ANSWER -- There is no question that when it comes to home orientation, the south-facing backyard has become the most sought-after option. This is true for the previously owned real-estate market as well as new home acquisitions. A lot's orientation may even influence its price.
The best orientation, however, can also be very subjective. What's important to one homeowner may not be important to another. In order to feel confident in your decision, you should consider all the factors.
The whole issue revolves around available sunlight. Your choice will depend on where you want those rays to shine. Some individuals want a sunny backyard; others want a sunny home entrance, while others have specific rooms in the home that simply beg for brightness.
Some home buyers never give home orientation a second thought -- until they experience the effect. The differences in orientation can be observed most dramatically in the spring when a south-facing slope tends to show signs of spring sooner than its counterpart, the north-facing slope.
Worth remembering, however, is the fact our planet rotates and changes its own orientation throughout the seasons; therefore, the amount and intensity of daylight constantly fluctuates.
Through design, any home regardless of lot orientation can take advantage of the amount of light offered.
A home with many windows facing a southern exposure will offer an abundance of light. This intensity may need to be tempered with special glass, strategic window treatments or architectural additions such as awnings or porches, in order to control the UV rays and heat.
A north-facing backyard may be perfect for a home that has bedrooms situated in the back quadrant of the home, as it will offer less intense light and heat. A dark, cool bedroom would be a perfect oasis during a summer heat wave.
A west backyard will offer a fabulous sunset, while the east backyard will welcome the sun. It is the last orientation that I personally prefer.
My grandmother's home offered an east backyard as did my parents' home and consequently so have mine. I realized it is because I truly enjoy sun pouring into my kitchen in the morning. For me it's the best way to start the day.
I have taken advantage of this morning sun by building a covered porch and gazebo off my kitchen so I can enjoy morning breakfasts outside. An added bonus: during the summer heat, the sun is brightest on the other side of the house, leaving the kitchen and porch comfortable and cool.
Whatever your sunlight needs may be, you can design your home with your new builder to take advantage of any orientation you choose.
One thing that is often forgotten when building in a new neighbourhood, is that you will soon have neighbours. These buildings and eventually mature landscaping will also affect the amount of sunlight available, regardless of the orientation.
Decide on the orientation that is best for you and maximize its effect with your home's design.
Dear Leanne: Do you have any recommendations on how to sanitize a butcher-block counter?
ANSWER -- For general cleaning of your butcher-block counter use hot soapy water regularly. You do not want the water to stand, as wood can be damaged if exposed to excessive amounts of water for extended periods of time. Dry the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel.
For more intense cleaning requirements I recommend a mixture of five millilitres (one teaspoon) of liquid chlorine bleach added to a solution of one part water, five parts white vinegar, in a one-litre container. Keep this in a spray bottle and apply as needed.
-- Canwest News Service
