Bed Mattresses
According to an article it is very important from a physician’s standpoint that your spine maintain a proper position while one is sleeping. It must maintain the same form as it is when you are standing up. As one might guess this has a great deal to do with the mattress that you sleep on. The type of mattress one might need will differ between each person. Some might see fit that they have a firmer mattress for better support, while others might find it necessary to have softer mattress for optimal comfort. So today there are many mattresses to choose from including: a traditional innerspring mattress and one of the newer types on the market, including foam (such as the Tempur-Pedic), air (such as the Sleep Number bed) or latex (such as Royal-Pedic). Experts agree that any of these types can provide proper support, and that choosing between them comes down to how much you can spend and whether you're willing to pay a premium for a foam or latex mattress that does not need flipping and reportedly lasts for 20 years.
There is a new buzz for something called a Tempur-Pedic mattress, which is specifically designed to bring the greatest comfort to the individual. This mattress was designed to conform to all the pressure points of ones body while sleeping and alleviate the pressure on these points in order to make someone feel as if they are floating. Although these mattresses are more expensive they do tend to get very good ratings from physicians as well as the individuals that have purchased them. One of the negative results that have come up is that it takes time getting used to its very different feel and that in different weather the mattress changes. The cost is an obvious negative to this mattress. For example a queen size mattress on average is $1500 including the box spring, which is almost double a high quality spring mattress. So manufacturers are creating a new mattress to compete with these and the most well known is Bergad Isoform which is only about $850 and gets very similar reviews to the Tempur-Pedic. However, again it is important to note that this depends on the type of mattress that is needed for each individual.
Top Online Resources:
Carpet
People should be aware of the different makes of carpets and how they perform. When choosing a type of carpet, one must decide what he wants in durability, price, softness, and maintenance level.
There are 4 general types of carpet. Nylon, a more recent make and also the best-selling type, is known for combining both a soft feel while remaining durable. Nylon fiber carpets tend to be priced just above the median of carpet prices. Wool, a more traditional type, is popular for its "cushy" feel. This under-the-toe desired touch makes Wool the most expensive type of carpet running from 30-60 dollars per square yard. The carpet holds together well except after time the individual fibers begin to split. Also, constant and direct sunlight tends to dull the color a bit. Olefin carpet fibers are known for being "resist all". This type of carpet holds up well under any amount of traffic and even in moist areas. Its low maintenance characteristics help Olefin stay clean and stain-free but do not promote much softness. On average, this carpet can cost from 10-25 dollars per square yard. The last type of carpet to be aware of is that of Polyester. Many polyester carpets are made from recycled plastic soda bottles. This make-up provides stain resistance, moderate durability, lower softness, and the least expensive price. Polyester carpet runs from about 12-15 dollars per square yard. After deciding on the type of fiber desired it is not important to pick which type of construction you want. This includes how tightly twisted is each carpet type. The more "twist" equals the greater the durability. Along with the twist one must factor in the density of the carpet. More density provides a fuller look and less wearing. The last important decision is deciding on a style of which there are 3 basic categories. The first is cut pile which helps carpet fibers share their softness qualities. The second is loop pile which leans more towards durability and easily maintained. Lastly, there are carpet styles that come as a mixture of both.
Now after you know what kind of carpet you want, the next important factor is to decide what company to buy it from. There are no actual official carpet company ratings, but some other organizations have performed their own personal ratings on the different companies. These companies include Empire, Mohawk, Shaw, Carpet One, Stainmaster, Milliken, Dalton, Karastan and a few other well known companies.
Top Online Resources:
Furniture
You just moved into a brand new home and now you want to fill it full with nice quality furniture that you can get at an inexpensive price. You might be facing the same problem as thousands of others who wonder whether the furniture they buy is worth the price they are paying. How can you tell what is good quality furniture? How can you make sure that you are not getting ripped off? How do I make my furniture last? Where can you educate yourself to find answers to these types of questions?
I chose to do my research project on where you can look online to answer some of these questions. This has personal application to me as well because I HATE GETTING RIPPED OFF and always love to know what I am buying before I pay any money. I have never owned my own home but am certain there will be a day that I will have to furnish a home for me and my family. I would like to have the furniture then last for a long time.
