Get To Know All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Rammed Earth Homes

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Rammed Earth Home is one of the most economical, comfortable, durable and elegant looking building structures. It was an ancient method of building construction which is still very popular up in order to these days. Why? Simply because of the many top qualities it possesses that benefits both the homeowners and the rammed earth builders. These advantages include the following:

Long Lasting Strength and Durability

The thousands of years of remaining standing from archaic times to the present day plus several scientific testing conducted are evidence enough so as to prove the durability and long lasting qualities. They have been recognized by the engineers as having load bearing characteristic, so no need to spend for additional framing to protect the structure. Not just that, rammed earth construction has exceeded the minimum requirements achieved by most timer frame construction because of the substantial bracing and stability it provides against natural calamities.

Thermal Mass

The thick material density is one among the reasons why these homes remain standing for thousands of years in spite of extreme calamities. There’s just a slight penetration because of this quality that takes place during hot or cold climate. Therefore, it gives off natural warmth during winter and chill feeling during summer when inside the house. This also makes it an ideal choice in areas like Australia, where temperature fluctuations need to be kept to a minimum.

Versatile

Because of the natural color and texture variations of rammed earth constructions, many architects find it very easy to style rammed earth homes many styles with a great deal more elements. A stunning beauty is given to the structure by combining the foreign materials with the natural properties of rammed earth materials.

Termite/Sound/Fire Proof

Termites and pests have no place in order to stay due to the durable quality of the materials used. There are no cavities in walls for pests to reside or use as a route in order to the roof or other timbers. Plastering, wallpapering, or repainting is not required so as to reinforce a rammed earth home. Apart from all these, you can even ensure that no unwanted sounds like traffic noise could go through the walls due to its sound insulation property.

Nature Friendly

Unlike other building structure materials such as bricks and cement, it doesn’t produce toxic, is non-polluting and especially, it breathes. Utilizing all these qualities, rammed earth homes are ensured safer, more comfortable home building in order to live in that stays longer throughout the years.

They are a team of companies specializing in stabilized construction. The group comprises local and international teams who work together to deliver the best outcomes for clients wanting to use this beautiful, natural and durable walling for their houses or commercial projects.

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Source by Rick Lindsay

Tell Tale Signs of a Bad Care Home

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Placing a loved one in a care home can be a stressful and upsetting time for everyone involved. But when you’re no longer able to provide adequate care, they are the best option. And while the negative stigma surrounding care homes has been quashed, it is shocking the number of poor facilities that are out there.

If you’re choosing a long-term care facility for a loved one, you should make sure you keep an eye out for these ten tell-tale signs of a bad care home:

1. Firstly, assess how you are greeted upon your visit. Are staff willing and prepared to be helpful, or do they try and prevent you from asking questions and seeing the full premises? If staff are disrespectful to you, your loved one may face similar treatment.

2. If the care workers refer to staff as ‘the man in bed A’ rather than by name, alarm bells should ring. Your relative may have lost some of their independence, but they are still human and should be treated so. Bad care homes won’t give a personal level of care.

3. Unhygienic and unclean residential homes should also be avoided. Strong smells of disinfectant can also be a warning sign as this is often used to cover up something. When choosing potential homes, ask to see a lived-in room to inspect the level of care.

4. Note the appearance of the residents. Are the clean, dressed and well groomed? A tell-tale sign of a poor care home is one that doesn’t appear to be taking these most basic elements of care seriously. You should also assess whether residents appear to be distressed, upset, or lonely.

5. How do staff speak to the residents? Are the patronising, passive-aggressive, or disrespectful? You want to make sure your loved one is treated with the respect they deserve, and this kind of attitude is a sign of a terrible care home

6. Are residents being fed adequate meals? Inspect the quality of the food, and whether or not residents are eating. It is important that those in care home eat a healthy, well balanced diet. You should also see if those that need help eating are given the care and attention they deserve.

7. A bad home for the elderly will leave residents sat in their chairs all day. Speak to as many people as you can to see what the day-to-day activities are. Are those who are able given the freedom they deserve? Are those that need assistance given it to enable them to get out and about?

8. During your visit, see how promptly calls for help are answered. A bad residential home will leave residents in distress for a prolonged period, or may go to their aid slowly. Poor care homes will also be lacking in safety features like grab bars.

