5 COST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

Cost Effective Energy Efficiency 

Today's article will feature educational tips from the experts at Modernize.  They have shared 5 simple ways to upgrade your Halifax home by making it more energy efficient.

via Modernize

From energy efficient appliances and light bulbs to solar modules, the benefits of going green in your home are dual sided. Not only are you lessening your carbon footprint and taking better care of the earth—if you make the right upgrades, you’re saving money. Investing in energy efficient changes in your home may feel like a big step, but it’s one that will soon pay off both in financial rewards and in a feeling of doing good. Check out these cost-effective changes you can make, then head over to Modernize for more ideas on increasing the energy efficiency of your home.

Low Flow Filters

Every time we flush the toilet or wait for the shower to heat up, we are wasting water. Countless gallons of water are wasted every day. Low flow filters help you and your family consume water more thoughtfully by regulating the amount that comes out when you turn on a faucet. While you may want a professional to help you upgrade your toilet, you can easily switch out fixtures like your faucets and showerheads on your own. Prepare to save on your utility bills!

Windows and Doors

Living Space by Case Design/Remodeling

The more tightly you seal the spaces around your windows and doors, the less cool air sneaks into your home to cancel out the efforts of your HVAC. When your HVAC isn't having to fight cold air coming in from outside, it doesn't cost you as much. Weatherstripping is one of the most cost-effective measures—the supplies you need are affordable hardware store finds, and you can easily do the job yourself.

Programmable Thermostat

Heating and cooling are the biggest money-eating monsters in your home. But so much of what you spend on heating and cooling may be unnecessary, especially if your settings stay the same when you’re gone as when you’re at home. A programmable thermostat takes the gray area out of making your home the right temperature. Instead of leaving your AC on full blast on a hot summer day while you’re at work, you can program it to kick in an hour before you get home. Smart thermostats take it even further by allowing you to program it from your device and giving your updates on your HVAC’s energy efficiency.

Ceiling Fans

Direct current (DC) fans use up to 70 percent less energy than alternate current (AC) ceiling fans. DC fans are often quieter and lighter, and they generate less heat. Take a load off of your HVAC system by relying on your ceiling fan to help out—even AC ceiling fans are pretty energy efficient.

Insulation

Attic by Case Design/Remodeling

Air leaks and improper insulation waste a lot of energy. They also contribute to difficulty stabilizing indoor temperatures. By replacing the insulation, especially in an unfinished attic, you can not only save money but also reduce pollutants, reduce noise coming from outside, and keep out potentially destructive humidity. Even though you don’t see the leaks or feel the air from outdoors sneaking in, failing to properly insulate your home is as bad for your wallet as leaving a door open.

PROJECT FEATURE: KITCHEN RENOVATION, MORAN ST. HALIFAX, NS

SO YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN IN THE HALIFAX METRO AREA.  YOU ARE DEFINITELY NOT ALONE.  

Case provides kitchen remodeling in Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth and the surrounding areas. Kitchen makeovers are among the most popular home renovation projects today. Maybe your kitchen lacks adequate storage space, needs more light, is too small, is in need of repair or is just out of date. Whatever your reason, a kitchen remodel will make a huge impact on the look, feel, and value of your home and will provide you and your family years of enjoyment. This week we are taking a closer look at a kitchen remodel done in Central Halifax on Moran St.

DESIGN CONSULTATION

The process began with an initial free consultation to discuss the clients needs, budget considerations, time frame, and the best way to proceed.

THE CONCEPT

The two young professionals were looking for a bright youthful and most of all functional space where they can gather with friends.  They were looking for something fun to reflect their style while giving a sense of space in their quaint town-home in central Halifax.  Their goal was to accomplish this without loosing the caricature of the home. We mixed the traditional feel of the home with the urban style the clients were looking for. 

SELECTIONS

Traditional elements were added with white subway tile back-splash, knotty pine floors to match existing and an apron front style sink.  Urban elements were introduced with industrial chrome faucet, butcher block counter-tops, built-in open shelving, butcher block wall hung shelving with cast iron supports & shaker style cabinetry to finally connect the two styles.  More natural light was added when we decided to replace the existing window with a larger size allowing the homeowners to have more plants & herbs in their kitchen.

THE END RESULT

" I was greatly satisfied by the process of designing the kitchen.  Seeing a digital rendering of the home was very satisfying. Our final product looks just like the initial design.  Amy, the designer, did a very good job".

Moran St. Client

If your kitchen is in need of a redesign & remodel call the experts at Case Design/Remodeling for your free design consultation.  902.454.CASE(2273)

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                                                6070 Almon St. Suite 112 | Halifax NS | B3K 1T8 | 902.454.CASE (2273)

                                                             www.casehalifax.com | halifax@caseremodeling.com

  

OLD TO NEW: SIMPLE CHANGES WITH BIG IMPACTS

Now that it’s a brand new year, it’s time to make a list of all the things you would like to change in your home.

Maybe your kitchen cabinets are just not right or you have been neglecting that guest bathroom that needs to be renovated. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, not anymore! This will be the year that you transform your home into exactly what you want it to be and we are here to help inspire you. Here are some simple tips on how to update a space so that it feels new and fresh.

UPDATE

Contemporary Kitchen by Crystal Cabinets

Some major changes you can make to your home are updating the flooring, cabinets, and appliances. These are the three things that date your home and often what home buyers notice first. If your flooring is covered in shag carpeting and your cabinets scream “I am from the 90’s, then it’s time to renovate. However, we understand that you might not be able to tear everything out right at this moment.

We recommend starting with small changes that will have a big impact on your room. The biggest and simplest change comes in a paint can. Paint over those honey oak cabinets with some fresh white paint and you will see your old dull kitchen transform before your eyes.

