Category Archives: Drafting Software

Window Replacement Cost

After years of home ownership, you’ll probably have to replace a few windows in your home and window replacement cost will vary considerably. Although you may take your windows for granted, they remain a fundamental part in maintaining a comfortable and attractive home. So, it’s important to consider the different window replacement styles that are available.

Unfortunately, these invisible barriers are fragile and can be broken with minimal amounts of force. The window replacement cost will vary upon size, number of windows needed, style and quality, but despite the many brands and options available, affordable replacements are easy to find if you know what you’re looking for.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, professional designers, builders and contractors plan and design all types of replacement window projects. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

Share your plans and designs with clients, builders or professional contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Window Replacement Cost

Window Replacement Cost and Styles

Windows Replacement Cost with Rotting Frames

Before you estimate window replacement cost, it’s important to inspect the existing window frames for damage or rot from insects and moisture. If the window’s frame is soft to the touch, cracking or showing other signs of wear, it will need to be replaced. If it’s still solid, you can opt to simply install new glass, which will save you money.

If you must replace the wooden frames, expect your final price for installation and material to double depending on the different window replacement styles you may choose.

Important Window Replacement Costs

Before you start a window-replacement estimate, it’s important to have a general idea as to where you plan on making your purchases.

Big-box stores may be the best option if you don’t want to get “hands on.” These stores will generally have fair prices for material and great insurance, but the commission and installation for your window replacement cost will be higher.

Window Replacement Costs and Prices

For a complete window installation, find your own qualified contractor and window manufacturer. For a standard-size, double-hung, double-pane (energy efficient), vinyl window, expect to pay between $450 and $600, including installation.

Wood windows are more expensive. The cost of a wood replacement window can range between $800 and $1,000 per window installation.

If the entire window and framing must be removed (down to the studs), be prepared to add at least $50 to $100 per window installation. This is referred to as new construction windows and installation or “full-frame” replacement windows and requires more work at an additional cost.

Although the overall window replacement cost can be very steep, it should be looked at as an investment, and you can reasonably expect your home’s value to increase.

Different Window Replacement Styles

There are many window styles and manufacturing companies to choose from. Here are a few we recommend; Renewal by Anderson , Pella Windows and Doors , Jeld Wen Windows and Doors , Home Depot and Lowes.

Depending on climate or preferences, there are several different window replacement styles you can choose from, each of which features its own set of attributes.

Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows are designed to be opened from the top or bottom, are great for hard-to-reach areas, and are generally the most inexpensive. These traits make double-hung windows the most commonly installed type of windows.

Tilt-Out Windows
Tilt-out windows fold in or out to reveal the glass’s exterior, which allows it to be cleaned from inside your home. These types of windows are great for areas where exterior accessibility is limited, but they are typically more expensive and will add to your window replacement cost.

Double-Pane Glass
Double-pane glass is widely available with the different encasement types, but it’s one of the more expensive different window replacement styles you may choose. Double-pane glass features an airtight space that is filled with inert gas. This method of construction helps with climate control, and paired with a properly sealed home, you can expect to save on utility costs.

High-Performance Glass
Depending on your environment (or your wallet), you might want to explore the performance offered from the different types of specialty glass. You can get triple-pane windows for added savings, impact-resistant windows for areas of extreme conditions, or windows with shades built between the glass for a touch of modern living. These high-performance glass types are the most expensive when calculating your window replacement cost, but the added benefits may be worth the extra cost.

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Home Windows Layout and Design Software

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive home design software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more. Anyone can start their new home window design project with CAD Pro.

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Countertop Pricing Factors

Some companies or stores charge for an edge and some don’t, depending on the edge you select. Edge selection is going to impact the price of any countertop. Edging is important when calculating countertop pricing factors. When choosing the desired edge, you would like, you will need to consider five standard edge detail options; with some companies, each edge has its own price and will need to be considered when you calculate countertop installation prices.

The real countertop installation cost not only includes the price of the material but also countertop pricing factors. These pricing factors include the tear out, modifications, edging and sealing, as well as cutouts for outlets, sinks and plumbing. Depending on the contractor, it’s important to calculate countertop installation prices that may or may not be included in the per-square-foot cost of materials.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, remodeling professionals, builders and contractors plan and design all types of countertop projects. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

Share your countertop plans with clients, colleagues or professional remodeling contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Countertop Pricing Factors

Countertop Pricing Factors and How to Calculate Installation Prices

Important Countertop Pricing Factors Include Edge Style

# 1 Countertop Pricing Factors

Once you measure your current countertops and calculate the square footage, always remember that it’s extremely important to ask what’s included in the square-foot price. That’s the No. 1 question you must know and always ask any contractor or supplier.

Granite Countertops and Quartz Countertops
Material costs also vary depending on the quality and color and play and important part of your countertop pricing factors. Granite, a natural stone, and quartz, an engineered stone, include two of the most popular countertop types. Quartz, which is about 97 percent natural stone and three percent man-made materials, is consistent in color and non-porous so it doesn’t need sealant.

Professional countertop installers say cheap granite could signal the product has blemishes and may crack over time, therefore leading to additional cost later on.

One of the important countertop pricing factors is that there’s only three things that make up the cost of granite — the supply and demand, the part of the world it comes from and how hard it is to excavate from the earth.

# 2 Countertop Pricing Factors

Entry-level granite countertops cost $50 to $55 per square foot, while basic quartz countertops typically cost $75 to $85 per square foot. This an important part of how you calculate countertop installation prices.

Basic granite countertops start around $60 to $65 per square foot, while entry-level quartz runs in the high $70 range. Homeowners need to know the origin of the granite they plan to purchase. Highly discounted granite countertops may come from a warehouse with a huge stockpile of inferior product.

Remember that because it says Brazil in the name doesn’t mean it came from Brazil. You need to see the paper work. If they don’t have the paper work, you don’t want it.

The best way to calculate countertop installation prices for kitchen countertops is to draw a sketch of your kitchen, include all the features you want, such as backsplash, type of edging and material thickness and take the measurements to a countertop contractor and this will assist you with your countertop pricing factors.

