This overlooked feature can really bring pizzazz to your décor and needs to complement both the window and the curtains you have chosen, as well as be appropriately functional.

Hardware for window treatments is available in a wide variety of styles. Some curtain rods are designed to be covered by the curtains, while others are best displayed prominently due to their highly decorative nature. If the rod is meant to be featured you could hang the curtains from decorative rings sewn into the top panel. Considering both the curtain and the rod at the same time will save you the disappointment of having pieces that don’t complement each other.

Today’s Lesson: Do you know what finials are? They are the decorative ends on the curtain rod. I didn’t know their official name for several years. I just called them “ends of the curtain rod.” They can be wooden, wrought-iron, glass, or plastic.

The most standard types are:

Finials can range widely in price, from the $2 plastic pieces to $100 very heavy fancy pieces. Consider your budget but also know that what you choose will make a certain statement in the room and that statement will last longer than the effects of spending a little extra money. You also have to be sure the finials will fit where you are hanging the curtain. Consider the shape of your window and the molding around it. In some cases there just isn’t room for large fancy finials, nor is it always appropriate for the style of curtain you’ve chosen.

Author Bio
Visit curtains.topicreviews.com/curtain-rods.html for more information on curtains, rods and finials.

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Why Invest in Home Improvement

Sure you’ve been itching to spend your money on days spent lavishing at a luxurious vacation at some prime spot or buy that flashy car.  But afterwards, what will be left of it all are just memories and an easily devaluing obligation with all the financial strings attached.  Wouldn’t it be grander to enjoy the utter comfort and relaxation each and everyday, lasting even through generations?  And to make it more tempting, here are more benefits of venturing into home improvement as an investment:

• A good boost in property that can be recouped by resale time, where when planned well the home improvement project would be profitable – ending up paying for itself or more.
• Maximized comfort, beauty, and functionality with a touch of luxury.  As they say, what are intangible are those that are invaluable.  By investing in home improvement, you are upping the ante of living quality that you provide for your family.
• Answer to the current needs of the family.  As time goes, changes in the family whether in size or lifestyle will inevitably come and with these arise the need for some home improvements.  Reasons will vary but whether to child-proof the house, add a second bathroom, organize a home office, or whatever project it will all boil down to making the house efficiently cater to the requirements of the family.
• Energy and cost-efficiency.  Your energy bill makes up a huge fraction of where your monthly budget goes to.  An energy-efficient home ensures the optimal use of heating and cooling thus unnecessary overworking your HVAC system is avoided and a cutback on operational costs is enjoyed.

The post Archive for the ‘General Remodeling’ Category Atlas Homes TX appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Large projects can be intimidating, but they just need to be broken down. Holstine outlined five steps a home owner should take during the initial stages of remodeling to make things run more smoothly.

Step 1: Take an inventory of your needs. Look around your kitchen and identify the problem areas. Maybe your cabinets are falling apart, or the sink has an irreparable leak. Poor lighting can make it difficult to cook. Make a list of what must be changed.

Step 2: Make goals. What do you want out of your new kitchen? Some example goals include:

More space
The ability to compost more easily
Better lighting
Save energy and money
Step 3: Decide what you are going to do yourself and what will require a professional. Study your budget, time and skills to determine what you can take on.

Step 4: Hunt for the products you want. Perform good research to find nearby stores with products that meet your goals. Don’t forget to measure your spaces before shopping so you can buy accordingly.

Step 5: Put it all together. Write out as many details as possible and take the plan to your contractor. Try to cover everything, from the little things like cocks and grooves, to the big things like flooring and plumbing.

“Every little detail should be spelled out as specifically as possible so [the contractor] knows exactly what you expect from the project,” Holstine says. It is important to explain to the contractor your definition of “green,” because people have different ideas about what that means. If you want the contractor to meet your expectations, you must clearly outline them.

The post Going Green; Kitchen Remodeling appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

As we look around our homes, we may realize that they could be a bit brighter and more modern if we made some simple changes. An excellent way to update your kitchen is to install beautiful new granite countertops. Perhaps your laminate countertop was the hottest trend in its day. But now you can see a scratch here or a stain there, and you’re thinking that it’s time to bring it more in line with current styles.

Granite is gorgeous and durable and comes in a wide variety of style and color choices. Not only is its versatility an asset to your kitchen, but you can depend on it to look magnificent for many years to come. And a soft cloth and mild cleanser are all you’ll need to keep it that way. Among home builders and remodelers, granite is the most popular natural stone chosen for countertops. It resists scratches, stains, and heat. And its polished surface makes a bold dramatic statement as it highlights your cabinets, faucets, and appliances.

Granite is cut from large slabs of stone and may come with polished, textured, or matte surface. As you consider colors and styles, understand that some may be more porous and may require a sealant to protect the finish. There are cleaning and sealing products on the market which are designed specifically for granite countertops. Whether you choose a light, airy color or something dark and bold, you may want to ask the vendor if you can view the slabs themselves so that you can get a better idea of which one will work best with your decor. The dealer may even allow you to take small samples home for comparison.

Cost estimates are contingent upon several things. A complex job featuring corners and various levels may cost extra. It is wise to secure bids from several different contractors so you can shop for the price which best fits within your budget. In addition to the granite itself, you must account for peripheral expenses like the sink cutouts, mounting of fixtures, and edge fabrication. Granite edges include the very simple eased edge, the more contemporary bullnose edge, the intricate ogee edge, and several others. You can research these specifics online so that you’ll know the costs and benefits of each.

While factors such as geographical area and local availability of the granite will affect costs, you must also consider materials and labor. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional fabricator and installation team, conscientiously weighing the costs is a wise decision on your part. You may consult the websites of home improvement stores, walk through your kitchen with a contractor, or read online reviews written by homeowners who have also chosen granite to upgrade their kitchens. You also benefit from living in our advanced technological age because you can log on to the internet, choose a website, key in the specifics of the project like square footage and complexity

The post Refresh Your Kitchen with Granite Countertops appeared first on Atlas Homes TX. Custom Homebuilder / Major Remodeling.

Types of sales & properties:
regular standard listing, Foreclosure, HUD repos, REO, For sale by Owner, as well as other sales, plus it can be used to refinance. Eligible properties include Single family, 2 to 4 units, Condos, townhomes and even mixed use.

Avoid Common Financing Roadblocks

Avoid getting your financing denied due to property conditions
Avoid any upfront property repair requirements

Improvements are Made After Closing

Improve your home Size
Improve your home Comfort
Improve your home Value

Finance + Improvements!  http://atlashomes.us

Combine  your home improvement funds with your purchase or refinance loan to Renovate, Repair, Rehab, or Remodel your property all at the same time.

[See image gallery at atlasgreenhomes.com]

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