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        <title>Denver Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/tags/home/</link>
        <description>Denver real estate topics including local metro Denver community news and events.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-love-your-new-denver-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-love-your-new-denver-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How to Love your New Denver Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
One of the most important things to look for when buying a home is the location. Everything else can be changed through renovations, additions and landscaping, but the location is a permanent factor and one that can't be changed unless you move again. Pay attention to things like where on the property the house is located, is it tight up against the neighbors, or do you have some room to breathe. Is it on a hill with a great view, or does it just add more stairs to walk up every day when you get home from work? Don't forget what might be charming now, could be annoying later; you are planning to live there, not just visit.

Also, when noticing the location, notice the neighborhood your house is located in. Are you next to a busy mall or street? Pay attention to things like is there children playing in the nearby park, or in their yards. Even if you do not have children of your own, it is a great indication of how safe the neighborhood is. Drive through the back streets and alleys as well, paying attention to how clean it is, and how many neighbors leave trash lying around. Watching for these kinds of things will help you enjoy your home more in the future. Although a large house is very nice, it may be worth it to buy a slightly smaller house in a better neighborhood.

The next thing to pay attention to is the floor plan. Although you may be able to afford four bathrooms and five bedrooms, think about if you and your cat really need all that space. You will have to pay more for heating, and lighting the larger space, as well as fill all the extra rooms adding to the cost of decorating. Don't forget to factor in hidden costs such as window treatments for every addition room. Make sure also the floor plan reflects you and your lifestyle. If you are a laid back family then eating in a formal dining room every night may feel weird. Perhaps finding an eat-in kitchen floor plan would be more suitable for your family.

Think of your hobbies and what makes you happy. If you've always wanted a home office, or a separate room to do all your scrapbooking and other crafts in, settling for house without room for that is not going to leave you fulfilled. Likewise if you participate in a lot of winter and snow sports, make sure your home has somewhere to keep your skis, boots and snowboards. Making sure everything you love has a place in your home, will help it stay clean and you in love with your purchase.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 07:49:35 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/the-difference-between-a-house-and-a-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/the-difference-between-a-house-and-a-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>The Difference Between A House And A Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Did you know that the terms 'house' and 'home' are not interchangeable in the real estate community? Pay close attention to how your real estate agent refers to the home you're selling or buying. While it may seem silly to you and that there is no discernable difference between the words, there actually is when it comes to real estate. It's actually a matter of perspective.

In the real estate world, the agent working on getting a buyer for your home will refer to as a 'house'. The word house simply represents a structure that the new owner will be turning into their own domain. The real estate agent is actually helping you understand this without actually saying it. By referring to your home as a house during the sale, you are able to let go of the personal feelings you have to structure. This will ultimately allow you to look at critically and without the emotion that tempts you to drive up the price.

The real estate agent will then refer to the house you are buying as a 'home'. They want you to see your new place of residence as the place you raise your family and the place you come home to every night. The new address is where you will make new memories and the real estate agent wants you to see it as being a part of your life, just like the old house is leaving your life.

Your 'home' is where you feel safe. It's where you sleep at night, it's where you sit down for family meals, and it's the place that has the cool back yard for those summer time family games. In order to successfully sell your home and move to a new one, there is some emotional separation that has to take place. Once you do that, you will be able to look at your new house as your new home.

To help with this emotional separation and to move on, consider removing everything that makes your house a home when you put it up for sale. Take all of the personal items off of shelving, mantelpieces and the walls. Clean the junk out of the basement and attic. Clean out the linen closet and only keep what you need in the kitchen. Put all of these items in storage until you move into your new home. Not only will this help you separate from the old home, it will help the buyer see you house as their new home.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:18:27 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/finding-storage-room-in-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/finding-storage-room-in-your-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Finding Storage Room in Your Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you seem to be running out of space for all of your belongings, then there are three options available to you. You can get rid of some of your belongings, reorganize them so that they take up less space or find some new places in which to store them. 

Increasing the amount of storage space in your home can be very useful. It can also help to make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you are thinking of selling your house. 

Reorganizing your existing storage space can sometimes make it possible to fit all of your belongings neatly into place without having to take up any more room. You could, for example, rearrange the storage space in your closet, using shelving, clothes rails and wire racks to ensure that all of the available space is being used. 

