Some Ideas to Consider …

  • Stay Warm and Cozy This Winter with Heated Floors

    Heated floors are such a fabulous addition to any home, especially now that winter is fast approaching. The two most popular methods of installation are electric radiant heat and hydronic heat. Here are some ways to distinguish between these two methods:

    Electric Radiant Heat

    This is a less expensive and easier to install version, in which thin electrical heating cables are interlaced on mesh mats and then pressed between sheets of thinset before the primary flooring material is installed. Porcelain or ceramic tile, stone or concrete are the best conduits; wood (unless engineered flooring) is discouraged. A separate thermostat controls the temperature settings and programmable units are available and often used in bathrooms and kitchens. This type of radiant heat is typically supplemental to another heating system.

    Heated Tile Flooring
    Source: Houzz

    Hydronic Heat

    Hydronic Heat uses a network of closed loop tubing running under the flooring and then back to a water source. Generally, a dedicated boiler or hot water heater, is the basis of a hydronic heating system which pushes water heated to a temperature of 100 to 120 degrees through the tubing. This heavy duty tubing is held in place by a thin layer of concrete and then covered with the flooring material of your choice. Hydronic floor heat is also controlled by a separate thermostat and is considered the most energy efficient of the two choices.  This type of radiant heat is often designed to be the sole source of heat in a home, although it can also be used as a supplement in a master bedroom suite, as an example.

    Warm Up your Dining Room with Heated Floors
    Source: Jean Longpré (via Houzz)

    For more information on the latest trends in flooring and radiant heat systems please contact the professionals at Country Club Homes, Inc. today.

  • Perfect Home Features to Help Introverts Recharge

    Have you ever felt the need to escape, get away, and have some time to yourself? Before you take off for a weekend away consider adding a retreat to your home that is custom designed to help you recharge and is always available. Perhaps you could benefit from the following: Window nook – Maximize your home’s view by…

  • Bring the Outside In to Your Kitchen for Perfect Entertaining in Warm Weather

    The warm summer months are just around the corner and it is never too early to consider upgrading your kitchen space for endless entertaining opportunities. One of today’s hottest kitchen trends is to connect your exterior space with your kitchen.  Our favorite design ideas include: Installing an indoor/outdoor counter space Extending your kitchen counter into an exterior space…

  • Choose Your Favorite Dormer Style

    Dormers are structural elements of a home or building that extend outward from the roof. There are a variety of different dormer styles used in traditional home design, the most popular styles include: Gable A gable is the most traditional type of dormer and serves multiple purposes including keeping water away from the window and adding vertical headroom….

  • New England Home Style of the Month: Post-Medieval English

    Post-medieval English homes were found throughout England and colonial America in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s. This is a style born in England and brought to the colonies by Puritans who settled in the Northeast. Although this isn’t a common modern style you can incorporate elements into your home’s design, such as: Window details This…