Smarter Market Info

When shopping for a bathroom vanity sink, let both function and style be your guide. Bathroom vanity sinks must exist in unity with the cabinet and mirror. Ask yourself what this sink will have to endure and does it belong with in my bathroom design? Is it located in a place where there will there be lots of use, will there be a danger of scratching and chipping or is it located in a guest bathroom that rarely feels a splash of water? Stone is practically indestructible, in addition to some synthetics and metals like stainless steel. While porcelain can be easily chipped and scratched, it can also be more easily repaired and cleaned than metal or stone. Stone is a porous material and so can hold on to stains. Fiberglass is inexpensive but will sometimes dull with wear.

From the revival lavatory basin to green basin of tempered glass your choice of sinks is almost unlimited. Some bathroom vanity sinks will include faucets and drain assembly, releasing you from the task of matching fixtures with basins. Other basic options include under the counter construction or over the counter with lip, square, round, or oval sink counter console. There is also a growing popularity for basins that sit like a bowl on the counter, commonly called the “vessel sink”.

A wide variety of hand made sinks are now available that are both exquisitely beautiful and expensive. If price is a consideration you might want to look for clearance sales that include fixtures and drain assemblies. If you like to do it yourself, you can purchase an antique or used sink that will match your other bathroom furniture. Consider that the sink or the basin have been around since ancient times. You can pick and sort through a host of materials, styles, designs and concepts from various periods of history, each with its unique and specific aesthetic appeal.

Bathroom Vanities Info provides detailed information on discount and contemporary bathroom vanity cabinets, sinks, tops, mirrors, lights, and more. Bathroom Vanities Info is the sister site of Shower Curtains Web.

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Newcomers to the world of log homes will notice that log homes look different than conventional “stick-built” homes. But are log homes really different, other than in appearance? If so, how?

Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which log homes differ from conventional homes.

Log Walls – This is the main difference. Instead of walls constructed of 2×4 or 2×6 framing lumber, packed with insulation, covered on the outside with with sheathing, moisture barrier, and siding, and on the inside with sheetrock and paint, log homes simply have solid log walls. The logs act as their own thermal and weather barrier, as well as being the primary load-bearing structure in the house.

Style – Although log homes can be built in practically any style, most log home owners prefer the traditional “cabin” or “lodge” style. This style is often distinguished by such features as wood flooring, wood interior, stone fireplace and chimney, porch, loft, rustic staircase, open floorplan, raised-seam metal roof, cathedral ceilings, and exposed interior beams.

Maintenance – Conventional home exteriors typically need to be washed, repaired, and painted every few years. Log homes are similar except that, instead of paint, they require a preservative stain combined with a treatment to prevent insect damage. As with any home, log walls must be protected from excessive moisture.

Utilities – Since many log homes are built in rural or mountain locations, some standard utility services may not available. Often, log homes use propane gas, water wells/pumps, and septic waste systems.

Cost – Log homes typically cost 10%-30% more than a similar conventionally-built “spec” home primarily because most log homes are custom-built with unique features. However, there are many ways in which costs can be eliminated or reduced.

Financing – Construction loans for log homes are usually different that those for conventional homes, primarily because log home “kit” providers want to be paid up front, and getting comparable appraisals can be somewhat difficult. Therefore, some banks and mortgage companies don’t like to finance log homes. This may mean a little more legwork to find a cooperative bank or a mortgage company that specializes in log home loans.

Al Hearn is owner and operator of http://www.LogHomeAdvisor.com, a web site for log home enthusiasts that provides information and advice about planning and building log homes.

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