6 ways to revive your home with essential oils Tampa Bay FL

Essential oils, highly concentrated essences of plants, have the power to improve our lives, revive our spaces and boost our mood, whether it's through diffusing them to add a fresh scent to the kitchen, creating a spa-like oasis in your bathroom or whipping up DIY cleaning products to use all over your home.

"How we care for the everyday spaces we live in impacts our well being," said Charlynn Avery, an aromatherapist and educator for Aura Cacia, a company that sources and sells essential oils. "It's all about the power of positive change. Clean, synthetic-free living is good for everyone, and using essential oils in your home is one way to do that."

Even better news? It's easy to use essential oils to refresh and revive your living space. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Freshen up your fridge. Most everyone has a box of baking soda tucked on a shelf in their fridge to absorb odors from last week's leftovers or that questionable carton of milk. Why not make the box do double duty by adding essential oils? Grapefruit, lime, bergamot or lemongrass will give your fridge a fresh scent. Hint: Sprinkle a little of the baking soda mixed with essential oils into your garbage can to freshen it, too.

Brighten your DIY cleaning products. Ditch the chemicals lurking in store-bought cleaning supplies and make your own, infused with intoxicating scents! Once you try it, you'll never go back to commercial cleaners. And it's easier than you might think.

Here's just one recipe: For window cleaner, combine 1 1/2 cups distilled water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of Aura Cacia Main Squeeze Essential Oil Blend in a 16-ounce spray bottle. Shake well, and voila! You're ready to tackle your windows. You'll find more easy recipes for making your own, natural cleaning products at www.auracacia.com.

Banish food odors. Is the smell of the bacon you fried for breakfast still lingering in the kitchen at dinner? Pop a pan of warm water on the stove and add essential oils like cinnamon or citrus and simmer. It's a quick, low-cost way to diffuse oils for instant aromatherapy while getting rid of lingering cooking odors.

Make the most of your open house. Realtors will tell you that bad smells make a bad impression, and good smells make a positive impression. It's important to clean your home from top to bottom to neutralize pet odors, your teen's room full of gym clothes and other sources of bad smells.

Essential oils don't just cover up odors, they can enhance your mood. Try citrus oils like lime in a room spray, grapefruit in a diffuser or sweet orange simmering on the stove to promote positive feelings in potential buyers.

Becalm your bathrooms. Set a diffuser on the counter and add lemon, grapefruit or orange for a fresh scent, or try lavender, eucalyptus or tea tree to create a garden-like oasis.

Revitalize your carpets. Pets, kids and general foot traffic can do a number on the way your carpets smell, and that odor can permeate the whole room. Add the essential oil of your choice, like bergamot, to a box of new baking soda. Sprinkle it on your carpet, let it sit for 15 minutes or so and vacuum it up. Hint: Pop a cotton ball doused with essential oil into your vacuum bag or filter to spread fresh scent every time you vacuum.

For more information about essential oils, including recipes for DIY products and more ways to use them, visit Aura Cacia.(BPT)

Visit KB Builders Inc. Custom Home Builders + Remodeling Contractors Tampa, Clearwater and St Petersburg FL

5 spring remodeling projects sure to brighten your home Tampa Bay FL

 

Start planning your Tampa Bay home improvement projects now.

Here are projects that can help you reinvent your home this spring.
During the coldest months of the year, it’s hard not to think about the warmer months to come — and all that they hold. You may already be planning your next vacation or outdoor activities to host in your backyard this summer. Now is the time to brainstorm about your Tampa Bay home remodeling projects that can add enjoyment and value to your humble abode.

Home remodeling projects on the rise

As the U.S. economy continues to strengthen, home improvement project investment by homeowners has increased, according to the latest Residential Remodeling Index (RRI) study. As spring is a popular time for renovation projects, you may want to start checking out popular design trends, researching product choices and figuring out what you like and what works for your family.

Here are five projects that can help you reinvent your home this spring. Besides making your home more livable and meeting your family’s needs, you will be investing in the real estate value of your property.

* Take the mud out of the room. You don’t have to allow the mudroom to live up to its name. Consider installing a Fiat Molded Stone mop service basin with a multi-function hand shower to give your family a convenient and stylish spot to wash off boots and other bulky items. It’s also a great place to give your dog a bath or wash off dirty paws to ensure nothing is tracked into the house.

