Homewised.com improved its' mobile friendly Field service management Software

HomeWised.com is an online cloud based Field service management software which allows service professionals to manage contacts, quote, Job, Schedule and Dispatch, Asset management and Inventory tracking. HomeWised.com recently added many important features for growing customer base like Invoicing, Asset management and Intelligent scheduling and dispatch. It recently launched mobile applications for iOS and Android for Field Service tracking. For a full set of features of HomeWised.com Field Service Management software please sign up for free trial at www.homewised.com/fa/public/field-service-management

HomeWised.com improved user experience with Search, Pick and Relax.

HomeWised.com is an online one stop home maintenance for home owners and service professionals. HomeWised.com refreshed it's complete website to make more customer friendly to search pros, pick and relax. It's brand new site allows customers to search pros in one step and get matched and qualified service professionals in seconds. Please visit at www.homewised.com

Two Words: Energy Efficient

Despite the polar vortex and the coldest and snowiest winter on record in Ann Arbor, it looks like we will continue to have negative energy bills for the full year. Net zero energy (producing more energy on site than the occupants use) is not a challenge; it's a choice. And it's important to note, it is not a game of whether your want to sacrifice comfort for savings.

On the contrary, we have been able to achieve net zero energy year after year because we choose to invest in the most energy efficient and highest quality appliances available. We pay for quality now rather than high energy use forever. So our money goes to more comfort for us rather than to our utility company.

This year we added three new appliances to our home that have been game changers. We scrapped our 1968 Magic Chef gas stove and disconnected our home from fossil fuels forever. We replaced it with a Whirlpool double-convection oven induction range. We exchanged our electric water heater with the latest technology Rheem heat pump water heater. And finally, our first generation HE washing machine died after only 8 years. That gave us the perfect excuse to get an extraordinary new Energy Star Whirlpool Duet washer (we even got an awesome 70% off deal on a dented floor model at the Sears Outlet store).

These three appliances give us better cooking, better hot water, and better clothes washing. Surprisingly, they also reduce our energy use compared to the old models by 2,927kWh, or $356 every year. That's enough energy to power eight Energy Star refrigerators! Since my net zero energy house has many other conservation measures already in place, these appliances energy savings' could be even bigger in your home.

Let's take a closer look at our latest appliances helping us achieve net zero energy:

Whirlpool Induction Range with Double Oven

Photo credit to Whirlpool. Model WGI925C0BS

Savings 1,000 kWh (Equivalent of one year of using the clothes dryer)

Since the dawn of civilization chefs have grunted, "Fire. Good." And since the first humans sat around the campfire, it has indeed been good. That was before we began to reinvent fire.

The hottest thing among home chefs is the induction stove. My wife and I are in love with induction. It boils water in half the time, it melts chocolate without a double boiler, it has no flame so it's much safer for kids, the surface around the cooking area doesn't get hot, it has no gas (which eliminates the need for a carbon monoxide sensor), it doesn't make the kitchen hot in the summer, and it saves us a ton of energy. That's a lot of pros from one appliance!

Rheem Prestige Heat Pump Water Heater

Photo credit to Rheem. Model: HB50RH

Savings 1,700 kWh/year

There's really only one things water heaters need to do: get hot water to your shower and sinks whenever you need it. But the price of heating water is huge. It's the second biggest energy hog in your home.

In my home, our geothermal heating and cooling system gives us about 60% of our hot water for free. But we still needed to find that other 40%. Our old water tanks were just wasteful electric units that were poorly insulated. We now have a Marathon tank to store the water heated by the geothermal system and a Rheem Prestige Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater to provide us the rest.

The heat pump water heater moves heat from the air into your hot water. It operates about 250% more efficiently than old school electric water heaters.

It's amazing. It also comes with a full-color touch screen LCD display with intuitive controls and diagnostic capabilities.

HE Clothes Washers:

Photo credit to Whirlpool. Model: WFW94HEAW

Savings 227 kWh/year

I don't know which I love more: the extremely quiet spin cycle or the energy and water savings. The ultra fast spin cycle has high tech stabilizing sensors to keep the washer from vibrating across the floor like our old model. This also spins much more water out of the clothes, which both protects your clothes and reduces time they spend in the dryer.

