Selecting and Designing a Home Remodeling Project

Embarking on a home remodeling project is an exciting and creative process. When considering your home remodel, take time to imagine, brainstorm, and plan.

 

Design ideas can be found in lifestyle magazines, online, and from experienced professional remodelers.

 

While researching ideas for your home remodel, think about some of the most popular room requests remodelers receive from customers.

 

Kitchens

No resource on home remodeling would be complete without a discussion of the most talked about room in the house--your kitchen. You may want to replace aging cabinetry, modernize appliances, update the style of your kitchen, or improve the floor plan for better flow. Today's home remodelers are experts in creating efficient kitchen layouts.

 

Bathrooms

Following a remodel, home owners can enjoy a spacious and more lavish bathroom. Possible bathroom elements include modern cabinets, multiple vanities, and differently shaped showers.

 

Bedrooms

Dreaming of a master bedroom suite? Home remodeling can update cramped and dark bedroom spaces, or refresh a child's bedroom into a more sophisticated space. Consider these questions:

• What will you use the room for?
• What other types of furniture do you want to include?
• Do you have adequate storage?
• Do you need an office or study space?
• Do you need space for overnight guests?

Other Remodeling Options

Home remodeling projects are practically limitless. Don't fear creative thinking and soliciting others for advice. Here are some other potential remodeling ideas:

• Home Office--If you're self-employed or a telecommute, you may need an efficient office space in your home. Think about the type of work space you need, including equipment, meeting space, furniture, lighting, and your preferred working conditions.
• Vacation or Second Home--You may want to turn a weekend retreat into a more permanent residence. What type of renovation work needs to be done to create a comfortable living environment year-round?
• Recreation Areas--Home owners are increasingly interested in spaces for recreation and socializing. Do you want to add a home theater, exercise room, library, sound system, or other features to enjoy recreationally?
• Closets and Storage--When you assess your need for storage, look beyond closets. Every room in your house has the potential to deliver needed organization and structure. Maximizing all your space will help manage your storage needs.
• Household Systems--Home owners are increasingly remodeling to improve energy efficiency. Traffic flow and floor plan improvements are another popular consideration. And others remodel to install security systems.
• Remodeling for Accessibility--One reason for remodeling is the need to make room for an aging family member or person with a disability. Consider the needs of the individual, talk with them, and investigate solutions using universal design.

http://www.storeforparts.com/

NuTone Security Cabinets Protect Against Identity Theft

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), an estimated nine million Americans are impacted by identity theft each year. Victims of identity theft may spend months or more repairing the financial damage that occurs when their personal documents or credit information is stolen.
To help prevent identity theft, the FTC recommends storing personal information in a secure place in the home. NuTone® Recessed Security Cabinets provide an option to inconspicuously protect valuables and personal documents in the home without the hassle and cost of a cumbersome safe.
“If a break-in occurs, not only do homeowners risk losing their valuables, they also face the threat of identity theft as a result of personal documents being taken from the home,” says Julie Allongue, marketing manager, storage solutions, Broan-NuTone®. “To help prevent such a loss, a NuTone Recessed Security Cabinet can be installed anywhere in the home where a little peace of mind is needed.”
Perfect for storing and organizing legal documents, extra keys, credit cards, identification, medication and jewelry, NuTone Recessed Security Cabinets are easy to install and fit between standard stud distances, allowing them to be located anywhere in the home. Intended for a discrete location, the cabinets are ideal for use in the laundry room, closet, home office, work shop or anywhere extra security is needed. In addition, the cabinet door comes with a white heat-cured paint finish that can easily be painted or covered in wallpaper for enhanced concealment.
NuTone Recessed Security Cabinets are offered in two models, the Standard and Deluxe, as well as a smaller lock box that can be mounted in the wall and also fits in medicine cabinets with at least a 14-inch inside width for an added component of security. The cabinets and lock box feature a 14-gauge painted steel door, a rust-resistant painted steel body, a cylinder locking mechanism and concealed welded piano hinges to deter tampering. The cabinets also feature adjustable tip-resistant shelves and a reversible left- or right-hand door opening. Unique to the Deluxe Recessed Security Cabinet are a key/jewelry rack, a padded jewelry tray compartment and a document holder.
The Standard cabinets are available in an overall size of 16 inches wide by 26 inches high by 3 ½ inches deep, and the Deluxe cabinets are available in an overall size of 15 inches wide by 18 inches high by 3 ½ inches deep or 15 inches wide by 26 inches high by 3 ½ inches deep. The lock box has an overall size of 13 ¼ inches wide by 5 1/8 inches high by 3 ½ inches deep.  Additionally, NuTone Recessed Security Cabinets are manufactured and customer-supported in the United States, making NuTone the ideal brand for Americans looking for ways to contribute to strengthening the economy.

http://www.storeforparts.com/

Remodeling Market Index Reaches Highest Level in Four Years

According to the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI), the remodeling market is heading into recovery with an increase to 46.5 in the first quarter of 2011 from 41.5 in the fourth quarter of 2010. This marks the highest level for the RMI since the fourth quarter of 2006. An RMI below 50, however, indicates that still more remodelers report market activity is lower (compared to the prior quarter) than report it is higher.

