By Daniele Loffreda Experts are sounding the alarm that potable water will soon become as precious a commodity as oil. While world population continues to grow ever faster, freshwater resources remain constant - only 1% of the world's water is fit for human use. In the U.S., 36 states anticipate local, regional or statewide water shortages by 2013. If we all started using water more efficiently, we can help preserve water supplies for future generations and save money on our water and sewage bills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes use more than half of publicly supplied water in the United States. An average American family of four can consume nearly 400 gallons of water per day and spends up to $500 per year on water and sewage bills. The biggest uses of water in a home are: Toilets (27% of total water usage)

• The average person flushes the toilet about five times per day. Low-flow toilets (less than 1.3 gallons per flush) and dual-flush toilets can save more than 2.000 gallons per year.
• Note that early model and 'builder grade' 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) low-flow toilets have a reputation for not flushing completely and/or require you to keep a plunger handy.
• Choose models that score high on key measurement criteria such as plug resistance, completeness of flush (at least 500 grams based on MaP testing), noise levels, how well the bowl rinses and length of time to refill.
• Many plumbers recommend G-Max and Pressure Assisted low- flow units. However, the sudden action and noise of Pressure Assisted units can startle children-not very helpful when trying to potty train!
• Dual flush (1.6gpf for solids, 0.8 gpf for liquids) are common in many parts of the world, and are gaining popularity in the U.S.

Clothes Washers (22% of total water usage)

• The average home washes 7 loads of laundry per week.
• ENERGY STAR label units consume about 20 gallons of water per load, compared with 40 gallons for standard models.
• Front loading (horizontal axis) washers use half as much water as conventional (vertical axis) units. Washing full loads rather than partial loads saves up to 3,400 gallons per year.

Showers (17% of total water usage)

• The average person showers about 5 minutes each day.
• Low-flow showerheads can help conserve water by reducing water flow.
• The water flow rates of low-flow showerheads range between 0.5 gallons per minute to 2 gallons per minute.
• They range in price from $3 to more than $80.
• You get what you pay for; low-priced models will need to be replaced in a couple of years, as water pressure erodes the drop holes.
• Aerating-type low-flow units mix water with air, creating a misty spray that can permeate the entire bathroom-not good in humid climates where added moisture can lead to mold, mildew and other problems.
• Early model aerating units are commonly viewed as not providing enough water for a good shower.
• Laminar-type units form individual streams of water, and receive high marks for providing adequate water flow while minimizing waste.
• Opt for a high quality laminar unit with large size droplet holes.
• CAUTION: Installing low-flow shower heads can increase back pressure in water supply lines. This can cause a leak in the pipe, and can cause the bathtub faucet to leak large amounts of water while your low-flow shower head is running. Make sure that the diverter valve (the valve that shuts off flow to the bathtub faucet when the shower is running) is in good working condition.

Faucets (16% of total water usage)

• The average person uses faucets for about 8 minutes each day.
• Sink faucet aerators conserve water by reducing the rate of water flow.
• Use sink faucet aerators on fixtures located closest to the water heater. The further the distance from the water heater, the longer you'll have to run the tap to get hot water - and actually waste more water than you would without using an aerator!
• Faucet aerators are the most cost-effective when water delivery pressure is high.
• Their water flow rates range from 0.375 gallons per minute to 2.5 gallons per minute.
• They range in price from $1.50 to $25.

Dishwashers (5% of total water usage)

• The average home uses the dishwasher 5 times per week.
• An ENERGY STAR label dishwasher uses about 40% less water than conventional models.

Similar to the highly successful ENERGY STAR program to help consumers choose energy efficient products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched the WaterSense program. The WaterSense program establishes water-efficiency standards for appliances, and issues a label to help buyers choose high quality, water efficient products. Visit the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm. By making smart choices in how we consume water today, we will be able to ensure a steady supply of potable water for our great-grandchildren. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