Plus, with the 12-Hour FanFresh option selected, you can tumble clothes for up to 12 hours after the cycle ends, so you can wash and dry a small load right in the washer. Even with larger loads, the FanFresh cycle cuts the time clothes are in our dryer in half! That is a lot of energy savings and is much more convenient for us.

Homemade Places for the Kids

A child's imagination is greater than anything that can be sold on the shelf of a toy store. But over the past two decades, the amount of time that children spend playing outdoors using that great imagination has dropped dramatically.

Here are some fun things you can create in your backyard that will encourage children to step away from the video games and get creative with nature.

1. Boulders

Instead of your standard plastic play structure, create an area with several large boulders (available from landscaping stores) spaced a few feet apart. Kids will spend hours hopping and climbing from one boulder to the next, which also means they'll be using their boundless imagination to create a fantasy world around the rocks.

2 Large logs

Logs can also be used as stepping games or as seating around a pretend campfire. Let kids roll the logs and set them around the yard. You'll be amazed at the wild ideas they'll come up with.

3. Dirt pits or mounds

Yes, really! Let your kids play in the dirt. Build an area surrounded by logs or rocks that is filled with dirt. Or build a dirt mound that kids can climb. Another bonus is that dirt has beneficial bacteria that makes kids and adults alike happier and healthier.

4. Log tables

Cut a dead tree lengthwise to create a fanciful yard table for kids to do all their nature crafts. They can cook their own pretend meals from objects they find in the yard. A rock becomes an egg, a piece of bark becomes bread, and a stick is a fork or knife. The table can even be used when it comes time for a real world lunch. It's always fun to eat outdoors.

5. Tree caves

Build your kids a cave made from tree branches or even carve one into existing bushes. Kids love finding enclosed spaces where they can feel safe and secluded.

To learn more about getting your kids outdoors, check out the Children and Nature bloghttp://blog.childrenandnature.org/

Oldies, but Goodies

There are definitely a few things that have changed for the better where old houses are concerned. The first that comes to mind is air conditioning, especially central air conditioning units. How did anyone survive without them, especially in the southern states? Indoor plumbing is also an obvious improvement. But there are numerous old house features that have fallen to the wayside over the decades, unique points that could truly benefit a modern house. Here are just a few of the cool things that are no longer in wide use -- but should be.

Features that make life easier

Taking good care of your house and everyone in it sometimes feels like a full-time job. These features could make it so much easier to do the day-to-day things we often struggle to finish.

1. The dumbwaiter. Still common in schools and restaurants, the dumbwaiter can be a most helpful device for those who live in a house with more than one floor. It could be especially great for those who often trudge up the stairs with groceries and other heavy items that could easily be zipped up with a dumbwaiter.
2. Laundry chutes. Those with kids have a ton of laundry to do, and nothing is worse than lugging those huge hampers down the stairs. Once you have used a laundry chute, you will never be happy without one.
3. Real shutters. Most windows today have shutters that are permanently affixed to the house. While they are lovely, they don't offer any protection against serious storms. Shutters that actually work can offer a great deal of security, especially in areas that are often hard-hit, like on the coast.
4. A letter slot. If your home is in a neighborhood where the mail delivery person walks from house to house, a letter slot is a quaint addition that is also helpful -- you just scoop your mail up from the floor instead of leaving it outside, where nosy neighbors might check out what you just got.
5. Cellar. Before the days of refrigeration, a cellar was the perfect place to keep vegetables and other staples cool and fresh. It also served as a safe hideaway when a tornado was bearing down on your house. Creating a cellar on your property could bring back both of these conveniences.

Features that add style

Forget ease and convenience -- what about pure style? These old house features could make modern homes look even more gorgeous.