I have learned through my research on this topic several key things to look for when you are shopping for furniture:
* Unexposed parts should be sanded smooth.
* Back panels should fit well and be smoothly finished.
* Doors and drawers should operate with ease, and be flush with the surface when closed.
* Dust panels between drawers are very desirable features because they serve to seal each unit.
* Drawers should be constructed with interlocking dovetail joints.
* The finish should feel smooth and free of any rough spots.
* Attached labels may describe the color of the finish, for example, as a "fruitwood finish" or a "walnut finish". This terminology is used to describe the finish color and does not necessarily identify the species of wood used.
* Look for a lined silver drawer in dining room buffets and credenzas.
* Lights and glass shelves in china cabinets and hutch tops enhance the display of art objects as well as china and glass. This versatility is particularly important when the living-dining area is essentially one. Glass side panels in these pieces are also an added asset, and an unusual quality feature.
(Taken from Stanleyfurniture.com)
I don't want to bog you down with too many suggestions so I will make just a few more. Here are some other suggestions that I found very helpful:
1. When the mover drops off your furniture at your new residence, do not sign the release form until you've examined your furniture piece by piece
2. If you watch TV during fall season premiere week, look at all the local ads for furniture with no money down or no payment until whenever, STAY AWAY!!! It's a consumer trap... Try to pay cash upfront when you buy furniture. It will save many hassles down the road.
3. Furniture from China is dominating the market because the quality and the price.
(Taken from www.clarkhoward.com)
Now go buy some furniture, but do it right!!
Top Online Resources:
- Great place to educate yourself on furniture inspecting
- on how to buy and care for furniture
- How to buy furniture
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs and spas are becoming ever more popular in America today. Many people enjoy relaxing after a long day or to relieve stress. Others enjoy socializing or spending time with friends in the spa. But hot tubs and spas are now being used for other reasons as well. The hot tubs and spas of today are even being designed for medical purposes! It is being proposed that with the technological advances of spa jets and hydrotherapy, arthritis and type-2 diabetes will be helped by spending time in the tub.
Hot tubs and spas can be a very costly affair, though, depending on what you are looking for in a spa. There are many luxury items that can be part of the system, or you can get a very basic spa. The amount of luxury items such as: a built in TV, a stereo, or lighting that you include in the system, will have a drastic impact on the price of the hot tub. Also, the size of the tub and how many people you want to conveniently hold will have an affect on the cost.
In buying a hot tub, it is important to first determine the amount of money you are willing to spend on it. Consider where you want it to be located- inside or outside, in the ground or sitting on top of the ground, etc. after that, you can start looking into the different styles of hot tubs, and see which ones fit your budget and desires.
Top Online Resources:
Infant Furniture
When parents are shopping for infant furniture to go around the house, the most important things to consider involve keeping the baby comfortable and safe. In general, furniture should meet current JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) qualifications. Stability, storage space, easiness to clean, safety restraint belts, and durability are all qualities that should not be overlooked, even if it’s at the sacrifice of trendy (and unnecessary) features. Standard baby furniture usually includes cribs and changing tables, so the next two paragraphs will discuss in further detail things to look for first when considering buying these.
Crib shopping is usually one of the first things new parents will do. It is good to keep in mind that sticking to a basic design will in the long run 1) save money and 2) keep the baby safe, as small, ornate parts can either break off and be choked on or cause the baby’s clothing to get caught, possibly leading to strangulation. Again, stability is important. A mattress that can be lowered as the baby gets bigger is also vital. It is best to avoid purchasing used or antique cribs, as they most likely will not meet current JPMA standards. Parents should make sure to be on the lookout for sharp edges and protruding nails or screws, along with bars that are widely enough spaced that a can of soda can pass through vertically. Some great models are the Annie crib by Bellini and the Deborah Stages crib by Storkcraft.
Changing tables are also good to have in the nursery, although not completely necessary. A shorter, wider build is preferable to a taller, narrower build because it promotes stability. Storage space where diapers and other essentials can be kept at hand is a key feature because a baby should never, under any circumstance, be left alone on the changing table. Restraining belts and a waterproof vinyl changing pad are also desirable, and if a changing table is not in the budget, changing pads with belts can be bought and effectively utilized. The models I liked were the Nurserysmart Amelia 3 drawer changer and the Badger Basket Sleigh-Style changing table with drawers.
