Feeling Down About Your Down Spouts?

From time to time, we have talked about unique elements to restore a very historical home. Whether it be a bungalow or a Victorian, there are ways to take it back in time. What if you rather not have every accessory lend to a time capsule atmosphere, but wanted something that is unique, creative, yet timeless.

White, square gutters are a big improvement over other solutions over the years. They avoid many problems of strain on the roof. Did you know that many folks are using rain chains instead?

What is a rain chain, you ask? It is a series of connected cups, funnels, and spouts that carry the rain from the rooftop to the ground. Many are made of copper and they create an interesting patina over time. The attach or rest right to the gutter hole, so it doesn't involve any alteration to the home.

Rain chains come in many elegant and whimsical designs. In fact, they are nothing new. They have had them in Japan for hundreds of years. They have not caught on in a widespread way in the United States, but slowly you see unique homes adding them. They are also great for garden vignettes. If you have an arbor, overhang, or gazebo. If you are looking for something that not every one of your neighbors have, this could well be the answer.

Warm Heart, Warm Feet

In home renovations, one thing people don't always consider is the option of Radiant heat coming through the floor. Most people consider it a luxury item only. There are high end homes where the bathroom has a heated floor, but that is considered luxurious and excessive.

Did you know that in years past, that kind of heating was considered practical and it was a little more common. It was seen at just above entry level price points in most cases. A relative of mine bought a small house in Florida. It is about 1400 square feet. It has radiant heat in the ceiling, rather than the floor. You just felt so much warmer with your feet toasty or the heat coming through the walls. It is very efficient. There are no hot and cold parts of the house. There is also no loud rattle that a radiator would give off.

The other nice thing with having it in an older home or retrofitting it is that there is no "blow back" from the furnace. That was an adventure one day at Grandma's house when we all came home to dust everywhere. I am too young to remember how it happened, but it definitely happened.

Would you consider radiant heat knowing how efficient is?

An Address Plaque Says You're Here to Stay

When fixing up around the house, there are some small touches that can turn your shop or residence into a jewel box versus a little hole in the wall, and a country estate instead of a big old house. Just like mailboxes are important, address plaques and signs are even more so. After all, how is someone supposed to find your house without them?

An address plaque with an upscale look, instead of stick on numbers, can make your home look more finished. It also says "welcome" versus "enter at your own risk". You can add a wall address plaques, or your number and surname on a stake that mounts in the ground. A sign that mounts in the dirt may be a better choice if your front door is down a windy path. This way, people know they came to the right place, before an embarrassing knock at the door. In some subdivisions, homes look so similar. Every third house is the same floor plan just flipped, it seems.

When you buy address plaques and numbers for your business, it gives your place an air of permanency. Unless you have a seasonal business, having a paper sign up for weeks makes customers feel like you don't have the interest in staying around awhile. Even if the business is your life's love, people don't think you planned far enough in advance or carefully enough. Proper signage can mean a lot subconsciously. An "I just discovered you," versus an "Are you closing?" is usually better, I would say!