http://abungee.com/news/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:37:51 EDT Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:37:51 EDT News ABUNGEE News Document http://www.abungee.com/untitled.png http://abungee.com/news/ en-us Copyright(C)2010 Registration Number: TX-6-340-862 Aruntx Publishing Company - ABUNGEE.com Newswire - ISSN:1553-7838 600 http://abungee.com/news/?12012020853751+ABUNGEE+News+Updates.html Good Morning. ABUNGEE News Report As Of Wed 02 08, 5:37:51 AM ET. Kitchen And Bath Styles 2010. The continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace continue, and other trends in the marketplace indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take place this year. KITCHEN styles for 2010: 1. Traditional is the New Contemporary. Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular. 2. Cherry on Top. Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed, and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes. 3. Floored by Tile. Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials. 4. Flexible Faucets. Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel, and?surprisingly?polished chrome. 5. Undercounter Refrigeration. French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers. 6. A Range of Cooking Options. The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency. 7. Dishwasher-in-a-Drawer. Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity. BATHROOM styles for 2010: 1. In With the Old, Out with the New. Traditional will be the most popular design style in bathrooms in 2010, as contemporary designs will be a distant second, followed by the Shaker style as an even more distant third. Beiges and bones will be the most common colors used in bathrooms, followed by whites and off-whites, and then by browns, indicating a somewhat subdued color palette this year. 2. Ceramic and Granite. Ceramic and porcelain tile will be the dominant flooring materials in bathrooms this year, while natural stone will continue to prove popular as well. Though increasingly popular in kitchens, hardwood flooring won't become common in bathrooms in 2010. For vanity tops, granite will remain king, with quartz and marble also proving popular options. 3. Simple Fixtures. Perhaps more than ever, the most common color for fixtures will be white. Bisque and off-white will be the only other fixture colors at all common in new or remodeled bathroom. For sinks, simple undermount models will be most popular, followed by integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks, and pedestal sinks. 4. A Nickel for Every Finish. Faucet finishes in the bathroom are similar to those used in current kitchen designs, with brushed nickel continuing to lead the way in 2010. Polished chrome and satin nickel will also be incorporated into many bathrooms, just as they had been throughout 2009. These faucet finishes will be followed by bronze and stainless steel. Trends in the marketplace indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take place this year, according to reliable sources. Sapiens Qui Prospicit, 'Wise Is The Person Who Looks Ahead'. ### (ABUNGEE News). http://abungee.com/news/?20120208537511 http://abungee.com/news/?22012020853751+ABUNGEE+News+Updates.html ABUNGEE News Report As Of Wed 02 08, 5:37:51 AM ET. Economic Recovery Rebate on Tankless Water Heaters Update: Tax credits that were previously only effective for 2009 have been extended to 2010. Water heaters must be placed in service starting February 17th, 2009 through December 31st, 2010. The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30% (equipment and installation cost). The maximum tax credit amount has been raised from $300 to $1,500 for two years (2009-2010). Also, this $1,500 maximum tax credit is a total of all home improvements that are placed in service, ending December 31st, 2010. If a new home is being built, the tax credit cannot be claimed. It needs to be existing equipment that is being replaced. Tax credit is for a taxpayers principal residence only. On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed important legislation into law known as the 2009 Federal Energy Bill under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ? and homeowners are happy to learn that they can qualify for a rebate of up to $1500 (rebate amount varies depending on the state where the home is located) for energy efficient upgrades that they install in their existing homes. One such upgrade that many homeowners are rushing to add while the rebate is in effect (through December 31, 2010) is an energy efficient tankless water heater. Tankless Water Heaters an Environmental Friendly Must-Have. A tankless water heater can help you do your part to save the fragile environment while saving you money at the same time. A tankless water heater provides hot water when you need it, on demand. The reasoning behind the design of the tankless water heater is sound ? we don?t use hot water 24/7, so why should we continue to pay for (and use up important resources) heating water that just sits there, piping hot, waiting for us to turn on the faucet? With a tankless water heater, water is heated only as it is used, and can save the typical American family hundreds of dollars each year by way of reduced energy bills versus using a storage tank-type water heater. Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater for Your Home. Tankless water heaters are also more efficient than storage tank-type water heaters, providing a continuous and unlimited supply of hot water. Those who are familiar with running out of hot water just as you?re finishing up your shower will never face that unpleasant dilemma again. In addition, tankless water heaters take up much less space than storage tank-type heaters. In fact, new homes constructions that utilize the tankless water heater concept save enough space for an extra closet. Tankless water heaters are very small and some are wall-mounted, making them far less bulky than older, energy-sucking tank-type heaters. What?s more, tankless water heaters are engineered to last for around twenty years, which is far longer than the traditional tank-type heater. And because the tankless water heater has no tank, there is far less risk of leaks and costly water damage. Remarkable Technology behind Tankless Water Heaters. The technology of the tankless water heater is quite amazing. When hot water is turned on somewhere inside the home, the tankless water heater draws cold water into the water heater where a flow sensor activates a burner that in turn warms the heat exchanger. This incoming water will circle the heat exchanger until it is warmed to a pre-determined temperature that the homeowner selects. The water is then routed through the pipes in the home to the source faucet, tap, or spout that was turned on. A sealed vent system released any gases created during combustion. When the tap is turned off, the flow sensor deactivates the burner until the next time water is demanded. Best Tankless Water Heaters that Qualify for the Energy Rebate. Takagi, which is one of the pioneering leaders in the tankless water heater industry, manufactures many models that qualify for the rebate under this new legislation. All of the qualifying Takagi models are Energy Star certified. Included in the list of Takagi tankless heaters that can not only offer homeowners substantial savings over the life of the product, but also qualify for the rebate are: TH1-N, TH1-LP, TK3-N, TK3-LP, TKJR-P, TK3-OS-NG, and TK3OS-LP. If you have been considering installing a tankless water heater into your modern home, there has never been a better time or more incentive to do so. Despite the rebate that is available from the federal government for those who choose to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, a tankless water heater can literally pay for itself through decreased energy bills in a very short period of time. # # # (ABUNGEE News). http://abungee.com/news/?20120208537512 http://abungee.com/news/?32012020853751+ABUNGEE+News+Updates.html ABUNGEE News Report As Of Wed 02 08, 5:37:51 AM ET. Holes in the floor, a rusty bathtub, a toilet that just won't cooperate, these are the types of big-ticket bathroom problems that require major repairs. But what about the smaller signs that it's time to upgrade your bathroom. They might not be quite what you expect. Time To Upgrade Your Bathroom: 1. The little things start to go wrong: All bathrooms are prone to everyday wear and tear, but some problems require more than a simple repair job. "When the tile grout begins to flake out of its joints, the whites in the bathroom turn yellow, or the ceiling is crumbling from moisture, it's time." Depending on the cost of serious repairs, it may make sense to spend a little more and create a brand new bathroom. 2. You're stuck in a retro rut: While it's true that yesterday's trends often resurface, some are best left in the past. "Some people still have the avocado-and-gold color palette from the '70s. "Creating a fresh look can be as simple as using a neutral color in your tub and lavatory, and accenting it with color on the wall and window treatments." If your bathroom sends you into a time warp, it's due for an update. 3. You're thinking of selling your home: Why would you remodel your bathroom if you're not planning to stay there forever. Making relatively small changes is a smart way to raise your home's value. "You can have a really upscale house, but it won't look good with cheap hardware". "If the bathroom does not look high class, you should upgrade it. Or, if you have an older house and update an obsolete bathroom, that can add value." 4. Your family needs shift: When your family situation changes, so does its needs. "People often remodel or add a second bathroom when they have children on the way." "They might want a bigger bathtub or need more storage for the kids' things." But it's not just the little ones who inspire alterations to the bathroom. As older adults find their mobility changing, they may be more comfortable in rooms designed for their needs. "Older people might not want to step in and out of a tub." "A lot of people replace bathtubs with walk-in showers for safety." 5. Your bathroom is not you: Standard-issue faucets and fixtures may be functional, but there's nothing distinctive about them. If these details don't fit your personal aesthetic, it doesn't take much to find a look that goes with your style. "The fixtures in a bathroom are like furniture". "Just as you would redesign a living room or dining room, you can create a bathroom that fits your design." Whether you prefer classic lines or sleek modern curves, a few small changes can make a big impact. When it comes to creating your dream bathroom, doing it yourself can be satisfying and rewarding, if you have the time and know-how to do a great job, that is. Hiring a professional, on the other hand, can save you time, money and headaches. Building and remodeling professionals provide intelligent planning, assist in selecting quality products and ensure code-compliant installation, all of which can help homeowners gain confidence in the outcome of their project. Here's a list of bathroom professionals and the services they provide. Architect: You willl want to contact an architect when adding space or making structural changes such as moving walls or opening a ceiling. Architects are also helpful for planning a major renovation that includes electrical, plumbing, heating or ventilation changes. Look for architects who are members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which offers an online architect directory. Or, call 800-AIA-3837 for more information. Interior Designer: Interior designers advise on structural changes and the remodeling of existing spaces. They specialize in making the most of limited space and focus on their clients unique needs. Professional interior designers keep abreast of regulations on environmental safety, building and fire codes, accessible design legislation and historic preservation. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) represents more than 38,000 professionally qualified interior designers in the US and Canada. To find an interior designer near you, use the ASID online referral service or call 202-546-3480. Certified Bathroom Designer: The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) certifies bathroom designers (CBD). These design specialists have passed an examination, have at least seven years of design experience and must continue their industry education to remain certified. Designers may be affiliated with a showroom or may work as independent consultants, they can manage an entire remodeling project or provide design services only. As NKBA members, they keep abreast of the latest design trends. You can find a professional online, or call 800-843-6522 for more information. Remodeling Contractor: Once you have a final plan and have chosen products for your new bathroom, you will need to select a contractor to do the actual work. Look for a member of a trade association like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), whose members adhere to a strict code of ethics. Ask your designer for a recommendation, or talk to friends or neighbors to get referrals. You can Select a Professional Remodeling Contractor and find local chapters, or call 800-611-NARI (6274) for more information. Plumbing Contractor: If your remodeling involves replacing plumbing fixtures or faucets, you will need to hire a plumbing contractor. Most states or municipalities require plumbers to be licensed; check with your local consumer affairs office. Your designer or remodeler may recommend a qualified plumbing professional, and you can visit the Web site of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and contact a local contractor. Call 800-533-7694 for more information. You may also be able to call upon the expertise of your product choice Manufacturers Representative who can provide beneficial information. A good Manufacturer Representative such as Abungee Sales www.abungee.com offers free information on a daily basis to interested customers and may provide interesting product details you may not otherwise be aware. # # # (ABUNGEE News). http://abungee.com/news/?20120208537513