1. Dutch doors. These doors with a horizontal split had a practical purpose: they allowed the sun and air to flow in while keeping the animals out. Today, doors like this can add a touch of whimsy to any home.
2. Big, unique windows. Those huge windows in old houses weren't just for looks -- they were to let in plenty of light in the days before electricity was commonplace, and they were also great for ventilation. Today's modern homes don't have a practical need for such windows, but they sure look fantastic regardless.
3. Porches to sleep on. A long, deep porch big enough to hold a bed can not only make your home stand out, but it can serve as additional living space to enjoy during the summer months. And yes, you could sleep out there.
4. Ceiling medallions. These decorative medallions were often used above chandeliers or other delicate forms of lighting to showcase the beauty of the piece. Things like ceiling medallions, old-fashioned chandeliers and tin ceilings have slowly vanished from modern homes, so now they can provide a pop of surprising design detail.
5. Claw foot tub. These luxurious tubs were deep, wide, and gorgeous. Though they fell out of vogue when the shower became a staple, tucking one of these handsome models into your bathroom is sure to elicit a "wow" from guests. It also gives you a great place to soak an evening away.

Old houses hold remarkable charm, but they also hold the secrets to features that could benefit modern homes. When you're facing a remodel or renovation, consider the above options to add a bit of useful and quaint atmosphere.

Customize the Backsplash

Many home remodeling jobs include or revolve around the kitchen.  The most common adjustments are proving more storage space or upgrading appliances; however, a small detail that can make the entire kitchen pop is a gorgeous backsplash.

For your next remodeling task, keep a few of these ideas in mind.

Think Green

Exercise your earth-friendly mindset while expressing great style with a backsplash of recycled glass tiles. 

Think Simple

A single sheet of glass, painted on the back, lends color and easy-clean protection behind this range. 

Think Classic

White beaded board covers the backsplash, but stops short of the ceiling, allowing a rich shade of taupe paint to warm up the mostly white room.  

Think Translucent

Slender glass tiles in creamy hues and stone tiles in coppery shades make this kitchen glow with their translucent beauty. 

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How to keep warm this winter!

The winter weather is finally here.  It's time for you to clean out the fireplace, warm up some cocoa, and prepare to pay enormous electric bills for the next few months... However, it is possible to keep warm without losing money.

Take a look at some of our tips on how to keep warm.  The money you save on the electric bill will be a welcomed help for the upcoming Christmas season!

1. Keep doors shut.
Keeping doors shut throughout the house will prevent cold air from moving into the rest of the house, and it will also help trap the heat you've already generated into separate rooms.

2. Rotate your ceiling fans.
Heat rises.  With that being said, changing the rotation of your ceiling fan can help drive the warm air back down to keep you warm.

3. Change your sheets.
Change out your summer sheets for a flannel sheet set.  Add in a down comforter and extra blankets, and you will be able to stay plenty cozy throughout the night.

4. Keep your floor covered.
Not only will an area rug keep your toes warm from a cold floor, but it actually helps insulate the floor in general.  By keeping your floor covered, you will prevent at least 10% of heat loss due to inadequate insulation.

5. Re-arrange your furniture. 
Windows can become very cold in the winter months, so make sure your furniture has you sitting well away from the window.  In addition to avoiding the window, you will want to avoid placing your large furniture in front of radiators, so the piece of furniture doesn't absorb all the heat.

5 Pumpkin Carving Ideas

It's October!  Which means it's time to start pulling out the Fall decorations.  The most iconic Fall decor would be pumpkins, and there are always new ways to carve or decorate your pumpkin.  Here are a few ideas to get you headed in the right direction to have a fabulous Fall.

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1. Silhouette
By using a stencil taped to your pumpkin, you can create the most commonly used pumpkin carving method.  Once the stencil is placed on your pumpkin, use a nail or ice pick to poke small holes along the lines of your design.  Once finished, you can use a knife to cut in between the holes.

2. Etched
If you want to take the more artsy route in pumpkin carving, etching is a great option!  This technique allows your pumpkin to last longer and is also less messy than the traditional method of silhouette carving.

3. Hairy 
Hair can be a unique addition to your carved pumpkin.  There are several different choices to use for hair, such as: noodles, yarn, pipe cleaners, a mop, or even plants.

4. Cookie Cutter 
This idea is a quick and easy way to add beautiful pumpkins to your Fall decor.  You will want to have durable cookie cutters and a rubber mallet.  You put the cookie cutter onto your pumpkin, and use the mallet to push it through.  Repeat the process until you get your desired look.