9. A tell-tale sign of a poor residential homes is one that is outdated and poorly maintained. When looking at potential homes for the elderly, make sure that all the rooms are well decorated, light, and airy. Check that all carpets are laid properly and that personal safety is a high priority.

10. Perhaps the biggest and most alarming sign of a bad care home would be the use of restraints, or the presence of bruises on residents. If you see any of these signs, you should leave immediately and alert the appropriate authorities.

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Source by Ruth Williams

Do Vintage Filament Light Bulbs Still Have a Place in Our Homes?

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Incandescent or vintage filament bulbs were a type of light fitting that were readily available in many consumer outlets that we shopped in. If a fitting at home stopped working we would go to the local shop and purchase a new one to screw into place. However, over the past decade these type of fittings have been phased out in favour of low energy consumption varieties. What is inside an Incandescent or vintage bulb? They are made up of a wire filament inside a glass housing.

This wire is heated up by passing electricity through it, this in turn will make the wire glow and make the fitting come on. The filament is encased in glass or quartz and sometimes has a gas inside which helps with the lighting effect. These types of fittings come in varying shapes and sizes and can be used for a variety of functions. The most obvious being a source of light in a room.

Many vehicles are fitted with filament bulbs, torches and bikes also use this type of fitting. Incandescent type fittings are less than 5% efficient, this means that 95% of the energy that is put into the fitting will be wasted and only 5% will be turned into light. A lumen is a way in which the output can be measured, the higher the lumen, the brighter the output. Incandescent fittings produce 16 lumens per watt.

As these type of fittings produce a high heat output along with the light that is emitted they are sometimes used for specialist applications. Incubators for hatching eggs, heat lamps for snakes and lizards and even the 1960s replica lava lamps all use these types of bulbs. Typically the top of the glass on a lava lamp can reach temperatures of 170 degrees Celsius.

Restrictions on these types of bulbs are coming into effect all over the world. Many countries including the European Union, The United States, and Brazil are slowly fazing out the usage of these type of high energy consumption fittings.

Within the European Union research suggest that 40 Twh (terrawatt hours) of electricity every year is being saved by not using these types of fittings. That equates to 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The new technology in this field is LED known as a Light emitting diode. This type of fitting is much more efficient than the vintage type and has the capability of lasting several thousand more hours in normal use. They also produce a lot less heat than traditional fittings. Energy efficient type fittings are the most popular type of fitting on the market currently. The need for households to become more aware of the environment and to lower their co2 emissions has become a focus for many.

However, the market and requirement for the vintage filament type is still strong, many people still like the classy look of these type of fittings. The have their place in residential areas as well as specialist areas such as museums, bars and other indoor commercial purposes. Due to the restriction on the original type of incandescent fitting, the new type are known as ‘heritage’ and offer the same look and design of the original bulb.

They can be installed with a brass effect holder and if used with varying designs of electrical flex they can really add the touch of nostalgia to any room. Vintage fittings can still purchased form many online retailers. Completing a search online will bring up a whole host of companies that still offer the vintage type filament. Although not as energy efficient as LED fittings they still offer a need for those requiring that touch of class and difference.

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Source by Jill Thomson

Choosing The Right Safe For Your Home Valuables

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Safes for Homes

While many people keep their belongings in cabinets, and night stands, safes for homes are the best way to protect your valuables. The typical vision of a safe conjures up images of large bank safes full of millions of dollars of cash, and gold. However most safes for homes are simple metal structures that allow people to stuff their belongings in a safe place for the evening out, or whenever need be. The most consistent thing about metal safes is the fact that they are heavy in weight, and often come in a square, or box shape that gives people easy to use options when trying to store valuables in them. Some safes are time stamped, and only allow themselves to be opened at a certain time of day. Others are locked by a code, or even a simple key lock. However the safe operates, safes for homes are a great way to protect ones goods when need be.

The most important thing to remember when buying safes for homes is size. The bigger the safe, the more expensive it will be to purchase and the more difficult it will be to move around. This is important for those that are frequent travelers, or find themselves often moving .A smaller safe can save a lot of time, and energy when it comes to moving time.

Cost ranges from a few hundred, to a few thousand dollars for safes for homes depending on their size. Most moderate sized safes will run about $800 to $1,000 in price, and allow you to store a few cubic feet of valuables. This type of safe will work for those looking to store jewelry, cash, or other things of the small sized sort.

Gun safes are also a popular option when looking at safes for homes. Gun safes are specifically molded to hold, and keep firearms. Gun safes come in a variety of sizes; typically listed by the amount of guns it is capable of holding.