IMPORTANT: Don’t worry about the square foot cost because that’s such a small part of it. Unless you know what’s included in the square foot cost, it’s irrelevant.

# 3 Best Kitchen Countertop Pricing Factors

If you’re trying to determine which countertop is best, consider your lifestyle. Here are a couple of considerations. Will you properly maintain the countertop? Is a material that scratches easily right for your family or should you choose a more durable material?

In the end, it’s really all about personal personal preference. Most countertops carry a 10-year warranty. Homeowners should research what the countertop qualities that are important to them, but choice often comes down to price and colors and countertop pricing factors. While many homeowners often remodel the kitchen before selling, we caution against buying the most expensive material if you won’t live in the house long.

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Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive home design and remodeling software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more.

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Best Home Design Windows

Looking to elevate the curb appeal of your home with the best home design windows and patio doors, while also keeping true to a distinct architectural style? Explore the best architectural style windows and doors that complement the architectural style you have chosen for your house.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, professional designers, builders and contractors plan and design all types of window designs. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

Share your plans and designs with clients, builders or professional contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Best Home Design Windows

Best Home Design Windows and Plans

Top 9 Best Home Design Windows

(One) – Cape Cod Style Windows and Doors
Originated in 17th century New England, Cape Cod homes are generally one-and-a-half stories with a steep pitched roof and a small porch over the front door. Fireplaces served as a central element in the home, leaving chimneys stemming up through the middle of the roof.

Cape Code Best Home Design Windows

As a general rule of thumb, two windows are usually placed on each side of the door, as well as dormer windows centered above, leaving a symmetrical appearance. The best architectural style windows for these homes are double hung windows with the possibility of having different sash heights. Both top and bottom sashes open, and tilt inward for easy cleaning.

French swinging or French-style sliding doors are recommended for patios and the best home design windows. Double-opening doors allow for greater ventilation while keeping with the traditional style of a Cape Cod home.

(Two) – Tudor Style
The Tudor style has been around for several hundred years, developing out of fifteenth century English during the Tudor period. The Tudor style is one of the best home design windows while defining features that include stucco exterior complimented by brick and stone sections, arched doorways and combinations of tall, narrow windows with dark trim. Many of these homes contain exposed wood features that the windows may match or complement.

Best Home Design Windows for Tudor Style Homes

Long, narrow-shaped casement windows are a versatile choice for Tudor homes. They balance the best architectural style windows design while emphasizing the height of the home. Casement and picture window combinations are usually in groups of two or three and fit within the exposed timbers.

French swinging doors integrate well with long, narrow-shaped windows. The wider stiles and rails are a wonderful complement to the manor style architecture. Add sidelights to swinging French doors to bring more natural light into a Tudor home.

To learn more about Tudor style best home design windows and the window details we recommend for grids, frame material, and colors, click here.

(Three) – Colonial Style
Colonial homes have wide and varied styles due to influences from Dutch, French, Spanish, New England and Georgian and makes it a favorite of the best architectural style windows. Usually sitting two and a half stories tall, colonial homes are commonly made of red brick with multiple chimneys.

Best Home Design Windows for Colonial Style Homes

Traditional colonial homes often feature two windows evenly spaced on each side of the door and three on the second level, with one centered above the door. Dormer windows are then proportionately centered above the second level. Double Hung or Single Hung windows are recommended for Colonial homes due to their ventilation ability.

French sliding patio doors are recommended for colonial homes. The classic look matches the architectural style while the sliding functionality adds space saving convenience for one of the best home design windows.

To learn more about Colonial style and the window details we recommend for grids, frame material, and colors, click here.

(Four) – Victorian & Queen Anne Styles
During the twentieth century Industrial Revolution in Great Britain, millions of houses were built in a housing boom now referred to as “Victorian” houses. In the United States, Victorian-era houses often include ornate decor with elaborate details, a multitude of trim and a bold color palette. Wrap around porches with decorative railings and columns distinguish this style.

Best Home Design Windows for Victorian Style Homes

Bay and bow windows are almost always implemented. They complement the ornate style of Victorian and Queen Anne homes by dividing the view into different planes and bringing in more light while making this design one of the best home design windows. These homes often use narrow double hung windows in combination with arch windows on top to create the appearance of height.

French-Style sliding patio doors accentuate the traditional architecture of Victorian/Queen Anne homes.

To learn more about the best architectural style windows for Victorian/Queen Anne style homes and the window details recommended for grids, frame material, and colors, click here.

(Five) – Craftsman Bungalow Style
Take this American home classic as one of the best home design windows to the next level with windows and doors that complement its signature style. American Craftsman style and bungalows are variations of an affordable housing type that swept across America in the early twentieth century. Distinguished with a front porch, squared tapered columns, and an open floor plan, craftsman and bungalow homes are ideally suited for mild climates.

Craftsman Bungalow Style Best Home Design Windows

Double Hung windows in combination with casement and awning windows help create the patterns typically associated with Craftsman Bungalow style houses. Window combinations are often seen in groups of two or three.

French patio doors can be a great addition on the front porch or to the back yard. In addition to adding convenience, they help bring more daylight into the home.

(Six) – Stucco, Spanish & Mediterranean Styles
As the name suggests, Spanish, Mediterranean, and Stucco homes are influenced by the region in its descriptive. This ranges from older homes with small windows and large doors topped by arch windows, to new-style homes that have larger windows. This style of the best home design windows is often noted by the exterior stucco material, archways and curves, and ceramic terracotta roofs to deflect the hot sun.

Stucco, Spanish and Mediterranean Best Home Design Windows

Casement windows are a popular operating style in these homes. They can be tall and narrow while standing alone, or come in pairs of two. Tall windows, sometimes arched, are often seen in a walk out bow. Arch windows are common in stucco style homes as they complement the curved lines of the architecture.

French Style in-swing or out-swing patio doors are a great fit for this style of home. Add ventilating sidelights for more light and fresh air making it one of the best architectural style windows. These doors maintain the integrity of the design while ensuring a sturdy, functional performance.

