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[L485]Log Home In Pa

by Tom Heatherington, Tom

I couldn't agree more, the ever-changing technology of our fast-paced, hyper get-ahead world is one of the things most of us were trying to leave behind. But don't let misinformation (or misunderstanding) keep you from achieving your original goal of simplifying your life.

Most of us can recall the first time we felt the excitement of making a light turn on with a timer, or changed channels on our TV with a remote control. A home automation system is about automating everyday tasks like those while getting the most from our energy dollars and protecting our home. Further good news is that we don't have to call in the professionals to make it all happen.

Today's home automation products are effortless to set up, even for non-geeks, and the cost is amazingly inexpensive. A typical starter kit, which includes home automation software several modules, remote controls and sensors is less than $100. Also, one of the best features of these systems is that you don't have to leave your computer turned on for everything to work (additional modules for lamps and appliances cost as little as $15).

A company called X10 is the leader in inexpensive home automation products and offers a product called ActiveHome Professional (learn more here). After programming by your computer, an interface box communicates with your appliances through your home's electrical wires. You can program the system to do amazing things using the ActiveHome Pro software. It is possible to lower your energy bills by developing schedules for lights and appliances.

You can download a plug-in from X10 that permits modules to operate on an "if-then" basis. For instance... if a room is dark and motion is detected, lights can be turned on in sequence, or music can play (or an alarm can activate). You are limited only by your imagination. In fact, X10 also offers a free software development kit that can interface with your e-mail. The point is, you can use the command modules to perform basic functions or get as creative as you want.

ABC Television's Popular Show Extreme Makeover Home Edition has a reputation for finding and showcasing the latest technology into the homes they remodel and build. The X10 ActiveHome Pro products have been featured on the show.

So, you may have chosen to escape the city by building a log home in the country, but inserting a little technology in the mix will help you achieve your dream of simplifying your life. Its never been easier or more affordable to put home automation to work.

Building a home is a life time ambition for many, a dream to dwell comes at a cost of investing years of hard earned money. One of the most architecturally appealing and cost effective type of home is a log home. Log homes are generally built using handcrafted or milled timbers. A log home is a typical example of an eco friendly home as the raw material log is a renewable source and is available at abundance at affordable cost. Most people accept this as a primary home and the rest as a vacation home.

Before considering the aesthetic beauty it is necessary to invest on certain preventive measures to prevent deterioration. One interesting fact about these types of home is that the maintenance can be carried out by oneself without the expense of hiring people. It is necessary to prevent homes from termite action and anti fungal action by using oil based wood preservatives. It is important to prevent logs from getting cracked, exposure to UV rays, stains and water repellency by applying proper wood coatings. It is necessary to dry the excess moisture, humidity and prevent water logging. Woods are generally not bleached as the chlorine carries the opposite effect.

The first and foremost priority is the selection of wood, these are available as hard wood or soft wood like oak and pine. A log wood is not necessarily an enclosure of wood which is a combination of different types of materials like glass, ceramic, stones and other accessories. Various combinations that work with wood are a glass door, windows and stainless steel kitchen. A coat of varnish adds to the essence of beauty. One can add stones of type ceramic or marble to kitchen and bathroom. to make it more appealing it would be more advisable to add carpets of contrast colors to floor color, add lighting's that match the mood of surroundings. Some exotic wood, stone, glass, copper, hand-forged, and anvil-hammered iron, with the finest fabrics and leather to create original works of art and paintings will add flavor to the spice. Modifications can be made with wild decoration like Deer, Elk, Moose and other exotic antler. These alterations require less investment and bring out the charm in the log homes.

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Both Tom Heatherington & Matt Jaworski are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Tom Heatherington has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Computers and The Internet and Aspen Travel. . Tom Heatherington's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.

Matt Jaworski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Home Improvement and Family. Matt JaworskiJaworski Coatings Inc,41735 Oberlin Elyria RdElyria, Ohio 44035(440) 284- 0233 Office(440) 355-5878 Home Office (440) 258-0064 Mobile(440) 328-4539 Fax