If you have an unused loft or basement, then you may want to consider packing some of your belongings away and storing them up in the attic or down in the cellar. This may not be an option if you want all of your belongings to remain on display or to be easily accessible. If this is the case, then a loft or basement conversion may be the answer. It would give you a whole new room in which to store things. You would experience a similar expansion in the space available to your for storage if you built an extension onto your house. Outdoor buildings such as sheds and garages may also provide useful storage space, and building a new shed will be much cheaper and easier than building an extension onto your home. 

Another option is to find some unused space in your house that could be converted into a storage area. Very few people actually use up all of the space in their homes. Try walking through your house and looking at all of the empty space that is not currently being used. If you set your imagination to work, you may be able to come up with a way of exploiting these unused spaces for storage. 

You could hang some hooks up on a bare piece of wall, for example, and use them to hang up clothes or storage bags. You might be able to put up some new shelves or cabinets. You could, for example, add a new shelf in between your existing shelves. This will reduce the height available above each shelf, but it may provide you with useful additional storage space. You can buy ready-made shelves and cabinets, which you can put together, request a custom-made design or build your own. If you are trying to fit a cabinet or some shelves into an unusually shaped space, such as the area underneath your stairs, then you may need to buy tailor made cabinets or make your own. 

Building a walk in closet or reach in closet can also be a very effective way of providing more storage space, but you will need to think about how the new closet will affect the size and layout of your existing rooms. A less permanent storage solution such as a wardrobe or built in wardrobe may be more sensible in some houses.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:30:41 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-remove-water-to-prevent-water-damage-in-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-remove-water-to-prevent-water-damage-in-your-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How to Remove Water to Prevent Water Damage In Your Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
One of the main worries that homeowners have today is the fear that one day there might be the possibility of accidental water damage to their home. The key word here is &quot;accidental&quot;. Though many of us are careful to make sure that everything is shut off, there also is the chance that we become preoccupied, which can lead to your worst nightmare. There are also those unexpected situations that can happen anytime, any day. Whether water damage is caused by a storm that blew through, causing your home or basement to flood, or you accidentally forget to shut off the water. Water removal can be very costly and if not taken care of promptly, can cause much more water damage then you can afford. Before this happens, here are some useful steps you can take to prevent more water damage. 

Before you take any steps to clean up any water damage in your home, make sure you take pictures of all the damage. By doing this, you will have evidence to provide to your insurance company. If you have water damage due to flooding caused by a storm, and you have flood insurance, the insurance company may be able to assist you in removal of water damage. If you do not have flood insurance there is the chance you may not get any help. It is best to at least take the chance and see what kind of help is available to you. 

Next, be ready to put some elbow grease into the removal of the water damage. If the case is just a small amount of water damage, you can remove most of it by simply using a bucket. For a larger amount of water damage, you may need to find a store that rents out pumps to remove the water. If you find removing the water damage too much for you to handle, there is the option to hire a professional that can take care of it for you. Also, if there has been water damage for at least 48 hours in your home and you have carpet, you will need to remove the carpet. 

Once you have finished doing everything mentioned above, you can go to your areas Lowe's or a Home Depot to purchase a moisture reader. You will need to find the dryest spot in your home to test for moisture that may be in the walls. This moisture reader will tell you how much damage has been done to your home. Once finished, it is important to call a restoration professional. 

Water damage removal can be a very long process, but the best thing you can do is find assistance from a professional. Water damage can&nbsp;get out of hand so it is best that you have it taken care of before it becomes any worse.
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            <pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:18:07 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/preparing-your-denver-home-for-a-showing.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/preparing-your-denver-home-for-a-showing.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Preparing Your Denver Home For A Showing</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When you are selling your home, it is essential that it makes a good impression on any prospective buyers who come to take a look at it. If it does not live up to their expectations or if they are unable to imagine themselves living there, then these potential buyers will never take the next step and actually make an offer on the property. You can hold an open viewing, or schedule a viewing with a specific buyer, but whichever type of viewing you are holding you should prepare for it as if it were a business presentation. In some respects, presenting your home to potential buyers is the same as presenting a product to a client. You are trying to impress them and convince them to buy. You need to present your product, in this case the house, at its best.&nbsp;



The easiest and most obvious thing you can do to ensure that your house is as attractive as possible to the people who come to view it is to clean it thoroughly. Buyers will be put off if there is any mess or dirt in the house.&nbsp;