(Seven) – Prairie Style
Originally built to echo the flat prairie landscape, these homes value strong horizontal lines and wide-open spaces. Frank Lloyd Wright revolutionized the American home when he began to design Prairie style houses. Mostly an upper class or upper middle-class movement, prairie style homes usually have low-pitched roofs and straight-line, geometric patterning.

Best Home Design Windows for Prairie Style Homes

Prairie Style houses employ the use of a high band of narrow windows above doors or bordering the top of a room. This is called a clerestory which is made from picture windows because they are out of reach. Another common operating style in Prairie homes are awning windows placed together in rows. This style of best home design windows allows for ventilation while maintaining the accented look of a Prairie Style home.

Sliding patio doors are often paired with sidelights which match the low horizontal lines and maintain the open interior spaces of a Prairie Style home. This versatile patio door style can accommodate a variety of decorating and placement options.

(Eight) – Ranch and Split-Level Style
Ranch or Split-Level homes became popular as suburbia expanded to accommodate the growth of families in post-World War II America. Split-level is a variation of the raised Ranch style with a basement, main floor, and upstairs. Many of these homes feature wood and brick siding with a porch over the front door and represent one the most popular style of homes and best home design windows.

Best Home Design Windows and Patio Doors for Ranch and Split Level

Large picture windows fit the Ranch/Split-Level style very well. An abundance of glass lets in light and provides a contemporary style. Double hung windows are common in combination sets with picture windows above or below. Bay and bow windows can also be a wonderful addition to a Ranch style home and one of the best architectural style windows.

Ranch/Split Level homes were often built with large patios and beautiful backyards. Sliding patio doors are a great solution for transitioning to the outdoor space area while still maintaining a sleek entry.

(Nine) – Modern Style
Clean lines, smooth surfaces and lots of light encompass the look of a one-of-a-kind modern home. Ornamentation is kept at a minimum to focus on a large perceived space and welcome indoor-outdoor living.

Best Home Design Windows for Modern Architecture

While modern homes are varied in how they are designed, sliding horizontal windows can almost always be a great choice for the best architectural style windows. Another popular operating style is awning, often placed below large picture windows as it brings in subtle fresh air.

Moving Glass Wall Systems are a popular choice in contemporary homes as they bring in ample amounts of natural light and highlight wonderful views. The narrow frames help to ensure these doors are cohesive with the design and with the indoor-outdoor living trend.

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Home Design Windows Layout and Design Software
Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive home design software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more. Anyone can start their new home window design project with CAD Pro.

 

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Tiny Bedroom Decorating Ideas

In this article we will provide some valuable tiny bedroom decorating ideas. These inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas will save a lot of time and money while providing style and good taste when decorating your new room.

So, you’ve recently moved into a new house and you finally have enough time to start decorating it. During the move, life was a whirlwind of additional responsibilities plus you had to continue to manage your day to day life. Somewhere along the way you never realized that your bedroom is much smaller than your last one and decorating it isn’t going to be as easy as you thought.

Some people will focus their tiny bedroom decorating ideas on making their bedroom look as stylish as possible. Others will attempt to make it look amazing while sticking to a strict budget. Still others will look forward to the challenge of making their new bedroom digs look off the charts awesome so they can wow their friends and family members with their inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas.

Tiny Bedroom Decorating Ideas with Pizzazz

Which camp do you fall in? Are you decorating on a budget? Are you exciting for the challenge? Are you ready to glitz your room with style and pizzazz? Or do you have a totally different goal altogether?

No matter where you land on the spectrum, just know it’s possible to make your tiny bedroom decorating ideas look truly amazing. So, please use our favorite inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas and you’ll make your smallish bedroom look absolutely fabulous.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, remodeling professionals, builders and contractors plan and design all types of home design and remodeling projects. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

Share your decorating ideas and plans with clients, colleagues or professional contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Tiny Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Best Tiny Bedroom Decorating Ideas

5 Beautiful Tiny Bedroom Decorating Ideas

One: Tuck Your Bed into a Corner
First of all, your bed is going to take up a large portion of the space in a tiny bedroom, so you have to tuck it into a corner to get it out of the way as much as possible. So, look around the room at your four corners. Which one is best for the bed? Which one will leave you with additional space? Choose this corner and move your bed there as one of the tiny bedroom decorating ideas.

Having your bed in the corner of the room creates difficulties when it comes time to making it. You’ll have to slide it out from the wall to properly fix the side up against it, so keep this in mind and leave enough room on the floor to slide the bed out when it’s time to make it.

On a more positive note, when the bed is tucked in the corner it feels a lot cozier. So, the unintended consequence is you may end up sleeping better and more comfortably this way. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, right?

Tiny Bedroom Decorating Ideas with Mirrors

Two: Make Your Bedroom Larger with Mirrors
Mirrors are one of the easiest inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas. Just because you happen to have a small bedroom, doesn’t mean it has to look overly tiny. You can strategically add mirrors in a small bedroom, and it will create the illusion of an expanded, much larger space.

How do you make this happen? First, when you position your mirrors, make sure they reflect the light of a window. By placing the mirror this way, you’ll not only make the room look larger, but you’ll also bring additional natural light into the space. So not only will it look bigger, it will also look much brighter, happier, and more appealing.

What about a big mirror? Is it easy to incorporate them into the space? Well, you should pick up a body length mirror and instead of hanging it on the wall, you just need to lean it up against it. There’s no need to drill holes or create a massive DIY project with your full-length mirror.

On the other hand, if it’s going to be unsecured you could always get some wall tacky to secure it there. This will bring you additional peace of mind and make the mirror stay in place.

Give this mirror thing a try right away as one of these tiny bedroom decorating ideas. You’ll immediately notice how much bigger and brighter your tiny bedroom could look with a little bit of TLC and mirror magic to guide the way.

Three: Wallpaper A Great Addition for Tiny Bedrooms
You have a small bedroom. We get it. And we want your little room to look fantastic. Adding wallpaper will make it so. No one said your room needs to be dull because it’s small and we feel this way too.