The overall RMI combines ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future activity like calls for bids. Current market conditions for the first quarter of 2011 rose to 46.1 from 43.3 in the previous quarter. Future market indicators climbed to 46.8 from 39.7 in the previous quarter.
"Remodelers report a jump in activity so far this year and have been receiving more calls for work and appointments," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Ft. Collins, Colo. "However, many home owners are still slow to commit to remodeling due to feeling uncertain about the economic recovery and difficulty obtaining loans."
Regional break downs for current remodeling market conditions showed growth in all but one area: Northeast 46.1 (from 38.8 in the fourth quarter), South 46.1 (from 45.8), and West 46.1 (from 39.7). Only the Midwest experienced a decline to 47.1 (from 54.3).

All current remodeling market indicators increased: major additions to 50.3 (from 48.6 in the fourth quarter), minor additions to 48.0 (from 43.9), and maintenance and repair to 39.5 (from 37.0). Future market indicators also improved across the board: calls for bids rose to 53.1 (from 47.2), appointments for proposals to 52.4 (from 43.1), backlog of remodeling jobs to 49.7 (from 42.6), and amount of work committed for the next three months to 32.1 (from 25.9).
In an additional special question remodelers reported the top reasons prospective customers are holding back from remodeling their homes:
Customers think it is hard to get financing (90 percent of remodeler respondents)Customers have lost equity in their homes (81 percent)Customers are uncertain about their future economic situation (74 percent)Reluctance to invest in home when not sure home will hold its value (67 percent)Negative media stories making customers more cautious (62 percent)Inaccurate appraisals are making financing more difficult (54 percent)
"Home remodeling continues to slowly increase and continued growth through the year is expected." said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. "The fact that some indicators are breaking 50 means remodelers are seeing improving activity in their markets. While credit scarcity and economic uncertainty continue to weigh down remodeling, signs of increasing consumer interest are promising."

http://www.storeforparts.com/

Broan Range Hoods Fuses Classic Style With Modern Performance

What emerges when performance, durability and tradition are combined into one kitchen ventilation product? The result is the new, expertly crafted WT32 Series of Chimney Hoods, from BROAN®, which is intelligent and
high-performing in its execution and elegant and classic in its traditional Italian-inspired design.
In response to the current economic climate, Broan has created a value-engineered entry-level chimney hood, without sacrificing style and performance. As part of the BROAN Colonne Suite of cooking ventilation products, the WT32 chimney hood is a robust expression of Italian style that pays homage to the classic Roman Architecture. Both striking and simple in design, this range hood gives new meaning to the idea of achievable luxury.

"Modeled after one of our most popular designs, the WT32 chimney hood is perfect for today's upscale residential kitchens," says Brian Wellnitz, marketing manager, kitchen ventilation, Broan-NuTone®. "We are proud to offer our consumers a luxurious, durable, long-lasting product that is more accessible. Featuring modern controls, lighting and automatic heat detection and stunning Italian-inspired craftsmanship, the WT32 Series can adapt to both modern and traditional kitchen designs. As with other Broan range hoods, even with the latest technologically advanced control features, it still remains a very user-friendly ventilation solution.

The new WT32 range hood has a unique four-speed electronic push button control with translucent blue backlit indication that allows the user to easily determine which speed has been selected. Additionally, it includes a delay timer that automatically shuts off the range hood after five minutes to ensure all cooking contaminates have been evacuated from the kitchen and will indicate when it is time to clean the filters.
"In conjunction with the Broan damper, the WT32 series helps decrease indoor air pollution by restoring fresh air in the home every time the chimney hood is used. As indoor air quality is more and more of a concern for homeowners, Broan continues to offer top of the line, stylish range hood options, helping to eliminate unwanted odors and indoor air pollutants to ensure a healthier home. The WT32 chimney hood might derive its style from ancient Rome, but its function and features are distinctly modern," says Wellnitz.
The durable, brushed stainless steel chimney hood models are available in 30-, 36-, 42- or 48-inch widths and a 22-inch depth. The models are equipped with powerful Pro 600 CFM or Super Pro 1,200 CFM blowers engineered for optimal function and whisper-quiet operation.
Additional features of the Broan WT32 Series include:

• Brilliant halogen cook top lighting: two 50-watt bulbs in the 30- and 36-inch model widths and three in the 42- and 48-inch model widths
• Dishwasher-safe, quick-release, stainless steel and mesh filters
• Optional non-ducted recirculation kit available with 30- and 42-inch width hoods when outdoor venting is unavailable
• The Heat SentryTM system, which automatically detects excessive heat and adjusts blower speed accordingly

http://www.homeproductsinc.com/

What does CFM mean?

