From the Floors Up

Checklist for Your First Apartment

By Leave a Comment

Moving into a new apartment can be very exciting. Whether it is your first time renting or you are just looking to relocate, you want to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Each apartment will come with different amenities and options. Try to get your list down to about 3-5 apartments you are considering. If you have too many, you will be overwhelmed, whereas not enough will not allow you to make an educated choice. You want to find one that is best tailored to your specific needs and wants. In order to do this, we created a comprehensive checklist to consider. Use a scoring system of 1-5. Let 1 represent not adequate, while 5 represents superb. Talley up your apartments at the end and discover the winner.

Location

One thing you should consider is the location of your apartment. What is the neighborhood like for your lifestyle? Are you near work and family? Try using this checklist on your apartment options.

  • Distance to work
  • Distance to loved ones
  • Distance from gas stations
  • Distance from freeway entrances or main roads
  • Distance from grocery stores
  • Safety of the community
  • Is the location quiet

Cost

Your budget will play a massive role in your apartment search and this goes deeper than just rent. Additional fees may add up quicker than you think. Here are some things you may need to consider:

  • Rent
  • Security Deposit
  • Water
  • Parking
  • Waste Management
  • Gas
  • Renters Insurance
  • Late Fees
  • Laundry

Appliances

Since we are looking at if your apartment offers laundry, we should consider appliances. Not all apartments come fully loaded. This may happen problematic to you. Remember to view all the appliances:

  • Laundry Machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Stove/Range
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Garbage Disposal
  • Services/Amenity

Services/Amenities

While everything in your unit may make a significant role, do not forget amenities. Look at services you plan on using–this can quickly create an outlier for some apartments:

  • Gym
  • Movie Theater
  • Pool
  • Entertainment
  • Convenient Store
  • Maintenance Office Hours

Before ranking everything, you should consider what is important to you. If you do not need a garbage disposal, do not make it a deciding factor on your list. If you are not looking for an apartment with a gym, do not add it to the list. Once you determine what is important to you, rank each item 1-5. This can give you a definite number ranking for each apartment. However, if you feel like you are in love with one option over another, always go with your heart. For more lifestyle and living tips, make sure to subscribe!

Understanding Different Types of HVAC

By Leave a Comment

When you are looking for a business or a home, you probably notice different HVAC systems available. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) refers to the technology used to control the temperature and quality of air in your space. At first, you probably did not pay much attention; however, each HVAC system has its own sets of pros and cons. It is especially important for you to consider if you are looking to invest in your own HVAC system in a space without one currently. To help, here are the top systems and their benefits and cons:

Forced Air

Forced air uses a furnace or a heat pump to warm and filter the air in your home. It is then spread throughout your home with ductwork. These highly efficient machines can eliminate dust and allergens in your home; however, using ducts and vents means uneven air distribution. Some rooms may be colder or warmer than others. The filters need to be changed regularly to prevent the allergens that have been filtered from reentering the atmosphere. Lastly, this is one of the loudest HVAC system available. While they are considerably efficient and do not waste energy, they can be noisy when the fan pushes the air through the vents.

Pressure Gravity Air

Pressure gravity is a hybrid natural ventilation system. A machine will suck cool, clean air from the outside into the building while a passive natural ventilator to allow the hot air to exit the building via the roof exhaust. The vents that bring the air into the building are located low around the building’s walls and can easily be accessed for maintenance.

Radiant Floor

Radiant floor heating is an extremely reliable system. Where some system can go bad after just two to three years after installation, radiant floor heating can last as long as thirty-five plus years. It is very efficient and can save you money when looking to heat your home. Unlike forced air, radiant floor HVAC systems are quiet and do not use a blower or fan; however, installation is pricey due to the need to rip up your current flooring.

Before purchasing an HVAC system, research which is best for you. Determine how long you will be a resident at the location, your demand for even air control, and even if the sound may bother you. These all can play major roles in choosing the proper HVAC system.

Understanding Your Flooring: Carpet

By 1 Comment

As most homeowners already know, not all floors are made equally.  From hardwood to carpet, every flooring option gives you a list of different pros and cons.  While aesthetics is an excellent quality in flooring, understanding which floor is best tailored to your needs is the most important aspect.  You would not want to put a floor in an environment if it is not suited for its traffic and lifestyle. 

With a variety of different flooring options on the market, carpet will always be an excellent option for any home. With so many diverse patterns, textures, styles, and looks, you can tailor any carpet to fit the design theme of your room. Not to mention, carpet is highly desired for its affordability and comfort. While functionality, affordability, and durability can all be determining factors in your flooring, we want to help give you a better understanding of carpet and see if it is best suited for your needs. Let’s take a look!