Guess what? When you add wallpaper with a bold pattern, it really begins to become the focal point of the room. Instead of wallpapering the entire room, just wallpaper one wall for one of the inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas. Pick the wall immediately behind the headboard of your bed because it will really stand out here and look absolutely stunning.

Believe it or not, certain people tend to believe that wallpaper will make your room look cluttered and small. This could definitely be true if you choose the wrong wallpaper. On the other hand, if you choose the perfect style and technique your wallpaper is going to make the room look much bigger and bolder.

So, how do you choose the right wallpaper for a smaller room? For starters, you need to pick one with a large-scale pattern. Smaller patterns look very busy and make a room look confining. Larger patterns tend to open up the room and make it look much bigger.

Next, make sure your wallpaper perfectly matches and coordinates well with your bedding and other decorations. By approaching your choice this way, your room will look cohesive and everything will match and look like it belongs together.

Four: Floating Shelves add Additional Space
Floating shelves are amazing when you live in a small bedroom and are one of the more popular tiny bedroom decorating ideas. Instead of a need for large, bulky furniture like bookcases, end tables, nightstands, and desks, these floating shelves can take their place without taking up additional space on your floor.

Guess what? In some situations, you just have to be creative because you aren’t going to be able to fit a desk or a bookcase into your tiny bedroom. So as one of the inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas you can put in floating shelves and utilize your wall space instead of going without certain conveniences you’ve become accustomed to.

Five: Add a Wall Niche or Alcove
If you own your home, you can add a wall niche or alcove to the room to free up additional space. If you rent, you’ll need to get permission from your landlord and he or she may or may not comply with your request. But as a renter, don’t just start making renovations without permission because you could open up a huge can of worms that’s better off left closed.

In most cases, the walls of your bedroom will be made of sheet rock. Sheet rock is hollow and it has spaces between the wooden or metal studs. All you’ll need to do is find the studs and cut out holes in the sheetrock to make your niches or alcove between them.

Extra space is one of the tiny bedroom decorating ideas that’s hard to add. You may or may not have a deep alcove depending on how much space is between the sheet rock wall in your bedroom and the wall behind it. But at least you’ll have some additional space that you wouldn’t normally have otherwise. You can put personal items there like your alarm clock, phone, and other odds and ends instead of putting them on a nightstand.

So, consider creating an alcove or wall niche in your small bedroom. You’ll certainly love the additional space and it will even make your room look more appealing and definitely more stylish and it’s one of the most popular inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas.

Final Thoughts for Tiny Bedroom Decorating Ideas

We hope you enjoyed the ideas we’ve shared today? We certainly hope so because they will make your life better and make your tiny room feel a little bit bigger. These tips can even free up additional room for a sexy and practical new cabinet, which you can find at best online cabinets.

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Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive design software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating inexpensive tiny bedroom ideas and designs as well as custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more. Anyone can start their new home remodeling project with CAD Pro.

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Costly Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

There are many details to consider when remodeling a kitchen. It’s easy to overlook something or make one of these costly kitchen remodeling mistakes. Here are six common mistakes that occur during a kitchen remodeling project, and kitchen remodeling tips for avoiding them.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, remodeling professionals, builders and contractors plan and design all types of remodeling projects. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

Share your remodeling plans with clients, colleagues or professional remodeling contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Costly Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

Costly Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes and Kitchen Remodeling Tips

6 Common Kitchen Costly Remodeling Mistakes

The kitchen is the heart of any home, and for many homeowners having a warm, inviting space is important, which is why many people choose to remodel. But costly kitchen remodeling mistakes are easy to make. From countertops and flooring, to appliances and lighting, you have many details, and expenses, to consider. A single mistake could add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your remodel. Here are some common mistakes and kitchen remodeling tips to help you avoid them.

Timeless Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Don’t be too trendy with your material choices or design because the life of most design trends is typically five years. Choosing permanent or hard-to-replace materials, such as countertops and cabinets, with the trendiest finishes could mean having to redo that kitchen again much sooner than intended. It can also date your kitchen and hurt the resale value of the home. Use the latest colors and textures in accent pieces, such as window treatments, cushions, place settings and other accessories. Once the fashion changes, they are much less costly to replace.

Kitchen Costly Remodeling Mistakes with Lighting

Lighting is an overlooked feature but one that can make a big difference to the look and functionality of any room and is one of the more common costly kitchen remodeling mistakes. You should consider lighting as one of the most important of the kitchen remodeling tips. Forgetting to evaluate current and future lighting needs. When reorganizing the kitchen, your existing lighting will likely no longer illuminate the right areas. Most kitchens lack task lighting. Adding under-cabinet lighting and other task lighting adds value and style. Think about where your work areas will be and make sure those areas are well lit.

Electrical Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Todays kitchens contain more electrical appliances than ever before. The best time to evaluate, change or add the electrical outlets in your home is during a remodel. Look at all work surfaces and locations to ensure there are plenty of outlets available where you need them, and if changes are necessary, consult with an electrician.

Cheap Kitchen Costly Remodeling Mistakes

In some places, less-expensive options may be a good choice (appliances don’t always have to be top of the line, for example), and in other places investing in better-quality materials make the most sense. Using high-quality flooring, cabinets and countertops usually provides the most return on investment in a kitchen remodeling project and will prevent costly kitchen remodeling mistakes.

Cheap materials that won’t last will cost you more in the long run. The same goes for cheap labor. You’ll have to pay more later if the job isn’t done right.

 Integration for Kitchen Remodeling Tips

Blending the new kitchen decor with the rest of the home isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Interior decorators recommend using a color family throughout the home in the new kitchen and the same flooring, or you can choose timeless pieces that work with any décor. This way your new kitchen doesn’t end up clashing with the rest of the home.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling tips, it’s smart to expect the unexpected costly kitchen remodeling mistakes, especially if your home is more than 25 years old. It’s not uncommon to find wood rot and water damage in a kitchen, both of which can add to the cost of the remodel. If the project includes moving the plumbing, plumbers may also encounter unexpected problems, including having to replace lead pipes with copper to meet current building codes.