Top Online Resources:
Table and Chairs
Buying a new table and chairs can be a daunting task. Many people will use these products for many years, which can make the event of purchasing new ones a very important one. Here are a few decision-making components that will help you select the perfect table and chairs: price, quality, and style. Think about how much money you want to spend, how long you want the table to last, and whether your style is more modern or traditional. When looking at tables, be sure to consider its size and shape. Although most tables are sold with chairs, make sure they are right for you. Do they fit under the table properly? Are they high enough to sit comfortably at the table?
There are a few purchasing tips that I recommend to everyone. Plan ahead. Think about where the table will go, and how much space is needed. Browse online stores to determine which styles you like the most. Once you have found the table you like, find a store that carries it and see it in person. The RC Wiley Warehouse has an "all sales are final" room where you can find incredible deals. The selection is hit or miss, but it is worth taking a look at. IKEA has modern furniture for a great price, but you have to put it together. Finally, Target is a great place to shop for tables and chairs. They have a wide selection with reasonable prices, and a good return policy.
Top Online Resources:
- Dining room furniture, occasional tables and chairs
- Tips on dining table selection
- Dining room & kitchen furniture reviews
Window Coverings: Drapes, Blinds, etc.
We all have windows in our homes. Windows are a great value to our homes, they give us a look at the great outdoors while he stay warm by the fire in the winter or stay cool in the summer. However often times we for safety or for pure aesthetics, cover our window with various coverings. These coverings include anything from drapes to blinds, to shutters. When it comes to covering your windows there are a lot of choices.
When purchasing new coverings there are a few things that we need to keep in mind. First, take in account the size of the window. Then it is up to you the style, patterns, and color that you want. Generally it is recommended that when you purchase coverings that you purchase the coverings for the entire house or building. Often when you do this you can gain special discounts and or incentives, like free installation.
With the convenience of the internet, nowadays, purchasing window coverings can be a lot easier over the internet. Some company offer special internet price, which at times can be cheaper then at the store or warehouses, with a lot less pain and hassle of driving all over town. I would recommend before starting searching for new window coverings that you narrow your choices to one or two specific styles, patterns and colors, and then search online with several wholesalers before going to the store.
If you are an environmentalist, the Green Guide is a website affiliated with the National Geographic, which analyzes everything to make sure that your purchase is “green.” Depending on your choice in window coverings, you can save money by saving or reducing energy. The government published an interesting article found at http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/windows_doors_skylights/index.cfm/mytopic=13500. Best of luck as you purchase your new window coverings.
Top Online Resources:
Windows
When a person has decided to take on the task of building a home, or making repairs on their home, it is a hassle enough to have that sort of task at hand. I have done some research and found some sources that will make this repair or building process easier and more convenient to the consumer.
Windows are a main part of the exterior that help beautify the home, and keep it warm, dry, and free from unwanted agents. Having experience in the construction business, I know that many people run into the problem with getting their windows delivered and installed on time. This small problem leads to many other problems as a home owner plans for other subcontractors to come and perform their assigned duties. One way to eliminate this problem is to select a well-known or reliable business that would have more of a reason to get the job done quickly. A larger more well-known business does not want their name slandered and will do everything possible to please the customer, for the most part. If a smaller less-known company is hired for the job, their sense of urgency might now be high on their priority list.
Another problem that arises pertains to how the windows are installed. Again, for the most part, the larger, more experienced companies have well trained technicians and rarely have problems with installing the windows correctly. Some of the overnight/ flyby companies might do the job for cheaper, but the craftsmanship will most likely reflect their considerably low prices. If windows are not installed correctly, this could cost the consumer more money for heating/cooling or in instances where there might be unwanted pests.
Warranties are also available with most companies, and are very important to the consumer. When searching for a window company, a warrantee should be high on the list of priorities. The warrantee gives the consumer an added sense of ease just in case something was to happen. In case a problem does arise, the windows should be warranted mainly to prevent further consumer costs.
I hope this information is found useful, and the issues addressed will help someone in their endeavors to find windows that will both make the home beautiful and keep it protected.
Top Online Resources: