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.

  • Being Prepared: Are Your Home and Family Ready for a Super Storm?

    Summer brings with it long days, vacations, ice cream cones… and storms.  Summer thunderstorms are common this time of year, and most of them are nothing to worry about.  However, summer is also hurricane season and, as we learned last year, the northeastern coast is not immune to the damaging effects of these super storms….

  • Remodeling Ideas That’ll Make Your Home Feel Bigger

    Gaining more living space in your home is not always about increasing the actual square-footage. Often times, remodeling a room so that it can serve double duty can effectively make your home seem a lot bigger and more functional. Here are some suggestions for remodeling your home to appear larger without actually adding on to…

  • The Benefits of a New Custom Home vs an Existing Home

    When searching for a new home, one of the earliest questions you need to answer is whether you want to buy an existing home or build a custom home.  Both have their benefits, but in many cases the benefits of custom building outweigh those of buying an existing home. When you search for existing homes,…

  • Has Marble in the Home Lost Its Luster?

    The use of marble in the home is a centuries old tradition. It’s beauty in the kitchen, bathroom and as floors or walls cannot be denied. But times do change. Once a sign of affluence, the allure of this natural stone has decreased dramatically as it has found its way into a high percentage of…