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.

  • Illuminate Your Living Room with These Tips

    Short days in winter mean that natural sunlight is at a premium during the cold season. However, you can combat the darkness by finding creative and beautiful ways to illuminate your living room. Consider enhancing the lighting in your living room by adding: Ambient lighting. Chandeliers, overhead lighting, and wall fixtures can provide a soft ambient…

  • Consider Using Mechanical Ventilation for Cleaner Air in Your Home

    Mechanical ventilation offers homeowners technology that provides high quality indoor air, increases energy efficiency, decreases airborne pollutants, and reduces the likelihood of respiratory problems. A residential mechanical ventilation system will also extract stale air, recover heat using a heat exchange core, and transfer this recovered heat to the fresh incoming air. Homeowners often have a lot…

  • Things to Consider Before Removing a Wall in Your Home

    When you undertake a home renovation project you may discover that the home’s layout needs to be altered to meet your design goals. Removing a wall in your home may open up the layout and allow for more space but should be done carefully to avoid extensive damage. Removing a wall should involve careful consideration, including: Your…

  • Choose the Perfect Flooring for Your Custom Home

    The floor of any room in a house serves as the baseline for any décor, and choosing the right type of floor is essential for creating the look that you want. Here are a few tips to get you started on this important task: Wood Floors Add Charm – Wood floors run the gamut from rustic…