The best way to assess what safes for homes are right for you is by looking at your assets first. If you have a large group of valuable items besides cash, and stock certificates it might make sense to purchase a larger safe. If on the other hand, your valuables are mostly the size of sheet of paper; a regular office sized safe should meet your needs.

Never give your safe password out to anyone, and try to hide the safe within your home. By keeping this knowledge as private as possible, your goods will be as safe as possible.

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Source by Scot Standke

The Importance of Bathroom Suites in Homes

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Bathroom suites are a must-have for every home, they add comfort and value to the overall design of the home. As you may have noticed, certain home remodeling increases the retail value of the house while others may not have as much impact, or may even have no impact at all.

Studies show that new bathroom suites add more value to the cost of a home. Well-maintained and updated fixtures do raise the value of a home notches higher. Experts claim that when it comes to selling a house, the appearance and the value of the house is a strong selling point.

There are many options available to homeowners on the many different types of bathroom suites that are online. You will find both modern and traditional varieties when you go shopping. A traditional one comes with a double side end roll top bath with ball feet designs. These outstanding tubs retain their traditional designs and structure and are made from long lasting contemporary material. Traditional suites are known for their pedestal sinks. Moreover, there toilet seats are sold differently to enable you buy and play with colors.

There are very high valued bathroom suites out in the market and online. These products come in different price ranges, color and design. Most suite sets come with other products like mirrors, basins, bidets, baths, pedestal sinks, a toilet and a toilet seat.

A beautifully designed bathroom suite should comprise of a large basin, a toilet, bidet, beautiful accessories and a pedestal sink. Many suites have different toilet seat designs and styles. Some toilets are low-level toilets while some are high. You can also add more flavor to your bathroom by providing a heated towel stand.

There are many great brand names and they are available to everyone and anyone who can afford them. Some suites are cheap while others cost more but they all serve equal functions although some are more sophisticated in features and function than others.

A good bathroom is an investment in any home, so ensure to choose the right bathroom suite when remodeling. Also ensure that you mix and match products perfectly, because of the different brands you use especially if you are not an expert interior designer. Buy products you can afford and ensure to get an expert installer to do the finishing work for you rather than do it yourself. Your home is incomplete without the presents of a bathroom suite.

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Source by Ian Monk

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Single Family Houses

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There are many different types of real estate property. These include condos, apartments and single family houses. Single family houses are those that are occupied by only one family and have only one dwelling unit. This is quite different from apartments and condos which have multiple dwellings and are occupied by many families. Like other types of real estate property, these houses also have some advantages and disadvantages. These advantages and disadvantages are discussed below.

Advantages

Firstly, single family homes have more appreciation in value and are more resistant to down markets than multifamily dwellings. Thus, your investment will be protected and yield greater returns.

Secondly, such houses provide control over your space. You can renovate, remodel or revamp your home the way you want. There are no restrictions on changing the look of your home. Thus, you can make your home match your personality. However, you still have to follow city and locality rules.

Thirdly, there is more privacy in such houses. You don’t share walls with anyone and so, can enjoy the peace and quiet. You also don’t have to put up with any nonsense of other families living in the community.

Fourthly, there is no association to deal with. You don’t have to give any maintenance fee for your home or follow the strict rules and regulations of the association.

Disadvantages

Firstly, the cost of single family homes is high. They are more expensive than multifamily homes. Many people cannot afford them single family homes and so, opt for multifamily houses.

Secondly, maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner. This can be quite a headache as everything from landscaping to plumbing has to be done by the homeowner himself.

Thirdly, amenities like swimming pool and gym will cost a lot in single family homes and are affordable only for those having high income.

Fourthly, the cost of maintenance is high in these homes since everything has to be done by the homeowner. In multifamily homes, the cost is shared and so maintenance is not that high.

Finally, it is better to have an apartment or condo in the city near facilities like hospitals and transport rather than a home in the suburbs where everything is far away. This is especially true if you work in the city and have to commute to your workplace every day.

In the end, the suitability of a single family home depends on you and your needs. So keep these advantages and disadvantages as well as your own preferences in mind when deciding whether or not to buy such a house.

