Quick tips for increasing your bath’s safety and style in a weekend

(ARA) - When it comes to updating your bathroom, style is most likely your first consideration. But it shouldn’t be! After all, this frequently used room is where most home injuries occur—and slips and falls around the tub are one of the leading causes of emergency room visits. Luckily, safe can be stylish. With a few easy bath safety makeover tips and a trip to your local home improvement store, your bathroom will be safe and stylish in just one weekend.

For a bit of added stability, place a rubber bath mat or decorative treads on the bottom of your tub and shower. There are many designs and shapes available, like stars and shells, to suit any style. Plus, they are easy to attach and remove.

Lend a helping hand in danger zones, such as the tub, with a decorative hand grip. Smaller and less obtrusive than a grab bar, new Designer Hand Grips from Home Care by Moen come in both traditional and contemporary styles in finishes that include Brushed Nickel, Chrome or White to blend with virtually any bath décor. The look is stylish—not institutional—and the hand grips can be easily installed in under ten minutes.

"We continually introduce products that help people retain their independent life-style," says Kevin Jones, senior product/brand manager of Home Care by Moen. "The Designer Hand Grips are just one example of how we balance safety and function with an appealing design. Consumers want products that blend seamlessly into the home and become an integral part of the room and its décor."

To prevent needless sliding and trips, add colorful new throw rugs with rubber backing. Not only will this provide a decorative accent, rugs will soak up water and keep the floor dry and safe.

Next, swap doorknobs with new lever-handle designs in your favorite finish. In addition to a style update, the lever handles are easier to open than knobs, particularly for those with arthritis or limited range of motion.

While shopping, look for a new faucet with single- or lever-handles, which are ADA-compliant due to their ease of use. Moen offers several new collections, such as its Bayhill or Belden suites, which will make a style statement at your sink. And today’s lever-handle faucets feature a variety of trendy finishes to create a designer look in the bath.

Although it may be overlooked by healthy adults, the simple task of sitting on the toilet or getting in and out of the tub and shower can be difficult for some guests who may have knee or back problems, are in a wheelchair, pregnant or recovering from an injury. If this describes someone in your home—or a potential guest—you may want to purchase an elevated toilet seat, such as the Locking Elevated Toilet Seat from Home Care by Moen.

This raised seat greatly decreases stress put on the legs, knees and back. Plus, this ADA-compliant seat can be easily attached (and removed) and features a contoured design so it blends with your existing bath décor. For the shower and tub, consider a shower seat or transfer bench for ease when getting in and out, as well as to maintain a comfortable and safe position while showering.

Now that you’ve added new safety enhancements, it’s time to think pretty. Painting is one of the quickest and most simple ways to change the overall look and feel of a room. Be sure to use mold and mildew-proof paint to maintain a clean and healthy environment and choose a color that breathes new life into your walls. Look to the color of the walls and choose soft accents, such as shower curtains and towels in a matching or contrasting color.

For added storage with elegant style, consider replacing your current accessories, such as towel bars, shelves and paper holders with new stylish options. Be sure to coordinate the finish of these accessories with what you have already chosen for your new hand grips, door levers and faucets to create a professionally designed look.

Luckily, today’s new products ensure that safety and style go hand in hand. With these few tips and ideas, you’ll soon enjoy the beauty of your new bathroom—all with the peace of mind that you’ve added the necessary components to keep your family and guests safe and sound.

All items from the Home Care by Moen line of bath safety products are available nationwide at select retailers such as Lowe’s and Menard’s or at select home health and medical suppliers. For additional information, visit www.homecare.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - The handcrafted look of wrought iron has been gaining popularity in a wide range of home décor for some time now. In fact, it was named the number one decorating trend for 2007 by noted designer Melodi Oswald.

These days you can find the decorative metal on entrance doors, fences and porch railings. Homeowners have also embraced wrought iron as a decorative element, like hinges and handles, on garage doors for some time. But did you know that the new trend is for wrought iron to be used as the primary building material in the construction of garage doors?