Traditional Kitchen by Case Design/Remodeling

CHANGE THE FACE

A great way to update a space is to update the hardware. If you feel like your kitchen needs a makeover but you don’t want to remodel, try changing out your cabinet knobs. Are you tired of your old bathroom faucet and bored of your sink? Switching out your current faucet and opting for a contemporary sink can make your bathroom feel updated.

Select a new faucet like this one, from American Standard 2015 Collection 

RE PURPOSE

Table from NOT BRAND NEW $60

Another way to update your home is to re purpose old furniture.  If you don’t have time for a DIY project, check out NOT BRAND NEW on Facebook.  They are bringing new life to old things and making them new to you!

Visit the Hydrostone Market and learn from Rusty Hinges.They offer workshops on how to use Chalk Paint  for re purposing old furniture, so cool!


Follow Case Design on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Houzz for more helpful tips and ideas.

                                        

6070 Almon St. Suite 112 | Halifax NS | B3K 1T8 | 902.454.CASE (2273) | www.casehalifax.com | halifax@caseremodeling.com

HOME DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2015

A New Year is here already and we all know what that means — time to make some resolutions to start fresh in the New Year. This is the perfect time to consider making some home improvements! Giving your home a makeover, even if you only chose one or two spaces, can help to rejuvenate you and your family and make 2015 the best year yet. Check out some of these 2015 home design trends to incorporate in your next remodel or redesign.

If a contemporary look is your style, check out this clean and sleek kitchen. Smooth lines and solid colors help to create a chic look, perfect for entertaining guests. Cool tones such as white, gray, and silver create the feeling a clean slate or fresh start, reflective of the feelings of starting a new year with new possibilities. The trend in this space for 2015 is the absence of wall cabinets- storage in an island or below counter space is often underutilized. Wall cabinets can be bulky and may distract from the sleek look of the room, so consider installing cabinets below or even choosing a piece of furniture to store plates and glasses for quick access.

Contemporary Kitchen by: Buttrick Projects Architecture + Design

Accent walls of all different materials are something to keep an eye out for in 2015. If you enjoy natural vibes in your home, consider incorporating a timber, wood plank accent wall. It can take a seemingly plain or utilitarian space to a space with the flare of the rest of your home. Consider, too, mixing textures and patterns- course timber matched with smooth, white porcelain fixtures can be the exact juxtaposition your space needs this year.

Wood Plank Accent Wall by: Capital Building Home Builders

Another way to capture the playfulness of an accent wall would be through the use of patterned wallpaper. Choose a wall with enough space that the wallpaper pattern will be shown with high visibility, but maybe one with less surface area, so as not to overpower the room. The wallpaper should be the center of attention that drives the rest of the room, so choose other paint colors, fixtures, and appliances accordingly. It’s bold and daring, and what a better time to try something different than when starting a new year.

Accent Wall by: Robyn Clarke + Co

The laundry room probably receives the least amount of redesign attention, but this year could be your chance to revamp this space. Consider making this room not only a place to do laundry, but a place to store pesky home items such as an ironing board, various cleaning supplies, etc. Making just a few changes can easily make the laundry room your favorite room for 2015.   

Laundry Room Remodel by: Case Design/Remodeling

If you’re interested in making some of these 2015 trends part of your home, contact our Halifax, NS office and speak to a Case Design professional today. (902) 454-CASE (2273)

Follow Case Design on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Houzz for more helpful tips and ideas.

                                        

6070 Almon St. Suite 112 | Halifax NS | B3K 1T8 | 902.454.CASE (2273) | www.casehalifax.com | halifax@caseremodeling.com

ADDING A HOME ADDITION

SO YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN IN THE HALIFAX METRO AREA.  YOU ARE DEFINITELY NOT ALONE.  

Case provides kitchen remodeling in Halifax, Bedford, Dartmouth and the surrounding areas. Kitchen makeovers are among the most popular home renovation projects today. Maybe your kitchen lacks adequate storage space, needs more light, is too small, is in need of repair or is just out of date. Whatever your reason, a kitchen remodel will make a huge impact on the look, feel, and value of your home and will provide you and your family years of enjoyment. This week we are taking a closer look at a kitchen remodel done in Central Halifax on Moran St.

DESIGN CONSULTATION

The process began with an initial free consultation to discuss the clients needs, budget considerations, time frame, and the best way to proceed.

THE CONCEPT

The two young professionals were looking for a bright youthful and most of all functional space where they can gather with friends.  They were looking for something fun to reflect their style while giving a sense of space in their quaint town-home in central Halifax.  Their goal was to accomplish this without loosing the caricature of the home. We mixed the traditional feel of the home with the urban style the clients were looking for. 

SELECTIONS

Traditional elements were added with white subway tile back-splash, knotty pine floors to match existing and an apron front style sink.  Urban elements were introduced with industrial chrome faucet, butcher block counter-tops, built-in open shelving, butcher block wall hung shelving with cast iron supports & shaker style cabinetry to finally connect the two styles.  More natural light was added when we decided to replace the existing window with a larger size allowing the homeowners to have more plants & herbs in their kitchen.

ope
THE END RESULT

" I was greatly satisfied by the process of designing the kitchen.  Seeing a digital rendering of the home was very satisfying. Our final product looks just like the initial design.  Amy, the designer, did a very good job".

Moran St. Client

If your kitchen is in need of a redesign & remodel call the experts at Case Design/Remodeling for your free design consultation.  902.454.CASE(2273)

            Follow us on                          

  

  

                                                6070 Almon St. Suite 112 | Halifax NS | B3K 1T8 | 902.454.CASE (2273)

                                                             www.casehalifax.com | halifax@caseremodeling.com