At UtahLuxury.com we understand that people want to see beautiful homes. If it isn't luxurious then it doesn't belong here. So we put together a list of what features a luxury home in Utah should have. 1. Location - The obvious real estate law will never go away. Every home that has ever sold is a direct result of where the home is located. When people look to purchase a home the two most commonly used formulas are price and location. In the high-end world, prices are already assessed so location is everything. 2. Curb Appeal - Whether online or actually driving by the home, nothing gets people into the home faster than the excitement about the outside of the home. What do buyers see when looking at the home? Here is a quick run-down of what they will see. 1. Style of Home 2. Landscaping 3. Driveway style (this is actually very important) 4. Accessibility (How many steps to the front door? Do you have to take the groceries upstairs from the garage?) 5. Garages (How many? How Tall?) 3. Entryway - Nothing says wow more than entering a home and instantly seeing something amazing. In Southern Utah it is becoming more common to see homes where the back of the home is a wall of windows. This allows the visitor to see straight out to the backyard from the entryway. In Park City, many homes enter into the family room where soaring vaulted ceilings are lined with beautiful cut timbers. Make a statement fast in your entryway. 4. Kitchens - This has become the North American gathering place. Please focus a lot of attention in the room that sees the most people. Kitchens of late have become so advanced that you can match the style of it to your car, your furniture, the Jetsons and even a pirate ship (just saw one the other day). Spend some time creating a masterpiece that will entertain. 5. The Master Bedroom - The people that are going to purchase your home are also the ones living in it. Make sure that this room has ample space to fit all the latest necessities. What views are from this room? Is this going to be a dream come true for the buyer? If you yourself have any doubts about the design of this room... stop before you start. I have seen countless people walk away from beautiful homes because they couldn't see themselves in this very important room. 6. The Backyard - This is a two part answer because Utah two separate climates. In northern Utah, people expect a luxury home to have open space. Please don't build a million+ dollar home that backs right up to another home. The backyards in Park City are normally open and allow for wildlife. In Salt Lake and Utah Counties, buyers expect to see 3 areas. 1. An entertaining area (outdoor barbecues, room for dining tables) 2. An area for kids to run and play and 3. A place to escape to. (This may be where the hot tub is). In Southern Utah it is becoming very common to see luxury homes with extravagant swimming pools. You will also find custom outdoor fireplaces and firepits. 7. The Theater - In Utah, every new high-end is designed with a theater. It is hotly debated over whether to place the theater under the garage in a secluded quiet spot or to make a theater out of a family room where people can freely hang out. You make the call on this one but see to it that your home has one and make it a good one. 8. The Garage - This area of the home seems to get overlooked... a lot. First of all, how hard is it to get into the garage? Will you have to make a 30 point turn to get in? How many cars can you fit? Is there room for a boat? An RV? Tools? Motorcycles? I recently toured several, (more affordable) homes that visibly only had 2-3 car garages. Once inside these behemoth garages you would find that you could store 4-5 cars, motorcycles, toys, lawn equipment... the works. I was in awe! 9. The Master Closet and Bathroom - Ok, going back to the master, these areas have become more and more luxurious as new homes have been built. The master closet is now either the size of a room on its own, or is split into two very large size closets. The master bath is hard to call because it depends on the style and design of the house. But know this, people will perceive whether or not the home has a good common theme or design based on what goes into this room. 10. The Common Areas - Believe it or not, this feature is more important to many people than the size or number of bedrooms in a home. Why? This is what the guest will see. If your guest comes to visit, where do they go? The family room. If the guest needs to use the restroom, a designer half bath will make an impact. Wide hallways will make the home feel bigger. A grand staircase will make a grand statement. P.S. In an effort to help create a greener world, always keep in mind how to do these things in a way that will not only make your world better but those in the generations to come.

Rehabbers are those folks that buy a distressed property (usually a foreclosure, but it can be any number of other situations), fix it up and then rent it. Sometimes, they'll sell, more often they prefer to rent - they like the drip income, as I understand it. They also refinance as soon as they can to pull out the appreciation so that they can move on to another property and do the same thing all over again. Their formula is B-R-R-R: Buy-Rehab-Rent-Refi These property owners care about only one thing alone: - the bottom line. It's just about the numbers. Well, isn't real estate always about the numbers? It's a concern but not the primary purpose for a home stager. Stagers are the people brought in to make a structure feel like a place to live. We give each room have purpose, and ignite the emotional side of a buyer looking for a "home". (think: Mom, apple pie and white picket fence - all emo-connex in a visceral, subconscious way) Most realtors have their system for prepping a house to go to market. So, too, with home stagers who offer a list of "tips, tricks and time-tested strategies." Let's see which things Rehabbers do when looking to maximize profit with simple, low cost improvements....remember their entire purpose is to add NET VALUE, that's it. 1. Anything vertical gets a new coat of paint! They like paint; we like paint. Paint and caulk cover up a multitude of sins, and can constitute an effective repair. Neutral colors cost the least and have the widest appeal. It's important to the job neatly so as to prevent costly and time-wasting cleanup (think: razor blades on window glass for a couple of hours) But for another reason we may not think of immediately: meticulous prep work allows you to get away with cheap contractor grade paint and still get terrific results. 2. Carpet is Convenient Rehabbers will tell you that it is quicker and more cost efficient to simply carpet everything rather than remove linoleum or refinish hard wood floors. This seems grim, for the stager in me, but if a nice, soft carpet has been chosen.... 3. Small stuff has big payoff As we all know: you gotta sweat the small stuff! Those small, irritating repairs have the biggest impact because they illustrate how well the property has been cared for. Itsy-bitsy details like broken doorbells, torn screens, cracked window panes, missing knobs stained ceilings, and weeds everywhere in what reads on the survey as "garden". Home Stagers will call it "the honey do" list. They're fiddly, annoying but they speak volumes on pride of ownership. 4. Just Replace the High Impact Features These guys will just replace only items that yield the best POW! So, instead of doing a new bathroom, they'll replace just the toilet and resurface the other fittings, like the tub and sink. No, 'Designed to Sell' here! In the kitchen they'll add merely a new stove in the kitchen, with bright lights, and if you're lucky, some bright linoleum (at least they won't carpet here, huh?) and they feel like they have tizzed up the space immeasurably and for very small expense. 5. Stick to the ORIGINAL plan My husband is particularly good here in his rehabbing, where I - once I've rid the space of the really awful things - want to keep going until I reach "perfection" (or at least something really good looking!) You made a plan, you created a budget... you need to stick to it. Remember TIME, and the cost of carrying a place while you fix it up is as important a number to factor in as the out of pocket expenses for repairs. A trick trainers offer here is to not do it all yourself. "When you do, you screw it up", says Jeff Schnitter of the EWI. You do too much and the budget goes kablowee! If all you're doing is managing the project, arms length, you can focus more on the marketing end. How many stagers and realtors achieve that balance? Yeah, we could learn a few things, I guess.... [adsense] And now I'd like to invite you to pick up your free copy of my Spring Showing Tips for Home Sellers at http://www.JulietJohnsonStaging.com From Juliet Johnson, author, speaker and leading authority on home staging luxury real estate in suburban New Jersey. Article Source: Ezine Articles