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Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive remodeling software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more. Anyone can start their new home remodeling project with CAD Pro.

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Best Hardwood Flooring Preferences

Hardwood flooring has a long history, one that is said to date back to the 1600s. These best hardwood flooring preferences follow home trends, it has gone in and out of style depending on interior design trends, the introduction of competing floor surfaces, and homeowner preferences. With more flooring product offerings and growing demand, builders are turning to hardwood and wood look-alikes more than ever.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, remodeling professionals, builders and contractors plan and design all types of home flooring designs and projects. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

Share your plans and designs with clients, builders or professional contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Best Hardwood Flooring Preferences

Best Hardwood Flooring Preferences and Designs

Choosing These Best Hardwood Flooring Preferences

Today, hardwood flooring and hardwood look-alike products are on top once again. When homeowners were asked what kind of flooring they would choose for their dream home, 66% said hardwood floors, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Sixty-eight percent of owners said wood flooring is attractive, compared to 46% of the next flooring type, tile. Besides the best hardwood flooring preferences attractiveness, the survey concludes wood flooring also adds value to a home (66%), is hypoallergenic (34%), and is environmentally responsible (24%).

To nail down flooring’s most influential attributes, the NWFA survey also asked owners to rank eight product factors they consider when choosing best hardwood flooring preferences and materials. It found that homeowners value durability (67%), attractiveness (61%), and easy-to-clean (58%) as the top three most important features.

In the past, higher prices for hardwood have steered homeowners and builders toward alternatives like carpet, laminate, and vinyl, but in recent years manufacturers have developed more solid and engineered products and processes that offer a broad range of price points.

Home improvement website HomeAdvisor estimates the average cost of wood flooring and installation is about $8 to $10 per square foot based on factors such as species, finish, underlayment options, molding installation, and delivery costs. Prefinished engineered hardwood is a less expensive option at about $1.50 to $8 per square foot depending on nail or glue-down installation.

Both solid and engineered choices can withstand heavy traffic of busy families and pets. Plus, when the material does begin to weather, it can be sanded and stained again.

Trends for Best Hardwood Flooring Preferences

While a majority of homeowners prefer hardwood and its features, other popular flooring types such as carpet and tile have dominated the market in the past. Home Innovation Research Labs’ annual Builder Practices Report tracks the trend: In 2004, when the company started collecting data, carpet was used overall in 60% of new single-family homes and wood was used in only 13% overall. Over the past 14 years of data collection for the best hardwood flooring preferences, carpet has declined in overall use, while wood has steadily increased. In 2017, wood flooring was at 35% overall and carpet at 40%.

Each of HIRL’s reports break flooring surfaces down by rooms in the home. As of 2017, carpet was installed mostly in basements and bedrooms and wood has dominated dining rooms, living rooms, foyers and hallways, and kitchens.

Ed Hudson, director of marketing research services at HIRL, says wood has become popular in centrally located rooms because of its ability to withstand high traffic. Plus, owners prefer it in areas where guests are frequent because it shows well. Carpeting remains popular in rooms where under-foot comfort is important, usually lower traffic areas, quiet spaces, or where informal activities take place.

Homeowner awareness of health issues is another reason that hardwood’s popularity has grown in the market, experts say. Wood floors are said to improve indoor air quality because they tend to minimize the accumulation of allergens, such as pollen, dust, mold, and dander. Carpet, on the other hand, can trap dirt and dust if not cleaned regularly, and some consumers worry about the manufacturing process and if “new carpet odor” is safe to inhale. However, health-centric certifications like the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label and Green Label Plus programs, which test for and certify low emissions from carpet, carpet cushion and adhesive, have helped ease consumer worries when considering these best hardwood flooring preferences.

Hot Best Hardwood Flooring Preferences

Popular hardwood floor species include oak, maple, and hickory, says Crowder. All three types are listed mid-range on the Janka Scale, the rating system that measures the wood’s hardness and durability.

“White and red oak are expected to remain the market leaders, representing about 67% of the market domestically,” says Michael Martin, CEO and president at the NWFA. “Overall, there is a general shift toward the use of domestic species as opposed to species imported from other countries.”

Color and stain variations have also expanded. According to Crowder, “the taupe-y gray” color is trending right now. “It’s really soft and makes homes feel really big and open,” she adds.

Emily Morrow Finkell, writer for Hardwood Floors Magazine and previous director of color style and design at Shaw, agrees gray isn’t going away. She also mentions that the best hardwood flooring preferences color palette will be derived from natural-looking neutrals, including dark browns, stone grays, and light limestones.

Other popular wood flooring upgrades include hand-scraped, wire-brushed, and distressed finishes and nontraditional patterns like herringbone and wide plank.

Manufacturers, such as Mannington, Armstrong, and Shaw, offer less-expensive vinyl flooring that provide the look of hardwood. The products don’t offer the same traditional attributes of wood, but give the same cohesive look homeowners crave and are able to withstand more wet environments. Due to this reason, this type of product usually fares well in basement or bathroom applications.

Porcelain and ceramic tile from manufacturers, such as DaltileWalker Zanger, and Emser Tile, also provide the look of natural wood, with prices ranging from $1 to $7 per square foot, depending on whether the tile is ceramic or high-definition porcelain.

Now, every home buyer can add wood floors. The range is there in terms of price point and builders are no longer constrained by specific colors or material types.

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Best Hardwood Flooring Preferences Design Software

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive home design software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more. Anyone can start their new home design project with CAD Pro.

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Best Bathroom Remodeling Tips

An updated bathroom adds significant value to your home. These best bathroom remodeling tips will explain why bathroom remodeling adds value to your home. Bathroom remodels and updates are the best remodeling value you can add to your home.

If you’ve been dreaming of new countertops, updated bathroom cabinets or a more luxurious shower, now is the time to get your bathroom remodeling plans underway. With so many options available for improving and updating your bathroom, turning your bathroom into the perfect space is possible no matter your budget.