5. Pumpkin Cooler
Host the best Halloween party in the history of Halloween party with a pumpkin cooler.  Remove the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the inside.  Line the inside with ice and fill with assorted beverages.  So simple! 

The many faces of wallpaper

When decorating, it can be difficult to match colors throughout the room.  You will see people walking around the stores with their color scheme swatch from the paint store trying to match decorative bowls or pictures with the chosen colors.  It would be so much easier if you could just pick out a bowl or another object in the room, and turn it into what you needed.

Here is a tip, now you can! The answer: wallpaper.

It may sound far fetched, but hear me out.  While you have a solid paint color on the wall, you want decorations to tie into that color.  Instead of tirelessly searching store after store for separate items, pick out one print of wallpaper that speaks to you and your color choice.  The rest is magic!

• Cover bowls
• Create artwork
• Decorate drawers
• Line serving trays
• Cover a window shade
• Cover a lamp shade
• Wrap a wastebasket

These are just a few ideas, the possibilities are endless.  Pick out your ideal wallpaper print and start having fun!

Healthy Foundation, Healthy Home

Keep Your Foundation Healthy

A home's foundation can make or break a home... literally. HomeOwners should always be knowledgeable of the problems they can prevent their foundation from encountering.  Listed below is a few tips to help HomeOwners maintain a healthy foundation.

1. Consider Installing a Moisture Barrier - Effective moisture barriers are at least 5 feet deep, and should be installed if the grade around your foundation cannot be corrected. 
2. Monitor Drainage - Gutters and downspouts are a critical factor in the health of your foundation. The drainage system should direct the caught water away from your home and prevent heavy moisture on your foundation. 
3. Watch for Puddling Water - If you develop puddles of water near your foundation, immediate repairs must be handled.  The solutions to this problem vary, but it is best to contact a foundation professional to take the best and most effective action necessary. 
4. Fix Minor Cracks - It's normal for concrete slabs to develop hairline cracks overtime; however, even though they are hairline cracks, it's best to fix them immediately.  You can repair these cracks with an epoxy glue or other forms of concrete crack repair materials.
5. Ensure Proper Grading - A foundation rule is that the slope should always be about 3 to 5 percent within 10-feet of the foundation, and the slope should always be sloping away from your foundation.
6. Maintain Consistent Moisture Levels - Moisture levels are critical for a foundation and should be kept at a consistent amount.  A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn enough to keep your plants and landscaping healthy.  This will help avoid problems caused by the shrinking soil in dry periods.
7. Install Erosion Control System - Erosion control can be installed in several different forms, i.e. grass, concrete, rocks, landscape timbers, liners, etc. The point of erosion control systems reinforce the stability of any slopes.

Front Yard Beauty

Your front yard is the first thing people notice about your home, so make sure you have it exactly the way you want it!  Here are a few simple tips you can do to give off an amazing first impression, while keeping to a budget.

1. Lighted Pathways:
 - The solar lights you can line your walkway with will add wonders to your yard, even after dark!

2. Add Plants:
 - By adding plants on your front porch, you create a more inviting feel.  Choose different plants and different sized containers to help keep the design interesting.

3. Healthy Grass:
 - Make sure to spray your lawn to keep weeds and unwanted plants from growing.

4. Color Accents:
 - Color is a good way to spruce up your front yard.  You can add a simple dash of color to small items such as shutters, pillows on porch furniture, plant containers, bird feeders, etc.

Plants for Fall

Fall is around the corner, which means you need to adjust your garden accordingly.  Since the temperatures will be dropping, you will need stronger, more dependable plants.  So here is a list of some of the most "Fall Worthy" plants:

1. October Glory
 - September is a great time to plant a red maple, known as an October Glory.  These trees grow 50 to 60 feet tall, and can be found at most garden centers.

2. Plentifall Pansies
 - These pansies can survive below- zero temperatures with little damage, so they should bloom from fall through spring.  They are trailing pansies and spread 18 inches.