CFM is the acronym for Cubic Feet Per Minute - the measure of air volume moved by the fan blower. Choose a fan with a CFM rating appropriate for your room size to ensure adequate ventilation.

What is a Sone, and how is it measured?

A Sone is a measurement of sound in terms of comfortable hearing level for an average listener. The lower the sone value, the more comfortable the listening environment. Sones are not decibels or volume, but rather how sound is "sensed". One sone is the equivalent of a quiet refrigerator.

What is continuous ventilation?

Continuous ventilation provides today?s airtight homes with a relatively constant and controlled lower level of ventilation.

Can I mount fans above my tub and shower?

Most fans are rated for use over a shower or bathtub with a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter).

Can my ceiling fan be surrounded by insulation?

Yes. Bath fans are designed to provide adequate cooling for motors and lighting, as well as products with integral heaters.

Will fans work in wall-mount applications?

Some bath and utility fans may be wall mounted. See the spec matrix for specific models. Improper installation may affect fan life, safety and your warranty.

Will a ceiling fan or wall-mount utility fan serve as a range hood?

No. Range hoods are specifically designed to handle grease and high temperature environments. Ventilation provided by NuTone fans is only a supplement for odor and moisture removal in the kitchen.

What does "static pressure" mean?

Static pressure is the measurement of airflow resistance as it is pushed through ductwork which reduces the effectiveness of the fan. Learn more on the Home Ventilation Institute web site www.hvi.org.

How long should a bath fan run after a shower is used?

The Home Ventilation Institute recommends that a fan should be left on for 20 minutes more to clear humidity adequately and to ensure moisture and condensation in the fan body or ducting is minimized.

What should I do if I can't wait for moisture to clear, but I don't want a fan to run all day long.

Sensing fans that detect the humidity rise caused by a shower and turn on automatically, when moisture has cleared it turns off. Some wall controls also give you the option of humidity sensing, or timer control. Just set it and forget it.

What are the timer features?

Delay-off timers automatically shut your fan off after a specified time interval. It?s a nice feature in high traffic bathrooms where you may wish to let the fan run to clear moisture adequately. A timer counts down the minutes of fan operation selected by the user.

Where should the exhaust fan be located?

Exhaust fans should be located in or near the shower or tub, and in an enclosed water closet. Keep exhaust points opposite the supply air source to ensure that the fresh air is drawn through the room. Bathroom doors should not be sealed too tightly at the bottom in order to allow "makeup air" to enter the room when the door is closed.

Where is the exhaust outlet on the ventilation fan?

The exhaust outlet is the point where air is discharged through the body of the fan housing into the ductwork. During installation, orient your fan with the exhaust outlet pointing toward the exit vent on your roof or wall to minimize turns in ductwork that impede airflow.

Why do the windows and mirrors fog even when the fan is running?

If windows and mirrors are very cold, condensation can still form on these surfaces. And if your bathroom is sealed tightly, replacement air may not be entering the room fast enough to displace the moist air. Be sure to undercut your door sufficiently to draw fresh air into the room. Fan placement can also be a factor. Your fan should be located far from the replacement air source to ensure the moist air is drawn out first. Finally, too many twists and turns in the ducting will significantly reduce the ability of the blower to remove moist air. Make sure your ductwork is as short and straight as it can be, with gradual turns rather than tight corners where necessary.

Why is water dripping from the grille of the fan?

Dripping water is either condensation (usually due to cold ductwork or improper duct installation), or a problem with the seal on a wall or roof vent. Insulated ductwork can help solve condensation problems, and running the fan longer will ensure moisture is completely removed from the duct. Ductwork should slope down toward a wall vent to direct condensation out of the exterior vent opening rather than back into the fan housing.

Can I install a heater over the bathtub or in a shower?

No. Heaters are not UL Listed (Underwriter's Laboratory) for installation over a bathtub or in a shower.

Can I use an inline or multi-port fan in one large bathroom?

Yes, this works the best for large rooms because you can install the ports over the areas where the ventilation is needed the most (source control). The size of the multi-port would be determined by the size of the room.

Does a duct-free bath fan expel air?

No. A duct-free fan is not a ventilating device. It does not remove air from the room.

What type of exhaust fan is recommended for hot tub areas?