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, remodeling professionals, builders and contractors plan and design all types of remodeling projects. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

Share your remodeling plans with clients, colleagues or professional remodeling contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

Best Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Best Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Tricks

Seven Best Bathroom Remodeling Tips

One: When your bathroom transforms from the room you have into the place you want to be, it’s not just your quality of life that gets better. As a home improvement project, bathroom remodeling adds value and offers a strong return on investment. These remodeling projects tend to hold their value over time while boosting your home’s overall resale value in the future.

Not only that, but these best bathroom remodeling tips are a powerful attention grabber when it comes to attracting the right buyer, making it much easier to sell your home once the time comes to put it on the market.

Two: A well designed remodel will last a long time. The restored beauty and improved functionality of a remodeled bathroom will provide you added enjoyment not only immediately after it’s done, but well into the future. Whether it’s the timeless feel of all-new tile flooring or the enhanced utility of a durable, floor-to-ceiling walk-in shower, your new bathroom is sure to please every day, week and month for years to come and proves why bathroom remodeling adds value.

Three: These new upgrades will improve your bathrooms flow and livability. As you get older, it’s important that your home and your bathroom adapt to your changing needs. Whether it’s installing in a walk-in tub or curbless shower, adjusting the height of your countertops or improving the overall floorplan, updating your bathroom can help make your space more comfortable and accommodating now and into the future.

Four: When you implement these best bathroom remodeling tips, you will find yourself wanting to spend more time in your newly remodel bathroom. According to an American Standard survey on bathroom habits, the average person spends more than 30 minutes of time in the bathroom each day, adding up to more than seven days a year. We dedicate so much of our mornings, evenings and all points between to freshening up, filing nails and flossing teeth in front of the vanity mirror that it makes the lavatory one of the premier hotspots of any home.

Five: Adding storage will reduce clutter and organize your newly remodeled bathroom. Ever find yourself fumbling through endless items just to find your hairbrush, shaving cream or dental floss? The extra storage in a new, more modern bathroom cabinet could be the key to a cleaner, more organized and clutter-free bathroom space, the kind that reduces your stress and saves your sanity.

Bathroom Remodeling Adds Value for Any Home

Six: A new sink is one of the best bathroom remodeling tips and will add family harmony. Do you enjoy waiting to brush your teeth in the morning? How about the spectacle of siblings battling it out for extra counterspace right before bed? Adding a new sink and countertop can go a long way toward reducing the agony of bathroom wait time, eliminating the constant struggle for space and helping to keep the peace within the family.

Seven: Let’s face it bathroom remodeling adds value. Nothing melts away the stress of a long day quite as effectively as relaxing in your very own luxury spa. And with a nearly endless variety of luxury-spa styles, features and products to choose from, you can create a truly personalized spa experience right in the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re looking for the ease of a walk-in shower, the quiet elegance of a freestanding bathtub or the indulgence of heated tile flooring, a bathroom remodel offers the opportunity to elevate your personal space to a new level while adding real value to your home.

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Best Bathroom Remodeling Tips and Design Software

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive remodeling software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more. Anyone can start their new home remodeling project with CAD Pro.

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Smart Affordable Housing

The need for smart affordable housing, and well-designed housing has never been in more demand, not only for low-income housing, but also for backyard ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), retreats, and even a second or third home in a desired location. The affordable home design market ranges from first-time or low-income buyers, to baby boomers, that just want a small home that’s less invasive of time, maintenance, and money to live in.

Custom home design software from CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, contractors and custom home builders streamline their workflow while producing professional affordable home designs for clients and colleagues.

Smart Affordable Housing

Smart Affordable Housing Markets and Design

Smart Affordable Housing ADUs

Smart affordable housing such as ADUs are typically less than 1,000 square feet and located in the backyard of main homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are most often used for rental units or to house family members. Although legal and zoning regulations restrict their construction in many U.S. cities, a handful of jurisdictions—including Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon are ADU friendly, and advocates predict other areas soon will follow suit.

Builders and developers have all expressed the same concern about affordable home design: a need for housing that’s at least 1,000 square feet, has four corners, and is priced below $200,000, and most city officials agreed. Just like present day, the major hurdle is the ability to rezone and rethink sites on a case-by-case basis. For example, a 6,000-square-foot lot minimum isn’t a good fit for a 600-square-foot home plan. Realistically, four homes could be placed there, resulting in a more efficient pocket neighborhood. Combine several such lots together, and you have a community.

Creating Affordable Home Design

What makes smart affordable housing is two-fold: cost to build and cost to own which starts with the right house plans. There are many home plan collections that take both into consideration. Most of these affordable plans are between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet and Energy Star approved, meaning they come with years of savings on utility bills built into the plan from the beginning. No shortcuts in design are necessary to produce inexpensive house plans. Your choice of homes should come with everything you need and want, and their affordability is due to things you might not even think about, like the shapes of their footprints, centrally located plumbing, and framing techniques that allow for more insulation.

Energy Star Rated Smart Affordable Housing

The Home Energy Score is a national rating system developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The Score reflects the energy efficiency of a home based on the home’s structure and heating, cooling, and hot water systems. The home facts provide details for the affordable home design and the current structure and systems. Recommendations show how to improve the energy efficiency of the home to achieve a higher score and save money.

Imagine you are in the market to buy a car and comparing your options. You are weighing a number of factors in your purchasing decision, including performance, cost, size, and appearance. When you ask the salesperson what the miles-per-gallon rating for each car is, they say, “I don’t know.” Even if fuel efficiency is not the only factor you are considering, this would probably concern you as a prospective buyer.

And yet, this is how most people make decisions when buying or renting a home: without any information about how much energy the smart affordable housing is expected to use, how much this will cost them, or how to cost-effectively lower energy expenses.

Developed by DOE and its national laboratories, the Home Energy Score provides home owners, buyers, and renters directly comparable and credible information about a home’s energy use. Like a miles-per-gallon rating for a car, the Home Energy Score is based on a standard assessment of energy-related assets to easily compare energy use across the housing market.