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Source by Asma A Mohiuddin

Transportable Homes – Your TOP Benefits and Advantages of Modular Homes

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Transportable Homes are Environmentally Friendly

Damage to the environment on your site is minimised compared with having a team of builders on site for 3 months. Also, when placing your new relocatable home, the impact on fora and fauna is greatly reduced. The ability to choose your building materials empowers you to make good decisions so your new home is more energy efficient and eco-friendly.

Solar heating is an option; like with any regular home. Your ability to reduce your impact on environment and have a clean, green home is achievable with a pre-manufactured home.

In some cases, a company may use recycled building materials upon your request to embrace eco-friendly building practices.

Transportable Homes Building Material Choices

You have a wide range of different building materials to choose from to customise your relocatable home. Everything from the cladding to the roofing; flooring to paint for your walls. You have as much choice and freedom to individualised your house as building a home in the traditional method.

Transportable Homes are Well Insulated

Relocatable homes are traditionally smaller and therefore heating a compact area costs less. Also, the insulation standards of new homes is high in Australia; regardless of building on or off site.

Heating a well insulated home is going to save you money. Whether you decide to heat your new house with electricity, gas or fireplace; your costs are reduced when heating and cooling a well insulated, energy-efficient home.

Transportable Homes are the Best Value for Your Money

Because your relocatable home is manufactured off-site, the materials are purchased in bulk and the savings are passed on to you. There is less waste during manufacture in a controlled environment. Also, all the Tradesmen are in the on location and following a system which makes relocatable homes a very cost effective housing option.

Because all the electrical wiring and plumbing is laid out and tested during the building process; your costs are greatly reduced when hooking up to power, gas, water and plumbing on your site.

Transportable Homes are Stronger

In most cases, buildings that are going to be transported (sometimes hundreds of kilometers) have to have extra reinforcing to stop damage during transit. Pre-manufactured homes on the other hand are built stronger to cope with the flexing, wind and movement; heavier reinforcement is part of the normal construction.

Transportable Homes are Hassle-free and FAST.

When you decide to have a relocatable made to your liking; you pass over all the tedious and frustrating elements to your contractor. No waiting for Tradesmen to turn up late or praying the weather stays fine. Everything is taken care of by your manufactured home supplier; who may construct your new home in a massive shed. In a production-line where the weather is not a reason for any building delays. The average building time for a manufactured home is 12 weeks in Australia.

When you compare this to waiting 12 to 18 months for a builder to even start building on your block; transportable homes look very attractive.

The beauty of a relocatable home is seeing your empty land become a property with a home on it in 24 hours. FAST and convenient.

Transportable Homes Using Your Design and Floor Plan

Companies that manufacture relocatable homes have a standard range of floor-plans to choose from. However, they can be modified to suit your lifestyle. Or, you can send the company a sketch of your dream home and they will be able to help you bring it to fruition.

In the past 10 years, technology has advanced to such an extent that architects have been enabled to design fabulous luxury homes constructed in modules within the pre-manufactured building sector.

Transportable Homes can be Moved in the Future.

Relocatable homes are built on a chassis and easily moved. So, if you decide in 10 years time to relocate to another property,… you can.

To learn more about relocatable homes in Australia, visit Transportable Homes Specialist and Get Your FREE Information Guide.

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Source by Tracey Carter

Hartford CT Historic Homes: Day-Taylor House

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The Day-Taylor House was built in 1857 in a beautiful Italian Villa style architecture at the same time that Samuel Colt, the creator of the Colt Revolver built his Armsmear estate directly across the street. Located at the center of the Colt Architectural legacy at 81 Wethersfield Avenue, it has been a residence of several prominent Hartford, Connecticut families.

The Day-Taylor House was built by Hirim Billel, the highly esteemed Hartford builder who also built Connecticut’s State Capitol and the Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. It was influenced by the ideas of Andrew Jackson Downing who wrote treatises on landscape design and architecture that were widely popular at the time. It is an example of a style that Downing called “Italianate” based on Italian farmhouses that were also being depicted in popular landscape paintings of the period.

The three story red brick masonry and white trimmed building has an asymmetrical facade dominated by floor-to-ceiling arched windows at every level, balconies, cast-iron lintels and a flat-roofed cupola. The brackets lining the low-pitched roof and cupola are particularly detailed and ornate. The three-part veranda of the front facade is supported by elaborate Corinthian columns. The front facade has remained unchanged since its original construction.

