Author: Elizabeth

There are a number of considerations for determining the types of landscaping features to include when developing your property. For many, there is an appeal to adding a pond as a water feature, but is this really a good idea? There are certainly design, installation and upkeep considerations, but with proper lake aeration and regular maintenance, a pond can be an excellent addition to your property. Here are four reasons you might want to include this type of water feature in your landscaping design.

Environmental Benefits

Constructing a pond on your property produces numerous environmental benefits. Water will attract wildlife to the area, especially when paired with healthy soils and a native plant array. Species of birds, insects and amphibians will make their way to a water source, especially when it also provides opportunities for feeding. Incorporating a pond into your landscaping can also help mitigate flooding and runoff issues, as well as conserve water.

Human Well-Being Improvements

Water has a soothing effect on people. There is a connection between being near a water source and improved mental health and physical health. In a stressful world, the importance of access to nature to revive and replenish cannot be understated. With a pond on your property, you are never far from a space to get away, even if only for a few minutes. For places of business, having a pond will likely increase the productivity of employees when they are encouraged to take their breaks along its shores.

Recreational Opportunities

Installing a pond on your property provides a centralized feature for recreation. Walking paths can be incorporated around the water. If you plan to extend the natural area beyond the immediate shores, you will increase the options for trail length and type to include opportunities for biking, running and skating.

Financial …

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For many years, the cost of investing in solar at $5 per watt was not economically viable. In recent years, huge improvements in solar technology have driven the cost down to $2.50 per watt, positioning solar investments to be competitive in the current energy market.  New Jersey is one of the best places in the country to invest in solar due to the combination of the tax credits, net metering, and other incentives available to investors. If you are considering solar investment New Jersey, here are some things to consider. 

The Solar Boom: The Rapid Decline in Solar Prices 

Over the past decade, the rapid decline in solar prices has accelerated the proliferation of solar panels into the energy market. A once highly expensive green alternative has grown to hold a competitive chance against traditional fossil fuels. Behind the solar boom are the improvements in efficiency, battery storage, and installation costs of solar panels. 

The Solar Market in New Jersey

In New Jersey, it is possible to buy a top-notch solar power system for approximately $2.80 per watt before government incentives. If you have to finance your solar project, the price is closer to $3 per watt.  After government incentives, the price of installing solar panels often goes down to around $2.50 per watt with a payback period of approximately 6 years or less. This quick payback period offers solar investors a great return on investment. Additionally, the incentives in New Jersey for solar investors increase the appeal for investors. There are many reputable installers in New Jersey available to provide consultation on the best solar project for your home. 

Solar Incentives: Net Metering

Throughout the day solar panels typically produce more energy than the average home requires. This excess energy is sold to your utility in an exchange known …

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Determining the right kitchen floor design can be started by choosing the floor material.

There are many ways to create a kitchen space that is comfortable and looks impressive. Creating such a unique atmosphere of space, can be started from the installation of the floor. Ceramic flooring is one of them.

Ceramic is one of the many materials for the floor that can give a very beautiful appearance. Ceramic motifs and colors are also able to give a certain impression to the room which can also be adjusted to the theme that you want to present.

The right kitchen floor design not only determines the motif and color, but also involves the selection of material to be used. Cooking activities that often leave stains and dirt, become one of the strongest considerations when you will determine what floor material is appropriate.

To give you a little inspiration regarding the selection of kitchen flooring materials, see a few tips on determining the best ceramic flooring material for your dream kitchen space.

Ceramics Coarse

As discussed earlier, when determining and selecting ceramic materials for the kitchen floor, it is strongly recommended to choose ceramics that have a rough surface or commonly called matt.

Ceramics that have a matt surface texture are suitable for use in the kitchen to protect from oil, soap and other stains. Avoid the use of ceramics that have a slippery texture, because it will be difficult to clean when exposed to stains. In addition, cooking activities become uncomfortable because the floor feels slippery.

Wood ceramics

If you want to display a natural impression for the kitchen, then present elements of wood or wood accents on the floor. You can display wood elements in a natural, rustic to industrial style kitchen.

Nowadays, it’s not difficult to find wood-patterned ceramics, …

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As the weather starts getting warmer, it’s inevitable that you’ll want to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors. Why not stay close to home, and create a backyard paradise that your family and friends can enjoy? Here are three great backyard upgrade ideas to help you get the most from your outdoor space.

Install a Pool; One of the best ways to upgrade your property is to install a beautiful fiberglass pool. A professional installer of fiberglass pools Bainbridge GA can provide you with a thoughtfully-designed pool that works best for your property as well as your budget. You and your family will love stepping outside for a refreshing dip in your new pool, and your friends will love to come over for summer pool parties.

Build a Deck; Adding a deck to your property will quickly transform your outdoor space into a fun place for entertainment and relaxation. There are several great options for deck materials, but be sure to choose a material that blends well with the overall look of your home. Once your deck is built, just add some outdoor furniture to provide comfortable seating in your new hangout space.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen; Backyard grilling is a great activity during warm times of the year. Consider going one step further and incorporate an outdoor kitchen into the design of your backyard. As you design your kitchen, include the cooking appliances you’ll use the most, such as an outdoor refrigerator, kegerator or even a custom pizza oven. Be sure to add covering like a pergola to shelter this space from the elements and improve its functionality. An outdoor kitchen is a perfect way to increase the use of your backyard.

There’s no better time than the present to take the first steps to create your …

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The first thing to do when faced with damage from water is to contact your insurance company. You should document with pictures and video, and you should make sure to have flood insurance since the typical homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover water damage. Water damage restoration can be done by yourself or by an expert. Depending on the type and severity, you might want to contact a water and mold specialist since they have access to tools that can measure for mold and residual moisture.

Before doing any water damage restoration, shut the electric off at the breaker box and also unplug any electrical devices. Electric and water don’t mix well, so it’s a good idea to stand on a dry surface, and as a quick tip, don’t place newspaper on wet carpet as it will stain.

If items such as furniture are still dry, wrap the legs in aluminum foil to protect from contact with water. If possible, move the items to higher ground for better protection. For wet things like fabrics, you have to wash them first and then put them into the air circulation until dry.

Planning for unforeseen weather is difficult at best, and if faced with a flood from an overflowing river, for example, then all you can do is try to protect your property until the water subsides. Don’t assume anything when dealing with plumbing and water lines and water mains. Make it a routine to check for pipe leaks, roof leaks, sewer, and toilet backups. A small crack in a water pipe can put out 250 gallons of water in twenty hours.

Some disturbing facts to consider are that 93% of the water leaks, as mentioned above, can be prevented and caused $9.1 billion in damage in the years 2007 to 2009 and …

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