Smart Affordable Housing Design Energy Scores

The Home Energy Score Report estimates home energy use, associated costs, and provides energy solutions to cost-effectively improve the home’s efficiency. Each Home Energy Score is shown on a simple one-to-ten scale, where a ten represents the most efficient homes. Mouse over the Home Energy Score graphic below to learn what specific parts of the label mean. Click on the “Show All Hotspots” button to see all places information is hidden in the graphic.

Design Software for Smart Affordable Housing

Custom home design software from CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, contractors and custom smart home builders streamline their workflow while producing professional designs for clients and colleagues.

Cad Pro’s home design software is an affordable and easy alternative to other CAD software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plansbuilding plansoffice plansconstruction details, and much more with affordable smart home appliances.

Share your smart affordable housing plans with clients, contractors or team members using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

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Calculating Remodeling Costs

Sometimes when moving into your home, you probably saw a better look and feel for each room and wondered how to go about calculating remodeling costs. Let’s say you would like remodeling budgets for a garage converted into an office, the bathroom updated with new lighting and cabinetry, the kitchen transformed with an open concept and all-new appliances. It’s easy to imagine. But, when it comes down to the nuts and bolts, how much will these renovations cost? And which features can you budget for right now?

CAD Pro has helped thousands of homeowners, remodeling professionals, builders and contractors plan and design all types of remodeling projects. CAD Pro is used by NARI professional remodelers and contractors. CAD Pro is also used by NHBA home builders and contractors.

CAD Pro helps you plan and complete any type of remodeling plans with intuitive smart floor plan tools and remodeling design symbols.

Share your remodeling budgets and plans with clients or professional remodeling contractors using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

See what you can achieve with these modest, average and luxury remodeling budgets.

Calculating Remodeling Costs

Calculating Remodeling Costs and Plans for Remodeling Budgets

Calculating Remodeling Costs for Kitchens

Average kitchen remodels can range from: $13,000 -$35,000
Most people have a unique vision of their “dream” kitchen, but not everyone can afford it right off the bat. Homeowners tend to spend $13,000 to $35,000 to match their kitchens to their lifestyles.

Modest – With $5,000, you must set your priorities in order to maximize your efficiency and calculating remodeling costs. You can either reface or finish the cabinetry, upgrade your countertops or get all-new appliances. Any one of these will have a significant visual impact, and you may still have room in your budget for detail work like painting, new plumbing fixtures and lighting.

Average – With $20,000, you can upgrade multiple aspects of your kitchen. You can paint, get new countertops, reface or replace your cabinets, and invest in high-quality appliances. You can also add a kitchen island or remove a wall to open your space. Note that removing a load-bearing wall could soak up over $10,000 of your budget, so be sure to consult a professional before attempting this.

Luxury – For the luxury kitchen of your dreams, your kitchen remodeling budgets will probably exceed $35,000. With this, you can change the layout, knock out a wall, install new windows, get high-end materials for flooring and countertops, and update to the latest and greatest appliances. For an extensive remodel like this, you should definitely consider hiring a professional designer. When calculating remodeling costs on a luxury kitchen remodel, it’s highly advised you create a set of detailed remodeling plans and a cost of materials.

Calculating Remodeling Costs for Bathrooms

Average bathroom remodels can range from: $5,000 -$15,000
A bathroom remodeling project can be as big or small as you need to make the difference you want. On average, homeowners spend $5,000-$15,000 depending on the size of their bathroom and the extent of the remodeling budgets.

Modest – With a budget of around $2,800, you can bring an outdated bathroom into the 21st century. Give it a fresh, inspiring coat of paint; upgrade the toilet and the sink; and add intentional décor to boost character. And while you’re at it, update the lighting.

Average – For closer to $10,000, you can swap out every surface and fixture if you don’t move plumbing or electrical. This budget will typically get you new cabinetry, flooring and countertop materials and the option of swapping your standard tub or shower for a curbless walk-in shower.

Luxury – With a $25,000 budget, you can move plumbing fixtures in order to optimize the space for comfort, and you can invest in high-end flooring and countertop materials. You can get custom-made cabinetry, exotic tiling material installations, radiant heating for your floor, and a luxury shower When calculating remodeling costs on the luxury end it’s highly advised you create a set of remodeling plans and a detailed list of materials or this remodel can get out of control.

Calculating Remodeling Costs for Basements

Average basement remodels can range from: $10,000 -$30,000
If your finished basement isn’t stuffed to the ceiling as a storage space, why not remodel it to add usable square footage? On average, people are paying $10,000 to $30,000 for this type of remodeling project.

Modest – With a basement that is 500 to 800 square feet, you can create a family room, home theater, or a man cave for around $6,000. Keep your costs down with low-cost materials and furniture and don’t go overboard on a home theater system.

Average – With $20,000, you can remodel a basement of 700 to 1,200 square feet. You can use higher-end flooring materials, add cabinetry and storage, and frame the basement to add rooms or separate spaces. You can even have a bathroom installed, though it will cost $10,000-$15,000 for the plumbing, electrical, fixtures and walls. Always remember that calculating remodeling costs will depend on the amount of square footage you use for the remodel.

Luxury – A budget of over $30,000 can transform the basement into a very comfortable and stylish living space, with bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, a kitchenette, cabinetry and high-end flooring materials.

Calculating Remodeling Costs for Garages

Average garage remodels can range from: $5,000 -$18,000
A garage remodel can be one of the less significant remodeling budgets. Think of what you could use more of—bedrooms, family areas, work space—and see if it will fit. On average, homeowners spend $5,000 to $18,000 on this remodeling project.

Modest – With $3,000, you can whip your garage into shape with storage solutions and paint. This remodel is for homeowners who still want to store their cars in the garage, but who want the space to be more attractive and functional.

Average – If your budget ranges within $5,000 and $10,000, you can really transform the garage into an office or family entertainment room. A drop ceiling will cost around $1,500; adding more electrical outlets ranges from $150 to $500; drywall will be around $1,000; and flooring could be $1,000 or more.

Luxury – You could turn that old garage into a guesthouse with $20,000 or more. For this, you would need to install plumbing and electricity, drywall, flooring, a kitchenette and a bathroom.

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Software for Remodeling Budgets and Homeowners

Cad Pro is an affordable and easy alternative to other more expensive remodeling software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plans, building plans, office plans, construction details, and much more. Anyone can start their new home remodeling project with CAD Pro.

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Best Smart Home Products

Today’s home builders and architects are implementing many of these best smart home products. Many home-builders have partners and sponsors who have contributed new technology for these new styled cutting-edge smart homes. From smart monitor systems to highly efficient construction processes, each is a vital piece of a sustainable whole-home system.

You don’t need to be an architect to create any type of home blueprints with these best smart home products. Cad Pro helps you create all types of house plans, add outlets, light fixtures, alarms, doors, windows, and even furniture. Quickly align and arrange everything perfectly with the Smart Alignment Tools.

Best Smart Home Products

Best Smart Home Products and Plans

A List of The Best Smart Home Products

Delos Living
The DARWIN Home Wellness Intelligence system is a holistic wellness-focused smart home platform that monitors and adjusts indoor home environments to best suit the health and well-being of the inhabitants. The platform constantly monitors the needs of residents and provides automatic changes to air filtration, water purification, circadian lighting and other comfort systems to meet those needs. Precise control, settings, and data are also available through the DARWIN mobile app. delos.com.

Google Home + Nest
Many builders that design cutting-edge smart homes are implementing Google-powered smart home systems, the Nest Hello video doorbell, located next to the home’s front door. The doorbell’s HD video camera allows homeowners to check in on a live stream of their front door at any time, plus snapshots from up to the last three hours of recording. The 4:3 aspect ratio camera shows the person at the door from head to toe, as well as packages on the ground. Homeowners can also receive activity alerts whenever a person or package is at the front door through a smart device, Google Home console, or Google Chromecast Ultra, even if the doorbell is not rung, and hear and speak to visitors through the unit’s speaker and microphone. nest.com.

Cutting-Edge Smart Homes

Products for Cutting-Edge Smart Homes

Kohler
Kohler offers the DTV+ Digital Shower system interface with several compatible shower components, including showerheads, audio devices, lighting, Chroma therapy, and steam, and allows users to customize their components via wall-mounted touchscreen. Users can create up to six custom presets or choose from pre-programmed temperature and hydrotherapy programs making this one of the top best smart home products. Custom functions include a system warmup and pause and a duration/countdown timer. Up to three water-resistant touchscreens can be connected to a single system controller and may be placed anywhere in the home. kohler.com.

Kwikset
The SmartCode 916 touchscreen smart lock offers keyless entry, remote access, and smart home management through a third-party smart home controller. Through the controller, users can remotely check the door lock status, lock or unlock the door, and receive notifications. The SmartCode touchscreen provides owners the convenience of keyless entry and allows them to enter a home with a personalized code on the back-lit keypad. According to the manufacturer, SmartCode is easy to install, program, and use, and operates on four AA batteries. When designing your cutting-edge smart homes, you can choose from three finishes: polished brass, satin nickel, and Venetian bronze. kwikset.com.

Best Smart Home Products Lighting Solution

NOON Home
NOON Home has developed a smart lighting system that replaces existing light switches and coordinates all the lights in a room with a single touch. The scene-based system includes the manufacturer’s Room Director, Extension Switches, and Wall Plates, which work together to transform a room’s mood or function. The Room Director, the primary controller, has a glass touch-enabled OLED display and connects wirelessly to control up to 10 NOON Extension Switches. The Extension Switches pair with the main director, boast a satin exterior finish, and can dim or control an individual light with existing bulbs and fixtures. Once paired, switches communicate via Bluetooth and users can use the NOON app to personalize their room’s lights. noonhome.com.

Phyn
Phyn’s new smart water assistant and shutoff, the Phyn Plus, uses patented, high-definition pressure-wave sensing to detect water leaks in any style of cutting-edge smart homes. The system sends real-time mobile notifications through existing Wi-Fi to alert users about potential leaks and give them the opportunity to remotely turn off the water using the Phyn app. In the event of a catastrophic leak, the system has a built-in shutoff valve to turn the water off automatically. The system runs daily diagnostic “plumbing checks” and will notify users of irregular pressure levels and potential ultra-low leaks. Plus, monthly, daily, and hourly water usage reports break down how much water each of the home’s fixtures are using. phyn.com.

Rain Bird
Rain Bird’s ESP-TM2 series controller provides a residential irrigation solution with simple water-saving features making this a great money saving best smart home products. The plastic wall-mount cabinet has a large back-lit LCD display for improved visibility in low-light and direct sunlight conditions. The system includes three available programs with up to four start times for each. It is simple to program and easily customizable for each unique landscape, according to the manufacturer. A LNK WiFi module, sold separately, plugs into the controller and allows users to access, operate, and monitor their irrigation system from anywhere by utilizing the Rain Bird mobile app. It is available in four, six, eight, and 12 station models and is suitable for indoor/outdoor installations. rainbird.com.

Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric’s Wiser Energy from Square D helps homeowners stay connected to their smart home by monitoring energy usage in real time. The monitoring device installs in an electrical panel and integrates with smart-home devices, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa, to help keep track of which devices are on or off in the home. With 24/7 access to a home’s unique data on the Wiser Energy app, users can optimize their energy usage by setting goals and save on their monthly energy bills. schneider-electric.us/en.

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Design Software for Cutting-Edge Smart Homes
Custom home design software from CAD Pro has helped thousands of contractors and custom smart home builders streamline their workflow while producing professional designs for clients and colleagues.

Cad Pro’s home design software is an affordable and easy alternative to other CAD software programs. Cad Pro is great for creating custom home plansbuilding plansoffice plansconstruction details, and much more with the enhanced smart home appliances.

Share your Smart Home Plans and Tips with clients, contractors or team members using Dropbox®, Google Drive™, OneDrive®, and SharePoint®. Export files to Microsoft Word®, Excel®, and PowerPoint® with a single click.

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