Eco Friendly Homes

Archive for July, 2009

Home alarm systems in the past have been called everything from primitive to unreliable, and while many of their modern-day counterparts are technologically more advanced, they are also susceptible to irritating false alarms and pet “burglar” headaches. Luckily, today’s discerning consumer has a better range of options when it comes to protecting their families, homes, and valuables. The recent marriage of the two types of motion-detecting technologies (infrared light and microwave) into one dual-action sensor has improved the science of home security devices by leaps and bounds.

Homeowners in the past have also complained about false alarms being set off by pets; now, pet owners can choose to install a pet-sensitive motion detector. These detectors are equipped to not go off when an object under a certain physical dimension goes by, therefore, Fluffy can make her nightly bathroom run without waking up the whole neighborhood while she’s at it.

Home alarm systems in years past have been clunky, easily outwitted things. Burglars were not afraid of them, as they were easily disabled or avoided. Today, though, burglars stop and think again before approaching a security-protected house. Today’s designs enable the swift response of homeowners and police; a risk not many burglars are willing to take.

Many professional artists and crafts people seek the best possible working conditions to express their artistry. More than likely, you already know whether your work requires such things as running water or a dependable, steady light source.

Here then, are a few tips to include those extra features that will make any arts and crafts home studio more efficient.

Keep in mind that your studio is personal, unlike the other rooms in the house that are equipped in traditional ways; like, bed and dresser, shower and tub, range and refrigerator, the studio room becomes an extension of the person using it – in other words, it becomes an extension of you. Your studio not only reflects your interests, but your personality and work style, as well.

A home studio can be an entire room or part of a room; it can be large and generous or small as a cubbyhole – but, usually tools are in view and clutter is tolerated. You’ll probably want to have floors that are easily cleaned, well-regulated heating and ventilation systems, and north or east light. Setting up a good storage system and an adequate work surface is very important, too.

When you plan a work surface, the most economical choice might be a flush door, a metal ‘mess’ table , or a ping-pong table. A good height for a table you sit at is 29 to 31 inches. Cabinets that slide or roll out are useful for moving on-going projects around a room.

If you work with flame or chemicals, you might need to provide floor, wall, and counter coverings that are fire and corrosion resistant, and adequate ventilation for fumes and excessive heat. It’s wise to keep all flammable, poisonous, and other potentially hazardous materials and tools locked up so they will be inaccessible to children.

A few custom touches to your arts and crafts home studio, and you’ll have many years of happily expressed creativity.