Category: US Home Design

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Best Home Design Software – Architectural Home Designer

2 years ago
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For folks who are looking for a home design software that is not only easy to use, but more importantly, equipped with the best tools for all types of designing needs, then perhaps it’s time to stop searching. Famed home design software producer Chief Architect has once again come out with a product that is definitely going to be there or thereabouts when talking about the best home design software in the business. With Architectural Home Designer, users can make use of a variety of designing tools for remodeling and home design that covers cost estimation, site planning, landscaping, decks, baths, kitchens, as well as entire interior designs.

Everything in One Package

What makes a good home design software is its ability to strike a balance between a user friendly interface and excellent outputs. However, aside from this combination, what makes a great home design software is its integration of all types of remodeling and design tools that will satisfy all of its users’ needs. It must be an all-in-one design solution which should leave users with a feeling that they could no longer ask for anything more. Architectural Home Designer is one type of software which is just that.

With this amazing piece of software, users can choose from thousands of sample plans which they can use as a basis for their designs. Also available are a myriad of different home style templates that can be used in line with either the House Wizard Feature, or customized fully to … Read More

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Today’s Homeowner Radio Podcast | October 8, 2022

2 years ago
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This week, hear how to insulate around recessed lighting, plus the best options for vinyl floor underlayment. (3 Echoes Content Studio/psahota, Getty Images)

Hour 1

Hear underlayment options for vinyl plank flooring, a tip for insulating around recessed lights, and more.

Underlayment for Vinyl Plank Flooring

vinyl plank flooring with a cork underlayment
The proper underlayment for vinyl plank flooring will block out moisture and serve as insulation. (psahota, Getty Images)

Paul in Illinois wants to replace the carpet on the lower level of his tri-level home with vinyl plank flooring. This level is on a concrete slab, and the floor gets very cold in the wintertime.

He wants to know if he can put a quarter-inch or half-inch high-density foam board under the flooring to act as insulation between the concrete floor and the flooring.

“Will that cause problems with trapping moisture under that?” he asks.

Having existing carpet there will be a pretty good test of moisture accumulation. If you pull the carpet up and don’t see signs of moisture damage, he should be fine.

In terms of putting anything dense over the slab, any layer will certainly help insulate it a little bit. A quarter-inch underlayment, glued and screwed down properly, will work well, and some would even say it’s overkill.

Check with the vinyl floor manufacturer first. Some are very specific about what types of underlayment to use. Some will allow a very thin underlayment, no more than an eighth of an inch, and others don’t recommend one.

Vinyl plank flooring doesn’t have

… Read More
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Choosing Grout Colors: How to Find The Best Color For Your Tile

2 years ago
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Kitchen stove and range hood with white tile backsplash
Light grout color makes this kitchen tile backsplash blend in seamlessly with the surrounding wall. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

With so many grout colors available, choosing the best one for your project can be challenging.

This post is sponsored by Custom Building Products.

Aesthetically speaking, one of the most important decisions when choosing grout is whether it will blend with or stand out from the tile.

Light grout between light tiles can make your installation look like a single uniform piece — ideal for minimalist design. On the other hand, contrasting dark grout with light tiles makes a bold statement.

To pick grout color based on the impact you want your finished design to have, consider the following:

In This Article

Multi-colored accent tile in white subway tile
Choose grout color based on the tiles’ style and design. (MultimediaDean/Getty Images)

Tile Design

Consider the tile’s characteristics and appearance. Then, answer these questions to ensure a successful installation:

  • Are the tiles patterned or do they have a solid color? With patterned tile, pick a grout color that best matches the tile edges so the pattern isn’t interrupted.
  • Are they natural stone or manufactured ceramic? For more contrast with natural stone tile, pick a darker color to highlight the dark veins.
  • If it is glass tile, is it transparent or opaque? White grout accentuates clear, iridescent and translucent glass tile.
  • Are there mosaic sheets or accents, and do they contain differently-colored tiles? Pick a neutral grout that works well with all the colors, or try a
… Read More