3. Iceland Poppies
 - Available at garden centers, these poppies are bright, beautiful, and legal.  Start them in the fall and by next spring, you will have beautiful poppies.

4. Pitcher Plants
 - Native to the South, these pitcher plants combine colorful flowers with striking, tube-like pitchers that trap and digest insects.  All they need is sun and acid, moist soil.

5. Moss
 - If grass won't grow in a damp, shady area, moss will!  Moss stays green year round and doesn't need much looking after.

Prepare for Fall

It's Labor Day, which means the first day of Fall is 22 days away!  You may want to start thinking of ways to prepare your home for the quickly approaching season.

Here are some tips:
   1. Clean out gutters and downspouts.
   2. Make sure all gaps and cracks around windows and doors are sealed with weatherstripping and caulk.
   3. Check your roof for any issues. i.e. damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing, or leaky vents.
   4. Repair any cracks or damages to sidewalks, driveways, and steps.
   5. Winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
   6. Dirty filters need to be replaced or clean.
   7. Make sure your heating system is in quality shape.
   8. Have your fireplace swept for soot or creosote build-up.
   9. While you are in the inspecting mode, make sure you test smoke and CO monitors, fire extinguishers, and review fire escape plans.

For information on how to prepare your lawn and garden for Fall, check out this HGTV article: http://www.hgtv.com/gardening/how-to-prepare-your-garden-for-fall/index.html

Fresh Coat of Paint

Are you a new HomeOwner?
 - If the answer is yes, it is safe to say you had input on what color the walls would be painted.

According to a porch.com, painters are the most sought after professional for new HomeOwners.  While they give you insight throughout the United States, the universal demand stays at painters.  In fact, 33% of improvements made to a new home dealt with painting.  So now that you know what is first on your to-do list, let us help you figure out the hidden details:

The color trend of 2014 is bold and beautiful.  If you want to add energy and a fresh new perspective on life, take a look at these professional color palettes.  They are sure to inspire you and send you on your way to a new, personalized space.  Once you have chosen your ideal color palette, use homewised.com to find a quality painter in your area!

Image credit: BHG.com

Back to School!

While your children are back to the books, give them a welcome home surprise!  

Which of these bold patterns would you choose for a son or daughter's room?

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It's all about the deck!

It's never a bad time to improve your backyard and deck area.  Let us help you ignite the creative power from within and get your backyard looking spectacular!

TIP:
If you have a house that sits high off the ground, make your deck gradually bring together your house and your backyard.  For instance, this house used three different deck heights to help make the transition from door to garden flow.

IDEA:

If you have a small space in the back yard and are more focused on seclusion and privacy, this could be the perfect idea for you.  Created by Gary Marsh Design in Novato, CA, this privacy wall made of tree stakes makes the perfect area for a little peace and relaxation.

IDEA:
If you already have an excellent patio area, you could be looking to spruce it up with something new.  A fireplace is a cozy idea!  This uniquely built fireplace has the ability to heat on cold night, and during the warmer nights, a wood cover can be placed on top of it to double as a table.  Hot or cold, your guests will be able to congregate around this concrete trough.

Unique Storage.

DIY projects have been sweeping the nations lately, and people are finding new, inventive ways to repurpose old items.  While there are a multitude of ideas to choose from, a truly unique concept are the new uses found for wine crates.  The most obvious use for wine crates would be a form of storage; however, the placement and type of storage people are developing are fascinating.

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Entryway storage:
To keep your entryway clean and free from clutter, a good idea would be have a designated wine crate for each member of the family.  All shoes and other objects will be off the floor, and you can even paint the wine crates to add a pop of color and life to your entryway.

Living room storage:
This wine crate coffee table adds storage on both sides, and the ability to add in a cute center piece.  It is a great space saver for coffee table books and magazines.  It helps keep the clutter under the coffee table instead of placing it on top and constantly in the way.

Play toy storage:
Children's toys are constantly being spread throughout every room in a house.  Wine crates help keep the toy mess to a minimum, but without jeopardizing your strategically decorated living space.  This idea works well for children's toy as well as pet products, such as: dog toys, cat toys, etc.