Generalizing all types of carpet is difficult.  Please note that some carpet will be more durable than others.  Different fibers and pile can all result in your carpet’s performance.  If you are looking for a more durable carpet, ask your flooring sales associate to direct you to one. Their expert knowledge of the product line will help you find one that is suitable for your traffic level and environment.
Your carpet cannot scratch; however, you may be able to tear your carpet with enough force.  Some carpet can also lose its resilience and bounce back which will show traffic patterns.
It is not recommended to install carpet in wet areas.  In doing so, it could lead to unwanted molding.
Carpet is considered one of the most comfortable flooring options available on the market. With the right padding, it is excellent for children in case of falls.  It makes the flooring a more comfortable surface to play on as well.  However, in case of accidents or spills, carpet may not be the best for recovering unwanted stains.
While many carpets are treated with premium stain resistors, carpet is not best for rooms you anticipate frequent spills or mishaps.
Carpet is soft, so this can make for a great play area for kids; however, stains and accidents can happen. If not treated promptly, the liquid can penetrate down to the pad, and this can lead to unwanted lingering odors in your home.
Carpet prices will fluctuate from low to high depending on what quality you invest in for your home.  If you are looking for a quick and affordable option, carpet is your best choice.  However, understand the “cheaper” you go, the less durable and longevity you will get from your carpet.

Remember, carpet can be made of different fibers, thicker pile, and even treated with different chemicals. This is a very general and broad view of carpeting. There are carpet solutions with higher durability, less comfort, and even more water resistance. Make sure to check with your carpet representative to discover which options may be best for you. For more insight on different flooring types, make sure to subscribe and check out the rest of our series!

How to Create a Mood Board While Designing

By Leave a Comment

Designing a room has many elements that can play crucial roles in how we perceive it. From flooring to wall color choices down to the décor, everything used in your space will contribute to the overall design. When creating your space, you want to make sure you know what will complement each other and help unify the room. Some objects look great in the store or online but do not completely go with the theme when you get home. Finding combinations that work well together can be challenging; however, creating a mood board can allow you to do just that before the investments.

Physical Mood Board

With a physical mood board, you will physically obtain materials, paint swabs, and textures that you want to add to your space. For décor or larger items, simply print off images of the items. You can get a corkboard and pin all your ideas to it. For most textiles, stores will be able to provide you will samples. You should be able to get sample cabinet woods, carpets, laminates, and clothes to add to your board. A physical mood board is excellent for allowing you to visually see how different fabrics and textures work with one another. You will be able to notice shading in your own home’s light, feel the depth, and physically feel the materials. However, physical mood boards can take a little more time. This is great for people who are meticulous with everything they want to put in their design.

Digital Mood Board

Another common option is a digital mood board. This can be simply created by taking pictures on your phone and building a collection or a gallery. You can also use an app like Pinterest to gather your interest or influences. Digital mood boards can allow you to look through thousands of options quickly. Save and create different moods and create different galleries. For your end project, create a final mood board which takes your favorite influences from different categories.

Your final project should clearly influence or portray a mood. Colors, textures, patterns, and décor can all create different influences on an environment. Try to find elements that complement each other and work well with one another. Mood boards can save you time and money, so you know exactly what you want before investing the money.

How to Capture “Zen” in Your Design

By Leave a Comment

Zen is more than the feeling tranquility and peacefulness. Today, we often find that chaos is the “norm.” Our hectic lives demand more from us than ever. The traditional work weeks have been growing longer and our personal time slowly dwindles away to mere nothingness, and we tend to get caught up indulging in the illusory aspects of the world but fail to enjoy the moment. Creating a relaxing environment in your home is one thing. Zen is wisdom that the cosmos is a harmonious system.

Minimalism

Let’s be honest; clutter equals chaos; therefore, you should eliminate what you do not need. It may seem like stressful at first but eliminating clutter and letting go of attachments will be revitalizing. An open space will feel refreshing without the heavy burden of clutter weighing down the room. Additionally, you will want to stick to a neutral color space. Colors can have psychological influences on the environment, and a neutral space will keep the mind from wandering.

Natural Elements

To achieve Zen, you will want to add natural elements to your room. Running water can be used to help alleviate stress. Water has a mesmerizing effect; perhaps, you would like to try having a fountain or even a fish tank with running water in your room. You can also use essential oils in a diffuser to give your space a peaceful scent like eucalyptus or lavender. Bamboo plants, rocks, and hardwood floors can all be influential on your space. Plus, you can even incorporate some of the elements of Feng Shui. Even natural light can help calm the room. All of these natural elements can be utilized to create Zen.

Spot to Reflect

Whether you choose to meditate, pray, or just unwind sometime during your day, your room should offer a spot to reflect. Self-reflection and time of solitude can help you gather your thoughts. You can have time to eliminate the stresses of the world and focus on yourself. You may want a chair, yoga mat, or stool in the room–just remember that this spot is essential to achieving proper Zen.

What are the properties of Zen most essential to your life? Acquiring true peace is more than having a tranquil environment. True Zen is a lifestyle; not getting worked up about the little things and the pursuit for knowledge. Do not end your journey of peace by just adding a couple of things to your room. Remember to reflect, unwind, and absorb knowledge daily.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

Recent Comments

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive new post notifications via email.