This look takes center stage on the Dynasty Iron Doors being distributed by Amarr.

"Name any area of the home —bedrooms, kitchens, patio areas and garage doors—and you’ll find a rapidly increasing consumer demand for wrought iron," says Vickie Lents, Amarr’s residential doors category director. "Wrought iron can be adapted to any decorating style, either as a primary element or an accent, and is quickly becoming highly sought-after in garage door design and construction."

This unique, old world look is catching on in many parts of the country as more and more homeowners seek to increase their home’s curb appeal. Those who have utilized the look of wrought iron are more than pleased with the results.

"Homeowners who have installed ornamental iron garage doors tell us that they provide the ‘wow factor’ they’ve been searching for," Lents says. "Garage doors, and many other home accents, have been moving toward a European style and this is a continuation of that trend."

In addition to new construction and modern homes, wrought iron garage doors also work well with the architecture of a wide range of historic homes. Whether the style of home is Tuscan, Old World, contemporary or historic, wrought iron garage doors are the perfect complement to the highly popular tile roofs, stacked stone home exteriors, and even brick. Lents says that consumers like wrought iron because it helps soften the overall look of a home’s exterior, giving it texture while making a powerful style statement.

The doors recently introduced by Amarr are manufactured by Dynasty Iron Doors, a company with a reputation for excellence in wrought iron door construction. Based in Phoenix, Dynasty started using wrought iron in the construction of entry doors, and then pioneered the look for garage doors.

"We’ve received a tremendous response from consumers who are hungry to use wrought iron in their homes," says Dynasty co-founder Kevin Wright. "When you think about it, garage doors are a large piece of the exterior look of your home, so it’s fitting that ornamental wrought iron be part of the overall architecture. Wrought iron garage doors give homes unique character and curb appeal."

For more information or to view an online catalog, log on to www.amarr.com or call (800) 503-3667.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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(ARA) - Ask anyone if they have ever taken on a home plumbing project by themselves and they will likely say that they have. But how involved was the project?

Many building professionals agree that plumbing is one of those tasks that typically looks a lot easier than it is. And while many savvy home-owners may have taken on a simple plumbing project, such as repairing a leaky faucet, fixing a toilet that keeps running, or even hooking up an ice maker, few consumers have actually plumbed their own bathroom or replaced old, corroded pipe.

That’s because plumbing has historically required various mechanical skills and the ability to operate expensive, cumbersome and complicated equipment. Even those more adventurous who have the know-how to plumb an extra bath may have avoided the task since a copper plumbing installation requires soldering. Difficult and messy, in some cases soldering is also downright risky, because it introduces an open flame into a confined area surrounded by wood joists and other flammable materials.

Today, however, you might be more likely to successfully replace a worn-out system or plumb a new bathroom, thanks to newer products and technologies that make the installation faster and easier —not to mention safer and less expensive. FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing systems, for instance, made of a high-performance plastic material, require only a handful of inexpensive cutting tools, a can of solvent cement, some knowledge of plumbing systems and proper procedures, and careful review of manufacturer instructions.

CPVC is a plastic piping system that allows easier installation than traditional copper or other metallic systems. As with any building material, you’ll need to handle CPVC properly and install it according to manufacturer instructions, and local and national building codes. Improperly installed CPVC systems can fail, as can ones that come in contact with chemically incompatible products during installation or at anytime during their service life. Keep the pipe and fittings away from certain oils and lubricants, wires and cables and some caulks (all Teflon tape is compatible). For more information, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions. To view a list of widely available compatible products, visit www.systemcompatible.com.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a simple CPVC system:

• Start by cutting the pipe with a wheel type plastic tubing cutter, ratchet cutter or fine tooth saw. Using a chamfering tool, pocket knife or file, remove any burrs or filings; they can hinder proper contact between the pipe and fitting during assembly.