Animal storage:
Literally, you can store your animals in wine crates!  These crates have uniquely developed in possible cat posts.  Added legs for scratching posts, and wine crates attached to one another to provide cats a play/perching post.

Your Window, Your Choice

In order to let the sunlight into your life, you need to choose the perfect window for your home.  You have several options, so make sure you choose what best fits your needs!

1. Bay Windows
- If more space is what you need, bay windows are a perfect option.  They protrude away from the exterior of the home and let in an enormous amount of light.

2. Stationary Windows
- These windows are perfect if you need a customized shape.  They do not open, but you are able to have these windows made in nearly any shape or angle.  

3.  Slider Windows
- The most common used windows are the slider windows.  The operate by sliding horizontally over or past the other window.  

4. Transom Windows
- Traditionally, these windows are used above a door or window to let in even more light.  They are usually narrow and can open to let air in, or remain stationary.

5. Picture Window
- If the sunlight is the majority of your window requirements, this is your option.  These windows are large, stationary windows that let the sunlight pour in and give you excellent views of the outdoors.

6. Awning Windows
- These windows allow air in, as well as sunlight, due to the hinges on the top of the window.  These hinges let the window open outwards and let in air from left, right, or the bottom.

7. Casement Windows
- These windows are also an excellent source of letting in air with sunlight.  They are hinged on the side and can be opened to the left or the right by the turn of a crank.

8. Double-hung Windows
- This is similar to the slider windows, except they move vertically and both windows are able to slide.  There is no protrusion from the house with these windows.

Here Comes the Sun...

Ever wonder why you genuinely feel happier is some places, as opposed to others?  Of course, there are several factors weighing in; however, a large factor could be the amount of sunlight.  With sunlight being the source of all energy on Earth, it is also a large source of your overall health.

This is why windows are so important.  When building or remodeling a home, you should always make sure you have plenty of windows to allow sunlight in when needed. 

When our skin is exposed to the sun's UVB rays, our bodies produce vitamin D.  Vitamin D helps reduce risks of cancer and other serious health conditions; and according to Professor Michael Holick, of Boston University School of Medicine, we get about 90-95% of our vitamin D from the sun.

Along with our physical health, it also helps boost our mental health.  

1. Sunlight boosts levels of serotonin in the body, which is the body's natural happy hormone.  That boost of serotonin in your body is what causes you to feel happier and more energetic, and can also fight off moderate depression.

2. SAD is a type of depression specifically caused by a lack of sunlight.  It stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder and has also been referred to as the winter blues.  Opening windows and sitting in the rays for as little of 15 minutes a day can help prevent SAD.

3. Sunlight gives the world it's energy, and also you.  Melatonin is what regulates sleep, so having a lower level of this hormone can give you more energy.  Sunlight decreases the secretion of melatonin, leaving you with more energy to take on the day!

Now that you understand the importance of sunlight, stay tuned this week as we shed some light on how to get the most out of your home windows.

On the Move!

Moving is always an exhausting venture.  Booking a mover through HomeWised can help minimize the stress, and we also have a few tips for you to make the move as easy as possible.

1. Make essential items accessible.  For any items you may need such as medicine, contacts, make-up, etc.: pack an overnight bag.  This way you have your important items in a known area, but still easy to move.

2. Wrapping glassware or anything fragile or of value in your clothes.  It saves you time and money by packing two items at once and not purchasing a roll of bubble wrap.

3. When labeling your boxes, put the details of the boxes contents on the side.  That way when all the boxes are stacked, you can still read them.

4. Pack books in luggage.  That way it is easy to move since it has rollers and will hold a much heavier amount than a regular box.

5. Before you unplug your TV or other electronic's, take a photo of where all the wires belong. That way you won't spend hours trying to find where they belong, you already have a guide to refer to. 

6. The easiest and fastest way to pack hanging clothes is to leave them on the hangers and put groups of them in plastic bags.  It protects your clothes, makes it easier to carry a large bunch, and makes it easier to unpack into the new closet.

7. If you are renting space, make sure you take before and after photos.  You will be held responsible for damages, so it doesn't hurt to have photos of the conditions.