You can take the cleaning to the next level and get rid of any clutter. Pack it up and get it out of the house, perhaps to the attic or garage of a friend, or to a rented storage unit. Clutter can be distracting for potential buyers, and it can also make the house appear smaller and more crowded. Having clean surfaces and plenty of empty space will allow visitors to imagine their own belongings in the house. If there is a lot of clutter lying about it can also make buyers worry that there is not enough storage space in the property.&nbsp;



Their own homes are probably untidy and cluttered, but potential buyers always like to imagine themselves living in a pristine new home rather than a realistic one. Getting rid of mess and personal belongings can help them to do this.&nbsp;



If you are willing to spend a bit of money on your property in order to get a better price for it, then you can do some redecoration and repair work. Redecorating the house in a plain style will allow potential buyers to visualize what they would do to the property and to picture themselves living there. Many prospective buyers are put off by carpets, wallpaper or paint that are not to their taste, even though they could easily redecorate themselves. They often find it difficult to see past the changeable aspects of a property, and so are unable to imagine themselves living in it.&nbsp;



Performing any repairs that the property is in need off can have a significant impact on the way it is viewed by potential buyers. Most people prefer to see a property that won't need any work when they move in, so make sure that everything is working properly and is in good condition. If there are any major repairs that need to be done, it may be worth investing in getting the work done, although you should consider whether you will be able to recoup the expenditure on the sale. If you don't do the work, you may have to lower the price of the property in order to get it sold, but it may be easier to do than it is to undertake any serious renovations, particularly if you need to move quickly.


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            <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:07:12 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/10-deadly-mistakes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/10-deadly-mistakes.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>10 Deadly Mistakes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
10 deadly mistakes Denver home buyers make when purchasing a home.

Looking for a home prior to getting prequalified

Prequalification makes your life and home buying process much easier so make sure to take the time needed to speak with a quality lender (contact me and I can refer you).&nbsp; By getting answers to questions on income, debt, etc., the lender can help you determine the price range that you can afford.&nbsp; 

Not getting a home inspection

We understand that saving money is important, but skipping a home inspection to save a little money today could end up costing you a lot of money tomorrow.&nbsp; Qualified home inspectors can inspect a home for issues that many home buyers could easily overlook.&nbsp; We are happy to refer quality home inspectors.

Limiting your home search to ads, open houses or the internet

Most of the homes found in magazines or internet ads have often already been sold.&nbsp; We have the most up to date information on properties and resources which are not available to the general public that allow us to quickly identify the property youre seeking.

Selecting a Denver Real Estate agent that is not committed to exceeding your expectations in a business relationship 

It is crucial to connect with the right Denver Realtor - a real estate professional that will be there before, during and after the sale.

Believing that there is only one perfect home available

When it comes to purchasing a home it is more a process of elimination than selection.&nbsp; Each day brings new properties onto the market as existing properties are sold so a Denver home buyer should be open to all possibilities.&nbsp; When viewing homes ask your Realtor how the value of the home compares to others on the market which have recently sold or are still for sale.

Not taking into account your long term needs

When considering a home it is important to think ahead.&nbsp; Ask yourself if the home will still suit your needs in 3 to 5 years.

Not taking into account insurance issues

When arranging for home owners insurance make sure to get adequate coverage.&nbsp; Ask advice from the insurance agent and get answers to any concerns you may have.

Not buying a home warranty

This is a mini insurance policy that is usually good for one year from closing.&nbsp; The policy covers basic repairs which may be encountered during the first year.&nbsp; It gives peace of mind against large, unforeseen repair bills and can be purchased for a nominal fee.

Not knowing the total costs involved in the purchase

Early in the process when obtaining your prequalification from the lender make sure to get a prepared estimate of closing costs.&nbsp; Certain costs may be estimated such as fees for Title Company, HOA fees, insurance and attorneys fees if one is engaged.&nbsp; This should then be compared to the settlement statement prior to closing.

Not completing due diligence

Denver home buyers should list any concerns on issues such as neighbors, schools, crime, power lines, environmental conditions, etc.&nbsp; Find the answers to these prior to making your offer so you can be confident in your decision.

