Treat Your Septic System with Environmentally Friendly Products http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/treat_y... (ARA) - The National Water Quality Inventory Report to Congress stated, "... poorly maintained septic systems are believed to cause substantial and widespread nutrient and microbial contamination to ground water." Poorly maintained septic systems are "the second most frequently cited contamination source [of ground water].".....
Secrets to Building an Eco-Friendly Home http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/secrets... (ARA) - Homeowners are embracing the green movement, not only opting for eco-friendly renovations when they improve existing homes, but choosing to go green from the ground up when they build a new house.
Green building not only helps the environment, it can put money back in your pocket in the long run, as well. While some options like solar energy panels and top-rated ENERGY STAR windows and doors may cost more initially, they pay for themselves with their ability to reduce energy costs...
Remodeling Trend Continues to Grow - Flooring http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/remodel... (ARA) - The remodeling trend continues to grow nationwide as more and more people are choosing to upgrade their current homes instead of moving to a new one.
According to Remodeling Magazine's 2006 Cost vs. Value Report, the remodeling boom is thriving and the money put into it can be a good investment. The report indicates that the average bathroom remodel costs $12,918 with 84.9 percent costs recouped...
The technology that makes your home's walls more durable http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/technol... With an $8,000 federal tax credit available for first-time homebuyers and tax incentives on the table for home improvement projects, you may be thinking this is the right time to build or renovate a home. While you're diving into the fun aspects of choosing paint colors and light fixtures, don't overlook the importance of what's behind the walls.
Paying attention to the wall construction is crucial for the home's strength and value, especially given current design trends toward walls with many windows and doors, and walls and ceilings over 10 feet high...
The Health Benefits of Swimming http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/the_hea... (ARA) - There are those who extol the virtues of a runner's high, the intensity of weight lifting and the teamwork basketball inspires, but not everyone can participate in such high-impact exercise. The health benefits of swimming, however, can be experienced by nearly anyone no matter what their age or health condition....
Create Your Dream Bathroom with Beautiful Skylights http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/create_... (ARA) - In today's homes, many of which are on small lots with close-by neighbors, privacy is sometimes hard to find without closing the doors and covering the windows. And privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms is not just a convenience, it's a necessity. What's the answer? Simply look up...
'Right-sizing' Your HVAC System http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/right_s... (ARA) - Renovating your home can meet your family's changing needs, not to mention increase the value of your property. But whether you're considering remodeling a bathroom or adding an entire second story to your home, it's important to ensure your heating and cooling system can handle the bigger or better space...
Choosing Bathroom Vanities in Los Angeles http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/choosin... When people are ready to remodel their bathroom or need to change the fixtures, they can choose from many different bathroom vanities in Los Angeles. No matter what a person's decor or color scheme, there are a wide variety of bathroom vanities from which to choose....
Easy Backyard Upgrades Improve Outdoor Living http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/easy_ba... (ARA) - In today's tough housing market, many homeowners are choosing to upgrade rather than move. Home expansions can improve your lifestyle, add beauty as well as protect your investment. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to add living space is to create a backyard sanctuary using low-maintenance tools and materials....
The Details of the 2008 California Building Code Changes http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/the_det... The 2007 California Building Codes took effect January 1st, 2008. Some of the more prominent areas of change in this installment of building codes center on fire safety, equal access for disabled persons and environmentally friendly construction. The new set of codes is based on the latest national and international model building codes...
Colors for 2008 Culled from the Circle of Life http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/colors_... (ARA) - When selecting colors for inside the home and for your favorite outdoor spaces, where do you find inspiration? Color experts suggest looking to all walks of life across the globe, starting with nature, art, travel, culinary and fashion influences....
Reduce, Reuse, Reclaim - Wood Floors Go Green http://www.constructionowl.com/articles/reduce_... (ARA) - Environmentally conscious homeowners may face a dilemma: they crave the warm patina of wood floors, but want to choose a sustainable flooring material.
There's no need to abandon a love of wood floors in an effort to