• Wipe the fitting socket and pipe end with a clean, dry rag to remove dirt and moisture. Then apply a heavy, even coat of one-step CPVC compatible solvent cement to the pipe end. Without adding more cement to the applicator, next apply a thin coat inside the fitting socket.

• Immediately insert the pipe into the socket, rotating the pipe 1/4 to 1/2 turn while inserting. The motion ensures cement is evenly distributed inside the joint.

• Hold the assembled pipe and socket for about 10 seconds, allowing the joint to set. You should see an even bead of cement around the joint. Wipe the excess cement from the pipe for an attractive, professional appearance. The joint will cure completely in about 10 minutes.

Like all piping material, FlowGuard Gold CPVC expands when heated and contracts when cooled, so you’ll need to allow for this. Expansion is mainly a concern in hot water lines. Changes in direction can usually accommodate this issue, but a long straight run of pipe may require an offset or loop. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for further details.

While the concept of CPVC piping is relatively new in the do-it-yourself market, the technology behind it has been around for decades. Professional plumbers have been using FlowGuard Gold CPVC pipe and fittings, for example, in residential, commercial and industrial settings for 50 years. CPVC piping has proven to be reliable, quiet, energy-efficient and more budget friendly than costly metal systems. Plus, the plastic piping minimizes condensation and concerns about water contamination.

It’s important to note, however, that even with the newer, user-friendly products, a moderate level of plumbing knowledge is required. Total plumbing ignorance may create silly mistakes that can turn into big, costly headaches. Do your homework before tackling any plumbing project. Regardless of what product or material you’re installing, always be sure to research local plumbing codes and fully read all manufacturer’s instructions before getting started.

For more information on the easy-to-install FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing system, visit www.flowguardgold.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - As the temperatures rise and we begin to emerge from winter hibernation, many of us feel the urge to open up our homes and begin cleaning away the dust and dirt that has accumulated over the long winter months.

According to a survey done by the Soap and Detergent Association, 60 percent of Americans feel that spring is the best time of year to clean the house from top to bottom, and from the inside, out.

Aside from traditional jobs that go along with spring cleaning—such as re-organizing the house, cleaning the windows, and anything else that may have collected dust—don’t forget to pay attention to the dirt and winter gunk that has seeped into all the hard-to-reach and less obvious places inside and outside the house.

It can be frustrating to clean things such as your vinyl siding, the back deck, or the embedded dirt in your carpet, but these chores do not need to be as time consuming as you might think. Stop by your local American Rental Association (ARA) rental business and rent the tools you need.

By renting tools such as steam cleaners, carpet extractors, floor buffers, paint sprayers and power washers, you will not only save time, but you will save money as well.

"Rental businesses often see an increase in business during the spring months. Consumers are looking for carpet cleaners, power washers and other equipment to help them get their home refreshed and ready for summer," said Christine Wehrman, vice president and CEO of ARA.

In addition to providing the equipment, rental store employees can also advise you on the tools that will get the job done.

• Clean your carpet—Did you know that most contemporary carpets are made to hide as much as 10 times their own weight in soil and dirt? Use a steam cleaner or carpet extractor to get rid of the dirt and germs that you can’t see.

• Revitalize your hardwood floors—Did your hardwood floors take a beating this winter? If so, refinish your hardwood floors on your own by renting a floor buffer. Buffers will help you get rid of all the scratches to make your floors look brand new again.

• Siding and decks—Did you know that power washing the outside of your house not only removes dirt, mildew and moss, it can also remove cracking and flaking paint from your house. Rent a power washer to get rid of all the winter residue on the outside of your house. You can also use it to get rid of the salt stains on your wood deck or your front porch. If you plan on painting or re-staining your deck or front porch this will help prepare the wood.

