The Beginning

Your first step should be locating and hiring a professional kitchen/bathroom designer from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA). What can a professional do for you? Plenty.

A kitchen/bathroom specialist can guide you through every phase of your project -- decorating, design, construction, and plumbing and electrical systems. Specifically, kitchen/bathroom specialists are able to:

• Work with contractors, electricians and plumbers.
• Answer any questions you have about design, products and colors, as well as anticipate and prevent problems that you may not have considered.
• Create designs that reflect your individual personality through color, style and pattern selection.

NKBA provides a list of its members, including Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Designers (CKDs and CBDs) in your area who can help you with your project.

The Middle

The NKBA suggests that you prepare for your visit. Here’s how:

• Collect and clip photographs of kitchens or bathrooms that appeal to you. Examining these with the designers during your visits will give them a good idea of the styles to which you are attracted.
• Evaluate your current kitchen or bathroom to find out what works and what doesn’t. For example, is there enough cabinet shelf space? Is there enough counter space? Is there adequate task lighting near the countertop? In the bathroom, is the bathtub big enough? Is the showerhead at a comfortable height for all users? Is the bathroom safe? Does it include grab bars and non-slip flooring?
• Write down the answers to these questions, and bring them with you when you visit the kitchen/bathroom planner. They will play an important role in the design of your new space.

The Completion

After you choose a firm, a designer will visit your home to take precise measurements. He or she will also spend a great deal of time interviewing you to discover the exact type of style of kitchen or bathroom you desire. Then, a plan which includes material costs, specifications and the design drawing will be prepared. When the design is approved and the budget is set, a payment schedule will be arranged. NKBA member firms will usually offer a contract that outlines project responsibilities and a payment schedule.

The time frame for completion of projects will vary. Generally, kitchen and bathroom projects take two weeks to several months to complete. Although living with construction is not easy, it will all seem worth it once your new kitchen or bathroom is complete.

To obtain a list of NKBA member firms in your area and a free workbook, call (877) NKBA-PRO (652-2776).

Courtesy of ARA Content

Whether it’s downloading directions, instant messaging, uploading your favorite photos or simply sending e-mails with attachments, the Internet is the backbone of modern communication. Today, access to it is as critical at home as it is in the workplace. For that reason, many new homes are built with telephone, cable and Category 5 (Ethernet data cable) wiring bundles; making high-speed data transfer only a plug-in away. However, most people don’t have the convenience of Ethernet jacks throughout their homes, resulting in expensive and messy data cable installations. In 2002, more than 1.5 million homeowners installed their own wireless network, and if Jupiter Research is right, these wireless networks will surpass wired ones by 2005.

The Web’s transition from a place for text and images to one that includes a repository of video, animation and audio is proceeding rapidly. New uses of the Web require higher-speed Internet connections, and its usefulness is greatly enhanced by the ability to share those connections.

The evolution of wireless technology reflects that “need for speed,” as the newest generation of products categorized as 802.11g are typically five times faster than the older technology (802.11b). The new 802.11g technology is compatible with earlier products and handles data transfer typically at 54 mega bits per second (Mbps) compared to 11 Mbps of 802.11b. However, products from U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo family perform at an incredible 100 Mbps with the company’s exclusive Accelerator Technology. At these blazing speeds, downloading MP3s, streaming video, large audio clips and uploading big files is quick and painless.

What’s Needed?

Creating a reliable, wireless network requires only three things. First on the list is an Internet connection. While broadband (DSL or Cable Internet) is a necessity for high-speed downloads, dial-up can work if wireless connectivity is the main goal. With broadband, the service likely has a modem device (with a single Ethernet port to connect to the computer), or a router (with multiple-Ethernet ports).

The second thing you need is a wireless access point or router. That piece of equipment allows you to share the broadband connection wirelessly. If you have an integrated router/broadband modem you will only need an access point. If you have a single port broadband modem, you will need an access point with an integrated router. You will also need a wireless card or adaptor to allow PCs and other devices to access the wireless network. They come in three basic formats: PC cards for laptops, PCI cards for desktop PCs, and USB for any machine that supports USB. Installing a network is relatively easy and will dramatically change the way the Internet is used at home.

Look Ma, No Wires!

The beauty of wireless connectivity is that it provides an inexpensive and relatively simple way to share Internet connectivity, files, printers and other devices within a home. No new wires! In purchasing a network’s components, the following should be taken into consideration.

• Speed -- Faster is better. It may not make much difference today, but it will later.
• Security -- There are several techniques to provide security for a wireless network and the higher-bit encryption numbers offer better security.
• Compatibility -- 802.11g devices run at a minimum of 54Mbps, and are typically compatible with the older 11Mbps 802.11b products but not with 22Mbps 802.11b+ products.
• Coverage -- Pay attention to what vendors say (or don’t say) about the size of coverage areas.
• Reputation -- Go with a company that you are confident will be around in the future. Over time these products often can be upgraded with software enhancements that provide improved performance or new features.

Setting up your wireless network is easier than putting together a child’s first bicycle and will be an important addition to your home for many years to come.

For more information about wireless networking products, visit www.usr.com/lookma-nowires and go wireless today! Products from U.S. Robotics 802.11g Wireless Turbo family are also available for purchase at Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

Courtesy of ARA Content