The first owner and resident was Albert F. Day, a descendant of Robert Day who was one of the original colonial settlers of Hartford. The house was later occupied by his father, a Connecticut Attorney General. Later owners included Mary Borden Munsill of the Borden Milk company and Edwin Taylor. In 1928 the house was bought by the Fraternal Order of Eagles who used it as a meeting house, and headquarters. In 1974 it was bought by the Hartford Redevelopment Agency.

The Day-Taylor House is also significant located in Hartford’s Colt architectural legacy which stretches along both sides of Wethersfield Avenue for two blocks. The area has become designated as the Coltsville Historical District.

The Day-Taylor House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It had a significant restoration in 1979 and the building now serves as offices. The combination of it being built by one of Hartford’s most distinguished builders Hirim Billel, that it was built the same year and directly across the street from the Samuel Colt Home and the Armsmear Estate Park, and that it has been owned and occupied by so many notable Hartford residents makes it one of Hartford, Connecticut’s most important historical homes.

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Source by Steven Penny

Choosing the Right Home Builder For Your New Home

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Not every person likes to buy an existing home when shopping for that dream spot on earth. For those who want to be the first one living in that new home, a home builder will pose the first obstacle in the building project.

In order to choose just the right builder for your project, you will first need to decide which type of house you will want to have constructed. There are two types of builders. The production builder and the custom builder.

The Production Home Builder

The production home is one that is designed on a large scale and mass produced as a “model”. These models are often changed up a bit with available customizations and upgrades to the home. These upgrades are offered as part of a package added onto a base model home.

Production homes are often offered at a base price with additional costs being added to the final price for those last minute touches. When choosing a production home builder, it is best to buy the home as a package with all of the appliances and upgrades included. Adding these items individually can drive the price up higher than the market value may allow; leaving the owner with immediate negative equity in the home.

The Custom Builder

For the potential home owner who wants to build a home from scratch, a custom home builder will be able to help you along the process of planning the home and attaining all of the permits needed for the build. The potential home owner will have to purchase a plot of land, have the land surveyed and choose a set of plans for their home.

When choosing custom plans for a home, remember that these plans are only a guide. A custom home builder will be able to adjust the plans to your specifications before the final plans for the home are set in stone.

As the home progresses, the extra costs associated with incidentals will need to be taken into consideration when pricing the home and staying within budget.

Real estate is an investment and while many people love the immediate nature of buying an established home, for those who want to own a home of their own that is customized to their wants and needs of a builder is one of the best options.

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Source by Julia Vakulenko

Federal Nursing Home Care Reform Act

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A 1986 study conducted by the Institute of Medicine concluded many residents of nursing homes were being subject to ill treatment. This study fueled the efforts for reforms which became law in 1987. The Nursing Home Reform Act was passed as a portion of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987.

The objective of the reforms was to ensure patients received the highest practical care to foster their mental, physical, and psychosocial well-being. The act established a Resident’s Bill of Rights and specifies services which should be given. Medicare and Medicaid payments will be halted if the facility does not comply with the reforms. As nursing homes rely on the majority of their expenses to be funded from these sources, the facilities are forced to make sure their care is up to standards.

Required resident services include: comprehensive care plans for each individual resident, periodic assessments by professional, nursing services, rehabilitation services, social services, pharmaceutical services, dietary services, and if the facility houses more than 120 patients, it must employ a social worker full time.

The Residents’ Bill of Rights gives patients the following:

-The right to freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect;

-The right to freedom from physical restraints;

-The right to privacy;

-The right to accommodation of medical, physical, psychological, and social needs;

-The right to participate in resident and family groups;

-The right to be treated with dignity;

-The right to participate in the review of one’s care plan, and to be fully informed in advance about any changes in care, treatment, or change of status in the facility; and

-The right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal

To asses whether nursing homes meet the criteria as designated by the Nursing Home Reform Act, the law established a certification process. It requires the state to conduct unannounced surveys and resident interviews at random times. However, the government did not issue regulations for the process until 1995. If there are specific complaints filed against a nursing home, the residents will often be surveyed accordingly so if a problem exists it can be detected.

If a nursing home is found in violation, it might have the opportunity to correct deficiencies before discipline is imposed. However, the following sanctions have been imposed for facilities which do not pass: directed in-service training of staff, directed plan of correction, state monitoring, civil monetary penalties, denial of payment for all new Medicare or Medicaid admissions, Denial of payment for all Medicaid or Medicare patients, temporary management, and termination of the provider agreement.

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Source by Joseph Devine