When remodeling and decorating, we usually look for furniture, paint, carpets and decorative items as pictures. However, the lighting can have a big impact on the overall look of a room. The lighting design is responsible for setting the mood or ambiance of a space. With careful design and planning for the type, color and hue of the lighting, the room can be given a different ambiance. The right lighting can set a mood, improve productivity and contribute to people’s sense of well-being. It can transform unappealing spaces into desirable ones. Bright rooms give a positive and optimistic feeling, while darker rooms are more intimate and romantic. Research had proven that light can make big difference in how we feel. Good lighting design will not make you frustrated in the kitchen when you are not able to see what you are doing, and it will stop the arguments in the bedroom over whose turn it is to get up to switch out the light. Instead, you should be able to transform a room from a bright, vibrant living space to the setting for a romantic dinner for two. Natural lighting is the light from the sun that comes through windows and doors. Direct sunlight is a healthy source of light, but the brightness and intensity is very variable. The time of the day, the season or the weather all influence natural sunlight. To control the quantity of natural light, different types of glass or curtains can be used. Diffusion and reflection are great ways to control this free light source. A good idea is to find the wall that received direct light form the sun and paint it in a bright color. The reflected light creates an ambiance in the room. The surface of the wall can control the diffusion of the light; rough surfaces have different effects than smooth surfaces. Artificial lighting can be any kind of lamp. This light source can be controlled in every aspect; intensity, color, and the area of spreading. To get the desired effects in a room, the best idea is to use a combination of different types of artificial lighting. Ambient lighting is to lighten the whole room and give a certain ‘mood’ to the space. Accent lighting is used to illuminate certain aspects or details of the interior decoration, as sculptures, pictures or display shelves. Lighting could be functional or aesthetic. Functionally, the lighting needs to be correct for the intended purpose. A great example of functional lighting is task lighting: lamps for reading, lights over the sink or over the mirror in the bathroom. Task lighting should always be glare free to make the task easier without straining the eyes. Aesthetically, the lighting gives an ambiance to the space. For creating an ambiance, environment lights are used in ceiling corners or along the sides of the room. The intensity and color of the lights are important for the ambiance. For ‘mood’ lighting, it is very important that the source of the light is hidden. With a few lighting design ideas, you can change the visible appearance of a room and make it look larger or smaller. Rooms with high ceilings can get a cozier radiance by using lighting that is lower than the ceiling. The light should not escape beyond the height of the source. Use a lampshade that directs the light downwards. The other way around, by using upwards lighting pointed at the ceiling, rooms appear to be higher. Standing lamps and table lamps work great for specific purposes and lighten up only an area of the room. A lamp should be placed behind a reader’s shoulder. Lamps are also perfect to brighten up dark corners in rooms. And of course, decorative lampshades on corner end tables and bedside tables enhance the ambiance and bring attention to a specific area of the room. The style of the fixtures will add to your interior decoration, whether turned on or off. Lighting is just as important in interior design as the colors or the style of furniture and accessories. Your entire work in decoration can be ruined at once by poor lighting. But carefully planned lighting will greatly enhance the best details in your design. About the Author: Michiel Van Kets is a Belgian designer for unique lightings .Each of his lighting fixtures is individually crafted by hand with high demand of standards. He also designs exclusive lightings for those customers who desire lamps that are one of a kind. Read more Articles on Interior Design at FileBlogs.com © By: Michael Van Kets