Oh, Remember&hellip;&nbsp; When you encounter friends or relatives who are considering buying or selling a home and would appreciate the services I offer, I would love to help them.&nbsp; As these people come to mind, just call me with their name and business number.&nbsp; I will follow up and ensure they receive excellent service.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:28 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-choose-door-and-window-locks.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-choose-door-and-window-locks.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How to Choose Door and Window Locks</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Todays burglars and intruders focus on ordinary homes.&nbsp; They will often keep a watchful eye on any opportunities that present themselves to gain access to a residence. Video camera recorders are top of the theft list, followed by laptop or personal computers, small electronic equipment, jewellery, cash, and antiques. 

Loss of possessions is bad enough but for many burglary also brings vandalism and, in some cases, violence. Making your home secure doesn't guarantee that you won't be burgled - but as most thief like to be in and out quickly and with the minimum of fuss, simple protection can make the would-be-thief think twice.

Thieves do their research well and seek any entrance that they can use to enter the home such as doors, windows, chimneys, and skylights. Most domestic burglaries take place in the late mornings or early afternoon, when working couples are sure to be out and Mums with small children likely to be shopping or collecting youngsters from school. Thieves like to get in and out quickly and only struggle with a difficult lock if they know that the house contains jewellery or antiques. 

Appropriate good locks to doors and windows and using simple deterrent systems, such as leaving a light or the radio on when you are out, makes your home a much less attractive prospect for the thief. 

Although it may seem a little odd for a burglar to enter using the front door, nearly a third of break-ins happen this way. A house equipped with good locks and sensible precautions can reduce this risk. 

The days when a front door could be fitted with a simple cylinder lock are history. If your front door is still fitted with this type of lock, change it immediately. Opening this type of lock with a piece of plastic (for instance a credit card) takes only a few seconds.

The best type of lock to fit is a mortice deadlock which can be opened only by a key. Mortice deadlocks fall into 2 categories; those that are recessed into the door and those with a deadlocking rim which screws on to the door. Recessed locks are used on solid doors, deadlock rims on veneered doors. The more levers the lock has, the more it costs and the more difficult it is to pick. Normally, a simple five lever deadlock will defeat most thieves. If you are worried about the type of lock to buy, or how to fit it, ask a crime prevention officer for suggestion. 

An extra mortice bolts at the top and bottom of the door are worth buying if you live in an isolated area. Bolts are fitted to the inside of the door, usually at the top and bottom, and can be opened only with a key.

Some of burglars are let into the house by the owner. Never open the door without checking who is there first. A door chain allows you to open the door and speak to callers without letting them in. Pick the best quality chain you can afford and check that the plates are securely screwed into the door and jamb.&nbsp; A door viewer allows you to see the visitor without opening the door. The viewer is a small optical lens which screws into the door. It enables you to see callers without them seeing you. A viewer with a view angle of 200 degrees offers the best view.

The burglars favorite to entry the house are windows. About two thirds of domestic burglaries take place because of broken or open windows.&nbsp; A thief between 11-14 years old can entry to your house through an open bathroom or lavatory window, or even through a cat or dog door.

There are many kinds of window lock, all easy on the pocket and mainly easy to fit, which deter thieves. Locks either hold the moving part of the window to the fixed frame or secure the handle or stay bar so the window cannot be opened even if the burglar smashes the glass and reaches through.

Regardless of what area you may live in, you can always secure your home. To better secure your home and know what equipment you need, you should always try and understand the frame of mind that housebreaker use. This way, you will know what you need to shield your home.&nbsp; Home security is a general issue these days and for good reason.&nbsp; With crime gradually on the rise  protecting your home, your children, and your possessions becomes more important.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:06:16 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/designing-your-new-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/designing-your-new-home.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Designing Your New Denver Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Setting up your new Denver&nbsp;home is possibly&nbsp;your most exciting project. After waiting a&nbsp;few years to get the key to your brand new house, it's exciting and a bit daunting to step into an empty shell that's just waiting for your personal impression to make it your special sanctuary.

The first consideration is how much you can afford. Then you need to prioritize; allocate your funds according to your specific needs. If you are an enthusiastic reader, stylish library is important. If your spouse and you are audiophiles, a good cabinet to house your state-of-the-art hi-fi equipment is a necessity. Do you both love home-cooked meals and entertaining? Then get the best kitchen system you can afford.

Are your parents living with you? Consider wood floors which are kinder to easily chilled feet than ceramic tiles. Like throw cushions? Ensure that there are sofas for the elderly folk, too. As a safety precaution, avoid cluttering up the place with bits and pieces of furniture.