• Give your home an exterior face lift by re-staining or painting the deck or house. Instead of giving your arms a workout, cut the time spent painting in half by renting a paint sprayer. Be sure to wash the house or deck first with a power washer, as it prepares the surface so that the paint will last longer. Just stop by your local rental store to find the right paint sprayer for you.

When it comes to spring cleaning, take some shortcuts by renting the equipment to make your task easier. Instead of slaving away indoors, you’ll be able to enjoy the weather outdoors. To find your local ARA member rental business, visit www.RentalHQ.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Even with winter gone and spring on the way, it can be hard to maintain an upbeat mood and high energy if the colors in your home are drab. Short of taking a monthly vacation to a bright, tropical paradise, one way we can keep energy in our lives is with the creative use of color.

It’s always a perfect time to spruce up the interior of your home. There are simple, economical ways to add color to your interior spaces to improve your outlook year round.

1) Paint the blues away.

One of the best ways to integrate color into a home without much cost is with the use of paint. Even if you think you don’t have the energy or talent to repaint an entire room, don’t worry. You can add splashes of color by painting just one wall a vibrant hue.

Take cues from Mother Nature to establish optimistic color schemes. For example, bright blues and warm shades of taupe are inspired by the ocean, reds and yellows can represent the brightness of a rising sun, and brown and green tones remind you of those first days of spring when buds begin to appear.

When deciding where to paint, it’s important to ask yourself, "What is the room’s strongest feature?" It might be a fireplace, a view, or even a favorite piece of artwork. The wall around that focal point is the wall you want to highlight! Bold colors work well on these walls because they tend to be broken by the window or fireplace, so the impact is eye-catching, not overwhelming. Also, there really isn’t that much area to paint, so the work isn’t too time-consuming.

Rollers are the DIY enthusiast’s best friend because they can save a lot of time and produce a professional-looking finish. When choosing a roller, make sure it holds an adequate amount of paint without a lot of shedding. For example, the new Wooster Avalon performs like a high-capacity knit while delivering a very low-shed finish like a woven. The special fibers provide a finish with at least 50 percent lower fiber shed count than other rollers on the market. Using a high-quality roller will speed the painting process so you can enjoy your colorful new room sooner, with less effort during the job.

2) If you miss the green, add some greenery.

Do you miss looking outside and seeing full trees and blooming flowers? If so, there’s no better way to brighten your home than to integrate some plants into the decor. Many people participate in some form of indoor gardening, whether having a full container garden, a simple herb garden, or a favorite green plant or two. Ivy, cactus, spider plants and bonsai are all good indoor plants.

If you prefer flowers, you have options as well. African violets are great indoor plants that produce small flowers in vivid shades of purple, pink or white. Geraniums are easy-to-grow annuals with pretty leaf shapes that will flower continuously if given adequate light. Finally, many bulbs work well in an indoor environment. Paper white narcissus flowers provide a strong scent to bring the smell of summer inside your home. Don’t feel like growing flowers? A trip to your local florist or grocery store can provide you with a bouquet that can be displayed anywhere in the house.

3) Accessorize with the feeling of the sun.

Adding accessories to your house’s decor that draw from the feeling of summer can really make a difference in revving up a home’s energy. New pillows can instantly transform an old sofa into something lively and new. A new piece of art with a nature scene can brighten a boring wall. Update family photos with favorite moments from the past year’s warm months. A fun beach picnic scene might be just the pick-me-up you need. Finally, be sure to open your curtains and allow natural light to enter the house as much as you can during the daytime.

Brightening your home is easy when you utilize color. For more information, visit www.woosterbrush.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) – Real estate may be about location, location, location, but it’s also about looks. Curb appeal is taking on a bigger role in today’s housing market. With the number of available homes for sale growing each day, buyers can afford to be choosy and consider only houses that show well from the street. That means sellers now have just a few seconds to make a first impression, capture interest and draw buyers inside.