Introducing Our Partnership with Texas Disaster Restoration, LLC

HomeWised is proud to announce the recent partnership with Texas Disaster Restoration, LLC and HomeWised.com. Texas Disaster Restoration is an emergency response restoration company.  The newly acquired partnership will help enrich HomeWised.com.

For example:

HomeOwners - Texas Disaster Restoration specializes in emergency repairs.  They are available to assist in water, fire, trauma, etc., and with their 24/7 availability, HomeWised.com will be able to help place TDR's technicians when and where HomeOwners need them most.

Service Providers - As a large emergency restoration company serving the entire DFW metroplex, TDR is constantly looking to increase and grow their list of reliable technicians.  Since our database provides only the highest quality professionals, TDR will be pulling from our list of professionals for some of their emergency repairs.

For more information on this new partnership, visit our website!

Dog-Tired...

Everyone needs their own space.  Their own, comfortable, little slice of heaven, solely for themselves. It's not just your family members that benefit from their own personal safe haven, but so will your dogs.

Luckily for you, your dog does not take up a whole lot of space and will not require his own room.  Harry Potter may not have cared for his cupbard under the stairs, but your loyal companion would be pleased with his new location.  There are several places in your home, that with the right carpenter or DIY skills, could easily transform into your fur baby's dream room.

Extra space under the stairs provides the perfect place for your companions room.  It is a space that would otherwise go unused, and this is a perfect way to utilize the space for it's full potential.

If your faithful friend is extra small, the space needed is easy to remedy.  Try this idea out, by providing your puppy to sleep in a hollowed out nightstand.  This allows your puppy to be close, but not have a kennel or bed in the way.  

There is always the possibility of creating a space by adding some small changes to an existing piece of furniture.  By adding a new front to the bottom of these bookshelves, this person created matching beds for their dogs.  The dogs are close together, but still have their own space.

If your dog is like mine, your bed is the only logical place for him or her to sleep.  This idea allows your dog to be right next to you, still close enough to pet and cuddle, but does not take up any of your needed sleep area.

But then again, dogs aren't the hardest animals to please.  They would sleep just about anywhere. :)

Shall We Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is a concept that has been implemented into many countries.  Everyone has heard the term, but few understand the history and true meaning of feng shui.  Thanks to feng shui expert, Rodika Tchi, I have found information on this practice that could bring powerful changes to your life. 

Originating in China over 3,000 years ago, feng shui is an ancient art revealing that good health and fortune are bestowed upon people who properly balance the energy in a given space.

The tools necessary for this practice are the Compass and the Bagua.  The bagua is an octagonal energy map that contains the symbols of the I Ching, and in order to feng shui your home, you must know your home's bagua.  The Compass, Luo-Pan, discovers further information about your home by arranging bands of concentric rings around the magnetic needle.

The core knowledge of feng shui is incredibly complex and takes years of studying to understand.  There are many articles that breaks down the process, so you are able to practice the basic knowledge of feng shui in your home.  

As a beginner, here is one simple tip that will skyrocket your way into a more harmonious life and help you begin your feng shui quest.

1. Minimize Clutter - Increase Air and Light

Get rid of the extra trinkets and unwanted magazines.  Rid your home of anything you do not love.  While doing this, begin opening windows to let in light and air.  To have a clutter-free, airy, and bright decor will get you well on your way to a more harmonious life.  

Pennies: Money or Flooring?

Did you know prehistoric floors had carpets?  They were formed from twisted grass or animal hair, and served primarily as decoration.

Luckily for us, we have evolved passed twisting grass and animal hair for our decorative flooring. Today, our flooring has a wide variety of materials: carpets, wood, ceramic tiles, vinyl or linoleum, stone, etc.  Society's interest in new designs and ideas are never ending and constantly changing.

Today, a new flooring fad that is sweeping our nation: pennies. It would not be out of the ordinary to walk into a restaurant or home and witness a copper sea of our past president's face.  People are using rolls of pennies to create floors, walls, showers, etc.  Some people are even going the extra mile to use the different shades of copper to create unique designs.

With this fad growing, there are several website available to teach you exactly how you can create your new penny floor.  In fact, there is an entire website dedicated to a couple who tried this experiment on their bedroom floor.