* Shed a little (more) light in your foyer. Your foyer is the entry point into your home, and the right lighting solution can make this space all the more welcoming. Newer LEDs or halogen light sources naturally generate a warmth that’s perfect for the entryway. Be sure to install a dimmer switch with your new lighting solution; it’s the best way to ensure your lights provide exactly the right ambiance for your entrance hall.

* A masterful master bath. Perhaps no room is more capable of providing luxurious relaxation than your bathroom. If yours isn’t living up to this billing, it may be time for some changes. The DXV Oak Hill bathroom collection offers a freestanding slipper tub for ultimate bathing comfort, along with a stylish high-efficiency toilet with a unique traditional farmhouse style. A coordinating high-back sink accented with a charming wall-mount faucet can finish off this bathroom remodel for ultimate enjoyment and function. This may be just the spruce-up needed to enhance your personal space, while adding value to your home at the same time.

* Make your outdoor space amazing. Once the weather turns warm, spending time outdoors will be top on your list. That makes now the perfect time to plan how you’ll use this outside space. A pergola is an easy-to-build addition that can give you a relaxing place to avoid the sun. Adding a flagstone seating area or creating a decorative border for a new fire pit might be perfect for your family. Try planting flowers for a pop of color, or invest more with new bushes or trees to round out your landscaping project. Plants like day lilies or hostas can survive in almost any environment and are an easy, effective way to optimize your green space.

* Shower power for all. For the all-purpose family bathroom, upgrading to a highly functional shower system will deliver results efficiently and enjoyably for all users. The American Standard Spectra+ shower system employs first-to-market technology that allows you to change the spray patterns simply by touching the outside ring of the  shower head for a customized experience. The Spectra+ eTouch system also includes a remote control that can be mounted to any surface, allowing anyone having trouble reaching the shower head to enjoy the same personalized shower satisfaction. It's luxurious and accommodating. What could be better than that?

Finding the perfect project for you

The spring season is home improvement season, so don't let it pass you by. Start thinking now, while staying warm inside during the colder months. Figure out what needs to get done first, then look online or in stores for ideas and get inspired for your spring home renovations. It will be project time before you know it.  Take the mud out of the room. Installing a Fiat Molded Stone mop service basin with a multi-function hand shower gives you and your family a convenient place to wash off boots, pets and other bulky items.* Shed a little (more) light in your foyer. Incandescent or halogen light sources naturally generate a warmth that's perfect for the entryway. Be sure to always install a dimmer switch as well. * Shower power for all. For the all-purpose family bathroom, upgrading to a highly functional shower system will deliver results efficiently and enjoyably for all users. The American Standard Spectra+ shower system employs first-to-market technology that allows spray patterns to be changed simply by touching the shower head for a truly customized experience. (BPT)

Visit K+B Builders Inc.  813-360-3151  or   727-400-9660

Video

https://tampa.locanto.com/ID_2454691061/Home-Builder-Tampa.html

Top trends to inspire your outdoor living Tampa Bay Florida

Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018.

Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, has gleaned insights from contractors, homeowners and industry experts to compile the following outdoor living trends that will dominate this year:

Year-round enjoyment

Among the biggest trends is a shift away from seasonality as consumers adopt more of a year-round mindset, no longer restricting outdoor living to spring and summer. Thanks to new high-performance materials and innovative design approaches, homeowners everywhere are transforming their outdoor spaces into multi-seasonal extensions of their homes. For example, Trex contractors have reported an uptick in requests for its RainEscape deck drainage system by clients looking to add multi-seasonal living space underneath an elevated deck.

Minimal maintenance, maximum enjoyment

Just because people are spending more time outdoors doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for upkeep. In fact, high-maintenance materials like wood are seeing a decrease in demand as people are opting for offerings that deliver better performance and sustainability.

Unlike wood, high-performance composites resist fading, staining, scratching and mold — and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.

Comfy cozy

Among the hottest design influences right now is “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) — the Scandinavian term for a feeling of coziness and comfort. This year, outdoor spaces will beckon homeowners and their guests to relax and rejuvenate with hygge-inspired accents, from plush cushions and throws to protective pergolas, cozy warming features and outdoor lighting.