Confirming just how important curb appeal is to hooking new owners, JELD-WEN, a leading window and door manufacturer, discovered in a recent survey of real estate agents that 82 percent have had potential buyers decline to look at the interior of a home based on the exterior appearance.

"In today’s competitive market, buyers want upgrades, like windows and doors, that create visual appeal," says Elizabeth Souders, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN. "A home must present itself favorably in a quick snapshot. The real estate agent survey shows that without strong curb appeal, buyers might not even consider looking inside the home."

Upgrading curb appeal is proving to be a good investment when selling a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), window and door projects mostly pay for themselves at closing. Typically, homeowners can expect between an 81 to 88 percent return on window upgrades, the NAR said.

In addition to obvious touches like a new coat of paint or fixing cracks in the pavement, updating windows and doors is an ideal first step in boosting a home’s image. Whether owners are listing a home for sale, or simply want to increase their home’s stature in the neighborhood, JELD-WEN suggests these five tips to increasing curb appeal:

1. Stay true to style: Upgrades should fit in with a home’s architectural style. For example, JELD-WEN says contemporary homes call for windows and doors with clean lines and simple profiles, while traditional homes such as Craftsmans or Colonials are better matched with windows and doors featuring appropriate divided lite designs.

2. Add details: Custom features are a great way to achieve one-of-a-kind looks that stand out. Adding a doorknocker, speakeasy, decorative glass or metal accents to an upgraded front door can give an Old World home a heightened level of charm to catch a buyer’s eye. New house numbers and porch lights also provide a fresh look for entry areas.

3. Remember the garage: The most prominent exterior feature in many homes is the garage door, so this upgrade goes a long way toward elevating curb appeal. JELD-WEN is seeing many homeowners ordering garage doors complete with window inserts, metal accents and hardware to match the main entry door for a coordinated appearance.

4. Dress the yard: Make sure the house is the first thing potential buyers see, not overgrown hedges or dead grass. Hire a gardener to spruce up the landscaping and add colorful touches like seasonal flowers, decorative rocks or bubbly water fountains. Shaping bushes and curving lawn borders can shake up a tired front yard.

5. Coordinate color: Color, when done right, sells. Doors and windows give homeowners ideal opportunities to infuse color into their curb appeal without having to paint. For example, JELD-WEN’s Custom Wood windows come with 41 standard exterior metal clad color choices, meaning a homeowner can select hues such as Redwood or Dark Ivy to match surrounding natural elements.

For more information on garage door materials and trends, visit www.jeld-wen. com or call (800) 877-9482.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - A fence is an investment most homeowners make only once or twice in their lives. Fences provide protection, privacy and "curb appeal." They can define property lines and enhance security, keeping children and pets in and unwelcome intruders out. A good fence, especially an isolation fence around a swimming pool, can also reduce homeowners’ liability.

Protect your investment and the security of your home, children and possessions through regular inspection and maintenance of all fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property.

Gates and gate hardware are the only moveable parts on a fence system, so they’re subject to the most wear and tear. Rust, along with gate misalignment caused by factors such as ground movement, high winds, and children swinging on the gate, are the most common problems which prevent latches from engaging properly. If the gate does not latch each time it’s closed, the entire fence is ineffective.

Selecting the right gate hardware can prevent most of these problems. An investment in quality up-front, or when replacing defective or old hardware, can mean that little or no maintenance needs to be done to the gate. Innovative gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies are designed to prevent rust and are adjustable during and after installation, to easily correct for gate alignment issues in seconds. D&D’s products are made of super strong engineering polymers and stainless steel that will not rust and are self-lubricating. The company backs all products with a limited Lifetime Warranty.

Updating your gates so they close automatically after opening (self-closing) and the latch engages without manual effort (self-latching), improving the security and overall look of your fence, can be done in just a few minutes with these unique products. D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassles and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company’s hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver… no more dangerous and unsightly external springs.