A high CFM rated device is normally recommended for this type of application.

Can I use a smaller diameter duct than what the fan is designed for?

This is not recommended. It will cause the fan to run harder, greatly reducing the CFM performance of the fan and create excess noise.

Can larger diameter ducting be used with my bath fan?

Yes, larger diameters will result in improved performance.

What type of duct is recommended, rigid or flexible?

It is recommended, where possible, to use rigid duct. It has less resistance to air flow and allows the fan to operate much more efficiently. If flexible duct is used, be sure the duct is as straight as possible.

Can I exhaust my fan into my attic instead of out the roof or wall?

Never exhaust air into spaces within walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces or garages. The humidity may damage the structure and insulation.

What type of exhaust fan is best for a sauna or hot tub area?

High CFM-rated devices are normally recommended for this type of application.

Can I use a fan in a steam shower?

No. Since these are normally sealed chambers, a vacuum will be created.

Can I vent more than one bath fan out of a roof or wall cap?

No. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended ventilation requirements.

www.StoreForParts.com

Upgrade Kits

Broan Bath Fan Upgrade Kit

 

Do you have an old, ugly, noisy, worn-out Broan or Nutone bath fan?  Now it's easy to replace the old bath fan with Broan's Model #690 Bath Fan Upgrade Kit.  The upgrade kit will move more air and is quieter than the old model too.

Features

• No re-wiring
• No new duct work
• No hassels
• New motor (60 CFM and 3.0 Sones) reduces sound up to 50%, improves air movement up to 20%, and helps control humidity that causes mold and mildew
• New grille - Upgrade your bathroom's look with a modern white grille (can be painted)
• No special tools are required - kit includes everything you need
• Two motor plates included to fit most economy fans

Broan 690 Upgrade Kit replaces the models below:
If your grille looks like this:		The fan is very likely one of these models:		Housing Dimensions:
		Broan 670, 671, 688, 689 Nautilus N671, N688		7-1/2"x7-1/4" only * 8" x 8-1/4" are not compatible
		NuTone 693, 695, 696N		7-1/2"x7-1/4" or 8"x7-1/4"

Broan 690 Upgrade Kit replaces the models below:
If your grille looks like this:		The fan is very likely one of these models:		Housing Dimensions:
		Broan 670, 671, 688, 689 Nautilus N671, N688		7-1/2"x7-1/4" only * 8" x 8-1/4" are not compatible
		NuTone 693, 695, 696N		7-1/2"x7-1/4" or 8"x7-1/4"

More Information:

• Model: 690
• Manufactured by: Broan

Fixing That Old Attic Fan

Whole house or attic fans are a wonderful thing to have and often replace air conditioning units for people in climates where the evenings are cool in the summer. When the attic fan is working properly, it provides an air exchange for the entire house and encourages breezes to flow freely through the rooms. If the fan has stopped working, you may think you have to call in a repairman, but the job may be simple enough to do yourself.

things you'll need:
Screwdriver
Voltage sensor
Extension cord
Electric light
Parts as needed

1
Identify the problem. This may sound simple enough, but the way you proceed depends heavily on the source of the problem. Many fans have either motor malfunctions or troubles with a thermostat.
2
Diagnose electrical problems with an extension cord. If your fan plugs into a standard outlet, simply bring an extension cord and a small lamp up to the attic with you. Keep the extension cord plugged into another outlet, plug the fan into it and see what happens. If the fan works, then you've probably got an electrical problem. Try plugging the lamp into the outlet dedicated to the fan; if it doesn't work, you've identified the problem.
3
Check the thermostat. Many attic fans stop working because of a problem with the thermostat. If your fan has an "off/on" switch that can bypass the thermostat, try that and see if the fan turns on. If it does, you've found the problem. If it doesn't have that option, remove the thermostat to see if the fan still functions. Be sure to disconnect any electricity at this point.
4
Get the right parts for the job. If you've diagnosed a motor or thermostat problem, you should be able to get the parts at StoreForParts.com.
5
Replace the parts. Once you've got the parts, you can easily follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing the problem part.

Remember that your fan is an electrical appliance. Use every precaution when dealing with electrical items and turn off the electricity from the circuit breaker whenever you are working on them. Check your paperwork for a warranty before you begin your repair. Your fan's problem may be covered and you may get a free replacement part, service or even a new fan if yours is still covered. Check your prices; sometimes it's cheaper and easier to replace the fan than it is to repair it.

While doing it yourself is very satisfying, you don't want to pay more for the parts than you would to get a brand new fan.If your problem is within the electrical system of your house and you don't have experience with wiring, seek professional help. Electrical work can be tricky and dangerous and if you feel you are in over your head, you probably are

http://www.storeforparts.com/