Residential outdoor remodeling goes commercial

While railing matched to the decking remains popular, an increasing number of homeowners are taking advantage of the complementary decking and railing pairings afforded by new railing materials in modern, metal finishes, as well as sleek designs inspired by commercial architecture. More homeowners are inspired by outdoor spaces they find in commercial settings, such as hotels and urban rooftops, and want to replicate those looks in their homes. A prime example of this commercial-to-residential trend is the growing popularity of horizontal railings such as rod rail — a sleek, industrial look that’s ideal for optimizing a panoramic view.

Hide and chic

With the increased usage of outdoor living spaces comes higher demand for chic decor and privacy. An easy design trick that adds personal style and functionality, lattice panels are perfect for enhancing privacy and concealing storage areas or unsightly views. With styles ranging from romantic to deco, lattice panels can be integrated into any outdoor area and applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as decorative wainscoting or deck skirting.

Fun and games

Kids are not the only ones who enjoy playing outside. Outdoor play spaces for all ages are on the rise, including everything from swimming pools and embedded sandboxes to regulation corn-hole courts, horseshoe pits and dedicated spaces for volleyball, badminton and bocce ball.

Beyond yard games, electronics manufacturers now offer televisions and entertainment systems specifically designed for the outdoors, taking into consideration differences in lighting and outdoor acoustics. Meanwhile, new storage options include durable wall-mounted television and entertainment centers that beautifully protect pricey electronics from the elements, while concealing all of the unsightly — and potentially unsafe — cords and cables.

For more information about outdoor living trends, go to www.trex.com. (BPT)

K+B Builders Inc.

We bring the inside out!

Clearwater / St Petersburg: 727-400-9660

Tampa: 813-360-3151

Residential & Commercial Outdoor Kitchens, Lagoon Swimming Pools, Pool Remodels, Natural Stone & Rock Pools, Decks, Pool Cages, Spas, Outdoor Custom Cabinets,  Rock Waterfalls, Pool Decks, Retaining walls, Pool Houses, Indoor Pools, Grottos, Slides, Rock Water Caves, Spas, Fire Pits, Fire Features, Water Features & more. Serving Tampa, Clearwater and St Petersburg areas Florida - All of Tampa Bay  #CBC1252759

l Balm, FL l Bloomingdale, FL l Brandon, FL l Carrollwood Village, FL l Lutz, FL l Plant City, FL l Clearwater Beach FL l Riverview, FL l Ruskin, FL l Seffner, FL l Sun City Center, FL l Tampa, FL l Temple l Terrace, FL l Thonotosassa, FL l Valrico, FL l Wimauma, FL l Ybor City, FL l Belleair, FL l Belleair Beach, FL l Belleair Bluffs, FL l Belleair Shore, FL l Clearwater, FL l Dunedin, FL l Gulfport , FL l Indian Rocks Beach, FL l Indian Shores, FL l Kenneth City, FL l Largo, FL l Madeira Beach, FL l North Redington Beach, FL l Odessa, FL l Oldsmar, FL l Palm Harbor, FL l Ozona, FL l Pinellas Park, FL l Redington Beach, FL l Lutz, FL l Odessa, FL l Safety Harbor, FL l Seminole, FL l South Pasadena, FL l St. Pete Beach, FL l St. Petersburg, FL l Tarpon Springs, FL l Treasure Island, FL l Dade City, FL l Holiday, FL l Land O' Lakes, FL l New Port Richey, FL l Odessa, FL l Trinity, FL l Wesley Chapel, FL l Zephyrhills, FL l Orlando FL l Sarasota FL 



  or 727-400-9660

High-tech home design and remodeling trends to love Tampa Bay FL

(BPT) - Technology is trending in home design, home remodeling and decor this year, and some of the most dramatic, futuristic and fun tech trends are showing up in the bathroom. From glass doors and windows changing from clear to opaque with the touch of a button to toilets transforming the whole experience of going to the loo, it's all about high-tech tricking out your oasis.

Here are four tech trends that will take your bathroom into hyperspace.

1. Privacy glass

Glass blocks are opaque but let in some filtered light; blinds or shades get in the way. The answer? Privacy glass. It is an ultra-futuristic special adhesive film that's cut to fit your existing glass doors and windows. Tap an app on your smartphone and transform your glass from opaque to transparent instantly. (Alien technology? We can neither confirm nor deny that.) It gives you privacy when you need it and lets the sun shine in when you don't, and eliminates the need for shades or blinds, giving your bathroom a sleek, clean look.