"In our research, we found that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly was their number one concern. Most homeowners are not aware that rust-free and adjustable gate hinges and latches like D&D’s products are available," says D&D Technologies’ senior vice president Jim Paterson.

If you have a pool, spa or want to prevent children from opening any gate, D&D’s Magna-Latch is specifically designed for these situations. Magna-Latch is the number one selling child safety gate latch in the world. It is self-latching, meets pool barrier codes and is endorsed by many safety experts.

Paterson recommends, "Ensure that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance."

He notes that rust free gate hardware by D&D Technologies is now available through fencing contractors, pool supply retailers, hardware stores and online. The tension-adjustable hinges and self-latching latches are simple to install and many models offer both vertical and horizontal adjustment.

"For the fencing itself, rot and rust can present challenges," Paterson notes. "Check wooden fences for peeling, splintering, mold, or rot." Rot problems on wooden fence rails can be remedied by saturating the affected area with a preservative and mending it. Steel fences and gates must be periodically repainted with rust-resistant paint to prevent weather-related damage. Remove existing rust before painting, and use a rust-preventive primer.

"Aluminum, vinyl or wood fencing can protect against rust on the fence itself," Paterson remarks, "but the hardware must still be rust-free and adjustable to ensure the gate will be in working order. A quick inspection, and if needed, the minutes spent installing new gate hardware, can help protect your family and property, increasing security and decreasing liability."

See www.ddtechglobal.com, e-mail info@ddtechusa.com or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292 for details.

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(ARA) – Spring cleaning is one of those things that seem like a really good idea at the time—until you are up to your elbows in grime, surrounded by clutter, and wondering what ever compelled you to start such a gargantuan project in the first place! Long gone are the days when people could devote so much time to the annual rite of spring cleaning. After all, we have busy lives and hectic schedules. How are we supposed to cram in spring cleaning when we can’t even get caught up on the laundry?

Here’s the good news—it can be done. After all, spring is a season that is full of possibilities. So throw open your windows and let the sun shine in because spring cleaning doesn’t have to be another dreaded chore if you keep in mind a few easy tips.

Nothing can blow good intentions like insurmountable tasks. It’s important not to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to cleaning the whole house. In other words, don’t clean up the entire house. Divide your home into zones and attack them one at a time. Instead of trying to tear through your entire home in a day, spend a week devoted to one zone of your home, such as the kitchen. After the week is over, move on to the next zone. Spring isn’t in a huge rush. You don’t need to be, either.

Health and safety come first. Prioritize spring cleaning projects that will make your family and home more comfortable and healthier. For instance, consider replacing any chemical-filled household cleaners with natural, multipurpose cleaners. This could include using half vinegar and half water for cleaning glass or using baking soda and water for an inexpensive and chemical-free way to scrub bathtubs and sinks.

It’s also important to protect against the dust, pollen and dander that can cause poor indoor air quality and aggravate allergies or asthma. Installing a whole-home air filtration system will also help you spend less time cleaning this spring and throughout the year so you can spend more time enjoying your family!

This tip is probably the most difficult one for any homeowner to stick with, but it’s vital if anything is ever going to be accomplished. Set aside a chunk of time to do some spring cleaning tasks and then keep working. Distractions, of course, are inevitable. But take measures to prevent them as much as possible. Don’t answer the phone, refrain from checking e-mails, or put on a movie for the kids so that you can have at least one or two uninterrupted hours.

Nothing saves time better than increasing your work-force. Pick up the phone and invite some friends over for a spring cleaning party. After all, it’s always more fun to clean up someone else’s home. You provide the food and drinks, and your friends can help you attack a cleaning project. Turning spring cleaning into a friendly project will not only help you get the work done, it will make it fun. Of course, keep in mind your friends will likely ask you to return the favor!

Spring is a time of new beginnings, so begin today to achieve a cleaner, more comfortable home. No matter what your schedule, there is always time to create the home that you desire.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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