Q: What is a “tankless” water heater and how does it work?

A: A tankless (or instant) water heater is typically a square metal box measuring about two feet square and six inches deep mounted at the point where water enters the house from the street and/or meter. Tankless heaters work like traditional water heaters in some ways. However, a tankless heater has no reservoir of hot water. The coils are designed to heat the water to a set temperature almost instantly. Water passes through the heating coils only as needed at a faucet or by an appliance. There is significant savings of water and energy compared to a conventional unit. Tankless heaters also save space and are able to maintain the desired temperature for a longer period of time. They are, however, more expensive ... for now.

Anyone who owns a home has a mental picture of how it could be better. Maybe it's opening up the kitchen to a gathering area, or maybe it's adding a walk-in shower or a whirlpool tub to the master bath. These visions are an important starting point in your home improvement plans, helping to narrow your choices in a world of possibilities.

Begin by gathering a stack of home and lifestyle magazines (friends will be glad to give you back issues of "Metropolitan Home," "Country Living," or whatever stack of magazines is littering their living room) and scan through them for photos of homes, rooms, and other features that match those in your head. When you see something you like, cut it out and set it aside. Similarly, if you see an article about a particular feature, floor plan, material, or product that sparks your interest, clip it out, as well.

The trick to this exercise is to work freely. Don't think about it too hard. Later, you may discard images that on second glance don't measure up or aren't important to you anymore. Allow yourself to be open to new things that you may not have envisioned, but that are attractive or interesting in some way. It all helps in formulating a clear idea of what you want in your remodeled home.

For example, suppose that you see a photograph of a room that is bold and eccentric. It is an outrageous room, one you could not live with. Still, there is something about it that is appealing. Although you are not sure what it is that attracts you, save that photo, too. When you look at it later, you may find that it is the rich wall color and the complexity of texture that draws you. Make a note in the margin: "wall color and complex texture -- yes, blue staircase and exposed ductwork -- no."

Why not make this creation a family affair? If you have a spouse or other household members to consider, encourage them to build their own dream files or to participate with you. Take time to discuss, consolidate, and arrange file contents in order of importance. In this way, you are prepared to make mutual decisions about different options as you work on design, budget, and product selection with your remodeler.

LAST CALL: Our Remodeled Homes Tour is next week Wednesday, October 14th. We still have a few slots open for the tour. On the tour we will have a recently completed full Kitchen Remodel that included a bump out of the existing kitchen and dinning room area.  We'll also have a full Master Bathroom Remodel on the tour. If you are interested, please call the Showroom at 972.334.9800 to reserve your seat.

Warm regards,

John Todd
Elite Remodeling
Showroom & Design Center
2930 Preston Road, Suite 980
Frisco, Texas, 75252
(972) 334-9800 - phone
(972) 334-9890 - fax
jtodd@elitehomeremodeling.com
www.elitehomeremodeling.com

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