs down the road. Frozen pipes and ice dams are the most common problems that can lead to costly repairs. According to State Farm, this year alone, burst pipes and ice dams cost $181 million in claims, averaging $20,000 per claim.

Even if you live in a warmer state, don’t skimp on preparing your home for the cooler months. It may be hard to believe, but in 2021 and 2022, Texas was the No. 1 state with losses because of pipes and dams. This year, total claims in Texas cost $64 million.

If you want to protect your home from winter damage, check out these eight tips to help prevent frozen or burst pipes and ice dams.

1. Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets

Before winter hits, take a walk around your front and back yard and disconnect your garden hose. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. These simple measures can reduce the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

2. Let water drip and open cabinet doors

Most of the time, frozen pipes are preventable by simply leaving cabinet doors open and letting your faucets drip. Keeping cabinet doors open keeps the pipes warm by allowing airflow from the room, while letting the faucet drip keeps warmer water flowing through the pipes, making it more difficult to freeze. Also, an open faucet acts as a release that can help prevent pressure from building up inside the pipe and bursting.

3. Watch your thermostat

During the winter, keep your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. This can also help reduce the strain on your furnace during extremely cold weather.

If you have a vacation home, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Also, make sure before you leave for a while that you replace the battery in your thermostat.

4. Insulate pipes and keep them warm

Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon, you’re best off insulating the pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. You can also use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables that wrap around your pipes and keeps them warm even in freezing conditions.

5. Insulate your attic

While you’re insulating your pipes, check your attic’s insulation. Ask a contractor to check the space to ensure the insulation in your attic space is adequate for the climate.

If you don’t have insulation, consider installing some before winter sets in. Adding insulation to your attic can help prevent your home’s warm air from escaping into unheated attic spaces, keep your pipes warm, and prevent ice dams from forming.

6. Seal leaks

Leaks in your home can make it easier for pipes to freeze and ice dams to form. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. Verify all penetrations, access panels and electrical fixtures are properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat and moisture from entering the attic space.

7. Clean gutters

Before winter weather hits your area, clean your gutters of leaves and other debris. While this may not prevent ice dams, clean gutters can drain ice melt during a thaw.

8. Check the soffits

Verify that soffits (the exposed siding underneath your roof’s overhang) and roof or ridge venting exist along your home’s roof planes. Also, make sure that soffit vents aren’t blocked by attic insulation or covered by newly installed maintenance-free finishes outside the home.

What to do if your pipes freeze and dams are damaged?

If you turn your faucet on and nothing comes out, it’s probably because your pipes are frozen. The first step is to turn off the water to the home. If your pipes have burst, you won’t know until it thaws. A 1/8-inch crack can spray more than 250 gallons of water a day, ruining floors, carpets, furniture and irreplaceable personal belongings. Next, open all your faucets and call a plumber. Look for cracks in your pipes and if one is identified, place a bucket below to reduce damage once the pipe thaws.

There are some short-term remedies for ice dams, but it’s best to determine and fix the cause. Make sure to consult a trusted and competent professional who can get to the root of the problem, fix it and hopefully prevent it from happening again.

Using these tips, you can prepare your home for the winter and reduce your risk of burst pipes and ice dams. If your home suffers damage this winter, contact your local State Farm agent to see if it’s covered under your homeowners policy. You can also check out more winter home maintenance at StateFarm.com/Simple-Insights.