Aim for simplicity if you are on a tight budget. For first-time Denver home owners, some product furnishings are affordably priced and designed for the contemporary home. You get tasteful, functional pieces that are easy to mix and match in your own inimitable style. Nevertheless, you want a home that you can relax in, not a stiff showpiece.

Economize on movable items like chairs, sofas, TV units. You can upgrade these later when your finances permit it. Begin with the most basic items. Add on as your needs change and evolve. Try not to buy a complete set of anything. 

Be adventurous. You don't have to buy furniture in the same style group. Just stick to either the same color or finish. Pair an oak bed with carved headboard and legs with a plain Shaker side table, also in oak. Mixing and matching styles offers flexibility. For instance, the shaker bedside table can subsequently be transferred into the living room as a telephone stand.

If you stumped for decorating ideas, browse through magazines or catalogues and compile pictures of rooms, furniture and accessories that you like. Tack the pictures on a board. Is the combination pleasing? Does one element jar the next?

Visit stores. You'll be inspired by the creative room settings within the store. They will open your eyes to new possibilities.

Invest in furniture that can grow with you. There is wardrobe and kitchen cabinet product that the frame and the doors may be purchased separately. On a insufficient budget, you can start with plain laminated doors. A few years on, you can replace them with wood veneer or spray-painted gloss doors without having to rip out the entire structure.

Don't just purchase a piece of furniture or a certain fabric simply because it is on sale or a one-off item. It may clash terribly with the rest of the decor. Do think long term. Choose wood shelving for the study if you eventually plan to buy an elegant walnut desk. If you still undecided as to the color scheme,&nbsp; play it safe by selecting neutral hues like grey ,white or wood. Strong colors like red and black may be too overpowering. And you will have to do without pastels if you have black furniture. The pallid tones will look washed-out against black.

Candles, vases, floral arrangements, and artwork can be purchased one piece at a time in order to give the room a more elegant look. Once you have decorated one room in your home, you can move on to other rooms in your home and incorporate the same principles as you go. Keep in mind that decorating your home doesn't have to cost a fortune but it will need some planning and patience on your part. 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:15:18 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-select-wood-floors.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/how-to-select-wood-floors.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>How to Select Wood Floors</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Wood floors could cause problems for the perfectionist, warping and staining from countless liquids, including water, when not maintained properly.&nbsp; It was like we bought a luxurious car and then didn't bother to ever change the oil. They shouldn't be surprised when the car breaks down.

The main thing is that wood is a natural product and responds to changes in moisture. If a floor is laid correctly, that is with sufficient room to expand around the border, allowance is made for the expansion and contraction that occurs normally, thus preventing the individual boards from warping or cupping. During the winter, when indoor heating robs air of moisture, a wood floor will contract and the seams between boards will develop hairline cracks as they separate slightly. In spring and summer the wood will absorb airborne moisture and expand. Today's new climate-control systems for the home will help lessen this kind of problem by keeping the room's ambient temperature and atmospheric conditions more stable. For example, you can use a humidifier in the winter to minimize the contraction.

Other problems happen when floors are subjected to additional moisture, either from spills or misguided cleaning efforts. If water sits on the floor, it will eventually find a way into even the most professionally sealed surface. That entry point is normally through nicks and scratches, as well as through natural cracks resulting from changes in moisture.&nbsp; 

Nowadays, an educated consumer committed to proper maintenance should be able to have a wood kitchen floor and enjoy it too. Not only are installation contractors more well-informed about various products and finishes, and which will work best in a given interior, but developments in the manufacture of wood flooring have provided more practical and affordable options from which to choose.

Although strip floors, made of random length, narrow boards, continue to be the most common choice, plank and parquet can also be used in the kitchen. You might want to avoid planks wider than five inches, which are more susceptible to changes in humidity; also be aware that planks with beveled edges are more likely to trap dirt and water.

When it comes to species of tree, the popular of hardwood floors are made of either white or red oak. White oak is denser and there may be some slight difference in coloring, but otherwise the two varieties are nearly equal. There are around twenty other species of oak. All of them are hard, long-lasting, and readily available.

Other popular hardwood species include pecan, maple, ash, beech, and birch. More luxurious offerings include walnut, cherry, and tropical woods such as plantation-grown teak, merbau, and panga. Conversely, conventional pine and other softwoods are not suggested as they can be scratched easily by dropped pots and heels. 

