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.

  • Small Details Can Make All the Difference in a Universal Design

    Universal design is the process of creating a home that works for all residents, regardless of ability or age. Many universal design homes are created specifically for homeowners that are in wheelchairs or have other physical needs, but universal design goes beyond adding ramps and making sure doorways are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair….

  • A House Full of Secrets: Designing a Home With Hidden Passages for Convenience and Privacy

    If you love a good mystery you know that secret passageways are the epitome of suspense and intrigue. What is behind that door and through that hidden passage? Secret passageways can be built into your home to boost privacy and convenience. Our favorite passageway ideas include the: Bookshelf doorway. It may look like a wall full of…

  • Driftwood Architecture is a Gorgeous Way to Bring the Outdoors Into Your Home

    One of the most wonderful things about coastal living, aside from the stunning views, is the vast array of design ideas you can draw upon from the sea.  While common design features like ship motifs and seashells have to walk a fine line to avoid moving from tasteful to kitschy, one oceanic design element is…

  • Consider the Practical Beauty of Cedar Roofs

    Best known for their undeniable beauty, cedar roofs offer a host of other benefits to homeowners. They are incredibly durable, environmentally friendly, and stand up to even the worst weather conditions. If you’re considering installing a cedar roof as part of your construction project take the time to understand the material before you begin. Cedar roofs…