2. High-tech toilets

This is not your father’s WC. Toilets today offer technologically advanced features like sensor-operated seats and lids, night lights, deodorizers, self-cleaning technologies and heated seats.

A toilet with a TOTO WASHLET electronic bidet seat is a coup de loo that leaves you cleaner and more refreshed than you’ve ever felt after a bathroom break. Operated by remote control, it's completely hands-free and offers comfortable, warm, aerated water to cleanse, warm air dryer and heated seat. No need for toilet paper.

The Aquia IV High-Efficiency Toilet Dual Flush and WASHLET+ S550e combine seamlessly (no visible cords or hoses). This elegant design features high-tech innovations to make your life cleaner, healthier, less complicated and more beautiful — auto-open/close seat and lid, electrolyzed water to keep your toilet bowl hygienic without harsh chemicals (better for the environment and your pocketbook), and in-bowl deodorizer. The new DYNAMAX TORNADO Dual-Flush Technology cleans the entire bowl and rim with 360 degrees of cyclonic rinsing action. Its CEFIONTECT glazed surface is smooth down to the nano level, preventing matter from adhering to its surfaces. Visit www.totousa.com to learn more.

3. High-tech warmers

While a warm bathroom floor isn't new, some manufacturers are taking it up a notch by making it digital. These systems feature a mat that's installed under your tile. It's Wi-Fi enabled and connected to a digital thermostat that you control from your smartphone.

Make your towels toasty, too, with a towel warmer. Pop your towel into what looks like an ordinary bathroom cabinet, but it's really a hidden, stainless steel warming drawer, and your towels will be toasty by the time you're finished with your shower.

4. Digital steam spa

You don't need a major remodel to get a steam shower. There are kits for that! They're digitally operated steam generators that even include aromatherapy features (think eucalyptus steam when you're stuffy with a cold).

The bathroom is the place where you start and end your days, your oasis for renewal. With these new high-tech products, you can design your perfect retreat.

Contact K+B Builders Inc. for your luxury bathroom remodeling project 
813-360-3151

K+B Builders Inc. is an established Florida Licensed (#CBC1252759) and Insured company providing innovative design, creative remodeling, + quality construction services.

Originally founded in 2004 by experienced construction professionals, our focus on client satisfaction has helped us grow steadily in the building + remodeling industry.  K+B Builders Inc offers residential + commercial building, remodeling, historic restoration + design for your home, business or condominium.

The company's strategy for success is to collaborate with the owner, architect, design consultants and builder from the initial concept through completion enabling our team to have a clear understanding of the clients' needs + expectations.  This partnership approach optimizes the fit between design + budget, provides the ability to forecast ahead of schedule + ensures the selection of qualified specialty trades

Bathroom Remodeling Service Areas: l Lutz, FL  l Plant City, FL l Oldsmar, FL l Tampa, FL  l Belleair, FL  l Belleair Beach, FL l Clearwater Beach, FL l Clearwater, FL  l Dunedin, FL  l Gulfport , FL l Indian Rocks Beach, FL  l Indian Shores, FL   l Largo, FL  l Madeira Beach, FL  l North Redington Beach, FL  l Odessa, FL  l Oldsmar, FL  l Palm Harbor, FL  l Ozona, FL  l Pinellas Park, FL  l Redington Beach, FL  l Safety Harbor, FL  l Seminole, FL  l South Pasadena, FL  l St. Pete Beach, FL l St. Petersburg, FL  l Tarpon Springs, FL  l Treasure Island, FL  l Land O' Lakes, FL  l  l Odessa, FL  l Trinity, FL  l Lutz, FL l Odessa, FL l

5 tips to create a personalized outdoor living shed - cabana Tampa

Create an outdoor oasis with a personalized shed -cabana

(BPT) - The backyard. It’s your oasis. Your happy place. Your second living room. It’s the place to go not only for “me” time — but quality time with friends and family.

This National Barbecue Month, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association wants to help you make your backyard the best backyard it can be.

Think Sheds. No, not your grandparents’ tattered shed filled with a dusty mower and 30-year-old paint brushes. We’re talking highly personalized sheds. Intimate covered spaces that keep the sun's rays out but bring the summer in.