Wood flooring can be purchased incomplete, to be finished after installation by a professional, or they can be bought prefinished from the factory in a variety of finishes. The benefit of a prefinished floor is quick installation, with a minimum of wood dirt, no vapors, and no need to wait for the finish to cure. As soon as it is laid, you can walk on your new floor. 

When buying a prefinished floor, check out the warranty. Some manufacturers guarantee the finish for up to five years. Interestingly, most manufacturers of prefinished flooring suggest that you apply one or two coats of a compatible surface finish, such as polyurethane, after the floor is installed, to further prevent scratch to their finish.

The homeowner contemplating a wood floor in the kitchen should consider the type of wear the floor would be subject to, the local climate, and whether there is time to be cautious about maintenance. 
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            <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:47:43 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/mirrors-and-reflection.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.bruceswedal.com/blog/mirrors-and-reflection.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Mirrors and Reflection</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The impact of mirrors on interiors can be equally powerful.&nbsp; Used as a decorative ornament, a mirror can give a room a whole fresh look, change its focal point, or alter the mood.&nbsp; First and foremost, mirrors are handy additions to any room. Yet, a mirror's inherent purpose&mdash;to provide reflection&mdash;is so obvious that it's often overlooked.&nbsp; Placing a mirror in an entrance way is a reasonable move. This allows people to straighten their ties or check their hair when arriving or departing.

Professional and amateur interior designers alike also use mirrors to increase the amount of light in a room by placing them opposite windows or near lamps. Mirrors also can make an illusion of space. Large decorative mirrors can make a room look twice as large. Mirroring an entire wall can be particularly effective at creating this illusion, too, but you have to be cautious use of this method. A wall that has many doors and windows is not a good candidate for floor-to-ceiling mirrors because there are too many &quot;seams.&quot; The result: The preferred illusion of space never materializes.

There are two other possible drawbacks to mirroring a full wall. Movement is the first. Mirrors reflect all motion and this can be distracting and annoying in a space that sees a lot of activity such as a family room. Mirrored walls work best in rooms, such as the dining room and living room, where relaxing&nbsp;&nbsp; activities&nbsp;&nbsp; take place. Sound reflection is the second problem that mirrored walls present. This can be countered with carpeting and draperies substantial enough to absorb the sound that the mirrored wall reflects.&nbsp; If you do choose to mirror a wall, make the treatment the means to an end and not the end in itself.&nbsp; The mirrored wall shouldn't be the focal point.&nbsp; It should be used finely.

There are no rules about where to position mirrors. However, the point to remember, a mirror is only as effective as what it reflects. A wonderful mountain view, a peaceful seascape, or a magnificent skyline&mdash;all can become beautiful reflections if a mirror is hung opposite a window that provides one of these panoramas.

Unluckily, mirrors also can reflect a sea of ugliness as well as a universe of beauty. Mirror mistakes witnessed include an entrance mirror that reflected the toilet in the nearby bathroom, and a dining room mirror that reflected not only the enticing food the host had prepared, but also the untidiness he had left in the kitchen.

Consider up front what a mirror or mirrored wall will reflect. Have someone hold a hanging mirror in the place where you are going to to put it and then look carefully at the reflection shown from every angle.Some other installation tips: Never hang a mirror over a freshly painted or plastered wall. The fumes will be trapped and eventually eat their way through the mirror's backing. And do not mount your kitchen or bathroom mirror too close to the backsplash. Excess water can eventually seep beneath the glass and create a black edge.

Glass thickness is one measure of mirror quality. Thicker glass is more rigid and offers a better reflective surface than thinner glass will provide.&nbsp; Mirrors achieve their reflective quality from a layer of silver applied to the back of the glass. Because the silver, if exposed to the atmosphere, will tarnish and turn black, a copper layer, and then a painted coating are applied and heat dried for protection.

Using the incorrect methods to clean a mirror can cause irreversible damage. The silver backing on the glass will react and turn black if it is exposed to the atmosphere. That's why it's recommended to wear gloves when hanging a mirror. Should body oils come in contact with the mirror backing, these can actually eat their way through it and into the silver. The result: The silver reacts and your mirror turns black.

Glass-cleaner should never be applied directly on a mirrored surface. It can run down the sides of the mirror and cause the silver to react, resulting in black-edge. Once this happens, the damage can widen.
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