How Much Does Carpet Cost?

You can either go with wood floors, carpeting or dirt for your home. Dirt is not recommended. Most people pick carpets for their homes, but you need some insight into what it is going to cost.

Carpet prices are usually given in cost per square foot. It is very easy to calculate the total square footage of the area that needs to be covered. Square footage is determined by multiplying the width by the length of the area. When you take your measurements, it is important to include inches and not round down or up. You can convert the inches to a decimal place to make the calculation less complicated. In most cases, you should have at least 12 feet as a minimum for one of your multipliers. This is because carpet usually does not come in rolls less than 12 feet in width.

There are thousands of style, material, and color combinations available in carpet. Carpet is no different than any other building material in that you will most likely get what you pay for. Business managers use what is known as a LCA or life cycle analysis to determine the true cost of carpet. The homeowner should use a similar method to make a determination of the true cost of carpeting. Once you are armed with an LCA, you can make the best choice based on your individual needs and budget.

The LCA takes into consideration the estimated life span of the carpet. The carpet with a very low price per square inch might be expected to last a short time in an area of heavy traffic. It might also require much more maintenance to keep it clean and serviceable during its lifespan. On the other hand, a carpet with a much higher initial cost might last three times as long and be almost maintenance free. When viewed in this manner, the second carpet might be the more economical choice despite its higher price tag.

Do not forget to include installation and removal costs in your analysis. A commercial analysis must also include the cost of lost work and disruption during the installation and removal operations. The life cycle analysis is necessary in a commercial establishment where carpeting might represent a serious investment. It can also be a serious investment to the homeowner as well. The homeowner should not underestimate the impact of clean and attractive carpet in the overall appearance and comfort of a home.

Finally, and luckily, carpet prices are very seldom chiseled in stone. The purchase of carpet presents as many shopping opportunities as just about any product that competes for your dollar. Sales and discontinued styles offer chances to get quality carpet at a much lower price. In conclusion, the purchase of carpet should not be an impulse activity. A careful analysis of the total cost and a bit of horse trading mentality can often cover your floors with the right carpet at the right price.

Lower Electricity Bills through Purposeful Landscaping

With the cost of energy increasing, we need to start doing everything we can to lower our electricity bills. Usually, people offer you habits or light bulbs to change. Many of us already turn off the lights when we leave a room or turn off or turn up/down the thermostat when leaving the house. What more
can we do?

The change in seasons brings a new opportunity to save on your electric bill: Landscaping. Planting for efficiency as well as beauty can make it worth the work.

Trees and shrubs are the easiest plants to use while planning your energy efficient landscape. When shopping, find plants native to your area to reduce the amount of additional watering. Whether you are in a hot or cold climate, trees and shrubs can be used to maximize the energy efficiency of your homes. This process has been used for generations in various cultures and climates around the world.

For colder climates, evergreen trees and shrubs can be planted on the northern side of the house to create a windbreak. Windbreaks can decrease the windchill factor and create an environment that helps your heater keep up with the cold. Shrubs can be used in hedgerows to catch snow as it is blown
by the wind. This effective use has been implemented for centuries in England, as well as other European countries. This will keep the snow from collecting against your house. Nearer to your house (about 1 foot away, full grown), you can plant vines and bushes to create dead air space. This space will help to insulate your home against the harsh winter and summer weather.

For warmer climates, trees can be placed to build shade and have a cooling affect on the house. Taller deciduous trees will shade the roof during the summer, yet let sunlight in during the winter. Lower trees should be planted on the west side of the house to shade the walls and windows from the hot afternoon sun. Another key place to shade in a warmer climate is the air conditioner unit. By planting shrubs that will shade the unit, you can increase its efficiency.

There are many ways we can help our homes to be more energy efficient that will not cost as much as a solar panel. By using purposeful landscaping, you can decrease your energy expenditures and create a beautiful place to relax.

Why Lorex Is A Great Way To Shop Security Cameras

Security camera reviews are a great way to get a guide on particular camera models or manufacturers. After all, if you are considering either a home or business security camera system, then you want to guage what others are saying about particular systems.

Cost effective security coverage would be the first option for most home and business owners who are looking to add protection to their properties via an eye in the sky. Let's take a look at some excellent security camera systems which are both effective and easy on the wallet for under $200.

Lorex Indoor/Outdoor Color Camera With Night Vision

For those looking for good coverage under $200 this lorex security camera offers some pretty neat features. It's ideal for either home or business use with sharp video imaging and the nifty part is it has the ability to illuminate in low light up to almost 40 feet.

The camera can be wall or ceiling mounted and is connectable to most TV's. Another important feature when looking for security cameras is their resistance in all weather conditions which this model is noted for.

Lorex Vandal Resistant Color Dome Camera

The measure of a dome security camera is it's toughness and this model is certainly that. In fact, the Lorex dome can withstand some pretty hefty impact; tests indicate a good sized sledge hammer will have diificulty making any impression on it's vandal resistant exterior.

The VQ1634 model is equally effective in day or night time conditions and comes with a zoom lens. Intruders must hate the dome camera for obvious reasons and it's ability to adapt to night time conditions with low light illumination plus focus adjustment ability makes this camera a prime choice for those working on a budget. Dome cameras, with the ability to cover all viewing directions, are hard to beat or ignore when shopping for home or business security cameras.

Wireless Security Cameras

Obviously, wireless is coming more and more into play today and provide excellent cheaper alternatives. While cable model cameras will provide a better picture, the adaptability of the wireless models gives home and business owners plenty of options.

Fake Security Cameras

As cheap as they come but reportedly have a good deterrent aspect, fake security cameras are just that, fake. The beuaty of these cameras is they are portable and honestly look like the real thing. In fact, some are even fitted with motion sensors and move giving an impression of tracking whoever walks in their path. The downside of course, if you do happen to get robbed, then there is no video footage to review!