Outdoor sheds come in all shapes and sizes and can be personalized to fit within all types of lifestyles. From fun-filled tap-sheds where friends gather for a margarita and grilled salmon to an intimate she shed stocked with wine and cheese or even a hobby shed for the family to play board games while munching on braised ribs and root beer, sheds can do it all.

Building a personalized shed can be a daunting task. Consider these five tips to help you create your ideal outdoor oasis just in time for summer:

1. Have a plan: Are you starting from scratch or cleaning out an existing old shed? What’s the theme? What’s the budget? What’s the goal? How much room do you have to work with? Before you start building your shed, make sure you have a plan in place. You may be eager to jump right in but it’s much easier to follow a well-laid plan than to make decisions on the fly.

2. Stick to a theme: A craft shed, a relaxation shed, a party shed — there are so many options when it comes to creating your perfect shed. Choose one theme and tailor all decisions around your theme of choice. For example, if you decide to go with a relaxation shed, choose calming colors and peaceful decorations. Contact KB Builders Inc for Design Plans Outdoor Living

3. Utilize your resources: Your shed is a part of your outdoor living space and you should utilize all the free beauty that nature has to offer when it comes to decorating your shed. Build your shed under your favorite tree to offer natural shade or decorate your shed with dried flowers or vines.

4. Less is more: When designing an outdoor shed, it is easy to go overboard. Remember to keep it simple and that you want to have enough room to entertain guests and to hang out in your shed. Keeping things minimal will also ensure you stay within your budget.

5. Remember the exterior: One easy way to customize your shed is with a coat of paint. Choose a paint color that goes with your theme. Then invite friends and family over for a day of painting fun in the sun.

For more tips on making the most of your backyard, visit www.hpba.org.

Contact KB Builders Inc. for your outdoor living project Tampa Bay:

813-360-3151 or 727-400-9660

K+B Builders Inc Home Builders - Remodeling Contractor + Design  License# CBC1252759

Home improvements to help your home sell faster and for more money Tampa

(BPT) - The real estate market is heating up, and if you're planning to sell your home in the future, you want it to sell quickly and for as high of a price as possible. By taking proactive action now, you can make a few strategic home improvements that can help you achieve both your goals.
To boost your home sale and reduce time on the market, consider these top home improvement ideas to catch buyers' eyes.
Garage door: When potential buyers visit your property, you want to make the best first impression before they even come inside. That's why it's wise to replace your garage door. It takes up a significant amount of exterior visual real estate and helps define the home's aesthetic. What's more, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2018 Cost vs. Value report, a garage door replacement recoups an astonishing 98.3 percent of cost upon resale.
Bathroom addition: More bathrooms typically mean you can charge more for your home. Think you're limited based on existing construction? Think again. With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps. The Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths, and the Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms.
Kitchen upgrade: A complete kitchen remodel is costly, but a few smart upgrades can make the heart of the home shine. Consider replacing worn laminate countertops and updating hardware for a fresh look. For extra 'wow factor,' add an island and use Saniflo Sanivite technology to add a sink to the space for additional functionality. Learn more at go.saniflo.com.
Fresh flooring: You don't have to replace all your flooring, but focal areas like the kitchen or family room, as well as areas that tend to experience higher wear, such as the entryway, can benefit from a new floor. Forget expensive tile or hardwood replacements. Vinyl wood flooring looks incredibly similar to real wood, and modern luxury vinyl tile mimics the gorgeous look of stone or ceramic tile but is more durable and affordable. You may be able to simply add new flooring on top of old, making it a much easier DIY project.
Neutral paint: Don't ever underestimate the value of a fresh coat of paint throughout your home. Walls get dingy and colors get dated. Repaint rooms with modern, neutral tones. As much as you love plum, buyers may not, so stick with whites, creams and grays whenever possible. Visit your local paint store and you'll see there are many neutral options to add excitement to interior spaces. Don't forget the ceiling, too! A fresh coat of white can do wonders.
These five projects will enhance your listing so you get more attention and book more showings. You may even start a bidding war with enough interest, and that can really drive up the price. Take action now and these home remodeling efforts are sure to make an impact.
K+B Builders Inc.  Call 727-400-9660 Clearwater   or 813-360-3151 Tampa