Keep this flooring design in mind for your next home upgrade, it's money.  Literally.

Outlet Covers Need Love Too

They are small, under rated, always overlooked; but located in every room of your house sits an important staple of your house: electrical outlet.

These small necessities throughout your house are used daily, but are somehow always disregarded when it comes to design and thought of as functional aspects.  While they are highly used for functionality, there is no reason we can not adapt these household staples into a work of genius design.

The most common cause for an outlet cover to gain attention is the art of baby proofing.  To protect our little ones, outlet covers are covered further to prevent any type of electrical shock.  Most of these covers are inserts, and rarely discreet.  Above is one unique way to baby proof your home and still keep a sleek and sophisticated look.  The plate has two sliding inserts that allow the inserts to block access to the sockets when not in use.  This is a great way to always have easy access to blocking off the electrical sockets, without cluttering your walls or running into the chance of losing the socket plug.

Another way of keeping outlets out of the reach of children, is keeping them out of sight completely.  This photo incorporates design and functionality all in one.  While not in use, the hinged drawer comes up, completely covering the outlet.  To any new comer, the end of this island would appear to have two drawers; however, when needed, the drawer would open and allow you to plug in any type of kitchen appliance.

This outlet takes a different approach to making itself useful to the home owners.  Instead of hiding the entire outlet, a small strip of lights are added into the bottom of the outlet plate.  This allows a small night light where ever needed.  Most outlets are found close to the ground or above the counter in a kitchen.  With the night light addition, your outlets can now light your way down a hallway, or help you easily pour a glass of water in the middle of the night.

The biggest downfall to outlet covers is the space required to plug in certain appliances or household objects.  The most common problem areas are the plugs behind bed frames, couches, or entertainment centers.  With the recessed outlet, your furniture can now sit flush against the wall and hide the ends of the cords in a discreet wall indention.

This may be the most efficient outlet cover ever made.  With the majority of the world having charging abilities via usb ports, this addition to the outlet cover helps save a tremendous amount of space.  It allows phones or other electronic devices to charge, while not interfering with the current appliances that use the outlets on a daily bases.

It all starts with LEGOS.

Today I was scouring the web looking for new and inventive ideas for home improvement plans, and came upon something that was sheer genius.  A LEGO wall.

The idea of revamping this childhood love into not just a toy, but into a structural design was overwhelming.  As the childhood memories came flooding back, so did the realization of how inspiring and important these toys had been.  Not only does this simple toy help children develop their brain in so many different ways, but it also sends them in the direction of their dream jobs.  

Children are full of creative ideas and LEGOS allows them to put their creations on display.  There is no right or wrong way to build with LEGOS, so each child’s creations are set apart from one another as truly unique.  To give a child an understanding of individuality and acceptance of their creative expressions can help send them in the direction of careers such as: engineering, architecture, designers, builders, etc.  LEGOS help children develop aspirations and life skills at a young age.  

I grew up with siblings, so we always collaborated on our extreme and elaborate designs.  While it wasn’t always smooth sailing, it did help us learn a thing or two about teamwork.  The majority of structural buildings and machines are thought up by teams.  The teams play off of each other’s unique abilities and expertise to create massive, unique designs.

When building a unique design, there are always some problems that will crop up out of the blue.  When building with LEGOS, you are given a specific amount of supplies.  Children learn at an early age how to figure out the solution to the problem with the allotted amount of supplies they have on hand.  They learn persistence and how to solve problems in order to achieve the goal they initially set.  

I’m sure every engineer, architect, builder, designer, etc., has had their fair share of LEGO time.  This toy has the potential to inspire children to reach their full potential and strive for their dream job.  I encourage and support the installment of LEGO walls everywhere.

Work that Small Space!

Sometimes you only have a small space to work your decorating or remodeling magic.  Here are a few ideas to help you bring a little organization and extra space into your life!

This is an extremely functional, extra storage space.

Inset a magazine rack between the studs.

Bunk beds are always a good way to save space.

A stacked washer and dryer increase floor space.

This is a unique idea for a loft type apartment.

Have dog bowls built into a low drawer.